Is Sea Salt a Good Alternative for High Blood Pressure? No.

Jeff Linroth

Boulder Salt in a glass shaker that's tipped over
Boulder Salt is Healthy Salt

Though sea salt is not a good alternative for high blood pressure here’s the Scoop on Salt That Is (and Why You Need It).

What Does Sea Salt and Table Salt Do to Increase High Blood Pressure? 

  • High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the leading cause of premature death worldwide. It is currently estimated that around 31% of adults today have high blood pressure. The average percentages for widespread hypertension have stayed about the same over four decades, only decreasing slightly. (source – NIH) The percentage of adults with high blood pressure is expected to increase soon. 
  • It is known that table salt and other dietary salts such as sea salt are contributing factors for the rise in high blood pressure. Studies conducted in 2009 suggest that decreasing dietary sodium intake does decrease high blood pressure. (source – NIH) While consuming less salt is one effective strategy in the reduction of high blood pressure levels, a balanced salt offers a healthier approach. It allows you to enjoy a better-tasting salt with less sodium and more health benefits. Sea salt has a high degree of sodium, whereas Boulder Salt has high levels of flavor and no side effects while providing a healthy balance of sodium to other salts making it a true healthy salt alternative. 
  • Sodium consumption unaccompanied by the appropriate balance of potassium, calcium, and magnesium has been linked to higher blood pressure. So salt in itself isn’t exactly the culprit for hypertension— unbalanced sodium consumption is. Sea salt and table salt have virtually the same amounts of sodium and the same lack of potassium, calcium, and magnesium– the only difference being the size of the salt granules and how they are processed. Sea salt granules are much larger than table salt granules. Often people are fooled into thinking they are consuming less sodium because sea salt is bigger than table salt, but this isn’t the case. Both salts are plagued with the same fault: lack of potassium, calcium, and magnesium . 
  • Excess sodium increases blood pressure. It is a less known fact that high blood pressure can also lead to kidney disease. (source)
  • Sea salt isn’t as processed as table salt, and it contains more trace minerals as a result. However, the minerals contained within aren’t anywhere near the balanced amount you would get from eating whole foods or with this healthy salt alternative.
  • The risk of stroke and ischemic heart diseases increases with high blood pressure. So it is important to implement healthy salt alternatives into your diet. Because salt contains vital nutrients that support life, it isn’t recommended to be eliminated. When choosing to consume a healthy amount of salt created under stable and healthy conditions, you choose to give your body the proper building blocks for optimal success and performance. Drinking Boulder Salt is an act of self-care. 

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What ratio of potassium, calcium, and magnesium is Recommended? 

The ratio of potassium, calcium, and magnesium that each body needs will vary. Medical professionals generally recommend a 2:1 ratio to calcium and magnesium. A 4:1 ratio is recommended for potassium and calcium. 

  • Potassium: The daily recommended intake is 4,700 MG 
  • Calcium: The daily recommended intake is 1000 MG (under 50) and 1200 MG (over 50) ● Magnesium: The daily recommended intake is 300 MG – 400 MG 
  • Sodium: The daily recommended intake is 2200 MG 

Boulder Salt is formulated based on these ratios in the blood, not what is recommended to consume. 

How Much Sodium is in a Teaspoon of Salt? 

There are around 2325 milligrams in a teaspoon of salt. One serving of Boulder salt tops off at only ¼ of a teaspoon with only 496mg sodium per serving! Four servings of Boulder Salt equals one teaspoon of table salt with much less sodium at 1,984 milligrams. 

Next, we talk about the contents of Boulder Salt, breaking down each element and how they work to support the body. We also talk about why it’s a superior healthy salt alternative. 

What is Boulder Salt? 

*DV = Daily Value

In its essence, Boulder Salt is composed of key minerals in the macro-nutrient dense form of a carefully formulated dietary salt. DV is the recommended Daily Value. They include Sodium (21% DV), Potassium (3% DV), Calcium (8% DV), Magnesium (35% DV), Bicarbonate, & Chloride (32% DV) — all in a quarter of a teaspoon. 

Below we explore the function of these key elements within the body as well as why salt is essential (within moderation of course). Keep in mind that the levels of these elements are in the right ratio in boulder salt are instead of the trace amounts found in sea salt, table salt, and pink Himalayan salt. 

Sodium (source) 

  • Is an electrolyte responsible for maintaining fluid and blood volume 
  • Are a mineral and one of the four elements that compose salt 
  • Eating too much sodium increases blood pressure 

Potassium (source) 

  • Eating more potassium can decrease blood pressure if you have high blood pressure ● Is an electrolyte responsible for maintaining fluid and blood volume 
  • Eating too little potassium and too much sodium can increase your blood pressure 

Calcium (source) 

  • Vitamin D Stimulates calcium absorption 
  • Responsible for blood clotting, the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractions, cell membrane stability, and cellular metabolism 
  • The body holds 1200 MG of calcium, of which only one percent is in the blood ● The remaining 99% is stored in the skeletal system as hydroxyapatite – a mineral that maintains the structural integrity of the skeleton 

Magnesium (source) 

  • Is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body 
  • Can help aid and prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes ● Helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function and regulates the heartbeat ● Helps the production of energy and protein, maintains blood glucose levels, and supports the skeletal system 

Bicarbonates (source) 

  • Gives blood the ability to resist changes in PH 
  • Helps to neutralize stomach acids 
  • Creates an alkaline environment in the body 

Chloride (source) 

  • Aids in fluid balance in the body & blood PH 
  • Aids in digestion and the prevention of unwanted microbes in the gut ● Regulate fluid secretion, such as the flow of water to mucus
  • Is the most abundant electrolyte in bodily fluids (serum) besides sodium 

Sodium is essential for fluid regulation in the body, as well as nerve and muscle function. Salt is the major source of sodium and chloride ions in most human diets. Chloride ions are important electrolytes that regulate blood PH and pressure. The salt you get these vital elements from matters greatly to your health. Electrolytes are compounds, often found in the form of a salt. Human beings need these important compounds found in salt. When the human body sweats, it eliminates salt and the only way to replace the important compounds it contains is through diet. Chloride is also very important in the health of the gut microbiome because it helps to regulate stomach acid. The compounds in salt are very important in the human diet, so you should use the healthiest salt for you and the ones you love. 

You’ll find all of these essential minerals in balanced macrocosmic form in Boulder Salt. 

Why Boulder Salt Is a Healthy Salt Alternative for Patients With High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Diseases. (source) 

  • Increased intake of magnesium and potassium along with a reduction of sodium consumption has been proven to reduce high blood pressure. This method has been proven as effective as taking one antihypertensive drug as part of treatment. The introduction of magnesium increases the effectiveness of all antihypertensive drug classes. Genetic defects that affect magnesium transport are connected with higher blood pressure levels. Magnesium taken orally induced direct and indirect vasodilation, improves endothelial dysfunction, increases nitric oxide, and is a natural calcium blocker. 

(This doesn’t mean you should ditch your medication for potassium and magnesium supplements. Always consult your doctor before implementing a new regimen.) 

  • Boulder Salt contains around 35% of the recommended daily value of magnesium in a quarter of a teaspoon. Three servings a day on meals, in water, blended into your smoothie, or whatever else you can imagine will help you to achieve your daily recommended dose of magnesium while enjoying its superior flavor profile. This is much more convenient and comfortable than shoveling down magnesium tablets. 
  • In addition to this, its sodium content is low. ¾ of a tablespoon combined puts you at 63% DV for sodium intake. 

Is Sea Salt a Good Alternative?

No, Sea salt and table salt have virtually the same amounts of sodium levels present in one another. Neither have anywhere near a healthy balance of electrolytes. This makes sea salt a more expensive but less effective alternative to table salt. If you’re trying to cut back on sodium intake and were wondering if sea salt has less sodium than regular salt, the answer is

  1. Studies have shown that a decrease in sodium intake directly results in a decrease in high blood pressure levels but this blood pressure is more the result of unbalanced sodium rather than “too much”. A positive result of lowering your blood pressure is that it decreases your risk of heart disease and stroke. (source)

A healthy salt alternative you may consider is from Boulder Salt. Boulder Salt is a contaminant-free salt- free from impurities. It contains high levels of vital minerals and can be used as a hydration multiplier. It has all the flavor (and more) of salt, but significantly less sodium. 

Whether you have high blood pressure or not, you can benefit from Boulder Salt. If you’ve got heart conditions that run in your family you can make the switch now as a preventative measure. Even if you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions, Boulder Salt tastes better than sea salt, regular salt, and pink Himalayan salt! It has a lot less sodium too, which makes it better for you and whoever you’re cooking for. It won’t hurt you to try some today. 

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more valuable information (like this blog), and to stay in the loop with all things Boulder Salt. We will continue to add value to our readers’ lives by providing content that is relevant, well-researched, and just the right amount of salty. 

More info about Boulder Salt can be found at bouldersaltcompany.com   Check us out on Amazon as well.

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Woman sweating while lifting weights
Performance Questions
How is Boulder Salt different from other salt products meant for athletes?

Most performance related salt products on the market are close to 100% sodium. Our bodies need a variety of electrolytes to perform at optimal levels – not just sodium. Boulder Salt provides a robust, alkaline blend of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. And in a combination that approximates what should naturally exist in the body. This ratio can help athletes optimize their performance. 

It varies depending on your activity level and sweat rate. In general 4 servings is common for everyday use, up to 6 servings for endurance athletes.

If you are under the care of a physician for a medical condition, consult your doctor first.

Boulder Salt is unique in that it can be taken alone, added to water, or mixed with other beverages to up their electrolyte value. It also gives you the option to make your own sports drink – adding flavors and/or sweeteners that work for you.

Can I mix Boulder Salt with my sports drink? Or add it to just plain water?

Yes. If you’re looking to enhance your electrolyte levels, Boulder Salt® is an ideal way to do so! It can be added to both water and sports drinks. You will likely be surprised at how mellow it tastes in water alone. And it will not significantly alter the taste of most beverages. However, Boulder Salt is alkaline, so if you add it to an acidic sports drink (which many are), you can expect to see the drink temporarily “bubble” or foam-up.

Athletes have used Boulder Salt® during all phases of a competitive event – whenever they are accustomed to drinking water or another sports drink. It’s balanced level of electrolytes make it an ideal addition to your electrolyte replacement regime. It can help you shore up electrolytes, hydrate quickly and help prevent or eliminate cramping.


If you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition, consult your physician.

Boulder Salt® is a soft, mellow-tasting salt. The varying size and shapes of different salts provide a unique taste experience. The tiny calcium and magnesium salts, which are very mild tasting, cover the surface of the sodium and potassium crystals and provide for a mellowing of the familiar “bite” of those salts.

Vegetables are even healthier with Boulder Salt.
Health Related Questions
Is Boulder Salt a good way to reduce sodium in my diet?

Yes. Boulder Salt® has nearly ½ the sodium per serving than traditional table salt. And it has a ratio of potassium to sodium, that helps the body maintain a healthy blood pressure.

YES! Boulder Salt® is much lower in sodium chloride than traditional table salt , sea salt, and Himalayan pink salt – which are all over 95% sodium, making Boulder Salt a much healthier alternative!

Alkalinizing the body means means shifting your body from an acidic state to a more neutral or alkaline state. Our normal state of being should ideally be slightly alkaline.
However, environmental factors, stress, a diet low in fruits and vegetables or high in meats and other processed foods, and especially carbonated drinks, can all push our systems into an acidic state. When your body is closer to an alkaline state, you’ll experience fewer illnesses, be better prepared to fight off disease, and simply feel better. Unlike traditional table sale and sea salt, Boulder Salt® is alkaline.

General Questions
Can Boulder Salt be used in place of other salts in cooking and baking?

Absolutely! Boulder Salt® can be used as a 1:1 replacement for any other salt in food preparation, baking and cooking.

 

Boulder Salt® looks different from other salts due to the fact that it is made up of a variety of salts, rather than just one type. Both the chemical composition as well as the particle sizes of the various salts used in Boulder Salt® are different. If you looked under a microscope, you’d see that some of the salts look like “boulders”, while others are much smaller. 

Where does Boulder Salt come from?

The ingredients in Boulder Salt are chosen based on purity, not location. We take 4 different salts and blend them together in a particular ratio to make Boulder Salt. We only use pharmaceutical grade or USP grade salts. Our levels of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are incredibly small compared to pink, grey, or other colored salts.

1/4 Teaspoon of “regular salt” weighs 1.5g while 1/4 Teaspoon of Boulder Salt weights 2.0g (more dense). Once this difference in density is taken into account, the 40% difference can be shown. For example: A typical brand of salt shows 585 mg. of sodium in 1/4 tsp. (1.5g).

The sodium in 2.0g is given by 585 x 4/3 = 780mg How much less sodium is in Boulder Salt is given by: 780-480=300 300/780 = .385 or 38.5% less (rounds to 40%) 

Boulder Salt has nearly half the sodium of traditional table salt and sea salt. It also has potassium, magnesium and calcium – salts that are all critical on a biological level. (Traditional table salt is 99% sodium). Boulder Salt looks a bit different too, It has a finer texture than most other salts on the market and a more mellow taste.

How much Boulder Salt should I put in my water, or other beverage of choice?

The precise amount of Boulder Salt® to add to your drink depends on your sweat rate. One quarter teaspoon in a 17-20 oz drink is the recommended starting point.

The material you see that doesn’t dissolve is related the larger particle size of magnesium and calcium. It’s around 4% of the total. These particles do readily dissolve when they are exposed to an acidic environment such as in the stomach. They will dissolve right away if you keep them agitated/stirred up and drink the water with them suspended in it.

Boulder Salt® looks different from other salts due to the fact that it is made up of a variety of salts, rather than just one type. Both the chemical composition as well as the particle size of the various salts used in Boulder Salt® are different. If you looked under a microscope, you’d see that some of the salts look like “boulders”, while others are much smaller.

Why doesn't Boulder Salt have iodine?

We do plan to offer our product in the future, with iodine. Our current formulation does not have iodine because it tends to have a metallic taste when added to water. If used simply on foods, it does not have that strong of an aftertaste. The current formula of Boulder Salt® is intended to be used in both water and on food.

In this video Dr. Ahmed Stowers explains the role that Boulder Salt® plays in his treatment of dehydrated patients.

Boulder Salt® is available here on our website, on Amazon, and in several states including California, Colorado, Hawaii – Kona,  Massachusetts.

Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes, we are happy to offer discounted pricing on bulk orders. Just contact us or send us an email with your requirements and we’ll give you a call by the next business day!

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We currently ship to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.