• Published on: Apr 04, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Everything You Need To Know About Piles

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Piles is another term for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower anus and rectum. This swelling can cause localized inflammation of other tissues.

There are a few different symptoms of hemorrhoids that you may experience. First, you may notice bleeding during bowel movements. This can happen if the hemorrhoid ruptures, or if it becomes irritated and scratches the anal area. You may also see blood on toilet paper after wiping, or in the toilet bowl itself. Second, you may experience pain and/or itching in the anal area. This can be caused by the hemorrhoids themselves, or by anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus). third, you may have swollen tissue in and around the anus. this can make it difficult to wipe after using the bathroom, or to sit down without discomfort.

There are several symptoms that can be associated with hemorrhoids. These can include bleeding from the rectum, pain, or discomfort in the anal area, itching around the anus, and lumpiness or swelling around the anus. In some cases, hemorrhoids can also lead to leakage of feces or difficulty folds clothes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a best doctor online as soon as possible to rule out other potential causes and get started on treatment. Treatment for hemorrhoids often includes home remedies such as increased fiber intake and sitz baths, but in more severe cases may require prescription medications or even surgery. Don't suffer in silence - get help from the best doctor today!

Hemorrhoids are typically diagnosed by a physical examination. However, if your hemorrhoids are large and causing significant discomfort, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to rule out other causes of bleeding. hemorrhoids usually first develop during pregnancy or from constipation. The increased pressure from the enlarging uterus (womb) on the rectum and anus often leads to the development of hemorrhoids. Other possible causes include inflammation in the anal area (proctitis), higher than normal levels of estrogen, genetic disposition, and weakening of the supportive tissues around the anal canal with age.  Hemorrhoids are a common problem and can usually be treated with over-the-counter remedies. However, if they are causing significant discomfort or bleeding, it's best to consult a doctor.

There are a variety of different treatments for hemorrhoids, depending on the severity of the condition. Some treatments include over-the-counter medications, and lifestyle changes (such as increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water), and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you're experiencing any symptoms of hemorrhoids, it's best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also visit Best Doctors Online to find qualified doctors in your area who can help you get relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms. Diagnosis of hemorrhoids can be tricky, as there are a variety of symptoms that can point to this problem. One of the best ways to get an accurate diagnosis is to consult with a doctor online. This way, you can provide a detailed description of your symptoms and get an expert opinion on what might be causing them.

There are a few key symptoms that are typically associated with hemorrhoids, including painless bleeding during bowel movements, itching around the anus, and swelling or protrusion near the rectal opening. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Prevention of hemorrhoids is a relatively simple process that mainly involves making lifestyle changes and consulting with the best doctors online. Lifestyle changes that can help prevent hemorrhoids include, but are not limited to, drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time. In addition, consulting with the best doctors online can provide more specific advice on how to prevent hemorrhoids based on an individual's unique health profile. For example, some people may need to take special steps to avoid constipation while others may need to exercise caution when lifting heavy objects.

Prevention of hemorrhoids is best done by consulting with a doctor online. While there are some things you can do to help prevent hemorrhoids, such as eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water, not every preventive measure will work for everyone. That's why it's important to consult with a doctor who can help assess your risk factors and develop a prevention plan that's tailored specifically for you. Some preventive measures may include increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, avoiding constipation, using moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.

If you're looking for information on the treatment of hemorrhoids, the best place to start is www.secondmedic.com. On our website, you'll find a wealth of resources on this topic, including articles, videos, and expert advice from medical professionals. Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause a great deal of discomfort and embarrassment. But there's no need to suffer in silence - there are plenty of effective treatments available nowadays. So if you're wondering how to get rid of hemorrhoids, or how to relieve the symptoms, be sure to consult our website for the latest information and guidance.

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Hidden Sodium in Indian Foods

Hidden Sodium in Indian Foods – Why It Matters

When we think of salty foods, items like chips, pickles, and papads usually come to mind. But what if we told you that many everyday Indian dishes — the ones we consider "normal" or even "healthy" — are loaded with hidden sodium? This is especially important because excess salt (sodium) is a major factor behind rising cases of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems in India.

Let’s understand what hidden sodium is, why it is found in so many Indian foods, and how it silently affects your health.

 

What Is Sodium and Why Do We Need It?

Sodium is a mineral that our body needs in small amounts. It helps in:

  • Controlling blood pressure

  • Balancing fluids in the body

  • Supporting muscle and nerve function
     

But the key word here is “small” amounts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adult should not consume more than 2,000 mg of sodium per day — roughly one teaspoon of salt. However, studies show that Indians are consuming twice that amount, and often without realizing it.

 

What Is Hidden Sodium?

Hidden sodium refers to the salt content in foods that don’t taste salty or where you don’t expect salt. This includes:

  • Ready-made spice blends

  • Pickles and chutneys

  • Snacks like bhujia, samosas, or farsan

  • Bakery items like bread, biscuits, and cakes

  • Canned or preserved foods

  • Processed or packaged items like instant noodles or ready-to-eat meals
     

You might not sprinkle extra salt on these foods, but they already contain high levels of sodium.

 

Common Indian Foods High in Hidden Sodium

Here are some everyday foods that may surprise you with their sodium levels:

1. Pickles and Papads

Almost every Indian household has pickles and papads. A single spoon of pickle or a piece of papad can have 200-300 mg of sodium. We eat them as sides, but they add up quickly in your daily intake.

2. Spice Mixes and Masalas

Store-bought masalas like garam masala, chaat masala, and pav bhaji masala often contain added salt to enhance flavor. Every spoon you add means more sodium, even if you don’t add salt separately.

3. Instant and Packaged Foods

Instant noodles, soups, and snacks like sev, murukku, or mixture are loaded with salt to preserve them and enhance taste. Even a small packet can exceed 1,000 mg sodium!

4. Street Food

Street foods like chaat, vada pav, samosa, and pakoras are often seasoned heavily with salty masalas, chutneys, and sauces.

5. Restaurant & Takeaway Food

Curries, biryanis, dals, and even roti or naan from restaurants contain more salt than home-cooked food. Chefs add salt multiple times – during marination, cooking, and seasoning.

 

How Hidden Sodium Affects Your Health

1. High Blood Pressure

Sodium pulls water into the bloodstream, increasing blood volume. This raises your blood pressure, putting strain on the heart.

2. Heart Disease & Stroke

Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes — two of the biggest killers in India.

3. Kidney Damage

Excess sodium makes kidneys work harder, and over time, they may fail to remove toxins efficiently.

4. Water Retention and Bloating

High sodium causes your body to hold on to extra water, making you feel puffy and bloated.

5. Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

Too much salt can cause the body to lose calcium, leading to weak bones over time.

 

Why Is This a Bigger Issue in India?

  • Cultural habits: We love flavor, and salt enhances taste. From spicy pickles to tangy chaat, salt is everywhere in Indian cuisine.
     

  • Lack of awareness: Many people don’t know that even “non-salty” foods like biscuits or bread have sodium.
     

  • No clear labeling: Many Indian packaged foods don’t clearly mention sodium levels.
     

  • Rising packaged food consumption: Urban lifestyles mean more reliance on processed foods.
     

 

How to Reduce Hidden Sodium in Your Diet

You don’t need to give up your favorite Indian foods — just make smarter choices:

Read Labels

Look for “low sodium” or “no added salt” options in packaged foods. Check the nutrition panel for sodium content.

Cook at Home

Cooking at home gives you full control over how much salt you use. Avoid adding salt to rice or chapati dough.

Limit Pickles, Papads & Chutneys

Enjoy these in moderation — they are sodium bombs. Use smaller portions or make low-salt versions at home.

Cut Back on Packaged Snacks

Instead of salted namkeen, go for roasted chana, fresh fruits, or homemade snacks.

Use Herbs & Spices

Flavor your food with herbs like coriander, mint, curry leaves, or spices like cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and mustard. They add taste without the salt.

Avoid Extra Table Salt

Don’t sprinkle salt on salads, curd, or fruits. Train your taste buds to enjoy food with less salt.

Hydrate Well

Drink enough water daily — it helps flush out excess sodium from the body.

 

A Word for Those With Health Issues

If you have high blood pressure, kidney issues, or are at risk of heart disease, you need to be even more careful. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about a low-sodium diet plan suitable for your lifestyle.

 

Conclusion: Don’t Let Sodium Stay Hidden

Sodium is essential in small amounts, but hidden sodium in Indian foods is putting your health at risk — quietly, every day. The problem is not just about adding less salt; it's about knowing where the salt is hiding.

Start small — read food labels, choose fresh over processed, and use herbs to flavor your meals. With a little awareness and effort, you can take control of your salt intake and protect your long-term health.

Take the first step towards a healthier heart and body by learning more about hidden sodium in Indian foods – why it matters.

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