Healing with Salt

It seems that one of our favorite minerals has been getting a bad rap. We all know the fairly common adage of watching your salt intake, but we’re here say there is so much more to this essential nutrient than sprinkling it on your eggs in the morning.

Salt can come in so many different forms and colors outside of the fine iodized white grains we most commonly see. As well, it has a lengthy historical background- not only culturally, but holistically. It is believed in the Ayurvedic tradition that salt strengthens one’s energy. In Chinese medicine salt is said to have a yin quality that benefits the kidneys, and allopathic medicine recognizes the healing properties of salt. From strengthening the digestive system, helping detoxify the liver, and encouraging bowel movements, to being used as the antidote for all forms of radiation, the many healing aspects of salt have been well documented.

Blood has been shed and wars have been fought over the control of salt. Consider this: sodium is an essential nutrient, a mineral which the body itself needs but cannot manufacture. Water and salt are both essential to life and can be found in the primordial ocean from which we came, in the amniotic fluid from which we were born, in the blood that runs through our veins, in our sweat, in our tears, and in the interstitial fluid between each of our cells. It is the one food that does not need to be broken down into various constituents in order for the body to make use of it. Salt is salt. It always maintains its original form.

Now, before you get all salt happy and start using it on everything, there are dietary guidelines for the appropriate amount of sodium intake. To decide upon the optimal amount of salt to include in your diet you should consult with your professional health provider.

Read the post What You Didn’t Know About Salt to learn more about salt and the different kinds of salt and their benefits.

NTI Recipes that utilize this key ingredient: Preserved Lemons, Spring Greens Jam, and Cacao Almond Butter Cups

NTI stands for better health through better nutrition.

We’re on a mission. The health of our country is in serious decline. In 1999 we decided to do something about it: teach people how to eat for health and explain the science behind it. We teach the teachers. And the teachers are making a difference.

*Original blog written by Darlene Wilkins; Jan 13, 2014

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