Salt: A Wonderful Thing
Salt is an amazing mineral. Whether it comes from the Himalayan rock mountains or the depths of the ocean floor, salt is both beautiful and essential. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper mineral balance in almost all living creatures on Earth.
Every cell in our body needs salt. Our bodies depend on it to maintain good bone density, proper circulation, and stable blood sugar levels. But how can something so natural and beneficial become harmful? Let’s explore some common misconceptions and dangers associated with salt.
Salt vs. Naturally Occurring Sodium
“Table Salt” is a manufactured form of sodium known as sodium chloride. While it tastes similar to naturally occurring rock, crystal, or sea salt, table salt is quite different. It is produced by heating natural salt (or crude oil flake leftovers) to 1200° Fahrenheit. This process strips away most of the eighty essential elements found in unprocessed salt. In contrast, sea salts and Himalayan salts are harvested and dried in the sun, preserving their natural properties.
These naturally occurring salts are alkaline minerals that help keep us hydrated, balance our sodium-potassium ratios, and provide powerful electrolytes. They also contain all the trace elements necessary for proper immune, thyroid, and adrenal function, which are completely removed from table salt. Real salt also boosts the production of digestive enzymes and juices, aiding in the extraction and assimilation of vitamins and nutrients from our food.
What Is In Table Salt?
Common iodized salts, found in supermarkets or on restaurant tables, contain synthetic chemicals. These include manufactured forms of sodium solo-co-aluminate, iodide, sodium bicarbonate, fluoride, anti-caking agents, toxic amounts of potassium iodide, and aluminum derivatives. Surprisingly, most table salt is not only unhealthy but can also be toxic.
The natural iodine in salt is lost during manufacturing, which can harm the thyroid and lead to growth and metabolism issues. To counter this, the salt industry adds synthetic iodine to their products. Additionally, some salts contain processed white sugar and toxic MSG (mono-sodium-glutamate). The white color of table salt is achieved through bleaching, and much of it comes from the flaky residue of oil extraction. Yes, crude oil extract is one source of table salt.
The Health Dangers of Salt
Table salt can cause blood pressure to rise rapidly as the body tries to move the toxic elements away from the heart. This is why doctors often advise people with high blood pressure to reduce their salt intake. Excessive table salt also causes water retention and can exacerbate chronic conditions like diabetes, gout, and obesity. It’s important to note that this salt is not just in your shaker; most packaged and processed foods contain high amounts of it.
These preservatives can lead to swelling and, over time, serious kidney, thyroid, and liver issues, as well as the development of goiters, edema, hypertension, heart disease, strained elimination systems, muscle cramps, water retention, stroke, heart failure, PMS, and even nervous system disorders like anxiety and depression. Table salt is particularly harsh on the circulatory and nervous systems and disrupts the delicate balance of the lymphatic system. It is also highly addictive; the more the body gets used to high levels of fake sodium, the more it craves it.
Remember, moderation is key. While salt has many health benefits, excessive use can be dangerous. I personally switched to Himalayan salt years ago, and it’s all my family uses now.
