Feeling drained and dehydrated we instinctively reach for water, but did you know that sodium, the third most vital element for life after oxygen and water, plays a crucial role in hydration too?
Is salt healthy or unhealthy?
Salt is essential for your body to function correctly, and it’s essential for good health. Salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining electrolytes and fluid balance in the body.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams (one teaspoon) per day for most adults due to potential health risks [1]. Excess salt can indeed lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It can also strain the kidneys and weaken bones over time
As with most other nutrients and foods, eating a balanced diet is key. Many healthy, nutrient-rich foods naturally contain little to no salt, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and raw nuts, legumes, and seeds. Following a healthy eating pattern that includes whole foods like these can reduce your risk of salt-associated disease.
So....to salt or not to salt?
Demonising salt entirely isn't the answer. Sodium works alongside potassium to regulate fluid balance within and around cells, including the heart muscle, which is crucial for maintaining proper hydration and blood pressure. It also influences blood volume and pressure within blood vessel walls [2].
Sodium plays a role in nutrient absorption and transport across cell membranes, allowing the body to utilise nutrients efficiently [2]
Low sodium levels can lead to headaches, nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even dehydration if the body struggles to retain fluids...balance is key.
Research shows that individuals may respond differently to sodium. While some people may not be affected by a high-salt diet, others may experience high blood pressure or bloating with increased sodium intake (9Trusted Source). Those who experience these effects are considered salt-sensitive and may need to monitor their sodium intake more carefully than others [3].
Navigating the salty seas
The key to healthy salt consumption lies in the type you choose!
Table salt and some commonly available sea salts are highly processed and often stripped of minerals, sometimes containing added chemicals [2]. These are the types of salt associated with health warnings.
Kosher salt, with its larger, flakier crystals, is used in cooking for its texture and ease of measurement. It typically contains no additives and has less sodium per teaspoon compared to finely ground table salt [2].
Celtic sea salt is minimally processed and rich in minerals that support hydration and electrolyte balance. Unlike table salt, it retains essential trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron, offering a distinctive flavor and potential health benefits [2].
Himalayan pink salt, mined from ancient deposits, gets its pink hue from trace minerals. It also boasts over 80 trace minerals, including iron, potassium, and calcium [2].
Utah Real Salt is unrefined and offers several benefits due to its rich mineral content. It provides over 60 essential trace minerals for overall health and is a more balanced alternative to processed table salt [according to Gutology].
The Bottom Line
Refined salt is high in sodium and lacks minerals, whereas unrefined salts like Celtic sea salt, Himalayan sea salt, and Utah Real Salt offer a lower sodium content and additional trace minerals. Opting for these less processed salts alongside a diet rich in whole foods and proper hydration is key for optimal health.
Up your hydration with Phytolife!
Phytolife – Alkalising formula, liquid chlorophyll with peppermint
Counterbalances a pH which is in the unhealthy acidic range
Supports and detoxifies the body’s key systems; helps clean the liver; helps promote & maintain a healthy digestive system including bowel function; soothes the digestive tract
Improves the health of red blood cells, in turn improving immunity
Helps body to intercept toxins and stop the metabolism of dangerous chemicals
A more appealing way to drink water – and perhaps increase hydration as a result?
Energises the body and can help reduce headaches (possibly due to the improved hydration, as above)
Blood cleanser and strong blood builder
Increases fat metabolism
Reduces food cravings
A natural deodoriser
Provides iron, folic acid, magnesium, Vitamin C, K, calcium & protein
Anyone with arthritis, digestive imbalances, infections, poor immunity, cancer, inflammation, lots of stress is going to be in the acidic pH range.
pH testing strips can be sourced on www.amazon.co.uk Look for the Simplex ones which test Urine & Saliva, very useful to assess & monitor changes.
2 teaspoons of Phytolife is like eating approx 1kg of green leafy vegetables
(The health enhancing Chlorophyll is destroyed when we cook greens).
References
[1] WHO
[2] Gutology
[3] Healthline
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