Himalayan Salt Rocks!!

Pure verses Plastic

Are you eating plastic? Excuse me? Of course not! I hear you say. ARE YOU SURE?

Many of us, myself included, would be horrified by the thought. After all, we are constantly looking for healthier eating and lifestyles options. Yes we all have our guilty pleasures! but most of us are conscious about what we put into our bodies. Maintaining good health is important to us. 

Food companies endeavor to entice us with “healthy foods“ often confusing us the consumer by using terminology we are unfamiliar with. We spend endless time comparing food labels in hope that we will be eating foods with the least additives and preservatives etc. Natural and fresh products are in demand. We have educated ourselves about additives and preservatives including their possible negative effects on our health.

But what about something as simple as table salt? The “mineral compound” we use every day. We put salt and pepper shakers on the table and think nothing of it. We regularly cook and season our food with salt without thought. Let’s consider for a moment the possibility that the contents of our salt shaker is hiding something of a more sinister nature.

Recent studies reveal that everyday table salt often contains more than just salt!

In 2017 The laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology/Dept Of Environmental & Occupational Health found micro plastics in salt from the US, Europe and China: adding to evidence that plastic pollution is pervasive in the environment and finding its way to the food chain. OUR TABLE!

The presence of microplastics in commercial salts from different countries.

This informative book highlights the devastation plastic has on our oceans today!

This confirms that Sea Salt around the world is contaminated by plastic! Images like this are sadly all too familiar to us. Plastic has come back to haunt us!

In addition to these findings table salt is usually heavily refined and mixed with anti-caking agents such as sodium aluminosilicate or magnesium carbonate to prevent clumping.

A Brief History of Salt:

The importance of salt dates back to ancient Rome. It was both a strategic resource and preserving agent for meats and fish.

 In 1843 a polish physician Dr Feliks  Boczkowski noted that salt miners had a significantly lower rate of lung disease compared to the rest of the population.

 He attributed the cause of the miner’s good health to the salt cave air that was saturated with saline dust. Following his findings he opened the first health facility at the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland. Wieliczka Salt Mine now welcomes over a million visitors a year!

Further findings on salt cave health benefits followed in World War 2. Dr Karl Spannagel discovered that his patient’s health improved after hiding out in underground salt caves to avoid bombs. 

While visiting Jordan I was lucky enough to experience firsthand the wonderful benefits and restorative powers of The Dead Sea. Floating in its salt density, mud and minerals was truly rejuvenating both mentally and psychically.

Comparing Himalayan Salt: Explanation of its purity.

The seabed inside the Himalayan mountains, where the salt is mined, was once covered by lava. This lava created a natural barrier that has prevented toxins and other pollutants from reaching the salt. This pink rock salt originates from the Punjab region of Pakistan near the foothills of the Himalayas. Pink Himalayan salt is believed to be the purest salt on earth.  Because of its natural purity it is hard to dispute this.

Its pink color derives from its trace elements including Potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Himalayan Pink salt has larger crystals than table salt. It technically contains less sodium per teaspoon, has a saltier taste so we can use less. There are of course dietary guidelines for salt intake. 

Although sodium is necessary for preserving life it is important to monitor the intake of any salt and seek the advice of your doctor or nutritionist if you suffer from a medical condition. If we need salt then why not ingest it in its purest form!

Himalayan salt is hand mined from its natural reserves to retain its purity: free from additives and preservatives. (that’s my personal favorite!)

It contains all 84 essential trace elements required by our bodies.

It can be used as a block for cooking: to enhance flavor and nourishment.

All natural deodorants: A substitute for aluminum containing products. It contains antibacterial properties.

Himalayan Salt lamps release negative ions and have the potential to clear the air of dust, pollen and dander. The soft glow promotes an environment of peace and tranquility.

Health benefits of Himalayan salt: Halotherapy (Salt Therapy)

If the term Halotherapy is new to you don’t worry it was to me too until quite recently.

Halotherapy (salt therapy) is gaining respect as an effective complementary therapy for several health issues. It is a drug free holistic therapy that creates the microclimate of a salt cave (active salt room). This environment appears helpful to many in treating cold, flu, allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt therapy have also been helpful in improving eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Many people have reported that spending time in a salt room has improved their lung function.

The environment accelerates mucous clearance of the lungs. Inhalation of salt aerosol is clinically proven to cleanse the respiratory system. There are no reported side effects to Halotherapy.

Salt nutrients are essential to skin, immune system and circulation. It replaces moisture and offsets harmful toxins we naturally ingest.

Reduces stress: The allergen free – negatively charged salt room with soft lighting promotes relaxation. 

Active salt rooms using Himalayan salt are becoming popular around the world as more of us experience the benefits of this natural unprocessed salt.

I have definitely added a trip to an active salt room to my To Do List!  Or even better, a trip to the Himalayas to visit a salt cave and witness pure Himalayan Rock Salt at its source. If you have experienced either please comment and share with us. We would love to hear from you!

Quote for this Post:   Salt is born of the PUREST of parents. The SUN and the SEA   ( Pythagoras)

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