Most of us have heard that a diet with reduced salt intake is healthy and there is no difference between cooking salt and sea salt. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Why were we so focused on reducing salt in the previous years?
Studies carried out in the late 70s implicated salt as guilty for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. But new evidence was recently found. It was found that these studies had not been designed correctly and the conclusions drawn had been arbitrary.
Without salt it wouldn’t be possible for life to exist. It is as important as oxygen and water. Natural non-refined sea salt contains more than 80 necessary minerals, while refined salt contains no minerals at all.
It is impossible for our immune system and adrenals (glands located above the kidneys that produce adrenaline and cortisol, so that the body can cope with difficult conditions) to function properly under salt deficiency.
The history of salt
In ancient times such was the value of salt that it was used as a means of transaction.
Hippocrates (450 BC) was the first to recognize the healing properties of salt. He used salt to treat infections, congestions and other diseases. Paracelsus (1500 AD) wrote that we humans require salt and that without salt everything would have disintegrated.
Refined vs non-refined salt
Natural non-refined sea salt contains more that 80 minerals and elements necessary for life, as opposed to refined salt that contains no beneficial minerals but contains additives – sodium ferrocyanide, ammonium citrate and aluminum silicate – that have no positive impact on the body.
Salt is refined in order to increase its lifespan on the shelves. Refined salt consumption increases acidity inside the body. The organs of our body (brain, immune system, liver, kidneys, etc) can not function properly if the acidity of the body increases.
Generally speaking, processed foods – from which all healthy substances, such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes have been removed – increase the body’s acidity. When we eat these foods that have all their vital substances removed, our body is forced to use its own vitamin, mineral and enzyme reserves to split them.
In the long run, this causes nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases. Cancer and chronic diseases are two negative consequences of an acid body since cancer cells are better developed in an acid environment.
Minerals are some of the most powerful alkaline (the opposite of acidic) agents in the body. Therefore, you should use non-refined natural salt and avoid refined salt, if you can.
Diets low in salt
Hypertension is the main reason for a diet low in salt. Literature and practice, however, have shown poor relation between salt and hypertension. Only certain salt-sensitive patients have benefits from a diet that restricts the consumption of salt.
Research has shown that a diet low in salt is associated with a more than 400% increase of heart attacks in men! Diets with reduced salt intake increase insulin levels in the blood and insulin resistance which is associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Benefits from salt
Natural, non-refined salt has many benefits, including:
- Appropriate support and balance of the adrenals
- Appropriate support and balance of the thyroid
- Sodium and water keep the nervous system healthy
- Minerals from salt and water help all cells excrete their toxins
- Sodium helps the adrenals maintain normal blood pressure in the body
- They allow the detoxification from bromine with chlorine
Conclusion
Helping the biochemical systems of the body by balancing hormone levels and providing enough iodine and natural salt, which is low in the majority of people, we help the body function properly without annoying symptoms and prevent most chronic diseases.
This holistic, natural approach, however, requires greater attention from the part of patients – not only in terms of examinations and intake of supplements – but attention to food consumption by avoiding processed foods, beverages and prepared foods with bromine. Consumption of organic foods (without pesticides) is recommended, to the extent possible.
Cheers to You!
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Source:
Nutrition for Optimal Health Association
