TikTokers go wild for Celtic sea salt as they claim it helps with skincare, hormone balances and gut health

Not a day will go by when the internet doesn't recommend some new kind of health hack; whether it be freezing cold showers or rubbing your gums with salt.

The latest in the plethora of so-called miracle health tips is Celtic sea salt, which has gone viral globally on TikTok and has been recommended as a supporter of hormonal balancing by a nutritionist at Vogue. 

The grey coloured salt has garnered 36.8 million posts on the app and has been hailed as 'life changing' for hormone and gut health. 

It is made from evaporated seawater from the Celtic Sea, just off the coast of France, and has been hailed as a miracle worker by social media users.

Fans of the new salt fad claim that just drinking water isn't enough to keep hydrated, with one user claiming 'most of the water we're drinking doesn't have minerals in it and isn't hydrating us'. 

The latest in the plethora of so-called miracle health tips is Celtic sea salt, which has gone viral globally on TikTok (pictured) and has been recommended as a supporter of hormonal balancing by a nutritionist at Vogue

The user explained: 'Celtic salt makes it so your body absorbs it, you will pee less, your skin will be glowing'.

Several describe 'anti-inflammatory' properties which they claim contribute to improved skin, help with digestion and improve gut health.

Even the highly controversial viral food critic, Eddie Abbew, gave Celtic sea salt the nod of approval, admitting that he sometimes drinks it mixed with water.

While there is currently no research to confirm hopeful theories, one nutritionist, Jessica Shand, told Vogue that Celtic sea salt may have some benefits as a tool for hormone balancing. 

Jessica explained that the grey salt: 'comes from the minerals that are absorbed in the clay lining of the salt ponds – magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iodine–all needed in our bodies for our hormones to function optimally.' 

She explained that the trace minerals that are found in grey salt are what help support hormone health.

She said: 'I use unrefined salt to promote the health of adrenal gland function, as it assists the body's stress response and in particular, in cases of dysregulated thyroid, it plays a role in regulating metabolism and therefore helps improve energy levels, too.'

It is the sodium chloride element of any kind of salt which helps regulate bodily functions and therefore support overall health.

People on TikTok took to the app to praise the salt, which is apparently better than 'table salt'

She added that this can help replace electrolytes in the body that can be lost through perspiration and recommends her own tonic of water with a pinch of Celtic salt and a squeeze of lemon. 

Would you try Celtic sea salt?

Yes!

Nope

Barbara O'Neil - Australian alternative health care promoter - is considered a pioneer in promoting the health benefits of the supposed wonder product.

She says 'table salt' is very dangerous since it isn't as well balanced as other types of salt which have higher rates of minerals.

'Celtic sea salt is a hand harvested and contains 82 minerals,' which she explained in a YouTube video that has over 5.2 million views.

Its high mineral content means it is 'balanced' in minerals and so helps our bodies to properly absorb water.

The holistic coach said it 'balance' that puts Celtic sea salt over it's competitors, such as Himalayan sea salt, another sodium source that was once preferred by the health conscious. 

She explained that the Celtic salt contains three types of magnesium, which is a 'water hungry mineral'. 

The misty coloured salt is made from evaporated seawater from the Celtic Sea, just off the coast of France , and has been hailed as a miracle worker by social media users. Stock photo of the French coast

According to O'Neil, it is this element that makes Celtic sea salt most adept for boosting cells reabsorption of water.

But before salt addicts get too sprinkle heavy, O'Neil only recommends an amount 'about the size of a sesame seed' which she says should be taken before each glass of water, to maximise absorption. 

She explained that the salt then allows the water to be immediately absorbed by cells, when taken with water. 

However, despite it's status as a trophy of optimal health, other's have criticised the hype, dismissing it's status as superfood.

According to Livestrong, most of the evidence that points towards the supposed benefits of the salt, is anecdotal, and not based on research.

In fact, few of us would associate salt with health - since the NHS recommends individuals eat only no more than a teaspoon of it a day to avoid risks of high blood pressure and heart related conditions.

Signs of over salt consumption can be: often feeling thirsty, experiencing high water retention (edema), high blood pressure which can be cause headaches and lead to more serious conditions.