Get the Salt Out (72 page)

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Learn all you can about herbs and spices.
Take a cooking class that emphasizes using herbs or treat yourself to books or magazines that give you insights on how to use herbs. Think about your new way of cooking not so much as a way to get the salt out but as an opportunity to learn an important new skill: how to put more flavorful seasonings in!

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The body’s response to stress is intimately connected to the body’s use of salt.
As I explained in the Preface, it is possible to eat a diet extremely low in sodium diet and yet have high levels of sodium in the body. This is because stress alone can cause the body to retain sodium. To really get the salt out of your life and prevent it from harming your body, you must do more than limit salt, in your diet: you also must conquer the stress you feel in your life. If you overcome or reduce stress, you give your adrenal glands a break so they can better balance the body’s sodium levels. The following are some tips to help you do this:

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Continually remind yourself that worrying won’t change what’s happening in your life,
but it will take its toll on your health. (It may be as harmful to you as consuming excess sodium.) The best way to alter the physical effects of worrying is to change your attitude: do your best in a given situation, but then put the subject out of your mind and trust that things will work out in the end.

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Take some time every day for R and R
(rest and relaxation). Reflection is also helpful, too. You need to nourish the spirit as much as you do the body.

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If you have high blood pressure or have trouble letting go of tension,
it’s particularly important to learn a relaxation technique. Popular forms of relaxation include: yoga, deep-breathing exercises, biofeedback, progressive relaxation technique, and meditation.

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Treat yourself to a massage.
Whether given by a professional or your lover, a massage can do wonders for releasing stored tensions.

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Learn to share your feelings,
both negative and positive, with your family, friends, and health-care providers. Releasing pent-up anger and frustrations makes you feel better emotionally, and it sometimes improves physical conditions like high blood pressure as well.

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Try homeopathic and Bach Flower Remedies,
which can be found in health food stores. During times of stress, these safe, gentle, natural aids can offer relief, and some of my clients swear by them. One particular product worth noting is Rescue Remedy, which is made from a combination of distilled flower essences. Taken under the tongue or in water, Rescue Remedy helps during any type of trauma, be it emotional, mental, or physical.

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Use fragrances to relax you.
Several clients have told me that the smells of lavender and chamomile help calm them.