Salt: A Double-Edged Sword - Benefits, Side Effects, and Alternatives

The overconsumption of salt can lead to various health issues and even fatalities, making it crucial to exercise caution when incorporating salt into one's diet. Ayurveda recognizes five different types of salt, including Shendelon (Saindhava), Padelon, Bidalwan, Sambarlon, and Daryai Mith, with Saindhava being a common ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines. While salt is a necessary component in the kitchen and helps enhance the flavor of dishes, excessive usage can lead to several diseases.

Saindhava salt is typically mined and is considered beneficial for one's health, as it helps relieve tridoshas. In fact, Charakacharya deemed Saindhava to be the best type of salt. On the other hand, the salt commonly used in our daily cooking is often obtained from the sea. It is important to be mindful of the quantity of salt added to food as excessive intake can result in adverse health effects.

Properties

Salt is a versatile substance that can ignite fires, act as a metallurgical agent, and serve as an anthelmintic, as well as enhance the flavor of food. However, it is essential to use it in the appropriate quantity. In addition to its taste-enhancing properties, salt can be beneficial for indigestion, colic (abdominal pain), and gas.

Clean, shiny, cube-shaped rock salt is considered good for health. Coarse salt is generally preferred over fine, granular, expensive iodized salt, as many chemicals are used during the manufacturing process of white and granular salt, which can be harmful to the body. The promotion of iodized salt through advertisements can be misleading to the general public. It is important to note that all sea salts contain iodine, and the body only requires a certain amount of iodine, which can also be found in rock salt. Therefore, there is no need to use iodized salt separately.

"Salt Overload: The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Salt Consumption"

The human body requires four grams of salt per day, and it is essential not to exceed this limit. This requirement can be fulfilled through the consumption of various foods such as vegetables, Amati, chutney, salad, etc. Despite this, people tend to consume additional salt through chutneys, papads, pickles, air-tight soups, bread, sauces, ketchup, and other similar food items. As a result, the salt content in the body gradually exceeds the required amount, leading to various health issues.

Children and adults alike tend to consume market-based potato chips and wafers, which are often made using five times more salt to enhance their shelf life. The consumption of such wafers can have severe health repercussions. If individuals must consume wafers, it is recommended to prepare them at home using less salt.

Using salt in the appropriate amount can be beneficial in managing several health conditions. Here are a few examples:

1. A mixture of salt, cumin, and eggshell powder can help alleviate stomach pain caused by indigestion.

2. Saltwater consumption can help eliminate worms in children within a week.

3. A paste of turmeric and salt applied to twisted hands or feet can reduce swelling immediately.

4. Gargling with salt water can provide relief from a sore throat or toothache.

Overuse of salt can lead to a range of negative side effects, such as:

1. Excessive salt intake can damage the mucus lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation.

2. Overconsumption of salt can cause various health issues such as skin disorders, high blood pressure, generalized swelling, urinary disorders, rheumatism, and infertility. When consumed in excess, salt can interfere with the absorption of calcium from the intestine, resulting in the removal of calcium from the body. This leads to a loss of bone density over time.

Alternative Foods

Iodine deficiency can result in several health problems as it is crucial for the production of thyroxine, a hormone that is released from the thyroid gland. The recommended daily intake of iodine is 150 milligrams. When iodine is deficient, it can lead to a condition called thyroid goitre. Many people tend to over-consume iodized salt in order to compensate for the deficiency, but there are several alternative foods that are rich in iodine. These include:

• Pineapple
• Apple
• Potato
• Tomato
• Garlic
• Horn
• Sea plants like sea cucumber, lotus, and seaweed
• Sea fish

All of these natural foods can meet the body's requirement for iodine. Therefore, it is advisable to consume no more than four grams of salt per day.