Solé water: a natural homemade electrolyte drink
Solé water (pronounced so-lay) is a natural electrolyte drink made by dissolving unrefined salt into water until it becomes fully saturated. Traditionally used for hydration and mineral balance, it simple and dirt cheap.
Many people drink plenty of water yet remain under-hydrated at a cellular level. This is because electrolytes (especially sodium) are required to move water into the cells. Without them, water just passes through the body.
Why electrolytes matter
Electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium are essential for:
Hydration and fluid balance
Nerve and brain function
Muscle contraction
Digestion and nutrient absorption
Energy production
Modern diets are often low in minerals due to over-farmed soils (producing mineral-poor produce) and processed foods. Solé can help re-mineralise the body.
You don’t need fancy electrolyte products
In most cases, there’s no need to buy expensive electrolyte powders. Even if you’re looking at the cleaner options (not loaded with sugar) they may be full of synthetic minerals. Solé water provides sodium and trace minerals in a natural, bioavailable form without additives (or fancy packaging). For everyday hydration, solé is often all that’s needed.
Which salt should you use to make solé water?
Use unrefined, minimally processed salt, such as:
Himalayan pink salt
Celtic sea salt
Any natural sea or rock salt from your region
Or a mix of the above
These salts contain trace minerals absent from standard table salt, which is highly refined and largely sodium chloride.
Note: be wary of ‘Himalayan’ salt from China. Apparently since it became popular, there is a lot of fake pink rock salt coming from China.
How to make Solé water
You’ll need:
A glass jar with a lid
Unrefined salt
Filtered water
24 hours
Method:
Fill the jar about ¼ - ⅓ full with salt
Top with filtered water, leaving a small gap
Seal, shake, and leave overnight
Ensure undissolved salt remains at the bottom. This means the solution is fully saturated.
How to use solé water
Add 1 teaspoon of solé to a glass of filtered water and drink first thing in the morning before food, or after exercise or heat exposure.
Optional: add a squeeze of fresh lemon.
And remember…
Solé water is a supportive tool, not a cure-all. Make sure you are including bone broth, fermented foods, organic produce and animal foods from healthy animals… these remain the most powerful sources of minerals.
For more info on mineral imbalances, check out this article here.
This mineral-first approach is woven throughout The Gut Lab 30-Day Gut & Metabolic Reset book available for AUD $29.99 here. Or if you’re looking for a full guided Reset, learn more here about doing the 30-day program via 1:1 consults with Sarah.