I have been using Celtic Sea Salt for awhile in and on my food. I have always been a water drinker- now trying to balance the salt and water. How much salt and how much water? I am an active 62 yr old female, 5’4” and 132 lbs. I have normal bp 140/90 that the doctors want to treat w meds and I have given them a firm “no”.
Thank you Jane for your thorough response! I actually love the celtic sea salt “straight” followed by my water. I will keep a journal and see what happens! I have been taking some in the morning and some in the afternoon (as well as on food), but hadn’t thought about before bed. Will try that! Thank you again :)
You’ll need to experiment with salt and water. Remembering and monitoring any symptoms of dehydration or WILT and adding salt plus water to mitigate.
Your body will start to heal, so write down every annoyance, head to toe, include sleep quality and review your list in two months. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well your body heals when it’s hydrated.
I started with a pinch, then 1/4 teaspoon and now I’m on 1/2 teaspoon with 300ml of water. I take salt with my water and drink as I need.
I suggest you go with ease of drinking so it’s a good experience. Let your salt taste buds guide you.
And allow some time so your adrenals can get used to having down time. Your adrenals may have enlarged to cope with chronic dehydration and if this is the case they will be very efficient with additional salt. So slowly increase and pay attention to how you feel.
Be the expert on you. Keep a notebook so you can reflect on where you have come from. Eg it’s amazing how quickly we forget pain and stiffness when it’s gone.
I take a salt drink first thing to get my mind in gear, and last thing, so my body and mind can relax.
It’s a fabulous good night’s sleep remedy.
And anytime in between, eg if I have a coffee, if it’s a hot day, if I’m stressed, if I’m working in air conditioning.
I aim to stay ahead of becoming really dehydrated so I’m forward planning and then making sure I catch up if I get caught out. I know the salt water can be utilised and my body will absorb what it needs and discard the rest without injury.
I salt my food to taste, this practice aids digestion.
And I am mindful when I’m stirring my salt to dissolve it in my water. I’m focusing on healing and health.
I am 1 month in to adding the salt morning and evening and after caffeine, exercise or stress. My blood pressure has dropped and staying lower than prior to my salt journey! My sleep is better too! Thank you again for all your research and responding to my question. I look forward to sharing this information with others. The fight or flight with stress is something I have been focusing on with calming music or reciting Scripture, and now added salt plus water!
Thank you Wendy for letting me know you are benefiting from additional salt, it’s fabulous news.
I saw this morning a list of dis-eases that have all increased since 1990. Chronic fatigue syndrome had the biggest increase. Women at twice the number of men, just like dementia.
Salt restriction has taken its toll on everyone but especially the women.
I eat a lot of salt but I probably don't drink enough water. This would probably cause some problems. What do you think Jane? I rarely have a cold. I always noticed that when I have respiratory distress, drinking water seems to clear it up. At least usually it does.
The key is to learn the signs of low salt and add hydration as needed. There will be days with stresses, more salt plus water is needed. Eg handling heat or cold, learning new things, frights and bad news, dry air conditioning.
Or just adjusting for salt loss, drinking coffee/tea and alcohol.
Easy to add more water if you have the salt waiting to hold onto it.
" this too will pass" was my mother's favorite saying LOL. She had a lot of health challenges for various reasons but still lived to the good age of 87, in good measure because my dad nursed her so lovingly... and he went to Glory at the age of 97. He was in a wheelchair for the last few years of his life after suffering some kind of a small stroke in his lower back where he lost the use of his legs. He retired from his last job at the age of 87 as a groundskeeper for a local company. He survived two cancers and three knee replacements... died in his sleep and the only medication he took was half a baby aspirin and a cod liver oil pill. When my friends express their condolences, I comfort them and me saying "we should all be so lucky to live the life he lived and die the death he he died." We're not getting out alive. He really did try to look after his health all his life. He subscribed to only one magazine and that was Rodale's Prevention, which I had to cancel after his death. He was probably their oldest subscriber LOL.
Thank you for the reminder about my hips. You were right about journaling our healing progress. I don't know why it is but we quickly forget a given pain once it is healed. I do keep a journal for my homeopathic treatment . Hips are not nearly as stiff or painful as previous. I have more ability to step over objects on the floor... Like my giant Maine Coon cat who likes to sleep crossways the hallway, and he fills it.
As you head into spring and summer, we of course are heading into winter and -30°C temperatures, but we've had a lovely extended fall season with no frost on the garden until late October, a good 5 or 6 weeks later than normal. My "beyond organic" veggie garden is about 130 square meters (1,400 sq. ft.) and I have two small greenhouses, one for season extension (tomatoes & peppers) and one in which I can grow all winter. It has tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and lettuce coming along now.
P.S. I have two friends in Tas who like to complain about their cold winters 🤣.
Eczema is 99% gone and my 80-year-old skin is quite smooth and healthy looking.
Noticed that my fingernails are stronger and thicker and less prone to splitting which was a serious issue before.
My mental outlook on life has improved, in spite of My wife's declining health and increasing responsibility for me. I'm not feeling such a sense of "overwhelm" as previously experienced. I seem to have a much better handle on life now.
Interesting sidebar... My beautiful big cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I've since learned that the veterinarian prescribed food is not what he needs because it's too high in carbohydrates... Perhaps like people, the food is designed to keep the animals sick and provide big Pharma with more income from the insulin. Since salt has a positive influence on human diabetes, I thought I would add a little bit of salt to his food. I haven't been able to test his blood glucose yet, but I have noticed an immediate improvement in the consistency of his stool. It used to be near liquid, but is now reasonably well formed.
Another sidebar... I have a close relationship with a Nigerian doctor and sent him this salty information. He wrote back confessing that he used to prescribe low salt diets but came across an article someplace that proved that was a lie. One more doctor on our side! Hallelujah!
Thank you for remembering me and may your 2025 be prosperous and healthy, and above all healthy!!!!
I do continue to heal in the areas I've previously mentioned. About the time I came across your article in late October, I was developing heart palpitations serious enough to cause me to seek medical testing. My MD sent me to a cardiologist where I had an ECG and a stress test. On December 20th I had a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist who explained that my arrhythmia was caused by dehydration. He noted that the area of my heart causing the increased beats (1 in 7), was not life-threatening but he could prescribe medication to help that. I said if it was a statin drug then I wasn't interested. He asked me why and I explained that in my understanding statins block the CoQ10 pathway and that impacted one's ability to think and reason. He simply closed his computer and said my prescription for you is to get a clear water bottle, fill it up in the morning and have it empty by 1:00 p.m., refill it and have it empty by 7:00 p.m. and then quit drinking so you won't pee all night LOL... And keep doing what I'm doing! When he asked what medications I was on I produced my tiny bottle of sea salt (I have four of them so one is in a pocket of most everything I might wear) and put it on the table. He never flinched or expressed any disapproval of any kind.
From years of so much muscle pain I do have a lot of residual stiffness in the muscles. More prayer led me almost immediately to discover fascia relief videos. I previously had no clue what fascia were, but I'm now much more informed and beginning A program called Block Therapy online. So far it is quick to provide muscle release and relief of the painful symptoms.
Thank you once again for caring, and I will try posting in a month or two after working with the block therapy treatment.
Thank you Garth, it’s good to know you are doing well. May you know your body better each week and find effective solutions that support your wellness in 2025.
The idea hydration equals water is wrong. Water cannot be on boarded without salt to retain it. Your doctor hasn’t understood the salt physiology that underpins wellness but that’s the point of pHARMa training physicians and the salt restriction directive we all received.
I imagine as you drink your water, you slip in salt from your pocket and your thinking remains sharp and calm.
My hips like me to elongate the space in their joint space. I lie on my stomach, put my feet just over the edge of the bed, and stretch one foot out, then the other. I feel the tightness on one side more than the other. I gently push against the tightness and breathe. It turns the contraction off.
Pain is an invitation to know thy self better.
Free movement is a blessing salt plus water, and gentle stretching returns.
I'm sorry to hear your wife's health is declining as yours improves.
I'm glad you can sense your way through the difficulties currently presenting.
I say to myself, this too will pass, when I encounter strong headwinds. Change is the only constant.
How are your hips?
Salt is needed for every part of digestion, cats don't eat carbs naturally, only raw meat.
When they eat dry food, it causes problems. I had cats growing up, they never got sick. We only ever took them to the vet if they were physically injured. We kept our cats healthy on tinned food, nothing fancy or expensive. This was pre-food science technicians. Pseudo food is not food.
Sooooo.... One week into increasing my salt intake, not frankensalt, I have these observations to report.
1. At the end of day one I noticed the dry patch (eczema ?) on my cheek was noticeably smoother. Now at day 7 it's smoother still and reduced by about half in size.
2. By day two I noticed that I was no longer a little bit dizzy on getting up in the morning.
3. Around day four I started to notice that my eye's adapted better to farsightedness after spending time close up reading, especially my phone screen. Previously it was taking several minutes for my eyes to readjust to farsighted seeing.
4. Ever since cataract surgery in the summer of 2023, I've been developing painful dry eye syndrome. I've used drops and warm bean bags on my eyes daily to no avail. I'm sensing a definite reduction in dry eye symptoms.
5. Perhaps most importantly for my future well-being, is that lower body stiffness and extreme pain are reduced by at least half and I am stronger. Yesterday I was able to carry a 50 lb box of kitty litter into the house with much less strain and pain than previous.
6. It's hard to quantify, but I do feel a greater sense of calm and less sense of overwhelm. The great amount of fall work in preparation for winter is still there, but I'm approaching it better... More rationally.
7. I am grateful to God for answering prayer in the form of Jane's writing. Thank you both!
I’m not sure if you are addressing this his question to me, Gigi
I explain my journey in my article: we breathe air not oxygen.
This article was written later.
I’m a mother with an interest in health.
If you like what I write, it’s derived from research and experimentation and clarity from understanding physiology is powered by hydration not oxygenation.
I’ve three articles, lots of notes.
Read, ponder and let your curiosity grow and then teach you. It’s the Wild West. Pioneers are needed to scrutinise and banish the lies inserted to retard.
Because yes, the establishment will insert lies wherever they can to derive a profit. THEY (the criminal class) especially delight in causing suffering. Devil is short for do-evil. Evil is THEIR mantra: live backwards. This means THEY invert knowledge at will, as it suits, no morals.
Yes, Jane, I was speaking to you. I mistakenly wrote "Kathy." I can appreciate your personal opinions from personal observation and thought. I am curious if you have any formal education or work experience on your subject matter. Thank you.
Work experience, mmm, I have a daughter with special needs, so yeah, a lot of ‘work’ experience. She has been my focus for 16 yrs, and each time I rest on my laurels, I find there is more to learn.
Absolutely not; I'm new to this app and unfamiliar with most of the writers.
I'm about as conservative as they come and I question authority and think independently. I would like to know what kind of knowledge she has behind her behind her thoughts and claims... not an unreasonable request.
I'm only explaining this to you out of a courtesy on this new app for me, and it ends here.
I’m aligned with this sodium correction, but what I know about intake is the correct dosage is EVERYTHING. No matter what the subject. And so…it’s gonna be a slow process of trial & error.
Hello Jane. I'm brand new to substack and your articles. However, I'm sensing a link between salt and my chorinic and severe leg/knee pain that neither MD nor homeopath have been able to alleviate. At 79 I do not require any maedications, am extremely acitve with beyond organic food gardens and greenhouses. But the leg pain in my muscles/tendons is debilitating. I'm trying to make a connection between cortisol (I live "stressed"), glucose and salt but don't have the "skills" to connect the dots, yet I think there's a connection. Can you point me toward clarity? Thank you. P.S. I'm already a fan of using celtic salt... tastes yummy too. Even started using it as occasional toothpaste and it cured my sensitive gums issue.
Yes, glucose is antagonistic to salt, it’s used to remove salt in hypernatremia/high salt in hospitals. They use IV glucose for hypernatremia.
Dehydration or low salt turns on the adrenals.
This raises cortisol
Cortisol increases blood glucose
So salt turns off the adrenals
Lowers cortisol
Reduces blood glucose
Blood glucose is controlled by not loading up on carbohydrates and increasing salt
Hence Type 2 diabetes can be diet controlled with low carbs and salt.
Because all the adrenocorticol hormones are deployed in dehydration or low salt, these hormones stay on in chronic dehydration or low salt. This has a knock on effects with the rest of the body hormones. Eg the thyroid gland reacts to the adrenocorticol hormones.
Salt is removed from salt stores to bolster blood volume in emergencies. Dehydration is an emergency. Muscles and joints are salt stores. Hence pain as salt is moved out. I think of this as the body aches of a flu. Flu being a dehydration recovery mode. Quicker one can aid rehydration the quicker the flu mode passes. Hence the salty chicken broths, salty irrigations and gargles are used effectively.
Dehydration must be rectified, it’s an emergency.
And dehydration is dynamic, stresses deplete salt, so it’s a monitoring activity for us.
Oh I’m feeling dehydrated or low salt because: I’m feeling pressure in my head, hip pain, dryness, dizzy on rising, forgetful, anxiety for no good reason, I’m not sleeping …
I’ll go make a salt plus water.
Salt is the lead in the dance of hydration.
I’m thinking prior to refrigeration a lot of foods were preserved in salt. Low salt or hyponatremia was probably rarer.
Then add coffee/tea/alcohol beverages, all dehydrate. The buzz from a strong coffee is the adrenals reacting to dehydration. Alcohol poisoning is acute hyponatremia/low salt.
Thank you for your promptness. You've earned a paid subscription! Your part about hip pain really fits. My extreme fatigue and pain occurs mostly after supper when I sit down in my lazy Boy following a long day of work, at least for a 79-year-old. Pain in my buttocks and around my knees where the tendons attach is at crying level. Many evenings. I do consume salt (to my wife's horror and consternation, but she suffers from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetic, etc etc, but won't even come close to eating my diet as it contravenes what her doctor says.), but I'm going to increase my salt intake and see what happens. The pain can't be any worse that I'm presently experiencing.
I get hip pain too at the end of the day. I'm currently studying photography and it requires whole days, when I'm not paying enough attention to my own needs. Hence I play catch up once back home. Pain is a teacher.
Keep good records because soon (a month or two) you'll look back in your journal and see annoyances you've forgotten about. Give your pain ratings. I love your adjectives: crying level, might come down to ... niggle level ... nostalgia level.
And your journal a teaching reference for your loved ones.
Also look at your blood test levels of sodium and chloride. Where are they sitting in the reference zone, compared to the other electrolytes?
Gently increase your salt, give your body time to adjust to having sufficient, and gain confidence along the way. Remember the kidney/adrenal gears need to change from chronic reverse to drive mode. And pay attention to what you think about when you stir the salt and water. Our intentions are transmitted, hence the act of saying grace before a meal.
It’s Thanksgiving here tomorrow, October 14th, but I’m saying this early -
Thank You for all your research, for everything you’ve shared in layman’s terms with clear and concise writing!
This is a new discovery for me (the vital impact of salt on hydration!, beyond a lovely food flavouring) and I am about to send a link to your information, to family members and friends.
I am extremely grateful for your posting all of this, for being able to read all of your work and your peoples’ comments and experiences, for free, Mz Jane…
Truly a blessing, and I’m learning it at an apropo time: Happy Thanksgiving to you, and yours!
Well I hope in a month or two you may report back, with your own experimental results to share. When the good old road to salt becomes reason-able re salt able response-able.
Our family learned of the salt lie several years ago when we simultaneously learned about the Food Pyramid hoax and subsequently changed our diet, and included a lot of delicious pink salt.
Unfortunately four years ago my spouse developed heart failure. Since that time they cannot tolerate ANY sodium. None. I'm not exaggerating. We cannot add salt to anything and I just add my own after cooking at the table. My spouse marvels at their extreme intolerance to sodium, and has wondered how they can survive with so very little.
I have been curious about the possible physiology for this. It cannot be entirely due to pharmaceuticals, as the symptom was present after the onset of HF symptoms and prior to the initiation of heart failure drugs.
Personally, I have wondered how their adrenals are holding up and also how much the adrenals are playing a role in the extreme sodium intolerance. However, I don't have sufficient understanding to have worked this out. The HF onset was preceded by "worst stress of their life" and co-existent sleep apnea was discovered at the time of diagnosis. So there is a definite history of stress - both physiological and mental.
Curious if you have any comments or thoughts. Of course their cardiologist has zero idea about any of this. 😑
Very interesting, you can see how his adrenals must be working very efficiently with so little salt. I imagine salt will be coming out of his muscles and bones etc to meet his blood needs.
Have you looked at his blood test, sodium levels - any records pre HF to now?
Can he tolerate a salt foot bath?
Start small, 1/2 teaspoon in a bucket, 9 litres. Take his bp, 10 mins, 30mibs. 1 hr.
A reader said they bathe in salt to rehydrate. Skin is the largest organ.
I suggest you experiment with salt and provide anecdotes of what you find out. Especially with regard to adrenal surges, the next time remember: salt plus water. Then notice the calm return. It’s this super practically that might motivate their interest.
Or salt’s ability to increase tolerance of cold and heat.
You are telling me to give my spouse salt when I am telling you that any amount of salt makes symptoms worse. Obviously there is deranged physiology present, and that is what I am trying to understand.
It's okay if you don't know a possible explanation for the situation. That's perfectly fine. However, suggesting ways to get into my spouse something that currently causes acute worsening of a serious health condition isn't helpful. I would LOVE for them to be able to tolerate sodium. I'm convinced the intolerance is a big problem long term. But the solution isn't giving more of what causes worsening symptoms.
Yep, I imagine that too about their muscles and bones. And probably keeps their chronic fatigue going as well.
Unfortunately I doubt they would even try a foot soak.
We literally cannot add any salt whatsoever to food. Not a hint. Else their feet feel a lot of pressure and it may even hurt to walk. No swelling. Just pressure. It's maddening.
I have another salt story for you. This time it’s the ex husband. He’s had a mild heart attack a week ago. No left arm pain or chest pains, but his legs dropped out from under him and he had to drag himself across the floor to his phone to call 911. They tested him. Salt levels LOW. And his lipids are all wrong. I suggested the drink could be raising his triglycerides and that his adrenals have to be enlarged so introduce salt slowly. I suggested also to take half a level teaspoon of baking soda in water. Can’t hurt to bring the alkalinity up and get salt at the same time.
Will let you know how he does. He has been fairly lightheaded too, can’t climb a ladder. Light headed was a low salt symptom in one of your sources.
The Japanese, I think it was, have a national high level of salt in their soy sauce culture. Could be interesting to see if their national average includes less heart disease?
Jane, I've been intrigued by the writings of Medical Medium, and followed suggestions made in his book. Lime water first thing in the morning, followed by celery juice, followed by a fruit smoothie. I fell in love with the celery juice...salty and smooth! Life has been chaotic this year, and for the past (many) months I've been skipping the celery. Time to revisit it and keep notes on any changes! Thanks for giving me the nudge I needed.
Remember to try out salt, if you have an adrenal surge from a fright or bad news, it will restore calm and give you confidence in the white crystal salt, we’ve been trained to restrict.
I have been using Celtic Sea Salt for awhile in and on my food. I have always been a water drinker- now trying to balance the salt and water. How much salt and how much water? I am an active 62 yr old female, 5’4” and 132 lbs. I have normal bp 140/90 that the doctors want to treat w meds and I have given them a firm “no”.
Thank you Jane for your thorough response! I actually love the celtic sea salt “straight” followed by my water. I will keep a journal and see what happens! I have been taking some in the morning and some in the afternoon (as well as on food), but hadn’t thought about before bed. Will try that! Thank you again :)
You’ll need to experiment with salt and water. Remembering and monitoring any symptoms of dehydration or WILT and adding salt plus water to mitigate.
Your body will start to heal, so write down every annoyance, head to toe, include sleep quality and review your list in two months. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well your body heals when it’s hydrated.
I started with a pinch, then 1/4 teaspoon and now I’m on 1/2 teaspoon with 300ml of water. I take salt with my water and drink as I need.
I suggest you go with ease of drinking so it’s a good experience. Let your salt taste buds guide you.
And allow some time so your adrenals can get used to having down time. Your adrenals may have enlarged to cope with chronic dehydration and if this is the case they will be very efficient with additional salt. So slowly increase and pay attention to how you feel.
Be the expert on you. Keep a notebook so you can reflect on where you have come from. Eg it’s amazing how quickly we forget pain and stiffness when it’s gone.
I take a salt drink first thing to get my mind in gear, and last thing, so my body and mind can relax.
It’s a fabulous good night’s sleep remedy.
And anytime in between, eg if I have a coffee, if it’s a hot day, if I’m stressed, if I’m working in air conditioning.
I aim to stay ahead of becoming really dehydrated so I’m forward planning and then making sure I catch up if I get caught out. I know the salt water can be utilised and my body will absorb what it needs and discard the rest without injury.
I salt my food to taste, this practice aids digestion.
And I am mindful when I’m stirring my salt to dissolve it in my water. I’m focusing on healing and health.
Jane,
I am 1 month in to adding the salt morning and evening and after caffeine, exercise or stress. My blood pressure has dropped and staying lower than prior to my salt journey! My sleep is better too! Thank you again for all your research and responding to my question. I look forward to sharing this information with others. The fight or flight with stress is something I have been focusing on with calming music or reciting Scripture, and now added salt plus water!
I so appreciate you always responding!! Thank you!
Thank you Wendy for letting me know you are benefiting from additional salt, it’s fabulous news.
I saw this morning a list of dis-eases that have all increased since 1990. Chronic fatigue syndrome had the biggest increase. Women at twice the number of men, just like dementia.
Salt restriction has taken its toll on everyone but especially the women.
I eat a lot of salt but I probably don't drink enough water. This would probably cause some problems. What do you think Jane? I rarely have a cold. I always noticed that when I have respiratory distress, drinking water seems to clear it up. At least usually it does.
The key is to learn the signs of low salt and add hydration as needed. There will be days with stresses, more salt plus water is needed. Eg handling heat or cold, learning new things, frights and bad news, dry air conditioning.
Or just adjusting for salt loss, drinking coffee/tea and alcohol.
Easy to add more water if you have the salt waiting to hold onto it.
" this too will pass" was my mother's favorite saying LOL. She had a lot of health challenges for various reasons but still lived to the good age of 87, in good measure because my dad nursed her so lovingly... and he went to Glory at the age of 97. He was in a wheelchair for the last few years of his life after suffering some kind of a small stroke in his lower back where he lost the use of his legs. He retired from his last job at the age of 87 as a groundskeeper for a local company. He survived two cancers and three knee replacements... died in his sleep and the only medication he took was half a baby aspirin and a cod liver oil pill. When my friends express their condolences, I comfort them and me saying "we should all be so lucky to live the life he lived and die the death he he died." We're not getting out alive. He really did try to look after his health all his life. He subscribed to only one magazine and that was Rodale's Prevention, which I had to cancel after his death. He was probably their oldest subscriber LOL.
Thank you for the reminder about my hips. You were right about journaling our healing progress. I don't know why it is but we quickly forget a given pain once it is healed. I do keep a journal for my homeopathic treatment . Hips are not nearly as stiff or painful as previous. I have more ability to step over objects on the floor... Like my giant Maine Coon cat who likes to sleep crossways the hallway, and he fills it.
As you head into spring and summer, we of course are heading into winter and -30°C temperatures, but we've had a lovely extended fall season with no frost on the garden until late October, a good 5 or 6 weeks later than normal. My "beyond organic" veggie garden is about 130 square meters (1,400 sq. ft.) and I have two small greenhouses, one for season extension (tomatoes & peppers) and one in which I can grow all winter. It has tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and lettuce coming along now.
P.S. I have two friends in Tas who like to complain about their cold winters 🤣.
Sooooo.... My promised update from a week ago.
Physical strength continues to increase.
Eczema is 99% gone and my 80-year-old skin is quite smooth and healthy looking.
Noticed that my fingernails are stronger and thicker and less prone to splitting which was a serious issue before.
My mental outlook on life has improved, in spite of My wife's declining health and increasing responsibility for me. I'm not feeling such a sense of "overwhelm" as previously experienced. I seem to have a much better handle on life now.
Interesting sidebar... My beautiful big cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I've since learned that the veterinarian prescribed food is not what he needs because it's too high in carbohydrates... Perhaps like people, the food is designed to keep the animals sick and provide big Pharma with more income from the insulin. Since salt has a positive influence on human diabetes, I thought I would add a little bit of salt to his food. I haven't been able to test his blood glucose yet, but I have noticed an immediate improvement in the consistency of his stool. It used to be near liquid, but is now reasonably well formed.
Another sidebar... I have a close relationship with a Nigerian doctor and sent him this salty information. He wrote back confessing that he used to prescribe low salt diets but came across an article someplace that proved that was a lie. One more doctor on our side! Hallelujah!
Hi Garth
Thinking of you.
Hope your winter preparations are keeping you warm and cosy.
Anything more to report?
Thank you for remembering me and may your 2025 be prosperous and healthy, and above all healthy!!!!
I do continue to heal in the areas I've previously mentioned. About the time I came across your article in late October, I was developing heart palpitations serious enough to cause me to seek medical testing. My MD sent me to a cardiologist where I had an ECG and a stress test. On December 20th I had a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist who explained that my arrhythmia was caused by dehydration. He noted that the area of my heart causing the increased beats (1 in 7), was not life-threatening but he could prescribe medication to help that. I said if it was a statin drug then I wasn't interested. He asked me why and I explained that in my understanding statins block the CoQ10 pathway and that impacted one's ability to think and reason. He simply closed his computer and said my prescription for you is to get a clear water bottle, fill it up in the morning and have it empty by 1:00 p.m., refill it and have it empty by 7:00 p.m. and then quit drinking so you won't pee all night LOL... And keep doing what I'm doing! When he asked what medications I was on I produced my tiny bottle of sea salt (I have four of them so one is in a pocket of most everything I might wear) and put it on the table. He never flinched or expressed any disapproval of any kind.
From years of so much muscle pain I do have a lot of residual stiffness in the muscles. More prayer led me almost immediately to discover fascia relief videos. I previously had no clue what fascia were, but I'm now much more informed and beginning A program called Block Therapy online. So far it is quick to provide muscle release and relief of the painful symptoms.
Thank you once again for caring, and I will try posting in a month or two after working with the block therapy treatment.
Thank you Garth, it’s good to know you are doing well. May you know your body better each week and find effective solutions that support your wellness in 2025.
The idea hydration equals water is wrong. Water cannot be on boarded without salt to retain it. Your doctor hasn’t understood the salt physiology that underpins wellness but that’s the point of pHARMa training physicians and the salt restriction directive we all received.
I imagine as you drink your water, you slip in salt from your pocket and your thinking remains sharp and calm.
My hips like me to elongate the space in their joint space. I lie on my stomach, put my feet just over the edge of the bed, and stretch one foot out, then the other. I feel the tightness on one side more than the other. I gently push against the tightness and breathe. It turns the contraction off.
Pain is an invitation to know thy self better.
Free movement is a blessing salt plus water, and gentle stretching returns.
Hi Garth
Thank you for your welcome salty update.
I'm sorry to hear your wife's health is declining as yours improves.
I'm glad you can sense your way through the difficulties currently presenting.
I say to myself, this too will pass, when I encounter strong headwinds. Change is the only constant.
How are your hips?
Salt is needed for every part of digestion, cats don't eat carbs naturally, only raw meat.
When they eat dry food, it causes problems. I had cats growing up, they never got sick. We only ever took them to the vet if they were physically injured. We kept our cats healthy on tinned food, nothing fancy or expensive. This was pre-food science technicians. Pseudo food is not food.
It's getting humid and hot here in Brisbane.
I hope you are still enjoying the last of autumn.
I am wondering if anyone has tried a salt therapy machine? I am looking at SaltAir and wonder if people have a good experience with it.
I link to a research article where they used salt particle inhalation for breathing problems in chat. Have you looked at salt pipes?
I just did. I think I'd like something for the room.
But a friend who gets weird lung symptoms while out running could maybe be helped by one of the portable pipes.
Sooooo.... One week into increasing my salt intake, not frankensalt, I have these observations to report.
1. At the end of day one I noticed the dry patch (eczema ?) on my cheek was noticeably smoother. Now at day 7 it's smoother still and reduced by about half in size.
2. By day two I noticed that I was no longer a little bit dizzy on getting up in the morning.
3. Around day four I started to notice that my eye's adapted better to farsightedness after spending time close up reading, especially my phone screen. Previously it was taking several minutes for my eyes to readjust to farsighted seeing.
4. Ever since cataract surgery in the summer of 2023, I've been developing painful dry eye syndrome. I've used drops and warm bean bags on my eyes daily to no avail. I'm sensing a definite reduction in dry eye symptoms.
5. Perhaps most importantly for my future well-being, is that lower body stiffness and extreme pain are reduced by at least half and I am stronger. Yesterday I was able to carry a 50 lb box of kitty litter into the house with much less strain and pain than previous.
6. It's hard to quantify, but I do feel a greater sense of calm and less sense of overwhelm. The great amount of fall work in preparation for winter is still there, but I'm approaching it better... More rationally.
7. I am grateful to God for answering prayer in the form of Jane's writing. Thank you both!
Wow, that's an excellent start on your SALT ROAD, Garth.
I'm so pleased for you.
Thank you for letting me know.
May I quote your updates at the end of the month, if you are so kind as to report the week by week?
Plague is now plaque.
You may. I’ll try posting again early next week.
Kathy, i like what you say, but would like to know your qualifications for your health thoughts, in oarticular about dehydration. Thanks.
I’m not sure if you are addressing this his question to me, Gigi
I explain my journey in my article: we breathe air not oxygen.
This article was written later.
I’m a mother with an interest in health.
If you like what I write, it’s derived from research and experimentation and clarity from understanding physiology is powered by hydration not oxygenation.
I’ve three articles, lots of notes.
Read, ponder and let your curiosity grow and then teach you. It’s the Wild West. Pioneers are needed to scrutinise and banish the lies inserted to retard.
Because yes, the establishment will insert lies wherever they can to derive a profit. THEY (the criminal class) especially delight in causing suffering. Devil is short for do-evil. Evil is THEIR mantra: live backwards. This means THEY invert knowledge at will, as it suits, no morals.
Yes, Jane, I was speaking to you. I mistakenly wrote "Kathy." I can appreciate your personal opinions from personal observation and thought. I am curious if you have any formal education or work experience on your subject matter. Thank you.
Work experience, mmm, I have a daughter with special needs, so yeah, a lot of ‘work’ experience. She has been my focus for 16 yrs, and each time I rest on my laurels, I find there is more to learn.
Is that because you only believe what's told you by someone with a degree, or a white coat? Good luck with that! 😂 Oh, and roll your sleeve up! 🤣
Absolutely not; I'm new to this app and unfamiliar with most of the writers.
I'm about as conservative as they come and I question authority and think independently. I would like to know what kind of knowledge she has behind her behind her thoughts and claims... not an unreasonable request.
I'm only explaining this to you out of a courtesy on this new app for me, and it ends here.
There is no need for you to be crass.
Hello Jane... not a big deal, but youmight wnat to edit the second line...
Dehydration: think sticky instead of slick: clotting, adhesions, brain plague …
didn't you want to say brain plaque?
lol, yes, thank you, I will make a correction.
Dementia is a a bit of a plague for women though, occurring at twice the incidence of men.
I’m aligned with this sodium correction, but what I know about intake is the correct dosage is EVERYTHING. No matter what the subject. And so…it’s gonna be a slow process of trial & error.
Hello Jane. I'm brand new to substack and your articles. However, I'm sensing a link between salt and my chorinic and severe leg/knee pain that neither MD nor homeopath have been able to alleviate. At 79 I do not require any maedications, am extremely acitve with beyond organic food gardens and greenhouses. But the leg pain in my muscles/tendons is debilitating. I'm trying to make a connection between cortisol (I live "stressed"), glucose and salt but don't have the "skills" to connect the dots, yet I think there's a connection. Can you point me toward clarity? Thank you. P.S. I'm already a fan of using celtic salt... tastes yummy too. Even started using it as occasional toothpaste and it cured my sensitive gums issue.
Yes, glucose is antagonistic to salt, it’s used to remove salt in hypernatremia/high salt in hospitals. They use IV glucose for hypernatremia.
Dehydration or low salt turns on the adrenals.
This raises cortisol
Cortisol increases blood glucose
So salt turns off the adrenals
Lowers cortisol
Reduces blood glucose
Blood glucose is controlled by not loading up on carbohydrates and increasing salt
Hence Type 2 diabetes can be diet controlled with low carbs and salt.
Because all the adrenocorticol hormones are deployed in dehydration or low salt, these hormones stay on in chronic dehydration or low salt. This has a knock on effects with the rest of the body hormones. Eg the thyroid gland reacts to the adrenocorticol hormones.
Salt is removed from salt stores to bolster blood volume in emergencies. Dehydration is an emergency. Muscles and joints are salt stores. Hence pain as salt is moved out. I think of this as the body aches of a flu. Flu being a dehydration recovery mode. Quicker one can aid rehydration the quicker the flu mode passes. Hence the salty chicken broths, salty irrigations and gargles are used effectively.
Dehydration must be rectified, it’s an emergency.
And dehydration is dynamic, stresses deplete salt, so it’s a monitoring activity for us.
Oh I’m feeling dehydrated or low salt because: I’m feeling pressure in my head, hip pain, dryness, dizzy on rising, forgetful, anxiety for no good reason, I’m not sleeping …
I’ll go make a salt plus water.
Salt is the lead in the dance of hydration.
I’m thinking prior to refrigeration a lot of foods were preserved in salt. Low salt or hyponatremia was probably rarer.
Then add coffee/tea/alcohol beverages, all dehydrate. The buzz from a strong coffee is the adrenals reacting to dehydration. Alcohol poisoning is acute hyponatremia/low salt.
Sooooo… If I put salt in my beer and a coffee do they actually become “healthier”? Sounds frivolous, but I think it's a valid question.
Salt plus water chaser is my preference
Thank you for your promptness. You've earned a paid subscription! Your part about hip pain really fits. My extreme fatigue and pain occurs mostly after supper when I sit down in my lazy Boy following a long day of work, at least for a 79-year-old. Pain in my buttocks and around my knees where the tendons attach is at crying level. Many evenings. I do consume salt (to my wife's horror and consternation, but she suffers from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetic, etc etc, but won't even come close to eating my diet as it contravenes what her doctor says.), but I'm going to increase my salt intake and see what happens. The pain can't be any worse that I'm presently experiencing.
Thank you Garth.
I get hip pain too at the end of the day. I'm currently studying photography and it requires whole days, when I'm not paying enough attention to my own needs. Hence I play catch up once back home. Pain is a teacher.
Keep good records because soon (a month or two) you'll look back in your journal and see annoyances you've forgotten about. Give your pain ratings. I love your adjectives: crying level, might come down to ... niggle level ... nostalgia level.
And your journal a teaching reference for your loved ones.
Also look at your blood test levels of sodium and chloride. Where are they sitting in the reference zone, compared to the other electrolytes?
Gently increase your salt, give your body time to adjust to having sufficient, and gain confidence along the way. Remember the kidney/adrenal gears need to change from chronic reverse to drive mode. And pay attention to what you think about when you stir the salt and water. Our intentions are transmitted, hence the act of saying grace before a meal.
It’s Thanksgiving here tomorrow, October 14th, but I’m saying this early -
Thank You for all your research, for everything you’ve shared in layman’s terms with clear and concise writing!
This is a new discovery for me (the vital impact of salt on hydration!, beyond a lovely food flavouring) and I am about to send a link to your information, to family members and friends.
I am extremely grateful for your posting all of this, for being able to read all of your work and your peoples’ comments and experiences, for free, Mz Jane…
Truly a blessing, and I’m learning it at an apropo time: Happy Thanksgiving to you, and yours!
❤️❤️
Thank you Syd
Well I hope in a month or two you may report back, with your own experimental results to share. When the good old road to salt becomes reason-able re salt able response-able.
I will!
I have been recently side-tracked with family matters and have postponed making changes to anything right now…focus is not my greatest strength! 😹
I’ve printed your suggested ‘recipe’ and I’m very curious to get started on it.
I hope to learn something new, and experience something better.👍🏻
So, this is all very interesting.
Our family learned of the salt lie several years ago when we simultaneously learned about the Food Pyramid hoax and subsequently changed our diet, and included a lot of delicious pink salt.
Unfortunately four years ago my spouse developed heart failure. Since that time they cannot tolerate ANY sodium. None. I'm not exaggerating. We cannot add salt to anything and I just add my own after cooking at the table. My spouse marvels at their extreme intolerance to sodium, and has wondered how they can survive with so very little.
I have been curious about the possible physiology for this. It cannot be entirely due to pharmaceuticals, as the symptom was present after the onset of HF symptoms and prior to the initiation of heart failure drugs.
Personally, I have wondered how their adrenals are holding up and also how much the adrenals are playing a role in the extreme sodium intolerance. However, I don't have sufficient understanding to have worked this out. The HF onset was preceded by "worst stress of their life" and co-existent sleep apnea was discovered at the time of diagnosis. So there is a definite history of stress - both physiological and mental.
Curious if you have any comments or thoughts. Of course their cardiologist has zero idea about any of this. 😑
Very interesting, you can see how his adrenals must be working very efficiently with so little salt. I imagine salt will be coming out of his muscles and bones etc to meet his blood needs.
Have you looked at his blood test, sodium levels - any records pre HF to now?
Can he tolerate a salt foot bath?
Start small, 1/2 teaspoon in a bucket, 9 litres. Take his bp, 10 mins, 30mibs. 1 hr.
A reader said they bathe in salt to rehydrate. Skin is the largest organ.
Sodium levels are stable. 🤷🏼♀️
I suggest you experiment with salt and provide anecdotes of what you find out. Especially with regard to adrenal surges, the next time remember: salt plus water. Then notice the calm return. It’s this super practically that might motivate their interest.
Or salt’s ability to increase tolerance of cold and heat.
You are telling me to give my spouse salt when I am telling you that any amount of salt makes symptoms worse. Obviously there is deranged physiology present, and that is what I am trying to understand.
It's okay if you don't know a possible explanation for the situation. That's perfectly fine. However, suggesting ways to get into my spouse something that currently causes acute worsening of a serious health condition isn't helpful. I would LOVE for them to be able to tolerate sodium. I'm convinced the intolerance is a big problem long term. But the solution isn't giving more of what causes worsening symptoms.
No I’m suggesting you learn about salt.
That it might motivate their interest comment was because you said they wouldn’t be interested in a trying footbath.
Your spouse has a rxn to taking salt internally as you mentioned. Would it be handy to know if they could tolerate salt via skin absorption?
I’ve explained my theory, the adrenals are holding the fort, this takes a toll too.
I’m still learning about the oedema/pressure of salt/adrenal reactivity. When I’ve formed my opinion, I’ll publish it.
Yep, I imagine that too about their muscles and bones. And probably keeps their chronic fatigue going as well.
Unfortunately I doubt they would even try a foot soak.
We literally cannot add any salt whatsoever to food. Not a hint. Else their feet feel a lot of pressure and it may even hurt to walk. No swelling. Just pressure. It's maddening.
I have another salt story for you. This time it’s the ex husband. He’s had a mild heart attack a week ago. No left arm pain or chest pains, but his legs dropped out from under him and he had to drag himself across the floor to his phone to call 911. They tested him. Salt levels LOW. And his lipids are all wrong. I suggested the drink could be raising his triglycerides and that his adrenals have to be enlarged so introduce salt slowly. I suggested also to take half a level teaspoon of baking soda in water. Can’t hurt to bring the alkalinity up and get salt at the same time.
Will let you know how he does. He has been fairly lightheaded too, can’t climb a ladder. Light headed was a low salt symptom in one of your sources.
The Japanese, I think it was, have a national high level of salt in their soy sauce culture. Could be interesting to see if their national average includes less heart disease?
Jane, I've been intrigued by the writings of Medical Medium, and followed suggestions made in his book. Lime water first thing in the morning, followed by celery juice, followed by a fruit smoothie. I fell in love with the celery juice...salty and smooth! Life has been chaotic this year, and for the past (many) months I've been skipping the celery. Time to revisit it and keep notes on any changes! Thanks for giving me the nudge I needed.
Remember to try out salt, if you have an adrenal surge from a fright or bad news, it will restore calm and give you confidence in the white crystal salt, we’ve been trained to restrict.
What about pediatric nephrotic syndrome/minimal change disorder? Patients are instructed to not have more than 2000 mg of sodium per day due to edema.
I’m researching, might take me a while to get back to you
Very interesting & informative. Now I’m wondering what type & brand of salt to ingest or drink & how much daily?