Medical questions

[PrincessPerky]

Doing a bit of research I discovered a site recommending eating and breathing more salt...it was ad heavy (for salt products of course). So I find the science to be questionable.

But it did raise a few questions.

1. Does breathing salty steam help relax bronchial passages?
2. Could my ridiculous craving for cashews be related to a need for salt? (salted cashews of course-I am pregnant, so cravings are frequent)

And on related research I once caught a 'infomercial' suggesting what heartburn sufferers needed was not less acid but more.... I haven't found real medical research on it yet. Does anyone know of any? (I only have it when pregnant)

And...can lemon water really help with chest congestion? (how? drinking and breathing are two different paths?) the reason I ask is cause I read it for a different issue (bloating) and tried it (I like lemon water) and find I cough less when I drink it.

[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.

[PrincessPerky]

Thanks...I really appreciate your input.

I only have minor swelling, and that only started two weeks ago, so in general I figure my diet is fairly low in salt. (in fact no nurse believes me when I say my hands are swollen..but my wedding ring is tight...maybe I am just fat)

Lemon water might be a placebo, but it seems to help, so I guess I will stick with it .

Thanks