Salt and your health
Salt is essential for the body to function. Farmers known that if they fail to provide salt licks for their cattle, the cattle will die. Salt is one of the basic elements of which the body is made. Without salt, we could not exist.
While sea salt provides natural minerals and trace elements, it can also contain industrial poisons cast into the oceans over the years. For this reason more pristine salts are often preferred - hence the growing demand for the Himalayan mountain (pure and unpolluted) variety.
Like the ocean (the lifeblood of the Earth), our blood consists of saltwater and a specific combination of mineral elements. It’s the inclusion of these essential minerals plus the sodium and chloride that gives Himalayan crystal salt its unique ‘life-giving’ qualities.
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The amazing benefits that Himalayan crystal salt can provide, as reported by leading Internet physician Dr Joseph Mercola (www.mercola.com):
- Regulates the water content throughout your body
- Balances excess acidity from your cells, particularly the brain cells
- Regulates your blood pressure, in conjunction with water
- Stabilises irregular heartbeats
- Balances your blood sugar levels and helps reduce your aging rate
- Assists in the generation of hydroelectric energy in your body's cells
- Enhances absorption of nutrients through the intestinal tract
- Helps clear mucous plugs and phlegm from the lungs, particularly useful in asthma and cystic fibrosis
- Acts as a strong natural antihistamine to help clear up congestion in your sinus
- Prevents muscle cramps
- Strengthens bone structure. Osteoporosis can occur when your body needs more salt and takes it from your bones
- Regulates sleep: It is a natural hypnotic
- Helps maintain your libido
- Prevents varicose veins and spider veins
Salt has many other functions and health benefits as discussed in the book The Essential Guide to Water and Salt+:
- Vital for the kidneys to clear excess acidity into the urine
- Increases conductivity in nerve cells for communication and information processing
- Provides your body with all essential mineral and every necessary trace mineral it needs to thrive
- Helps treat emotional disorders. Lithium is a salt substitute that is used in the treatment of depression
- Preserves serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain, known antidepressant neurotransmitters
- Is a strong anti-stress element for the body
- Helps maintain muscle tone and strength
- In the opinion of Dr Batmanghelidj+, salt and water is vital for the prevention and treatment of cancer, as dehydration (shortage of water and salt) suppresses the immune system and its disease-fighting cells activity in the body
- Natural salt is also a vital element in the treatment of diabetics as it helps regulate the sugar levels in the blood.
Source:
* www.mercola.com
+The Essential Guide to Water and Salt – F. Batmanghelidj MD and Philip Day, Credence Publicati
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How much healthy salt should you consume?
Do not overuse salt. You must observe the ratio of salt and water needs of the body. As a rough rule of thumb, for optimum health benefits you need about 3 grams of salt (a half teaspoon) for every 10 glasses of water. If you exercise and sweat, you may need more. In hot climates you may need more, as salt and water will make the difference between good health and constant heat exhaustion. Consult with your physician or wellness practitioner about the benefits of salt for you.
Understanding the role sodium plays in the body, and the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sources of sodium, will help you get the bad salt out of your diet while still satisfying your body’s need for a source of high quality sodium.
Sodium Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
The current recommendation in the US is to consume less than 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. This is no more than 1 teaspoon of salt per day. It includes ALL salt and sodium consumed, including sodium used in cooking, at the table, and in pre-prepared foods. The UK Recommended Nutritional Intake (RNI) upper limit for sodium is 1,600 mg, including sodium used in cooking, at the table, and in pre-prepared foods. Remember, you will obtain benefit from salt intake only if your water intake is sufficient.
Do not overuse salt. You must observe the ratio of salt and water needs of the body. As a rough rule of thumb, for optimum health benefits you need about 3 grams of salt (a half teaspoon) for every 10 glasses of water. If you exercise and sweat, you may need more. In hot climates you may need more, as salt and water will make the difference between good health and constant heat exhaustion. Consult with your physician or wellness practitioner about the benefits of salt for you.
Understanding the role sodium plays in the body and the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sources of sodium will help you get the bad salt out of your diet while still satisfying your body’s need for a source of high quality sodium.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician regarding your nutritional intake. Information sourced for this website is meant to contribute to the understanding of natural salt in the diet. It is not meant to substitute fundamental medical advice of a doctor.
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