We’ve mentioned this in the benefits above, but it’s worth mentioning again, as Himalayan salt baths are a popular thing, just as popular as Epsom salt baths! Some people estimate it may contain up to 84 different minerals and trace elements. In fact, it’s these very minerals, especially iron, that give it its characteristic pink color. Summary:

Recent research has suggested that eating salt can reduce the risk of infection and kill harmful bacteria. In this therapy, people with chronic respiratory conditions are said to benefit from spending time in salt caves due to the presence of salt in the air. The pink Himalayan salt harvested from this mine is believed to have been formed millions of years ago from the evaporation of ancient bodies of water. https://www.thekitchn.com/kosher-salt-where-it-comes-from-why-its-called-kosher-ingredient-intelligence-219665 Charlie Floyd; Ju Shardlow (11 June 2019). "Why pink Himalayan salt is so expensive". Business Insider . Retrieved 30 August 2019.Similarly, there is no research comparing the health effects of pink Himalayan salt and regular table salt. If research did exist, it is unlikely that it would find any differences in their health effects. Summary: Himalayan salt carries the same risks as any other type of dietary sodium. Getting too much sodium, from any source, can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), which can worsen many health conditions and raises the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, so getting a lot of sodium of any kind isn't a good idea. Pink Himalayan salt isn't an exception to that.

Ada McVean (20 June 2017). "Is Himalayan Pink Salt Better For You?". Office for Science and Society, McGill University, Montreal, Canada . Retrieved 11 June 2019. There is no clear evidence that pink Himalayan salt is healthier than regular salt. Pink Himalayan salt is mined in the Himalayas and is considered pure and contaminant-free. Some people believe it is healthier because it contains trace minerals not found in regular salt, but there is not much scientific evidence to support this claim. However, people who take it regularly vouch for the immense benefits it brings them. What are the side effects of taking Himalayan salt? More specifically, they are advertised as being beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or diseases that affect respiratory function, such as cystic fibrosis.

Some salts mined in Pakistan are not suitable for food or industrial use without purification due to impurities. [1] Some salt crystals from this region have an off-white to transparent color, while the trace minerals in some veins of salt give it a pink, reddish, or beet-red color. [12] [13] Although pink Himalayan salt may naturally contain some iodine, it most likely contains less iodine than iodized salt. Therefore, those who have iodine deficiency or are at risk of deficiency may need to source iodine elsewhere if using pink salt instead of table salt. Sodium intake Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Himalayan salt can help reduce any swelling in the throat, that’s caused by throat infections. Salt increases our blood pressure and high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other vascular problems, like stroke, for example," says Dr. Fernandes. "What we tell patients is salt is salt, it is all the same thing, so you have to be careful how you use them."

Pink Himalayan salt’s color as well as its color variations are indicative of its mineral content. Himalayan crystal salt can be pink, white or red in color. Sodium is an essential trace mineral found in salt. The body needs this for a variety of functions.As we’ve mentioned a bit further up, Himalayan pink salt has been linked to numerous health benefits; some of which are centuries old, but many of which are yet to be proven by research. The use of salt caves as a treatment for various lung diseases has been evaluated in a few studies. The results suggest that there could be some benefit, but overall, more rigorous research is needed to investigate their effectiveness ( 7, 8, 9). Conclusion: Pink Himalayan salt is a type of sea salt and generally speaking, sea salts contain valuable minerals. The type and amounts of these minerals can naturally vary depending upon the source of the sea salt. Why Is It Better than Table Salt? In the U.S., most people get a high level of sodium; there’s no shortfall of it. Many people get too much sodium, mostly from processed foods and restaurant fare rather than from salt you add to your diet. Consuming too much salt might even contribute to autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis, as it overstimulates the immune system.

Himalayan sea salt has a slight amount of minerals, which can give it a pink hue. However, Dr. Fernandes believes the healthiest choice is to limit your sodium intake altogether. Though some studies have found that this practice may be beneficial for certain respiratory conditions, more high-quality studies are still needed ( 3). Pink Salt Aids Hydration: According to medical news today; Although it is true that salt can help balance fluid retention and prevent dehydration - this is true for all kinds of salt and not exclusive to Himalayan Pink Salt.When people take in more sodium than they need, their kidneys try to remove the excess through the urine. If the kidneys cannot remove enough sodium, it begins to build up in the fluid between cells, known as the interstitial fluid. Before it reaches your grocery store, table salt also goes through a refining process to remove impurities and any other minerals besides sodium chloride. Thus, even if salt lamps do affect the air environment, it’s not clear if this would have an effect on sleep patterns.