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Sorting out salt: confused by all the new choices on the salt shelf, or afraid to even go near the stuff because of high blood pressure? Here's help.(OFF THE SHELF: FOOD)
Not long ago, water came from a faucet, there were a few kinds of cheese and bread was white. Today all that has changed. Now salt is the latest staple food to be reinvented, with an array of exotic options turning up in stores. Choices include the snowflake-like fleur de sel, chunky sea salt and a palette that includes pink, red, gray and black.
As for taste, chefs say there is considerable difference between table salt and gourmet varieties. More important, health experts agree that the chemicals, additives and heat used in table salt's refining process are best avoided. As for the link between salt and high blood pressure, the jury is still out as of whether salt is the sole villain. A recent study from Spain observed that other measures (beyond salt reduction) are equally important for lowering blood pressure, including a diet high in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, along with weight management, aerobic exercise and fish oil.
Minerals Make the Difference
According to one expert, unrefined salt can actually correct problems caused by the overwhelming amounts of table salt. "When people use unrefined salt that contains minerals, there is no increase in blood pressure," notes David Brown stein, MD, author of Sail Your Way of Health. "Refined salt has 2 percent mineral content, and unrefined has 80-plus different kinds of minerals."
Even though unrefined salt contains only traces of these minerals, we need them to function properly, says Brownstein. Many of his patients with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia or fatigue find relief by adding small amounts of unrefined salt to their diets. In his experience, deficiencies of good salt are a problem. "It stresses the adrenal glands, which control the fight/flight response. Without sufficient salt, these glands become ineffective and people become ill," says Brownstein, who recommends 1/2 tsp. of unrefined salt daily.
But you don't not want to avoid refined salt entirely, as it's a source of iodine and helps prevent goiter. If you use only unrefined salt, you'll need to get iodine from another source, such as kelp, dulse seaweed or a supplement.
Salts of the Earth
- Unrefined salt vs. industrial grade sodium chloride.(Letters to the Editor)
- Magazine article from: Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine November 1, 2007 700+ words
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- Unrefined salt vs. industrial grade sodium chloride.(Letters to the...
- Magazine article from: Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Bradshaw-Black, V. February 1, 2004 700+ words
Editor: Most people understand salt to mean sodium chloride. This is only true in part. Salt is understood in terms of preserving or seasoning. The Bible describes followers of Christ as the 'salt of the earth' and those 'worthy of their salt' referred to those paid for work in salt rather than
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- Magazine article from: Townsend Letter Bradshaw-Black, Vivienne July 1, 2008 700+ words
Most people understand salt to mean sodium chloride. This is only true in part. Salt is understood in terms of preserving or seasoning. The Bible describes followers of Christ as the "salt of the earth," and those "worthy of their salt" referred to those who were paid for work in salt rather than
- Another myth is shot down.(Salt For Your Health)(Book Review)
- Magazine article from: Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Goldstein, David January 1, 2006 700+ words
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- Salt and health.(LETTERS)
- Newspaper article from: The Washington Times December 4, 2002 700+ words
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- High Blood Pressure; Diagnosis.
- Newspaper article from: NWHRC Health Center - High Blood Pressure March 16, 2005 700+ words
...care professional should check your blood pressure at least once every two years. A high blood pressure diagnosis based on the average of two...screening. The only way to check your blood pressure is to measure it using a device called...
- High blood pressure (essential hypertension).(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Clinical Reference Systems January 1, 2006 700+ words
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