Pink Himalayan salt is deceptively beautiful salt mined in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. The salt, which tends to have a purplish-blue tint due to trace minerals, is used primarily for food seasoning, cooking and decorative purposes, although it is also used for spa treatment and lamps. It is considered one of the most pure natural minerals in the world and is used in countless forms from food and table salt to medical treatments and lamps.
Pink Himalayan salt comes in different varieties depending on its mineral content. The most commonly used variety is crystal salt, which is made of sodium chloride and calcium carbonate. Crystal salt contains trace minerals such as bromine, anhydrides of sodium chloride and zinc. This variety is chemically altered by an acid to make it more soluble so that it can be dissolved in water and other liquids such as blood or oil.
Traditionally this type of salt was mined by Indian village dwellers and nomadic tribes in the Himalayan Mountains. The method of mining used at the time was to first bore into the earth to reveal the vein of salt. Then, using special rods they would lift the crystal salt from the underground layer and wash it in streams or lakes. As streams dried up, they would scatter the salt over the landscape to clean the soil and recharge the soil with water. Today, most of the salt is still mined in this way as people have become more aware of its harmful effects. However, a small amount of Himalayan pink salt is still mined in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains from small villages that have not yet been identified by modern life and who still depend on natural ways to recharge their lands.
Studies on the effects of alkaline saline on various ailments have revealed several benefits to the users. These benefits include treating colds, influenza, respiratory diseases, wounds, eczema, burns, ulcers, osteoarthritis, asthma, HIV, liver disorders, kidney disorders and diabetes to name a few. In addition, this type of salt has also shown to be beneficial in treating arthritis, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, coughs and pneumonia to name just a few. Research and tests on Himalayan salt therapy have also revealed that this salt can help decrease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
One of the most common uses of alkaline saline today is its ability to lower blood pressure. It is able to do this by decreasing the amount of sodium and potassium that the body holds. It lowers blood pressure by approximately five to ten millimetres. Since it is able to significantly lower the amount of sodium in the bloodstream, it also lowers the amount of calcium and magnesium in the body as well. By decreasing these three mineral levels it helps to keep the cells hydrated and healthy. Many people prefer to take Himalayan salt because it does not contain any form of artificial chemicals or preservatives that can potentially harm the body.
Research studies conducted on the effects of Himalayan salt therapy on Type II diabetics showed that it can help increase the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. This improvement in the sensitivity of the cells to insulin allows the body to absorb more insulin and therefore reduces the chances of the cells becoming dangerously diabetic. In addition to reducing blood sugar levels researchers found that diabetics who took Himalayan salt increased their chances of staying away from cardiovascular diseases like coronary disease, heart attacks and strokes. This study is a great example of how taking a healthy supplement like Himalayan salt can benefit millions of people all around the world.
One of the main benefits of Himalayan salt comes from its ability to provide and maintain trace minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium for your body. When you begin taking Himalayan salt you will notice an increase in the amount of trace minerals your body takes in. These trace minerals are what our bodies need to be healthy. We also need a high amount of fluid to help us carry out all of our bodily functions. Water is essential for absorption of minerals and essential nutrients in the food we eat. If you stop taking in enough water then the trace minerals in your body will deplete which can lead to different illnesses.
Studies have shown that drinking pink salt will increase your fluid balance because it contains trace amounts of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Our bodies lose fluid daily because of the many foods that we eat. Most foods today contain additives to make them taste better and are not as healthy as they should be. Our fluids are necessary for bone building, tissue repair, muscle maintenance, blood pressure regulation and fluid balance.