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Go Organic This Holi

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh 92% (194 ratings)
Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurvedic Doctor, Lakhimpur Kheri
Go Organic This Holi

The festival of Holi is around the corner and while you might be excited to have a get together and play with colors, it is a Go Organic, This Holi! Go Organic, This Holi! Go Organic, This Holi! Is so important to avoid any hassle. We can’t imagine Holi without beautiful colors. As per Indian mythology, God Krishna started the custom of playing with colors which turned out as a full-fledged fest later. There is no doubt in the fact, we all eagerly wait for Holi Skin & Hair Care.

Clothes you can wear to protect your skin this HoliHoli every year. However, it is very difficult to get rid of these colors from the body afterwards, especially when holi color powder is made from chemicals. The essence of this festival can be maintained by using herbal holi colors as an alternative since synthetic one damages hair & leaves the upper layer of skin dull and dry. Kids are more prone of getting harm from these artificial holi color powder and can end up getting skin rash or allergy. The herbal holi colors made up of flower extracts are more eco-friendly, pleasant and doesn’t cause much trouble to skin and eyes.

Harsh chemicals like copper sulfate, mercury sulphite, chromium iodide and aluminium bromide are used to prepare synthetic holi color powder. All of these compounds are not safe and cause eye allergies, skin cancer, blindness and respiratory infections. These colors also include fine glass pieces that causes several other skin issues. Instead, herbal holi colors are made from natural extracts of fruits, leaves, flowers and barks. 

They also smell amazing and do not cause suffocation. Dwellers preparing these natural colors mix maize flour or cornstarch powder to make it child friendly and biodegradable. So, a better way to celebrate this festival is to ditch toxic colors and go organic.

Apart from the herbal holi colors available in the market, you can also prepare natural colors at home. Below are few ways to make 100% organic holi color powder with little efforts. These colors are totally safe, natural and adds more delight to the celebration. They are also great for your skin and offer exceptional benefits.

1. Green color

You can prepare green color at home by mixing henna powder, gulmohar leaves powder and any flour. A little amount of water can be added to make a nice paste of green color. Spinach, Coriander or Mint leaves can also be blended together to obtain a deep green color paste. Another alternative is to use neem leaves which is also known to have antibacterial properties. The freshly prepared green paste will not just add color to your celebration but would also be great for your skin.

2. Red color

Red color is almost everyone’s favourite and there are a variety of ways to prepare it at home. The dried rose petal can be grinded to make a fine red powder. You can also mix red sandalwood powder and water to make natural ‘gulaal’ at home. Kumkum soaked in water overnight also gives a deep red color. Another method is to soak hibiscus flowers in hot water to get a pretty red color.

3. Yellow color

Yellow color can be prepared at home using turmeric and dried marigold petals powder. You can also mix it with gram flour to make aromatic herbal holi color powder. The color is also great for skin since it has healing properties.

4. Saffron color

Saffron is already known for giving a natural glow to the skin and using it to make your own herbal Holi colors is just a bonus. One can soak saffron in water for few hours and then grind it to form a paste to obtain the right color. This soft color can also be made by crushing dried tesu flowers to a powder or boiling it in water. The lovely color obtained can be used for playing Holi.

5. Pink color

The lovely pink color is made using beetroot that has been soaked overnight in water.  A bright and vibrant pink wet color is obtained using this method. Another way is to soak pomegranate seeds in water overnight to obtain a similar kind of color.

6. Black color

It should not come as a surprise that even black herbal color can be prepared at home easily. It is made by drying small pieces of gooseberry fruit. The dried pieces will turn black if kept overnight and powdered to obtain black color. This powder can also be mixed with water to obtain a wet black color.

The above DIY methods for preparing herbal Holi colors are totally safe for skin & hair and also gives an instant glow to the skin. You can still watch out for skin infections since there are some who might be allergic to any of these natural ingredients. So, this year, say goodbye to synthetic colors and make a convention to go Organic. 

Have a safe and healthy Holi!

Also, check Manipal Hospital Dwarka - Best Hospital in Delhi. Book Appointment, View Doctor List, Contact no, Address, Visiting Hours, Health Checkup Reviews, Lab Report Online.

2 people found this helpful

8 Expert Tips To Manage Vitiligo

Dermatologist, Nagpur
8 Expert Tips To Manage Vitiligo

Vitiligo, which is also called “leucoderma” at times, is a disorder in which the skin loses its pigmentation in significant patches. Apart from being just a disease, vitiligo is a kind of social stigma that can make the sufferer's life difficult by disturbing their mental and emotional balance. According to certain studies, people suffering from this long-term skin condition show signs of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia.

It must be noted that between 0.5 to 2.00 percent of the total world population is currently suffering from vitiligo. It happens when melanocytes, the cells that are responsible for making skin’s pigment, are either disrupted or damaged. This leaves blotchy white patches on the skin, the treatment of which can be really time-intensive.

In some vitiligo patients, the white patches can occur on hands, neck, and face, while in others, the patches may appear on mucus membranes, such as the nose, mouth and genitals. If vitiligo affects a person on an area of their body with hair growth, the hair may also turn white or light grey in color.

Before you opt for treating your vitiligo as you start noticing it, you must realize the fact that all vitiligo treatments, natural or conventional, take time to work. So, the first thing you need to do is to be patient and learn to cope up with it by all means. Furthermore, we bring you some expert tips through this article, which can help you treat your vitiligo in the best possible ways. We are mentioning them below as follows:

  • Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Can Stop the Spread:

During a recent study—which was conducted at one of the Swedish University hospitals—a number of vitiligo patients were kept under observation for around a couple of years. The study eventually found that more than half of those patients experienced pigmentation recovery when they were exposed to a combination of folic acid, vitamin B12, and sunlight. You’ll be surprised to know that the spread of white patches stopped in nearly 64 percent of the patients kept under observation.

  • Zinc Can Help Too:

Zinc is another very common deficiency found in vitiligo patients. Zinc has numerous properties that can help treat your vitiligo like nothing else, such as strengthening the immune system, combating diabetes, fighting cancer, and maintaining proper nutrient absorption. Zinc can also help heal your damaged bones, muscles, or tissues. These properties of zinc can work magic on vitiligo patients. So, if you are looking forward to treating your vitiligo naturally, you must start eating more foods that are rich in zinc.

  • Copper is Another Great Option:

Adding food items rich in copper can help vitiligo patients deal with their condition. According to the Indian Ayurveda system of medicine, water should be kept overnight in a copper vessel before drinking it. Copper is believed to stimulate the melanocytes, which can increase melanin and help in pigmentation recovery.

Aloe Vera is known to support a healthy response of the immune system. The powerful plant of Aloe Vera also contains some essential antioxidant vitamins—including folic acid and vitamins A, C, and B12—that can help fight vitiligo. The plant also contains a number of essential minerals, such as calcium, copper, chromium, zinc, etc., that may support the recovery of pigmentation on the skin of a vitiligo patient. So, you can call it a vital home or natural remedy for treating vitiligo.

  • Increasing Your Intake of Carotenoids May Help:

It is widely believed that carotenoids are imperative to treat certain skin disorders, including vitiligo itself. You can find these carotenoids—such as beta-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein—in foods like carrots, tomatoes, kale, and sweet potatoes, among others.

It has been observed that numerous vitiligo patients have a deficiency of Vitamin C. So, if you feel you are also one of them, you must start dealing with it by increasing your vitamin C intake. Some great sources of vitamin C include fresh organic vegetables and fruits, among others.

  • Yoga or Meditation Can Also Help:

Vitiligo is often accompanied by mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and depression, which are known to worsen a patient’s condition if left untreated. So, practicing yoga or meditation a couple of times a week can help you deal with these mental health problems. Yoga or meditation exercises can also give you a positive outlook and enhance your focus, which can further aid your speedy recovery from vitiligo.

  • Say "No" to These Foods:

You should avoid eating all those foods that can irritate your digestive tract, cause discomfort or sensitivity, or those that you are allergic to. Moreover, foods that may worsen a vitiligo patient’s condition include fish, meat, tomatoes, pickles, citrus fruits, grapes, gooseberries, pomegranates, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, fruit juices, and alcohol.

Conclusion:

The above-given tips will definitely prove beneficial to you. However, it may take some time for them to work. So, just have patience and be positive while you try hard to ameliorate your condition.

1 person found this helpful

How Can You Control Your Diabetes Through Diet And Exercise?

Dr. Rajesh Kesari 89% (32 ratings)
Diploma In Diabetology, MD - Diabetology
Endocrinologist, Delhi
How Can You Control Your Diabetes Through Diet And Exercise?

An important aspect of diabetes treatment is modification of lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle pattern that includes a lack of physical activity and unhealthy food habits, initiate majority of type 2 diabetes cases. The incidence of diabetes has increased in tandem with obesity essentially all over the world. Adequate researches have concluded of a strong relationship between excess weight and the risk of development of diabetes and hypertension. Lifestyle modification is integral to the protocol of diabetes management. Existing cases of diabetes can be controlled with anti-hyperglycemic medications. Along with medicines, it has been proved that regular exercise and a balanced low sugar diet can help in management of diabetes.

The benefits of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and planned weight loss in individuals already diagnosed with diabetes has been much researched with a conclusion of positive results. A dietary restriction to 1200 kcal/day on average, has been documented to decrease the fasting blood glucose of overweight patients with diabetes in a period of under a week. This control of blood glucose levels is likely attributed to be the result of a decreased hepatic output of glucose. A decrease in the blood pressure is also observed in the persons who undergo a planned weight loss.

The risk of developing hyperlipidemia and hypertension is also high in obese individuals in comparison to the non-obese people. This may further cause various micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes in such individuals. Dietary considerationsMeticulous planning of meal is necessary in people with diabetes. The balance of nutrients required for the normal functioning of the body is necessary to be mentioned, along with the reduction of consumption of refined sugars. In the daily diet, around 55 to 65% of the total calories should be obtained from carbohydrates and mono-unsaturated fats. People on doses of insulin should alter the carbohydrate intake in accordance to the insulin dosage, with advice from the nutritionist. Complete elimination of sugars from the diet is not recommended, refined sugars are eliminated. Glycemic index is an important factor in determining the consumability of a food item.

Low glycemic index diets can help in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Some level of improvement in the HbA1C count has also been observed after consuming a low glycemic index diet. Artificial sweeteners use should be limited. Certain non-nutritive sweeteners, that have no effect on the blood glucose levels, are also used. Modification of carbohydrate consumption should be done only under the physician’s recommendation. In a diabetic patient, the protein metabolism is also affected, with a negative nitrogen balance in the body in comparison to the nitrogen balance in non-diabetics. High protein diets are not advised for diabetic patients.

Consumption of trans-fatty acids is advised to be minimized to avoid the risk of heart related complications. Cholesterol consumption should be reduced. To avoid the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, management of fats consumption is necessary in diabetics. LDL cholesterol levels are to be brought down and plant sterols effectively reduce LDL. Certain micronutrients like zinc, antioxidants and chromium are added in the diet to improve diabetes control.

Exercise

The risk of developing coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular problems is very high in people with diabetes. A key component of lifestyle change that can benefit the individuals in prevention or controlling diabetes is to begin with an exercise regimen. Exercise regimen should be modified according the health status and needs of the individual. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases can be eliminated with following a proper weight loss or weight control regimen. Mild to moderate activity can help in lowering the risk of developing diabetes or pre diabetes. Reduction in the levels of HbA1C with increasing the level of physical activity and exercise has been observed. Exercise should be considered as the mainstay of the prevention protocol of diabetes. It is often difficult for the physician to inculcate the importance of physical activity and exercise in people with a long history of sedentary lifestyle and very little physical activity. But it is the most important way of management of diabetes, which further saves the patient from progression of the disease and development of diabetes related complications. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3187 people found this helpful

Hypoglycemia - Signs & Symptoms You Should Not Ignore!

Dr. Rajesh Kesari 89% (32 ratings)
Diploma In Diabetology, MD - Diabetology
Endocrinologist, Delhi
Hypoglycemia - Signs & Symptoms You Should Not Ignore!

Hypoglycemia is the disease of low sugar level in blood. It primarily occurs when the sugar level is below 4 mmol/L (72mg/dL).

What is hypoglycaemia?
It is the decrease in the blood sugar amount to a certain level. If the disease is identified at an early stage, then the treatment can make the person free of the disease quickly. It affects people having diabetes as well as arthritis, increased blood pressure, high cholesterol and many others.

Early signs of the disease

  1. Weakness
  2. Hungry
  3. Blurred vision
  4. Increased heart rate
  5. Increased sweating
  6. Extreme levels of tiredness
  7. Pale face
  8. Bewilderment
  9. Convulsions
  10. Coma in the last stage
  11. Anxiety
  12. Headaches
  13. Problems with sleeping

Who are the people risk of having this disease?
People who take this three medications have a higher risk of having the disease:

Diabetes medications pose a more significant threat to patients of having hypoglycaemia.

Causes of the disease:

  1. Exercise
  2. Delayed meals
  3. Alcohol drinking
  4. High dose of insulin
  5. Tremendous levels of stress
  6. Deficiency of enzymes
  7. Not balanced hormonal levels

Treatment:

  1. At first, the patient must take a blood test to catch up with the levels of blood sugar
  2. Intake of 15-20 kg of carbohydrates is necessary every day. You can get a stabilized carbohydrate content from a bread slice, a banana and a bar made of cereal.
  3. Drink sugar-filled drinks such as Pepsi, etc. Glucose tablets and juice ease the disease rapidly. The patient can also eat sweets in this case. Take a balanced level of sugar content drinks such as 160 ml of cola or lemonade or 200 ml of fruit juice.

Natural treatment through diet:

  1. Liquorice roots: Cut the roots and boil it. Drink the water every day for controlled sugar level.
  2. Apple- It has magnesium and chromium which regulates the sugar level
  3. Wild yam
  4. Tomatoes
  5. Sunflower seeds
  6. Pumpkin seeds
  7. Gentian Root
  8. Barley

If a person is attacked by seizures. It’s not possible to give such medications at that time. At that time a pillow or cushion should be placed below the patients head. The seizure goes away in about 5 min. if holds up more time. The person needs to get admitted to a hospital.

Hypoglycemia doesn’t have its adverse side effects if captured at an early stage. The person gets recovered with the above-stated home medications. Although slow realization of the disease can take the person to the stage of a comma. The disease engulfs body’s maximum energy and few essential body functions also get hampered. But it is treatable with regular natural medications. People having diabetes receives the highest threat of the disease. The sugar levels have to be maintained for proper body working. If the person’s blood sugar level is not right, he/she may have the tendency to get hypoglycaemia and hyperglycemia. Having both this disease is the root of having diabetes. It would make the body weak, and the person will crave for more sugar. It will also weaken the nerve cells and tissues of the brain. Weight will be lost gradually which is a terrible sign. Therefore don’t be late if you are having this above-stated signs go to the doctor and have the proper diagnosis of the disease.

3070 people found this helpful

Honey And All Its Health Benefits!

Dr. Aniket Vaidya 90% (48 ratings)
Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), MD
Ayurvedic Doctor, Adilabad
Honey And All Its Health Benefits!

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honey bees and is one of the most valued as well as appreciated natural substance known to mankind since ancient times. Of all the natural foods rich in carbohydrates, honey is the most wholesome and delicious. The medicinal quality, taste, texture, color and aroma of honey differs according to the geographical area and the species of plants from which it has been collected. Honey is called as Madhu in Ayurved Chemical composition of bee's honey Honey is a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other compounds. It contains a number of enzymes, including invertase, glucose oxidase, catalase, phosphorylase. Honey also contains eighteen free amino acids, the most abundant of which is proline. It contains trace amounts of the vitamins B 2 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 , B 11 and vitamin C.

Minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, selenium, chromium and manganeseare also found in honey. The main group of antioxidants in honey are the flavonoids, of which, pinocembrin is unique to honey and bee propolis. Naturally darker honey has greater antioxidant properties. Acetic, butanoic, formic, citric, succinic, lactic, malic, pyroglutamic, gluconic acids, and a number of aromatic acids are found in honey. Bee's honey is free of cholesterol. 

Qualities and Properties of bee's honey according to Ayurveda 

According to Ayurved, some actions of new and old bee's honeys are very much opposite to each other. New bee's honey has Vrumhana guna (nourishing the body) but it does not eliminate vitiated Kapha Dosha much and is a laxative. Old bee honey is Grahi (anti diarrheal), reduces fat and obesity.

Properties according to modern science

Experiments and studies on honey have shown that honey is antiseptic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergent, antitoxic, sedative, laxative, antianemic, antioxidant, healing and cleansing (external and internal), moisturizing and blood-purifying. It promotes rehydration, easily digestable, stimulates immunity, and is beneficial for all types of skins diseases.

Value of bee's honey in diabetes mellitus

Use of honey in medications for diabetes is mentioned in Ayurveda since ancient times. In various localities, patients suffering from diabetes mellitus use honey in place of sugar. Bee's honey is beneficial for diabetic patients in two ways. One is; honey being three times sweeter than sugar, one may need a much smaller quantity of honey as a sweetener and w/w, honey contains lesser calories than sugar. The other is, by providing vitamins B 2 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 , B 11 and vitamin C, and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, selenium, chromium and manganese. The nutritional values of honey could be altered by feeding the bees with selective food. [10] Medicinal uses of bee's honey Bee's honey is used in treatment of various ailments and as a popular home remedy. 

Some of these uses are given below. 

  1. Stress/fatigue: 15 ml of bee's honey orally to reduce stress and fatigue
  2. Sleep disturbance: Intake of 15 ml of bee's honey leads to sound sleep. 
  3. Eyesight: 10 ml of honey mixed with 10 ml of carrot juice and consumed regularly will improve eyesight. 
  4. Bad breath: 5 g of powdered cinnamon bark and 5ml of bee's honey mixed with water and use as a mouth wash. 
  5. Teething pain: Massage gums gently with bee's honey. Should not use in children below one year. 
  6. Sore throat: 5 ml of bee's honey and 10 ml of lime juice is mixed and given. Swallow the concoction (without water) every few hours until symptoms clear up. Add a pinch of black pepper to increase blood circulation to the throat. 
  7. Cold and cough: Mix 10 ml of honey with equal quantity of ginger juice and consume twice a day. 
  8. Bronchial asthma: A mixture of 2.5g of black pepper powder, 5ml each of honey and juice of ginger consumed thrice daily help to relieve the symptoms of asthma. 
  9. Stomach ulcers: 5 ml of new bee's honey diluted in 10 ml of sariva and musta given twice a day before meals. 
  10. Dehydration: Fresh bee's honey diluted in water is given to rehydrate. 
  11. Diarrhea/Dysentery: 15 ml of bee's honey mixed with 120 ml of decoction of tubers of Cyperus rotundus is given in treatment of diarrhea and dysentery
  12. Bed-wetting: Give 5ml of old bee's honey daily just before going to bed. Obesity: Keep garlic immersed in bee's honey for one year. Then, use 1 clove of garlic daily before breakfast. This is used as a home remedy. One glass of warm water taken with 10 ml of honey and 5 ml of lemon juice in early morning reduces fat and purifies blood. 
  13. Arthritis: 30 ml each of bee's honey and coconut vinegar is mixed in 100ml of water and given twice a day to reduce arthritis and arthralgia
  14. Burns: Apply fresh bee's honey directly. 
  15. Cut and wounds: Apply bee's honey on cuts and wounds. 
  16. Eczema: Apply fresh bee's honey on the lesion. 
  17. Dermatitis: Bee's honey is mixed with ash obtained by burning stem of Pterocarpus santalinus and applied on the lesion. 
  18. Allergies due to seasons: Bee's honey should be collected from the area where the patient lives. 5ml of this honey is to be given daily before breakfast. 
  19. Sub fertility due to lack of semen: Add 5 ml of bee's honey to a glass of goat's milk and drink. 
  20. Morning sickness: 15 ml of bee's honey before breakfast. Relief from hangover: Mix 10ml of bee's honey with half a cup of orange juice and half a cup yogurt. Blend them together properly and drink. Cosmetic uses of bee's honey Honey and beeswax are used in the beauty industry as a skin moisturizer, softener and to heal the skin tissue. 

Some cosmetic applications of bee's honey are given below- 

  1. Face wash: Mix a small quantity of lemon juice into 5ml of bee's honey and apply on face before washing. This is used as a home remedy. Facial cleansing scrub: Mix 5g of almond seed powder into 5ml of bee's honey, scrub softly and then wash. 
  2. Facial to improve smoothness: A tablespoon of honey whisked together with white of an egg, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and 1/4 cup of flour makes an excellent firming mask. Just smooth on the face, leave on 15 min, and rinse off with warm water. 
  3. Facial to improve softness: Mix one or two tablespoons of honey with one-third cup finely ground oatmeal. Add a teaspoonful of rose water. Clean face thoroughly. Spread facial mixture evenly over face. Relax for 10 min to 1.5 h. Remove with a soft washcloth and warm water. Rinse with cold water. 
  4. Facial moisturizing pack: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk. Apply over the face and keep for 15 min. Rinse off with warm water, and then with cold water. 
  5. Pimples: Apply bee's honey on pimples. 
  6. Cracked lips: Apply bee's honey on cracked lips. Hair lustre: Mix 5ml of bee's honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse. 
  7. Conditioner: Mix 10 ml of olive oil into 5ml of bee's honey and apply on hair. Wash after 15 min. NOTE: Honey should heat directly on flame Honey don’t add in hot items such as coffee tea as sweetener, add after when it comes to normal temperature
4924 people found this helpful

Diabetes In Women - Reasons To Keep It Checked!

Dr. Tarun Sehgal 92% (56 ratings)
MBBS, Diploma In Diabetology, Certificate Course In USG
General Physician, Jalandhar
Diabetes In Women - Reasons To Keep It Checked!

The disease itself may not discriminate on the gender basis, but when it comes to healthcare for patients with diabetes, women find themselves at a disadvantage as compared to men. Studies indicate that diabetes, a disease that affects over 371 million people worldwide takes a greater toll on women than men. Though, hormones in women do account for some of the unique challenges they have to face, but there are other societal factors as well that bring in the differences.

This World Diabetes Day, is about promoting the significance of affordable care for diabetes and equitable access for all women at risk or living with diabetes to essential medicines, technological information and self-management education they require and achieve optimal outcome to strengthen their adequacy to prevent type-2 diabetes. Because, It's your right to a healthy and disease free future!

So, how will you know if you are suffering from this deadly disease – Diabetes?

Symptoms

Women with diabetes experience many of the same symptoms as that of men. However, there are some that are specific to women.

Symptoms experienced by both women and men:

Symptoms unique to women:

Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths each year. Two out of every five women suffering from diabetes are of reproductive age. Women with diabetes have more difficulty conceiving and may have poor pregnancy outcomes.

Diabetes and Pregnancy

The affect of Diabetes, in a pregnancy will not be great, if controlled properly. Women with diabetes should talk to their gynaecologist while planning to conceive so that they can control their blood sugar levels even before getting pregnant. Your gynaecologist will help you control and monitor your diabetes and blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

And, if you fail to get your blood sugar levels under control during pregnancy, you may experience severe risks:

  1. Miscarriage

  2. Premature delivery

  3. Difficult delivery or cesarean section (C-section)

  4. Birth defects

  5. Having a large baby

  6. Preeclampsia (high blood pressure usually with protein in the urine)

  7. Low blood glucose in a newborn

  8. Breathing problems in the newborn

  9. Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice) in a newborn

  10. Worsening diabetic eye problems and kidney problems for the mother

  11. Urinary or bladder infections

What is Gestational Diabetes?

When diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. It is usually diagnosed at the first week of pregnancy. Like in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high. When a woman is pregnant, more glucose is required to nourish the baby developing inside her womb. During this time, the body needs more insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. In some women, the body does not produce enough insulin to meet this need, and blood sugar levels rise, resulting in gestational diabetes. 

Fortunately, for most women, gestational diabetes will go away once the baby is delivered. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes. Further, people suffering from PTSD are in high risk group, and should consult their doctor immediately and those who are presently, affected with Diabetes should consult for pre-conception consultation.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women

You are at risk for type-2 diabetes if you:

  1. are overweight or obese

  2. are older than 45

  3. have a family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)

  4. have had gestational diabetes

  5. have had a baby with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds

  6. have high blood pressure

  7. have high cholesterol

  8. have other health conditions that are linked to problems using insulin, such as PCOS

Diabetes Treatment Options

Medications

There are various medications you can take to control the symptoms of diabetes. These include:

  1. Insulin therapy

  2. Sulfonylureas like chlorpropamide, which increase pancreatic insulin secretion

  3. Metformin (Glucophage), which reduces blood sugar

Lifestyle changes

A change in your diet and lifestyle can also help women control their diabetes

  1. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight

  2. Monitor your blood sugar

  3. Eat a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

  4. Strictly avoid smoking cigarettes

Alternative remedies

Women with diabetes can try other alternative remedies to treat the symptoms, such as 

  1. Eat more broccoli, buckwheat, sage, peas, and fenugreek seeds

  2. Take supplements like chromium or magnesium

  3. Take plant supplements

But, always remember to consult with your doctor before trying any new treatment. Even if they are natural, they can intrude with your on-going treatment or medications. So, this World Diabetes Day, take a pledge towards healthy living... because your health is important to someone else!

3532 people found this helpful

Women & Diabetes - Your Right To A Healthy Future!

MD - General Medicine, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Diabetologist, Ahmedabad
Women & Diabetes - Your Right To A Healthy Future!

The disease itself may not discriminate on the gender basis, but when it comes to healthcare for patients with diabetes, women find themselves at a disadvantage as compared to men. Studies indicate that diabetes, a disease that affects over 371 million people worldwide takes a greater toll on women than men. Though, hormones in women do account for some of the unique challenges they have to face, but there are other societal factors as well that bring in the differences.

This World Diabetes Day, is about promoting the significance of affordable care for diabetes and equitable access for all women at risk or living with diabetes to essential medicines, technological information and self-management education they require and achieve optimal outcome to strengthen their adequacy to prevent type-2 diabetes. Because, It's your right to a healthy and disease free future!

So, how will you know if you are suffering from this deadly disease – Diabetes?

Symptoms

Women with diabetes experience many of the same symptoms as that of men. However, there are some that are specific to women.

Symptoms experienced by both women and men:

Symptoms unique to women:

Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths each year. Two out of every five women suffering from diabetes are of reproductive age. Women with diabetes have more difficulty conceiving and may have poor pregnancy outcomes.

Diabetes and Pregnancy

The affect of Diabetes, in a pregnancy will not be great, if controlled properly. Women with diabetes should talk to their gynaecologist while planning to conceive so that they can control their blood sugar levels even before getting pregnant. Your gynaecologist will help you control and monitor your diabetes and blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

And, if you fail to get your blood sugar levels under control during pregnancy, you may experience severe risks:

  1. Miscarriage
  2. Premature delivery
  3. Difficult delivery or cesarean section (C-section)
  4. Birth defects
  5. Having a large baby
  6. Preeclampsia (high blood pressure usually with protein in the urine)
  7. Low blood glucose in a newborn
  8. Breathing problems in the newborn
  9. Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice) in a newborn
  10. Worsening diabetic eye problems and kidney problems for the mother
  11. Urinary or bladder infections

What is Gestational Diabetes?

When diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. It is usually diagnosed at the first week of pregnancy. Like in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high. When a woman is pregnant, more glucose is required to nourish the baby developing inside her womb. During this time, the body needs more insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. In some women, the body does not produce enough insulin to meet this need, and blood sugar levels rise, resulting in gestational diabetes. 

Fortunately, for most women, gestational diabetes will go away once the baby is delivered. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes. Further, people suffering from PTSD are in high risk group, and should consult their doctor immediately and those who are presently, affected with Diabetes should consult for pre-conception consultation.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women

You are at risk for type-2 diabetes if you:

  1. are overweight or obese
  2. are older than 45
  3. have a family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
  4. have had gestational diabetes
  5. have had a baby with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds
  6. have high blood pressure
  7. have high cholesterol
  8. have other health conditions that are linked to problems using insulin, such as PCOS

Diabetes Treatment Options

Medications

There are various medications you can take to control the symptoms of diabetes. These include:

  1. Insulin therapy
  2. Sulfonylureas like chlorpropamide, which increase pancreatic insulin secretion
  3. Metformin (Glucophage), which reduces blood sugar

Lifestyle changes

A change in your diet and lifestyle can also help women control their diabetes

  1. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
  2. Monitor your blood sugar
  3. Eat a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  4. Strictly avoid smoking cigarettes

Alternative remedies

Women with diabetes can try other alternative remedies to treat the symptoms, such as 

  1. Eat more broccoli, buckwheat, sage, peas, and fenugreek seeds
  2. Take supplements like chromium or magnesium
  3. Take plant supplements

But, always remember to consult with your doctor before trying any new treatment. Even if they are natural, they can intrude with your on-going treatment or medications. So, this World Diabetes Day, take a pledge towards healthy living... because your health is important to someone else! In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

 

2616 people found this helpful

Green Tea for Weight Loss - How Does it Work?

Dt. Nisha Singh 92% (123 ratings)
B.Sc.- Dietitics / Nutrition, Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Green Tea for Weight Loss - How Does it Work?

You must have heard of the far-reaching advantages of having green tea. Green Tea is in trend for its vast number of benefits. People, conscious about fitness and overall health, are sure to include this drink in their daily diet.

A cup of green tea every morning can ward off too many health problems. Having green tea as the first thing in the morning can help a person lose weight effectively. Having this drink twice a day will better your chances of losing weight.

Weight loss is a persistent concern among many. You may exercise, make increased efforts in changing your lifestyle and yet fail to experience significant weight loss. Try out green tea for how it helps you cut down on those extra kilos.

How does Green Tea for Weight Loss Work?

The systems that empower the body to change over nourishment and drink into usable imperativeness are overall known as digestion. Green tea efficiently aids the metabolism of the human body effectively, thus seems to be beneficial for losing weight.

Green Tea contains various chemical constituents. Constituents of most importance are caffeine and catechin. Catechin is a type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties.

Research recommends that both of these compounds can accelerate digestion. The caffeine and catechin enhance the quantity of energy the body requires, thus aids fat lysis which is present in excess. That helps lose fat all the more productively.

Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Weight Loss:

Have you at any point thought if there's a perfect time to have green tea to get the most advantage out of this healthy mixture? All things considered, there's very the day that you should make a point to sneak in some green tea.

  • Before Exercise:

    A pleasant cup of green tea has practically all that you'll have to get your body on track. Drinking some green tea about thirty minutes before you exercise can elevate your vitality levels. It can help in consuming fat and getting more fit.

  • After Breakfast:

    Specialists consistently propose beginning the day with something healthy! Green tea can be the first thing after breakfast for a delicate lift and a careful mindful approach during the day. Along these lines, have some solid breakfast and taste on some green goodness after it.

  • Before And After Meals:

    A ton of us has a propensity to devour green tea directly after we eat our dinner. In any case, to procure the most extreme out of green tea, it ought to in a perfect world be devoured between the dinners. It is best to drink the green goodness two hours before and after suppers to take advantage of it.

  • Green Tea At Night:

    Green tea offers a variety of medical advantages, including better rest whenever devoured, in any event, two hours before you hit the bed. It builds the digestion pace of your body and assists you with consuming fat while resting, simultaneously enabling you to wake up with a new state of mind.

Green Tea Dosage For Weight Loss

4-5 cups of unsweetened green tea in a day is sufficient to advance weight loss. It can give an ideal dose of digestion boosting minerals like manganese, chromium, and zinc.

Along these lines, don't depend on green tea alone to get in shape. It just provides support to your efforts in weight loss. You have to supplement it with a calorie deficiency diet and legitimate activities.

Best Green Tea for Weight Loss

When we are discussing Green tea, all of them offer some sort of benefits related to weight loss. The distinction between the various sorts is fundamentally seen in taste, texture, and smell.

More excellent teas normally give better medical advantages and ought to be utilized whenever possible. To update your weight loss regime, you can have a look at these different green teas, which you can include.

  • Matcha Green Tea Powder:

    In the case of weight loss, matcha green tea is identified as the powerhouse, that makes it different from the others. This is a fine powder that is procured by stone-grounding green tea leaves. Instead of expelling the leaves in the wake of soaking, you expend the whole tea leaf.

  • Sencha Green Tea:

    Sencha green tea offers an appetizing flavor with traces of melon and pine. Reach for some this exceptional evaluation green tea whenever you want to get an unfortunate bite.

  • Genmaicha Green Tea:

    This tea is known for its flavor and has created its class among the others. Green tea leaves are mixed with popped rice pieces for a toasty tasting tea. It offers a flavor like that of coffee, Thus provides rich and full-body delights to the taste buds.

  • Ginger Infused Green Tea:

    The taste can also be made invigorating by blending more flavors by infusing ginger root with it. Ginger is a notable craving suppressant that can assist you with feeling full between dinners.

  • Spread Tea Blend:

    An extraordinary blend can be made by mixing green tea along with pu-erh tea and mate tea. This blend is known as Butter tea. The amazing mix of teas gives medical advantages that go past weight loss.

Green Tea Benefits for Weight Loss:

Green tea leads to weight loss in the following ways:

  1. It increases the mobility of fat in fat cells:

    Fat can be burnt into energy only when it has been broken down and moved into the bloodstream. Fat might remain concentrated in the fat cells.

    Green tea contains a potent antioxidant, EGCG that can lead to an increase in the hormone norepinephrine. This hormone triggers the breaking down of fat in the fat cells further making it move into the bloodstream.

  2. It can regulate metabolism:

    Green tea is highly sought after because it helps in increasing a person's metabolic activity. Once a person has heightened metabolism he or she will inevitably lose the redundant calories.

  3. It prevents you from consuming additional calories:

    Green tea can kill your appetite in a healthy way. With repeated consumption of this tea, you will feel hungry after regular intervals.

    But your body will grow averse to junk food and processed food items. So, with a daily cup of this energizing drink, you keep the extra calories at bay.

Green Tea Tips For Weight Loss

Before you take to drinking green tea on a regular basis, you may want to read these tips:

  • If you are sensitive to caffeine or suffer from insomnia, more than four cups of green tea will be too much for your system, regardless of the benefits.
  • If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, you should definitely limit your green tea consumption to two cups a day. You can also skip it altogether.
  • Avoid drinking green tea if you suffer from kidney and liver problems, or glaucoma problem.
  • Do not sip green tea with meals as it may interfere with the absorption of iron in your body.
  • Do not have it empty stomach.
3880 people found this helpful

Diabetes In Women - Because It's Your Right To A Healthy Future!

Dr. Somnath Mallik 90% (16 ratings)
Diploma in Diabetology, MD - General Medicine, MBBS, DTM & H(1)
Diabetologist, Hyderabad
Diabetes In Women - Because It's Your Right To A Healthy Future!

The disease itself may not discriminate on the gender basis, but when it comes to healthcare for patients with diabetes, women find themselves at a disadvantage as compared to men. Studies indicate that diabetes, a disease that affects over 371 million people worldwide takes a greater toll on women than men. Though, hormones in women do account for some of the unique challenges they have to face, but there are other societal factors as well that bring in the differences.

This World Diabetes Day is about promoting the significance of affordable care for diabetes and equitable access for all women at risk or living with diabetes to essential medicines, technological information and self-management education they require and achieve an optimal outcome to strengthen their adequacy to prevent type-2 diabetes. Because it's your right to a healthy and disease-free future!

So, how will you know if you are suffering from this deadly disease – Diabetes?

Symptoms

Women with diabetes experience many of the same symptoms as that of men. However, there are some that are specific to women.

Symptoms experienced by both women and men:

Symptoms unique to women:

Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths each year. Two out of every five women suffering from diabetes are of reproductive age. Women with diabetes have more difficulty conceiving and may have poor pregnancy outcomes.

Diabetes and Pregnancy

The affect of Diabetes, in a pregnancy, will not be great, if controlled properly. Women with diabetes should talk to their gynaecologists while planning to conceive so that they can control their blood sugar levels even before getting pregnant. Your gynaecologist will help you control and monitor your diabetes and blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

And, if you fail to get your blood sugar levels under control during pregnancy, you may experience severe risks:

  1. Miscarriage

  2. Premature delivery

  3. Difficult delivery or cesarean section (C-section)

  4. Birth defects

  5. Having a large baby

  6. Preeclampsia (high blood pressure usually with protein in the urine)

  7. Low blood glucose in a newborn

  8. Breathing problems in the newborn

  9. Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice) in a newborn

  10. Worsening diabetic eye problems and kidney problems for the mother

  11. Urinary or bladder infections

What is Gestational Diabetes?

When diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. It is usually diagnosed at the first week of pregnancy. Like in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high. When a woman is pregnant, more glucose is required to nourish the baby developing inside her womb. During this time, the body needs additional insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. In some women, the body does not produce enough insulin to meet this need, and blood sugar levels rise, resulting in gestational diabetes. 

Fortunately, for most women, gestational diabetes will go away once the baby is delivered. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Further, people suffering from PTSD are at higher risk and should consult their doctors immediately and those who are presently affected with Diabetes should consult for pre-conception consultation.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women

You are at risk for type-2 diabetes if you:

  1. are overweight or obese

  2. are older than 45

  3. have a family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)

  4. have had gestational diabetes

  5. have had a baby with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds

  6. have high blood pressure

  7. have high cholesterol

  8. have other health conditions that are linked to problems using insulin, such as PCOS

Diabetes Treatment Options

Medications

There are various medications you can take to control the symptoms of diabetes. These include:

  1. Insulin therapy

  2. Sulfonylureas like chlorpropamide, which increase pancreatic insulin secretion

  3. Metformin (Glucophage), which reduces blood sugar

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda can help to fight with symptoms of diabetes in a planned manner. Ayurveda includes the appropriate eating regimen plan, prescriptions, and different medications, this sickness can be overseen superbly. Consult with the best doctor for ayurvedic treatment for diabetes.

Lifestyle changes

A change in your diet and lifestyle can also help women control their diabetes

  1. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight

  2. Monitor your blood sugar

  3. Eat a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

  4. Strictly avoid smoking cigarettes

Alternative remedies

Women with diabetes can try other alternative remedies to treat the symptoms, such as 

  1. Eat more broccoli, buckwheat, sage, peas, and fenugreek seeds

  2. Take supplements like chromium or magnesium

  3. Take plant supplements

  4. Can wear diabetic socks for women which maintains flow of blood and oxygen in feet.

But, always remember to consult with your doctor before trying any new treatment. Even if they are natural, they can intrude with your on-going treatment or medications. So, this World Diabetes Day, take a pledge towards healthy living, because your health is important to someone else!

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3925 people found this helpful

Hypoglycemia - Signs To Identify It!

Dr. Neha Jain 91% (111 ratings)
MBBS, CCEDM, CCMTD
Diabetologist, Gurgaon
Hypoglycemia - Signs To Identify It!

There are numerous conditions that can arise when the body does not process the dietary glucose properly. Hypoglycemia, otherwise called as low blood sugar, is when the blood sugar level in a person’s body decreases than normal value. Individuals with diabetes can get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when their bodies do not have enough sugar to use as fuel. It can happen for a few reasons, including diet, few medications and conditions, and exercise. 

In case you get hypoglycemia, record the date and time when it happened and what you did. Give the record to your specialist, so he or she can search for a pattern and adjust your medications accordingly. The most widely recognized reason for hypoglycemia includes medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus, for example, insulin and sulfonylureas. 

The risk is more noteworthy in diabetics who have eaten very less than what is required, exercised more than expected, or have had excessive alcohol. Other reasons for hypoglycemia incorporate kidney failure, certain cancers, for example, insulinoma, liver sickness, hypothyroidism, hunger, an inherent error of digestive system, extreme diseases, receptive hypoglycemia, various medications and liquor. The vast majority feels the symptoms of hypoglycemia when their glucose is 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower. Every individual with diabetes may have distinctive symptoms of hypoglycemia depending on their age, stage and other factors. You will figure out how to recognize yours. 

Some of the most common symptoms are: 

Early indications include: 

  1. Confusion 
  2. Drowsiness 
  3. Shivering or shaking 
  4. Hunger 
  5. Irritation 
  6. Headaches 
  7. Pounding heart 
  8. Racing pulse 
  9. Pale skin 
  10. Sweating 
  11. Trembling 
  12. Weakness 
  13. Nervousness 

Anxiety Without treatment, you may get more serious side effects, including: 

  1. Poor coordination 
  2. Concentration issues 
  3. Numbness in mouth and tongue 
  4. Nightmares 
  5. Unconsciousness 
  6. Trouble talking, impaired speech 
  7. Ataxia, incoordination, mistaken up for being drunk 
  8. Central or general motor deficiency, loss of motion, hemiparesis 
  9. Migraine 
  10. Trance, coma like state, strange breathing 
  11. Seizures Individuals with hypoglycemia unawareness do not have any idea about their glucose level drops. 

In case you have this condition, your glucose can drop without you noticing it. Without quick treatment, you can pass out, encounter a seizure, or even go into a state of extreme coma.

Treatment for Mild Hypoglycemia:

  1. Liquorice roots: Cut the roots and boil it. Drink the water every day for controlled sugar level.
  2. Apple- It has magnesium and chromium which regulates the sugar level
  3. Wild yam
  4. Tomatoes
  5. Sunflower seeds
  6. Pumpkin seeds
  7. Gentian Root
  8. Barley

Treatment for Moderate Hypoglycemia:

  1. At first, the patient must take a blood test to catch up with the levels of blood sugar
  2. Intake of 15-20 kg of carbohydrates is necessary every day. You can get a stabilized carbohydrate content from a bread slice, a banana and a bar made of cereal.
  3. Drink sugar-filled drinks such as Pepsi, etc. Glucose tablets and juice ease the disease rapidly. The patient can also eat sweets in this case. Take a balanced level of sugar content drinks such as 160 ml of cola or lemonade or 200 ml of fruit juice.

Treatment for Severe Hypoglycemia:

In case somebody is having an extreme reaction, for example, unconsciousness, it is imperative to inject a drug called glucagon and contact the hospital quickly. People who are at danger for low glucose need to speak with their specialist about getting a solution for glucagon. You should never give an unconscious individual anything by mouth, as it could make them choke. Hypoglycemia should not be ignored. Depending upon the type of symptoms you are witnessing, you should immediately rectify or consult with your specialist before it gets severe.

If a person is attacked by seizures. It’s not possible to give such medications at that time. At that time a pillow or cushion should be placed below the patients head. The seizure goes away in about 5 min. if holds up more time. The person needs to get admitted to a hospital.

Hypoglycemia doesn’t have its adverse side effects if captured at an early stage. The person gets recovered with the above-stated home medications. Although slow realization of the disease can take the person to the stage of a comma. The disease engulfs body’s maximum energy and few essential body functions also get hampered. But it is treatable with regular natural medications. People having diabetes receives the highest threat of the disease. The sugar levels have to be maintained for proper body working. If the person’s blood sugar level is not right, he/she may have the tendency to get hypoglycaemia and hyperglycemia. Having both this disease is the root of having diabetes. It would make the body weak, and the person will crave for more sugar. It will also weaken the nerve cells and tissues of the brain. Weight will be lost gradually which is a terrible sign. Therefore don’t be late if you are having this above-stated signs go to the doctor and have the proper diagnosis of the disease.

1343 people found this helpful