Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I heard a doctor describing the use of Celtic sea salt added to water to detoxify the body. I believe he suggested ½ teaspoon of salt to a quart of water and drink up to three quarts per day. I thought salt was unhealthy and should be avoided, so I find this very hard to understand. Do you think this much salt will do any harm?” — Carolyn G., El Paso, TX

A. Dear Carolyn, I believe there is a type of salt that we should avoid at all costs, and that is refined salt that you find in most grocery stores. By the time it’s refined and processed, it’s pure sodium chloride. The salt that the doctor is describing, and one that I use daily, is an unrefined sea salt that includes all the associated natural trace minerals from the sea. We need sodium in our diet because it is an important mineral. It can provide support for our adrenal function and for additional energy. I have never seen a research study that proves that salt always raises blood pressure, which is one of the primary reasons that people reduce their salt intake. Some people are sensitive to high amounts of sodium, which is part of the salt molecule. But the much bigger problem is the way sodium is used excessively in processed foods. Ridiculous levels of sodium in processed foods—especially processed lunch meats, dry mixes, and canned goods—are very unhealthy, and they should be avoided. However, using natural salt in a balanced fashion is healthy. Believe me, there is a huge difference between salt found in the grocery stores and high quality Celtic salts, as well as Himalayan salt, which you can find in gourmet stores and health food stores. As for the salt detoxification program you outlined, this is not an excessive amount of sodium and I have seen excellent results using this blend of small amounts of Celtic sea salt and lots of pure water. Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally