At a glance

You probably already know that salt is essential to our diets. But did you know that not all salt is created equal? There are three different types of salt: good salt, bad salt, and ugly salt. Here's a quick rundown of each type so that you can make the best choices for your health. 

Kinds of salts

Good Salt: This type of salt is unrefined and full of minerals. It's harvested from ancient sea beds or mineral-rich lakes and has a pink, gray, or black color. Because it hasn't been exposed to chemicals or heat during processing, good salt retains its natural flavor and nutrients. Good salt includes Himalayan pink salt, Celtic Sea salt, and Red Hawaiian Sea salt. 

Bad Salt: Bad salt is refined and stripped of its natural minerals. It's usually white or light yellow and has a very salty taste. This salt is often used in processed foods because it's cheaper than good salt. However, it's not as healthy for you since it can cause high blood pressure and other health problems. 

Ugly Salt: Ugly salt is a mix of good and bad salt. It's usually refined, but still contains some natural minerals. This salt is often used in cooking because it dissolves easily and has a consistent flavor. However, it's not as healthy for you as good salt, since it can still cause high blood pressure and other health problems. 

Electrolytes

The importance of having them in your diet: Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They are in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways. For example, they help keep your blood pressure regular, support nerve function, and help your muscles work. You lose electrolytes when you sweat, so it's essential to replenish them by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain them. 

The Role of Electrolytes in Performance and Athletes: Whether you're an athlete or not, electrolytes play an essential role in your performance. If you're tired or sluggish, it could be due to a lack of electrolytes. That's why it's crucial to eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in electrolytes, such as fruits and vegetables. You can also find supplements containing electrolytes if you feel you're not getting enough from your diet.  

How the Keto Diet Can Lead to Electrolyte Imbalances: The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces your body into a state of ketosis. In this state, your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Many people don't get enough electrolytes on a keto diet. One of the potential side effects of this is that it can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which causes fatigue and headaches. This is because when you restrict carbohydrates, your body doesn't have enough glucose to produce energy, so it starts breaking down stored fat for energy. This process produces ketones, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. 

How to Get Electrolytes in Your Diet Through Food and Supplements 

There are many foods that are naturally high in electrolytes. These include coconut water, bananas, avocados, dark leafy greens, and salmon. Eating these foods will help support your body to replenish and rehydrate. 

If you cannot get enough electrolytes through diet alone, you may consider using a supplement. The RX3 supplement from affiliatesupps.com has 350mg sodium from pink Himalayan Sea salt to replenish the salt lost through sweat, mixed with g L-Glutamine + electrolytes to help you revive. Another good supplement option from affiliatesupps.com is their pickle juice, which helps prevents cramps and replenishes the body's lost electrolytes.

Now that you know the difference between the good, bad, and ugly, you can make the best choices for your health. When possible, choose unrefined, mineral-rich salts like Himalayan pink salt or Celtic Sea salt, and support your body by supplementing with quality products like the ones listed above. Remember, making small changes in your diet can significantly impact your overall health!