Salt, Water, Muscles and Cramp

Have you ever wondered why we need salt?   Apart from the fact that it tastes good, it also helps the functioning of our cells.   The problem is that there is table salt (an extract of sea salt) and THEN there is sea salt!    Table salt is made up of two minerals, Sodium and Chloride – the two major components of salt.    However it does not contain the 82 minerals that are found in Celtic or Himalayan salt.  Our body needs all the minerals and trace elements to function well.    
 

• Not only does salt assist with the uptake of water in our bodies, it also:
• Relaxes muscles because it contains 3 types of magnesium (a common remedy for cramp)
• Aids nerve function
• Helps with blood volume and pressure
• Helps the body transmit messages between the nerves and the muscle fibres for movement
  
• Increases fluid volume in the muscles

 
We lose about 2.5 litres of water a day and this needs to be replaced.   However some people find that drinking that amount of water means they either get fluid retention or they are often in the loo.   Water is absorbed and retained better when you put a crystal or two of Celtic or Himalayan salt on the tongue first, let it dissolve in your mouth, before you drink a glass of water.   

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What does this have to do with being a massage therapist?    Many years ago I had a client visit me who was struggling to walk up hills and climb ladders.   When I massaged their legs, I found lots of little tight knots, especially in their calf muscles.    I asked if they include salt in their diet and found out that they only occasionally used table salt.   So I suggested they start having Himalayan or Celtic salt daily (up to ½ teaspoon) and drink more water.    After 2-3 slow, deep massages on their legs to release all the knots, and increasing their salt intake, they experienced considerable relief.

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Take a look at the links below for more information about salt and water.
https://www.wideopeneats.com/12-different-types-salt-use/
https://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/gain-mass/diet-911-add-salt-strength
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm6fmiG4SAc&t=1097s
 
Note:  If you are not sure about using salt – please check with a qualified naturopath.
 
Elayne is a massage therapist.  Click here to book a massage.


 
Photo by Stefan Johnson and Amanda Perez on Unsplash