The words “table salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. Table salt (also known by its chemical name, sodium chloride) is a crystal-like compound that is abundant in nature. Sodium is a mineral, and one of the chemical elements found in salt.

If you think salt and sodium are the same thing, you’re not alone. This common misconception confuses a lot of people and we shape our diet around our known truths.

Sodium vs. Salt

Here’s a clear way to distinguish between the sodium and salt, as we commonly know it.

• Sodium is what’s found in food – especially in processed food containing preservatives.
• Salt is what we add to our food.

Ideally, we want foods that aren’t processed, because the more time that it’s handled, the more sodium that gets added along the way.

Salt is a chemical compound made up of sodium and chloride. And in actuality, it’s the sodium that’s really detrimental to out health. (Consequently, it’s also the chloride that gives food that “salty” taste.)

Sodium as a Food Ingredient

As a food ingredient, sodium has multiple uses, such as for curing meat, baking, thickening, retaining moisture, enhancing flavor (including the flavor of other ingredients), and as a preservative. Some common food additives—like monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium nitrite, and sodium benzoate—also contain sodium and contribute (in lesser amounts) to the total amount of “sodium” listed on the Nutrition Facts label.

Surprisingly, some foods that don’t taste salty can still be high in sodium, which is why using taste alone is not an accurate way to judge a food’s sodium content. For example, while some foods that are high in sodium (like pickles and soy sauce) taste salty, there are also many foods (like cereals and pastries) that contain sodium but don’t taste salty. Also, some foods that you may eat several times a day (such as breads) can add up to a lot of sodium over the course of a day, even though an individual serving may not be high in sodium.

Sodium and Blood Pressure

Sodium attracts water, and a high-sodium diet draws water into the bloodstream, which can increase the volume of blood and subsequently your blood pressure. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a condition in which blood pressure remains elevated over time. Hypertension makes the heart work too hard, and the high force of the blood flow can harm arteries and organs (such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can raise the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. In addition, blood pressure generally rises as you get older, so limiting your sodium intake becomes even more important each year.

Natural Salt Benefits – NOT TABLE SALT

When we speak of salt that is healthy for the body, we mean salt in a natural form: unaltered, unrefined. The “table salt” sold in the supermarket is sodium chloride with additives which are foreign chemicals like anti-caking agents to manage moisture. Also, table salt is not in its natural form – it’s heated to 1200 degrees which changes the chemical structure.

Good quality salt is alkalizing, which reduces inflammation and strengthens our bones because minerals are not being pulled from them to keep blood pH balanced. It reduces acid and reduces acid reflux, prevents muscle cramping, and creates an electrolyte balance – all things that lead to a lot LESS inflammation.

Our bodies are designed to receive sodium chloride in combination with other minerals and trace elements as are found in natural salt. Unrefined salt allows liquids to freely cross the 80 trillion or so cell membranes that make up our body. The benefits include:

• Regulating the water content throughout your body
• Replenishing your supply of electrolytes when you sweat heavily
• Regulating blood pressure
• Promoting healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly brain cells
• Helping to make stomach acid
• Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging
• Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract
• Promoting sinus health
• Prevention of muscle cramps
• Promoting bone strength
• Regulating sleep — it naturally promotes sleep
• Supporting libido
• Promoting vascular health

It is very difficult for your body to absorb too much-unrefined salt since there are powerful and effective feedback loops that regulate this process. Natural salts promote a healthy balance and do not contribute to high blood pressure like typical table salt.

Beware of products labeled “sea salt” that are not truly unrefined sea salt.

Check out Real Salt by Redmond it’s awesome!

Keep the faith,

Resources:

Why We Need Real Salt

https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet#:~:text=The%20words%20“table%20salt”%20and,chemical%20elements%20found%20in%20salt.

The entire contents of this blog are based upon the opinions of Corey Diggins, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Corey Diggins. Corey Diggins encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.