For thousands of years, salt has been essential to the human race. As a matter of fact, salt production and use probably dates back further than recorded history. There have been times in the past where salt has been a valuable trade item and sought after by many. Today, it is a staple in every home and at every meal. Salt not only provides additional flavor but helps our bodies to properly function.
DECREASES INFLAMMATION
Inflammation plays a part in almost every chronic disease being dealt with by individuals across the globe. Inflammation happens when your body is reacting to a virus, infection, diseases, or problem in your body, sometimes without you even knowing there is a problem. Some inflammation is good as it queues your body to get to work fixing the problem, but when we end up having chronic problems then our inflammation also becomes chronic and causes more problems on top of the preexisting ones.
A study produced by the University of Manchester found that adding salt in IV drips helped to reduce inflammation where it was present. Their research, and much other research, helps us to know that adding salt can help to reduce inflammation in our bodies and lead to a greater ability to overcome diseases or chronic illnesses. As a matter of fact, salt water has been proven to help with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, eczema, and other inflammatory problems.
KEEPS YOU HYDRATED & BALANCES ELECTROLYTES
Did you know that electrolytes are minerals that have an electromagnetic charge? These electrolytes are needed for a variety of bodily functions. Looking at how salt works in our body will help to increase your understanding of salt, hydration, and electrolytes. Essentially, “Sodium binds to water in your body and helps maintain the balance of fluids both inside and outside your cells'' (Healthline). This can be a good thing when levels are controlled properly, but it can also turn into a bad thing if your body begins to retain too much water. Electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and calcium help your body to retain the proper amount of water by balancing fluid levels.
Sea salt contains a variety of electrolytes or minerals that allow you to begin balancing your body's water levels. Be wary though, because there are two extremes that can both be detrimental to your health, including too much water in your body, or too little.
In consequence of electrolytes creating water balance, you are able to keep the water you need and stay hydrated. In the end, more minerals from sea salt means more electrolytes, which means better fluid balance and hydration.
IMPROVES YOUR SKIN HEALTH
Soaking in a bath of sea salt and water and increasing your dietary salt intake help your body to replenish and refresh. It essentially helps to clean your skin of dirt, grime, toxins, or chemicals. When used topically, sea salt is a natural exfoliant, scrubbing your body clean or impurities. Because of the high amount of minerals found inside of sea salt, it can also be very beneficial for any skin related problems or diseases like eczema, acne, aging, or others. Some of the minerals you can find in our sea salt are magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium. These minerals also help to balance the oil production of your skin. After a sea salt soak, you may notice fresher, healthier feeling skin.
PROMOTES & IMPROVES DIGESTION
The salty taste you get in your mouth when consuming salt is helpful. When eating salt, your taste buds begin to release an enzyme called salivary amylase. This enzyme then helps you to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and more. Without the release of this enzyme, you are more likely to experience indigestion, heartburn, stomach aches and more. Once the salt gets past your mouth and into your stomach, it also begins to stimulate the stomach to produce more acid to help break down foods. Essentially, the enzymes and acid that salt stimulates allows you to better digest your food.
Since salt is also helpful in decreasing inflammation, it provides you with less discomfort as your body digests because the sodium releases these enzymes and works to decrease the amount of inflammation around your stomach, GI tract, and your whole body.
BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Since sea salt contains so many needed minerals and electrolytes, your body is better able to have sufficient vitamins and minerals and therefore fight off viruses, bacteria, and infections. Salt also helps to balance the pH of your body, as it is a very alkaline food.
Another way that salt is able to boost a person’s immunity is because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is able to remove dust, pathogens, and airborne viruses from your body, helping you to decrease the allergic reactions, allergies, or other chronic respiratory systems that compromise the immune system. (Dr. Axe)
In the end, we see that while the research is still ongoing, salt has a variety of benefits to your health if you consume it in the right amount. We also know that salt that contains trace minerals and electrolytes, like our Utah Mineral Sea Salt, are more effective at providing these benefits. Be sure to try sea salt and see how it not only adds to the flavor of your foods, but helps you reap the benefits mentioned in this article.