"Salt is born of the purest of the parents: the sun and the sea” - Pythagoras.
The simplest receptor found in the mouth is the sodium chloride (salt) receptor. Saltiness is a taste produced primarily by the presence of sodium ions. The right amount of salt in any preparation makes it an appetizing food, but too much salt makes any preparation unpalatable. Salt has always been used as a preserving agent for pickles, canned foods or sauces.
We all are aware of the ill-effects of excess salt – from hypertension, to reduced kidney function, to fluid retention, to stomach ulcers, and more .
Ayurveda View about Salty Taste-
Composition – Salt is composed of Fire and Water elements.
Effect of salt taste on Tridosha –Salt taste decreases Vata. It increases Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
Examples of Salty tasting foods- Sea vegetables, Sea salt, Himalayan salt, rock salt.
Effect of Salt taste on body and mind -
- Melts and gets distributed in the body very quickly.
- Imparts moistness to the body.
- Imparts softness to the body.
- Improves taste.
- Has an excising effect, breaking down particles.
- Causes movement of doshas in downward direction.
- Causes a slight burning sensation in the mouth.
- Liquefies Kapha dosha.
- Breaks down Kapha and causes its movement / excretion.
- Increases digestion strength.
- Causes break down of particles.
- Breaks down stiffness, tightening effect and obstructions.
- Can dominate all other tastes.
Excess of salt causes increase of Pitta and Kapha, leading to the following symptoms –
- Increase and imbalance of Pitta
- Vitiation of blood
- Excessive thirst
- Unconsciousness
- Muscle degeneration
- Skin diseases
- Depletion of muscle tissue
- Sloughing of skin diseases
- Inflammatory condition
- Aggravates poison effects and symptoms
- Infertility, impotency
- Depleted strength of sense organs
- Grey hairs, facial wrinkles and hair loss
- Opens up swellings
- Bleeding disorders due to high Pitta levels
- Gastritis
- Worsens eczema
While salt is an important addition to any balanced diet, it is important to closely monitor your intake of foods that have increased levels of added salts, such as pickled foods, chips, and various sauces.