A Well Seasoned Sleuth looks at Salt Sourcing
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:13-16
It is awfully hard to be physical salt and light in the world if fatigue has taken over your personal world. The verse in Matthew (above) speaks metaphorically. However, it could also easily be speaking to the body’s physical need for salt. In its God made form (from the Himalayan mountaintops 
to the ocean floor), salt is loaded with life giving micronutrients. Every cell in our body needs this kind of salt. Our bodies rely on these micronutrients for healthy bone density, stabilized blood sugar levels, proper blood circulation, and thousands of other small but exceedingly significant ways in the body.
to the ocean floor
), salt is loaded with life giving micronutrients. Every cell in our body needs this kind of salt. Our bodies rely on these micronutrients for healthy bone density, stabilized blood sugar levels, proper blood circulation, and thousands of other small but exceedingly significant ways in the body.Modern table salt, however, (the trample worthy kind) is the stuff health nightmares are made of. If you’ve never given much thought to the type of salt you may be eating in processed or fast foods (or perhaps even lurking…. as a clue… in your cabinet), consider the story of modern salt:
worthy kind) is the stuff health nightmares 
are made of. If you’ve never given much thought to the type of salt you may be eating in processed or fast foods (or perhaps even lurking…. as a clue… in your cabinet), consider the story of modern salt:A far cry from the original micronutrient loaded seasoning, table salt is mined from deep underground, and then cooked at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. As it’s cooked, it loses the other micronutrients it “might “ have contained. Anti-caking agents, fluoride, a less healthy form of iodide, aluminum derivatives, and other ingredients are added to keep the salt shaking freely. Salt in the “real world” is not white, and table salt is bleached to get its pristine color. It may come as no surprise that crude oil extraction is one way “modern” salt is produced.
at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. As it’s cooked, it loses the other micronutrients it “might “ have contained. Anti-caking agents, fluoride, a less healthy form of iodide, aluminum derivatives, and other ingredients are added to keep the salt shaking freely. Salt in the “real world” is not white, and table salt is bleached to get its pristine color. It may come as no surprise that crude oil extraction is one way “modern” salt is produced.Becoming an avid label reader is one more way to be a stellar health detective. While God’s salt is loaded with health benefits, the man made version wreaks havoc on the body. Diabetes, gout, and cardiovascular diseases are all aggravated by modern salt. It is also surreptitiously hard on the nervous and lymph systems, and will aggravate edema, lymphatic disorders, anxiety, and depression tendencies.
, the man made version wreaks havoc on the body
. Diabetes, gout, and cardiovascular diseases are all aggravated by modern salt. It is also surreptitiously hard on the nervous and lymph systems, and will aggravate edema, lymphatic disorders, anxiety, and depression tendencies.To recap, manmade salt:
Comes from deep underground and is sent thru a fiery furnaceIt is a poor imitation of that which is goodIt’s highly addictiveIt wreaks havoc quietly on a previously healthy body, and generally makes an unhealthy body sickIt’s almost as if Satan himself came up with this salty plan of attack on mankind, with his uncanny ability to take something so innocently good, twist the narrative, and make it bad.
Original salt contains approximately 84 necessary micronutrients and zero toxins.
When used regularly, this type of salt (typically harvested from Himalayan, Celtic, or a natural Salt Lake source):
Aids in hydration of the body,Improves digestion (and helps remove sediments in the body which can build up over time leading to kidney or gallstones)supports both adrenal and thyroid function (trace minerals are absolutely key!)
Helps regulate blood sugarSupports healthy blood pressureHelps the body detoxHelps re-energize the body at a cellular levelAssists in balancing the body’s pHOne theory of why osteoporosis develops is that the body begins stripping bones of their mineral and calcium content in an effort to neutralize acidic blood. Healthy natural sourced salt is alkalizing by nature, which will eliminate the need of the bones to “give to the greater good (blood). The body is able to survive longer with poor bones than with “poor” blood.Enhances communication between nerve cells.Healthy natural salt also helps thin mucous and phlegm (yes, even when ingested!). Think about what a nasal saline rinse does as a physical example of this.Getting adequate natural salt improves complexion, hair and nail growth over time, and also may improve the appearance of varicose veins.In adrenal fatigue, there is a little talked about hormone called aldosterone.
It follows a similar pattern to cortisol: its production tends to peak around 8:00am, and also rises during stressful situations. Aldosterone is a key player for the maintenance of water and certain minerals (electrolytes) in the body, and where they “should be” within the body. Electrolytes are absolutely necessary for proper cell function… just ask any high performance athlete who has sweated out too many electrolytes!
In adrenal fatigue, perhaps you may have noticed an intense craving for salt. When adequate cortisol levels drop, aldosterone drops too. When aldosterone drops, there is a tendency towards electrolyte imbalance, causing the salt cravings. Hydrating without adding in electrolytes has the potential to aggravate the electrolyte imbalance by further diluting existing electrolytes within the body.
When adequate cortisol levels drop, aldosterone drops too. When aldosterone drops, there is a tendency towards electrolyte imbalance, causing the salt cravings. Hydrating without adding in electrolytes has the potential to aggravate the electrolyte imbalance by further diluting existing electrolytes within the body.Which brings me back to our naturally available micronutrient loaded salt forms!
There is a homemade hydration support tool called Sole (pronounced Sol-ay).
You’ll need a Liter sized mason jar, a cup of Himalayan or Celtic salt and three cups of filtered water.
Add salt to the jar, and then fill the jar with filtered water.
Put the lid (preferably plastic) on the jar, shake gently, and then leave overnight.
If the salt is completely dissolved in the morning, add more salt and leave it overnight again.
The mixture will be ready when there is salt sediment in the bottom of the jar. The filtered water is now completely saturated and cannot receive any more salt.
Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to a glass of water and drink it each morning when you wake up (30-60 minutes before taking medication)
If you appear to have a detox reaction (such as a headache), start with ¼ teaspoonful and work your way up.
Do not use metal utensils to measure your product, as it can interfere with the solution.If you are not a DIY’er or perhaps find yourself on the go and in need of electrolytes/ craving salt (remember, electrolyte balance is important in adrenal fatigue, and not just for athletes!), consider grabbing a bottle of the YL Vitality Drops- Lavender Lemon or Grapefruit Bergamot. (Do not confuse the YL Energy drops available as Jade Lemon or Spearmint Tangerine with these…… they don’t do the same thing!). I love that Young Living uses electrolytes sourced from the Great Salt Lake, and not a synthetic source. The vitality drops are an electrolyte powerhouse!
Get yourself the right kind of salty so you can shine your light brightly!
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Dopamine Deficiency Part IV: More Solutions
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Mowing the yard! It may be hard work, but the aroma of fresh cut grass contains a chemical called hexanal (the “green” smell of grass) that stimulates dopamine release.
Organic coffee (No more than one cup a day or it may contribute to adrenal fatigue…. A dopamine high followed by a crash!) or a cuppa organic green tea (Have you tried the YL 
Acupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve, which in turn support healthy dopamine levels. (Go back and reread the section on low vagal tone!)
Creating and performing music boosts dopamine levels even more than listening to your favorite tunes, but all three are effective. Listening to music has even been shown to improve fine motor skills in Parkinson’s patients.
Chronic inflammation reduces dopamine synthesis and release in the brain. We’ve got tools on hand to support a healthy inflammatory response (as opposed to the runaway variety!). 
Lack of sleep down regulates dopamine receptors and reduces dopamine receptor availability. You know what to do! Sleep is so very important in ALL aspects of health. Review your sleep hygiene practices and look for “holes in the armor” that may result in interrupted sleep. I LOVE and incorporate
Iron plays a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission. Iron and ferritin levels are important lab values to watch (both for being too low and too high). Natural sources of iron include spirulina ( an ingredient in 
Vitamin C assists with the formation and conversion of dopamine in the brain. Deficient levels of vitamin C may show up as a low mood. 
Vitamins B6 and B9 are critical for dopamine synthesis. Low folate levels contribute massively to low dopamine levels which may ultimately lead to depression. 
Alternate between standing and sitting. “Chronic sitting” lowers dopamine levels. Our body was designed to move!
Finish a project. Who knew? This in itself causes the brain to flood with dopamine.