Is there such a thing as 'good salt'?
The balance of mineral salts in the body is vitally important for joint health, emotional health and general wellbeing. Different salts contain different levels of trace minerals. Table salt goes through a process of refining and bleaching, in which it ends up nearly completely sodium chloride. This differs from other mineral salts such as Himalayan salt which contains upwards of 80 natural minerals.
The following quotation contains information regarding certain health warnings about the over consumption of table salt, "The result of consuming common table salt is the formation of overly acidic edema, or excess fluid in the body tissue ... For every .035 ounces of sodium chloride that cannot be eliminated, the body uses 23 times (23x) the amount of its own cell water to neutralize the salt. If the sodium chloride is still too high, re-crystallization of the table salt occurs as the body uses available non-degradable animal proteins (as those found in milk), which also have no value and cannot be broken down and eliminated. The body uses these proteins to produce uric acid in order to get rid of the excess salt. As the body cannot dispose of uric acid, it binds itself with the sodium chloride to form new crystals that are deposited directly in the bones and joints. This is the cause of different kinds of rheumatism such as arthritis, gout, and kidney and gall bladder stones." (1)
The body absolutely needs salt, but it absolutely has to be the right kind. Therefore we must carefully consider the balance of salt within our bodies and examine which salt is best for our general health and wellbeing:
Himalayan Salt
Used for consumption, this salt is mined from the Himalayas in Pakistan and has a pink hue due to the levels of iron contained in it. "As pink salt is often found in larger sized crystals than table salt, it does contain less sodium per teaspoon." (2) It is free from environmental toxins, and supports general wellbeing.
Epsom Salts
Not recommended for consumption due to the high levels of magnesium, Epsom salts, or Magnesium Sulphate, can be absorbed directly through the skin and is very often added to a bath. It aids relaxation and sleep, and is especially good for athletes to relax their muscles after training.
Dead Sea Salts
Salt directly from the Dead Sea. The percentage of sodium chloride in the Dead Sea is 12%, compared with 85% of sodium chloride found in normal sea. Therefore the Dea Sea Salts contain many trace minerals and is not consumable due to its high levels of magnesium. Topical application (usually dissolved in a bath) of this salt is recommended for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It helps to improve skin conditions and is moisturising and soothing, aiding dry and itchy skin conditions.
Ref:
(1) Good Salt, Bad Salt: Salt is Salt Right?
(2) Pink Himalayan Salt: Does It Have Any Health Benefits?
