Himalayan Rock Salt is highly recommended when you enroll and begin to make changes in the Metabolic Reset Program at Princeton Integrative Health. But what is it and why use it?
Himalayan Rock Salt is said to have been discovered in the 11th century and is now mined in Punjab region of Pakistan, 190 miles from the Himalayan Caves. This salt is pinkish/reddish in color; the colors are an indication of the 80+ minerals (including potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, chromium, trace manganese and other micro-minerals). All of these minerals aid our natural detoxification process and promote the removal of bacteria.
Himalayan Salt (also called pink salt, rock salt, sea salt) is a tasty seasoning that adds both flavor and micro/macro minerals to our meals. So why use Himalayan salt rather than table salt? Table salt is devoid of any nutritional content, it is highly refined and processed, and is 99% sodium chloride. Table salt also includes anti caking agents, bleach, and aluminum. It is also highly processed so it contains fewer minerals and more sodium than Himalayan salt does. Swap the table salt for Himalayan salt and your body will have a much easier time processing the food you eat because it won't require as much water to clear out the excess sodium.
Himalayan salt is also naturally rich in iodine and is effective at helping your body create an electrolyte balance which helps your intestines absorb nutrients and lower blood pressure.
Himalayan salt can also help improve our sleep patterns. Between the hours of 2 and 4 am, biochemical reactions may occur due to high stress hormones that flush through our system. This can cause sleep disturbances and interrupt our ability to stay asleep. Low-sodium diets may cause blood volume to decrease in the sympathetic nervous system, which activates adrenaline and the “fight or flight” response. If you experience these disruptions, try some salt at night by mixing it with some raw honey or add a pinch to a cup of tea.
Start your morning with an easy glass of water with a pinch of Himalayan salt and lemon to ignite our metabolism and digestion. For a delicious snack, sprinkle some on an apple or celery stalk. Be confident, and sprinkle it generously!
Himalayan sea salt also has beneficial purposes beyond consumption! Combine Himalayan salt with coconut or olive oil to create a body scrub to exfoliate dry skin in the winter. Immerse yourself in a warm bath for smoother, softer skin. The salt and minerals help to relax our mind and will help to relieve sore cramped muscles and fortify your bones.
You may have also seen many people using Himalayan Salt lamps in recent years. These lamps are used to release ions from the salt to purify and detoxify your living spaces.
As you can see, Himalayan Sea Salt has more benefits than people realize. Some may see it at as a "trendy" new grocery store item, but this tasty compound has been used for various healing processes for centuries.
