Summer Special: Natural Coolants for the Body

Sweltering heat in our environment has already started to take its toll on stray animals; it’s only a matter of time before it affects the human health. With rising mercury levels and weather conditions turning hot & sultry, it’s time to take necessary steps to keep your body cool.

Beat the heat and keep summer ailments at bay with these Natural Coolants

Cucumber – 96% of this veggie is water which makes it the perfect summer food to prevent dehydration. The good news here is that you can incorporate cucumbers in your diet regime in multiple ways. Tuck it in your sandwich, add it to your salad plate or simply have it plain with a dash of salt & pepper. Cucumber juice and soups are healthy too

Melons belong to the same family as cucumbers and squash. Owing to its high electrolyte content, this delicious fruit is known to keep the body temperature cool and sufficiently hydrated at all times.

Kokum – Rich in anti-oxidants, Kokum has a cooling effect on the body and is also beneficial for the Liver. What’s more…it protects the body from dehydration & sunstroke and is also a remedy for diarrhea and many allergic reactions.

Cardamom – One of the most popular Indian spices, Cardamom has excellent detoxifying properties that are known to keep the body cool from within even during the hottest weather conditions

Watermelon – This delicious, juicy fruit has 95% water content. A bowl full of watermelon cubes works like a charm on hot sunny days but avoid having these at the roadside vendors.

Barley water – Loaded with vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorous, manganese and copper, Barley water not only strengthens the immune system but also promotes bone health and helps in the formation of hemoglobin–which is needed to produce red blood cells. What’s more…it also brings down the heat content in the body

Curd – A powerhouse of protein, Curd can be used for preparing several summer drinks like buttermilk, lassi, chaas, flavored yoghurt etc. It gives your stomach, a cooling sensation and equips the body with essential Probiotics, vitamins and minerals that are often lost due to excessive perspiration

Radish – This nutritious vegetable is loaded with potassium, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, folic acid, magnesium, calcium and copper. Radish also contains antioxidants that tones down the body heat and prevents heat stress.

Coconut water – Natural electrolytes in Coconut water benefits the body by replacing the fluid loss and what’s more… it is fat-free and has a refreshing taste which makes it the perfect beverage for summer season.

Sweet toddy (Neera) – Packed with essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron, Neera, also known as sweet toddy or palm nectar is a natural detox drink with a refreshing taste. 100 ml of Neera provides 75 calories of energy and 250 mg of proteins. What’s more… it keeps the body cool from within and aids digestion

Tadgolas – Also known as Ice apples, Tadgolas act as natural coolants for the body. Having them regularly during summer is a tasty way to battle heat exhaustion & fatigue. Apart from treating various stomach ailments and digestive problems, Ice apples also help in stabilizing the glucose levels and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Today, Diabetes takes more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined. With alarmingly high percentage of diabetic patients reported each year, India is on its way to becoming the diabetes capital of the world.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that triggers high blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. Although diabetic patients can lead a normal life, uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious long-term complications. The saddest fact about this medical condition is that it cannot be cured, it can only be managed to make you feel better.

This year’s theme for World Health Day calls for a renewed focus on Diabetes, its prevention, control & treatment

With regards to the same, let’s unveil a few lesser known facts about Diabetes

• It is reported that, in approximately 50% of cases Diabetes doesn’t show obvious symptoms in patients, which is why it is termed as a silent-killer.
• Diabetes can have one or multiple causes. Genetic makeup, family history, ethnicity, health and environmental factors play an important role in the detection of this disease
• Research indicates that in approximately 90% of cases, unhealthy eating habits are the possible triggers for Diabetes. Eating a wholesome breakfast reduces the chances of Type 2 diabetes. Try to avoid sweetened beverages, fried and prepackaged food items.
• Experts also believe that people with a sedentary lifestyle double their risk of diabetes and several cardio vascular illnesses owing to raised sugar/cholesterol levels and insulin readings. 2minute walk around the office every half an hour can actually help you keep diabetes at bay. These brief walkabouts at your work place can save you from the misery of diabetes in the long run.
• Sometimes this medical condition causes a significant amount of damage to the capillaries and blood vessels of the eyes, resulting in blurred vision and even or complete blindness in extreme cases. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma can be aggravated by diabetes, but the most common issue is diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease)
• Those diagnosed with severe Diabetes should frequently check their blood sugar levels. If a patient’s blood sugar level shoots up significantly (hyperglycemia) or falls too low (hypoglycemia), he/she could fall into a diabetic coma.
• Diabetes can also cause complications during pregnancy.
• Diabetic patients to stay away from Alcohol. While moderate amounts of alcohol can shoot-up the blood sugar levels, excess alcohol can actually decrease them – sometimes causing it to drop to dangerous levels.
• Diabetes can sometimes develop during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy causes the blood sugar levels to increase which triggers gestational diabetes in some women. In most cases, after giving birth, the pregnancy hormones and the blood sugar levels subside, alleviating diabetes in the process.
• Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the world.

In the absence of timely detection and treatment, diabetes can virtually damage all organs of the body. Featuring a wide range of relevant medical tests, The Basic Diabetes Package at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is designed to diagnose & treat such complications at the right time.

People blame a hectic work schedule for missing out on their daily workout but somehow make time to watch the television every day without fail.

With hundreds of channels featuring a variety of entertainment programs, it has become next to impossible for people to maintain a safe distance from Television. Anything in excess is bad for health and this saying is also applicable to an individual’s TV viewing time.

Did you know…?

Experts believe that every hour spent watching television cuts down the viewer’s life by 22 minutes. What’s more…some researchers are also of the view that watching too much TV is as dangerous as smoking

In addition to causing vision-related problems, spending several hours in front of the idiot box makes a person highly vulnerable to cardio-vascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and hypertension – all of which are linked to lack of exercise. With every 2 hours of TV viewed each day, the risk of Diabetes and Obesity is increased by 14% and 23% respectively

Sitting in a certain position for a long time also paves way for spine related problems that often result in acute back ache. While watching television, a person often remains inactive at a stretch for several hours. This puts the body’s metabolic functions on hold. Lack of physical activity causes the lungs & heart to work slowly resulting in very little blood being pumped through the system. This allows fats and cholesterol to build up in the arteries. When this happens, an individual becomes highly susceptible to heart attacks and strokes.

Chronic TV watchers often end up missing out on a lot of sleep and experience extreme fatigue throughout the day.

Television viewing has turned out to be a major sedentary behavior that is threatening the lives of many. Studies conducted on this subject have revealed that watching television in excess can change the structure of a child’s brain in a way that it tends to lower their verbal intelligence

Another study has further insinuated that watching television for 5 or more hours a day could increase the risk of developing a blockage within the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs – a condition also known as ‘Pulmonary embolism’

With these findings and Cricket Matches in full swing, it is highly crucial to keep a close watch on the amount of time you and your loved ones spend in front of the Idiot box.

Do you feel lethargic all day?

Is it difficult to concentrate on your daily chores?

Ever thought what could be draining your energy?

Healthy sleeping habits can make a big difference in the quality of your life. Lack of sleep at night can prevent the immune system from rebuilding itself, resulting in decreased number of T cells in the body. People who do not get enough sleep end up with a weak immune system due to which they constantly feel exhausted and fall ill frequently

A healthy bedtime routine plays an important role in making you feel fresh to face but did you know that certain lifestyle practices could be making you feel sluggish and tired all the time

Let’s discuss these factors in brief

• Skipping breakfast – After a good night’s sleep, your body has to be fuelled to go through the rest of the day. This fuel can be provided in the form of a wholesome breakfast like cereal and fresh fruits. Never skip your breakfast as doing so slows down the metabolic process and keeps your energy levels low
• Not drinking enough water – Approximately 60 to 75% of our body mass is water. There is no better health drink than Water because it is fat-free with zero cholesterol and no calories. When your body is dehydrated, it causes reduced blood volume which decelerates the speed at which oxygen and essential nutrients reach your body.
  Make it a daily habit to drink 500ml of water before breakfast. If you are sufficiently hydrated, you will have more energy, mental clarity and an improved digestive system
• Missing out on exercise – It is essential to strike a perfect balance between food and physical activity. In order to keep your immune system active and functioning properly, it is essential to participate in some or the other form of physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes – 5 days a week. Walking is considered as the best and safest form of exercise for people of all ages. It not only helps you burn calories but also improves your strength, stamina and endurance.
  If you exercise daily in moderation, it will not only boost your blood circulation and energy levels but also help you shed those extra kilos
• Going overboard with caffeinated drinks – In addition to keeping you awake caffeinated drinks can also disrupt a person’s sleeping cycle. What’s more…Caffeine has a diuretic effect that draws water out of the body thus making you feel less active throughout the day
• Worrying too much – Don’t let Stress get the best of you. People with chronic stress and elevated Cortisol (stress hormone) levels are much likely to skip work and gradually end up losing their productivity. When stress becomes a part of your daily life, your body is bogged down with toxins and anxiety that affects your energy and performance levels.
• Smoking & drinking excessively – Both, alcohol and nicotine are known to cause severe damage to the blood vessels which automatically doubles the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clotting. What’s more…Experts believe that having an alcoholic beverage before bedtime creates a sudden surge in your adrenaline system thus interfering with your natural sleep cycle. If you are awake at night, you’ll certainly feel tired during the day.
• Gadget Addiction – Do you spend most part of your waking hours checking your mobile phone and emails for new messages?
  Too much screen time throws your system off track and interferes with your sleep, making you feel lethargic.
• Reduced Iron intake – In addition to anemia, insufficient iron intake can also cause fatigue and depression. Inadequate iron in the body results in less oxygen supply to the muscles and cells. Keep your energy levels high by chowing down on iron rich foods like cereals, eggs, green vegetables, nuts, legumes, citrus fruits, broccoli, dry fruits, tofu etc.

Did you know…?

Urinary tract infections are 50 times more common in women than in men. Thyroid disease is 15 times more likely to affect women than men

From stroke and cardiovascular diseases to diabetes and menopause, women are susceptible to multiple illnesses. For most women, caring for their health might not be at the top of their to-do list. If a woman is responsible for your smile, please be responsible for her health. This year on Women’s Day, let’s get acquainted with some important body facts to help that special woman in your life stay healthy and hearty

Be well- informed about your genetics – When it comes to getting tested for a chronic illness, most doctors ask their patients about genetics and family history. Knowing about your parent’s illness can certainly not predict your medical future but definitely help you and your doctor lookout for specific things. Next time you get a health check-up make sure to update your doctor about your family medical history. Keep an eye on things like high blood pressure and cholesterol, any cancer or chronic illnesses that may run in your family

Do not ignore cramps and spotting between your periods – Most women tend to ignore painful menstrual cramps and spotting between periods as a routine occurrence. This could prove to be a cause of concern later. For most adolescents and women in their early 20s, cramps could be triggered by excess of the hormone prostaglandin. However, in older women cramps can be a sign of fibroids, polyps or endometriosis. Watch closely for any unusual changes in your body and always keep your doctor informed

Know the signs of a Heart Attack – A study conducted at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital revealed that women as compared to men pose a higher risk of being under-diagnosed of heart attacks in the absence of gender-specific diagnostic tests.

The warnings signs of a Heart Attack are different for women as compared to men. In addition to chest pains, women tend to have minor discomfort in the upper back, shoulders, neck, jaw or arms. Some women may also experience extreme fatigue or anxiety in the weeks leading up to a heart attack.

Beware of Skin Cancer – Although face is one of the most sun-exposed areas of the body, it isn’t the only place for skin cancer to show up. Women often ignore certain areas of the body which are lesser exposed but not protected by sunscreen like the scalp, back of the neck and even bottom of the feet. Make regular appointments with a dermatologist and do not forget to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. What’s more… take note of your skin texture (on your whole body) and pay attention to any irregularities. Early detection can be very helpful in successful skin cancer treatment

Get a Bone Density Test – Foods that contain a high level of Sodium are known to extract calcium from the body thereby increasing the risk of developing Osteoporosis. Women are naturally prone to losing their bone density after the age of 30. Studies indicate that post-menopausal women who consume a high sodium diet pose a significantly higher risk of losing essential bone minerals as compared to others. It is thus recommended for all women above the age of 45 or 50 to test their Bone Density Test within regular intervals.

Get tested for PCOS – According to a survey, 1 out of 5 women in Mumbai (within the reproductive age) is at the risk of developing PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), which is also known to cause infertility. Never heard of this term…?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a common endocrine system disorder, whereby a woman’s levels of sex hormones go out of balance resulting in enlarged ovaries with small collections of fluid called follicles. There is no permanent cure for PCOS, although this medical condition can be managed to a large extent with timely diagnosis

Get screened for Breast Cancer – Any changes in your breasts or nipple, a new lump or changes in skin color and texture are symptoms of breast cancer.

Mammography is an important tool in breast cancer screening and the only means to detect cancer at a very early stage. Many women fear a mammography test because they believe it to be a painful procedure. The fact is that most advanced Mammography machines these days are equipped with a sensor that clearly indicates when optimal compression of the breast is achieved, thus preventing over compression and associated discomfort.

Well-equipped with state-of-the-art radiation machines and day care chemo suites, the Comprehensive breast care unit at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is a dedicated service that has been created to specifically diagnose and treat the entire spectrum of conditions affecting mammary gland.

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/breastclinic.html