The McCarty Metro - Good Health

GARGLING

"Gargling is a good way to see if your throat leaks."
-Dr. Katz M.D.

By Dr. Katz M.D.

Why does gargling with salt help a sore throat?

The links in the Common Cold category helped us answer your question. How can such a seemingly simple solution of salt and water cure that sore throat? The answer lies within the very nature of salt. It's a natural dehydrator commonly used in food preservation and preparation. Its ability to draw out the water in foods is the reason pickles retain their tartness and crunch after months in a jar, and also how salmon lox is made.

While salt doesn't exactly pickle your throat, the same principle applies. A sore throat is usually inflamed due to bacteria and other germs wreaking havoc on your soft tissues or mucosa. These inflammations (known as edemas) are usually filled with water, and the salt works its way into your throat. Through osmosis, the salt draws out the edema fluid, killing the bacteria, which requires a warm, wet environment.

While the relief from pain and swelling is real, gargling with salt doesn't necessarily cure the ailment. Also, the principle of too much of a good thing can apply. While the warm water and salt grains dancing in your throat may feel good, too much salt can harm your mucosa. Gargle in moderation, then go see a doctor if your symptoms persist.

METRO HEALTH TIP
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Be Artery-Smart

How artery-smart are you? In other words, how well do you understand the aging effects that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health threats have on your arteries?

Here's a one-question quiz to help clue you in. Which of the following poses the greatest threat to your arteries?

1) An elevated blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg
2) An elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL
3) An elevated helping of fried zucchini sticks
4) An elevated amount of time spent on the couch

The answer is...

Blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg is more than three times more of a threat to make your arteries dysfunctional than any of the other conditions. That doesn't mean you should go ahead and stay camped out on the couch or ignore unhealthy cholesterol values. It just means that your blood pressure may be the most important number you know, other than your spouse's birthday, especially if your blood pressure is higher than 160/90.

Optimally, you want to keep your blood pressure at 115/75. That's the level at which you'll see the least aging. Of course, there are many ways to lower your blood pressure, including medications, physical activity, and diet. Losing weight helps, too. Being overweight not only increases blood pressure but also puts you at risk for diabetes. How close are you to the body ideal?

EATING HEALTHIER

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