Common Seasoning Tears Down Immune System?!

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 12, 2021

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

Getting through the cold winter months happy and well usually boils down to two things: eating comforting meals and keeping your immune system strong.

Whether it’s nourishing chicken soup or a healthy casserole, hearty meals keep our bodies healthy.

At least, that’s what we used to think.

A new study shows that this common seasoning could actually be TEARING DOWN your immune system…

Or is it?

A new study out of Germany suggests people who eat too much salt may have weaker immune systems.

That’s about the last thing any of us needs with the pandemic running rampant…

The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine and looked at how salt can make changes to your immune system.

The research team first gave mice high-salt diets. They found that the mice were more susceptible to bacterial infections. They then rounded up human volunteers and had them eat a similar diet high in salt.

The people, according to the researchers, started showing signs of “pronounced immune deficiencies” when given six grams of salt – the maximum amount of salt the government recommends you consume.

But before you go tossing salt to the wayside, there are some things to consider…

The study findings are ironic because previous research showed salt improves your immune system by helping macrophages (immune cells) become more active and do their job.

And other research suggests salt is essential to FIGHT invaders because the body moves salt to an area of infection – making it harder for foreign bacteria to survive.

Salt is also our major source of the chemicals needed to produce stomach acid. If you are looking to kill invading bacteria in the food you eat, powerful stomach acid is your best bet.

And, just in case you are wondering, major comprehensive studies show that there is no connection between high blood pressure and salt intake. Not even a little bit. (Read more about the salt myth here.)

See the thing is, people get most of their daily salt from processed foods. And it’s these processed foods that have a lot more in them than just salt: sugar, artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives… all of which harm your body.

But salt, if you eat the right kind, is a nutritional goldmine.

Here is are the benefits to eating salt:

• Unlike sugar, you can trust your taste buds to tell you when you have had enough.
• Real salt contains trace minerals you cannot find in any food you eat.
• Salt balances water in your body and keeps you from being dehydrated.
• Salt also helps to increase energy and improve sleep.

Believe it or not, I have more than a few patients who got rid of night cramps by taking salt.

But before you rush to your saltshaker, know this: the type of salt matters.

Your best bet? Himalayan salt. This pink salt is available in many stores, but I prefer Real Salt by Redmond.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND