Article provided by Seventh Wave Supplements, the UK's totally natural and additive free supplements company

Salt Awareness Week runs from the 1st to the 7th February 2010.   

And everyone is telling us to "eat less salt".  

Yet life itself depends on Salt, so why did a life giving substance became such a toxic force in the modern lifestyle? And why did one of the most complex substances on the planet become known simply as chemical Sodium Chloride?  

Salt for food purposes accounts for just 7% of the World’s salt production, the rest goes to industrial sources. Little wonder then that salt has become one of the most desecrated, and misunderstood of our food treasures.  

In days gone by, salt was a simply a food and way to keep food fresh.  

As the modern age advanced, salt became a necessity for chemical manfacturing and a raw material for many products. But industry didnt want salt in it's natural form, it wanted pure sodium chloride, and only sourced from land locked sources making it easy to refine and transport.  

We became insignificant in the demand for salt, basic human biology was dismissed, and industry determined that isolated sodium choloride was to be on our tables.  Slowly but surely, we forgot about real salt, and somehow decided that cheap, bright white and toxic salt was normal.  

So, salt's place as an important food, and yes, a health supplement, has been undermined by a plethora of issues that are nothing to do with food!  

First things first, there is a huge distinction between toxic table salt which is just sodium chloride with some chemical additives for good measure, and salts such as the most natural, and healthy salt in the World - Celtic Salt. This contains a rich spectrum of 92 minerals, trace elements and macro-nutrients, more than just a condiment, it can take a rightful place as a genuine natural health supplement. It is totally balanced and naturally low sodium. 

It is not "bad for you", in fact quite the opposite!

A Closer Look at Salt and Health in General  

You have around a cup full of salt in your body at any one time; it is essential to life itself.  It plays many vital roles including regulating fluid balance, transmitting electrical pulses between your vital organs, and ensuring you get the maximum from your food, it even protects you against food poisoning.  

Certainly, high salt diets should be avoided by all, and sadly, the growth in processed foods, has led to an over consumption of salt, with many people being unaware quite how much they are consuming.  Pressure needs to be exerted on manufacturers, and awareness raised.    

Salt Awareness Week gets to the heart of (some) of the issues; in 2009, the campaign focused on salt intake in restaurants. (We supply a Celtic Salt Pocket Box which means you never have to endure toxic salt when out and about in restaurants!). This year, the campaign is highlighting the health conditions associated with high salt, and the importance of reading labels.  

But the emphasis on cutting salt, is actually missing some of the issues, and there are so many misconceptions and mistruths, that it can be hard to get to the crux of the matter.  In many cases, research is misinterpreted, and bandied about in headlines despite shaky evidence at best.  

All of the research suggesting that a high salt diet is dangerous is based on toxic table salt, so firstly switching to real salt is the first step to take. And that’s not to say we are advising that this salt can be enjoyed in excess! Health enhancing it may be, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. It is soft on the palate, and rich in flavour, just a tiny touch goes a long way.  

So what about Low Salt diets?  

For those in good health, there is absolutely no evidence that a low salt diet is beneficial. Blanket advice to everyone is wholly inappropriate. No study has ever shown any benefits for a low salt diet for generally healthy people.  

The biggest talking point is the relationship between salt and high blood pressure.   Some argue a close association between the two, and most GPS advise reducing salt intake for those that are hypertensive. 

However, a close look at the studies shows that the relationship is actually pretty insignificant.  Noted researchers agree that the link between salt and blood pressure is “theoretical”.  Far more powerful and relevant for those with high blood pressure are lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and changing the diet.   

World renowned authority on the role of diet and heart disease, Dr David McCarron, issued a stark warning to the UK Government in 2007;  

“My view is that it is very likely that low salt will ultimately prove to be another public health disaster. There is already sufficient evidence to suggest that low salt could actually result in increased risk of cardiovascular disease. But the reality is that the international community needs to commission controlled trials so that we have the evidence as to whether the current policy is safe and effective. To do anything less is irresponsible.” 

Again, the emphasis here should be on moderate use of the right sorts of salt, and a balanced diet free from processed foods.   You may find an interview with the renowned researcher Jaques de Langre interesting, it's a fascinating read, and looks closely at the issues surrounding salt and good health - Click Here

Salt is also often linked with other health issues such as cancer, osteoporosis, asthma and more; but again, research is entirely focused on a high intake of toxic salts.  

The Risks of Low Salt  

For certain groups of people, a low salt diet can actually pose considerable risks; alarmist media coverage poses risks for those that take advice to extremes.  

For those in the older ages ranges, there are particular risks. Research by Professor Ingo Füsgen from the Department of Geriatrics at the University of Witten-Herdecke in Germany looked closely at this issue, and found that 80% of elderly people try to consume salt sparingly.  

His studies found that up to 10 per cent of senior citizens suffer from sub-acute sodium deficiency, which can result in a variety of health problems.   Quoting Professor Füsgen

"Sodium deficiency is common for elderly people but it is often not recognized. Many older people are not aware of the danger of a low salt diet and try to reduce their consumption of salt because they assume it is healthy to do so".  

And from the general secretary of the Salt Manufacturers Association;  

"We said earlier this week that In the case of the elderly, cutting salt might be dangerous, especially in the summer months. Because they tend to drink less and are less acclimatised to hot weather, salt lost through sweat is not replaced. Their blood pressure rises, so putting added strain on their hearts. We remain convinced that the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are ignoring inconvenient evidence in pursuit of a campaign that unfairly targets one of life’s essentials”.  

For pregnant women, salt restriction is often advocated in order to avoid fluid retention. But a low salt diet may cause problems; if you have concerns, you should discuss these with your doctor.  

For highly energetic types / sports people - a lot of water is lost during intense exercise, replacing just water and not sodium can impact negatively on blood plasma.   

In 2008, there were two very sad stories of people who died following a substantial increase in water intake, alongside almost total salt restriction, a recipe for disaster even in healthy individuals.  

Are all “Sea Salts” the Same?  

Absolutely not!   Some might tell you that Sea Salt is no different to table salt; this could not be further from the truth. And ordinary sea salts are nothing like real sea salt.   Inferior sea salts are industrially processed and stripped of many minerals; but there is a region in France that has been designated a national shrine because it produces the most wonderful, real sea salt known to man.  

The wonders of Celtic Salt have to be tasted to be believed, and there is substantial evidence of the vital contribution this salt can make to health and vitality.  

One thing we all agree on - the intake of toxic table salt should be considerably reduced for the health of the nation, but not at the expense of one of life's essential nutrients.

During Salt Awareness Week (1st - 7th Feb), use the code SALTWEEK and save 10% on the Celtic Salt Range

http://www.seventhwavesupplements.com/

During Salt Awareness Week (1st - 7th Feb), use the code SALTWEEK and save 10% on the Celtic Salt Range

These salts contain 92 minerals and trace elements, many of which are lacking in the modern diet.They are hand harvested, never touched by machinery or metal and certified organic.

Celtic Salt not only enhances your food, but also plays a vital role in supplying essential nutrients to support your health and vitality.

Coarse Celtic Salt - general purpose for cooking and garnishing

Fleur De Sel - a rare delicacy that should only be used in tiny amounts to garnish food (never for cooking)

Celtic Salt With Herbs - enhanced with the delicate flavours of herbs; ideal for seasoning vinaigrettes, vegetables and barbecues

Celtic Salt Pocket Box - Perfect to take your Celtic Salt with you!  

Use the code SALTWEEK online or by phone and you save 10%