Highlights

As the cold sheath of fog envelopes the country, we are busy prepping up for the season change that almost caught us off guard. Let's admit, the winter did arrive early this year, and now we are left with no choice but to make necessary changes to our diet. It is time to do away with cold water. Ice cream, chilled milkshakes or cold coffees are not encouraged either. It is time to bring back the 'winter foods' that have kept us cosy and warm all these years. If you have grown up in India, you must be privy to all the laddoos that are made especially during the winters. Kids dig them, so do the grown-ups. But to think of these ladoos as mere desserts is a gross mistake. Most of these ladoos pack a treasure of nutrients that may help ward off the risk of cold and flu. Here are five of our favourites that we cannot wait to make.

(Also Read:Immunity Diet: 6 Winter Recipes For Immunity We Swear By)

Here Are 5 Winter Ladoos That Could Help Boost Your Immunity:

1. Sonth And Methi Ka LadooEnriched with the goodness of ginger and methi seeds, this ladoo could help fight the inflammation, and provide relief from the discomfort that comes with cold. Click here for the recipe.

2. Panjiri LadooPanjiri is a dry, crumbly mix made with a range of healthy superfoods. This panjiri ladoo is made with the goodness of semolina, makhana, coconut, atta, and a whole lot of dry fruits and nuts. Ghee (or clarified butter) used to bind the ladoo helps keep your body warm and is also good for your bones and joints. Click here for the recipe.

Nuts are crucial for immunity

3. Gondh Ke LadooGondh (or edible gum), also known as dink in some parts of the country, is known to fight the chill and is also considered good for post-pregnancy. This ladoo is chewy and chunky, and while there are many recipes of gondh ka ladoo, here's one recipe that you may like.

4. Til Ke LadooThink winters, and you are bound to picture til ka ladoo at some point in time. Til or sesame is a winter favourite across the country, and the many sesame-based preparations are proof. Click here for the recipe.

5. Dates And Nuts LadooWinters and dry fruits go hand in hand. Nutritionists suggest taking in a range of them to optimize your intake of antioxidants, that help fight disease-causing free radicals. Instead of sugar, this healthy ladoo uses dates. Click here for the recipe.

Promoted

Dates are a healthy substitute for sugar

Most of these preparations are high in sugar, if you are wary of sugar, you can use any natural sugar substitute for your ladoos. Try making these ladoos at home and let us know your favourite

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.

Read this article:
Immunity Diet: 5 Winter Ladoos That Could Help Boost Your Immunity - NDTV Food

For every person who talks up the ketogenic diet, theres another warning about the ill effects on your heart. The worry is that following a very high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet will create a subsequent spike in cholesterol levels, which could, in turn, raise your risk for heart disease.

The worry is certainly valid. On the keto diet, each day youre eating up to 80 percent of your calories from fat and sticking with 20 to 50 grams of net carbs, a term used in popular diets, includingketo andAtkinsbut one that is not officially recognized in the medical community. (To calculate net carbs, subtract fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carb amount, per Atkins.) This all means youll be eating a lot of fat per day, and in the name of meeting that quota, that may include unhealthy choices such as butter, coconut oil, and animal fat, all sources of saturated fat, which has been linked to poor heart health, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). (The point of keto is to shift your body from a carb-burning state into a fat-burning one, which is called ketosis.)

But the effect of keto on heart health isnt as straightforward as it sounds. Indeed, the keto diet may not have as detrimental an effect on your cholesterol as some have thought.

When you review the data, a couple things are clear. Looking at population studies and clinical trials, the impact the keto diet has on lipids is modest, says Daniel Soffer, MD, an internist and lipidologist at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Soffer is a member of the National Lipid Association, an organization dedicated to managing lipid problems. In October 2019, the National Lipid Association released a position statement on low-carb and very-low-carb, ketogenic diets and their relationship to lipids, and published it in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. Most commonly, he says, research shows keto produces modest reductions in triglycerides, modest changes in heart-protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good"), and minimal changes inlow-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") levels. Some studies, the review notes, show an increase in LDL on low- or very low-carb diets. (Long-term studies, however, are lacking.)

Whether these numbers particularly HDL go up or down largely depends on the quality of your keto diet. One problem is that theres not a single ketogenic diet. There are different ways to follow it, and some people are careful about the types of fats they eat, while others are not, says Soffer.

RELATED: What Are the Best and Worst Fats to Eat on the Keto Diet?

To his point, one review, published in Nutrients in May 2017, noted that in human studies on people of normal weight and with obesity, keto diets are generally associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, an increase in HDL, a decrease in triglycerides, and reductions in LDL. At the same time, other research, the review points out, shows something different: a rise in LDL or no swing either way. In trials where LDL decreased, people ate a low-carb diet high in healthy unsaturated fat and limited in unhealthy saturated fat, the authors point out.

One study included in the above review was published in October 2012 in Nutritionand compared a low-calorie and a very low-carb, high-fat diet (what would constitute a keto diet) in more than 360 overweight and obese participants. Some of the participants had diabetes, others did not. After about a year, those in the keto group saw their total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL decrease, while HDL rose.

RELATED: 8 Common Mistakes That Keto Beginners Make, and How to Avoid Them

To have an idea if the keto diet may have a negative effect on your cholesterol, consider your starting triglyceride number. According to the Mayo Clinic, triglycerides are another type of lipid in your blood that your body uses for energy; high triglyceride and LDL levels can lead to fatty deposits that gum up arteries, notes the American Heart Association. Normal levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). About a quarter of the population has triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL, which is the threshold to consider elevated triglycerides. This is a large percentage of the population, so its not uncommon, says Soffer.

If you have normal levels, keto is likely safe to try. For people with normal or perfect triglyceride levels, the impact from keto is minimal or none, says Soffer. If, on the other hand, you have insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and/or abdominal obesity, and your triglycerides are elevated it may seem like you should shy away from keto, but the opposite may be true, Soffer argues, explaining that the low-carb nature of keto has the potential to decrease insulin resistance and improve triglycerides.

Recent research suggests this effect as well. A small, randomized, and controlled study published in August 2020 in Nutrition & Metabolism looked at 34 older adults with obesity over eight weeks. Those who were on a very low-carb diet lost three times the visceral fat compared with the low-fat group; low-carb dieters also had more improvements in insulin sensitivity, triglyceride levels, and HDL cholesterol.

Speaking of, another layer here is the relationship between triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. When triglycerides are high, HDL is usually low. Flip that script, and anything that reduces triglycerides will also [tend to] increase HDL, says Soffer. Remember, HDL is a type of good cholesterol that ferries some LDL out of the bloodstream and into the liver where it can be metabolized and discarded, per the AHA. Increasing HDL is good for your heart.

Still, though, the aforementioned Nutrition & Metabolism study involved a mere 34 people so more research, particularly larger, longer-term studies, is needed before scientists can fully understand the true effects of keto on insulin resistance and triglycerides.

Whats more, when it comes to using keto for fat or weight loss, the research is mixed. Theres evidence that following a low-carb diet is no better than a low-fat diet, per a 12-month study in February 2018 in JAMA. In addition, there isnt enough data to show if keto can produce long-term results. As a review in the journal Canadian Family Physician in December 2018 points out, weight loss on keto peaks at five months, followed by a slow weight regain.

RELATED: Good vs. Bad Fats: Everything You Should Know About Fats and Heart Health

The impact of high-fat, very low-carb eating on your LDL isnt as clear. Again, as the AHA says, LDL is the type of cholesterol thats linked to atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. It may go up, go down, or stay relatively the same. Hypothetically speaking, if you have a normal triglyceride level and are doing keto to lose weight, LDL may remain stable, says Soffer. Similarly, if you have high triglycerides to start and that number decreases on keto, your LDL may still stay put.

The bottom line is that keto alone may not contribute to the cholesterol spike that some people report when starting the diet. Yet if you start eating more saturated fat because youre on keto, then your LDL will likely rise. An increase in saturated fat intake has been shown over and over again to increase LDL, he says.

RELATED:9 Things Dietitians Wish You Knew About High Cholesterol

Where things get possibly dangerous is if youre one of the people who has an inherited genetic mutation that affects the way LDL particles are regulated. If these individuals follow a keto diet, their LDL levels can skyrocket, says Soffer. This result doesnt happen often enough to skew overall results in population studies, but what matters most is the effect the diet has on your individual health. Its a long-recognized phenomenon that hasnt been published well, he says, adding that the genetics that drive this response arent completely understood. (The APOE gene may be one, but its likely not the only one, he says.)

You may not be aware that you have a preexisting genetic mutation, also called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). In fact, as the AHA notes, for people with FH, only 10 percent know they have it. Being aware of your family history, including members who have had a heart attack at a young age, is important and can help point your provider in the right direction. In some instances, research shows that a low-carb diet may actually be beneficial for those with FH who also have insulin resistance, suggests an analysis published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine in July 2015. This is not something to tease out on your own. Instead, its just another reason why you should talk to your doctor about a dietary change, particularly if you have other health conditions, like high cholesterol.

The average person likely wont notice anything amiss about their cholesterol, but for someone with this genetic predisposition, [the keto diet] can be a hazardous diet, says Soffer. In the short term, a small, six-month spike in cholesterol isnt harmful it takes a decade or more of high LDL to cause damage, he says but if this is a rest-of-your-life way of eating, it can be dangerous.

RELATED:11 Biggest Keto Diet Dangers You Need to Know About

Having high cholesterol doesnt automatically disqualify you from keto. Were seeing really good cardiovascular results from a keto diet, says Susan Ryskamp, RDN, clinical dietitian at Michigan Medicines Frankel Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor.

Doctors will want to look at the overall picture with the goal of improving biomarkers like triglycerides, A1C, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). On keto, if patients lose weight, get their BMI closer to, if not under 30 (under the threshold for obesity), and these biomarkers improve, we feel theyre at less of a cardiovascular risk, says Ryskamp.

If a patient has severely elevated triglyceride levels upwards of 1,000 mg/dL (remember under 150 is normal) then Ryskamp would likely suggest another diet first. But a triglyceride level of 300 may still be a go, with close monitoring and frequent lipid checks. Most of the patients I see can safely go on keto, she says.

The fact is, says Ryskamp, people start down the road to heart disease in different ways (genetics, hardening of arteries), and cardiovascular patients respond uniquely to treatment. Not everyone will want to go on keto, but it may be recommended for some, she says. As a study published in November 2019 in Clinical and Scientific Debates on Atherosclerosis points out, keto is not the only option. Other diets are as effective, more sustainable and safer, the authors write. The AHA still recommends a plant-based diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean vegetable or animal protein.

RELATED: What Are the Best Sources of Plant-Based Protein?

One of the draws of a keto diet is the idea that you can eat any and all fat that you want. Thats not a healthy mindset to step into. I recommend patients choose cardioprotective [unsaturated] fats, like nuts, nut butter, seeds, avocado, and extra virgin oils, such as olive oil, says Ryskamp. Similarly, avoid foods that are high in saturated fat (like butter) as your primary fat sources.

Its not just fats that are important, but maximizing the small amount of carbohydrates youre allowed. Getting enough fiber can be a challenge, and youll want to make sure youre eating plenty of low GI-index veggies (nonstarchy choices such as spinach and broccoli). Ultimately, the benefits come from replacing foods, like processed carbs, that experts believe are detrimental to overall wellness, with those that are heart-healthy, like unsaturated fats, she says.

Its been repeated over and over: If youre drastically changing your diet which includes going keto you need to talk to your doctor first and make sure its safe for you and your individual health concerns. You also want to get your lipids checked before and during keto, so your doctor can watch for a cholesterol spike and determine if this is a healthy diet for you.

One of the biggest concerns, says Soffer, is that once you come off keto, you continue eating a high-saturated-fat diet in combination with a typical Standard American Diet (a high-calorie diet thats rich in refined grains and proteins, but low in fruits and vegetables). Because keto is highly restrictive, most people dont stay on it for the long haul, so watch your diet and plan appropriately when you go off the diet.

RELATED: How to Maintain Your Health and Weight Loss Results After Keto

If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, speak with your medical team first before embarking on a keto diet. If you get the green light, continue to seek their help. There are a lot of popular books out on how to follow a keto diet, but I think patients need additional support and guidance and ongoing conversations about if its working for you, says Ryskamp. Its a tool that someone can use to improve their health, but it may not be the right tool for them, or the right tool the way theyre doing it, she says.

RELATED: The Health Conditions Keto Can (and Cant) Treat

Visit link:
What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Go on a Keto Diet? - Everyday Health

Remember when that science teacher John Cisna made headlines back in 2015 for losing more than 55 pounds in six months while eating only McDonald's foods?

How did he do it? By limiting his caloric intake to 2,000 calories per day and exercising regularly. While a diet largely consisting of French fries and burgers and other foods high in fats may not be ideal for your heart or arteries, Cisna's unique experiment proved that calorie regulation is the key to weight loss.

And in fact, a caloric deficit is the primary reason any specific type of diet can lead to weight loss. (Related: 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.)

One observational study of a group of Paleo Diet followers found that followers of the heart-healthy diet lost an average of five pounds over a three week period, but this weight loss came not only with a shift to eschewing beans, grains, sugar, dairy, and certain other proscribed foods, but also with an approximate drop of 500 calories consumed per day.

Ketogenic diets, wherein followers consume lots of fats, some protein, and very few carbohydrates, have proven to be as or even more effective than low-fat diets for efficiency of weight loss. But in one study cited by Healthline, both the keto and low-fat dieters "reduced calorie consumption," with lowered caloric intake driving the weight loss.

A Mayo Clinic analysis of the Atkins Diet concluded that: "Because carbohydrates usually provide over half of calories consumed, the main reason for weight loss on the Atkins Diet is lower overall calorie intake from eating less carbs."

And on it goes as you consider the Dukan Diet, the HCG Diet, a vegan diet, and so forth. To lose weight, you must ingest less and burn more calories.

For more weight loss news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Continued here:
The One Thing All Successful Weight Loss Diets Have in Common - Yahoo Lifestyle

For a guy whose played Khal Drogo himself, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Jason Momoa's in legendary shape, thanks to hard-spent time in the gym and a strict diet, we'd assume. But the 41-year-old recently sat down with Mens Health during the latest installment of Vs. The Internet to reveal, once and for all, his secret to keeping fit: lots of pizza. (No, really.)

Momoa shared that he had to put on some serious weight to portray his Game of Thrones character, saying he was actually too small to fit the character description at the time. Thankfully, plenty of pizza and steak came to the rescue. Pair the heavy eating with some heavy weight lifting and he says thats how you get jacked.

Some guys are like genetically ripped and have abs and I dont, he said. I generally dont have a six-pack, which has been my nemesis forever. Ive always got a solid four-pack, maybe even a two-pack, and thats all about diet which is challenging for me.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Since eating healthy is a struggle, when hes not busy with work, you can catch the native Hawaiian actor doing some hard-core rock climbing to stay in shape. It may be difficult to carry his body weight as such a big guy (and the experience comes with plenty of pulled tendons), but Momoa says its a hobby hes loved his entire life. Because his body seems to be thriving because of it, one fan assumes he trains only for himself and doesnt need much preparation for moviesbut thats only half true.

I found it better for myself to train for things that I love. For instance, rock climbing has always helped me and inspired me. But for Dune, there was a lot of fight choreography, so generally I worked with my stunt team, learning to do different fights and a lot of cardio.

Men's Health

While Momoa's a bonafide A-lister now, he says he hit rock bottom in his career he when auditioned for a 2004 flick, Johnson Family Vacation, starring Solange Knowles. "I thought it would be funny at the time to go and hit on Beyonc's sister," he said. "I was so embarrassed for myself that I left the audition and I was going like, 'I quit,' and then I got the role. If it wasn't for Johnson Family Vacation, I wouldn't be here today because I would've given up."

Another day, another reason to be thankful for Beyonc.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Visit link:
Jason Momoa on His Workout Routine, Diet, and Game of Thrones - menshealth.com

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world - but researchers from Otago have found increased consumption of dairy products could improve those grim statistics.

A multi-year study by a team from Otago University has found the nutrient-rich drink could help protect against bowel cancer.

Associate professor Brian Cox from Otago Medical School told Newshub milk, in particular, has a strong relationship with reduced risk.

Other dairy products like yoghurt showed similar benefits, provided there are at least three servings a week.

"It's not clear whether that's related to something else which is associated with the disease, or whether it's the primary reason for a reduced risk. So that still needs to be teased out," said Cox.

Natalie Reynolds was diagnosed with bowel cancer a week after her 26th birthday.

View original post here:
Adding more milk or yoghurt to your diet could help reduce the risk of bowel cancer - Newshub

Highlights

Diwali is incomplete without delicious sweets and savory items, these should be had in moderation and it stands especially true for diabetics. It is imperative for diabetics to be careful about their diet during the festive season, to avoid disastrous post-Diwali impact. The extent to which diabetics can indulge in sweets during Diwali, depends on the individual's condition. Here are some diet tips for diabetics that will help them maintain their blood sugars this Diwali.

1. Keep mindful of the portion: Limit the portion size of sweets, savory, fried and fatty foods; eat your meals in smaller plates. You can replace sugars with natural sweeteners like Stevia or Splenda, which are safe substitutes.2. Avoid excessive consumption of Alcohol: Those extra glasses have done no good to anyone3. Do not let household chores stress you out: This is a very important step towards healthy living. Relax and enjoy(it's our favourite festival after all). Yoga may help for relaxation too.4. Avoid eating food at irregular timings: Fasting for longer durations can lead to Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weakness which can be disastrous for Diabetics5. Feasting is avoidable too: It may lead to high sugar levels which is also not good. If you have to attend a dinner, try to balance it out by healthy snacking in advance.6. Focus on physical health: Don't forget to concentrate, on physical health by doing some exercises like walking, swimming, cycling etc. which is often neglected during festivities(Also Read:Diwali 2020: 8 Easy Diwali Recipes to Impress Your Guests and Relatives | Best Diwali Recipes)

Diwali 2020: Diwali sweets can get hard to resist

Few Tips For Healthy Fasting For Diabetics:1. Have slow absorbing foods (which have a low glycemic index, i.e. complex carbohydrates) before you begin the fast. Choose foods that will keep you full for longer, and will help in keeping your blood glucose levels stable, even during the fast. Fruits, vegetables, and salads can also be included; Insulin dosages and timings may be required to be adjusted.2. Be aware of symptoms related to low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), act accordingly.3. It's recommended that you check your blood sugar levels a few times during the day. Your fast should also be broken if blood sugar is less than 70mg per percentage in the first few hours after you begin fasting.4. Don't leave your stomach empty for more than 2hrs at a stretch. Do consume fast-friendly beverages and food in between.5. Consume adequate water to maintain adequate hydration.6. It is mandatory for diabetics to monitor and routinely check the blood sugar levels. This is especially true because you are eating food you normally wouldn't. Regular monitoring will tell you how well you are responding to the changed meal patterns.7. A good way to avoid binging is by opting for nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, but refrain from peanuts for mid-meal snacking. Also, try to stay away from high-calorie foods like deep-fried samosas. Drink plenty of water during the festive time, not only to cleanse your gut but also to keep you full, and to keep you away from gorging on unhealthy food. You can go for lime water, coconut water, and buttermilk. Reduce consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages as much as you can.

Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your dietPhoto Credit: iStock

Promoted

A diabetic always needs to be aware of the number of carbohydrates they are consuming. Restrict calorie-dense foods, and simple sugars like rice, sugar and fats. Consume high fiber vegetables and salads; you can have a good portion of protein like lentils, pulses and small portion of healthy fats.

Last but not the least, regular consumption of your prescribed medication and exercising will reduce stress levels and keep you safe. Have a happy and healthy Diwali!

About The Author:Dr Farah Ingale is the Director-Internal Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

Original post:
World Diabetes Day: Expert Tips For Diabetics To Enjoy Diwali Sweets And Fast Safely - NDTV Food

Following a coronavirus infection, people can either feel fine and be asymptomatic, or show classic signs of the disease such as a high temperature. Why does being obese out you at higher risk of complications?

On Friday, November 13, a research paper was published online by Cambridge University Press.

The scientists noted obesity "alters innate and adaptive immune responses" in a harmful way.

"Creating a chronic and low-grade state of inflammation", the body becomes stressed.

Lactobacillus

Notably the most common type of probiotic, it's found in yoghurts and fermented foods.

Bifidobaxterium

Found in some dairy products, this is especially useful for easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

The research paper added that as well as probiotics, adequate intake of nutrients from "unprocessed food" can help strengthen the immune system.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet "is an important part of maintaing good health", confirmed the NHS.

This means enacting portion control - "most people in the UK eat too many calories" warned the national health service.

Thus, "most adults in England are overweight or obese" - check your body mass index (BMI) here.

In order to lose weight safely, the NHS weight loss plan is a 12-week diet and exercise programme that could help.

Available online, on the App Store and Google Play, the plan is at your fingertips.

To lose weight safely, you can shed 1lb to 2lb each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance.

For men, this means eating no more than 1900kcal a day; for women, this is 1400kcal.

In addition to reduced calorie consumption, regular physical activity is key in your weight loss journey.

The ideal BMI would place you in the healthy weight category between 18.5 to 24.9.

Originally posted here:
Coronavirus: Why obesity is a risk factor for COVID complications - and how to lose weight - Express

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | November 14, 2020 7:10:12 pmNo Indian festival is complete without sweets. Least of all, Diwali. (Source: Pixabay)

Diwali is an important festival that is celebrated across the country. It is all about getting together, having fun, eating good food and spreading merriment. This year, because of the pandemic, the festival may have to be celebrated a little cautiously, especially by those who are immuno-compromised.

Sweets and savouries are important components of Diwali food. No Diwali day can ever be complete until you have consumed, even devoured, them! For diabetics, however, staying away from sweets can be difficult, especially when everyone else is having them. It is imperative for diabetics to be careful about their diet during the festive season, to avoid disastrous post-Diwali impact. The extent to which diabetics can indulge in sweets during Diwali, depends on the individuals condition, says Dr Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi a Fortis Network Hospital.

She suggests some diet tips that can help them maintain their blood sugar level this Diwali.

* Limit the portion size of sweets, savoury, fried and fatty foods: Eat your meals in smaller plates. You can replace sugars with natural sweeteners like stevia or splenda, which are safe substitutes.* Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.* Do not let household chores stress you out: This is especially true for women, who bear the bulk of the workload. Relax and enjoy. Yoga may help.* Avoid eating food at irregular timings: Fasting for longer duration can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weakness which can be disastrous for diabetics.* Feasting is avoidable too: It may lead to high sugar levels which are also not good.* Dont forget to focus on physical health by doing some exercises like walking, swimming, cycling etc., which are often neglected during festivities.

ALSO READ |From building immunity to improving digestion: Count on these 10 winter superfoods

If you are a diabetic and looking to fast this Diwali, Dr Ingale shares some healthy fasting tips:

Have slow absorbing foods (which have a low glycemic index, that is complex carbohydrates) before you begin. Choose foods that will keep you full for longer, and will help in keeping your blood glucose levels stable, even during the fast. Fruits, vegetables, and salads can also be included; Insulin dosages and timings may be required to be adjusted. Be aware of symptoms related to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), act accordingly if it occurs. It is recommended that you check your blood sugar levels a few times during the day. Your fast should also be broken if blood sugar is less than 70mg per percentage in the first few hours after you begin fasting.

Dont leave your stomach empty for more than two hours at a stretch. Do consume fast-friendly beverages and food items in between. Consume adequate water to maintain hydration. It is mandatory for diabetics to monitor and routinely check blood sugar levels. This is especially true because you are eating food you normally wouldnt. Regular monitoring will tell you how well you are responding to the changed meal patterns. A good way to avoid binging is by opting for nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews; stay away from peanuts for mid-meal snacking. Also, try to stay away from high-calorie foods like deep-fried samosas. Drink plenty of water during the festive time, not only to cleanse your gut but also to keep yourself full, and to keep you away from gorging on unhealthy food. You can go for lime water, coconut water, and buttermilk. Reduce the consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages as much as you can.

ALSO READ |FSSAI recommends four simple ways to reduce oil intake

Build your meals to incorporate fibre-rich foods like wheat or broken wheat khichadi, pulao, pongal, millets like sama chawal (barnyad millet) rice, amaranth flour for chapati, poori, buckwheat flour for poori, dosa, khichdi, rajgira for poori, paratha, makhana (fox nuts) for kheer, sighare ka atta for roti, chapati, samosa and poori.

If you are preparing sweets at home, prepare them with skimmed milk instead of full-fat milk. Use stevia or splenda instead of plain sugar. Instead of deep-fried foods, opt for baked, grilled ones. Include plenty of water, clear soups buttermilk, which are safe for diabetics as they are low in calories and are filling, the doctor advises.

For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter:lifestyle_ie|Facebook:IE Lifestyle| Instagram:ie_lifestyle

The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Lifestyle News, download Indian Express App.

IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

See the original post:
Are you a diabetic who loves sweets? Heres how you can safely savour them on Diwali - The Indian Express

Fluticasone propionate belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. These drugs help reduce inflammation.

Due to this effect, a person may use some form of fluticasone propionate for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, allergies, or asthma symptoms.

In this article, we outline what fluticasone propionate is, the conditions that it treats, and how to use it. We also provide information on its safety, including its potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Fluticasone propionate is a type of corticosteroid. These drugs help reduce inflammation in the body.

Various forms of fluticasone propionate are available for different uses. Some examples include those below.

Fluticasone propionate is available as a medication in the form of a topical cream or ointment. These products can alleviate the inflammation and itching associated with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. A person can use the product for short periods to help treat inflammatory skin flare-ups.

Cutivate is a brand name version of fluticasone propionate cream.

Fluticasone propionate is available as a nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. In this condition, the inside of the nose becomes inflamed as a result of breathing in allergens, such as dust, mold, or pollens. The medication works by reducing irritation and inflammation inside the nasal cavity.

Fluticasone propionate nasal sprays are available over the counter and via prescription. Both types are available in generic and branded versions. Flonase is a branded version of fluticasone propionate nasal spray.

An older study from 2010 notes that fluticasone propionate nasal sprays have few side effects and are effective in alleviating symptoms of nasal inflammation and congestion.

Fluticasone propionate is also available as an inhaled medication for the treatment of asthma symptoms. These symptoms may include:

As an inhaled medication, fluticasone propionate works by reducing the inflammation of the airways, allowing air to pass in and out of the lungs more easily.

Flovent HFA is a brand name version of inhaled fluticasone propionate.

When using a medication that contains fluticasone propionate, a person should follow the instructions of their doctor or pharmacist regarding the dosage and when to take the medication.

If a person is unsure of how to use a particular medication, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Below is some general information on how to use different fluticasone propionate medications.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend against the use of Cutivate in children due to a lack of information about its safety and effectiveness in this age group.

Adults with an inflammatory skin condition should apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin twice daily as necessary.

After applying the cream, a person should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The FDA provide the following instructions for the use of Flonase nasal spray:

Flovent HFA is not suitable for children below 4 years of age.

For all other age groups, the FDA recommend a starting dose of 88 micrograms twice daily.

The exact dosage that a doctor recommends will depend on the severity of the persons asthma and whether they have previously taken any type of asthma medication.

People who are otherwise healthy should be able to use fluticasone propionate medications safely. To ensure this, they should follow the instructions of their doctor or pharmacist with regard to dosage and timings.

The age at which children can use a fluticasone propionate medication differs according to medication types and brands. Parents and caregivers should check medication labels to ensure that their child is of a suitable age to receive the medication. If in doubt, a person should ask their doctor for advice.

People who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should also talk to their doctor about the use of products that contain fluticasone propionate. A doctor will outline the potential benefits and risks of taking a particular medication.

Fluticasone propionate medications are not suitable for everyone. People with a weakened immune system or other chronic conditions should talk to their doctor about using fluticasone propionate.

Fluticasone propionate sprays and inhalants may interact with some medications, such as:

The above list is not exhaustive. As such, a person should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about any medications or supplements that they are taking before taking a fluticasone propionate medication.

A person should not need to change their diet while taking fluticasone propionate. However, they should talk to their doctor about the use of supplements or vitamins while taking this medication so that the doctor can identify any possible drug interactions.

The side effects of fluticasone propionate can vary depending on the product and its method of use.

The most common side effects of Cutivate include:

The most common side effects of Flonase nasal spray include:

The most common side effects of Flovent HFA include:

Doctors generally consider fluticasone propionate safe for otherwise healthy adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

A person should talk to their doctor about their likelihood of developing side effects or reactions to the particular medication that they are using.

A 2020 review notes that long-term use of corticosteroids can cause a variety of complications, including an increased risk of infections.

Using Cutivate for long periods or on large surfaces can increase the risk of a person developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. The condition involves the suppression of the immune system, which is typically reversible.

Flovent HFA can increase a persons risk of developing fungal infections of the mouth or throat.

A person should talk to their doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking a particular medication. Anyone who needs to take a medication for an extended period should work closely with their doctor to determine the lowest effective dosage.

A person should talk to their doctor if they are considering using a product that contains fluticasone propionate. A doctor can review the persons medical history to help determine whether the product is likely to be safe and effective for them to use.

A person should also see their doctor if they experience a continuation of their symptoms while using a fluticasone propionate medication. Their doctor may be able to recommend an alternative medication or therapy.

Anyone who experiences side effects after using a particular medication should contact their doctor. If the side effects are severe or potentially life threatening, a person should seek emergency medical treatment.

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid medication that helps reduce inflammation. The medication is available in different forms for different uses. These uses include managing symptoms of asthma and treating inflammatory skin conditions and allergic rhinitis.

A person should see their doctor before they begin taking a medication that contains fluticasone propionate. The doctor will review the persons medical history to determine whether the medication is safe for them to take.

Anyone who experiences side effects or worsening symptoms while taking this medication should talk to their doctor. The doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication.

Read more:
Fluticasone propionate: What is it, and what does it treat? - Medical News Today