Daily Archives: June 12, 2015

The Great Salt Debate

SaltJacquieIconBy Jacquie Eubanks
BSN, RN

What’s the deal with salt? We love it, our bodies require it and our modern diets make it almost impossible to avoid. Throughout history salt has been highly valued for its effective preservative and flavor enhancing qualities. We know that salt is an essential element, necessary to control our body’s fluid balance and support nerve and muscle function. There is great debate over whether certain types of salt are healthier than others and how much or how little salt is necessary for good health and bodily function. And like most things in life, there is a balance that needs to be met.

To prevent hypertension, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day, even less for those who have medical conditions or are over age 51. High blood pressure is a known risk factor for heart attacks and strokes and lower sodium intake appears to modestly reduce those risks. Even so, other studies conclude that we don’t really know if low salt diets improve or worsen health outcomes. To be sure, too many Americans consume well above the recommended amounts of salt, especially those with diets high in processed, fast or junk foods.

There’s general agreement that avoidance of highly processed foods that contain high amounts of hidden salt will benefit health. Yet, consuming too little salt also brings consequences. Sodium is an essential nutrient that serves a multitude of functions. Our cells rely on sodium to regulate electrical activity, help control heart rate and aid brain cell signaling. Ironically, as sodium intake drops, the risks of insulin resistance and higher blood cholesterol increase, which may actually escalate cardiovascular concerns.

Some may wonder why salt has been demonized when it may actually be the processing that is causing it to be labeled as unhealthy. What we think of as table salt has been ground and subjected to high levels of heat while undergoing processing. Processing removes the natural trace mineral content of salt, stripping iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc along with co-factors, which help regulate hydration, digestive and immune systems and support proper thyroid and immune function. During table salt processing, anti-caking chemicals such as aluminum are added to keep it free flowing.

Since 1924, table salt has been fortified with iodine as a public health measure to prevent iodine deficiency, a leading cause of hypothyroidism and intellectual disability. Iodine is necessary for healthy thyroid function, hormone synthesis and metabolism regulation. At that time, iodine rich foods such as seaweed, dairy, eggs and seafood were not readily available to everyone. However, the addition of iodine applies to table salt only, as salt added during processed food manufacturing does not necessarily contain iodine.

All salt, whether mined from caves or salt flats or produced from evaporated sea water from today’s oceans or those that disappeared long ago, is the same chemical — sodium chloride. Some would argue that salts such as Pink Himalayan, Black Hawaiian, Celtic or kosher salts are healthier than table salt. To be sure, certain salt varieties that are minimally processed do contain the minerals, trace elements and co-factors that aid nutrient assimilation on a cellular level. Sea salt may also contain heavy metals that are found in the oceans, although the natural selenium content of sea salt may offset trace amounts of heavy metals and remove them from the body.

Some wonder why minerals are removed in the first place. Why not just avoid unhealthy processed foods loaded with highly refined salts and added chemicals and simply consume whole foods and salt in its natural original form? No one is advocating for heavy salt use, but adding a pinch of unadulterated salt to optimize the flavor of whole foods may be a healthier personal choice. As always, moderation is the key. Although natural sea salt does contain trace amounts of iodine, those who choose to avoid table salt in favor of natural sea salt should be sure to include some dietary iodine-rich foods. As opposed to added iodine, iodine that occurs naturally in foods is highly bioavailable, allowing your body to get the full benefit of the nutrient.

When you think about it, there are reasons why our perspiration and tears taste salty or why breathing salt air or swimming in salt water is good for our lungs and our skin. Salt is found in every cell of the body and amounts to about 1 cupful at any given time. A healthy body is able to adjust salt levels to maintain peak bodily functions. However, hydration is extremely important. With summer upon us, be sure to drink enough water to satisfy your thirst, as this helps to ensure that excess sodium is passed out of the body. And don’t neglect reading food labels to help track the amounts of sodium you are getting in your diet. Preparing whole foods at home and avoiding processed and packaged foods may be the best way to ensure a healthy sodium balance along with overall health.

Natural unprocessed, mineral rich sea salt will not be pure white and may be slightly pink or grayish in color.

Pink Salt, PremierPremier Pink Salt by Premier Research Labs – This premium unrefined salt blend combines solar evaporated Mediterranean Sea salt with pink Alaea Hawaiian sea salt, both naturally dense in trace elements. No anti-clumping agents, iodine or additives.

 

Kelp with Natural Selenium and Iodine
Kelp with Natural Selenium and Iodine by Ecological Formulas – This scientifically designed formula contains naturally sourced marine kelp, rich in iodine and other essential trace minerals. Wheat and yeast free.

 

Kelp

 

Kelp by Progressive Labs – This product is sourced from Atlantic Sea Kelp and is a good source of B vitamins, iodine, minerals and trace elements. Vegetarian capsule.

 

References:
Types of Salt: Himalayan vs. Kosher vs. Regular vs. Sea Salt. http://authoritynutrition.com/different-types-of-salt/
The Truth About Salt and Your Body. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/13/sodium-intake-truth-about-salt_n_4213554.html
Why Our Tears Are Salty. http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/3319/1/Why-Our-Tears-Are-Salty.html
Sea Salt vs. Table Salt. http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sea-salt-vs-table-salt/

Featured Brand – Pet Naturals® of Vermont

PetNaturalsVermontSusanBiconBy Susan Brown
Health & Wellness Editor

Professional Supplement Center is pleased to announce the addition of Pet Naturals®, a line of specialized animal health products. Pet Naturals® offers a wide variety of pet supplements for every category of health, and offers specific, complete and properly balanced formulas. Family owned and operated for over 40 years, their mission has always been to improve the lives of companion animals by providing natural alternatives for wellness. Manufactured in Vermont with great care and integrity, their extensively researched products utilize only the highest quality ingredients.

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All raw materials are evaluated for purity and potency and are manufactured under high regulatory standards. Their membership in the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) assures all formulas meet specific control standards for quality, accountability and labeling guidelines, as well as successfully completed facility audits. Pet Naturals® also realizes that pets are their most discriminating customers and, with that in mind, formulate powerful ingredients into tasty formulas that help pets live healthier lives.

Skin + Coat for Dogs ChewsSkin + Coat for Dogs – These delicious chews contain cold-pressed oils to provide antioxidants and essential fatty acids in support of normal shedding, healthy skin and a shiny coat. The formula also provides a veggie blend of kelp, alfalfa, garlic and carrots for mineral balance and healthy skin tone. Recommended for dry or dull coats, dry skin, hair loss and show dogs. Natural duck flavor.

 

UT Tract Support for CatsUT Tract Support for Cats – These fish flavored chewable tablets supply a superior combination of ingredients that provide proper pH balance and support proper kidney function and the elimination of unwanted urinary tract materials. The formula is designed to maintain healthy urinary tract function and reduce the likelihood of crystal and stone formation. Not intended for long term use.

 

Scoot Bars for DogsScoot Bars for Dogs – Dog scooting is usually a sign of a health related issue. Scoot Bars contain 3 sources of fiber that are digestion resistant and easy on the GI tract. These chewy bars support fecal volume and healthy anal gland function and enhance the growth of friendly bacteria to maintain an healthy digestive tract. Natural duck flavor.

 

Hairball Relief PlusHairball Relief Plus – This unique formula for cats is designed to support optimal skin and coat health, while minimizing hairball formation and supporting proper GI tract function. The chicken liver flavored formula contains zinc, essential fatty acids and cranberry to support skin hydration and urinary tract health.

 

Hip + Joint for DogsHip + Joint for Dogs – This comprehensive hip and joint formula is designed to support mobility and overall comfort by promoting healthy connective tissue strength. These chewable chicken liver flavored tablets include glucosamine chondroitin sulfate, MSM, manganese and vitamin C, naturally occurring ingredients that provide the building blocks for healthy joint and connective tissue function.  

For more information on Pet Naturals® products, please call, email or visit our website professionalsupplementcenter.com