For many it's the water-cooler but for lots of us girls, the loo is where we often get great tips on everything from make-up, events to health. A couple of us were complaining about how dry our skin is as a result of central heating when our fellow powder-roomer shared her advice about the benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt. I had never even heard of it so I asked the experts.
"We've all heard that too much salt is bad for us and that it can be linked with cardiovascular disease. But not all salt is created equal. Common table salt is so refined and stripped of it's minerals that it has little to offer us apart from flavour enhancement!", Nutritionist Mags Carey explained.
"On the contrary, Himalayan rock salt contains all of the 84 elements that are found in the human body and has a myriad of health benefits.
"It helps regulate water levels within the body, so can prevent dehydration and it's side effects such as dryness and muscle cramps. Taken internally as a 'sole' (the salt is dissolved in water overnight), all of our cells are nourished with an electrically supercharged solution. This helps improves the overall mineral status within the body.
"When used as a salt lamp, the environment is charged with negative ions that have been proven to help with respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies and combat the negative effects of electrical devices. So find out for yourself what this age old therapy has to offer!"
Himalayan Salt Lamp
Niamh Brannelly, Consultant Dietitian, argues that: "You would have to eat a bucket load of the salt to gain the benefits from the minerals present. In addition no clinical studies have been published to verify the beneficial effects of Himalayan salt."
She argues that: "the best way to combat the moisture zapping effects of central heating and air cons at this time of year is to stay well hydrated (aim for 1.6-2.0L water/day) and include fruits, vegetables and nuts that will offer you a steady supply of antioxidant vitamins throughout the day to protect and nourish the skin."
You know what, this advice from both experts is brilliant and given how much time we, the average office worker spends in central heating and/or air con I am going to give it a whirl in a bid to banish the dry hands, hair and skin. Yes, I'll up the water intake (ever see the infamous Smack the Pony sketch? It's hilarious - watch it here) - which we all promise to do every week anyway but I'm adding Himalayan Pink Salt to the shopping list. Apparently it's everywhere now and no need for a special trip to the local health food shop. Let me know if you're using it and what you think @taraghlg or @lifestyleRTE
Taragh Loughrey-Grant
