Salt is scary for a lot of people. The majority vote is that it makes you puffy, bloated and dehydrated. There is some truth to this: If you eat excessive amounts of salt, it’s likely that you won’t feel – or look – so great.

This fear factor has been taken to the extreme, with popular completely salt-free diets popping up, not to mention, chemical salt substitutes. Gasp.

I can’t imagine how you make salt substitute, or how toxic it is – no, I haven’t checked and don’t plan to. I am curious, but the need to protect my sanity and faith in humans dominates. So I just stick to Maldon. You dig?

If you’ve ever done a low-salt or salt-free diet – against your taste buds’ cries – read on for all the reasons you should indulge in the white stuff – in moderation, of course. 

1. Adrenal function. Salt supports your adrenal glands, the peanut-shaped glands that sit on top of your kidneys. The adrenals are responsible for releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The problem is, they respond the same – by releasing stress hormones – whether you’re getting chased by a bear, or dealing with a combative coworker and long meetings all day. They secrete cortisol, which puts your body in a state of stress, leading to chronic fatigue, inflammation, weight retention, depression and so much more.
2. Digestion. Salt plays a key role in breaking down your food. It activates salivary amylase in your mouth, which starts working on your food immediately – the first step in the digestive process. Salt then creates hydrochloric acid in the stomach, crucial for digestion.
3. Hydration. In extremely hot climates, dehydration is common. The cure? Salt. Hot climate or not, if you’re deficient in sodium, you’re likely to feel dehydrated and dizzy. If salt intake drops significantly, blood pressure drops quickly and we’re left feeling totally weak, listless, fatigued and apathetic. How can we take over the world with all that going on? Keep your salt intake level!
4. Electrolytes. Your body relies on electrical impulses to know what to do. The brain sends your internal organs messages, telling you you’re thirsty and should drink water, shouting at you to remove your hand from a hot pan handle, and nudging you to run far away when that guy gets super grabby on the first date. Ok, not sure about the last one, but you get the gist.
5. Prevents muscle cramping. Adequate salt intake prevents muscle cramping, especially when you’ve been hitting the gym or the barre extra hard. Charley horse? You’re probably missing this essential mineral.

And the number one reason to eat salt, that trumps all? Satisfaction.

Having beautiful, nourishing food experiences is so important for your body, soul and psyche.

I know it’s judgmental, but I feel like salt-haters must have cold souls. I just don’t get it. Everyone can appreciate a properly salted dish, and it should be a requirement in all homes and dining establishments.

Case closed, salt is gold. I’m not saying eat the stuff straight, but I definitely encourage you to sprinkle a bit on most things – the super high-quality Maldon flakes are my favorite.

Imbibe away, and tell those low-sodium groupies to beat it, as you sprinkle your eggs with Himalayan salt with a sly look in your eyes.

Bon appétit, hot stuff!

Photo: Jake Freeman