The Truth About Salt: What You’ve Been Told Isn’t the Whole Story

By Dr. Alyssa McPeak, DC, CFMP

For years, salt has been painted as the villain in our diets—blamed for everything from bloating to high blood pressure. But the truth is, salt is not the enemy. In fact, it’s essential for life. Let’s break down some of the biggest lies we’ve been told about salt—and what your body actually needs.

Salt Is Essential for Cellular Health

Every single cell in your body depends on salt to function properly.

Sodium (a key component of salt) plays a critical role in:

• Maintaining fluid balance

• Supporting nerve signaling

• Allowing muscles to contract properly

• Helping nutrients move in and out of cells

Without adequate salt, your cells literally cannot communicate effectively. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, and even hormonal imbalances.

Salt isn’t something to fear—it’s something your body requires.

Not All Salt Is Created Equal

Here’s where things really matter: the type of salt you’re consuming.

Highly processed table salt is stripped of its natural minerals and often contains additives your body doesn’t need. One of the biggest concerns? Many conventional salts contain anti-caking agents and are processed in ways that can introduce unwanted compounds.

Salt to Avoid

• Highly refined table salt

• Conventional iodized salt (often processed and may contain additives, including aluminum-based compounds in some formulations)

These types of salt are far removed from what nature intended.

Better Salt = Better Health

When you switch to high-quality, mineral-rich salt, you’re not just getting sodium—you’re getting trace minerals your body needs to thrive.

My Favorite Salts:

• Celtic Sea Salt

• Redmond Real Salt

These salts are:

• Unrefined

• Rich in trace minerals

• Free from harmful additives

• Closer to their natural state

They support hydration, adrenal function, and overall cellular health in a way processed salts simply can’t.

The Biggest Myth: Salt Causes High Blood Pressure

This is one of the most common—and most misleading—health messages out there.

While salt can impact blood pressure in certain individuals, it is rarely the root cause of chronic high blood pressure.

The Real Drivers of High Blood Pressure:

• Chronic stress → elevated cortisol levels

• High sugar intake → insulin resistance and inflammation

• Dehydration → poor fluid balance in the body

• Poor sleep → dysregulated nervous system

• Hormonal imbalances

When these factors are addressed, many people see improvements in blood pressure without needing to drastically restrict salt.

In fact, too little salt can actually stress the body, especially the adrenal glands, and worsen symptoms.

Salt + Hydration = The Missing Link

Proper hydration isn’t just about drinking more water—it’s about electrolyte balance.

If you’re drinking a lot of water but not getting enough salt, you may actually be diluting your electrolytes. This can leave you feeling:

• Tired

• Lightheaded

• Craving sugar

• Struggling with energy dips

Adding high-quality salt to your diet (and even to your water) can support true hydration at the cellular level.

Our Favorite Electrolyte Support

If you’re looking to take your hydration a step further, electrolytes can make a powerful difference—especially for busy moms, active lifestyles, pregnancy, postpartum, or anyone feeling run down.

That’s why we love Just Ingredients electrolytes.

Unlike many conventional options loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and synthetic ingredients, this is a clean, effective option that truly supports your body.

Why We Recommend It:

• Made with real, whole-food ingredients

• Contains balanced electrolytes to support hydration

• No artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers

• Supports adrenal health and sustained energy

How to Use It:

Add a scoop to your water in the morning or mid-afternoon for an easy hydration boost—especially if you’re increasing your mineral salt intake.

You can shop Just Ingredients using our promo code ROOTS to save 10%.

Final Thoughts

Salt is not the enemy—it’s a foundational nutrient your body depends on.

The key is:

• Choosing the right kind of salt

• Supporting your body with proper hydration

• Addressing the root causes of symptoms like high blood pressure

At Roots Wholistic Health, we believe in getting back to the basics—supporting your body the way it was designed to function.

If you’ve been told to fear salt, it may be time to take a deeper look. Your body might be asking for more support—not more restriction.