What Are The Health Benefits Of Salt

Written By Sierra Powell / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

One condiment you are guaranteed to find in most homes is salt. Salt is antibacterial and has antiseptic properties that make it useful in different aspects of life.

The many uses of salt include flavoring our food, using with warm water to gargle for relief from a sore throat, preserving food, curing meats, providing relief from a bee sting, keeping fleas and ants away, and cleaning your oven.

Salt has always gotten a bad reputation due to its high sodium content. However, in this article, we will debunk this myth and expound on the health benefits of using salt.

Digestion

Sodium chloride is beneficial for our bodies. During digestion, our stomachs need chloride to facilitate the making of hydrochloric acid. The sodium chloride in the salt enables nutrients to be absorbed in the intestines. Various studies have shown that drinking warm water with salt will induce bowel movement and should be tried out before getting a colonoscopy.

You can use this salt mixture to offer relief from constipation. A good rule of thumb is to be cautious when drinking this concoction to avoid overdoing it and causing adverse reactions. Iodized salt helps the thyroid work properly. Lack of iodine can cause fatigue, constipation, and difficulty in thinking correctly.

Hydration

For our bodies to be well hydrated, we need a balance of electrolytes. Have you ever wondered why you get very thirsty after eating salty foods, like French fries? This is because water follows sodium and helps to achieve fluid balance in your body.

With new and groundbreaking discoveries in the salt industry, getting a salt that fits your electrolyte needs is relatively easy. Most sports drinks barely scratch the surface when making a drink suitable to replenish the body with salts and water lost as you exercise.

Getting adequate hydration from a good salt and some water will work wonders in hydrating the body and keep you feeling refreshed and balanced.

Muscle Cramping

Hydration is a crucial part of any workout routine. As you are working out, your body loses a lot of salts and water through sweat. Dehydration causes the spaces between muscle cells to contract, causing muscle cramps.

Muscle cramps can be quite painful and will slow you down or even halt your training altogether. According to Boulder Salt Company,'' a balanced electrolyte profile is not only essential for vital body functions but can also benefit your body at the cellular level. Plus, its higher magnesium content also helps prevent muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome.”

Skin

The antiseptic properties of salt make it ideal for use on the skin. Salt improves circulation on the skin and promotes hydration. You can mix salt, lavender, and aloe vera juice for a rejuvenating body scrub, olive oil, and salt make for an outstanding softening scrub, while some water and salt spritz makes for a great facial toner.

Make a foot soak with some salt to remove calluses, germs, and fungus from your toes while leaving your food feeling soft and clean. Studies have shown that using salt in your bath water can help soothe irritation caused by eczema. Salts with high levels of magnesium are best suited for use on the skin.

Healthy Nervous System and Heart

If you suffer from high blood pressure, it is crucial to keep your salt intake in check. However, you need salt in your system to provide the body with the electrolytes you need for normal cardiovascular activities and nerve functions.

The right level of salts will ensure that blood pressure and blood volume are well maintained. Low blood pressure caused by low sodium levels leads to fatigue, difficulty in thinking, and seizures.

Research shows that eating low amounts of sodium leads to an increase in bad cholesterol, which is harmful to your heart and increases your risk of heart diseases.

Salt is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The notion that salt is wholly bad for your health is wrong and unfounded. With the many salt options available in the market, do your research and choose the right fit for your needs. Remember that portion control is essential when using salt.

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Written By:

Sierra Powell graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Writing. When she's not writing, she loves to cook, sew, and go hiking with her dogs.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.