Alkaline water has a higher potential of hydrogen (pH) level, typically measuring between 8 and 9.5, compared to the neutral pH of 7 found in pure water. This higher pH is usually attributed to dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Creating a mineral-rich solution, known as “sole water,” by saturating filtered water with Pink Himalayan Salt (PHS) is a popular at-home method. Proponents suggest this highly concentrated brine, which is diluted before consumption, can deliver trace minerals and slightly alter the water’s pH.
Preparing the Sole Solution
Creating the concentrated Pink Himalayan Salt solution, or “sole,” begins with combining the salt and water in a clean glass jar. Fill the jar approximately one-quarter full with coarse or chunk-style PHS, as the larger crystals are less processed. Pour filtered water into the jar, leaving a small space at the top, and then seal the container with a non-metallic lid, such as plastic.
Allow the mixture to sit for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature so the salt can fully dissolve and saturate the water. The solution is ready when a layer of undissolved salt crystals remains at the bottom of the jar, confirming full saturation. If all the salt dissolves, add a few more crystals and wait until some remain untouched.
Never drink the concentrated sole directly due to its high salinity. Instead, measure one teaspoon of the sole and stir it into an eight-ounce glass of fresh drinking water. The concentrated sole can be stored indefinitely at room temperature and topped off with water and salt as needed to maintain the saturation level.
Composition of Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan Salt (PHS) is a type of rock salt mined from ancient sea salt deposits in the Punjab region of Pakistan. PHS is chemically similar to standard table salt, composed of 96% to 99% sodium chloride. The remaining 1% to 4% contains various trace minerals.
These trace elements include potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are often cited as the source of its potential health benefits. The salt’s characteristic pale pink to reddish hue is caused by the presence of iron oxide. Unlike most commercially available table salts, PHS is minimally processed and does not typically contain added iodine.
Addressing Alkalinity and Health Claims
The idea that adding PHS to water significantly increases its alkalinity is often overstated, especially once the sole is diluted for consumption. While the trace minerals in the salt are inherently alkaline, the small amount used in the final diluted drink results in a negligible change to the overall pH of the water. The final pH of the diluted sole water is unlikely to reach the levels of commercially available alkaline water.
Consuming this mildly mineralized water does not meaningfully alter the body’s systemic pH. The human body possesses highly efficient and complex buffering systems, involving the lungs and kidneys, designed to maintain the blood’s pH within a very narrow, slightly alkaline range of 7.35 to 7.45. Any food or drink that drastically changed this balance would be a medical emergency.
Health claims of detoxification or improved mineral balance from sole water are not strongly supported by scientific research. While PHS contains trace minerals, the quantity is so minute that a person would need to consume an unhealthy amount of sodium to gain significant nutritional benefit. The primary component consumed is sodium chloride, which must be consumed responsibly to avoid issues like elevated blood pressure.