In the past several decades there has been a great deal of emphasis on reducing salt consumption in societies where processed foods are prevalent. Excessive salt intake has been linked to hypertension and heart disease. What is important to be aware of is that processed foods and table salt contain sodium chloride, which is only one cell salt among twelve, essential for a healthy body. Most people believe that the body needs salt to survive, but too much salt is unhealthy. The problem is that there is a gross imbalance of salt consumption in societies that consume large amounts of processed foods and table salts because a salt diet restricted to sodium chloride creates an imbalance in mineral salts in the body. However, reducing salt consumption doesn't solve the problem, but adds to it in the form of salt deficiency.

Salt restricted diets are not the only contributor to salt deficiciency in the body. Antibiotics, prescription medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, laxatives and chemotherapy drugs each deplete salt supplies in the body. Salt reduction can have serious health consequences because cells cannot function properly and reproduce without the presence of cell salts. When the body doesn't get enough salt it reduces the amount of salt expelled through sweat and urine. On a salt-free diet the kidneys begin to lose salt content. This puts a tremendous strain on the body and leads to serious health conditions and disease and eventually death. In many cases sodium chloride should be moderately reduced, but salt consumption must be increased.

You are probably wondering how you can increase salt in your diet, without increasing sodium chloride. Replacing processed foods with whole, raw, natural foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains is a step in the right direction because they contain some degree, in balanced proportions, of the twelve essential salts required for health and vitality. Unfortunately, modern farming practices do not allow for adequate salt mineral and trace mineral content. Organic crops have been found to have higher levels of these key minerals but have to go through storage, distribution and processing and lose much of their essential cell salt content on the way to the grocery store.

There are twelve essential cell salts essential to life. Each has a specific function in bringing health and vitality to the body. Sodium chloride, which has already been discussed, helps to improve chronic sinus problems, sun sensitivity, edema and headaches. Sodium phosphate improves digestion. Sodium sulphate strengthens pancreatic function. Silicea helps keep skin, hair and nails healthy. Ferrum phosphate oxygenates cells and increases energy. It is also useful for infections, fever and inflammation.

Magnesium phosphate helps maintain healthy nerves and muscles and helps to eliminate muscle pain, spasms and fatigue. Calcium fluoride is essential for the surface of skin and bones to be strong and healthy. Calcium sulfate is important for healing of the skin, healthy bones and teeth. Calcium phosphate is necessary for growing bones. Potassium sulfate ensure the proper functioning of oils in the body. Potassium phosphate is important for emotional health. Potassium fluoride helps protect against sinus inflammation, lack of energy, colds and arthritic inflammation.

Cell salts, also known as tissue salts, or biochemical salts have been made available as supplements to restore balance to the cells. When cells are balanced and healthy, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Cell salt supplements have no side effects or interactions with drugs being taken. Adding cell salt supplements to your diet will ensure absorption and utilization of needed nutrients such as vitamins and enzymes which are useless without them. Cell salt supplements are usually available at your local health store or may be purchased online.