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Body Hacks to stay healthy!

The human body has the amazing capacity to heal itself – and repair itself no matter how bad an injury may be. Sometimes, it needs the right help and environment to get back on track, but for the most part, there are clever ways to get there. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind.

1. Got a zit that you want to get rid of? Simple. Take a pinch of baking soda and add a drop of water to make a paste. Put the mix on your zit, and it’s gone in a few hours!

2. Terrible tooth ache? Stick your hand in a bucket of ice, or, hold an ice cube between your thumb and fore-finger, in the web. It will cut the pain down by half.

PC:www.holisticdentistry.news

3. Quick to get angry? Chew gum! It keeps your temper under control, and also helps keep your jaw muscles supple.

4. Brain freeze from drinking something that is too cold? Press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, or your palate, and get back on track.

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5. Got the Sneezes? Press your tongue firmly against the back of your teeth and avoid sneezing.

6. If you have a sore threat, eat marshmallows and set it right!

7. If you are prone to acne, wash your face in cold water towards the end of the shower, to close your pores.

8. Got a mosquito bite that itches? Spray some deodorant and it will stop itching right away!

PC:www.healthbizinforma.com

9. Getting a heart attack? Cough repeatedly, so that your body kicks your heart back into overdrive and the attack is stopped short.

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10. Not able to sleep? Blink your eyelids rapidly for a minute, and tire out your eyes, and drift off to sleep.

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11. Do you have acid reflux when you lie down? Sleep on your left and you’ll never struggle again.

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12. Got a migraine? Dunk your hands into ice cold water and open and close your fists to settle the migraine.

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13. Stuffy nose? Keep an onion – peeled – beside your head while you sleep. You’ll wake up with a clear nose in the morning.

What are some of your favourite body hacks? Tell us how you stay healthy!

References:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/readcommentbackwards/18-amazing-body-hacks-that-will-improve-your-life-dmjk
http://www.indiatimes.com/health/tips-tricks/30-awesome-body-hacks-that-will-definitely-come-in-handy-246241.html

Antibiotic Awareness Week

We’ve come a full circle. At least in India. Well, not really full circle, but we are slowly getting there. What is this antibiotic, anyway? Its simply something that prevents the growth of certain micro organisms. Why do we need an awareness week for that? It’s because rampant use of antibiotics has been a bane in our country. More than rampant use, improper and unmonitored use has been the problem.

PC:www.dailytimesgazette.com

Remember we evolved – from Stone Age, to industrial age, to digital age. Not everything went perfectly though. We defeated tuberculosis, and then HIV came in. We started defeating cancer, and then lifestyle diseases started coming in. We live a sort of paradox where we seem to be the best position in the history of time with cutting edge medical technology, but many studies have established that we have the highest percentage of unhealthy people in history. Paradox. Advanced medicines, but unhealthier people.

We are in a super fast mode. When we fall sick, we don’t want to give our bodies the time it needs to heal. So we decide to take the fast route and tell the doctor to give you a medicine and make you better in a few hours so that you can get to work and not use up a ‘sick holiday.’ Because ideally we’d rather save up those days to take that vacation! While it may not always apply, I’m amused when friends and patients abroad call me to ask what antibiotic to take. When I tell them to see a doctor locally to get examined, their quick response is, “Hey, the doctor here is not giving medicines. He is asking me to take leave for three days.” “So how will you buy in there without prescription?” “That’s okay. I brought lots of antibiotics from India.” – True maybe, but is it ok?

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But what we forget, is this – bacteria and other microorganisms have evolved too! Don’t want to complete your five-day antibiotics course that your doctor prescribed because you got better on the third day? Does more good for the bacteria than for you! Since it was not eliminated completely, it started getting stronger. More virulent. And going to attack more people when you give it to them. And so we are now in an era of antibiotic resistance. Good old antibiotics are not working like they should. And that is leading us to newer and more expensive antibiotics.

So the next time you tell your doctor (or buy it straight off the pharmacy) to give you the most powerful antibiotic so that you can attend that meeting or the golf game, think twice.

There are times you need those antibiotics. So during those times, do not let this article (or any other source) prevent you from taking medicines that you need. Sometimes not taking medicines when you need it, is as bad as taking it when you need it! Usually the best person to decide is a good doctor who knows what he’s talking about.

*I’ve used the blanket term antibiotics for anti fungals etc, though really it means medicines that work only against bacteria.

The author,Dr. Wasim Mohideen is preventive care and wellness physician. A medical professional with an MBA and Post Graduate training in Allopathy as well as Alternative medicine, he strives to bridge the gap between modern medicine, traditional treatments and healthcare management.

Good Reasons to Try Pilates

Pilates are an interesting kind of workout, using the strength that is inherent in your body. It involves combining the power of your mind and body, and controlling your body and its movements to attain the requisite postures and strengths. The movements are centred around the abs, pelvic floor and lower back, and the body focuses on the alignment of the spine, and on the awareness of breath.
The original sequence of PIlates comprised 34 mat exercises. It comprises 100 roll-ups, single-leg stretches and double-leg stretches, and includes a variety of other elements. These routines are augmented by combinations in the form of yoga and kick boxing, to lend the exercise form a sense of variety.

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Another version of Pilates involves using equipment. There are magic circles, the Wunda Chair, the Guillotine, the Spine Corrector and the Ped-a-Pull. All of these equipments help strengthen the efficacy of the Pilates movements and help the body into the postures and movements efficiently.
Pilates creates impact on the body through resistance training. Science has showed how able Pilates as a fitness option, is, in creating lean muscle, in helping increment your metabolism levels and in helping you burn calories all day long. While cardio exercises are great, they come with a limited bandwidth to help you burn calories. Pilates, on the other hand, are highly efficacious exercises that help you stay in a metabolic high and help you lose calories all day long.

Celebrities who follow Pilates routines on a daily basis continue to stand as perfect ambassadors for why the form of exercise is an ideal choice to stay fit. From Madonna to Uma Thurman, from Kyra Sedgwick to Christy Turlington, there are plenty of stars who swear by Pilates.

As an exercise form, Pilates is versatile enough to fall in line with other forms of exercise, and is capable of adapting to dynamic needs.

References:

http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-pilates
http://www.flexstudios.com/our-flexformer-is-the-next-big-thing-in-pilates-according-to-self-magazine/
http://www.self.com/flash/fitness-blog/2015/02/pilates-equipment-flexformer/

Detox after diwali

It is not rocket science to know that Diwali brings a delightful spread of yummy food with it. Indulging in all the snacks and sweets can leave you with a bloated, heavy feeling, and can also leave your digestive system in a state of disarray. A useful thing to do would be to detoxify yourself and get rid of out the food induced stress on your body.

Eating around festivals means that there is a lot of oil, spice and sugar in your diet. Processed foods are also a large part of festive diets. Here are some ways to ensure that you stay healthy after a heavy meal for Diwali!

1. Drink hot water and honey first thing in the morning, to clear your system of any toxins. It is the best way to flush out your system.

2. Drink lots of green tea! A cup of chamomile or jasmine green tea will give your system the perfect way to detoxify. Green tea will give you antioxidants to help flush out the toxins.

PC: allnaturaltribe.com

3. Lime Juice when taken without sugar or salt, cleanses your system well from within. It is a good way to help address acidity – for lemons and lime are actually acidic only in the tongue, while alkaline in the stomach.

PC: anewmode.com

4. Drink Wheat Grass shakes to help increase your liver’s functional capacity and to digest your food well.

5. Ginger, especially in tea or even as chewable pieces is a fantastic detoxifier. It helps you shake off the effects of heavy oil and spice.

6. Plain hot water when taken in intervals in the day can help keep your system in balance.

PC: saybyediabetes.com

7. Drinking a warm glass of milk with a few crushed peppercorns and some turmeric will help your throat settle down in an otherwise rainy festive season.

PC: blog.myskin.com/

8. Indulge in a good long yoga and meditation routine, and get your body back on track with a good indulgence in routines for your health to get back on track.

Do you have any detoxifying routines that you follow or recommend? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

References:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Festival-over-detox-for-a-healthy-you/articleshow/49608432.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Post-festive-detox-you-should-be-following/articleshow/49577431.cms
http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/15-ways-to-lose-the-holiday-flab-and-keep-your-weight-loss-on-track-245430.html

World Pneumonia Day, 2015

World Pneumonia Day is marked annually on November 12, as an attempt to raise awareness about the disease and to promote action towards prevention and treatment, and generate action to fight the illness.

For the uninitiated, pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, and makes breathing painful. It also limits the extent of oxygen intake. Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children under the age of 5, all over the world. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly one in five global child deaths result from pneumonia every year. Pneumonia is a completely preventable and treatable illness. All it takes are some important steps.

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1. Pneumonia is airborne. Since this is so, it is important to maintain oral and nasal hygiene. Cover your nose and mouth if you are going into a vulnerable area, and wash your hands every time you return from a vulnerable area.

PC: texaschildrenblog.org

2. Make sure to vaccinate yourself. As a preventable disease, pneumonia can fully be avoided.

PC: medimoon.com

3. Contracting pneumonia does not mean that doomsday has arrived. Some sound antibiotic treatment and specific medical attention targeting the symptoms is a sure-shot way of attending to the issue.

PC:huffingtonpost.com

4. One of the key ways to avoid pneumonia is to ensure improved sanitation. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rubs to kill germs.

PC: Westaustindentist.com

5. Don’t smoke! Smoking can damage the ability of your lungs to filter out and defend your body against germs.

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6. Keep your immune system strong. Get plenty of rest and physical activity and follow a healthy diet – make sure that you eat enough fruits and vegetables.

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7. Follow an exercise routine that will help keep your lungs at their best vital capacity, and don’t become vulnerable to collapse.

8. If you have pneumonia, or a loved one you know has the disease, make sure that you reduce and limit the extent of contact with family and friends. Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, and get rid of used tissues right away. These actions help keep the infection from spreading. With proper healthcare, pneumonia can be avoidable, especially for small children.

References:

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/pneumonia-day

http://www.pkids.org/diseases/pneumonia.html

Hrithik Roshan’s workout regimen

From the word go, he had us all drooling. Whether it was in his days as a gawky newcomer, wet behind the ears in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai or in the delightful display of skills he regaled the world with in Kites; whether it was in his fantastic six pack ab show in Dhoom 2, or his magnum opus in Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara, anyone can say that Hrithik Roshan’s fit form stood out as among the many reasons that made him an instant hit. Here’s what his fitness regimen looks like!

PC:www.webmd.com

1. When it came to his meals, Hrithik switched from three square meals to six small meals in a day. The consumption of smaller meals many times in a day augmented his metabolism, and helped settle his cravings through the day.

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2. Hrithik reserves a cheat day, to enjoy his cravings for junk food and fast food – but even on those days, he makes it a point to indulge in reasonable and moderate portions.

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3. Insofar as what his diet comprised, Hrithik’s dietician gave him nutrient laden foods such as healthy meatballs, whey protein, fish, egg whites and protein muffins, in order to render adequate nutrition to his worked out body.

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4. He also added bountiful nutrient dense foods in his diet. Despite being filled with nutrients, there was nothing in his diet that qualified as unhealthy, or in poor taste.

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5. Hrithik’s workout regimen comprised going to the gym. As part of his work out sessions, he would take up training for flexibility, strength, endurance, stamina and overall, to attain an athletic body.

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6. His workouts themselves have a good blend of cardio, circuit and strength training. It begins with an hour of cardio workouts, 500 crunches in the morning, and strength training in the evening.

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7. To tone individual body parts, he also did specific target toning exercises, enhancing the intensity through both, reps and weights. This helped him grow the number of lean muscles in his body.

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8. Hrithik has a series of injuries that made his workouts tougher – but his focus shifted on the right kind of technique and following appropriately structured exercise routines.

References:

http://workoutinfoguru.com/hrithik-roshan-workout/

http://www.sliceofhealth.in/event/breast-cancer-awareness-month/fun/hrithik-roshan-rediscovers-athleticism-with-kris-gethin.html

http://healthyceleb.com/hrithik-roshan-diet-plan-workout-routine-bang-bang/26803

http://www.lightscamerabollywood.com/hrithik-roshan-diet/

Pack a Punch with Protein

For better skin, hair, body health and to stay in shape, proteins are vital! Here are some fun ways to keep proteins in your diet as an important element without compromising on the deliciousness.

1. Try the Coconut Chicken Nuggets. Marinate some chicken in a mixture of olive oil, red chilli powder, cumin powder, salt, ginger paste, and honey. Refrigerate for 2 hours, and then, heat a non-stick pan that is a bit greased with olive oil and toss the marinated chicken in. Cook it on high heat for 5 minutes while making sure that both sides of each nugget turn white and then a light brown. Remove it from heat and sprinkle the chicken with the grated coconut. Your coconut chicken nuggets are ready!

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2. Vegetarian? Then the Green Peas and Soya Tikkis are perfect for you. Soak soya granules in hot water for 8 to 10 minutes and then squeeze out all the water. Boil green peas for 5 minutes and then dry it, and blend it with the soya granules to make a smooth paste, add the green chillies, ginger, besan, salt and mix well. Divide the mixture into balls and lay them on a pan, after soaking them in rava or rusk powder for the crispness.

PC:www.kitchenchemistry.com

3. Another delicious way to get protein in your diet is to indulge in the Vegetable Soya Frankie. Boil soy granules in water for ten minutes, drain and keep aside, and heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan, add chopped onions, green chillies to it. Add some moong sprouts and carrot and sauté for a few minutes. Add soy granules, cabbage, salt and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Roll up some of this mix in a roti or chapati, and you’re good to go!

PC:www.cookinglight.com

4. Try the mashed peas and chicken grilled patties for a fun way to snack and get protein into your system. Boil peas, and dry minced chicken. Add the peas to the chicken and mash and mix with oil, meat masala, red chilli powder, salt, ginger paste, garlic paste, eggs, and besan. Mix well and refrigerate for an hour. Make patties out of the mix, and bake in an oven on high for 7 minutes on each side.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Healthy-protein-rich-snacks-for-the-weekend/articleshow/17265034.cms

http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-eight-protein-rich-snacks-to-eat-1952088

http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/eight-protein-rich-snacks-to-eat-k114/

http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/special-diets/high-protein/

No-Allergy Diwlai

Bursting crackers is characteristic of Diwali – young and old alike, cherish the adventurous side that it nurtures. As streets fill up by the hour with cracker-bombs and the skyline is peppered with beautiful fireworks, your lungs might be in trouble. Save them the difficulty of breathing in smoke and struggling with the allergies. Here are a few things you should understand:

1. The reason why smoke allergy sets in is because heavy metals like potassium chlorate, sulphur, arsenic sulphite, aluminium and copper are spread abundantly in the air post-Diwali, from the use of fire crackers.

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2. The smoke released around Diwali can cause a lot of lung and breathing issues, and skin issues – which in turn are allergies.

3. Your best bet would be to avoid coming in contact with firecrackers actively. If you know you have a tendency to become allergic, there is a need to keep away from bursting crackers.

PC:www.blog.oransi.com

4. If you know that your exposure is inevitable, make sure that you wear a surgical mask, or cover your nose and mouth with a thin dupatta. This will not obviously take away the smoke, but it will create a temporary filter.

PC:www.asg.org

5. Always carry a nasal spray so that you can clear your nasal passageways. As for your skin, keep aloe vera gel or calamine lotion handy, especially because they help dispel allergic reactions.

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6. You may also take a few handkerchiefs which have a few drops of lavender essential oil in them – and keep smelling them to avoid the impact of the allergic reactions from inhaling smoke.

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7. In general, keep a regular practice of yoga and pranayama as a vital part of your fitness regimen, as it expands your lungs’ vital capacities, and also helps your body breathe in better.

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8. Drink a lot of water – especially in a day packed with the festivities that Diwali is. By hydrating yourself, your lungs are less prone to dehydration. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Drinking water will also help by clearing up your skin and gives healthy glow.

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9. Pollution and smoke from crackers can irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always make sure that you cover your face with a cotton cloth while watching or burning crackers. Make it a point to wash your face after you are done, and pat dry your face.

What is your preferred allergy-management routine? Share it with us, as you and your family go onto have a happy, safe and prosperous Diwali.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Prevent-yourself-from-allergic-reaction-during-Diwali/articleshow/17172843.cms http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/print/news/prevent-yourself-from-allergic-reaction-during-diwali-5533374385_1.html

Emotionally detox this festive season

The festive season brings cheer with it – some that you wouldn’t mind partaking in, and some, that do tend to tire you out. Meeting family and friends might seem tiring, and demanding – especially if you are the kind of person who keeps busy schedules all year around, and look forward to the holidays to unwind and indulge in your “me time”. It is important to stay emotionally healthy and comfortable, and to allow yourself the freedom to avoid the things that saps your energy. When the festivities

How do you stay emotionally buoyed? Here are a few pointers you can keep in mind:

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1. Indulge in a hobby. Very often in life, we are so caught up in the demands that life and career obligations make on us. Consequently, we forget what it is to do things we like. Nurture a hobby and indulge in it, and allow your mind to soak in some stress busting comfort. Indulge in a pastime that lets you unwind and follow your heart with passion. Nothing gives you happiness more than being in touch with your inner self by giving you exactly what you like to do most.

2. Meditate often. Meditation is not a religious practice, and need not even be a spiritual practice if that is what you best prefer. It is just about improving your concentration on a particular thing, enough to encourage your cluttered mind to feel lighter and more peaceful. Set 10 minutes aside everyday to meditate, and feel yourself growing calmer.

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3. Do a lot of physical activity. The more active you are, the sharper your mind is, and the more comfortable you feel about the many things you need to attend to. Physical activity need not be rigorous – it can even be just about enough to discourage a sedentary way of life

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4. Go on quiet, relaxing strolls that allow you to be one with your own thoughts, and to allow yourself clarity in your thinking.

5. Listen to peaceful music that helps you de-stress and unwind without much effort on your part. It actually fills your brain with feel-good chemicals that cut back on stress!

6. Be one with nature: watch birds, or walk amidst greenery, and spend time with animals. It helps you tune into yourself and forget your worries easily.

7. Take a snack break when you feel too stressed. A light snack, a small slab of chocolate or a drink can help soothe your mind.

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8. Sleep well. Either take power naps or sleep a whole night without interruption. Even twenty minutes in between a stressful day can work wonders for your mind.

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9. Write your thoughts out, either in a journal, or on a sheet of paper that can help you get your worries, anger and negative feelings out of your system.

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10. Indulge your imagination with visualisation, as it can help you calm down and reduce the extent of stress and anxiety you may experience thanks to work and other demands of life.

11. Exercise regularly, for it helps your body enjoy the rush of endorphins, which in turn keeps stress in check.

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12. Spend time with your loved ones, and don’t hold back on hugging and kissing to show your love. In the company of those that you love, you are uninhibited and you enjoy the freedom of your own identity!

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13. Laugh out loud. Whether it is after watching a sitcom that cracks you up unfailingly, or if it is after watching a particularly ridiculous sketch by your favourite stand-up comedian online, make sure to indulge in anything that makes you laugh out loud. Laughter is a phenomenal de-stressing technique.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/6-ways-to-emotionally-detox-this-festive-season/articleshow/49409539.cms

Cooking Light, Eating Light

A man once went to a doctor, and asked him for a solution to lose weight. The doctor gave him a simple exercise, of looking left, and then right, and repeating it twice. The man was puzzled – this was just too simple! “When should I do this, doctor? How many times in a day?” asked the man, curiously. “Every time anyone offers you anything to eat!” said the doctor.

Hold on, before you think this is our advice for you, there’s more – and better advice in store. With the festive part of the year on us now, stocking up on sweets and savories automatically – for most of us, means an expanding waistline. Staying in shape this season can be a challenge, agreed. So we’ve decided to help you out with some low-calorie sweets for Diwali. Just remember, though: low carbohydrate and sugar free options are the way to go, if you want to make your sweets low in the calorie count. Here are some simple and fun recipes that you can try out at home this festive season!

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1. Make a brilliant Apple cinnamon kheer. All you need is 75 ml milk, 40 grams rice, 2 grams sugar free, 1 gram cinnamon powder, 20 grams green apple that has been finely chopped, 75 ml water and 5 grams granola. Wash and soak the rice for two hours, and then cook it with milk and water till it is well cooked. Add the cinnamon powder to the kheer. Cool the kheer and add chopped green apple and sugar free to it. Garnish with granola and green apple. Serve cold!

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2. Try a delicious Bulgur Wheat Kheer! Use high-fibre bulgur wheat with low fat milk and no sugar – by cooking down the bulgur wheat in milk and water, and adding a small dose of sugar substitutes. If you want to tone down the calories further on this marvel, used skimmed milk instead.

3. Fancy a nice Choconut Banana dish? Peel a few bananas and slice them. Set them aside. Chill a silicon sheet. Melt chocolate in the microwave. Meanwhile, dry roast almonds, cashews and walnuts on low heat until they are golden brown. Once the chocolate is done, remove from the microwave and whisk it until it is smooth. Grind the nuts coarsely and transfer it all into a bowl. Add some desiccated coconut and mix it well. Pick up each banana piece with a fork, dip in the chocolate and then roll it in this nut-coconut mixture until it is well-coated and place it on the silicon sheet. Set it in the fridge for a bit and serve chilled!

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4. Indulge in some delicious Gajar Halwa, but the healthy way. Pop in some carrots in a non stick pan and add some orange juice and cook on high heat. Add sugar and mix, and cook on high heat until all the liquid is absorbed. Add ghee and mix it up. Preheat the oven to 160°C, and put the carrot mixture into moulds. Drizzle a tablespoon of condensed milk in each mould, cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot!

References:

http://www.blisstree.com/2012/11/13/food/healthy-diwali-recipes/#1

http://www.idiva.com/photogallery-work-life/low-cal-mithai-recipes-for-diwali/17414

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