There are basically two types of salt. Salt extracted from the ocean and rock salt. Rock salt in fact comes from ancient sea beds and can be found all over the world. You could say that all salt is really sea salt.
The main difference between the two salts is how they are mined. French farmers have a simple process of allowing ocean water to evaporate and the salt is then collected. Rock salt is usually blasted, collected and then processed.
It’s how salt is processed and the source of the salt beds that determines whether or not we end up with salt that is healthy or not. Water and salt is crucial for optimum survival but when we heat (up to 1200 degrees) and bleach the salt, we wash away necessary minerals and micro-nutrients. What we have left is dry sodium chloride, also known as table salt. It’s white and looks pretty but really from a health stand-point, there is not much left that the body can utilize. Salt manufacturers will tell you they are just taking out the impurities, but, those impurities are vital nutrients the body needs.
Pure unrefined salt and water detoxifies the body from harmful bacteria and helps to maintain alkaline/acidity in the body. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, too much table salt can over work the kidneys and upset the delicate balance of sodium, potassium and other minerals for proper cell metabolism.
Too much table salt can cause water retention. When you gain an extra pound or two on any given day, even though you may be watching your calorie intake, the most likely culprit is too much processed salt and not enough water. Your body goes into survival mode and will hang onto that water. Too much salt and not enough water long term can cause edema, which is evidenced by the swelling in the ankles, legs or hands. Your body is really telling you that you are very sick.
When you consume table salt, it requires a lot of water to break down the sodium chloride crystals into an ionic form where it can be neutralized and eliminated. The water is extracted from the cells in the body to accomplish this. It is the exact opposite of what the body needs and wants to do. The cells of the body need to take in the water for hydration and nourishment.
Consuming the table salt can upset the balance of fluids in the body, so much so, that for every gram of table salt we ingest, it can take up to 20 times the fluid out of the cells to metabolize it. The body essentially holds onto all that water and of course we get bloated.
This is also one of the causes for cellulite. It is visible evidence that your fluid balance has been upset.
Unrefined sea salt (in small to moderate amounts) and plenty of water can have many health benefits, such as;
- Maintaining the quality of muscle tone and strength. Those who have urine leakage may be suffering from dehydration and low salt. Proper unrefined sea salt and water intake also controls muscles from cramping.
- Helps to keep the lungs clear from mucus and phlegm.
- Salt works with amylase in the mouth to start the digestion process and continues the proper digestion through-out the digestive tract.
- The minerals in salt are necessary for firm bone structure.
- Unrefined salt is also helpful in reducing varicose and spider veins. Some people have had success with treating varicose and spider veins with a homemade poultice of ½ cup of chopped green cabbage, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp of unrefined sea salt. Blend in a blender until you have a paste. Apply to affected area, cover with a large bandage or plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes twice a day.
- Unrefined sea salt acts as a strong anti-histamine.
- Helps to assist in the reduction of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
- Unrefined salt in small doses helps to lower blood pressure for heart health
Drs have long told us to minimize salt intake for heart health and the reduction of high blood pressure. This should be revised to say, eliminate table salt and replace it with the daily requirement of unrefined sea salt. The fact is, that in conjunction with water, salt is necessary for regulating blood pressure.
It does not require a lot of salt for good health. A good rule of thumb is to have about ¼ of a tsp per gallon of water. Your body needs a lot of water each day, at least 8 cups and minimal salt. Do not have your daily intake of salt all at once. Unfortunately processed foods usually have high doses of table salt so to reduce this, it is best to prepare your own meals and control the amount of salt you ingest. The same goes for water. Spread your water intake through-out the day.
Shopping for sea salt can be tricky, even at health food stores. Pure white free flowing sea salt has been processed and is not much different from table salt. There is also an issue with evaporated sea salt because of the current pollution in our oceans. For these reasons, salt extracted from ancient sea beds may be the best choice.
Deep beneath the Rocky Mountains of Utah or the mountains of the Himalayas are valuable sources for these ancient salts. Not only can you taste the difference but you can see the difference. They are usually pinkish with some dark flexes, almost like crushed coral. Don’t be fooled into thinking these are flaws or impurities, they are in fact full of minerals and micro-nutrients essential to all life.
For better health and smooth glowing skin, try switching to unrefined sea salt and drink plenty of water.
Willie is a researcher and freelance writer whose own health problems prompted her to gain information on health and wellness and share that knowledge with others. She is co-owner of http://www.simplydetox.com a site that focuses on detox, health and wellness and detox products
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