The idea is an old one. Water and salt, two basic elements of life, combined to form a simple drink that promises clarity, energy, and inner harmony. The brine drinking cure is currently enjoying a comeback.

What exactly is brine?

Brine is nothing more than water with dissolved salt. Chemically speaking, it is an electrolyte solution. It only becomes relevant when it comes to concentration. Saturated brine contains around 26 percent salt. Physically, it is not possible to have more than this. Anything above this remains undissolved at the bottom. This is precisely the sign of stability.

So-called crystal salt from the Himalayan region is often used. The origin is less important than the quality. Unrefined, without anti-caking agents, without additives. 

The body as living brine

Around 60 to 70 percent of the human body consists of water. The basic structure of our bodily fluids is similar to that of seawater. Not identical, but remarkably close. Blood plasma, lymph, cell fluid, sweat—all of these are essentially mild brine. A solution of water, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other trace elements.

These minerals are functional. They regulate how water is distributed between the inside and outside. They determine whether a cell is plump and efficient or exhausted and sluggish. They enable electrical voltages. Every thought, every muscle movement, every heartbeat is based on precisely this electrochemical environment.

Why water alone is not enough

Water alone has only limited hydrating properties. Electrolytes are needed for water to actually enter the cells. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium. They are the transporters. They generate electrical charge.

Too much water without electrolytes can actually put strain on the system. The blood is diluted and the balance is upset. The solution is therefore not to drink more, but to drink more intelligently.

The morning drink as a physiological reset

Most people wake up slightly dehydrated. Eight hours of sleep without fluid intake, while the liver, brain, and lymphatic system were active. The body has consumed fluids. Morning urine clearly shows this, because the darker it is, the emptier the reserves are.

A glass of water in the morning is a good idea. A glass of water with a small amount of electrolytes is often even better.

What brine can realistically achieve

Used regularly and in moderation, brine can:

• improve morning hydration 
• stabilize electrolyte balance 
• gently stimulate digestion 
• support circulation and nerve conductivity

Preparation of saturated brine

A clean screw-top jar is sufficient. Use approximately 300 grams of natural salt per liter of water. Saturated brine is only truly saturated when undissolved salt remains at the bottom.

Pour the water and salt into the jar, seal it, and leave it to stand for several hours. The salt will dissolve until the water can no longer absorb any more crystals. The rest will remain at the bottom. If some salt remains visible, the concentration is around 26 percent. This concentration is physically stable.

If the liquid runs low, simply add more water. The salt will continue to dissolve until saturation is reached again. Herbs can also be added afterwards.

Important: People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or who take medication regularly should not experiment.

When electrolytes are particularly useful

After heavy sweating or exercise. On air travel.
After illness with fluid loss. In cases of mental exhaustion.

Alternative to homemade brine

If you don't want to make your own brine, you can use high-quality mineral mixtures. For example, from the Minerals. The Bavarian company offers various mixtures, such as for energy or specifically for women.

The basis of these products consists of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium malate. Depending on the variant, they are supplemented with amino acids such as creatine or glycine. This combination provides exactly the electrolytes that are necessary for cell hydration, cell metabolism, and a stable energy supply.