Is salt therapy backed by science?
A 2022 review of 13 studies on various methods of halotherapy indicates that it may have a positive effect on patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, improving mucociliary elimination and lung function in common chronic respiratory diseases, and also health-related quality of life. Halotherapy treatment has been associated with relief of respiratory conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD, as well as relieving integumentary conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.A comprehensive review of halotherapy studies noted that the four most common side effects were increased coughing, throat dryness, skin irritation, and excess mucus—all directly linked to the respiratory system’s natural cleansing reaction to the salt.
Is salt therapy really good for you?
salt therapy offers numerous benefits for respiratory health, skin conditions, and mental well-being. Here are the key takeaways: salt therapy can significantly improve respiratory conditions such as asthma, copd, sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis. There is no clear scientific evidence that himalayan salt has more health benefits than regular table salt. However, it may provide a more pleasant taste in lower quantities, thereby lowering total salt intake.While sodium is necessary in small quantities, too much can have a negative impact on health. Those with kidney, heart, or liver issues, or people on a sodium-restricted diet, should monitor their sodium intake and limit their use of all salt, including pink Himalayan salt.When you drink plenty of water, your body can flush the excess sodium in your body. It is important to drink plenty of water if you have too much sodium in your blood because your kidneys will flush out the excess sodium and help to lower your blood pressure over the long term.The American Heart Association recommends healthy adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium chloride per day. That’s the equivalent of about one teaspoon of regular table salt. One teaspoon of rock salt, sea salt or Himalayan salt has 2,000 milligrams, so they’re very close.
Why is salt a good healer?
Allergies and sinusitis: Salt helps to relieve sinus congestion and reduce allergic reactions. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps heal irritated and inflamed mucous membranes. Improved lung function: By helping to clear the airways, halotherapy improves breathing efficiency. Mucus Reduction and Airway Clearance Salt therapy is a natural way to clear mucus from your airways. The tiny salt particles you inhale act as natural expectorants. They break down thick mucus, making it easier to expel. This process opens up your airways, allowing for easier breathing.
What organ is salt bad for?
Beyond the heart, excess salt can strain the kidneys. Part of their function is to excrete salt, Laffer said. But the kidneys, in hypertension, may not excrete salt appropriately. They may hold onto it. That can lead to problems ranging from swollen ankles to fluid buildup around the heart and lungs. Data from both animal and human studies provide evidence that salt impairs endothelial function and increases arterial stiffness independent of blood pressure.
What organ is damaged by salt?
Kidney Disease A high salt diet will alter this sodium balance, causing the kidneys to have reduced function and remove less water resulting in higher blood pressure. This puts strain on the kidneys and can lead to kidney disease. It doesn’t really matter whether that sodium comes largely from plain old iodized table salt or from pricey Himalayan sea salt. If you exceed that 1,500-milligram daily level of sodium, it is likely to contribute to: Elevated blood pressure. Kidney stone formation.Common symptoms of high sodium levels include thirst, bloating, swelling, headaches, fatigue, and changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm. Understanding what sodium does for the body helps explain why excess intake affects fluid balance, blood pressure, and cardiovascular function.