If you come to know that the excess salt (in foods) you consume is the main cause for health issues like blood pressure, heart diseases and kidney problems etc, then how will you react? It is true that the excess salt intake is a growing health concern across the world now. There are many who consume about twice the salt intake that is recommended. This was according to the World Health Organisation or WHO. It is noteworthy that the daily salt intake must be less than 5gms or one teaspoon per day. The processed foods and fast foods we eat would contribute to excess salt intake. It is possible to make simple lifestyle changes to cut down on the excess salt intake and improve health. Various ways by which we can reduce excess intake of salt are By cooking with fresh ingredients: The amount of salt in the foods can be controlled by home cooked meals. It is good to use fresh ingredients like fresh vegetables, whole grains etc to prepare meals and avoid processed foods. Foods such as packaged seasonings, sauces, ready to eat foods etc would have excess salt in them. Hence, we must try to avoid them. By reading labels fully: It is worthy to note that many packaged foods would have sodium in them even if they don`t taste salty. Hence, it is essential to check out the sodium content by reading the labels carefully. We must try to avoid foods having MSG or monosodium glutamate, baking soda and preservatives etc. Please be careful. By lowering the intake of processed foods: We might consume excess sodium unknowingly by consuming processed foods and foods from restaurants etc. It is necessary to reduce the intake of chips, canned soups, instant noodles etc as they are rich in sodium. Instead of salted snacks, we can opt for fresh fruits, nuts etc. By gradually reducing salt in meals: Our taste buds would be able to adjust if we gradually reduce salt intake. It is known that sudden salt reduction is difficult. Salt intake must be reduced by half while cooking and increase flavour with vinegar, lemon juice etc. Instead of salt based seasonings, we can try fresh herbs or flavoured oils etc. Instead of high sodium alternatives, it is superb to opt for unsalted butter and homemade salad dressings etc. By increasing potassium rich foods: It has been brought out by AHA or American health Association that potassium intakeke would help in balancing sodium levels and lower blood pressure. Potassium rich foods like bananas, oranges, spinach etc would be superb. Avoid processed snacks and instead eat yoghurt, nuts and dark leafy greens etc. Please take care.

Living inside our body, feeding off the nutrients we consume and causing health issues for us!! Shocking to know this right!! We are now talking about parasitic worm infections or helminths like tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms and hookworms infections etc. Point is that these worms would enter our body through contaminated food, water, soil etc. We would show these signs if we have parasitic worms inside us. Digestive problems: Digestive issues like diarrhoea, bloating, constipation and abdominal pain etc could be because of parasitic worms in us. Sudden weight loss: If there are any parasitic worms in us, then we might have sudden weight loss despite having more appetite. Low energy or chronic tiredness: It must be noted that nutritional deficiencies caused by the presence of parasitic worms in us could lead to low energy levels or chronic tiredness in us. Anal itching etc: Intense anal itching could worsen in the night and this is also one important sign of parasitic worms in us. Nausea: We could have a tendency to vomit or nausea if we have parasitic worms inside our body. So, please take care. Rashes, hives etc: There are possibilities of allergic reactions if there are parasitic worms in us. Here, we could get rashes or hives itching etc. Anaemia etc: The essential nutrients are stolen by hookworms and tapeworms etc present in us and this could lead to anaemia issue also. Teeth grinding: In kids and in adults etc, parasitic worms present in them could lead to stress responses and they might grind their teeth. Treatment for parasitic worm infections etc: If you suspect a wormrm infection, then please consult a doctor. without fail. The type of medication would depend on the worm species. After using the toilet, wash your hands compulsorily. Washing hands before eating plus after handling pets are necessary. To remove any egg that has been shed, it is necessary to wash linen, clothes and towels regularly. It must be noted that certain parasites like tapeworm are transmitted through raw and poorly cooked meat etc. There are chances of getting dehydration through vomiting and diarrhoea etc due to the presence of parasites in us. Therefore, it is necessary that we must drink lots of water. Foods like garlic, pumpkin seeds etc have natural anti-parasitic properties in them and intake of these foods would kill the parasites in us. Gut health would become better. Restoration of healthy gut flora would be possible by intake of foods like yoghurt, kefir etc. Our immunity would get strengthened. It is essential that we must consume whole nutrient dense foods and avoid sugary foods etc would starve the parasites and would help us to recover fast. Follow up with a doctor is very important if worms are present in us to make sure that worms are fully eliminated from us. If symptoms are still there, then a stool test must be done for re-infection. Early detection and treatment are necessary so that complications could be prevented in us.

One important fruit that we must consume during the summer seasons is berries. The berries like strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry are superb juicy fruits with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibres and antioxidants etc that are needed for healthy life. Why are berries ideal fruits for summers? It is noteworthy that berries with hydrating properties combined with ability to fight inflammation and enhance immunity would be superb to consume during the summer seasons. It is known that during hot summers we lose water from our body through sweat etc. Hence, intake of berries would keep us hydrated throughout the day. There are many health benefits of consuming berries in the summer such as Keeps body hydrated: The high water content in the berries would keep the body hydrated. Point is that strawberries have 90% of water in them and consuming them could be highly refreshing. Issues like dehydration can be avoided by consuming strawberries. Rich source of antioxidants: The presence of anthocyanins and flavonoids present in berries would protect our body against free radicals. It has been revealed by research studies that antioxidants present in the berries would lower inflammation and reduce the risk of heart diseases in us. Supports heart health: By consuming berries in summers, our cholesterol levels would reduce and blood circulation would be improved. Blood pressure would be reduced by eating blueberries due to the presence of a compound and arterial function would become better. Immunity booster: Our immunity would be boosted by consuming vitamin C rich raspberries and strawberries during summers. The presence of a strong immune system of high immunity levels in us would help us to avoid infections and diseases etc in us. Helps in digestion and gut health: The presence of dietary fibres in berries would help in digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome. It is noteworthy that intake of berries would help us to avoid constipation etc. Our digestive health would be superb, Helps in weight management: By cononsuming berries, we might not have food cravings as the dietary fibres present in berries would make us feel full for a longer duration.. This would help us to avoid over eating and finally would help in weight management. Protects skin from damage: It is believed that the presence of ellagic acid in strawberries and raspberries would reduce skin inflammation and avoid premature ageing etc due to sun exposure. Regulates blood sugar levels: There would not be any spike in the blood sugar levels when we consume berries in summers. The reason is berries have low glycemic index or GI. Increases brain functions: Cognitive function and memory would get enhanced if we consume berries regularly during summer season. Age related cognitive decline would be prevented by consuming berries like blueberries and blackberries etc. Lowers inflammation: It must be taken into account that chronic inflammation is the reason for issues like arthritis and heart diseases etc. Our overall well being would be promoted by consuming berries rich in anti-inflammatory compounds as inflammation would be reduced.