Why 'Table Salt' Contributes to Cellulite and More (And What to Use Instead!)

Is your salt beautifying or beauty-stealing?

Hi all, hope you're well! Some of you have noticed a slow-down in posts lately (thanks for getting in touch)...I've been busy in the kitchen! Actually, my client's kitchen -- we're making some delicious upgrades to more beautifying foods -- a whole new way of eating! One upgrade was to her salt. She thought I was going to tell her to avoid salt and use some "healthy herbal thing" instead. No way! Salt has an essential place in a healthy and beautifying diet. But the type of salt you use makes all the difference.

What you want to avoid is regular, refined table salt -- it is very highly processed, which actually changes the chemical composition of salt (and it may also contain toxins and even dangerous additives like aluminum compounds for anti-caking!) 

Processed, refined salt is no longer a natural product that your body can recognize and easily metabolize. As you body works to eliminate this salt, it draws a lot of water from your cells, which can end up upsetting your natural fluid balance. This in turn can contribute to issues like cellulite and puffiness -- and more serious problems like arthritis, gout, kidney and gallbladder stones, and more.

As with anything you eat, what you want is a salt that is as pure and unrefined as possible. Unrefined salt contains minerals and its natural life-force -- it will react very differently in your body than highly-processed, "dead" salt. Some good choices to consider include Celtic sea salt, Himalayan crystal salt, and Redmond Real Salt -- all so much healthier and tastier than "table salt"!

Even though we want to use any salt in moderation, salt is critical in our diets. It contributes to important bodily processes, including helping to carry nutrients to our cells and regulating blood pressure. And there are even studies indicating that sodium deficiency can lead to mood issues like fatigue and depression -- and that salt is a natural mood-elevator! 

One more thing -- remember to avoid processed/packaged foods which are also often loaded with that toxic, un-beautifying, processed salt! Okay, signing off for now -- back to the, um, salt-mines (eww, sorry!) Happy weekend, everyone! :)

Comments

[kaya]

Can you please do a post on your views on the development of the Korres line; you've mentioned it earlier.

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi Kaya - I believe I mentioned that I was not a fan of the Korres line -- and I generally don't review lines that I don't recommend. For example, they list "fragrance" on their ingredient lists -- I strongly advise not using any products containing artificial fragrances, which will certainly add to your toxic load and even possibly lead to sensitivities down the road. I hope that helps!

[kaya]

Thank you.

Also do you know anything about Noni?

[kaya]

Also, I went through your skin care posts and couldn't find one on how to treat acne?

And what is your opinion on conventional remedies for spots like medication and topical treatment?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi Kaya - There appears to be a lot of unfounded claims about Noni all over the internet -- at this time it is not something I'm interested in using. There are so many other great options out there for really nutrient-dense "superfoods".

Here is the link to my post on acne - http://www.beautycosmopolite.com/2010/07/dos-and-donts-for-adult-acne----and-for-anyone-interested-in-healthy-glowing-skin.html

As you'll read, I'm not generally keen on most conventional medicated treatments. While they may work for the short term, they can harm the general health of your skin. Hope that helps!

[kaya]

Thanks!

I sent you an email a little while back; pls. reply when you get the chance, I'm curious as to what you think.

Also what should one avoid in lip balms?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi Kaya - you definitely want to avoid petroleum-based lip balms, which will dry your lips out further (see my post on mineral oil).
You might want to check out Weleda's Everon lip balm -- a good product at a great price point. My review: http://www.beautycosmopolite.com/2010/01/product-review-weleda-everon-lip-balm.html