There are many things today that challenge our digestive system. Mouth-watering delicacies dangling in attractive menus of top restaurants are more than enough to drag us towards them. However, food, edible colors, food chemicals, processing chemicals, additives, and preservatives served by these restaurants coupled with little or no exercise, working late, being sleepless, and facing constant stress have resulted in bad maintenance of our digestive systems. Symptoms of indigestion Symptoms of indigestion include belching, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, burning sensation after eating food, nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, and weakness. These symptoms could be due to a disorder in the stomach or the intestine. Causes of indigestion Certain food and beverages such as alcohol, colas, coffee, fried foods, maida-based foods, spicy and greasy foods, and preserved foods can cause indigestion since they irritate the digestive tract. Liver problems, gall stones, ulcers, and lack of friendly bacteria are other causes. Psychological factors also contribute to indigestion. Stress and digestion Stress, anxiety, and anger can disturb digestion. Indigestion can sometimes be caused by insufficient (HCL) hydrochloric acid in the stomach. HCL is required for digestion of food such as fish, chicken, and meat. HCL levels decline with age. Therefore, older people … Continue reading Why is indigestion a concern →

Cholesterol is a substance produced by the liver and is naturally present in the human body. There are two types of cholesterol, namely LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). A balance in the levels of HDL and LDL are essential for maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in the body. However, several factors may contribute to an imbalance in these levels, which in turn could result in the occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious health disorders. While medications and drugs are commonly used to treat high cholesterol, by simply adding the right foods into your diet, one can effectively lower high cholesterol levels. Learn More: Truth About LDL & HDL Cholesterol Fish & high cholesterol Fish meat is a protein rich food which contains cholesterol, but it’s high Omega 3 fatty acids content makes it an ideal food for lowering and controlling high cholesterol levels. Here is a list of the top cholesterol lowering fish varieties: Salmon Mackerel Tuna Trout Sardines The above mentioned fish are high in essential fish oils, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids, which makes them excellent foods for treating high cholesterol. However, certain varieties of seafood are high in cholesterol, and should … Continue reading 5 reasons to eat fish for managing cholesterol →

Here are 7 lifestyle choices that help reduce or prevent hot flushes that women experience during menopause: Dressing matters Dress in layers, so that you can remove clothes as needed. Wear natural fabrics such as cotton. Lesser stress helps Reduce stress with the help of relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga. Keep ice water or cold beverage handy. Nice shower helps Take a nice shower before going to bed. Bed sheets matter Make sure that you use cotton bed sheets or blankets. Cool your body temperature When hot flushes appear, try to cool the body temperature with sprays or moist wipes. Stay away from hot flush triggers Avoiding hot flush triggers such as spicy food, alcohol, hot weather, sauna, stress, anger, and cigarettes helps you a great deal in managing hot flushes. Ayurveda is helpful Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi, Ashoka, Shatavari, and supplements of isoflavones are highly effective in reducing hot flushes. Most women would benefit a great deal from the remedies mentioned above. However, if your hot flushes are severe and you do not get the relief that you are looking for, your doctor may suggest a limited course of hormone replacement therapy to make your … Continue reading 7 lifestyle choices to reduce hot flushes during menopause →

Many people these days are wary of the word ‘cholesterol’. However, contrary to the bad reputation it has received lately, cholesterol is essential for several important body functions including nerve heath and cell strength. Cholesterol friendly foods A fat-free diet may not be the best way to control cholesterol because not all fats are bad; what’s important is that you eat the right type of fat. Cholesterol is produced by our liver and is also found in the foods we eat. Foods high in calories and saturated fats raise the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while lowering the HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Conversely, unsaturated fats (MUFA) such as those found in mustard oil, rice bran oil, olive oil increase HDL levels and lower LDL levels. High levels of LDL could precipitate serious health conditions including heart disease. Apart from eating a well balanced diet, the following recommendations could help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. What to include Include some carbohydrates from whole grain in your meal. Many people cut down on carbohydrates assuming that they increase weight. However, carbohydrates offer a range of health benefits that you cannot afford to ignore. Dietary fiber The dietary fiber found in cereals, fruits, vegetable … Continue reading Understanding Cholesterol →

High blood pressure refers to a common condition where the long-term force of blood against our artery walls is high enough to eventually cause health problems such as heart disease. Our blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood our heart pumps and the extent of resistance to blood flow in our arteries. In simple terms, the more blood our heart pumps and the narrower our arteries, the higher our blood pressure. Here is a list of the symptoms of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Consistent headaches Feeling of nausea & uneasiness Discomfort in the stomach with a consistent urge to vomit Dizziness & feeling lightheaded Feeling of unsteadiness & vertigo Blurred or double vision (diplopia) Nosebleeds Palpitations Breathlessness or shortness of breath Common symptoms for children with high blood pressure Regular headaches Feeling of fatigue Blurred vision Nosebleeds Bell’s palsy (an inability to control facial muscles on one side of the face) High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension is a major health issue today, which typically do not have many symptoms, but can have serious health consequences, if not treated in time.