My doctor, who practises traditional East Asian medicine, often speaks about the importance of the kidneys in relation to ageing.
In this tradition, the kidneys are not viewed simply as physical organs. They are associated with vitality, reproductive health, growth, and the body’s long-term reserves of energy. Because of this, supporting kidney health is often considered an important part of maintaining overall wellbeing as we get older.
One of the things my doctor regularly recommends is natural salt.
Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea, and I have often heard that sea salt may be more suitable for Japanese people than imported rock salts such as Himalayan salt. Sea salt is also known for containing various minerals, including calcium and magnesium.
For that reason, I have developed a bit of an interest in natural salt over the years.
Before this trip, my doctor mentioned that salt from Khanh Hoa Province in Vietnam is particularly well known.
Once I arrived in Vietnam, I started looking for it. I checked supermarkets, convenience stores, and small local shops, but surprisingly I couldn’t find any.
Instead, I picked up this one.
It is also a natural sea salt. The appearance and texture reminded me of the salt I once saw at a salt lake in Thailand.
My original plan was to visit Khanh Hoa and see the salt fields for myself. Unfortunately, I ran out of time. Looking at the map, it actually seems easier to reach from Ho Chi Minh City, so I’ll save that for a future trip.
In the meantime, here are a few photos from a visit to a salt lake in Thailand. A Thai friend kindly took me there 3 years ago.
Most people probably think of salt as nothing more than something to season food with. But when you start paying attention to it, salt tells a story about the sea, the climate, the land, and the people who produce it.
I find that surprisingly fascinating.