Salt & Detoxification
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Salt supports detoxification of harmful chemicals. Low-salt diets impair this process and worsen toxicity from bromine, a common modern toxin.
Bromine: A Growing Toxic Threat
Bromine exposure has risen dramatically. It causes bromism: delirium, psychomotor retardation, schizophrenia-like symptoms, hallucinations, apathy, poor concentration, severe depression, headaches, and irritability. Symptoms can appear at low levels.
Sources include:
Brominated pool/spa chemicals
Agricultural fumigants (crops retain residues)
Termite/pest fumigants
Brominated vegetable oils in some sodas (Mountain Dew, AMP, certain Gatorade)
Most commercial bakery products (breads, cookies, cakes)
How Low-Salt Diets Worsen Bromine Toxicity
Salt provides 40–50% chloride. Chloride and bromine compete for kidney reabsorption. Low chloride (from low-salt diets) reduces bromine excretion, elevating tissue levels.
Studies show bromine half-life in humans is 12 days. In rats on low-salt diets, half-life extends to 25 days (833% increase). Adequate chloride, primarily from salt, accelerates bromine elimination via urine.
Bromine and Iodine Competition
Bromine displaces iodine at binding sites, especially in the thyroid. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone. Bromine binding causes functional iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism, and goiter growth. Iodine deficiency amplifies bromine toxicity. Animal studies confirm high bromine reduces thyroid iodide uptake and displaces it.
Strategies to Lower Bromine Levels
Avoid sources:
Nonorganic produce
Processed baked goods
Brominated drinks/pool chemicals.
Increase iodine: Competes with bromine for binding sites, displaces it from tissues (thyroid, breasts, ovaries), and boosts urinary excretion of toxic halides (bromine, fluoride).
Use adequate salt: Provides chloride for kidney excretion of displaced bromine. Unrefined salt works best by supplying chloride plus supportive minerals.
Our patients show markedly increased bromine excretion when combining iodine supplementation with unrefined salt.
Salt Baths for Detox Support
Soak in warm water with 1–2 cups unrefined salt. This stimulates lymph flow, promotes skin excretion of toxins, and aids overall detoxification. Patients with heavy metal or chemical toxicity can improve with regular salt baths.
Summary
Low-salt diets hinder detoxification and prolong bromine retention, worsening endocrine, immune, and neurological issues. Adequate unrefined salt supplies chloride to clear bromine via kidneys while nourishing mineral balance.
Combined with iodine and clean diet, it supports effective detox. Optimize salt and water intake as foundational steps for any detox or chronic illness plan. In the next article, continue reading more about The Guide to Salt.
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