Sue Visser

“Salt is the master of your food. God sent down four blessings from the sky – fire, water, iron and salt.” (Ibn Maja)

A pinch of salt before and after meals was recommended by Islamic healers.

Our sodium RDA in total per day should not exceed 2300-2400 mg per day and it is needed to balance potassium. One teaspoon of iodized salt a day helps us to do the following:

• Control blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity, which decreases the risk of diabetes.
• Maintain the right levels of stomach acid needed for good digestion.
• Reduce stress hormones and improve the quality of sleep. Low sodium causes insomnia.
• Support a healthy thyroid function to improve metabolism and control weight.
• Helps the body to retain other important minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

Salt is the key to good digestion. Taking a pinch of salt before a meal and enjoying the taste helps to stimulate the appetite, liven the taste buds and it supports the intensity of stomach acid to digest the meal. A pH of below 2 (very acidic) is required to close the valve at the base of the esophagus, and salt provides the chloride that is needed to maintain acidity at this intensity. Taking a few grains of salt after a meal can help to prevent acid reflux and heartburn, due to the sodium it contributes to our sodium bicarbonate reserves from the pancreas that alkalize the stomach contents before entering the duodenum.

A salty finish to a meal, (as opposed to sugary residues in the saliva) is thus vital to the ongoing digestion of food. By ending the meal with a few grains of salt in your mouth you eliminate the desire for more and more sweet things and this also helps to prevent tooth decay. (Do not do this with potassium chloride or magnesium chloride-based salts because they can burn the tongue and skin on the inside of your cheeks.)

Controlling sodium from salt and baking soda: An excess of sodium is associated with many common ailments, particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but this only happens if there is a deficiency of potassium. When taken in moderation and balanced to potassium, sodium does not harm us and any excess is excreted via the kidneys on a daily basis. But if our intake of potassium (from fruit and vegetables) is too low we retain all the sodium. Seventy percent of our chemical composition consists of a saline solution—so cutting out salt can have serious repercussions. Another source of sodium in the diet is baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (bicarb).

There are 300 milligrams of sodium in ¼ teaspoon of baking soda (1.2 ml). Our sodium RDA in total per day should not exceed 2300-2400 mg. You need at least 4700 mg of potassium to keep that amount sodium in balance and more if you take bicarb. It is recommended for acid reflux by many people, but if taken before a meal it can sabotage the acidity of the stomach, raising the pH from the ideal range of 2. This will stimulate the production of more and more acid, making it weaker and weaker and unable to digest fats and protein! Remember that the esophageal valve will only close when the pH is 2—acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice.

Alternative treatment for acid reflux—avoid antacids! If your esophageal valve is not able to close, due to the weakness of stomach acid intensity (too alkaline) then you will experience the leaking of stomach contents upwards. The burning sensation is from acid rising up an alkaline tube, but ironically, the acid is not strong enough to stay inside the stomach and close the valve. Why would you want to make it even weaker with an antacid? If you suspect this is the case, rather take a teaspoon of vinegar or a pickle or a slice of lemon with salt when you experience acid reflux between meals—especially if it only happens when you lie down.

Taking a pinch of salt before and after every meal sharpens up the hydrochloric acid after a few days. Weak stomach acid does not kill germs like Helicobacter pylori, so acidify it to prevent stomach (gastric) ulcers. Iodine from salt also kills other types of microbes such as mold or bacteria and thus prevents food poisoning. Few of us know that hydrochloric acid is made by the stomach’s parietal cells and iodine is also required for this. Using cheap, common iodized salt can prevent these problems in the first place and it is important for thyroid health.

Should the stomach contents not be able to pass on to the duodenum due to a lack of sodium bicarbonate, then take baking soda immediately when you feel the distension; it will help to alkalize the stomach contents. This can happen after eating a lot of rich food—especially too much fat and protein which is something we are advised not to do, according to the Prophet (SAW). But some people suffer from weak acid on a daily basis, so taking the extra few grains of salt before and after a meal definitely helps to control acid reflux as well as sugar cravings. They should also have a few teaspoons of vinegar before retiring to keep the upper valve of the stomach tightly closed.  

The composition of salt. Salt, regardless of how much you pay for it, is basically 97-98% sodium chloride. Positively charged sodium meets the negatively charged hydrochloric acid halfway at a pH of 7. The sodium content is about 40%. Potassium chloride (called salt substitute) is a combination of potassium and hydrochloric acid. In unrefined salt, other minerals and trace elements are present within the remaining 2-3 % of its composition. This provides a negligible amount of key minerals that we can easily achieve from a healthy diet providing we eat seaweed. Trace elements of benefit are selenium, boron, and lithium; but amounts are negligible. Natural unrefined salts include contaminants from decayed plants or animals, their feces and other “natural or unnatural” impurities such as microplastics and heavy metals and even arsenic. Fortunately, most germs are killed by sodium chloride. Contamination also comes from the unhygienic habits of people who personally handle the salt at source during transport or packing. They are thus not suitable for nasal sprays or saline drips, but OK for gourmets, dishwashers, and swimming pools.

Keeping our saltiness balanced. On hot days when we sweat, we excrete minerals, especially the electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium that are also lost in urine. (That is why they both taste salty.) Our cells are like bags of salty water and need salt for their stability. We also require the other electrolytes—potassium, calcium and magnesium.

An excess of salt causes a deficiency of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. A calcium deficiency accelerates osteoporosis—the collapse of the skeletal system, especially in older women. Bone density can be regained at the rate of between 5-10 % per year on supplements of calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, B6, D3, and zinc. Extensive studies on boron show that this mineral inhibits the urinary excretion of calcium whilst it is essential for the production of estrogen and progesterone.

People who are deficient in magnesium are more prone to headaches, blood sugar imbalances, muscle cramps, dyskinesia, and insomnia. Diabetics, especially, are deficient in magnesium. But a sodium deficiency (not enough common salt) upsets the hormonal balance between renin (that eliminates sodium) and aldosterone (that eliminates potassium).

A sodium deficiency called hyponatremia is usually due to heat fatigue or hormonal issues such as adrenal insufficiency, but it can also be caused by a decreased salt intake. We can get into the habit of drinking too much pure, clean water plus avoiding salt to the extent that our kidneys lack solutes – or minerals to facilitate osmosis. Low solute intake can cause hypotonic hyponatremia. We should listen to our bodies as a craving for salt is a primal instinct and wild animals set the example, with their need for salt licks. They too, cannot survive without their salt! If there is not enough sodium to keep the potassium ratio in balance, both potassium and magnesium are lost in the urine. Subjects on low-sodium diets (around 500 milligrams a day) woke up during the night almost twice as often and got about 10 percent less sleep than those on a normal diet (2,000 milligrams of sodium a day). A loss of these electrolytes makes the blood acidic.

With Addison’s disease, excessive stress causes the adrenal glands to malfunction; and the body expels sodium at an alarming rate. These patients tend to retain all their potassium but become critically sodium deficient. The subsequent loss of magnesium is very serious. Magnesium acts like a calcium channel blocker to stabilize the contractions (constriction) of heart muscle and vascular membranes. In fact, magnesium supplementation has been shown to lower blood pressure by about 10 percent. It also helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides thus substantially reducing so-called risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (300 milligrams of magnesium a day is usually suggested as an RDA.)

Having lost the magnesium, oxidative stress sets in. Insulin resistance gets worse, as magnesium is also essential for its activation. Muscles cramp up, fingers go numb and the brain begins to swell up in cases of acute natronemia (a lack of sodium—often due to diuretics and Addison’s disease). Symptoms of chronic sodium deficiencies are more common in older people and are expressed as an unsteady gait and falls with bone loss and fractures—especially in women. This is often due to side effects of medications like diuretics and antidepressants that can also cause a drop in potassium. The onset is gradual but serious. Cardiovascular diseases, especially, are three times more likely to cause fatality when we constantly deprive ourselves of sodium from salt or baking soda. (There are 300 mg of sodium in ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. 1/4 teaspoon of salt provides 575 mg of sodium.)

Our sodium RDA in total per day should not exceed 2300-2400 mg per day and it is needed to balance potassium. The best sources of potassium are from fruits and vegetables. On a balanced diet, you should consume more than enough potassium to satisfy your RDA of 4,700 mg per day.  Potassium-rich fruits include bananas (500 mg), prunes, oranges, melons, avocados, grapes, blackberries, and raisins. Examples of vegetables include potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, artichokes, dried peas and beans, all types of squashes and pumpkins, carrots and spinach. Other high-potassium foods include all meats, dairy products, sunflower seeds, almonds, chicken and some types of fish.

Salt in moderation. We can enjoy our salt with a clear conscience when they are used in moderation. It is an enjoyable pastime to collect and appreciate different types of salt. I have a collection from around the world and they all taste of salt! If a finely ground natural salt forms big lumps in the shaker then mix in a teaspoon of powdered calcium and magnesium to keep it free flowing—and mineral enriched. This is a great alternative to grains of rice. Keep the lid tightly closed and make sure the kids don’t keep on licking it. For salt junkies the white salt becomes more visible when sprinkled on food as a reminder to use it in moderation. Some people have a habit of shaking a snowstorm of salt onto food before tasting it. Some chefs will take offense, but they season to taste and not all tastes are alike. We have choices and it is easier to top up on salt, rather than trying to remove it.

We need to maintain a good balance of these four electrolytes:

• Sodium RDA: 2300-2400 mg  (5 ml baking soda = 1200 mg, 5ml salt = 2300 mg)
• Potassium RDA: 4,700 mg   (2 bananas = 1000 mg)
• Magnesium RDA: 310–420 mg  Green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains
• Calcium RDA 800 – 1000 mg  Dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, vegetables

The Salt Cure for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and High Cholesterol – Regardless of Diet

During 1996, an experiment in Finland achieved a 60% improvement in cardiovascular health when a new type of salt was introduced nationwide, even on junk food! People still took their medications, were obese, drank and smoked as much as before but they all used a novel salt mixture. Potassium chloride mixed with a little magnesium and l-lysine as suggested by Linus Pauling. The reduction of the saturated to unsaturated fat ratio was also encouraged. In a follow-up study in 2006 their improvement rose to 75-80% with an increase in life expectancy of 6-7 years. There was an increase in life expectancy of both male and female Finns of six to seven years. Only 10-15 percent of the overall decline could be attributed in any way to patent medicines so 85-90% of this dramatic result is due entirely due to reducing saturated fat and changing the salt (reducing sodium and adding potassium, etc). Wright Salt contains 12% sodium as opposed to the 38-40% present in sea, rock and table salt. As a result of this experiment Jonathan Wright developed his salt and noted the dramatic improvements it made to his patients.

Suggestions for making your own heart-friendly health salt:

• Add potassium chloride 50:50 to table salt
• Add magnesium carbonate – it makes it flow freely (Or calcium and magnesium supplement)
• Add a few capsules of L-lysine powder plus vitamin B2, B6 or B3 from supplements
• Add vitamin D3 tablets after crushing them or open up a few capsules
• For salt and vinegar seasoning: Add some cream of tartar (potassium tartrate) to give a sour taste
• Grind up your own blend of dried herbs and spices to add. Celery leaves have a natural salty/savory flavor

Look for unusual salt blends for adding flavor and excitement to food. Some of these even have a smokey taste.

Homeopathic Forms of Salts – The 12 Tissue Salts.

When the body is deficient in any of these nutrients, specific symptoms occur and when you take the correct tissue salt, the problem is solved without the need for medication. They are inexpensive and available at health shops & Pharmacies. They are safe to take, even for babies.

The homeopathic remedy NAT MUR (Natrum muricatum) as well as the tissue salt NAT MUR is a triturated or finely diluted version of salt/sodium chloride. It is used to correct salt imbalances throughout the body. In homeopathy the remedy is a successive dilution that is shaken up and called a potency of the basic substance that causes the diseased state – the original sodium chloride! Examples are constipation, dry skin, black rings under the eyes, hay fever, hardened joints and blood vessels, a dry mouth, dehydration, dandruff and heat fatigue. For many victims of mental conditions such as moodiness and depression, sugar and alcohol cravings and obviously an addiction to salty foods the remedy of choice is NAT MUR, usually in a potency of D6. These remedies are freely available at health shops. Most of the pills have a lactose or sugar base, unfortunately. A homeopath will prescribe the exact potency needed if symptoms indicate a more chronic constitutional condition, especially if mental indicators correspond with physical ones as a NAT MUR patient.

Make your own water-based NAT MUR (salt) remedies. For a first aid NAT MUR treatment free of lactose or sugar, add a pinch of common salt to a liter of water in a bottle. Shake it vigorously. Pour out half the water and replace it with fresh water and shake again. Do this three times. Sip the treated water throughout the day. When the bottle is halfway down, add more water and shake it up again and this will increase the therapeutic effect. Continue for the next day or two, until your water balance has been restored.

Homeopathic potassium chloride is the base material for making the tissue salt KALI MUR. It is the chief remedy for glandular swellings such as mumps. It is a decongestant and is good for liver function, digestion, and the lymphatic system. It controls inflammation and helps maintain blood circulation and nerves. In emergencies, you can buy this tissue salt or make the remedy as for NAT MUR (See above.) I sipped this water remedy treated with potassium chloride for two days, continuously topping up the bottle as it reached the halfway mark. I watched a large, granular lump under my armpit gradually melt away after a few days. But the tissue salts work just as well for mumps, even for adults. This KALI MUR water is also of great benefit to a sluggish metabolism.

CALC FLUOR (Calcium fluoride) is a major constituent of tooth enamel and collagen tissue. Connective tissues, elasticity, flexibility and strength of muscles and blood vessels. For weak, relaxed tissues, cracked skin on palms of hands and mouth corners, loose teeth, weak gums, piles, varicose veins, hardened glands, spurs (exostoses) blood tumors, sagging breasts, loose flabby skin and excessive wrinkles. As an antidote to toxic fluoride exposure from toothpaste, water, or dental treatments.

CALC. PHOS (Calcium phosphate: Lime phosphate) is found in teeth, bones, blood, and especially gastric juice. A tonic, for growth, restores vitality. For teeth and all bone conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis. For poor digestion, anemia, colds, especially during or after illness.

CALC SULPH (Calcium sulphate: Plaster of Paris) is present in all skin cells and in the blood. For purifying the blood, dissolves discharges of pus, drains tissues, heals and cures suppuration, stimulates the flow of oxygen to all parts of the body, especially the skin. Good for liver and bile production. Used for catarrh, lung problems, boils, carbuncles, abscesses, pimples and acne. Often used after SILICEA.

FERRUM PHOS (Iron phosphate) is a component of red blood cells and needed for all inflammatory and febrile conditions. Anti-inflammatory properties, expelling heat, swelling with redness and pain. Helps to strengthen blood vessels and form new red blood corpuscles.

KALI MUR (Potassium chloride: Salt substitute) is present in all body tissues except bone. Decongestant, anti-inflammatory, blood and lymphatic conditioner, digestive, and good to strengthen nerve tissue. Used to relieve glandular swellings and lumps. Main symptom: a white coating on tongue and back of throat, glandular swellings, and lumps.

KALI PHOS (Potassium phosphate) controls nerve function, especially brain tissue and intracellular fluids. Relieves brain and emotional fatigue, depression, sluggishness and confusion. A general pick-me-up to lift the spirits, calm nerves, and focuses concentration. Deficiencies indicated by fatigue, depression, confusion, loss of memory, offensive breath, flatulence, partial paralysis.

KALI SULPH (Potassium sulphate) oxygenates the cells, supports liver function, and clears out mucus. Vitalizes the skin, good for offensive discharges or yellow pimples. Deficiencies show up as dandruff, eczema, catarrh (mucus) of the lungs and digestive system.

MAG PHOS (Magnesium phosphate) controls the nerve fibers. A deficiency results in a contracted nerve fiber and causes cramps, spasms, convulsions, sharp shooting neuralgic pains, hiccoughs, stress-related pains and tensions. MAG PHOS relaxes muscle cramps, menstrual pains, abdominal discomfort, colic, twitching, curled fingers, restless legs.

NAT MUR (Sodium chloride: Salt) regulates water balance in the body, preventing dehydration, bloating and water retention, dry skin and hair. It controls the mucus membranes and distributes water between the cells. Symptoms appear as wet: runny nose, diarrhea, edema, etc. or dry: constipation, wrinkles and dry hair and skin. Emotions of anger, irritability, withdrawal.

NAT PHOS (Sodium phosphate) controls the acid balance, keeping the blood at an ideal pH. Deficiencies show as heartburn, acid belching, vomiting, indigestion, arthritic pains and stiffness. Used for nausea, arthritis, gout (with NAT SULPH) biliousness or travel sickness and to alkalize the body, helping to prevent worms and other parasitic invasions. The tongue usually has a creamy yellow coating.

NAT SULPH (Sodium sulphate) controls the fluid levels within each living cell and the secretion of bile. It regulates all the secretions in the body and works with NAT MUR in expelling excess fluid and detoxifying the body. Deficiencies show as a dirty greenish yellow coating at the back of the tongue, diabetes (insufficient pancreatic juices) jaundice, dropsy, vomiting especially during pregnancy. Can be used with NAT PHOS for morning sickness.

SILICEA (Silica: quartz) eliminates pus and toxins from tissues and strengthens, supports and sustains connective tissue. Important for strong hair, nails, teeth, nerves and bones. It promotes the discharge of pus and is used for boils, cysts, abscesses, nasal catarrh, and septic tonsils. Follow up with CALC PHOS to resolve infection. Used for profuse night sweats and debility

More information is available from www.naturefresh.co.za.

Published June 15, 2024

About the Author

Sue Visser is the health researcher and product developer for Nature Fresh Health Products. She has developed over 45 products, beginning with her unique Calcium Complex formulation in 1997. With over 25 years of experience in complementary and especially traditional medicine, Sue shares her articles freely with doctors (SA Medical Academic) and other publications. For many years, Sue has given free presentations, radio shows, workshops and has appeared in the two TV series on local herbs (Nature’s Health – 2007 and 2009). She is the author of two books and dozens of research papers and published articles.

Sue investigates current health trends, products and modalities on a constant basis and interacts with fellow South Africans at all levels to learn more about their health issues. Artemisia annua and other anti-malarial species, especially Olea Europa/Afra have now come to the fore as treatments for Covid-19. The new Nature Fresh prototypes are having very successful results with viral infections by using herbs that treat malaria.  Contact: sue@naturefresh.co.za ; info@naturefresh.co.za