Over the past few decades, salt has gotten a bad reputation! If there is ONE thing I want you to take away from this post, it’s that not all salt is bad. REAL salt is actually good for you!

What is REAL salt? Why is it different?

When I say “real” salt, I mean unrefined salt (Celtic Grey, Himalayan, or Redmond Real Salt). The table salt you buy in the store that is finely ground, is very much refined. It is refined to the point where there is hardly anything of value left for your body to absorb. These refined table salts (and even sea salts!) are bleached, stripped of minerals, and have additives to prevent them from clumping (such as aluminum hydroxide, silica aluminate, sodium ferrocyanide, tri-calcium phosphate, stearic acid and others). Some refined salts even have sugar added!

Unrefined salts are ready for your body to use and still contain essential trace minerals that are necessary for bodily functions.

Why do we need salt?

The reason your body needs salt is to transmit nerve impulses, contract and relax muscle fibers (including those in the heart and blood vessels), and maintain a proper fluid balance. Not enough salt can lead to dehydration since salt actually promotes water conservation in your body. I bet you also didn’t realize that electrolytes are salts…Sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, are all minerals that your body needs and cannot create on its own. You need to get these through salt. Without sufficient electrolytes you can experience irregular heartbeat, fatigue, nausea, and even seizures!