Do you really need less salt?

More research seems to contradict the oft-stated notion that we eat too much salt. The latest such study appeared in The Lancet medical journal. The study found that for the majority of people there is no health benefit from a low-salt diet and no harm from the average salt consumption of most people.

The lead scientist working on this study, Dr. Andrew Mente of McMaster University, worked with researchers around the globe to monitor the salt intake and health of more than 95,000 individuals in 18 countries for an average of eight years. They also monitored the associations between sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and mortality.

They found that most people around the world already are in the healthy range of sodium consumption - between 3,000 and 5,000 mg per day - and that people who consumed salt at the higher end of the healthy range had better health outcomes and fewer incidences of heart attacks. Only in China, where consumption was over 5,000 mg per day, was intake associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, they found a positive effect of increased potassium consumption, noting, "All major cardiovascular outcomes decreased with increasing potassium intake in all countries."

Despite this new research the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to insist that we should consume no more than 2,300 mg per day of sodium and the American Heart Association recommends a daily maximum of 1,500 mg. Americans currently consume an average of 3,400 mg per day.

Dr. Martin O'Donnell, also at McMaster University and a co-author of the study, said, "Public health strategies should be based on best evidence. There is no convincing evidence that people with moderate or average sodium intake need to reduce their sodium intake for prevention of heart disease and stroke."

Meanwhile, according to a study published in the journal Hypertension, when experts studied salt consumption patent in India between 1986 and 2014, it was found that, "mean salt consumption levels were between 5.22 and 42.30g/day. With an extreme outlier excluded, overall mean weighted salt intake was 10.98g/day. The population salt consumption far exceeds the WHO-recommended maximum of 5g per person per day. A rapid shift toward processed food items and western diet seems to have led to an increase in daily salt consumption in India.

But the new study should bring a smile on the faces of salt-lovers in India!

Choose wisely: Complete vs. incomplete proteins

Nutritional powerhouses: Understanding complete vs. incomplete proteins

Now that more people are aware of the health benefits of eating protein - and the effectiveness of low-carb diets - they're increasingly seeking ways to enjoy that nutritional powerhouse in their daily diets.

Many, however, may be unclear about the important nutritional differences between complete and incomplete proteins. And that could affect whether they're taking in minimal daily dosages of the crucial body building block.

The global market for protein ingredients is expected to grow by 7.4 percent annually in the next seven years, climbing to a staggering $48.5 billion by 2025. That's partly because protein offers so many benefits: It can stabilize blood sugar levels, improve your ability to learn and concentrate, boost your energy, support your muscles and bones, keep you feeling full longer and help you absorb other important nutrients. Many protein-rich foods are gluten-free, and many are effectively used as elements of low-carb diets.

Still, not all proteins are created equal; so-called "incomplete" proteins must be combined with other foods to build the nine essential amino acids your body can't produce on its own. That's huge when it comes to functions like building, fueling and repairing your muscles and growing your hair and nails.

Here are four other facts to know about the difference between complete and incomplete proteins.

* Animal-derived products such as cottage cheese, meat, poultry, fish and eggs are complete proteins in and of themselves and need not be eaten with other foods to release their full nutritional potential.

* In comparison to animal proteins, plant proteins are not always complete and must be combined with other foods to achieve their full nutritional value (the exceptions are edamame, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, chia, and hemp).

* Nuts and nut butter are also incomplete proteins and must be combined with other foods to provide all nine essential amino acids. They're also very high in fat and calories compared to some other proteins.

* Unlike meat, poultry, eggs, and fish, cottage cheese is a ready-to-eat complete protein that requires no cooking. Plus, cottage cheese contains casein protein, which provides energy to keep you moving, plus keeps you feeling fuller longer. Cottage cheese is also more healthful than other complete protein alternatives, as it offers less fat and fewer calories than meat, and has twice the protein of an egg.

When you choose cottage cheese, for example, you get 14-19 grams of protein per serving, plus other essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, Vitamin A and probiotics. And because the cottage is uniquely rich and creamy, you can swap it for mayonnaise, sour cream and other cheeses in dishes like pasta and potato salads, dips and sandwiches to add a boost of protein without adding additional fat or calories.

Do your body - and your brain - a favor by looking for ways to add complete proteins to your meals and snacks throughout the day. 

3D printing is reimagining the way you see your bathroom

When additive manufacturing technology - better known as 3D printing - was first invented more than 30 years ago it was intended to make the product design and manufacturing process more efficient. At that time, 3D printing was used primarily as a way to create prototypes to validate and perfect product design, but the inventor, Chuck Hull, had no idea how it would change the way we live.

Manufacturers all over the world now rely on additive manufacturing to produce final parts and products that are purchased and experienced by mainstream consumers across the marketplace. This includes parts in automobiles and appliances, medical and dental implants, custom prosthetic limbs and food, and has also become an important component in the interior design, reinventing what you think is possible.

 The 3D printed future

When Kallista, a division of Kohler, sought to execute its new Grid Sink Faucet design, the company quickly realized the idea could not be executed via traditional manufacturing methods. Rather than sacrifice the design, the team turned to 3D printing. Working with 3rd Dimension - an additive manufacturing services provider - Kallista employed a layer-by-layer production approach on 3D Systems 3D printing technology to manufacture the faucet to the exacting specifications of the designer. The resulting faucet is significantly stronger and more durable than if it had been produced using traditional manufacturing methods. By carrying through the designer's vision, Kallista created a faucet that shifted away from excessive decoration and materials to instead expose a design that boasts the clean, understated lines of the minimalist form.

The result was a faucet that delivers on its design without compromising functionality.

Additional benefits of 3D printing

While 3D printing solutions are inspiring designers everywhere, giving them the opportunity to expand their creativity, 3D printing also offers several other benefits to companies and consumers, including:

* A single source of efficiency and strength. "Some assembly required" is a catchphrase synonymous with traditional manufacturing and it is that assembly that also exposes the end product to errors in the pieces, poor construction and added time to fabricate the object. However, because 3D printed objects are made in one solid piece, they solve many of these issues. They are structurally stronger, free of connection weaknesses and expertly assembled to specifications.

* Environmental consciousness. While traditional manufacturing takes raw materials and trims them down to the finished product, 3D printing builds the desired piece by adding material as the process goes along. This means it essentially utilizes only the amount of material necessary to create the object. The result is less waste and a reduced environmental impact.

* Faster results, favorable returns. The 3D printing process offers a new level of accuracy and rapid part production with the ability to reduce - and in many cases, eliminate - material waste, which also favorably impacts a project's overall bottom line.

Reimagining what's possible

Since its creation, the Kallista Grid Faucet has been nominated for and won seven awards, including "Best In Show" at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in 2018. It is proof that the technology of 3D printing is reimagining the rules for manufacturing and design. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it will push the boundaries in product design and production. 3D printing is transforming manufacturing and the doors to what is possible are suddenly wide open.

Winter allergies: The allergies you didn't know you could have

When temperatures drop, people with seasonal allergies to grass, tree and weed pollens get well-deserved relief from their symptoms. But if you're still sneezing and blowing your nose when winter descends, you might have indoor allergies.

The problem for many allergy sufferers is figuring out what, exactly, is causing their symptoms. Why? Most allergy sufferers develop similar symptoms no matter what allergen they're reacting to. When you have a stuffy or a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing and coughing you know you're probably allergic to something. Beyond that, it's hard to discover the culprit. If it's serious enough to prompt a trip to the doctor for relief, see an allergist.

"Allergists are the best-trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma," says allergist Todd Mahr, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Much like a cardiologist specializes in heart problems, an allergist specializes in allergic diseases. Your allergist will find the source of your symptoms and treat the cause so you can feel healthy all the time."

Here are some common causes of winter, indoor allergies and tips from ACAAI on what you can do about them:

Dust mite allergy: Dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens and a year-round annoyance. Those allergic to dust mites suffer most in their own homes. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in furniture, carpets and bedding, and feed off the flakes of skin people shed every day. They thrive in warm, humid environments. Often, you'll notice your symptoms immediately after vacuuming, sweeping or dusting, when you've stirred up dust. Molds, pollen, pet hair, fur or feathers can contribute to a dust allergy as well.

Diagnosis and treatment: As with all the allergies in this article, your allergist will perform a skin test or blood test to determine the exact cause of your allergy and order a course of treatment that may include medications or allergy shots.

Management: The presence of dust mites does not mean you have a dirty house; they're everywhere. You can lessen or avoid your symptoms by removing the usual suspects that cause dust allergies. Choose wood floors instead of carpet, clean your house with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, use mite-proof cases on your mattresses and pillows and wash your linens regularly in hot water. Consider installing a high-efficiency disposable filter in your HVAC system. The filter should have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 11 to 13 - the higher the MERV rating the better.

Mold allergy: Molds live inside and outside of your home. They can thrive in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens, and the annoying thing about molds is that many molds aren't visible to the naked eye. As the spores become airborne, they can cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment: Your allergist may have you track your symptoms over time to see where you've been when your allergies flare up. That will help identify the culprit. Antihistamines and decongestants can ease symptoms.

Management: Wear a mask when doing yard work, and once inside, take a shower and rinse your nose with a saline solution to remove mold spores. In the kitchen, clean up any spills or leaks quickly to prevent mold from growing. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in areas like bathrooms and basements. Clean your garbage cans and fridge drawers. For serious mold problems, call a professional.

Pet allergy: It's a heartbreaking situation for pet lovers if they have allergy symptoms after being with their pets. Allergy symptoms can be constant because exposure can occur anywhere - in pet-friendly workplaces, restaurants and stores, at school, in daycare, anywhere a pet owner has been.

Diagnosis and treatment: Your allergist will perform a skin test or blood test to determine if your pet is causing your allergy symptoms. They may advise treating with nasal sprays, antihistamines or other medications. Allergy shots are also effective in treating pet allergies because resistance is built up over time.

Management: Avoidance is the best way to manage a pet allergy, but you don't have to part with your furry family members. Some ways to lessen your symptoms include keeping your pet out of your bedroom, washing your hands with soap and water after petting or playing with your pet, vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum and bathing your pet once a week.

Once you know the cause of your symptoms, you can conquer the allergy. It's time to take control of your allergies and asthma and start enjoying life again. It's time to find an allergist.