The Viral Salt Trick for Men: What It Really Does for Blood Flow and Fertility

Written By The Mr. Fertyl Research & Education Team

If you’ve been on social media lately, you may have heard about the “salt trick” for men. This viral trend suggests that taking a pinch of salt (often Himalayan or even a so-called “blue” salt) before a workout or intimate activity can magically boost blood flow, energy, and sexual performance. Influencers tout it as a quick way to get the veins pumping – some even claim it “supercharges” nitric oxide for better erections and stamina. It sounds simple (and hey, salt is cheap and in every kitchen), but what’s the truth behind this salty hack? Before you start chugging salt water shots, let’s explore what salt actually does in your body, and how it relates to blood flow and male fertility.

What Is the “Salt Trick” Supposed to Do?

The salt trick trend has caught fire because it promises an easy fix. A typical video might show a guy mixing a pinch of salt into a glass of water or taking it straight, 20-30 minutes before hitting the gym or the bedroom. The idea is that the sodium will increase blood volume and blood pressure slightly, giving you a better muscle “pump” during exercise and improving circulation for erections or sexual energy. Some posts even reference nitric oxide, implying that salt will somehow trigger nitric oxide production (the molecule that relaxes blood vessels for improved blood flow).

It’s true that blood flow is crucial for exercise performance and sexual function – without good circulation, muscles don’t get nutrients and oxygen, and erections become difficult. So it’s understandable why men are interested in simple hacks to improve circulation. However, when it comes to the salt trick, there’s a lot of misinformation. Many of the viral videos praising it come with little evidence, and often link out to sketchy “miracle supplement” offers. In fact, experts point out there are no peer-reviewed studies proving that consuming salt in this way improves erectile function or male “enhancement." While a pinch of salt isn’t dangerous for most healthy people, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.

Salt, Hydration and Blood Flow: The Real Science

Let’s start with what salt actually does in the body. Salt (sodium chloride) is an essential electrolyte. When you ingest sodium, it helps your body retain water. This can increase blood volume, which in certain scenarios does support better circulation. For example, sports medicine research shows that drinking water with some added salt before prolonged exercise in the heat helps maintain plasma volume and cardiovascular function [2]. In one study, trained cyclists who ingested a sodium-water mix before a 2-hour ride in the heat had higher blood volume, maintained cardiac output, and even improved their performance by about 7% compared to drinking plain water [2]. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) likewise recommends consuming fluids with a bit of sodium before intense exercise to optimize hydration and fluid balance [1]. The principle here is that sodium helps your body hang onto the water you drink, preventing dehydration and the drop in blood pressure that comes with it.

So, could a pinch of salt give you a short-term circulation boost? If you are slightly dehydrated or exercising hard (and sweating out salt), a little sodium can indeed help keep your blood volume up, which might translate to a better “pump” in the gym. You might feel a bit more vascular because your blood vessels are full of fluid. Some men report they look more veiny or get a better muscle swell during workouts after a salty drink – this is basically due to being well-hydrated. Adequate hydration (with electrolytes) is known to sustain exercise performance, whereas dehydration can hurt performance [1]. In certain medical situations like POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), patients are even advised to increase salt intake to raise blood volume and prevent dizziness [11].

However, for the average person, adding extra salt “just because” is usually unnecessary – and potentially harmful if overdone. Most people already get plenty of sodium in their daily diet. In fact, Americans consume about 3,300–3,400 mg of sodium per day on average, well above the recommended limit of 2,300 mg. A pinch of table salt is around 150 mg of sodium [11], which on its own likely won’t make a dramatic difference in hydration for a well-fed adult [11]. And while that amount is small, the mentality of loading up on salt can be risky: consistently high salt intake causes your body to retain too much water, increasing blood volume chronically. Over time, that leads to high blood pressure, which actually stiffens and narrows your blood vessels [4]. In other words, excess salt is more associated with worsening vascular health, not improving it. When your arteries stiffen, blood and oxygen don’t flow as freely to vital organs (including the male reproductive organs) [4]. Elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and can damage vessel walls, contributing to heart disease and stroke [4].

It’s a bit ironic: the viral videos frame salt as a quick circulation booster, but too much salt in your diet steadily can reduce circulation in the long run. Research has even shown that high sodium levels can reduce nitric oxide availability by making the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) less flexible. One study noted that an increase in plasma sodium directly made endothelial cells stiffer and decreased their nitric oxide release [12]. That’s the opposite of what you want for smooth blood flow. (Interestingly, getting enough potassium from fruits and veggies can counteract some of sodium’s negative effects and promote better vascular function [11] – yet another reason a healthy diet beats a single salt trick.)

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Salt Won’t Fix Your Fertility

Breathable Bamboo Can Help

Bottom Line on the Salt Trick

If you take a modest pinch of salt before a workout and you’re not exceeding daily sodium limits, it’s not the end of the world. You might feel a small acute effect if you were low on sodium or fluids to begin with. But don’t expect salt to be a magic bullet for bedroom performance or a long-term circulation fix. No research indicates that salting yourself up will cure erectile dysfunction or give a lasting testosterone boost. Many so-called ED “hacks” fall into this category of unproven quick fixes. A Harvard review of male enhancement supplements found little to no evidence that common herbal or nutritional remedies noticeably improve erectile function [9]. The salt trick fad is no different – it’s not a substitute for actual healthy habits or proper medical care if you have ED.

Moreover, if used irresponsibly (say, way more than a pinch, or in someone with salt-sensitive hypertension), the salt trick could do harm by spiking blood pressure. So take the salt trend with, well, a grain of salt. There are far better ways to support your blood flow and fertility that won’t tempt a hypertensive crisis. In the next sections, we’ll talk about these smarter, sustainable approaches – including how something as simple as your everyday underwear choice can make a difference for male reproductive health.

Blood Flow, Meet Fertility: Why Circulation Matters for Sperm

Men’s fertility isn’t just about what happens in the moment – it’s about the ongoing health of your sperm and testicles. Proper blood flow plays a big role in testicular function and sperm production. Your testicles need a rich blood supply to deliver oxygen, hormones (like testosterone), and nutrients that support the constant generation of sperm. If circulation is impaired, those processes can suffer. In fact, some medical issues that reduce blood flow to the testes (like diabetes or certain vascular conditions) are associated with lower sperm counts or quality. On the flip side, improving cardiovascular health can benefit sexual and reproductive health across the board.

This is where we move from the idea of a one-off salt boost to the concept of consistent healthy circulation. Regular exercise is a prime example. When you exercise, you improve your heart and blood vessel health, which in turn improves blood flow everywhere, including below the belt. There’s evidence that sedentary men who start exercising a few times a week can significantly improve their sperm count and motility in a matter of months [13]. One systematic review suggested that moderate physical activity enhances sperm quality partly by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress in the reproductive organs [10]. (Be mindful not to overdo it – extreme high-intensity training without rest can actually have the opposite effect and impair fertility [10]. Balance is key.) The take-home message: a healthy cardiovascular system usually means better deliveries of oxygen and nutrients to all organs, testicles included.

Beyond exercise, many holistic lifestyle factors affect male fertility. Diet, for instance, matters – not so much salt intake per se, but getting plenty of antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can support sperm health. Maintaining a healthy weight is important (obesity is linked with lower sperm counts and testosterone levels [6]). Managing stress helps too, since chronic stress can throw off hormones needed for sperm production [6]. None of these factors are a quick fix; they require steady effort. But they create a foundation for robust fertility that no viral 15-second trick can match.

Heat & Toxins: The Hidden Fertility Killers in Daily Life

If you’re aiming to improve fertility, two often overlooked enemies are excess heat and chemical exposures. Sperm are quite temperature-sensitive. The reason testicles hang outside the body is to keep them a few degrees cooler than core body temperature – this cooler environment is crucial for optimal sperm production. Regular exposure to high heat can lower sperm count [5]. Think about hot tubs, saunas, or placing a laptop right on your lap for hours: these can warm your testes enough to impair sperm output. Urologists advise that men trying to conceive avoid hot tubs altogether, because being submerged in hot water raises testicular temperature to unsafe levels for sperm development [5]. Even prolonged sitting or tight, non-breathable clothing can trap heat. One famous question is “boxers or briefs?” – and while research is mixed, wearing looser, breathable underwear and avoiding lots of direct heat can’t hurt, and may help keep your sperm count from unnecessary dips [6].

Then there are environmental toxins, especially a class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These include substances like phthalates (used as plasticizers in plastics, vinyl, and personal care products) and bisphenol A (BPA) (found in some plastics and receipts). Unfortunately, these chemicals are all around us, and they can mimic or interfere with hormones in the body. Studies have linked higher exposure to certain phthalates and BPA with lower sperm quality and fertility in men [7]. In laboratory and animal research, phthalates have been shown to diminish sperm counts and cause abnormal sperm development, especially with chronic exposure [14]. BPA, which can leach from polycarbonate plastics or can linings, has also demonstrated harmful effects on male fertility in numerous studies, altering hormone levels and reducing semen parameters [15]. In fact, experts consider phthalates and BPA to be “well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility,” part of the broader issue of environmental toxicants impacting reproductive health [8].

So, how do you fight back against these quiet fertility foes? The key is to minimize unnecessary heat and chemical exposure to your reproductive area, day in and day out. This is where your daily wardrobe choices come in – specifically, your underwear. It might not be the first thing you think of when brainstorming fertility boosters, but it makes sense: you wear underwear all day, and it directly affects the environment around your privates. Traditional tight briefs made of synthetic fabrics can run hot and might even contain chemical residues from manufacturing. Switching to underwear that is fertility-friendly can help keep things cool and reduce contact with harmful substances.

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Still Trying The Salt Trick?

Start With Smarter Underwear.

A Smarter Daily Solution: Mr. Fertyl’s Fertility-Friendly Underwear

One standout example of such a smart choice is Mr. Fertyl’s eco-conscious, fertility-friendly underwear. This isn’t your average pair of briefs – it’s underwear reimagined with male reproductive health in mind. Here’s how it addresses the issues we just discussed:

  • Cooling, Breathable Fabric: Mr. Fertyl underwear is made from Bamboo Lyocell, a natural fiber known for its excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Unlike thick cotton or synthetic blends that can trap heat and sweat, Bamboo Lyocell fabric allows for airflow and keeps you cool. By helping to maintain a lower temperature around the testicles, it creates a more sperm-friendly climate (remember, cool = conducive to sperm production [6]). The fabric is also super soft and comfortable, which is a nice bonus.
  • Chemical Safe: Our product is phthalate-free and BPA-free. In other words, the materials and dyes used avoid those common endocrine-disrupting chemicals. You won’t find cheap plastic-based components here. Even the elastane (the stretchy part that gives underwear its snug fit) is completely encased and covered with the bamboo fabric, so it never directly touches your skin. This is important because it prevents any potential leaching of irritants or chemicals from elastic onto your skin. Many conventional underwear brands don’t pay attention to this – they might have exposed elastic waistbands or use materials that contain things like synthetic rubber with additives. Mr. Fertyl’s design puts a barrier between any elastic and your body, which is a thoughtful touch for both comfort and health.
  • Eco-Conscious and Safe Dyes: Being fertility-friendly also means being eco-friendly in this case. Bamboo Lyocell is produced in a sustainable process, and avoiding phthalates/BPA extends to being generally mindful about toxins. You can be confident that by wearing them, you’re not continuously pressing any hidden industrial chemicals against a very sensitive region of your body. And since it’s eco-conscious, you’re also doing something positive for the environment – a nice alignment if you care about the planet and your future family.

By incorporating something as simple as better underwear into your daily routine, you’re tackling two big factors (heat and chemicals) consistently. It’s a smart, preventative approach – quite the opposite of a once-off salt fix. Mr. Fertyl’s underwear essentially helps create a supportive environment for your fertility all day long. It’s not a gimmick; it’s just removing some negative influences and adding comfort. Think of it like switching to a healthier diet, but for your groin: you’re cutting out the “junk” (excess heat, plastics) and surrounding yourself with healthy, natural materials.

From Quick Hacks to Lasting Habits

At the end of the day, the viral salt trick speaks to how many men are eager to improve their vitality and virility – and that’s a good thing! Taking charge of your health is commendable. But as we’ve seen, real improvements come from real habits. Throwing back a pinch of salt won’t turn your fertility or performance around if other aspects of your lifestyle are working against you. Instead of chasing a trending trick, focus on the fundamentals that we know boost male reproductive health:

  • Stay hydrated (water is the true MVP for blood flow; add electrolytes during heavy exercise if needed, but watch the excess sodium).
  • Exercise regularly – get that blood pumping with moderate workouts to benefit your heart and sperm, and avoid extreme training without rest.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and good fats (think fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, fish). Your future kids will thank you for those leafy greens and omega-3s.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking or heavy drinking, as these can all negatively impact erectile function and sperm quality [6].
  • Manage stress and get enough sleep, since stress hormones can interfere with sexual hormones and sperm production.
  • Keep the boys cool – be mindful of hot baths, prolonged hot laptop use on your lap, and wear breathable underwear.
  • Minimize exposure to toxins – from the products you use (opt for phthalate-free personal care items) to the clothes you wear (choose natural, chemical-safe fabrics).

By embracing these sustainable changes, you’ll likely see improvements in both blood flow and fertility over time. Remember, male fertility (sperm count, motility, morphology) typically reflects your overall health over the past ~3 months (that’s how long spermatogenesis takes). So positive changes you make now set the stage for better sperm in the near future. It’s a marathon, not a sprint – but it’s one you can absolutely win.

In conclusion, the salt trick for men is more myth than miracle. Salt is not a magic performance pill or fertility cure. While it plays a role in hydration and blood pressure, it won’t override poor lifestyle choices, and too much can harm your vascular health. Instead of relying on a viral hack, invest in your long-term health and make daily choices that support your reproductive wellness. Whether it’s hitting the gym regularly, eating clean, or upgrading to fertility-friendly underwear like Mr. Fertyl’s bamboo underwear, these are the changes that actually move the needle. So yes, take your health with a pinch of salt – and focus on proven strategies for boosting blood flow and fertility in a natural, sustainable way.

  1. American College of Sports Medicine. (2007). Exercise and Fluid Replacement – ACSM Position Stand. Recommends consuming water with sodium before exercise to improve fluid balance and hydration. Source.
  2. Hamouti, N., et al. (2014). Ingestion of sodium plus water improves cardiovascular function and performance during dehydrating cycling in the heat – Scandinavian J. Med. Sci. Sports, 24(3), 507-518. Pre-exercise salt+water maintained higher plasma volume during 2 hours of exercise in heat and improved endurance performance by ~7% compared to water alone. Source.
  3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Sodium in Your Diet – FDA. Americans consume about 3,400 mg of sodium per day on average, significantly above the recommended 2,300 mg limit (≈1 teaspoon of salt). Excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure. Source.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. (2020). How Salt Can Impact Your Blood Pressure, Heart and Kidneys – Cleveland Clinic – Health Essentials. Over time, excess salt intake leads to hypertension, which “stiffens and narrows the blood vessels” and decreases blood and oxygen flow to key organs. Source.
  5. Cleveland Clinic. (2019). Are You Unknowingly Lowering Your Sperm Count? When to Worry – Cleveland Clinic – Health Essentials. Confirms that regular exposure to high testicular temperatures (e.g. hot tubs) “can lower sperm counts,” even though not all suspected culprits (like tight briefs) have strong evidence. Source.
  6. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility – Mayo Clinic. Advises on lifestyle steps for sperm health. For example, “if the scrotum gets too warm, it could lower sperm production,” so wearing loose-fitting underwear, reducing sitting, and avoiding hot tubs/saunas may improve sperm quality. Source.
  7. Szalinski, C. (2024). Are Sperm Counts Really Declining? – Scientific American. Notes that endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment (like phthalates and BPA) have been linked to drops in sperm count. Ambient heat also affects sperm count, and as global temperatures rise it could negatively impact male fertility. Source.
  8. Wdowiak, N., et al. (2024). Environmental Factors as the Main Hormonal Disruptors of Male Fertility – Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(7):1986. Reviews how various pollutants affect male reproduction. It states that heavy metals, tobacco smoke, pesticides, dioxins, furans, phthalates, and bisphenols (BPA) are “well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility.” These environmental factors often cause oxidative stress and hormonal disruption, contributing to reduced semen quality. Source.
  9. Bach, L. (2017). Beware of erectile dysfunction scams – Harvard Health Publishing. A review of “natural” ED remedies found “little or no evidence” to support claims that common over-the-counter herbs or supplements improve ED or sexual performance. Source.
  10. Lin, Y., Cai, X., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of exercise interventions on sperm quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(5):*. Suggests that moderate regular exercise can improve sperm parameters by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress, whereas excessive high-intensity exercise may impair reproductive function. Source.
  11. Agyeman, V. (2024, July 21). As a dietitian, here's the truth about the viral salt water TikTok trend. Good Housekeeping. Source.
  12. Liu, J., Wang, S., & Zhang, Y. (2014). High dietary sodium intake impairs endothelium-dependent dilation in healthy salt-resistant humans. Journal of Hypertension, 32(8), 1658–1665. Source.
  13. Bioscientifica. (2016, December 1). Just six months of frequent exercise improves men’s sperm quality. Source.
  14. Dobrzyńska, M. M. (2016). Phthalates-widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes. Part 2. The effects of phthalates on male gametes and on the offspring. Rocznik Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, 67(3), 209–221. Source.
  15. Zhou, Y., Fang, Y., & Wang, Y. (2023). The effects of bisphenol A on human male infertility: A review of current epidemiological studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(15), 6172. Source.