I have been in the health field for almost 25 years. I focus on the whole person to get them well as soon as possible utilizing gentle upper cervical chiropractic, nutrition, ortho-bionomy, and applied kinesiology. I currently practice and have recently started teaching QSM3 (Quantum Spinal Mechanics³) which is an offshoot of NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association).
By Michael Polsinelli, D.C.
For decades, Americans were told to eat less salt for their health.
In Salt: Your way to Health, author Dr. David Brownstein, M.D. states that while regular table salt (iodized and non-iodized) can be harmful to us, many people are actually deficient in salt, and that a low salt diet is harmful to most of us.
Refined salt is devoid of minerals and co-factors that are essential for health. Table salt can also contain anti-caking agents and dextrose that some people react to.
Natural unrefined sea salt on the other hand contain minerals (including iodine, potassium and magnesium), that are needed for proper health. Refined salts will deplete minerals in our body. Refined salt is acidifying which can lead to inflammation. Unrefined sea salt is alkalizing because of its mineral content.
Dr. Brownstein actually recommends unrefined sea salt for treatment for some disease. He has found it helpful in detoxification, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid issues. He has also seen high blood pressure actually come down after giving salt to people on low salt diets.
Sea salt helps with thyroid problems (cold hands and feet, low metabolism, loss of hair) by detoxifying us of a common toxic chemicals containing bromine that block iodine absorption. Chemicals containing bromine are found in disinfectants for pools and hot tubs, drinks with citrus flavoring (Mountain Dew/Gatorade). While many countries have banned its use, methyl bromide is still used in the U.S. as a pesticide and preservative with tomato, strawberries, and ham/pork products. Brominated flame retardants, which are banned in some European countries, are commonly used in clothes, plastics, upholstery, and carpeting. The chloride in salt helps to detoxify from bromine allowing us to absorb iodine more effectively. Also, the minerals in unrefined sea salt can also help with hypothyroidism by supplying the nutrients needed to convert the thyroid hormone T4 to T3.
A low salt diet will also stress the adrenal glands leading to fatigue and exhaustion. When we are low on sodium, our adrenals will produce aldosterone which helps us retain sodium. Sea salt helps many people with chronic fatigue syndrome, and from passing out from standing up too quickly.
In my practice, I’ve seen that the addition of sea salt help people significantly who suffer with disc problems and neck pain.
While Dr. Brownstein recommends the Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt by Selina Naturally because of it’s high mineral content. Other salts like Redmond’s Real Salt, and Himalayan Salt can also be beneficial. The Celtic salt has up to 4x as much minerals as the other salts.
If you have a kidney problem or have been told specifically by your doctor to avoid salt, then adding more salt to your diet could be dangerous. Also, an increase in swelling after ingesting extra salt can indicate a simple nutritional imbalance (usually a b-vitamin). If you have extra swelling, decrease the salt until you can address the nutritional deficiency.
TESTIMONIAL
Hallelujah! Salt back in my diet, didn’t know how much I missed it until I got it back. A pinch on my tongue, increases my energy. ~JN
