Salt, Pregnancy, & the Cell Salt Protocol
Mark 9:50
Salt is good; but if salt becomes un-salty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.
I was asked by Dr. Courtney Gowin to write an article about pregnancy for her newsletter, so I’m sharing it here as well. You can sign up and learn about all things pregnancy, post-partum and the many benefits of nervous system focused chiropractic care at FreeToBeChiropractic.com.
Salt is a vital nutrient for the human body. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by 50%. With this increase of fluid levels, the body requires extra electrolytes, so it’s important to get plenty of minerals in your diet. The type of salt you consume is just as important though. Table salt is not a healthy salt at all, it is processed and stripped of all the other minerals and additives such as anti-caking agents are added to keep it free flowing. A quality sea salt on the other hand is in its natural form and has around 80 other trace minerals including, magnesium, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc.
Salt is necessary for so many functions of the body, it prevents dehydration and balances fluids, supports digestive health, nutrient absorption, and promotes brain, muscle and nervous system function. Adequate sea salt during pregnancy can help prevent preeclampsia. Also, Dr. Chris Kresser, says that “In the context of pregnancy, salt is critical for the development of the glial (immune) cells in the brain and plays an important role in ensuring adequate birth weight, metabolic function and development of the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular system.”
This may explain why many pregnant women crave salty foods, like pickles, chips and fries. There are plenty of healthy ways to get more salt in your diet whether pregnant or not. I recommend all my clients add a pinch of quality sea salt to their water and also add it to taste on their food. My personal favorite salt is Celtic sea salt, (gray salt). Bone broths are another great way to get more salt and minerals in your diet.
If you’re craving chips, be sure to buy them cooked in avocado oil or coconut oil and of course check they use sea salt. Eating pickles that are fermented (most use sea salt) is a wonderful way to satisfy your salt craving and get some probiotics too. Fermented vegetables are available in most health food stores.
As well as getting salt and other minerals from your diet, homeopathy can further support your body and your growing baby. There’s a program that homeopaths recommend during pregnancy which uses homeopathically prepared minerals called cell salts or tissue salts.
There are 12 main cell salts, but during pregnancy there are 5 cell salts which are used to help support you and your baby during the different stages of growth.
I recommend trying to get your minerals from a healthy whole food diet, but cell salts can really help the body utilize and absorb the minerals more efficiently and cover any deficiencies. The program supports your pregnancy, prepares your body for labor, reduces common pregnancy complaints and supports your baby’s development at every stage.
Cell salts are made in low potencies (6x) and are very safe to take while pregnant. They come in the form of tiny sugar pills that dissolve in your mouth, so there’s no extra capsules to swallow.
The 5 cell salts used in pregnancy are:
Calcarea Fluorica (Calcium Fluoride) – for bone development and elasticity of connective tissue, may help prevent stretch marks too.
Magnesium Phosphoricum (Magnesium Phosphate) – for nerve development and may help prevent heartburn and leg cramps.
Ferrum Phosphoricum (Iron Phosphate) – for blood oxygenation and may help prevent anemia.
Natrum Muriaticum (Sodium Chloride) – helps control fluid and salt balance and can help prevent swollen ankles.
Silica (Silica Oxide) – strengthens teeth, bones and hair, and supports development.
The Protocol
Take each cell salt twice daily (morning and evening). A dose is about 2 pills. This can be started at any point during pregnancy. Click here to order the complete cell salt protocol.
2nd and 6th Month
Calc-fluor 6x
Mag-phos 6x
Ferr-phos 6x
3rd and 7th Month
Calc-fluor
Mag-phos
Nat-mur
4th and 8th Month
Calc-fluor
Nat-mur
Silica
5th and 9th month
Calc-fluor
Ferr-phos
Silica
*The information above is for educational purposes only and not to be considered as medical advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. It is recommended to consult with your personal physician before implementing any dietary or lifestyle changes.
