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The Salt Debate: What Really Supports Optimum Health?

Nancy Addison — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:22:55 +0000

In my health counseling practice, when I ask clients if they use salt, they frequently tell me, “No, I eat a low-salt or no-salt diet for health reasons.” But in fact, salt is one of the most critical groups of minerals we need to ingest on a daily basis.

What many people don’t realize is that the word “electrolyte” is simply a chemical term for salt. And we absolutely need electrolytes to be healthy.

When salt dissolves in the water of our blood, it breaks into tiny charged bits. Blood carries those bits through the body so nerves can send messages, muscles can move, and fluid can stay where it belongs. We cannot hydrate properly with water alone.

As Dr. David Brownstein says, “Without salt, life itself would not be possible.” (1) Scripture treated salt as life, not as an enemy. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.”

The widespread misconception about salt stems from the fact that most conventional medical doctors, who are generally not taught about nutrition, make no differentiation between white, refined salt and unrefined, mineral-rich salt.

White refined salt is primarily one mineral compound: sodium chloride.

In contrast, mineral-rich mined salts (such as Himalayan pink salt, Bolivian Rose, Redmond’s Real Salt, Celtic sea salt, or other unrefined salts) contain far more than just sodium chloride. White refined salt has been stripped of the other minerals that are naturally present in mined salts.

Unrefined, mineral-rich salt is essential for life because our enzymes cannot function without it. These natural salts contain valuable trace minerals that contribute to overall health, including small amounts of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iodine, and many others.

Mineral-rich salt helps support the proper balance of the endocrine, adrenal, and thyroid glands so they can function at their best. It also supports healthy blood pressure, aids the body’s natural detoxification processes, and—together with adequate water—is necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system, hormonal system, and cardiovascular health. (2)

Dr. David Brownstein, a leading thyroid expert and author of “Salt Your Way To Health”, recommends a minimum of one teaspoon of mineral-rich salt in an adult’s daily diet for best overall health. He notes that if we consistently take in less than that, the body can actually become toxic.

Dr. Brownstein has also written some wonderful books on this subject, which I highly recommend. Two in particular include “Iodine: Why You Need It and Why You Can’t Live Without It”, 5th edition and “Overcoming Thyroid Disorders”, 3rd edition.. He has also joined me on my radio show. Click here if you wish to listen.

Some people are shocked by this recommendation. Yet according to my friend Dr. Bryan Ardis, a large research study involving 500,000 people across 49 countries over a 20-year period (published in 2016 by Tel Aviv University) examined salt consumption and health. The study found that a person needs approximately 5,000 to 11,000 milligrams of salt every day, and that this range is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. (3)

When I heard this, I carefully analyzed the one teaspoon recommended by Dr. Brownstein and found it to be in perfect alignment with the findings of this large study.

Every day in hospitals, patients are given a standard bag of intravenous fluids. A typical liter bag contains 9 grams of sodium chloride—9,000 milligrams of salt. More than half of that weight is chloride. This concentration matches the normal osmotic pressure of blood and is used to treat dehydration, blood loss, and shock.

For perspective, Dr. Ardis explains that a large empty capsule (like a supplement pill/capsule) filled with mineral-rich salt holds about 1,000 milligrams. According to the study, we would therefore need the equivalent of at least 5 to 11 of these capsules daily.

After thoroughly studying issues such as athlete sudden death, dehydration, heat stroke, and related concerns, Dr. Ardis spent eight years developing his hydration supplement, Hydrate Complete. It was formulated to help replenish 40 of the essential nutrients our bodies need—including 11 minerals, 11 vitamins, 17 amino acids,plus Betaine—all of which can be lost through sweating.

Hydrate Complete is designed to support heart health, energy levels, and deeper protection against heat exhaustion and dehydration. I have personally started drinking one or two servings every day and find it refreshing. It also comforts me to know I am getting all 40 of those nutrients into my body each day.

We do not simply sweat out salt water alone. Even one serving of this supplement provides under 1,000 milligrams of salt minerals. For this reason, we all still need to add additional mineral-rich salt to our daily intake alongside Hydrate Complete. You can learn more by clicking here. If you wish to try it, please use this link and the discount code “Nancy.”

According to the National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus), common signs of dehydration include: (4)

• Feeling very thirsty

• Fatigue or low energy

• Headaches or dizziness

• Muscle cramps

• Dry skin, mouth, or eyes

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

• Dark urine or decreased urination

• Confusion or disorientation

• In severe cases, seizures

Staying properly hydrated is essential for overall health. It supports heart health, physical performance, recovery, immune strength, and endurance.

When we sweat, our body can lose many minerals, and these minerals need to be replenished. Unrefined, whole, mineral-rich salt contains these minerals. Mineral-rich salt can also help support the body’s natural balance by contributing to a more alkaline environment. Maintaining a slightly alkaline pH is important for overall health.

Most of us grew up using white refined table salt, but it actually lacks numerous minerals that are present in whole, natural, mineral-rich salt. Refined table salt is approximately 98 percent sodium chloride, but unfortunately it often contains anti-caking agents, chemicals, preservatives, and even sugar. Although iodine is added to many refined salts, the amount is generally insufficient “to prevent thyroid illnesses or to provide for the body’s iodine needs.” (5) Because iodine dissipates after exposure to oxygen, table salt is not a reliable long-term source of this essential nutrient.

In addition, many of our modern food sources lack vital minerals and nutrients. Soils have become depleted, and refining and processing remove many (or all) of the nutrients originally present in foods.

One significant reason for this mineral loss is the extensive use of herbicides on crops, especially ‘Roundup Ready’ products that contain the chemical glyphosate. Glyphosate is a mineral chelator, meaning it strips minerals from everything it touches.

As research has shown:

“Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), consisting of glyphosate and formulants, are the most frequently applied herbicides worldwide. The declared active ingredient glyphosate does not only inhibit the EPSPS but is also a chelating agent that binds macro- and micronutrients, essential for many plant processes and pathogen resistance. GBH treatment may thus impede uptake and availability of macro- and micronutrients in plants.” (6)

The Restorative Medicine Clinic puts this in simpler terms:

“Glyphosate depletes essential minerals and promotes heavy metal toxicity. Glyphosate impairs the ability of plants to uptake minerals from the soil and decreases plant nutrient density. Additionally, glyphosate acts as a chelator, which means it binds and removes minerals from the soil and the body, even in small quantities. These factors have contributed to the widespread deficiency in many minerals in the body and soil, including magnesium, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese, and iron. Since glyphosate is a chelator, it also has the ability to bind heavy metals and transfer them into the body.” (7)

For me, this has been one of the strongest reasons to seek out and consume organically grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

Salt cravings are often a signal that the body may be depleted in nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes. They can also indicate that the thyroid and adrenal glands need additional mineral support.

If you have been craving salt or have been under significant stress, you may want to consider adding a drop of iodine to your daily diet to help support thyroid health. We do not have many reliable food sources of iodine, yet it is extremely important. The form I personally use and recommend is Nascent Iodine from The Health Ranger Store.

Standard white table salt is heavily refined. Underground salt deposits are mined, heated to high temperatures, and stripped of natural trace minerals such as magnesium and potassium, leaving mostly pure sodium chloride. For this reason, I avoid ingesting it. I am also aware that this is the type of salt commonly used in many processed foods unless otherwise specified.

Dr. Brownstein notes that low-salt diets “promote toxicity” and can have adverse effects on numerous metabolic markers, including elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. He further states that low-mineral-rich-salt diets can lead to mineral deficiencies and the development of chronic disease. (8)

In 1994, The British Medical Journal published a study conducted in the Netherlands. Researchers examined 100 men and women between the ages of 55 and 75 who had mild to moderate hypertension. When common refined table salt was replaced with mineral-rich salt high in magnesium and potassium, the study showed a reduction in blood pressure comparable to that produced by blood-pressure-lowering medications and without the pharmaceutical drug side effects. (9)

There are various types of mineral-rich salts, each with slightly different mineral profiles. I encourage you to try a few and decide which one you prefer. Celtic sea salt is often described as high in minerals, yet because it comes from present-day oceans it can contain mercury and microplastics. Personally, I prefer Bolivian Rose salt and Real Salt by Redmond, which are mined salts.

Mined mineral-rich salt tends to be cleaner and more nutrient-dense because it was formed when the oceans were far less polluted and during a more nutrient-rich time in Earth’s history. Minerals give salt its natural color, so look for salts with a pink or rosy hue. Natural, unrefined salt is not white, because tiny bits of other minerals are still in the crystal. Those minerals catch the light differently, so the salt looks pink, rose, or gray. The pink in many pink salts is mostly a little iron. That color is a clue the crystal was not stripped clean. A totally white salt has often been bleached and stripped of its minerals.

In conclusion, research shows that we will tremendously benefit from including at least one teaspoon or more of high-quality, mineral-rich pink salt in our daily diet. I also find that it simply makes food taste better.

As Dr. Brownstein would say: Salt Your Way To Health!

Note:

If you would like to learn more on how to use mineral-rich salt, iodine, hydration strategies, or a more individualized approach to supporting your thyroid, adrenals, and overall energy, I encourage you to explore my books, (5 of which are in audio), which offer practical, natural ways to nourish the body more deeply, or I would be honored to work with you as a health counselor.

Sources:

1 Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way To Health, p. 17. (2nd edition.) Medical Alternative Press.

2 Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way To Health, pp. 120, 107, 87. (2nd edition.) Medical Alternative Press.

3 Study referenced by Dr. Bryan Ardis: Research involving 500,000 people across 49 countries over 20 years, published in 2016 by Tel Aviv University, examining salt consumption and health outcomes. “Tel Aviv University study on salt intake and regulation | Baby Raphael Neelamkavil Varkey” https://www.linkedin.com/posts/baby-raphael-neelamkavil-varkey-bb88892a_response-to-video-tel-aviv-university-study-activity-7318976554477199360-HpNB

4. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. Dehydration. https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html 

5. Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way To Health, p. 26. (2nd edition.) Medical Alternative Press.

6. “Glyphosate, a chelating agent—relevant for ecological risk assessment?” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5823954/ 

7. Restorative Medicine Clinic. “Glyphosate – The Toxic Herbicide Impacting Our Health.” https://www.restorativemedicine.clinic/glyphosate-the-toxic-herbicide-impacting-our-health

8. Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way To Health, p. 53. (2nd edition.) Medical Alternative Press.

9. Geleijnse, J.M., Witteman, J.C., Bak, A.A., den Breeijen, J.H., & Grobbee, D.E. (1994). Reduction in blood pressure with a low sodium, high potassium, high magnesium salt in older subjects with mild to moderate hypertension. BMJ, 309(6952), 436–440.

Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison – any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Medical Disclaimer:
Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.
Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post The Salt Debate: What Really Supports Optimum Health? appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Not All Waters Are Created Equal: Why True Hydration Matters

Nancy Addison — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:51:13 +0000

Drinking water is more important than you might think. Just because you are “drinking a liquid” does not mean you are hydrating your body.

I grew up not thinking much about water or how important it was for my health. But from the moment I began researching holistic health and nutrition more than forty years ago, one truth became clear: one of the most important parts of having good health is being hydrated.

I learned this valuable information from Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj MD’s books, which focused on the healing power of water. He treated and cured approximately 3,000 prisoners suffering from what he called chronic intracellular dehydration. Water is a key ingredient for our health and well-being because our bodies are 66–72 percent water. Water is the elixir of life. Blood uses water to transport oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies to all parts of the body. Here is a list of some of his books: “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, Body Thirst Signals and the Damage of Chronic Dehydration”, “Water: For Health, For Healing, For Life: You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty!”,“Water Cures: Drugs Kill – How Water Cured Incurable Diseases”, “Water: Rx For A Healthier, Pain-Free Life”, and “Water and Salt: Your Healers from Within”.

Water is the living medium that carries nutrients, oxygen, and the body’s own subtle signals from one system to another.

People have studied water for centuries, and it still remains a mystery. Dr. Gerald Pollack’s decades of research at the University of Washington revealed that water can form an ordered, gel-like structure next to certain surfaces—what he calls the fourth phase of water, or EZ (Exclusion Zone) water.

Decades earlier, Japanese Doctor of Alternative Medicine, Masaru Emoto, published photographs and research in his books, such as “The Hidden Messages in Water”. He claimed and showed in his photographic experiments that water, which had been frozen after exposure to positive words (such as love and gratitude), were gorgeous crystals in various unique shapes, while water exposed to negative words (such as “hate”), formed unpleasant, messy shapes. He stated that human intention, music, and prayers can physically alter water molecules. These studies continue to invite both wonder and careful scientific attention. This makes me wonder what our thoughts can do to the water in the cells of our body. Some definite food for thought! Because of his research, I make certain that my water containers always have positive messages on them.

I started addressing water quality when my children were young, after learning that U.S. municipal water often contains chemicals, residues, pharmaceutical drugs, and other contaminants that can affect our health.

As I watch my grandchildren play sports through long, hot summers, I realize that now, more than ever, they need non-toxic, mineral-rich water to maintain their health and well-being.

Dr. Bryan Ardis observed the serious consequences of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and mineral loss in athletes and even young children during sports. Over the past eight years, he has developed a nutrient and mineral-rich supplement that replenishes what the body loses through sweat. It is, in some ways, more hydrating than just about anything else I know of. (If you wish to order, use my link and the discount code “Nancy” for a discount.)

Every year (especially during summers of intense heat) brings many reports of heat-related illness, collapse, and even death among athletes who become dehydrated. That reality, together with decades of study, clinical work, and my writing of six books on holistic health, continues to shape how I approach water, and how I teach others when counseling them.

Research shows that water that has been placed in or next to certain surfaces can form an ordered state that behaves differently from ordinary municipal water, and may consequently play an important role inside our living tissues. Something as simple as using a copper water bottle can be a real game-changer. Copper is a required structural part of the antioxidant enzyme “copper-zinc superoxide dismutase” (Cu/Zn-SOD). This enzyme neutralizes harmful “superoxide” free radicals in the body, and without enough copper, this enzyme cannot function properly.

How Much of Us Is Water

The adult body is roughly 60 percent water. Of this, the brain and heart contain about 73 percent, the lungs about 83 percent, the muscles and kidneys around 79 percent, and even bone holds approximately 31 percent. Every cell relies on this fluid to move nutrients and oxygen, regulate temperature, support digestion, cushion joints, and allow our internal systems to communicate.

By the time we feel thirsty, we are already dehydrated. Early signs include dry mouth, darker urine, fatigue, and lower urine output. Children are especially vulnerable, particularly when illness causes fluid loss. Hot weather increases both water and mineral loss through sweat.

Airplane travel is extremely dehydrating because the air inside the cabin is very dry, so fluid is lost through the skin and breath during flight.

Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can make the problem even worse.

When I am at the airport and need to buy a drink, I look for pure coconut water. It contains no added chemicals and is packed with natural minerals (electrolytes), making it extremely hydrating. One of the standout nutrients in coconut water is potassium. A single cup provides about 400 milligrams of this mineral, which plays a crucial role in muscle function and heart health.

Many popular drinks—especially diet sodas, flavored waters, sports drinks, and low-calorie beverages—contain substances that can actually work against true hydration and cellular health.

Two of the most concerning ingredients are aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Dr. Russell Blaylock, a neurosurgeon and author of the book Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, has written extensively about these compounds. He explains that aspartame and MSG belong to a class of chemicals called excitotoxins. These substances can overstimulate neurons in the brain. When neurons are overstimulated for too long, they can become exhausted, and eventually damaged or destroyed.²²

Aspartame is the artificial sweetener found in many diet sodas, sugar-free drinks, chewing gums, and flavored beverages. MSG is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods and some drinks. Both are widely present in products people reach for when they think they are “hydrating.”

Many commercial sports drinks also contain a range of additives. In the past, some citrus-flavored sports drinks, including earlier versions of Gatorade, contained brominated vegetable oil (BVO). Research raised concerns that bromine-containing compounds can compete with iodine and potentially interfere with normal thyroid function.²³ While major brands have since removed BVO, the broader point remains: many sports drinks are loaded with ingredients that do little to support true cellular hydration.

True hydration is not simply about putting liquid into your mouth. It is about giving your cells pure water, and the minerals they need to function properly.

A rough guideline I have used for years is approximately one ounce of pure water for every two pounds of body weight each day, along with a small amount of high-quality unrefined mineral-rich salt, such as Redmond Real Salt. I drink most of it between meals because drinking large amounts during meals can interfere with thorough chewing, dilute digestive enzymes, and may also contribute to digestive problems.

Across many cultures, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, drinking warm or hot water has long been a daily wellness habit. Digestion works best when the stomach and intestines are warm and relaxed. Warm foods and beverages are easier for the body to break down, while cold drinks require extra effort to process. When the body repeatedly has to warm cold liquids, it uses energy that could otherwise support digestion and nutrient absorption.²⁴ Choosing warm or room-temperature mineral-rich water can be a simple yet powerful way to support both hydration and digestive comfort.

What Happens When Water Is Not Clean

Most city water contains chlorine, fluoride, and other unwanted substances. Chlorine was first developed as a chemical weapon. It can destroy Vitamin E in the body and disrupt beneficial probiotics in the intestines. Industrial chemist J.P. Bercz, PhD, showed in 1992 that chlorinated water alters and destroys unsaturated essential fatty acids (EFAs), the building blocks of the brain and central nervous system.¹

Chlorine is commonly used to kill disease-causing organisms in water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is essentially a pesticide. A University of Minnesota researcher, Dr. Robert Carlson, whose work was sponsored by the EPA, stated that “the chlorine problem is similar to that of air pollution” and that “chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times.”¹⁷

When chlorine reacts with organic matter in surface water, it forms disinfection by-products (DBPs), including trihalomethanes. Studies have linked long-term exposure to these by-products with increased risks of certain cancers.¹⁹ Our skin is our largest organ. While showering or swimming in chlorinated water, chlorine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Research continues to link swimming in chlorinated pools to various health concerns.² Residual chlorine can also shift the balance of bacteria living in the gut.

In addition to chlorine and fluoride, many municipal water supplies now contain trace amounts of pharmaceutical drugs. These include antibiotics, hormones, antidepressants, pain medications, and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They enter the water primarily through human excretion, improper disposal of unused medications, and agricultural runoff. Conventional water treatment plants are not designed to fully remove these compounds.²⁰ Even at very low concentrations, long-term exposure to mixtures of pharmaceutical residues raises concerns about hormone balance, antibiotic resistance, and effects on developing children.²⁰ ²¹

Fluoride added to many municipal water supplies is sodium fluoride, a byproduct of aluminum and fertilizer manufacturing. It is different from the calcium fluoride that occurs naturally. According to Dr. Paul Connett, PhD:

“Fluoride is a cumulative poison. On average, only 50 percent of the fluoride we ingest each day is excreted through the kidneys. The remainder accumulates in our bones, pineal gland, and other tissues.”³

Dr. Connett notes that the level of fluoride put into water (1 ppm) is up to 200 times higher than normally found in mothers’ milk.⁴ Research has raised questions about possible effects on thyroid function, bone health, and other systems.¹¹⁻¹⁶ Several European countries do not add fluoride to their water supplies.

Details Concerning Bottled And Purified Water

EPA standards for the Clean Water Act do not apply to bottled water. There is little regulation on bottled water, which is why I recommend a purification system in your house. In fact, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversees the quality of water that comes out of your tap, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the safety and truthful labeling of bottled water sold nationally. States are responsible for regulating water that is both packaged and sold within its borders (which is most of the market), but one in five states doesn’t even bother. It’s important to note that the federal government does not require bottled water to be safer than tap. In fact, just the opposite is true in many cases. Tap water in most big cities must be disinfected, filtered to remove pathogens, and tested for cryptosporidium and giardia. Bottled water does not have to be.”²⁵

Bottled water is often simply municipal water that has been treated and placed in plastic. Plastic can have many negative effects on the body. Bottled water in plastic containers can also release microplastics and nanoplastics into the water, especially when exposed to heat or stored for long periods. These tiny plastic particles are increasingly being found in the human body and are a real health concern. I highly recommend avoiding plastic and aluminum containers whenever possible, and using glass, pure copper, and high-quality stainless steel instead.

If you are using a reverse osmosis system, ZeroWater filter, distiller, or a Berkey® system—some of the better filtering systems for purifying water—these systems can remove many contaminants but also strip away beneficial minerals. Adding a small pinch of unrefined mineral-rich salt helps restore what filtration has taken away.

Minerals That True Hydration Requires

Heavy sweating removes more than water. It removes magnesium and copper—minerals the body needs for energy, muscle function, and protection against cellular stress. Magnesium takes part in hundreds of enzymatic reactions. It is required for muscle contraction and relaxation, a steady heartbeat, and the production of cellular energy. Low levels appear quickly as cramps, fatigue, and slow recovery, and in severe cases can contribute to serious cardiovascular events.

Copper, though needed only in smaller amounts, supports enzymes that produce energy inside the mitochondria and helps the body use iron properly. When copper is low, resilience declines. Most commercial sports drinks replace sodium and sometimes potassium, yet they almost never replace magnesium or copper in a highly usable form. Clean water, together with full mineral support, is the wiser approach.

Foods and beverages that supply both fluid and minerals—fresh fruits and vegetables (such as watermelon, apples, oranges, and cucumbers), coconut water, and herbal teas—offer healthy hydration alongside pure mineral water.

Water That Carries More Than Molecules

Water is not only a liquid nutrient. Structured water may be significantly more hydrating. Structured water may support hydration by organizing H₂O molecules into hexagonal clusters, potentially improving cellular absorption, nutrient transport, and whole-body wellness—benefiting the brain, joints, kidneys, and skin.

Structured water may also carry electrical and vibrational information within living systems. Methods that filter, structure, and enrich water with molecular hydrogen—the smallest antioxidant molecule—have received careful scientific attention. Studies show that hydrogen-rich water can support the body’s antioxidant defenses and help reduce everyday oxidative stress.

I share these approaches as part of an ongoing inquiry, not as final answers. My work has always centered on clear education and practical steps people can actually use.

Simple Daily Practices

• Begin the day with a glass of clean, mineral-rich water (warm or room temperature is often easier on digestion).

• Drink from glass, pure copper, or stainless-steel containers.

• Add a small amount of unrefined mineral-rich salt to purified water.

• Avoid sugary, artificially sweetened, artificially colored, and synthetically mineral-fortified drinks.

• Choose foods and beverages that provide both fluid and minerals, such as organic fresh fruit, vegetables, and coconut water.

• Eat organically grown foods that naturally contain mineral-rich water.

• Limit unnecessary chlorine exposure from swimming pools and municipal tap water.

• Drink extra mineral-rich clean water before, during, and after air travel.

• Consider structured, hydrogen-rich water and thoughtful mineral support as part of a coherent plan.

• A few slices of citrus or a sprig of mint can make pure water more inviting and delicious without changing its character.

The Animals in Our Care

The same principles apply to all living creatures, including dogs, cats, and horses. They also depend on clean water and adequate minerals for energy, muscle integrity, and resilience in heat. Animals can dehydrate quickly, especially when active or heavily coated. Chemically treated water places the same challenges on their health as it does on ours. As both a holistic nutritionist and an international wildlife rehabilitator, I always make certain they have a plentiful supply of clean water at all times—especially during hot summer months and cold winter times when drinking water can freeze.

Clean, mineral-rich, structured water is one of the most fundamental supports we can offer ourselves and those we love. When nutrients such as magnesium and other essential minerals are present, the body is better able to meet the demands of heat, activity, travel, and ordinary daily life.

In a world of chemical exposures, refined foods, and constant environmental stress, returning to pure, well-structured water is both a practical and an intelligent choice.

I am available as a health counselor for those who wish to know more or who face a serious health challenge. My books offer detailed information on health, nutrition, and recipes.

For those interested in a structured, high-pH, hydrogen-, light-, and frequency-infused water system, I recommend the LifeWave X₂O technology. You can watch videos about it here:

• LifeWave X₂O: Enlightened Water, Elevated Hydration https://vimeo.com/1179996235?fl=pl&fe=sh

• X20 Benefits Based on 3 Clinical Studies with David Schmidt https://vimeo.com/1171623419

If you would like to learn more or order, visit my LifeWave page:

https://lifewave.com/nancyaddison

If you do order, I would greatly appreciate it if you use my referral number 1439757 so I can support you in using the technology effectively.

In Closing, try to start with small, precise changes. Drink pure, mineral-rich water in the morning—preferably warm or room temperature. Reduce sugary and artificial drinks. Pay close attention to the quality of the water and the minerals available to both the people and the animals in your life.

And remember… improving the quality of your water may be one of the most important things you ever do to maintain a long healthy life.

Source 1. Hattersley, Joseph G. (2000). “The Negative Health Effects of Chlorine.” The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 15, 2nd Quarter.

http://whale.to/a/hatt1.html

Source 2. Sohn, Emily. (2010, September 21). “Chlorinated Pools May Increase Cancer Risk.” NBC News / Discovery News.

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39139307

Source 3. Connett, Paul. (2004/2011). “50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation.” Originally published in Medical Veritas, 1:70-80.

https://fluoridealert.org/articles/50-reasons/

Source 4. Ibid.

Source 5–16. Supporting fluoride research cited within Connett’s work and related literature (including Bassin, Galetti, Diesendorf, Colquhoun, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Toxicological Profile for Fluorides).

Source 17. Discussion of Dr. Robert Carlson’s comments on chlorine (referenced in secondary sources including Hattersley’s paper).

Source 18. Price, Joseph M. (1969). Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine.

https://archive.org/details/coronariescholes0000jose

Source 19. Research on disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes and related compounds) and cancer risk.

Source 20–21. U.S. Geological Survey and EPA reports on pharmaceuticals in water supplies:

https://www.usgs.gov/publications/hormones-and-pharmaceuticals-groundwater-used-

Source 22. Blaylock, Russell L. Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills. Health Press, 1994.

https://archive.org/details/excitotoxinstast0000blay

Source 23. Research and regulatory discussion on brominated vegetable oil (BVO). FDA information:

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo

Source 24. Traditional Chinese Medicine principles on warm water and digestion.

Source 25. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “Bottled Water vs. Tap Water.”

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/bottled-water-vs-tap-water#regulations

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:

https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com 

Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison – any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Medical Disclaimer:
Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.
Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Not All Waters Are Created Equal: Why True Hydration Matters appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Lee Merritt MD Shares Thoughts On Health

Nancy Addison — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 20:23:00 +0000

Leading nutritionist & radio show host, Nancy Addison talks with Dr. Lee Merritt, a graduate of University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, an Orthopedic Surgeon for 9 years in the US Navy, as well as the only woman appointed as the Louis A. Goldstein Fellow of Spinal Surgery. She was the past President of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. They discuss the world, vaccines, viruses, cancer, parasites, cholesterol… Dr. Merritt’s website: dr lee merritt .com

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:
https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com
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Medical Disclaimer:

Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Diet Can Be A Powerful Treatment For Diabetes

Nancy Addison — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 11:05:39 +0000

More than 100 million people today have diabetes or pre-diabetes. A recent study conducted by a team of American and Japanese researchers showed that people who have diabetes can vastly improve their health by eating an entirely plant-based diet. (1)

During my work with people who have diabetes, I have found that they show remarkable improvement in their health and well-being from consuming a plant-based and almost completely raw-food diet. Dr. Gabriel Cousens promotes a mostly raw food, vegan diet for his Diabetic patients who would like to reduce their medications.

After they complete the program, they understand that the type of food they eat has a direct impact on their health. (2) In 2014, Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy published a study in which researchers performed a meta-analysis of six significant prior research studies. Researchers found that a plant-based diet significantly improved blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes.

The results were that plant-based diets improved a key indicator of blood sugar control, an indicator called Hemoglobin A1c. The results improved as much as 1.2 points, which is much greater than the effect of typical oral diabetes medications. (3)

The benefits of excluding meat, cheese, and eggs from the diet was as much as 0.7 points in some of the studies, and averaged 0.4 points overall. (4)

Dr. James Anderson studied 25 Type 1 and 25 Type 2 diabetics. This study involved placing the patients on a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate, low- fat diet in a hospital setting. Dr. Anderson initially put the patients on the American Diabetes Association recommended diet plan for one week. Then he switched them over to a vegetarian, plant-based diet for three weeks.

None of these patients were overweight when they started the study, but they were on insulin shots to control their blood sugar levels. All through the study, Dr. Anderson measured their blood sugar levels, their cholesterol levels, their medications, and their weight. Type 1 diabetics cannot produce insulin, and it was thought that dietary changes would not affect this situation. But, the results showed that after three weeks on a vegetarian, whole-food, high-fiber diet, the “Type 1 diabetics were able to lower their insulin medication by an average of 40%”, “their blood sugar profiles improved dramatically”. (5)

These results were more impressive with the Type 2 diabetics who had not incurred as much damage to their pancreas. After three weeks on the high-fiber, vegetarian diet, 24 of the 25 Type 2 diabetics could discontinue their insulin medication completely.

The one Type 2 diabetic who wasn’t able to get off his medication had been a 25-year diabetic taking 35 units per day. After three weeks of vegetarian food, his requirement dropped down to only eight units per day. As he continued the vegetarian eating plan at home, he was able to cut out all insulin shots after another eight weeks. (6)

Studies have shown that eating more plant- based whole food increases your dietary fiber intake. This can be extremely important to “protect from the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, some gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, obesity, and non-insulin-dependent diseases. Furthermore, increasing fiber intake provides therapeutic advantages for the management of high blood lipids, certain gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes”. (7)

Besides adopting a plant-based diet, diabetics can take six important dietary food supplements to regulate their blood sugar and support their health:

1. Chromium
2. Cinnamon
3. Omega-3 Fatty-acids
4. Vitamin D
5. Zinc
6. Unrefined, Mineral-rich Salt

The mineral chromium helps transport glucose from the blood to the muscles. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fat, and protein in the body.” (8)

People who eat non-organic foods have a greater likelihood of being deficient in this important trace mineral. The chemical fertilizers used in industrial farming destroy chromium that would naturally be in the soil. This is one of many reasons organic food is always the best choice at the grocery store.

Chromium supplements should have GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) on the label. It should say, “Chromium GTF”. Avoid synthetic supplements that don’t list whole, organic foods as the ingredients.

Cinnamon is emerging as a true wonder food. Cinnamon is a spice, and it’s obtained from the inner bark of a few tree species. Research shows that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, and triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon contains antioxidants that create healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon can also benefit us with increased alertness and energized senses. Even a teaspoon a day helps tame blood sugar levels.

Ceylon cinnamon is the best cinnamon to use. Cassia, Saigon, and Chinese cinnamon contain five percent coumarin, which is problematic for the liver. Ceylon cinnamon has only .0004 percent coumarin. Sprinkle it on your morning toast, oatmeal, or other dishes.

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats our bodies cannot make and must obtain from food.

Studies show that adding omega-3 to your diet promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Try adding cold-pressed, organic flax or hemp seed oil to your smoothies and other foods, like oatmeal chia seed pudding in the morning.

Vitamin D (known as the sunshine vitamin) is a prohormone; that is, a fat-soluble vitamin. It is in a family of compounds that includes Vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. These vitamins can affect as many as 2,000 genes in the body.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine studied the medical information of 124 subjects between the ages of 36 and 89 with Type 2 diabetes. Those with the lowest levels of Vitamin D had the highest levels of blood sugar. Only six percent of the subjects were taking a Vitamin D supplement. You may need to address a possible Vitamin D deficiency. I supplement my Vitamin D intake with a whole-food, organic, raw multi- vitamin.

Zinc is one of the most important minerals used by the body. It helps with the production of approximately 100 enzymes. Zinc contributes to building up the immune system. Zinc is required for protein and DNA synthesis, insulin activity, and liver function.

Zinc is not really stored in our bodies, so we need a regular supply. Men need about one-third more zinc than women, because the prostate gland and semen are highly concentrated with zinc. A zinc deficiency may appear as skin problems, impairment of taste, a poor immune system, hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue, wounds not healing properly, or a poor or slow growth rate for infants.

Even if you eat zinc-rich foods, you may need a supplement, because phytic acid and dietary fiber in certain foods can inhibit the absorption of zinc. If you take a vitamin supplement of any kind (such as a multi-vitamin, Vitamin D, chromium, or zinc), make sure it is in a natural form, not a synthetic one. Synthetic forms of any nutrient can be harmful to the body (9). Instead, buy dietary supplements that show whole, organic foods in their ingredient list.

Unrefined mined salt promotes the proper balance for the endocrine, adrenal, and thyroid glands to function properly. It supports healthy blood pressure, detoxifies the body, and—along with water—is necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system, hormonal system, and cardiovascular health. (10)

Dr. David Brownstein says low-salt diets “promote toxicity” and have: …adverse effects on numerous metabolic markers, including promoting elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. Finally, low-salt diets will lead to mineral deficiencies and the development of chronic disease.(11)

In conclusion, you can see that diet is a huge factor in curing or managing diabetes, and also preventing many diseases that diabetes often leads to, including blindness, amputation, stroke, and heart disease.

Additionally, it can prevent having to take insulin injections for the rest of your life.

My award-winning book, “Diabetes and your Diet,” can be an extremely helpful resource for you. The book includes nutrition information and recipes, and is available in large print and audio.

It’s a personal decision that no one can make for you. I always feel it is so powerful when someone finally decides to take control of their health and well-being, and chooses to make the necessary changes. It all starts with making that decision and taking action to execute it.

Contact me if I can help you in any way.

Sources:
1 Yokoyama Y, Barnard ND, Levin SM, Watanabe M. (Oct., 2014). “Vegetarian diets and glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Cardiovasc Diagn Ther, 4(5): 373-382. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM C4221319/
2 Cousens, Gabriel. (2008). There is a Cure for Diabetes. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
3 Yokoyama et. al. 4 Ibid. 5 Anderson, James W. (Dec., 1990). “Dietary Fiber and Human Health.” HortScience, 25(12): 1488-1495. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/25/ 12/1488.full.pdf
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. “Chromium: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet.” http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium- HealthProfessional/#h10
9 Hendler, SS, & Rorvik, D. (2008). PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Physicians’ Desk Reference Inc: Montvale, NJ. Includes the following relevant articles: Hendler, SS, & Rorvik, D, eds. (2001). “PDR for Nutritional Supplements.” In Medical Economics. Montvale, NJ; Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M. (1999). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9th ed. Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, MD; R. Thiel. (2000). “Natural vitamins may be superior to synthetic ones.” Med Hypo, 55(6):461-469.
10 Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way to Health. 2nd edition. Medical Alternative Press.
11 Ibid.

Excerpt from “Diabetes And Your Diet” by Nancy Addison.

Medical Disclaimer:
Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

The post Diet Can Be A Powerful Treatment For Diabetes appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Is There Good Salt And Bad Salt?

Nancy Addison — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:29:47 +0000

When I ask people if they use salt, they frequently tell me, “No, I eat a low-salt diet for health reasons.”
In fact, it is not salt that is bad for us, it is the type of salt we eat.

The word “electrolyte” is a chemical term for salt. We need electrolytes to be healthy. As Dr. David Brownstein says, “Without salt, life itself would not be possible. (1) The misconception about salt stems from the fact that conventional medical doctor’s, who basically are not taught about nutrition, make no differentiation between white, refined salt and unrefined, mineral-rich salt.

Unrefined, mineral-rich salt is important for life, because our enzymes cannot function with it. Mineral-rich salt promotes the proper balance for the endocrine, adrenal, and thyroid glands, so that they function properly. It also supports healthy blood pressure, detoxifies the body, and along with water, is necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system, hormonal system, and cardiovascular health. (2)

Dr. David Brownstein (a leading thyroid expert and author of Salt Your Way To Health) recommends at least 1 tsp. of mineral-rich salt in an adult diet daily for optimum health.

When we sweat, our body can lose many minerals, and these minerals need to be replenished. Unrefined whole, mineral-rich salt contains these minerals. Mineral-rich salt can also help balance the body by alkalizing it. Maintaining a slightly alkaline pH is important to our health.

The white refined table salt most of us grew up using lacks numerous minerals that are present in whole, natural, mineral-rich salt. Refined table salt is 98 percent sodium chloride with added bicarbonates, chemicals, sugar, and preservatives. Iodine, the main nutrient that supports our thyroid gland, is added to many refined salts, but in insufficient quantities “to prevent thyroid illnesses or to provide for the body’s iodine needs.” (3) Given that iodine dissipates after being exposed to oxygen, table salt could never be a reliable source of iodine anyway.

Many food sources today lack vital minerals and nutrients. Soils are depleted, and refining and processing take out many or all of the nutrients in foods. Salt cravings are actually a signal you may be depleted in nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes. Salt cravings can also be a signal that your thyroid and adrenal glands need minerals. If you have been craving salt or have been under a good deal of stress, you may want to add a drop of iodine daily to your diet to make certain you are getting enough iodine in your diet to support your thyroid. We don’t have many food sources for iodine, and it is extremely important to our health.

Dr. Brownstein says low-salt diets “promote toxicity” and have:

. . .adverse effects on numerous metabolic markers, including promoting elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. Finally, low-mineral-rich salt diets will lead to mineral deficiencies and the development of chronic disease. (4)

In 1994, The British Medical Journal published a study conducted in the Netherlands. The study examined 100 men and women between the ages of 55 and 75 who had mild to moderate hypertension. When common, refined table salt was replaced with mineral-rich salt high in magnesium and potassium, the study showed a reduction in blood pressure equivalent to that produced by drugs which lower blood pressure. (5)

There are various types of mineral-rich salts, with different mineral contents. Try a few different ones and see which one you like the best. Celtic sea salt is supposed to be high in minerals, but it is from the polluted present-day oceans, and can contain mercury and plastic. Personally, I like to use Bolivian Rose salt and Real Salt (by Redmond).

Mined mineral-rich salt is cleaner and more nutrient-dense, because it was formed when oceans were less polluted, and during a more nutrient-dense time. Minerals have color, so buy salt with pink color. White salt has probably been bleached and has had the minerals stripped from it.

In conclusion, we need mineral-rich pink salt in our diet to be healthy. I think it makes our food taste better also!

As Dr. Brownstein would say, Salt Your Way To Health!

Sources:
1. Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way To Health, p. 17. (2nd edition.) Medical Alternative Press.

2. Ibid., pp. 120,107, 87.

3. Ibid, p. 26.
4. Ibid., p. 53.
5. Geleijnse

Medical Disclaimer:

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