It’s not surprising that displaying nutritional facts are a requirement in many chain restaurants and cafes. Salt is excessive in the Standard American Diet and all the processed foods that accompany it. Even some of the most unsuspecting foods are pretty bad offenders. Health foods like whole grain bagels, cereals, and even cottage cheese that are marketed as “heart healthy” don’t have to taste salty to be laden with sodium. We think we’re doing ourselves a favor when in fact it’s the exact opposite.
This is not to say that all salt is bad and we should be scared to eat. In fact we need salt, it’s just about having the right kind. Salt plays a vital role in many bodily functions. When we sweat, exert ourselves, or exercise, we need to replace minerals and electrolytes. Salt is one of the ways to do this.
What’s the difference between good salt and bad salt?
Refined Salt: This is the salt that’s found in a restaurant salt shaker or in packed food. Once refined, it’s been treated and stripped of all its nutrients. After it has undergone the process of being cleaned, what’s left is mostly inorganic sodium chloride. Too much will lead to inflammation, fluid retention, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and potentially other serious health problems.
Unrefined Salt: This salt has a totally different constitution than refined. In fact, it includes all the necessary elements for life. Celtic sea salt, Himalayan sea salt, or Hawaiian sea salt are some of the best examples since they are usually unprocessed and rich in minerals. Maintaining adequate sodium levels is important for healthy bodily function – not to mention for your adrenals. Adrenal fatigue is a big issue for many people who are under constant stress. Adequate salt and minerals are required for the adrenal glands to work optimally. Numerous minerals such as potassium and magnesium are abundant in unrefined salt and help bring life back to someone suffering from adrenal related issues.
How to Avoid Refined Salt
Be cautious when you see ingredients such as monosodium glutamate, baking soda, or soy sauce listed on the box or bottle. These words all mean that you are about to ingest a lot of sodium- so be aware.
There is no need to eat meals that are bland if you are taking your salt intake seriously. Just follow the following suggestions.
Avoid marinades, dressings, and bouillon – Instead, get creative with lemon and spices and use olive oil for extra flavor.
Bring your own salt shaker-A tiny shaker of sea salt can fit easily into your bag. If you’re at a guest’s home you may think twice, but you can use it discreetly in a restaurant.
Drink plenty of water- Drinking at least 8 glasses of pure water daily is always a good idea, although it’s especially important when you are trying to combat fluid retention and flush out excess sodium.