We can begin by eliminating milk and milk products from our diet. Usually, people with IBS are found to be deficient in lactose, the enzyme that digests the sugar present in milk. Undigested lactose in the body gets fermented by the bacteria present in the gut, which causes bloating, pain, and cramps. We can gradually increase the fiber content in our diet. Fiber helps in making the stools bulky and waterlogged, enabling them to pass easily. If diarrhea is the main symptom, we must eat ripe banana, apples, curd, and pureed vegetables. These contain soluble fiber that proves useful, especially to manage diarrhea. For instance, the pectin present in apples and carrots is known to possess stool binding properties. If constipation is the main symptom, we need to increase our intake of insoluble fiber. This is present in whole grains such as oats (jav), bajri, jowar, makai atta, ragi, and wheat bran. We must never rush through our meals. Eat slowly and chew our food thoroughly. Not only does this help in digestion, but it also helps ease any discomfort we might be experiencing in the digestion process. We must eat smaller and more frequent meals rather than have two … Continue reading Managing IBS through diet →

Cholesterol has often been termed as the enemy, since high levels of cholesterol are often the culprit behind a heart attack or stroke. But the truth if the matter is, that our body needs cholesterol to function properly and carry out a number of important functions. Cholesterol is present naturally in the body in two types, namely LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and HDL (high-density lipoproteins). It is an essential fat which provides stability to every cell in the body. While both these types of cholesterol are required for the healthy functioning of the body, high levels of LDL also known as ‘bad cholesterol’ can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries. This can put one at risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. HDL: The well-behaved cholesterol HDL is also known as ‘good cholesterol’ or ‘well-behaved’ cholesterol. Compared to other cholesterol particles, HDL cholesterol particles are denser in nature and thus known as high-density lipoproteins. HDL cholesterol plays a lead role in protecting us from serious health problems caused due to high levels of LDL. HDL moves through the bloodstream and flushes out excess levels of harmful LDL cholesterol particles. It keeps the arteries clean and prevents plaque from … Continue reading How to raise HDL cholesterol →

Used in most Indian curries, turmeric has almost no calories (1 tablespoon = 24 calories) and zero cholesterol. This spice is used for nearly every health condition – right from smallpox to a sprained ankle, digestion, arthritis, immunity and even in cancer treatment. The reason for its health effects is the compound called curcumin. Just as oranges are rich in Vitamin C, turmeric is a source of curcumin. But before we tell you more about this compound, let’s understand the difference between these two. Curcumin Vs Turmeric Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in turmeric. Turmeric, on the other hand, is the root of a plant known as Curcuma Longa and that’s probably where curcumin gets its name from. Curcumin belongs to a family of chemicals known as curcuminoid. Apparently, curcumin works on multiple functions and processes, so it can cure everything from pain and inflammation to tumors. Best Ways to Take Turmeric You can combine it with fat to obtain all its nutrients. When you eat it with healthy fats like coconut oil or ghee, the curcumin in turmeric can be easily absorbed in the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. We all know that turmeric milk … Continue reading Effects of Turmeric And Curcumin on Health →

What Is Detoxification? Detoxification means removing harmful or potentially damaging substances from our bodies, diet and our overall lifestyle. Detoxification is a process which is naturally done inside your body to flush out all the unwanted toxins out of your system. It is an essential function of the body, wherein it needs to be perpetually working and interacting with various functions within the body. Our Liver is the main organ involved in detoxification and bulk of activities are done by it, other parts of the body such as intestinal tract, the kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin are also involved in this complex process. However, unlike certain other systems in our human body, it is very difficult to judge how well our liver and certain other internal cleansing organs are functioning. This is the reason that some external support is needed to aid the body to clear out toxins effectively. The aim of any detoxification regime is primarily to help the internal organs involved in elimination so that toxins present in the body can be metabolized and excreted properly. Common Type of Toxins Food preservatives, additives, and artificial sweeteners. Air pollutants including industrial waste material & vehicle fumes. Cosmetics, hair dyes, … Continue reading 5 reasons to detoxify your body for improved energy levels →

A good digestive system enables good health. If we enjoy good digestion, the food we eat is absorbed and carried to its destination. However, at times, the food simply passes through the intestines without being digested, which make us feel uneasy and bloated. Many people are weighed down with annoying conditions such as nausea, bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, lack of appetite, foul smelling stools, or constipation alternating with diarrhea. Emotional stress is known to aggravate these symptoms, which are collectively known as the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by a disturbance in the movement of the Gastro Intestinal (GI) tract. Wittingly or unwittingly, many of us abuse our GI tract with our habits of overeating and consuming excess quantity of sugar, coffee, alcohol, and maida. Further, inadequate chewing, lack of fiber, irregular eating hours, inadequate rest, and stress all add up to abuse our GI tract. A poorly functioning GI tract could be the root cause of several health issues. It is often confusing to know whether you really have IBS because most disorders of IBS and GI tract display similar symptoms. Moreover, there are a few other conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus that display … Continue reading What is irritable bowel syndrome →