Health benefits of Dead Sea salt
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, forming a protective covering from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, pollution, weather extremes of seasonal changes. In addition the skin enables the body to store or hold in its body fluids and provides the elasticity required for every movement we perform. If that is not enough, the skin enables us to communicate with the outside world through the vital sense of touch. Since this vital organ carries out so many important functions we need to respect it by providing good cleansing, replenishing fluids and electrolytes and avoiding harmful environments or reducing the harmful effects.
Skin Problems
Skin problems are a common aspect of the aging process throughout the spectrum of human development. Certain skin problems affect people at different stages of development and for each it is important to support and nurture the skin in order to restore health and enhance general function. Skin disorders e.g. Acne, dermatitis, blackheads, psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, scabies, scaled head, seborrhea, vitilago; Rheumatological conditions e.g. alkalosis, arthritis (cysteine patients with arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, back pain, bursitis, neuralgia, fibrosis, osteoarthritis, polyarthritis, spondylosis, and tendonitis, as well as hair falling and balding, breast firming, constipation, diarrhea, dyspnea, insomnia and fatigue, impotence, intestinal parasites, stress, sciatica, sluggishness, tinea, worms.
Acne is a skin condition comprising of inflammation due to excess oil or sebum produced by the glands together with dead skin pores. These two in combination, clog the pores resulting in inflammation, which may become purulent whiteheads or blackheads due to bacteria in the area. If the inflamed or clogged pore runs deep into the skin, this area may form a cyst. The cyst typically is only painful or colored when it becomes infected. As you can see from the above description there are many causes of acne, falling into four categories, namely: bacteria, hereditary, hormonal or dogged pores. The sebaceous glands secrete oil naturally in response to an increase of testosterone in both men and women at puberty.
Acne typically affects 80-90 % of adolescents of sexes, boys more than girls. Acne can develop later in adult years. Acne usually affects the face, chest back and sometimes-upper arm. Acne can also be found in infants due to the activation of sebaceous glands in utero. Acne can be a chronic problem or resolve spontaneously after 4-5 years as noted in 70% of acne sufferers. The incidence of Acne at age 40 years is about 1% for men and 5% for women.
Acne is not caused by dirt, a diet with too much sugar or caffeine although these can aggravate it. Other factors that can affect acne include over exposure to certain weathers, stress, hormonal changes, oily skin, endocrine conditions, certain tumors and response to certain medications or drugs.
Acne Treatment
Since acne is often hereditary it can not be prevented, but good skin toileting or cleansing can improve the condition by reducing further lesions. Certain medicinal ointments, cleansers are recommended when the condition becomes uncomfortable or unsightly. These include sulfur amongst other chemicals. Since our Dead Sea Salt have a high sulfur content they are useful in the cleansing required to purify the skin of acne sufferers. Antibiotics and hormonal or steroid medications are prescribed in severe cases. However other management is always advisable first as these medications all have negative side effects. Acne can have adverse psychological effects, as ones body image is greatly determined during puberty and adolescence. To assist in developing a sense of control, self-esteem and good body scheme, it is possible to assist the body to restore healthy balance with balanced diet, exercise, plenty of water, rest and a balanced diet as all these assist in enabling the body to remove toxins and restore natural health necessary to enhance spontaneous recovery from this condition.
Cellulite
Cellulite is experienced by 90% of all women over the age of 20 years. Lumpy deposits of fat below the skin on the thighs, hips and buttocks of women cause it. Since the fat becomes trapped in compartments of the tissue where there is poor circulation, cellulite is a condition is difficult to eliminate. The appearance of cellulite is typically described as dimpled, cottage cheese – like appearance.
Although exercise is recommended to improve muscle tone and circulation to the area, and diet to remove toxins and provide the necessary nutrients, these do not cure cellulite. In addition, the Dead Sea Salt can assist in detoxifying, improving circulation and suppleness of the skin while the bath salts can assist in the general cleansing of the skin, necessary to remove the impurities that are otherwise trapped within the tissue.
Aging and Skin Problems
Up to 20% people over 70 years experiencing three to five skin problems that would require medical attention. Some may be caused by chronic illness e.g. diabetes, where poor healing and reduced sensation can adversely affect the condition of the skin, especially in the legs and feet. Diseases affecting or involving blood circulation also affect the skin. Certain medications prescribed for maintenance of chronic conditions e.g. cortisone also affects the skin leading to thinning and dryness of the skin. Maintaining healthy skin involves: regular exercise, maintain a trim frame, healthy diet with a low fat and sugar content, balanced lifestyle and avoiding exposure to the sun.
Dry skin is a common aspect of the aging process and is seen in most people over the age of 70 years. As skin ages, the physiological changes leading to dryness result in itching and flaking, especially when the weather is cold and dry. This is due both to a decrease in secretions from the oil glands and a reduction in the skin barrier leading to quicker skin irritation. Other than aging, a severely dry skin can indicate various condition e.g. psoriasis, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or an overactive thyroid gland, allergic reaction. Itching can also indicate a reaction to a number of medication or drugs, including anticancer drugs.
As one ages, our skin also becomes more susceptible to irritation from contact with various materials, a condition known as contact dermatitis. This could indicate an allergy has developed to any substance including: wool or lanolin, the oil in wool, soap, detergent, or bleach used in the wash.
Prevention of Contact Dermatitis includes: wearing loose fitting clothing; changing your laundry detergent; washing new clothes before wearing them.
Regular soaking with Dead Sea bath salts and then applying a moisturizer recommended by your doctor can also alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. This is due to the high mineral content in the Dead Sea Salt, which helps both in cleansing and replacing required electrolytes necessary for healthy skin.
Wrinkling is the result of a number of factors: accumulated exposure to the sun, heredity, and a weakening of elastin and collagen, which is part of the aging process. Elastin is responsible for the skin’s flexibility. The protein fibers known as collagen provide physical support for the skin. (Loss of collagen is more common in women than in men. The skins natural fatty layer also reduces with age, causing the skin to sink inward. Added to all these factors is the constant pull of gravity, which increases the sagging of the skin.
Research into the benefits of minerals from the Dead Sea Salt has shown a 40% reduction in the depth of the wrinkling.
Skin Allergies
A range of factors, including, age, stress, illness, chemicals and others, causes allergies on the skin. The high magnesium and bromine content in the Dead Sea Salt is beneficial for anti allergic due to its cleansing, detoxifying of the skin together with providing smoothness and relaxation. Using Dead sea salt is recommended for relief of allergic symptoms affecting the skin.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 3% of the world population.
The nature of psoriasis is to afflict the sufferer with scaly areas of the scalp, palms, soles of the feet, knees, elbows and other areas sustaining repeated trauma. The condition is unpleasant to look at and embarrassing for the sufferers.
Psoriasis is hereditary and there is no known cure for it.
Treatments include various ointments usually containing corticosteroids, or injections into the dermis of the skin. Medications used to control the condition are not always successful and usually have adverse side effects.
Studies carried out at the Dead Sea have showed positive results in lengthening the duration of remission and has been recommended as an alternative treatment for the condition. The studies have included both exposure to the environment and subdued UV rays at the Dead Sea itself together with soaking in Dead Sea mineral baths. Although it is not possible to take the Dead Sea into ones home, our Dead Sea Salt do offer a good home therapy simulating the Balneo and Peloid therapies. In this way, the skin is assisted in eliminating toxins, regenerating new cells, increased circulation and
general body purification.
It is important to note that contact with ones doctor is still imperative.
There are 1000 or more different types of arthritic or rheumatological conditions known today. Of these some are inflammatory in nature and some are acquired e.g. osteoarthritis is linked to mechanical overuse of certain joints. Some of the conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, poly arthritis, psoriatic arthritis (a combination of psoriasis and arthritis) ankylosing spondylosis, systemic lupus erathematosis, and more. The cause for these conditions is as yet unknown and there is no known cure for them using conventional or allopathic medicine.
Various studies have taken place at the Dead Sea using treatment programs combining the atmosphere of the Dead Sea with the Dead Sea mineral baths (balneotherapy) with good results. Of particular interest is that heating the mud and applying to sore or inflamed joints has proven to eliminate stiffness and pain. This is due to the minerals improving blood circulation necessary to reduce the inflammatory response, together with the detoxifying agent and general muscle relaxant. When the salt has been heated, the ability of the elements to penetrate and be absorbed into the system is increased.
Patients with atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis; neurodermitis) form the second largest group of people who use Dead Sea Salt for dermatological treatment.
Atopic dermatitis is chronic skin disease of unknown cause with the following main characteristics:
- Severe itching. This is an inherent aspect of the disease. Most of the visible skin changes are due to the persistent scratching.
- Frequently starts in early infancy. In the early stages the lesions are usually acute, "weeping" and crusted. Later, the skin becomes thickened with an exaggeration of its natural lines ("lichenification"). This occurs especially in the folds of the knees and elbows, and on the wrists, ankles and neck.
- A sensitive, reactive skin. The skin is dry, easily irritated by mechanical or chemical stimuli and tends to become allergic to external, ingested or inhaled substances (e.g. pollens, bee stings, house dust, foods, drugs). It is more prone to some bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Psychological and climatic factors sometimes play a dominant role in exacerbating or soothing the disease.
- A family history of Atophy. Atophy is a genetic susceptibility to certain diseases, which include atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever. The blood of atopic individuals usually has high levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE.
Results of Dead Sea Salt Treatment
Studies have been conducted on the health benefits of bathing in Dead Sea salts. One such study was onducted by Dr. I. Machtey1 on 103 patients suffering from osteoarthritis and tendinitis. Patients were either treated with baths of 7.5%, 2% or 0.5% Dead Sea salt concentration. Improvement was found after as little as 1 week of treatment for those treated with 7.5% or 2% salt baths. By the study's end, 80% of the patients reported less pain; 70% experienced improved mobility and 60% were able to decrease their use of analgesics. Dr. J. Arndt2 studied the effect of Dead Sea salt baths on psoriasis. Fifty patients were treated for 3 - 4 weeks, with 3 - 4 baths per week. In as little as 1 week, many patients treated with a 10% salt concentration in their baths
experienced marked improvement. This improvement included relief from itching, sleep disturbances, and skin scaling. Treatment with Dead Sea Salts is not associated with any side effects. Machtey, Dr. I. 1982, Dead Sea Balneotherapy in Osteoarthritis, Proc. International Seminar on Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases. Arndt, Dr. J. 1982, Salt from the Promised Land Helps Psoriasis Patients, Arztliche Praxis, 34(48).
In order to ascertain and confirm the beneficial therapeutic effects of Dead Sea bath salts, a series of clinical esearch projects were carried out both in Israel and in other countries where the use of salts has become an established practice. Dr. I. Machtey1 studied the influences of Dead Sea Bath Salts on rheumatic patients suffering from osteoarthritis or a localized type of tendonitis. 103 patients were treated for one or two weeks with daily Dead Sea Bath Salts in a sanatorium located about 400 m. above sea level. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three types of baths (three sub groups):
Bath treatment with a Dead Sea salt concentration of 7.5%
Baths with a 2% salt concentration.
Baths with a 0.5% salt concentration.
One week of proper treatment resulted in impressive improvement in all parameters in patients receiving 7.5% and 2% bath salt concentration, but little or no improvement was noted in those treated with 0.5% salt concentration. The greater the physical limitations, the more pronounced was the improvement.
Sixty-six patients received two weeks treatment. An additional slight improvement was noted in patients treated with 7.5% or 2% salt concentration, and those having only 0.5% salt baths improved relatively more as compared with the results after the first week of treatment. However most of the results in the 0.5% group were less impressive than those in the higher concentrations. Over 80% of all the patients reported having less pain, 70% said their mobility improved, and about 60% were able to decrease their use of analgesics. Dr. Machte oncludes his study by stating that "There is little doubt that the Dead Sea treatment in those who benefit from it can be extended and repeated at home using a 2% bath solution, which is both economical and readily available".
A similar study was carried out by Dr. P Engel2 from the sanatorium clinic of the city of Mayenbad, Bad Waldsee, in Germany. The study was performed with 60 patients whose rheumatic discomfort could not be substantially reduced by the customary balneotherapy of their clinic. The baths with Dead Sea Bath Salts were then prescribed in lieu of additional medicinal therapy. Each patient was treated for a duration of four weeks,
with 3 baths per week. Salt concentration was 2.5% (2 Kg per 801. bath), duration of bath 20 minutes, temperature of water 37 C. Parameters examined included: Pain at rest, spontaneous pain, kinesalgia, pain on pressure and reduced mobility.
The summary of results showed the following:
76.2% of cases very good therapeutic results were obtained
10.2% of cases responded moderately well
13.6% of cases no success was noted
Dr. J. Arndt, from Germany3 made a study of the effect of Dead Sea Bath Salts on patients suffering from psoriasis. Fifty patients, aged between 14 and 77 years were treated with the salts in a controlled way. Treatment consisted of partial or total baths. For a total bath, 2 Kgs of the salts were dissolved in a bath at a temperature of 27 C. The partial baths were made with a concentration of about 10%. The baths lasted for 20 minutes and afterwards the skin was thoroughly rinsed with running water. The effect is enhanced when the patient remains in a warm packed condition for one hour after the bath.
The treatment lasted for 3-4 weeks, with 3-4 baths per week. The results show that most symptoms of the illness diminished within one week of treatment, notably itch, scaling joint complaints, and the falling asleep and sleeping through difficulties. Other parameters such as spread, redness and infiltration decreased somewhat more slowly. Improvement was steady-the four week treatment left the patients essentially free from complaints.
Dr. Arndt points out that of particular importance from the patients point of view is the rapid relief from such irritating system as itching. There is a corresponding relief from sleeping disturbances, which were rather wide-spread prior to treatment. The drastic decrease in scaling within one week can be interpreted by physician and patient alike as a further proof of the course outlined above: healing was total in 27 patients (54%), whereas in 22 cases there was a marked impressive improvement. Tolerance was excellent in all 50 cases. There were no side effects whatsoever, dermatological or otherwise. "Dead Sea Balneotherapy in Osteoarthritis", Dr. Machtey (Hasharon Hospital, Petach-Tikya, Isreal)." Published in Proceedings of International Seminar on Treatment of Rheumatic
Diseases", John Wright, PSG Inc. (1982). "On the Therapy of Rheumatic Illness with Medical Bathing Salts from the Dead Sea", Dr. P. Engel (Sanatorium Clinic of the City of Mayenbad, Bad Waldsee, FRG). Published in Acta Medica Empirica, 31, 374 (April 1982).
"Salt from the Promised Land Helps Psoriasis Patients", Dr. J. Arndt, Published in Arztliche Praxis, vol. 34, No. 48, 1920,
(15.6.1982).The Dead Sea The water of the Dead Sea contains 21 minerals including Sodium, Magnesium, Calcium, Bromine, Bitumen and Potassium. Twelve of these are found in no other sea or ocean and some are recognized for imparting a relaxed feeling, nourishing the skin, activating the circulatory systems and for easing rheumatic discomfort and metabolic disorders.
Clearing is usually good to excellent, and for many sufferers undoubtedly exceeds that achieved by other therapies. The severe itching frequently subsides relatively early, even if the skin has not yet shown much response. The process is usually slower and less dramatic than with psoriasis, and for many patients treatment for 6 rather than 4 weeks may be more effective
Stress has become one of those buzzwords typical of the modern times we live in. It is typically seen as being a negative conjuring up images of difficulty, chaos etc. Stress in actual fact is the body’s response to any situation that necessitates change of one form or another, both negative and positive. It is the trigger or motivator to move forward, act or react to a given set of circumstances. Without stress our lives would stagnate.
So if we need stress in order to progress in life, why the focus on the negative impact of stress on our lives?
When in a situation requiring change, our body prepares itself for what is known as a fight or flight response. A common example used in stress management is that of facing a lion. If one were to see a lion in the jungle, your immediate reaction would be of impending danger necessitating a decision to stay and fight or to run for your life. The same is true for any situation requiring change, you need to decide how to continue or respond to the given facts presenting themselves to you.
The body reads each new situation as impending danger and thus sets up a hormonal response to ensure that your body will be in a state ready to react quickly, to be alert and obtain the result necessary to keep you out of danger. This includes an outpouring of adrenaline, a stimulant hormone, into the blood stream. This begins a chain reaction within your body, together with certain other stress hormones, which are intended to be protective. The changes include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure (to get more
blood to the muscles, brain and heart), faster breathing (to take in more oxygen needed by the brain and muscles for quick reactions), tensing of muscles (preparation for action), increased mental alertness and sensitivity of sense organs (to assess the situation and act quickly), increased blood flow to the brain, heart and muscles (the organs that are most important in dealing with danger) and less blood to the skin, digestive tract, kidneys and liver (where it is least needed in times of crisis). In addition, there is an increase in blood sugar, fats and cholesterol (for extra energy) and a rise in platelets and blood clotting factors (to prevent haemorrhage in case of injury).
Utilizing these changes within your system at the correct time for the desired response is positive. For example fleeing from impending danger. More positive examples include giving a lecture, a presentation, getting married, moving etc.
When looking at the physiological changes that occur in the body in response to the body’s concept of danger or the stress or, it makes sense why repeated stress will lead to physical changes which if occurring over an extended period of time results in illness.
The physical changes or symptoms resulting from stress include but are not limited to: increased heart rate; pounding heart; elevated blood pressure; sweaty palms; tightness of the chest, neck, jaw and back muscles; headache; diarrhea; constipation; urinary hesitancy; trembling, twitching; stuttering and other speech difficulties; nausea; vomiting; sleep disturbances; fatigue; shallow breathing; dryness of the mouth or throat; susceptibility to minor illness, cold hands, itching; being easily startled; chronic pain and dysponesis.
Emotional signs and symptoms of stress, including but not limited to: irritability, angry outbursts, hostility, depression, jealously, restlessness, withdrawal, anxiousness, diminished initiative, feelings of unreality or over alertness, reduction of personal involvement with others, lack of interest, tendency to cry, being critical of others, self-deprecation, nightmares, impatience, decreased perception of positive experience opportunities, narrowed focus, obsessive rumination, reduced self-esteem, insomnia, changes in eating habits and weakened positive emotional response reflexes.
Cognitive/perceptual signs and symptoms of stress, including but not limited to: forgetfulness, preoccupation, blocking, blurred vision, errors in judging distance, diminished or exaggerated fantasy life, reduced creativity, lack of concentration, diminished productivity, lack of attention to detail, orientation to the past, decreased psychomotor reactivity and coordination, attention deficit, disorganization of thought, negative self-esteem, diminished sense of meaning in life, lack of control/need for too much control, negative self-statements and negative evaluation of experiences.
Behavioral signs and symptoms of stress, including but not limited to: increased smoking, aggressive behaviors (such as driving), increased alcohol or drug use, carelessness, under-eating, over-eating, withdrawal, listlessness, hostility, accident-proneness, nervous laughter, compulsive behaviour and impatience.
From the above lists doctors have now found a link between continued stress or stress symptoms and illness or diseases e.g. heart disease, diabetes, asthma, mental problems, lack of sleep, loss of resistance to illness, and even allergies, amongst others. For this reason it is important to learn to manage our stress and to reduce our stress symptoms.
Some of the methods or reducing stress and the effects it has on our health include: relaxation, exercise, diet, forming a healthy sleep pattern, developing good communication and inter personal relationships, balanced lifestyle, amongst others.
The bath salts and mud packs offer wonderful relief of the symptoms by increasing circulation and detoxification necessary to remove the by products from the stress cycle thereby freeing your cells from these toxins. They also moisturize the skin and enhance relaxation of the body, which in turn enables one to obtain adequate sleep, necessary for regeneration of the body.
Shedding of dead skin cells is a natural part of the daily regeneration of the skin, which is shed every 24 days. An excessive shedding of the skin cells of the scalp resulting in white flakes, and sometimes itchiness is known as dandruff. Dandruff, although a natural growth process of the skin, is caused by excess oiliness of the scalp and is therefore seasonal. Contrary to common belief that it would be more severe in summer due to sweating or dryness, dandruff is worse during the winter months.
There is no known cure for Dandruff. Dandruff is affected by:
- Use of hairspray and gels
- Over use of chemical hair treatments
- Use of curling irons and curlers
- Exposure to cold dry weather or dry indoor air
- Tight fitting hats or head scarves
- Stress, anxiety, trauma and tension
- Personal Hygiene
Possible Solutions Include:
Since dandruff is part of the natural growth process of cells, it can not be cured but only managed. There are various shampoos are on the market that claim to reduce or eliminate dandruff. They contain various chemicals of which sulfur is one. Dead Sea Salt contain sulfur in a natural form. In addition the other minerals assist in detoxifying and cleansing which is vital to restore the balance of cells to reduce the oiliness of the scalp.
There are a number of sleep disorders of which insomnia, described as an inability to sleep or to obtain satisfactory sleep, is the most common, experienced by 25% of Americans. There are different forms of insomnia from difficulty falling asleep, to difficulty staying asleep, to waking early, to sleeping at inappropriate times, to not sleeping deeply enough, which is imperative for REM sleep. Insomnia or restless sleep is experienced by most people at some stage of their lives, but is only considered a problem when this pattern becomes chronic or when it interferes with daily functioning. Prolonged sleep disturbance can lead to disease or illness as it results in an inability of the body to restore or replenish itself, which takes place during sleep. It also interferes with or leads to hormonal changes, which if experienced over a long period of time can lead to disease. To assist with relaxing in order to fall asleep and to remove toxins from hormonal changes, the Dead Sea bath salts and also mud packs can be very beneficial.
Some causes of sleep disorders or insomnia include:
- Pain experienced at night following injury, trauma or certain conditions e.g. arthritis.
- Stress
- Emotional trauma or mental anguish
- Ineffective diet including over use of nicotine, caffeine and other stimulants
- Reduced exercise
- Environment including noise and light levels
- Geopathic stress
- Jet lag
- Aging
- Nightmares and other dreams that interfere with adequate sleep
- Over excitement
- Too many electrical appliances in the bedroom
Prolonged sleep disturbance can lead to: reduced energy level, irritability, disorientation, dark circles under the eyes, poor posture, memory and concentration difficulties and fatigue
Some recommendations for dealing with sleep problems include: obtaining counseling or dealing with whatever psychological issues are involved, work with any dreams together with a professional who is experienced in dreams interpretation and therapy. Relaxation and good exercise program, be careful not to do aerobic exercise the hour before bedtime. Developing a regular sleep pattern and bedtime routine, balanced diet, eliminate caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants especially at night. Avoid emotional upset or confrontation especially just prior to bedtime. Refrain from watching or reading scary films or the news in the last hour before bedtime.
Make sure the bedroom is sufficiently ventilated, the temperature is appropriate and there is reduced noise and light.
As part of the bedtime routine, specialists often recommend hot baths to relax the muscles, de-stress and prepare for bed. Adding the Dead Sea Bath Salts to these baths will be beneficial due to their added properties of detoxifying and enhancing a state of general relaxation. Be careful if taking a hot bath to drink water while soaking in the bath to prevent dehydration or dizziness.
Saunas often use Dead Sea salts to evaporate the bromides thus creating and environment similar to the Dead Sea. Having a hot bath with Dead Sea Salt and allowing the steam to collect in the bathroom will have a similar effect. Other than the benefits listed below for bath salts, steaming and using these salts in the bath can be beneficial for respiratory conditions e.g. asthma.
