Salt: Good Or Bad For Your Health? 6 Things To Consider

We have all heard that consuming too much salt can cause an array of health problems, especially heart & kidney-related issues.

But what is salt and why is it linked to so many health problems?

Salt is a mineral that consists of two elements, sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) that binds together as the compound sodium chloride. In the presence of high levels of sodium, the body holds on to extra water to balance out body fluid volume and electrolyte concentration. This excess water causes blood pressure to rise which may lead to heart and liver diseases.

However, adequate sodium in the diet is essential for life, as Sodium (along with other minerals) is responsible for muscle contraction and nerve impulses. And remember, the heart is a muscle.

Here is where the confusion starts. There are two main sources of sodium, and they are vastly different from each other. One is a natural salt and the other, processed salt.

Processed Salt – Refined, table salt. It goes through a myriad of chemical processes including iodization (added iodine) & bleaching (to give it its white color). In the process, the salt gets stripped of all its nutrients and minerals while it is also exposed to aluminum and ferrocyanide. Making refined salt a toxic substance may lead to detrimental health problems.

Natural Salt- Unrefined, solar-dried, unaltered salt. It has not been put through any chemical process. Making it a rich source of natural minerals that support health and homeostasis. Natural salt colors may vary depending on where it comes from (usually a pinkish or brownish color). Pink Sea salt and Celtic Sea salt are the most complete and healthy salts. Containing about 80 minerals and essential trace elements such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulfate, iron, and sodium. All of which are essential for overall optimum health.

But how much salt is too much?

1,500 milligrams or less is the American Heart Association's recommended daily allowance of sodium.

3,400 milligrams is the amount of sodium that the average American consumes. With 65% coming from processed/store-bought foods (reported by the AHA).

By simply removing processed foods from your everyday diet, will put you below the AHA recommended daily amount.

The truth is - Salt in its natural mineral-rich form is essential for life, contributes to overall health, and is not being consumed in excess by the average American.

However, refined salt is a harmful substance found in most processed foods, which very often makes up for a big part of most Americans’ diet.

6 Things to Consider:

1. Significantly reduce processed/packaged foods consumption.

2. Prepare foods yourself. Choose whole foods whenever possible.

3. Drink plenty of water whenever you consume too much refined salt and/or processed foods. (See related post)

4. Completely remove table salt from your home and ignore it at the restaurant table.

5. Replace refined salt with either Himalayan Salt, Celtic Sea salt, or (my personal favorite) Redmond Sea salt.

6. Do not be afraid of salt (the natural kind).

-Your Coach