The Effects of Sea Salt

Sea salt comes from evaporating seawater and contains more natural trace minerals than table salt. In its raw form, sea salt is often grayish-white, pink or orange. Salt is an important component in the healthy regulation of bodily systems. Sea salt can be used internally and externally to add flavor, health and therapeutic benefits to your life.

Salt and Your Body

• Sodium (salt) is important in the regulation of all of your bodily systems. It keeps the fluid levels throughout your body balanced, generates the electrical impulses needed to move your nerves and muscles, and regulates the intake of nutrients into your blood stream. Muscle cramps can be a sign of insufficient sodium levels, while high blood pressure, kidney problems and edema can be signs of an excessive amount of sodium in your body.

Adding Flavor

• Sea salt is often preferred for use in cooking due to the variety of taste and color the additional trace minerals add to the salt. Most commercial sea salt is additive free, but you need to check the label to confirm no additives have been added. The sodium chloride content of sea salt and table salt are similar, so you should follow the same diet guidelines.

Healing Properties of Sea Salt Baths

• Mineral baths, including sea salt baths and hot springs therapies, are stress relieving, pleasant and therapeutic. Dr. Andrew Weil notes that the minerals in these baths have been credited with helping circulation, digestion, musculoskeletal problems, arthritis, high blood pressure, eczema, nasal congestion and fibromyalgia.

  WebMD reports 80% to 90% of individuals with psoriasis, a condition causing red irritated skin, found improvement to their psoriasis after visiting Israel's Dead Sea. The unique climate and high salt concentration of the Dead Sea are believed to have healing properties and have become a popular location for the alternative treatment of psoriasis. (See Reference 5)

Natural Allergy Remedy

• Sea salt solutions can be used as a natural cure for allergies. Flushing your nasal passages with a sea salt solution flushes out pollen, dust and impurities in your sinus and nasal cavities, reducing your allergies and need for medication.