In article
<228b0d18-829d-405a-aa03-7eb7c6d1cce3@m26g2000yqb.googlegroups.com>,
bulka <working.artists.working@gmail.com> wrote:


> I've managed to almost eliminate added salt. Grew up with a mother
> who would reach for the salt shaker before reaching for her fork.
> Haven't bought any in at least a year. Missed it at first, but there
> a lot of other flavors. And now, a lot of things I used to like seem
> way too salty.
>
> I'm sure some of the scientists here will be able to explain how NaCl
> is not just a flavor enhancer, but, in the right amount, a neccessary
> nutrient. I think I read something about how it works in brain
> function, but, if that is the case, being salt-free, how can I be
> expected to remember?

A certain concentration of sodium ions in the blood and cells is
necessary to life. I believe that you die fairly quickly (hours) if it
gets out of whack. Since nearly everything has some salt in it, that
doesn't happen often. It's generally caused by dehydration. If the
water going out, through sweat or pee, is too high, it draws out the
sodium. Just taking in water isn't sufficient. That's why they have
those "sports" drinks.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA
dabel@sonic.net