Last Updated on July 4, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that one can lose 5 kgs in one day by consuming rock-salted water. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A video on Youtube titled, “Salt Water Flush For Weightloss | LOSE 5 KGS IN 1 DAY” depicts a video in which the narrator takes 1 litre of boiled water and mixes it with rock salt. She further asks the audience to follow a diet by consuming this empty stomach in the early morning and not to eat anything solid till evening. Later, the narrator asks the audience to consume paneer or chicken or tofu or fish in the evening. She claims that you can lose 5kgs in one day with this diet. The video is attached below.
Fact Check
How do you lose weight?
Losing weight is a multidisciplinary approach. Losing weight is achieved by eating a balanced diet with fibre and protein, and avoiding alcohol, processed foods, sugar, and high-fat food items. Physical activities such as exercise, strength training, and swimming will help reduce fat along with following a balanced diet.
Secondly, there might be certain underlying medical conditions due to which one is gaining weight, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and PCOS to name a few. In such cases, treating the underlying condition is necessary to lose weight.
Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA) says, “Ayurveda states that obesity is a condition difficult to cure. In fact, the text states bluntly that it is almost an incurable disease – na hi sthulasya bheshajam. There is no magical remedy for obesity. No single medicine internal or external can treat the problem. Stress management, lifestyle, and diet constitute the main approach to treatment. Medicines, either external or internal are only supportive. The more patients comply with the comprehensive protocol, the better the results. Obesity also requires an individualized treatment protocol.”
Can you lose water weight in one day?
No. The human body contains around 60% water. Excess water retention, also known as edema, is a different condition that is usually harmless, although it may be a side effect of serious medical conditions, such as heart, liver or kidney disease. It is normally not present in everyone. Regular exercise can help you maintain a natural balance of body fluids and sweat out excess stored water. Also, limiting salt or sodium intake can also be helpful.
What is Rock Salt? What are its benefits?
Rock Salt (Halite) is a naturally occurring mineral-rich salt. It is generally found in the Himalayan region in higher concentrations. Unlike common salt, which is refined, it can be used in its pure crystalline form. It contains sodium chloride and other different micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, zinc, oxygen, hydrogen, and cobalt. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines to boost skin health and treat coughs, colds, and stomach conditions.
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), a person’s daily salt intake should be less than 5 grams, which is equal to one teaspoon.
Can you lose 5kgs in one day by consuming rock salt water?
No. There is no scientific evidence that you can lose 5kgs in one day by consuming rock salt water. One cannot lose weight naturally by consuming a specific food ingredient in a day or following a crash diet that lasts for a day. A lot of factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep, etc., come into the picture when losing weight. Diet definitely plays a major role but it is not the sole factor. Overconsumption of any such diet can be harmful; therefore, one must not be dependent on using them in large quantities.
Dt Bhavita Shah explains, “This claim is false. Please don’t fall for such hoax as losing weight is not a one-day process, it’s more of lifestyle change which is an ongoing process. Please before following any such claims always check with a professional dietitian.
Lemon juice and oregano oil both helps in reducing inflammation and improves fungal infection. Oregano oil can also be used to treat sinus infection and improves healthy gut microflora. But weight loss can be achieved through physical activity and a well-balanced calorie-deficit diet. Lastly, it is not possible to lose weight in one day naturally. It is a gradual process that takes a lot of effort and time. Hence, the claim is false.”
CDC also states that “Healthy weight loss isn’t just about a “diet” or “program”. It’s about an ongoing lifestyle that includes healthy eating patterns and regular physical activity.
Once you’ve achieved a healthy weight, rely on healthy eating and physical activity to help you keep the weight off over the long term.”
On consulting our dietician for this claim, Dt. Priyanka opines, “No, losing fat is a multidimensional approach, and a single ingredient cannot work for this. If you want to lose fat, you need to find out the cause of weight gain: inflammation, leaky gut, hormone imbalance, toxins, low metabolism, intake of medicines like steroids, etc. Once you identify the cause, you need to modify your diet and lifestyle accordingly to lose fat.”
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