Is it possible to improve the reputation of salt?
Table of Contents
1. Why do we need salt?
Sodium is a critical component in our body fluids. Thanks to its appropriate presence, our nerve impulses reach the brain, we breathe correctly, and our muscles, including our heart, function properly. Daily loss of a substantial amount of this element through sweat, urine, and feces can have severe consequences. Symptoms of hyponatremia, or sodium deficiency, include muscle twitching, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in severe cases, even brain swelling and coma. Therefore, in cases of dehydration, such as diarrheal diseases, NaCl, i.e., physiological saline, is administered.2. „Salt – a chemical or natural product?“
„When we talk about salt, most of us associate it with what is sold in kilogram packages, in the form of fine-grained granules, kitchen or vegetable salt. We rarely think about the origin of salt and its components, as its only purpose is to give flavor to food. Unfortunately, these salts are refined and constitute a purified chemical substance, consisting only of two elements: sodium and chlorine. In nature, there is no such pure mineral, and these products pose as a natural source, without providing other microelements that are present in natural salts.“3. Salt is recognized by numerous names
The properties of sea salt are of significantly higher quality, it is also the main source of sea salt, however, in these current times, when waste and oil poison the seas, there is a great risk that salt may contain toxic metals. Therefore, we should resort to the sources of the seas that dried up millions of years ago to form the most valuable minerals. Such a composition is characteristic of Himalayan salt mined in Pakistan. Himalayan salt is mined by hand, without the use of explosives and chemical agents. In addition to sodium chloride, it contains 84 elements, including important microelements such as magnesium, iron, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and selenium, whose presence imparts healing properties. Thanks to the wide range of ingredients, it is low in sodium, so consuming it in quantities that would be too high for regular salt will not cause high blood pressure. For example, the sodium content in 1 g of the following salts is: – table salt 1 g = 390 mg sodium; – sea salt 1 g = 300 mg sodium; – Himalayan salt 1 g = 80 mg sodium.4. Characteristics of Himalayan salt
Owing to its low sodium content, this variant of salt assists in blood pressure regulation. It supplements the deficiency of dietary micronutrients, imparting them additional attributes. Selen, an antioxidant, exhibits anticancer effects, while sulfur cleanses the skin and aids in the treatment of acne. Iodine, used for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, accelerates metabolic processes. Calcium and phosphorus are responsible for the construction of bones and teeth. Together, they function as a detoxifier in the body, eliminating heavy metals both in the case of internal consumption and external application, in the form of peels and baths. In the case of throat inflammations, one can prepare a saturated solution and dilute it with cold water to rinse the throat.5. Preparing a homemade isotonic beverage
During vigorous physical workouts, we may notice a considerable loss of sodium. To make up for this deficiency, some people opt for ready-made isotonic drinks, however, these often contain artificial dyes and refined sugar. To create your own isotonic beverage, simply add two-thirds of a teaspoon of Himalayan salt, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of honey to a bottle of water. These components will help prevent muscle cramps and increase energy levels during exercise.