Pass the Sea Salt? - May 19, 2011

By Dr. Michelle Kmiec

Table salt vs. sea salt; is there really a difference? Well, this question was asked on one of our local news channels recently and, to my disappointment, (although not my surprise) the “informed” conclusion was that there was no difference. In fact, these “experts”concluded, sea salt was actually more harmful to your health than table salt! The reason given was that, since sea salt is touted as being “healthy” for you, people tend to eat more of it. Furthermore, the “experts” claimed that sea salt is more expensive—compounding the fraud!

So, should you believe this?

Before you answer, here is some vital information that these “experts”left out.

Table salt is nothing more than processed sodium chloride fortified with synthetic iodine as well as food additives known as anti-caking agents. These anti-caking agents keep the salt from clumping up and,thus, the salt pours out of the salt shaker with greater ease. What are these anti-caking agents? I’m glad you asked! Check it out!

WOW, right? The most commonly used anti-caking agent is actually E554 sodium aluminosilicate.You guessed it! There can be side effects (refer to my Food Additive article) such as constipation along with many precautions if you have liver or kidney disease. But no worries! E554 sodium aluminosilicate has many uses besides table salt. Did you know it is also added to road salt? Interesting!

Recap: Table salt contains processed sodium chloride fortified with synthetic iodine and anti-caking food additives.

Sea salt, on the other hand, comes from the ocean (as the name obviously implies) and naturally contains over 50 trace minerals including natural iodine.

The key here is the trace minerals which are found not only in our oceans, but also in our soil. In fact, trace minerals are found in small amounts in our bodies!They are important for metabolic functions in the body. For example:if trace minerals are deficient in the body then other substances and enzymes will not work properly. This could, then, impede major systems such as our nervous system and musculoskeletal system. (Of course, these two systems are very important in chiropractic care.) Did you know that deficiencies in trace minerals such as chromium and vanadium may play a major role in the development of diabetes?

Other roles that trace minerals play in health are:

Iodine needed for thyroid function
Iron needed for blood cell hemoglobin production
Zinc for normal immune function
Chromium needed for blood glucose and cholesterol metabolism
Manganese and enzyme activation in cell metabolism
Boron vital to prevent osteoporosis
Sea salt itself to improve adrenal function and fatigue

Unfortunately, there are sea salt brands on the market that are, indeed, no healthier for you than regular salt. In fact, I really don’t understand how they can call themselves sea salt! So how do you know if you have the real deal—meaning that it hasn’t gone through the same extensive processing as table salt? Check out the color. It should not be white. Instead it should have more of a pinkish- grey shade. Be sure to look for the phrase, “50+ Trace Minerals”. (There are some brands that say +60 trace minerals!) An excellent brand is Redmond Sea Salt (see pics below).

excellent brand is Redmond Sea Salt (see pics below).