November 2016 Monthly Newsletter To Salt or Not to Salt, That is the Question Salt Yes or No? By Merwin Stone Real Salt, Celtic Salt and Himalayan Salt Written By: Dr. Mark Sircus This is what real salt looks like we all know what regular white salt looks like and we mistakenly think it is real salt when it is not. The fact is that refined white salt, such as commercial table salt is bad, very bad stuff. Unrefined natural salt on the other hand is good, very good stuff providing many health benefits. Himalayan salt contains 84 minerals and trace elements in ionic state and is a delightful pink color. People often state that they use less of this salt than of other types. Many sizes are available from 3 oz in a salt grinder to larger 1-kg bags (2.2 lb). Salt chunks are also available for making
your own "sole," which is a saturated solution of purified water with Himalayan salt. A specific recipe (see below) must be followed to make sole and results in a solution that has much less sodium than just adding salt to water would have. Daily use of sole is believed to stimulate the peristalsis of the digestive organs, balance the stomach acid, support the production of digestive fluids in the liver and pancreas, regulate the metabolism and harmonize the acid-alkaline balance. Unrefined sea salt is healthy. The blood-pressure-raising effect of table salt can be due to its high content of sodium with not enough magnesium to balance it. This has a magnesium-lowering effect that can constrict the arteries and raise blood pressure. Real salt (of various kinds) contains plenty of magnesium and other important minerals, which is why it usually does not affect blood pressure in a negative way. Furthermore, the minerals elevate the ph (correct acidity) and lower blood pressure. Our maker gave us salt to use in our diet unrefined salt with its full complement of minerals. It should be the salt of choice. It is a vital ingredient that needs to be part of everyone's diet." Refined salt has the same effect on internal tissues and causes a negative reaction: your body retains water to protect itself, and your cells release water to help dilute, neutralize, and break down the salt. This loss of water dehydrates and weakens your cells and can even cause them to die prematurely. Natural sea salt is far superior to chemically-treated iodized table salts as it contains all 92 trace minerals, and it's only 84% sodium chloride while table salt is almost 98%". All this adds up to one thing. Table salt, whether marine or not, is toxic it's poisonous to the body and is responsible, in great part, to the onset of many terrible diseases including thyroid and metabolic dysfunction. In addition to sodium and chloride, Sea Salt provides other nutrients that naturally occur in salt beds, including trace amounts of calcium, magnesium potassium, iron and zinc. In accordance with standards set by The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, independent analysis indicates that levels of heavy metals are non-detectable (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, mercury) or well below published safe limits in Sea Salt. Perhaps most importantly, Sea Salt is not exposed to refinement and bleaching used to manufacture typical table salt and there are no additives. Sea Salt is harvested from the ocean using the sun, the wind and shallow clay ionizing ponds, a method passed down through the generations.
Health Benefits of Sea Salt The health benefits of sea salt include good skin care, improved dental health, relief from rheumatoid arthritis, muscle cramps, psoriasis, and osteoarthritis. It also helps in providing relief from acne and rhinosinusitis. Furthermore, it is beneficial for exfoliation, nasal and eye wash, and an improved electrolytic balance of the body. It has healing properties that play a vital role in maintaining acid-alkali ratio, regular heartbeat, and relaxed sleep, along with providing relief from general body fatigue. Sea salt, also known as bay salt, is produced by the process of evaporation of salt water bodies. It is darker in color as compared to the refined salts due to the absorption of essential minerals from the clay lining of the body of water. Normally, the harvesting of refined table salt involves heavy processing, including mining followed by iodizing, bleaching, and diluting with anticaking agents. More chemicals are added during the processing of salt, which often steals all of its beneficial minerals and trace elements, except sodium and chloride. Unlike refined salts, the preparation of sea salt usually includes very little processing, so it retains its moisture and mineral treasure. These minerals are present in a form that is easily utilized and absorbed by the human body. The climate and the geographical location of the region also play a significant role in the quality and combination of minerals offered by the sea salt.
The Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea are the most common hubs for the harvesting of sea salt. The method involved in harvesting sea salt also helps to retain its natural state and therapeutic qualities. These healing properties of sea salt help in maintaining good cellular functioning of the body and have been appreciated for ages. In ancient times, sea salt was valuable for healing hand injuries and wounds of fishermen. Celtic sea salt is harvested differently, and uses conventional Celtic methods. These methods involve working and collecting the salt entirely by hand, using only wooden tools. It does not contain harmful chemicals and additives that are usually added to the refined salts to prevent them from clumping. Nutritional Value of Sea Salt Sea salt derives 82 essential trace nutrients from the mineral treasure trove present in sea water. These natural minerals are valuable for healthy functioning of the body. The nutritional wealth of sea salt includes vital minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bromide, chloride, iron, copper, and zinc among other beneficial elements. Health Benefits of Sea Salt Sea salt consists of a similar assortment of minerals and natural healing elements as those found on skin cells. This makes it a perfectly natural ingredient to be used for therapeutic treatments and beauty products. Skin Care: The mineral content in Dead Sea salt have long been appreciated for their rejuvenating effects on the skin. Bathing in a Dead Sea salt solution helps in keeping the skin moisturized and revitalized. Dead Sea salt baths also help in improving the skin barrier function and eliminates the roughness and inflammation on the skin s surface. Studies have shown that the antiinflammatory effect is attributed to the presence of a high magnesium content in the Dead Sea salts. It also helps in the detoxification of the body by flushing out toxins from the pores, while also aiding in improving blood circulation. Dental Health: Sea salt contains fluoride, which is beneficial for promoting dental health. Fluoride aids in protecting the teeth from acidic damage and prevents the development of caries and cavities. Regular rinsing and gargling with tepid sea salt water helps to alleviate mouth sores, bleeding gums, ulcers, and the pain of sore throats. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dead Sea salts have been proven to be effective in providing therapeutic relief to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have made it clear that baths containing Dead Sea salts possess anti-inflammatory qualities and have demonstrated significant improvements in such ailments as compared to normal sodium chloride baths. Exfoliation: Sea salt finds another use in the cosmetic industry in the manufacturing of scrubs and other skin care products like antiperspirants and deodorants. Exfoliation with sea salts helps to remove dead skin particles, tones up the skin tissues, encourages peripheral blood circulation,
and helps in skin renewal. Unlike table salt, the granular texture of sea salt works very well in providing clean and smooth skin. Sea salt scrub therapy is also advised for patients suffering from low blood pressure, epilepsy, poor blood circulation, and general body fatigue by promoting healthy blood circulation. Normal Heartbeat: Sea salt aids in maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure and helps to normalize irregular heartbeats. It has also shown beneficial effects in preventing the occurrence of various cardiac disorders. Prevents Hair Loss: One of the lesser known benefits of sea salt is the stimulation of healthy hair growth. Massaging the scalp with the sea salt aids in improved circulation of blood and strengthens the hair follicles. Muscle Cramps: Sea salt is beneficial in relieving muscle cramps and helps in enhancing muscular strength. Essential minerals like magnesium and potassium have therapeutic and rejuvenating qualities, thus making sea salts a natural remedy to cure aches and pains. Eye Wash: A sea salt solution helps in relieving puffiness around your tired eyes. A sea salt compress aids in reducing the dark circles and sagging bags under the eyes, while inducing a calming, stress-relieving effect. Reduces Acidity: Sea salts helps in alkalizing the cells of the body by facilitating excretion of excess acids through urination. This helps in maintaining the optimal acid-alkali ratio of the body. In case the ph value of the blood moves towards the acidic side, it can disturb the natural, healthy balance of the body and may result in chronic medical conditions like Alzheimer s disease. Healing and Purifying Qualities: The electromagnetic force field that surrounds our body tends to attract negative energies and impurities from the environment. These energies may influence the health and well-being of some people. Culinary Use: Sea salt is also valued for its distinct flavor and is added to various recipes, particularly in French and Thai cuisine. Sea salts are naturally anti-allergenic and are considered beneficial in providing relief from asthma and other allergies. Sea salt is a major source of sodium and should be consumed in appropriate quantities. Irrespective of the type of salt, excessive intake of one type of salt may lead to ailments like edema or high blood pressure, which can pose a risk for other medical conditions. References: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-sea-salt.html http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/real-salt-celtic-salt-and-himalayan-salt?page=1