Should I drink salt water in the morning?

Yes, drinking salt water in the morning can offer several benefits, especially if you consume caffeine or are following an intermittent fasting regimen.

Andrew Huberman underscores that neurons require electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to perform their functions. Drinking water with a small amount of sea salt can stabilize blood volume, improve mental clarity, and offset lightheadedness and shakiness which might be mistaken for low blood sugar 1 2 3.

He advises using a small pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt in water, possibly with some lemon or lime juice to improve the taste. This routine can help maintain alertness, particularly when consuming coffee, which can cause excretion of water and salts 1 2.

However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes, particularly if you have hypertension or other health conditions that could be affected by sodium intake 1.

Andrew Huberman suggests several effective morning habits to enhance mental focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Here are some key recommendations:

1. Sunlight Exposure: Getting natural sunlight early in the day helps regulate your circadian rhythms and boosts mood and alertness 1.

2. Physical Activity: Engaging in exercise during the first 0-8 hours after waking can enhance performance and help establish new habits by taking advantage of elevated dopamine and norepinephrine levels 1.

3. Cold Exposure: Incorporating cold exposure, like a cold shower or ice bath, can increase alertness and improve mood 1.

4. Caffeine: Consuming caffeine can enhance focus and cognitive performance. Andrew Huberman suggests timing your caffeine intake to coincide with your peak alertness periods 1.

5. Fasting or Eating Strategically: Either fasting or consuming foods with high tyrosine content can further boost focus and energy levels in the morning 1.

6. Creative Tasks: Using the morning for creative tasks or focused work can be beneficial, as the brain is typically more action-oriented and better able to overcome "limbic friction" during this time 1 2.

These practices help leverage natural biochemical states to maximize productivity and mental clarity throughout the day.