The Rock We Eat: The Chemistry and Types of Salt

The transformation of sodium and chlorine from a dangerous combination into a source of life, the differences between sea salt and rock salt, and their effects on health.

Humans normally don't eat rocks, but they do eat sodium chloride, which is a salt rock. This rock is a special chemical used for the health and well-being of humanity. However, when we look at its components, the situation is surprising. Sodium is a highly explosive, dangerous, and corrosive element. Chlorine, on the other hand, is a substance that almost tears apart the lungs when inhaled and has toxic effects. When these two elements, which are extremely dangerous for humans, come together like gunpowder and fire, they transform into salt, an indispensable and harmonizing substance for humans.

Salt, which is found in the human body in a stable amount of about 250 grams, is continuously consumed and replaced. So, how can these dangerous substances coexist? Chlorine is first combined with certain chemicals to solidify it. When this solid form comes into contact with water, it accepts an electron and turns into chloride. For example, chlorine added to swimming pools or drinking water begins to slowly turn into chloride by accepting electrons as soon as it comes into contact with water. This substance, initially germicidal and poisonous, loses its effect and toxicity when it transforms into chloride, becoming the beneficial element chloride in our blood.

In chemical analyses, the balance of sodium, potassium, and chloride is usually examined. The chloride level in our blood must be within a certain balance. If the chloride level rises, it can indicate that you are feeding acidogenically, meaning you are following a ketogenic diet. Conversely, as the amount of chloride decreases, the body's pH value starts to rise above 7.4. The body's pH being around 7.4 is a critical measure for chemical processes. While alkaline diets like the Mediterranean diet can raise pH, continuous and excessive protein consumption can lower pH, leading to ketoacidosis. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the balance of chloride and potassium.

When it comes to types of salt, there are distinct differences between sea salt and rock salt. Sea salt contains salts of all the elements found in the sea, such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and copper, as well as food residues from algae and seaweed. It has a wide spectrum of salts. Using original sea salt obtained by the drying of accumulated waters on the rocky shores of the Mediterranean is like eating and drinking the sea; it is also said that this salt does not raise blood pressure excessively. However, the increase in microplastic waste in the seas in recent times is concerning.

Rock salt, on the other hand, contains 99% sodium chloride, but depending on its geographical origin, it may contain other salts. Rock salts are a form of salt that has remained away from external influences and microplastics in the sea. Furthermore, there are interpretations and publications suggesting that asthmatic patients experience improvement in their conditions after resting for a day or two in the caves where rock salt is extracted. Rock salt has the property of mixing with air and has the ability to absorb electronic waste and negative energy from the system onto itself. This is also the purpose of using salt lamps.

Regarding iodine, the iodine in sea salt may decrease over time as it is volatile, but all salt contains a certain amount of iodine depending on its source. If you have an overactive thyroid hormone condition (thyrotoxicosis), the use of iodized salt can be extremely risky. However, as the iodine content in water is generally low, iodine is added to foods and salts.

Finally, there is a simple way to identify natural salt. Salt is actually a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs water. For salt to flow, it must undergo chemical processing; it is sometimes mentioned that aluminum-based preparations are used in this process. If the salt does not flow when you turn a salt shaker at a restaurant, it is natural salt and can be consumed with confidence.