9 natural detoxifying foods

Press instant restart on your system by signing up for a detoxification program designed by nature

Turmeric:

While recent studies have hailed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, Ayurveda has valued this spice for centuries for its staggering medicinal properties. What makes it relevant for those wishing to detox is its power to help the liver get rid of harmful compounds. Since the primary purpose of a detoxification exercise is to support the organs of elimination like liver, turmeric comes to the rescue and its antioxidants play a critical role in combating the cell damage that can stack up with age. So, a tablespoon of turmeric a day, is enough to considerably set your insides right.

Apples:

Packed with fibre, and especially pectin which helps in cleansing the intestinal tract, apples can clear it of accumulated toxins and undigested food particles. This assumes more significance considering how essential it is to include a variety of fibres in the diet to maximise detoxification.

Garlic:

Garlic's high sulphur content not only tones the skin and makes your hair more lustrous, it also fires up the detoxification process. The liver must neutralise toxins with sulphur until it is excreted in a process called sulfation. To smoothen this proc- ess, include more sulphurrich foods like garlic in your diet. Three cloves per meal should do you good.

Lemons:

Never miss a chance to add some fresh lemon juice to the water you drink or the food you eat. Lemon gets a lot of credit for warding off the cold, but its ability to aid healthy digestion and elimination is often overlooked. It may be the lemon's tart taste that encourages bile flow which helps digestion. Even its peels are rich in antioxidants that support detoxification.

Flaxseeds:

Fibre-powered flaxseeds can help keep many diseases at bay and its mix of nutrients helps internal cleansing. Since flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, they facilitate smooth bowel movement and prevent the re-absorption of cholesterol from the colon. Sprinkle a few tablespoons into your morning smoothie or salad.

How to use ginger for better health

It is a well known fact that a majority of Indians prefer home remedies to OTC drugs. The use of ginger is numero uno when it comes to curing common cold and cough.

But there are other reasons why ginger is a remedial herb. Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop.com shares some top tips and methods to use ginger for various ailments. Read on to discover how you can use ginger for better health.

Why is ginger important?

Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee explains the importance of ginger, "Ginger is very popularly used in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestion and respiratory disorders. It is a wonderful carminative, ant flatulent, stimulant and expectorant." She adds, "Ginger has many useful minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and few others."


Ginger as an appetizer?

Our specialist also makes a unique point about the benefits ginger, "When used before meals, ginger improves appetite by igniting jatharagni (digestive fire) due to its hot potency. It also enhances digestion due to its pungent taste and alleviates ama (toxins of indigestion) from the body."


Besides cold, ginger is useful for...

"Fresh juice of ginger is used to cure symptoms of cough and cold. It helps stop watery discharge from nose and help cure headache and fever associated with common cold if taken in tea or as decoction with basil and honey," Dr. Jaishree continues to list hidden benefits of ginger.

How is ginger beneficial for travellers?

"Ginger regulates digestive enzymes and improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to body tissues. When kept in mouth before travelling it helps combat motion sickness."

Did you know, ginger is good for joint pain?

The doctor let's you in on a secret, "Dried ginger or sounth has analgesic and anti inflammatory properties which is used therapeutically to alleviate joint pain and inflammation in arthritis. Other than these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily."  

Fitness facts all women must know

Not finding the time for fitness due to household chores and grocery shopping? To ward away hazardous ailments and keep yourself toned, it is important to adhere to a set fitness regime.

Many Indian women, particularly after reaching a certain age, feel that good looks do not matter much. However, the discussion here is not about good looks but of health. A fitness routine is as important for older women as it is for a teenager or a young girl.

Regular physical activity will not only help you tackle weight-related issues but will also enable you to prevent conditions associated with weight gain, like rheumatoid arthritis and varicose veins. Still not motivated enough? Here's a list of some important fitness facts for women that will help you to get moving.

Avoid obesity: With the dangerous bulging obesity ratios in India, recent statistics revealed that almost one in six women in the country are overweight and are in dire need to trim for avoiding health hazards associated with obesity. This is due to the increased adoption of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits.

30 minutes a day: Your fitness level can be improved by merely adding a few minutes of movement into your daily routine. According to fitness experts; just 30 minute workout for 5 days a week is sufficient to overcome the adverse effects of inactivity and sedentary lifestyle.

You can also incorporate minor changes in your daily lifestyle like taking the stairs instead of the lift, parking the car in the last row of the parking lot and walking briskly for a few minutes between your parked car and your office.

The importance of de-stressing: Women are more prone to stress and pressure as compared to men and this, in turn, leads to various health issues. Work on basic relaxation and breathing techniques whenever you can - even while performing your regular chores.

Muscle and joint pain: Be careful not to neglect any kind of muscle tightness or joint pains as everything in your body are interlinked with each other. Overlooking such fitness factors may affect the proper functioning of other body joints and muscles as well. Hence, ensure that you address such issues at the earliest.

Cardio and weight training: The ideal fitness program for women should include exercises that increase their muscle tone and elevate their heart rate. A continuous, repetitive aerobic workout plan that affects all the large muscle groups in their body is the best option, when coupled with adequate strength training to retain and develop bone density.
Consistency: To see any form of measurable changes in your fitness levels, you should continue your workout and fitness program for a minimum of 12-13 weeks.

How to improve balance in older people

Falling down and losing balance is one of the most common problems with old age. As age progresses, parents will complain of loss of balance and dizziness.

Falls can lead to complications that in turn can lead to disability. Hence with the help of our fitness experts we build a good foundation based on exercise that build and strengthen your muscles. Here are some interesting exercises that will help you re-gain your footing.

Strength and conditioning coach, Arnav Sarkar gives you a practical guide to boost your muscle groups. He explains, "With loss of activity the body starts losing strength, endurance and flexibility, and thus basic movements like walking become a challenge for some. The best way to combat this is to keep exercising and focus on working all the major muscle groups."

He lists basic exercises to follow, "A basic exercise that should be a staple would include squats, do half range or sit on a chair if normal full range is not possible. Besides do some lying hip extensions, light to moderate weight training, and of course do some stretching, cardiovascular activity like walking, climbing stairs to keep your body strong and not let things like balance become an issue for you."

Jordyn Steig, our fitness guru, expert columnist and founder of Wellistic Wholeness, breaks down the facts further he says, "Fit people in general fall less often than those whose muscles are weak and joints are less mobile. Almost any exercise will enhance older people's agility and keep their muscles and bones stronger than they would be if they remain sedentary."

Jordyn says, "The best way to remain light on ones feet and learn how to naturally react to being thrown off of our centers, which causes falling, is to engage in exercise which destabilises the body. Destabilising the body simply means ensuring that whatever exercise one is doing, the body needs to stabilise itself rather than letting the floor or a fixed object like a bench or a stool hold our bodies still."

He lets you in on his personal preference, "I tend to use an exercise ball to lie or sit on or a wobble board to stand on or hold straps (like the TRX Suspension Training System) to allow clients to pick one foot off the ground or stand on their tip-toes for every possible exercise during a workout.

The basic effect is to require our core muscles to stabilise our body. When these methods are practiced regularly, I see a very quick change in a person's coordination and agility, as well as an increase in mobility in their joints. This decreases the chances of falling when one is slightly knocked off their centre and also makes a person, supple, fit, and strong."    

Every woman needs one of these six friends

Bonding with your gal pals is the best way to deal with life's ups and downs, here are six types that every women relies on for advice and emotion support

We need different friends to fulfill different needs. Some make good counsellors, others are good listeners and some are miss fix-its.

Each one plays an important role in our lives, and we cannot do without them. Here are six types of friends every woman needs in her life.


The new friend:

As much as we love our old friends, it's always nice to meet new people and add them to your friends list. New friends add a spark to your life, and help you re-evaluate your world, adding a new perspective to your life.They inspire and excite you, motivating you to get out of the routine and try something new.


The counsellor:Can't afford a shrink?

She is your best bet. She will listen to all your problems and offer you sound advice without being critical or judgmental of your situation.You can rant about the problems you are having at work, in your relationship or with any situation that requires your attention.


The strong as a rock friend:

She has been there with you like a solid rock in the ups and downs of your life. She knows you better than anybody and has seen and handled your various mood swings. You have had your share of fights, arguments and misunderstandings and have worked your way through it. You love each other and are inseparable.


The fun friend:

This one knows how to have a great time and she is the one who does not mind adding that crazy energy to your life. She always knows where the happening parties are and does not believe in getting home till the sun rises.


The honest one:

She will not say things to please you, and will not shy away from telling you the truth no matter what.


The mother hen:

She is the one you go to when in need for some TLC. She is gentle and comforting and will fix you a quick meal when your feeling down in the dumps. She will not lecture you, but will comfort you like a mother.  

Study says BP drugs may lower Alzheimer’s risk

Common blood pressure drugs may cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.

U.S. researchers found beta blockers — prescribed since the 1960s to lower blood pressure — may protect against changes in the brain, which could be signs of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

Having high blood pressure in middle age puts patients more at risk of developing these conditions, as well as heart and circulatory disorders, the Daily Mail reported.


In a study, researchers examined the brains of 774 elderly Japanese-American men after death. They had all taken part in the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.


Of the men, 610 had high blood pressure or were being treated for high blood pressure.


Among the 350 who had been treated, 15 per cent had received beta blockers alone, 18 per cent had been given beta blockers plus another high blood pressure medication and the rest had received other blood pressure drugs.


The study found that all types of high blood pressure treatments were clearly better at protecting the brain than no treatment, according to preliminary data presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in San Diego.


But men who had been given beta blockers as their only blood pressure medication had fewer brain abnormalities compared with those who had not been treated for hypertension, or those who had received other high blood pressure drugs.


The brains of men who had received beta blockers along with other high blood pressure medication showed an intermediate reduction in brain abnormalities.


“These results are exciting, especially since beta blockers are a common treatment for high blood pressure,” study author Dr. Lon White, of the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute in Honolulu, said.     

Clear myths to ensure a healthy heart

The source of information, or misinformation, can be anything - a neighbour, a commercial, something you had read "a long time back" - but over time, it often becomes something we staunchly believe in.

Cardiologists say that in the process of treatment of many of their patients, they have to battle myths, some more common than others, which, if cleared, can go a long way in ensuring a healthy heart and a healthy future.


Among some of the most common myths related to heart care, according to renowned cardiologist Ashok Seth, is that all kinds of exercise is good for the cardiovascular system. "A 45-minute brisk walk, or aerobic exercise is good for your heart. But weightlifting and gym exercises are not necessarily good for your cardiovascular health," Seth said. It's also a misconception that women are less prone to cardiovascular ailments.


"Cardiovascular disease is the biggest cause of death in women, six times more than breast cancer," Seth said. "But traditionally it's seen that in most Indian families this doesn't appear as a concern vis-a-vis a woman's health. If the man has a slight discomfort, they rush to the hospital, but the women, maybe because they have a high tolerance level, simply ignore any such discomfort".

"Even while going for health check-ups, a mammogram or a pap smear test is listed (to detect cancer), but not a heart check-up, which is very necessary," he added.


Agreed K.K. Talwar, cardiologist at Delhi's Max hospital. "Although women have the protection cover of the estrogen hormone, lifestyle habits like smoking, unhealthy eating habits and contraceptive pills make them prone (to heart ailments). And after menopause, the risk increases," Talwar said.

That the young cannot be affected by heart ailments is another myth, Talwar says.

"It's no longer true that only those in their 50s and 60s can have cardiovascular problems. Even those in their 30s are coming with such problems these days. In fact, because of lifestyle habits like junk food, alcohol consumption and smoking, plus stress, they are prone to acute heart attacks that can be fatal," he said.

According to Talwar, about 20 percent of heart attack patients in Max hospital are in the 30-40 age group. In the West this number is 5 to 10 percent lower because South Asians are more prone to cardiovascular problems at a younger age than their Western counterparts. "Five to seven percent of those who come for angiography are below the age of 35," Talwar told IANS.

Health benefits of different types of tea

Indian's love their strong chai, but today there are wide varieties of tea in the market besides our masala and ginger chais.

We have heard claims about green tea being good for weight loss and chamomile tea reducing stress, but what are the other kinds of teas and what are their health benefit claims? We take a look at the flourishing tea market, its vast and interesting varieties and the health benefits of different kinds of tea available to us today.

How to brew oolong tea:
- Bring water to a boil and use this water to rinse and heat up the tea cups.
- Add the oolong leaves to the tea pot and add boiling water to it.
- Cover the tea pot for max three minutes.
- Serve the tea while it's hot.
- Tip: You can reuse the leaves a couple of times too
Health benefits of oolong tea: This tea is partially fermented and is fast catching up as a weight loss remedy. Besides this, oolong tea is beneficial for lowering bad cholesterol, healthy for type 2 diabetics, patients with heart diseases, reduces high blood pressure, prevents tooth decay and improves your skin thanks to antioxidants.


The research on these claims are in the preliminary stages, so there is no hard hitting evidence to prove these facts. Some brief research results (keep in mind that these are inconclusive):

-Oolong tea blocked oxidation by 50% over 15 days.
-Primary research suggests that oolong tea increases metabolism, burns fat and blocks fat absorption. But the extent is not yet clear.
-Research says that this tea reduces cholesterol and increases plasma adiponectin levels which saves you from the epidemic of obesity.
-When it comes to skin disease like eczema, a study reveals that if you drink one liter of oolong tea, your skin will show moderate improvement after a month.
-Another study claims that oolong tea prevents the formation of enzymes that cause 'plaque' on your teeth.


How to brew peppermint tea:

- Take fresh sprig of peppermint, use only the leaves and make them into small bits.
- Let dry for 24 hours in the sun, making the leaves crispy.
- In a vessel, bring the water to boil and add two tablespoons of peppermint tea.
- Let it boil for 20 minutes and add a twig of fresh mint to the water.
- Strain the leaves in a pot and add sugar to taste.

Health benefits of peppermint tea:

 Don't get flustered by peppermint tea, it simply means pudina tea, essentially tea brewed from pudina. This is herbal tea and peppermint has medicinal properties for an upset tummy, or so the claims suggest. A point to note, peppermint oil has been clinically tested and it has shown relaxation effects on gastrointestinal tissue. The tests also mention that peppermint oil builds immunity and is beneficial for cancer patients for its 'chemopreventive potential'. Peppermint oil can also be used as an antioxidant, based on research.

Top 5 healthiest alcohol drinks

Plan to go drinking but afraid you may gain weight? Fret not! There are alcoholic drinks that have less calories and that do not make you gain weight as much as their counterparts. We give you top five healthiest alcoholic drinks to try this weekend.

Healthiest Alcohol Drinks

Vodka Soda

Hip hop artists endorse it as the 'cool quotient drink', but the Russians believe it is a cure to all their problems and they might just be on to some thing. In several cultures, Vodka is used as an alternative medicine. Consume no more than 1-2 units (30ml each) of Vodka at one go.


Bellini

Bellini is prepared with champagne orange or peach juice. Champagne is rich in antioxidants which is beneficial for your skin. When you add orange or peach to champagne you are adding vitamin A, B and C to your drink. The juices are good sources for calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, niacin and thiamine.


Red wine

Indians have opened up to drinking wine. It is no longer associated with just the Italians and the French. From rosy cheeks to a happy heart, wine was and is a popular beverage. Red wine is considered the fountain of youth by many thanks to the high level of antioxidants. A great accompaniment for romantic dinners, wine will boost your body's defenses, build bones and balance blood sugar levels. Red wine can also increase women's libido too.


White wine

Red wine may be popular, but white wine has health benefits too. While red wine has antioxidant resveratrol, white wine has hydroxytyrosol which is an important antioxidant and effective for clearing blockages.


Guinness

Though beer gives you a beer belly, Guinness has less calories than regular beer. There are 128 calories in 35ml of Guinness beer. This beer also has the same number of antioxidants as red wine. This beer can help reduce and flush out blood clots and improve heart problems.

Read the first sign of tooth decay

If your teeth are showing the first sign of decay, here's how you can remineralise them naturally

You can brush, you can floss, but you can't escape tooth decay — or that's what you have been told. The truth though is that your teeth aren't designed to rot. Before you helplessly let bacteria drill cavities into your pearly whites, you can restore their strength, density and sparkle by remineralising them.

Tooth matters:

Remineralisation refers to your teeth's natural healing mechanism; a process in which minerals are restored to the tooth's molecular structure. It is essentially the reversing of demineralisation — the first stage of tooth decay where your teeth lose minerals and become 'sensitive'. So if your teeth have chalky white discolouration or brownish black pits, you may just be in time to remineralise them.


Studies have shown that people who didn't eat modern foods had flawless tooth structure and virtually no tooth decay. Noted anthropologist Earnest Hooton once said, "It is store food that has given us store teeth." While modern foods are to be blamed — refined flour, refined sugar, fast foods and colas — the problem is compounded when the enamel isn't strong to begin with.

In 1883, Dr W D Miller, a pioneer in modern dentistry, said that a strong, dense tooth would "indefinitely resist" an attack from acid; be it from bacteria or food. The difference between Dr Miller's 130-yearold theory and today's dentistry is summed up aptly in Ramiel Nagel's book Cure Tooth Decay. "Dr Miller knew that the tooth's density and structure are what protected it against tooth decay, whereas today, dentists are taught that it is the bacteria by themselves that cause tooth decay," Nagel points out.


Remineralise up:

While conventional dentistry harps on what foods bacteria might be feeding off on, the solution lies in realising what food you might be feeding the bacteria. Dentist Dr Pooja Gunjikar says foods high in sugar and acidic content encourage plaque, setting off demineralisation. "For instance, eating chocolates makes your pH level drop, which causes formation of acids that erode the enamel of your teeth," she says.

Calcium and phosphorous are the most vital minerals for healthy teeth, followed by magnesium, copper, iron and manganese. "Calcium and phosphorous help form hydroxyapatite in the enamel, which replenishes the teeth's molecular structure," she says.


Foods that work:

Calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, tofu, broccoli, almonds and sardines help boost teeth health. For your phosphorous fix, eat pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds and cheese. But it's the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K that are critical in helping our bodies utilise minerals.

Phosphorous, calcium and hormones need vitamins A and D for our cells to produce osteocalcin — the protein responsible for deposition of calcium and phosphorous into our bones and teeth. For vitamin A, you can pick from sweet potato, carrot, watermelon, eggs, spinach, oatmeal and chicken liver, while sunlight, seafood, raw butter and eggs are excellent sources of vitamin D. The best twoin-one option for teeth health is cod liver oil.

10 foods that protect your heart

Heart disease is one of the most feared ailment and a side effect of sedentary lifestyle. You can control the effects of your lifestyle by eating the right food.

It's quite often difficult to change your lifestyle drastically in this competitive world. But you can surely change a little bit of eating and ensure you are protecting your heart.

Here's a list of food that can help you protect your heart.

1. Black beans: Black beans are packed with folate, antioxidants, magnesium which are good for lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. But if you are planning to use tinned beans, please drain the liquid and wash them before use to reduce the sodium content.

2. Salmon and tuna: These two fish are rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.

3. Walnuts: A handful of them a day helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries. Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.

4. Oranges: They contain cholesterol-fighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in potassium that helps control blood pressure. Antioxidant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.

5. Carrots: Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also help fight bad cholesterol.

6. Sweet potatoes: They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.

7. Oats: Oats in all forms help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol.

8. Flaxseeds: Fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA - these three ingredients in these small seeds make them a powerhouse of health. Sure protector of heart if had spoonful in powdered form everyday in cereals or salads.

9. Chilli powder: Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually protects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insulin levels in the body.

10. Coffee: It can keep away type 2 diabetes, but people having high blood pressure should be cautious as it can have a counter effect.

New chemical jab may allow blind 'see' light

Scientists have developed a new drug which may restore the ability of the eye to sense light after blindness.

Scientists restored light perception in mice with a photoswitch chemical that changes conformation in response to light.

The compound may be a potential drug candidate for treating patients suffering from degenerative retinal disorders, researchers said.

The retina has three layers of nerve cells, but only the outer layer contains the rod and cone cells that respond to light, enabling us to see the world, researchers said.

When the rods and cones die during the course of degenerative blinding diseases, the rest of the retina remains intact but unable to respond to light.

Even though the innermost layer's nerve cells, called ganglion cells, remain connected to the brain, they no longer transmit information useful for vision.

Dr Richard Kramer of the University of California, Berkeley and his colleagues have invented "photoswitch" chemicals that confer light sensitivity on these normally light-insensitive ganglion cells, restoring light perception in blind mice.

An earlier photoswitch required very bright ultraviolet light, making it unsuitable for medical use.

However, a new chemical, named DENAQ, responds to ordinary daylight. Just one injection of DENAQ into the eye confers light sensitivity for several days.

Experiments on mice with functional, nonfunctional, or degenerated rods and cones showed that DENAQ only impacts ganglion cells if the rods and cones have already died.

It appears that degeneration in the outer retina leads to changes in the electrophysiology in the inner retina that enables DENAQ photosensitisation, while the presence of intact photoreceptors prevents DENAQ action.

Cipla to sell MSD’s HIV drug in India

Drug maker Cipla will market multinational company MSD’s HIV drug raltegravir (400mg) tablet in India.

Announcing this India-specific, non-exclusive partnership on Thursday, the two companies said Cipla would market the drug under a different brand name. Access to raltegravir is important for patients who require it as part of third-line salvage regimen where there are few options left, the note added.

A patient-centric approach and access are the cornerstone of the partnership, the companies said in a joint statement, adding that they expected the alliance to broaden the reach of raltegravir in private and public markets in India.

KG Ananthakrishnan, MSD’s Managing Director in India, said that their India-alliance with Cipla would seek to address treatment challenges for high risk patients by providing broader access to innovative medicines and vaccines.

“It is a complementary partnership as MSD brings the research and scientific excellence for raltegravir, and Cipla brings their marketing excellence, significant reach among key clinician categories to drive product access. MSD and Cipla both share the same commitment of providing broader access to HIV treatment,” he said.

MSD also has a tie up with Mumbai’s Sun Pharma on diabetes drugsitagliptin.

3rd line therapy treatment

Cipla’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Jaideep Gogtay said that raltegravir, a third line therapy treatment, would be a value-addition to Cipla’s portfolio of HIV/AIDS treatments, especially for those patients who are resistant to the 1st and 2nd line therapy treatment.


Cipla’s HIV/AIDS medications, including the innovative triple cocktail drug, have been available for patients for over a decade now. “We anticipate this drug being available to patients from middle of this year,” he added.

Subhanu Saxena, Cipla’s MD and global CEO, pointed out: “With Cipla’s strength in India, South Africa and other emerging markets, we have long been the pharmaceutical company serving patients who most need access to affordable medicines. By entering into this marketing partnership with MSD, Cipla is demonstrating its commitment to working with partners globally who share the same pro-access philosophy of Cipla.”

Reduces deaths

Wider access to anti-retroviral therapies (AIDS drugs) led to 29 per cent reduction in estimated annual AIDS-related deaths, the note said, citing Government data from the National Aids Control Programme.

The total number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in India is estimated at around 20.9 lakh in 2011. Children who are less than 15 years of age account for 7 per cent (1.45 lakh) of all infections; while 86 per cent are in the age-group of 15-49 years. Of all HIV infections, 39 per cent (8.16 lakh) are among women, the note said.


Using globally accepted methodologies and updated evidence on survival to HIV with and without treatment, it is estimated that about 1.48 lakh people died of AIDS related causes in 2011 in India. Deaths among HIV infected children account for 7 per cent of all AIDS-related deaths, the note said. 

Pollution makes pregnant women more tense

A new study has found that breathing in harmful toxics during pregnancy increases risk of hypertension in women and may result in deadly complications like preeclampsia.

Researchers at the University of Florida compared birth data with Environmental Protection Agency estimates of air pollution, finding that heavy exposure to four air pollutants led to a significantly increased risk for developing a high blood pressure disorder during pregnancy. The pollutants include two specific types of fine and coarse particulate matter, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

According to the EPA, particulate matter includes acids, dust, metals and soil particles. These inhalable particles are released from industries and forest fires and can form when gases react with each other in the air. Sulfur dioxide is emitted from power plants and industries. Most carbon monoxide is produced by car exhaust. Xiaohui Xu, an assistant professor of epidemiology in the colleges of Public Health and Health Professions and Medicine, said that fetal development is very sensitive to environmental factors and hypertension (high BP), in particular, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, causing a lot of problems for the mother and fetus, including preterm delivery. To gain a better understanding of how environmental factors may play a role in increasing the risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy, the researchers examined data from women who gave birth in Jacksonville, Fla., between 2004 and 2005 and environmental data from their communities. The sample included more than 22,000 pregnant women.

The researchers did not include mothers with chronic hypertension, those who had previously given birth prematurely or those whose babies were born with other complications in the sample. They then gauged how much pollution the women were exposed to throughout their pregnancies using data the EPA gathered daily to measure the levels of several pollutants.

Among the sample of women, 4.7 per cent developed a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Exposure to air pollutants throughout the first two trimesters of pregnancy increased women's risk of developing one of these conditions, Xu said. They determined this after controlling for other factors that could affect a woman's risk for developing hypertension, such as socioeconomic status, exposure to co-pollutants and smoking during pregnancy.

But they could not determine conclusively whether exposure early in the pregnancy or late in the pregnancy was more likely to increase a woman's risk for hypertension. "It looks like the whole period has impacts for hypertension," he said. On the basis of these findings, the researchers say more air pollution control is necessary to prevent dangerous complications in pregnant women and babies.     

Top 10 home remedies for healthy hair

Hair can look healthy without visiting high priced salons, paying for expensive treatments and trying many conditioners and shampoos.

A variety of home remedies for healthy hair can be easily found in our kitchens for better results. From beer to bananas, shiny healthy hair is easy with a variety of these home remedies. Let's have a look.

Bananas for healthy hair:

Due to high level of potassium found in bananas, they help improve hair health and natural elasticity.

Use a fork to mash one banana in a bowl, and then apply the mixture from root to tip. Leave the treatment on for 15 minutes, and then wash with shampoo. This treatment will cure dry and damaged hair.

Egg yolk treatment:

Massaging the yellow portion of the egg on your scalp or a mixture of three egg yolks, 1 tbsp olive oil and three drops of Vitamin E can be a wonderful hair remedy.

Leave treatment on hair for 10 minutes and then rinse and shampoo hair. You can repeat the procedure at least once a week to ensure best results. This treatment will soften and condition your hair.


Beer treatment:

A popular remedy is to rinse your hair with a little beer. Place beer into a spray bottle. Shampoo and lightly towel dry hair. Lightly spray beer into hair.

Believers in this remedy claim that beer has properties that can return the shine to your hair.


Hair conditioning with mayonnaise:

Apply mayonnaise to wet hair. Leave treatment on hair from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Rinse well and shampoo. Mayonnaise is an excellent deep conditioner.


Oil massage:

Massaging warm oil on to the scalp is a very popular medication in India. You can use coconut or olive oil for best results.

Leaving this for an hour and following this procedure with the application of limejuice mixed with some vinegar can help you get rid of dandruff.


Olive oil treatment:

Apply 4 tbsp of olive oil to hair. Massage oil into scalp and hair. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

For best results, leave olive oil in hair overnight for additional conditioning. Olive oil will strengthen hair and prevent breakage.


Mixture of amla powder and lime juice:

Mixture of amla powder and lemon juice can be applied to the hair to help it grow stronger and have a fuller appearance. 

Are you getting enough fruits?

Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?

We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.

Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'

(Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.

And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.

Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.

Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:

Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.

Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time.

Is gut bacteria the secret to a LONG LIFE? Friendly flora reduces inflammation and prevents disease, claims study

Having the right balance of gut bacteria could be the secret to a long life, new research suggests.

U.S. researchers say age-related changes to gut bacteria, that result in an imbalance between 'friendly' and 'unfriendly' bacteria, are associated with cancer, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.


However, they admit there is currently no clear explanation as to why people go from having a young, healthy gut to one that is old and unhealthy.

Dr Heinrich Jasper from the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing, in California, said the findings could allow experts to find a way of intervening to prevent the age-related deterioration in gut bacteria quality.


He believes such a treatment could eventually lead to the extension of people’s lives.

Dr Jasper conducted his research using fruit flies.

He says the bacterial load in the flies' intestines increases dramatically with age, resulting in an inflammatory condition.


The imbalance, he explains, is driven by chronic activation of the stress response gene FOXO – this is something that happens with age.

Age-related changes in gut bacteria are associated with cancer and diabetes


It suppresses the activity of a type of molecule (PGRP-SCs, homologues of PGLYRPs) that regulates the immune system's response to bacteria.


This changes the behaviour of molecules (Rel/NFkB) that are important in the effectiveness of the immune system's response to gut bacteria.

This results in an immune imbalance which allows bacterial numbers to expand, triggering an inflammatory response that includes the production of free radicals.


Free radicals, in turn, cause over-production of stem cells in the gut. This can eventually result in cancer.


Dr Jasper said the most exciting result of their study occurred when his team increased the production of PGRP-SC in cells in the gut, which restored the bacteria balance and limited stem cell growth.

Scientists criticise ‘weight is healthy’ study

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggested the overweight were less likely to die prematurely than people with a "healthy" weight.

Scientists have slammed a recent study which suggests that being overweight can lead to a longer life.


One of the experts labelled the findings a “pile of rubbish” while another said it was a “horrific message” to put out.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggested the overweight were less likely to die prematurely than people with a “healthy” weight.

Researchers at the US National Centre for Health Statistics looked at 97 studies involving nearly 2.9 million people to compare death rates with Body Mass Index (BMI) — a way of measuring obesity using a person’s weight and height.

A healthy BMI is considered to be above 18.5 and below 25.

However, overweight people (with a BMI between 25 and 30) were 6 per cent less likely to die early than those considered to have a healthy weight, the study reported.

The study said being “overweight was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality”.

Possible explanations included overweight people getting medical treatment, such as to control blood pressure, more quickly or the extra weight helping people survive being severely ill in hospital.

However, the researchers point out they looked only at deaths and not years spent free of ill-health.

“Have you ever seen a 100-year-old human being who is overweight? The answer is you probably haven’t,” Prof John Wass, vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians, said.

Prof Wass said the largest people will have died years before and pointed to health problems and higher levels of Type 2 diabetes.  

Boost nutrition intake with salads

Easy-to-prepare summer salads can help you feel cool in the soaring temperatures, suggest chefs, who recommend nutritious and light preparations to beat the heat.

Two chefs share recipes of summer salads.

"You can put vegetables or meat of your choice (in your salad). A well-constituted salad has Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Vitamin A. All the nutrients help to increase your immunity and fight diseases," executive sous chef Danish Ashraf at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, said.


He suggests something as light as a Mixed Leaf Salad.

"Wash and clean lettuce and basil and then put them in cold water for five minutes. Drain out the water and reserve them in a bowl. Then take clean cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Apple also needs to be sliced," he said.

For this salad's dressing, Ashraf advised to whisk olive oil, mustard and honey together. "Then add salt and crushed black pepper, and adjust seasoning according to taste," he added.

In the end, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes and apple in a basin, and then add dressing and toss gently. "Add toasted walnut to it and serve cold," he added.

Chef Dinesh Kapri, executive assistant manager at Park Plaza in Gurgaon, shares an interesting way to use raw papaya in a salad preparation.

For this, you need grated raw papaya, thinly sliced tomato, finely sliced cow pea or lobhia, crushed green chillies, crushed roasted peanuts, sugar, tamarind pulp, chilli powder, soy sauce, lemon juice, chopped coriander and salt to taste.

"Toss all ingredients together and make sure you do it at least an hour before serving chilled. This way you can enjoy all the flavours," said Kapri.