Coptic Salt For Type 2 Diabetes – Benefits, Effects

A brief overview of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), an important source of fuel for your body. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes can develop for several reasons.

Genetics and lifestyle factors are the most significant ones. Being overweight or obese increases your risk significantly. Lack of physical activity, poor diet, and even age can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

When you have type 2 diabetes, sugar builds up in your bloodstream instead of being used as energy.

This happens because your body's cells aren't using insulin properly, a condition called insulin resistance. At first, your body makes more insulin to get glucose into your cells.

But over time, your body can't keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal.

This buildup of sugar in your blood can lead to various health problems. Long-term complications of type 2 diabetes include heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage, and foot damage from poor blood flow or nerve damage, among others.

So where does Himalayan salt (coptic salt) factor into all of this?

 Some background on Himalayan salt and its origins

Himalayan salt (or Coptic Salt), often recognized by its pink hue, is a type of rock salt that hails from the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the foothills of the Himalayas. This region is home to one of the richest salt fields in the entire world, dating back to the Precambrian Age when the Earth was still relatively young.

The history of Himalayan salt is as rich as its color. It is believed that the salt deposits were discovered around 326 BC when the troops led by Alexander the Great stopped in the region. However, the first records of mining are from the Janjua people in the 1200s.

Himalayan salt was traditionally mined by hand, which preserved its natural structure and allowed it to retain its unique mineral composition. It contains over 84 trace minerals and elements, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which give it its signature pink color.

In the modern world, Himalayan salt has gained popularity for its perceived health benefits and aesthetic appeal. It's used in cooking, spa treatments, and even in decorative lamps. Some believe it can improve air quality, enhance mood, and provide a number of health benefits.

But these claims are not universally supported by scientific evidence.

Despite the debates surrounding its health benefits, there's no denying that Himalayan salt has made a significant impact on the culinary and wellness industries. Its unique history and striking color make it a fascinating subject, from its ancient origins in the Himalayan foothills to its modern uses around the globe.

Trace Elements And Nutrients In Pink Salt (Himalayan Salt)

Himalayan salt (pink salt) is believed to contain up to 84 trace minerals and elements. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Sodium: Essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve transmission.
2. Potassium: Important for heart and muscle function.
3. Calcium: Crucial for bone health and nerve function.
4. Magnesium: Helps with over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
5. Iron: Necessary for blood production and the transportation of oxygen.
6. Phosphorus: Plays a role in the formation of bones and teeth.
7. Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing.
8. Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
9. Copper: Helps with energy production and iron absorption.
10. Manganese: Supports bone health and helps in carbohydrate metabolism.
11. Chromium: Works with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Will it help with type-2 diabetes?

Maybe..... but color me skeptical. Consider these references.

Anti-Diabetic Effect of Balanced Deep-Sea Water and Its Mode of Action in High-Fat Diet Induced Diabetic Mice - PMC (nih.gov) ("we suggest that balanced deep sea-water, a novel activator for glucose uptake, is a valuable agent for treating or preventing diabetes.")

Looks like sea-water might help.

Is Himalayan Salt Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More (webmd.com) (WebMD says not, because the concentrations of the trace minerals is too low to be useful.)

An Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Pink Salt Available in Australia - PMC (nih.gov) (This NIH study agrees with the Web MD study - "This study provides evidence that there are both nutritive and non-nutritive minerals in pink salt available for purchase in Australia, but that wide variations exist and there is the potential for contaminant ingestion. While one teaspoon (5 g) of pink salt contained small quantities of all nutrients, the levels did not meaningfully contribute to nutrient intake, with the exception of sodium which reached the Australian suggested dietary target. Any potential health benefits provided by the higher nutrient content in pink salt would be counteracted by the large amount of sodium that would also be consumed. Importantly, one pink salt sample from Peru contained a level of lead which exceeded the FSANZ maximum contaminant level. The risk to public health from potentially harmful non-nutritive minerals needs to be addressed by further research and further investigated by food regulatory bodies. Pink salt should only be consumed according to Australian guidelines at <6 g of salt per day from all food and beverage sources."

Verdict: seems like the hype over pink salt (Himalayan salt) is a little overblown. 

Please note that while these minerals are present in Himalayan salt, they are in trace amounts. This means that while they contribute to your overall intake of these nutrients, they should not be your primary source.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is the best way to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need. As always, it's important to use salt sparingly due to its high sodium content, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess.

Looks like, if you're going to use salt anyway, this is better than the normal stuff. But it isn't a cure-all for your type-2 diabetes.

As always, get advice from your doctor. These articles are for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor. I just collect research and pass it on to my readers. But don't take my word for it. Ask your doctor.