Is Salt Good or Bad?

Our body is 75% water. This water is contained in all of our tissues, cells and blood. It is a salty solution, very similar to the seawater. In health circles, salt has a bad reputation. It is blamed for everything from heart problems to bloating.

The term “low-sodium” is often applied to diet plans or products because we are led to believe that we must avoid or at least decrease our salt intake in order to be healthy. This isn’t exactly true. The body needs sodium to function. It is the main component of the body’s extra-cellular fluids, and helps carry nutrients into the cells.   Contrary to the belief that sodium causes high blood pressure, it actually helps regulate many body functions including blood pressure and fluid volume, working on the lining of blood vessels to keep the pressure balance normal. The issue is that not all sources of sodium and salt are the same.

• Table salt, consists of highly refined sodium chloride and is the culprit in high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease.
• Unrefined sea salt, on the other hand, can contain up to 80 minerals and trace elements. It delivers the benefits of sodium without the nasty side effects.