Is Salt Really Dangerous for Our Health? Myths and Truths of the Pharmaceutical Industry!

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  Does Salt Increase Blood Pressure? Does It Affect Bone Health? Alkalisation of the Body? Detoxification? The Cellular Hydration? Fluid Retention?

In this article, we explore what is actually true, and understand the choices we need to make for our health.

The first myth, widely spread by the self-proclaimed "experts" of half-knowledge, is that salt increases blood pressure!

Debunking the Myth:

In the 1960s, a publication by a Mr Lewis Dahl sparked the salt-phobia movement. He based his claims purely on statistical studies of populations consuming either low or high amounts of salt, attempting to link these with elevated rates of high blood pressure—all because he had read a study from 1900 by another so-called "expert" (this makes me laugh).

Although Dahl found that some populations consuming large amounts of salt had hypertension, while others consuming similar amounts had normal blood pressure, he still decided to cause a stir—likely because he smelled profit.

Unfortunately, back then, there were no laboratory studies to contradict him.

Thankfully, today we have such studies, and it’s high time doctors evolved instead of perpetuating health problems!

Moreover, Dahl’s experiments involved outrageously large quantities of salt—150 times higher than the maximum amount a large person consuming only junk food might eat!

This fearmongering ultimately led to mineral deficiencies in people, as the WHO adopted such pseudoscientific studies (and still does). Below, I explain the health issues caused by a lack of natural salt.

 A Few Relevant Studies:

https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/february-2016/salt-facts.html

https://immieats.com/the-sodium-myth-debunked-why-salt-is-not-the-enemy/

High Blood Pressure is caused by Various Factors (Proven):

Let me outline them clearly so we can settle this matter.

Medications, such as:

Antidepressants

Anti-inflammatory drugs (yes, even something as common as paracetamol)

Contraceptives

Laxatives

And many others

Stress, Anxiety, Depression

Diabetes

Obesity

Hormonal Imbalances (read my comprehensive study on "Autoimmune Diseases" and their link to hormones)

Pregnancy

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Inflammation (e.g., Arthritis!)

Sleep Apnoea

Lack of Sleep

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive Coffee Consumption

Dehydration! (Remember this!)

Smoking (not due to nicotine but the toxic chemicals in cigarettes)

Processed Foods (toxins that aren't effectively eliminated)

Cooked and Fried Animal Products (butter, fats, and animal fibres like meat contain carcinogenic toxins such as Acrolein and Acrylamide, which cannot be eliminated—more on toxins below)

Deficiencies in Nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and dietary fibre

Toxins Absorbed Through the Skin (from synthetic clothing, cosmetics, etc.)

Toxins Inhaled Through Breathing (from chemicals, etc.)

Noise Pollution and Light Pollution!

Lack of Exercise

Age (arteries naturally harden after 45, leading to increased blood pressure—especially post-menopause in women)

Gender (men are naturally more prone to high blood pressure, while women become more susceptible after menopause)

Ethnicity (e.g., African and Caribbean populations have higher risk factors)

Instead of informing us about all these contributing factors, the "doctor" advises cutting out salt and living on medication for the rest of our lives… along with its side effects!

What are the Side Effects, Depending on the Type of Medication Prescribed?

Diuretics: Dehydration, hypokalaemia, sodium deficiency, other mineral-electrolyte imbalances, skin issues, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar, and dizziness.

ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): Persistent dry cough, hyperkalaemia, increased blood sugar, skin issues, dizziness, elevated urea levels, fatigue, and angioedema.

ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers): Hyperkalaemia, dizziness, skin issues, angioedema, and kidney disease!

Calcium Channel Blockers: Swelling (oedema), constipation, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, arrhythmias, and gum tissue overgrowth.

Beta-Blockers: Weight gain, bradycardia, breathlessness, sexual dysfunction, depression and mood swings, insomnia, dizziness, cold extremities, and fatigue.

Alpha-Blockers: Headaches and migraines, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and fatigue.

Direct Renin Inhibitors: Increased creatinine levels (kidney-related), hyperkalaemia, diarrhoea, skin issues, and dizziness.

Vasodilators: Swelling (fluid retention), tachycardia, headaches and migraines, and skin issues.

It becomes evident that these medications supposedly address one issue in a synthetic manner but end up creating additional problems, effectively generating a lifelong customer base. How could the pharmaceutical industry not be one of the most profitable sectors... all for "our benefit"?

Having debunked the out-dated myths from 1900, let’s move on to modern insights about the necessity of salt consumption and which types of salt we should choose.

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Hydration

  As mentioned, one of the factors causing hypertension is dehydration. Well, salt is essential for water to pass through the cell membrane (via osmosis) and hydrate the cell! Without salt—or more specifically, its minerals—this process cannot happen!The key is to maintain salt intake at normal, balanced levels.

The diagrams illustrate how a cell reacts to varying levels of salt:

Excess salt (Hypertonic – pH > 7): The cell becomes dehydrated, shrinks, and eventually dies.

Balanced salt levels (Isotonic – pH = 7): The cell maintains a healthy, hydrated mass.

Low or no salt (Hypotonic – pH < 7): Excessive water retention (oedema) causes the cell to "burst" and die.

These are also the reasons why we cannot survive (or quench our thirst) with seawater (hypertonic) or distilled water (hypotonic)—our cells would be destroyed.

The ideal water is natural mineral water, as it contains minerals and electrolytes (essentially salt). It’s certainly not the recycled toilet water being promoted by Billy, the "health authority",as I explain in detail here!

Health Issues Caused by Dehydration

Kidney problems

Headaches and migraines

Cardiovascular issues (as mentioned earlier)

Digestive issues

Difficulty regulating body temperature

Immune suppression and infections (e.g., urinary tract infections)

Fatigue and weakness

Brain function issues (lack of concentration, reduced cognitive function, mental fog)

Muscle problems (cramps, pain, etc.)

Dry skin and dry eyes

Serious Problems Due to Dehydration

Strokes, seizures, and comas caused by hyponatraemia (low sodium levels)

Kidney failure

Sudden cardiovascular shock (blood thickens and circulation halts)

The Role of Salt in Bone Health

  Ever wondered why rates of osteoporosis, osteopenia, arthritis, and other bone-related issues have skyrocketed, even among men, alongside this growing "salt phobia"?

In short, natural salt contains all 12 minerals that our bones are made of—and need! These include:Potassium, Sodium, Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Selenium, Boron, and Chlorine.

  Aside from discouraging salt consumption, the "sickness industry" also directs us towards harmful sources of calcium, perpetuating outdated myths from the 1900s. They mistakenly focus solely on calcium (probably because bones are white?) while ignoring the other minerals entirely! Instead, they recommend dairy products for calcium replenishment, yet these have been implicated in osteoporosis and inflammation. Subscribe, I’ll soon write a dedicate article on dairy.

If you're interested in addressing various musculoskeletal problems using a natural and holistic approach, feel free to read my detailed article.

The Role of Salt in Neutralising Toxins (Detoxification)

As mentioned earlier, natural salt contains all the essential minerals our body needs—minerals that are often missing from modern processed foods. Here’s how each of these minerals contributes to the detoxification process and the alkalisation of the body:

(Alkaline refers to substances with a pH >7. Acidic refers to pH <7. Toxins are acidic and harmful to health.)

Key Minerals in Detoxification and Alkalisation

Magnesium:Vital for the function of over 300 enzymes. Supports detoxification and alkalisation by aiding the liver and cells in breaking down and eliminating toxins.

Calcium:Binds with toxins to expel them from the bloodstream. Neutralises acidic metabolic waste and contributes to alkalisation.

Potassium:Essential for kidney function and flushing out toxins via urine. Alkalises tissues and extracellular fluids.

Sodium:Facilitates nutrient transport into cells and expels harmful substances from them. Plays a crucial role in alkalising the body and neutralising toxins.

Zinc:Supports liver enzymes in the detoxification process, shields cells from oxidative stress, and bolsters the immune system against toxins. Aids in alkalisation.

Iron:Critical for oxygen transport to cells and haemoglobin production. Enables oxidative phosphorylation, a process that generates energy while helping eliminate toxins. In the liver, iron is crucial for Phase 1 of detoxification (breaking down toxins).

Note: Plant-derived iron is fully metabolised by the body. Blood-derived iron (e.g., from meat) accumulates, supports harmful organisms, and has been linked to digestive cancers. Here are the studies.

Note: Not all toxins are broken down. For example, microplastics and others. In such cases, the body "sends cholesterol to cover them before they cause damage." Connect with me so I can send you the article I will publish about everything related to cholesterol.

Copper:Supports detoxification enzymes and metalloproteinase, regulates iron metabolism, and mitigates oxidative stress. Helps balance iron and other minerals in the liver.

Manganese:Protects cells from oxidative damage, supports liver function, and aids in detoxifying heavy metals and breaking down toxins.

Selenium:A key component of glutathione peroxidase, one of the body’s most powerful detoxifying enzymes. Helps eliminate heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury (commonly found in shellfish). Boosts glutathione levels, vital for countering free radicals.

Phosphorus:Beyond being essential for bones, phosphorus aids energy production and the detoxification functions of the liver and kidneys. Ensures healthy cell metabolism and contributes to the integrity of cell membranes and liver protection.

Iodine:Critical for the thyroid gland, which governs metabolism and detoxification. Supports the detox functions of the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Detoxifies fluoride and heavy metals.

Chromium:Regulates insulin function and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids. A proper metabolism ensures effective detoxification.

Sulphur:A principal component of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms for excretion. Neutralises free radicals and supports detoxification.

The Damage from Avoiding Natural Salt

Denying the body these essential minerals weakens its natural detoxification processes, leaving harmful toxins to accumulate.

When combined with diets high in processed foods, toxins, and reliance on pharmaceuticals, the impact on health is devastating.

Is it any wonder that chronic illnesses are on the rise when natural salt is vilified, and we're encouraged to consume harmful substances?

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The Role of Salt in Skin Health

Salt, especially magnesium and sulfur, offers anti-inflammatory properties that can help address conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and aid in detoxification when applied externally. These minerals are known to:

Reduce inflammation in skin conditions.

Improve hydration by maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes in skin cells.

Since skin issues can stem from various internal and external factors, contact me to address them in a holistic way, as I explain further in my detailed guides.

The Role of Salt in Other Health Issues

Supports Muscle Function: Helps prevent muscle cramps by maintaining proper electrolyte balance.

Boosts Energy Levels: Proper salt intake helps regulate blood pressure and energy production, reducing fatigue.

Improves Sleep Quality: Balances body fluids and reduces the impact of stress, supporting better rest.

Balances pH Levels: Viruses, harmful bacteria, and even cancer thrive in an acidic environment. Salt helps alkalize the body, making it less conducive to the survival of these harmful agents. This is why it’s essential to avoid foods that make the body too acidic, such as processed foods, animal products, sugars, and synthetic substances.

Supports Respiratory Health: Salt supports the function of the respiratory system and aids in detoxifying the lungs.

Enhances Gland Function: Particularly the adrenal glands, helping to balance the body’s stress response.

Boosts Brain Function: Salt plays a key role in maintaining the balance of electrolytes needed for optimal brain activity.

Ideal Salt Intake

The recommended daily salt intake based on recent studies is 3,000-3,400 mg (roughly 2 teaspoons). This amount is shown to support a healthy cardiovascular system better than those who consume too little or no salt at all.

For individuals who drink a lot of water (more than 8 glasses a day), it’s important to increase salt intake slightly to replenish the electrolytes lost through frequent urination. Without this adjustment, the water alone cannot provide the full benefits to cells and metabolic functions.

A personal practice I follow, especially during the summer, is to add a small pinch of natural salt to my water each morning. Just a few grains are enough to support my electrolyte balance and ensure my body stays hydrated and energized.

The Issue with Processed Foods and Salt

In processed foods, the food industry often adds excessive amounts of artificial salt to make the products addictive and mask the taste of chemical additives (preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc.). These foods not only provide poor nutritional value but also skew our ability to accurately monitor daily salt intake. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid such products and focus on whole, natural foods that offer balanced, nutrient-rich salt intake.

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Which Salt Should We Choose?

Avoid "Table Salt"

First, let's clarify that "table salt" (such as the common brand) is not actually salt! It is chemically manufactured, and its composition consists solely of "Sodium Chloride" with the chemical formula NaCl. Essentially, it's chlorinated sodium. It contains none of the essential minerals or electrolytes that our body requires. Furthermore, chlorinated and refined salts are bleached with chlorine to make them visually appealing, making them not only inadequate but also harmful to health, particularly to the brain’s pineal gland! The same issue arises with chlorine in water. No wonder cases of dementia and brain dysfunction are on the rise...

Avoid Refined Salts

Refined salts, such as the common "Mesolonghi" salt, are bleached with chlorine. While it may be labelled as free from chemical additives, it does not mention that it is unrefined; it is, in fact, processed (bleached).

The truly natural Mesolonghi salt should indicate on the label that it is unrefined, as shown in the next image. It will also explain that it forms clumps because it is completely natural, which dissolve when stirred. This helps us distinguish genuine unrefined salts of the Mesolonghi type. In supermarkets, most salts are processed, completely dry, and free from moisture and clumps.

We can choose unrefined sea salt as a safe option. Unrefined sea salt contains the essential minerals, but in very small quantities. It is made up of 95-98% sodium.

A better choice is Himalayan Salt.

Himalayan rock salt contains higher levels of the essential minerals needed for health, and its characteristic pink colour is due to its iron content (which is beneficial for conditions like anaemia).

These are the salts that are easily available, and their prices are affordable for most people.

Here’s a list I’ve compiled, from the salt richest in minerals to the least, arranged by mineral content percentage, including the more exotic salts:

Celtic Salt (North Sea, sea salt)

Himalayan Salt (Himalayas, rock salt, ancient deposits, pink)

Redmond Real Salt (Utah, USA, sea salt, ancient deposits, red-brown)

Fleur de Sel (France, sea salt, white)

Sel Gris (France, sea salt, more moist, greyish)

Murray River Salt (Australia, ancient deposits from a lake, pink)

Dead Sea Salt (between Jordan and Israel, ancient deposits, white)

Hawaiian Black Lava Salt (Hawaii, sea salt, enriched with activated charcoal, black)

Following these, there are more sea salts you can research.

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Therefore, the easiest and most economical choice we can make is to consume Himalayan Salt and benefit from all its valuable nutrients.

Some have propagated the myth that, since this particular salt is millions of years old, it is radioactive.

To these "experts", I would suggest the following:

-Read a bit of Physics.

-All salts come from rocks that are millions of years old, as well as microorganisms.

-Radiation tests conducted on Himalayan Salt show infinitesimally low levels of radioactivity! In fact, vegetables grown in soil may contain more natural radiation from the earth’s elements (such as uranium, radium, and polonium), with which we are in harmony because we were designed to live healthily in our natural environment, alongside these elements! It’s the man-made radioactive materials you should be concerned about, genius!

I hope this article helps clarify another important issue related to our health. You can also do your own research and discover other beneficial salts.

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Thank you very much for your visit and supportive messages! They give me the strength to continue opposing the dangerous industry that profits from our illness…

Loads of love,

Thomais

Internationally Certified Holistic Therapist

Member of IPHM

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