Four Essential Minerals in Soma Salt: How do they help you?

Four Essential Minerals in Soma Salt™ : How do they Help You? What are minerals and Why are they good for you anyways?! Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids. Often, importance is given to vitamins because they keep our bodies safe and healthy according to research but minerals perform important duties just as vitamins do, and perhaps more so. Minerals are not produced from plants or animals but they are from the earth, thus they are classified as in-organic. You eat the minerals which are picked up from the soil in the plants and the minerals are present in animals which eat these plants. Minerals are an important part of our modern lives, inside and out. In our modern society, minerals are used in a vast array of products, and by a vast number of industries.

Some examples of goods and services reliant on ore mineral production are: Cement; Glass; IronSteel; Explosives; Electronics; Plumbing; Electrical; Paper Manufacture; Makeup; Food Additives; Purified Water; Medicines; Diagnostic Equipment; Dentistry; Pesticides; Fertilizers; Soil Conditioners; Ceiling Tiles; Gemstones; Jewelry; Aluminum Products; etc. In the human body minerals provide the elements and compounds needed to build body cells and chemical agents used in the body. Vitamins and minerals do their share to keep your body healthy and there is no one food that contains all of them. Minerals control vital body processes like muscle contraction, blood clotting, oxygen transport and even sexual function. In addition, enzyme reactions also depend on minerals – enzymes facilitate complex metabolic processes in our bodies.

Mineral

Chemical element (as opposed to organic compound, as in the case of vitamins) necessary for the health and maintenance of bodily functions.

Macro Mineral

Definitions vary slightly from one source to another, but common definitions of Macro Minerals include: 1. Minerals found in a typical adult human body in quantities greater than 5g.

2. Minerals required by a typical adult human body in quantities greater than 100mg per day.

Micro Mineral

Definitions vary slightly from one source to another, but common definitions of Micro Minerals include: 1. Minerals found in a typical adult human body in quantities less than 5g.

2. Minerals required by a typical adult human body in quantities of 1mg-100mg per day.

©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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Trace Element

Chemical element (as opposed to organic compound, as in the case of vitamins) required in minute concentrations for normal bodily development and growth.

There is some overlap between the classification of elements as "Micro Minerals" and "Trace Elements"; different textbooks favouring one or other category for elements such as copper, manganese, zinc and others.

In the case of "Trace Elements", `of the two definitions stated above, No.2 (relating to the typical daily requirement) may be the most helpful because according to this definition Trace Elements are described as "Minerals required by a typical human body in quantities of less than 1mg per day".

Examples of Trace Elements include: Flourine; Iodine; Cobalt; Molybdenum; Silicon, and others.

You need to make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet with a good mix of foods to ensure that you’re getting all the minerals you need because it is not possible for you to just take them in supplement form.

In this article we cover four central minerals that naturally occur in Soma Salt™, and these are: Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium. While there are many varieties or salt that may contain different minerals, regular table salt (sodium chloride) does not. In contrast, Soma Salt ™ contains 4 important minerals that naturally occur in its constitution: sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Why are these important? Magnesium is necessary for maintaining balance between alkalines and acids in your body. If you get required levels of magnesium, you experience healthy functionality in nerves and muscles and bone growth will be proper. Magnesium works with calcium to ensure that calcium absorption is optimized. If you lack magnesium, it results in nervousness, abnormal heartbeat, and muscle twitching. Magnesium also helps break down and release energy from food, it activates enzymes in your body, it monitors optimal levels of calcium in your blood and bones. It can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, dairy products. Calcium on the other hand, is one of the common minerals which helps your body to keep its bone structure strong. Calcium contributes to healthy teeth and it also helps your body to metabolize iron. It helps in blood clotting. It is found in milk, cheese, nuts, green leafy vegetables. The other lesser known quality of Calcium is it helps to maintain a normal heartbeat. Sodium on the other hand regulates fluid in your body, helps digest food. Potassium regulates body fluids and is found in green vegetables, chicken, dairy products, and sweet juicy fruits.

Unlike other salts, the sodium content of Soma Salt™ is balanced by the Potassium. In addition, the Calcium that it carries is also supported by the magnesium – it enhances its absorption. The ratio of these minerals in Soma Salt™ is Nature’s ratio! The ancient Vedic sages that said that Soma Salt™ is the Queen of all Salts must have somehow known this without the use of microscopes and test labs, they must have concretely intuited the beneficial properties of these minerals and their electrolyte values for optimal health.

Vaidya’s SVA Soma Salt™ is mined in North West India, in the ancestral land of Sindh – currently Pakistan. Vaidya Mishra’s SVA lineage has adopted the ancient classical method of purification of minerals and herbs as described in the shastras or vedic texts known as the Shodhana process. This process is used not just for purifying Soma Salt™. It is a traditional method used for many herbs, plants, spices, minerals, etc. The rock salts that arrive at Vaidya’s manufacturing premises are loaded with all kinds of unwanted residues: heavy metals and toxic ingredients including lead, arsenic, copper, high sulfur content, etc. These unwanted ©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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ingredients have to be properly removed. Usually many Himalayan types of rock salt are ground without the proper Shodhana process and can reveal the presence of many unwanted minerals and metals. Vaidya Mishra makes sure Soma Salt™ is completely purified before it is pulverized and packaged, to supply you with your necessary daily needs of these essential minerals.

Ok, so Soma Salt™ is good for you, but then, how much Soma Salt™ do you need per day? Daily intake should not be more than ¼ to ½ tsp per day per person.

Minerals ratio in Soma Salt™ Sodium 1 teaspoonful (6 gram) 1008 mg Half teaspoonful (3 gram) 504 mg Potassium 1 teaspoonful (6 gram) 96 mg Half teaspoonful (3 gram) 48 mg Magnesium 1 teaspoonful (6 gram) 6.12 mg Half teaspoonful (3 gram) 3.06 mg Calcium 1 teaspoonful (6 gram) 21.66 mg Half teaspoonful (3 gram) 10.83 mg While this does not satisfy the daily requirements of the intake of Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium (see below for more details), it definitely covers the Sodium need. But one should not increase the intake of Soma Salt™ in order to get more Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. These should be obtained from natural whole foods, such as green leafy vegetables, sweet juicy fruits, milk and other animal products. Not that excess minerals can produce toxic effects. Also, notice the greater need of Magnesium for men rather than women.

Daily requirements for 4 of the Major minerals naturally occurring in Soma Salt™ Sodium chloride (salt): <6g(men), <6g(women), ready meals, meat products, such as bacon, some breakfast cereals, cheese, some tinned vegetables, some bread, savoury snacks Potassium: 3,500mg(men), 3,500mg(women), fruit such as bananas, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk, fish, shellfish, beef, chicken, turkey, bread Magnesium: 300mg(men), 270mg(women), nuts, spinach, bread, fish, meat, dairy foods Calcium: 700mg(men), 700mg(women), milk, cheese and other dairy foods green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach, soya beans, tofu, soya drinks with added calcium, nuts, bread and anything made with fortified flour, fish where you eat the bones, such as sardines and pilchards Please note that the above dietary recommendations contain items that SVA suggests to use with caution, such as bananas (heavy to digest and channel clogging), tofu, soy and soy bean bi-products (highly estrogenic, channel clogging, imbalancing for the physiology overall), all pre-packaged and preserved food items, etc.

©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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Sutra to Science – Science Confirms the SVA Perspective Compared to other available table salts, Soma salt™ is low in sodium and is rich in good minerals.

“Why low sodium is preferred and why increase the intake of other minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium” A case study by University of Helsinki, - Sodium Trial Collaborative Research Group on Effect of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on the pressure– natriuretic relationship states: •

The proportion of intake of these minerals is necessary for maintaining blood pressure level. High sodium and low potassium, calcium and magnesium diets can increase the blood pressure level. To lower blood pressure level, and to facilitate excess sodium excretion, low sodium and increased level of potassium, calcium and magnesium is recommended as a balance.

Ref: Mervaala E. A potassium-, magnesium-, and l-lysineenriched mineral salt. Cardiovascular and renal effects and interactions with antihypertensive drugs in the rat. Academic Dissertation, University of Helsinki. ISBN 952-907197-3 Hakapaino Oy, Helsinki, 1995; Akita S et al. DASH-Sodium Trial Collaborative Research Group. Effect of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on the pressure– natriuresis relationship. Hypertension 2003; 42:8–13.

J Hum Hypertens. 2005 Dec;19 Suppl 3:S10-9. Karppanen H, Karppanen P, Mervaala E. Source - Institute of Biomedicine, PMID: 16302005 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Increasing potassium, calcium, and magnesium and decreasing sodium can help reduce chronic pain and tension.

Most fruits and vegetables, especially the latter, are good sources of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Minerals are better absorbed (and cheaper) when received in whole foods than taken as supplements.

Ref: Nutrition for Massage therapist, ch.11 by Dr.Rudy Scarfalloto •

This cooling variety of Soma salt is said to give numerous benefits in Charak Samhita. Soma Salt is described in Chapter 27, Verse 300 as: rochanam (tasty), deepanam (increasing the digestive fire, which supports all seven tissues), vrishyam (supporting shukra dhatu, or reproductive tissue), chakchushya (supporting the longevity of the eyes by cooling the liver), avidahi cha (not creating a digestive imbalance due to excess heating quality, and not causing retention of toxins as other salts do), tridoshagnam (pacifying all three doshas and having a somewhat sweet taste), lavanottamam (the best of all salts).

Soma Salt™ is a cooling rock salt, as the name soma suggests. In nature, soma represents the cooling, nurturing elements which are so often missing in modern life. While all salts have a hot (agni) quality, only Soma Salt has the cooling (soma) quality needed to balance it.

Why Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium together?

Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium are the positively charged electrolytes and mineral nutrients in the body. These mineral nutrients play a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure level in the body. They control the cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. ©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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Ref: Karppanen H. Minerals and blood pressure. Ann Med 1991; 2: 299–305. Journal of Human Hypertension (2005) 19, S10–S19 & 2005 ©Nature Publishing Group.

Sodium/potassium ratio (Na/K) • Potassium along with sodium helps in proper conduction of nerve impulses through sodium potassium pumps in the cell membrane.

• Sodium and potassium are physiologically connected and so excess sodium helps the body to excrete potassium. To flush out excess sodium, excess potassium intake helps.

Ref: Nutrition for Massage therapist, ch.11 by Dr.Rudy Scarfalloto • Sodium/potassium ratio is very critical for maintaining life • This ratio is related to kidney, adrenal gland and liver function. Imbalanced ratio may cause heart, liver, kidney diseases and can cause immune deficiency diseases • This ratio maintains the balance between aldosterone and cortisone secretion.

Ref: Copyright © 1987 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd. http://www.arltma.com/RatiosDoc.htm Magnesium and Calcium Magnesium is essential for proper metabolism of calcium. Ref: Nutrition for Massage therapist, ch.11 by Dr.Rudy Scarfalloto

CALCIUM TO MAGNESIUM RATIO (Ca/Mg) • Calcium to Magnesium ratio is very vital with regards to causes and prevention of various disorders like myocardial infraction or arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, urolithiasis, and infant-death syndrome.

A lower calcium/magnesium ratio or a higher magnesium/calcium ratio is preferred. High calcium consumption has to be supported by high magnesium intake because they are mutually dependent.

Ref: http://www.enerex.ca/sk/articles/calcium-to-magnesium-ratio A modern scientific study points out that Calcium and magnesium enhance cholesterol lowering effect of plant sterols – ref: Karppanen H, Vaskonen T, Mervaala E. Novel ‘Multi- Bene’ food composition lowers serum cholesterol and decreases obesity. XIII International Symposium on Drugs Affecting Lipid Metabolism, Florence 1998 Abstract Book, p. 32. 25 Vaskonen T, Mervaala E, Krogerus L, Karppanen H. Supplementation of plant sterols and minerals benefits; obese Zucker rats fed an atherogenic diet. J Nutr 2002; 132: 231–237.

• This ratio is referred to as the blood-sugar ratio. Calcium is needed for release of insulin from pancreas.

Magnesium inhibits insulin secretion.

Ref: Copyright © 1987 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd. http://www.arltma.com/RatiosDoc.htm •

Calcium/Potassium Ratio ( Ca/K): • It regulates thyroid activity Ref: Copyright © 1987 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd. http://www.arltma.com/RatiosDoc.htm

Sodium/magnesium ratio (Na/Mg): Sodium is directly associated with the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands (along with thyroid gland) are the major regulators of rate of metabolism. So this ratio is also a measure of energy output.

Ref: Copyright © 1987 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd. http://www.arltma.com/RatiosDoc.htm ©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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Individual health benefits and side effects of these minerals Sodium The largest portion of body’s sodium reserve is in extra-cellular fluid which includes the blood plasma Sodium Benefits: • Consuming decreased level of sodium may prevent urinary loss of calcium and prevent osteoporosis • Helps in tissue regeneration • Helps in relaxation of muscles (ref: Nutrition for Massage therapist, ch.11 by Dr.Rudy Scarfalloto) Sodium side effects: • Very low sodium in the blood causes hyponatremia. Some of the symptoms related to this condition are lethargy and confusion is typically the first signs of hyponatremia, Muscle twitching and seizures • Hypernatremia is a condition due to high concentration of sodium in the blood. Profuse sweating, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or abnormal kidney function may result in hypernatremia.

• Excess sodium in the body may rise blood volume, can cause excess accumulation of extra-cellular fluid.

This can lead to edema, swelling in the feet, ankles etc.

Ref: "Electrolyte Balance." Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health. Ed. Kristine Krapp. Vol. 2. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 31 May, 2012 http://www.enotes.com/electrolyte-balance-reference/.

Comprehensive prospective study in Finland states that high intake of sodium may increase the risk of coronary heart disease, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure.

Ref: Tuomilehto J et al. Urinary sodium excretion and cardiovascular mortality in Finland: a prospective study.

Lancet 2001; 357: 848–851.

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Potassium Most of the potassium is located intracellularly, not extracellularly or in the blood.

Beneficial effects of Potassium: • Potassium plays a vital role in cell metabolism and nerve and muscle cell function.

• Protects against cardiovascular diseases and stroke • Improves glucose tolerance Side effects: • Too high or low concentration of blood potassium has serious effects, can lead to abnormal heart rhythm or cardiac arrest.

• Low blood level potassium may lead to hypokalemia • High blood level potassium can cause hyperkalemia Ref: "Electrolyte Balance." Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health. Ed. Kristine Krapp. Vol. 2. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 31 May, 2012 http://www.enotes.com/electrolyte-balance-reference/.

Calcium Main storage of calcium reserve is in the bones, it can also be found in blood and cells. Body controls levels of calcium in blood and cells. Body transfers calcium to the blood from the bone thus maintains calcium homeostasis.

Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin regulate the amount of calcium in the blood.

Side effects: • Low blood calcium results in hypocalcaemia • High blood calcium levels cause hypercalcemia. Individuals who consume high dosage of calcium or antacids containing calcium may be prone to hypercalcemia. Increased dosage of Vitamin D can also cause increased absorption of calcium from the gastro-intestinal walls. ©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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Ref: "Electrolyte Balance." Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health. Ed. Kristine Krapp. Vol. 2. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 31 May, 2012 http://www.enotes.com/electrolyte-balance-reference/.

Beneficial effects of Calcium: • Calcium regulates many body functions, mainly nerve conduction, muscle contraction and enzyme functions.

• Helps in preventing osteoporosis • Calcium helps in preventing obesity.

Ref: Vaskonen T. Dietary minerals and modification of cardiovascular risk factors. J Nutr Biochem 2003; 14: 492–506.

• Calcium has a relaxing and calming effect • Calcium helps release insulin from pancreas; magnesium and inhibits insulin secretion Magnesium: Magnesium helps in the functioning of many enzymes. We get adequate quantity of magnesium from the food we eat. Major reserve of Magnesium is in the bones and very little in the blood.

Beneficial effects of Magnesium: • Increased intake of magnesium may protect against ischemic heart disease • Magnesium is essential for heart, muscles, and kidneys. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. It activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate calcium levels, as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body.

• Magnesium enhances the treatment of certain conditions such as diabetes, Asthma, depression, fibromyalgia, noise related hearing loss.

• High Blood pressure: clinical study of more than 8,500 women found that a higher intake of dietary magnesium may decrease the risk of high blood pressure in women. A few studies also suggest that magnesium supplements may help lower blood pressure • Heart arrhythmia and heart failure • One well designed study found that taking magnesium orotate for a year reduced symptoms and improved survival rates compared to placebo in people with CHF. Magnesium and calcium work together at very precise ratios to ensure your heart functions properly.

• To prevent osteoporosis, it is important to get enough calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. • Helps in Preeclampsia and eclampsia, premenstrual syndrome, restless leg syndrome • Migraine headache: a few clinical studies suggest that magnesium supplements may shorten the duration of a migraine and reduce the amount of medication needed. People who have migraine headaches tend to have lower levels of magnesium compared to those with tension headaches or no headaches at all.

Ref: © 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved. UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/magnesium-000313.htm#ixzz1wQYuw5M2 Magnesium imbalance/side effects: •

•

Low levels of magnesium leads to hypomagnesemia. It is due to nutritional disorders, intestinal malabsorption and starvation. Some of the symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, sleepiness, weakness, personality changes, muscle spasms, and tremors. When hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia occurs together, magnesium has to be replaced before treating for calcium disorder.

High levels of magnesium may result in hypermagnesemia. Symptoms associated with this condition are weakness, low blood pressure, and impaired breathing and the heart may stop if the concentration increases above 12 to 15 mEq per liter. It is a very rare condition and is found in people with kidney failure are given magnesium salts or drugs such as antacids containing magnesium.

Ref: "Electrolyte Balance." Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health. Ed. Kristine Krapp. Vol. 2. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 31 May, 2012 http://www.enotes.com/electrolyte-balance-reference/. ©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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DASH study states that by restricting the intake of sodium helped in lowering the systolic blood pressure.Ref:Sacks FM et al. For the DASH Collaborative Research Group. Effects on blood pressure of reduced dietary sodium and the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet. N Engl J Med 2001; 334: 3–10.

Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland published a report says replacing processed food items with unprocessed natural food items would help in increased consumption of minerals. Ratio of magnesium, potassium, calcium is low in modern diet.

Ref:Journal of Human Hypertension (2005) 19, S10–S19; & 2005 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved 0950-9240/05; H Karppanen, P Karppanen and E Mervaala A study on usage of salt by intersalt cooperative research group concluded that in the industrialized communities, the average intake of sodium is approximately 3000- 4500mg per day which exceeds the present recommended level of 2500mg per day.

People consume Changes in the dietary pattern by incorporating unprocessed natural foods as opposed to modern processed foods helped in lowering the sodium ( salt) and increased the intake of magnesium, calcium and potassium.

Ref: Intersalt Cooperative Research Group. Intersalt: an international study of electrolyte excretion and blood pressure. Results for 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretion. Br Med J 1988; 298: 319–328. Law MR, Frost CD, Wald NJ. By how much does dietary salt reduction lower blood pressure? I—Analysis of observational data among populations. Br Med J 1991; 302: 811–815.

©Adishakti LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical physician. For more information, visit www.vaidyamishra.com or www.chandika.com. 1.888.3CHANDI OR 1.888.9SHAKTI

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