Conventional wisdom and advice from many doctors has been to keep your salt intake low.
A study was done in Belgium and reported in 2011 in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). In the study, the researchers categorized the 3681 study participants according to salt intake. They were divided into 3 groups based on salt intake. 8 years later, participants in the group with the lowest salt intake at the beginning of the study were significantly more likely than the others to die of cardiovascular disease. In the low salt group 50 people died. In the moderate salt group 24 people died. In the high salt group 10 people died.
The researchers also found that these 3 groups had the same risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) regardless of sodium (salt) intake. This researcher concluded 2 previous studies as well that showed an inverse relationship between salt intake and mortality (death).
Salt is an essential nutrient and has always been important to life down through the ages. In our locale, it is very important to consume enough salt as salt is lost in perspiration.
Sea salt or some other form of natural salt is better than standard table salt as it does not contain additives. Natural salt is important to carry out electrical impulses that control many of our body’s functions. To keep our bodies functioning as they should, our bodies need the proper amount of electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that help control the fluid balance of the body and cell function. Calcium, sodium, and potassium are examples of electrolytes. Sodium chloride is salt.
Here are some of the more common symptom of salt depletion:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting and changes in appetite
- Loss of energy
- Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps
- Fatigue
Electrolytes trigger the thirst mechanism, which cause us to consume adequate amounts of water. With this water, our kidneys are able to keep the appropriate amount of electrolytes in our bloodstream.
Salt is important to the nerves, as it stimulates muscle contraction; this will also help prevent your muscles from cramping. Salt also keeps calcium and other minerals in the bloodstream. It also stimulates the adrenal glands, which are important for energy. Salt is also very important in the prevention of heat prostration and sunstroke, which is critical to remember during hot summer months.
Salt is also important for digestion as it provides chloride which the body uses to make hydrochloric acid which the stomach puts out to start the digestive process and properly digest protein.
Excess salt may temporarily increase blood pressure but the studies show that over time, the blood pressure stabilizes and the overall mortality rate is lower with adequate salt in the diet.
Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt is a good form of natural salt. Sea salt tablets can also be purchased.
