What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

 What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

To control sodium, try to consume less than 2 grams of salt per day, which is about a teaspoon.

What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

Sodium is a part of salt and is necessary for the normal functioning of the body's cells, nerves, muscles, and heart.

Consuming more than 2 grams of sodium per day can cause high blood pressure and long-term heart problems.

The salt we eat daily is not only related to the taste of our food, but also to the balance of the body, heart health, and quality of life. Both conditions of sodium deficiency and excess can cause serious health problems.

A conversation with cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju on what sodium is, why the body needs it, how much is safe, and what risks arise when it is too much:

What is sodium and why is it needed by the body?

Sodium is the scientific name. In simple terms, it is a part of salt. It is a mineral element. We eat it every day and it is one of the most important minerals for our body.

Without sodium, the body's cells, nerves, muscles and heart cannot function normally. It is essential for water balance, blood pressure, signal transmission and muscle function. But too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and heart problems, so it is important to keep it in the right amount.

What happens in the body when there is a lack of sodium?

Sodium keeps our body in good balance. It is found in the blood, muscles, cells and other parts of the body. Most of it is in the blood. Without this mineral, cells cannot function. Muscles, the heart and the brain all need it. If it is less than the required amount, it has a negative effect on the body.

Due to its deficiency, muscles cannot function, the nervous system is affected, and problems occur in the heart and other organs. This is called hyponatremia. It must be kept in the required amount. About 500 milligrams of sodium is needed every day, but it is recommended that the amount of salt should not exceed 2.3 grams. This 2.3 grams is not even equal to a teaspoon.

Is sodium only in salt or is it also found in other foods?

Foods like green vegetables, fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, meat, and eggs contain sodium even if they are not salted, but the amount is less.

It is difficult to say exactly how much salt to eat daily, but it can be estimated in these ways. The World Health Organization recommends less than 2 grams of sodium per day for adults. This is approximately the same as a teaspoon of salt.

Sodium is found not only in salt, but also in foods added to food and vegetables. The added sodium should not exceed 2.3 grams. A teaspoon can be used when measuring. For example, a teaspoon of salt is enough to cook vegetables for four people. Generally, it is okay to eat only one teaspoon of salt per day.

What happens when you have too much sodium?

Too much sodium has various negative effects on the body. Because sodium attracts water. When there is too much sodium, the body retains water, blood volume increases, and pressure in the blood vessels increases. The biggest problem caused by this is high blood pressure, which causes long-term damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, etc.

What are the symptoms of sodium deficiency or excess?

When there is a deficiency (hyponatremia) or excess (hypernatremia) of sodium, various symptoms appear in the body, which are mainly due to the effects on the brain and nervous system.

Sodium deficiency occurs when the blood sodium level is 135 milliequivalents per liter.

The main symptoms are headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or weakness, muscle weakness, cramps, confusion or dizziness, irritability or low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or a person may go into a coma.

When sodium is high, ‘sodium 145 milliequivalents per liter in the blood’

When sodium is high, problems such as excessive thirst, feeling tired or lethargic, dizziness or confusion, irritability, muscle twitching or cramps, dry mouth and skin, and rapid heartbeat may occur.

You can predict these symptoms at home. If you experience problems such as headache, fatigue, confusion, cramps, or fainting, you should go to the doctor immediately. These symptoms can also be associated with other diseases. But the most accurate and reliable way is to check the amount of sodium in the blood by doing a blood test.

How does sodium affect heart health?

Excess sodium affects the heart in two main ways. First, it causes high blood pressure and puts extra pressure on the heart and blood vessels. Second, as blood volume increases, the heart has to pump more blood, which can cause the muscle in the left lower chamber of the heart (ventricle) to thicken or enlarge, a condition called ‘left ventricular hypertrophy’, or increase the risk of heart failure.

In addition, excess sodium activates the sympathetic nervous system, weakens the inner lining of blood vessels, and increases inflammation, which further damages the heart and blood vessels. The effects are more severe in people with high blood pressure or heart disease, as it increases the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, putting an additional burden on the heart.

How to control sodium?

-To control sodium, try to keep your daily intake below 2 grams, which is about 5 grams of salt per day.

-You should cook more fresh food at home. Processed/packaged foods such as chips, noodles, sausages, bread, soy sauce, etc. should be reduced as much as possible. Salt should be kept to a minimum while cooking and eating.

-You should check the sodium content of packaged foods by looking at the label and choose low-sodium options.

-You should eat more potassium-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. This reduces the negative effects of sodium.

Harmful chemicals in condoms increase cancer and infertility risk: study

 Harmful chemicals in condoms increase cancer and infertility risk: study

Condoms are often used for safe sex. Which is a good habit. It also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases as well as other sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. Similarly, different types of lubricants are used to reduce irritation during sexual intercourse. But their use can also cause various problems. People who use condoms and lubricants may suffer from cancer and infertility.

Harmful chemicals in condoms and lubricants

A study was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, which found that many well-known brands of condoms and lubricants use harmful chemicals. According to the study, a group of 'PFS' 15,000 synthetic chemicals are used to make them. These chemicals have been confirmed to be found in many brands of ultra-thin condoms and jelly lubricants. PFS is commonly used in condoms to maintain their softness and fluidity.

Can be cancer

According to some studies done on 'PFS', its exposure also increases the risk of cancer. Sometimes it can cause testicular cancer as well as kidney cancer. Studies have shown that in some cases, its excessive use can cause problems related to infertility. Also, exposure to this chemical increases the risk of prostate cancer as well as breast cancer. It has been found that apart from endometrial cancer, it can also cause thyroid cancer.

Other harm caused by 'PFS'

Exposure to these chemicals in condoms and lubricants can cause various problems in both men and women.

According to experts, if condoms are used more than twice a week, the sensitivity of the inner layer and membrane of the vagina starts to lose gradually. As a result, the secretion of fluid from the vagina of a woman is reduced or completely stopped, which can cause pain or dryness in the vagina.

According to experts, exposure to PFS affects sperm count, which can lead to infertility. Exposure to 'PFS' can cause liver damage as well as thyroid problems.

This chemical can sometimes weaken the immune system and cause other problems as well.

Why is it harmful to drink tea that has been boiled for a long time?

 Why is it harmful to drink tea that has been boiled for a long time?

Starting the day with a sip of sweet tea is a common practice in South Asian countries including Nepal and India. Drinking tea is very common in these countries. There are also different ways of making tea according to geography and climate. Every person makes tea according to his taste and enjoys it.

According to an article published in Navbharat Times, every house in India makes a lot of milk tea. The same applies to Nepal. Most people follow this one method of making tea, steeping the tea leaves in water and boiling them for a long time.

Many people think that if tea is boiled for a long time, its taste will be sweet. Some people also boil milk and tea leaves together. But many people do not know that boiling tea for a long time is harmful to health.

According to Indian nutritionist Shikha Aggarwal Sharma, there are many benefits of properly brewing tea. Drinking properly brewed tea helps to increase immunity, reduce weight, and control blood sugar levels. But since tea leaves contain caffeine, boiling them for a long time is harmful, says nutritionist Agarwal.

Risk of cancer

According to experts, tannins are abundant in tea. It is a group of polyphenolic biomolecules, which are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, wine and tea. Tannin is a molecule that is abundant in tea and coffee. It binds together protein, cellulose, starch and minerals. As a result, the body becomes deficient in iron. Boiling tea for more than four minutes increases the amount of tannin, which inhibits iron absorption. In addition, if the tea is boiled too much, the nutrients in the tea will also decrease. Tea cooked in this way increases acidity in the body. If you drink too much of this tea, it also causes the risk of cancer.

Nutrients are low

Nutrients and minerals are found in tea leaves. It contains flavonoids, catechins, polyphenols, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium and fluoride. According to experts, boiling tea for a long time reduces the nutrients found in tea leaves and milk. Vitamin B12 and C found in it are also low.

Inhibits iron absorption

According to experts, if the tea is boiled for a long time, the tannin content in it is reduced. This element is found in some fruits, vegetables and nuts. Boiling tea for a long time will hinder the absorption of iron. Which can reduce the amount of blood in the body.

Stomach problems

Boiling tea leaves and milk for a long time destroys the protein found in milk. Because of this, due to problems in digesting milk, stomach ache, acidity problem, flatulence, gas filling may occur. After boiling the tea with milk for a long time, it will smell bitter even after drinking it.

Too much boiling of tea leaves and milk together is harmful

At high temperature, a chemical reaction takes place with milk's lactose protein. If you drink it in excess, it will produce harmful substances in the body. If these two are mixed and boiled for a long time, a substance called acrylamide can be formed in milk. It is high in carbohydrates. Acrylamide can also cause cancer.

So what is the right way to make tea?

According to experts, boiling tea leaves in high-temperature water for two minutes increases the amount of polyphenols found in them. Boiling more than this will make the quality of the tea worse.

There is no benefit to over-boiling, it makes the tea taste bitter. To increase the taste and benefits of tea, it is important to follow the right method of making tea.

The right way to make tea

– Boil a pan of water and again turn off the gas (any means of fire).

- Put a teaspoon of tea leaves in it and cover it for three to four minutes.

- Now add a little milk and sugar according to your taste and enjoy the tea.

Drinking too much cold coffee is harmful to health

 Drinking too much cold coffee is harmful to health

It is very hot time now. The body and face are sweaty. In this case, the mind looks for a cold drink. Lassi and juice are preferred by many in cold drinks.

Cold coffee is also the choice of many people these days. Connoisseurs of cold coffee consume it four to five times a day. That's why many people have this addiction.

In this case, the question arises, can it be safe to drink too much sweet coffee in summer?

If you have the habit of drinking cold coffee daily and drinking it several times a day, it is not considered good for your health. It contains excessive amounts of caffeine and sugar. Due to this, drinking more in hot weather can lead to dehydration, digestive problems and increased sugar levels.

-Drinking very cold coffee makes you urinate more. As a result, the body lacks water and may suffer from dehydration. Because coffee contains too much caffeine.

- On the one hand, caffeine and the extreme cold of the refrigerator can cause digestive problems.

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What are the health problems of drinking too much tea and coffee?

- If sugar is used in cold coffee, it increases blood sugar and affects the weight of the person.

- In summer, the temperature increases and sleep becomes less. In this case, drinking cold coffee keeps the brain stimulated by the caffeine in it. Therefore

It can also be difficult to sleep at night.

- If you have high blood pressure, it is better not to drink it. Because drinking too much also affects the blood pressure level.

- Some iced coffees contain high-calorie cream, milk and other flavors. Eating too much of it can lead to weight gain and digestive problems.

The right way to drink cold coffee

- Drink only once or twice a day.

-Drink it before evening and put little or no sugar in it.

- Drink water one hour before drinking coffee.

Coffee: Friend of loneliness

It is continuously raining. The weather is cold. How about drinking hot coffee right now?

There is a mood of escaping from the crowd, noise, family, work and dealings and being absorbed in oneself. How about sitting in a secluded place and enjoying coffee?

Coffee is not only a drink that quenches thirst. It is also a friend of loneliness. when you are alone There are no friends to gossip, no relatives to gossip about. There is no work to be done immediately. What do you do now? He sits sipping hot coffee. Whether it is to kill time or to take a break from the hectic daily life, you sip coffee.

In bygone days it was a favorite drink of the elite. But now coffee is for everyone. This is a drink easily available in most kitchens. Also, coffee culture is also very popular in the city now. Coffee houses are operating in places. Coffee connoisseurs are also increasing.

There are not few people who drink coffee regularly, not only occasionally. There is not a small group of people who get excited when they say coffee. Some of them are not even in the mood to work without drinking coffee.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the amount of caffeine in coffee is high. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. As a result, it helps fight fatigue and increase energy levels. That's why some people feel a different energy in their body after drinking coffee. However, too much caffeine is harmful to the body.

Neurologist Dr. According to Ram Koirala, certain elements in coffee help the brain to concentrate. That's why many poets, writers, thinkers have made it like a friend. "The antioxidants present in it benefit the brain," he said.

"Coffee is high in antioxidants," says nutritionist Uma Koirala, "so drinking coffee in limited quantities is said to be beneficial."

According to a report published by a nutritionist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, drinking coffee in limited amounts is beneficial for the body. Some elements found in coffee help to reduce liver, heart and skin problems. It is also said to protect against the possible risk of Alzheimer's.

It has been written in various medical journals that drinking coffee regularly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Consuming coffee in the right amount is said to protect against the risk of colon cancer. It is also specified how much coffee to drink daily, according to which it is mentioned that it is appropriate to drink up to two cups of coffee a day.

"But since there is a problem with diabetes, it is better to drink it after consulting a doctor," says nutritionist Uma.

Drinking too much is harmful

There is a proverb in Nepali, if there is too much, even nectar becomes poison. Nutritionists say the same about coffee. There are some elements in coffee which are beneficial for health. However, drinking too much coffee does more harm than good, they said.

They say that especially if the amount of caffeine in coffee is high, it will cause harm. It is said that those who have a chronic illness or are undergoing treatment for any disease should only drink coffee after consulting a doctor. Drinking too much coffee can cause problems like insomnia, anxiety, heartburn.

Who is not suitable for?

Nutritionist Koirala says that people with high cholesterol, people with heart disease, and people with heartburn should avoid coffee as much as possible. He says that anxiety patients and people with stomach related problems like gastric should not eat it.

It is better not to eat coffee because some people get headaches, while some people get more headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Similarly, doctors advise pregnant women not to drink coffee.

Therefore, dalmoth and bhujia are harmful

 Therefore, dalmoth and bhujia are harmful

Dalmoth and bhujia are often used as snacks at home. Dalmoth and bhujia are always served during festivals, gatherings and gatherings. It is preferred by children to old people.

Be it with tea or with cold drinks or with alcohol, dalmoth and bhujia are considered as snacks. It does not need to be cooked, it is also sweet so it is easy to eat immediately.

But despite consuming so much of it, the common people do not pay attention to the effect it has on their health. Dalmoth and Bhujia only harm the body, they do nothing good. Because it does not contain any type of nutrients required by the body. It contains trans fats, high calories, and excessive amounts of sodium, which are harmful to the body.

The trans fat in it is simply bad fat. It has a negative effect on the inside of the arteries and narrows the arteries. This causes blockage of blood circulation and increases the chances of blood clotting, which increases the chances of heart attack and stroke.

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It increases the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. This increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and breast cancer in women. According to the World Health Organization, it has been proven that about 540,000 deaths are caused by trans fats every year.

Another is that it is high in calories. Which gives more energy even if you eat little. But the body does not have the required protein. As a result, consuming more high-calorie foods increases obesity due to lack of protein, but there is a risk of malnutrition. Similarly, the amount of sodium in dalmoth or bhujia is high. It affects the brain, arteries and heart.

Eating too much Dalmod and Bhujia can cause swelling of the knees and limbs, risk of kidney stones, high blood pressure, heart problems, stomach ulcers, damage to the arteries and other serious problems. This may also cause memory loss in old age. There can also be a problem of water freezing in various organs. Consuming food that is high in salt causes the body to retain more water than it needs. As a result, various health problems appear. Apart from this, there are problems such as abdominal pain, flatulence, gastric, diarrhea and constipation.

Do not eat if you have high blood pressure, constipation, ulcers or any stomach related problems, if you have undergone surgery or if you have any complicated disease. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, i.e. constipation and diarrhea at the same time, it is better not to eat these things. Because it can make the disease more complicated.

If you have to eat dalmoth and bhujia, it is better to mix it with other nutritious and fiber rich foods.

What is gluten? Why is it harmful to health?

Many people now eat wheat bread as an alternative to rice. There is a lot of understanding that bread is suitable for some diseases or weight loss. However, is a dish made from wheat bread and wheat flour really beneficial?