Have you ever had flaxseed chutney or ate a spoonful of the seeds to feel dizzy and nauseous later on? Welcome to the club. Many people feel uncomfortably lightheaded hours after consuming flaxseed. And something tells us the side effects may not be just an unfortunate coincidence. Flaxseed was hailed for its many awesome health benefits, from promoting cardiovascular benefits to preventing cancer. But the infallible flaxseed may not be so great after all. Here are some of its side effects that we bet you didn’t know about.

A few years ago, after losing a lot of hair, someone suggested that I try eating a spoonful of flaxseeds with my breakfast. It is common knowledge that flaxseed is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and lignans, both of which are great for the hair. Unfortunately, I could never find out whether it actually did any good to my hair because I had to quit midway. Just hours after taking a spoonful of flaxseeds, I started feeling dizzy, nauseous and lightheaded, and the feeling lasted all day. Also read: The health benefits of flaxseeds.

Although I gave flaxseed the benefit of the doubt on the first day (you know, because flaxseed can do no wrong), I pretty much knew that it WAS the culprit because I had the same symptoms the next day after eating a spoonful of the seeds. A quick check on Google revealed that a lot of people ended up having same symptoms as mine after eating flaxseed.

Some websites even mentioned that since flaxseed had a hypotensive effect (lowering blood pressure), the dizziness and nausea could be because of a sudden drop in blood pressure. That added up because I have ALWAYS had low blood pressure and I suspected that all the flaxseed I was eating was worsening it.

Science, unfortunately, didn’t yield any satisfactory answers. A 2013 study published in the PLoS in 2007 said that elderly individuals with underlying health problems might be at risk of low blood glucose¹ and low blood pressure² while taking flaxseed supplements. However, another one published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology said that supplements of flaxseed did not cause any episodes of low blood pressure or low blood sugar in healthy individuals between the age group of 49-87.³

Dietician Geeta Shenoy explains what could have probably gone wrong: “Flaxseed is a highly fibrous food, and too much fibre doesn’t agree with a lot of people. If the same people had flaxseed oil instead of seeds, they wouldn’t show any adverse reactions.” Nausea could be because of the fibre overload on the digestive system, which could cause a host of side effects.

“Also, most people don’t realise that a fibre-rich food like flaxseed should be taken with a lot of water. Not having enough water could cause side effects like nausea in people who cannot tolerate high fibre foods,” says Geeta.

References:
1.Pan A, Sun J, Chen Y, Ye X, Li H, Yu Z, Wang Y, Gu W, Zhang X, Chen X,Demark-Wahnefried W, Liu Y, Lin X. Effects of a flaxseed-derived lignan supplement in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over
trial.
2.Cornish SM, Chilibeck PD, Paus-Jennsen L, Biem HJ, Khozani T, Senanayake V, Vatanparast H, Little JP, Whiting SJ, Pahwa P. A randomized controlled trial of the effects of flaxseed lignan complex on metabolic syndrome composite score and bone mineral in older adults.
3.Billinsky J, Glew RA, Cornish SM, Whiting SJ, Thorpe LU, Alcorn J, Paus-Jenssen L, Hadjistavropoulos T, Chilibeck PD. No evidence of hypoglycemia or hypotension in older adults during 6 months of flax lignan supplementation in a
randomized controlled trial: a safety evaluation.

With many types of milk available in the market like cow milk, almond milk and soy milk, it can be a little tricky to figure what you should pour over your morning cereal. But apart from the flavours and taste, a lot has to do with what suits your stomach best. If your stomach is sensitive to milk protein, rice milk can be a good hypoallergenic option. We got nutritionist Urvashi Sawhney to tell you more about rice milk.

Rice milk manufacturing

Rice milk is made from boiled rice and brown rice starch. Manufacturers often add thickening agents to rice milk along with sweeteners such as vanilla to make rice milk taste sweet. According to Ayurveda, you must never combine these four things with milk. 

Pros of drinking rice milk
Rice milk can be a safer bet as it is easier to digest and does not cause any potential allergic reactions as compared to whole milk and other nut-based milk. Rice milk contains more carbohydrates than cow’s milk. It can be a good idea to drink a glass of rice milk before a workout as it provides you with the necessary carbohydrates to fuel your workout. If you are trying to drop a lot of pounds, eat whole grains which contain filling fibre before your workout.

Cons of drinking rice milk

One major drawback of rice milk is that it contains a whopping 10g of sugar just in one cup so it may not be the best idea to drink rice milk if you are watching your sugar intake. Its sweet taste can make it a healthy alternative for cream used in desserts, and pancakes. Here’s how you can make milk from peanuts and rice at home. 

Nutrient value of rice milk

Rice milk contains a whopping 130 calories as compared to 97 calories per cup in skimmed milk along with 2.5g fat, 23g carbs and 4g protein per cup. Most commercial rice milk is also fortified with calcium.

Bottomline—Try rice milk only if you are prone to allergies, else skip it.

You need fibre to lower your cholesterol and regulate your bowel movements. However, like every other good thing, too much of fibre is also bad. And now that fibre is added to a few foods like yoghurt and granola bars; you may not be aware of your daily fibre intake.

What happens when you consume too much fibre?
According to Niti Desai consultant dietician Cumbala Hills Hospital, Mumbai, overdosing on fibre can strip your body of other nutrients. Fibre pushes the foods in your system too quickly for your body to absorb all the vitamins and nutrients. Too much intake of fibre can also soak up the water in your system and constipate you. Further, excessive intake of fibre can also lead to diarrhoea and bloating. Also, if you fail to increase your water intake while including a lot of fibre rich foods in your diet, you could be suffering from dehydration. Remember along with fibre you need adequate water to help your body function better. Stick to 8 to 10 glasses of water to help the fibre in your system work efficiently. Also, keep in mind these 5 things while eating fibre-rich foods.

How much fibre should you consume daily?
You must aim for 25g to 35g of fibre in a day that mostly comes from whole foods. Whole foods contain a mix of soluble and insoluble fibre and your body needs both of it. Along with unsoluble fibre, you need soluble fibre to slow down your digestion and regulate your blood sugar levels. Cruciferous vegetables contain more insoluble fibre than soluble fibre and fruits contain more soluble fibre. So you need to eat both vegetables and fruits along with a lot of beans, legumes and whole grains like oatmeal to get both the types of fibre. Here are 10 fibre rich foods to choose from every day.

Tip: To make sure that you do not fill up your gastrointestinal tract with excess fibre ensure that you read the label before buying a product.

Image source: Shutterstock Images

1./fitness/health-benefits-of-eggs/
2./fitness/diet/nutritious-reasons-why-you-should-eat-quail-eggs-k0817/
3.Miguel, M., Manso, M. A., López-Fandiño, R., & Ramos, M. (2005). Comparative study of egg white proteins from different species by chromatographic and electrophoretic methods. European Food Research and Technology, 221(3-4), 542-546.
4. Hayakawa, S., Naknukool, S., Uno, T., & Ogawa, M. (2006). Antimicrobial activity of duck egg lysozyme against salmonella enteritidis. In 13th World Congress of Food Science & Technology 2006 (pp. 308-308).
5. Shirai, N., Higuchi, T., & Suzuki, H. (2006). Analysis of lipid classes and the fatty acid composition of the salted fish roe food products, Ikura, Tarako, Tobiko and Kazunoko. Food Chemistry, 94(1), 61-67.

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You must load up on protein to get a lean and toned body. But just adding lean meat to your plate is not going to give you all that benefits. It is essential that you eat protein the right way—the right amount and in the right quantity. Nutritionist Priya Kathpal helps you find out if you are eating your protein all wrong.

Are you eating too little or too much protein?

An average adult needs around 40-50g of protein in a day. You require more protein if you are working out every day. It can be a good idea to write down your daily food intake for about a week to ensure that you are not eating too less or too much protein.

Are you dividing your protein over the meals?

You are not supposed to consume more than 20-30 g of protein in one meal as your body is designed to absorb only that much protein at one time. So it is imperative that you spread your protein over the course of your meals. Here’s how much protein you need in each of your meals. 

Are you getting protein from a variety of sources?

If you are eating only eggs and grilled chicken you are missing out on the plant-based sources of protein like nuts, and legumes. Even if you are not a vegetarian or a vegan, it is important to eat all the plant-based protein sources to get all the nine amino acids that are manufactured by your body. Here are the top 6 protein sources for vegetarians. 

Do your snacks contain protein?

When you are hungry, you may tend to gulp down anything you find near your hand. However, your meal needs to include protein to keep you satiated. So some nuts and seeds can be excellent options for snacks.

Are you eating protein after a workout?

You need protein to repair your muscles and recover from your workout. So it is important that you get your protein within 30 minutes after your workout. So whether you are blending your protein powder in your smoothie or eating roasted peanuts make sure that you eat it immediately after your workout.

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Super foods are probably the most searched term by the health enthusiasts on the internet today! And as we search we come across the most exotic names like quinoa, acai berries, kale, and broccoli. Most of us may also go and count a big buck to get it on our health kit.But there are several Indian foods which are far healthier and easier on pockets than top listed international super foods. Akansha Jhalani, Nutrition Spokesperson form bon happetee asks you to consider swapping the western super foods with these Indian ones.

Olive oil with coconut oil
We forget our very own multi-purpose coconut oil while we are letting the Mediterranean olive oil dominate our food preparation. Researchers have found that coconut oil also helps boost brain functions. Fatty acids in coconut oil increase blood levels of ketones which supply energy to brain cells. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties which keep infections away, it converts bad cholesterol into good cholesterol, and it helps you lose weight. Also, it’s one the best moisturisers for your skin and hair.

Japnese Matcha with Indian Moringa
Over the past few years, matcha tea has become a global phenomenon. While widely popular as a Japanese product, this tea plant is native to China. You can instead switch to Moringa Oleifera, a fast growing tree native to north India. The leaves and pods of the tree have been traditionally used as herbal medicine in India to relieve symptoms of arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and kidney stones. Nutritional profile of Moringa is much stronger when compared with Matcha. Moringa has over ten times more fibre, 30 times more protein and 100 times more calcium than Matcha. Every part of the tree can be eaten, be it leaves, fruits, flowers or seeds.

American acai berry with Indian amla

Amlamurrabba was one the essentials our traditional kitchens had. Regular intake of Amla in any form helps to rejuvenate body and gives longevity. Amla is a powerful antioxidant which slows down your ageing process. It is an unrivalled source of vitamin C, and it is a great contributor in strengthening immunity. Amla has 20 times more vitamin C and twice the power of antioxidants as compared to its American acai berry. South American acai berry, is known for its anti-aging and weight loss properties. Acai berry has good antioxidants profile, but it is a fragile berry that can spoil too quickly to harvest for global usage and distribution. Eat these 10 super foods to cleanse your liver and lungs. 

Chinese goji berries Indian Jamun
Research suggests that goji berries can help you feel better and boost your health but goji berries are more expensive than other fruits. Jamun is cheaper and easily available. This local berry delivers a lot of health benefits as it helps relieve tiredness, controls blood sugar levels and helps build a stronger immunity.

Chinese Ginseng with ashwagandha
Ginseng is globally popular herbal medicine. Native Americans mainly use the root to relieve a headache and to treat infertility. Whereas, Indian have been traditionally using ashwagandha to strengthen the immune system after an illness.Its ability to enhance stamina and extraordinary stress relieving properties have made ashwagandha known as the strength of the stallion. Being local, ashwagandha costs one-third of ginseng and is safer to consume for an extended period without having any side effects.

Mexican chia seeds with Indian basil seeds
Chia seeds were initially grown in Mexico and were highly valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value. Basil is native to India and has been cultivated here for more than 5000 years. Basil seeds hold a secure spot in Ayurveda. Basil seeds reportedly have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antispasmodic, and antifungal properties. It helps to regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It is an excellent remedy to ease bloating, stomach cramps, and indigestion. Also, include these 4 Indian ancient grains in your diet. 

These foods are locally grown which makes them readily available, affordable and eliminates them from any form of processing and adulteration- the most logical reason to choose Indian super foods instead of going gaga over western super foods.The Indian super foods justify the law of vital few. They are much stronger than you think!

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Puberty marks the entry of a child into adolescence and sexual maturity. It is the time when your body goes through many changes affecting the way you look, feel and behave. Hormones play a crucial role in the developmental age for adolescent girls and boys. Hormonal changes during puberty amount to behavioural, structural and psychological development. Estrogen in girls is paramount in the development of the reproductive system and the start of the menstruation cycle. It also plays a role in bone health, breast development and has also been known to regulate eating patterns. In the same way, testosterone in teenage boys spurts their physical growth and is essential for their reproductive system development. Correcting dietary habits and ensuring the regularity of nutritious meals will help largely in regulating a healthy hormonal balance.

You may not eat much and turn to be fussy eaters; this is when your parent may offer you comfort foods that are usually high in sugar and fats. You being nutrient deficit may have disrupted hormonal balance. According to nutritionist Akansha Jhalani Founder, Beyond the Weighing Scale here’s what you should avoid eating in your puberty.

Avoid soy products: According to Harvard Health, soy can have estrogen-like effects as it contains molecules that may compete with the body’s natural estrogen levels. This would mean that teenagers who eat soy products may experience disrupted hormonal levels. Doctors recommend limiting soy until adequate research negates the link between estrogen receptors and soy. A compound called glyphosate in soy products can cause hormonal imbalance, so soy products, in general, are not a safe option for a teen girl. You should know about these 8 signs of puberty in girls. 

Avoid foods high in salt: Consuming excess dietary salt may result in hormonal imbalance during puberty that can lead to behavioural problems, stress and reduced fertility. Burgers, pizzas, french fries, ready to eat foods, instant noodles, deep fried snacks, chips are likely to cause hormonal disorders, so it is best that you try and avoid them altogether.

Refrain from soft drinks and packaged juices: Also avoid soft drinks and packaged juices. These drinks contain artificial sweeteners which can cause acute changes in the release of a variety of hormones including estrogen and progesterone. So it is always best to stick to natural fruit juices and smoothies. Here’s how coffee affects your puberty. 

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Yes meat is a great source of protein and other essential nutrients, but it also contains saturated fat that can clog your arteries. Eating meat at every meal is not healthy for anyone, including body builders who have a much higher protein requirement. According to nutritionist Priya Kathpal, you can fill a quarter of your plate with a protein source. Your daily protein requirement to maintain your body’s basic functions vary depending on your gender, size and age. But your daily protein requirement often ranges between 40g to 70g. However, if you exercise your protein need increases but consuming more than 1g per kilogram of body weight can tax your kidneys. Here’s how much protein you need in each of your meals. 

Can you eat meat at every meal?
You should ideally spread your protein throughout the day to meet your nutritional needs and maintain your blood glucose levels. However, you can eat meat in just one meal and concentrate on other sources of protein in other meals. For instance, you can eat a serving of lean meat for your lunch, milk or yoghurt for breakfast, apple and peanut butter in the evening and grilled fish for dinner. You can also add servings of nuts and beans to your meals. If you are a bodybuilder, you can consider substituting meat for fish and poultry that are lean and contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids to meet your daily protein requirements. Dairy products are also excellent protein sources. When you are eating meat, meat should ideally be grilled, barbecued, boiled, baked or roasted in a minimal amount of healthy oil. Here is a diet chart and tips for non-vegetarians. 

• Tips:
  Drink plenty of water as proteins are thermogenic foods that release heat and are tougher to digest.


• Eat red meat in moderation, maybe once a fortnight, especially if you are health conscious, have coronary artery disease or any heart health issues like high cholesterol, are watching your weight or are not into heavy exercising.

If you think loading up on fibre can help you lose weight, then you are right. The correct type of fibre in your diet can also help you lose belly fat. Yes, you heard it right! Fibre can help you cut down the fat from the belly region but the key is to choose the right one. Here’s how you can lose weight, reduce belly fat in 20 ways, in 20 days.

Every person is different and so is the weight, which is distributed differently based on the genetics and body composition. For some people, excess weight shows up in the butt region, for others thighs and arms are vulnerable to even a slight increase in the fat intake. While numerous studies have proven that targetted weight loss is not possible, if you manage to lose fat in a healthy and consistent manner, you can lose belly fat as well, regardless of your genetic makeup. And one such way to lose weight from the abdominal region is to eat soluble fibre. Read: 5 real women share how they finally lost their belly fat.

How does it help?

According to a recent study [1], it was showed that eating soluble fibre regularly aids in weight loss because you tend to feel fuller. Furthermore, it also makes you less inclined to reach out for sugary foods or snack on junk food during the evening snack hour. The five-year-long study reported that 1000 adults showed a decrease of 3.7% in the belly fat for each 10-gram increase of soluble fibre in their diet. Moreover, soluble fibre also absorbs water in the body forming a gel and hence, aid in digestion. Hence, if you want to lose belly fat, include foods rich in soluble fibre such as avocados, Brussel sprouts, blackberries and flaxseeds in the diet.

Weight loss Tip: 179

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References:

1. Hairston KG, Vitolins MZ, Norris JM, Anderson AM, Hanley AJ, Wagenknecht LE. Lifestyle factors and 5-year abdominal fat accumulation in a minority cohort: the IRAS Family Study. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Feb;20(2):421-7. doi: 10.1038/oby.2011.171. Epub 2011 Jun 16. PubMed PMID: 21681224; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3856431.

Of course, we know that junk food is bad for your health. From obesity to lifestyle diseases, there are a number of dangerous consequences you can face because of your love for junk food. But if you want some more encouragement to give up or at least heavily cut down on fast food, packaged food and processed food items, you must read about the immediate amazing things that can happen to you when you give up junk food, as told by nutritionist Akansha Jhalani.

1) Your body and face look less bloated– Cutting out the junk from your diet also majorly helps you to also cut out the salt. The excess salt intake from the fries, pizzas and fried snacks over the time not only affect the blood pressure but also dampen your taste buds. Excess salt also causes water retention, bloating and kicks in lethargy. Don’t be surprised if your face and body suddenly feel less bloated after you cut down junk. Read: Healthy  ingredient swaps for desserts.

2) You start fitting into those slim jeans
Of course, only cutting on junk cannot magically make you fit into slim dresses and pants, but it plays a huge role in weight loss. When you eat less junk, you consume less saturated fat. Fat has been the devil for a long time but the saturated fat is the one we need to block out. Saturated fats from unhealthy sources are known to cause a rise in bad cholesterol (LDL), raise cholesterol levels and increase obesity. Here are some delicious, healthy vegan dessert recipes.

3) Your hair becomes stronger
Going off processed food and cutting off the preservatives, stabilizers and chemicals has a great effect on your hair. You tend to consume more fresh produce which gives you vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your hair.

4) Your skin becomes clearer and starts glowing
The key to a radiant skin does not lie in a tube of beauty cream but it lies in what you eat. Ditching junk food helps you regulate your hormones and protects you from the harmful side effects of preservatives.

5) You sleep better
Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fays not only make you gain weight but also disrupt your sleep. These foods obstruct your natural neurochemical processes and cause an erratic sleeping pattern that causes irritability and lethargy. So it’s a no-brainer when we tell you that you don’t just get sleep, but good quality, peaceful sleep when you’re not eating junk. Here are some bedroom makeover tips to help you sleep better.

6) You keep diabetes and other lifestyle diseases at bay
Processed food comprises simple sugars that cause a spike in your blood sugar and these erratic spikes pose a threat to your health and predispose you to diabetes and other diseases.

7) You FEEL good and think better
When you cut off processed food from your diet and include fresh whole foods, it nourishes you with nutrients that help you feel good, think better, concentrate more and increase your focus. Here are tips to help your children eat healthy by celeb nutritionist Pooja Makhija.

Also read: Maharashtra government tells school canteens to stop selling junk food to kids to curb diabetes and obesity
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) aims to reduce lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

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If you are planning to lose weight in a healthy way, then here is a simple trick that can help! NO, we are not talking about strenuous gym workouts nor are recommending any fad diets, but a kitchen ingredient that can work wonders for weight loss. A research study has proved to cause a 16% reduction in weight in a group that had jeera along with food or as a tea. Luke Coutinho, M.D. Alternative Medicine and Holistic Nutritionist, says that that jeera can help you lose weight. This is because, jeera is rich in phytosterols, plant chemicals, that have the ability to absorb bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). It also helps to break down triglycerides and flush it out of the body. Jeera helps to burn fats because of its high metabolic nature. The active ingredients in jeera stimulate the metabolism and help you to lose weight. Also read about 7 health benefits of jeera water.

When it comes to weight loss, you might know that weight loss is not about dieting and over exercising. Instead, it is more about how strong you build your metabolic rate because of the stronger the metabolic rate, the more weight you lose. Moreover, cumin has the ability to spike up your metabolism and aid in weight loss.

Here is a jeera recipe that can help you lose weight

Try this recipe for at least a week or 10 days for the results to show up. You can have this drink the first thing in the morning to boost your metabolism and keep you active throughout the day.  It also helps to reduce the cravings tend throughout the day and prevent you from unhealthy bingeing.

Grate ginger and add a tablespoon of jeera seeds or jeera powder in 500 ml of water. Allow it to boil till it reduces to half the volume. You can even add cinnamon and elaichi to enhance the flavour of the skin. Strain the concoction, squeeze fresh lemon and have this as a morning drink. Here are 15 weight loss drinks that take you from flab to fit!

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Hello, people! It is Independence Day! All of us have different ways of celebrating it. It has always been our aim to make India healthier and fitter. And that is why for this 70th Independence Day we have planned to do a 70-second plank challenge. We will be doing an FB live in which we at , will be planking for 70-seconds. By doing this challenge, our sole motive is to encourage exercise in your daily routine and let more and more people know about the benefits of regular exercising.
We have all grown up listening to the saying health is wealth, but in our daily lives do we actually make time for some bit of exercise or yoga? We barely do any stretching! 9 to 10 hours of continuous sitting and unhealthy diet is only shortening our life span. Even a little bit of exercise in a day along with a healthy diet goes a long way!
We will be performing this challenge on the 14th of August at 4 pm. Let us see how many of us can plank for 70 seconds. You can join us on our FB live.

Benefits of planking:
Planking is a core strengthing exercise and stresses on multiple muscle groups at the same time:
It will give you a toned belly as planking helps build your core muscles. Planking also reduces back pain and makes you flexible.
It is great for lifting up your mood instantly as it stretches and relaxes muscle groups that become stiff.
Planks will also improve your posture and balancing skills and make your abs firmer.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t forget to join us on August 14 at 4 pm for the #70for70 planking challenge on our The Health Site Facebook Live. Let us know if you can beat this 70- second planking challenge!

India is carrying out more than 100 weight loss surgeries a day. Habilite Obesity Group has found in analysis that India has seen a surge in obesity. According to Lancet study, India is the third most obese country with one in every five Indian diagnosed with such issue. As a result, bariatric surgery treatment has gain awareness and popularity. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Karnataka, Bangalore, Indore, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh are the prime preferable locations of patients for such treatment. Dr Kapil Agrawal, senior consultant, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, Habilite Obesity Group, informed that morbid obesity affects five percent of the country’s population and four percent patients have the comorbidities of obesity that includes Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, gallbladder disease and gallstones, osteoarthritis, gout, breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma.

Bariatric surgery being the single solution for all conditions, trust factor of patients is increasing on this procedure, due to advancement of medical science. If we talk about the numbers of procedures performed across India on daily bases, northern region predominate the highest numbers, with only in National Capital more than 15, as patients from North India prefer to opt for surgery only in Delhi. However, in southern and western region, patients are getting aware and opting for this procedure for permanent solution of obesity and other comorbidities. In eastern region the number is marginally less. (Read: 5 things you need to know before undergoing bariatric surgery)

Dr Agrawal states that besides Indian, there has been large number of increase reported in medical tourism for bariatric procedure. Foreigner patients majorly from Afghanistan, Iraq, Dubai, Africa are coming for weight Loss Surgeries in India. “We are well equipped with world class technologies, much superior to any other developing country. We offer an advance and best service that too at very competitive price. Hence, Delhi is emerging as a hub for medical tourism in bariatric surgery also,” he reiterated. There are four types of surgeries- sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric band. Depending upon the patient’s condition, various obesity related health issues and their preferences, people are advised for a particular type of surgery.

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common and preferred surgery but gastric bypass is known for its best results especially for control of diseases like long standing diabetes. Even mini gastric bypass is gaining popularity because of its excellent results. As far as gastric band procedure is concerned, this is a traditional procedure which is gradually becoming obsolete because of better results of other procedures. People who want to lose only 10-12 kg also opt for gastric balloon which is a nonsurgical procedure. In this procedure gastric balloon is placed endoscopically and patient is discharged on same day. Here’s more on surgery for weight loss or bariatric surgery – get your facts right!

Source: ANI

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Read this in Marathi

With a lot of discipline most of us manage to watch what we eat at home but how do we eat healthy when out dining at a restaurant? Here are some clever restaurant hacks or rules Registered Dietitian Akansha Jhalani Sinha from bon happetee follows that does not disturb her weight loss plan:

1. Scroll through the menu before: If possible have a quick glance at the menu first to see the healthier options. You could also scout the menu online before reaching the restaurant. This will save you a lot of time later and would also help you control your sudden indulgence. Being clear headed with your choices saves the guilt later one.

2. Don’t arrive too hungry: It’s a good idea to have a soup or salad a little before just leaving home. This will prevent you reaching the restaurant too famished and grabbing anything that you could lay your hands.

3. Have water as soon as you take your seat: Not only does it aid digestion but also helps in reducing your overall calorie intake. It also reduces the urge for drinking other sugar-loaded beverages. Here are 12 ways to eat healthy at a Chinese restaurant. 

4. Make healthy choices: Avoid ‘creamy’, ‘cheesy’, ‘fried’,’ crispy’, ‘saucy’, ‘battered’, ‘breaded’ and such terms as they mean danger! Instead look for ‘steamed’, ‘boiled’, ‘toasted’, ‘baked’ and ‘grilled’ food items. Once ordered its tough to resist eating such scrumptious dishes and hence it’s a better idea to order healthy in the first place.

5. Split and share: There is nothing wrong with splitting your meal into two or three depending upon the quantity served. This also helps in keeping a portion check and avoiding wastage.

6. Pack it up: The good idea is to get half portion of your meal boxed or packed even before it arrives the table. This will help you avoid wastage and keep a portion check.

7. Be clever with your dressing: Try dipping your fork into the salad dressing instead of drizzling it over the dressing. This will prevent you from using a whole lot of dressing and would also get you the flavour of the dressing.

8. Don’t reach for that extra salt: If you feel like adding some table salt to your dish, consider using a fresh lime or a dash of vinegar to your dish. This would satisfy your taste buds and at the same time help you avoid too much of sodium. Here’s how you can order a healthy meal at an Italian restaurant. 

9. Veggies first: If you have ordered for fries and salads then always finish the salad first. Not only is raw food supposed to be had first for better digestion, but it will also fill you up surprisingly leaving little space for the junk food.

10. Say no to the refill: If the restaurant offers a free refill that is too tempting to refuse, consider sharing it with your friend. There’s no point adding sugar and soda to your system only because it is free.

These simple hacks will make you eat cleverly next time you go out to a restaurant. Nothing should come in the way of your health goals! Enjoy, socialise, party but all in a sane frame of mind!

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Read this in Hindi.

Calories have been calculated considering an average weight of 70 kg and using calorie calculator from Healthifyme and  Healthy Weight Forum.

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India is the epicentre of oral cancer and the numbers of victims are rising day by day. This cancer is more prevalent among adults. Intake of tobacco and heavy intake of alcohol are the primary causes for oral cancer. Fortunately, this form of cancer is completely preventable, but most people often show a careless attitude in quitting these dangerous habits and thus may become victims of such a menace. In the affected persons, an early detection of oral cancer can greatly help to improve the outcome, but due to ignorance and a lack of knowledge nearly half of the victims do not consult doctors and simply neglect the symptoms until they get worse. Here are some symptoms of oral cancer that you should be wary of so that you can seek help before it reaches a critical stage.

1.    Red or white patches in oralcavity (mouth) and/or throat:

A rough and scaly patch in the mouth or the throat that does not heal within two weeks is a primary indication of oral cancer.

2.    Formation of lumps:

Formation of small sized lumps inside the oral cavity and thickening of its inner lining may be a sign of oral cancer.

3.    Erosions around lips and gums:

In oral cancer, the tissues of the upper surface of the lips and the gums get scraped away, which leads to tissue loss in these parts.

4.    Loss of sensation inside the oral cavity:

Numbness, loss of feeling and sensation inside the oral cavity is also one of the key symptoms of oral cancer.

1. 5.    Painful sores and patches:

In the initial stage of oral cancerthe sores and the patches usually remain painless. But with advancement of the disease, these sores lead to unbearable pain. The pain often increases if the sores rupture and bleed during the intake of food.

6.    Loosening of teeth and bad breath:

This symptom may be likely to develop in some patients. Soreness in the gums may be a responsible factor for teeth loss and foul smell inside the mouth.

7.    Problems in speech:

If oral cancer spreads and affects the throat, victimsmay suffer from speech problems. In addition to that, the voice quality may also get changed due to the development of oral cancer.

8.    Severe weight loss

This is a common symptom which is noticeable in most form of cancers. In oral cancer, difficulty in swallowing (due to painful sores and immobility of the tongue)may be an important reason for weight loss.

Image source- Getty images

You may also like to read: 

• Giving up the tobacco habit – a cancer survivor’s tale


• Oral cancer: Playing with fire


• World No Tobacco Day 2014: Different ways to quit smoking

For more articles on cancer, you can visit our cancer section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And for health-related queries, visit our Questions and Answers section.

 Reference:

1. Scott S, Mc Gurk M and Grunfeld E. patient delay for potentially malignant oral symptoms. Eur J Oral Sci. 2008, Apr 116(2):141-147.

With a lot of discipline most of us manage to watch what we eat at home but how do we eat healthy when out dining at a restaurant? Here are some clever restaurant hacks or rules Registered Dietitian Akansha Jhalani Sinha from bon happetee follows that does not disturb her weight loss plan:

1. Scroll through the menu before: If possible have a quick glance at the menu first to see the healthier options. You could also scout the menu online before reaching the restaurant. This will save you a lot of time later and would also help you control your sudden indulgence. Being clear headed with your choices saves the guilt later one.

2. Don’t arrive too hungry: It’s a good idea to have a soup or salad a little before just leaving home. This will prevent you reaching the restaurant too famished and grabbing anything that you could lay your hands.

3. Have water as soon as you take your seat: Not only does it aid digestion but also helps in reducing your overall calorie intake. It also reduces the urge for drinking other sugar-loaded beverages. Here are 12 ways to eat healthy at a Chinese restaurant. 

4. Make healthy choices: Avoid ‘creamy’, ‘cheesy’, ‘fried’,’ crispy’, ‘saucy’, ‘battered’, ‘breaded’ and such terms as they mean danger! Instead look for ‘steamed’, ‘boiled’, ‘toasted’, ‘baked’ and ‘grilled’ food items. Once ordered its tough to resist eating such scrumptious dishes and hence it’s a better idea to order healthy in the first place.

5. Split and share: There is nothing wrong with splitting your meal into two or three depending upon the quantity served. This also helps in keeping a portion check and avoiding wastage.

6. Pack it up: The good idea is to get half portion of your meal boxed or packed even before it arrives the table. This will help you avoid wastage and keep a portion check.

7. Be clever with your dressing: Try dipping your fork into the salad dressing instead of drizzling it over the dressing. This will prevent you from using a whole lot of dressing and would also get you the flavour of the dressing.

8. Don’t reach for that extra salt: If you feel like adding some table salt to your dish, consider using a fresh lime or a dash of vinegar to your dish. This would satisfy your taste buds and at the same time help you avoid too much of sodium. Here’s how you can order a healthy meal at an Italian restaurant. 

9. Veggies first: If you have ordered for fries and salads then always finish the salad first. Not only is raw food supposed to be had first for better digestion, but it will also fill you up surprisingly leaving little space for the junk food.

10. Say no to the refill: If the restaurant offers a free refill that is too tempting to refuse, consider sharing it with your friend. There’s no point adding sugar and soda to your system only because it is free.

These simple hacks will make you eat cleverly next time you go out to a restaurant. Nothing should come in the way of your health goals! Enjoy, socialise, party but all in a sane frame of mind!

Image source: Shutterstock Images

Read this in Hindi.

Calories have been calculated considering an average weight of 70 kg and using calorie calculator from Healthifyme and  Healthy Weight Forum.

Image Source: Shutterstock.com