Salt

Salt (sodium chloride) – the most valuable gift of nature, necessary to maintain human life ^[1] and all living beings. The sodium ions included in the product are involved in the contraction of muscle fibers, the transmission of nerve impulses. Therefore, an insufficient concentration of these compounds in the human body causes increased fatigue, general weakness, and the appearance of neuromuscular disorders. ^[2]. At the same time, an excess of the element leads to an increase in blood pressure, fluid retention ^[2].

The chlorine ion in salt is the main material for the production of hydrochloric acid, which is an important component of gastric juice. ^[3].

Interestingly, in nature, living organisms cannot survive without salt. Doctors say that it is vital, because it maintains the normal acid-base balance of the body, metabolism, and also serves as the main source of sodium, without which the full functioning of internal organs is impossible. ^[3].

According to the World Health Organization, the daily intake of table salt for an adult is 5 grams. At the same time, keep in mind that sodium chloride is found in many food products (semi-finished products, sauces, canned food, vegetables, sweets, carbonated drinks, cookies, chocolate, cheeses, sausages, herring, bread) ^[4].

Classification

Today, there are many varieties of salt, which differ in color, taste, chemical composition, as well as the degree of grinding and purification. It is easy to get lost among the wide range. Which one should be preferred?

Types of salt:

1. Iodized. It is useful to people living in ecologically unfavorable areas. Contraindicated with hyperactivity of the thyroid gland.
2. Extra. It is an “aggressive” type of salt, since it contains exclusively pure sodium chloride. In the process of product production (evaporation of water, cleaning with soda), all useful trace elements are destroyed, so it is practically of no value to the human body.
3. Stone This is a natural salt of grayish color, extracted from the mines.
4. Black. It is a natural unrefined product. Improves digestion, has a laxative effect. Black salt contains potassium, iodine, sulfur, iron.
5. Cooking In fact, it is bleached rock salt, in granules.
6. Marine. The most useful product, a natural source of trace elements. It consists of: sodium, chlorine, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, selenium, copper, silicon, iodine ^[5].

Sea salt is extracted from the waters of the planet. It is much more useful than stone or cookery. Its color (gray, pink, black, red) and taste (rich, tender or pungent) are determined by local algae and clay species concentrated in evaporating ponds. Used to treat sinusitis, pneumonia, periodontal disease, hypertension, rheumatism, and poisoning.

According to the place of production, the following subspecies of sea salt are distinguished: “Maldonian” (England), “Terre de Sel” and “Sel gris” (France), “Rose” (Bolivia), “Himalayan” (Pakistan), “Hawaiian Red” or Hawaiian black ”,“ Kala namak ”(India),“ Persian blue ”(Iran).

7. Dietary. A distinctive feature of this type is low sodium content. The composition of dietary salt includes potassium and magnesium, supporting the work of the heart and blood vessels.

Salt is classified according to the method of grinding (large, medium, small), purity (highest, first, second grade).

The product is actively used in the food industry, medicine, cosmetology.

In cooking, coarse salt is used exclusively for canning vegetables, salting fish, cooking soups, cereals. Middle grinding is used to improve the taste of the marinade, dry salting of meat, baking fish. Fine salt is added to ready meals (appetizers, salads), served to the table. It dissolves quickly, does not creak on the teeth.

The greatest value for the human body is sea salt, extracted from inland seas and salt lakes.

Consider the uniqueness of such a talent of nature.

The value of sea salt for the body

Salt extracted from the depths of the sea has unique qualities. In laboratory conditions, scientists have not yet been able to derive its analogue, despite the fact that the composition of the crystal has long been known. Esotericists claim that salt obtained from sea water has a great power of natural energy, which fills the human body with harmony and health. ^[6].

From time immemorial, sodium chloride has been used as a natural preservative to increase the shelf life of products. On its basis, formulations were prepared to prolong youth and beauty.

The beneficial properties of sodium chloride are due to the presence of sodium, potassium, calcium, bromine, magnesium, iodine, zinc, silicon and iron in the composition. ^[6].

Effect of salt on the human body:

• regulates and maintains within the normal water balance, sodium-potassium ion exchange;
• relieves smooth muscle spasms;
• supplies the body with macro- and microelements, in particular sodium;
• soothes the nervous system;
• promotes the synthesis of hydrochloric acid;
• inhibits putrefactive processes in the digestive tract (due to antiseptic properties);
• speeds up metabolism;
• promotes the formation of cell membranes, the formation of red blood cells;
• supports normal hormonal, lipid metabolism, the function of the sex glands;
• improves the condition of the skin.

Salt acts as an anti-allergic, disinfectant agent. It is useful not only to use it inside, but also to use it externally as baths, inhalations, as part of masks. So, salt compresses under the eyes relieve bags, rinses with the addition of soda relieve inflammation of the tonsils, and baths relieve swelling of the legs. ^[6][7].

Salt disease treatment methods

When the first symptoms of ailments appear, don’t be in a hurry to go to the pharmacy;

Sea salt has antibacterial, antiseptic, wound-healing effects. It is used to prepare solutions for washing the nasal passages, gargling, baths, inhalation. It is a natural disinfectant, anti-inflammatory agent that fights ARVI diseases, colds, rheumatism, arthrosis, neutralizes radiation ^[6][7].

Salt treatment methods:

1. Inhalations. They are prescribed for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases, have a general strengthening value. The principle of operation of the procedure is based on the fact that with the inhalation of therapeutic steam, useful substances enter the lungs, which kill pathogenic microorganisms, disinfect the mucous membranes of the larynx and nasopharynx, relieve swelling, dilute sputum, and saturate tissues with biologically active compounds. As a result, the patient’s well-being improves, the disease recedes faster ^[6][7].

Inhalations with sea salt have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects, are useful in the common cold, cough.

To enhance the effect, put pine extract, nettle, eucalyptus, sage or lime blossom in the teapot. Such inhalations are carried out 2 times a day.

To prepare therapeutic steam, dissolve 30 grams of sea salt in a liter of water. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil, cook for 5 minutes. Breathe this solution for 10 minutes. To eliminate problems with the upper respiratory tract, inhale through the mouth, exhale through the nose, for the treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx, reverse the procedure.

Inhalations are contraindicated for hypertensive patients, people with cardiac and pulmonary insufficiency, with nosebleeds, elevated body temperature, children up to 2-x years.

After the procedure, you can not strain your throat, go out into the cold air, preferably 30 lie down for minutes.

2. Washing the nasal cavity, gargling. Symptoms of a cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, rhinitis recede if the mucous membranes are disinfected with saline. This is the safest and most effective way to cleanse the nasal passages of pathogenic mucus. Salt washing increases local immunity, removes microparticles of irritants (bacteria, pollen, dust), strengthens capillaries, reduces swelling of the mucous membrane, and speeds up recovery. A solution with sodium chloride reduces inflammatory reactions, reduces the likelihood of infection of the body ^[6][7].

Method of preparation of a disinfectant for flushing the nasal passages and gargling: dissolve 7 – 10 grams of sea salt without additives in milliliters of hot water in 500. Cool the solution to an acceptable temperature (it should be warm). The procedure to perform 3 – 5 once a day.

Remember, it is unacceptable to use cold saline to rinse the throat or rinse the nose, as it can worsen the patient’s condition.

3. Sea bath. Medicinal properties: relieves rheumatoid spasms, restores mobility and flexibility of joints, relieves osteochondrosis, skin diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, vitiligo, eczema). Hot baths with water temperatures up to 42 degrees are effective for arthritis, neuropsychiatric disorders, liver and kidney pathologies. The course of treatment – 10 – 15 procedures, lasting 15 minutes, daily or every other day. Contraindications: diseases of the cardiovascular system ^[6][7].

Preparation of the bath: type water to 35 degrees, dissolve 1,5 kilogram of sea salt. Lie down so that your legs are slightly higher than your head (this will facilitate the work of the heart). Procedures should be carried out in the evening no later than 1 an hour before bedtime.

To relieve nervous tension, add in the bath aromatic oil of chamomile, lavender or lemon balm (a few drops).

Why is salt called “white death”?

This term refers to ordinary table salt. Such a product is completely refined and devoid of useful properties. Therefore, for ingestion and external use, it is recommended to use exclusively sea salt enriched with trace elements. During the production process, it is not subjected to heat treatment, so the product retains a maximum of nutrients in the composition. ^[8].

Excess salt in the body

Interestingly, sea salt in 97% consists of sodium chloride, and the rest (3%) is in the mineral compounds necessary for human activity.

Sodium normalizes kidney function, maintains normal water-salt balance, neuromuscular activity, participates in muscle contraction, transport of blood sugar into cells. Without this element, the growth of the body is impossible, the normal functioning of internal organs ^[9][10].

By interacting with chlorine, sodium resists the leakage of fluid from blood vessels into nearby tissues. It is impossible to overestimate the role of this element for a living organism. ^[9][10].

In a healthy person, the sodium content in the blood ranges from 135 to 145 millimoles per liter. The shift of this balance up or down indicates the presence of “hidden” problems in the body ^[9][10].

With prolonged excessive salt intake (over 10-15 grams per day), hypernatremia develops, accompanied by cellular dehydration. ^[10].

Other causes of sodium accumulation in the body are:

• diabetes mellitus 2 type;
• hypertension;
• improper diet (uncontrolled use of fast food, convenience foods);
• hereditary predisposition;
• insufficient water intake (less than 1,5 liters per day);
• taking mineral preparations;
• violation of water-salt metabolism;
• adrenal dysfunction, kidney ^[10].

Symptoms of surplus:

• fluid retention in the body (the occurrence of edema);
• increased body temperature;
• excessive irritability;
• decreased kidney function;
• constant thirst;
• lethargy, fatigue;
• constipation;
• joint pain;
• dark yellow urine;
• frequent headaches;
• muscle cramps;
• restlessness;
• arterial hypertension ^[10].

Effects:

• muscle fibers are stretched, their function is weakened (impulse response deteriorates);
• renal failure develops, nephritis, inflammation of the canals;
• blood thickens, pulse quickens, chronic hypertension appears;
• increases the risk of stroke, heart attack;
• develop arrhythmia, tachycardia;
• fatty deposits (plaques) appear on the walls of blood vessels;
• reduced regulatory function of the hypothalamus ^[10].

To eliminate the symptoms of hypernatremia and improve the patient’s condition, the amount of salt consumed should be strictly controlled and reduced to a critical minimum of 3-5 grams per day. In addition, a strict diet, medication, outpatient treatment is prescribed. The goal of therapy is increased excretion and blocking of salt deposition. ^[10].

Remember, self-medication is dangerous to health. Therapy is prescribed by the doctor after drawing up the clinical picture of the patient’s health.

How not to overdo food?

First of all, add sodium chloride in the dish a little, try each time. Secondly, it is better to use a flavoring additive of medium or coarse grit (it takes less) to sprinkle food. Thirdly, flavor the dish at the end of cooking. Fourth, replace it with hot peppers, spices. So you will reduce the consumption of sodium chloride, avoid the development of dependence and settle the salt balance.

Deficit

Causes of hyponatremia:

• insufficient salt intake with food (less than 0,5 grams);
• liver cirrhosis with ascites;
• polycystic kidney disease;
• pyelonephritis;
• decompensated diabetes;
• chronic renal failure;
• nephrotic syndrome;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• taking diuretics;
• hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone ^[9].

Symptoms of deficiency:

• decrease in skin turgor;
• dry dermis;
• cramps in the legs;
• vomiting;
• thirst;
• reduced urine output;
• nausea;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• loss of appetite;
• drowsiness and apathy;
• weight loss;
• muscle weakness;
• frequent infectious diseases
• lowering blood pressure ^[9].

Effects:

• depression;
• deterioration in food digestion;
• decrease in plasma volume;
• salt washing out of bones;
• increased accumulation of harmful nitrogen compounds that undermine health;
• dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus ^[9].

Treatment of hyponatremia involves the use of drugs and products containing sodium.

Food sources: sea salt, sauerkraut, pickles, broths, soy sauce, canned meat, tomatoes, celery, eggs, fish, seafood.

Salt myths

Disputes about the benefits and harms of sodium chloride originated from ancient times, and do not subside to this day. Some argue about the need to reduce the daily intake of salt to a minimum. Others, on the contrary, call for the inclusion of a flavor in the daily diet, so as not to “injure” the body.

Myth №1 “Salt – poison”

It is not true. Sodium chloride is the most valuable gift of nature, which a few centuries ago was worth its weight in gold. The benefits of salt for the human body is invaluable. Its chronic shortage can be fatal. Chlorine and sodium in the composition of the product are involved in the flow of vital functions: the transmission of nerve impulses, the transport of oxygen in the blood, the implementation of muscle movements.

In moderation, not exceeding the daily allowance, salt is a product that supports human health. However, when used in excess, its benefits turn into harms. In this case, the expression “salt is a white poison” is fully justified, since hypernatremia can literally kill a person. ^[1].

Myth №2 “Diet without salt”

Currently, there is an erroneous assumption that by refusing to take sodium chloride, a person begins to lose kilograms due to the breakdown of fat. This is partly true. A salt-free diet will help eliminate up to 4 kilograms in 14 days. However, in this case, weight loss is not due to the breakdown of body fat, but as a result of dehydration. Together with the liquid, minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium) are washed out, the deficiency of which leads to an electrolyte imbalance in the body. As a result, a person has rapid fatigue, dry hair and skin, loss of strength.

The lack of salt in the body is accompanied by the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, depressive states, the occurrence of osteoporosis and anorexia.

You can not completely abandon the use of sodium chloride, as this will lead to undermining of health.

To date, nutritionists have agreed that a salt-free diet will do more harm to the human body than good. ^[9].

Myth №3 “Salt Deposition”

Bile salts, calcium, phosphates, and urates are often deposited in the human body. This group of chemical compounds has nothing to do with sodium chloride. The most important aspect is the ratio of the amount of salt consumed and excreted. Interestingly, to maintain life, the human body absorbs only the missing part of sodium chloride. At the same time, the excess is excreted in the urine. In case of metabolic disorders, salts begin to accumulate in the gallbladder, joints, and kidneys. As a result, the outflow of bile is disturbed, severe pain occurs, cartilage is destroyed, the pelvis becomes inflamed, and stones form.

Thus, when it comes to salts, it is not sodium chloride that is meant, but the content of chemical compounds in tissues. ^[11].

Myth №4 “Destroys the teeth”

True, sea salt, if you chew its crystals, can damage the enamel. In other cases, this statement is nothing more than erroneous. Salt is eaten exclusively in dissolved form, in which it cannot harm the teeth. On the contrary, it, together with soda, is used to treat ulcers in the oral cavity and strengthen the gums. ^[12].

Myth №5 “Increases pressure”

Excess salt in the body causes the development of atherosclerosis, negatively affects the mechanism that controls blood pressure. In addition, with excessive use of sodium chloride, the need for fluid increases sharply, which leads to an increase in the load on the heart and blood vessels. As a result, swelling of the limbs is observed, and bags appear under the eyes. Therefore, hypertensive patients are advised to reduce the daily dose of salt. ^[13].

Use in the household

Sodium chloride is used in everyday life for the following purposes:

• so that when boiling the shell on the eggs does not crack (add to water);
• so that the cookies do not burn in the oven (put under the molds);
• so that bugs do not start in banks with cereals (put a bag of salt on the bottom of the tank);
• for removing grease stains from clothes (rub with salt);
• to eliminate the smell of tina from fish (rinse in saturated brine);
• so that colored laundry does not fade during washing (add to water);
• so that the first pancake comes out “not in a lump” (wipe the pan);
• so that dry mushrooms take their former appearance (soak in salted milk);
• so that the raw firewood flared up sooner (sprinkle with crystals);
• To give softness to terry robes and towels (after washing, rinse with water and salt).

Salt as a beauty product

Sodium chloride favorably affects nails, skin, hair. Sea salt is used in beauty salons to obtain scrubs, peels, baths, anti-cellulite products, compresses and masks. Sodium chloride treatments reduce inflammation, normalize skin fat balance, cleanse the dermis and make it more elastic.

Beauty recipes at home

“Bath of Aphrodite”

Relieves stress, soothes sensitive and irritated skin, rejuvenates.

How to prepare a bath: dissolve 500 grams of sea salt in warm water, add 200 grams of dried seaweed, 50 milliliters of honey and 500 milliliters of milk. The procedure is carried out every other day, 10 sessions.

Body Scrub

Cleans the skin, removes impurities and dead cells from its surface.

To make a scrub, mix 15 grams of coffee grounds, finely ground sea salt, a few drops of essential and 15 milliliters of natural oil (sesame, grape seed, olive, almond). Apply the resulting mixture with gentle massage movements on the body, rinse with warm water.

Anti-cellulite remedy

It relieves orange peel, nourishes and tightens the dermis, improves blood circulation. The active components of the product have good penetrating ability and contribute to the removal of fat from the deep layers of the skin. However, to eliminate cellulite, an integrated approach is required, including the passage of tightening procedures, the implementation of physical exercises, and adherence to a therapeutic diet.

To prepare a fat-burning remedy, mix medium-grinding sea salt with thick honey until a homogeneous slurry consistency. Apply the anti-cellulite composition to the problem area with light massage movements. Pat the smeared places until the funds are diluted on them. Wash off with warm water.

To smooth the dermis and burn fat in the subcutaneous tissue, repeat the procedure every other day until a stable result appears.

To enhance the effect, add grapefruit oil (a few drops) to the honey-salt mixture.

Bath to strengthen the nail plate

To prepare saline 30 grams of soda and 30 grams of sodium chloride, dissolve in 250 milliliters of warm water. Immerse your nails in the bath for 15 minutes, do not rinse. Perform this procedure daily for 14 days before bedtime. So the salt will “work all night”.

Sodium chloride strengthens the nail plate, makes it supple and dense, and also nourishes with useful minerals. Due to this, it ceases to stratify, crumble, break, growth is accelerated.

Face peeling

Removes “black dots”, has a whitening effect, suitable for combination and oily skin.

To prepare the peeling, mix the following ingredients: cream (15 milliliters), finely ground sea salt (30 grams), cottage cheese (15 grams). Apply the mask on your face, rub it for 30 seconds with massage movements. Rinse your skin with warm, then cool water.

For owners of very oily skin, it is recommended to add an additional ingredient – soda (5 grams).

Varicose veil compress

According to the statistics of surgery of the medical faculty of RNRMU them. NI Pirogov, more than 50% of the world’s population suffers from swelling of peripheral veins under the skin. As a result, the movement of blood through the vessels worsens, knots are formed, the valve apparatus is destroyed. Veins begin to experience pressure, swell, ache, become sinuous, become bluish color. Vessels are stretched, characteristic “cobwebs” are formed. The main factor in the appearance of pathology is insufficient development of connective tissue.

Symptoms of varicose veins: heaviness in the legs, pain, cramps, swelling of soft tissues, burning in the veins, seals on the legs, discoloration of the skin. If you do not cure the disease in time, the changes spread further, there are observed: trophic ulcers, pigmentation, induration, phlebothrombosis, malnutrition of the dermis, rarely – fever, weakness, bleeding when the nodes break.

Compress from varicose veins has warming properties, soothes pain and relieves general well-being.

Method of preparation: dissolve sea salt in warm water in a ratio of 1: 1, cool. Moisten gauze in the resulting solution, apply to the problem area, fix with an elastic bandage. After the procedure, rub the treated area.

For hair

Sea salt stimulates the bulbs, enhances the growth of curls, normalizes the sebaceous glands, relieving the scalp of dandruff and excessive fat.

In addition, sodium chloride stimulates blood circulation, cleanses the dermis from dead cells, improves the nourishment of hair in the root zone, prevents strands from falling out, improves their structure.

Sea salt is rubbed into the scalp or used to make masks. In the first case, finely ground powder is applied by massaging onto clean damp hair for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly, and dry naturally. To strengthen the structure of the hair of medium length, you will need 30 – 50 grams of sodium chloride.

A salt-based hair mask has a more gentle effect on the scalp. Ingredients: 30 milliliters of yogurt or kefir, 30 grams of sodium chloride. To nourish the scalp, you can add honey, eggs, essential oils. The ingredients are mixed, applied to the hair roots, distributing along the entire length. The head is wrapped in a plastic bag. The mask is left for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo. Do not blow dry.

In order to avoid discomfort and pain, “salt” procedures are performed only when there are no injuries or scratches on the scalp. The course of therapy is 21 – 28 days, no more than 2 once a week. If necessary, repeat the procedure after 2 – 3 of the month.

With frequent use of salt masks, the hair will lose its lightness and elasticity, become hard and unruly, so do not abuse it.

Remember, the effectiveness of the procedures depends on the regularity of implementation, strict observance of proportions in the process of preparing the therapeutic composition and the rules of application.

Traditional recipes of beauty with salt are much safer and will bring more benefits than products with chemical dyes, flavors.

Harm and contraindications

Sodium chloride is converted into poison for the body in case of excess product in the daily diet. Exceeding the daily rate is fraught with vision problems, poisoning, and nervous disorders.

Contraindications:

• tuberculosis;
• kidney failure;
• glaucoma;
• venereal diseases;
• hypertonic disease;
• acute infectious diseases;
• swelling;
• a stomach ulcer.

In the presence of these pathologies, the human body is not able to cope with the processing of sodium chloride. As a result, the benefit of the product turns into harm: the course of the disease worsens, the general state of health worsens, which reduces working capacity and limits its vital activity. ^[1][2][3].

Conclusion

Salt – despite many myths, the elixir of health, long life and youth. In moderation (up to 5 grams per day), it accelerates metabolism and wound healing, prevents infections, forms cell membranes, calms the nervous system, restores hormonal and lipid metabolism, and improves the condition of skin, nails, and hair.

The greatest value for the human body provides sea salt.

It is a natural source of macro and microelements (calcium, bromine, magnesium, iodine, zinc, iron, silicon).

Sodium chloride is useful not only inside, but also used externally in the form of compresses, rinses, baths, scrubs, masks.

People who are prone to systematic oversalting of food are advised to limit the consumption of this spice due to the following flavors: rosemary, paprika, cilantro, garlic, basil, pepper. But remember, an overabundance is no less dangerous than a lack.

For people who practice a salt-free diet, to maintain the acid-base balance without harm to health, it is recommended to daily dissolve a pinch of sodium chloride.

In the process of selecting a product, pay attention to the information on the label: grade (highest, first, second), grinding size (small, medium, large), name (normal, iodized), production method (sedimentary, evaporated). Salt must be dry (not stuck together in a piece of stone), with the current shelf life. Store in a cool place, in a tightly closed container, without moisture. Iodized salt can not be left in the light, otherwise it will lead to the loss of volatile element. This product is stored in a dark place.

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