Many older people are put onto a low salt diet because of chronic or acute medical conditions, like high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Others choose low salt regimes to improve mental function which is responsive to salt intake. It’s known that in normal circumstances of climate and activity people need only half a gram of salt a day, way below the official guidelines of 6 - 7 grams.

If you ask them which foods they miss most, they will likely say “cheese”. Its particular flavor and texture can be quite addictive.

However, cheese is very high in salt.

There are exceptions. Some soft versions, like cream cheeses — usually not proprietary brands — can be salt-free. The problem is they don’t really taste or feel like cheese at all.

One solution is Swiss Emmental which is low in salt, but tastes very much like cheese. The Tesco brand contains only 0.2 grams per 30-gram typical serving. Others may vary, so check the labeling.

Bear in mind also that a value for sodium needs to be multiplied by 2.5 to get the full salt content.

Cheese needn’t be a no-go area for low salt dieters.

There’s a new website on the network called Sideways Health which looks at innovative and traditional ways to beat common health problems.

The emphasis is on non-invasive treatments which are both gentle and effective.

There will also be a strand concentrating on the GI method (Glycemic Index) as a way of improving alertness and mental functioning, as well as overall health and optimum weight.

This site is well worth following if you want a different approach to managing your health apart from the expensive, technological methods of conventional medicine and healthcare.

We are often told that our nails can tell us a lot about our state of health. But do we know what to look for?

Charlotte Vohtz nails the subject in her book, Naturally Gorgeous, Essential Health and Beauty Sectrets.

Here are eight tips from the book.

1. White spots or flecks on nails indicate a zinc deficiency, which may have many causes — too much alcohol or even side effects from taking the contraceptive pill.

2. Ridged or brittle nails may highlight a calcium deficiency or lack of vitamin A.

3. Cracked or broken nails — in the absence of any other reason such as heavy manual work — may show up a lack of fluids. Dehydration can cause many conditions including blocked sinuses.

4. Nails which split easily may indicate a lack of fatty acids in the diet.

5. Dryness and very rounded and curved ends could be a lack of vitamin B12, which may be linked to an iron deficiency.

6. For super-healthy nails make half your diet consist of fresh fruit and vegetables, some raw. This will boost your intake of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

7. Add foods rich in sulphur and silicon, like fish, broccoli and onions. Also foods high in biotin, such as soya and whole grains.

8. Foods like wild seaweed (kelp tablets will do), which contain iodine for the thyroid gland, an organ that plays a part in the growth of nails, hair, skin and teeth.

How to Boost Your Immune System — Part 6

Fresh vegetable and fruit juices are known to boost the immune system. They are packed with super-antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that nourish all parts of the body. They also help in detoxing the body tissues.

Naturopaths recommend different recipes, but here’s a good one that isn’t overloaded with sugars that may disrupt your blood sugar.

Juice equal quantities of :

Carrots
Celery
Winter cabbage or broccoli
Apples
Add ginger to taste.

Consume the juice as soon as it’s made for extra goodness and flavor.

Investing in a good quality juicer, such as the Intojuicer, available from www.intojuice.com, is definitely worthwhile.