Here are the main points from the text: **What is Himalayan pink salt?** * Coarse, granular, mined salt * Contains traces of iodine (less than table salt) and other elements * One teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt contains 1,680 mg of sodium **Daily recommended salt intake** * The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day * People with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should consume even less salt (less than 1,500 mg per day) **How does salt increase blood pressure?** * Eating too much salt causes the body to retain extra water in the bloodstream * This leads to an increase in blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system * Consistent high intake of salt can cause hardening of blood vessels and hypertrophy of the heart muscle **Nutritional benefits of Himalayan pink salt** * Contains less sodium per serving than ordinary table salt * Also contains a trace amount of minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium * Believed to improve respiratory health through salt therapy * Helps prevent dehydration by maintaining adequate hydration levels in the body * Promotes skin health by reducing inflammation and itching associated with conditions like eczema **Risks of consuming too much salt** * Kidney disease: excess salt can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) * Heart disease: high blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease * Bone disorders: excessive salt consumption may lead to osteoporosis and other bone disorders * Hypernatremia (excess sodium): a serious condition that requires medical attention