Salt: The Misunderstood Essential

The Truth About Salt: Why It’s Essential for Your Health

For years, salt has been unfairly blamed for health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. But the truth is, salt is vital for our bodies to function properly. Without it, we wouldn’t survive. Let’s break down why salt is so important, how it has been misunderstood, and what kind of salt you should be using.

Not All Salt is Created Equal: The Problem with Heavy Metals

If you think all salt is the same, think again. While natural, high-quality salts like Maldon or Redmond Real Salt are packed with essential minerals, many commercial salts contain contaminants like heavy metals and microplastics. This is due to industrial pollution, as many salts are sourced from highly contaminated waters. Himalayan salt is often marketed as a healthier alternative however, it contains only trace minerals, has heavy metal contamination and is environmentally unsustainable. Studies have shown that sea salt often contains tiny plastic particles from pollution. However, Maldon claims to use traditional harvesting methods that help minimise impurities and recent studies have shown that Maldon salt has outperformed salts, with the lowest heavy metals and microplastics.

Some refined table salts also contain additives like anti-caking agents, which aren’t doing your health any favors. Instead of reaching for the cheapest option, it’s worth investing in a clean, minimally processed salt that nourishes your body rather than exposing it to toxins.

Sweating Out Minerals: Why We Need to Replenish Salt

Every time we sweat, we lose crucial minerals—including sodium. This is especially true for athletes, people on low-carb diets, or anyone living in hot climates. When you lose too much salt without replenishing it, you might feel weak, dizzy, or fatigued.

This is why adding a pinch of high-quality salt to your water can make a huge difference. It helps restore your electrolyte balance, keeping you hydrated and preventing muscle cramps, headaches, and sluggishness. Sports drinks try to mimic this effect, but they often come with unnecessary sugars and artificial ingredients.

The Salt Myth: Does it Really Cause High Blood Pressure?

For decades, we were told that salt leads to high blood pressure and heart disease. But newer research is challenging this idea. While excessive sodium from processed foods can be harmful, natural salt in a balanced diet does not automatically cause hypertension. In fact, some studies suggest that too little salt may be just as dangerous, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and other metabolic issues.

The key takeaway? Salt itself is not the enemy. The problem lies in the processed, low-quality versions found in junk food. When consumed properly, salt is a health-boosting mineral, not a villain.

Make Salt Work for You

Instead of avoiding salt, focus on choosing the right kind and using it wisely. Opt for pure, mineral-rich options like Maldon or Redmond. Add a pinch to your water to help hydration and electrolyte balance. And most importantly, don’t fear salt—it’s an essential part of human health that we’ve misunderstood for far too long.

Disclaimer: The information posted above is not scientific.  It is what I have heard, seen or experienced myself.