Salt of the Sea
If you use this universal ingredient, sea salt can be a flavorful and
healthful addition to your food. Sea salt usually tastes better than reg-
ular salt, and contains other minerals as well. Early humans obtained
much of their food from the salt-water ocean, and we still require
many of the sea’s vital minerals.
People have come to fear sodium these days, almost as much as
fats. However, like certain fats, sodium is an essential nutrient.
Sodium is necessary for water regulation, the nervous system, muscle
activity, adrenal gland function and many other healthy activities.
Sodium intake through a healthy diet, with the addition of added salt,
is the best way to obtain sufficient amounts for most healthy people.
For those who sweat a lot, or perform high levels of exercise, sodium
loss increases through sweat. Those under excess stress, and athletes
who are overtrained, may have hormone imbalances that can cause
too much sodium loss through the urine. These individuals some-
times crave salt, and usually need to consume more.
Sodium can increase blood pressure in susceptible individuals.
This occurs in about one-third to one-half of those with hypertension.
In these cases, too much sodium can cause edema and/or further ele-
vation of blood pressure. This sensitivity can be discovered through
an examination by a health-care professional, and by avoiding salt
and sodium for a week and checking how blood pressure changes.
Most patients with high blood pressure can correct the problem when
the proper amounts of carbohydrates are determined, especially
beginning with the Two Week Test. This can often reduce or eliminate
sodium sensitivity.
Spice Up Your Health
Spices have been used in food preparation for thousands of years. The
right spice, or combinations, can make foods tempting and delicious
by boosting the appearance, smell and taste. Spices also are useful as
natural preservatives, and many have powerful therapeutic and
health-promoting properties, too. In food, spices can prevent the
growth of dangerous bacteria and other organisms. And when ingest-
ed, they can fight against cancer, heart disease and other chronic con-
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