After a few days of festive feasts, it is not unusual to feel slowed down, bloated, and generally uncomfortable. Constipation is one of those annoying after effects that can make the holidays feel a little less joyful, especially when your usual routine goes out the window. As many people try to get back on track, one doctor on TikTok has been talking about a straightforward drink he says can help encourage digestion.
Dr. John Valentine, who posts as @healthylifesage, has been describing a warm mixture made with everyday kitchen staples. His instructions are simple, boil a cup of water, add a pinch of sea salt and a small amount of sugar, let it simmer for about five minutes, then remove it from the heat and squeeze in half a fresh lemon. He suggests drinking it on an empty stomach as part of a short routine for anyone dealing with that heavy, backed up feeling after rich meals.
The idea behind the drink, he explains, comes down to how salt and water interact in the body. Valentine says salt can create an osmotic effect, drawing water into the intestines and helping soften what has been sitting there too long. If someone is still struggling, he notes that increasing the salt slightly is sometimes suggested, though he emphasizes that people should pay attention to how they feel rather than treating it like a one size fits all fix.
@healthylifesage Follow for more health tips! #usa #health #healthtips #wellness #magnesium #magnesiumdeficiency #magnesiumbenefits ♬ original sound – Dr. John Valentine
He also points to lemon as the other key player in the recipe. According to Valentine, the citric acid in lemon can act as a natural digestive stimulant, which may help get things moving again. He adds that people may notice changes after using the drink for a few days, particularly when it is paired with returning to lighter meals and better hydration after a stretch of heavier eating.
The mixture is sometimes referred to as a salt water flush, and Medicine Net has described it as acting like a laxative for some people by stimulating bowel movements. The same source also notes that some claim additional benefits such as easing muscle cramps, supporting digestion, and even helping with migraines or body odor, often tying those ideas to the minerals found in certain salts like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Still, it is worth remembering that digestion is sensitive, and what feels soothing to one person can feel too harsh to another.
There are also important cautions around salt intake. Medicine Net warns that pre made flush solutions sold in stores can contain very high amounts of salt, sometimes reaching levels far above typical daily recommendations. It also stresses that extra salt is not advised for people with kidney problems, and anyone with health concerns should check with a professional before trying a salt heavy remedy.
Have you ever tried a simple home drink to reset your digestion after the holidays, and did it help or backfire for you? Share your experience in the comments.
