Salt has been a fundamental part of human civilisation for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, soldiers were often paid in salt, a practice so significant that the word "salary" is derived from the Latin word "salarium", meaning salt money. This historical context highlights salt's pivotal role, not just as a seasoning but as a valuable commodity that impacted economies and societies.
"The use of salt by humans is intimately connected with our advance from a nomadic stone age life of hunting and gathering, to agriculture in which grain cereals became an important food. Salt is needed to make these foods taste good, and also to preserve meats and dairy foods for storage and transport. Increased use of salt led to increased production of glial cells in the brain, the cells that make us capable of creative thinking and long-term planning. Indeed, in ancient cultures, salt was considered the gift of the gods.
The hunter gatherer obtains the salt he needs from the blood of animals (and sometimes the urine), which concentrate salt from the plants that they eat. Areas where there is very little sodium in the soil will support only small numbers of human beings. " - Sally Fallon.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles, as well as salt-preserved meats, were staples in many traditional cultures. These cultures consumed much more salty food than we do today, yet they were often healthier than we are now.
Despite its historical importance, salt has been vilified in modern times, often blamed for a range of health issues, particularly high blood pressure. But is this vilification justified, or is there more to the story?
The Importance of Salt for Brain Function and Nutrient Absorption
Salt is a vital nutrient that our bodies cannot produce on their own, making it essential for our health and survival. For humans, salt is as essential as water. Just as we can die from dehydration, we can also suffer severe consequences from a lack of salt. The human body typically contains around 250 grams of salt, and its levels are carefully regulated by the kidneys and through perspiration.
Salt is crucial for maintaining proper brain function and nutrient absorption:
Brain Function: Salt is essential for nerve impulse transmission and cognitive function. Adequate sodium levels help maintain the electrical activity of the brain, which is vital for mental clarity, focus, and memory.
Nutrient Absorption: Sodium plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, particularly for amino acids. It helps transport these nutrients across cell membranes, ensuring effective utilization by the body. Certain amino acids rely on sodium-dependent transporters for absorption into the small intestine's cells, meaning sodium is essential for their uptake.
Additionally, salt is our primary dietary source of chloride, a key component of hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for protein digestion and protecting the digestive tract from parasites and pathogens. Low hydrochloric acid levels can lead to symptoms such as bloating, acne, iron deficiency, indigestion, and multiple food allergies.
Salt is essential not only for digesting carbohydrates and proteins but also for fats, as sodium is involved in producing bile, which emulsifies fats for absorption.
Electrolyte Balance: Salt is a key component of electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and overall cellular health. An imbalance in electrolytes can lead to dehydration, muscle cramps, and other health issues.
Refined vs. Natural Salts
But are all salts the same?
While salt is a crucial part of our diet, the type of salt we consume can significantly impact our health.
Table Salt (refined salt): The Hidden Risks
Salt is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause it to clump. This moisture regulation is crucial for the body, as salt helps balance fluids.
To prevent clumping in humid conditions, salt companies began adding chemicals like sodium ferrocyanide and sodium silicoaluminate to coat the salt crystals, keeping them free-flowing. While convenient, these chemicals interfere with salt's natural role in moisture regulation, raising concerns about potential health effects.
Refined salt is usually white. Natural salt is never super white. To achieve its pure white color, table salt is often bleached. Yes! Bleached! This bleaching process can involve harsh chemicals that have many adverse effects on health.
Synthetic iodine, such as potassium iodide or potassium iodate, is often added to refined salt. However, this synthetic iodine is not as bioavailable, meaning the body does not absorb and use it as efficiently as iodine from natural sources like seafood or seaweed. In natural food sources, iodine often comes with other nutrients and minerals that aid in its absorption and utilisation, such as the trace minerals in seaweed that support thyroid function. Synthetic iodine in table salt is isolated and lacks these additional nutrients.
During the processing of refined salt, various natural minerals and trace elements present in unrefined salt, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium (collectively called complex chlorides), are removed. After removing these beneficial trace elements, chemicals are added that prevent salt from performing its natural functions in the body.
The extensive processing of table salt, including the removal of beneficial trace minerals and the addition of chemicals, is why "salt" can contribute to health issues, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Natural Salts: Essential for our health
Natural salts, such as sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and Celtic sea salt are essential for our health and here I will explain why:
Sea Salt: Harvested from evaporated seawater, sea salt is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Magnesium supports over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and protein synthesis.
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as for muscle function and nerve signalling.
Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. It also counteracts the effects of sodium on blood pressure.
Himalayan Pink Salt: Mined from ancient salt deposits in the Himalayas, this salt contains over 80 trace minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Iron is vital for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It also supports energy metabolism and immune function.
Calcium and Magnesium are both are crucial for bone health, muscle function, and cardiovascular health. Magnesium also helps with relaxation and sleep quality.
Celtic Sea Salt: Known for its grey color, Celtic sea salt is harvested from coastal regions in France and contains minerals such as potassium and calcium.
Basically, we cannot live without natural salt! My advice: avoid all processed, refined, “enhanced,” and “fortified” salt; always use unrefined natural sea salt or mined salt.
The Complex Relationship Between Sodium and Blood Pressure
Research indicates that reducing sodium intake from very high levels can result in a modest reduction in blood pressure. For instance, a significant study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that while lowering sodium intake can reduce blood pressure, the reduction is often minimal, particularly in individuals without hypertension.
However, excessively lowering sodium levels can have unintended consequences. One of the body's natural responses to low sodium intake involves the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). When sodium levels drop too much, the kidneys release hormones like renin and aldosterone to increase blood pressure and conserve sodium . This response can negate the benefits of reduced salt intake, potentially leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes. A study in The Lancet found that individuals with very low sodium intake had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with moderate sodium consumption.
Recent research indicates that insulin resistance may have a more significant impact on blood pressure than salt intake. Insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leads to elevated insulin levels in the blood. This condition can cause blood vessels to constrict, increase sodium retention, and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, all of which raise blood pressure.
Studies have shown that individuals with insulin resistance are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, independent of their salt intake. For example, a study published in Hypertension found that insulin resistance was a stronger predictor of high blood pressure than salt intake alone.
Addressing insulin resistance through diet and exercise may be far more effective in managing blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Quinton Therapy and seawater’s benefits
Salt therapy has long been valued for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating respiratory conditions, using for massages, baths or for skin conditions.
Among the pioneers in this field was René Quinton, a French physiologist and biologist whose groundbreaking work in the early 20th century laid the foundation for understanding the health benefits of seawater.
Quinton conducted extensive research on the composition of seawater and its similarities to human blood plasma. He discovered that seawater, in its natural, unaltered form, closely resembles the internal environment of the human body. This profound similarity led him to propose that seawater could serve as a powerful therapeutic tool.
Quinton began to apply his theories clinically, using seawater to treat various ailments. He observed positive outcomes in patients suffering from conditions like tuberculosis and other chronic diseases. His work gained recognition, and he was able to demonstrate that seawater could help restore health by providing essential minerals and nutrients.
Over time, Quinton refined his methods and developed specific preparations of seawater, known as "Quinton Plasma," which were isotonic and hypertonic solutions containing a rich array of minerals and trace elements. These preparations were designed to be used for therapeutic purposes, supporting hydration, detoxification, and overall health.
Quinton's research was ahead of its time, as it highlighted the critical role of minerals and the potential for using natural sources like seawater to address health imbalances. His work provides valuable insights into how natural elements can influence our well-being.
Unfortunately, nowadays, very little people know about this therapy (altough here is France is still quite easy to find it). The pharmaceutical industry’s interests in promoting synthetic drugs and treatments overshadowed alternative approaches like Quinton’s. Also, pharmaceutical companies typically invest in treatments that offer significant commercial potential. Seawater, being a natural and readily available resource, did not present the same profit opportunities as patented drugs.
Fortunately, some holistic doctors nowadays started using ancestral methods to prevent and treat diseases, and seawater is being used to help even with cancer.
I have personally found Quinton’s methods to be remarkably effective, especially in addressing my own struggles with insomnia and low energy levels.
My conclusion:
Although salt often gets a bad reputation nowadays, it’s important to remember that it plays a crucial role in our health.
I advise using natural salts and avoiding ultra-processed foods that contain refined salt. By choosing natural, unrefined salts and understanding their benefits, we can recognize the importance of salt just as we do with water.
Another advice that has been gaining more attention is reducing sugar consumption, as growing studies show that insulin resistance is the true cause of high blood pressure.
A bit of balance and knowledge can make a big difference in ensuring we get the most out of this essential mineral.
Before making significant changes to your diet and ensuring that these changes are right for you, it’s always good to consult a healthcare professional.
I offer online consultations in regenerative nutrition. Just click the link: https://www.mariellipahim.com/regenerative-nutrition-consulting
Or contact me on Whatsapp: +33 7 49 25 28 82
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