6 Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt

Did you know salt can be good for you? Find out the health benefits of Himalayan salt and how you can add it to your diet. I’ll also explain the differences between Himalayan salt and regular table salt.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure.

Closeup of Himalayan salt on a spoon

 

For years, salt has been given a bad reputation. But it’s not all bad when it comes to salt. While table salt has little nutritional value (keep reading to find out why) and it’s highly refined and processed, Himalayan Pink Salt has a lot of health benefits.

What is Himalayan Pink Salt?

Himalayan pink salt comes rock salt deposits over 250 million years old in or around the Himalayan mountain range in Pakistan. It varies significantly from regular table salt and sea salt.

For starters, this remarkable salt has over 80 essential minerals and elements including, sulphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. Himalayan pink salt also contains far less sodium than other traditional table salts because it is less refined. And the health benefits don’t stop there. Pink Himalayan salt can do incredible things for you and your family’s health.

Himalayan Pink Salt vs. Table Salt

When commercial table salt is processed, it is completely stripped of its natural nutrients. In the manufacturing process, sodium remains in table salt and bleach is added during sterilization.

On top of these additional chemicals, table salt is also treated with an anti-caking agent that inhibits absorption if the salt comes in contact with water. When you eat table salt, these agents don’t allow the salt to absorb naturally into your body, leading to accumulation and build up in tissues and organs.

Himalayan Pink Salt crystals are not processed the same way. That’s just a few reasons why Himalayan salt is better for you vs. table salt. Keep reading to learn more.

6 Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt

Not only is Himalayan pink salt processed differently from table salt, it’s loaded with with nutrients and health benefits your body needs. So what can Himalayan pink salt do you for you? Check this out…

1. Balance electrolytes

Salt is a key ingredient in getting electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate and sulfate) into the body. Electrolytes are basically salts (the ions in salt) that are vital to the body as they help cells to carry electrical impulses across the cell membranes and to other cells.

Electrolytes can be balanced by eating foods with Himalayan pink salt or consuming an electrolyte drink. I like to make this homemade electrolyte drink regularly to keep my electrolytes balanced.

2. Stay hydrated

When you sweat from exercise or overheating, you lose electrolytes (particularly sodium and potassium). And when you’re sick with the stomach flu, diarrhea or vomiting, you lose electrolytes and need to replenish them.

Make your own hydrating homemade sports drink with just a few simple ingredients – including Himalayan pink salt. This simple drink helps to replenish those electrolytes and hydrate the body.

You can also try this electrolyte popsicle recipe as a healthy, refreshing treat for kids who need to replenish fluids.

3. Support digestion

Think salt is bad for digestion? Think again. The minerals and trace elements in Himalayan pink salt actually help your body to digest food and nutrients better.

It’s also delicious and a great way to get your sodium intake in your favorite recipes. I use Himalayan pink salt in my of my gluten-free recipes. Here’s my favorite brand of Himalayan pink salt.

4. Soothe tired muscles

Got sore or tired muscles? Had a hard workout? Soak in a mineral salt bath to soothe muscles. A soak helps the body to absorb minerals through the skin.

Here’s an easy recipe: Soak in a mineral bath of 1 cup of epsom salt and 1/2 cup of Himalayan pink salt in a tub of warm water for 15-20 minutes to absorb minerals, such as magnesium, and other nutrients. I like to add a few drops of essential oils (where to buy) too.

5. Detoxify the body

Take a detox bath a few times a week to help the body get rid of toxins in the body naturally. It’s also a great way to relax and de-stress.  This is also known as a brine bath. The ions in Himalayan salt’s minerals can help to rejuvenate the skin and helps to flush toxins out of the body.

Here’s how to to it: Add 1-2 cups of Himalayan pink salt in a tub of warm water (about 97 degrees F) and soak for 20 minutes (no more than that as muscles may feel fatigued if in the bath too long). Don’t use soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. when you soak;  just use the salt and water. After the bath, get up slowly and out of the bath. Pat dry lightly – try not to rub or towel off the salt water – or dry naturally.

If you have weak circulation, talk to your doctor before taking a brine bath. While it can be relaxing, the circulatory system works hard to flush toxins out of the body.

6. Purify the air naturally

Himalayan salt lamps are slabs of salt – usually 6-10 inches tall – with a lightbulb inside. When these lamps are turned on, they help to purify the air naturally.

a himalayan salt lamp on a table

How does it work? The lamp attracts moisture from the air, and then the water evaporates from the heat of the lamp. This helps to create negative ions, which help to neutralize toxins and contaminants in the air. Himalayan salt lamps may possibly even EMF (electromagnetic frequencies emitted from electronics) – a good reason to have a lamp in every room of your home. Here’s where I got my Himalayan salt lamp.

And the best part is that Himalayan salt lamps can be reused over and over. Just replace the lightbulb inside the lamp. I leave mine on all the time.

Have you started using Himalayan salt in your home?

Himalayan Salt as Part of A Balanced Diet

Regular salt is a major dietary source of iodine — one thing that Himalayan salt lacks. According to the National Institute of Health, you need iodine for your thyroid hormones and your metabolism to function properly. So if you do swap regular salt for the Himalayan salt, then other sources of iodine —  fish, dairy products or dietary supplements — should be added to your diet.

Before making any dietary changes, however, it’s always important to discuss them with your doctor or natural health practitioner.

Top Tips for Using Himalayan Salt

  • In general, you can cook with pink Himalayan salt just like you would with regular table salt. Put it in sauces and marinades or add it to your food at the dinner table.
  • When you’re using pink Himalayan salt, it’s best to check the nutrition label, as sodium content can vary widely, depending on the brand.
  • If using a the salt in a bath, soak for a max of 20 mins, otherwise you may suffer from muscle fatigue.
  • Himalayan salt lamps are a great investment and can be reused, just replace the light bulb.

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Photo credit: Bigstockphotos.com / antonbelo

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3 Comments

  1. Your link to “Himalayan Pink Salt” leads to an Amazon page for “Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt ”
    I’m really interested to know which brand of Himalayan Pink Salt you use and recommend!