Natural health solutions refer to approaches and remedies that focus on promoting wellness and supporting the body's natural healing processes and as it is Mother's Day eve, here are some natural health solutions that can support the well-being of ageing mothers:
Going to the gym can be a great way to improve your fitness and achieve your health goals. However, it's important to remember that your workout routine is only as effective as your technique and approach. Making common gym mistakes can be a hindrance to your progress and even lead to injuries. In this article, we will discuss the top gym mistakes you must avoid to achieve your fitness goals.
Are you looking for the best exercises to build bigger and stronger biceps? Strengthening your biceps is essential for overall upper-body strength and for performing everyday tasks. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced weight lifter, these 10 exercises will help you build and tone your biceps.
When winters approach, our eating habits also change and we crave for more warm foods, soups, stews, hot beverages etc rather than cold foods, juices, shakes, cold beverages etc. Nature is also trained to produce food and bring it to our plate as per the weather. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Charu Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, revealed to Zarafshan Shiraz - 5 important food habits in winter to keep you away from health issues.
Nowadays, almost everyone wants to lose weight and some achieve this by working out hard in the gym, others by exercising at home and still others by being mindful of their daily diet and lifestyle choices. We constantly work to maintain our clean and fast fat loss goals while maintaining different targets and the same perception of eating naturally however, some people try to exercise without altering their diet, which is very challenging almost always, while others with busy schedules find it tough to go to the gym or exercise.
Determine your fitness goals: Before you start building your home gym, it's important to determine what you want to achieve through your workout routine. This will help you decide what types of equipment and exercises you'll need to include in your home gym.
Our daily routines seriously lack physical movement because of the desk-bound lifestyles we lead and many of us work jobs that require us to sit down for a significant portion of the day. This causes us to gain additional body fat in the hips and thighs in addition to weakening the lower body but don't worry if you're one of those persons who wants to tone their hips and thighs as you might begin by performing daily basic squats however, for the sake of your knee joints and lower back, make sure you perform it correctly.
The human body is an advanced and complex machine that is capable of incredible feats and the body needs nutrients in order to function properly. It gets its nutrients from the foods and beverages we eat but in addition to vitamins, minerals and water, digestion provides your body with proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. If you want to remain healthy, you must ensure that your stomach is functioning properly. The digestive system breaks down nutrients, which the body then absorbs for use in cell growth, repair and energy. Some Yoga postures stimulate, cleanse, and support a healthy digestive system. Vajrasana is the only pose that can be performed immediately after eating. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, Himalaya Yoga Ashrama and World Yoga Organisation, revealed to Zarafshan Shiraz a list of 10 Yoga exercises for digestion and encouraged practitioners to try to maintain each asana for five sets of no less than 30 seconds.
Yoga is an age-old, traditional practise that addresses all facets of wellbeing including mental, emotional and spiritual wellness and Yoga or more especially prenatal yoga as it is known, can be used to prepare for childbirth because it is a holistic science. Yoga during pregnancy is not only believed to be safe but also to be a diverse form of exercise. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar told Zarafshan Shiraz, “Women go through a lot of physical discomfort during pregnancy and Yoga encourages flexibility, mental clarity and concentrated breathing to counter this. Prenatal Yoga is healthy for pregnant women and their unborn children, according to numerous studies and researches.”
Varicose veins are a common occurrence and can become swollen and painful as they are twisting veins that are seen predominantly in the legs and even on one’s feet since the valves in the veins fail to function properly. Varicose veins are often blue or dark purple and many people will notice them when you have them on the leg. A large number of people will feel embarrassed and ashamed due to varicose veins. This problem can also lead to low self-confidence.
Kidneys play a vital role in filtering out waste and extra fluid from the body and they also help to control body chemistry by regulating the amount of salt, water and other chemicals in the body where one can suffer from chronic kidney disease if the kidney fails to function at its best so, this New Year pledge to keep your kidneys in top shape and read on to know more about some foolproof tricks to improve your kidney health.
It is that time of the year again! Travel opens our mind to new things and perspectives. It also fills us up with fresh experiences. And during this festive season, it is time to plan the holiday vacation with family and loved ones. However, for frequent travelers, it can get little unhealthy with all the moving around, and not having a proper diet to stick to. For such cases, Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shared a few tips that can help us to travel safe, and also keep ourselves fit and healthy.
Are you suffering from acidity? Is there constant sickness and vomiting? Then, you will need to beware as these signs can indicate stomach cancer. Yes, that’s right! In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Roy Patankar, Gastroenterologist and Director of Zen Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai's Chembur, explained, “Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) affects one’s stomach. Situated in the upper part of your abdomen (your gastrointestinal lot, or GI), the stomach is responsible for processing the food that you eat. Not many people know about stomach cancer and fail to seek timely intervention. Did you know? Stomach cancer can happen to anyone irrespective of their age. Thus, it will be imperative for you to watch out for various red flags of this type of cancer.” He listed the following as the signs of stomach cancer that you shouldn’t ignore:
Accidents can happen during workouts. While it is important to perform a fitness routine on a daily basis, it is also important to follow a few basic rules in order to avoid accidents during the session. When we do not give adequate rest to the muscles and the joints, they get more prone to accidents, which can prove to be fatal. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shared a few tips on the things that should be done in order to avoid accidents during the process.
The market for dairy substitutes is expanding rapidly as customers turn to other plant-based drinks and due to worries about their impact on the environment, animals' welfare and health, more individuals are switching to vegan drinks. Plant-based milk comes in a variety of forms and each one has a distinct calorie count or protein content. A and D, B-complex vitamins, calcium and sometimes DHA omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics are added as supplements. A variety of plant-based milk provides a means for people to acquire some of the beneficial nutrients present in dairy milk even if they have milk allergies or lactose intolerance. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz, Chef Megha Jhunjhunwala, Founder of Hearth&i, insisted that during the season, you should try the vegan beverages whether you fall into one of the aforementioned groups or simply enjoy tasting new drinks. She said, “You may try several nutritious drinks to remain hydrated and feel refreshed if you are health-conscious and eating a vegan diet. These beverages are devoid of dairy, hydrating, filling, loaded with the benefits of fruits and filled with other energetic nutrients. They are also fantastic for those who cannot tolerate lactose.” She recommended five vegan beverages created at home that you must try:
The most frequently overlooked part of a gym-program goer's is their cardio but occasionally, it's simply a matter of not knowing what type of cardio to include. Try these exercises if that's the case:
Some women experience the issue of menstrual cramps during their monthly cycle. This happens when the uterus contracts to discard the endometrium but the menstrual cramps can be painful and uncomfortable and some common ways of dealing with them is to use a hot water bottle, drink some hot soothing tea and in a few cases even medication may be taken. Exercise of any form immediately refreshes the body and Yoga is a safe solution as some women deal with menstrual pain in the form of back aches, inner thigh pain, nausea, dizziness, headaches and stools. The conditions differs from individual to individual depending on an array of factors. Yoga boosts your physical and mental well-being to keep you cramp-free during your periods, improves your mood, can be a supportive companion to ease menstrual discomfort, help you to relax both body and mind and is a great way to strengthen and improve flexibility. A session of Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation can effectively balance your mood and ease menstrual cramps. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddha, Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre, revealed to Zarafshan Shiraz about the 5 Yoga asanas that can ease period pain or help deal with menstrual cramps:
There’s nothing like a glass rehydrating drink on a humid afternoon because a few sips in and you’re ready to battle the weather monster again. As monsoon season kickstarts in India, I’m sure we are all going to enjoy the rainy days, earthy smell and tasty snacks but amidst all this, do not forget the changing weather can have certain negative effects on our body too. Dehydration is one of the most common problems we encounter. So we have curated a list of ready-to-drink rehydrating beverages you must add to your grocery list this season.
Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic health diseases in India and what makes it worse is the list of complications that it causes like eye problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart disease, etc. With around 400 million people affected by this disease worldwide, managing and spreading awareness about it is very crucial. Explaining in simple words, insulin released by the pancreas helps in regulating blood sugar levels in the body and in the condition of diabetes, either enough insulin is not released or the body is not able to make enough usage of insulin. This leads to increased levels of blood sugar, which further leads to serious health problems. There is no specific treatment for diabetes but rather a range of lifestyle changes that need to be incorporated into daily life. Along with these lifestyle changes, sustainable prevention plans need to be in place to help not just manage but even prevent diabetes.
Whether it's a never-ending stream of depressing news, a never-ending to-do list, work stress, or the pandemic, the causes of stress in our lives are at an all-time high right now. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Ayurvedic Nutritionist and Weight Loss Expert Neha Premjee, revealed that the good news is that you can reduce some of your anxiety by taking these tree easy steps:
We all have had those lazy, lethargic mornings when we just can’t shake the feeling of sluggishness, even when we’ve technically gotten enough sleep, especially in this summer season. If you are dealing with laziness and looking for perfect solutions to stay re-energised during this time of season, then Yoga is the best way to go! In an interview with HT Lifestyle ahead of International Day of Yoga 2022, Yoga expert Abhishek Otwal shared, “Yoga can be your defending shield during this changing season that will not only give you warmth and relaxation but will also strengthen your immune system and perfectly change your gloomy mood into cheerful and energetic one.” He listed 3 Yoga asanas which you can practice to beat the lazy mornings:
Periods are that dreadful time of the month which always bring cramps, backaches and sudden urges to binge eat chocolates and junk food however, health experts insist that compulsive eating might help with mood swings and distract you from pain for a short period but it pushes you further away from your fitness goals, especially if you are trying to lose some weight or are on a diet. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Arpit Kushwaha, Nutrition and Fitness Premium Coach at Fittr, told Zarafshan Shiraz, “Periods can disrupt the levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones leading to a change in serotonin, resulting in Premenstrual syndrome or PMS. PMS refers to a collection of symptoms or sensational patterns that women undergo after ovulation and before their menstruation, like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. The increased responsiveness to insulin-related hormone levels before menstruation causes cravings for chocolates, bread, cakes, pasta and other simple carbs and fats. Women may also experience low blood sugar which signals the brain to eat more food. Although fighting the menstrual blues might seem challenging, tweaking your nutrition and workout routine during these days can go a long way in helping you stay healthy and focused on your fitness goals during these days.” She listed 5 workout and nutrition tips to remain focused on your fitness goals during menstruation:
Several Bollywood mothers often get complimented for their well-maintained physique but behind the toned body lies a lot of hard work and dedication. Maintaining your body after giving birth is not at all an easy task but these celeb moms made it a point to remain fit despite busy schedules and hectic hours. They took their time post-delivery and got back on track to shed off that extra pregnancy weight. Out of the many celebrities, here are a few B-Town moms who swears by yoga, pilates, cardio and other fitness regimes.
Losing belly fat and whipping up in shape once cleared for exercise following childbirth, is on the bucket list of all new mommies while they handle the big and tedious task of taking care of a newborn baby and if postpartum weight is giving you sleepless nights too, this article is just for you.
In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz, Himalayan Siddha - Grand Master Akshar suggests the following yoga asanas to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Practice them early in the morning, or in the evening. Give your awareness to alignment and breath to get the maximum benefit of the poses.
With Covid-19 lockdowns frequent over these past two years and gyms closed even as we enter the third year of coronavirus pandemic, few know of the healthy options to stay fit at home. Some are also trying to save time and money or are simply looking for ways to whip up their fitness levels at home. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz, Dr Batul Patel, Medical Head at The Bombay Skin Clinic, spilled the beans on 5 ways to get fit without going to the gym.
Two weeks into the New Year 2022 and our resolutions have already gone for a toss. This is because developing simple lifestyle habits can be much easier and more effective than traditional resolutions. January 2022 is more than just the start of a new year - it's the perfect time to evaluate your wellness routine and reinvigorate your life. Health Coach Simrun Chopra reveals to Zarafshan Shiraz that instead of opting for sweeping life changes like quitting social media or losing weight, focus on the small things whether it is taking time to regularly engage in activities you love, eating more vegetables or limiting phone usage. “That way, you’ll work towards your larger goals without feeling overwhelmed and learn something new about yourself during a less-stressful process. It's truly a win-win situation,” she said and suggested 8 lifestyle habits to incorporate in New Year 2022.
This Monday marks the second work week of New Year 2022 and if you are still far away from beginning your health resolutions, sweat not as holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach Veronica Kumra got your fitness woes sorted by revealing to Zarafshan Shiraz about 10 ways to kickstart a healthy new work week and beyond.
If there was any good that came out of Covid-19 pandemic, it was to leave us with a greater appreciation for fitness and making us prioritise health like never before. The months of lockdowns saw our living rooms turn into workout studios as going to the gym was out of question to avoid the spread of coronavirus. Hence, to boost the mind-body connection, we had nowhere to turn to within the four walls of our house except to exercise. Here are some fitness trends of 2021 that made us look forward to grind sessions.
Having Polycystic Ovarian Disease for some 7-8 years now, Indian designer Masaba Gupta is often seen coming to the rescue of girls who might be undergoing the same body issues owing to the PCOD and regularly shares workout or fitness plans that could help cure it and this Friday was no different. Once again getting candid about her PCOD woes, Masaba flaunted a killer waistline as she shared health tips with girls on her “non-negotiable” fitness journey that almost made PCOD vanish and Bollywood’s fitness freaks – Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora and others can’t keep calm.
