The Use of Table Salt: the Norm for Maintaining a Healthy Diet or its Absence in the Diet at All

Table salt is highly refined by heating it to 650 degrees Celsius and then bleached. The beneficial compounds are destroyed in this process as well as any trace elements. Iodine and additives (which slow moisture) are then added to the salt. Owing to the nature of highly refining table salt, many sodium-related health issues occur, whereas unrefined salts (such as Himalayan salt) heal the body instead of doing harm to it.

The purpose of sodium, sourced from salt, in the body is to maintain a balance of blood fluid levels and prevents low blood pressure. The health of the heart, liver, and kidneys is also dependent on healthy sodium levels.

If your choice is to use table salt, using about half a teaspoon a day, would be all that is required to maintain a healthy diet. Salt is hidden in processed and 'convenient' foods, which is why the habit of reading labels is important at all times; to know what you are choosing to put into your body. Controlling table salt to this level can reduce blood pressure readings.

Too much fluid (such as fluid retention) in the body can occur from low sodium levels. To reduce fluid retention, diuretics are prescribed. Brain activity is affected if sodium levels fall in the blood. Additional effects may be a person feeling sluggish, lethargic, muscle twitches, seizures, a loss of consciousness, coma, and even death. If sodium levels fall quickly, this may happen very fast.

Too much table salt can cause the body to urinate excessively and retain fluids. Excessive urination can cause calcium deficiency, which can then lead to brittle bones, causing the possibility of osteoporosis.

Other issues that can occur from excess sodium intake include kidney disease and high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. The immune system can be compromised and overstimulated, which can contribute to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, allergies, as well as other conditions.

Generally, children who consume salty foods are more likely to have a sugary drink with it. The combination could increase the risk of obesity. Too much table salt can desensitize our taste buds. With limiting your salt intake, over time the sense of your taste will become more tasteful and unsalted natural flavors become more appreciated. The addictive aspect of salt also becomes less and the quantity is, therefore, more easily controlled. Potassium is believed to lessen the negative effects of sodium.