Does Salt Break a Fast?

If you’ve considered adding a bit of salt during a fast to keep your sodium levels up, you’ll be pleased to hear that it won’t break your fast. That is, if you only eat very small amounts and skip certain salt types. If you want to incorporate a bit, we recommend eating pink Himalayan salt or simple table salt and no more than a pinch or perhaps even a teaspoon. How do you ‘eat’ it, you ask? While it doesn’t sound appetizing, stir your desired amount into a cup of water and drink it. 

The real question might be why you want to eat salt during a fast. The reviews are mixed on whether it’s beneficial or not: the amount of sodium you lose while fasting isn’t typically thought to be enough to cause any side effects. Still, if you’re feeling hunger pangs while fasting or have no energy, it might be just the thing to get you back on track. 

Note that too much sodium can be harmful to your health, so the 1 tsp mentioned above is typically included as part of your total daily salt intake. If you have underlying health issues or simply want to know what’s right for you, check with your doctor. In fact, we typically recommend a consult before beginning a strict fast to make sure it’s the right option for you.