Social media platforms have taught people many things about health, sometimes it opens up a new world, but everything shared there must be taken with a pinch of salt, including salt itself. This is one such trend of the Pink Salt Trick Recipe, promoted mainly on TikTok and YouTube. The claim is that this helps with weight loss. The trend has exploded on the social media platform where a drink is made with pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice, and water. It is a "supposed shortcut to fat loss and metabolic reset".

Today, we fact check it.

Can You Lose Weight With Pink Salt Trick Recipe?

One must be vary of how things are being promoted on social media. The trend of the popular pink salt trick recipe has been promoted on social media using AI. These videos amplify the use of this very drink using deepfake videos of celebrities endorsing it. The promoters in the videos claim the recipe "melts fat", "reset metabolism", and is "better than Ozempic".

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In fact, one of the videos surfaced was of Oprah Winfrey praising the drink, when in reality, she has never endorsed this. She has previously also condemned such scams. Independent fact-checkers too have confirmed that the videos are fake and that such videos can lead to misleading health claims.

The recipe to the "supposed" weight loss drink is quite simple, which is why it has driven a lot of attraction. The TikTok videos claim that all you need to do is add 1/2 teaspoon of pink salt, juice from 1/2 lemon to a glass of water and mix it together. Your "weight loss" drink is ready.

However, there are no scientific reviews that show any credible evidence that pink salt water can drive weight loss or suppress appetite.

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Pink Salt Trend: What Do Experts Say?

In fact, nutritionists have warned that high sodium intake could increase blood pressure and water retention, which could lead to bloating than fat reduction. Some experts also point that lack of iodine in pink salt could also lead to thyroid disruption if it is consumed daily and the pink salt is replaced for the regular table salt.

Missouri State University also did its own investigation and spoke to a registered dietitian Natalie Allen, who clarified, "Pink salt does not speed up metabolism, detox the body or cause weight loss."

This trend is more popular among women, due to the scrutiny they receive for their body shapes and weight. Especially, women over 30, when they are navigating hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue find solace to such "easy" weight loss tricks. However, numerous times have fitness coaches and experts have emphasized that there is really no shortcut to weight loss. From time and again emphasis have been given to a healthy diet along with physical activity to help one lose weight.

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Another reason why this unscientific trend is gaining traction is due to the way videos have been marketed and circulated. The captions read: "My pants are falling off after 2 weeks of this!" or "This drink is replacing Ozempic for me", or "No more caffeine crashes, this is the real deal." Such captions often resonate with viewers searching for easy solutions, things they can easily find in their kitchen cabinet, however, it can do more harm than good.

Pads are made of synthetic fibres that cause rashes and bacterial infections that further lead to serious problems such as Reproductive Tract Infections, skin irritation, Urinary Tract Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Every month millions of synthetic pads are discarded and many suffer from serious menstrual hygiene problems. Officials note that about 70 percent of reproductive diseases in India are linked to poor menstrual hygiene, affecting nearly 120 million adolescent girls.

Dr Richa Singhal, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, at Cloud Nine Hospital in Delhi's Patparganj notes: ''A sanitary pad's top-sheet contacts sensitive intimate skin for several days each month."

Poor hygiene, such as reusing unclean cloths or not changing materials frequently, causes infections and itching, rashes, foul odor can increase the chances of cervical cancer.

Here are some alternatives that can replace synthetic pads and prevent serious health issues:

Moringa PadsMoringa, also known as miracle tree, can be consumed in the form of powder, leaves or tablets. Used for its medicinal properties, it has as a 5,000-year history, deeply rooted in Ayurveda for medicinal use.

In modern times, gynaecologists recommend moringa based pads to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections during menstruation.

It is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which make it suitable for intimate areas and menstrual care.

Packed with high levels of Vitamin E and fatty acids which strengthen skin barriers and prevent chafing, viable for those who have extended periods. Rich in bioactive compounds, it supports vaginal health by balancing PH level making it suitable for menstrual pads.

These pads can reduce the risk of skin infections, UTIs and yeast infections.

Cotton Reusable Pads

Period Underwear

The switch from white sugar to natural sweeteners like honey, dates and coconut sugar are becoming popular as people grow more away of the side effects of refined sugar.

Among these, monk fruit stands out as a low-calorie alternative that supports metabolic health.

According to National Institutes of Health, consuming white sugar results in allergic reactions and severe metabolic effects and cardiovascular effects. Medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver diseases.

Monk fruit

Monk fruit sweeteners are produced by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and then extracting its sweet portions into liquid and powdered forms. Its extracts are being used in sweeteners, packaged foods and beverages.

The International Food Information Council recommends this fruit-based sweetener to diabetic individuals to satisfy their desire for sweet taste while managing sugar intake.

Which Other Natural Sweeteners Can You Use?

Natural sugar is the naturally occurring sweetness in food, they are derived from natural sources like plants, fruits or tree ap, rather than being refined chemically.

They are packed with nutrients that help offset some of the negative aspects of the sugar content. They are comparatively less processed and contain lower glycemic acid which prevents sudden blood sugar spikes.

The key is not eliminating sugar from your diet but replacing it with healthier options like:

1. Fruit JuiceFruit juice is a healthier alternative when made without preservatives or added sugars, but fibre content is low compared to raw fruit.

Bananas, berries and mangoes are good as fruits that contain natural sweetness, they are packed with nutrients that boost immunity.

2. Honey and Maple Syrup

They act as an effective cough remedy and can be added to oatmeal, yogurt or act as a substitute of sugar in tea and coffee. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and stabilizing digestive health.

3. Dates and Rasins

Whole or powdered dates can be added to hot milk or even cakes to make them healthier.

When you lift heavy or workout, you feel like your muscles have been strained, this is because before you muscles are build, there are small muscle ruptures. More than exercise, what matters is what you eat to help you muscles recover. The process is called hypertrophy, when intentional, controlled micro-tears caused by resistance training trigger the body to repair and strengthen muscle fibers. This process requires a specific cycle of damage, rest, and nutrition to be effective.

University of North Carolina Health Wellness Services manager and a certified personal trainer Kathy DeBlasio also explains, "You make microtears in your muscles when you work them. As you heal, you gain muscle and strength." She explains that these tiny tears cause you to feel pain, but they heal within 24 to 48 hours. What matters the most is your diet. There are different foods that help you recover your muscles. Here is a list of 6 foods for you to consume for muscle recovery.

Chicken

Duke Health notes that chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein essential for repairing and building muscles. It is also rich in amino acids, especially leucine, which is important for muscle synthesis. A 2024 study in Physiological Reports, noted that chicken intake, combined with resistance training on muscle mass has helped improve strength and muscle mass of elderly women.

Cottage Cheese

Registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, RD told Paloton, “Cottage cheese can be a very nutritious addition to your diet from both a macro- and micronutrient standpoint." Pasquariello explained that half-cup serving of full-fat cottage cheese packs around 13 grams of protein. It helps as a building block of muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails. It also helps build and repair tissue. It oxygenates red blood cells to nourish your body with nutrients, helps regulate hormones, supports the production of enzymes used to digest food and create new cells. It also helps in repairing and building muscles.

Potatoes

A 2022 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (MSSE) notes that that potatoes contain a 1.5 per cent protein based on their based on their fresh weight. However, when potatoes are used for starch extraction, a residue remains, that can be used to extract potato protein. Ingestion of 30 g potato protein concentrate increases muscle protein synthesis rates both at rest and during recovery from exercise.

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Pomegranate Juice

A 2016 study published in PLOS One notes that pomegranate supplementation accelerates recovery of muscle damage and soreness and inflammatory markers after a weightlifting training session. The study notes: "optimal dose of pomegranate supplementation, showed that either once-daily or twice-daily dietary pomegranate juice supplementation improves strength recovery of both leg and arm muscles after an unaccustomed eccentric exercise."

Eggs

Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, a registered dietitian, specializing in sports writes: "Eggs have a unique nutrition profile that is great for athletes of all ages. While they make a nice addition to any meal of the day, the nutrients in eggs can help with recovery after exercise."

Fatty Fish

A 2024 study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN notes that omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish could help increase muscle strength, however it does not increase in muscular mass. The study notes: "The interventions of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and resistance training show promise as a countermeasure against muscular dysfunction."