What is SALT?

Chapter 20

SALT

       Salt is used in all types of dishes. In fact some people even add salt to sweet dishes to enhance the taste. But is salt really good for our body? Let us learn more about salt.

Salt is a mineral called Sodium Chloride. It is used in cooking for taste and also as a preservative. The two ions Sodium and Chlorine present in salt are necessary for the survival of living beings. But salt is harmful to plants growing on land. Salt regulates the water content of the body.

odium present in salt forms one of the four electrolytes in our body. Other electrolytes are magnesium, potassium and calcium. Unrefined salt contains all the four electrolytes and hence it is healthier than table salt or refined salt.

Unrefined sea salt has a bitter taste due to the presence of magnesium and calcium compounds. Hence unrefined salt is rarely eaten. But it is used in bath salts and cosmetics. Bath salt is used for curative purposes. Salt is also used in the manufacture of paper, fabrics, soap, detergents and many other items. Salt is also used in the treatment of dysautonomia.

Salt made from sea water and rock salt is deficient in iodine salts and hence its consumption leads to iodine deficiency diseases like goitre. The thyroid gland present in the throat swells. This appears as an ugly looking swelling on the throat. Only tiny amount of iodine is needed in the diet to prevent goitre. Hence the Doctors advice the use of iodide salt. Minute amount of potassium iodide, sodium iodide or iodate is added to salt to get iodide salt.

In some countries fluorination of water is not allowed. In such countries fluorinated salt is available. Sodium fluoride or potassium fluoride is added to salt to get fluorinated salt. 

Salt is considered auspicious in Hindu mythology and is used in many religious functions. It is also used as a purifier of a sacred place.

Preparation:  Everyone knows that sea water is salty. Salt is prepared from sea water. But it is also found in rocks. Sea water is collected and allowed to evaporate leaving salt behind. Rock salt deposits are formed by the evaporation of ancient salt lakes and may be mined through injection of water. The salt dissolves in the water to produce brine solution which is pumped to the surface. The raw salt is purified by a process involving re-crystallization. The brine solution is treated with chemicals which precipitate impurities like magnesium and calcium salts. Multiple stages of evaporation are used to get pure salt.

       Rock salt and sea salt is sold as Natrum Muriaticum in Homeopathy as a powerful curative.

Danger: Taking less or more salt can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness or even electrolytic imbalance in the body which can cause neurological problems.   Over consumption of salt can cause asthma, heartburn, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, high BP, cardiac enlargement, edema and gastric ulcer.

       Taking too much salt in a short period of time can even lead to death. People in ancient China are known to drink salt solution to commit suicide.

       It is best to reduce the intake of salt in diet than go for salt substitutes available in the market. Salt substitutes are made of potassium chloride, which will increase the intake of potassium. Too much of potassium can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Also it is bad for those suffering from kidney problems.

       It is better to grab an apple or any other fruit than go for salted chips while watching TV.