Salt has played a huge role in human life since ancient times. Its value was equal to gold, and it was very often used as currency. The ancient Sumerians and Babylonians already used it for food preservation. Primarily in China and India, sea salt was a huge source of income for rulers. In 110 BC, illegal trade in salt was punishable by death in China.

It was used in medicine as early as ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was used internally to induce vomiting or externally in the form of compresses.

Our body excretes excess salt through urine, so if we consume too much salt, we put a great strain on our kidneys and can damage them. Conversely, when working, exerting ourselves, or in summer, we need a little more salt because we lose it through sweating.

Salt retains water in the body, increases blood pressure, supports the nervous system (sodium and potassium ions transmit nerve impulses, transferring information), alkalises intestinal fluids and supports digestion. It is a component of blood plasma, influencing its density and pressure. The kidneys excrete Na; when there is too much, we strain them, and when there is too little, that is also bad. The body contains approximately 150 g of salt, 1/10 of which is excreted daily from the body through the kidneys, tears, sweating and urination.

The recommended daily dose is 6 to 8 g of salt per day (many products contain salt in high concentrations that are harmful to the body – snacks, processed meats, convenience foods).

A lack of salt can cause digestive problems and low blood pressure, while an excess of salt excretes up to 9 times more potassium from the body and disrupts the body's homeostasis, which can then promote the development of arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.

Sea salt is obtained by evaporation from seawater. After evaporation, it is greyish, and once it undergoes refining, it becomes pure white. It naturally contains iodine, but the amount depends on the place where it was obtained.

Rock salt is mined in mines, and the beginnings of its extraction are estimated to be around 1000 BC.

After extraction, the salt is processed by grinding and cleaning. In ancient times, it travelled to us along salt routes.

Salt has a salty taste and a cold nature. It affects the stomach, kidneys, large intestine and small intestine. Salt clears heat, cools the blood and dissolves phlegm. If you have swelling or suffer from being overweight, it is better to use rock salt or Himalayan salt, certainly not sea salt, which retains moisture from the water from which it is extracted. Conversely, for dryness of the mucous membranes and skin, use sea salt.

Some types of salt

It is advisable to avoid refined (demineralised and enhanced) salt or iodised salt. Everything is in inorganic quality. If the salt is whole, it contains minerals and supports the absorption of minerals and vitamins from food.

• Refined salt: processed by chemical bleaching, demineralised, with added E535 potassium ferrocyanide (toxic to the liver), E554 sodium aluminosilicate, E552 calcium silicate, E342 ammonium phosphate, and iodine added in inorganic form.

• Table salt: increases the production of enzymes and fluids to support the absorption of vitamins

                                 and nutrients from food.

• Sea salt: rich in minerals – Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, Fe, Cu, Zn.

• Grey sea salt: different mineral composition, better for the respiratory system, heart palpitations.

• Hawaiian red salt Alaea: contains approx. 80 minerals. It is a mixture of unrefined salt and volcanic clay rich in iron oxide. Supports the lungs, immunity and energy.

• Himalayan black salt: contains sulphides and sulphates, improves digestion, appetite, abdominal pain, hair, nails, skin – skin pathologies.

• Himalayan pink salt: more than 80 minerals, regulates body pH, relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, acts against infections.

• Fleur de Sel: salt flower, many minerals, delicate taste, contains I, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg, K, contains natural iodine.

• Hawaiian black salt: contains activated coconut charcoal, suitable for detox, supports the lungs, hydrates, prevents muscle cramps.