Health

Health In Winter

Winter might be a season to enjoy the weather. It might provide the cozy of staying at home. It might give us an excuse for an excursion. But the chills of winter might derail our health…. Watch out! Catching Cold! There is a misconception that people catch cold during winter because of a decrease in their immunity levels. But researchers were showing some other causes for the increase of `common cold` cases during the winter. They point out that we tend to be indoors during the winter season, which would be the best occasion for the virus to travel from one person to other. The virus that’s trapped in the indoors would stay for longer hours when the doors are shut. Besides some virus that cause cold can survive better at lower temperatures. So… the best way to avoid cold is to let some fresh air into the house. Heart Stroke: A lot of things happen during winter that hampers the health of our heart. Cold weather is known to increase the production of certain proteins which can cause clots in the arteries. Arteries get tight due to the cold weather! Besides, our blood pressure too shots up during winter to cope up with the cold. So it’s better to consult the doctor without a fail, whenever we feel uncomfortable at heart. Getting exposed to extreme cold weathers and getting strained due to physical exercises might increase the risk of a stroke. People normally love to exercise in the cold weathers, as they don’t get exhausted. But people with a history of cardiovascular diseases should certainly avoid such harsh exercises. Sad! Have you ever felt sad or depressed during winter? Well you might be the victim of SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder. Though the Doctors are not sure of its cause, most of them believe that SAD has something to do with lack of bright light during winter. Having enough artificial light in the working atmosphere might relive us from feeling low during the cold. But if we feel too depressed during the winter, that we are not able to carry our day to day activities… it’s better to consult a doctor! Spending time with near and dear along with a few minutes of meditation might be useful against a depressive mood. Skin Dry skin during the winter is a good potential for numerous skin products. Our skin gets dry during the cold due to less humidity. Further, the blood circulation also slows down a bit during the winter. As the blood circulation slows down, the nutrients supplied to the skin would also be hampered. These all would result from conditions like dry skin to irritating conditions like eczema. So it’s better to bath regularly either with cold or lukewarm water and of course with soap that contains enough moisturizers like glycerin. If you feel your skin to be dry even after such a bath, applying a moisturizing lotion can do the trick. Even a few drops of coconut oil when applied to the skin would prevent it from dryness. - Nirjara.

Bananas

Even though Banana is one of the most affordable fruit, its also treated as a dreaded one off late.There are many notions that banana makes you fat, its not diabetic friendly etc. Yes it has a high level of sugar content in it but, we should also know that banana is packed with lots of nutrients to benefit your health in several ways. Eating bananas on a regular basis prevents heart ailments and controls high blood pressure. Bananas also help maintain regular bowel movements, regulate heart rhythm and maintain good eye health. The only thing we should remember is the time when we need to eat this fruit. Its recommended by dietitians that morning breakfast time is the best to eat Banana,and late night eating the worst. So go Bananaaazzzz!!!! ---Pushpa Bhaskar

Fasting and it Benifits

A number of studies have suggested intermittent fasting has numerous health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol. When the body has used up glucose stores during fasting, it burns fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. In recent years, numerous studies have suggested that intermittent fasting - abstaining or reducing food and drink intake periodically - can be good for us, making it one of the most popular diet trends worldwide. "Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and theircholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity Since the body is unable to get its energy from food during fasting, it dips into glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. This begins around 8 hours after the last meal is consumed. When the stored glucose has been used up, the body then begins to burn fat as a source of energy, which can result in weight loss. "A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body's fat are dissolved and removed from the body," With the potential health benefits of fasting widely hailed by nutritionists worldwide, it is no wonder many of us are putting our love of food to one side in order to give it a try. But intermittent fasting isn't all bells and whistles, according to some researchers and health care professionals, and there are some people who should avoid fasting altogether. If there is any medical restriction please avoid fasting .And for normal people too whenever you go fasting listen to your body call, if its not allowing you to fast with signals like head ache stomach burn, and fatigue, please stop fasting and eat. Nothing is fixed in health issues every body has different so think before fasting. Happy Fasting!!! --Pushpa

Avoid Mishaps During Diwali

Diwali while being a festival of lights... may sometimes be the reason for darkness in the lives of ill-fates. To celebrate life, celebrate Diwali safely. Attire: Wear some footwear while you burn the crackers. Dress yourselves with thick material like cotton. Be sure that you are not wearing materials like polyester that would easily catch fire. It’s better if you don’t wear clothes that are loose which might easily catch the fire without your notice. Posture: Don’t’ let kids bend over the crackers they wish to burn. There should be enough distance between the crackers and the kids. They shouldn’t either be below their eyes or closest to their hands. Crackers should be placed on a flat place and should not be lit directly with a match stick. Disposal: Sparkles there were burnt off should either be kept in an empty bucket. That would avoid any wound be done by the metal wires. Kids should not be left to re lit the crackers that have failed to burn. Most of the mishaps during Diwali happen while messing with the crackers that have failed to burn for the first time. They should safely be drawn away. Water and blanket: Enough water along with a blanket should be kept at disposal before you start the Diwali crackers. There is a standard procedure to fight fire when you catch one- `stop, drop and roll`! Don’t panic if you catch fire drop down to the floor and roll till the fire turns off. If you see someone on fire… cover him with a thick blanket and roll him on the floor. Watch the kids: Kids are naughty and Diwali is the time when they try to heroic. So watch them carefully. Let them lit one cracker at a time. Don’t let them place additional crackers in their pockets. Be along with them if they wish to go for the louder ones. Let them be aware that crackers are not toys. Ask them to go for a complete bath after they complete the fireworks, to avoid any particles to stick up on their bodies. HAPPY DIWALI - Nirjara.

Paneer,Good ? or Bad?

The first thing which catches our eyes while seeing the menu card in a restaurant will be most probably Paneer based items. Youngsters love eating it, but elders try to avoid it as much as possible thinking its too heavy to digest.So lets break know some facts relating to paneer so that we can enjoy it to hearts content. Basically every 100 gms of Paneer made from cow milk provides 18.3 gms of protein, 20.8 gms of fat, 2.6 gms of minerals, 1.2 gms of carbohydrates, 265 kcal of energy, 208 mgs of calcium, 138 mg of phosphorous. If go through the history of Paneer there are over 650-700 different types of cheese all over the world,and Paneer is one of the varieties of cheese It is often said that homemade paneer is more healthier as it is usually 'home-made' and not processed & doesn't have preservatives or chemicals unlike the store bought one. * It’s a good source of protein which athletes and young children need a lot these days. * It has lot calcium too which is necessary for teeth and bones strength * Paneer is in fact quite useful to prevent deadly diseases such as cancer by preventing the growth of cancer-causing cells in the body. Not just this, it also protects against heart disease by lowering the fat deposition in the arteries. Though paneer has its fair amount of benefits, it is not totally free from minus points. Many believe that it is fattening and hence, we should stay away from it. The truth is, although high on the calorie metre (100 gm = 292 calories), paneer works for people who have an active lifestyle as they will burn those calories easily and gain its nutrients, people with sedentary life style should think twice before eating it. All said and done, moderation is essential ,so do remember that ,we should not have excess amounts of Paneer ,but we should not shun it either. --pushpa

The need for `An apple a day` - 6 reasons!

1- In Blood pressure: As apples contain reasonable levels of potassium which has a positive effect on our blood pressure, it’s good to have an apple a day. Besides they contain `Oligomeric proanthocyanidins` (OPCs) which fights against the free radicals and maintain a healthy circulation of our blood. 2- To stay slim: The fiber content in the apple might not look good in numbers. But when combined with other ingredients like `Pectin`, it can effectively reduce the body fat in us. Besides, the chemicals present in the apple would act as anti-oxidants to prevent the clotting of blood vessels. So… Apple is too good to control cholesterol and to prevent cardio vascular diseases. 3- To prevent Alzheimer’s: A study on rats has conclusively proved that Apples would certainly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. A powerful antioxidant called `quercetin` was present in the Apples. Quercetin would fight against the degeneration of cells in our brain. 4- In Diabetes: There is a huge debate of having an apple if you are diabetic. But a few pieces of apple would not harm anyone. The fiber and vitamin C present in the apple, along with other nutrients would let keep us healthy even in diabetes. 5- For Digestion: The extract of apple when enters the digestive tract is found to show a positive effect on the friendly bacteria present there. This would result a fine ability to digest. Besides apples are known to be effective in conditions of both constipation and diarrhea! It was even found to be helpful in `irritable bowel syndrome`. It can either slow down the digestion process by absorbing excess water or increase its moment through provision of fiber. 6- Prevents Colon cancer: The research from Germany and America has safely concluded the effect of apple on colon cancer. The high fiber content in the apples would drag down the waste from the colon, while the chemicals in the apple would discourage the formation of cancer cells! - Nirjara.

Say Cheese!!!

As you all know Paneer and Cottage cheese are one and the same with a little difference ,Cottage cheese is salted and Paneer is unsalted, . Cheese might also have a high level of cream in it. But people who dont know the benefits of it say cheesee things about it..Firstly lets break the Myths about cottage cheese. Too heavy- Eat it only when you have more physical activity: Too much of Fat- Its actually very good for burning fat and bulding lean muscle Not for people above 40yrs - Because of its high sodium content it might push up blood pressure levels up,so those who are prone should avoid Cheese.Not good for children : It surely is an energy booster for children who are weak and more lethargic. Finally we all should know that Cottage cheese is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, which are important nutrients for continued good health. However, the sodium in cottage cheese might work against the benefits. As with anything, moderate usage of any cheese will do more good than bad....so say cheeseee!!!! -PUSHPA BHASKAR

Hydrating Stomach Before Eating - Healthy juice

Its always advised by dietitians, that When ever you are too hungry its not right to directly start eating solid food. Before that try to fill some liquid in your stomach. If not anything fill it with a little water and then start eating. so that the hunger pangs will be subdued a little bit,and we wont over eat. We can go for any juice for that matter,but try to make as healthy and light as possible. If you want to have some alternative for an aerated drink or sugar filled juice here it is,let me present an unconventional combination of fruits which are rich in potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Take orange ,papaya , and banana and blend them,with out added sugar or salt. Banana is an excellent source of potassium, the deficiency of which is associated with the change in the normal pattern of the heartbeat. And a combination of orange, papaya and banana blended together will make a filling drink that beats cholesterol. This mock tail not only satiates the hunger pangs but also keeps the building up of cholesterol levels at all time low. But one thing to remember is,as far as possible don't take out the pulp,it maximum help to our body. Happy hydration!!! -PUSHPA BHASAKAR

Before you grab a pill…

Pills seem to be a part in our daily routine. Whenever we get a Headache or a cough, we don’t think for a blink to grab a pill. Though it’s a risky affair to depend on alternative medicine in cases of emergency, they have always been reliable for generations together in treating common ailments. Watch out… Cough: Most of the cough syrups let us feel drowsy. But there is a natural remedy for cough without any side effects. We might not have heard the name `Terminalia chebula`! But we are certainly aware of its common name `Haritaki` (Hindi) or `Karakkaya` (Telugu). As per the ayurvedic principles Haritaki is known to cure the kafa dosha (phlegm). Haritaki is being used in India for thousands of years together. Though it has been attributed to cure various diseases right from the `sore eyes` to `HIV`… it’s miraculous during a cough. The crushed seed of Haritaki along with honey would certainly relieve us from severe cough! Antacids: Most of the antacids that are available over the counter contain either Aluminum hydroxide or Magnesium that might not be safe to our digestive tract. We often forget the most reliable antacids in our culinary i.e. `Ajwain` (vaamu in telugu). Any symptom that has aroused due to indigestion such stomach ache, gas formation, burning sensation might be initially treated with Ajwain. The water made of Ajwain seeds are available over the counter as `Omu` or `Omum` water. If there isn’t sufficient time to reach a counter, few seeds of Ajwain can be chewed along with lukewarm water. Hypertension: Blood pressure is probably the most common symptom that’s associated with the present day life style. Though many alternative medicines were suggested to synchronize the Blood pressure, most of them are debatable. However GARLIC was scientifically proven to reduce the Blood pressure. `Allicin`- The active ingredient in garlic which is the cause for its pungent odor is also medicinal in value. As per the report by the Daily Mail, Garlic was found to reduce the Blood pressure by at least 10% when taken in raw form. Though garlic is associated in curing many ailments… it’s found to be highly effective in maintaining blood pressure and reducing high cholesterol. Antiseptic: Our elders are wise and we are lucky to have the best antiseptic of nature in our own kitchen – Turmeric. Irrespective of place and position, people all over India have the habit of using turmeric in their kitchen. `Curcumin` which is the active chemical in turmeric is a proven Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant. Applying turmeric to the cuts and wounds would protect our skin from the foreign bodies that enter through a bruise and would heal it quickly. Besides inhaling the vapor of turmeric drained in the boiling water would relieve our breathing system from the minor ailments such as sough and cold. The intake of turmeric through food or through lukewarm water is believed to help in medical conditions such as Diabetes and Arthritis. These are just a few mentions from the huge list of home remedies that we often ignore. When we start exploring the Home remedies around us… we almost feel as if our kitchen is nothing less than a Drug store. - Nirjara

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE

Most people associate the word philosophy with the teachings of leading a satisfactory life. But there is more to it than that. Philosophy gives us a new perspective towards life, making us more understanding and sensible in the way we view and deal with situations. Every human being must strive to become a better person and Philosophy can give us the best guidence in this regard. A situation is pain causing only as long as you view it in that way. If you view it positively it becomes the fuel that adds energy to the fire in you. When you start looking at life in this way, you will realize that difficult situations arise only to bring out the best in you. So, this means you can solve even the biggest problem in life, simply by changing your perspective. Another interesting thing to note is that, all the emotions that we experience in life are brought upon by our mind and not by any external stimulus. You feel whatever you think, you must feel. Therefore, it is important for us to realize that an office file or a traffic jam are not the cause of our stress but it is our mind that views these things or situations in the negative light. Maintaining certain principles like honesty to your self and others can help you deal with things in a better way. Find someone you look upto and pick up such qualities from him or her. Striving to learn something from others, always takes you towards becoming a better person. Set a standard for yourself, based on the qualities of the person you idealize. Don't let failure bring you down. Take it as a challenge and work to emerge successfully from it. This kind of attitude will give you the motivation to deal with troubles life throws at you. Keeping these few things in mind, will help you experience bliss. Live life to the fullest! -Kruti Beesam

Gums Care

Dental problems are often kept on back burner till they become unmanageable and more painful. Gums issue stand first in such cases. But not all gum problems arise from teeth issues. It is said that when people are too tensed or stressed out then too gums swell and painfully bleed. When our mind is in deep depression,and we have no one to share and come out,that may give rise to gum's sensitivity. If not treated in right time then it will spoil the teeth too(,cause they are the ones which hold the teeth tight). So, when ever you have pain in gum,just stop and think if you are in any sort of stress,if you find one,check it. If the pain still persists then do visit the Dentist as soon as possible. Keeping the dental problem in a pending track will lead to lose of teeth one by one. Keep the gums clean, massage them with salt once in a week,and use mouth wash too once in a week.Keep your health in priority list,or else it will keep you in patients list every now and then. Happy Gumming!!!! ..... Pushpa Bhaskar

THE GREAT DEBATE OF TEA

Tea is the most widely consumed drink after water! `Camellia sinensis`- which we popularly call as tea leaves have been used to make a decoction since 5000 years!!! In some places tea used to be consumed as a beverage, and in some places as a medicine. Though the intake of tea has been for centuries in North India… its consumption has gained momentum after the British has introduced it in the 18th century. When it was found that places like Assam and Darjeeling are highly suitable for tea plantation, the Indian Tea Board started promoting tea post-independence. Contents: Caffeine constitutes almost 2-3 percent of dry tea powder. Its exact composition depends on the environment and process under which the powder was made. Caffeine is known to be the most popular stimulant of our nervous system. However the content of caffeine in tea can be considered safe. Caffeine is considered toxic only if a person takes more than 10 grams of it. But, the amount of caffeine in a glass of tea (125ml) would not exceed 50mg… which means we have to take at least 200 cups of tea per day to prove it lethal! Apart from the caffeine, stimulants such as Theophylline and Theanine were also present in the tea in small quantities. Traces of aluminum and fluoride can also be found in the tea which finds their place in the tea leaves through the water. Medicinal properties: There is a huge debate regarding the health benefits of tea. Tea is found to decrease the risk of diabetes, cancer, cardio-vascular diseases and what not! But very few studies found enough evidence to promote the medicinal benefits of tea. Moreover A 2007 study published in the `European Heart Journal` stated that the beneficial effects are lost when milk is added to the decoction. Whenever a study on tea gets published, people often ignore to observe the TEA mentioned in it. The tea we consume is different from the Black tea and Black tea is different from the Herbal tea. At far, tea can be considered as a best beverage to increase alertness in us. The anti oxidants present in the tea might be of some help for us to stay healthy. But to give a conclusion- Tea is not a miracle drug! Consumption: Tea is a sort of addiction for us. Apart from keeping us alert… it serves as a time to relax. Having tea together would be a great occasion to spend some time with friends and relatives. Hosting tea parties were found to bring people together, serving as a social bondage. But over intake of tea if harmful right from our teeth to our kidneys! Consuming too much of tea might provide our body with more calories (through sugar and milk) and fluoride (through decoction) which is not a healthy sign. `The safe levels of tea to be consumed` is a topic for another debate. It depends on the size and nature of the drink. We Indians normally consume tea in lower quantities (sometimes as low as 80ml). So 6 cups of tea per day might be concluded as a safe limit. - Nirjara.

Water- The nectar of life!

Man can surive without food for a few weeks, but he can’t live without water for more than a week. In most of the cases, death would be a certainity within 3-5 days of living without water. Our body needs water for many reasons. It’s the main component in our blood which carries oxygen and nutrients, to all over the body. It retains the lubrication in our joints letting them to move freely. Most of us ignore the amount of water lost through evaporation. Too much of water gets excreted from our body through vapour and sweat. The daily requirement of water is to some extent compensated by the food we take. Food like fresh fruits and milk would certainly contribute to the water levels in our body. However experts advice to take atleast two litres of water everyday to let our body fulfilled with its liquid requirements. Some of the effects of water that we often ignore would certainly let us be aware to intake enough water…. In obesity: If you are in the habit of taking much of food than needed- water might do some trick. Having good amount of water, a half an hour before meals would let your stomach feel full. Moreover some people even get confused thirst with hunger. They eat food when they feel hungry. So when you are on a diet, drinking water often might drive you towards the goal of slimness. For a glow: Water improves moisture in the skin. Enough water in the blood cells would help in flushing out the toxins present in the blood, which would result in lesser acne. Plenty of water is suggested in any ailment that’s related to skin. People who has dry skin are advised to take much water to retain the elasticity and moisture in their skin. Kidneys: Kidneys as we know purifies our blood and excretes the waste through urine. Plenty of water would ease them to work better. The condition of stones forming in kidneys, are often associated with drinking less water. That’s the reason why doctors give the advice of drinking much water, to the patients with stones in kidneys. Rejuvinate: Tiredness is the first symptom of dehydration. Having enough water all through the day would keep us fresh. Our body gets dried out easily in cases of physical strain, which is the reason why athletes and labourers take plenty of water in intervals. Not drinking enough water after a physical workout might result anything from a normal muscle cramp to a stroke. And a lots more… Drinking plenty of water is found to be highly effective during the common cold and cough. Warm water is certainly known to dissolve the phelm in our throat. Taking water at enough intervals is known to retain a jubilant mood among us. As we know that our brain consists of more than 60 percent of water, having enough water would let it function better. Drinking adequate water would also help the digestion and secretion of the foods we take. The benefits of water would certainly reiterate the need to have enough water regularly without any negligence. People often forget to drink enough water even in cases they feel thirsty due to stress in their work or sheer negligence to get up from the seat. So let’s take a bottle of water with us, whenever we move and wherever we work! - Nirjara.

WANT TO RELAX POST FESTIVAL??

Nine days of pooja ,nine days of cooking and too much of sweets and oil food,nine days of Dandia ,Garba and Bathkamma,nine days of friends and relatives at home,i know your body is asking for break. And it really deserves one. Dasera being a extended festival for 9 days,asks for more attention of your brain and body. So once its done your body and brain should be given a little rest by all means. take out time for yourself do some relaxing morning walks, yoga, pranayama etc,they surely reduce our stress levels. Coming to house hold cleaning, take some time to jump into this process. Go to your favorite place be it a park, a film, or any place of your choice. Unwind yourselves from all the pressure you have created for the festival arrangements.Take a break from regular cooking and all regular things you do. Go slow,let the body re create the energy lost. All the above said things dose'nt need a weeks time,just a day or two is more than enough. Once you get this rest you can bounce back into your regular routine. Most of the women feel guilty to take a break or rest for a while. They should remember that even a machine needs resting time,after all we are human, so take it and come back with added energy into your regular life style. Keep rocking!! Happy Relaxing !!! .....Pushpa Bhaskar

THE HEALING FLOWERS OF BATUKAMMA

After all the literature, movements and the media presentations that revolved around Batukamma, probably everyone knows much about the festival. The festival is celebrated at a perfect time where the nature blooms with flowers. Handling the flowers while making Batukamma, spending around them for hours together and submerging them in the village lakes would certainly benefit people, with the medicinal properties associated with the flowers. Some of the flowers that are extensively available and widely used in Batukamma are as follows. And the medicinal properties for which they are known are mentioned. This was intended only for the general awareness and the practical application should always be carried under the guidance of an expert. Marigold: Marigold is called as `Banti` in Telugu language. The official name of Marigold which is `Calendula officinalis` is well known for the homoeopaths! Calendula is well known for its miraculous work on the skin. The extractions of Calendula were used widely in Homoeopathy for the treatment of scars and wounds. It’s supposed to soothe the skin and shield it from bacteria. Due to the antiseptic properties, calendula is often used as first aid for the cuts and bruises. From ointment to soap calendula is variedly used in Homoeopathy. Chrysanthemum: its popular name in Telugu is `Chamanti`. We might not heard about the `Chrysanthemum tea`, but it’s the popular drink in the East Asian countries like China, Vietnam and Malaysia. The decoction made with the dried flowers of Chrysanthemum is believed to be helpful in various ailments. From Headache to Osteoporosis, the tea made out of Chrysanthemum if known to be highly beneficial. Some species of Chrysanthemum are even used as for soup and the petals of the flowers are used for garnishing the dishes. Chrysanthemum is known to increase the blood flow to the heart. It may also increase sensitivity to insulin. The organic compounds extracted from the flower called `pyrethrins` were used as insecticides. As an insecticide pyrethrins work on the nervous system of the insects and destroy them. Lotus: Though many herbal benefits are associated with the lotus… the mentionable one is its cooling effect. The leaves of lotus are used as a packing material by our ancestors to keep the edibles fresh. The leaves and the paste of the lotus flowers are generally applied to control the body heat during the conditions like fever and inflammation. Any disorder that is associated with skin can be relieved when the leaves and flowers of lotus are kept over it. They are also known to moisture our skin and keep it fresh apart from increasing its complexion. Cockscomb: Called as `Gunugu` in Telugu, and with the scientific name of `celosia argentea`, cockscomb is known for varied benefits of health. It’s particularly known to cure the ailments resulting from the internal bleeding such as bloody stools. It’s also found to be beneficial in diseases of stomach such as diarrhea. Cockscomb is even known to be a great `ophthalmic` which means, it is highly beneficial for the eyes. Its extract is known to sooth the problems of eyes such as bloodshot eyes and blurry vision. Tanner's Cassia: Known as `Tangedu` in Telugu, this plant is used commonly in ayurvedic practice. Though various parts of this plant is used to heal various symptoms, The decoction of its buds is used to control diabetics. The flowers are used to treat excess bleeding during menstruation. - Nirjara

FACTS ABOUT IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. According to the World Health Organization 30% of the total world's population has iron deficiency anemia. In the developing world the numbers may be a lot higher. Indian women especially are noted to have this deficiency in large numbers. Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia include - • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Headache • Irritability • Dizziness • Craving for ice or clay • Weight loss ABSORPTION OF IRON Generally, about 10 to 15% of iron in the diet is absorbed by the body, though individual variations occur. The human body is calibrated to maintain iron levels/stores within normal limits. Thus, absorption increases in individuals who are iron deficient and decreases in normal individuals to prevent iron overload. Heme iron, found in meat, poultry and fish is much better absorbed by the body than non heme iron found in vegetables, legumes, grains and fruits. Consequently, vegetarians are sometimes at increased risk for developing iron deficiency. Eating heme iron or foods rich in vitamin C in a meal, enhances absorption of non heme iron consumed in the same meal. Vegetarians must be careful to include foods that contain vitamin C such as oranges, orange juice, lemon juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes and bell peppers in their meals to enhance absorption of iron. Tea and coffee decrease iron absorption in a meal and should be only consumed within a gap of 1-2 hours at least before or after intake of food. Most often iron supplements are recommended to combat this problem by physicians, however it needs to be within the limits. IRON TOXICITY/ POISONING Too much iron is also harmful and can result in a condition called hemochromatosis. Iron overload can even be fatal. That is why though dietary iron intake is safe, iron supplements should be taken only under the advice of a physician. (especially children - ALWAYS KEEP IRON SUPPLEMENTS OUT OF CHILDREN'S REACH). SYMPTOMS OF IRON POISONING: • Fatigue • Anorexia • Dizziness • Nausea • Vomiting • Headache • Weight loss • Shortness of breath • Grayish color to the skin Courtesy Glow With Health Wellness Solutions

Honey! Honey!

Honey was associated with the mankind for over 5000 years. People have been well aware of its medicinal properties in their day to day lives. The Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Indians have counted honey as a part of their traditional medicine. Though a lot is said and heard about honey, here are a few benefits which were well accepted and proved to be accurate. Cough: Honey was found to be a remedy like a cough syrup. Honey in warm water or honey along with lemon seems to have a soothing relief for the patients. It was found to be effective in relieving even from the ailments associated with the respiratory track such as bronchitis. Honey was found to form a protective layer in the throat to counter act the cough. Wounds: In a 2005 study published in the British Journal of Surgery, a case was mentioned in which the patients when applied with honey on their wounds had remarkable recovery. Being a natural antibiotic and antifungal, it would keep the wound clean and safe from the invading organisms. As we are not sure of the purity of the honey in our kitchen, it is not advisable to apply it on open wounds without a professional advice. However honey can be applied to the scalp as an effective solution to fight the dandruff. Memory: Having a good and consistent memory is a dream of every one. Honey contains a good amount of antioxidants which are good for our immune system along with our neurons. Honey helps the body to absorb the calcium much effectively. In some cases it was even advised to take honey along with calcium supplements. Calcium as we know is good for our bones and brains. Digestion: Honey is known for its pro biotic bacteria which is often called the friendly bacteria. The natural contamination of honey can prove dangerous to infants. But for the grownups, honey acts as a healer of ulcers that were present in their intestines. It also acts a mild laxative and regulates the bowel movements. Instant Energy: If you are not diabetic and looking for instant energy, a spoon of honey might be handy. Honey contains two kinds of sugars- glucose and fructose. Glucose in honey gets absorbed immediately by the body giving us instant energy while the fructose gets absorbed slowly resulting in sustained levels of energy. Athletes who get fatigue often prefer honey. Honey is related to a long list of properties that’s hard to accommodate in a few pages. From insomnia to cancer honey was always suggested as a remedy. But certainly a spoon of honey a day might be good for our health along with our taste buds! --Nirjara

Eat Right

If you start loving yourself more than loving "Junk" food you can see the difference it creates in life on your overall well being! Try it yourself, rest be assured you are not going to lose anything when junk is thrown out. courtesy Glow With Health Wellness Solutions

Get Moving for a Healthy Weight during Festive Season

Festive season and you simply cant sit worrying about your bloated tummy and increased weight, after every festival lunch. If you want to achieve a healthier and leaner body, then there is only one best way around, You have to Get Moving !!! Where you have to start and what to start with is determined by your current level of activity...if you are a sedentary type of person, then begin with Brisk Walking, 3-4 times a week..if you have been there already, step it up to the next level, Light Jogging or increase your walking speed and no.of days you walk in a week. If you are using a treadmill or an elliptical, then pump it up to a longer duration. Or change the type of workout once your body gets comfortable with the current workout type. Try cycling, swimming, light jogging or floor exercises along side your regular speed walking schedule. Here is a sample workout schedule for the Beginners, those in the Intermediate level and for those in the advanced level: Beginners: to begin with Brisk Walking * Week 1- 15minutes a day- 3 times a week * Week 2- 20minutes a day- 4 times a week * Week 3- 30minutes a day- 4 times a week * Week 4- 45minutes a day- 5 times a week Intermediate Level: to Step up to Cycling or Slow Jogging * Week1- 20minutes a day- 3 times a week * Week2- 30minutes a day- 4 times a week * Week3- Increase cycling or Jogging speed- 20 minutes a day- 4 times a week * Week4- continue same speed- 30 minutes a day- 5 times a week Advanced Level: try a totally new workout type. Simultaneosly, you have to eat healthy and avoid fatty foods, consume 8-9 glasses of water in a day. It is very important to build and maintain good muscles during healthy weight management. --Pratyusha

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