Health News

Have you stepped into the cold shower and felt uncomfortable then you are not alone!! A natural wellness routine that has been making many heads turn these days is cold showers. It is noteworthy that cold showers can boost both physical as well as mental wellbeing of an individual. There are numerous health benefits of cold showers which we might not be aware of. Cold showers can lower inflammation, boost immunity, boost circulation, stimulate metabolism, improve kidney health etc. From a mental health aspect, cold showers can boost our mood, reduce anxiety and stress etc. How would a cold shower be beneficial for our heart health? Enhanced circulation and vascular health: Point to be noted is that alternating vasoconstriction and vasodilation would improve blood circulation. Toxins etc would get flushed out. Oxygen rich blood would be delivered to the tissues. It must be taken into note that improved blood circulation would support organ functions and lowers fatigue feeling etc. Boosted metabolism and calorie burning: When we take cold showers, brown adipose tissue would get activated and heat would get generated by burning of calories. By this, metabolic rate would get increased and weight would get managed in us. By this our heart health would get better. By regularly exposing us to cold showers, insulin sensitivity would get enhanced and inflammation would get reduced. Finally, metabolic and heart function would get support. Lowers inflammation: Chronic inflammation would lead to heart disease is known. Superb piece of information is that cold showers would lower the inflammation in us. Muscle soreness etc would get reduced and there would be speedy recovery after exercise. Stress reduction etc: When we expose ourselves to cold showers regularly, then our cortisol levels would reduce. By this, our heart health would benefit as blood pressure would get reduced. It is worthy to note that many persons had improved mood after cold showers due to release of happy hormones or endorphins How would our heart get affected due to a cold shower? Sudden hypertension or BP: By exposure to cold showers suddenly, we could have a spike in the blood pressure or BP. This could be a serious issue. Arrhythmias and heart beat disorders: In sensitive individuals, sudden exposure to cold showers could lead to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia. Coronary heart disease: It must be noted that vasoconstriction would reduce the flow of blood in the already narrowed arteries. By this, there are more chances of angina or heart attacks etc. Safe incorporation of cold showers every day: It is necessary to start cold shower exposure gradually. Beginning with warm water and slowly lowering the temperature over several days etc would be good. It is necessary to aim for short exposure to cold showers. Exposure to cold showers must be stopped immediately if there is dizziness etc. Consulting a doctor would be important especially for those who have heart disease, high BP or other respiratory issues etc. Please take care. 

In today`s hurry burry world, the majority of us do not have time at our disposal even to take care of our own health. In such a scenario, not many of us would be aware of nigella seeds or kalonji seeds that could be superb for our health. Nigella sativa or kalonji seeds belong to the family named Ranunculaceae and they are annual flowering plants.  They are found in western Asia, Cyprus and Turkey etc. Point is that kalonji seeds, fennel seeds and celery have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many decades. These three can be roasted lightly and consumed before bed. How to consume roasted nigella seeds On a low flame for about 15 minutes, roast one teaspoon of nigella or kalonji seeds and then consume the seeds in lukewarm water before sleep. What happens when we consume a spoon of roasted nigella seeds before bed? Keeps digestive system in good health: When we eat roasted nigella seeds before bed, the fibre and antioxidants that are present in the seeds would help us to avoid digestion issues like gas, constipation, indigestion etc. our intestines would be kept clean by eating these roasted seeds daily. We would have a good appetite for food. Strengthens our immune system: Here, the antiviral and antibacterial properties of nigella seeds play a huge role. Our immunity would be strengthened by the intake of roasted nigella seeds. For those persons who get affected frequently by cold, cough etc, these kalonji seeds would be superb. Controls blood sugar and cholesterol: For many of us, diabetes and high cholesterol levels are two huge issues. The presence of thymoquinone in nigella or kalonji seeds would help us to manage diabetes well. By consuming roasted nigella seeds before bed daily, our bad cholesterol or LDL would be reduced and good cholesterol would be enhanced. By this, our heart health would be good. Good for the skin and hair etc: Not many would know that intake of roasted nigella seeds would be good for skin and hair health. Our hair roots would get strengthened by consuming roasted nigella seeds daily before bed. Our skin would get a natural glow.

Have you ever heard about forever chemicals? Truth is that forever chemicals are present from the water we drink to the food we eat and even in our cells etc. The important question now is can these forever chemicals trigger any health issue in us? In a recent study, it was found that these forever chemicals are linked to type 2 diabetes. Shocking isn`t it?? USA based Mount Sinai researchers have identified a close association between forever chemicals and type-2 diabetes and their findings have been published in eBioMedicine journal. In the 1940s, forever chemicals were developed and they have become part of our lives. It must be noted that forever chemicals or PFA or per and poly fluoro alkyl substances belong to the class of synthetic chemicals. They are said to be resistant to heat, oil and water. Point to be noted is that these PFAs are used in products ranging from Teflon pans, cosmetics, dental floss etc. In other words, PFAs are present in non-stick cookware to stain resistant furniture etc. A link between PFAs and type- 2 diabetes has been identified by the researchers now. According to the researchers, exposure to PFAs could lead to type-2 diabetes in humans. Metabolic irregularities in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism and might explain how PFAs could affect our body`s ability to regulate blood sugar. What work do the researchers do? It is learnt that the researchers looked at the data of more than 70000 study participants who have sought care at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City from 2007 onwards.  It is noteworthy that the researchers analysed as many as180 people who were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or T2D and compared them with those who did not have T2D. For analysing PFAs, the researchers took blood samples from these persons. Inference from the study: It has been brought to light by the researchers that the high levels of PFAs have been associated with greater risk of developing type-2 diabetes. They have found out that increased exposure to PFAs would lead to 31% increased risk of getting type-2 diabetes. It was later explained by Vishal Midya, PhD, MStat, who is the corresponding author and assistant professor of environmental medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital that PFAs were synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water and oil etc. He added that these chemicals are present in everyday products of the consumer. HeHe concluded that since these chemicals do not break up easily they accumulate in the environment/ human bodies etc. Importance of the research study: Point is that this study emphasizes the importance of preventing exposure to PFAs to promote public health. With the help of the findings, it would be possible to design more effective interventions for early prevention of type-2 diabetes.

Nothing can bring more joy and happiness for a parents or couple than watching their babies grow before their eyes!! The growth of a baby would have numerous sweet memories for the parents like seeing their baby smile and seeing the first teeth etc. The appearance of teeth in the baby for the very first time can not only bring happiness for the parents but also tears, drool, and sleepless nights for the newborn as well as parents. Teething in babies: There are some babies who do not have teeth even when they are one year old. It must be noted that by the third month itself babies would put their fingers in their mouths and have excess saliva coming out of their mouths. The first teeth in the baby would come out after 6 months in most babies. By the time the babies turn 3 yr of age, they would have almost all their teeth. Common signs: Parents must watch out for these common signs of teething in their babies. These signs are irritability, fussiness, swollen gums, excess drooling, chewing objects and disturbed sleep patterns etc. Finally, some babies might even have a slight rise in the temperature. How to make a teething baby comfortable? It is true that teething is a difficult stage for the babies. Hence it is the duty of the parents to make their babies comfortable. Point is that parents can provide teething toys to their babies. Secondly, parents can gently massage their baby`s gums. Parents can provide extra comfort, cuddles, play time etc. This would reduce the irritability and fuzziness of the babies. Cold compress can also be applied on the baby`s gums to comfort them. Consulting a paediatrician is very essential for the parents if teething causes significant pain in their babies. Important note for parents: Parents must be aware of the difference between teething and ear infection in their babies. The reason for this is both teething as well as ear infection can have similar kinds of symptoms in the babies. The parents must be able to differentiate teething and ear infections. Babies with ear infections and teething might show similar symptoms crying, fuzziness, bringing their hands to mouth, change in eating and sleeping patterns etc. Babies with ear infections alone would show symptoms like high fever, severe pain plus fluid from ears and difficulty in responding to sounds etc.

We all know that vitamin D is associated with bone health. How many are aware that vitamin K is also associated with bone health? It is true that vitamin K would strengthen the bones in us.  This vitamin K also plays its part in blood clotting also. It is worthy to note that vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is very much needed for our health to be normal. Vitamin K is present in forms like phylloquinone present in green leafy vegetables and menaquinones produced by gut bacteria. Dosage for vitamin K: It must be noted that adult persons would need 120 micrograms (for males) and 90mcg (for females) of vitamin K per day. This vitamin could b got through oral supplements, injections or drops etc Intake of kale: It is noteworthy that one cup of kale contains 1062 micrograms of vitamin K. Therefore, one bowl of kale salad is adequate for daily requirements of this vitamin. Intake of spinach: One cup of spinach has about 888 micrograms of vitamin K. Hence, it is needed to consume spinach for the sake of vitamin K. Moreover, intake of spinach would also help in heart health, better vision etc. Intake of Brussel sprouts: It must be taken into note that one cup of Brussel sprouts would have 155.8mcg of vitamin K. There are also other benefits of this vegetable like improved immunity, better blood sugar control, good for digestion etc. Intake of broccoli: Not only fibres and proteins are present in broccoli but also vitamin K. Information is that one cup of broccoli would have 220 mcg of the nutrient. Intake of edamame: Prepared with immature soybeans in their pods is edamame or a dish in East Asia.  Point is that one cup of edamame contains 37.1mcg of vitamin K. This edamame also has other benefits like weight loss, heart health, bone health etc. Intake of soybeans: Not many of us would be aware of the fact that soybeans are the highest sources s of vitamin K2. Point is that 3.5ounces of soybeans would have 1000mcg of vitamin K. It is known that soybeans intake would also help in cancer prevention plus better heart health, better blood sugar control etc. Intake of prunes: One cup of prunes or dried plums contains 60mcg of vitamin K. There are also other benefits of prunes like improved blood sugar control, improved BP, boost heart health etc. Intake of olive oil: Best cooking oil that has vitamin k in it is olive oil. Information is that one tablespoon of olive oil would have 8mcg of vitamin K. There are many advantages of olive oil such as improved digestion, heart health, controlled BP etc. Intake of cheese: One serving or half ounce of cheddar cheese would have 4mcg of vitamin K in them. Truth is that 1.5 ounces of mozzarella would have 2mcg of vitamin K. Intake of cheese would also improve our bone health, dental health, Gut health, weight management etc. Vitamin K deficiency: If a person does not have enough vitamin K, then he or she is said to be vitamin K deficient. They would show symptoms like easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, bleeding from nose, blood in urine, heavy menstrual bleeding, small blood clot under nails etc.

Do you get harmless but frustrating hiccups often? An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm (a large muscle that separates abdomen and chest) is termed as hiccups. It must be noted that sudden closure of glottis could lead to hiccups and this is often revealed by a gulping sound. There are some common reasons for getting hiccups and these are Daily habits: It must be taken into note that by eating fast or overeating or eating spicy foods our diaphragm would get irritated. This can lead to hiccups. Sudden changes in temperature: We can get hiccups if we suddenly change from hot teat to chilled water. The nerves linked to diaphragm would get stimulated by this. This can lead to spasms. Excitement & stress: Our nervous system can get over-stimulated when w e feel anxious, stressed or even in excitement etc. This can lead to hiccups in us. Metabolic issues: There are also possibilities of getting chronic hiccups due to kidney disease or dye to electrolyte imbalance etc. Medical conditions: There are chances of getting chronic hiccups when we have GI disorders, injury to nerves, strokes, encephalitis etc. Lung conditions like pulmonary embolism pneumonia etc can also cause chronic hiccups. Length of hiccups: It is worthy to note that most hiccups would be there for some minutes. No treatment is needed for this. Sometimes, hiccups would be present in us for hours or even days tighter. This is serious and must be treated without fail. In such a situation, it is necessary to visit a gastroenterologist or a doctor compulsorily. Home remedies for hiccups: By holding breath: In the first step, we must inhale deeply and next we must hold the breath for 10 to 20 seconds. By this, carbon dioxide would get increased in the lungs and diaphragm would get relaxed. Hiccups would not be there By sipping cold water slowly: Vagus nerve would get stimulated by sipping cold water slowly. This would further cause the diaphragm to relax. By pulling knees to chest and leaning forward: Diaphragm would get relaxed by pulling knees towards the chest. This would stop hiccups. By gargling with ice water: Nerves in the throat would get stimulated by doing this. This would disrupt the hiccup cycle. By biting a lemon: Taste receptors would get activated due to sourness of the lemon and this would stop hiccups from coming. By eating peanut butter: Not many would know that eating peanut butter can also stop hiccups from happening. Truth is that sticky texture would make us focus on swallowing. Breathing would get altered. By gentle burping etc: When we swallow air, we could get hiccups. We could get relief by releasing the air. Therefore, this is also an important and effective remedy.  

Cravings for all kinds of foods are common during the pregnancy stage. Hormone base changes, increased nutritional requirements etc could cause the food cravings in the pregnant mothers. Pregnancy is a very important stage in the lives of a woman and during pregnancy she must not eat all kinds of foods.  Bitter fact is that there are some foods that could be harmful for her health. These below mentioned foods must be avoided by pregnant mothers. The foods are Avoid high mercury fishes: It is worthy to note here that fishes like mackerel, tune etc would accumulate mercury in them and consuming these fishes would be risky for a pregnant mother. If a pregnant mother consumes these types of fishes then it could impair the foetal brain development. There would be more chances of cerebral palsy and cognitive delays in the newborns. Please be careful. Avoid uncooked meat, poultry, eggs etc: Pregnant women could get listeriosis if she eats uncooked or raw meat, poultry foods, eggs etc. Listeria bacteria could lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. There are chances of stillbirth and newborn infections even without symptoms in the mother. It is worthy to note that undercooked eggs would have Salmonella that could infect the foetus and lead to meningitis and sepsis etc. Avoid unpasteurised milk, juice etc: Point is that raw milk could have Salmonella, Listeria etc and these bacteria could cause miscarriage or other serious problems in newborns. Therefore, the pregnant woman must drink only juices and dairy labelled pasteurised. Avoid unwashed produce and raw sprout etc: Bacteria E. coli could grow on the sprouts as sprouts are often found growing in humid and warm conditions. If a pregnant mother consumes these sprouts, then she could get pregnancy loss and neonatal infections etc due to E.Coli and Listeria from unwashed sprouts. It is necessary to wash sprouts thoroughly with water and cook them before consuming them. Avoid herbal teas also: In the early pregnancy, drinking herbal teas could be unsafe. Few examples of herb based teas are nettle, alfalfa etc. Point is that pregnant mothers can drink these herbal teas in moderate amounts but not in excess amounts.  Concentrated homemade infusions must not be consumed unless it is approved by the provider. Truth is that these herbal teas can lead to menenstrual bleeding, miscarriage, birth defects etc. Avoid excess caffeine: It is said that excess intake of caffeine could cross the baby. It is better to consult the doctor before drinking caffeine based drinks. It must be noted that excess intake of caffeine by pregnant mothers could cause miscarriage plus other complications in them. So, please be careful.

Have you come across the term beer belly and thought what it is all about? Cracking open a beer bottle with a group of friends is one of the most common ways to relax for many youngsters these days. It is okay to drink beer once a while or rarely. The alcohol content in beer (4% to 6%) is less than those like whiskey, vodka, wine etc. This doesn`t guarantee that drinking beer can be safe for health How many know the bitter truth that drinking beer frequently or daily can be harmful for health? From the malted cereal grain, a carbonated fermented alcohol based drink is prepared and this is beer.  Beer contains numerous ingredients like calories, proteins, carbohydrates, sugar plus others like alcohol, magnesium, phosphorus etc. There are several signs that could indicate that you might be drinking too much beer or drinking beer daily. These are constant bloating, bloating, digestive discomfort, interrupted sleep, mood swings, irritability etc . Drinking beer every day or frequently can harm us in these ways. Liver health would get affected: Our liver would get affected if we consume beer frequently or daily. Inflammation in our body would get triggered by drinking beer. Our liver would get damaged by excessive beer intake due to oxidative stress. Gut heath would deteriorate: When we consume beer frequently our gut microbiome would get affected. Gut microbiome refers to both good and bad bacteria in equal amounts.  We could get many issues like bloating, diarrhoea, poor nutrient absorption etc by drinking beer often. Heart health would get affected: It is known that the heart is a very important organ in our body. Therefore, it is highly necessary that we must keep our heart health in good shape. By drinking beer daily, our blood pressure would increase and we could get serious issues like heart disease, strokes etc. It must be noted that long term intake of beer could lead to strain on our cardiovascular system. Brain health would decline: Drinking beer with friends could be great fun but it would affect brain health. It is believed that drinking beer daily would interfere with the brain`s communication pathways. This would slow down the reaction time, create confusion and might lead to memory issues. The risk of getting dementiaia would be more if we drink beer frequently. This has been published in a health magazine also. Leads to belly fat and obesity etc: It is true that drinking beer frequently or daily could lead to weight gain or beer belly. Visceral fat would accumulate especially around the abdomen area. This could lead to obesity issues. The reason for this is due to the presence of calories in beer.

If there is one issue in women that would totally wipe out their self confidence, then it is the excess facial hair growth!! Truth is that women would feel down and depressed with this facial hair growth issue. They would get humiliated by others and this would lead to frustration etc. There are some medical treatments available that would remove excess facial hair growth in women. Certain changes in the diet can also bring wonderful changes and it could provide a solution to the facial hair issue in women. Reason for facial hair growth in woman explained: It is noteworthy that increase in androgens in women could result in facial hairs in women. Androgens are male sex hormones and when it is in excess then it would stimulate hair follicles to produce thick dark hairs. This condition is called hirsutism. It must be noted that hormonal imbalances due to PCOS or medications or underlying endocrine disorders etc can lead to hirsutism in women. These dietary changes can reduce excess facial hair growth in women. Drinking spearmint tea: By drinking spearmint tea every day, free testosterone and other androgen levels in the body would get reduced. By this, facial hair growth would get controlled. It is possible to support hormonal balance naturally by drinking spearmint tea. Consuming citrus fruits: The testosterone levels in women would get lowered by intake of citrus fruits containing vitamin C. Examples of citrus fruits are grapefruit, lemon, oranges etc.  Inositol intake would be boosted by the intake of citrus fruits. Consuming citrus fruits daily would improve immunity and skin health also. Consuming cinnamon water: Blood sugar levels in us would be balanced by consuming cinnamon water. It is believed that better insulin sensitivity would result in healthier androgen control. This would reduce excess facial hair growth in women. Post meal metabolism would be maintained by the intake of cinnamon water. Consuming pumpkin seeds: The zinc present in pumpkin would block the enzyme that would be responsible for increase in testosterone levels. Hormone health would get better by the intake of these seeds. The presence of healthy fats and proteins in these seeds are superb for health. Consuming cooked cruciferous vegetables: Body`s ability to metabolise oestrogen effectively would be supported by the intake of cooked cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli etc. The hormonal balance would be promoted and factors resulting in facial hair growth would be reduced. Consuming soaked fenugreek seeds: Androgen levels would get lowered and insulin function would get enhanced by consuming soaked fenugreek vegetables. By this, women would not get facial hair growth. It must be noted that this traditional remedy works well for hormonal regulation. Consuming turmeric: The inflammation in a woman would get lowered if she consumes turmeric rich in cucurmin. Moreover, androgen activity would get modulated and it would help in hormonal balance. Daily intake of turmeric would also provide many health benefits like improved heart health, avoid cancer, treating Alzheimer`s disease etc. 

Do you get pimples again and again even after taking care of your face very well? Do you get frustrated due to these pimples? Truth is that pimples not only will occur on the face but even on other parts also. Our body conditions would be revealed by these pimples. Point is that when our body is struggling with some issue inside then it would be shown outside. These conditions are revealed by the pimples on these body parts: Pimples on forehead: It must be taken into account that if you get pimples on your forehead then it could be because of the digestive issue inside. Issues such as gas, constipation of liver issue would be shown by pimples on forehead. Those persons with forehead pimples must drink plenty of water and must reduce oily foods intake. Pimples on nose: Heart health and blood pressure are indicated by frequent pimples on the nose. It is learnt that excess stress, poor lifestyle and intake of oily foods could lead to pimples on the nose. In such a situation, we must reduce our stress. Pimples on the cheeks: Weakness of lungs or pollution can lead to pimples on the cheeks. Those living in dusty environments would have this issue. Pimples on the cheeks could also be due to non-washing the pillows. Pimples on skin and jaw: Hormone based changes or before menstruation could lead to pimples on skin and jaw. The hormonal balance disruption is shown by pimples on skin and jaw. Pimples between eyebrows: If the liver is not cleansed, then there are possibilities of getting pimples between eyebrows. Truth is that when toxins get accumulated in the body then the liver would get impaired. Pimples under the eyes: Too much stress and dehydration can result in pimples under the eyes. Lack of proper hydration can lead to puffiness, pimples etc under the eyes. Pimples on temples: Persons who have disorders related to kidneys and urinary bladder would get pimples on the sides of forehead or temple area. It is known that a temple is an area present t between the edge of the forehead and ear.