Tuesday, March 03, 2026

Salty Medicine

According to Russian folklore, drinking vodka mixed with salt is great for curing a nasty bout of food poisoning. 

If you don't drink alcohol, drink a few glasses of well-salted water, and then try to regurgitate it (This is NOT an alternative to medical treatment!). 

 In case of a cold, drink a bit of vodka with salt. 

If your blood pressure is down, quickly drink a very salty glass of water.

A good way to increase the amount of stomach acids for digestion: 5-30 minutes after eating, put 1-2 grams of sea or cooking salt on the tip of your tongue. After the salt melts, swallow the salty saliva in your mouth. Such a small amount of salt won't harm you, but will cause an extra release of stomach acids. 

Salt is a great disinfectant - If you clean wounds with salt water soaked materials, they won't become inflamed. 

Granulomas of the tooth will be gone after two weeks of being cleaned with salt water. 

For a tooth ache - rinse your mouth with salt water after every meal and before going to sleep. 

For pneumonia and strong coughing, place a wash cloth soaked in salt water on the back of the person, on the area of the infection.

Adenomas can be treated by holding down a cotton wash cloth folded to four layers and soaked in salt water for two weeks. 

Salt helps in treating acne and boils. Place a little salt on a bandage and put it on the infected area for an hour. You can repeat the process a few times a day. 

When you have bruises, put a compress of salt and vinegar on it. 

It is also a useful way to treat headaches. 

To treat varicose veins, use a compress of salt water on the problematic vein, and on that, an elastic bandage. If you do this regularly, morning and evening, the veins will slowly return to normal. 

To treat foot fungus, soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in a mixture of two tablespoons of salt for every 0.5 liters of hot water. You can add some ground garlic to the mix. Repeat until fully healed. 

After getting stung by a bee, smear a bit of wet salt on the stung area - it will calm down the pain and the swelling. 

If you want smooth, healthy skin, rub your body with a salt stone before showering. 

In addition to a cosmetic treatment, you will also gain a medical benefit while ions of salt penetrate the skin and energize the body. 

A salt massage also helps to treat low blood pressure, chronic digestive problems, diabetes, and regular colds. That said, there are also possible NEGATIVE side effects, namely open wounds on the skin, rashes or bouts of eczema.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   


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posted by G S Iyer at 6:14 AM 0 comments

Fatty liver is the big, new health problem. 4 of 10 Indians affected, says Lancet

 Changing lifestyles, rising metabolic risk, and rapid urbanisation are fuelling an alarming prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in India, according to a new study. Nearly four in 10 adults screened across 27 Indian cities met the criteria for the condition, which if left unaddressed could translate into a substantial future burden of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and transplant demand.

Published last month in The Lancet Regional Health–Southeast Asia, the study found that 39 per cent of 7,764 adults screened had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

NAFLD develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver in people who consume little or no alcohol. When fat accounts for more than 5-10 per cent of liver weight, it is classified as steatosis, the earliest stage of fatty liver disease.

Researchers screened permanent staff members and their spouses from 37 Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories for liver stiffness and cardiometabolic risk factors.

“Most prior studies have been hospital-based or restricted to specific high-risk groups, making it difficult to estimate the broader burden. The Phenome India–CSIR Health Cohort provided a unique opportunity to address this gap. It reduces socioeconomic variability while allowing us to examine regional differences in cardiometabolic risk within a standardised and well-characterised population,” said Shantanu Sengupta of the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, the study’s lead investigator.

The team assessed obesity, body mass index, diabetes, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and liver stiffness or fibrosis, and examined how these were associated with the disease. The findings showed that although obesity was common among those with the disease, the presence of diabetes and hypertension made them more susceptible.

“The finding underscores the need for early detection strategies and targeted resource allocation toward high-risk groups, both demographically and geographically, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” Sengupta added.

A 2022 study, ‘Epidemiology of Liver Diseases in India’, noted that the “cultural-lifestyle transition that India is passing through” has caused a “rapid switch” in the country’s liver disease profile toward alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease over viral causes such as hepatitis.

Fatty liver at lower BMIs among Indians

Globally, NAFLD affects roughly one in four adults, with prevalence estimates ranging from 25-35 per cent depending on ethnicity, diet, socioeconomic factors, and genetics.

Genome-wide association studies in European and Asian populations, including Indians, suggest that certain genetic variants increase both risk and disease progression. Variations in genes such as PNPLA3, which encodes proteins in fat and liver cells, for instance, increase the risk of developing NAFLD and are linked to more severe liver fat accumulation in populations in West Bengal.

South Asians also appear to develop NAFLD at a lower body mass index (BMI). Individuals may have a normal BMI yet carry excess abdominal fat, a pattern strongly linked to metabolic risk. Higher levels of visceral fat are closely associated with fatty liver, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. This lean NAFLD phenotype complicates detection and challenges conventional reliance on BMI alone as a screening tool.

In some cases, NAFLD progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form marked by inflammation and liver cell injury. Over time, this can advance to fibrosis and cirrhosis, significantly impairing liver function and increasing the risk of liver cancer and certain gastrointestinal cancers.

“We are witnessing a steady rise in MASLD, driven largely by increasing rates of visceral obesity and Type 2 diabetes. At the same time, improved awareness and better screening practices are helping us detect more cases,” said Charles Panackel, senior consultant, Aster Integrated Liver Care, Aster Medcity, Kochi.

Panackel cautioned that the implications extend beyond prevalence estimates.

“MASLD has become a leading indication for liver transplantation in India. The figure does not mean that 30-40 per cent of people will develop cirrhosis — but it does signal that India is likely heading toward a sustained rise in advanced liver disease, liver cancer, and transplant demand.”

How is fatty liver disease detected?

A major challenge is that the disease progresses silently. Liver fat and even significant fibrosis can remain asymptomatic for years, and routine liver function tests may appear normal in the early stages. Ultrasound, commonly used in screening, detects only moderate to severe fat accumulation, said Panackel.

 

General population screening is not currently recommended. Instead, doctors use a structured, risk-based approach.

“We follow case-finding in high-risk groups such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and persistently abnormal liver enzymes,” Panackel said.

Without coordinated action spanning healthcare, policy, and community awareness, India’s metabolic transition may leave a lasting imprint on liver health for decades to come. Prevention, experts argue, will depend as much on tackling obesity, promoting healthier diets, and addressing sedentary lifestyles as on clinical vigilance.

In 2024, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  integrated NAFLD into the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and released revised operational guidelines and a national training module to strengthen early detection and management at the primary-care level.

Sengupta, however, argued that a more proactive strategy may be warranted to catch NAFLD early.

“In our view, structured risk-based screening should be considered, particularly for adults above 35 years of age, with periodic assessment every few years using non-invasive tools — even in individuals who may not yet have overt metabolic disease,” he said. “Early identification could allow lifestyle interventions at a reversible stage and potentially prevent progression to advanced liver disease.”

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

 

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posted by G S Iyer at 5:49 AM 0 comments

Soothe Your Nighttime Cough With These Tips

Nighttime coughs can be disruptive and irritating, as they prevent you from getting the necessary sleep that you need for sickness recovery and everyday functioning. Moreover, lying down worsens the cough because it encourages mucus accumulation in the airways. Not to mention that when we are supine or prone, our lung expansion capacity decreases, which triggers this involuntary reflex. 

If you can’t sleep because of a cough, remember you are not alone. A prevalent cause leading individuals with a cough to seek medical attention is the disturbance in their sleep patterns. Sleeping with a cough can be a struggle, but there are measures you can take to enhance the quality of your nighttime rest until the issue subsides. 

Nighttime relief for wet cough
Wet coughs, also known as productive coughs, are marked by an abundance of mucus in the chest, throat, and mouth.

1. Use an expectorant

If you find yourself with a wet cough during the day, medical professionals say you must engage in intentional coughing. This action helps eliminate phlegm or mucus. To enhance this process, consider using an over-the-counter medication expectorant like guaifenesin, which effectively thins out mucus, making it simpler to expel. 

2. Drink warm liquids
If your throat is irritated from coughing, a steamy, warm drink can provide relief and help loosen mucus. Warm water with honey and lemon, herbal teas, and broths are all good options. Remember to finish your beverage at least one hour before going to bed.

3. Use a nasal saline spray

 nasal spray

You might be able to thin out any secretions by using a nasal saline spray, which is a salt and water solution. A salt-water gargle (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) may also be beneficial.

4. Use a humidifier
Use a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom at night. Increasing the humidity in the air can help ease both dry and wet coughs. You should aim to keep the humidity in your room between 40% and 50%. 

5. Have a cough suppressant at night 

Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, suppress the cough reflex. They relieve dry coughs during the night by keeping the cough reflex from being triggered while you sleep. 

You can try using an over-the-counter cough suppressant if you don't have any other health issues, such as high blood pressure.

6. Take a hot shower before bed 

Steam from a warm shower can help open your nasal passages by releasing mucus from your sinuses and chest. For best results, take one about an hour before hitting the bed.

Nighttime relief from dry cough

Having gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, or an upper respiratory infection increases the chances of having a dry cough. The same home treatments effective for a wet cough can play a role in alleviating a dry cough. Furthermore, take note of the following suggestions from experts: 

1. Take a lozenge
Throat lozenges, easily available at drugstores and retailers, come in a variety of flavors. Some feature menthol for sinus relief, while others include vitamin C or soothing medications for a sore throat. Remember to finish the lozenge before lying down to prevent choking. Avoid giving lozenges to young children due to the risk of choking. 

2. Use a decongestant

decongestant
Decongestants are effective in alleviating the postnasal drip responsible for a persistent nighttime cough. Use an over-the-counter decongestant, which comes in tablet or nasal spray form, when allergies flare up. But before using any decongestant, speak with your doctor if you have high blood pressure.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

Maintaining proper hydration becomes important when you're unwell. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your throat hydrated and protect it from things that could irritate it or cause you to cough. Make it a point to drink eight glasses of water a day, with a cutoff of one hour before bed, to avoid late-night potty trips. 

4. Keep your bedding clean
This will help minimize dust and other allergens that can irritate your throat. The American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology suggests washing your sheets, mattress covers, blankets, and pillowcases once a week in hot water at 130°F (54.4°C) or higher. 

The best sleeping positions for cough relief
Doctors recommend elevating your head, either by using an extra pillow or adjusting the bed angle. This prevents excessive drainage at the back of your throat. However, be mindful of not elevating too much, as it may lead to neck pain. 

For dry coughs, sleeping on your side reduces irritation, while lying flat on your back can worsen postnasal drip. 

Reasons you may be coughing
Coughing can be caused by a variety of conditions and situations. Identifying the specific cause of your cough can facilitate the selection of a suitable remedy.

The following conditions and factors are all known to cause coughing: 

Cold or flu. 

Bronchitis or pneumonia. 

Whooping cough. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

Asthma. 

Allergies. 

Sleep apnea. 

Smoking. 

Some medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors. 

In some cases, these causes may contribute to postnasal drip, or mucus running down the back of your throat. If the cause of your cough is unclear, a physician may prescribe chest X-rays, lab tests, scope examinations, or CT scans to pinpoint the underlying problem. 

When to talk to your doctor 

The common cold typically lasts for about seven to 10 days, accompanied by symptoms like a persistent cough. If your cough or cold symptoms persist beyond this time-frame or escalate in intensity, it's recommended to consult with your doctor. 

While many people recover without complications, those with compromised immune systems or specific medical conditions face an increased risk of the cold progressing into more severe infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   


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posted by G S Iyer at 4:45 AM 0 comments