The Not-So-Common Benefits of Salt

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

One of the most common uses of salt is on food. Salt has been used for generations as a seasoning for tasty foods. In addition, there have been conversations on whether or not there are true health benefits of salt, more specifically, table salt. Don’t worry – there is good news. Overall, salt has been known to regulate blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, maintain a person’s stomach pH, and support a healthy metabolism, as well as, strengthen a person’s immune system, along with many other benefits. In addition, there are other types of salt with their own benefits, such as Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, and Epsom salt. 

Himalayan Pink Salt (can be ingested) – 

• Improves sleep.
• Decreases inflammation by helping control a person’s water levels in their body.
• Reduces muscle cramping.
• Helps alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms.
• Supports thyroids.
• Can help reduce anxiety and depression.
• Boosts brain health and energy.
• Decreases congestion and improves respiratory function.

Sea Salt (can be ingested) – 

• A sea salt bath can help rejuvenate a person’s skin and relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Apply under your eyes and rinse to remove dark circles.
• Can be used to exfoliate and treat psoriasis.

Epsom Salt (external use only) – 

• Destresses and eliminates toxins from the body.
• Helps headaches through a salt bath.
• Fights cold and flu symptoms through a salt bath.
• Can add volume to a person’s hair by mixing a little bit into conditioner.
• Restores magnesium.
• Can be used to relieve itchy bee stings and bug bites.
• Exfoliates and cleans skin.
• Can be used to remove foot odor and decrease swelling.

There are more uses for these three salts, but each can be used in different ways for a person to receive the benefits.

Dry Salt Therapy – Formally known as halotherapy, dry salt therapy occurs when a halogenerator crushes pure salt into particles and disperses them into a salt room, salt cave, or salt chamber. This safe and natural form of therapy benefits adults, children, athletes, and even animals. A person can use dry salt therapy as a complementary treatment for asthma, sinus infections, ear infections, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, COPD, and allergies. In addition, it can aid a person’s acne, psoriasis and eczema, as well as reduce their stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Himalayan Pink Salt Sole – A salt sole is basically pink water that is saturated with Himalayan pink salt, a natural, unprocessed salt that is known for its healing qualities. In addition, when Himalayan pink salt is combined with water, the salt’s electrolytes ionize, meaning when a person drinks this, their body sends electrical charges between cells, therefore, creating benefits. To put it plainly, a salt sole is rich in minerals and helps the body break down and absorb vitamins and nutrients. To make this combination, use a glass jar and add together Himalayan salt grounds or chunks and water. Let the mixture sit overnight and add a teaspoon into a cup of water in the morning. Stir together with non-metal utensils and drink.

Salt Baths/ Salt Water Remedies – I have eczema, and every time I go to the beach and get into the ocean, my skin clears up. To recreate this experience at home, you can fill a bathtub, bucket, or foot basin with water and a type of salt, usually Epsom salt. Sit in the mixture for 15 – 20 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll discover that your skin is exfoliated, dry skin on your feet can be easily removed, and more. Plus, negative energy is also removed from your body.

There are many positives to salt that people aren’t aware of. If you have sworn off table salt from your diet, try other alternatives and practices to reap the benefits of this powerful mineral.