[disneysteve]

First and foremost, I'd say to disregard pretty much anything that is sold exclusively through an infommercial, whether it is for a medical remedy, a vacuum cleaner or a kitchen product.

Regarding question #1, nebulizer machines like those used by folks with asthma aerosolize a solution of saline (salt water) with a medication like albuterol. Most of the bronchodilatation (opening of the breathing passages probably comes from the albuterol, but just breathing in the saline solution would help some, too. And doctors (including me) often recommend patients use saline nasal spray to help with nasal congestion, sinus and allergy symptoms. So I'd say the answer to #1 is yes.

As for #2, yes, I think cravings are often not for that specific food. That is just a manifestation in your own mind of what you are craving. While you crave cashews, someone else might crave potato chips for the same reason. If what you are craving is something not particularly healthy, try and find a healthier way to satisfy the craving. For example, if you are craving something salty, havtry eating some spinach which is relatively high in sodium naturally, not through added salt.

That said, I don't buy the suggestion that we need to eat more salt. The American diet is overloaded with sodium. It is in virtually everything because our diets consists so heavily of processed foods. Even if you toss out your salt shaker (which I did almost 30 years ago), you will still consume far more salt than your body needs to function properly. Especially when you are pregnant, you should be extra careful of your sodium intake because overdoing it can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention (ankles swelling) and toxemia which could threaten the baby (and the mommy) or result in having to be delivered early.

I don't know about the lemon water, but there is certainly no harm in drinking it at all. If you find it helps, go right ahead.

And no, I don't think taking in more acid is a good thing if you have heartburn. Your body is already making more than you need and if acid is refluxing into your esophagus and irritating the lining, why pour in more. Besides, nothing that you eat or drink is anywhere near as acidic as your natural stomach acid.