Dr. David Brownstein's "Salt Your Way to Health, 2nd Edition" promotes the benefits of unrefined salt
- Salt has been a critical part of human history and health, valued as currency and used in religious and cultural contexts, dating back over 5,000 years.
- Unrefined salt, like Celtic Sea Salt, contains over 80 minerals and elements, supporting optimal pH balance, immune function and overall bodily functions, unlike refined salt which lacks essential minerals.
- Research suggests that low-sodium diets may be ineffective for most people, potentially causing nutrient deficiencies and increased health risks. Unrefined salt can actually help lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
- Unrefined salt provides essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, addressing common deficiencies in the American diet that can impact thyroid function, adrenal health and overall well-being.
- Dr. David Brownstein's book, "Salt Your Way to Health, 2nd Edition," promotes the benefits of unrefined salt, challenging conventional wisdom and offering a holistic approach to health through the use of this whole food product.
In a world where fad diets and health trends come and go like the tides, one elemental substance stands the test of time: salt.
Dr. David Brownstein's "
Salt Your Way to Health (2nd Edition)" delves into the surprising benefits of unrefined salt, a natural elixir that has been a part of human history and health for millennia. This isn’t just a story about a common kitchen staple; it’s a revelation about a critical component of your well-being that has been overlooked and often maligned.
Salt is as essential to life as oxygen and water, a fact recognized by ancient civilizations worldwide. The earliest known writings about salt date back over 5,000 years to China, and the ancient Egyptians recorded salt production nearly 3,500 years ago. Salt was so valuable that it was traded as currency, taxed by emperors and even used to pay soldiers — hence the term "salary" from the Latin "solarium argentums," meaning "salt money." Wars were fought over salt, and it played a pivotal role in revolutions and governmental policies. For the Jews, salt symbolized God’s covenant with Israel, and the Bible references it 32 times, including the familiar phrase "salt of the earth."
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, recognized
the healing powers of salt over 2,000 years ago, recommending it for infections, congestion and diseases of the spleen. Paracelsus, a renowned 16th-century physician, wrote, "The human being must have salt, he cannot be without salt. Where there is no salt, nothing will remain, but everything will tend to rot." Before refrigeration, salt was indispensable as a preserving agent, allowing for long-distance food trade and essential survival. In modern medicine, it is used in intravenous solutions and as a critical treatment in emergency rooms.
The key to understanding the health benefits of salt lies in the distinction between refined and unrefined salt. Refined salt, commonly found on grocery store shelves, is heavily processed, stripped of its natural minerals, and often contains additives like anti-caking agents. Unrefined salt, such as Celtic Sea Salt, is harvested in a way that preserves its natural minerals and elements. It contains over 80 minerals and elements, all of which are beneficial for your body. For example, Celtic Sea Salt is composed of 33 percent sodium, 50.9 percent chloride, 1.8 percent minerals and trace elements, and 14.3 percent moisture, which includes beneficial nutrients like magnesium and potassium.
The human body is designed to maintain a neutral pH, around 7.2. An imbalance in pH can lead to inefficient organ function. Refined salt, lacking essential minerals, is acidifying to the body, while unrefined salt helps maintain a neutral pH and can even help elevate an acidic pH. This is crucial because an optimal pH balance supports a healthy immune system and overall bodily functions.
Low-salt diets have been widely recommended for years, but the science behind these recommendations is shaky. Research does not support the effectiveness of low-sodium diets for the majority of the population. In fact, such diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart attacks. They can also cause the body to retain toxins and disrupt hormonal balance. While some studies suggest that reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure in certain individuals, the overall impact is modest. Dr. Brownstein’s experience indicates that unrefined salt, with its full complement of minerals, does not elevate blood pressure and
can actually help lower it in hypertensive patients.
Unrefined salt is a whole food product that provides the body with the minerals it needs to function optimally. Magnesium, for instance, is essential for hundreds of chemical reactions in the body, and potassium is vital for maintaining fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve impulses. Most Americans are deficient in these minerals, and unrefined salt can help address these deficiencies. Whether you’re dealing with adrenal exhaustion, thyroid issues, or simply want to improve your overall well-being, unrefined salt is a crucial component of a healthy diet.
By choosing unrefined salt, you're giving your body the minerals it craves and setting yourself up for a healthier, more vibrant life. Dr. Brownstein's "Salt Your Way to Health" challenges conventional wisdom and offers a compelling case for the
healing powers of unrefined salt. So, the next time you reach for the saltshaker, consider the type of salt you’re using. It could make all the difference in your journey to optimal health.
Watch this video about Dr. David Brownstein's "Salt Your Way to Health, 2nd Edition."
This video is from the
BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.
Sources include:
Brighteon.ai
Brighteon.com
