New findings published in the Lancet medical journal say the risk of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy is higher than previously thought, but doctors say women need to weigh the risk against the severity of menopause symptoms.
Total calories: 121.5 kcal
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If you are genetically prone to early balding or greying of hair, blame your ancestors. But largely, hair health depends on your blood circulation and nutrition. Hair colour is the result of pigmentation attributed to the presence of certain specific chemicals known as eumelanin and pheomelanin (broadly referred to as melanin).
The stem cells at the base of hair follicles are responsible for producing melanocytes, the cells that produce and store pigment in hair and skin. In general, the more melanin present, the darker the hair colour; the less melanin, the lighter the hair colour.
Grey hair is usually associated with aging, but this is not always the case. The change in hair colour is caused by the gradual decrease of pigmentation that occurs when melanin ceases to be produced in the hair root and new hair grows in without pigment. The death of the melanocyte stem cells causes the onset of greying.
Early greying of the hair is basically hereditary. Since hair is made up of protein, low protein intake can result in a change of hair colour, change its texture making it look dull and lifeless, and cause unnecessary thinning.
Stress can also influence greying of hair. A person experiencing a prolonged period of stress, worry and anxiety may notice premature greying of hair, over a period of time. This is because prolonged stress brings about biochemical changes within the body and may cause premature greying of hair.
Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, refined flour and sugar, red meat, and fried, spicy, and acidic foods can reduce the moisture, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the hair follicles, subsequently leading to premature greying.
A drop-in melanin can be due to vital minerals like copper, selenium, iron and calcium and vitamins like B12 and folic acid. Chronic illness such as diabetes, pernicious anemia, albinism or thyroid malfunction too can stop or affect the production of melanin.
Greying of hair at an early age is primarily due to hereditary reasons or due to intense stress, but lack of a balanced and wholesome diet, rich in nutrients plays a pivotal role in early greying of hair.
Read more: Home remedies for hair fall
Many hair problems are due to faulty genes or too much of the male hormone testosterone. But you can improve your hair health by changing your diet and taking vitamin supplements. For a personalised hair care plan, call our toll-free 1800-266-0607 to book your appointment.
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Most of us experience an upset stomach occasionally. The discomfort is usually temporary and not serious. A mildly upset stomach is generally caused by eating too much, too soon. Most people are relieved of it after a few hours. But, if the trouble starts after consuming food and is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, the usual causes can be food poisoning and viruses.
Some common causes of stomach upset include food poisoning, virus infection, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain medications. The chronic stomach upset can be caused by allergies to foods like wheat and milk, ulcers, certain cancers, and Crohn’s disease. Severe stomach upset can be due to appendicitis and pancreatitis. Gastrointestinal reflux can sometimes cause constant heartburn or severe abdominal pain. These reflect in symptoms such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, gas, heartburn, stomach ache, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Each of us has endless remedies to share when our stomach is troubled. Health Total experts recommend the following foods that have a soothing effect on your stomach:
Peppermint: It is one of the most soothing foods for an upset stomach and helps to calm nausea. Peppermint tea also helps in providing relief to women who are suffering from morning sickness.
Cardamom Seeds: It controls intestinal gas and lessens stomach upset.
Coriander Seeds: It helps to relieve indigestion and gas.
Fennel Seeds: These seeds relieve bloated stomach, indigestion, and gas.
Ginger: This spice prevents stomach ailments. You can have it raw or in the form of ginger tea.
Banana: It provides satiety, is light on the stomach and replenishes essential nutrients lost due to stomach ailments.
We all tend to skip food altogether while suffering from stomach upset. Skipping meals not only depletes our energy levels but also weakens our immune system, which helps to fight infections. However, if we make the right choices and avoid the trigger foods, we can cope up with the stomach problems in a better way.
If you have an acid stomach (burning sensation) try eating half a cup of overcooked rice with curd. It can soothe your stomach immediately.Besides these, yogurt, oatmeal, soft fruits, and vegetables are other options to relieve stomach upset. If symptoms persist for more than a day along with green coloured diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and fever, consult your physician immediately.
You can also book a consult with Health Total experts for personalised diet plans to improve digestion. Call toll-free 1800-266-0607 for a FREE consultation .
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All of us fall sick on certain occasions. However, the severity and duration of the illness are different for different individuals. Our bodies are constantly attacked by toxins present in our environment. Everyday our immune system has to deal with polluted air, processed food, and contaminated water. It provides soldiers to your body to be able to deal with the attack of pollutants in your environment. A frail immune system escalates the chances of falling sick.
Your symptoms of frequent exposure to infections, low energy, are typical of low immunity. Factors like stress, improper nutrition, chronic disease, poor liver function, underactive thyroid, and toxins impact our immunity. Despite the constant attack by toxins, there are many natural ways to boost the immune system and stay away from monsoon maladies.
Turmeric or Haldi is an excellent preventive remedy for monsoon maladies. Take ½ tsp of turmeric powder mixed with ½ tsp of honey twice a day to prevent a cold. It also helps relieve bloat and indigestion which seems to increase during the rainy season. It boosts the immune system and prepares it to fight disease. You may also drink fresh turmeric juice. Simply blend the fresh turmeric with a little water, strain it and drink 30 ml of this freshly prepared turmeric juice once a day to boost immunity.
Ginger is valuable for immunity boosting according to Ayurveda. Include raw ginger in your regular diet. If you suffer from hyperacidity, use it cautiously. Ginger tea is used as a remedy against flu, colds, sore throat, nasal congestion, and sinus pain. Being heat-producing and anti-clotting, it should be consumed in small quantities.
Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood cells to fight bacteria and viral diseases. If you have a cold, cough and congestion- Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with an equal quantity of ginger juice and consume it frequently.
They are rich in anti-oxidants like eugenol, limonene and hence boost immunity. Cumin seeds are rich in iron, Vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system. Black cumin seeds are also used as a natural medicine in treating asthma.
It has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage. This expectorant is useful in various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chewing a clove bud eases sore throats.
In an acute attack of a common cold or migraine headache, put Ajwain powder in a thin cloth and smell it frequently. Also, drinking hot water after chewing Ajwain reduces phlegm and cough. When suffering from cold drink water boiled with 3gms of Ajwain and 3gms of Cinnamon bark thrice a day for a few days. This helps reduce the discomfort of cold to a great extent
These are very effective in treating diseases caused by a weakened immune system. Kalonji seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids i.e. Linoleic acid. Linolenic acid is important constituents for the production of immune cells and for the growth and maintenance of the nervous system. You can add onion seeds to vegetables, dals, and chutneys.
In addition to these foods, make certain lifestyle changes to further improve the health of the immune system:
Get sufficient sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation for a long time weakens the immune system. This is one of the main reasons for inviting disease condition. Avoid Stress. Stress not only affects people emotionally but also impacts physically by weakening the immune system. A well-balanced diet protects the body by providing the necessary vitamins and minerals which keeps a person healthy. Exercise boosts the immune system and promotes overall health. Maintain a proper gap between two meals. The previous meal should get digested fully before you eat the next one.
Timely gap will allow the body to absorb nutrients in a proper way and this will boost up your energy level and your immunity. Reduce refined sugar, white flour in your diet. They tend to lower down your immunity levels. Include vegetable juice made from carrot (2), fresh amla (1), fresh Haldi (3 inches) ginger(1 inch), beetroot (1/2)and pinch of rock salt. This is a very simple and good remedy to boost immunity.
With a strategy that combines a healthy diet, supplements and lifestyle management, you will be able to make it through this monsoons without much trouble.
(As published in Hindustan Times dated August 26, 2019)
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More than one million Canadians suffer from alcohol use disorder in any given year. But most never get the professional help they need, according to researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.
