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High blood pressure is a seriously common medical condition. It has already been estimated that more than 1.20 billion people have this disease. It accounts for about 13% of the total deaths worldwide. In this article, you will learn how to control your blood pressure with a diet.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is basically of two types- primary and secondary hypertension. It occurs when your blood pressure increases to abnormal levels. In this, your blood forces itself against your blood vessels too much more forcibly than normal. Usually, blood pressure above 140/90 is considered High blood pressure. Primary hypertension develops takes time to develop and is not too lethal. On the other hand, secondary hypertension occurs quickly and is more serious. But, dietplusminus urges us to take both of them seriously. Though slight changes in the blood pressure do not matter, if the pressure is around or above 180/120 then it is a serious problem.
Hypertension is a chronic condition and can last up to several years and even lifelong. It does not have any typical symptoms, but if left unattended it can lead to health conditions such as stroke and heart disease. It can also damage your blood vessels and vital organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, etc. It is treatable by medication, and diet changes, and does not require any lab tests or imaging.
The exact causes of hypertension are not known yet. But, some researchers have clarified that primary hypertension or essential hypertension can be caused due to physical or environmental changes, and genes can also play a role. Secondary hypertension, real high blood pressure, can be caused by smoking, obesity, excess salt consumption, stress, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, etc.
Food, medicine (some birth control medicine), age, genetics, etc. can also cause High blood pressure. A diet that is high in cholesterol can also lead to this condition. Other causes include hormonal imbalance, diabetes, lack of physical activity, drinking too much alcohol, etc.
Older people are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Further, people who have a family history of High blood pressure are also at a greater risk.
High blood pressure can be controlled by both medication and dietary changes. But, we at dietplusminus prefer dietary changes. Anyway, early detection is extremely important if you want to get rid of it completely. Therefore, dietplusminus recommends you regularly take your blood pressure readings. Your diet should consist of garlic, fruits especially berries, bananas, watermelon, oats, leafy vegetables, avocados, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc.
Dark chocolate, pistachios, olive oil, and pomegranates are also known to lower blood pressure. Plus, making necessary lifestyle changes is also recommended. Exercising daily and losing some pounds are very important factors that will determine if your blood pressure problem will go. You also need to avoid consuming too much salt, caffeine, and alcohol. These can significantly raise your blood pressure and therefore highly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the long term. So, you should be able to track what you and how much you eat.
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Nutritional Requirements during Pregnancy
In countries like ours, pregnancy is considered “Good news”. There are several taboos regarding what to eat and what not to eat…….. What to do and what not to do. People usually say…...hey, don’t eat papaya… you are pregnant. Don’t lift heavy objects; it may harm you and your baby. Some of them are nonsense but others have a scientific reason behind them.
We all know “Swasth Sharir Me Swasth Man Ka Niwas Hota Hai” When you talk about a healthy body or healthy mind then one thing which will come first is a healthy diet especially when we think about pregnancy.
A healthy diet and healthy lifestyle are important for any human being at any time, but they become vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Healthy eating keeps your baby good and makes you feel rich from the inside. Healthy eating gives your baby the essential nutrients in the womb.
Overall, the target for a balanced diet, with an appropriate balance of all the 5 food groups:
It’s time to take care of yourself as the body goes through several physical and hormonal changes. You have to fulfill the demands of your body in addition to the growing one in your womb. Mothers and elderly in the house normally recommend….eat double…...you have to eat for two. It doesn’t mean that if you eat 2 chapattis at lunch then you have to eat 4 chapattis at lunch. It’s almost impossible to follow the recommendations of the elderly. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you feel good and will fulfill the requirements of both you and your baby.
The food you eat is the main source of nourishment for your baby. So, it’s critical to get all the nutrients you need. Let’s discuss the food which can fulfill your and your baby’s nutritional requirements and also satisfy your cravings.
There is no doubt that there is increased nutritional stress on your body, as you are feeding a whole new person. But, still, you don’t need to double your intake. From the day you know that you are pregnant, your micronutrients and macronutrients intake should ideally increase to support yourself and your baby.
Micronutrients are the dietary components needed by the body in relatively smaller amounts, such as vitamins and minerals. Macronutrients on the other hand are needed by the body in larger amounts to provide calories, i.e., energy to do work. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are considered macronutrients. Each of these is needed in more quantities during pregnancy.
Nutrient |
Daily requirements for pregnant women |
Protein |
70-100 grams, increase per trimester |
Calcium |
1200 milligrams (mg) |
Iron |
27 milligrams (mg) |
Folate |
600-800 micrograms (mcg) |
Including a variety of healthy foods in the diet may fulfill your increased nutritional needs, such as foods rich in:
Water requirements
Drink plenty of water every day — make sure water should not be contaminated.
Most potable water in India contains fluoride, which helps your growing baby's teeth develop strong enamel. Now the question arises, what to eat and how much to eat. Given below is a brief discussion about this.
Believe me, to feed yourself properly is not rocket science. It’s just a modification of a regular healthy eating plan. Continue your calorie intake normal in your first trimester, but mindful eating is important here. In the second trimester, increase 350 calories daily and in the third trimester, an increment of 450 calories per day is recommended.
Avoid foods with zero nutritional value i.e., junk foods, chips, and soda. Replace these items with fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils. It doesn’t mean that you have to avoid all of your favorite food items during pregnancy. You just have to make a proper balance between your favorite food items and nutritious foods, so that you don’t miss any important vitamins or minerals.
Simple and complex carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates peak insulin whenever you eat and it may develop insulin resistance so, the basic concept of healthy carbohydrates is to choose complex carbohydrates and avoid simple sugar as much as you can. Eat wholemeal instead of processed food when you can. Mindful eating will make your baby more strong and free from any metabolic errors.
Protein
We all know protein is the building block of our body. Protein foods help the baby to grow. Sources of protein include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes/beans, paneer, and nuts. Eat an adequate amount of protein every day. Proper growth of the baby's tissues and organs, including the brain, needs protein. So, protein intake is very critical during pregnancy. It is also needed for breast and uterine tissue growth during pregnancy. Protein also plays a role in increasing blood supply, allowing more blood to be sent to your baby.
Protein intake should be increased every trimester. 70-100 gms of protein is needed per day.
Fruit and vegetables
Your plate should include plenty of fruit and vegetables because these provide vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, which helps digestion and prevents constipation. Always wash them carefully under running tap water. If possible peel off the skin. Deep fry is not good to preserve nutrients. Cook vegetables lightly in a little water, or eat them well washed raw or you can shallow fry them to get the benefit of the nutrients they contain.
Dairy
Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, paneer are important as they contain several nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, and others that your baby needs. Choose reduced-fat varieties wherever possible. Some cheeses should be avoided — see Foods to avoid.
Healthy snacks
Snacking is not good at all for most of the persons especially when we are talking about healthy eating. In pregnancy snacking is also bad but grandparents feel bad if you are not eating the food in between as they think the baby requires more and more nutrition. So, don’t eat snacks that are high in fat or sugar, such as sweets, biscuits, junk food, outside food, or chocolate.
Instead, choose from the following nutritious snacks:
Calcium
Calcium is needed to regulate your body’s fluids and to build a baby’s bones. The daily requirement of a pregnant woman is 1,000 mg of calcium. Additional supplementation of calcium is needed to fulfill the requirement, ideally 500mg 2 times a day.
Folate
This is commonly known as folic acid. It plays an important role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects. These include major birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 600-800 mcg of folate is required per day for pregnant women.
Iron
Iron, in addition to sodium, potassium, and water is needed to increase blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the supply of oxygen in enough quantity for both you and your baby. 27-35 mg of iron is needed per day by a pregnant woman. In addition to this vitamin C is also needed to increase the absorption of iron.
It is more important to concentrate on the quality of the food you eat rather than the quantity. Eating too much sugar can develop insulin resistance and obesity. If you are hungry all the time even after having a meal then it is not good for you and your baby. If you have a healthy meal every day, it is easier to avoid snacking on foods that are high in sugar. If required you can add some healthy fats. These are some food you must avoid during pregnancy (avoid certain foods) because they are not healthy for both of you or they can be dangerous for the baby. You will need to be careful with your diet if you develop gestational diabetes. Nutrients like choline, salt, and B-complex vitamins are also necessary during pregnancy to keep you thriving.
In addition to eating a well-balanced diet, intake of at least 8-10 glasses of water per day is also very important. To fulfill the demand for certain nutrients like folate, iron, and choline, from food alone, is difficult. Talk to your doctor. He/ she will recommend prenatal vitamins best suitable for you. Don’t take any medication or supplementation without the recommendation of a medical practitioner.
During pregnancy, you start to love some food…..feel cravings for that and opposite to that, start hating some food items because you don’t like its smell and taste, called aversion.
During pregnancy, a lot of changes are noticed. You might start loving certain foods like a donut, Chinese food, or some unusual combinations like dessert with pickles. However, the actual reason behind these cravings or aversions during pregnancy is unclear; some researchers believe that it’s because of changes in hormones.
You can go with these cravings sometimes, but try to find healthy options for these cravings like oven-roasted sweet potato wedges in place of French fries. Limit the intake of junk food and processed foods.
If you feel aversions to foods necessary for the growth and development of a baby, it’s problematic. If you feel so, talk to your doctor. He/ she will suggest other foods or supplements that compensate for the lack of those nutrients in your diet.
Pica
Some pregnant women have cravings for items that have no nutritional value, like clay, ashes, starch, or other strange things. Pica during pregnancy indicates the deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals. It’s important to notify your doctor if you feel cravings for non-food items. Consumption of such products can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
If you are conscious of weight gain during pregnancy, don’t stress too much. Weight gain is normal during pregnancy. This extra weight is needed for the nourishment of the baby. Some of it is stored for breastfeeding after the birth of your child. Normally, a healthy woman gains 11-15 kg (25-35 pounds) of weight during pregnancy. You can gain weight more or less than this, it’s quite normal.
Although everyone is different, the chart given below indicates some values of weight gain during pregnancy. Recommended weight gain during pregnancy with one baby:
Starting weight |
BMI |
Expected weight gain during pregnancy |
Underweight |
<18.5 |
28-40 lbs |
Average weight |
18.5-24.9 |
25-35 lbs |
Overweight |
25-29.9 |
15-25 lbs |
Obese |
>30 |
11-20 lbs |
Don’t worry, if your weight gain is different from this because everyone is different and every pregnancy is also different. Just focus on nutritious foods instead of weight gain. Dieting to lose weight or prevent gain during pregnancy can be harmful to both you and your baby.
In addition to a healthy diet and supplements, exercise during pregnancy is also very important. It helps to manage your health and removes stress. Swimming and walking are good options. Avoid extra strenuous exercises like rock climbing or playing basketball. If you don’t exercise regularly, then start slowly during pregnancy and don’t overdo it. Join a yoga class or other exercise class that focuses specifically on pregnant women for extra support.
Pregnancy is a very crucial time for every woman….either rich or poor...working or housewife. Certain food items should be included during pregnancy and some food items should be avoided during this period. When you are trying to conceive or already conceived, supplement folic acid in your food or consult your gynecologist for early initiation of folic acid. It is essential for a baby’s brain growth.
Foods to be included |
Foods to be avoided |
Protein in every meal |
Uncooked processed meat |
Prenatal vitamins |
Raw meats and seafood |
Essential fats |
High mercury fish |
Dairy products high in calcium |
Unpasteurized dairy |
Whole grains |
Excessive caffeine |
Fruits and vegetables (4-5 servings) |
Alcohol |
1. Wash fruit, vegetables, and salads. In India, we usually do not find ready-to-eat salads very easily but these are very common in other countries. Washing removes all traces of soil, which may contain micro-organism toxoplasma, a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis, which can harm your unborn baby.
2. Careful washing of all the surfaces, utensils, and hands, after preparing raw meat to avoid toxoplasmosis and other common infections such as salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter.
3. Storage also plays a very important role in preventing diseases. Always store raw foods separately from readymade or ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination that leads to food poisoning.
4. Use a separate chopping board for chopping raw meats.
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High uric acid is most commonly detected while undergoing blood tests for any other medical condition. It is usually diagnosed incidentally and therefore, most people don’t know they have it till it worsens. Millions of cases of high uric acid are reported throughout the world every year. But, did you know it can be taken care of just by following a proper diet? Let’s see how!
High uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia, is a condition that is caused when high levels of uric acid are present in the blood. If this high concentration of uric acid is not removed in time, it forms crystals of uric acid. These crystals ultimately settle in the joints of bones, thereby leading to a condition called gout and it can be very painful. Moreover, the crystals of uric acid can also settle in the kidneys and form kidney stones. In such a severe condition, your blood and urine can turn acidic too.
High uric acid levels require immediate action and so dietplusminus urges you to get medical attention as soon as possible, otherwise, it can eventually lead to permanent bone and tissue damage, heart disease, etc. Advanced research has shown also shown that type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease are somehow linked to high uric acid levels. This condition is more commonly seen in men than in women. In the case of men, it usually occurs after 30, and in women, it commonly occurs after menopause (around 50).
Uric acid is actually a waste product and so your body filters it out through kidneys and in the urine. So, high uric acid levels are most commonly caused when your kidneys malfunction. If your kidneys fail to eliminate uric acid efficiently, then the acid stays in your body. However, there are some things that can slow down the process of the elimination of uric acid. These include rich foods, medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, excess alcohol consumption, stress, etc. Genetics can also play a role in this.
Some other less common factors include a purine-rich diet (liver, gamer meat, sardines, gravy, dried peas and beans, mushrooms, etc.), your body producing excess uric acid, certain diuretics, immune-suppressing drugs, vitamin B-3, certain cancers/chemotherapy, etc.
The best way to reduce high uric acid levels is by following a gout-friendly diet. Your diet must be low in purines. So, your diet should compromise of fruits (cherries can help to lower uric acid levels and inflammation), vegetables (potatoes, peas, eggplants, dark and green leafy veggies, etc.), legumes (lentils, beans, etc.), nuts and seeds, whole grains, etc. All dairy products are safe for you, but dietplusminus recommends consuming low-fat dairy products. Further, eggs and beverages (like coffee, tea, green tea) are all recommended.
You also, strictly, need to avoid some foods that contain high levels of purines. These include all organ meats (liver, kidneys, etc.), game meats, fish, yeasts, white bread, cakes, cookies, etc. Additionally, you should also avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks. Dietplusminus recommends you maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Plus, drinking plenty of water and cutting down on alcohol can also help.
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Diabetes has already become the third most common disease on the planet with around 500 million people affected by it. Though the mortality rate is low, dietplusminus urges you to take it extremely seriously.
People who ignore it at first, later either succumb to it or it turns out to be their worst nightmare. Diabetes (any type) requires necessary care from the diet and lifestyle point of view. Otherwise, it can lead to other serious complications such as stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, joint problems, neurological and heart disease, etc. Here you will get to know about everything related to diabetes and its concerning diet.
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that alters your body’s natural way and ability to process blood glucose (blood sugar). Food that you eat is ultimately converted into a simpler form (glucose). Glucose is then used by your cells to release energy. Insulin is a hormone secreted by your pancreas that promotes the absorption of glucose and thereby helps to regulate your blood sugar level. Depending on what’s happening to insulin in your body, different types of diabetes can occur.
Types of Diabetes |
Features |
Type 1 diabetes |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
|
Gestational diabetes |
|
Type I diabetes (juvenile diabetes) occurs if your body completely fails to produce enough insulin or does not produce enough of it. So, type I diabetic patients need to take artificial insulin, daily.
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes occurs when your cells don’t respond to insulin as effectively as normal and therefore it affects the processing of glucose. So, type 2 is caused by insulin resistance of your cells. So, here, it doesn’t matter if your body is producing enough insulin or not. This is the most common type of diabetes and studies have shown that it is highly linked to obesity.
There's another type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes. As the name suggests, this type occurs in women during their trimesters. Basically, during pregnancy, the body of a woman can become less sensitive to insulin and therefore develop somewhat insulin resistance. But, this does not occur in all women and mostly it gets resolved naturally after parturition. Also, in some people, borderline diabetes known as pre-diabetes is diagnosed.
The normal fasting blood sugar level ranges between 70 and 110 mg/dL. A level of 126mg/dL and above is considered to be diabetic and a blood sugar level ranging from 111 to 125 mg/dL is pre-diabetic. Such people face the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Result |
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) |
Normal |
less than 100 mg/dl |
Prediabetes |
100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl |
Diabetes |
126 mg/dl or higher |
Result |
A1C |
Normal |
less than 5.7% |
Prediabetes |
5.7% to 6.4% |
Diabetes |
6.5% or higher |
Result |
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) |
Normal |
less than 140 mg/dl |
Prediabetes |
140 mg/dl to 199 mg/dl |
Diabetes |
200 mg/dl or higher |
Research shows that you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% by:
The rise in blood sugar levels causes almost similar symptoms in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes patients are usually asymptomatic.
Type 1 diabetes |
Type 2 diabetes |
Gestational diabetes |
Increase in thirst |
Increase in thirst |
Typically gestational diabetes has no symptoms. |
Extreme hunger |
Increase in hunger |
In rare cases, women feel increased thirst and urination. |
Frequent urination |
Increased urination |
|
Unwanted loss of weight |
Slow healing of sores |
|
Tiredness |
Tiredness |
|
Blurry vision |
Blurry vision |
The reason associated with each type of diabetes is different.
Type 1 diabetes is caused due to disruption of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. The immune system attacks and destroys these cells. Genes may be playing a role in causing type 1 diabetes but the significant cause is hormonal imbalance, immune system unknowingly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells and thus accounts for the high level of sugar in the blood. Some viruses can also induce immune system attacks.
There are two main reasons behind type 2 diabetes, first genetics, and second lifestyle. Unlike type-1, type 2 diabetes has different causes. Genes still play a role, but lifestyle plays a major role. Being overweight, having high blood pressure issues, high triglycerides, and high alcohol intake, all directly or indirectly cause diabetes. Overweight or obese individuals, who have fat on their belly are at higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes because fat mass on the belly makes your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on your blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes is caused due to hormonal changes and secretion of some insulin-blocking hormones from the placenta during pregnancy.
Type 1 diabetes |
Type 2 diabetes |
Gestational diabetes |
Occurs in children or teenagers |
Overweight |
Overweight |
If your parent or sibling has this problem |
More than 45 years of age |
More than 25 years of age |
Certain genes may induce this disease |
Physically not active |
Have given birth to a child of more than 9 pounds |
Have Prediabetes |
Have PCOS |
|
Suffered from gestational diabetes |
Suffered from gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy |
|
Have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or high cholesterol |
If your parent or sibling has this problem |
|
If your parent or sibling has this problem |
High blood sugar is like a slow poison, which deteriorates your body very slowly and damages the organs and tissues throughout the body. The longer the time you live with uncontrolled blood sugar, the higher the damage caused.
The common damages caused by long term uncontrolled diabetes are:
Complications associated with gestational diabetes are different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and include:
Type 1 diabetes: Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes, to keep blood sugar levels in control, as the body is unable to produce this hormone.
Type 2 diabetes: This type of diabetes can be treated using a healthy diet and proper workout. If your blood sugar level is not controlled by these lifestyle changes, your doctor will prescribe medications for you. If the medications do not work, insulin is given to some patients.
Gestational diabetes: If diet and exercise are not enough to bring the blood sugar levels under control, insulin is given. Insulin is considered safe for the growing child.
Following a proper diet plan is very important in the case of diabetes. Dietplusminus strictly recommends you follow a low-glycemic index diet.
For those of you who don’t know what glycemic index means, it is a number assigned to foods indicating their ability to raise blood sugar after consumption. So, you are advised to avoid food with a glycemic index of 70 or above. You must make low-glycemic choices to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
You should look at the total nutritional value in foods, not just glycemic index, to control diabetes. Even some foods that have a high glycemic index (potatoes) contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, etc. which can be helpful. Also, the norms of a good diet may vary as per your liking, so you should visit a qualified medical practitioner for the best suitable diet.
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What are GERD and acid reflux?
This is a very common question. When the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus, the action is called acid regurgitation or reflux. This condition is commonly called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If GERD is left untreated, it can cause serious health issues.
One of the most common symptoms of GERD is acid reflux. A feeling of uncomfortable burning in the chest which may also migrate to the throat and neck is called acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. It can also cause regurgitation of stomach contents in your mouth.
A doctor conducts a physical exam and asks about the symptoms you are suffering from. Certain tests may also be suggested to you, including:
Test |
Procedure |
Ambulatory 24-hour pH probe |
In this test, a small tube is inserted through your nose to the esophagus. The pH receptor at the tip of this tube measures the acid exposure of the esophagus. An individual wears this tube for 24-hours. |
Esophageal pH monitoring |
In this procedure, a monitor is inserted in your esophagus to check how acid is regulated in your body for a period of a few days. |
Upper endoscopy |
In an upper endoscopy, a flexible tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the esophagus to examine it, and also a tissue sample is collected, if needed for biopsy. |
Esophogram |
In this procedure, you will have to drink barium solution. After that x-ray imaging is done to examine your upper digestive tract. |
Esophageal manometry |
In this procedure, the strength of your esophageal muscles is measured by inserting a flexible tube into your esophagus, through the nose. |
Your doctor may encourage you to make certain lifestyle changes, including:
Your doctor may suggest some over-the-counter medicines to overcome the symptoms. However, every medicine has some side effects. So, don’t take any medicine without consulting with your doctor. He/she will suggest medicines best suitable for you.
Antacids: This is used occasionally for mild symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. If you take antacids regularly, you may need stronger medication.
H2 receptor blockers: H2 blockers like Pepcid AC, lower the number of acids produced by the stomach. However, a type of H2 blocker, ranitidine was recently recalled by FDA due to the presence of carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs also decrease the amount of acids produced by the stomach, but they work better than H2 receptors. They are also known to heal the lining of the esophagus damaged due to GERD.
In most cases of GERD, lifestyle modification and medication is enough to relieve the symptoms. But in some cases, surgery is needed. When you develop complications of GERD, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are multiple surgeries for the treatment of GERD, including fundoplication and bariatric surgery.
Some individuals prefer home remedies for the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux. It is ok when the symptoms are occasional. But if you are diagnosed with GERD, self-diagnosis, and self-medication may cause serious health issues. Some remedies which may harm you in place of providing relief:
Remedies |
Effect |
Milk |
Milk is alkaline, so will provide relief initially, but once the milk is digested, the fat and protein present in it may worsen the symptoms of heartburn. Low-fat milk may be easily tolerated by a few people. |
Baking soda and water solution |
Although baking soda is safe when consumed in small amounts, it is alkaline and can neutralize acidity. Baking soda is high in sodium, so too much consumption can cause side effects. |
Ginger |
Ginger is very commonly used to treat nausea. However, it is unclear how ginger helps with occasional heartburn. Several studies suggest that too much consumption of ginger may cause heartburn. |
Chewing gum |
Saliva is slightly alkaline. Stimulating the secretion of saliva by chewing gum after consumption of a meal may help relieve the symptoms of GERD. However, more study is needed to draw any conclusion. |
There is a difference between heartburn and GERD. Most people experience heartburn occasionally. Occasional heartburn is not a matter of concern. But if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, and also associated chest pain and chronic cough, you should consult your doctor. It might be GERD.
There is no single cause of GERD. When a certain mechanism in your body doesn’t function properly, the chances of getting GERD increases. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular band of muscles at the end of the esophagus. When you swallow, it opens. The rest of the time it is closed tightly. When this sphincter is not closed tightly or properly, acid reflux happens. This allows the passage of digestive juices and other contents of the stomach to the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia |
In this case, a part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm. When the diaphragm is compromised, the chance of improper working of LES increases. |
Lying down soon after taking a meal |
This can also create less pressure than the LES needs to function properly. |
Frequent consumption of large meals |
Consumption of large meals frequently results in distension of the upper part of the stomach. This distension causes improper functioning of LES. |
There is no single reason for GERD. Several factors give rise to the improper functioning of LES, resulting in GERD. Certain lifestyle choices and health conditions may increase the chances of GERD, including:
There are certain food items and beverages, which may aggravate the conditions of GERD. However, the food which triggers GERD is very personal and differs from person to person, there is a list of certain food items which are more triggering than others, including:
Certain conditions aggravate the symptoms of GERD, including anxiety, pregnancy, asthma, and IBS.
Disease conditions |
Impact |
IBS |
IBS is a disease affecting your large intestine. It causes bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. According to a study, GERD is more common in people having IBS, when compared with the general population. If you have symptoms of both IBS and GERD, consult your doctor. He/she will prescribe some medications in addition to guidance for lifestyle modifications. |
Pregnancy |
Pregnancy increases the chances of acid reflux. If you have GERD before getting pregnant, pregnancy may worsen the condition. This is caused due to hormonal changes and increased pressure placed on the stomach due to a growing fetus. Both increase the chance of stomach contents entering the esophagus. The major concern is that every medicine is not safe during pregnancy. Must consult your doctor before taking any medicine. |
Anxiety |
According to a study, anxiety and heartburn are interconnected. When one increases, the symptoms of the other also get worse. Consult your doctor for lifestyle modification and medication. |
Asthma |
A study has reported that asthma and GERD often occur together. However, more study is needed to understand the relationship between GERD and asthma. GERD may worsen the conditions of asthma and the medication used for asthma may increase the risk for GERD. If you have asthma and GERD, try to manage both conditions with the help of a doctor. |
It’s very common for babies to spit up food, but if your baby vomits very frequently, he/she might be suffering from GERD.
Commonly, GERD doesn’t cause any serious health issues but can be fatal in some cases.
Serious complications of GERD:
Health issues |
Symptoms |
Barrett’s esophagus |
It causes a permanent change in the walls of the esophagus. |
Esophageal cancer |
A small portion of individuals, suffering from Barrett’s esophagus develop esophageal cancer. |
Esophagitis |
It is an inflammation of your esophagus |
Esophageal stricture |
In this case, your esophagus narrows and tightens. |
Other issues |
It causes enamel erosion, gum disease, and other dental problems. |
However, these complications are aroused due to untreated GERD. So, to avoid these complications, manage and treat the symptoms of your GERD with the help of your doctor.
There are several treatments for GERD, but lifestyle modification, including
While there are many medical treatments for GERD, changing your diet is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to manage symptoms. It can also help prevent acid reflux from happening in the first place. Although the symptoms of GERD are triggered by different food items in a different person, if you have GERD you must avoid these foods:
Let’s discuss the food items that can be taken in moderation and that should be taken generously:
Food category |
To be taken into a limit |
To be included |
Beverages |
Mint tea |
Non-mint herbal teas |
Citrus juices |
Non-citrus juices |
|
Tomato-based drinks |
Non-fat milk |
|
Regular coffee |
Low-fat milk |
|
Decaf coffee |
||
Alcohol |
||
Whole milk |
||
Chocolate milk |
||
Carbohydrates |
Pasta in a creamy sauce |
Plain pasta |
Potato chips |
Boiled potatoes |
|
French fries |
Waffles |
|
Tortilla chips |
Rice |
|
Doughnuts |
Pancakes |
|
Croissants |
Tortilla |
|
Crackers |
||
Low-fat muffins |
||
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According to WHO, if the BMI of your body is greater than 25 kg/m2, it is considered overweight and if the BMI equals or is greater than 30 kg/m2, then it is considered obesity. It has been found that overweight women have a very high hence of menstrual dysfunction and anovulation. Overweight and obese women are always at a very high risk of reproductive malfunction. Even the risk of subfecundity and infertility, conception rates, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications are increased in these women.
In case you are overweight and are planning to build a family then you must get rid of excess fats to avoid any complications and be on the safer side.
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It is assessed that 40% of all gastroenterology center visits are for functional gastrointestinal disorders, and an ongoing study of generalists and gastroenterologists found that about 33% of their patient populace had side effects of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Numerous patients with IBS have dyspepsia; similarly, numerous patients with dyspepsia additionally have overlapping symptoms that mimic IBS. These two sets of patients are comparative in that side effects are regularly chronic, may come and go, are irritated by psychosocial stressors, and are frequently troubled by suppers. What's more, the two issues are viewed as hard to analyze by numerous doctors, and without notice signs or "warnings," broad testing is probably not going to be useful. These likenesses raise the issue of whether IBS and dyspepsia are simply different manifestations of a similar issue or whether they speak to unmistakable clinical substances.
Managing patients with IBS and Functional Dyspepsia can be a challenging and frustrating process for clinicians. Currently, these two common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are thought of as completely distinct entities. Because many patients have overlapping symptoms of IBS and dyspepsia, maintaining two separate diagnoses leads to separate, but often parallel, processes of evaluation and treatment. Tragically, these outcomes in repetitive lab tests, duplication of demonstrative investigations, visit office visits, and the utilization of numerous meds.
Some patients will manifest the abnormal pathophysiology that develops as a result of enteric nervous system injury with primarily upper GI tract symptoms (epigastric fullness and discomfort, bloating, nausea), whereas others will manifest primarily lower GI symptoms (abdominal pain and disordered defecation). Treatment options for IBS and FD should be directed at modulating both peripheral and central pain mechanisms, to improve symptoms, improve quality of life, and minimize the economic burden on society.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
At least 12 weeks in the past 12 months (which need not be consecutive) of abdominal pain or discomfort, with 2 of the 3 following symptoms:
Symptoms that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS include:
|
Functional Dyspepsia |
At least 12 weeks out of the last 12 months (which need not be consecutive), of abdominal pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen, for which an organic process cannot be identified.
|
Functional dyspepsia is a common health issue in the digestive system of humans. Around 1.5 billion people around the world face this issue. Although functional dyspepsia is not very lethal, it can surely affect the quality of your life as it can last for a long. It can be managed by taking medication, but diet and lifestyle changes are as important.
Functional dyspepsia (indigestion) is the name given to some symptoms of indigestion that show up without any obvious cause.
So basically, your digestive system seems all okay, but there are symptoms of stomach pain, discomfort, bloating, etc. just like that of ulcers. It is also known as non-ulcer stomach pain or non-ulcer dyspepsia. It usually does not lead to any serious consequences, but it should not be neglected. Because, sometimes it can be caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers in the stomach in the long run.
This is the most common type of dyspepsia. The symptoms can vary, but its prominent symptoms include nausea, bloating and bleaching, stomach upset or pain, vomiting, etc. Other less common symptoms include burping, sour mouth, weight loss, psychological distress, etc. If these symptoms come and go away within a month, then you most probably don’t have functional dyspepsia.
Further, these symptoms can be suppressed by over-the-counter medication. But, dietplusminus recommends making necessary changes in diet and lifestyle as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant complications.
Functional dyspepsia does not have one single cause. It is not known what causes it. It is called 'functional' because it does not have a diagnosable cause. Several reasons may lead to this functional disorder.
Some of the causes include allergens, infection due to bacteria, excess acid secretion in the stomach, unhealthy diet, lifestyle, obesity, etc. Some factors are known to increase the risk of functional dyspepsia.
Females are known to develop this disorder more than males. Similarly, elders and chain smokers are at a higher risk of developing it. Moreover, studies have also shown that a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse may also be a risk factor. Further, there is an unknown link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion. Because around one-third of the people affected by this disorder develop IBS.
First of all, you need to make some lifestyle changes. Always eat slowly, as eating too fast affects the process of digestion. Also, eating foods that are high in fat can aggravate the symptoms. High alcohol consumption, as well as cigarette smoking, can also worsen the condition.
But, as the symptoms vary from person to person, so dietplusminus suggests that it is better to seek help from a medical practitioner to set up a proper diet plan.
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The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat moderate-protein diet. Low carbohydrate generates ketones and puts you in a ketosis state. It is efficient at burning fat for energy. A ketogenic diet normalizes blood sugar and insulin levels. The keto diet is very beneficial for overweight or obese, diabetic, and for people who want to improve their metabolic health. It may be less useful for people desiring muscle or weight gain, like for elite athletes. It may not be suitable for some people’s lifestyles and preferences. Must consult your doctor about your eating plan and goals. Let him decide if a keto eating plan is right for you.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the ketogenic diet.
Yes, but not as well as on a moderate carbs diet.
Your body may not be utilizing fats and ketones efficiently, i.e. not in full ketosis. Lower your carb intake. You may take MCT oil or ketones supplements to reveal these problems.
1 |
Meat |
Red MeatSteakHamSausageBaconChickenTurkey |
2 |
Fatty Fish |
SalmonTroutTunaMackerel |
3 |
Eggs |
Pastured Or Omega-3 Whole Eggs |
4 |
Butter And Cream |
Grass-Fed ButterHeavy Cream |
5 |
Cheese |
Unprocessed Cheeses Like CheddarGoat CheeseCream CheeseBlue CheeseMozzarella Cheese |
6 |
Nuts And Seeds |
AlmondsWalnutsFlaxseedsPumpkin SeedsChia Seeds |
7 |
Healthy Oils |
Extra Virgin Olive OilCoconut OilAvocado Oil |
8 |
Avocados |
Whole AvocadosFreshly Made Guacamole |
9 |
Low Carb Veggies |
Green VeggiesTomatoesOnionsPeppers |
10 |
Condiments |
SaltPepperHerbsSpices |
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Being underweight comes under the category of malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 462 million people in the world are underweight. Poor dieting habits, skipping meals, etcetera can lead to being underweight.
Underweight people are quite prone to diseases, especially deficiencies. During the correction of nutritional deficiencies with evidence-based scientific diet plans, you can eliminate all such deficiencies and get proper nutrition every day. If you are underweight due to nutritional mismatch then within 3 months you will be able to see the result and you will also gain significantly. For other causes of the underweight conditions, evaluation is required on an OPD basis in the hospital.
There are several causes behind being underweight, including:
Individuals with high metabolism do not gain weight, even after eating high-calorie foods.
People have very high physical activities, for example, athletes and runners burn a significant amount of calories. This causes a low body weight.
Some diseases can cause continuous nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Examples of such diseases are diabetes, thyroid problems, cancer, digestive problems, and respiratory problems. These all make weight gain difficult.
Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) can affect the eating ability of an individual. Additionally, eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can also affect eating. All of these conditions can affect the body image and appetite of an individual.
The reasons for unexplained weight loss may be medical or non-medical. There may be a group of conditions, that have adverse effects on your health leading to unwanted weight loss. Common conditions which lead to unwanted weight loss include cancer, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, dental problems, Addison’s disease, amyloidosis, hypercalcemia, diabetes, heart problem, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, COPD, and HIV. Certain medications and lifestyles, including alcohol and cocaine, also lead to weight loss.
It is very important to diagnose the underlying cause of unwanted weight loss. Diagnosis and proper treatment are necessary as they can be fatal. Your BMI calculator:
Weight status |
BMI |
Underweight |
Lower than 18.5 |
Healthy weight |
Between 18.5 to 24.9 |
Overweight |
Between 25 to 29.9 |
Obese |
30 or above |
BMI lower than 18.5 is suggestive of being underweight.
The immunity of underweight individuals is suppressed and they are more vulnerable to getting colds, flu, and other infections.
If you are underweight, likely, you are not taking a healthy diet. This can lead to nutritional deficiency, for example, a lower calcium level can lead to fragile bones and a lower iron level causes anemia which leads to fatigue. Symptoms like thinning skin, dry skin, hair loss, and poor dental health are also associated with nutritional deficiencies.
Underweight women find it difficult to conceive. Their period may be irregular or can stop.
According to a study, a pregnant woman who is underweight is more likely to give birth to a premature child.
Proper nutrition is needed for the growth and development of bones in young individuals. Being underweight and not getting enough nutrition can result in underdevelopment.
When you are trying to gain weight and are not able to do so, you should consult your doctor. When you are experiencing problems like irregular periods or find it difficult to conceive, you should ask your doctor for help. If an individual is mentally unfit or has an eating disorder, medical attention is necessary. Some common symptoms of an eating disorder include secretive behavior, sudden and unexplained weight loss, fatigue, refusing to eat in front of others, and refusing to attend family and social events. In case of such problems, family members should encourage the individual and seek medical help.
1. Include at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
2. Must include dairy or dairy alternatives in your diet. Also add beans, eggs, fish, meat, and other protein sources to your diet.
3. Select healthy whole grains as a base of your diet. You can also add starchy carbs, including potato, rice, pasta, and bread to your diet.
4. Include nuts, seeds, and healthy fat in your diet.
5. Eat several small meals.
6. Add high protein and high fiber snacks to your diet.
7. Drink plenty of fluid. 3-4 liter liquid a day is necessary.
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Losing stubborn pregnancy fat and becoming slim again is a concern of every new mom. But realistically, it is a little difficult to shed off all the extra pregnancy pounds without following a diet. Now, the question arises which diet to follow to become fit again? Here, the most important thing to notice is that you are a new mom having the responsibility of feeding your child and taking care of him/her. A strict diet plan would do more harm than good to a recent mother.
So, while you are deciding to follow a diet plan, be conscious about what you eat because it is directly going to affect your baby. You can trust dietplusminus to carve out the perfect post-pregnancy diet plan for you which you can follow fearlessly to help yourself become slim once again!
Before you go directly towards the diet plan, let’s take a glimpse at why you should follow a post-pregnancy diet and what are its benefits.
It is common for pregnant women to get extra fat after giving birth. However, it is not necessary to remain continually fat. Some may ignore the extra pounds but to some of you, it is a matter of concern. It may even affect your personality and health indirectly. So, even if you are not willing to become fit, nevertheless from the health point of view, you should definitely follow a good diet plan to improve your and your baby’s overall health.
There should be a balanced ratio of every nutrient in your diet, however, there are some important nutrients that you should definitely include in your post-pregnancy diet.
The first such nutrient is Calcium. It is very important as seen from the breastfeeding point of view, because if your diet lacks calcium, your body may draw it from the bones which are extremely harmful. Iron and Choline are equally important for you and your baby to develop a good memory and a responsive nervous system. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential and always recommended as important constituents of a post-pregnancy diet. So, don’t forget to include these nutrients in your diet.
Here are some essential food items suggested by dietplusminus that you must include in your diet plan.
Choose diet packages as per your need or call us to help you in choosing the best suitable package. We recommend you do some basic blood and urine tests and consult with Dr. Pankaj Kumar.
(If you have done tests in the last 3 months then please submit, no need to do tests again)
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Many people trying for weight loss achieve their desired weight by dieting and exercise, but unfortunately many of them gain it back.
Only 20% of individuals get success in losing extra weight and maintaining it for a long time [1]. However, don’t get discouraged, because there are a number of scientifically proven ways which can help you keep the weight off, including mindful eating, stress management, and regular exercise.
It is simply a maintenance diet that is advised to start after the weight loss journey. It is very much similar to a normal diet. You can reach to us or send a request as per your calorie requirements or you can estimate your calorie requirements using a calculator.
Anybody who wishes to maintain their weight may send the request. We do not need any special blood tests before starting a maintenance diet. But if you have basic blood reports then please share your detail here at [email protected]
There are few common reasons which lead to weight regain after achieving desired weight.
Very low calorie diet: A diet too low in calories may slow down your metabolism and also shift your appetite-regulating hormones. Both these factors lead to weight regain.
Lack of sustainability: Most of the low calorie diets are not sustainable because they focus on rules rather than lifestyle modifications. These diets are followed on the basis of willpower and can't be incorporated in your daily life for a long time. This discourages you and prevents weight maintenance.
Wrong mind-set: Many individuals assume diet as a quick fix, rather than a long term solution for a healthy future. These people give-up and gain back the lost weight again.
Regular exercise: Exercise is very important in weight maintenance. It boosts metabolism and also burns extra calories, both of these are necessary to achieve energy balance [2], [3]. According to studies, a minimum of 200 minutes of moderate exercise per week helps in the maintenance of weight after weight loss [4], [5], [6]. Exercise is most helpful when combined with a healthy diet.
Weight lifting: A very low calorie diet, oftenly used by dieticians for weight loss results in muscle loss in addition to weight loss. This muscle loss reduces the basal metabolic rate, resulting in fewer calorie burn throughout the day [7]. According to studies, individuals lifting weights after weight loss are more likely to keep weight off by maintaining muscle mass [8], [9], [10], [11].
Don’t skip breakfast: Breakfast eaters tend to have healthier habits overall, including exercise, high consumption of fiber and micronutrients [12], [13], [14]. According to evidence, individuals eating breakfast are more successful at maintaining weight loss.
Add plenty of protein: Protein is known to reduce appetite and promote fullness, leading to lower calorie intake, which in turn supports weight maintenance [15], [16], [17]. Additionally, protein requires significant amounts of energy to break down in your body. Therefore, a regular intake of a diet rich in protein may increase the number of calories you burn during the day [18], [19].
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is very important in weight maintenance. It causes fullness, hence lesser calorie intake [20], [21], [22]. Drinking water before meals leads to reduction in calorie intake when compared with those who didn’t drink water before a meal [23].
Keep control on your carb intake: Both the amount and type of carb are important in weight maintenance. Too much intake of refined carbs like white bread, fruit juices, and other refined flour products can be detrimental for your weight maintenance goals. To maintain your weight loss for the long term, a low carb diet is very beneficial [24], [25].
Track your total calorie intake: There are a number of online apps which may help in tracking your total calorie intake for the maintenance of your weight [26], [27], [28], [29]. Food trackers increase your awareness about how much you are really eating.
Include plenty of vegetables to your diet: According to studies, increasing vegetable intake helps you in maintaining weight [30], [31], [32]. Vegetables are high in fiber which causes fullness and hence lesser calorie intake [33], [34], [35].
Take your weight on regular intervals: Weighing yourself on a regular basis will help you keep control of your weight.
Be prepared for setbacks: When you start your weight loss and weight maintenance journey, setbacks are inevitable. You may skip your diet one day or may skip workout one day. Occasional slip up is ok but try to stick to your daily diet and exercise routine.
Sleep enough: Not sleeping enough results in weight gain in adults, and may interfere with weight maintenance [36], [37], [38]. A sound sleep of 7 hours is necessary for adults and is optimal for weight maintenance and overall health [39].
Stress management: Stress management is very crucial in weight maintenance. Stress increases the level of cortisol, which results in weight regain [40]. Stress also increases the risk of impulsive eating, i.e, eating when you are not hungry. Regular exercise, yoga and meditation can help you combat stress.
Mindful eating: Mindful eating is the most important aspect in weight maintenance. It is the practice of listening to internal appetite cues and paying full attention during the eating process. Distraction during eating may make it difficult to recognize fullness, resulting in overeating [41], [42], [43]. So, this will help you stop eating when you are truly full.
Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle: Always remember one thing, “slow and steady wins the race”. So don’t be too restrictive and unrealistic in terms of your diet and exercise routine. Make sustainable changes in your day to day routine.
Bibligraphy
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Arthritis can attack people of all ages, genders, and lifestyles and it is one of the leading causes of disabilities in India. Almost 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some kind of arthritis. It is generally more popular among ladies as compared to men.
Overweight and aged people are more likely to develop this medical condition. However, diet can influence it positively to a great extent.
Arthritis is a quite common condition yet it isn't understood correctly in most cases. As a matter of fact, arthritis is not just joint pain. There are in excess of 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions known to date.
Arthritis is not only painful but also causes structural and functional joint changes for life. These progressions might be noticeable, for example, bumpy finger joints. However, the diagnosis can only be confirmed by X-ray.
The two principal sorts of arthritis— osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis— harm joints in various manners.
The most well-known sort of joint pain, osteoarthritis mainly affects your joint cartilages— the flexible and smooth covering on the articulating bone surfaces. This covering permits frictionless joint movement. In osteoarthritis, the joint cartilages degenerate and consequently, significant harm is sustained as one bone grinds legitimately on other bone during any movement.
Osteoarthritis is seen most commonly in the back region, knees, hip, or fingers.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the covering of the joints, which is the synovial layer. Consequently, the joint area is inflamed and swollen. If left untreated, this ultimately destroys the bones in the joint.
Risk factors for arthritis can be summed up as below:
A few kinds of joint inflammations run in families, so you might be at additional risk if your ancestors have/had arthritis.
The danger of the numerous kinds of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis -- increases with increasing age.
Ladies are more prone to arthritis than men.
Individuals, who have harmed a joint, maybe while playing a game, are more likely to develop arthritis than others.
Putting excess weight on joints, especially your knees, hips, and spine can increase the chances of arthritis.
Just like with numerous other ailments, a proper diet can go a long way in not only preventing the disease but also in keeping it under check. That’s why at dietplusminus, a proper diet is always recommended.
Luckily, there are numerous foods that can ease the pain of arthritis and may help mitigate a portion of the joint pain altogether.
If you’re still confused, please reach out to us so that we can create the perfect diet plan for you!
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When the blood glucose levels are above normal levels but below the defined threshold of diabetes, the condition is called pre-diabetes. With high chances of developing diabetes, this condition is considered at risk. There is always the presence of pre-diabetes before the onset of diabetes. The elevation of blood sugar is a continuum and hence pre-diabetes cannot be considered an entirely benign condition.
Diagnosis of prediabetes can be alarming. The condition is mainly due to insulin resistance. Prediabetes is often a precursor of type2 diabetes. According to a study, people with prediabetes are always at a higher risk of developing type2 diabetes. The risk of cardiovascular disease also increases in pre-diabetic people.
However, being pre-diabetic doesn’t mean that you will get type2 diabetes. Early intervention, that is diet and physical activity are the two keys to getting your blood sugar out of the prediabetes range. Now, this is an alarm for you, to know the right kind of food to eat.
The criteria for pre-diabetes are different for different organizations. WHO has defined pre-diabetes as a state of intermediate hyperglycemia using two specific parameters, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) defined as fasting plasma glucose of 6.1-6.9 mmol/L (110 to 125 mg/dL) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) defined as 2 h plasma glucose of 7.8-11.0 mmol/L (140-200 mg/dL) after ingestion of 75 g of oral glucose load or a combination of the two based on a 2 h oral glucose tolerance test. On the other hand, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), has the same cut-off value for IGT (140-200 mg/dL) but has a lower cut-off value for IFG (100-125 mg/dL) and has additional hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) based criteria of a level of 5.7% to 6.4% for the definition of pre-diabetes.
According to American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes screening for adults begins at the age of 45 years. If you are overweight and have an additional risk for prediabetes, you are advised to start early screening for diabetes.
Your average blood sugar level for the past three months is shown in this test. This test measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to the hemoglobin. (oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells)
In some conditions, like if you have an uncommon form of hemoglobin or if you are pregnant- HbA1C results can be inaccurate.
Blood samples are collected after you fast for at least 8 hours or overnight.
This test is mainly used to diagnose diabetes in pregnant women. An 8-hour fasting blood sample is taken. Then you'll drink a sugary solution, and then again your blood sample will be taken after 2 hours.
If you come under the category of pre-diabetic, your doctor will typically check your blood sugar levels at least once a year.
There have been reports of increased mean FPG and prevalence of diabetes in developed as well as developing countries.
There are two factors associated with conversion from pre-diabetic to diabetic- population characteristics and criteria used to define pre-diabetes. According to a study, in India, among those with pre-diabetes, 58.9% converted to diabetes (52.8% among i-IGT, 47.8% among i-IFG, and 84.1% among those with combined IFG and IGT).
According to a study, 8% of participants with prediabetes were found to have evidence of diabetic retinopathy. Although pre-diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of retinopathy in some studies, these findings vary depending on the method used for detection.
Several studies have shown an association between increased risk of chronic kidney disease and early nephropathy with pre-diabetes. The causal nature of this relationship remains unclear as this association may be due to increased incidence of diabetes in this group or the presence of other factors associated with both hyperglycemia and nephropathy rather than the effect of pre-diabetes itself.
Prediabetes is also found to be associated with dysfunction of cardiac autonomic activity, reflected by reduced heart rate variability, decreased parasympathetic modulation of the heart, and increased prevalence of male erectile dysfunction in individuals with pre-diabetes.
Prediabetes has been associated with an increased risk of developing macrovascular disease, but whether this elevated risk is due to pre-diabetes itself or due to the development of diabetes remains unclear. Some studies have shown an increased prevalence of coronary heart disease in individuals with pre-diabetes but this relationship may be confounded by the common risk factors present between cardiovascular diseases and pre-diabetes.
Many factors increase your risk for prediabetes. Genetics plays a role, especially if diabetes runs in your family. Some other factors play a larger role in the development of pre-diabetes. Overweight and very low physical activity are potential risk factors.
In the case of pre-diabetes, sugar from food begins to build up in your bloodstream because insulin can’t easily move it into your cells.
The amount and type of carbohydrates consumed in a meal influence blood sugar level and causes pre-diabetes. The sugar level in the blood increases, when your diet is filled with refined and processed carbohydrates that digest quickly.
It is difficult for the body to reduce blood sugar levels after a meal. Avoiding blood sugar spikes by watching your carbohydrate intake can help.
When you eat more calories than your body needs, they get stored as fat. This causes you to gain weight. Body fat, especially around the belly, is linked to insulin resistance. This is why many people with prediabetes are also overweight.
Although you can’t control the risk factors associated with prediabetes, some can be managed. Measures taken to stay within a healthy weight range and to balance blood sugar levels may help you.
You can determine how a particular food could affect your blood sugar by the use of a glycemic index. High GI food will increase your blood sugar faster. Foods ranked lower on the scale have less effect on your blood sugar spike. High fiber foods are low on the GI. Highly processed foods, refined foods, foods low in fiber and nutrients, register high on the GI.
Refined carbohydrates are high in the GI. These are the products that digest quickly in your stomach. Examples are white bread, russet potatoes, and white rice, along with soda and juice. Restrict these foods if you are pre-diabetic.
Although foods that rank medium on GI are fine to eat, still not as good as foods that rank low on the GI. Examples include whole-wheat bread and brown rice. Foods that rank low on the GI are best for pre-diabetics.
GI of food is not mentioned on the labels of food items. Instead, check the fiber content listed on the label to help determine a food’s GI ranking. Restrict the intake of saturated fat to reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease, along with pre-diabetes. You can lower the GI of a given food item by taking mixed meals. For example, if you plan to eat white rice, add vegetables and chicken to slow down the digestion of the grain and minimize the spikes in blood sugar level.
You should have good control over the portion size to keep your diet on a low GI. This means you should limit the amount of food you eat every meal. Often, portions are higher, which creates problems and results in spikes in blood sugar levels.
Food labels can help you much regarding the proper portion size. The label will list calories, fat, carbohydrates, and other nutrition information for a particular serving.
It is important to understand that it will affect the nutritional value if you eat more than 1 serving listed. A portion of food may have 30 grams of carbohydrate and 200 calories per serving. But if you have two servings, you’ve consumed 60 grams of carbohydrate and 400 calories.
Elimination of carbohydrates from the diet is not necessary. Recent research has shown that a diet containing less than 40 percent is associated with the same mortality risk as a diet containing 70 percent carbs.
A minimal risk was reported when the intake of carbohydrates was 50 to 55 percent. For example, on a 1600-calorie diet, you should take 200 grams of carbohydrates. Spreading intake of carbohydrates evenly throughout the day is best.
As recommended by the ‘National Institutes of Health’ and the ‘Mayo Clinic’, 45 to 65 percent of calories should come from carbohydrates per5 day. Individual carbohydrate needs differ based on a person’s stature and activity level. It is recommended to consult with a dietician to know about your specific needs.
Mindful eating is the best way to keep control of your portion size. Eat only when you are hungry, and stop when you feel full. Sit properly and concentrate on the food and flavors while eating.
Fiber is essential and beneficial for you. It has several benefits. It helps you feel fuller for a long time. It adds bulk to your diet, making bowel movements easier.
Since fiber-rich foods add bulk to your diet, you are less likely to overeat. You are also able to avoid the ‘crush’ which results from eating high sugar food. These types of foods will often give you a big boost of energy, but make you feel tired shortly after.
A single can of soda can give you the carbohydrates recommended for a meal. A normal can of soda, 12 ounces, can contain 45 grams of carbohydrates. This number is the recommended carbohydrate serving for a meal for women with diabetes.
Sugary sodas give you only empty calories and are readily digested. Water is always a better choice to quench your thirst.
In most instances, moderation is a healthy rule and it also goes well in the case of alcohol. Several alcoholic beverages are dehydrating. The sugar level in most of the cocktails is very high, enough to spike your blood sugar level. According to research, women should only have one drink per day, while men should limit themselves to two drinks per day. Portion control is very important in the case of alcohol. Following are the measurements for an average single drink:
Keep your drink simple. Avoid adding sugary juices or liqueurs. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
If you are a pre-diabetic, it is recommended for you to avoid cuts of meat with visible fat or skin. A low saturated and trans fat diet will help you reduce your risk of heart disease.
However, meat doesn’t contain carbohydrates but can be a significant source of saturated fat in your diet. Eating fatty meat in moderation can lead to high cholesterol levels.
Very lean cuts of meat have about 0 to 1 gram of fat and give you 35 calories per ounce. High-fat meat, such as spareribs, can have more than 7 grams of fat and will provide 100 calories per ounce.
Water is an essential part of any healthy diet. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. For pre-diabetics, water is a healthier option in place of sugary sodas, juices, and energy drinks.
Average daily intake of water should depend upon your body size, activity level, and the climate you live in.
You can determine if you are taking enough water or not, by monitoring your urine volume and color. The color of your urine should be pale yellow.
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The thyroid is a gland in your neck area that controls some hormones in your body. These hormones are necessary for the proper metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
But, two common disorders (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) of this gland lead to certain health issues. On this dietplusminus page, you will learn about thyroid disease and its management with a proper diet.
Thyroid disease actually doesn’t refer to a single disorder, because there are many disorders related to the thyroid gland. But, the two most common types are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is referred to as overactive thyroid. As the word 'hyper', which means 'more' or 'over' suggests, it is the condition in which the thyroid gland releases more amount of the hormone thyroxine than normal. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is a condition in which enough hormone is not produced by the gland.
Hypothyroidism is the more common one of the two and therefore sometimes it is directly referred to as thyroid disease. Both of them have different symptoms, but some also share some common symptoms such as enlargement of the gland (goiter). But, both have different causes and are treated very differently.
As already mentioned, there are different causes of the two different thyroid diseases. Hypothyroidism can be caused if your thyroid is not working as normal or if it has been removed (in cases of medical conditions like cancer). But, its most common cause is another autoimmune disorder (the body’s immune system fails to recognize its own cells and attacks them) known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Other causes include surgical treatment of some conditions like hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, etc. Some medications can also trigger hypothyroidism.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is another autoimmune disease called Graves' disease. Basically, this autoimmune disorder makes the thyroid gland grow abnormally large and release more hormones than required. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused due to- inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), postpartum thyroiditis, consuming too much thyroid hormone, toxic nodular goiter, etc.
Women are more prone to develop thyroid disease than men. Further, old age, as well as family history, can also make one more prone.
In this disease, a proper diet is as important as the medication itself. So both should go hand in hand. According to Dietplusminus, foods that are okay for people with hypothyroidism include:
Reach out to us, so that we can create the perfect diet plan for you according to your lifestyle and requirements!
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Snoring is a very common phenomenon. It is more common in men when compared with women. The condition worsens with age. Certain lifestyle modifications can help in most cases, but in a few cases, like sleep disorders, medical intervention is needed.
Several factors are responsible for snoring.
The physiological cause behind snoring is the vibration produced in your airways. When you breathe, the relaxed tissue in your upper respiratory tract vibrates, which produces the typical snoring sound. Snoring may result from:
In mild snoring cases, only physical examination is needed. But in case of severe snoring, certain diagnostic tests are needed, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. These all are done to check your airway abnormalities. In a few cases, a sleep study may also be needed. In a sleep study, you have to spend the night at the clinic or at a sleep center to monitor the
The most important factor which decides the mode of treatment is the reason behind your snoring. Common treatments for snoring include:
Frequent snoring may increase the risk of:
Certain lifestyle changes may improve the snoring conditions in mild cases. The potentially effective measures are:
The best way to treat your snoring is to find the reason behind it. Depending upon your needs use the under-given methods to relieve your symptoms.
Weight management |
If you are overweight or obese, switch to a healthy diet and regular exercise for weight management. It may help relieve the issue. |
OTC medication |
If your problem is due to a cold or allergy, try an OTC medication, such as intranasal decongestants. |
Avoid alcohol |
Avoid alcohol before bedtime because it relaxes the throat muscles, which can contribute to snoring. |
Sleep on your side |
When sleeping on your back, your tongue can fall back into your throat which can make your airway smaller, resulting in snoring. So, try sleeping on your side. |
Try using a mouthpiece |
The use of a removable mouthpiece keeps your jaw, tongue, and soft palate in place to prevent snoring. |
Use CPAP machine |
A CPAP machine pumps air into the airway overnight. It decreases the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea. |
Surgery |
In severe cases of snoring, surgery is needed. Insertion of filament in your soft palate, trimming extra tissue from your throat, or shrinking the tissue in your soft palate can help you relieve the issue. |
Get enough sleep |
A sound sleep of 6-8 hours is necessary for adults. Sleep deprivation may lead to snoring. |
Raise the head side of your bed |
It helps reduce snoring by keeping your airways open. |
Avoid sedatives |
If you are on sedatives, talk to your doctor for other options. Sedatives, like alcohol, relax the throat muscles, leading to snoring. |
Try quit smoking |
Smoking worsens the condition, so try quitting it. |
Certain factors increase the risk of snoring:
Sleeping position |
Sleeping on your back increases the risk of snoring. |
Age |
Snoring increases with increasing age. |
Alcohol |
Consumption of alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, leading to snoring. So, avoid alcohol before bedtime. |
Gender |
Snoring is more common in men when compared with women. |
Genetics |
If any of your family members has sleep apnea, you are at increased risk of developing it. |
Cold and allergies |
Cold and allergies cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, leading to snoring. |
Overweight or obese |
In overweight individuals, more and more tissue is developed in the throat, leading to snoring. |
Small airway |
A narrow upper respiratory tract may be the reason for your snoring. |
In case of snoring, only your roommate or bed partner can tell the symptoms and frequency. Some common symptoms of snoring include:
If you have symptoms of frequent snoring, talk to your doctor. He/she will tell whether you are suffering from sleep apnea or any other serious condition after conducting some tests and even a sleep study.
Snoring is a very common phenomenon, ranging from mild to severe in terms of severity. If you snore once in a while, you don’t need any intervention, but in case of chronic snoring, you need to consult your doctor.
Is there any permanent way to stop snoring? Is it 100% safe? If not then what else can I do?
First of all, you should know the reason behind your snoring, then only you will be able to permanently eradicate the issue. In mild cases of snoring, certain lifestyle modifications may help relieve the condition. Weight management, avoiding alcohol or food just before going to bed, and OTC medications for colds and allergies may help relieve the symptoms.
Tips to stop snoring in mild cases include:
Natural ways work in mild cases of snoring, including weight management, sleeping on your side, sound sleep of 6-8 hours, avoiding alcohol and food before bedtime, elevating head up to 4 inches, getting proper treatment of nasal congestion, application of nasal strips before going to bed. If you have frequent and severe snoring, consult your doctor. He/she will tell whether you are suffering from sleep apnea or any other serious condition after conducting some tests and even a sleep study, and will then suggest if there is a need for surgery.
Light or infrequent snoring is normal and does not require any treatment. It only disturbs your roommate or bed partner. It is also called primary snoring and occurs more than three nights per week.
Although snoring is more common in overweight individuals, it can also occur in skinny people. It can be due to a cold or allergy which causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract or due to anatomical abnormality like a narrow airway.
In case of anatomical abnormalities or deposition of excess tissues in the throat due to obesity, surgery is needed to cure snoring. Some common surgeries include:
Loud and frequent snoring increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. Manage your weight and avoid alcohol before bedtime. If the symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider.
Preventive measures for snoring include:
Approx 45% of adults snore occasionally and 25% snore regularly. Snoring is more common in overweight individuals, middle-aged and older men, and postmenopausal women. The conditions worsen with increasing age.
Common causes of snoring include:
Obesity-induced snoring correcting diet Plan
Staying fit and healthy is the best sort of lifestyle, one can have and we are always there to help you! At DietPlusMinus, we thoroughly study your body profile and conduct tests like blood tests to prepare scientific diet plans and exercises for you.
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When the body mass index (BMI) of a child is at the same level or higher than 95% of his/her peers, he/she can be considered obese. BMI is used as a tool to determine weight status. Height and weight are used to calculate the BMI. Your BMI percentile is then determined using your gender and age.
Obesity is a serious health problem for children. Overweight and obese children are at a higher risk of developing many chronic health conditions. Obesity and the problems related to it also continue into adulthood. Childhood obesity not only affects physical health but can also affect the social and mental health of a child. They can become depressed and have a poor self-image and self-esteem.
The main role in childhood obesity is played by family history, psychological factors, and lifestyle. Children with parents or other family members overweight or obese are more likely to be obese. But the root cause behind the obesity of children is a combination of eating too much and exercising too little.
Foods like fast food, candy, and soft drinks, containing high levels of fat or sugar and low in nutrients, are the common culprits for fast weight gain. According to a study, 32% of adolescent girls and 52% of adolescent boys in the US drink 24 ounces of soda or more per day. Some children gain weight because their parents are unaware of foods that can be harmful to their children. They don’t know how to choose and prepare healthy foods. Other families may not afford fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. Convenience foods like frozen dinners, canned pasta, and salty snacks also contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
Less physical activity may be another cause of childhood obesity. Less activeness at any age tends to cause weight gain. Exercise keeps you healthy by burning your calories and maintaining your weight. Children who don’t spend their time in sports and other physical activities are less likely to burn their extra calories and as a result, become overweight or obese.
The third reason for obesity in children is psychological issues. Bored, stressed, or depressed kids eat more, to cope with negative emotions.
Unhealthy nutrition |
Consuming foods high in low-quality fats and sugar, and less nutrient-dense. Like fast foods, energy drinks, and candies. |
Lack of physical activity |
Television viewing, the internet, and computer games have taken the place of outdoor games. |
Academics |
The increasing burden of academic competitiveness among students has led to decreased participation in sports and any other form of physical activity. |
Working status of parents |
At this time, both parents are working and they don’t have time to plan and provide a balanced meal for their kids. They let their children eat fast foods and other unhealthy foods. |
Technology |
Advancements in technology, especially in the field of entertainment led children more dependent upon television and computers in place of sports and physical activity, making it a sedentary lifestyle for the children. |
Increased socioeconomic status |
Increased purchasing power led to the movement towards school cafeterias, and nearby fast food joints for food/snacks. |
Wrong parental approach |
Parents in India and other developing countries have a general misconception that a fat child is a healthy child. To keep the child “healthy,” he/she is fed in excess. |
Obese children are always at a higher risk of developing health problems as compared to their peers having a healthy weight. The most serious risks associated with childhood obesity are diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
Overweight children and adults are more likely to develop type2 diabetes. Patients having type2 diabetes are not able to metabolize glucose properly present in their bodies. Diabetes can lead to kidney dysfunction, nerve damage, and eye disease. However, the condition may be reversible through diet and lifestyle changes.
Obese children are also at a higher risk for developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels, giving rise to future heart disease. High salt and high-fat foods cause increased cholesterol and increased blood pressure levels. The two major complications of heart disease are heart attack and stroke.
Asthma, a chronic disease of the lungs, is caused by inflammation of the lung's airways. Obesity is the most common comorbidity with asthma. According to a recent study, about 38% of adults with asthma in the US are also obese. In the same study, it was found that obesity may be a risk factor for more severe asthma in some, but not all, people with obesity.
Obese children and teens may also suffer from sleep disorders like excessive snoring and sleep apnea. Their airways can be blocked by the extra weight in the neck area.
Obese children can also experience joint stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion from carrying excess weight. In most cases, weight loss can eliminate joint problems.
In this section we discuss important aspect and their impact on childhood obesity as follows:
Determinants of childhood obesity |
Medical impact |
Psychological impact |
Economic impact |
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It’s essential to change the eating habit of obese children. Parental effort is very essential to influencing a child's eating patterns. Normally, kids eat what their parents buy. So, it's of utmost importance for the parents to start with themselves.
Restrict the entry of sweets and soft drinks into your home. Replace juice with fruits because drinks made of 100% juice can be high in calories. Serve water or low-fat or non-fat milk with meals. Restrict fast foods and ready-to-eat foods, and try to cook more at home. Preparing a meal and eating together is not only a healthy option in a nutritional sense, but it’s also an excellent way to spend some time with your family.
Instead of using processed items, baked goods, or salty snacks, plan your meals and snacks around fresh foods. You may try:
As there will be a transition to a healthier way of eating, your overweight or obese child will most probably lose some weight. If weight loss doesn’t occur, consult your pediatrician. He/ she may recommend a nutritionist or dietician for further weight loss.
Try to increase the physical activity of your children so that they can shed weight safely. Always encourage your child to do exercise in the form of activities to make workouts interesting for them. Playing football or some other outside game will be more interesting for a child than jogging around the block. Always encourage your child to try a sport in which he /she has an interest. One study shows that children get at least one hour’s worth of exercise daily to remain healthy.
Plan some activities which the whole family can enjoy together. This will not only make a great bond between the family members but also help your child learn by example. Hiking, swimming, or even playing tag can help your child get active and start on the path to a healthier weight. Vary activities to avoid boredom.
Restrict the time spent in front of the screen. Children spending their time watching television, playing computer games, or using smartphones or other devices are more likely to be overweight.
According to a study, there are two big reasons for this. First, screen time cuts the time that could be spent doing physical activities and sports instead. And second, more time in front of the TV means more time for snacking and munching and also more exposure to ads for the high-sugar, high-fat foods that make up most food marketing.
Education |
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Community |
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Monitoring and surveillance |
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School-based programs |
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Perinatal and neonatal period |
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National health authority |
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Legislative |
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Home |
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9 Days Navratri Intermittent Fasting Diet Plan | Rs. 999 |
Download your Navratri weight loss diet plan
Selection of the right food during the 9 (nine) days of Navratri is crucial. It is the best time to detox your body. Eating a diet rich in protein and good quality fat is the wisest way to detox your body. But unluckily, most of us go either towards complete fasting or remain on a diet containing more than 80% of carbs. Both of these options are dangerous for your body. We have started a healthy diet chart for fasting in the year 2022. We are giving a 100% Free Navratri diet plan idea. You can subscribe to our silver and premium plans for 9 days of Navratri diet plans.
The 9-day fast of the festival Navratri is dedicated to shakti and is going to begin on the 6th of October 2021. This is an old tradition to keep fast for 9 days, followed by both men and women of various age groups. Navratri is celebrated two times a year, Chaitra (spring), and Sharad (autumn). By opting for a sattvic diet (food without onion, garlic, species, oil, and non-vegetarian products), people strengthen their body and mind for a change in season, which brings along with it illnesses and diseases.
People from northern and western India are gearing up for the 9 days of the Navratri celebration. Eating a balanced diet during Navratri will tone your body and detox you from the inside. Take plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water, and a moderate amount of nuts, seeds, and low-calorie dairy. Although it is a great opportunity to lose weight, it can be opposed and make you gain weight too. To select a healthy diet plan for you consult Dr. Pankaj Kumar.
The first thing which comes to mind is what to include in the Navratri diet plan for 9 days?
So, these are the essential component for 9 (nine) days diet plan during the Navratri. You can also purchase the Navratri diet plan for better weight control by our 9 (nine) days Navratri diet plan.
It is time to lose your fat mass and detox your body. Given below are some healthy tips for you to opt for during Navratri fast.
Some delicious and healthy fasting recipes for you to be taken during Navratri fast:
Diet may vary from one state to another state, but the basic principles remain the same. Prime minister Modi's Navratri diet plan is popular in India as well as abroad. He looks very fit and active. Some sources on the internet say that he has been doing fasting for a long time and doing yoga and other lifestyle modification practices. Given Dr. Pankaj Kumar's opinion, the main difference is in his eating habits and state where he lives. Modi lives in New Delhi, but his eating habit and food pattern are almost similar to Gujrati culture. According to some sources on the internet, Modi's inclination to local food is making it different.
The second difference is his daily requirements. The daily requirement is different for different individuals, and he knows very well how much he needs and how much he has to take.
Food habit development takes a lot of time, and it is not necessary to copy others' food habits for a better body shape or weight loss. Rectify only bad food habits and try to maintain old food habits. It will not change your food satisfaction quality, as described by Dr. Pankaj Kumar.
Some people adjust fasting days in good work, but some may not tolerate these and they hop from one snack to other. The solution for this craving is you must consume a healthy low salt diet namkeen which can be easily prepared at home.
Navratri is the longest Hindu festival, celebrated all over the country. Although there are four (4) Navratri in a year, the two (2) most popular are Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri. People fast for nine (9) days during this period. This is the weather change time and almost everyone's immunity is compromised at this time. So, the main goal of fasting is not only to purify the soul but also to detoxify the body.
Mindful selection of immunity-boosting foods, containing balanced amounts of carbs, proteins, fats, and various micronutrients are very necessary during this period. Foods that can boost your immunity during this period of fasting are:
Fruits like grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and sweet limes are rich sources of vitamin C. Include them in your breakfast.
Vitamin C helps in quick recovery from cold.
Red bell peppers are also a very rich source of vitamin C. In addition, they are also rich in beta carotene.
This beta carotene converts into Vitamin A in your body and helps keep skin and eyes healthy.
Ginger is excellent anti-inflammatory food. Ginger may reduce sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. It also reduces the symptoms of nausea, decreases chronic pain, and may also lower cholesterol levels.
Spinach is packed with several antioxidants, including Vitamin C and beta carotene.
Both of these have the infection-fighting ability.
Dairy products including milk, cheese, and curd are packed with several essential nutrients like Vitamin A and D, zinc, and proteins.
All of these have specific roles in the immune system.
Ghee is a rich source of butyrate. It greatly improves immunity and keeps the gut healthy.
To reap the maximum benefits of ghee, select 100% pure cow ghee.
Almonds are packed with Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin. In addition, it is also a good source of essential fatty acids.
It not only helps fight off cold but also prevents it.
Sunflower seeds are rich in phosphorus, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and E. It is also incredibly high in selenium.
All these nutrients make sunflower seeds an excellent immunity booster food item.
Makhana is an excellent anti-aging, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory food as it is abundant in various types of antioxidants and a natural anti-inflammatory compound called kaempferol. It is high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium and low in sodium. So, it is a good option for hypertensive patients also.
In addition to flavonoids, green tea is also an excellent source of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This compound is lost from the black tea during the process of fermentation. Green tea is also a good source of L-theanine.
L-theanine may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T cells.
Papaya is loaded with Vitamin C. It also contains a digestive enzyme, papain which also has an anti-inflammatory action on the body.
It is also a decent source of potassium, magnesium, and folate.
The Vitamin C present in kiwi boosts white blood cells to fight infection.
In addition, kiwi is also a good source of folate, potassium, and vitamin K.
Foods that increase the blood sugar levels significantly, like foods rich in added sugar, increase the production of inflammatory proteins like tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), all of which negatively affect immune function.
It is especially harmful to diabetic people, as they have elevated blood sugar levels for longer when compared with people with well-regulated blood sugar levels.
Salty foods like chips and vrat-special packaged namkeens present in the market may also impair your immune response.
High salt may trigger tissue inflammation and increase the risk of autoimmune disease.
Both omega-3 and omega-6 are needed by our body to function.
Diets high in omega-6 fats seem to promote the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins that may weaken the immune response, while diets higher in omega-3 fats reduce the production of those proteins and enhance immune function. Vrat special thalis, namkeens, and other fancy food items present in the market are normally high in omega-6 fats.
When foods are fried, a group of molecules, called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed. AEGs are formed when sugars react with proteins or fats during high-temperature cooking.
High levels of AGEs in the body may contribute to inflammation and cellular damage. This chemical is also known to weaken the immune system in various ways. So, avoid fried foods like chips and french fries.
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Several dietary and lifestyle changes may strengthen your immune system. They help fight harmful pathogens and disease-causing organisms. Let’s discuss some tips which may help boost your immune system.
1. Eat whole foods
Whole foods including fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and certain nutrients which protect you against harmful pathogens.
The fiber present in these whole plant foods is healthy for the beneficial gut bacteria or gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome can help boost your immune system and prevent you from being attacked by harmful pathogens through the digestive tract [1]. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C. This can reduce the duration of the common cold [2]. The antioxidants present in whole food prevent the oxidation of harmful free radicals, hence reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to several harmful diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers [3].
Acute inflammation is a normal immune response\ to stress or injury, but chronic inflammation can hurt your immune system. Inclusion of healthy fats in your diet, including olive oil and salmon, may boost the immune system against pathogens by decreasing inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids fight inflammation [4].
Olive oil is highly anti-inflammatory and may help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses [5], [6]. It also reduces the risk of chronic inflammation, linked with diseases diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Fermented foods are high in beneficial bacteria. Intake of fermented foods increases the population of these bacteria in your gut [7]. Fermented foods include yogurt, natto, tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir. According to some research, a well flourished gut microbiome helps your immune cells to differentiate between healthy cells and harmful pathogens [8]. If regular intake of fermented foods is not possible for you, switch to probiotic supplements. Supplementation of probiotics strengthens the immune system and lowers the levels of virus in the nasal mucus when compared with a control group [9].
Although there is no relation between hydration and the attack of harmful bacteria and viruses, staying hydrated is important for overall health.
Dehydration may cause indigestion, mood swings, reduced focus, physical performance, and heart and kidney function. These health issues increase the risk of illness [10]. Although tea and juice also hydrate you, water is the best option, because it is free of calories, additives, and sugar [11]. Fruit juice and sweetened tea have high sugar contents [12], [13]. For young adults, it is recommended to drink water when you are thirsty and stop when you are no longer thirsty, but for older adults, it is recommended to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. The reason behind this is older adults begin to lose the urge to drink, as their bodies do not signal thirst adequately.
According to the reports of some studies, added sugar and refined carbs may contribute to increased weight and obesity [14],[15]. Obesity is linked with an increased risk of getting sick. According to a study, obese people administered with flu vaccine have twice the risk of getting the flu, when compared with normal-weight people who received the vaccine [16]. Cutting sugar intake may aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. All of these weaken the immune system. Limiting and cutting sugar is an important part of an immune-boosting diet [17], [18], [19], [20],[21]. It is recommended to limit your sugar intake, to less than 5% of your daily calories.
To boost your immune system, it is very important to relieve your stress and anxiety. Long-term stress may lead to inflammation and compromised immune cell functions [22], [23]. Psychological stress can suppress the immune response in children [24]. Meditation, exercise, yoga, and some other mindfulness practices may help you manage your stress and anxiety.
Inadequate or poor sleep can make you sick. According to a study, individuals taking less than 6 hours of sleep per night are at a higher risk of getting a common cold when compared with those taking a sleep of 6 hours or more per night [25]. Proper rest strengthens the immune system, and also sleeping more when you are sick, allows your immune system to better fight the illness [26].
A sound sleep of 7 hours per night is good for adults, teenagers should sleep 8-10 hours, and younger children and infants should sleep up to 14 hours. Exercising regularly, leaving the screen an hour before sleep, sleeping in a completely dark room, and going to bed at the same time every night enhance the quality of your sleep.
Prolonged and intense exercise can suppress the immune system, but moderate exercise can boost your immune system. People with compromised immune systems must do at least a single session of moderate exercise to boost the effectiveness of their vaccines [27]. Also, regular and moderate exercise may reduce inflammation, leading to regular regeneration of your immune cells [28]. Exercises like brisk walking, swimming, light hiking, jogging, and steady bicycling should be done at least 150 minutes per week [29].
Despite several claims supplements about their ability to prevent and cure COVID-19, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that there's no evidence to support the use of any supplement to prevent or treat COVID-19 [30].
Some studies suggest that supplements may strengthen your body’s general immune system. Let’s discuss such supplements:
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You must purchase any supplement that has been independently tested by a third-party organization, as the labeling present on your supplement may be misleading.
However, no food is going to prevent or cure COVID-19 infections, a strong immune system will help you prevent common colds, flu, and other infections.
Let’s discuss some food items which may boost your immunity:
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Balance is the key to proper nutrition. Eating just one of these foods won’t be enough to help fight against flu and infections, even if you eat it regularly.
Serving size and recommended dietary intake should always be kept in mind. Too little or too much of any nutrient can harm you.
Eating right is a great start, and there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu, cold, and other illnesses.
Bibliography
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28165863
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27881064
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23010452
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27580701
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22474371
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25576593
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28343401
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25398745
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29772560
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28507007
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29181456
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28584297
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28401111
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26586275
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28584297
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25814686
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30533447
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24798553
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22474371
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24501202
[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26118561
[26] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30920354
[27] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26477922
[28] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26477922
[29] https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-americans/index.html
[30] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/in-the-news-in-the-news-coronavirus-and-alternative-treatments
[31] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29080635
[32] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782
[33] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30670267
[34] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21173411
[35] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28515951
[36] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25386977
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Dr. Pankaj Kumar after clearing MBBS from Calcutta University and DNB Family Medicine from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, associated with Practo, DocsApp, Mfine, and many other online consultation platforms to help patients online for their day to day health-related problems. Now you can consult with Dr. Pankaj Kumar (online) for your general problem on the Diet Plus Minus platform also.
You need to pay online, after a successful transaction you will get a call at your preferred time. If you have any reports or prescriptions then please upload them after a successful transaction.
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Weight loss is definitely a difficult task to accomplish, but sometimes people make it more complicated by counting every calorie. Of course, there’s no magic tip that can do the job instantly, but you definitely don’t need to strip your diet of entire food groups for losing weight.
The fact is that no matter whether you intend to lose 5kg or 15kg, the quantity of weight you lose is determined by the same principles. So, instead of adopting a radical approach, you should try to introduce a series of healthy habits into your daily routine. According to dietplusminus, to lose weight fast you should first understand what might lead to weight gain.
So, what exactly might cause you to gain that excess weight? Well, there’s only one reason (except for medical conditions) that causes people to gain excessive weight and hinders the weight loss process as well. It’s the bad habits, eating what you shouldn’t, not eating what you should, having an excess of something unnecessarily, etc.
Say, for example, eating too much-processed foods, or sugar can lead to excessive weight gain. Maybe, you are confusing 'fat-free' with 'calorie-free'. Or you just eat without thinking when you had this eating fits out of nowhere.
Simply put, there are two main things that will determine your weight- the number of calories you take in and the number of calories you burn, on a daily basis. Apart from all this, your genetics can also play a role in both weight gain and weight loss.
It is indeed a valid question as to why should you actually consider losing weight even though you’re perfectly comfortable being chubby. Well, there’s actually just one reason, but it’s pretty serious. If you are overweight or obese, this means you are at a higher risk of some potentially serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, back pain, and even some types of cancer!
So, basically, you are a ticking time bomb! Nah, just kidding, you are as fine as anyone else but definitely, there are these potential risks to consider. You should know that these risks are directly proportional to the amount of excess weight that you have. More excess pounds mean the deadlier potential risks you face. Therefore, for the best of your health, you should set out on the journey of weight loss to lose those extra pounds.
Everyone’s body responds differently to different types of diets. So, it is necessary to customize a diet plan best suitable for you. Sometimes a well-balanced and low-calorie diet works in losing weight whereas in some cases a low carb diet is needed.
The diet plan to reduce fat depends upon the place of deposition of fat, whether it is subcutaneous or visceral. Depending upon the type of fat deposited in your body and your current health conditions, a diet plan is prepared for you.
An ideal and easy diet plan is a well-balanced diet, containing food items from all the food groups, cereals, pulses, dairy/ poultry, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables in adequate proportions. However, it works for a healthy individual. If you have some health issues, you must contact your health care professional, to understand the proportion of these food items suitable for you.
If you are a healthy individual, meaning you don’t have any serious health issues, you should select food items from all the food groups (cereals, pulses, dairy/ poultry, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables). 50-55% of calories of your diet should come from carbs, 25% from proteins, and the remaining from fat. Give more emphasis on high biological value protein items (egg, poultry, paneer, etc.). Replace simple carbs from your diet with complex carbs, including salads, oats, green vegetables, etc. Avoid trans fat. Include omega-3-rich fat sources in your diet, including fatty fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
The best diet for healthy living is a well-balanced diet, including food items from all the food groups (cereals, pulses, dairy/ poultry, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables). The most important virtue of a healthy diet is the elimination of bad food habits, including consumption of simple carbs, trans fats, and excess intake of starchy vegetables. These not only increase overall weight but also increase the cravings for sugary and salty food, which in turn increases calorie intake and weight gain.
6. What is a diet plan for weight loss for an Indian?
In most cases, a well-balanced diet (50-55% from carbs, 25% from protein, and the remaining from fat) having slightly lower calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE, is sufficient to reduce your weight. But in the case of fat which is old, the percentage of carbs is reduced. This is done after going through some of your blood reports. It is suggested not to start any kind of diet on your own, because it can be dangerous for your overall health.
First of all, it is important to understand that fat loss is necessary, not weight loss. In this case, when you put your body on a very low-calorie diet, i.e, starvation, weight loss occurs, but this weight loss is partially from fat and rest from muscles. So, your body is in a worse situation, when compared with your previous situation. Opt for a healthy, well-balanced diet and eliminate trans fat, starchy vegetables, packaged and processed foods, and simple carbs from your diet. Go for a diet slightly lower in calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE. Include green leafy vegetables, salads, complex carbs, legumes, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, and poultry in your diet. It will help in losing weight. If it doesn’t work, contact a healthcare professional. He/ she will guide you regarding this.
First of all, fast weight loss is not good. Always remember, slow and steady wins the race. Going for a crash diet to lose weight always gives you certain health issues in addition to weight loss. So, weight loss by opting for a healthy lifestyle is always good. It develops a habit of healthy eating and simple workouts in your daily routine. It keeps you healthy and sustains you forever.
The diet of an Indian girl must be rich in protein and iron because protein and iron deficiency is very common among Indian girls especially if she is vegetarian. Non-vegetarian Indian girls should include egg, chicken, fish, and lean meat at least five days a week. It will provide adequate protein and iron. The diet of a vegetarian Indian girl should include paneer, soya chunks, legumes, and other low-fat dairy products. Vegetarian girls must include citrus fruits in their diet, as the vitamin C present in citrus fruits enhances the absorption of iron from a vegetarian diet. Additionally, the diet of Indian girls should be well balanced, including green leafy vegetables, salads, complex carbs, legumes, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, and poultry. Drink plenty of water.
Ideas for fat loss:
1. Don’t do binge eating
2. Emphasize complex carbs, as it reduces cravings. Avoid simple carbs, starchy vegetables, and processed and packaged foods.
3. Opt for lean protein, including low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, legumes, and lean meat. Avoid full-fat dairy and red meat.
4. Include healthy fat in your diet, including nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc. Avoid trans fats and fats very high in omega-6 fatty acids.
5. Include salads, low GI fruits, sprouts, and plenty of water in your diet.
The best diet for losing fat is a well-balanced diet, with controlled calories. Don’t overeat. Drink plenty of water. Emphasize complex carbs (oats, salads, brown bread, multigrain flour, etc.), lean protein (poultry, low-fat dairy, etc.), and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.). Avoid simple carbs (sugar, jaggery, etc.), high fat protein (full-fat dairy, red meat, etc.), unhealthy fats (trans fat and fat high in omega-6 fatty acids), and processed and packaged foods.
You have not accumulated 25 kgs extra weight in one day. So, don’t expect to lose this in a week or month. A healthy diet in addition to proper physical activity is essential to losing this much weight. Limit your calorie intake. Emphasize complex carbs (oats, salads, brown bread, multigrain flour, etc.), lean protein (poultry, low-fat dairy, etc.), and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.). Avoid simple carbs (sugar, jaggery, etc.), high fat protein (full-fat dairy, red meat, etc.), unhealthy fats (trans fat and fat high in omega-6 fatty acids), and processed and packaged foods. If it doesn’t work, meaning you don’t lose any weight by opting for this for a month, contact a healthcare professional. He/ she will guide you regarding this.
Don’t overeat. It is a bad habit, just like poking your nose or not cleaning your hands before eating. Vegetarians should include low-fat dairy products, especially paneer in their daily diet. Soya chunks, rajma, chickpeas, tofu, paneer, etc are good replacements for meat, poultry, and fish. Include complex carbs in your diet (oats, salads, brown bread, multigrain flour, etc.). Opt for healthy fat options, including nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc. Avoid simple carbs (sugar, jaggery, etc.), high fat protein, like full-fat dairy, unhealthy fats (trans fat and fat high in omega-6 fatty acids), and processed and packaged foods.
For reducing weight by eating a South Indian diet, first of all, replace rice with millets in making idlis. Plain ragi dosas and low-calorie appams are also good options. Steamed millet idlis with a bowl full of sambhar is a good option. Don’t eat idli, appams, or dosas with chutney alone, must include a medium bowl full of sambhar with it. Include salads, sprouts, nuts, seeds, low-fat paneer, poultry, and fish in your daily diet.
First of all neither you can gain 10 kg in 1 month nor you can lose it, in normal situations. Don’t overeat. Drink plenty of water. Opt for steamed millet idlis, ragi dosas, and low-calorie appams. Don’t eat idli, appams, or dosas with chutney alone, must include a medium bowl full of sambhar with it. Include salads, sprouts, nuts, seeds, low-fat paneer, poultry, and fish in your daily diet. Additionally, start low resistance exercises at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week.
Some South Indian foods for weight loss include steamed millet idlis, ragi dosas, and low-calorie appams. They are undoubtedly healthy, but still high in carbs. So, you can't depend upon these foods if you desire weight loss. Include salads, sprouts, nuts, seeds, low-fat paneer, poultry, and fish in your daily diet. Drink plenty of water. Avoid binge eating. A well-balanced diet (50-55% from carbs, 25% from protein, and the remaining from fat) having slightly lower calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE, is sufficient to reduce your weight.
First of all, intake of a 1000-calorie diet is not safe. If you continue this for 3 months or more, it will drag you into starvation mode. A well-balanced diet (50-55% from carbs, 25% from protein, and the remaining from fat) having slightly lower calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE, is sufficient to reduce your weight.
However, if you want a 1000-calorie diet plan go through the given link. ………………link.
To reduce weight naturally, the most important aspect is calorie control. A well-balanced diet (50-55% from carbs, 25% from protein, and the remaining from fat) having slightly lower calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE, is sufficient to reduce your weight. Include complex carbs in your diet (oats, salads, brown bread, multigrain flour, etc.). Eat lean protein (low fat paneer, poultry, fish, and legumes). Opt for healthy fat options, including nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc. Avoid simple carbs (sugar, jaggery, etc.), high fat protein, like full-fat dairy, red meat, unhealthy fats (trans fat and fat high in omega-6 fatty acids), and processed and packaged foods.
For beginners, elimination of bad food habits and inclusion of low resistance exercise for 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days a week is good. Here bad food habits mean overeating, eating too late at night, eating simple carbs, and processed and packaged foods. Include complex carbs in your diet (oats, salads, brown bread, multigrain flour, etc.). Eat lean protein (low fat paneer, poultry, fish, and legumes). Opt for healthy fat options, including nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
To lose weight, leave simple carbs (sugar, honey, jaggery, etc), processed foods, and packaged foods today. Increase your physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week). Limit your calorie intake, i.e., don’t overeat. Include complex carbs in your diet (oats, salads, brown bread, multigrain flour, etc.). Eat lean protein (low fat paneer, poultry, fish, and legumes). Opt for healthy fat options, including nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, etc. Avoid simple carbs (sugar, jaggery, etc.), high fat protein, like full-fat dairy, red meat, unhealthy fats (trans fat and fat high in omega-6 fatty acids), and processed and packaged foods.
Workout, especially medium resistance exercise is very important during losing weight. It helps in muscle gain, needed in the formation of a toned body. It also helps in faster fat loss and increases your metabolism.
However, some diets can help you lose weight without doing exercise, it is necessary for the formation of healthy muscles and also to boost your metabolism. It helps in faster fat loss, and muscle gain, and increases your metabolism. A well-balanced diet (50-55% from carbs, 25% from protein, and the remaining from fat) having slightly lower calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE, is sufficient to reduce your weight.
The best way to lose weight is a well-balanced diet in addition to a medium resistance exercise for 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days a week. The formula of a well-balanced diet is 55: 25: 20, i.e, 55 % of your calories should come from carbohydrates, 25% from protein, and the rest from fat. But make one thing very clear in your mind you have to opt for complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats to lose weight.
Make one thing very clear in your mind slow and steady wins the race. The use of supplements and pills to lose weight can give you results in just a few weeks, but in addition, there are severe side effects associated with these products. A healthy well-balanced diet in addition to adequate physical activity gives you the best result. A healthy diet and exercise gradually become the most important part of your daily routine. A well-balanced diet (50-55% from carbs, 25% from protein, and the remaining from fat) having slightly lower calories than the requirement of your body, calculated based on your BMR and TDEE, is sufficient to reduce your weight. Opt for complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats to lose weight.
No, it’s not necessary to do exercise every day of the week. A low resistance exercise for 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days a week, or a high-intensity workout 3-5 days a week can help you in burning fat more effectively, increase metabolism, and helps in muscle build-up. Don't exercise for 2 hours after having a meal.
There is no such rule as losing weight quickly. Some companies boast that their pills and supplements can help you lose weight quickly, but there is not much evidence to prove this. A balanced diet with limited calories and medium to high resistance exercise half an hour per day, at least 5 days a week can help you lose fat, increase muscles, and also increase your metabolism.
First of all, quick weight loss is not healthy weight loss. You can lose weight quickly either by peels and supplements or by taking very low calories. Both of these can cause severe side effects. In the case of quick and unhealthy weight loss, the loss is from water, muscle tissue, and bones. In the case of healthy weight loss i.e., the loss is from water, fat, and glycogen.
Too much eating is a result of too much craving. Eating unhealthy and simple carbs, and processed and packaged foods results in cravings. So, if you replace these food items with complex carbs, nuts, seeds, and adequate amounts of lean protein, you will feel full for a long time. This in turn will result in lesser calorie intake and reduced weight.
There is no such hard and fast rule for quick weight loss. Some companies boast that their pills and supplements will help reduce weight quickly, but there is no strong evidence to prove this. The best way to lose weight is eating a healthy balanced diet with limited calories, in addition to medium to high-intensity exercise for 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days a week.
Intermittent fasting involves regular short-term fasts. Intermittent fasting causes lesser calorie intake due to fasting periods in between. It results in weight loss over time. Additionally, intermittent fasting modifies the risk factor for health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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Millions of people are diagnosed with high cholesterol levels and high triglycerides levels each year. These two may not be too lethal themselves but can give rise to other deadly medical conditions. These include heart attack, stroke, etc. Therefore, it is important to keep the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in check. And we at dietplusminus strongly believe that the best way to lower high cholesterol/triglycerides levels is to follow a healthy diet.
These are two types of fat (lipid) in your blood and therefore are related. They are important for your body. Cholesterol is present in every cell of your body and has structural importance as well as is required to make hormones, vitamin D, etc. Triglycerides are the extra calories that your body stores for energy between meals. But, high quantities of cholesterol/triglycerides in the blood limits blood flow and thus give rise to other serious medical problems.
There are no symptoms and therefore it becomes difficult to know if you have high cholesterol/triglycerides. But, high cholesterol/triglycerides can be detected by blood tests. So, dietplusminus recommends you check your cholesterol and triglycerides levels periodically for early detection.
High triglycerides can also harden your arteries, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. If it goes untreated, you can also develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). High cholesterol/triglycerides are often related to other health conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome, etc.
High cholesterol can be caused by a lot of risk factors. First, a poor/wrong diet is the number one to be discussed. Eating too many saturated fats and trans fats (present in animal products, commercial cookies, crackers, microwave popcorn, etc.) can highly raise the risk. Other foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products also increase the risk. Further, obesity and lack of exercise, smoking, etc. like bad habits can also increase cholesterol. Diabetes and your age also play a role in this.
On the other hand, high triglycerides are usually caused by other conditions such as obesity, untreated diabetes, thyroid, kidney disease, high alcohol consumption, etc. Eating too many calories than you burn regularly can also lead to this condition. Some medications can also raise triglycerides. These include steroids, diuretics, birth control pills, etc. Moreover, your genetics may also play a role.
High cholesterol/triglycerides can be treated with a healthy diet. Firstly, you need to avoid consuming saturated and trans fats. Also, dietplusminus recommends you lower your sugar intake and limit foods with cholesterol. Avoid eating animal organs such as liver, egg yolks, shrimp, etc. Rather you should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, all kinds. You should also consume plenty of soluble fiber (whole-grain cereals, apples, bananas, legumes, lentils, kidney beans, etc.)
Omega-3 fatty acids are your friends, so eat fish. But, make sure to limit salt and alcohol consumption. Lose some weight and maintain a healthy weight. Be more active and quit smoking. Dietplusminus recommends you visit a nutrition expert for a proper diet. If you follow the diet, you can control your cholesterol and triglycerides levels without any medications.
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One of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends is “Intermittent fasting” these days. This is a phenomenon involving alternating cycles of fasting and eating. According to several studies, it can cause weight loss, improve metabolic health, protect against disease and perhaps help you live longer. After going through this article, you will be able to know what intermittent fasting is and why you should care.
Intermittent fasting, an eating pattern, involves cycles of eating and fasting. The main focus of this eating pattern is not on the type of food to eat, but it focuses on the time when you should eat. There are different methods of intermittent fasting, all of which split the day or week into eating periods and fasting periods. Mostly, people fast every day, while sleeping. You just have to extend the period of fasting a little bit longer. It can be done by skipping breakfast, eating the first meal at noon, and the last meal at 8 pm. Technically, you have to fast for 16 hours every day and restrict your eating window to 8 hours. This is the most common pattern of intermittent fasting, commonly known as the 16:8 pattern.
Many people doing intermittent fasting reported that they feel better and more energetic during a fast. Intermittent fasting is fairly easy to do. Hunger is not a big issue, it’s just a matter of a few days. It usually takes some time for your body to get used to not eating for extended periods. Food is not allowed during the fasting period, but you can drink some non-caloric beverages like water, coffee, and tea. Few types of intermittent fasting allow small amounts of low-calorie foods during the fasting period, but, in most types of intermittent fasting, no food is allowed during the fasting period. Supplements during the fasting period are allowed, only if there is no calorie in them.
In short:
Intermittent fasting is a very popular health and fitness trend, with research to back it up. It is an eating pattern having cycles of eating and fasting.
It’s human history too fast, from thousands of years. In those days, it was done due to necessity, because the food was not available every time. After that, fasting was carried out due to religious regions. In several religions, some form of fasting is mandatory, including Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Humans and animals often fast when they are sick. So, it is very natural to do fasting. Our bodies are very well equipped to handle extended periods of fasting. When we don’t eat, the normal processes in the body change. To allow our bodies to thrive during a period of famine, hormones, genes, and important cellular repair processes are involved.
There is a significant reduction in blood sugar and insulin levels when fasted. A drastic increase in human growth hormone is also reported after fasting. As intermittent fasting is a very simple and effective way to restrict calories and burn fat, people do it for losing weight. Intermittent fasting is also done for metabolic health benefits, it is known to improve different risk factors and health markers.
Some research also reported that intermittent fasting can help you live longer Studies in rodents show that it can extend lifespan as effectively as calorie restriction.
Some other studies reported that it can help protect against heart disease, type2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more.
Many people consider intermittent fasting because of its convenience. It is very effective in making your life simpler, in addition to improving your overall health at the same time. You have to plan only a few meals, which will help you make your life more simple. It also saves your time.
In short:
The human body is well adapted to fasting from time to time. According to modern research, intermittent fasting can be beneficial for weight loss, metabolic health, and disease prevention and may even help you live longer.
Intermittent fasting has become very popular in the past few years. There are several types of intermittent fasting. The most popular ones are:
In short:
There are several variations for intermittent fasting. The most popular are the 16:8 method, 5:2 method, and Eat-Stop-Eat method.
To add on
Restricting the eating window and eating healthy foods mindfully during the eating window can have some very impressive health benefits.
Intermittent fasting is very effective in losing fat and improving metabolic health while making your life easier at the same time.
As already discussed, intermittent fasting (IF) is currently one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends. It is being used by people to lose weight, improve overall health, and simplify their lifestyles. The types of intermittent fasting are already discussed in the article.
Several processes happen on the cellular and molecular level when you fast. For example, hormone levels are adjusted by your body to make fat stores of the body more accessible. Your cells also initiate important repair processes and change the expression of genes.
1. Cellular repair: Your cells initiate cellular repair processes, during fasting. Cells digest and remove dysfunctional proteins that build up inside the cells and the process is called autophagy.
2. Human Growth Hormone (HGH): There is a drastic (about 5 folds) increase in levels of growth hormone, skyrocketing. This is very beneficial for fat loss and muscle gain.
3. Insulin: Intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity and also the levels of insulin drop. The lower insulin levels in turn make stored body fat more accessible.
4. Gene expression: It is also reported in some studies that the functions of gene changes are related to longevity and protection against disease.
The main health benefits of intermittent fasting occur due to changes in hormone levels, cell function, and gene expression.
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During fasting, the level of human growth hormone inside the body goes up and the insulin level goes down. Gene expressions within the cells are also changed to initiate the important cellular repair processes.
The main reason for people to try intermittent fasting is weight loss. During intermittent fasting, you eat a lesser number of meals, leading to a significant reduction in calorie intake. In addition to lesser calorie intake, hormone levels in the body also change to enhance weight loss. Both factors work to complement each other and help in losing weight. When fasted, the release of the fat-burning hormone, norepinephrine (noradrenaline) also increases. According to some studies, due to changes in these hormones, short-term fasting increases the metabolic rate by 3.6-14%. So basically, it's a two-sided attack on extra weight, one is you eat fewer and the other is you burn more calories. In various studies, it was reported that intervention of intermittent fasting can be very powerful for weight loss.
According to a study in 2014, intermittent fasting can cause 3-8% of weight loss over 3-24 weeks. It is quite significant weight loss as compared to most weight loss studies.
According to the same study, a significant loss of 4-7 % of waist circumference was also reported. This indicates a great loss of harmful belly fat that builds around your organs and causes various diseases.
In another study, it was reported that intermittent fasting causes less muscle loss than the more standard method of continuous calorie restriction.
It must be kept in mind that these kinds of results are reported only when there is less calorie intake overall. Lower calorie intake is the main reason behind this kind of success. If you fast and eat massive amounts of food during the eating window, you may not lose any weight at all. So, overall mindful eating is important.
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While eating fewer calories, there will be a slight boost in metabolism. It is a very effective way of losing weight and belly fat.
To know the effect of intermittent fasting on both animals and humans, several studies have been done. These studies have reported powerful benefits for weight control as well as for the overall health of your body and brain. Intermittent fasting also claims for longer life in some studies.
1. Inflammation: Some studies show that there are reductions in markers of inflammation, which is responsible for many chronic diseases.
2. Weight loss: Without conscious restriction on calories, intermittent fasting can help you reduce weight and belly fat. The only thing you have to pay attention to is mindful eating.
3. Brain health: Most important among brain health is that intermittent fasting protects against Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, it increases BDNF, the brain hormone, and may aid the growth of new nerve cells.
4. Anti-aging: Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase the lifespan of rats. Studies showed that fasted rats lived 36–83% longer.
5. Cancer: Various studies on animals have suggested that intermittent fasting can prevent cancer.
6. Insulin resistance: Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin resistance, lower blood sugar by 3–6%, and fasting insulin levels by 20–31%, leading to protection against type2 diabetes.
7. Heart health: According to some studies, intermittent fasting can reduce LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood sugar, and insulin resistance, which can lead to heart disease.
Although intermittent fasting proved itself very beneficial, it should be always kept in mind that research is still in its early stages. Most of the studies are done on animals till now. More research is needed in this field.
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Intermittent fasting can be very beneficial for your overall health including your brain. It can help reduce weight and also reduce the risk of diseases like type2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It may also help in increasing the lifespan.
Eating healthy is simple and almost everyone wants to eat healthily. But the main problem is to plan and cook healthy meals. Intermittent fasting can be very helpful for you if you don’t have time to plan and cook healthy foods. In this type of diet, you don’t need to plan, cook or clean up after as many meals as before. Due to this reason, it is very popular among the life-hacking crowd, as it improves your health while simplifying your life at the same time.
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One of the main benefits of intermittent fasting is that it makes you healthy at the same time makes your life simpler. You need to prepare fewer meals. So, I need less time to prepare, cook and clean up after myself.
Intermittent fasting is not for everyone. It’s not right for underweight people. If you have a history of eating disorders, you should not fast without the consultation of a health professional.
In these cases, it can be very harmful.
Some studies show that intermittent fasting may not be as beneficial for women as it is for men. A study reported that it improved insulin sensitivity in men, but worsened blood sugar control in women. According to a study on rats, it was found that intermittent fasting can make female rats emaciated, masculinized, and infertile, and cause them to miss cycles. However, studies on this topic for humans are not available. According to some anecdotal reports, the menstrual period of women stopped when they started intermittent fasting and went back to normal when they resumed their previous eating patterns. Due to the above reasons, it is suggested to women be careful with intermittent fasting. There should be separate guidelines for women, like easing into the practice and stopping immediately if they have any problems like amenorrhea. If you have fertility issues or are trying to conceive, consider holding off on intermittent fasting for now. This eating pattern is likely also a bad idea while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Underweight people or people with eating disorders should avoid fasting. Some studies also report that intermittent fasting can be harmful to some women.
The main side effect of intermittent fasting is hunger. It can also make you feel weak and your brain may not perform as well as you are used to. These side effects may be temporary, as your body can take some time to adapt to the new meal schedule.
If you have any kind of medical issue, you should first consult with your doctor before trying intermittent fasting.
Overall, intermittent fasting has an outstanding safety profile. If you're a healthy and well-nourished person, there is nothing dangerous about intermittent fasting.
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The main side effect of intermittent fasting is hunger, which is temporary and your body will adapt to it in some time. People with certain medical conditions should not start intermittent fasting without consulting with a doctor first.
Most probably, everyone has already done many intermittent fasts in their life. If you’ve ever eaten dinner, then slept late, and not eaten until lunch the next day, then you’ve probably already fasted for 16+ hours. Some people instinctively eat this way. They don’t feel hungry in the morning. Most people consider the 16:8 method the simplest and most sustainable way of intermittent fasting — you might want to try this practice first. If you don’t find any problem with this and feel good during the fast, then try moving on to more advanced fasts like 24-hour fasts 1–2 times per week (Eat-Stop-Eat) or only eating 500–600 calories 1–2 days per week (5:2 diet). Simply skipping meals from time to time when you’re not hungry or don’t have time to cook is another great and convenient approach for intermittent fasting. There is no need to follow a structured intermittent fasting plan to derive at least some of the benefits.
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Normally, it is recommended to start with the 16:8 method. If you don’t feel a problem with this, you can move on to longer fasts. An experiment is important to find a method that works for you.
There is nothing special to do with intermittent fasting. It is just like a slight lifestyle change to improve your overall health. The main focus should be on mindful eating, exercise, and proper sleep. It’s completely upon your choice, if you don’t like the idea of fasting, then you can safely ignore this article and continue to do what works for you. In the end, when it comes to nutrition, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best diet for you will be one which you can carry for a long time. Intermittent fasting is great for some people, but not for all. The only way to find out which group you belong to is the hit & trial method. If you don’t feel it problematic when fasting and find it to be a sustainable way of eating, it can be a very powerful tool to lose weight and improve your health.
Intermittent fasting is becoming a trend nowadays. It claims to cause weight loss, improve metabolic health, and even increase lifespan. There are several methods for intermittent fasting. Every method can be effective, but you have to choose the best suited for you.
Here are 6 popular ways to do intermittent fasting.
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Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
Day 5 |
Day 6 |
Day |
Midnight |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
4 am |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
8 am |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
Fast |
12 pm |
Eating window |
Eating window |
Eating window |
Eating window |
Eating window |
Eating window |
Eating window |
4 pm |
Eating window |
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