PCOD/PCOS is a health disorder characterized by hormonal imbalance and unreasonable weight gain. Women who get diagnosed with PCOD have insulin resistance, that leads to a lack of ovulation and their inability to get pregnant. In such cases, it is important to keep a track of your lifestyle, as well as include essential nutrients and vitamins into your diet. However, the vitamin requirements of each woman suffering from PCOD may vary. It depends on one’s body type, medical background, genetic factors, and lifestyle. Based on these, our health experts at Health Total will give you a personalized food plan and treatment that not only works on your health disorder but also restores a balance in your body. If you suffer from PCOD, then here are 4 vitamins that our health experts recommend for you. Vitamin D Since it is often seen that vitamin D deficiency also affects women with PCOD, a regular supply of this vitamin helps decrease insulin resistance and symptoms of PCOD. Inositol Also known as vitamin B8, inositol improves the symptoms of PCOD and improves your ovulatory functions. Folic Acid Also known as Vitamin B9, folic acid is usually given with inositol to cure PCOD. When combined together, both … Continue reading 4 vitamins that help you fight PCOD →

High cholesterol and diet go hand in hand. If you consume a healthy diet, high in fruits and vegetables, and low in junk food, your cholesterol levels should be under control. However, if you consume a diet high in junk food and low on healthy food items, you may soon fall victim to high cholesterol. Junk food is high in unhealthy trans and saturated fats which lead to a build-up of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is found in two types, namely LDL (low-density lipoproteins) also known as ‘bad cholesterol’ and HDL (high-density lipoproteins) also known as ‘good cholesterol’. High levels of LDL have a see-saw effect on the total cholesterol in the body. As LDL (bad cholesterol) levels rise they lower HDL (good cholesterol). Excess amounts of cholesterol in our system lead to the cholesterol being deposited into the arteries, where it can form into plaque and lead to the following health problems: Severe heart pain Heart attack Stroke Blood clotting But the good news is that adding certain cholesterol-friendly foods, such as fish and chickpeas to your diet can help lower high cholesterol levels, and protect you from these health problems. Get fishy! The high … Continue reading Cholesterol and diet; what’s the connection? →

Take magnesium supplements Every cell in the body requires adequate magnesium to function. Inadequate magnesium will hamper digestion and cause acidity. Drink raw coriander, tomato or carrot juice to improve magnesium intake and aid digestion. Chew your food well Most of us eat food while watching TV, working on the laptop, or in while hurry. Therefore, if food is not chewed properly, large chunks of food are passed down, which is not broken down completely by the system. Our saliva contains digestive enzymes, which breaks down carbohydrates. Since the process of digestion begins in the mouth, the proper chewing of the food can help in better digestion. Furthermore, there is a better absorption of nutrients when the food is chewed well. Increase dietary fiber Fruits and vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber. Thus, they help in cleaning out our system. Moreover, fiber has the ability to soften stools and provide bulk to the stool. However, some people experience discomforts such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, or flatulence on consuming dietary fiber. Such individuals can opt for fiber supplements, which can increase the fiber intake and stimulate bowel regularity. Psyllium is good for bowel stimulation process. Fiber supplements also … Continue reading 6 tips to improve digestion →

  Going by the number of letters I have received in connection with cholesterol and diet, it seems that almost everyone above the age of 35 years is suffering from raised blood lipids.   Cholesterol: the Global Epidemic   Almost everyone has clogging arteries, chromium and zinc deficiencies, which can lead to diabetes. If you have a liver that does not function optimally, a high body fat percentage, low levels of essential nutrients, decaying teeth, bone degeneration, it isn’t something that has happened today that has caused your health to suddenly deteriorate. It is the result of years of unhealthy eating, over work, poor stress management, destructive habits like tobacco and alcohol and poor nutrient intake.   Most people suffering from heart disease show a high heart risk ratio. That is the cholesterol / HDL ratio. This ratio does not only increases the coronary risk but also leads to insulin resistance and type II diabetes and even depresses the immune system. Low levels of the good cholesterol – HDL are mainly due to excessive intake of refined vegetable oils which are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid should be 4:1. Our Indian … Continue reading Cholesterol in a Nutshell →

Think you’re safe from high blood pressure levels, just because you gorge on veggies instead of meat? Well, the bitter truth is, no one is ever safe! Not necessarily The major reason is that vegetarians tend to consume a lot more carbohydrates than the non-vegetarians. However, we must also note that non-vegetarians get limited share of carbohydrates from the food they eat, vegetarians on the other hand have a wider option for carbohydrates. Veg diet v.s non-veg diet The diet that vegetarians follow comprises bread, pasta, chappatis, rice, and dals, which increase the need for insulin. These foods lead to major weight gain, which could lead you on the path to diabetes. Benefits of a modified vegetarian diet A vegetarian diet can be of tremendous benefit to a diabetic if modified with higher fiber, protein, and increased vegetable intake. However, you have to be careful with what you eat, the quantity of the food that you consume.