• Watch our special events of the week in the upcoming events sections.
    x
English
English हिन्दी

Support Groups

+ View More

Cant find what you’re looking for?
+ Request a Group

Tag: Nutrition

3 factors that ensure a Healthy Heart

3 factors that ensure a healthy heart by Dr. Naresh Trehan on World Heart Day.

World Heart Day to be observed on 29th September draws into focus the vital organ of our body primarily the engine of our system the heart. According to the world heart federation, the most number of deaths that occur in the world are due to heart. It nearly accounts for 17.9 million lives that are lost due to cardiovascular diseases which are 31 percent of global deaths. Therefore, it becomes very crucial to keep our heart healthy. Famhealth in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Naresh Trehan, one of the chief cardiac surgeons of the country as well as the chairman and managing director of Medanta- the Medicity tells about some effective tips and tricks to keep the heart-healthy.

The incensed pandemic that has girdled our lives these days has given rise to tremendous stress to our body, especially the mind, which directly affects our heart. Now it becomes so much more important to take care of our heart. So, the mounting question is what keeps our heart healthy?

Dr. Trehan primarily lists out 3 important factors that should be practiced to keep our heart healthy.

  1. Exercise

“When it comes to cardiovascular fitness it should be a sustained 40 minutes of exercise where heart rate goes up by 50 percent of your resting heart rate. ‘Pranayama’ is the most efficient breathing exercise that one must do regularly to calm one’s mind and body. With it, meditation and listening to “Mahāmrityunjaya Mantra’ will help in balancing the entire body. Practicing this regime at least 5 times a week will assure that your heart is in a healthy state says”, Dr. Trehan.

2.Nutrition

While talking about nutrition Dr. Trehan says,” it (nutrition) is the second most important factor which affects heart and arteries. While poor nutrition will increase the propensity of a person to suffer from atherosclerosis which is the depositing of fats in arteries therefore one must intake balanced nutrition.

Break up of daily nutrition – 50% from carbohydrates, that provide energy for daily tasks; 35 – 40 % should be from proteins which help in muscle build-up and the least amount (appx 10 – 15%) of fats because an excessive amount of fat consumption will lead to the formation of lipids that will start depositing in our liver, arteries, and heart with these all vitamins and minerals too”.

3.Genetic make

While guiding about tips to keep heart healthy Dr. Trehan acquaints the role of genetic makeup, “A history of heart disease in the family doubles the risk and chances of a person to suffer from some form of heart disease, including problems like high blood pressure, highly stressed mind, diabetes, etc. Therefore a person must know his genetic predisposition and then tailor his lifestyle according to that”.

How to Breast Feed a Baby 

How to Breast Feed a Baby by Famhealth

Mother’s milk is perfect and uniquely made for the growing baby’s needs. Giving Mothers milk makes a big difference to both baby and mothers health.

Good for the mother:

  • Helps womb (uterus) come back normal size and reduces bleeding.
  • It naturally uses up about 500 extra calories a day so mums who breast-feed often find it easier to lose their pregnancy weight.
  • It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Breast-feeding acts as a natural family planning method.
  • It saves money – formula feeding can cost.

Good for the baby:

  • All Nutrients required for the first six months, Easy digestion.
  • Helps baby pass motion easily.
  • Provides immunity.
  • Readily available, usually sterile. No danger of allergy
  • More convenient, requiring no preparation and costs nothing.
  • Reduces chances of getting some illnesses later in life .
  • Make you closer with your baby.
  • Formula milk is made from cow’s milk and other ingredients: So does not help protect baby from illness and diseases.

First Feed:

  •  A healthy baby has put to the breast half an hr to 1 hr following normal delivery.
  •  Following caesarean delivery, a period of 2 to 3 hrs may be sufficient for the mother to breast feed the baby.

Getting ready for Feeding:

  • You should clean the nipples and breast with cotton soaked in warm water.
  • Wash your hands prior to breast-feeding.
  • You and baby should be in a comfortable position during breast-feeding.

What can provide comfortable environment during feed?

  • You can sit on a chair or bed with back supported so that you will feels comfortable.
  • You could raise the feet or knees, if you needs to but should not bend over the baby.

How you should hold the baby?

  • Wrap the baby in a wrapper.
  •  Support the neck, shoulders and back.
  •  You should hold the baby close to you.
  •  He should be able to tilt his head back easily.
  •  Make sure baby’s head and body in a straight line.
  • If not, the baby might not be able to swallow easily.
  • Hold the baby’s whole body closes with his nose level with the nipple.
  • Baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast from underneath the nipple.
  • Placing your baby with his nose level with your nipple will allow him to reach up and attach to the breast well.
  • Let the baby’s head tip back a little so that his top lip can brush against your nipple. This should help the baby to make a wide-open mouth.
  • When the baby’s mouth opens wide, his chin is able to touch the breast first, with his head tipped back so that his tongue can reach as much breast as possible.
  • With his chin firmly touching and his nose clear, his mouth is wide open and there will be much more of the darker skin visible above the top lip than below his bottom lip. The baby’s cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed.

Nipple feeding is wrong:

  • When the baby isn’t correctly attached and just sucks the nipple, you feel feeding is painful, the nipples can get damaged, and the baby won’t be able to get enough milk.
  • Baby will not be satisfied
  • Milk production reduces
  • Cracked nipples may happen.
  • If baby is not attached correctly, stop avoids pulling him off your breast. Instead, break the attachment by inserting your little finger into the corner of her mouth, between her gums. Gently take her off the breast. Then make the latching perfect and start feeding.

How to make the baby burp

  • When babies suckle they swallow air, which can make them uncomfortable.
  • Burping is a process by which you can help a baby bring this air up and feel comfortable.
  • First spread a cloth (burp cloth) on your shoulder
  • Hold the baby on your shoulder or chest and rub its back
  • You can also or rub baby’s back while the baby sits or lies on your lap.
  • These positions will also help comfort a restless baby or a baby that cries more than usual.

Usually you will hear a burp noise.It is normal for babies to bring up some fluids when they burp.

If you put the baby to sleep without burping   they may vomit and that may enter the lungs causing difficulty in breathing.

To read more on Baby care, click on the link below,

New Born

Foods rich in vital nutrients

Nuts are rich in calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Experts suggest that if you consume handful of nuts everyday its good for heart health. Since nuts are very high in calories, just having a handful of them is enough. High mineral nuts include almonds and cashews.

Beans are rich in copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Beans and lentils are good sources of fiber and a good vegetarian substitute of protein. High mineral beans include white beans, soybeans, chickpeas (garbanzo), and kidney beans.

Dark Leafy Green vegetables are rich in calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. They contain minimal calories and are good for obese people. High mineral dark leafy green vegetables include spinach, and turnip greens.

Mushrooms are rich in copper, potassium, selenium, and zinc. Mushrooms are exceptionally low in calories, and you can have them with a homemade vegetable recipe or simply add it so some salad to get its maximum benefits.

Fish is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. It is also rich in protein, and heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. Fish rich in minerals include salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Fish oil is also high in omega 3 fatty acids that are good for your heart health.

4 Superfoods You Must Add to Your Daily Diet

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. According to a study carried out at Harvard Medical School, older adults who eat plenty of blueberries (and strawberries) are less likely to suffer from cognitive decline.

2. Apples

Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Researchers at Florida State found that older women who started a regime of eating apples daily experienced a 23 percent drop in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and a 4 percent increase in good cholesterol (HDL) after just 6 months.

3. Dark leafy vegetables

Studies have shown that a high intake of dark-leafy vegetables, such as spinach or cabbage, may significantly lower a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Spinach, for example, is very rich in antioxidants, especially when uncooked, steamed, or very lightly boiled.

4. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, beta-carotene (vitamin A), potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6. The Center for Science in the Public Interest compared the nutritional value of sweet potatoes to other vegetables. The sweet potato ranked number one, when vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, protein, and complex carbohydrates were considered.

Healthy food in winters

Root vegetables like beets, carrots and turnips grow in plenty during winter season. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene that has exceptional health benefits to your body. Vitamin C helps can help in boosting your immunity and vitamin A is good for eye health.

Oatmeal is much more than just a convenient breakfast food; it also provides nutrients that are essential during winter. Oatmeal is high in zinc (important for proper immune function) and soluble fiber. Having an oatmeal breakfast with nuts provides you with essential nutrients and energy during winters.

Mixed vegetable or chicken soup is winter’s perfect food. But soup with minimal amount of cream and salt is more beneficial. Pair your soup with a side of 100 percent whole grain crackers. Homemade soups are the best as they are low in calories and are full of essential micronutrients that are good for health.

Cold and flu are common in winters, to prevent risk eat lots of cruciferous vegetables that boosts your defense system in winters. Broccoli and cauliflower are both high in vitamin C, which is associated with enhanced immune function. Try to buy and consume fresh broccoli and cauliflower.

Fish like salmon or tuna are good sources of vitamin D. During the winter months, when you have limited exposure to the sun, food sources containing high amounts of Vitamin D are more essential for daily intake. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with impaired growth, weakening of the bones and even the risk of heart disease. So having fish has great effects on our body during winters.

5 Essential Nutrients for Healthy Growth in Children

1. Proteins

Proteins help your child in building new body cells, breaking down food into energy, fight infection, and carry oxygen. Foods that contain high levels of protein are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and dairy products.

2. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are as essential for your child as any other food. The body use fats and proteins for building and repairing tissues. Foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates include breads, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes.

3. Fats

Fats are a great source of energy for kids and are easily stored in a child’s body. They are also important in helping the body to properly use some of the other nutrients it needs. Foods that contain high levels of fats include whole-milk dairy products, cooking oils, meat, and fish.

4. Calcium

Calcium is essential in helping to build a child’s healthy bones and teeth. It’s also important for blood clotting and for nerve, muscle, and heart function. Foods that contain high levels of calcium include milk, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream and egg yolks.

5. Iron

Iron is necessary for a child to build healthy blood that carries oxygen to cells all over the body. Foods that contain high levels of iron include red meats, liver and poultry. Folate deficiency can cause anemia in children. Foods that contain high levels of folate include whole-grain cereals, lentils and spinach.

Food for healthy teeth

Proteins are vital for the formation and maintenance of the tooth structure. Proteins also protect the lining of your mouth. Some of the good sources of proteins that are easily available are soy, eggs, beans, poultry, seafood and dairy products.

Calcium and phosphorus are the building blocks of teeth and a rich supply of these nutrients protect the teeth against tooth damage. Some foods which supply high amounts of calcium and phosphorous are milk and milk products, seafood, tofu, almonds, green leafy vegetables, legumes and broccoli. Cheese is exceptionally high in calcium.

Vitamin D is a vital mineral that helps in calcium absorption. Sunlight is the richest source of Vitamin D. Other readily available sources of vitamin D are milk, fish, eggs, and cod liver oil.

Potassium is an essential trace mineral that helps in blood clotting, especially when gums bleed after an injury. Some good sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also find high amounts of potassium in cooked spinach, cooked broccoli, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Did you know fluoride is a great mineral that prevents the tooth against cavities and also promotes the absorption of calcium in the body. Tap water is a source of fluoride and other sources rich in fluoride are black tea and seafood.

Foods rich in antioxidants

Kidney beans-All kinds of beans – black, pinto, red and kidney beans are high-octane sources of antioxidants. Beans are also rich in muscle-boosting protein, have no cholesterol and little fat. Combing them with grains helps in making a complete protein meal.

Raisins-If you’re looking to load up on antioxidants, have a handful of raisins. Dark raisins are packed with anthocyanins that give you an energy boost.  Sprinkle them on your breakfast oats, add them in a salad or blend some with your smoothie. 

Barley-This ancient grain is trending again and for good reason. Barley is known for its powerful antioxidant properties that make you stronger from within. Also, it has been found that when grains like barley are soaked and sprouted the antioxidant levels increase. 

Tomatoes-Juicy tomatoes are packed with three types of antioxidants – Lycopene (that gives tomato its bright red colour), Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C is one of the most potent kinds of antioxidants that you can derive from fruits and vegetables. The lycopene in tomatoes is best absorbed when they are cooked.

How well do you know your food?

Did you know – Vegetarian diets that include proteins from legumes, soy, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, whole grains and vegetables can easily meet your protein requirements.

Did you know – Whole grains are high in fiber content, low in fat, and rich in vitamin E, iron, selenium, zinc and B-complex vitamins. Eating and buying them is one of the healthiest choices you can make for yourself and your family.

Did you know – Fish is rich in Omega-fatty acids. Experts suggest that frequent consumption of fish helps protect against several chronic diseases like diabetes. Mackerel fish is both cheaper and healthier which is readily available in market for consumption.

Did you know – A balanced diet contains different types of foods (from all food groups) in such quantities and proportions that the need for all the nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber are adequately met.

Calcium Rich foods and their Role

Most cheeses are excellent sources of calcium. Parmesan cheese has the highest content of calcium among all cheese. As an added bonus, your body absorbs the calcium in dairy products more easily than that from plant sources.

Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. Many types of yogurt are also rich in live probiotic bacteria, which have various health benefits. One cup (245 grams) of plain yogurt contains 30% of the daily-recommended dose for calcium, as well as phosphorus, potassium and vitamins B2 and B12.

Seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses. Some are exceptionally high in calcium, including poppy, sesame, celery and chia seeds. For instance, 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of poppy seeds has 126 mg of calcium. Seeds also deliver protein and healthy fats. For example, chia seeds are rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.

Milk and milk products are good sources of calcium. Daily consumption of milk helps in keeping our bones and teeth strong. Low – fat milk is a good option as it not only prevents the overloading of extra calories but also supplements your body with required calcium.

Tofu is an excellent source of calcium. You can simply add it to the vegetables or can stir-fry and eat. One block of tofu contains 1624 mg of calcium. Figs are also rich in calcium.

video

Let Epilepsy not stop you-Pillar of Strength

Myth Buster

Diabetes food myths and facts Myth: People with diabetes should…

Read More