In Salt: Your way to Health, author Dr. David Brownstein, M.D. states that regular table salt (iodized and non-iodized) is actually harmful to 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.
At the same time, he states that many people are actually deficient in salt, and that a low salt diet is harmful to most of us.
What he recommends is natural unrefined sea salt. Sea salt has natural 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 uses unrefined sea salt for treatment for disease. He has found it helpful in detoxification, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid issues. He has also seen high blood pressure come down after giving salt to people on low salt diets.
Sea salt increases the bodies ability to absorb iodine. Bromines block the absorption of iodine, while salt pushes bromines from the body. Chemicals containing bromines (and bromides) are used as a disinfectant in pools and hot tubs. Drinks with citrus flavoring (Mountain Dew/Gatorade), commonly have brominated vegetable oil in them. 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 plastics (cars, tv’s, computers, kitchen appliances), upholstery, carpeting, electronics, and paints. Once again, sea salt helps us detoxify from bromines/bromides allowing us to absorb iodine more effectively.
The minerals in unrefined sea salt will 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.
He states that refined salt (because of its mineral imbalance) will stay outside of our cells. This pulls water from our cells (dehydrating them) causing swelling and high blood pressure. Personally, I’ve seen the addition of salt help people significantly who suffer with disc problems.
Dr. Brownstein recommends the Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt by Selina Naturally because of it’s high mineral content. It has more than four times as much minerals as other sea salts like Redmond’s Real Salt, and Himalayan Salt. Selina Naturally also produces a Hawaiian salt, which has more minerals and less sodium than the Celtic salt. Many use it in neti pots for sinus infections.
All Selina Naturally Sea Salts are on sale this month.
