Showing posts with label Gen Health and Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gen Health and Advice. Show all posts

Sunday, 2 August 2015

Water: The most undervalued Resource

Water is without doubt one of the most undervalued resource of earth. Without water life would not exist on the planet- all living beings rely on water and without it life cases to exist. Human beings can exist without food for upto a month, but without drinking water survival is limited to a matter of days.

Effects of Water on a Human body

The brain:-  75% water

Fatigue: Water is the most Vital sources of energy in the body. Dehydration causes the enzymatic activity in the body to slow down, resulting in tiredness and fatigue
Asthma and Allergies: When dehydrated, your body will restrict  airways as a means to conserve water. In fact the rate of histamine produces by body increases exponentially as the body loses more and more water

Blood :- 92 % Water

The blood is normally 92% water when the body is fully hydrated. When dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker causing resistance to blood flow and resulting in elevated blood pressure.
High Cholesterol: when the body is dehydrated, it will pproduce more cholesterol to prevent water loss from the cells

Digestive disorders: A shortage of water and alkaline minerals, such as Calcium and Magnesium can lead to a number of digestive disorders, including ulcers, Gastritis and Acid Reflux

Constipation: When short of water, the colon is one of the primary regions the body draws water from in order to provide fluids for other critical body functions. Without adequate water, wastes move through the large intestines much more slowly or sometimes not at all, resulting in constipation.

Bones: 22 % Water, Muscles: 75 % Water

Joint pain and Stiffness: All joints have cartilage padding which is composed mainly of water. When the body is dehydrated, cartilage is weakened and joint repair is slow resulting in pain and discomfort Kidneys or Bladder problems

With a dehydrated body, the accumulation of toxins and acid waster creates an environment where bacteria thrive, resulting in the bladder and kidney to be more prone to infection, inflammation and pain
  
Weight Gain:
When dehydrated, cells are depleted of energy which causes them to rely on alternative sources. As a result people tend to eat more when, in reality, the body is thirsty.

Premature Ageing: When in dehydrated the body’s organs including its largest organ, the Skin, begins to wrinkle and wither prematurely.

Did you know?

When you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.

Drinking 8 ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch and dinner while also cutting back on portions with help you loose weight and keep it off for atleast a year according to research.

Drinking cold water can speed your metabolism and burn calories. The effects of elevated metabolism begin about 10 minutes after consuming the water and peak at 30-40 minutes after drinking

Researchers estimate that over the course of a year, a person who increased his water consumtin by 1.5 liters a day would burn extra 17.400 calories, for a weight loss of approximately 5 Pounds

You should Drink only Water! The number one source of excessive calories in a person’s diet is Sugar-based beverages such as Soda and Fruit Juices

Just one can of Soda pop: 35 gms of Sugar, 140 calories

One glass of Water: 0 grams Sugar and 0 Calories

Factors that require increased water consumption: Exercise, Environment, Illness, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding. The average adult loses about 10 cups of water everyday simply by breathing, sweating, urinating and eliminating waste.


Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Is there Something more to fruits and vegetables...

You are what you eat, so eat well. A stupendous insight of civilisations past has now been confirmed by todays investigative, nutritional sciences. they have shown that what was once called 'The doctrine of Signature' was astoundingly correct. It now contends that every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or sign as to the benefit the food provides the eater. Here is just a shortlist of examples of whole food signatures.

Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female-they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 Avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this?..it takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them.

Celery, Bok choi, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% Sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Figs are full of seeds and hang in two's when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. the pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and yes science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Onions look like body cells. Todays research shows that onions helps clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the Glycemic index of diabetics.

Disclaimer: This information is based on Ayurvedic scriptures and compiled from other sources. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseaseor condition, this should not be used for any self diagnosis or treatments. Please do contact your GP for any impending conditions
Compiled

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Benefits of Morning Walk

Regular walking may reduce the risk of a heart attack by half. It can help to lower the risk of coronary heart diseases as there is a link between vigorous physical exercise and a low incidence of heart failure.

By increasing the strength of your heart and lungs, walking increases your ability not only to exercise longer and harder but also to perform everyday task without tiring. It strengthens the immune system and keeps diseases at bay.

Regular walking can reduce high blood pressure - hypertension - by making the heart work more efficiently and by improving the circulation.

Regular walking can increase the levels of "good" cholesterol in the blood, reducing chances of a heart attack.

The oxygen that you get early in the morning also gives you great amount of energy especially to your joints.

When you feel fit and healthy your self-confidence increases and you feel more able to cope with the demands made on you. Time spent in walking means time taken off from the stresses of daily life.

Taking a walk regularly is one of the best things you can do for your back. It promotes muscular development, increases circulation, and speeds up the release of endorphins which provide a natural "high".

All walkers develop a moderate amount of endurance, which enables them to exercise longer before becoming exhausted.

Walking energizes you, awakens you and stills your mind to fully relax. With the change of mind your moods change and you experience a physical and a spiritual upliftment.

Walking four times a week, 45 minutes each time, an average person can lose 8 – 10 kg in a year with no change in diet. Walking can help you trim fat as well as tone your muscles.

Compiled

Monday, 3 November 2014

What causes Bad Breath

What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odour. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled.

Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food. People on a diet may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour.

Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbour odour causing bacteria and food particles.

One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged.

Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases.

Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduces one's ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer.

Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose, throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products causes bad breath and can also stain teeth, irritate gum tissue, and exacerbate tooth decay.

Overnight, bacteria accumulate in the mouth, causing bad breath that is commonly referred to as 'morning breath.' Some people breathe through their mouth at night, which can cause dry mouth and worsen morning breath.

 Compiled

Sunday, 2 November 2014

Signs of OCD

Unwanted but unstoppable thoughts creating anxiety in an individual.

The most common are thoughts of contamination, repeated doubts (wondering whether one has performed a certain act), and often aggressive thoughts like thinking of shouting out obscenities in a temple or place of worship.

Need to have things arranged in a certain order (e.g. symmetrical arrangements of articles on a table)

Repeatedly checking that things are in order, e.g. checks that the door is locked many times.

Collection of unnecessary items.

Performance of the ritualistic behaviours over and over again and great anxiety if they are not performed.

The person is usually conscious of the disorder but fails to do anything about it.

Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety.

Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear.

Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning.

Compiled

Harmful effects of junk food !!!

Regular consumption of junk food is one of the leading factors responsible for obesity.

Consumption of soft drinks (containing sugar) has been associated with excess weight gain and an elevated risk for the development of type 2 diabetes.

High cholesterol resulting from junk food puts undue strain on the liver, causing long-term damage to this essential organ.

Junk food diet is a major cause of heart diseases.

Research has suggested that diets high in fat may also impair essential brain functions, like concentration and memory.

Fast food is grossly filled with refined foods, sugars and salts. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, it is probably one of the worst things you can have.

Junk foods don't provide you with any essential nutrient, even though they can be very much sufficing, you feel weakened.

Lack of vital oxygen, nutrients and proteins particularly can stale your grey (brain) cells temporarily.

High cholesterol from junk food and diet strains liver damaging it eventually.

Fried foods taste good, but they are terrible for you, especially foods fried in partially hydrogenated or trans-fat oils. These oils lower good cholesterol and increase bad cholesterol.

Compiled

Saturday, 1 November 2014

Are you perceiving flat abs !!!

Green vegetables are a good source of calcium, which is essential for muscle contraction. If you want flat abs, have at least three servings a day.

It helps reduce abdominal fat. The probiotic bacteria present in most yoghurts help maintaining a healthy digestive system and can be consumed several times a day.

Almonds contain protein, fibre, vitamin E and magnesium - essential to produce energy, build and maintain muscle.

Apples not only provide fibre, but also are comprised of 85% water, giving a feeling of fullness and reduce the impact of cholesterol.

Soyabeans are a great source of antioxidants, fibre and protein. They also help you have flat abs.

For flat abs, have one egg a day, unless you have high blood cholesterol, in which case you should check with your doctor first.

Eliminate all junk food from your diet or reduce it as much as you can.

Packaged foods such as meats, fried foods, sodas and more should be avoided as contribute to abdominal fat, which is difficult to reduce later.

Reduce your intake of foods containing lots of carbohydrates like pasta, white bread, cookies etc. They are converted into sugars and hundreds of calories.

Breakfast gives our body the energy needed to start the day. It helps in healthy metabolism and thus, help burning up fat faster.

Compiled

Encouraging Breast Feeding

World Breast feeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries to encourage breast feeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect promote and support breast feeding.

Hospitals to have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all healthcare staff.

Train all healthcare staff in the skills necessary to implement the breast feeding policy.

Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breast feeding.

Help mothers initiate breast feeding soon after birth.

Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if they are separated from their babies.

Give new born infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated. 

Practice rooming-in, allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.

Encourage breastfeeding on demand.

Give no artificial teats or dummies to breast feeding infants.

Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

Compiled

Health Benefits of Fruits.

Fruits contain 90-95% water, which have a diuretic (increases urination) effect on the body and help eliminate the toxins and nitrogenous wastes from the body.

Most of the fruits are low in sodium and high in potassium, which is an important mineral and helps to maintain normal blood pressure and also improve heart function.

Fruits like grapes and cherries, blueberries, kiwi, plums and blackberries helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Guava, oranges, papaya and Indian gooseberry are very good sources for vitamin C an antioxidant. Mangoes and papaya are excellent source for beta carotene.

Beta carotene and lycopene present in apricots take care of the heart by preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Health benefits of apricots include building up of energy and iron resources in the body.

Bananas are a very good source of potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre. They are one of the highest sources of potassium, and regular intake may even help to keep blood pressure low.

Recent studies have shown that cherries help relieve the symptoms and pain caused in gout, arthritis and joint inflammation.

The fibre present in fruits like apples has a laxative effect on the body i.e. it helps relieve constipation. The fibre also gives a feeling of satiety by adding bulk to the diet which is beneficial in conditions like diabetes mellitus, heart diseases and obesity.

Fruits like Kiwi are a very good source of vitamin E that is an important fat-soluble antioxidant which when combined with water-soluble antioxidants provides free radical protection on all fronts.

Papayas is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin D. These antioxidants helps prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol which if not taken care of can stick to and build up in blood vessel walls forming dangerous plaques leading to atherosclerosis, heart attacks or strokes.

Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties, which serves as a natural home remedy for those suffering from arthritis.

Compiled

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Improving Ones' Metabolism


Metabolism is a chemical process in our body, which can be described as the speed of calorie burning or the number of calories we burn every day. Every person has an individual metabolic rate, and that is why some of us can eat a lot and remain slim, and some have to eat less in order to remain in a normal weight.

Some people have low metabolism, so calories burn slower in their body and the rest of the calories get stored. Some people have high metabolism, so they can eat a lot and have lower risks of putting on weight.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. It helps increase your metabolism and remove toxins and extra fat from the body. Drinking ice cold water before meals will shrink your stomach so you feel full quicker.

Eat 4-6 times a day and avoid skipping meals. Failure to eat consistently can lead to a slower metabolism and fat storage. Skipping meals slows down your metabolism.

Your first meal that is the breakfast sets your metabolism for the day and keeps it going as long as you eat every three hours. If you get up early and eat a late breakfast, you missed out on several hours of burning calories.

Trans fats are found in biscuits, breads, confectionaries, fast-foods, fried food items, including namkeens, fried sweets, many cakes and pastries, ready to eat meals, fast foods, junk foods, microwave meals and snacks and much of the street, restaurant and hotel food etc. They harm by increasing the cholesterol levels in the blood. They also increase other harmful fats in the blood. They also bring down the "good cholesterol", or HDL cholesterol, in the blood. You will never get the body you desire by eating fast food, frozen dinners etc. If it's man-made, it's not the best choice. So, avoid trans fats as far as possible.

Stay active at least six days a week. Exercise, jog or at least walk 2-3 km daily. Take the stairs whenever possible or park further out to get that little bit of extra movement and keep the heart and lungs working optimally. Studies have shown that little movements such as tapping your toes while working also help burn calories.

Fibre can rev your fat burn by as much as 30 percent. Studies find that those who eat the most fibre gain the least weight over time. Aim for about 25 grams a day- the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables.

Studies in the past have shown that those who go to bed late and sleep less than the required 6-7 hours tend to be more stressed out and have more visceral fat. Visceral fat, also called intra-abdominal fat, refers to the fat that surrounds the internal organs.

Protein helps stabilise the secretion of insulin into your blood stream, a process that can boost metabolism. The average person would benefit from protein intake at a minimum of 70 grams or higher each day.

Although exercising any time is good for you, evening activity may be particularly beneficial. Many people's metabolism slows down olangatoward the end of the day. Thirty minutes of aerobic activity before dinner increases your metabolic rate and may keep it elevated for other two or three hours.

If you follow those crash diets that ask you to almost starve for food, then beware. Not eating anything may translate into a slower metabolism and fat storage.

Compiled

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

10 Ways to Cut Down Calories


A small spoonful (5mL) of most cooking oils has more than 40 calories. So, use only a few drops while cooking.

Change your nonstick pans once the coating wears off. The expense is worth the calories saved.

All the foods that you eat fried can be eaten grilled, roasted, or steamed. This means oil-free cooking and considerable calories saved.

Instead of having fruit juice at breakfast, have fruits. While an average orange has about 60 calories, a glass (250mL) of orange juice has more than 100 calories.

Soft drinks are an easy route through which calories sneak into your body. Avoid these sugary drinks and have more water instead.

Fruit smoothies, flavored ice candies, flavored yogurt are all relatively low calorie options. An appealing bowl of chilled mixed fruits can also help take your mind off the ice-cream.

Low fat milk and yogurt has about half the calories as its full fat version. Instead of avoiding dairy altogether switch to the low fat variety.

Make it a habit to put your food on a plate or bowl before you eat it. This means not eating handfuls directly from the bag.

Eat at home before stepping out or carry a homemade snack in your bag. Eat out only when you are eating-out.

Calorie cutting should be a slow and steady effort rather than the launch of a sudden war against food. Try to reduce and change your eating habits over a couple of weeks and not overnight.

Compiled

Exercising tips for pregnant women

The very first thing is to discuss your exercise regimen with your doctor. Your doctor is going to have the most information about your health issues and any risks that you and your baby may face in the months to come.

Your body really does know what it can and can't handle in terms of exercise. Perform only those exercises which do not make you feel uncomfortable.

It's definitely healthy to exercise while you are pregnant. Stick to a regular routine to maintain the rhythms of your body. Starting and stopping exercise throughout a pregnancy is much harder on the body than simply maintaining a routine throughout your pregnancy.

Go slow while transitioning between exercises or physical activities. Slowing down will make all of your actions more fluid and safer for your body.

Warm up and cool down exercises must be done every single time when you exercise. During pregnancy, it's particularly important to warm up and cool down. Make sure to pay attention to this part of your exercise routine.

Women should learn about the right positions for her body while exercising. These are important things to know when you are exercising, especially if you are doing any form of on-the-floor exercise.

Don't overheat your body. This can lead to exhaustion and problems with your body. Make sure that you wear breathable clothing that will prevent overheating. Pay attention to the temperature in the room or outside when you are working out.

You should reduce the amount of exercise as the baby's due date gets closer. This is due to your own physical limitations as well as the increased risk for pre-term labour among highly active women.

A personal trainer experienced in working with pregnant women is a great asset during this time. A pre-natal class (such as a yoga class for pregnant woman) is another great option.

Walking is probably the best exercise for a pregnant woman. It is an excellent way to tone muscles and help you get sound sleep at night.

Compiled

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Benefits of Drinking Water

Water flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown and thus helps one lose weight. 

Drinking water also reduces hunger as it makes you feel fuller. It's thus an effective appetite suppressant. Plus, water has zero calories.

Water helps relieve headache and back pains caused due to dehydration. Although there are many other reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is one of the most common.

Water replenishes skin tissues, moisturises skin and increases skin elasticity. It hydrates the skin and makes you look younger.

Drinking water regulates your body temperature. You'll feel more energetic while exercising as water helps fuel your muscles.

Drinking water raises your body metabolism because it helps digest food. Fibre and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.

Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, decreasing the possibility of cramps and sprains.

Drinking water help you fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack.

Water helps flushing out toxins and waste products from the body.

Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrate.

Scientific studies have shown that water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining and thus reduces cancer risk.

Compiled

10 Foods that help prevent Acne

Olive oil lotion absorbs into skin without clogging pores, allowing skin to breathe which in turn help prevent acne.

Lemon juice helps in eliminating acid waste and cleansing the liver with citric acid and building up enzymes to eliminate blood toxins. It also flushes out pores and keeps your skin feeling fresh and bright.

Watermelon is very useful for removing blemishes on the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, B and C and keeps the skin fresh, radiant and hydrated. It also prevents eruption of acne and remove scars and marks of acne.

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to have a healthy skin. Low-fat dairy product consists of vitamin A, which is one of the most important components of healthy skin.

Raspberries are a healthy as they are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. These are rich in phytochemicals that are protective of skin.

Yogurt has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, so it is useful for cleansing the skin and unblocking clogged pores.

Eating walnuts regularly help to improve the smoothness and softness of the skin. Walnuts oils contain linoleic acid, which helps to maintain the skin's structure, keeping it watertight and well hydrated.

Dietary selenium comes from nuts, cereals etc. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Apples contain lots of pectin and it is the enemy of the acne. So, remember to eat the skin too as pectin is mostly concentrated there.

Water carries nutrition and oxygen to your internal body, keeping organs nourished, vital, and fit to fight acne.


Compiled

Arthritis and Exercise


Arthritis is a general term used to refer many diseases related to pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and connective tissue. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.

Exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. Treatment plans may also include rest / relaxation, proper diet and medication.

Range-of-motion exercises help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility. Range of motion exercises can be done daily and should be done at least every other day.

Strengthening exercises help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect affected joints. Strengthening exercises also can be done daily and should be done at least every other day unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Aerobic or endurance exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints. Endurance exercises should be done for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Before you start, you should discuss exercise options with your doctor. Many people with arthritis begin with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics.

It is best to find a physical therapist who has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy.

Apply heat to sore joints (optional; many people with arthritis start their exercise program this way).

Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises.

Use cold packs after exercising (optional; many people with arthritis complete their exercise routine this way).

Add aerobic exercise and also include appropriate recreational exercise (after doing range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise).

Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and consult with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it.

Choose the exercise program you enjoy most and make it a habit.


Compiled

10 Tips for Looking Younger



Sleep helps regulate your body's metabolism and helps you stay fresh. Take 6-8 hours of sleep daily for a healthy and younger looking skin.

Just 30 minutes of a moderate activity for three or four times a week can help you can help you stay disease-free by strengthening your immune system.

Having four to five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables will help you have a fresh and younger skin and a healthy body.


Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. It helps hydrate the skin and also removes impurities from the body.


Ultraviolet rays from the sun have the potential to damage your skin and also often results in dehydration. Apply a good sun block, according to your skin type before going out in the sun.


Those who remain happy and avoid stress look young and healthy. So, avoid stress by practicing relaxation exercises and thinking positive.



A diet rich in antioxidants like broccoli, red peppers, cauliflower and other yellow, red and green vegetables that are high in vitamins A, C and E that fight the oxidation that damages your tissues.


Start your day with a morning walk. When you feel fit and healthy your self-confidence increases and you feel more able to cope with the demands made on you. Time spent in walking means time taken off from the stresses of daily life.


Many diseases are linked to stress and negative thoughts, as well as some degenerative conditions that are associated with aging. Accept situations that you can't change and deal with the ones that you can.


Make sure that your immunisations are up to date and that you have regular health examinations that are recommended for your age.


Compiled

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

10 Benefits of Swimming

1. You just might Live Longer
     Research have shown that those who swim had a 50 percent lower death ratethan runners, walkers or men who got no exercise. The research scientist have concluded that the same benefits would be recieved by Aqua women as well as men.

2. Lower Stress, Higher Spirits, and Better brain
    Swimming aids in the release of the feel good chemicals known as Endorphins- one of swimming's most pleasant side effects. In addition to a natural high swimming can also evoke the relaxation response similar to the way Yoga works on the body. This is due in large part to the constant stretching and relaxing of your muscles combined with deep rhythmic breathing. Swimming is also a meditative exercise, with the sound of your own breathing and the splash of the water acting as a mantra of sorts that can help you "Drown out" all other distractions.
Aside from the metaphysical benefits of swimming, research have shown that  it can actually change the brain for the better through a process known as Hippocampal Neurogenesis, in which the brain replaces cells lost through stress.

3. Lower Risk of Diabetes
    When it comes to warding off diabetes there are few prescriptions as powerful as aerobic exercise. According to american diabetes association, diabetics should get 150 minutes per week, spread across at least three days per week, of moderate- intensity physical activity like swimming to aid glycaemic control

4. Improved Cholesterol
    Being healthy is more about having the right ratio of cholesterol in your body than just having low amounts of the stuff in your blood.. Specifically it is beneficial to have higher levels of "Good" cholesterol (HDL) and lower levels of LDL, "Bad" cholesterol
Swimming can get these levels in the right balance thanks to its aerobic power, which has been proven to raise HDL levels. And for every 1% increase in HDL reduces the risk of dying from heart disease drops by 3.5 percent

5. Improved Asthma Symptoms
    Unlike exercising in dry air of the gym, or contending with seasonal allergies or frigid winter air, swimming provides the chance to work in moist air, which can help reduce exercise- induced asthma symptoms. Even those Asthma could benefit from swimmingm say the study's authors, as the exercise can increase lung volume.

6. Weight Control.
    Swimming is considered as one of the best and most efficient calorie burner around, and it is great for keeping weight under control. As a general rule every 10 minutes of swimming
a. Breast stroke- 60 Calories
b. Backstroke- 80 Calories
c. Freestyle- 100 Calories
d. Butterfly stroke- 150 Calories

7. A Healthier Heart
   In addition to toning visible muscles like pectorals, triceps and quads, swimming also helps improve the most important muscle in our bodies: the heart.
Because swimming is an aerobic exerccise, it serves to strengthen the heart, not only helping it to become larger, but making it more efficient in pumping; leading to better blood flow through out the body.Research evidence is also pointing that aerobic exercise can combat the body's inflammatory response as well.

8. Improved Flexibility.
    Unlike exercise machines in a gym, that tend to isolate one body part at a time (like a biceps curl machine, for example), swimming puts the body through a broad range if motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible. The arms move in wide arcs, the hips are engaged as the legs scissor through the water, and the head and spine twist from side to side. Plus, with every stroke, as you reach forward, you're lengthening the body, which not only makes it more efficient in the water, it also helps give you a good stretch from head to toe.

9. Increased muscle tone and Strength
    Swimming simply is a great way to increase muscular strength and muscle tone-especially compared to several other aerobic exercise. Take running, for example. When a jogger takes a few laps around the track, that jogger is only moving his or her body through air. A swimmer, on the other hand, is propelling himself through water-- a substance about twelve times as dense  as air. That means that every kick and every arm stroke becomes a resistance exercise-- and its well known that resistance are the best way to build muscle tone and strength.
Yet another bonus of a watery workout: swimming has also been shown to improve bone strength-- especially in post-menopausal women.

10. The ability to do more with less
      Swimming offers something that no other aerobic exercise does: theability to work your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system. When the human body is submerged in water, it automatically becomes lighter. When immersed to the waist, your body bears just 50 percent of its weight and that number reduces to around 25-35 percent; with water all the way to the neck, you only have to bear 10 percent of your own weight.

Monday, 2 June 2014

Stress Management

Stress is a natural physiological and physiological effort to cope up with the external and internal stimuli, which produce a strain or disequilibrium. Every single human being feels stressed out by either or all of these factors in their life like their lifestyle, work, dietary habits etc at different stages of their life. Stress have been a part of life for every living being but we are not bothered about every living being but from primitive human being to the present day human beings.

Eustress and distress are the two kinds of stress one could be affected with. Eustress is experienced while involved in entertainments, sports, sex and other hobbies. In Eustress we experience a state of joy at the end of consciously happening events. This is considered as healthy and necessary to fight against distress or Stress as we commonly know.

When a stressful situation occurs without our control without our control and continues for more time or occurs repeatedly, it causes discomfort to the organs or mind. This is termed as distress. They are classified into two- Acute distress and Chronic distress. 

Acute distress.
Is caused due to severe mental shock followed by an incidence like motor accident, fire, physical assault, rape and sudden discovery of severe illness, death of spouse or close relatives, major loss of memory etc. acute stress disorders are lasting from as short as 2 days to at the most 4 weeks. Depending upon the severity and vulnerability of the person this may prolong and cause other ailments. They are commonly classified as Post. Traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).
The core symptoms of an acute stree are Anxiety and Depression, other symptoms include feeling of numbness, shock, insomnia, restlessness, poor concentration and physical symptoms of autonomic arousal.

Chronic Stress
Our fast life, demanding jobs, family environment, and social environment create a number of situations that cause distress. The main causes are 

Work overload,  Time over speed/deadlines. Information (mostly negative), Illness (over anxiety), Desire (over ambition), Relationships