E-Coli Is Back

Cucumbers exported from Spain to Germany have been contaminated with the E-coli bacteria, that’s what I have been reading lately.Now this gives me the goose bumps.This is the only vegetable my children eat without a fuss.They love it in their salad . This is freaking me out. After this disturbing news, I kept checking my refrigerator compartment to ensure there were no traces of dirt or dirty particles embedded in my stored cucumbers .I wash them well ,all of the vegetables. ‘Please conserve water ,don’t waste’ ,everyone cries! But how can we think of using water sparingly in a situation like this. As it is ,I wash and scrub these vegetables thoroughly if I use them in salads. It is alarming however to watch the food enthusiasts demonstrate on television their culinary know hows and cooking their favourite vegetables or meat, straight from the packet to the pan.When do they wash the vegetables or meat? How ever much they say the vegetables are hygienic, We got to wash them in clean running water once we bring it home from the grocers and just before cooking them.I remember ,there was this outbreak of E-coli in spinach leaves,a couple of years ago, We being miles away from the affected places stopped eating Spinach through fear. Now it’s back again ,this time tainting the cucumber the ones grown in Spain.
E.coli is short for Escherichia coli - a bacteria (germ) that causes severe cramps and diarrhea. Certain strains of E. coli, possibly create lethal toxins. Food poisoning by E. coli is usually caused by undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk and juice, raw fruits and vegetables , feces of infected people, and contaminated water. It also causes serious and life-threatening complications .The illness varies considerably;it can be fatal, particularly to the young and the elderly . This bacteria lives in the digestive tracts of animals and humans and most are typically harmless. They help our body break down and digest food. Nonetheless, some strains of E. coli can be very harmful and lead to grave infections that can make us sick quickly.

What Is Acidity?

Though some may not have a deep understanding about it, they probably may know someone  who  experience it. Most likely you must have  heard of acidity. What is acidity - those who have not experienced it  may wonder . Acidity  takes place when there is an  excess secretion of  gastric acid in your body, leaving you with  a burning sensation in your throat or a bitter and sour  taste in your mouth.This is a condition that affects the digestive system. However, this  is an uncomplicated problem that could go out of control when you ignore it. There are many causes for the acidity levels to elevate in your body. Stress could be defined as one of the main cause to aggravate the situation. However, high intake of fatty and spicy food,refined and fibres foods, overeating and eating hurriedly ,could further lift the acidity levels in your body .It is also known that excessive intake of caffeine  helps to build up  the acid in the body. Other causes that intentify the acid level may be due to pregnancy,aging,anxiety and obesity .During my pregnancies, I experienced heartburn. And I was advised to eat and drink a lot of cooling food. Eating banana,watermelon and cucumber gives instant  relief . On the other hand, altering   erratic meal times and bad eating habits help prevent acid reflux.  In any case, consult your doctor  if symptoms persists.

Here are some home remedies to ease the acidity.

Chew a few basil leaves.Repeat every hour till the acidity subsides

A common remedy is to drink coconut water.Drink this 3-4 times a day.

Have plenty of milk and milk products.A cold glass of  milk or a cup of ice-cream could be taken for instant relief.

Fresh mint juice prevents  acid reflux.Water controls the acidity.Drink water with a teaspoon of honey every morning.

Drink herbal tea.

Take lots of cumin seed and ginger- boiled in water.

Eat meals in small quantity and do not gulp the food .

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