What is the Pink Salt Trick That Was on Good Morning America?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A viral social media trend involving pink salt has led to millions of views and widespread discussion about its purported health benefits. On Good Morning America, the "pink salt trick" was highlighted as part of the conversation around wellness trends, sparking further curiosity about the simple mix of water and Himalayan salt.

Quick Summary

The pink salt trick, featured on GMA and viral online, is a drink of water with Himalayan salt, often consumed for purported weight loss or detoxification benefits. Experts largely dismiss the claimed health advantages, emphasizing hydration as the primary effect, not metabolic or fat-burning boosts.

Key Points

The Viral Trick: The pink salt trick is a popular online health hack that involves adding a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to a glass of water.
GMA Mention: The trend was mentioned in the context of viral wellness fads on Good Morning America, drawing attention from a wider audience.
Expert Disagreement: Health experts and registered dietitians confirm there is no scientific evidence to support claims that the pink salt trick causes direct weight loss or boosts metabolism.
Hydration, Not Metabolism: Any perceived benefit is likely due to basic hydration from drinking water, not special properties of the pink salt.
No Detoxification: The body's natural detoxification systems (liver and kidneys) are not significantly aided by consuming salt water.
Potential Health Risks: Excessive sodium from this trick can be harmful, especially for those with high blood pressure, and replacing iodized salt can lead to iodine deficiency.
Focus on Fundamentals: For real health and weight management benefits, sticking to evidence-based practices like a balanced diet and exercise is most effective.

The "pink salt trick" is a wellness trend that gained immense traction on social media platforms, involving little more than adding a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to water. While the hack became a common talking point on morning shows like Good Morning America and across online communities, the claims surrounding its efficacy have been heavily scrutinized by health professionals. Supporters tout it as a simple, natural method to boost hydration, reduce bloating, and even aid in weight loss. However, a closer look reveals that many of these benefits are anecdotal and lack scientific backing, with experts emphasizing caution.

What Exactly Is the "Pink Salt Trick"?

At its core, the pink salt trick is a straightforward daily ritual, with the most common version consisting of a simple concoction:

A glass of filtered water (8–12 ounces)
A small pinch (about 1/16 to 1/4 teaspoon) of pink Himalayan salt
Optionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for flavor and additional purported health benefits

An alternative, more concentrated method involves creating "sole water," a saturated solution of pink salt and water, and then adding a teaspoon of that concentrate to a glass of fresh water each morning. Proponents of this ritual typically consume the drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to "kick-start" digestion and hydration.

Debunking the Weight Loss and Detox Claims

Many online testimonials promise that the pink salt trick can lead to effortless weight loss, accelerated metabolism, and full-body detoxification. However, registered dietitians and medical experts have widely debunked these specific claims.

Weight Loss: While staying hydrated with water (salted or not) can help manage appetite and is crucial for overall health, there is no evidence that the pink salt itself burns fat or boosts metabolism. The feeling of fullness may lead to reduced food intake, but it is not a magical fat-burning solution.
Detoxification: The body naturally detoxifies itself through the liver and kidneys, a complex process that a pinch of salt water will not significantly alter. The idea that salt can draw out toxins is a myth.
Reduced Bloating: Paradoxically, while proponents claim it reduces bloating, excessive sodium intake from any source can actually lead to water retention and a puffy feeling, especially for those who already have a high-sodium diet.

The Difference Between Pink and Table Salt

While marketing often portrays pink Himalayan salt as a superior health product, a nutritional comparison shows that the differences are not as significant as many believe.


Feature	Pink Himalayan Salt	Iodized Table Salt
Processing	Minimally processed, hand-mined from salt mines in Pakistan.	Highly refined and processed to remove minerals and impurities.
Trace Minerals	Contains trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, giving it its characteristic pink hue.	Contains no trace minerals, as they are removed during processing.
Iodine Content	Contains little to no iodine.	Fortified with iodine, a crucial nutrient for thyroid function.
Health Implications	Offers trace minerals in nutritionally insignificant amounts. Can lead to iodine deficiency if used as a complete substitute for iodized salt.	Provides essential dietary iodine. Excessive consumption still poses health risks.

Risks of Excessive Sodium Intake

Adding extra salt to your diet, even "healthier" pink salt, can increase your overall sodium consumption. Many Americans already exceed the recommended daily sodium limits. High sodium intake is a known risk factor for elevated blood pressure and can strain the cardiovascular system. For individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or kidney issues, this trick could be particularly harmful and should be avoided unless a doctor approves. Furthermore, a long-term reliance on non-iodized salt can contribute to iodine deficiency, which can have serious health consequences.

Healthier Alternatives to Viral Trends

For those seeking genuine wellness improvements, there are several evidence-based strategies that offer sustainable results, unlike the unsubstantiated claims of the pink salt trick:

Prioritize Hydration: Drink plenty of plain filtered water throughout the day. Your body doesn't need extra salt to stay hydrated.
Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This provides genuine nutritional benefits and supports healthy weight management.
Incorporate Regular Exercise: Physical activity is key for boosting metabolism, building muscle, and supporting mental health.
Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods are often packed with high amounts of hidden sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. Limiting these foods is a far more effective way to reduce sodium intake and support weight loss.

Conclusion: More Hype Than Health

The pink salt trick, while a popular and widely discussed topic, especially after its mention alongside other trends on platforms like Good Morning America, is ultimately more of a wellness ritual than a scientifically proven health remedy. The main takeaway is that while it may encourage a mindful morning routine and basic hydration, it is not a magic solution for weight loss, detox, or boosting metabolism. As with any dietary change, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs. For significant and lasting results, focus on proven, sustainable habits rather than unverified health hacks.

Outbound Link: What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Lemon Water With Pink Salt?

Frequently Asked Questions

The pink salt trick featured on GMA was part of a broader discussion on viral wellness fads. It involves drinking a mixture of water and a small amount of pink Himalayan salt, sometimes with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, for supposed health benefits like weight loss and reduced bloating.

No, medical experts and dietitians state that there is no scientific evidence that the pink salt trick directly causes weight loss or burns fat. The primary benefit comes from the hydration from the water itself, which can help with feelings of fullness.

In moderation, it is generally safe for most people. However, consuming excessive amounts of salt can lead to health issues, particularly for those with high blood pressure or kidney problems. It's always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen.

Pink Himalayan salt does contain trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, but in nutritionally insignificant amounts. In contrast, regular table salt is typically fortified with iodine, an essential nutrient, which pink salt lacks.

No. The body has its own natural detoxification systems, primarily the liver and kidneys. The claim that pink salt, or any type of salt water, can effectively detoxify the body is not supported by scientific evidence.

"Sole water" is a more concentrated solution made by dissolving a larger amount of pink salt in water. The daily trick then involves adding a teaspoon of this concentrated solution to a fresh glass of water, rather than mixing the salt directly each morning.

This effect is largely anecdotal and may be a temporary result of increased hydration. However, consuming too much salt can actually cause water retention and bloating for some individuals, especially those with high sodium diets.