Eating disorders in children and preventive meausres

Eating disorders are more common in young children and can be seen in any age group. Eating disorders mean problems with the way a child eats. It can be stressful for the parents to deal with the child having an eating disorder as it can impact them mentally and physically children with eating disorders tend to experience adverse effects on nearly every organ in the body thus, timely treatment is key to helping children with eating disorders. 

[Image showing Eating disorders]

According to Dr. Vrushali Bichkar, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital in Pune's Lullanagar, there are many types of eating disorders that have been seen in children; however, the common and main eating disorders are under  

1. Anorexia Nervosa - This is an eating disorder wherein the weight of the child is below average for their age and height. Children with anorexia have a fear of getting fat or gaining weight. They tend to have a distorted body image, calling themselves “fat” even when very thin. Those with this issue tend to have mental health problems like mood disorders, depression, or anxiety disorders. Symptoms-  Bluish discoloration of the fingers due to a lack of oxygen, hair fall, fatigue, insomnia, fainting, and the absence of menstruation in teenage girls.

2. Bulimia Nervosa - Here, a child engages in episodes of bingeing during which he or she eats too much food and then purges, or tries to get rid of the extra calories. This means self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, such as running on a treadmill for hours. Those suffering from it have anxiety and self-injurious behaviors. Symptoms-  Stained teeth, calluses on the backs of the hands or knuckles from self-induced vomiting, frequent weight fluctuations, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

3. Restrictive food intake disorder - If a child has this disorder then he/she is unable to or refuses to eat certain foods based on texture, color, taste, temperature, or even the aroma. Symptoms- The child may have weight loss problems, inadequate growth, and nutritional deficiencies. Here, a child may consume only a very narrow range of foods and refuse even those foods if they appear new or different.

4. Binge eating disorder - Having a binge eating disorder means the children will eat large amounts of food but do not attempt to get rid of calories once the food is consumed. Such children can be obese or overweight. 

Symptoms- They tend to have trouble coping with anger, sadness, worry, and stress. They will always feel guilty for eating a lot and not exercising. Causes: According to Dr. Vrushali Bichkar, genetics, stress and pre-existing psychiatric disorders can make a child prone to having an eating disorder. 

Treatment: “Psychotherapy, nutrition education, medical monitoring, and medications in some cases can help children with eating disorders,” suggested Dr. Vrushali Bichkar. 

Preventive measure - Dr. Vrushali Bichkar advised, “As parents, you need to speak to your child about unhealthy eating habits, encourage the child to eat healthy foods, maintain an optimum weight, exercise daily, sleep well and stay stress-free. Try to help your child to build a healthy body image, do not body shame the child. Do not diet around the child as he/she will feel that it is alright to skip healthy foods or even starve. So, make sure that your child gets all the essential nutrients from the diet.”

Make your children healthy and stay safe...

 

Diabetes patient has more risk to Tuberculosis....

The National Institute of Health has confirmed that a diabetic patient has more risk of tuberculosis than a common person. The NIH Scientist and Scientific Director,  ICER stated that diabetes can increase the risk of TB and vice versa. Both diseases can pace up each other's occurrence, the scientist confirmed. 

They told that diabetes even can worsen the situation while treating TB patients. There is an increased risk of TB replace even after being cured in the presence of diabetes. Diabetics can give the worst effect in treating TB patients said the scientist. 

In Chennai, a pioneer study has been conducted by Professor M. Vishwanathan, Diabetic Research Centre (MVDRC) has shown that over fifty percent of the people with TB are either Diabetics or pre-diabetics. ICER- INDIA, MVDRC, and ICMR-NIRT have also done studies on whether TB can trigger the onset of diabetes in TB patients. Dr. Babu explained, " TB can triger a process called stress-induced hyperglycemia and hence increase diabetes risk n non-diabetic individuals".

He further added that several studies including many of his clinical trials have shown the impact of diabetes on TB. TB may also increase the chances of developing severe complications with diabetics. 

Researchers told that TB is curable but it may take a longer time and more intensive care more than a couple of years even after completing treatment. It is also told by them that the lungs of the TB patient recover more slowly due to expansive damage to the lungs caused by the TB bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis responsible for damaging the lungs. Diabetes is a chronic disease in which either the pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin or the body organs do not effectively utilize the insulin produced in the body.  

  

Be aware, these drugs may reduce your sex desire…

As we know sex is one of the most beautiful and marvelous gifts that nature has blessed us with. Not only for procreation and increasing pedigree but sex is also considered the best way to feel the extreme ecstasy of the entire being and feel the intimacy with your loved one. 

{Avoiding intimacy}

Have you ever felt suddenly dropped down in the desire for sex with your partner? There are many physical and mental factors involved and among them the major and most common factor is drugs. Doctors always prescribe medicine by taking your clinical history and for certain limits but making a habit of taking medicines on your own as self-medication is very dangerous, it may affect the potency of the sexual organs resulting in disagreement of the sexual desire each other. 

These drugs are- 

Blood Pressure Medications: Blood pressure medications are used to lower the pressure of blood inside blood vessels so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body. While high blood pressure in itself can lead to sexual dysfunction, many drugs used to treat this condition also can increase sexual difficulties. In men, the decreased blood flow can reduce desire and interfere with erections and ejaculation. In women, it can lead to vaginal dryness, a decrease in desire, and difficulties achieving orgasm. 

Birth Control Pills: Condoms for men are considered to be the safest and most effective contraceptives with no side effects. But many men refuse to wear them as it reportedly reduces the pleasure and the feel. Hence, women have to take up the responsibility with oral contraceptives, or birth control pills. These pills can lower levels of sex hormones affecting the libido and desire for sex. 

Anti-depressants:   Anti-depressants provide much relief in the condition of depression but unfortunately can lower the libido. The most common symptoms of anti-depressants related to loss of libido are loss of interest in sex, delayed orgasm, delayed ejaculation or no orgasm, no ejaculation at all, and erectile dysfunction in men. 

Statins and Fibrates: Statins and fibrates are used to treat the condition of high cholesterol. These drugs limit the availability of cholesterol and mostly interfere with the production of testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones. Few studies about the side effects of statins and fibrates have concluded that both classes of drugs may cause erectile dysfunction.  

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, commonly known as tranquilizers are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and muscle spasms. The sedative and muscle-relaxant properties of benzodiazepines affect sexual interest, excitement, and sensation. They may also interfere with the production of testosterone. The most common side-effects of benzodiazepines are weakened orgasms, painful sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems. 

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are mainly used to control symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as incessant sneezing and running nose. Antihistamines can cause erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems in men and vaginal dryness in women. 

Proscar: Proscar is used to treat enlarged prostate. The active ingredient in Proscar is finasteride, which prevents testosterone from converting into its active form. Lack of testosterone means a lack of libido. 

PsychiatricMedicinesAntipsychotics: These are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other serious psychiatric conditions. Antipsychotics block dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates emotional responses and the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. They also increase levels of the hormone prolactin, which can lead to erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and difficulties achieving orgasm. Antipsychotics block the action of acetylcholine, which can lead to problems in all areas of sexual function. 

Stay Healthy, stay safe...

IIT Madras developed an AI tool for personalised cancer diagnosis

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for nearly one in six deaths in 2020. 

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells that can occur due to mutations in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes or both. However, not all mutations necessarily result in cancer. Current cancer treatments are known to be detrimental to the overall health of the patient. Knowledge of the genes responsible for the initiation and progression of cancer in patients can help determine the combination of drugs and therapy most suitable for a patient's recovery. The tool, described in a peer-reviewed journal Frontier in Genetics, is based on a machine learning model that classifies genes as tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, or neutral genes. 

According to the researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, an Artificial Intelligence-based tool that can predict cancer-causing genes in an individual has been developed, paving the way for devising personalized cancer treatment strategies. According to researchers of IIT, Madras, it would be a great tool to diagnose severe life-threatening diseases cancerin coming days. 

The tool named 'PIVOT' is designed to predict cancer-causing genes based on a model that utilizes information on mutations, expression of genes, and copy number variation in genes and perturbations in the biological network due to an altered gene expression. The tool, described in a peer-reviewed journal Frontier in Genetics, is based on a machine learning model that classifies genes as tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, or neutral genes. 

Cancer, being a complex disease, cannot be dealt with in a one-treatment-fits-all fashion. As cancer treatment increasingly shifts towards personalized medicine, such models that build toward pinpointing differences between patients can be very useful," said a Doctor, Core Member, RBCDSAI, IIT Madras, in his statement. 

The new tool was able to successfully predict both the existing oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes like TP53, and PIK3CA, among others, and new cancer-related genes such as PRKCA, SOX9, and PSMD4. The researchers built AI prediction models for three different types of cancer including breast invasive carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and lung adenocarcinoma." The research area of precision medicine is still at a nascent stage.

PIVOT helps push these boundaries and presents prospects for experimental research based on the genes identified," informed by a Research Scholar, IIT Madras. The team is planning to extend PIVOT further to many more cancer types. The team is also working on a list of personalized cancer-causing genes that can help in identifying the suitable drug for patients based on their cancer profile.

Bread Pakode or veg roll and health in modern days...

As we know, nothing is important in life except health. Health is everything. Everyone wishes to live a healthy life but on thought, not practically. Everyone wishes to be active, slim, and energetic but the majority of people thought in the mind and are not practical. 

In modern days, many industrial estates are now computerized and robot oriented. The employee has a role to operate and program the task but has no physical activities. Daily about one hour of brisk walk or forty-five minutes of cycling is the best solution to make the body energetic. but, due to a hectic and unsystematic schedule and the wrong routine of life, no one is able to follow. 

It has been practically seen that a very rare young generation is becoming the witness of the sun rising. They ever know the sun is rising but they were not able to see the natural charm and morning glory due to their lifestyle. Neither, do they go early to bed nor wake up early in the morning and they wish to eat only ready-made food or readily processed and preserved food, rather we may say junk food. 

It has been seen that many channels give learning to prepare healthy and hygienic food but due to practice to prepare and eating nonvegetarian food, the health maintenance becomes negligible because of adding more spice to bring the taste to the recipe. 

Being in the health department, I kept on searching whether anybody doing social work and taking care of the society by means of the health of a common population. Ultimately, I got success when I got an opportunity to meet the owner of a growing youtube channel entitled "Panchavati Rasoi" I asked the aim to run this channel and got a satisfactory reply. The owner indicating me that the purpose of the channel is clearly mentioned in the channel description and apart from that helping the student who had fear of the Covid pandemic and wishes to cook their own healthy food. I visited the channel site and have seen there were more simple but healthy recipes available on the channel. Recently, I have seen a recipe for " Kachhe Kele ki Sabji" (Raw banana vegetable), and while asking it was said that veg roll (Bread roll) is under process. I asked whether bread roll or veg roll comes under a junk food category, it was replied that No, it was the material to make junk food but she beautifully designed it as a healthy and yummy recipe for the young generation. 

It was stated that whole wheat bread and boiled potatoes and other ingredients were used in such a manner that edible oil quantity become negligible with zero oil. Not only this, it has not been deep fried but air-fried using an air fryer. The easy recipe was hardly taken 10-15 minutes and was served to me for taste purposes. I really enjoyed it. It was a really healthy and oil-free recipe. 

The channel owner quoted that there was no harm to serving this to the diabetic patient and cardiovascular patients as there every ingredient is in a limited and quantified manner., and very soon it would be uploaded to the channel. While asking to offer taste before uploading, it was told that this is also a type of testing. I laughed and I love this preparation. I told her that I will be waiting for this beautiful and tasty recipe. She also promises to upload the same very soon. Apart from that many, more recipe is there on the channel. If anybody wishes to enjoy it, they may use the link which I share for public interest and health benefit.  

Panchavati Rasoi  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_PaxSPF6f72JBATyk4k-Yg

Stay healthy, stay safe... 

Monkeypox virus, symptoms and its safety measures…

It is a viral infection, which is found mainly in Central and West African countries. For the first time in the year 1958, this viral infection was found in monkeys. The disease was first detected in humans in 1970. Nigeria had the largest outbreak of monkeypox in 2017, with 75% of its patients being male. 

[The image shows a baby is affected by Monkeypox virus] 

The virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth after coming out of the patient's wound. Apart from this, monkeypox can also be spread by the biting of animals like monkeys, rats, and squirrels or by touching their blood and body fluids. According to experts, you can also fall prey to this disease by not eating properly cooked meat or eating the meat of an infected animal.  

The symptoms of monkeypox can appear from the 5th day to the 21st day of infection. Initial symptoms are flu-like. These include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, shivering, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. After this, the rash starts to appear on the face, which also spreads to other parts of the body. During infection, this rash goes through many changes. Eventually, they fall off like a scab, just like smallpox. 

Professor Jimmy Whitworth of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said in a conversation with the news agency Reuters – International travel was closed for a long time due to the Corona epidemic. Now after the abrupt removal of restrictions, people are moving to and from African countries. Maybe that's why cases of monkeypox are coming to the fore. The world battling the corona epidemic is now increasingly vulnerable to monkeypox. 

The disease has spread to 15 countries within just 15 days. After Belgium on Monday, Britain has also made a 21-day quarantine period compulsory for monkeypox patients. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that even one case of this disease in any country will be considered an outbreak. On the other hand, India has also become alert seeing the rapid spread of monkeypox. 

On Monday, the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai prepared a 28-bed isolation ward at Kasturba Hospital for suspected patients of monkeypox. However, not a single case of this disease has been found in the country so far. 

Cases of monkeypox have been reported in the UK, USA, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Israel, Austria, and Switzerland. In just 2 weeks, the number of cases has crossed 100. However, not a single death has been reported from this disease so far. 

The concern of the central government regarding the monkeypox has also increased. In view of the rapidly spreading infection, an alert has been issued to the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The Health Ministry has directed the officials of airports and seaports to immediately isolate any sick travelers who have returned after traveling to monkeypox-affected countries and send samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for testing. 

According to the WHO, a rare infection like monkeypox usually gets better on its own, but it can prove to be serious in some people. Such people include young children, pregnant women, and people with very weak immunity. 

Children younger than 5 years are more prone to it. The WHO is also concerned that most people who are confirmed with monkeypox have no connection to African countries. Actually, this virus is mostly found in Central and West African countries. It is common to find cases in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and DR Congo.

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Okara drink- a proven best natural remedy to manage blood sugar, cholesterol and obesity…..

Okara or Bhindi is scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, the family Malvaceae. It is called ladies' fingers in English. This is a well-known plant and its raw fruits are being used as tasty vegetables all over the world. The plant is easily growing in about all the parts of India also. The tender pods are preferred to prepare vegetables. They are eaten boiled or in the form of sliced and fried pieces. In many kitchens, it is utilized for thickening soups and gravies because of their high mucilage content. Many people sliced the raw fruits and sun-dried them to keep for off-season use. Tender fruit slices are used in preparing Okra pickles. The tender and soft leaves are boiled and used like spinach. Many countries use to eat flowers in the soup. The mature and ripe seeds are roasted and used as substitute coffee. They are also used in curries and chutneys because of their high protein value (18-26%). The seed flour of Okra is reported to use in addition to maize flour. 

[Okara (Bhindi) - A fruiting branch]

Bhindi or Okara is a fair source of calcium, iron, and vitamins. It is scientifically proven that the raw and tender pods of okara has 84% of edible protein; moisture 89.6; protein 1.9 %, fat 0.2%; fibre 1.2%, carbohydrate 6.4%; minerals 0.7% ; calcium, 66.0;  phosphorus 56.0 and iron 1.5 mg/100 of edible portion. In Okra, the trace elements present are: magnesium, 43.0 %; potassium 103%; sodium 6.9%copper 0.19%sulphur, 30.0 %and chlorine, 41.0/100 g of edible matter, etc. apart from the stated elements, Bhidi contains carotene, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin C and oxalic acids, etc. 

In industry, mucilaginous extract of the green stem of Bhindi is commonly employed in India for clarifying sugarcane juice in Gur or jaggery manufacture. 

As we know bhindi has many useful treasures in its green and tender pods for our health. Apart from the above uses stated above, Bhindi or Okra is also very good in diabetic management and lowering blood cholesterol, also in body weight management.  Now, elevated blood sugar is common even among the young generations due to mismanagement of the lifestyle, food style, etc. Stress and sitting work on the system also boosting to enhance blood sugar. 

So, don’t worry, I have a highly experienced and healthy drink for you. You may say it “Okara drink” for lowering blood sugar, and cholesterol, and reducing body weight. It is working perfectly without side effects. The preparation of Okara drink is very simple, easy, and takes short time rather you can say it will take time equally to prepare a tea on a gas stove. 

Let's tell what you do if have uncontrolled blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and heavy body weight. Involve this drink in your lifestyle and get benefited. This will work definitely but have to take it with the correct methods.

How to prepare Okara drink: (Recipe for one person from age 15 to adult group): 

To prepare an Okara drink for a person as stated above, please take 5 numbers of Raw and tender Bhindi or Okara pods (fruits), make them into two halves each, also cut them at both ends so that mucilage can come out easily (neither crush nor fine slice). Take 300 ml of drinking water in a clean utensil and add the okra pieces to it. Now add one pinch of edible salt, turmeric powder, and peppers, and add a little asafoetida (hing) powder. If you wish to enhance the taste then you may add two-three mint and coriander leaves. Allow to boil it in sim flame and stir it well at regular intervals for about 10 minutes. You may see the tender pieces of Okara will get soft or sometimes easily mashed with fingers. Now, close the utensil with the lid and allow for 5 minutes. Your drink is ready. Now filter it in a tumbler (Optional - add one to two drops of lemon juice) and drink it in hot condition as tea in the morning. This may be taken after food also as a healthy soup. But if you want to manage the diabetics, and cholesterol and reduce your body weight, then, it is advised to take it with an empty stomach in the morning. 

For, a better effect, you may take a few sips of normal hot water before this drink. Please do not eat anything for 45 minutes after this drink is taken. This may continue up to your body requirement. You yourself feel because it will give you full energy and make your body active, reduce the body weight, bad cholesterol, and lowers the blood sugar. 

Caution: This drink should not be taken by a person who already has low blood pressure and low blood sugar.

Disclaimer: This article is written based on practical experiences and awareness of health, however, it would be better to get an opinion from an AYUSH consultant before starting this). 

Stay healthy, stay safe...     

Raw Mango and health benefits…..

Ripe mangoes have their own place in the summer seasons and it is known as the king of the fruits due to their superior taste and health benefits at the same time the raw mangoes (unripened mangoes) have more demand in the summer season. The combination of the summer season and raw mangoes is the best. 

Though mangoes are available in the market throughout the year but the mangoes naturally ripen in the summer seasons has their own values. The majority of the people wait for the summer season only because of mangoes. To introduce more and more about the mangoes is not necessary due to their popularity, so we should come to the point directly. 

Here, I would like to inform some important benefits of the raw mango that are quite helpful to cope with the summer. Apart from getting rid of the heat, the consumption of raw mango in the summer season is very beneficial for health. Mangoes have many properties like anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant which can help in cooling down your body. Some of the main benefits are stated below-

1. Protection from heat (Loo)- Raw mango reduces the effect of heatwave caused by high heat. Raw mangoes are consumed to supply water to the body. This is the best summer refreshment drink after a workout. Everyone is well known for “Kaccha Pana” or Pana readily available with small vendors as well as fruit juice shops, especially in the summer season. Drinking mango Pana is the best option to reduce heat in the summer. It also corrects digestion. Method of preparation of Pana, I have already stated in my blog entitled “Covid XE and immunity booster” 

[Raw mangoes]

2. Immunity builder properties- Mango, the king of fruits, is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and K. All these nutrients work to keep infections away and reduce oxidative stress. Raw mango chutney by adding green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves with a pinch of table or rock salt also give a cool effect to ur body in summer. An adequate amount of vitamin C is found in raw mango. Which can help you in making your immunity strong. By consuming it, you can avoid many problems in summer.

3. Mango keeps the heart healthy- Mango contains a unique antioxidant called mangiferin. Mangiferin helps to balance cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acid levels, which reduces the risk of heart diseases. Raw mango is rich in magnesium and potassium, which help in keeping the heart-healthy.

4. Reduces risk of cancer- Raw mangoes are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which reduce the risk of cancer. Raw mango reduces inflammation of the body.

5. Works as skin protector -  Raw mango takes special care of your health as well as your skin. Many problems like pimples, blemishes, and dryness can be overcome by the consumption of raw mango.

6. Maintaining hydration in the body- Lack of water in the body is common in the summer season, but by consuming raw mangoes, you can get rid of this problem. Consumption of raw mangoes keeps our body hydrated. 

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Covid XE and immunity booster…

The summer season is now full-on in many parts of our country.  In the summer season, dehydration of the body is the main causal factor to makes a body sick. Dehydration not only affects our internal body parts but also reduces the immunity that is very much required to fight against viral as well as any microbial diseases. The risk to health has increased amidst the scorching heat and rising Covid cases due to Coronavirus XE. Considering this, now the Government of India has approved booster doses for people of all ages. 

[Ready to cope with Summer ] 

Experts say that the omicron's new strain XE has the ability to infect people rapidly, however, its symptoms are observed mildly, but not much known till now.  At this time, it is very important to make changes in our lifestyle including a balanced diet sleeping time so the body gets proper rest that helps in strengthen our immunity and protects us from diseases, seasonal infections, or heatwaves. 

Our immune system is our body's defense mechanism and tries to kill any foreign antigens. Due to excessive heat, problems like fatigue, weakness, dehydration, and indigestion start, which can also cause weakening of our immunity. 

The following suggested foods and fruits can surely help to keep the body cool, protect against heat exhaustion, and can also boost immunity in the summer. 

1. Hydration: The role of water is most important to remove toxins from the body. At least 3 - 4 liters of water must be drunk every day so that all the organs can do their work properly. Along with this, the body will also stay away from infection and stay hydrated. 

2. Probiotics: Things like curd, buttermilk, lemonade, lassi, etc. work to keep the body's intestine healthy to strengthen the immune system.

3. Mango: Mango, the king of fruits, is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and K. All these nutrients work to keep infections away and reduce oxidative stress. Raw mango chutney by adding green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves with a pinch of table or rock salt also give a cool effect to ur body in summer. "Mango Pana" is also the best remedy to cope with summer and to make our body dehydrated. for this, one big size or two medium-sized raw mangoes should be boiled and then most outer rind should be removed. These boiled mangoes then macerate to make a liquid adding black salt, freshly ground coriander, and mint leaves, and maybe drunk instead of plain water especially at noon.

4. Sabja seeds or Basil seeds: According to research, by consuming sabja seeds, we get essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are necessary to strengthen our immunity. These minerals are involved in bone health, muscle function, and red blood cell production. 

5. Watermelons and other melon fruits: Melons are one of the favorite fruits in summer. Fruits like watermelon, melon,  etc all come from the melon family and they work to give a lot of hydration to the body. It not only proves to be light for the stomach but also provides fiber for gut health. Melon, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and B-6, works to fight the virus. Apart from these foods, it is also important to take care of these things to avoid Covid and other infections 

6. Balanced diet: The proper nutrients not only work to strengthen your immunity but also affect the microbiome in your gut. 

7. Physical activity: Yoga, meditation and exercise can help reduce restlessness and stress. It releases the happiness hormone serotonin, which makes you feel better, increases your immune regulation, and also reduces the inflammatory response by flushing out pathogens.

Stay healthy, stay safe...

 

Acidity is a disease - Please do not ignore it…..

It has often been seen that due to sitting at work and eating mostly processed food, the problem of gas and acidity persists in people nowadays. Many people do not let this problem sleep at night. This disease related to the stomach is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in common medical terminology.

[Acidity never allows to sleep calmly]

GERD makes a person upset. This happens when acid moves out of the stomach into the food pipe. Symptoms of GERD are usually sour belching and heartburn. Apart from these, symptoms like flatulence, restlessness, and feeling of vomiting and chest pain also point toward GERD.

While sleeping, the acid comes out of the stomach and reaches the throat, and causes severe trouble to the people. Most people have acid reflux while sleeping. This is because, in the lying position, the acid from the stomach easily comes out. Usually, this happens in the first 2-3 hours of sleep. In such a situation, by changing your sleeping pattern, you can get relief from GERD to a great extent. 

Here, some very important measures have been given to avoid acidity while sleeping. The following proper way should be used to sleep if suffering from gas-acidity-

1. Keep your Head High: You can elevate your head with an extra pillow. This will reduce the chances of acid leaking out of the stomach into the food pipe while you sleep. In this way, you can get temporary relief from GERD.

2. Sleep on your left side: To avoid acidity, sleep on your left side. This will keep the stomach at the bottom of your food pipe and prevent acid reflux. By sleeping on the right side, the acid reaches the throat.

3. Avoid sleeping on your back: Sleeping on your back increases acidity. In this position, the acid reaches from the stomach to the throat. Only then you will feel sour belching and burning or pain in the chest. If you are overweight, then this sleeping position can put more pressure on your stomach. 

Other health tips to avoid GERD: 

• If you want to avoid acidity while sleeping, then never lie down immediately after eating.

• Apart from this, avoid consuming too much fried, spicy food, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.

• Exercising daily and taking a walk after eating can reduce the problem of gas and acidity.

• Stress can also cause acid reflux. If you want to remove it then do yoga meditation.

• If the discomfort persists, contact the doctor as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Before adopting preventive measures, please consult a relevant doctor.

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is very useful for weight loss…..

Losing weight is not an easy task for anyone. Whether we want to reduce two kilos or 10 kilos. What we do not do to maintain or achieve the right weight according to the height, but for many people, it does not take the name of going stubborn fat. If we too have been struggling with reducing weight for a long time, then, we may try using basil this time. 

[A twig- Basil: Ocimum sanctum plant]

Most of us have seen the holy plant of Tulsi in our countryard since childhood. This is because basil is a medicine used in traditional medicine. This plant is scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum; family-Lamiaceae. Tulsi is also considered very beneficial for health. From enhancing the taste of tea, basil is used for many health problems. Tulsi is also considered very good for the body, hence it is also considered the golden cure of Ayurveda. If it is drunk daily mixed with water, then it can have many benefits. Some of the important health benefits are as follows- 

1. Beneficial in weight loss- This easy drink helps you slim your waist while boosting your metabolism. Tulsi contains natural chemicals, which make digestion easier and also reduce obesity. 

2. Tulsi detoxifying the body- People do not know how many measures are taken to make the beginning of the morning special. Waking up in the morning, drinking Tulsi water flushes out all the toxins from your body. Tulsi leaves have medicinal properties, which naturally cleanse your stomach.

3. Helpful in relieving stress- Research has shown that regular consumption of tulsi water can serve as an antidote for stress-related disorders and improve brain function.

4. For respiratory problems- Tulsi has powerful expectorant and antitussive properties, which suppresses cough along with eliminating the root cause of phlegm, irritation. Tulsi water also has many anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties that keep colds and related infections at bay. 

How to make tulsi water? Put three or four basil leaves in a glass of water at night. Filter this water in the morning and drink it. People who are suffering from cold and flu, they can get a lot of benefits by drinking this water after boiling it. 

Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions mentioned in the article are based on our own experiences. It should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have any persisting health issues. 

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Benefits of vegetarian diet….

British scientists strongly claimed about 14% less risk of cancer in vegetarians than non-vegetarian eaters… 

Now the world is returning towards vegetarian foods after observing the benefits...

Many doctors and health experts of the world support a vegetarian diet. According to them, the blood pressure and cholesterol level in the body remains normal on eating vegetarian foods. This diet keeps away many serious diseases like hypertension, obesity, and type-2 diabetes. Recently, in a study by the World Cancer Research Fund, Cancer Research UK, and Oxford Population Health, vegetarians have a lower risk of cancer than non-vegetarians. This study has been published in the journal BMC Medicine. 

Research has been done on more than 4.5 lakh people the people who eat meat and fish were divided into different categories. The diet pattern of these people was followed for 11.4 years. In the first group, there were people who ate non-veg for 5 or more days a week. These people used to eat all kinds of non-veg, from red meat to chicken. The second group consisted of people who ate meat five or fewer days a week. The third group was placed in those who were pescatarians, that is, only fish eaters. In the fourth and last group, such vegetarians were kept, who never ate meat and fish i.e. non-veg.

Harm from non-veg: Scientists found that the risk of any cancer decreases by 2% in those who eat less non-veg compared to people who eat regular non-veg. The risk is 10% lower in pescatarians and 14% lower in vegetarians. The risk of colon cancer was also found to be 9% lower in those who ate less meat. Vegetarian women were found to have an 18% lower risk of breast cancer after menopause. The reason for this can be considered normal weight. The risk of prostate cancer was found to be 20% lower in pescatarians and 31% less in vegetarians than non-vegetarians. 

What do experts say?  Experts say that the vegetarian diet reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 22%. Also, it reduces the overall risk of getting any cancer by 10 to 12%. Therefore, a vegetarian diet is considered good for health.

FSSAI also supports a plant-based diet: The Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also supports eating vegetarian foods.

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Psoriasis and diet restrictions….

If a person has a skin rash and itching, then stop consuming these types of foods immediately as it might be Psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which any part of the skin becomes red with raised rashes and itching. It mostly occurs on the knees, elbows, and back. more than 2.0 crores of people in the country are found severely affected with Psoriasis. According to experts, one-third of the patients with psoriasis have mental diseases like depression and stress. 

Usually, people ignore it as a common skin problem, but it can spread throughout the body. Therefore, by making some changes in the diet along with treatment, psoriasis may not be eliminated, but it can definitely be prevented from progressing. 

1. Whole Milk: Like cancer and heart disease, psoriasis is also an inflammatory disease. Fat is inflammatory tissue and reducing it can help with psoriasis. Whole milk i.e. fatty milk contains 3.25% fat. If you have to consume milk, then milk or skimmed milk (fatless milk) with 1-2% fat can be used.

2. Cheese: Cheese is also a dairy product containing fat. This can also increase inflammation in the body and increase the symptoms of psoriasis. If you have a habit of eating more burgers and sandwiches, try to put cheese in small quantities or even escape adding cheese into it.  

3. Processed Food: The inflammatory properties of processed foods and fast food can bother you. They are high in fat and sugar. Psoriasis patients should stay away from these things. They should consume fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

4. Red Meat: Red meat has a high amount of fat. This can worsen the condition of psoriasis patients. Lean meats, such as chicken and fish without skin, can be eaten instead of red meat, and that is also not in a frequent manner.  Some people find that omega 3 fats found in fish help to control psoriasis.

5. Gluten: Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can bother some patients with psoriasis. Many people are allergic to it. If you are also allergic to it then follow the gluten-free diet. 

6. Wine: Alcohol damages many parts of our body. This leads to liver and heart diseases. Some people believe that it can also aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis. Therefore, the longer you can keep away from alcohol, the better.

7. Coffee: Things like coffee and tea contain chemicals called caffeine, which can increase inflammation in the body. Caffeine can also be found in soft drinks, energy drinks, and hot chocolate.so, avoid all these things.

8. Chocolate: Chocolate is also a source of caffeine. Therefore, it is better to stay away from protein bars, chocolate-flavored ice cream, toffee, and sweets made from chocolate. 

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Before making dietary changes, a consultation with a dietician should be taken.

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Be aware - stress and boredom also provoke to keep eating something, which is very harmful for our health…

Food is necessary, but when there is a desire, it is not always necessary to eat. The reason is that sometimes hunger is in the brain rather than in the stomach. You must have noticed one thing when we are under the pressure of emotions, we want to eat something or the other even though we are not hungry. This type of eating is called 'emotional eating. Stress, depression, loneliness, irritability, anxiety, and anger are the feelings that make a person want to eat something. Similarly, if you are alone and bored, there is a desire to keep eating something. In this way, we eat more and can gradually become a victim of obesity. 

[Overeating may harm health]

Actually, mood and desire to eat are linked in the brain. Certain chemicals control both our appetite and mood. For example, stress increases the number of chemicals such as galanin and neuropeptide Y in the brain, leading to a craving for a diet rich in fats and carbohydrates. Some people want to eat chocolate under stress because the amount of carbohydrates and fat in it is high. Serotonin and endorphins are released from the carbohydrates present in chocolate, which improves the mood and makes you feel better. On the other hand, the fat present in it increases the level of galanin in the body. In this way, you feel like eating chocolate again and again. 

The hormones produced in the body during stress prompt us to eat a diet high in fat and high in sugar, which can be called 'stress eating'. Because of this, people often eat more than they need. During times of stress, the adrenal gland produces more cortisol hormone, which also increases appetite. 

Apart from stress, there are many other reasons due to which people eat more-

Boredom - Often when we are bored sitting idle, we start eating something.

Habits- The behavior of eating and drinking also depends on the habits of the person, such habits are developed from childhood.

Fatigue - If you're tired, you often eat without thinking, especially when you're tired of doing something you didn't want to do. So it can be said that overeating can also be the result of unwanted activities. 

Social influence -  There are some friends who insist on having pizza, dinner, or drinks after a night out. That's why we often overeat. This situation also happens in the family's pleas. 

When you want to eat something by mind, not by hungry- It is common to eat easily available things during times of stress. That is, packaged, fried foods. This starts a vicious cycle. Constant overeating has a bad effect on your stomach and health, and it increases your stress and anxiety even more.  

Some tips to avoid frequent overeating-

1. Don't be too strict in the diet - If you feel like eating something, don't avoid it by force. An important rule of nutrition is not to deprive yourself of things that you feel like eating. Sometimes we do not consume the right amount of calories due to being too strict in food. It is not right to completely deprive yourself of something.

2. Suffering from major diseases- If you are doing this due to any disease, then consult your doctor or dietician. Studies have shown that completely giving up one thing is not effective in losing weight, on the contrary, it harms mental and physical health and increases stress.

3. Keep better options in the house- like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts. Choose foods with a balanced amount of protein, fiber, and fat. They will get nourishment and will also fill the stomach. Instead of stuffing cookies or candy in jars, keep these healthy foods in the kitchen.  So keep sweet baked foods, candy, chips, and cookies out of your sight. Although sometimes delicious things should also be enjoyed, consuming them regularly can be harmful to your physical and mental health.

4. Make a good eating timetable- If you are not in the habit of eating three times a day, then make such a habit. Often in the rush of work, we do not keep the food schedule right. So make a regular eating pattern according to your need. If you feel like eating snacks frequently, then eat good food twice a day, so that you do not feel like eating unhealthy snacks in between.

5. Control the quantity- People tend to eat snacks in the same packing as they bring. By doing this we often end up overeating. For example, if you eat chips straight from the packet, you will eat more quantity, so eat comfortably by taking the right amount on the plate. By eating on a small plate instead of a large container, you will be able to control the quantity.

6. How to get rid of stress -  Do not allow overeating, so it is better not to let the stress increase. Learn to manage emotions. Feelings like sadness worry, disappointment will come, but how much you are affected by them is up to you. Here are some tips that you can follow to avoid negative emotions.

7. Exercise- Exercising keeps the amount of cortisol in the body under control, so that you can stay safe from the negative effects of stress. Activities like yoga involve a combination of both exercise and meditation.

8. Meditation- Studies have proved that meditation provides relief in stress. Along with this, it has also been found effective in blood pressure and heart diseases. With a calm mind, you eat consciously. You consider how you should eat a diet free of fat or sugar.

9. Social support- Support from family, friends, and other people in the society can also be effective in relieving stress. If being alone makes you bored or stressed, hang out with loved ones, play a team game.

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