Salt and Gut Health: Why Choosing the Right Salt Matters More Than You Think
Most people think of salt simply as a seasoning. But from a whole-food nutrition and holistic health perspective, salt is also a natural source of minerals that the body needs every day.
1. Salt – More Than Just Flavor
The type of salt you use—refined or natural—affects not only the minerals and micronutrients you get, but also your gut health.
Refined salt
- Almost pure sodium chloride, with most natural minerals removed.
- Often contains anti-caking agents that don’t benefit gut health.
- High intake may cause electrolyte imbalance and increased blood pressure.
Natural salt
- Examples: slow-baked rock salt or traditionally sun-dried sea salt.
- Contains 60+ trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and calcium.
- Helps balance electrolytes, supports enzymes, nerves, muscles, and gut microbiota; richer flavor so you can use less.
If you want less salt but more flavor, choose mineral-rich salts. Pairing them with herbs or seaweed also adds antioxidants and natural iodine.
2. Salt & Gut Microbiome
Studies show that diets high in processed foods (canned goods, instant noodles, snacks) and refined salt can disrupt the gut microbiome:
- Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus spp. decrease.
- Pro-inflammatory bacteria increase → higher risks of digestive issues, poor nutrient absorption, and weakened immunity.
By contrast, natural salts combined with fermented foods (Kashew vegan cheese, pickles, traditional soy sauce) can:
- Create a friendlier environment for probiotics.
- Provide essential minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc) that aid enzymes and the nervous system.
- Deliver balanced saltiness that enhances taste without straining kidneys or the heart.
Refined salt is like “white sugar”: empty energy, no nutrition. Natural salt is like “brown sugar” or “raw honey”: flavor plus health benefits.
3. Rock Salt – Kashew’s Choice
Kashew Cheese uses rock salt in its fermentation process. This salt is baked slowly at high heat, removing impurities while keeping valuable minerals intact.
Benefits:
- Milder saltiness with less water retention.
- Rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium—supporting muscle and nerve function.
- Complements probiotics from natural fermentation in Kashew Cheese, aiding digestion.
4. Health Benefits of Choosing the Right Salt
- Electrolyte balance → stable energy & focus.
- Better digestion → thanks to minerals and probiotics.
- Reduced bloating & water retention → lower sodium, higher minerals.
- Culinary value → deep, savory flavor that elevates dishes.
5. How to Use Good Salt in a Whole-Food Diet
- Choose natural salts: rock salt, Himalayan pink salt.
- Pair with fermented foods: Kashew Cheese, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso.
- Limit processed foods and refined sodium-based seasonings.
- Add salt at the end of cooking to preserve flavor & minerals.
Each bite of Kashew Aged Cheese or Kream Cheese isn’t just creamy cashew richness—it’s also the harmony of mineral-rich rock salt and live probiotics from natural fermentation. Together, they nourish digestion, uplift mood, and bring joy to every meal.
References:
+ World Health Organization (2012) Guideline: Sodium intake for adults and children. Geneva: World Health Organization.
+ EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2016) ‘Dietary reference values for chloride’, EFSA Journal, 14(10), p. 4485.
+ Vogt, L., Meyer, A., Pullens, G., Faas, M.M., Smelt, M.J., Venema, K., Ramasamy, U., Schols, H.A. and de Vos, P. (2015) ‘Immune modulation by different types of β2→1-fructans is toll-like receptor dependent’, PLoS ONE, 10(7), e0132304.
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