Salt, the crown jewel of our diets and an essential ingredient to good health
Plus a recipe to make your own Sole Salt Elixir to boost your energy levels
Salt, hero or villain?
Yes, you read that right, Salt is foundational for good health. The notion that salt is bad for us began about 200 years ago and is based on flawed science. (1) For the past century salt have got a bad wrap of publicity from heart associations and so called medical experts like the FDA, but what does recent studies show us and should we reconsider our beliefs on salt?
Many people are told by doctors that they should reduce their sodium intake or risk having high blood pressure. Sodium has been the villain of heart disease, hypertension and stroke. The FDA recommends that Americans should consume less than 2300 mg of sodium per day. Many doctors use the word “salt” and “sodium” interchangeably, but salt is actually sodium chloride. There is another element that adds to the confusion, and that is that many doctors refer to sodium, meaning refined table salt. Natural salt is not the same as refined table salt, just like whole foods and refined food are different. It is wise to limit or eliminate our intake of refined table salt, just as it is wise to limit our intake of refined foods.
The standing “theory” of salt and high blood pressure stems from the myth that when you eat high amounts of salt you get thirsty and drink more water. The theory states that your body holds on to this water so that it can reduce the salt content in your blood. This results, according to the theory, in increased blood volume which leads to, according to the theory, high blood pressure.
However, this theory is not scientifically supported and studies actually show that salt helps your body conserve water and makes you less thirsty. (2) Recent studies actually show that there is no correlation between salt intake and high blood pressure. (3) (4)
Despite the fact that you will probably continue to hear that sodium intake is bad for you, your body cannot function properly without the adequate amount of good salt. There are many studies that show the adverse effects of too little salt. One major adverse effect is the increase of insulin resistance and increased risk of heart failure and death in diabetics with type 1 and type 2 diabetes due to a lack of sodium. (5) Other symptoms of sodium deficiency includes headaches, muscle cramps, dehydration, cognitive decline and weight gain.
Now with all that said, let’s take a look at the health benefits of eating good salt and why adequate amounts are fundamental in our daily food intake.
Benefits of eating good salts
Essential source of good minerals that are easily absorbed
One of the best benefits of good salts are its mineral content which is also better absorbed than taking mineral supplements. Adequate minerals are essential to fight against oxidative stress and is our body’s first line of defence against it. Minerals ensure proper thyroid function, bone health and cognitive function.
Helps you stay hydrated
Good salt contain both sodium and potassium which is what the body needs to stay hydrated. Salt drives water into your cells instead of allowing it to pool outside the cell walls, it is a natural antihistamine and drinking small amounts of salt water will stop excessive histamine production. Salt is also an excellent source of electrolytes which have been shown to prevent muscle cramping and is especially beneficial for athletes or those who sweat a lot.
Support healthy nervous system
Salt supports water flow throughout the body which is critical for a healthy nervous system. The nervous system needs salt for electrical conduction of the nervous system to send and receive signals, and the brain needs the balance of electrolytes to function properly.
Regulates hormones and promotes better sleep
Salt and sleep are connected through metabolic processes in the body. It is essential for healthy adrenal functioning which effects the stress hormones of cortisol and aldosterone. Balanced hormones promote better sleep.
Recommended Good Salts
Himalayan Salt
Himalayan pink salt comes from ancient salt deposits in the Himalayan Mountains of Pakistan. It has 74 different naturally occurring minerals including sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and 70 others. The pink colour comes from its rich iron oxide and copper content. It is mined by hand and minimally processed.
Blue Persian Salt
Persian blue salt is a mountain salt from an ancient plane in Iran. It is one of the rarest salts on earth. The blue colour comes from a mineral called sylvinite. Sylvinite is essentially potassium chloride. It is full and rich in trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. It is mined by hand and considered one of the purest salts.
Dr A Vogel Herbamare
A delicious and organic sea salt with added herbs and vegetables like rosemary, kelp, leeks, celery, cress parsley and lovage.
Maldon Sea Salt
Artisan sea salt hand harvested which ensures a high sodium chloride content as well as trace minerals such as calcium. Sea salt also contains trace minerals of iodine. Maldon sea salt is a staple salt for most chefs and is known for its delicate flaky character.
Sole Salt Elixir Recipe
Ingredients
Himalayan Salt
Filtered Water
Sunlight
Preparation
Place Himalayan Salt crystals in a mason jar (1/3 of the jar) with a glass lid (avoid metal)
Fill the jar 2/3 with filtered water
Place in a sunny spot for 24 hours
Shake after 24 hours and store in your cupboard
Consumption
Consume on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, and wait 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything else.
Take 1 tsp of your Sole Salt Elixir and mix it with warm water and a half squeezed lemon. You can add 1 tsp of honey if you find the taste unpleasant but ideally consume it without sweetening.
Benefits
Hydrates the body and boosts energy levels. Improves digestion. Regulates adrenals, hormones and blood pressure. Promotes detox. Balances ph levels. A natural anti-histamine to reduce allergies. Helps maintain healthy skin, nails and hair.
The benefits goes beyond internal consumption..
Aside from the orchestra of health benefits discussed above in consuming salt internally, salt also has many other uses in skin care, dental hygiene and food preservation.
Salt has since ancient times been a foundational ingredient in our lives and life will not be the same without it.
You may also be interested in:
https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Fix-Experts-Wrong-Eating/dp/0451496965
References:
https://app.core-apps.com/eb2017/abstract/536903b6b3303af8e0989e14822abae7
https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/S0026-0495(10)00329-X/fulltext
Disclaimer
The information contained in this ARTICLE is for interest and educational purposes only, and is in no way a prescription or substitute for professional/medical help. We assume no responsibility for the way you choose to implement this information. Be sure to consult your medical healthcare provider(s) before making any health changes or decisions.
What a beautiful image of salt crystals at the beginning. What type of mineral or salt is that?
What a great article, thank you for sharing!