What is Salt, Sodium Deficiency Can lead To Hyponatremia

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Oct. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- Salt is a naturally occurring chemical compound most often recognized as a crystalline-like solid, although it can also be a liquid. Salt is categorized by its ionic compound. Sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are all commonly occurring natural salts.
The most common, the one we use every day to season our food, is sodium chloride.

The History of Salt

Salt has a great historical significance throughout the world. Its use has been traced back to as far as 6050 BC, and was notably used by the Egyptians as religious offerings and by Phoenicians as a manner of currency for trade. About 4,700 years ago in China, Peng-Tzao-Kan-Mu, one of the earliest known writings of pharmacology, was published. This work noted an amazing 40 different types of salt!

The historical relevance of this mineral has been a source of both etiquette and warfare. In some cultures, offering salt to visitors, along with bread or various other tidings was considered good manners. Salt has also been used in coining both vernacular and phrases. The words ‘salad’ and ‘salary’ are both derived from the word ‘salt’.  The phrase ‘not worth his salt’ was derived from Grecian slave trade, in which slaves were traded for salt.

The Salt Industry

Salt has always been a large source of commercial trade. Today, China and the United States dominate the market, producing approximately 40% of the world’s salt. In the U.S., salt production is a major staple in Kansas, Utah, Louisiana, New York, Ohio and Michigan; with Morton Salt being the top household name.

Salt can be found in various areas, such as oceans, lakes, or rock beds buried deep in the earth.  How this mineral is attained determines its use. Salt in water that has been dried up is called ‘Solar Salt’ or ‘sea salt’, and is usually the coarsest type of salt; while underground salt is mined using drilling and explosives. This method yields ‘rock’ or ‘halite’ salt. A mix of hydraulics and drilling can be used to derive ‘evaporated’ or ‘refined’ salt.More of this article at: http://www.newsonhealthcare.com/what-is-salt/