Why Salt is Good for You, But Some Salt is Better Than Others

Salt has earned a bad reputation in recent years, so it may comes as a surprise to hear this ancient seasoning, consumed in moderation, is actually crucial for good health.

Humans are made up of about 72% water and 28% mineral salts and organic material (like bacteria, proteins and fatty acids.) As such, there are two “oceans” of water in the body. One ocean is held inside the cells of our bodies, and the other ocean is the sea of fluid existing outside of our cells.

Your good health depends on a delicate balance between the volume of these two bodies of water, and this balance is achieved by salt—natural, unrefined mineral salts.

A Grain of Salt

The differences between refined, processed salt (also known as “table salt”) and unrefined natural salt are as great as the differences between white sugar and freshly cut and dried sugar cane. These differences can have an impact on staying healthy, avoiding potentially toxic additives, and increasing your risk of diseases you want to avoid.

The typical modern, refined table salt can be compared to refined sugar or refined flour—it used to be a healthful, whole food, but our industrial food system has stripped and processed it to death.

Continue reading Why Salt is Good for You, But Some Salt is Better Than Others at Small Footprint Family.

5 Planet-Friendly Ways to Keep Yourself Cool This Summer

The scorching summer temperatures make the thought of spending hot afternoons in an air-conditioned room very appealing. Unfortunately, air conditioning has a huge environmental impact that most of us are unaware of.

In fact, a typical room air conditioner, for example, uses 10-20 times as much electricity as a ceiling fan. Air conditioning also means more refrigerants, which in turn leads to potentially higher greenhouse gases.

While it may not be possible to completely cut out air conditioning from your lifestyle, here are some tips on how to keep your body cool this summer in an environmentally responsible manner, no matter where you happen to be…

1. Avoid Heat Emitters

In terms of household appliances, chores, and duties, avoid or modify those that emit heat during the summer. For example:

• Try to grill or cook your food outdoors, instead of heating up the kitchen with the stove or oven. Put the slow cooker in the garage to stew your dinner. Try your hand at making a solar cooker or outdoor wood-fired pizza oven!
• Allow dishes to air dry in your dishwasher as this reduces heat emission.

Continue reading 5 Planet-Friendly Ways to Keep Yourself Cool This Summer at Small Footprint Family.