Healthcare

What Exactly Is a Hormone Imbalance — and What’s a Girl to Do About It?

From the time we’re born, our hormones are responsible for our appetite, sleep patterns, how we respond to stress, our moods- whether we’re happy or anxious, and everything in between.

The word “hormones,” brings up images of menopause, mood swings and what not! Hormones have a direct effect on our thyroid, ovaries, and sleep patterns. They regulate how hormones like, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and melatonin function in the body.

Cortisol and insulin — “stress” and “blood sugar” hormones are the ones that first get imbalanced. How do we even know which hormones are imbalanced, much less what symptoms we should be looking for to figure out if our hormones are out of whack?

Here are some of the first symptoms of hormone imbalance to look out for:

If you have trouble falling asleep at night.
You are tired even after seven to nine hours of sleep.
If you need caffeine just to get going in the morning.
You need more caffeine or sugar during the day to keep you going.
You notice emotional PMS symptoms, like mood swings, angry outbursts, or energy crashes.
You get “hungry” more often than you care to admit!

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you may have dysregulated cortisol, insulin, or both. So, what’s a hormonally imbalanced girl to do?

Make eating into a mindful practice
When and how you eat is just as important as what you eat. So, sit down while eating, chew your food at least for about 20 to 30 times and focus on something positive while doing the same because when you’re stressed out, your can’t easily absorb the nutrients you’re consuming. Hence, it doesn’t matter how healthy you eat!

Cut back on alcoholic beverages
Alcohol raises your estrogen levels. Excess estrogen can trigger heavier- longer periods , cause breast pain and headaches, and raging PMS.

Now do you see the connection between what we eat and drink and our period problems?

Consider how caffeine is affecting you
Most of us need caffeine just to get by. Though you experience anxiety or feel like you can’t get out of bed in the morning, have energy crashes in the day, or have trouble falling asleep at night. Caffeine may just add on to your health issues by disrupting your hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalances may increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems.. Hormones seem to be talking to each other all day long, so once you work on one hormone, the rest will start to fall in line.
Consuming nutritious foods, exercising on a regular basis and engaging in other healthy behaviors can go a long way toward improving your hormonal health.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/balance-hormones#section13

Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors

Through their own journeys dealing with breast cancer, these stars have shared their experiences in an effort to raise awareness about the disease. Read about the stories of 5 prominent women who have experienced and overcome breast cancer, and how they have been active in promoting cancer awareness.

#1 Angelina Jolie

After finding out she has an 87% risk of developing breast cancer, Angelina Jolie, one of Hollywood’s leading actors, underwent a double mastectomy as a preventive measure. This disease that took her mother’s life, inspired her to spread 2 strong messages on awareness. – first that breast cancer must be detected at an early stage, and second that health should be everyone’s first priority.

#2 Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue, an Australian singer and television actress, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She underwent a surgery followed by chemotherapy and recovered successfully. Since then, she has been working actively for spreading breast cancer awareness all over the world. She has also been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Health Sciences in recognition of her work.

#3 Mumtaz
Very few know that yesteryear Bollywood diva, Mumtaz is a breast cancer survivor as well. The legendary actress who started her Bollywood acting career as a child artist with ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ was diagnosed with a malignant lump in her breasts in early 2000. Despite having breast cancer, she decided to fight and underwent several chemo sessions before overcoming it at the age of 54. A few years later the actress quoted in an interview saying, “I don’t give up easily. Even death will have to fight me.”

#4 Barbara Mori
She created quite a stir in Bollywood with her first debut movie, Kites, and a rumoured affair with co-actor, Hrithik Roshan. Mori, a cancer survivor as well, was diagnosed with cancer when she was 29 years old. Barbara has openly expressed her support for various breast cancer causes and empowers women to dig deeper into their health.

#5 Cynthia Nixon
Sex and the City’s gorgeous actress, Cynthia Nixon, was diagnosed with breast cancer during her routine mammogram in 2006. Her mother was a breast cancer survivor too. Cynthia battled this disease after undergoing nearly 7 weeks of radiation therapy. She also underwent a lumpectomy. After recovering, she became the ambassador for Susan.G. Komen’s The Cure (a breast cancer foundation)

Sometimes we think stars are immune to the various problems everyday people have to fight. But as we’ve seen, it can happen to anyone, and the only step we can take toward prevention is to raise awareness, and get regular checkups.

What could your sudden weight gain mean?

You’re religious about your diet & exercise, but notice your weighing scale going up. What could possibly explain this?!

First things first. In order to make sure you aren’t overreacting, keep a log of everything you eat, as well as your exercise habits (including outside-the-gym activity) for about a week or two.

Once you rule out diet or exercise, you can start thinking about what other potential health issues may be messing with your waistline.

Here we give you 4 conditions that could explain your sudden weight gain!

Insomnia

Putting off sleep to watch just one more episode on Netflix? That hour could be contributing to weight gain. A study has found that people that sleep for 7-8 hours do not experience sudden weight gain. Sleep deprivation can also affect your decision making. Let’s say you have a choice between an apple or a cookie. When you’re tired, you become more impulsive, leading you to reach over for that cookie without a second thought!

Dehydration

Adequate hydration increases mitochondrial function—what that basically means is that it increases your metabolism rate. Without sufficient water, your cells can’t function well (namely, convert your food into energy) quickly and efficiently.

PCOS

Research shows that as many as one in five women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—an endocrine disorder that throws off the balance of reproductive hormones estrogen and testosterone, and can trigger a number of unpleasant symptoms like irregular periods, facial hair growth, migraines and weight gain

Mood Disorders

Depression and anxiety can both can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a lack of focus. It is quite possible that all the three can throw you off your game when you work out or lead you to ditch the gym altogether…and pretty soon your kilos will start packing on.

Carrying extra kilos isn’t necessarily a problem, of course. But sudden gain in weight could signal an underlying health issue you’ll want to address. It could be a hormone condition, a mood disorder, or another factor altering your physiology without you realizing it. The only way to be 100% sure is to consult your doctor.

References:
https://www.health.com/mind-body/sudden-weight-gain-causes

5 DIY Natural Period Cramp Cures

Raise your hand if you’re popping pain meds basically every day of your period.

If you’re looking to stop this habit, we got your back! There are actually tons of natural period cures for cramps that can ease your pain (and save you some cash at the drugstore).

Try these tactics the next time your periods roll in.

Take a hot bath or shower

Draw yourself a steamy, hot bath or take a window-fogging long shower— the heat reduce the intensity of your cramps. Heat regulates the blood flow to your pelvic area, which, in turn, helps relax the muscles causing cramps in the first place.

Make sure to stay hydrated
Drinking more water can actually help lessen bloating by keeping your digestive system running smoothly. Make sure to add enough water in your diet by adding in water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber and watermelon. Warm beverages too can have a relaxing effect on the pelvic muscles and ease the pain.

Stick to a healthy diet

Following a low-carb, low-sugar diet, along with consuming more fiber before and during your period, can help stop discomfort that comes this time of month.

Take a self-care day
Booking a massage to relax or getting an acupuncture appointment can help ease aches all over – so why not try it when you’re cramping? Plus, you’ll likely leave feeling zen enough not to worry about anything else.

Unwind with a little yoga

Regular yoga practice can help with symptoms associated with menstruation. Different types of yoga, from asana practice to pranayama and other relaxation and meditation techniques can reduce the menstrual pain.

So with these new natural remedies, maybe it’s time for you to finally put those pain meds away! Try them out, and let us know what worked for you!

References:

7 Natural Cures for Cramps That Actually Work

5 Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

You would have probably heard at least a few myths about the causes of breast cancer or what increases the risks of it. A little myth-busting here can help you get your facts straight.

#1 If you have a Family History, you are prone to get cancer
Sometimes women who don’t have a family history of breast cancer are surprised when they get breast cancer. A family history is one of the many risk factors. But a risk factor is not a cause for cancer, rather an indication that you should be on the lookout. Other risk factors for breast cancer include ageing, late pregnancy, unhealthy/sedentary lifestyle or consuming alcohol.

#2 Breast Cancer Occurs Only in Older Women
Increasing age is a risk factor for breast cancer, so the older you are the more likely you are to get breast cancer, but however, that doesn’t mean younger women aren’t vulnerable. Breast cancer can be diagnosed at any age. Experts say that it tends to be more aggressive in younger women.

#3 Self exams aren’t necessary

There’s no downside to doing self exams – it’s cheap and easy to do. It’s all about being familiar with the shape of your own breasts, so you can be aware of any abnormalities at the earliest.

#4 Abortion and Miscarriage Increases your Risk of getting Breast Cancer

Though it is proven that having children before the age of 30 can reduce the risk of breast cancer, there is no research to support the idea that miscarriage or abortion could increase breast cancer risk.

#5 Radiation From Screening Tests Causes Cancer

Although mammograms do give off a small amount of radiation, the radiation dose in a mammogram is less than in a standard chest X-ray. It is such a low level that it will not increase your risk of getting breast cancer. Women should also know that MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasounds, which may also be used to screen for breast cancer in some women, contain no radiation at all.

Armed with these facts — not myths — we hope you’re better able to reduce your risk and plan your treatment if you develop breast cancer. So, be on the lookout and stay healthy!

References:
https://www.chistlukeshealth.org/resources/5-breast-cancer-myths-debunked

All that you need to know about breast cancer!

Studies suggest that one in eight women will face breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s why it’s important to distinguish the facts from fiction.

In this article, you’ll learn about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, along with it’s known causes and how to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.

The Burden of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect women worldwide, and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in its late stages.

What causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer is thought to be caused by a combination of our genetic factors, lifestyle choices and the surrounding environment.

There are many factors that influence the risk of developing breast cancer. One of the biggest risk factors is age, as four out of five breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.

Sometimes, breast cancer runs in the family but most of the time women with breast cancer do not have a family history or the faulty genes linked to breast cancer.

Risk of developing breast cancer can be lowered by making lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and being regularly physically active.

How to be breast-aware

Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your family doctor

It’s as simple as TLC…

Touch

your breasts. Can

you feel anything unusual?

Look

for changes. Is there any

change in shape or texture?

Check

anything unusual with

your doctor.

No one knows your body better than you do and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking out for the changes – there’s no special technique and no training is required.

Early detection

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.

All women should be breast aware regardless of age as most breast cancers are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting their doctor.

How is it treated?

Most women with breast cancer will have to undergo more than one treatment. The choice of treatments – and the order in which they are given – may vary on the particular circumstances of the patient and the cancer. Women usually have surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the breast, and also from the armpit if affected.

Afterwards, they often receive additional treatments to reduce the risk of the cancer returning or spreading. These may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other drugs.

Key message

Early detection is essential in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. Risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by making changes such as drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and being regularly physically active.

Is India Getting Fatter by the Day?

By 2025, India will have over 17 million obese children and this number will continue to rise. Children have lower health-related or medical problems compared to adults. However, obese children are at a much higher risk of developing chronic diseases later in their lifetime.

What causes obesity in children?

There are many factors that contribute to obesity in children. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these.

A child’s diet and their level of physical activity determines their weight. These days, most kids are inactive. They live a sedentary life, the pressure at school to do well in exams is more intense than ever, and whatever little spare time they get is spent on video games, mobile phones or social media.

What diseases are obese children at risk for?

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Early heart disease
Diabetes
Bone problems

Obesity leads to a host of other health problems including hypertension and diabetes. India is on track to get the unenviable title of the diabetic capital of the world as soon as 2025 with more than 65 million Indians already suffering from the disease.

How Do I Know if My Child Is Overweight?

To determine whether or not your child is overweight, consult your child’s. He or she will determine whether or not your child is overweight by measuring their ”BMI,” or body mass index.

How Can I Help My Overweight Child?

If your child is overweight, it is very important that you allow him or her to know that you will be supportive. What a child feels about themselves is mostly based on their parents’ feelings about them, and if you accept your child the way they are, they are more likely to feel good about themselves. It is also important to talk to your children about their weight, allowing them to share their concerns with you.

How Can I Indulge My Family in Healthful Habits?

Be a role model- If your children see you being physically active and having fun, they are more likely to adapt fitness into their lifestyle
Plan family activities that include physical exercises such as walking, biking, or swimming.
Try to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend in sedentary activities, such as watching TV or in video gaming.

Whatever approach parents choose to take regarding an overweight child, the purpose is not to make physical activity and following a healthy diet a chore, but to make the most of the opportunities you and your family have to be active and healthy.

References:

http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2017/10/health/i-on-india-childhood-obesity/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20354827

4 Ways to help our Elderly Loved-Ones age Independently!

Many of us would definitely prefer that our elderly loved-ones stay in our homes to ensure they are well taken care of and properly cared for. Nevertheless, this situation can become very stressful for the family as leaving an aging parent home alone can pose a major issue if anything goes wrong. With that said, we all know some elderly people would want to live independently and today’s technology is striving to make that choice easier by providing families peace of mind so their elderly loved ones can age independently.

A senior Indian couple sharing a laugh together

Even with a good retirement plan, two-thirds of older adults still need some form of assistance to go about their daily lives. If you want to ensure that they live comfortably, here are four things to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone:

Essential Needs Delivered to the Door

To make things a bit simpler, efficient and work-from-home friendly, consider online grocery shopping to help your loved-ones reduce the physical stress of standing in line at the local market store.

Consider showing them how to grocery shop online so they feel more independent, or if they are not comfortable with this, place the order yourself and simply request that it be delivered to their door.

Prepare their home

To properly prepare a home for aging parents,we recommend you recognize when and where common needs or hazards may arise. These include key areas like the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Some simple changes you can make are: Installing bathroom rails which will help them walk through the house and avoid unexpected slips and falls, lowering shelves in the pantry so they can easily access items, adding more lighting and removing floor hazards.

Ensuring Health Care Measures

Stay in touch with the doctor, pharmacist and/or nurse of an elderly loved one. You can provide an extra hand in encouraging them to be proactive in the maintenance of their health. It is very important for you to understand their medical needs, including how frequently doctors’ appointments should occur. Mobile health tools that remind patients to take their medicine can be used or calendar apps to track and anticipate upcoming doctors’ appointments are very helpful.

4. Addressing emotional needs

Meaningful emotional contact is important for an aging parent — even simple gestures, like having others listen and share words of encouragement can positively influence their morale. With the vast popularity of elderly mobile smartphone owners, almost seven out of ten seniors own a mobile. Use video chat to make visual communication possible if you live or travel outside the region. Even if an initial training session is required, using this technology to see each other’s faces will be worth the effort.

The Takeaway

Today’s healthy seniors have new resources to make life easier as they continue enjoying the freedom of living independently. With today’s technological innovations to the way we communicate with each other, not only can the elderly can have the confidence they need to live independently, but their caregivers can too.

How Long Does It Take to Digest Food? All About Digestion

A good meal that looks delightful and tastes amazing is worth indulging in. But we have a tendency to consume more than what our body can digest easily.

Have you ever thought how long the digestion process can take?

In general, food takes twenty four to seventy two hours to move through your gastrointestinal tract. The precise time depends on the amount and kinds of foods you’ve eaten . The digestion speed additionally depends on factors like your gender, metabolism, and whether or not you have got any digestive problems that might slow down or speed up the method.

What happens throughout digestion?

As you chew, glands in your mouth secrete saliva. When you swallow, the food moves down your food pipe- oesophagus that connects your mouth to your stomach. When acids in your stomach break down the food even more, then the mixture moves to your small intestine. In your small intestine, your pancreas and liver help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The undigested part that remains moves on to your large intestine.

The large intestine absorbs any leftover nutrients from the food. The rest becomes solid waste.

Tips for better digestion

Eat a lot of greens, fruit, and whole grains
Limit meat and processed foods
Exercise daily
Manage stress
Get lots of sleep

The takeaway

You might not think much about your digestive system on a daily basis nonetheless you’ll understand once it’s not working optimally if uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea occur.

Watch what you eat and keep active to keep your digestion smooth and feel your best.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq-20058340https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-digest-food

How to Calm Night-Time Cough?

It happens to everyone – that annoying sensation in your throat that starts as a tickle and develops into a hacking cough just as you’re trying to fall asleep, or in the middle of the night.

One of the reasons why this could happen is because coughing is the body’s processes of ridding your lungs and airways of irritants such as mucus, microbes, and pollutants.

Lucky for you, we have some easy remedies that can be tried at home to help you stop your night-time coughs:

1. Incline the head of your bed

It’s easier for irritants to make their way to your throat and trigger coughing when you’re lying down. Try propping up some pillows to raise your head as this will most likely help reduce your cough.

2. Add honey to a warm drink

Honey in a warm drink can do wonders in clearing your throat. Mix two teaspoons of honey in warm water or herbal tea and drink before going to bed.

3. Allergy-proof your bedroom

When your immune system overreacts to an allergen, allergy symptoms such as coughing can occur. Dust allergy is a common cause of cough, especially at night as you’re exposed to dust mites on your bedding.

Here are some strategies to mite-proof your bedroom:

Use allergy covers for pillow cases and mattresses to reduce and prevent dust mites
Wash bedding in warm water at least once a week
Avoid letting pets on your bed or in your bedroom

What to do when coughing is severe?

Most coughs gradually go away on their own, but severe nighttime coughing may be a sign of a serious condition. Get medical help if you cough is severe and is you experience

Trouble breathing
Choking sensations
Swelling in your legs or abdomen
Wheezing
A cough that has lasted more than 3 weeks
A fever of 100˚F (38˚C) or above

There are different methods and lifestyle changes you can try to relieve or prevent nighttime coughing. Hope these remedies will help you soothe your ticklish throat.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/nighttime-relief#1

« Older Entries Recent Entries »