The Healthy Salt Guide — Himalayan — Part 1

Just like fats, not all salts are created equal. There are good salts, and there are bad salts. Salts that can heal us, and salts that can literally kill us. This 3 part healthy salt guide is designed to shed a little light on this subject. My goal is to encourage you to ditch the table salt and opt for the healthier alternatives.

Salt over the years has gotten such bad press as the bad guy, and largely for good reason due to strong links to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and many other health conditions.

But it’s also vital we remember that it’s crucial to the chemical and electrolyte balance in our body. Mess this up and things can go a bit pear shaped

There’s a huge misconception that salt is just salt. But that’s not the case at all. There are many different kinds of salt.

For clarity, it’s specifically table salt (97% sodium chloride) that’s not good for us.

We do need a certain amount of sodium but not that much. There are better salts available than table that deliver not just sodium but other rich and diverse minerals. That’s what I want to explore in this guide and specifically Himalayan, Dead Sea, and Epsom salts.

First up, is Himalayan Salt … no surprise from the Himalaya’s!

The Himalayas according to Wikipedia span across 5 countries — India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), and Pakistan. The first 3 countries have sovereignty over the mountains. Pretty interesting ugh?

What Is Himalayan Salt?

These dusky pink granules don’t just look pretty — they’re also incredibly medicinal.

As well as containing sodium chloride (85%), Himalayan salt is jam packed with 84 trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulphate and iron. It’s the iron that gives the beautiful pinkness.

Since Himalayan salt contains less sodium chloride than table salt, it’s a great way to reduce our overall consumption and minimise any potential health risks.

Benefits

• Helps prevent cramping
• Helps lower blood pressure
• Hydrates skin and organs
• Strengthens bones
• Improves vascular health
• Supports a healthier respiratory system
• Promotes good pH balance and very alkaline
• Promotes healthy sleep
• Increases libido
• Eliminates heavy metals from the body
• Improves cardiovascular health

What To Look For

• 100% unrefined
• 100% natural

Uses

• Cooking, baking, and seasoning (if using coarse Himalayan salt use a grinder)
• In the bath to ease muscle aches, and treat skins conditions (use fine Himalayan salt)
• Salt lamps (this is on my bucket list to treat myself to) to purify the air
• Salt candles holders (I’ve got two, and they give off the most beautiful warm glow)
• In beauty products such as body scrubs, soaps and face masks

Bath Guidelines

• Dissolve salt in a hot bath approx 36–40 degrees
• For sore muscles and joints use 500 grams to 1 kg in a regular sized bath
• For general wellbeing use 250 to 500 grams in a regular sized bath
• Soak and relax for 20 mins

Storage

• Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place as over time the salt can absorb moisture

As you can see, there’s many benefits to Himalayan salt. Have I convinced you yet? Give it a try and let me know what you think? It’s such an easy switch and doesn’t cost the earth.

In the next episode, I’m going to be introducing you to Dead Sea Salt.

Back soon with the next instalment.

Love Alexandra x

PS: Check out this cool infographic on the benefits of Himalayan Salt