Ayurveda is salt-friendly since salt is considered one of the basic tastes in human life. According to Ayurveda salty taste is required for development, for hydrating the body, to improve digestion, absorption and excretion. The salty taste is said to alleviate Vata and strengthen Pitta and Kapha. Salt is also known to increase flexibility in the joints thus keeping rheumatism at bay. Salt is also known to boost digestion, fuel the craving for food, sharpen the alertness to fine food, helps digest natural contaminants and clear subtle channels of the body. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and emotions. Too much salt is said to cause wrinkles, thirst, skin problems, and weakness.