Salt for health

18.02.2022

During the period of exacerbation of viral infections and post-COVID health recovery, the topic of prevention using gentle means is more relevant than ever. The simplest and most affordable of them is edible salt.

Back in 2020, with the onset of the pandemic associated with the spread of the coronavirus covid-19, the Russian Ministry of Health called ordinary table or rock salt the most affordable method of preventing COVID-19. Otolaryngologists recommend using the solution to restore the sense of smell after suffering a coronavirus infection. Especially valuable in this regard is the salt mined in the Iletsk deposit of the Russalt company in the Orenburg region: it contains selenium, a powerful antioxidant. In the collection of “Temporary guidelines”on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, the department’s specialists state that “elimination therapy, which is the irrigation of the nasal mucosa with an isotonic sodium chloride solution, reduces the number of both viral and bacterial pathogens of infectious diseases.”

Pain with colds, flu, laryngitis relieves gargling with salt, it is mixed in different proportions with water or brewed with herbs. This solution cleans the mucous membrane well, salt in combination with iodine and soda works effectively. Such a substitute for medicines from a home first-aid kit also helps well with a runny nose, sinusitis, bronchitis, facilitates coughing, and helps to remove sputum.

Moscow expert, otorhinolaryngologist Olga Shchekaturova draws attention to the fact that saline solutions are effective in combating nasal congestion without the use of vasoconstrictor drops. Unlike drugs, salt-based solutions are not addictive.

Shchekaturova advises rinsing the nose with a special hypertonic saline solution at the rate of 23 grams of salt per liter of water.

“Salt attracts fluid that creates swelling for us and gets rid of it, the nose breathes easier”

– the doctor explains.

The otolaryngologist draws attention to the fact that it is very important to properly rinse the nose.

“We bend over and flush first one nostril, then the other. Slightly open your mouth so that the pressure does not change. Pour a small amount of solution, wait literally 20-30 seconds. Everything that has entered our nostril must come out.”

-explains Olga Shchekaturova.

Sinusitis is another disease that people often experience during the winter. Fortunately, salt can also relieve its symptoms, such as headache, difficulty breathing, redness of the skin, pressure on the upper face, and nasal discharge.

With sinusitis, sea and rock salt helps well. A special solution is prepared from it: for this, you need to mix 1/4 tablespoon of salt, 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda and 500 ml of water. It is used to prevent the disease and remove secretions from the nose. It is injected two or three times a day in both nostrils.

A compress using salt will help get rid of bags under the eyes, baths will cope with swelling of the legs, salt is also used for stomatitis and relieves toothache.

Another manifestation of post-COVID symptoms is pain in the joints and muscles. If conventional medications do not provide relief, home remedies can be tried. Olive and coconut oils contain substances that have a beneficial effect on the joints. They are mixed in a proportion of 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of magnesia and heated oil in an amount that will allow you to achieve the consistency of a thick paste. The mixture is applied to the joints, kept for 2-3 hours, after which it must be washed off with warm running water. Well help to cope with pain and saline dressings. Before use, it is better to consult a doctor to take into account contraindications.

If we talk about the traditional use of salt, it is important to remember that the sodium contained in it is involved in many metabolic processes within the body. Salt binds water, participates in muscle contraction and secretion of hormones. Sodium chloride helps create conditions for the existence of red blood cells. Salt normalizes water balance, delivers sodium and other trace elements to the body, has a calming effect on the nervous system, normalizes kidney function, relieves heartburn, supports hormonal and lipid metabolism, and improves skin condition. Salt is the most valuable gift of nature, which in moderation helps to improve the functioning of the body. The main thing is not to exceed the daily allowance.