Healthy Liver Tips Healthy Liver Tips, Liver Healthy Diet Tips, Healthy Diet Plan, Liver Health Nutrition Tips: A healthy liver relies on a healthy diet, regular exercise, lots of fresh air, and avoiding things that can cause liver damage. * Sulphur rich foods: The liver produces enzymes that are used by all the organs. Have sulphur rich foods like Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli to support increase the production of these liver healthy enzymes. * Lecithin: Intake of lecithin rich foods help have a healthy liver. Seafood, green vegetables, legumes and dairy products are rich in lecithin. Have them as it increases the production of Phosphatidyl Choline. PC helps build liver cell membranes thus creating a healthy liver. * Olive oil: To have a healthy liver, follow this tip. Heat olive oil on a medium flame every time while cooking. This prevents the formation of free radicals in the body that causes cell damage. * Organic foods: Always go for organic foods. They have less pesticides and are natural too. Chemicals and pesticides are difficult to clean from the system and they gather as free radicals. * Vitamins: Your healthy diet must include vitamin and mineral rich foods. So, foods like carrots broccoli, almonds, potato etc are a must have. * Watch out carbohydrates: Excessive consumption of carbs can cause a fatty build up in the liver. To avoid liver dysfunction, cut down the intake of salt and carbohydrates rich foods. * Avoid caffeine: Follow this health tip to have a healthy liver. Instead of having 3-4 cups of tea or coffee, drink 8-10 glasses of water. It flushes out toxins from the body and cleanses the system. * Antioxidants are a must: Antioxidants stops free radical damage and detoxifies the damaged cells. Cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, soyabeans, kale, Brussels sprouts and artichokes are antioxidant rich foods. * Get rid of stress: Stress is one of the worst causes of many health problems including liver dysfunction or damage. Get rid of stress as it harms the digestive system and also makes you get used to bad habits like smoking or drinking. * Exercise: To have a healthy body, you should follow this tip. Workout every day as it open the pores, increases blood circulation, burns fat deposits and also relaxes your mind. Exercise also flushes out free radicals from the body through sweat glands. Swimming and walking are few effective exercises to have a healthy liver.
Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy You will definitely need to gain weight during your pregnancy but eating the right kind of foods is important. While you can eat most of your favourite foods, there are some that you need to steer clear of. Your ob-gyn will give you a list of things to exclude from your diet so as to get the best nutrients for your baby without harming its growth. Here’s what should be avoided: * Papaya: Raw or unripe papaya is said to have a high concentration of latex that essentially includes papain and chymopapain. These components can be risky for pregnant women, as they can induce an abortion or cause abnormalities in the baby. Mothers in the last trimester are also asked to avoid this fruit as it can induce premature labour by increasing uterine contractions. * Pineapple: Although immensely delicious and juicy, pineapple is a favourite in summer. However, pregnant women should stay away, since it is known to cause abortions, by inducing contractions. Some doctors also believe that it also contains Bromelian that softens the cervix that may cause diarrhoea. * Caffeine: We all love our coffee, but pregnant women should try and avoid it as much as possible as it is known to contribute to miscarriage and fertility issues. That means cutting down on coffee, certain soft drinks, tea and coffee flavoured products. Dark chocolate is also best avoided. * Alcohol: Pregnant women need to cut out alcohol completely from their diet, since, simply said, it is a toxin. Since your baby gets its nutrients from your bloodstream, it will evidently ingest alcohol as well. Alcoholic drinks are known to have caused permanent damage to a developing foetus, by restricting the ability of its cells to grow. * Fish: Certain kinds of fish need to be avoided as it contains traces of mercury that can lead to brain damage in a developing foetus. These include tilefish, king mackerel shark and sword fish. Others such as bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye contain polychlorinated biphenyls that results in memory problems in the baby. * Asian Food: Most Asian foods, such as sushi, contain raw meat which is dangerous for the growth of your baby. Also, some of these foods contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) that can cause water retention in the body and which can make you retain water and can lead to complications like pre-eclampsia. * Raw Meats: Raw or undercooked meats and eggs can create havoc with your body, as they may carry salmonella bacteria that can lead to gastric problems or cause deadly diseases like typhoid. Take care, especially if eating out. * Unpasteurized Cheese: Although a milk product and rich in calcium, soft cheeses may contain harmful bacteria, like listeria, that can cause health problems for you and your baby. That means avoiding cheese like brie, blue brie, cambozola, camembert, chaumes, goat’s cheese and blue veined cheeses.
Amazing Healthy Benefits of Coconut Water Health Benefits Coconut Water, Coconut Water Nutrition, Coconut Water Diet Plan: Have you ever tried drinking coconut water? Coconut water is a very refreshing health drink to beat tropical summer thirst. There are ... Health benefits of coconut water.Coconut water is probably the most healthiest liquid that you can ever take in your entire life.
Home Remedies for Constipation One of the top digestive maladies is constipation. Over two-thirds of the world’s population is constipated. People spend millions on laxatives and other medicines to treat constipation. Constipation is not an ailment, but a symptom. However, this widely prevalent symptom can lead to several other health disorders, such as, diarrhea, nausea and depression. Lifestyle and food are some of the obvious causes for constipation. Health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, nervous disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, uremia, and systemic diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma and amyloidosis, can influence the digestive system to cause constipation. Home Remedies: * Increase intake of fibrous foods such as beetroot, tomato, leafy vegetables, as either juice or boiled form helps bowel movement. Fruits such as papaya, guava, sugar cane, amla, raspberries, pear, orange, pineapple and grapes offer good relief. * Have a warm glass of milk with either ghee before bedtime, or drink warm water with honey at bedtime. * Warm water with half or full-sized lemon with a pinch of salt, every two to three hours, helps to cleanse the bowels. * Bael Fruit (Aegle marmelos) juice aids in effective bowel movement. * Store water in a copper vessel overnight, and drink on an empty stomach every morning.
Health Tips For Indian Women Information about healthy tips for indian women ,health tips for indians, health tips for india, indian parental care. Following are some time-tested health tips to combat the everyday stress, and ensure a fitter, balanced, happier ‘you’. Read these health tips, bookmark them, but more importantly, put them into practice. * Most important health tip One – let go sometimes. The tireless striving for perfection is, beyond question, a noble ideal. But it can have you sweating over the small stuff – an unkempt house, a thwarted plan, or a meal gone awry. Cut the guilt. Cut the unrealistic expectations you have of yourself. It is vital for your emotional well-being. * Most important health tip Two – get your regular health checks with the gynaecologist. No doubt, pap-smears and mammograms are not things we look forward to. But a little discomfort is any day worthwhile than a lifelong tryst with disease. So make that appointment today! * Most important health tip Three – get off the butt and get moving. To the gym. For a walk. Up the stairway. Yes, ditch the elevator. Exercise in any form is vital, not only to lose weight, but to enhance your stamina. * Most important health tip Four – practise yoga. Yoga is a wonderful de-stressor. No, we are not asking you to learn arduous, body-contorting postures. Even simple stretch and breathing (pranayama) exercises go a long way in improving circulation, and overall energy levels. They also enable you gain a sense of perspective. * Most important health tip Five – drink plenty of water. 8-10 glasses of water (1.5 litres – 2 litres) is the fairly recommended quantum, although greater exertion calls for an increased intake. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of keeping your body well hydrated. Among other things, water flushes out toxins from your body, dispels fatigue, and does wonders to your skin. * Most important health tip Six – eat wholesome, nutritious food. And here is how you must do it. a) Break three large meals into five-six smaller meals b) Include a good portion of fruits and vegetables in your menu c) Snack healthy (whole-grain cereals/nuts/yoghurt) to appease untimely hunger pangs d) Eat your meals on time Not only do these healthy habits trigger better metabolism, they leave you feeling light and energetic throughout the day.
How To Remove Skin Tags at Home Some of the same strategies will be carried out by skilled pros, but will be substantially less expensive.Possibly a single of the most powerful strategies is making use of thread, fishing line or dental floss and only restricting the blood move. * As the tag is starved of blood it will change black and ultimately drop off in a couple of days. It seems too easy, but it is very powerful and numerous experts do the identical process. * Yet another well-liked system is to use both apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil. This method will commonly get more time than the initially strategy, but you won't need to have everyone to aid tie the tag. You will want some cotton balls and soak them with the vinegar and use straight to the pores and skin tag. Repeat this process 3 or 4 occasions a day. Sooner or later the tag will fall off. * Apple cider vinegar is offered from numerous grocery retailers though you can simply acquire some cotton balls from a neighborhood pharmacy. If the pores and skin tag is positioned around the fragile area of the eyes you should look at getting specialist treatment method rather than carrying out any home remedies. * All techniques range in the time it requires to get the job done, but they are all equally as productive as and additional price productive than getting a surgical technique.The clinical time period for this challenge is Acrochordon and this ailment is very frequent throughout the globe. The expansion cantake place in diverse destinations of the system and they are not hazardous in any way however it can be exceedingly challenging to get rid of skin tags.
Tips To Boost Your Immune System Eating a well balanced diet with special emphasis on immunity boosting food items like yoghurt, oats, barley, ginger, garlic, fish, mushrooms, turmeric, red bell peppers, herbs and Brussels sprouts is the first step towards tackling this problem. * Vitamins and minerals specially play an important role in strengthening the immune system and hence do not forget to take sufficient amounts of Vitamin B (nuts, legumes, whole grains), Vitamin C (broccoli, citrus fruits), Vitamin E (whole grains, nuts), Iron (spinach, tofu, raisins), antioxidants (oranges, kiwi, strawberries, papaya, green leafy veggies), Zinc (dairy products, beans), Selenium (whole grains, eggs, chicken), Carotenoid (carrots) and Omega-3 fatty acids (nuts, flax seed oil, salmon). * Consider taking a multivitamin pill daily, after consultation with your doctor, if you cannot keep up with the daily requirements of these vitamins and minerals. * Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine since it interferes with the body's immune system. And though you may be tempted by food products that provide empty calories like processed foods, soda, cakes, chocolates, it is best to avoid them and instead focus on strengthening your digestive tract. * Obesity and unhealthy weight gain are often the culprits behind a weak immune system. Eat in moderation, exercise more and keep a tab on unhealthy foods to avoid your body from putting on unnecessary weight. * Stick to a moderate but regular exercise schedule. Exercising not only keeps the body fit, reducing the risk of diseases like heart ailments, blood pressure problems and osteoporosis but also helps in managing stress. * Brisk walking, cycling, swimming are great ways to boost your immunity. Just 15 minutes of exercising every day can bring about a dramatic improvement in the overall health and fitness. So, do not neglect the importance of consistency and dedication. * Stress produces hormones like cortisol, which decrease the ability of the body to fight infections. Relax yourself by indulging in activities that you enjoy like reading, listening to music, meditating, etc. * Getting a massage is a great way to destress as is also maintaining a positive attitude in life. Therefore, savor things that you enjoy and do not shy away from a good laugh. * A minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep is necessary for an adult and sleep deprivation shows its effects on the immune system. While the quantity is important, one must pay close attention to the quality of sleep too. * Deep sleep helps energize the immune system and rejuvenates from within. * People with richer social lives and more community support enjoy healthy lives and fight off infections better. Therefore, broaden your social ties, join groups and volunteer to keep yourself and those around you happy. * Vaccinations have a huge impact on the body's ability to fight infections and keep diseases at bay. Regular vaccinations are therefore important not only for children but also adults. * We share this planet Earth with a whole lot of other creatures like bacteria, viruses and it is not possible to avoid them altogether. But we can certainly protect our immune systems from their onslaught, keeping ourselves and others around us healthy.
How To Get Rid Of Sleeping Problems Such a torture is simply unbelievable and can bring anyone to his or her knees. Anyone who has sleeping problem has the days that are bleary and groggy and there is plenty of emotional suffering as well. You may even be mistaken in being nutty or a secret cocaine addict. * Tip 1 - Reduce Fatigue Fatigue causes anxiety, fear as well as chronic depression and it also ages a person, making him or her vulnerable to contracting serious mental problems such as schizophrenia and paranoia and these may be caused by lack of sleep or insomnia as it is also known. So you should try to reduce your fatigue through spirtual meditation and frequent exercises. Yoga is a good exercise to help one relieve sleeping problem symtoms. * Tip 2 - Quit Your Coffee! Insomia is caused by fast heart beat and low blood sugar and curing insomia may be as simple as quitting coffee after your breakfast as well as having more food after the supper. When considering which foods to consume one may take a step forward in curing insomia by quitting refined carbs such as sugar, alcohol, starches, and baked goods and quitting these will help in healing pre-diabetic pancreas as well as dried and shriveled adrenals that may make the patient want to drink coffee frequently. However, it might be difficult to quit coffee for some, and curing insomia may require the patient to switch to decaf and also take pain killers in the morning. The full cup of coffee should be reduced to half a cup and then later to a quarter cup, gradually. In addition, you may need to take herbal laxatives each night as well as eating lightly with less meat and no sticky white flour foods and plenty of raw vegetable juices or fruits that should be consumed between meals times. These will be your first 2 steps on how to get rid of sleeping problem. * Tip 3 - Drink Nepenthe TeaAnother way of curing insomia is to drink nepenthe tea that is pure soma which is a mythological medicine that helps induces deep dreams. However, you can go in for cheaper herbs such as hops, skullcap, and valerian try out teas covered in steep and it will defintely help in curing insomia. Drinking a cup of nepenthe tea will certainly induce a strong desire for sleep, thus helping to get rid of sleeping problem.There are also other curing insomia aids available such as earplugs and eyeshades and using bee’s wax earplugs which are warmed by the body and prevent house sounds, neighbor’s dogs loud barking and such like that could jar your brain to wake up again. A soft cotton or silk scarf may be used as a blindfold and the shade provided by this eyeshade does not allow morning light to wake you up till you have had enough sleep. * Tip 4 - Sleep supplements for curing insomiaUsing amino acid ornithine or vitamin C or Calcium nitrate are some of the other sleep supplements you can try out for curing insomia and there are always sleeping tablets available as well. Hot baths can also help in curing insomia as it helps release your mind and body.
Treatment For Skin Allergy Skin Allergy Symptoms: • Rash • Wheals • Skin rash • Skin swelling • Skin inflammation • Pruritus • Irritation • Pain Skin Allergy Remedies: * Application of mashed papaya seeds on the area decreases itching. * Applying ice over the affected skin will also give relief from the itching and irritation of the skin. * Intake of vitamin C reduces the probability of allergies. 1000mg of the vitamin is advisable daily. * Drinking lemon water is also effective to keep the heat away during the summer season. Thus it will prevent prickly heat from occurring. * Take a glass of water with two tablespoons of cider vinegar. * Apply some fresh aloe Vera gel over the affected skin, as this will give cooling effect to the skin and thus give relief from the pain and itching. * Make a paste from sandalwood and limejuice, apply on the affected area it will gives relief from itching. * Mix few drops of lemon juice into sandalwood powder and prepare paste from it. Apply this paste over the skin allergy. * Do minor to moderate exercise such as swimming, walking, or a light job. * Two times in a month have only liquids for about two to three days. This will cleanse your system and make you lead a healthy life along with preventing the skin allergies. * Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption must be restricted. * Avoid processed meats and pre packed frozen dishes.
Best Drink to Increase Height Tips for Height Increasing Supplements On order to gain your desired height, you must use appropriate supplements but it would be best for you to If you must drink alcohol, allow to 5 hours gap between drinking and taking. Ingredients * Grewia asiatica – 1 cup * Water – 1 1/2 cup * Cherries – 1/2 cup * Apple juice – 2 cups * Celery leaves – 1/2, chopped * Vitamin C tablets – 4 * Black pepper – 1/2 tsp * Tabasco sauce – 1 tbsp * Brown sugar – to taste Method Blend all of the above, except for brown sugar, then strain. Add brown sugar into the mixture and drink 1 glass every day. With this drink, your height will increase, your hormones will balance themselves out and if it’s also helpful if you menopause before the right age. You also have to keep exercising with this treatment; swimming is the best exercise to increase your height.
Tips For Joint Pain Relief The adult human body is made up of 206 bones, but these bones do not move on their own. It is the joints that form a connection between bones and provide movement. Therefore, normal body movement can be hindered, because of any damage to the joints from diseases or injuries. Causes of Joint Pain:Joint pain is sometimes referred to as Arthralgia (from the Greek word Arthro meaning joint, and Algos meaning pain).A number of conditions can lead to painful joints, such as - * Body strains or sprains. * Diseases such as inflammation of joints (arthritis), tendons (tendonitis) or bursa (bursitis). * Injuries. * Viral Infections. * Lifestyle issues like lack of exercise/movement, weight gain, and stress and posture problems. * Old age. * Surgical intervention may be required if there if a disease of the bones, ligaments or cartilage. It is best to consult your doctor in such a case and seek earliest medical help. * Techniques like acupuncture can treat osteoarthritis pain. Spa therapy, hydrotherapy and mud baths also relive joint pain by soothing sore muscles. * Techniques such as heat/cold therapy, electrical nerve stimulation as well as massages help in soothing painful joints and stimulating blood flow, while stabilizing and improving the range of motion. * Warm water baths that focus on the affected joints, oil massages with Eucalyptus/Olive oil, consuming lukewarm milk mixed with one tbsp of turmeric, and drinking enough fluids like carrot juice, these are all useful home remedies that do not cost anything but go a long way in relieving joint pain.
Tips for Selecting the Right Doctor The role of health care and its fraternity play the role of demigods in all our lives. One of the most sought after as well as the dreaded profession is that of a Doctor. This profession has sometimes unrealistic expectations to heal a person from the most horrific disease/ailment. * There are three kinds of doctors - one who smiles and gives a comfortable feeling that nothing is really wrong with a patient. Or the one who states the facts in a straight manner. Or, the one who makes us take a dozen of tests before diagnosing a simple ailment. Nevertheless, we end up TRUSTING all the 3 types of doctors, don’t we? * So, what goes on in the life of a doctor? Becoming a doctor by itself is not a cake walk as he has to complete 4 years of college, with another 4 years of medical school plus 3-4 years of being a resident doctor. * Despite being the most glamorous and highly paid job, a doc's job comes with its own cons. A doctor inevitably has to keep his family and social commitments as the last priority for the day as he steps out of the house. * The life of a doctor is far from being consistent. Again, this depends on where the doctor practices. Few doctors run clinics, while majority of them work in the hospitals. As per the Department of Health statistics in 2009, many physicians and surgeons work long, irregular hours. * Over one-third of full-time physicians and surgeons worked 60 to 80 hours a week. This does not include emergencies. Physicians and surgeons must travel frequently between office and hospital to care for their patients. While on call, a physician will deal with many patients' concerns over the phone and make emergency visits to hospitals and nursing homes. * Among the must-have skills for a doctor is the skill of listening and decision making. The latter skill calls for lot of precision. During the day, a doctor takes myriads of decisions. * Due to lack of availability of time and non-stop ringing of their cell phones, they are under constant pressure to make quick vital decisions, few of which may turn out to be inappropriate and can even snuff a life out. Almost all the professions do have scope for mistakes, but a single mistake in a doctor's profession may mar his entire career. * It takes a doctor to keep his chin up to maintain positive vibes in and around him. His health also needs to be at its optimal best since he is at a higher risk of contracting the illness from his patients. In a single day a general physician gets to deal with a potpourri of illnesses, ranging from cold, flu, jaundice, Typhoid and the list goes on... Your doc also has to deal with so much negativity. * Access to information and knowledge has made patients these days, more demanding, asking for an explanation and sometimes too critical of the doctor's decision. Sad but true, we are strangely less grateful to them. * We pay a visit to the doctor as we need their guidance and assistance but thanks to our half-baked knowledge about his diagnosis and treatment, we become extremely circumspect of his line of treatment. * Doctors reinforce a positive outlook in our lives and help us heal and make us feel better. With a hope to recover and recuperate we make a beeline to the health experts. * 1st of July is celebrated as Doctor's day in India. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. B C Roy for his enormous contributions in the field of medicine. He was one of the few people who completed F.R.C.S and M.R.C.P simultaneously within 2 years. He established various medical colleges and hospitals. His passion for serving people eventually led him to be the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. * From centuries, physicians have been regarded the care takers and promoters of good health. Let us all acknowledge the selfless service of Dr. B C Roy as well as the entire doctor fraternity on this day and make them feel appreciated. A big thank you to all the doctors!!
Safe and Effective Home Remedies Whether we suffer from a common cold, a stomach upset, heartburn, or a sore throat, we look for a quick remedy that heals the symptoms before we decide to visit the doctor. Home remedies are ancient and time tested traditional healing therapies, which brew out of the kitchen pot. Check the following homely first aids for the common disorders, but remember to consult your doctor first. * Influenza: Beat the flu blues with simple natural remedies - Boost your immunity system with half teaspoon of fresh juice of ginger and half teaspoon of honey, mixed in lukewarm water. Drink the concoction thrice a day, to increase your body’s immune system. Substitute your diet with more liquids than solids until the flu abates. Warm liquids, such as soup and water keep the body hydrated. However, keep away from coffee and tea as they can dehydrate the body. * Ear infections: Ear infections are sensitive to heat, and outside elements, so only use these if your doctor allows. Below are few remedies that treat external ear infections, but exercise extreme caution in using them- Warm few pods of garlic and heat with olive, sesame or coconut oil and strain the oil. Put few drops of oil into the affected external ear; cover it with a cotton ball, to see the pain subside immediately. Warm few Basil or Tulsi leaves in water and put few drops into the affected ear to reduce the inflammation. * Aches: Manage excruciating pains in a natural way- Body Ache: Drink a mixture of ginger juice in warm water every two to three hours reduces body ache. Back Ache: Massaging the back with mint oil gives significant relief. In addition, a diet that is Vitamin-C rich (carrot, tomatoes, lemon, and berries, etc.) is helpful to reduce the intensity of the pain. Tooth Ache: Place a piece of Garlic or onion with rock salt helps to cure the pain. A mixture of pepper powder and salt also reduce toothache. * Cuts and Stings: Get quick relief with few simple tricks- Cuts: For minor cuts and scrapes, apply a thin film of honey and cover the wound for a speedy relief. Applying Aloe Vera juice or gel on the wound is also one of the efficacious home remedies. Stings: One of the effective pain relievers for stings of Bees, Wasps and Hornets is to apply a thick paste of baking soda on the site. Applying vinegar also reduces the irritation. Nevertheless, remember to remove the sting out of the skin before using vinegar.
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy Healthy Pregnancy Tips, Indian Diet During Pregnancy, Tips Pregnancy Nutrition: You don't have to give up all the foods you love when you're pregnant. You just need to eat smart and make sure that most of your choices are healthy ones. It’s easy for an expecting mother to lose track of what and when she eats as she juggles household responsibilities while meeting the demands of her changing body. If that’s the case with you, read on. Here are some great tips to keep you well-nourished amidst your chores, and also on days when you just feel like lazing around all day! Food Menu: A healthy pregnancy menu should have a variety of food items from different categories of food groups such as- * Carbohydrates: Around four cups a day of whole grains, cereals, rice, pasta, whole wheat bread would give the much-needed energy boost to your body for all the extra work that it’s doing. * Proteins: 2 ½ -3 cups of lean meat, dals, fish, nuts, milk, paneer, eggs, per day are essential for the tissue growth of a developing foetus. * Vitamins and Minerals are required for boosting the baby’s immune system, nerve and muscle development, formation of blood, brain development, and other vital bodily functions. Around three cups, or four to five helpings of fruits, 2 ½ cups of green leafy vegetables, and three cups of milk are needed by your pregnant body. You must also consume liver, eggs, dates, almonds, walnuts and oily fish for various major and minor minerals. * Fats: Butter, vegetable oil, olive oil, fatty fish coconut milk, etc can be had amounting to about six teaspoons a day. * Fluids and water are extremely important to keep you hydrated. Here is a simplified version of this menu for you to follow. You may use this sample food menu as a base to plan your meals, during the nine months. Remember to keep alternating food choices, according to seasons, and your moods, to avoid monotony. * Early Morning: Half a cup of almonds / apricots/ walnuts. * Breakfast: A bowl of poha / upma / cereal / one masala dosa / an egg omelet, a glass of orange juice. * Mid-morning: Fresh fruit juices, one vegetable sandwich in whole wheat bread, a slice of cheese. * Lunch: Chapattis, grilled chicken/ paneer / dal, fresh fruit salad, a bowl of curd. * Afternoon: A glass of coconut water/ lassi, strawberries/ one banana, 2-3 ragi biscuits/ crackers * Dinner: Lean meat/ fish/ cooked vegetables, chapattis/ rice, soup, an apple. * Around bedtime: A glass of warm milk.
New Menopausal Years - I What exactly is menopause? It is the cessation of the functioning of the ovaries – meaning the ovaries stop producing eggs and there is a gradual but significant reduction of production of female hormones. This means the woman is no longer fertile and her child-bearing years are over. The time of menopause is defined as the date of the last menstrual period. Menopause occurs over a period of years as a consequence of the normal ageing process. (This is different in case a woman has undergone hysterectomy which is the removal of the uterus. If her ovaries are left intact, she may not have a sudden menopause. But in case of women where the ovaries are removed, the onset of menopause will be sudden). * It was just yesterday that you were bewildered by all the changes happening in your body. It was a painful process no doubt – the awkwardness, the discomfort and all the rest that goes with the adolescent years. Then followed the years of youth, the best years of your life. Now all these years later, you are in a sense going through the reverse adolescence and are now entering the “M” years. Yes, menopause. * The average person generally looks on the word with dread and fear. We have heard from other women and read reams in endless magazines about this “dreadful” phase. Is it all really true? How are we going to be affected by it when our time comes? Well there is no “one size fits all” answer to all of this. The best weapon against any threat is to be well informed, aware and mentally prepared. The first psychological step in the battle against menopause is to remember that this is a natural process and not a disease. * Menopause could occur anywhere between 45 – 55 years of age (on an average) give or take a few years which may vary based on various factors such as genetic disposition, general health conditions, whether the person has undergone a hysterectomy and whether the ovaries were removed (oophorectomy). Let us just look at a normal case scenario. * A person is typically considered to be menopausal when she has not had a period for the last one year. The transitional years around the actual menopause (last period) are known as the “perimenopausal” (around the menopause) years. This could start as early as 35 years and go on for as many as 10 or more years. * What are the symptoms of menopause? There are many of them. Every women may experience some or many of these in varying degrees of severity. The most common include: • irregular periods which may vary in frequency, duration and intensity • hot flashes • changes in moods • night sweats • increased stress • tenderness (pain) in the breasts • vaginal dryness • decrease in libido (sexual desire) • insomnia (lack of sleep) • fatigue (tiredness) • forgetfulness • osteoporosis • heart disease • hypothyroidism • weight gain * Are these really as terrible as they sound? A certain amount of discomfort will certainly be there, but there are ways to cope with them effectively.
Spa Treatment in Kerala Jennifer, a 40 year old mother of 2 kids had a persistent knee pain for over a month. So last month she decided to get a spa treatment in her home town, Wayanad. And lo, within seven days of her spa massage and medicated herb-oil treatments, she got considerable relief from her knee pain. Her experience of the spa in her own words was, ‘It was healing and rejuvenating.’ * What Is a Spa Treatment? SPA stands for Sanus Per Aquam which means health through water. Spa treatments offer steam baths, mudpacks, massages, diet and exercises to relax and heal the body. Spa treatments in Kerala, known across the world, also combine ayurvedic treatments like medicated oil and herbal massages, herbal baths, yoga etc to heal the body, holistically. * What to Expect From a Spa Treatment Based on your ayurvedic body type and your needs, a customized programme is formed for you in spa centers. The treatment generally consists of ayurvedic regimes, yoga, diet and meditation to provide deep healing of your body. So whether it is a weight loss, detoxification or anti ageing goals, customized programmes will be planned for you. Generally you can expect a general massage (Abhyangam) which is a herbal oil massage of neck, ears, shoulders, face, back and chest. Herbal steam bath consisting of medicinal herbs; podikizi treatment, consisting of powdered herbs filled in muslin bags and dipped in hot oil to massage your body; or Shirodhara treatment (warm oil flow on head) can be lined up for you. Each treatment which can last about 20 to 90 minutes, and can cost you anything from Rs400, to Rs3,000. * Tangible Benefits from Visiting the Spa A general body massage by trained practitioners can result in sound sleep, improved appetite, and lessening of stress levels in the body. Apart from this it can also improve your eyesight, bring relief to joints and improve the sheen of your skin. Herbal steam baths can increase energy levels in the body and bring a sense of peace in your mind. Medicated warm oil treatments can bring relief to people suffering from back pain and spondylosis. Foot massage can help cure insomnia. * Some Tips for a Spa Treatment: You must always get a massage from a licensed massage therapist and this holds especially true if you suffer from a chronic disease. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor, before heading for a spa treatment. Massage techniques can cause premature labor in some women. When choosing a spa look for water quality and the general cleanliness of its premises. Talk to people and read reviews of the treatment center before you book your appointment with the center.
Tips on Running in Winter You may exclaim saying, running and that too in this freezing cold! You got to be crazy. Nope, I am not. Winter is one of the best seasons for you to run. The weather is cool. The tracks are empty and you can really dress up if you wish too. Dressing up during the summer may not be too comfortable. So show off your wardrobe now. If you are a first time runner, then you may get discouraged at the beginning due to the lung-burn feeling you get. But trust me, once you complete a couple of days, you will be absolutely fine. So do not let the cold discourage you in any way. * Run With A Partner: Yes, it is extremely boring to run alone. In fact, doing any kind of exercise alone, on a regular basis, needs tremendous amount of will power. So why don’t you tie up with a partner having similar interests? It may be a buddy, a colleague or even your spouse. If you chat and run, you will be distracted and not get bored at all. You can even race with each other to pep up your daily schedule. * Warm Up: During the winters, it is important that you take more time to warm up. It might take around 10 to 15 minutes to warm up and hit your running tempo completely. Thus, plan your time accordingly. Taking a hot shower to pre warm your muscles do help a lot. Make sure you keep your feel lower to the ground and shorten your stride. This will reduce the risk of slipping. * Hydrate Yourself: Just because it is winter, does not mean you do not need hydration. You may not feel as thirsty as you feel running in the heat. But that is no reason for you to ignore your fluids intake. Your body still needs a lot of fluid. Make sure you carry enough in your water bottle. * Choose Proper Shoes: Choosing proper shoes is a must. In fact that is the most important thing you need to concentrate on irrespective of the weather. If you are into regular running or jogging, you must have at least two pairs of shoes handy. Do not compromise on the quality. Remember, your feet are more precious than saving a few rupees. * Choose Proper Gear: Having the right kind of clothes can make a major difference. Avoid over dressing though. Your body temperature increases as you start running. You must feel cold when you step out of your home. If you are toasty and warm, you need to remove a layer. Your apparel should block moisture and wind. You should invest in a good running jacket, head band and a pair of gloves. You must keep your hand and head warm. Also do not forget to protect your face. Use proper glares to save your eyes from the chilly wind. Moisturize your skin well with a heavy oil based cream. If it has a sunscreen, better.
Reproductive Health Care for Women Most of the women should have either experienced or heard about these medical conditions at some point of time in their life. Now that these medical conditions have become highly prevalent, an awareness that medicines alone will not rectify these issues and proper lifestyle changes need to be made has also come. Listed below are a few pointers to start with the changes one can initiate in their lives before shelling out huge sums of money for fertility treatment. 1. Stop worrying. Worry increases the stress level which in turn aggravates the medical condition. Now that you know the problem, make up your mind to work towards solving the same. 2. For any medical condition associated with the reproductive system of women the following will help -weight loss, diet, supplement and attitude * Weight loss: Shedding even a few pounds will help a long way in regularizing periods and improving the fertility quotient. Choose any workout that fits your lifestyle and be consistent. * Diet: Diet is your medicine. Research shows that 90% of Teens are affected with PCOS due to their sedentary life style and heavy snacking on junk foods. Make a commitment towards healthy eating. Choose a wide variety of veggies, fruits and nuts for your diet. Research also shows that all chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes started coming in with the consumption of the plethora of processed foods increased. Hence make sure to include in your diet a lot of unprocessed food rather than processed ones. It’s the right time to remember about the food pyramid and balanced diet concepts that one would have read during school days and to follow the same. * Supplement: Make a good multivitamin, multi mineral supplement a regular part of your diet to support reproductive well being and metabolism. Though vitamin and mineral supplements give enormous benefits, be cautious not to take them on your own because research shows that any supplement needs to be taken only after proper tests and only on medical advice. Hence check with your gynec before making this decision as an unwarranted consumption of any particular vitamin/mineral will have disastrous side effects. * Attitude: Whining and getting depressed over your health is not at all an option. Be a go getter and try to cultivate the "Never say Die" attitude. Your positive attitude towards life will solve 90% of your problems. Now there is an increasing tendency to go in for IUI or IVF treatments within the first few months of marriage. According to generally accepted medical parameters, a woman is considered infertile only if she has not conceived even after 1 year of trying. Hence do not give up, do a thorough medical examination of both yourself and your partner to make sure both of you are fit to be parents. Take control of your health and the much awaited good news will soon follow. Remember that much of the problem can be remedied through sheer will power, your own that is!