administrator | Slice of Health

Author Archives: administrator

IVF – When does it not work?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the most common form of Assisted Reproductive Technology. It is the only acceptable treatment to cure infertility and achieves positive results. Around 40% of those who embark upon the journey tend to fall pregnant after a single attempt. But many a time there are individuals for whom IVF fails for various reasons causing frustration and heartache for these couples. Some of these reasons can be:

1. Female Age:

The likelihood of a woman getting pregnant as she gets older decreases over time. Each woman is born with a certain number of eggs. Some studies show that 32% of women are likely to give birth after IVF at the age of 35 but only there is only 16% chance for a woman who is 40.

2. Embryo Quality:

Another contributing factor to the failure of IVF is the embryo quality. Some embryos have genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that can make them too weak too work for IVF. Still other embryos don’t have enough cells to survive and are less likely to fertilize.

3. Ovarian Response

Sometimes a woman’s ovaries just do not respond properly to the IVF treatment, which tries to get the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The chances are that IVF will fail when the body does not listen to the medication to produce more eggs.

4. Implantation Issues

The most common reason that IVF treatment fails is implantation issues. Implantation issues occur when the embryo stops growing and if there are polyps or cysts on the ovaries.

The truth of the matter is that IVF doesn’t always work. It is expensive and also a very stressful process. It can be very hard to accept when if the IVF treatment does not work and you may not always understand why. But don’t ever blame yourself or forget that there are people around you who care and can talk to.

Reference:

http://www.advancedfertility.com/ivf-implantation-failure.htm

http://haveababy.com/fertility-information/ivf-authority/my-ivf-cycle-failed-what-went-wrong-2

Anger & Hypertension

You live in India where – the roads are bad, the traffic is worse, the power cuts in summer are frequent and of course the gundas and the politicians are a class by themselves. Just reading that sentence must have you nodding and possibly a little angry right? Imagine how you react when you are faced with all of the above and many other scenarios and people – irritation and maybe even full-fledged anger!

Reports indicate that low to moderate levels of anger are ok but explosive anger can definitely lead to long time problems. Remember the ‘Fight or Flight’ stress hormone from your childhood textbooks? Well uncontrolled anger triggers the ‘Fight’ hormone causing your heart to beat faster and your arteries to constrict, leading in the long run to – Hypertension as a condition.

If all this sounds like you, than we suggest that this World Hypertension Day, you take some time off and go check on your blood pressure numbers. We have 5 quick tips to help you stave off the anger:

1. Take a break: Take a deep breath, count till 10 or step away from the problem.

2. Think first, react later: Give yourself time to think things over and if getting angry about the situation is really worth it.

3. Exercise regularly: All categories of physical activity – moderate to extreme – can offer a channel for your emotions, particularly when you’re about to explode.

4. Talk through the problem: Express your frustration in a non-confrontational manner with the person or persons involved.

5. Look for solutions: Analyze the situation and see how you can prevent it from happening again or what the solution to the problem is.

All said and done, always remember that you are not in it alone. There are many like you out there and there are professionals who can help you deal with the anger and its management so that you do not end up with a dangerous condition such as hypertension.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/rein-in-rage-anger-heart-disease#2

http://www.resperate.com/11-steps-to-outsmarting-anger-better-blood-pressure-management

http://www.hindustantimes.com/fitness/world-hypertension-day-keep-your-blood-pressure-under-check-we-tell-you-how/story-0PxWMBX5JJFMWa4Lk2OP7I.html

Egg on the Nutrition!

Whole eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet, containing a little bit of almost every nutrient we need. Apart from being loaded with amino acids, antioxidants and iron, each 85-calorie egg—which somehow delivers 7 grams of protein—is a solid investment in your health.

Eggs are pretty much the gold standard against which all other proteins are judged. And because protein is the most important nutrient for cell growth and to repair wear and tear of damage cells, it’s high time they are included as a solid diet staple.

Here are 5 ways in which eggs can do magic to your health:

1. Provides High Protein to build muscle

Eggs are champions at providing high quality protein for tissue re-generation and muscle growth. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein; nine amino acids that the body needs must be derived from one’s diet. Eggs supply all nine and other essential nutrients to nurture muscles and tissues in our body.

2. Ideal for weight loss

All this packaged in just 66 calories! Eggs are ideal sources to rapidly increase energy levels in our body while keeping the fat content at a bare minimum. This helps in stimulating fat loss and therefore, eggs are almost the first thing that a personal trainer or dietitian will recommend, when you sign up.

3. Eggs can help ‘ iron’ out problems

Many people with mild iron deficiency experience vague symptoms of tiredness, headaches and irritability. Iron is the carrier of oxygen in the blood and plays an important role in immunity, energy metabolism and many other functions in the body. The iron in egg yolk is in the form of heme/ iron, the most readily absorbable and usable form of iron in food and more absorbable than the form of iron in most supplements.

4. Eggs help to prevent cataracts and to protect eye sight

A good dietary intake of eggs is associated with a significant decrease in cataracts and age-related lens issues, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Eggs are a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine, which play an important role in keeping the eyes healthy. It accumulates in the eye where these nutrients protect against some types of harmful, high-energy wavelengths of light.

5. Proper Bone Development

Eggs are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, our sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and for maintaining optimum bone health. Eggs therefore play a supporting role in the prevention of osteoporosis together with dairy products, our main source of calcium.

References:

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/gain-mass/4-more-reasons-load-eggs

https://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-health-benefits-of-eggs/

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/5-reasons-to-eat-more-eggs/

Working out as a Family

Today being International Day of Families is an occasion to celebrate the importance of togetherness around the world. For a happy family, it is important that they stay healthy together by staying physically active and building healthy habits.
This is a great time to get your family up and moving. Not only will exercise make you all feel great but it is also a great way to bond with your family.

Here are a few tips to get started on working out as a family:

1.Fun Walk:

Rather than rushing to watch your favourite family program after dinner, take a long walk with your family. Wear a pair of comfy shoes and get going. Add energetic movements like jumping, jogging or squatting.

2.Fun Dance:

If you are sick of your boring routines, crank up the music and get on the floor. Try the Shakira moves or some hip-hop, it can be more interesting than jogging on the same old treadmill everyday.

3.Bicycling:

It is an excellent activity to do with your family. It’s fast and fun and helps you to keep the weight off. The kids can have a great time as it gives them the freedom to get around.

4.Family goals chart:

Build healthier family habits by creating a goal chart. Put this chart up on your refrigerator or on another highly visible spot. It is a good way to keep your score and pay attention to your eating and exercise habits.

References:

http://www.parents.com/fun/sports/exercise/10-ways-to-exercise-as-a-family/

https://wellnessmama.com/12284/family-exercise/

Be a Healthy Mom!

Mothers. They raise their kids, juggle their school work and extra-curricular, and take care of their health. Amidst all this multi-tasking, they forget just one thing…taking care of themselves.

Studies show, that while women tend to need fewer calories than men, they do require a higher intake of nutrients. Hormonal changes associated with menstruation, child-bearing, and menopause mean that women have a higher risk of anemia, weakened bones, and osteoporosis.

As a mother, there is a tendency to neglect one’s own nutrition needs – maybe to put the family first or due to the lack of time. While there is no one-fit diet solution, here are some foods that can help. The right nutrition can boost energy, strengthen bones, and stabilize mood swings (even during later stages like menopause).

1. Calcium: For adult women, the recommended amount is 1,000 mg/day. These can be from sources like dairy products, fish, tofu, and leafy vegetables.

2. Magnesium: The recommended amount is 320-400 mg/day. Good sources are broccoli, leafy vegetables, a variety of seeds and celery.

3. Vitamin D: This is required for a smooth metabolism and healthy bones. Make sure to get some fresh air and soak in the sunlight, and also eat foods like salmon, shrimp, cod and eggs.

4. Iron: To keep that fabulous hair, nails and skin, iron helps create the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. A majority of women are anemic as they don’t have enough iron intake. The recommended intake for older woman is 18 mg/day – you can find this in poultry, seafood and dried fruits.

Avoid Trans-fats: Trans-fats, deep-fried foods and excess sugar are all inflammatory, and can trigger major hormonal imbalances.

Apart from the nutrition, some lifestyle changes should be made too!

Get some ‘me-time’! Between juggling work and family time, it’s important to take atleast half an hour off everyday – either go on a long drive, or read a book, or meditate – whatever helps to rejuvenate!

Exercise: Not just as a mother but as a woman who is more prone to cardio-vascular conditions and bone weakening -it’s important to consistently get some form of exercise!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the selfless superwomen out there!

4 WAYS IN WHICH THE WEATHER CAN AFFECT YOUR MOOD

Happiness and sunshine are almost synonymous to most of us. Think of a moody day – an image of dark clouds that refuse to pour flashes before our eyes. Not just this, why is it that we feel like getting started on work when the weather is warm and all we want to do is sit by the window with a cup of coffee on a rainy day?

Does the weather affect our moods? Most definitely!

Here are 4 ways in which the weather can affect your mood.

Lack of sunlight

“Get outdoors more often!” Have you heard someone say this when you tell them you have been feeling low? Getting outdoors is important because the lack of sunlight can affect your mood and appetite. It is not without reason that we say some people are like the sunshine – sunshine is well, an actual mood lifter!

Physical lethargy during cold

By reducing your sensory feedback, dexterity and muscle strength – cold weather actually makes you feel lazy. If you find yourself continuously feeling lazy in winter, make sure you stretch for at least a couple of minutes every morning.

Rain and hunger

A cup of coffee, something fried or at least junk food – why do we crave for such foods when it rains? While you might think it has something to do with you, it has a lot more to do with the weather. With a dip in your serotonin levels because of lack of sunlight during rains – your carbohydrate craving naturally increase and you feel hungrier.

Pleasant weather and creativity

What has the weather and creativity got to do with each other? A brisk walk in pleasant weather when it is sunny or breezy can improve not just your mood but also your productivity and ability to think. It is also said to be a good memory booster!

References:

https://www.bustle.com/articles/113278-6-scientific-ways-weather-affects-your-mood-so-you-can-adapt-your-mind-and-body-through

5 low-carb comfort foods!

Comfort food is meant to be just that – comforting. It is the elixir that makes you feel better almost instantly; like ice cream after a break up or popcorn on horror movie nights! But we all know that the Indian comfort food scene is inextricably linked to a mother’s heart. And mothers love adding dollops of cream, ghee or just about anything that makes our thighs, tummy or back bigger! Indian comfort foods are fattening and carb-filled and completely unhealthy in every manner, yet we love it. Count the calories in some of these dishes and suddenly they aren’t as comforting.

Here are a bunch of ways to keep the ‘comfort’ factor in Indian comfort foods!

Healthy Rotis –
Nothing beats a cup of daal and some rotis to go with it! Keep it light and low carb by opting for ragi rotis or jowar rotis, and keep your dal fat free with a tadka, instead of a makhani!

Millet Curd Rice –
Curd rice is a no-brainer comfort fix down south. No meal really ends without a cup. Nothing beats the delight that this dish packs! To go low-carb, opt for millet instead of rice and curd from skim milk!

Quinoa Khichdi –
Piping hot khichdi can lift your spirits very easily. Served with dollops of ghee and lentils, khichdi, is a ubiquitous favourite. A low-carb version of khichdi can be made with quinoa, and the taste packs a perfect punch that even rice cannot achieve.

Bulghur Poha –
Poha, in all its light and savory delight is a brilliant comfort food: instead of using rice-based flakes, use bulghur wheat flakes and cook up a storm that is low-carb and high taste.

Moong Dosa –
If biting into the crisp goodness of a dosa gives you the warmth that a hug does, your best option to go low-carb with a dosa would be to indulge in moong dal dosas. Crafted out of moong dal instead of rice, this variant is filled with proteins. Soak moong overnight, grind to a fine paste and add salt. Make thin dosas and enjoy!

References:

https://www.dietburrp.com/indian-low-carb-diet-for-weight-loss/

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/low-carb-comfort-food-favorites/

How to keep hydrated for a summer workout

When the temperatures are rising, it can drive some crazy or make them too lazy to get out of the bed for a workout. After exercising in cooler temps, hot and humid days can feel overwhelming. The hotter the temperature, the more risk for dehydration, especially during an intense workout. Running, biking, hiking, even walking feels harder in the heat.

Here are some tips to help you get through your summer workouts:

1.Hydrate yourself –
This goes without saying but the first and foremost thing to keep in mind is hydrate yourself. The more liquids you fill yourself with, the lesser you are prone to fall sick or dehydrate yourself. When to do it? Two hours before workout and sip 4-8 ounces every 15 minutes during exercise. This will also help you stay away from dizziness, cramps and headaches.

2.Wear the right clothes –
Clothing plays a big role during summer workouts. Wearing tight fitting and full sleeve clothes will only make you feel irritated. Lightweight and breathable clothes will are sure to comfort during workouts. They pull moisture away from your skin, so you really do feel cooler.

3.Take cold showers –
It might sound odd, but showering before a workout with cold water not only helps you freshen up but also, helps your body to cool down. Carry a spray bottle with cold water and try spraying every now and then on your face and neck to feel less sticky and refreshed. You can also spray some on your hands, legs and body.

4.Change workouts –
Since the hot weather is going to be around for a few months, adapt your workout accordingly. On hot and humid days, choose cooler cardio activities like biking in the wind, swimming in cold water, jumping rope, running up and down your stairs, or doing strength training routines at home.

Reference:

https://greatist.com/fitness/how-rock-summer-workout-despite-heat

http://www.shape.com/fitness/tips/tips-working-out-summer-heat

5 Common Summer Diseases to Look Out For

Would you say that the 2017 summer is the worst that you are experiencing? Or was it 2016 that was bad or 2014? It is hard to tell because summer in India has never been easy! It’s not just the roasting heat that is the problem but a series of health conditions that interrupts life on a daily basis or on a long term.

The most common ones are dehydration, skin damage and heat stroke. Some people get affected directly by the heat with a heat stroke while some others get viral fevers. Are you aware of the other set of illnesses that individuals are prone to

So here is a set of common summer ailments that you should be aware for an uninterrupted life –

1. Prickly heat/ Rashes –A rash that is common among children and adults who sweat a lot. It is caused by sweat glands blockage and occurs when the humidity and heat are at their peak. People with prickly heat will suffer from skin irritation and the urge to scratch the infected area thereby causing damage to the skin. You can treat this by using talcum powder prescribed by your doctor.

2. Food poisoning – We are not the only victim of this scorching sun; food gets affected by it too! Foods that are kept in the open-air for a long time will spoil. Eating that stale food will upset your stomach resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Always watch out for what you eat & drink because contaminated water and half-cooked or spoilt food might contain bacteria.

3. UTI – Another most common yet painful disease prevalent among children and women. People experiencing urinary tract infection go through moderate to severe pain while passing urine, back ache and discomfort. You can escape this one by using clean latrines and keeping yourself as hydrated as possible.

Some severe sicknesses:

1. Viral diseases like – Mumps, Jaundice, Chicken pox and Measles –
These are the more serious viral infections that occur commonly during summer. Most individuals are given a vaccination for these diseases at different stages of their childhood. Consult your doctor immediately if you haven’t been given these shots.

2. Bacterial infection like Typhoid –
Another life-threatening disease whose symptoms include, high fever, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite and long term complications. Although there are vaccines available for this disease, you do not want to risk contracting it – so make sure you eat food and drink water from trusted sources.

Reference:

http://www.onlymyhealth.com/common-diseases-in-summer-1339091062

10 foods for great summer nutrition

Come summer and it is not all always happiness and sunshine – at least not when the sun is scorching and all you want to do is stay indoors! However, we definitely do not have the luxury to stay indoors even if we want to because rain or shine, our routines need to go on.

Between home, work and your social life – how do you manage your summer nutrition? This is more critical if you are someone who works out or goes out in the sun a lot.

Here are 10 foods that make for excellent summer nutrition.

1. Tender Coconut

The best way to stay hydrated in summer is to grab a tender coconut for a mid-morning snack. Super light and filled with nutrients, it keeps you hydrated and fresh!

2. Butter Milk

Drinking lots of fluids is the key to staying fit in summer – make sure you drink some cool butter-milk in this weather – add salt or sugar or even some flavours as per your taste!

3. Cucumbers

High in fiber and low in calories – cucumbers are a must have delicious summer snack! You can even simply add them to your water to give you that nutrition spike on a summer day.

4. Green Tea

You are better off staying away from sugar filled drinks – instead, sip on a fresh cup of green tea. Packed with anti-oxidants, it is one of the healthiest beverages to have during summer!

5. Fresh Green Vegetables

Not only are they loaded with nutrients – they are also loaded with water which is why you need to ensure that a green salad or a smoothie is part of your summer diet!

6. Mangoes

Sunshine and mangoes are almost synonymous – loaded with Vitamin A and high fiber, these summer fresh fruits are a definite addition to your diet.

7. Water

This one is a no-brainer! Ensure that you drink lots and lots of water to stay hydrated in the hot summer.

8. Watermelon

Found on every street during summer, this cheap, easily available fruit can be your go-to during the season! Stock up on enough watermelon and if possible, eat them fresh.

9. Lime Water

The inexpensive and humble nimboo pani is refreshing and good for you this summer – sweet, salted or however you like it, this drink will go a long way in keeping you cool.

10. Ice-creams

Yes, we understand the sugar and the calories, but a little summer fun hurt no one. Enjoy that occasional ice cream in this weather to beat the heat!

References:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/10-foods-for-summer-nutrition.htm

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/10-best-cooling-foods-for-the-indian-summer/articleshow/19946397.cms

« Older Entries Recent Entries »