Sodium is a component of the common salt that we consume in foods. Salt is a chemical compound made up of 40 % of sodium and 60% of chloride and is by far the biggest dietary contributor of sodium. Different varieties of salt are available but the composition of the salt remains the same. One teaspoon of salt contains 2300 milligrams of sodium. However, it is also naturally found in many foods – although in much lesser amounts than the foods in which salt is added. Today, then processed and packaged foods are largely the contributors of the high sodium levels in the diet.

The American Heart Association recommends not more than 2300 milligrams of sodium per day (1 teaspoon of salt). However, the ideal limit as per them is no more than 1500 milligrams per day. Most of us eat more than the recommended limit. Keeping the intake of …

Gas is formed when certain foods reach the large intestine without being completely and adequately digested. Once they arrive there bacteria go to work to digest them and in the process produce gas. This is a normal occurrence and in most cases intestinal gas is not a sign of an illness or disease. Today we eat more high fiber foods than our grandparents. Fruits and vegetables can be a source of intestinal gas, especially in people not used to eating a lot of them, or in the case of fructose intolerance.

The major cause of occasional excess gas is gas-producing foods. Most people are aware that beans are a major suspect, but there are other foods that will put you are risk including: apricots, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, onions, and mangoes.

Obviously, the first step in reducing flatulence is to avoid the foods that cause this problem for you. …

Avoid foods that cause osteoporosis

• Gluten. For those who have an autoimmune disease or have a gluten sensitivity, gluten is the major contributor to bone loss. Therefore, if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, you should be screened for gluten sensitivity. Cyrex Labs Array 3 is a blood test that can accurately identify gluten sensitivity.
• Canned soda. The high phosphorus content in canned soda leads to the removal of calcium from the body.
• Alcohol. Excessive alcohol interferes with the balance of calcium and the production of vitamin D, a vitamin essential for calcium absorption. Chronic heavy drinking also leads to hormone deficiencies. In men, it lowers testosterone and in women, estrogen.
• High-sodium processed foods. Salt causes excessive calcium excretion through the kidneys.
• Coffee. Over consumption of caffeine leaches calcium from the bones. Limit to two cups a day if you already have osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Eat plenty of foods that build

Diet sodas or drinks refer to carbonated beverages that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose or acesulfame-k. If you think about it, almost every popular soda brand on the market has a diet or a “light” version available. Technically they should be good for dieters as they contain no calories, and help to prevent sugar-related diseases, but evidence of these drinks being beneficial is completely non-existent.

Artificial sweeteners are what the word suggests: synthetic or fabricated. The main problem with these sweeteners is that they have a more intense flavour than real sugar. Over time, our taste buds get used to diet products and they have the same effect on the body than real sugar. Your body will crave sugar more, and this will result in higher insulin levels, which will result in your body increasing its fat storage.

The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study monitored a …