Salt might not be the first thing you’d think to add to your water—unlike trendy options like electrolytes, colostrum, or collagen. But could we be overlooking its benefits? TikTok seems to think so. Videos promoting Celtic salt in water—whether mixed in or held under the tongue—are gaining massive traction on the platform. To separate hype from reality, we consulted nutritionists Farzanah Nasser and Hannah Alderson.

### What is Celtic salt?
Celtic salt is an unrefined sea salt harvested from France’s coastal regions. Nasser explains that it’s collected by hand using wooden rakes after seawater evaporates from clay ponds, with minimal processing. Its light gray color comes from the minerals and clay it contains.

### How does it differ from table salt?
Celtic salt isn’t the same as regular table salt. “It has a different mineral profile, origin, appearance, and sodium content,” says Nasser. While table salt is nearly pure sodium chloride, Celtic salt contains about 85-90%, compared to Cornish sea salt (98-99%) or Himalayan salt (95-96%).

Many TikTok videos claim Celtic salt can improve digestion and skin health due to its 80 trace minerals—like zinc, potassium, and magnesium—which support immune function, metabolism, and bone health. However, Nasser notes these minerals are present in tiny amounts. For better hydration, she suggests mixing a pinch of Celtic salt in water with lemon for added potassium and vitamin C.

### Can it replace electrolytes?
No. Electrolyte supplements provide a balanced mix of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. While Celtic salt offers some sodium, it lacks meaningful amounts of other key minerals needed for muscle, nerve, and hydration balance.

### Who should avoid it?
Alderson warns that excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure and strain the heart and kidneys. People with hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, or those on sodium-restricted diets should skip adding salt to water unless advised by a doctor.

The recommended daily salt limit for adults is about one teaspoon (6g), equivalent to 2.4g of sodium. For most healthy people, a small pinch in water is harmless, but Alderson suggests sticking to plain water, electrolyte drinks, or mineral-rich foods for better hydration.

### The bottom line
While Celtic salt might offer minor hydration benefits, the evidence isn’t conclusive—and overdoing it could be risky.

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