Did you know that one regular peg or two ounces of gin, vodka, rum, or scotch contains about 150 calories? Even a four-ounce-glass of port wine is about 170 calories. Alcohol increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid and gastric juices in the stomach stimulating our appetite. It also strips the body of vital nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B and C. Thus, dehydrating is the effect of alcohol that the body uses up 240ml water to metabolize one ounce of pure alcohol. The water needed is drawn from the cells leaving us high and dry. It dehydrates the skin making it prone to wrinkles. When taken on an empty stomach, it instantly enters the bloodstream and delivers a greater punch compared with drinking on a full stomach. Food impedes alcohol absorption. Moreover, alcohol upsets blood sugar making you insulin resistant and more prone to weight gain. Booze in moderation does not harm the skin, but more than two glasses of alcohol a day robs the skin of its moisture. If we cross our drinking quota on a particular night, try to replace lost water by drinking lots of fluids the next day and eating something salty to retain the … Continue reading Alcohol and dieting →

When the amount of fat or sugar intake does not get used or converted into energy, it leads to an increase in weight or obesity. The area around your abdomen or belly area is the first body part to get affected. If you are wondering about the different reasons for obesity, here are the five major ones. The Great Genes It’s all right there in your genes. If you are from a background where obesity runs in the family, then there are high chances of your getting affected with it. Our genes have a strong effect on our health and obesity is one of the things that can be inherited through our genes. Poor Diet When a person is unable to get his diet under control or mismanages his diet, it leads to obesity. If you are someone who doesn’t eat at proper intervals or eats frequently then you are sure to get affected with this lifestyle disorder. Sleep Deprived If you are someone who loves watching late night movies or spends the night on the internet, then your health is at threat. People who sleep less or deprive themselves of sleep tend to put on weight faster and are … Continue reading 5 main causes leading to obesity →

One of the worst consequences incorrect dieting can bring about is sagging skin. Most women in their twenties and thirties have enough skin elasticity and hence, they rarely face this problem. However, post fifty, a lot of women experience sagging skin after a quick weight loss programme. This can certainly be avoided by taking vitamin, mineral, and essential oil supplements such as vitamins A, B-Complex and C, GLA, and flaxseed oil. If you are under sixty, the looseness usually disappears within three months after the weight is maintained. Weight loss that is sensible and steady will hardly have such problems. Dry skin leads to the formation of wrinkles. Many women complain that after a day or two of fasting, their skin looks dry and parched. Wrinkles are likely to appear on very low-calorie diets followed for a prolonged period of time. Most women follow their own patterns of weight loss, which includes missing breakfast and lunch and eating a moderate dinner. This brings about a severe cut in the calorie consumption and also creates water loss leading to de-hydration. This in turn brings about wrinkle formation. The salt and carbohydrates you get from your regular diet, bind water in the … Continue reading Dieting disasters lead to sagging skin →

This dark leafy green is extremely rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals; and are every diabetics superhero when it comes to managing blood sugar and BP levels. Diabetes management Infused with antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid, spinach prevents oxidative stress-induced changes in diabetic patients. It is also known to increase insulin sensitivity and lower glucose levels. Cancer prevention Green vegetables like spinach contain chlorophyll which blocks the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines that are produced while cooking at a high temperature. Asthma prevention Consumption of spinach helps you stay away from asthma since it is an excellent source of beta-carotene which supplies you with a good amount of nutrients. Foods like apricots, carrots, pumpkin, and broccoli are also rich sources of beta-carotene. Lowering blood pressure For someone who is suffering from high blood pressure, it is recommended to include spinach in your diet. It negates the effect of sodium and helps you balance your blood pressure levels. Bone health Vitamin K is quite essential for healthy bones.  It acts as a modifier of bone matrix and decreases your chance of bone fracture. Spinach is rich in Vitamin K that improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium. Promotes regularity Spinach … Continue reading 7 ways spinach helps manage diabetes and BP →

Every time you puff on a cigarette, your increasing your chances of getting diabetes. Follow these 7 tips, to help lower your risk of getting diabetes. Quit smoking The foremost thing a person is required to do to stay from diabetes is to quit smoking. The success rate for such a bold move is much higher than those who use other methods. Replenish antioxidants Replenish your intake of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin A, C and E. and Selenium, which abounds in fresh fruits and vegetables. These help you achieve the results faster. Go for fruits and veggies Choose fruits and vegetables that have high water content as these help to even out the drying effects of nicotine and caffeine. Once you overcome this, nothing can stop you keeping away from diabetes. Fiber it up Increased fiber content in the diet helps pick and eliminate toxins, thus detoxifying your body alongside. Detoxification helps clean your liver, and also speeds up the entire process. Opt for a high fiber diet comprising of foods such as wheat bran, whole pulses, jowar, bajra, fruits and vegetables, which would provide you with the necessary bulk to prevent constipation. Go for an alkaline diet An … Continue reading If you smoke, follows these tips to keep diabetes away →