Misconceptions about salt

Experts tell Zeenia F Baria about the common misconceptions associated with salt

How much salt is too much? Are you among those who won't touch their meals without adding copious amounts of salt? Or do you belong to that category that vehemently refuses to add any salt at all to their diet? Too much salt intake and none at all are both equally harmful. According to Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr Vijay Surase, salt is considered by many as an essential part of the human diet. While awareness about the perils of excessive salt intake has increased - with supermarket shelves overflowing with food products, which contain less salt or no salt - the question remains, how important is salt restriction?

"Common salt is composed mainly of sodium and chlorine. Sodium chloride is critical for the maintenance of osmotic balance and other functions. It is true that salt can be dangerous for some people and it is also true that sodium chloride can be obtained from other foods. However, research indicates that approximately 80 per cent of the population will actually benefit from consumption of natural sea salt, which is less refined than common table salt and does not contain added aluminum compounds. Unless you're told specifically by a qualified specialist about limiting or stopping your salt intake, it should not be done so because it can cause terrible weakness, drowsiness, depression, convulsions, and even coma. Even hypertensive patients need not live with this fear about salt. Normal salt intake is fine but excess salt in your diet (consumption of French fries, pickles, papads, chaat masala etc should be avoided," says Dr Surase.

Interventional Cardiologist Dr Shantanu Deshpande says that salt is essential for maintaining homeostasis in our bodies. "The normal requirement is just 500 mg per day. Most Indian diets, however, exceed that limit. Normally excessive salt intake is excreted in the urine. But in almost 50 per cent of individuals, the kidneys are not able to handle this excess of sodium. Excess of salt in your blood stream retains more water resulting in a rise in blood volumes and blood pressure. It also results in hypertrophy of heart and blood vessel musculature resulting in permanent rise in blood pressure. These effects are more pronounced in the elderly and diabetics. Reducing salt intake in your diet reduces blood pressure. A low salt diet containing less than 5 gm of salt per day is recommended for high blood pressure patients who should avoid items like chutneys, cheese, processed food items and junk food.

Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr Rajiv Bhagwat says that the importance of salt intake in regulation of blood pressure is well established. "Reduction of salt is one of the most important and effective life style modifications to reduce blood pressure. A 2 mm reduction in historic blood pressure reduces stroke mortality by 10 per cent and seven per cent reduction in mortality from coronary diseases. Besides reducing blood pressure, salt reduction also reduces Left Ventricular Sickness (Hyper Trophy), reduces protein loss in urine, reduces osteoporosis and bone mineral loss with age, protects against stomach cancer, asthma and possibly against cataracts as well. Increase your intake of potassium, which is found in plenty in fruits, legumes, nuts and vegetables. Their intake is an effective mean to reduce blood pressure."

 

Calories in shampoo making you fat

A new study has found that the reason most of us are unable to shed the fat in our body, is because of the " chemical calories" present in beauty products such as shampoo, body lotions and soap that we use.

Doctors at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York claim that phthalates, chemical ingredients in 70 per cent of cosmetics as well as many household cleaning products, are responsible for throwing the body's natural weight control system, a delicate balance of hormones, off kilter.

The researchers suggested that once exposed to phthalates through daily use of such beauty products, the chances of childhood obesity and weight problems in adults become high.

The researchers meted out the study on girls living in the inner city area of East Harlem, by measuring their exposure to phthalates and analysing the children's urine.

"The heaviest girls have the highest levels of phthalates in their urine," the Daily Mail quoted Professor Philip Landrigan, a paediatrician and the study author, as saying.

"It goes up as the children get heavier, but it's most evident in the heaviest kids," he added.

Another substance, Bisphenol-A (BPA), also present in containers and bottles, has also been found to provide "chemical calories".

It's the fact they are absorbed into the body that causes most concern. Billed as "endocrine disruptors", they are known to affect the glands and hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions.

According to Zoe Harcombe, nutritionist and author of the Obesity Epidemic, even the slightest disruption to hormone levels "is very bad news" for someone trying to lose weight.

"In men, phthalates and other chemicals have an anti-testosterone capacity that has been linked to obesity," she said.

"In women they mess up our basic genetic hormone balance so that you get disruptions similar to those that might occur during the menopause or at puberty," she added.

Wish you a Happy Navratri

 

Rejuvenate greets you a HAPPY NAVRATRI

Tips to get shiny hair

We may only have some results in our vision and we keep on dreaming to achieve them without really knowing the pathway to reach it. For example, we may have been aspiring to get that shiny and silky hair, which are often displayed as "precious possessions" of beautiful models in TV commercials. And some of us even show a great deal of interest to buy and use those publicized hair care products which promise to bring magical results. Sometimes it works while at other times, we only lose our money and may be, some piles of hair as well. The fact is that, different hair textures will require different treatments and it is your responsibility to match products with your own individual needs.

Modify Your Product Choices on the Basis of Your Hair Texture

·         If Your Hair is Fine: A shampoo containing wheat proteins and polymers will go well with fine hair. These ingredients form a coating on hair, thereby bestowing it a thicker appearance. You may also bring some spray volumizers into use. The fine droplets will give your hair a light shimmer.

·         If Your Hair is Normal: Shampoos with silk amino acids are the best options to add shine to normal hair. The amino acids add softness to the hair while repairing the hair structure. Lecithin is responsible for restoring the hair texture. You may also apply gels and creams to add some shimmer to your hair. Take some quantity in your palm, rub your hands against each other and apply the product on your hair by way of a gentle patting.

·         If Your Hair is Thick and Coarse: Coarse hair needs to be moisturized well. The use of pomades will add moisture to your hair while making it shiny and silky.

Tips to Add Shine to Your Hair

·         Use a shampoo which gets activated by hot water.

·         Condition your hair deeply for at least once a week.

·         Refrain from using skin care products to a greater extent as the chemicals present in them may damage your hair.

·         If your hair color is red or brown, then add a few tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water which you'll be using to rinse your hair.

·         Strawberry hair masks also add luster to your hair. Crush eight strawberries and mix with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Wet your hair and massage this mixture. Wear a shower cap and cover with a warm towel. After some time, wash off with a shampoo and then apply a conditioner.

·         If you have blonde hair, then you can make it shiny by adding a few tablespoon of lemon juice to the rinse water.

·         Add one teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. After you are done with your shampooing, just pour the solution through your hair. Do not wash off. Let your hair dry up normally.

Behind every result, there has to be some effort. If you think that you can shine like a celebrity, then you'll need to put proper effort behind it. Getting shiny hair through hereditary connections is more of a chance and hence, all are not privileged to get this for "free". Work on these tips and wait for results to come.

Single parent? Tips for raising a child alone

Raising a child on your own can be stressful. If you're a single parent, understand how to cope with the pressure, find support and nurture your child.
If you're raising a child on your own, you're in good company. Single-parent families are more common than ever. Know how to manage some of the special challenges single parents experience and what you can do to raise a happy, healthy child.

What are the most common single-parent challenges?

Child rearing can be difficult under any circumstances. Without a partner, the stakes are even higher. As a single parent, you might have sole responsibility for all aspects of day-to-day child care. This can result in added pressure, stress and fatigue. If you're too tired or distracted to be emotionally supportive or consistently discipline your child, behavioral problems might arise. In addition, single-parent families generally have lower incomes and less access to health care. Juggling work and child care can be financially difficult and socially isolating. You might also worry about the lack of a male or female parental role model for your child.

How can a single parent deal with these challenges?

To reduce stress in your single-parent family:

·         Show your love. Remember to praise your child. Give him or her your unconditional love and support.

·         Create a routine. Structure — such as regularly scheduled meals and bedtimes — helps your child know what to expect.

·         Prioritize family time. Set aside time each day to play, read or simply sit with your child.

·         Find quality child care. Although an older sibling can sometimes care for a younger sibling, don't rely on an older child as your only baby sitter. Be careful about asking a new friend or partner to watch your child. If you need regular child care, look for a qualified caregiver who can provide stimulation in a safe environment.

·         Set reasonable limits. Explain house rules and expectations to your child — such as speaking respectfully and picking up after yourself — and be careful to enforce them. Work with the other caregivers in your child's life to ensure you're providing consistent discipline. Consider re-evaluating certain limits, such as your child's computer time or curfew, when he or she demonstrates the ability to accept more responsibility.

·         Don't feel guilty. Don't blame yourself or spoil your child to try to make up for being a single parent.

·         Take care of yourself. Include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Arrange time to do activities you enjoy alone or with close friends.

·         Lean on others. Just because you're a single parent doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Work out a carpool schedule with other parents. Join a support group for single parents or seek social services. Call on trusted loved ones, friends and neighbors for help. Faith communities can be helpful resources, too.

·         Stay positive. Your mood and attitude can affect your child. It's OK to be honest with your child if you're having a difficult time, but remind him or her that things will get better. Try to keep your sense of humor when dealing with everyday challenges.

How should a single parent talk to a child about separation or divorce?

Many single-parent families are the result of divorce or separation. If this is the case in your family, talk to your child about the changes you're facing. Listen to your child's feelings and try to answer his or her questions honestly — avoiding unnecessary details or negativity about the other parent. Remind your child that he or she did nothing to cause the divorce or separation and that you'll always love him or her. A counselor might be able to help you and your child talk about problems, fears or concerns. Try to regularly communicate with your child's other parent about your child's care and well-being to help him or her adapt.

How can a single parent handle dating?

If you're dating, consider the fact that your new romantic partner will have an impact on your child. Look for a partner who will treat both you and your child with respect. Consider waiting until you've established a solid relationship with someone before introducing him or her to your child. When you're ready to make the introduction, explain to your child some of your new partner's positive qualities. Don't expect your new partner and your child to become close immediately, however. Give them time to get to know each other and develop a relationship.

How can a single parent address the lack of a male or female parental role model for a child?

If your child's other parent isn't involved in his or her life, you might worry about the lack of a male or female parental role model in your child's life. To send positive messages about the opposite sex:

·         Look for opportunities to be positive about the opposite sex. Point out accomplishments or positive characteristics of members of the opposite sex in your family, the community or even the media. Avoid making broad, negative statements about the opposite sex. 

Nutrition basics

Do you feel like you can't keep up with the latest nutrition news because it's always changing? While it's true that what is known about nutrition and diet is evolving, there are some nutrition basics you can keep in mind. By knowing these nutrition basics, you'll be better equipped to sort through the latest research and advice.
Mastering the nutrition basics comes down to understanding the food groups and becoming more aware of calories and the roles that specific nutrients play in a healthy diet. Want to go beyond the nutrition basics? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your health status, lifestyle, and food likes and dislikes.

Do you want to adopt a healthy diet but aren't sure where to start? As you consider the parade of healthy diets in magazines and cookbooks, make sure to look for one that:

·         Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats

·         Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group

·         Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store

·         Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget

Also consider your health risks. Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? If so, be sure to follow a diet that's low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. For personalized advice, talk with your doctor or a dietitian.

Good food is one of life's great pleasures. And for most, meals are at the heart of family life and celebrations. Would you like to make satisfying and healthy meals that help protect your family from heart disease and other health problems?

Of course you would. So move away from calorie-laden, fatty and salty convenience items. Experiment with quick and healthy cooking techniques, such as baking, grilling and sauteing. Learn important food safety tips, recipe makeovers and more. And then enjoy knowing that your new healthy cooking skills are helping to reduce your family's risk of health problems.

If you're like most, you're looking for ways to make meals healthier yet still enticing. Get your juices flowing to plan healthy menus by browsing healthy recipes online and in cookbooks.

To prepare your healthy menus, you'll need to have healthy ingredients on hand. Your shopping strategies should focus on fresh and unprocessed foods. That means spending more time in the produce section, where you can stock up on fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye out too for whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Another key shopping strategy — don't linger in the snack food and candy aisles. Also be sure to check out the farmers market during the growing season to see what local produce is available.

Nutritional supplements are meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it. If you're generally healthy and eat a wide variety of foods, you probably don't need nutritional supplements. In certain cases, however, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients. For example, adults age 50 or older may not get enough vitamin B-12 in their diets and may need fortified foods or a nutritional supplement.

You may also want to consider a nutritional supplement if you don't eat enough healthy foods or don't eat a healthy variety of foods. Talk with your doctor or a dietitian about whether nutritional supplements might be appropriate for you. Be sure to ask about possible side effects of nutritional supplements you're considering — and if they have interactions with medications you take.

 

Leftover fruits give you radiant skin

What do you do when you have a whole bunch of leftover fruitsand veggies in your refrigerator? As much as we try hard, these leftovers do not seem to get over.

Lemons, tomatoes, papaya, bananas, eggs are a few to name that top the list of leftovers in the fridge. Its time to stop fretting about wastage and the money spent.

We tell you a few ways of using it wisely... Lemons are very good for hair. Wash your hair with lemons. It is very good for oily and greasy hair. It has excellent nourishing properties like Vitamins B and A. This will take care of the dandruff and get rid of similar scalp problems.

Leftover bananas that changes colour to black are very useful in making your skin glow. Overripe bananas are very high in vitamin A, B and E, all of which benefit the skin. Mash a banana and put it all over your face till it completely dies up and rinse off after 15-20 minutes.

Papayas are good cleansers. It has Enzyme Papain which removes blemishes and rejuvenates an undernourished skin. Mash papayas and mix some honey to make a pack which you can smear all over your hands, neck and face. Wash after 15-20 minutes for a blemish free skin.

Eggs works wonders for skin and hair. Mix egg white with mayo and honey to make a thick paste. This can be applied to your hair as well. Egg has pure protein which will make your hair strong and honey that will bring out the lustre that was till now lacking in your tresses.

So, leftover fruits, vegetables and even poultry can contribute to your healthy skin and hair. Next time you spot something lying in your refrigerator unused, you know what to do.

How long can you last without sex?

Can this need be calmed and oppressed just by the tender gestures of your partner or do you need an entire sexual "show" to feel completely satisfied? Since most people do not ask themselves these kind of questions, there are often conflicts due to the difference between the behaviour and the sexual needs of everyone.

How long can you last without intercourse, before abstinence starts negatively influencing and affecting your overall health? How well do you know your "sexual watch"? How well can you interpret your "need" for having sex?

What are your priorities?
Sex is, undoubtedly, a necessity of the body, based on two coordinates: reproduction and the tendency to socialize, to permanently cooperate with those around us. Survival on long periods of time is based to humans' abilities to live in groups, which involves the birth of relations, more or less lasting or enjoyable. Most times, one of the options regarding celebrating or making an inter-human relationship official is the sexual act itself.

How is your body saying you need to have sex?
It might be easy to overlook your body's signals regarding the need to have sex, because many times you associate them to other problems which you probably have to deal with on a daily basis. The best way is to observe which and how many negative moods go away immediately after having sex. Keep in mind the fact that sex does not always involve two people, in other terms, consider masturbation an option.

Must-have-sex signals
- Excessive nervousness
- Long states of unjustified anxiety, migraines
- Permanent stress
- Lack of food appetite
- Lack of the need to sleep
- Contradictory feelings regarding certain persons
- Frequent sexual fantasies, especially during nighttime.

Practically, a non-existing sexual life causes a lot of reactions, more or less explicable, and in some extreme cases it can lead to severe physical and philological reactions: skin itches, irritations, anger etc. You could end up hurting the ones beside you, emotionally or even physically, because you did not "read" one of your body's cries for help.

Once you fully and completely understand your body's message: "I need sex!" it will be a lot easier for you to identify the time periods these unpleasant symptoms occur. If you manage to do this, you will also be able to prevent them. Of course, these intervals vary from person to person, and they are dependent to certain factors, such as age, sex, lifestyle, physical condition, pregnancy, menopause etc.

All in all, make sure you take some time and really analyze yourself and your body, your needs and your desires, and that way you will manage to understand the course of action you have to take so that everything returns on its' right normal "path" again.



Healthy aging: Over 50

Healthy aging is a hot topic for baby boomers everywhere. Whether you're concerned about weight gain, sex drive or chronic diseases, the key to healthy aging is a healthy lifestyle. Eating a variety of healthy foods, practicing portion control and including physical activity in your daily routine can go a long way toward promoting healthy aging. Better yet, it's never too late to make healthier lifestyle choices.
If an interest in healthy aging leads you to consider anti-aging therapies — such as restrictive diets, supplements or expensive treatments claiming to postpone or even reverse the aging process — be cautious. There's no quick fix for healthy aging. Know what you're buying, and know how to spot suspicious schemes. Often, anti-aging therapies don't live up to the claims.

Most adults spend years looking forward to a healthy retirement. Whether you're still planning your retirement or you're ready to make the change, there's much you can do to ensure a healthy retirement.

Start by learning what to expect as you get older, from changes in muscle mass and sex drive to vision and cardiovascular health. After all, your dreams for a healthy retirement likely depend on good health. Then consider ways to maintain a healthy retirement, from reducing your risk of falls and staying safe behind the wheel to improving your memory.

Another important aspect of healthy retirement is long term care. Consider your options now — including type of long term care, as well as how to pay for it — to help prevent hasty decisions later.

For dependent seniors, ongoing care can often be provided at home. In fact, the right type of home care services for dependent seniors can promote independence and assure the highest possible quality of life.

If you're considering your needs as you get older, explore the breadth of services available for dependent seniors. For example, home care services can provide dependent seniors with a range of assistance — from medical care and physical therapy to nutrition counseling, housekeeping support, meal delivery and companionship services.

To help you sort through the options for dependent seniors, ask the right questions upfront. Find out about agency qualifications, quality of care, costs, and specific services provided. The more you know, the easier it'll be to choose the best agency or care provider for your needs.

 

15-minute workout can keep you fit

A 15-minute workout at the gym helps keep you young as well as fit, according to a study.

Researchers found that brief vigorous exercise tends to slow the ageing process.

Just 15 minutes of energetic activity a day reduces stress and prevents the deterioration of vital cells which lead to us feeling and looking older, reports express.co.uk.

Even if we are stressed, which tends to speed up the ageing process, we can hold time at bay by working up a sweat.

Psychologist Eli Puterman, who led the groundbreaking research, said the study is built on previous work that showed how changes in DNA result in ageing.

"We have extended those findings to show that, in fact, there are things we can do about it," said Puterman.

"If we maintain the levels of physical activity recommended by public

health bodies we can prevent the damage that psychological stress may have on our body," he added.