Salt and Gut Health: Why Choosing the Right Salt Matters More Than You Think

Aug 24, 2025

 

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

Muối hầm là gì? Muối hầm có tác dụng gì? - Nhà thuốc FPT Long Châu

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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