#too much sodium is bad for your heart

[katatonicimpression]

So, this web series has so far been one long storyline by Derek Landy (now, officially on the shit list), with a few different artists: Marcio Fiorito, Phillip Sevy & Davide Tinto. The colourists were Erick Arciniega at first, and then Fer Sifuentes-Sujo took over. The final chunk of this series is essentially alternating between Fiorito and Tinto.

So, lets talk about the art first.

You would not have guessed that the colourist was the same each week, given how Fiorito's Wanda looked a helluva lot whiter than Tinto's.

Honestly Fiorito's art was just not great. Sorry but it had a lot of pretty rough moments:

Although a few nicer bits here and there. I liked this Sam, for example:

Honestly it feels like it was produced under rushed circumstances.

I actually made an edit of Sevy's Wanda, and yeah I think he did better than the other two.

But, by far the funniest part of the whole thing is how Fiorito would draw Sam clean shaven (which is, imo, correct for 616 Sam) and Tinto would draw him with a beard. And not even a good beard. So, Sam would be starting a conversation with no beard and ending it with one. Staggering. How does this happen? I'd like to imagine that both artists knew this was a thing but were each too stubborn to change.

The Plot:

I don't care it was fine whatever. Purple space aliens.

The Sam:

Early on in this saga, Sam gets the shit beaten out of him by one of the extra tough aliens (a Fear Teacher). This goes on for a really long time. Seriously, you're just scrolling and scrolling for pages watching him get brutalised.

Now, this is pretty bad. In general, I actually have a fairly high tolerance for violence in fiction, and, in general, I am often the one saying (or at least thinking) "stop complaining about bad things happening to characters you like. it's part of the story, it will lead somewhere" so hopefully it's clear that when I say this felt like too much, I really do mean something by it. The proportion of the comic taken up with this was way too high, even if it had paid off in some narrative way.

It didn't, though.

Both during the beatdown and a few times in the subsequent issues, we get dialogue about how Sam is a less formidable fighter than the other avengers. How he's just some guy and doesn't stack up to them. How he and t'challa can't breathe in space (and, like, neither can Tony but go off). It feels very deliberate and honestly kind of tiring, but you would think it was leading to something, right?

Why put this extensive beat down and all this dialogue about Sam's supposed inferiority into the comic if you're not building to something?

The obvious thing to think here is that this story is set in 616, so Sam is absolutely not just some human dude with no powers. He has telepathic powers. He is very much a special little guy. So, you might think that this was how this was going to pay off. That he'd use his abilities in some unexpected way, showing his worth even if he doesn't shoot lasers.

That doesn't happen, though. I don't think Landy knows that Sam isn't human.

The other option, and what I think (very charitably) Landy was trying to do, was show Sam being Mr Diplomat, and talking to the aliens and that's how he's useful. He gets healed in a magical space healing tube for a bit, then is the main guy who talks to the aliens throughout. There are two problems with this.

The first problem is that Landy's Sam just feels like Steve. And not even a good Steve, like, a very bland version of Steve. Sam's personality is not present when he's talking to the aliens. He's all "sir" and "ma'am" and this very formal "military guy being diplomatic" thing, and that is not 616 Sam. He's a talker, yes. He's empathetic and willing to hear people out, but he's not a soldier, he's not a politician or a diplomat or anything like that. And he's funnier, more brazen. He'd be willing to insult the aliens on purpose, is my point. Landy is hardly the first writer to deliver the blandest possible mischaracterisation of Sam, but it's annoying every time and I think we tolerate it too much.

The second problem, is that Landy does not seem willing to commit to actually having Sam succeed. Sam's job is to be the guy who talks politics to the aliens. Unless it's an important moment or a cool, righteous hero line, then Carol has to say it.

Seriously, that's what happens. Sam's function is to provide exposition, and to vaguely endanger himself in ways that have no consequence. Then, he steps aside to let Carol deliver any and all important dialogue including righteous political shit that surely, surely, you would give to the literal captain america character? No?

So, if the intent was to resolve this by saying Sam adds value through his "talking to people about politics and idealism" skills, then that intention never made it to the final page.

No, what we get is a story that emphasises how much the writer thinks Sam is useless and is worse than everyone else. He just says it over and over again and has an alien beat the shit out of him.

Right at the end of the penultimate issue, Sam comes face to face with a Fear Teacher (I believe the same one who nearly killed him). You would have thought that this would prompt a second fight between them, this time Sam wins, showing that he is, in fact, an impressive super hero in his own right. But no. Instead, in the final issue we cut to Sam already fleeing down a corridor away from the guy.

You guys I'm so mad about this and it's literally just a dumb online mini comic wtf

[savetheghost]

save do you have any tips for managing migraines

uhhhhhh lessee

personally i have prescriptions for it cause mine screwed my brain up but obvious ones like proper rest + maybe log what you eat and see if theres any correlation + general put nutrients in your body stuff which is actually kind of hard to keep track of

i have some REALLY WEIRD scent based triggers so i have to stay away from ammonia-like scents and eucalyptus cause those will put my ass out flat IMMEDIATELY, thats not an everyone thing but maybe note if theres sensory stuff around you that might be a trigger

for me warm toned lights and screen tints are way better than cool tones/white light and if youve got light colored eyes wear amber tinted sunglasses outdoors

water + salty snack > pedialite > gatorade and depending on caffeine sensitivity maybe moderate that cause it can either help or hurt, kinda depends on the person, but water and saltines will get you electrolytes and its cheap as fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck even if it doesnt taste as great as gatorade

sunlight on your skin and not in your eyeballs

also vitamin d just in general helps but its way better to actually use the sun for that than trying to digest it so like just 10ish minutes in the sun is what my neurologist recommended on top of taking 2000mg tablets

thats what ive got off the top of my head

[dfortrafalgar]

I'm Losing You... (But We're Filling the Cracks)

Having a family isn't always as easy as fairy tales make it seem. But sometimes, you just need a little bit of love... and a little bit of science.

Warnings: read chapter 1 for warnings.

Taglist: @phsycochan | @mirillua | @augustanna | @chaixsherlock | @whore-of-many-hot-men | @nerdisthenewcool | @lilypadmomentum

Chapter 25

[Prev] [Next]

The shock did not go away.  If anything, it packed its bags and moved into your home.

You stood in front of the mirror in your bathroom dressed in only your bra and underwear.  Law stood behind you, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest.  The air in the room was stifling as you gazed at the bump that had already started showing in your belly.

You had an approximate due date.  May 22nd.

You were officially, according to your implantation date and calculations done by Robin, on your ninth week of pregnancy.  Your hCG levels in each blood test had increased as expected, and your babies had heartbeats.

Your babies.  Plural.

Your symptoms were exacerbated by the fact that you had not one, but two embryos inside you.  Breast tenderness, backaches, nausea, dizziness, the whole nine yards.

Though, if you were being fair to yourself, your dizziness could easily have been a side effect of being labeled as ‘extremely high risk.’  Due to your history, and now due to being pregnant with multiples, you were given strict instructions to be much more present at your doctor’s office.  You were given prenatal vitamins to begin taking daily every single morning.  You were given foods to avoid in order to lower your risk of developing gestational diabetes.  You were also given foods more encouraged to eat.  Raise your blood iron.  Raise your sodium, but not too much.  Eat an increase of around 1000 calories a day to support the growth of two placentas and two babies.  Watch out for spotting, bleeding, pelvic pain, irregular bowel movements.  Watch out for headaches and weight gain or discolored urine, you might die.  Keep an eye on your mental health, what stresses you, stresses the babies.  But mostly, be excited!

Yeah, right.

Your hand traced the small bump in your belly.

“You know…” you began, making Law perk his head up to listen to you.  “I always thought that seeing a baby bump would be the most exciting moment of my life… but I’ve never been more scared.  Ever.”

Law approached you from behind, wrapping his hands around your bare waist and resting his chin on the crown of your head.  His scent enveloped you like a blanket, instantly warming your skin and calming your heightened nerves.  One of his hands traveled down the skin of your abdomen, resting on top of where yours lay above your uterus.

“I can’t lie to you… I am, too,” he added, his voice heavy with thought.

“Am I a bad person for not being excited?” you asked, your voice surprisingly stable despite the racing heart in your chest.  “I mean, I am excited.  So far their hearts are still beating… but…”

“You’re not a bad person at all,” replied your husband, planting a kiss to the back of your head.  “It’s perfectly rational that you feel scared.”

“Terrified…” you clarified for the both of you.  “I feel terrified.”

You and Law made eye contact in the mirror.  The way he had his arms wrapped around you reminded you of a security blanket given to trauma victims in an ambulance.  The thought made a wry smile break out onto your lips, making your husband cock an eyebrow.

“What’s got you smiling all of a sudden?” he asked with a slight upward turn to the corner of his mouth.

You mustered out a dry chuckle.  “You’re my trauma victim security blanket.”

The randomness of your sentence made Law’s shoulders bounce slightly as he laughed, holding you closer to him.  “I know it’s really hard for you to do so, but I think we should both try as hard as we can to think positively.  It’ll probably be healthier for you.”

You looked up at him, a smirk dancing over your face.  “That sounds crazy coming from you.”

You yelped in surprise as Law scooped you into his arms and carried you to your shared bedroom before plopping you down on your mattress, him sprawling out beside you.  “What was that for?”

“So you wouldn’t stress yourself out in the mirror,” he replied, his voice hoarse yet tender as he stared at you from his pillow.  “I’m being serious, though.  I know the stakes are high, but there’s gotta be things we can think about to prevent you from getting stressed.”

You turned your body to lay on your back, lacing your hand with his as you stared at your ceiling.  “Any examples?”

Law hummed in thought, glancing around the room.  His eyes landed on your framed, signed Sora poster.  The frame had a very small crack in it from being moved out of your sophomore year dorm room, but the poster inside was still in perfect condition.  “Think about our kids watching Sora.  Maybe we can dress them up as Sora and Stealth Black for Halloween.”

The tender thought almost immediately made you smile.  Your mind flooded with even more thoughts of Law as a dad, tailoring Halloween costumes for his kids and making them feel perfect.  Your thoughts of Law with one baby had now evolved into thoughts of him with two, rocking two armfuls of swaddled infants to sleep, kissing their little foreheads, pushing them in a double stroller.  Your eyes began to well with tears which you quickly blinked away, choosing instead to push yourself up and roll over, hooking one of your legs in between Law’s and laying across his chest.  His arms instinctively wrapped around your waist, tracing invisible patterns into the skin of your back.

“I get really happy thinking about you as a dad,” you sighed.  “You’re gonna be so amazing.”

Law chuckled, his chest rumbling.  “That’s the kind of positivity I’m talking about.”

You giggled.  “I mean it, though.  Remember before we got married and you said you were so scared to have kids one day?  Because you didn’t want them to go through what we had?”

His face fell slightly, recalling the memory.  He was still in the middle of his residency program, and you were jumping job to job with random, unstable freelance gigs.  It wasn’t the instability of your lives that made him weary, however.  Rather, it was the looming anxiety that everything good in Law’s life would someday be snatched away from him.  And that had happened to you, twice.

But when he stepped back and thought about the broader picture, it got easier for him to see clearly.  How you put up with his shitty attitude when you first met.  How quickly you opened yourself up to him, exposing your deepest fears and troubles and being patient with him when he struggled to reveal his own worries to you.  How you told him you loved him after only five months, terrified that you were going to scare him off, and all he could do in response was give you the most awkward, inexperienced kiss you had probably ever received.  And you stayed by his side even when it took him almost a full year to say those three little words back.

You brushed your fingers along Law’s cheek, tracing the soft hair of his sideburns before hooking around his head and burying into the fluffy black wisps behind his ear.  You pressed a smattering of kisses across his jaw and cheekbones, over his nose and finally on his lips.  “When I think about positive things, I think of you.”

Law’s lips broke into a wide smile, the kind of smile he only ever showed you.  The kind of smile that wrinkled the skin around his eyes and revealed the single small dimple he had on his right cheek.

A sudden ringing from his phone on the bedside table startled the two of you out of your lovestruck daze.  With a grumble, he reached over and grabbed the device, you rolling off of him and sitting criss-cross on your side of the bed.  He tapped the answer button and pressed the phone to his ear.  You could just barely make out the words spoken on the other end.  After a brief goodbye, Law hung up the call and uttered a heavy sigh before standing up and grabbing his uniform coat.

“Emergency surgery?” you asked.  You were only slightly disappointed with the interruption of your intimate moment, but it was nothing you weren’t already used to.

He nodded with a frown before walking back over to you and stealing a quick kiss from your lips.  “Patient just came into the ED with a STEMI.  I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Don’t worry about me, go save the world,” you said with a smile.  He tossed you a somber grin as he stepped into his shoes, grabbed his work bag, and booked it out the door.  Living two minutes away from the hospital by car definitely had its perks.

You were surrounded by silence in your apartment when the front door was closed behind your husband.  With a sigh, you stood from the bed and paced toward Law’s wardrobe, opening the bottom drawer and pulling out one of his old sweatshirts.  It had a custom design on the front of it, one that he also had tattooed on his back.  His living situation after he lost his biological family wasn’t ideal, but the little ways he held onto the memory of his adoptive father always brought a smile to your face.  You pulled the hoodie over you, taking off your bra underneath it and throwing it onto the end of your mattress, tiredly rubbing your sore breasts underneath the soft cotton of his shirt.  You turned around to face the rest of your bedroom.

The pregnancy journal that you barely started writing in was placed on top of Law’s desk.  With a deep breath, you grabbed the book, a pen, and a roll of white-out tape and proceeded to your couch in the living room.

You smiled at the sight of Bepo, stomach completely upward facing and paws outstretched as he snoozed away on his dog bed.  You had a feeling Bepo was going to be an absolutely incredible big brother.

You leaned against a pillow rested along the arm of the couch and propped up your knees to place the book on your thighs.  You finally mustered up your anxieties and opened the cover.

“Nothing but positivity,” you muttered to yourself.  You uncapped the pen and started writing.

[howl224tgeundying]

Salt repels demons, this is why the FDA and other "health" organizations are trying to push for less sodium in your diet, they're ironically demonizing salt when for millennia all spiritual knowledge knows that it repels bad spirits/demons (regardless of religion, belief or region of the world).

Processed sugar on the other hand, attracts demons, it's the bastardized version of salt. It's white granules, but instead of being beneficial and essential to life (like salt) it destroys teeth, makes you fat and many other negative effects on health.

Natural sugars like those found in fruits and honey have been shown to be different than processed sugars, these can be good, especially honey which has healing properties (in moderation of course).

But this is why salt was demonized and sugars have been put into everything, all drinks, food, fucking pasta sauce, and it's addictive as all hell. When you look at countries like Japan or Korea that have extremely high sodium intake (from many fermented sauces) you see that they actually have low rates of obesity and heart disease. It's almost impossible to have too much salt as you will just pee out any excess, so stay hydrated and aside from drinking hyper salinated water, you literally can't overdose on salt. Meanwhile countries with high rates of sugar consumption, you see high rates of obesity and heart disease, like in America where sugar is even in the bread. Not to mention diabetes and other numerous health detriments are either brought on entirely or exacerbated by excess sugar intake.

[breelandwalker]

Going to preface this by saying that this is something that has helped ME, MYSELF, AS A SINGULAR PERSON, and is not meant to be a blanket recommendation or a broader truth or any kind of medical advice. I am also not looking for advice of any kind.

I have a hard time finding the mental and physical spoons to exercise. I have a day job that requires me to be sedentary, a side hustle that requires a lot of mental energy, and way too much housework and home repair stuff to deal with. All this plus ADHD. Between the battle with executive dysfunction and the energy needed to get through all my Have-To's, adding one more thing to my weekly routine or making time to go to the gym is just not an option.

But at the same time, I've got 40,000 miles on this chassis and a history of health problems in the family, so I need to be taking care of myself.

So what I've started doing is adding little bodyweight exercises to my day while I'm at work. If I'm sitting, it's arm circles or leg raises a few times an hour. If I get up for something, it's squats or wall presses. If it's lunchtime, it's a lap around the building. All stuff that gets me moving, engages muscles that aren't getting used enough, and can be done quickly more or less anywhere.

I've managed to turn this into a habit using an app, alongside reducing the sodium in my diet and eating more fruit, and I'm starting to feel less tired and more limber. I still have trouble with fatigue sometimes, but this routine change does seem to be sticking, which is a big win for me. Plus I don't have to waste money on gym fees and then feel bad when I'm too tired to actually go and use the equipment.

It's no picnic hitting your forties and realizing you have to start paying serious attention to all your bits and bobs because the warranty is DEFINITELY expired by now and you can't just ignore your blood pressure anymore, especially because three bouts of COVID have done a number on your heart and lungs. While I'm not going to turn into a fitness model or pick up jogging anytime soon, it sure was nice to go to a LARP event and not feel winded after combat.

Turning 40 ain't easy. But it damn sure beats the alternative.

[volivolition]

Yo, what's your favourite moment/line from Disco Elysium?

VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION HKJHG <3 off the top of my head, favorite moment is shooting down the hanged man and aces high/low :] it's just such a win... very celebratory moment with kim!!

if i had to pick a line, it would be "I NEED YOU. YOU CAN KEEP ME ON THIS EARTH. BE VIGILANT. I LOVE YOU." it's just such a classic. the line of all time, shivers my everything!!! LA REVACHOLIERE MY EVERYTHING!! if i had to choose, its this one :3

anyway, here's a list of voli's poignant quotes :]

"This is somewhere to be. This is all you have, but it's still something. Streets and sodium lights. The sky, the world. You're still alive."

"The road to healing is going to be a long one. Stay the course. You will make it, some day."

"Subdue the regret. Dust yourself off, proceed. You’ll get it in the next life, where you don’t make mistakes. Do what you can with this one, while you’re alive.”

"I know there's not much to say -- but if nothing else, just remember that you've made it this far. And it's just a bit farther now. Let's finish this."

"No. You can stop. Just wade through the hell. Month after month. Year after year -- you against the nothingness. It's possible, because time is possible.

"No. Not a disaster. Weave this into the story of you. Walk out of its ruins. Save those who still can be saved -- I'm on your side."

also all of the skills break my heart in some way for the final dream scene, but volition's is my header for a reason </3

"I can't help you. I am totally useless. Everything I've said is lies. I want the exact same bad things you want. To stand here, like a pillar of salt, saying…"

^ guy who fucking breaks my heart :'] he tries so hard to be strong, to keep your morale and willpower up, but god he is not infallible. for him to admit this. ough... my heart. i love this guy.

i do have other favorite quotes!! Half Light's "You are the first crack in the sheer face of god." and Esprit's "If an assault were launched on this building right now — if the windows came crashing down and the whole world descended upon you — this man would hurl himself in death's way to save you" and Kim's "Every school of thought and government has failed in this city, but I love it nonetheless. It belongs to me as much as it belongs to you." and i also love the silly quotes too and ough. game that is mostly words having a lot of good quotes? who would have guessed!! but yes, the ultimate fave would be the first shivers quote <3

[winke77e]

Good Intentions?

So my mom asked me an interesting question: "Don't you ever feel like an asshole when you think you're correcting people? Especially if the thing they believe makes them happy?"

In this conversation specifically, about science and health facts, my answer is "No."

I don't feel like I'm being an asshole when I tell you the thing you believe about a health fact is wrong. I feel like I'm helping you learn the correct way to keep yourself healthy. I know I might sound like an ass, and be perceived as an ass, but I know your intentions are good, you might just be understanding 'the thing' wrong and I want to help you actually be safe.

For context: My mom has a fear of having a heart attack or stroke, but she doesn't talk to doctors or health professionals about staying healthy or safe. Instead she found this "Influencer" who gives "health advice", but this person has also been banned from Australia because their 'advice' was so wrong, it threatened peoples' health. My mom thinks eating excessive amounts of Celtic Salt will provide her with minerals that will boost her health, and EVERY TIME we talk about her salt, I tell her that she's eating so much sodium, those minerals mean nothing.

I know that often, people feel like they're being insulted when someone corrects something they say, but that's not always the case. In the above situation, I correct mom's misinformation because I know the thing she is doing, is going to greatly increase the chances of her experience the thing she's trying to avoid. I'm not mean about it, just persistent. I don't tell her she's stupid or anything. I don't really tell her "you're wrong". I remind her of a health fact she used to know as true, but has since been convinced to forget it?

I did tell her, when she asked why I keep talking about it, that "you might be lucky and nothing will happen, in which case I'm just annoying and we cannot have a good conversation about salt with each other. But a majority of cases show, the excessive amount of salt people eat can lead to greater risk of stroke or heart attack. And if you are unlucky and have an event, don't be surprised if the doctor talks to you about your salt."

I've been corrected too, but I've always thought it of someone trying to teach me something. And sometimes what they say is wrong, but I appreciate their attempt to help me. They state their case, I state mine, then I move on to another topic that we don't disagree on, but sometimes something they say has me questioning, and then I get to do more research :D

There's another guy at the homeless shelter who is giving me advice on how to start my own business. I cannot talk health facts with him because he believes changing his body's PH balance will protect him from cancer and that the oncoming eclipse is caused by excessive amounts of chemicals the government is exposing us to. He speaks so often and with so much confidence and authority, that I still feel bad voicing any opposing opinions. But I still try, sometimes.

( other side note, as a presenting woman, anything I do is often brushed aside as me "being a bitch", so very often anything I say or do is dismissed or taken with skepticism. Occasionally, I do find someone who is interested in learning and we ask questions together and do research and have good fun :) )

What do you guys think? I genuinely want to know your stance on correcting people or being corrected.

[darkmaga-returns]

How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis

NE - Naked Emperor Newsletter

Nov 12, 2024

Remember to add your book recommendations in the comments below.

Today’s book is:

Make America Healthy Again: How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis by Nicole Saphier

If Americans want to know why their health care is so costly and getting costlier, they need only look in the mirror.

Americans are notoriously unhealthy—we eat too much, drink too much, and sit too much. When roughly 80 percent of cardiovascular disease and 40 percent of all cancer cases could be prevented by simple lifestyle changes, it is time to take a deeper look at the problem and ask who is truly responsible. Consider that:

·         After seventy years of innovation, heart disease and cancer remain the top two causes of death in the United States.

·         In 1960, health care spending was 5 percent of America's GDP; today, it is 17.5 percent.

·         The government spends over $1 trillion annually on health care.

·         Nearly one in five American deaths is associated with poor diets.

·        Simply reducing sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day could save up to $20 billion a year in medical costs.

In Make America Healthy Again, Nicole Saphier, a Memorial Sloan Kettering physician, nationally recognized patient advocate, and media personality, reveals how individual negligence and big government incompetence have destroyed America’s health care system. Combining historical events, economic trends, and essential lifestyle advice, with her unique perspective, she offers concrete solutions to address this epic problem.

We don’t need socialized medicine—we need to take better care of ourselves. By getting healthier and adopting preventative measures, Saphier believes, we can reduce the astronomical costs of treatment and improve overall care. The only way to lower medical costs for everyone is to stop incentivizing bad health decisions. Policies such as the Affordable Care Act and single-payer plans ignore something crucial to lowering the overall financial burden: personal responsibility. We can no longer expect doctors and the government to fix illnesses we have the power to prevent. Regardless of which health policy is adopted, our nation will flounder unless we take action. It is up to the American people to make America healthy again.

You can buy the book here (Amazon link).

[tea-with-evan-and-me]

after i was diagnosed with diverticulitis i slowly started to change my diet. now, eating primarily whole foods isn’t always exciting but boy do you feel the difference and i lost 20 pounds in two months 🤦🏻‍♀️

Holy moly admin, I’m sorry 😥 I had to read up on that, it sounds painful. I’m glad you were able to turn your diet around and found a way to stick to it, getting older and the harsh effects that come with it is no joke. The way my metabolism changed between my 20s and 30s is such a kick in my ass. If I don’t do something active every day and even think about a chocolate shake or chicken strips and fries my ass automatically jiggles for like 2 weeks 😭

What are some main staples in your whole food diet? Like do you avoid carbs altogether or just certain ones at certain times? I find that if I don’t eat carbs (flour products, bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and corn), added sugars, processed food, dairy, grains, legumes, alcohol or oils (cooking and all fat oils and butter) 3 consecutive days each week, my cravings for the bad stuff becomes less, my inflammation goes away and I can drop at least 2 pounds a week and that’s without any working out, plus I quit caffeine period. *I’m not a nutritionist or diet expert* It is easy to maintain and each week gets easier if you stick to it, but obviously I’m human so this is not something I do all the time for weeks at a time. I’m a foodie at heart and if I want loaded nachos with a steak and bang bang shrimp on the side, I’m a do it 🤣 especially around that time of the month….but that’s when I’ll up the weight and reps in my workouts too.

you're right, i swear i turned 25 and all of a sudden shit got real 😂 i know exactly what you mean though.. nowadays i have been trying to do at least 10k steps every day (walking or jogging) and weight lift 3/week. 2022-2023 was challenging health wise for a variety of reasons and i felt like a big change was needed. ended up having surgery for my endometriosis/an ovarian mass and promptly put on a medication that basically was like a taste of menopause.. hot flashes, joint pain, insomnia, nauseous all the time.. i'm just now coming off of it and i tell you that shit made it so hard to lose weight lmao i'm hoping things will be stable off of it.

everything you said makes perfect sense to me! the longer i go without eating ultra-processed/hyperpalatable foods in general, the easier it gets and the less i crave them. this year i actually ended up buying and participating in a medical weight loss plan because i NEEDED for someone to.. basically just tell me what to eat. i wasn't technically overweight - i know how to eat low calorie and i know how to lose weight if i need to, but not in a healthy way at all. that really was what changed for me, taking their little nutritional class and receiving a meal plan with tons of details about the different groups and how much to eat each day. i realized i was eating so much MORE food - my meal plan was more than i could even manage most days, and yet i lost weight, like now i look like a different person.. it's crazy. i realize i'm sensitive to sodium and i was really inflamed, even in my face, looking back it was so pronounced. on my meal plan, i couldn't add any salt to my food, only salt free seasonings. so that was a big thing lol to answer your question about staples, it's a little tricky.. i haven't banned carbs at all, but i have reduced them a bit. for instance, i'll still have rice, but i will do 1/4 of a cup or 1/2 cup and load up on veggies. nowadays i just eat the live carb smart bread and buns. potatoes are my FAVORITE, so i just try and eat a bit less of them, corn as well. the tricky part about trying to eat as many whole food meals as possible, is that i don't want to cook a meal every single night. i'm big on meal prepping, but i don't really like to eat microwaved food. i feel like it makes food taste weird, ESPECIALLY chicken, which happens to be my general protein of choice. so i've been eating a lot of beef, eggs and cottage cheese for protein. i love vegetables so there's countless options to add in my rotation. i'm very much still learning what works for me, and like you, i'm a foodie who loves to eat. i'm never going to be someone made miserable trying to stick to a very strict diet. i want to enjoy those delicious nachos every once in a while too LMFAO

[dasenergi]

Mountains or seaside?

Coffee or tea?

Robots or aliens?

Too hot or too cold?

Early bird or night owl?

Thin crust or thick?

Sun or moon?

Thank you for asking, friend.

Mountains or seaside? I live in southern California, all of our beaches are hot and crowded. I'd much rather spend time in the mountains, cooler, quieter, surrounded by trees. I can feel my stress and anxiety dissipating, just by thinking about the trees.

Coffee or tea? Tea. Although I don't drink either any more. I went through a phase where I drank nothing but iced tea because I thought it was good for me. Nope! It dehydrated me and I ended up with bad vertigo for weeks. Now I just drink water.

Robots or aliens? Aliens. I am a believer who has had my own experiences, and has gone to several UFO/UAP conferences in Joshua Tree. I have also attended an Alien Abductee Survivor meeting, hearing their harrowing stories. Their experiences and trauma is heartbreaking. They weren't lies / stories - they were the 100% truth. I am a believer. Also, aliens figure prominently in a book I wrote.

Too hot or too cold? I hate the winter. Hell is ice cold to me. The cold is painful! I'm a summer boy. I love being out in my pool swimming every day. I'd rather feel oppressive heat than bone-chilling cold. But with all that said, to answer your question, in the summer I am too hot and in the winter I am too cold.

Early bird or night owl? I wake up every morning at 5am whether I want to or not. My bedroom has French doors that open to my backyard. I enjoy opening them when it's dark outside and the world is quiet and still. That's my favorite time of day. I get my best meditations when the world is still dark and quiet.

Thin crust or thick? Thin, simply because I am aways watching what I eat. If I could eat anything and not have to worry about my health, I'd love to dip some pizza crust into melted butter or ranch dressing. But alas, I like to feel comfortable in my clothes. Also, heart disease runs in my family. So I keep an eye on carbohydrates, fat, and sodium.

Sun or moon? The moon. It's cool and magical and beautiful. I keep an eye on her every day. The sun is so harsh you can't even look at it without blinding yourself. Also, it causes cancer and will eventually destroy the Earth. But the moon? The moon is my lover. We have had many intimate times together.

Thanks again, friend! I appreciate your Ask.

[unskilledpoint]

What death causes the most frequent nightmares?

Surgical tools are fucked up. Dentistry tools moreso. Which makes sense. Flesh and muscle are hardy. Teeth are as strong as bones. Stronger actually, due to the lack of living material within. One would need quite sharp tools to operate with. Hence the fucked up-ness of dentistry tools. But a person can do a lot more than dentistry with them y'know!

It especially helps when one is under a decent dosage of tetrodotoxin, often sourced from pufferfish. By blocking the transfer of sodium ions between cells it causes paralysis in the muscles.

Not exactly something you wanna be under whilst being wheeled off on a stretcher into a killer dentist's office.

The first thing you see is the white. The glaring, harsh and cold white. It's almost blinding, really. You count the tiles in the ceiling. 48. You count the teeth in your jaw. 32.

Sterile. You can smell the cleanliness. The rubber cuts through the air, a sickeningly blunt smell. Bubblegum. From the mouthwash used. Kids mouthwash.

The lights. Have I mentioned the lights? The bright white lights glare down from bright white ceilings in a bright white room so sterile it smells of death.

The chair is hard. A bit of stuffing pokes out of the cold blue faux leather. You try to poke it in. No use. Tetrodotoxin, remember? You can't move.

The lights flicker a little. The metallic hum in the background continues unwaveringly. You never forget that buzz, not once, not ever. The buzz is everywhere. You hear it all the time. In your room, the forest, someone else's house. A reminder your always an inch away from death.

Of course, it's also a reminder that there's been worse. Later on, you'll say, hey. This is bad, but at least I'm not there again!

But now isn't later on. Now you're here. And here you hear the clinking of metal. Some plastic crinkles. Dentist tools poking through their wrapper.

Your breathing gets heavier, ever so slightly. You can feel the way your hearts beats in your chest, pumping blood, in perfect rhythm with the pounding of your ears.

You lie to yourself. This is fine. This will be okay. This iss just like your normal deaths.

You're good at lying. See? You've even fooled yourself.

For a second, anyways. You're good at detecting lies too. Then the sounds of blood return.

Rubber gloves. You can taste it. The cold metallic buzz is in your mouth. And pliers. Held by a slightly shaky hand.

You're scared now. Terrified.

Crunch. It's sickening how fast that was.

Time passes by. The metallic taste gets stronger. You're choking on it. You don't know where your teeth went. Something red spills. A welcome difference from the artificial blues and whites.

The corners of your vision are red. Red like that liquid.

Some moments later, you wake up in your bed wondering how much was real.

You check the ceiling. Wood. You can't count those. You check your teeth. 32. Sharp as ever.

You're shaking. Why? It was just a dream. Pathetic.

And then you decide it's not worth it to go back to sleep.

Of couuuuuuuurse, some of that iiiiiiiis probably a lie! Maybe. Probably. Yes.

Aaaaaaaanyways, hope that settles your question!

[ataleoftwopitties]

These past few years, I have become a huge advocate for feeding fresh food to dogs to enhance their lives. However, you don't exactly have to transition your dog to a 100% fresh food diet in order to gain the benefits of fresh food.

Simply adding fresh food to your dog's kibble can go a long way in improving their nutrition and overall health. For instance, one study done a group of dogs in 2005 revealed that feeding vegetables just three times a week had significantly lowered their risk of developing cancer, compared to dogs who were only fed kibble.

Asian markets, in particular, have some very beneficial fresh food items that aren't typically found at your local grocery store. These food items, however, are not intended to fully replace your dog's food. Remember - too much of something good can be bad for you.

Instead, they should be offered in moderation as treats, or just small amounts topped over an already complete and balance meal. As a general rule of thumb, treats/toppers should never make more than 10% of your dog's overall diet.

Bok choy (Chinese cabbage) is full of essential vitamins and minerals needed to support a dog’s eyesight, cardiac function, digestion, bone strength, and immunity. Sulfurophane - a compound found in bok choy and other cruciferous vegetables - has been linked to inhibiting cancer cell growth, lowering blood pressure, and activating the nuclear factor Nrf2 which prevents the development of diabetes and its complications. Bok choy’s low calorie, high fiber content also make it a good option for a snack/food topper for dogs who need to control their weight. 

Preparation: Lightly steam or boil for better nutrient absorption. Cooking will also help neutralize the enzyme (myrosinase) that can decrease thyroid function. You should also chop/trim their long leaves to avoid choking hazards.

Goji berries (wolfberries) are rich in amino acids, carotenoids which support healthy vision, and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cardio-protective properties. Studies on goji berry supplementation in animals have shown that it has the potential to help lower cholesterol, protect the liver by increasing hepatic antioxidant activity, as well as enhance metabolic homeostasis and prevent diabetes-induced renal inflammation. 

Preparation: Remove stems if still attached and cut/mash berries. If dried, soak in water until softened to avoid passing straight through the GI tract and losing the benefits of its nutrients. 

Offal refers to the internal organs and variety meats of animals that can be consumed as food (i.e. lung, heart, kidney, liver, gizzard, head, feet, etc.) The word 'offal' literally translates to "fall off", and thus, whatever falls off the skeleton during the butchering process. Offal is densely loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats - so small amounts go a long way. Pet owners who use these as ingredients as part of a complete and balanced recipe should keep in mind that each organ is unique in its nutrient profile - dependent on the animal it is sourced from and how it is raised. For example, grass-fed beef may contain less fat yet more vitamin A and E than grain-fed beef, and beef liver has significantly more vitamin A and copper than chicken liver.

Preparation: Boil in water or low-sodium broth. May also be baked or dehydrated into jerky treats.

Oyster mushrooms are a good source of protein and fiber, and vitamins that support healthy digestion. They can help to increase satiety and maintain healthy body weight. Oyster mushrooms are also full of pantothenic acid which help to maintain cognitive function and healthy skin/coat. Beta-glucans derived from oyster mushrooms have also been shown to reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity. 

Preparation: Lightly sauté or boil in water or low-sodium broth. Raw or dried mushrooms can be difficult for dogs to digest. 

Purple sweet potato (Ube or Okinawan sweet potato) are typically found in grocery stores more commonly during the fall/winter seasons. They contain more antioxidants than regular sweet potatoes due to the anthocyanins that cause their violet hue. While all potato varieties may impact blood sugar levels because of their high carbohydrate content, purple potatoes may exert less of an effect because of their high polyphenol content that decreases the absorption of starches in the intestines. In addition, they have been linked to improving blood pressure, likely due to their high potassium content. 

Preparation: Peel skin and bake until soft for better digestibility and to prevent intestinal blockages. May be boiled and drained to reduce oxalate intake for dogs with a history of bladder stones, or prone to urinary issues. 

Quail eggs are small, yet packed with protein and essential fatty acids, and have a higher ratio of iron, riboflavin, and vitamin b12 than chicken eggs. It is even safe and can be beneficial to feed them with the shells included for added calcium. Quail eggs have been linked to improving bone growth/healing, reducing liver damage, and increasing energy levels. While some studies have shown evidence of quail eggs treating allergies in humans and mice, they may be less likely to trigger reactions than chicken eggs in dogs who have poultry sensitivities.

Preparation: Wash thoroughly, and handle gently as they are more fragile due to their tiny size. Cooking methods are similar to that of chicken eggs, yet require less time. 

Sardines contain all the amino acids your dog needs for optimal health, making it a "complete protein". They are also notorious for being rich in omegas and coenzyme q-10, which help support heart and brain health. What sets sardines apart from other fish, too, is that they are smaller and more short-lived species than larger predator fish and may have less of a risk for mercury poisoning. Because they are so small and have soft bones, you can feed them whole to your pets.

Preparation: Bake or dehydrate. If already purchased as dried, be sure to make sure there is no added salt or seasonings. If canned, preferably those stored in water only.

Sushi rice (Japanese sticky rice) has a high proportion of starch and moisture, giving it a stickier texture when cooked. Sushi rice has virtually zero fat, yet still provides a desirable balance of nutrients while remaining gentle on a dog’s digestive tract. Its higher iron content than regular rice supports healthy blood circulation and can provide more energy to dogs who are recovering from illness. Cooling/refrigerating the rice before serving also enables more retrogradation of prebiotic fiber, helping to lower glycemic responses and maximize intestinal function.

Preparation: Rinse thoroughly and soak in water (with 1tbsp apple cider vinegar - optional) before cooking. If you don’t have a rice cooker or instant pot, boil on the stove until the water is completely absorbed. May be cooked with bone broth for added flavor. You can also use small amounts of beet root powder, turmeric, or blue spirulina to add color and nutrients.

[magnificentsapcaddy]

The only April Fool here this year is me, because I made the Soup of March, Carolinian Clam Chowder, on the 27th, and then I didn't make a post for the rest of the month.

I'll get ahead of this - Ohio is not a seabound state. We have Lake Erie and the Ohio River, and majestic though they may be, there is a dearth of fresh seafood in the cornfield regions of the state. So, in classic pig American tradition, this is a "dump a bunch of cans of crap into a pot" recipe. I would maybe go as far as to say that this is Ohioan Carolinian Clam Chowder, as not to get beat with hammers when I go to the Outer Banks. This would undoubtedly be better with fresh ingredients, but as the French say, "sail a V" or something.

For the recipe, click on the readmore below!

First things first, what makes this Carolinian Clam Chowder? Imagine a Punnet square, with the axes being "cream/no cream" and "tomato/no tomato". New England Clam Chowder is cream, no tomato. Manhattan Clam Chowder is cream and tomato. Carolinian Clam Chowder is no cream, tomato. What chowder lies in the no cream, no tomato quadrant? Who nose.......

INGREDIENTS

- 1/3 rib of celery - 1 medium carrot - 1/2 medium onion - 1 tbsp butter - 1 medium can of diced tomatoes (low sodium, if possible) - 1 medium can of diced potatoes - 1 small can of corn - 10 oz can of whole baby clams - 8 oz clam juice - 1 tbsp black pepper - 1 tsp red pepper flakes - 1 cube chicken stock - 1 1/2 cups water

DIRECTIONS

Melt your butter in your pot (most recipes I saw called for bacon fat instead, much like the česnečka recipe from January. I was too tired to go through that work, but seeing how this turned out -maybe consider doing that! It would make for a thicker, richer broth). Coarsely chop your celery. Mince your onion. Cut your carrot in half lengthwise and chop each half into 1/2-inch thick chunks. Put the vegetables in the pot and let cook until the onions begin to clear and the mixture is aromatic.

Add the clam juice, the can of clams (with their juice), the can of tomatoes (with their juice), the can of potatoes (drained) and the can of corn (drained). Add spices, stock, and water. As an aside - if I was making this with more effort, I would have gotten real potatoes and actually diced them and cooked them with the vegetables in step one.

Let cook until the broth has reduced by at least 1/2 cup and the celery is tender and has lost its crunchiness - this should take 35 minutes, with 20 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered. Serve hot. IF SO DESRIED: take 4 or 5 Ritz Crackers and coarsely crumble them over the soup for added texture and flavor.

So, at this point, we now engage in the moratorium of the recipe.

This wasn't bad. Well, hold on. I don't know. Like I said, I cut a lot of corners here. I firmly believe this would have been good if I hunkered down and did everything the right way. But, if you can't do it right, do it scared, you know? Don't die wondering!

I don't know. I don't want to make these soup posts double as therapy posts, but March was a really rough month for me, and it got to a point where, genuinely, the main thing keeping me going was the idea of making this soup, because my mom was talking it up for a while. By the time I made it, though, even though it was the main thing I had to look forward to, I just didn't have the wherewithal to fry the bacon, drain part of the fat and reserve the rest, dice the potatoes, cook them beforehand, fry them, deglaze the pot... so, as I said, I engaged in the traditional pig American activity of dumping a bunch of canned stuff in there.

The canned stuff is not bad. I don't know. I don't want to get philosophical, but I feel like this one kind of sums up the month I had. You can't get fresh clams here. You don't have the energy to do it the way the recipes tell you. But, you make do! Wal-Mart sells clam juice! We have a can of diced potatoes! You can substitute butter for lard! Is it what you really wanted, in your heart of hearts? No. But it's a warm meal, and it tastes alright, and that's what keeps you going. This is not the last time you will ever cook. You can do it again, correctly. Later. Now, you do what you can, and you know it's good enough.

All that is to say: soup's fine. The first bowl I had, I hadn't let it reduce properly and didn't add the stock, and I let it get cold and the last few bites just tasted like cold fishwater. It was better after sitting a day and also reducing and seasoning it right. I'd definitely recommend the Ritz Cracker thing, but I know that the clash of textures isn't for everyone

[jeanjauthor]

...My household is awkward, regarding sodium. My sister has a low sodium diet for her heart issues. My mother gets charlie horse cramps from eating low sodium meals. And I get double the cramping issues due to ciprofloxacin destroying my body's ability to retain magnesium, sometimes calcium, a little bit of potassium, and very very much sodium.

I supplement with magnesium citrate for the first one (if you get the right formulation, it uptakes so perfectly, it also manages my neuropathy issues, yay!), eat a fair bit of dairy for the second, just eat more leafy greens & brassicas for the third...and I have literal salt in a shaker at my headboard in case I get a debilitating cramp in the night, a salt shaker at my desk for the same reason, and I carry those little paper packets of salt in case i get a cramp just walking around like a normal human being. (Or at least politely pretending to be one, *shhh*)

When I had my last surgery, I had to fast for a full 12+ hours before hand, so I warned the staff that they'd want to start an i.v. on me with saline right away, because otherwise I'd end up cramping so bad, I couldn't walk. Thankfully they were going to give me some anyway, so I had no issues leaving.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for what happened when I first went to the E.R. with a too-rapid heartbeat, a couple months before the surgery. They didn't give me any water and didn't give me anything salty, no i.v. fluids...and my legs cramped up so bad when it was time for me to leave, the nurse wanted to know if I needed a wheelchair. I just told her I needed salt and water. She couldn't get me the salt, but she did get me the water, and I got myself a salt packet out of my wallet to consume with said water.

It took about five, ten minutes to fix my issues, then I could walk. (And yes, I made sure I had my magnesium & a multivitamin with the other two electrolytes when I got home, plus NUUN, an electrolyte drink that uses stevia for a sweetener instead of sugar.)

When you are electrolyte deficient, it's important to replenish...but did you know what sodium does, as an electrolyte?

Sodium literally opens and closes the pores in your cell walls. Your cells cannot get water or nutrition without sodium. It is the gatekeepr for cells to function, opening & closing the door for anything being delivered or expelled.

You don't need super much, but it is literally vital for life as we know it to exist.

So when OP & the other commenters talk about feeling like they're "coming back to life"...

They are telling the absolute truth.

We had a patient last night who was a textbook case of electrolytes imbalance as a result of nausea and vomiting. And I didn’t say this to the patient because I didn’t think they’d appreciate it, but it’s kinda great when the way you are so so sick is like exactly like the textbooks say it’ll be. Like not good that you’re having sudden new onset muscle weakness and tingling, but buddy this is gonna get sorted out with an efficiency you won’t believe. We fixed like 85% of the stuff wrong with this patient by midnight and we marveled the whole time about how this patient was seemingly concocted in a lab so I could walk my trainee through a highly manageable crisis

[drgyana]

10 Daily Habits That Secretly Boost Your Heart Health

Your heart is the engine that keeps you going every day. But many of us often forget that taking care of it doesn’t always require big, drastic changes. Small daily habits can go a long way in boosting your heart health. Let’s look at 10 simple things you can do every day to keep your heart strong and happy.

1. Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast

Eating a heart-healthy breakfast is a great way to start your day. Instead of sugary cereals or pastries, opt for whole grains like oats, fruits, and nuts. These foods are rich in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health. A balanced breakfast also provides you with the energy to keep moving throughout the day.

2. Get Moving Every Day

Exercise doesn’t need to be complicated. Just 30 minutes of physical activity each day can make a huge difference. It could be a brisk walk, a short jog, or even yoga. Regular exercise strengthens your heart, helps control weight, and lowers blood pressure. It doesn’t have to be intense; consistency is the key.

3. Hydrate Well

Drinking plenty of water is essential for your heart health. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood more easily through your body, and it can prevent unnecessary strain on your heart. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Water is always the best choice!

4. Incorporate Healthy Fats into Your Diet

Not all fats are bad for your heart. Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts, can actually help reduce the risk of heart disease. These fats help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels. Adding a small portion of these healthy fats to your meals can make a positive impact on your heart health.

5. Practice Deep Breathing

Stress is a big factor when it comes to heart health. Taking a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing can help you lower your stress levels. Deep breathing calms the nervous system and can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. This simple habit can go a long way in maintaining a healthy heart.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is more important than most people realize when it comes to heart health. Poor sleep can lead to higher blood pressure and inflammation, which are risk factors for heart disease. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to keep your heart in good shape. If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxing before bed with a warm bath or reading a book.

7. Cut Back on Salt

Too much salt in your diet can increase blood pressure, which puts a strain on your heart. Try to limit your intake of processed foods, as they are often high in sodium. Instead, season your meals with herbs and spices to add flavor without the salt. This small change can make a big difference for your heart.

8. Snack on Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect your heart. Instead of reaching for chips or sweets, try snacking on carrot sticks, apple slices, or a handful of berries. These snacks are low in calories and full of nutrients that support heart health.

9. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm your heart. Smoking damages your blood vessels, while too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and contribute to weight gain. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Moderating your alcohol intake can also reduce the risk of heart problems.

10. See a Heart Specialist Regularly

Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to have regular check-ups with a heart specialist. Heart disease can develop slowly, so staying on top of your health is key. If you live in Bhubaneswar, consider consulting a reputed heart specialist in Bhubaneswar as Dr.Gyana Ranjan Nayak ensure your heart is in good condition. Regular visits can help you catch any potential issues early and keep you on track for a healthy heart.

Final Thoughts

Boosting your heart health doesn’t require major life changes. By making small adjustments to your daily habits, you can take proactive steps toward a healthier heart. Remember, it’s the little things you do every day that add up in the long run. Keep these tips in mind, and your heart will thank you!

[rabbitcruiser]

More Herbs, Less Salt Day

Enjoy More Herbs, Less Salt Day on August 29 by reassessing your sodium intake. We understand that maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is easier said than done — especially since the flavor suffers the most, but healthy eating is no longer bland and boring! Spices and aromatic herbs are a great way to reduce salt in meals and amp up the taste. Your taste buds won’t know what they are missing, and your body will be grateful.

History of More Herbs, Less Salt Day

The origins of More Herbs, Less Salt Day are unknown, but the holiday was created in an effort to make people analyze their diets and reduce the amount of sodium in it. As one of the key ingredients in most meals, and shaken on top of food, the recommended daily amount of salt is exceeded without most people realizing it.

Salt isn’t exactly bad for us, but as with everything else, too much of a good thing can do more harm than good. Sodium is an important electrolyte needed by our bodies for nerve and muscle function. However, excessive intake of salt can have negative results like hypertension, heart disease, and bloating. Cardiovascular disease can lead to a stroke, heart attack, and even death. The renal function of kidneys can also be severely damaged, as blood flow to the kidney tissue is disrupted. Tests done on mice also show a linkage with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease due to high sodium intake,

The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) recommended daily consumption of salt less than 1500 milligrams. Fast food utilizes a lot of salt and is a large contributor to increasing the intake of salt in our bodies. Many one-time fast food meals contain 2000 milligrams or more of salt! This is why it is important to prepare meals at home and control the amount of salt going into our meals. More Herbs, Less Salt Day aims to encourage people to enhance the flavor of their food using herbs and spices instead of heaping large amounts of salt. This way the taste won’t be compromised, and may even turn out better.

This is why it is important to prepare meals at home. It gives us control over how much sodium goes into our meals.

EAting less salt is an excellent idea for everyone regardless of age or overall health. Most Americans eat more processed foods than they should, which is the #1 culprit of adding additional salt to our diet but reducing salt is obvious when you add more flavor with fresh herbs. If you don’t have an herb garden, the good news is most grocery stores stock fresh herbs in the produce section. This time of year is perfect for fresh basil, cilantro, and parsley, but you can also find fresh rosemary, dill, sage, and other several herbs. On the other hand, a diet low in sodium is linked to increased cognitive function and overall health.

More Herbs, Less Salt Day timeline

6th Century This is Gold!

Moorish merchants trade salt in exchange for gold In the Sub-Sahara,

1997 The DRI

The Dietary Reference Intake is introduced, broadening the existing Recommended Dietary Allowances guidelines.

2009 Around the World

The average consumption of sodium in 33 countries ranges from 2700 to 4900 milligrams per day.

2020 Revised Intake

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume no more than 5 grams (just under a teaspoon) of salt per day.

More Herbs, Less Salt Day FAQs

Is salt good for humans?

Salt is an essential nutrient for the human body, balancing fluids in the blood, and regulating blood pressure. It also supports healthy muscle and nerve functions.

What is the difference between sea salt and table salt?

The main differences between sea salt and table salt are in their tastes, texture, and processing.

Which salt is lowest in sodium?

Celtic salt has the least amount of sodium and the highest content of magnesium and calcium.

How To Celebrate More Herbs, Less Salt Day

Read food labels

Prepare a no-salt seasoning blend

Grow fresh herbs in your garden

Find out how much sodium is in your grocery food, and adjust accordingly, or cut back completely. Some brands have more sodium in their products than others, so be a wise shopper!

Get experimental and use different herbs and spices to create the perfect seasoning that you can use instead of salt. It will take time to get right and get used to the absence of salt, but with the variety of ingredients easily available, you’ll have a winning recipe!

Growing herbs in your garden is quite simple and less expensive than buying organic from stores. Rosemary, Thyme, and other herbs require little effort for planting, and can really elevate the taste of a dish as compared to salt.

5 Facts About Salt That You Should Know

A spoonful of salt

That’s a lot of salt

Higher risk of Osteoporosis

May increase the risk for stomach cancer

Salt is addictive

Consuming just one teaspoon of salt exceeds the daily recommended amount of sodium.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the average American consumes 3400 milligrams of salt daily. This is nearly 35% more than the recommended daily intake.

The more salt we eat, the more calcium we lose from our body through urination. This also makes us vulnerable to diseases like Osteoporosis.

According to a study published in the 2014 journal of Cancer Treatment and Research, a high-salt diet is linked to stomach cancer.

Some studies found that salt affects our brain the same way some drugs and cigarettes do.

Why We Love More Herbs, Less Salt Day

It encourages smart grocery shopping

Home cooking

Herbs and spices are fantastic!

The amount of preservatives, additives, sodium, and more that go into prepackaged food is insane! Holidays like More Herbs, Less Salt Day encourage people to be mindful about their grocery shopping, and be smart about what they are buying, and eating.

The only way to minimize sodium intake and control how much of it we are consuming is to switch to cooking meals at home.

The taste, aroma, and lightness of herbs and some spices are phenomenal! Meals become more appetizing, like simmering pasta sauce, the smell of garlic, etc.

Source