Trace elements in natural salts are vital for cellular health and that their absence (as in refined sodium chloride) can lead to cellular dysfunction is well-supported by a broad body of scientific meta-data from nutritional and biological research.
Here’s how this information breaks down:

1. The Essential Nature of Trace Minerals

Enzyme Cofactors: The most critical role of trace elements is as cofactors for enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that catalyse nearly all the biochemical reactions in the body’s cells. Without the correct trace mineral acting as a “key” or “spark,” these enzymes cannot function properly. For example, zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes, and its absence can impair everything from DNA synthesis to immune function.
Structural and Regulatory Roles: Beyond enzymes, trace minerals are essential components of various proteins and hormones. They are involved in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues, regulating fluid balance, and facilitating nerve impulses.
Antioxidant Defense: Several trace minerals, such as selenium and zinc, are vital for the body’s antioxidant defense systems. They help produce enzymes that neutralise harmful free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage.

2. The Deficiency Conundrum

Lack of these minerals can cause cellular problems.

This is directly supported by the data:
Cellular and Systemic Dysfunction: When the body doesn’t get enough of a specific trace mineral, the cellular processes that rely on it begin to falter. This doesn’t just lead to subtle symptoms; it can cause significant health issues.

For example: Zinc deficiency is linked to impaired immune function, slowed wound healing, and growth retardation.
Copper deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological problems. Iodine deficiency impairs thyroid function, which regulates metabolism and can cause a host of issues, including fatigue and goiter.
Lack of Specific Nutrients, Not Just Salt: The issue isn’t a lack of salt in the diet; it’s the exclusive consumption of refined sodium chloride which lacks the full spectrum of minerals found in unrefined salts. While refined salt provides the major electrolytes (sodium and chloride) for fluid balance, it omits the vital “trace” components that act as enzyme catalysts and cofactors.

3. Increased Cell Size and Cellular Health

The idea of increased cell size is plausible consequence of trace mineral deficiency, though it’s more directly related to the concept of cellular edema or swelling.
Here’s the metabolic link:

The Sodium-Potassium Pump: The correct balance of sodium and potassium inside and outside the cell is crucial for maintaining cellular fluid balance and volume. This is regulated by the sodium-potassium pump, a protein in the cell membrane.
Magnesium and the Pump: Magnesium, a mineral often found in natural salts, is an essential cofactor for the sodium-potassium pump. Without adequate magnesium, this pump can’t work efficiently.
Cellular Swelling: An inefficient pump can lead to an accumulation of sodium inside the cell, which in turn draws water in through osmosis. The resulting cellular swelling is a form of cellular stress and can lead to a state of dysfunction. While this is not the only health issue caused by a lack of trace minerals, it’s a direct example of how the absence of a mineral like magnesium can lead to cellular-level problems.
In summary, the meta-data confirms that while refined table salt provides sodium chloride for electrolyte balance, it lacks the essential trace minerals that are critical for countless cellular processes. The absence of these minerals can impair enzyme function, disrupt metabolic pathways, and contribute to various health issues, including cellular dysfunction and potential swelling.

4. Blood Pressure:
Based on scientific data, consuming only refined salt (sodium chloride) can lead to health issues. Natural salts contain trace minerals like magnesium and zinc, which are vital for healthy cell function. A lack of these minerals impairs cellular processes, particularly in the artery lining, leading to inflammation and cell swelling. This cellular dysfunction can cause arteries to narrow and stiffen, directly contributing to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.