Salt water flushing: a fast, easy, mini gut-reset.
Why salt flush? A natural colon cleanse for better gut health and energy balance.
Most people carry several kilograms of old, stagnant waste in the colon without realising it. Over time, this waste can ferment, stagnate, and reabsorb back into the bloodstream, contributing to symptoms such as:
Low energy
Bloating and abdominal discomfort
Brain fog
Constipation or sluggish bowels
Poor digestion
Immune stress
Stagnant waste can also place extra load on the liver and may worsen issues like leaky gut or inflammation.
We clean the outside of our bodies daily; brushing teeth, showering, scrubbing our skin… yet our digestive tract is over 8 meters long and rarely receives this kind of attention. A salt flush provides a fast, simple gastrointestinal clean-out that supports natural detoxification and digestive reset.
What is a salt flush? (salt water flush explained)
A salt flush, also known as a Salt Water Flush (SWF), involves drinking a mixture of warm water, natural sea salt, and optionally lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
This creates a rapid, osmotically driven bowel flush that moves quickly through the digestive tract. The salt solution helps pull water into the intestines and sweep out:
Old waste
Mucus build-up
Pathogens
Toxins
Digestive sludge
Unlike laxative herbs, which stimulate peristalsis, a salt flush works mechanically, helping the colon cleanse itself efficiently.
Benefits of a salt water flush:
Improved digestion
Reduced bloating
More regular bowel movements
Clearer skin
Increased physical energy
Better mental clarity
A lighter, “cleaner” overall feeling
Improved mood
These are key reasons many use salt flushing as part of their gut healing, detox support, or digestive reset routines.
How to do a salt flush (the correct method)
Most people feel the effects within 45–60 minutes.
The Mix
Drink the following within 5 minutes:
300–450 ml warm, filtered water
2 tablespoons natural high quality sea salt
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Also drink 600 ml plain filtered warm or room-temperature water during this 5 minutes.
This helps move the salt solution through the stomach and into the intestines, where the flushing happens.
What to expect during a salt flush
The first bowel movement usually begins 30–60 minutes after drinking.
You may have multiple waves of elimination every 15–30 minutes.
Temporary lightness, weakness, or fatigue is normal during rapid release.
Some people stay near the bathroom for 1–2 hours.
Mild cramping can occur and is usually manageable.
Within 24 hours, many people report:
Clearer thinking
More energy
A calmer, happier mood
Reduced bloating
A flatter stomach
A “reset” feeling through the whole gut
What to Eat After the Flush
Avoid food for 2 hours after the flush.
When you do reintroduce food, choose:
Anti-inflammatory foods
Homemade broths
Fermented foods to help repopulate gut bacteria
Warm, easy-to-digest meals
Hydration is essential. Structured hydrogen water can be especially supportive after a flush — you can learn more about its benefits here.
How often should you do a salt flush?
I recommend up to 2–3 times per month only. A salt flush is meant to be an occasional digestive reset, not a daily or frequent practice. I suggest booking a consult with Sarah if you feel you need to flush often to address constipation or other symptoms of poor gut health.
Who should avoid a salt flush?
Avoid salt flushing if you have:
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative Colitis
IBS (in some cases)
High blood pressure
Kidney issues
Severe dehydration
Heart conditions
Pregnant
For the above conditions, you could consider working with Sarah to reduce your symptoms and reverse disease progression.
Is a salt flush right for you?
When done properly, a salt flush can be an effective natural method to boost digestion, reduce bloating, and aid both physical and mental clarity. It clears the colon quickly, supports detoxification, and helps your gut return to a state of balance, especially after overeating, travel, stress, or periods of sluggish bowel function.
Want personal guidance for gut healing?
If you’re dealing with chronic bloating, constipation, irregular bowels, low energy, or gut inflammation, a personalised nutrition consult can help you understand the root cause and accelerate your healing journey.
Book an online consult with Sarah here
Explore my GUT LAB 30-Day Gut & Metabolic Reset
Browse my Gut Health Ebooks

