Which Salt Is Good for High Blood Pressure? 

Role of Salt in High Blood Pressure

The word salt brings the common white table salt to our minds. However, many other types of salt are rich in various health benefits. So salts are not always something that increases your blood pressure!

But, many clinical studies confirm that a diet high in salt rich in sodium can increase water retention in the body and cause high blood pressure. However, it is also evident that genetic causes may also prevail due to which there may be high salt sensitivity. 

Here are how dietary sodium can affect blood pressure: 

1. Firstly, salt, being deliquescent, increases water retention in the body. Apart from pressurising the blood vessels, it also increases fluid retention between cells. 
2. Water retention disturbs the sodium filtration capacity in the kidney and primarily affects renal blood pressure levels. In addition to high blood pressure, it can also cause kidney issues.
3. It consequently leads to portal hypertension (increased pressure in the portal-venous system in the body) in the long run. This also affects other functions, such as muscles, bones and the digestive system. 

Hence, sodium content in diets must be monitored. This does not mean that one should not consume salt. Surprisingly, there are many types of salt available on this planet, which both modern science and Ayurvedic scientists contemplate. Let us explore more in this blog. 

Types of Salt and Their Medicinal Properties 

Salt is derived from mineral deposits surrounding a water body. Based on the geographical location and the type of cuisine, 12 salts are enumerated. Let us explore more: 

Table Salt 

This is the most common type of salt and what we usually refer to when we speak of salt. It is enriched with iodine and is rich in sodium and chloride. It helps combat iodine deficiency and supports thyroid function. 

Kosher Salt

This salt is more granular and can be used to avoid over-salting food. It is derived from underground salt beds. This salt helps maintain fluid balance and improves nerve function. 

Himalayan Pink Salt

This is being increasingly celebrated worldwide and is known as the purest salt. It is derived from the Khewra Salt Mine in the Himalayas. This salt is also called holistic salt because it contains all the 84 minerals needed by the body. 

The benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt are uncountable; here are a few: 

• Improves respiration 
• Reduces signs of ageing 
• Protects the pH of the body 
• Improves sleep quality 
• Improves fertility levels 
• Regulates blood pressure 
• Supports weight loss by protecting the gut microbe population. 
• Nourishes eye health 
• Has great antioxidant properties
• Excellent for skin health and liver health. 

As per Ayurveda, Himalayan Pink salt is known to balance Vata dosha. It balances all the vata aggravating factors in the body, including blood pressure. 

Several clinical studies have established the benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt for blood pressure. 

Sea Salt 

This is derived from evaporated seawater and is less salty. Its chemical texture is entirely dependent on the nature of the sea. This salt too, has unbelievable properties as follows: 

1. This is very beneficial for arthritis - it reduces fluid retention when applied as a pack. 
2. This improves the immune system through its dietary support for inflammatory pathways. 
3. This is highly beneficial for heart health as it regulates the signals in the heart muscles. 
4. This has unique skin rejuvenating properties. 
5. It is an excellent stress reliever as it calms down the nervous system. 
6. This salt is very beneficial for muscle function all over the body.

Celtic Grey Salt 

This is obtained in the Atlantic tidal ponds. This is equally beneficial as sea salt. This is grey due to the minerals left behind by the seawater. 

This salt goes well with grilled meat and seafood. 

Flower of Salt

This is evaporated seawater along the coast of Brittany. This is perhaps the saltiest of all salts and is comparatively very sticky. This sticks on the tongue longer and has a heavy concentration of several minerals. A small quantity might add a lot of salt to your food. 

Red Hawaiian Salt 

Its bright red colour suggests the richness of iron oxide in it and yes it's rich in iron. This is derived from volcanic deposits. This salt works like magic on our respiratory system and is extremely good for health. This relieves congestion in the respiratory system and clears the pathway and can be useful in cases of asthma. 

Hawaiian Black Salt

This wonder salt is created by adding activated charcoal to sea salt. This has surprising medicinal properties like:

• It reduces acidity
• It promotes hair growth 
• It relieves constipation 
• It is a very good anti-oxidant and can relieve toxins from the intestines 
• It protects the liver health and supports bile function 

This has lower concentrations of minerals and can be liberally used. 

Smoked Salt 

This is a creative salt that is processed by cold smoking salt with woods of alder, apple, hickory, and mesquite for two to three weeks. The wood's flavour and colour vary. This salt mainly benefits the digestive system and can add smoky flavour to food. 

Himalayan Black Salt 

This is also a processed salt made by treating common salt with various herbs and spices for 24 hours in a deep furnace. This mainly acts as a laxative. This helps balance fluids in the body. 

Rock Salt

This crystal and gravelled salt is highly recommended by Ayurvedic experts. It is beneficial for better food absorption and improves fluid balance. 

Low Sodium Salt 

This is processed salt, the sodium levels of which are controlled. This can be very helpful in reducing sodium concentrations. 

Among all these types of salt, Himalayan pink salt, Celtic salt, sea salt, and low-sodium salt are recommended for consumption in hypertension. 

Ayurvedic Types of Salt 

Salt is called as 'lavana' in ayurveda, and there are different types of salts described for medicinal purposes by ayurvedic experts.

• Saindhava—This refers to the crystal rock salt. This is known to improve the body's appetite and digestion.  These salts are the ones most abundantly used for ayurvedic therapeutic purposes.
• Samudra—Typical sea salt. This is used for therapeutic purposes in ayurveda to treat various ailments. 
• Souvarchala -These are black salts or pungent salts. They taste pungent and have a strong smell. They are used in traditional purgation therapies. 
• Vida Havana—These are salts that are made artificially by combining certain chemicals. They can be customised according to therapeutic needs. 
• Audbidha—This type of salt is obtained from vegetables such as celery. It is believed to be rich in minerals and to have a beneficial effect on the digestive system.

Various other types of salt are mentioned in ayurveda, which can add a lot of therapeutic value. 

Conclusion

By understanding the impact of salt on high blood pressure and making informed dietary choices, you can take proactive steps to manage hypertension and promote heart health.

Embrace the importance of following recommended salt intake guidelines, choosing low-sodium options, and seeking professional advice for personalised dietary recommendations to effectively manage high blood pressure.

Know your right choice of salt with us today.