POOR AIR QUALITY INCREASES HEART ATTACK RISK

People with heart disease can face an increase risk of a serious heart attack on poor air quality days, a new study warns.

There is a strong association between bad air quality days — those with a threshold above 25 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic metre of air — with a greater risk of STEMIs, the most dangerous type of heart attack, the study said.

A ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a serious form of a heart attack in which a coronary artery is completely blocked and if left untreated for too long, would damage the heart muscles and cause irreparable damage or death.

“Our research indicated, during poor air quality days, namely those with high levels of PM 2.5, patients with heart disease are at a higher risk of suffering from a STEMI heart attack,” said Kent Meredith from Inter-mountain Medical Centre Heart Institute in Salt Lake City.

The study included nearly 16,000 patients who suffered three types of heart attacks — STEMI, non-STEMI, and unstable angina.

Researchers compared air quality measurements to the number of patients treated for heart attacks between September 1993 and May 2014.

“By making this association, physicians can better counsel their heart patients to avoid exposure to poor air quality, and thus decrease their chances of suffering a heart attack on days that they are potentially at highest risk,” explained Meredith.

“The study suggests that during yellow air quality days, and all red quality air days, people should limit their exposure in the air by exercising indoors, limiting their time outdoors, avoiding stressful activities, and remaining compliant with medications,” Meredith added.

The findings of the study were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Session in Orlando.

Be Healthy.......

Keep Smiling Always....

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

HOW FLAXSEEDS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

Yes, the small little seeds can have multiple health benefits. Adding flaxseeds to your diet will not only help improving your heart’s health but will also aid in bettter digestion.

Flaxseeds are high on protein and its best to consume them in a powdered form as it increases the amount of nutrients absorbed.

Here are a few health benefits of flaxseeds:

-Flaxseeds help in weight loss as they are low in calories and rich in fibre content.

-Including flaxseeds in your daily diet also helps lower blood pressure, cure headaches and fights several cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

-Flaxseeds are a rich source of antioxidants and help protect against the damaging effects of radiation.

-Flaxseed oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which can contribute to heart health and help reduce inflammation.

-Due to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids and lignan, adding flaxseeds to juice, salads, cookies and muffins can help ward off prostate cancer risk.

*Warning: Pregnant women or breast feeding mothers should not consume flaxseeds....

Be Healthy.....

Keep Smiling........

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

WHY CUMIN SEEDS (JEERA) IS GOOD FOR YOU!

Cumin seeds has been on the Indian food menu since eons. It is widely used in Indian cooking. Also known as `Jeera`, it has substantial health benefits and medicinal properties that can fight diseases like cancer, asthma and indigestion.

Here are a few reasons as to why adding `jeera` in your food is good:

-It is a fact that consumption of a glass of jeera water everyday can help aid digestion.

-Jeera is an excellent source of iron, and so it is good for pregnant and lactating women to consume jeera everyday.

-Eating jeera seeds can greatly help in fighting against cold and asthma as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

-Jeera is supposed to be a natural laxative and hence helps beat constipation.

-Jeera water is touted as a natural remedy to cure acne. Applying boiled jeera water regularly can result into a clear and acne-free skin.

So, go on and include cumin seeds in your food to have a healthy you.

Be Healthy.......

Keep Smiling.....

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

10 Signs You're Gluten Intolerant

More than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It's estimated that 99% of the people who have either gluten intolerance or celiac disease are never diagnosed.

It is also estimated that as much as 15% of the  population is gluten intolerant. Could you be one of them?

If you have any of the following symptoms it could be a sign that you have gluten intolerance

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. I see the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.

2. Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as 'chicken skin' on the back of your arms). This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.

3. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.

4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.

5. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.

6. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.

7. Migraine headaches.

8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pin point the cause of your fatigue or pain.

9. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.

10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.

How to test for gluten intolerance?

I have found the single best ways to determine if you have an issue with gluten is to do an elimination diet and take it out of your diet for at least 2 to 3 weeks and then reintroduce it. Please note that gluten is a very large protein and it can take months and even years to clear from your system so the longer you can eliminate it from your diet before reintroducing it, the better.

The best advice that I share with my patients is that if they feel significantly better off of gluten or feel worse when they reintroduce it, then gluten is likely a problem for them. In order to get accurate results from this testing method you must eliminate 100% of the gluten from your diet.

How to treat gluten intolerance?

Eliminating gluten 100% from your diet means 100%. Even trace amounts of gluten from cross contamination or medications or supplements can be enough to cause an immune reaction in your body.

The 80/20 rule or "we don't eat it in our house, just when we eat out" is a complete misconception. An article published in 2001 states that for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity eating gluten just once a month increased the relative risk of death by 600%.

Still unsure?

Seek out an integrative practitioner or functional medicine physician to help to guide you.

Be Healthy….

Keep Smiling….

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

Coloured Foods That You Should Be Eating For A Long And Healthy Life

Health experts recommend that you eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. But does that mean that just because you love apples and carrots, you will only eat those two fruits again and again? Absolutely not! It’s important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. In fact, research shows that different coloured foods have different properties, so you should try to include fruits and veggies from each colour group in your diet.

1. Red

Foods: Tomatoes, red bell peppers, guavas, strawberries, apples, cherries, beets, pomegranates, cranberries, watermelons and grapefruits.

Nutrients: Lycopene, Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin C, manganese and quercetin.

Health benefits: Reduced risk of cancer (especially prostate and breast cancer), lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, higher immunity, protection against heart attacks and reduced inflammation.

2. Orange

Foods: Carrots, oranges, mangoes, papayas, apricots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, orange bell peppers, cantaloupes, nectarines and peaches.

Nutrients: Beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, omega-3, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and Vitamins B and C.

Health benefits: Better immunity, younger skin, protection against eye problems, lower risk of cancer, less acidity, lower cholesterol, improved blood pressure and healthier joints.

3. Yellow

Foods: Bananas, pineapples, melons, yellow bell peppers, mangoes and yellow squash.

Nutrients: Manganese, magnesium, potassium, carotenoids, bioflavonoids and Vitamins A, B and C.

Health benefits: Better digestion, reduced muscle cramps, improved vision, healthier skin and bones, increased immunity, better heart health and stronger teeth.

4. Green

Foods: Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, peas, salad greens, grapes, avocados, kiwis and pistachios.

Nutrients: Chlorophyll, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, calcium and Vitamins A and C.

Health benefits: Better reproductive health, lower chances of foetal defects, improved digestion, stronger immunity, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improved vision and lower risk of cancer.

5. Blue/Purple

Foods: Blueberries, prunes, plums, grapes, currants, purple cabbage and blackberries.

Nutrients: Antioxidants, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, anthocyanin, Vitamin C, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin.

Health benefits: Better skin, slower tumour growth, reduced inflammation, better mineral absorption, improved digestion, lower cholesterol, stronger immunity, lower risk of heart disease and better eye health.

6. White

Foods: Onions, garlic, cauliflowers, leeks and mushrooms.

Nutrients: Flavanoids, allicin, beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, lignans, folate and Vitamins C and K.

Health benefits: Higher immunity, reduced risk of colon, prostate and breast cancers, balanced hormones, protection against free radicals, better heart health and lower cholesterol.

Be Healthy.....

Keep Smiling always.....

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

All you need to know about Chyawanprash....

Chyawanprash has been an important part of our Indian household for many years. But how much do you really know about Chyawanprash? Read more to check your knowledge!

WHAT IS CHYAWANPRASH?

Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic health supplement with a powerful combination of over 40 herbs and plant extracts in a base of amla.

WHAT ARE ITS HEALTH BENEFITS?

Chyawanprash boosts immunity, detoxifies the body, delays aging, prevents cough and cold, improves concentration and has antioxidant properties.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU TAKE AND WHEN?

The best time to have it is in the morning and on an empty stomach. However you may have it anytime in the day. For adults, the recommended dose is 1-2 teaspoons; 1-2 times daily and for children, ½ teaspoon with milk or warm water once a day.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHYAWANPRASH?

There are many types of Chyawanprash available in the market. You could choose the one that is best per your health needs. The most common variants are:

1 . Chyawanprash with Kesar: for cough, low weight, weakness

2 . Chyawanprash without Sugar: for diabetic patients

3 . Chyawanprash with Silver & Gold: for improving immunity and sexual performance

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Chyawanprash is a safe health supplement with minimal side effects. In some people it may cause indigestion, acidity and loose stools.

DOES CHYAWANPRASH LEAD TO WEIGHT GAIN?

No, Chyawanprash doesn’t lead to weight gain. In fact, it helps in regulating weight. If you are underweight, it will help you gain weight and if overweight, it will help you lose weight and strengthen your bones.

DOES IT CAUSE PIMPLES?

Chyawanprash doesn’t cause pimples. It contains amla which is one of the best source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C prevents clogging of skin pores thus reducing pimple formation.

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HOW TO KNOW IF IT’S PURE?

Some unlicensed manufacturers add lauki (Bottle Gourd) and Sitaphal (custard apple) while preparing Chyawanprash to increase its quantity and reduce the cost of manufacturing. Use the Water Check to check for this adulteration. Add a spoonful of Chyawanprash in a glass of water. If it is pure, it will sink immediately and the particles will not float on top.

Be Healthy....

Keep Smiling Always....

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

Health Benefits of Not Drinking Soda

Drinking soda causes a slew of health issues that can affect everything from your weight to your heart. Here are 6 health benefits of not drinking soda that will have you putting the liquid-junk down for good!

1. You’ll Avoid Empty Calories

Zero. Zip. Zilch. That is the amount of nutrients and vitamins that are in a typical soft drink. Not only is soda full of empty calories, but some studies found that people who drink soda regularly are less likely to get enough calcium and other important nutrients from their diet.

So, not only does drinking soda give you no nutrition, it can actually make it tougher for you to get nutrients from other healthy foods and drinks.

2. You’ll Be Thinner

Because of these empty calories, regular soda drinkers consume 10% more calories daily than those who skip the soft drinks. On a 2,000 calorie a day diet, this can result in gaining just over 20 pounds in a single year.

Both the amount of sugary soft drinks consumed each year and obesity rates have been increasing steadily over the last few years, leading researchers to believe that the two are related.

“Current research suggests that the association between obesity and soft drinks occurs at all ages. The mechanism may not be fully understood, but there is evidence to suggest that preventing consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks has a major role to play in obesity prevention.”

3. You’re Less Likely to Get Type 2 Diabetes

People who drink between 1 and 2 servings of sugar sweetened beverages a day, including soda, have a 26% greater chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes than those who drink less than one serving a month or no soda at all. The high-fructose corn syrup in soda raises glucose levels, which increases the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

4. You’ll Have Lower Blood Pressure

Soda has also been linked to hypertension, or high blood pressure. People with hypertension consume more glucose and fructose than those with regular blood pressure.

In addition to higher glucose and fructose levels, people that consume high amounts of these sugars retain more salt in their bodies, resulting in hypertension.

5. You’re Less Likely to Have Asthma

One study reported that soda may be related to asthma development.

High school students who drank soda regularly had a higher incidence of asthma than those who consumed no soda. More research is needed to find if there is a very strong link between soda consumption and asthma in people of all ages.

6. You’ll Be More Likely to Avoid Pancreatic Cancer

Soda heightens blood sugar so much that regularly drinking it has been linked to pancreatic cancer in women. Women who drank more than 3 servings of soda a week were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those who didn’t drink soda at all.

The Takeaway

With so many health benefits of not drinking soda, it’s time to cut it out of your diet once and for all. Skip the soda if you want to be thinner and less likely to develop all sorts of health conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and pancreatic cancer.

Be Healthy.....

Keep Smiling Always...

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

9 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Smile More

Smiling may seem like an involuntary response to something cute or funny, but it is much more than that.

Studies suggest that smiling, forced or not, can have a positive effect on your mood, decrease stress levels, and even make everyone around you feel better. What happy news!

Here are nine surprising benefits of smiling that will make you want to smile more.

Awesome Benefits of Smiling

1. Smiling is contagious

Because of complex brain activity that occurs when you see someone smiling, smiles are contagious. Studies report that just seeing one person smiling activates the area of your brain that controls your facial movement, which leads to a grin.

Even in bad situations, if you smile, others are likely to mimic the expression.

2. Smiling lowers stress and anxiety

It’s not easy to keep smiling in stressful situations, but studies report that doing exactly that has health benefits. When recovering from a stressful situation, study participants who were smiling had lower heart rates than those with a neutral facial expression.

The next time you’re feeling stressed, just try smiling to calm yourself down.

3. Smiling releases endorphins

Smiling can help you manage stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, chemicals that makes you happier. Endorphins are the same chemicals you get from working out or running, resulting in what is known as a runner’s high. Smile more to get that high without running.

4. You’ll be more attractive

Smiles are pretty darn attractive for more reasons than one. A smile suggests that you’re personable, easy going, and empathetic. In fact, a study in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that smiling actually makes you more attractive to those you smile at.

5. Smiling strengthens your immune system

Smiling even makes your immune system stronger by making your body produce white blood cells to help fight illnesses. One study found that hospitalized children who were visited by story-tellers and puppeteers who made them smile and laugh had higher white blood cell counts than those children who weren’t visited.

6. You’ll be more approachable

Turn that frown upside-down if you want to make some friends! Studies have found that people are more willing to engage socially with others who are smiling. A smile is an inviting facial expression that tells people you are willing to talk and interact with them.

7. Smiling will make you more comfortable

Our natural tendency is to stick to things that are familiar, but smiling decreases this need. A study found that smiling can make you more comfortable in situations you would otherwise feel awkward in.

8. You’ll seem more trustworthy

If you want to improve your credibility, simply smile more. What could be easier than that?

Trusting doesn’t come easily to many, but smiling at someone may help. Participants in a University of Pittsburgh study rated people who smiled as more trustworthy than people with non-smiling facial expressions.

9. You’ll be a better leader

If you’re in a position of power, or want to be, smiling may be the key to your success. A group of researchers from The University of Montpellier discovered that smiling is a more effective leadership technique than having great management responsibilities.

So, the next time you really want to show off those leadership skills, just grin.

The Takeaway

Smiling is an easy way to boost your mood, be healthier, feel better, and be viewed as more trustworthy and a better leader. Whenever you’re in a stressful situation or are feeling down, slap a grin on your face so you can take advantage of the many benefits smiling has to offer.

Keep Smiling Always......

Dr.Sanjay Chourasia

Want To Lose Weight? Eat!

There are no quick fixes when it comes to losing weight. Most of the people believe that by skipping meals they will lose weight. This is not true at all. For proper functioning of the human body, we need fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and fiber in adequate proportions. The aim should be to achieve a sustainable weight loss without developing any nutritional deficiencies.

Keeping that in view, we have come up with some nutritious foods that can help you lose weight gradually and in a healthy way

1 . OATS

This husky grain comes loaded with vitamin E, zinc, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. Oats are also a good source of protein and the fiber that keeps you feeling full for long. Have a bowl of oats with milk, honey and nuts every day for a nutritious breakfast that is easy on your stomach.

2 . YOGURT

Yogurt is probiotic in nature, it is great for the gut and it is easy on the calories. Having a bowl of unsweetened yogurt with oats or cucumber or tomatoes after dinner ensures good digestion.

3 . ALMONDS

Almonds are rich in macronutrients, Vitamin E and fiber. Have 4-5 of these nutritionally dense nuts to kick start your day or snack on these instead of chips or biscuits in between meals.

4 . BANANA

You might not believe it but adding a banana to your daily diet can help you lose weight. Bananas have a low glycemic index, which regulates sugar levels and helps in weight loss. A 6-inch banana has 90-110 calories, about 1/4th of the calories you would get from a chocolate bar. Add half a banana to your breakfast cereal or have it as an afternoon snack.

5 . VEGGIES

Vegetables like lettuce, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and spinach are low in calories but are rich sources of iron, calcium, vitamins, minerals and fibres. Incorporate one or more helpings of these veggies in the menu to have a proper meal without putting on the kilos.

6 . CUCUMBER

The high water content and fibrous nature of cucumbers make them the perfect food for weight-loss. Consume cucumbers daily in salads or otherwise and for once don’t fret over the quantity.

7 . RAJMA

The high content of protein and fiber in rajma (kidney beans) gives us the feeling of being full without the consumption of fats or sugar. Try a bowlful of cooked Rajma every alternate day and feel free to experiment with other lentils too.   

8 . APPLES & PEARS

These fruits have a naturally balanced nutrient set and are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and all things nice. Make them a part of your mid-morning snack or substitute your dinner-time dessert with one of these every day to cut the flab.

Be healthy.....
Keep smiling...

Dr. Sanjay Chourasia

Painful Mouth Ulcer? Here Is What You Should Do

Painful Mouth Ulcer? Here Is What You Should Do

Remember that feeling of having a painful and troublesome mouth sore? It can make life hell at times!Though these sores or ulcers are mostly harmless, but being extremely uncomfortable they need some sort of pain relief. Also,there are some people who keep getting these ulcers every now and then. By understanding this common health problem and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the chances of their recurrence.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY ARE MOUTH ULCERS?

Mouth ulcers are painful sores, round or oval in shape mostly formed on the inner side of cheeks and lips. They are usually white, red, yellow or grey in color and are red and swollen around the edge.

WHAT CAUSES MOUTH ULCERS?

Mostly these ulcers are caused by trauma like biting your cheek or from food, tooth filling or vigorous brushing. Recurrent painful mouth ulcers called apthous ulcers or canker sores are generally triggered by hormonal imbalance and stress. In some cases, recurrent mouth ulcers are a sign of an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia or Crohn’s disease.

Other causes include: constant rubbing against braces or dentures; poor oral hygiene; medications (example:pain killers, beta-blockers) and infectious diseases (example:herpes) or thrush ( fungal infection).

HOW CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?

Since the exact cause of mouth ulcers is not clearly known, there is no certain way of preventing them. However you can minimize their chances of recurrence by following these habits:

-Maintain good oral hygiene, brush twice daily and use soft bristled toothbrush

-Avoid foods you think trigger your ulcers

-Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

–L-Lysine (an amino acid) has been highly beneficial in many cases. Talk to your doctor about amino acid supplements

-Avoid toothpaste with harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

-B vitamins are generally cited as being beneficial, particularly B12. Since B vitamins are not stored in the body so talk to your doctor about using B complex vitamin supplements

-Add good bacteria in your diet. Have natural yogurt and probiotic supplements

-Go for regular dental checkups to fix any faulty filling or broken tooth

-Learn to de-stress and relax

ANY NATURAL FIXES TO EASE THE PAIN?

You can try these safe and simple home treatments to ease the pain of mouth ulcers

-Boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in a cup of water. Strain it and allow it to cool.Swish it around in your mouth. Do this three or four times a day

-Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a thin paste. Dab it on the affected area. Repeat this several times a day. Alternatively, you can simply put baking soda directly on your mouth ulcer

-Chew 5 – 6 tulsi leaves with some water every day to help you in getting rid of mouth ulcers. Repeat this procedure five to six times daily for better results

-Make a paste of amla and apply it on the sore directly. Repeat this process at least twice a day and notice the quick results

-Apply a mixture of turmeric powder and glycerin . To make the mixture, take one pinch of turmeric and one teaspoon of glycerin

WHEN SHOULD A DOCTOR BE CONSULTED?

Although mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable especially while eating or brushing, it is important to know that they are usually harmless. Most of the times, they go away in one or two weeks. However if the mouth ulcers last longer than 3 weeks or keep coming back, you should consult a doctor.

Be healthy....

Keep smiling always...

Dr. Sanjay Chourasia