Call / Whatsapp
+918447748545

Published on: May 10, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Common And Unique Phobias

Do you have a fear of heights? Or loud noises? Maybe you're afraid of confined spaces, or Water? If you suffer from any of these common phobias, you're not alone. In fact, millions of people around the world live with some form of anxiety or irrational fear.

While most phobias are benign and cause little more than discomfort, some can severely impair a person's quality of life. In extreme cases, phobias can lead to panic attacks and even paralysis. So, what exactly is a phobia? And what causes them? Read on to find out.

Phobias come in all shapes and sizes. Some people are afraid of specific objects or situations, while others may have a more general fear of certain things. However, all phobias share one common trait: they cause significant anxiety and distress.

There are many different kinds of phobias, but some of the most common include arachnophobia (fear of spiders), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights), and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). While these four phobias are among the most well-known, there are actually hundreds of different types that have been documented.

Phobias are very common and can be extremely debilitating. They can prevent sufferers from living a normal life and enjoying simple everyday activities. However, with the right treatment, phobias can be managed and even cured.

There are three types of phobias: social phobia, agoraphobia and specific phobias. Social phobia is a fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people. Agoraphobia is a fear of crowds or enclosed spaces, such as supermarkets or bridges. Specific phobias are irrational fears of particular things or situations, such as heights, flying or animals.

There are a lot of common phobias out there, such as fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), and fear of snakes (ophidiophobia). But there are also some pretty unique phobias out there that you might not be familiar with.

There are a number of common phobias that affect people all over the world. Some of the most common include:

• Acrophobia – Fear of heights

• Social phobia – Fear of social situations

• Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders

• Hemophobia – Fear of blood

• Claustrophobia – Fear of enclosed spaces

Phobias are actually pretty common. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 19.2 million adults in the United States alone have some form of phobia. That said, some phobias are more common than others. Here are a few of the most common phobias, along with a few that are relatively rare:

One of the most common phobias is claustrophobia, which is an intense fear of enclosed spaces. This can manifest itself in a fear of small rooms, elevators, or even simply being in close proximity to other people. Claustrophobic individuals may go to great lengths to avoid these types of situations, and even when they're forced into

In this day and age, it's more important than ever to be aware of the things that might trigger our anxiety or set off our performance in negative ways. Phobias are more common than most people realize, with over 19 million Americans affected by them. And while some phobias, like arachnophobia (the fear of spiders), are relatively innocuous, others can be quite debilitating.

So what exactly is a phobia? Put simply, it's an intense and irrational fear of something that poses no actual threat. People with phobias go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation they're afraid of, even if doing so interferes with their daily lives. For many people living with phobias

There are dozens of phobias that people experience all over the world, and new phobias seem to pop up every day. While some phobias are very common, others are quite unique. Here is a look at some of the most common and unique phobias that people deal with on a daily basis. One of the most common phobias is agoraphobia, which is the fear of open spaces or large crowds. This can be a crippling fear for many people as it can prevent them from leaving their homes or going out in public. It can also make it difficult to travel or even take part in everyday activities like shopping or going to work. agoraphobia is often treated with therapy and

Did you know that there are over 400 types of phobias? That’s a lot of people who experience extreme fear of something! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common and unique phobias out there.

Agoraphobia: This is probably one of the most well-known phobias. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, or help would not be available if needed. This can include things like being in crowds, traveling in vehicles, or being in open spaces. People with agoraphobia often avoid these situations altogether, which can greatly impact their quality of life.

Read Blog

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.

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.