DR. WALKER

Table Salt and The Dangers

What is Table Salt

Table salt, also known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is primarily composed of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions. It is typically harvested from salt mines or evaporated from seawater. Table salt may be further processed with ingredients such as ferrocyanide, dextrose, talc and silica aluminate. Aluminum silicate contains aluminum. It is a mineral compound that typically consists of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, often in the form of silicate minerals. Some other examples of aluminum silicates include kaolinite, muscovite, and feldspar, all of which contain aluminum as a key component of their chemical structure. In this processed form, it may also contain additives such as anti-caking agents like calcium silicate or ferrocyanide. We would ideally avoid consuming this heavy metal in any form, because once an aluminum load exceeds the body’s excretory capacity, the excess is deposited in various tissues including brain, lungs, and bones. The central nervous system/brain is particularly vulnerable, as aluminum has been associated with neurotoxicity and has been studied for its potential link to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, aluminum when it accumulates in the bone, may lead to alterations in bone density and structure. Chronic exposure to aluminum, especially in occupational settings or through certain medical treatments, can lead to health concerns related to these organ systems.

Removing Minerals From Sea Salt:

The process of refining table salt from seawater or rock salt typically removes all of the trace minerals present in the original source. Here is the rationale:

Shelf Stability: Trace minerals can cause salt to absorb moisture and clump together, which makes storage and handling more challenging. Anti-caking agents are often added to refined salt to enhance its flowability.

Health Considerations: While some trace minerals are beneficial in small amounts, the focus for table salt is primarily on sodium and chloride.

Processing Standards: The refinement process ensures that the salt meets these standards.

Why Was Iodine Added Back?

If you do not get enough iodine, your body can not make adequate thyroid hormones. The problem could then result in an enlarged thyroid gland and hypothyroidism. Iodine was added to table salt, to help prevent iodine deficiency, after it was removed. Other thyroid-related problems such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental issues in children were also noted.
Public Health Initiative: Salt was being refined, removing all trace elements for more than 100 years before the iodine deficiency was noted. The practice of iodizing salt began in the 1920s in response to widespread iodine deficiency and its associated health problems.

Sea Salt Already Has Iodine:

Sea salt naturally contains some iodine, as iodine is present in seawater. Sea salt naturally containing iodine which is removed during the process of manufacturing table salt. That is one reason the commercial salt industry began to add synthetic forms of iodine back to their products. This involves adding a standardized amount of iodine to ensure that the salt provides a reliable source of this essential, but now synthetic nutrient.

What About Celtic Salt?

Celtic salt, often referred to as Celtic sea salt, is harvested from the coastal regions of France, particularly in the Brittany region. It is known for its grayish color, moist texture, and mineral content. Celtic Sea Salt is boasted to having around 82 minerals. Celtic salt is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular table salt. There are some teachings, that suggests that raw sea salt in small amounts may help soothe the throat, clear the sinuses and aid in detoxification. Celtic sea salt is rich in additional electrolytes, including magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.
Here are some of the health benefits associated with Celtic salt:

✓ Mineral Content: Celtic salt contains trace minerals which may contribute to various bodily functions, though their concentrations in salt are relatively small.

✓ Electrolyte Balance: The minerals in Celtic salt can help maintain electrolyte balance, which is important for hydration, nerve function, and muscle contraction. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or those who engage in strenuous physical activity.

✓ Natural and Unrefined: Celtic salt is generally unprocessed with respect to table salt, retaining all of its natural minerals. This lack of processing means it does not contain additives like anti-caking agents.

✓ Hydration: The minerals in Celtic salt can aid in hydration by promoting better water absorption and retention in the body.

✓ Taste and Culinary Uses: Many people appreciate the unique flavor of Celtic salt, which can enhance the taste of various dishes. Its coarse texture makes it popular for use in cooking and as a finishing salt.

✓ Potential Alkalizing Properties: Celtic salt helps balance the body’s pH levels, promoting an alkaline environment.

What About Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan salt, often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular table salt, is claimed to have several health benefits. The pink Himalayan salt contains around 84 trace minerals that helps to regulate your body functions and, most importantly, maintain electrolyte balance. Himalayan salt is harvested from mines in Pakistan, making this both a rock salt and a sea salt, since the rock mines are located on the site of an ancient seabed. There are some thinking that Pink Himalayan is super-healthy because it is lower in sodium and has many minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Here are some commonly cited benefits:
➢ Mineral Content: Himalayan salt contains trace minerals which are not present in regular table salt. These minerals can contribute to overall health, although they are typically present in very small amounts.

➢ Lower Sodium Content: Some proponents suggest that Himalayan salt has a lower sodium content than regular salt. However, the sodium content is similar, and moderation is key for sodium intake regardless of the salt type.

➢ Electrolyte Balance: The minerals in Himalayan salt may help maintain electrolyte balance in the body, which is important for hydration, nerve function, and muscle function.

➢ Hydration: Some people believe that the minerals in Himalayan salt can help with hydration by assisting in the absorption of water and nutrients in the body.

➢ pH Balance: Some advocates claim that Himalayan salt can help balance the body’s pH levels, promoting an alkaline environment.

➢ Potential Respiratory Benefits: Inhalation of salt particles, often through salt therapy or halotherapy, is believed by some to help with respiratory issues. However, this is typically associated with salt mines or salt rooms rather than dietary salt.

➢ Taste and Culinary Uses: Many people prefer the taste of Himalayan salt to regular salt, and it can be used in various culinary applications, enhancing the flavor of food without additional processing.

What are Anti-Caking Agents Anti-caking agents are substances added to powdered or granulated materials to prevent clumping or caking, ensuring that the product flows freely. Ferric cyanide is intended to helps absorb moisture and reduce the formation of lumps in hygroscopic substances like salt. Manufacturers also include additives in table salt to prevent clumping. These additives are called anticaking agents and may include:
Potassium ferrocyanide: Potassium ferrocyanide, used in photography, and in the production of certain industrial chemicals, can lead to cyanide poisoning (chronic headache, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat).

Silicon dioxide: May lead to chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, kidney disease, chronic bronchitis and auto immune disorders.

Yellow prussiate of soda: Yellow prussiate of soda, also known as potassium ferrocyanide may be associated with chronic coughing and difficulty breathing, skin and eye Irritation and gastrointestinal effects like diarrhea.

Iron ammonium citrate: This can lead to iron overload in the body/hemochromatosis, cause liver damage which can lead to liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, pancreatic damage, liver cancer, heart failure, diabetes, fatigue, joint pain, and changes in skin color.

The Take Away Point: Ferric cyanide, often referred to as ferricyanide, is a compound that can be used as an anti-caking agent in certain food products, including table salt. The specific form commonly used in food applications is sodium ferric cyanide, which is a salt of ferricyanide. If you wish to avoid such ingredients, just inspect the containers in the salt aisle until you find one whose ingredients list contains just “salt.” You can also stay clear of these agents by looking for organic Celtic Sea Salt or organic Pink Himalayan salt. Generally speaking, processed material are less conducive to health than long standing natural organic materials. Do not assume however, that your product does not contain these materials – check the label every time!

References:

What is Celtic Salt? Benefits to Know, Plus How to Use It
What is Celtic Salt? Benefits to Know, Plus How to Use It
What is Celtic Salt? Benefits to Know, Plus How to Use It