How salt works: osmotic, antimicrobial, mucolytic effects

Salt may be one of the most powerful natural remedies for chronic respiratory conditions. Learn how to reduce respiratory mucus with salt for healthier sinuses, clearer airways, and relief from chronic sinus infections.

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0:00 Introduction: How to get rid of mucus with salt

0:39 What causes respiratory mucus?

2:47 Reducing mucus with salt

4:17 Vitamin D and respiratory congestion

5:21 How to reduce lung congestion with salt

5:45 How to use a neti pot

7:57 Boiling salt water for respiratory conditions

8:36 More tips to reduce respiratory mucus

Most people with sinus issues and respiratory mucus have inflammation, but it’s usually not caused by an infection. When you treat chronic respiratory conditions with medication, you suppress the symptoms, causing the problem to linger. Antibiotics will only work if the problem is caused by bacteria, so they won’t be helpful if your congestion is caused by a viral infection, mold, or fungus.

Deep inside the sinuses are tiny hairs called cilia. Beneath the cilia are mucus membranes, which are likely inflamed if you have excess mucus. When the body detects a foreign invader, it increases histamines, which create more mucus.

Salt creates an osmotic shift, which means it can dehydrate mucus and directly destroy bacteria, mold, yeast, and fungus. It also has a mucolytic effect, so it thins and breaks down mucus directly, making it easier to eliminate.

If your sinus problem is chronic, it may be caused by a fungal infection. If it only occurs during the winter months, suspect a vitamin D deficiency. In this case, you may want to try taking 50,000 IU of vitamin D per day, with vitamin K2 and magnesium.

There are several ways to reduce mucus with salt. You can use salt water in a neti pot or inhale steam directly from a regular pot after boiling salt water. Use Himalayan sea salt instead of table salt. Garlic oil applied to a Q-tip and swabbed inside each nostril can also be beneficial.

Try these other tips to help eliminate chronic respiratory mucus:

• Consume 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water 3 times per day

• Inspect your home for mold

• Eliminate sugar and starch from your diet

• Avoid dairy

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.