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How to Control Obesity

control obesity

How to Control Obesity

Humanity is facing a fast growing serious health problem called Obesity

Around 35%  people around the world are suffering from obesity.

What is Obesity?

If a person’s body weight is more than what is considered healthy for his height, then he/she is said to be obese.

In other words, when a person accumulates fat in his body to such an extent it produces ill health, it is called obesity.

Reasons to reduce body weight

Over weight and obese people frequently develop stroke and heart diseases. Excess body weight gives more strain to the heart. So obese people must reduce their weight to prevent heart diseases.

Obese people have more systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Weight reduction improves the person’s mobility by reducing joint pain and back pain.

Weight reduction increases the quality of sleep, reduces depression and improves self confidence.

So reduce weight and become fit, confident and attractive.

How is obesity measured?

Obesity is measured using the unit called Body Mass Index ( BMI ).

It is calculated by dividing that person’s body weight (in kilograms) by square of his/her height ( in meters)

Example: Person’s weight: 80 kilograms.

Person’s height: 1.60 meters.

BMI : 80/1.60X1.60 =  31.25

Result: Obesity.

Obesity Table

  • BMI below 18.5 – Underweight.
  • BMI   18.5- 24.9 – Normal
  • BMI      25- 29.9 – Over Weight
  • BMI     above 30 – Obesity
  • BMI     above  40 – extreme obesity.

What causes Obesity?

The main cause of obesity is the energy imbalance.

The amount of energy taken (as food and drinks ) should be equal to the amount of energy spent for the normal functions of the body.

If the amount of energy taken in is more than necessary, it produces obesity.

Diet: Energy imbalance is due to consuming large quantities of high-calorie diet, junk foods, deep fried foods, aerated sweet drinks, ice creams etc.

Reduced Physical activities: Previously we used to walk to our workplace or for shopping. Now we use vehicles and buy things online.

We used to climb stairs, now we use lifts or escalators.

Previously children used to play outside. But now they play games on smartphones or computers. They also watch television for hours together munching some fried food like chips. This reduced activity produces obesity.

Other causes of obesity

Diseases like Hypothyroid, polycystic ovaries, and Cushing’s disease can produce obesity.

Not having enough sleep at night also produce obesity.

Mental Stress and psychological problems like depression can also produce obesity.

Obesity can be caused by drugs like steroids, antiepileptics, antidepressants and antipsychotics.

What are the complications of obesity? 

Many people take obesity as a cosmetic problem. But it can produce severe health problems.

Most people with obesity develop type 2 diabetes. It can also produce heart attack, high blood pressure, gall bladder stones, chronic kidney disease and cancer.

Obesity is one of the main causes of knee pain (osteoarthritis).

Obesity produces breathlessness while walking. It is the cause of sleep disorders like snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, which produces daytime drowsiness.

What are the treatments for obesity? (How to lose weight?) 

Diet

Reduce empty calories like sweetened aerated drinks. Reduce deep fried foods, junk foods, high carbohydrate diet and ice screams.

Take more organic fruits and vegetables. Change cooking oil to coconut oil or olive oil.

Increase physical activities

Increase physical activities like walking and daily exercise. Reduce mental stress.

Treat diseases like mental depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes.

Medical treatment

Medicines may not give the same results to all the obese patients. Anti-obesity drugs like Phentermine  (Qsymia), Orlistat (Xenical), Bupropion (Contrave) and meta-amphetamine can be taken under physician’s care.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is necessary if the patient is having severe obesity ( BMI 35 and above).

Surgery is called Bariatric surgery.

Sleeve gastrectomy: Here part of the stomach is removed to reduce the capacity.

Adjustable gastric band: A band placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce the capacity.

Gastric bypass: The upper portion of the stomach is separated and connected to the small intestine.

These surgeries are invasive and have complications.

So it is better to prevent obesity or treat it naturally.

Click here to know, how to reduce weight naturally

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

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How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally

How to get rid of dandruff

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally

Every day our body replaces old cells with new cells. This is seen in scalp also and cells are shed in flakes regularly. But when the cells are shed at a faster rate, it becomes a cosmetic problem and flakes are seen on hair, dress on shoulder and back like snowflakes. Here we will discuss about the causes and how to get rid of dandruff.

Causes of Dandruff

Dry Skin or oily skin, insufficient shampooing or over shampooing can produce dandruff. Chemical present in hair tonics, shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and hair dyes can produce allergy or hypersensitivity and increase dandruff. Cold climate can also produce dry skin and dandruff. Normally there are bacteria (staphylococcus), fungus (malassezia) and yeast present on the scalp. When the immunity of the person goes down (stress, using steroids etc…), they over grow and produce dandruff. Other conditions like eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can also produce flaking.

HOW TO GET RID OF DANDRUFF NATURALLY

Fenugreek

The best way to get rid of dandruff is to apply fenugreek paste to scalp.

Soak 3 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water overnight, grind it in the morning, apply the paste over the scalp, massage the scalp and wash it off after 30 minutes. It is a good hair tonic and keeps the hair silky and smooth. Use this twice a week for better results.

Neem leaves

Neem leaf is a very good natural remedy to get rid of dandruff. Grind neem leaves with little water to make a paste. Massage the neem paste over scalp and wash it off after 15 minutes. Neem leaf acts as excellent antibacterial and antiviral agent.

You can boil neem leaves in water and after it cools down, apply over scalp and wash it off after 15 minutes.

Curry leaves

Applying curry leaf paste over scalp is an excellent home remedy to get rid of dandruff. Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Grind curry leaf with little water. Apply the paste over scalp. Wash it after 30 minutes. It is good to prevent premature graying. Apply curry leaves to the hair to produce black, silky hair. It is a good hair tonic helps in hair growth.

You can boil curry leaves in coconut oil, cool it, apply over scalp, keep it overnight and wash it with cold or lukewarm water in the morning. Continue this 2 or 3 times a week until the scalp is clear of dandruff.

Coconut oil

Applying coconut oil on scalp is another way to get rid of dandruff. Coconut oil acts as good anti bacterial and anti-fungal agent.

Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and heat it. When it is warm massage it over scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, leave it overnight and wash it in the morning with cold water.

Tea Tree oil

Applying tea tree oil to scalp is another way to get rid of dandruff. You can mix it with olive oil or coconut oil and apply over scalp.

Aleo vera

Aleo vera gel gives cooling effect to scalp, reduce inflammation and itching. Applying aloe vera gel to scalp is another way to get rid of dandruff.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another agent to get rid of dandruff. It acts as good anti-fungal and antibiotic. It reduces sebum in the scalp and reduces inflammation and itching of scalp.

Make the scalp wet, massage baking soda over wet scalp and wash it after 10 minutes.

Lemon

The acid in lemon modifies the pH of scalp. It acts as a good anti-fungal agent. Apply it over scalp 2 to 3 times a week, 10 minutes before bath to get rid of dandruff.

Olive oil

Olive oil application to scalp is another way to get rid of dandruff. Apply olive oil to scalp at night and wash it off in the morning.

Apple cider vinegar

Apply apple cider vinegar over scalp to get rid of dandruff. Apple cider is high in acetic acid. It alters the pH of scalp. Apple cider vinegar acts as good antibacterial.

Mix equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water, massage it over scalp and wash it after 15 minutes.

The result of treatment may vary from individual to individual. You can try it individually or in combination for better results.

How to prevent dandruff

Along with above methods to get rid of dandruff, well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables will help to prevent dandruff. Use mild shampoo. Avoid hair tonic, hair oil and hair dye with lot of chemicals. Avoid taking bath with very hot water. Use cold or lukewarm water for bath. Avoid mental stress.

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Natural Remedy for Diabetes

 Natural remedy for diabetes

Natural Remedy for Diabetes

Treat Diabetes with Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Uses of Indian gooseberry

Indian goose berry is the best fruit for our overall health. It prevents controls and treats diabetes and its complications. It reduces cholesterol improves the function of the brain and the heart. It boosts immunity. It improves hair growth and prevents premature graying. It has anti-aging properties and prevents cancer.

Composition of Indian gooseberry

Indian gooseberry is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Very rich in Vitamin C and chromium. Amla also contain phytonutrients, ellagic acid and flavonoids which help to reduce damage by free radicals.

Indian gooseberry and diabetes

High fiber in Indian gooseberry delays the absorption of sugar from intestine there by reducing postprandial blood glucose. Amla increases insulin secretion. It rejuvenates insulin secreting beta cells of pancreas. Chromium present in amla improves the sensitivity of insulin. Amla reduces the complication of diabetes, improves wound healing, increases circulation of blood, improves the condition of nerves and improves memory.

How to Consume Indian gooseberry?

It is always better to eat as fresh fruit or drink as fresh amla juice. Amla is also available as dried fruits, amla powder, as jam, and as pickle. Amla powder can be sprinkled on salads and other foods.

How to make amla juice?

Take few amla fruits, remove seeds, add water, blend it, filter it and drink twice a day. For better results add a pinch of cinnamon powder and turmeric powder. You can add honey and lemon juice for taste.

Research studies in India and Oman proved that after 3 weeks of taking 3 grams of Indian gooseberry powder showed good reduction of fasting and postprandial blood glucose.

Consult your physician as taking amla along with anti-diabetics may produce Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Treat Diabetes with Onion

Onions are high in fiber content and have low calories. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, sulfur, flavonoids and manganese. High fiber content reduces absorption of sugar. Flavonoids increases insulin sensitivity. Taking onions daily reduces sugar and its complications.

Treat Diabetes with Garlic  

Garlic is rich in fiber, allicin, flavonoids and antioxidants. Fiber reduces absorption of sugar from intestine. Allicin and flavonoids increases insulin sensitivity. They prevent damage to kidneys, blood vessels, skin and eyes. They reduce glycation process. Garlic helps to prevent heart attack and stroke. Raw garlic has to be chewed for faster and better results.

Coconut and Diabetes

Coconut is rich in medium chain fatty acid. It acts as alternate energy to brain when glucose cannot enter brain cells due to diabetes. It also increases insulin sensitivity. Coconut prevents and treats Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and hypertension.

Treat Diabetes with Mango Leaves

Mango leaves are used to control blood glucose. They are rich in vitamin A, B and C. They are rich in antioxidants, tannins(anthocyanins), beta-taraxenol and ethyl acetate. They maintain the normal level of insulin and increases synthesis of glycogen. Mango leaves prevent diabetic retinopathy.

How to use mango leaves in Diabetes?

Boil mango leaves in water, keep it overnight, filter it in the morning and drink it. Mango leaves powder can be used. Half a teaspoon of the powder can be taken 2 times a day.

Mango leaves are good to reduce gallstones and kidney stones.

Treat Diabetes with Cinnamon

Cinnamon is commonly used to control diabetes. It stimulates insulin production and acts by increasing sensitivity of insulin. The powder can be sprinkled on salads or added to soups. Cinnamon powder can be added to tea.

Treat Diabetes with FenugreekNatural remedy for diabetes

Fenugreek is also used to prevent and treat Diabetes. It increases insulin sensitivity. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and drink it in the morning. It is also rich in fiber which slows down the absorption of sugar from the intestine.

Treat Diabetes with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also used to prevent and control diabetes.

Indian Curry Leaves in Diabetes

Natural remedy for diabetes

Indian curry leaves are used to control blood glucose. As they are rich in fiber they reduce absorption of sugar. Chemicals present in curry leaves reduce insulin resistant.

Along with these green leafy vegetables and bitter guard helps to reduce blood glucose. They have low glycemic index and they delay the absorption of sugar.

Diet and Life Style Modification in Treating Diabetes

Taking low carbohydrate, high fiber and low fat diet along with regular exercise can control diabetes. Reduce mental stress to prevent diabetes. Exercises which increases muscle mass prevent insulin resistance and increases glucose utilization.

When using natural treatment to treat diabetes, inform your physician, check blood glucose often and adjust the dose of anti-diabetic drugs.

 

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Diabetes

Diabetes, cause of diabetes,symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes  (Diabetes mellitus)

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the person has high level of blood sugar (glucose).
Diabetes is on the rise and now becoming an important health problem to the whole world.

What is the cause of diabetes?

Diabetes is caused mainly due to the slowly changing life style from manual work to highly automated industries, migration of people from villages to cities, environmental changes, and increased inactivity leading to obesity. Consumption of high caloric-high fat diet and Jung food are major factors that produces diabetes. Heredity also plays a role.

Types:

Type 1 Diabetes: Juvenile diabetes, also known as insulin dependent or child hood onset diabetes .Here the beta cells of the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Our digestive system change the carbohydrates and sugar we eat to simple sugar called glucose, which can be used as energy by the cells. Insulin is necessary to push glucose from blood into the cells of our body.
Type 1 diabetes may be congenital (heredity) or our immune system may destroy the beta cells of pancreas which produce insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

Type 2 Diabetes: Here the insulin production is slowly reduced and the secreted insulin may not be enough to reduce glucose level or the cells are unable to recognize the insulin and use it (insulin resistance).

Gestational diabetes: It affects some female when they are pregnant. Their children are at risk of becoming diabetic. Their children may be overweight at birth.

Pre-diabetics: When Persons blood glucose level is little higher than normal but not up to diabetic level (fasting blood glucose 100-120 mg\d}.

What are the symptoms?

Frequent urination (polyuria), Frequent thirst and hunger, tiredness and fatigue, non-healing wounds, Numbness or burning sensation of hands and feet, Giddiness, Loss of memory .loss of vision, Weight gain or weight loss.

What test to do?

Hb A1C: Hb A1C is called glycosylated haemoglobin, a form of haemoglobin that is attached to glucose. It is a blood test which shows the average blood glucose level in the past 3 months.
Normal: Below 5.7 %.
Pre-diabetic: 5.7 % – 6.4 %.
Diabetic: above 6.5 %.

Fasting blood glucose: Blood glucose values measured in Empty stomach. Normal value: Below 110 mg\dl or below 6.1 m mol \ l.

Post- prandial blood glucose: Blood glucose level measured 2 hours after food. Normal value: Below 140 mg\ dl or below 7.8 m mol \ l.

Oral glucose tolerance test: Here 75 grams of glucose is given orally and blood glucose levels measured at the end of one hour and at the end of two hours. Fasting blood glucose: 110 mg\ dl or 6.1 m mol \ l 1 hour: 10 m mol \ l or 180 mg \ dl 2 hours: 7.8 m mol \ l or 140 mg \ dl.

Complications

Diabetes can affect any part of the body.amputation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Loss of vision, diabetic retinopathy
• Hearing loss
• Loss of blood supply to legs
• Gangrene of foot may lead to amputation.
• Reduced sexual libido and impotency.
• Arterial diseases and stroke.
• Diabetic keto-Acidosis; (DKA). If the body cannot get enough insulin, it breaks down fat cells. This produces chemical called ketones, leading to DKA, a life threatening condition.

Treatment

The main treatment of diabetes is Diet Control, Daily Exercise and Drugs.

Diet
Eat more vegetables and fruits. It is better if they are more colourful.
Eat high fibre cereals legumes and whole grains.
Have lot of fish, skin less chicken, milk and eggs.
Reduce the intake of carbohydrates, deep fried foods, sugary drinks and packaged foods.

Daily exercise
Daily exercise like yoga, brisk walking. Taichi, Cycling or swimming has to be followed.

Drugs
Type 1 Diabetes: Injection Insulin is the main line of treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: Oral anti diabetics can be given.
Drugs that stimulate insulin secretion like Glibenclamide, Glipizide, Gliclazide and Glimepiride may be given.
Drugs that delays absorption of carbohydrates from intestine like acarbose and voglibose can be given.
Biguanides like Metformin to reduce hepatic glucose production can be given. Thiaolidinediones like pioglitazone which increase the insulin sensitivity may be given.
These drugs can be given alone or in combinations.
In some type 2 diabetics injection insulin is necessary.

Natural remedy for diabetes

PREVENTION:

Healthy foods, healthy body weight, active life with moderate physical activity and proper sleep can prevent diabetes. Avoiding smoking, avoiding mental stress and reduced alcohol intake can also helps in preventing Diabetes.

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Natural remedy for Heart Attack

Natural home remedies

PREVENT HEART ATTACK NATURALLY.

Nature has provided us with different coloured fruits and vegetables and they are in different smell and taste. Each one gives us different nutrients essential for health. Eating plenty of natural fruits and vegetables will prevent heart attack.
We can take them individually or together as fruit salad or vegetable salad.

Tomato

Lycopene present in tomatoes reduces the risk of heart diseases by improving the endothelium of the blood vessels of the heart. They are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene, antioxidants and fiber.

natural home remedy

Orange

Orange contains beta-carotene and folates.

natural home remedy

Apple, Pear, Banana

They have anti-oxidants, flavonoids and Quercetin which lowers heart attack.

Grapes

They Contain polyphenols, resveratrol and anthocyanins which prevents heart  attack and stroke.

natural home remedy

BLUE BERRY

They contain flavonoids, ellagic acid and anthocynins. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber which reduces bad cholesterol.

natural home remedy

CHOCOLATE

Epicatechin present boosts nitric oxide which improves blood supply to the heart by improving the blood vessels of the heart.

natural home remedy

COCONUT

Contains medium chain fatty acid which protects the Heart. Coconut water is rich in potassium which keeps blood pressure under control.

natural home remedy

NUTS

Nuts like almonds, walnuts and flax seed contains good fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These protect the heart.

natural home remedy

FISH

Fish like Salmon, Mackerel, and Tuna are high in Omega 3 fatty acid which protects the heart by increasing good cholesterol.

natural home remedy

GREEN TEA

Reduces bad cholesterol and it acts as blood thinner. It is rich in antioxidants.

natural home remedy

ONIONS

Acts as blood thinner, reduces blood sugar and bad cholesterol.

natural home remedy

SPICES

GARLIC

It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. Reduces blood clotting and acts as a blood thinner.

natural home remedy

CAYENNE PEPPER

Contain Capsaicin which improves elasticity of blood vessels and reduce blood clotting.

natural home remedy

GINGER

It has anti-inflammatory action. It improves blood supply to the heart.  It contains lot of fiber.

natural home remedy

CINNAMON

They are rich in fiber, calcium and magnesium which reduce Arrhythmia and regulate heartbeat. Chinnamaldehide, a chemical present in cinnamon prevents blood clot formation.

natural home remedy

Regular intake of the above fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart attack.

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