Not all sources of salt are the same. Refined salt can kill you; mineral rich, natural salt heals you and is, in moderation, essential to life.
Among other things, salt is important for:
- Salty body fluids like amniotic fluid, blood, lymphatic fluid, and the fluid surrounding the cells.
- Carrying nutrients into the cells.
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Regulation of nerve impulses.
- Healthy adrenal and thyroid glands.
Unrefined Sea Salt
Contains as many as 92 trace elements including:
- Sodium regulates body fluids and nerve and muscular function, and is vital to digestion and metabolism
- Calcium is needed for strong bones and a strong nervous system.
- Magnesium is necessary for bone formation, sugar metabolism, muscle relaxation, nervous system and brain development, and absorption of vitamin C and calcium.
- Iodine helps with production of thyroid hormones, healthy breast tissue and a strong immune system.
- Phosphorus is essential for nerve and brain function.
- Vanadium is needed for tooth calcification, toning heart and nervous systems, and reducing cholesterol.
Refined Table Salt:
- Contains anti-caking agents that upset the fluid balance in your body.
- Contributes to high blood pressure.
- Results in cells that dry out and die too soon.
- Has had the trace minerals removed.
- In excess, increases appetite and decreases bone density.
- Contains added iodine, which has reduced the incidence of goiter but has increased hypothyroidism.
- Has been processed at high temperatures that change the structure of the salt so that the body has trouble using it.
Talk to your health care provider:
- If you crave salt – this may indicate thyroid or adrenal problems.
- If you have kidney problems – you may have to be careful of total sodium in your diet.
The daily need for natural, unrefined salt is approximately ½ to 1 teaspoon a day. For most people, it is sufficient to salt your food until it tastes right to you.
