Study Reveals Sitting Long Can Cause Liver Disease Also

As of now, it was very much known that sitting for long hours could cause obesity, heart disease and even diabetes, but recent study from North Korea shows that it can increase the risk of liver diseases also.

Researchers found in the study that people sitting for 10 hours or more daily have 9% greater chance of developing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) than those who sit lesser than that or 5 hours on average.

Physical activity was also found to be interlinked with the development of NAFLD. Persons who are physically active are 20% less likely to grow the disease than those are less active, according to according to the study published on Sept. 15 in the Journal of Hepatology.

Dr. Seungho Ryu, professor of occupational and environmental medicine at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in South Korea and lead author of the study, told Live Science that in today’s date sitting has been increased tremendously. People are spending more time sitting in front of computer or television. More than 139,000 men and women were examined within the age range of 39.9 years for the study. They have reported their level of physical activity and sitting time as a part of the survey. The study suggests that regular physical activity does not fully protect against the risks associated with long sitting, he said. If the results of the study are confirmed, it will be important to encourage people to both increase their physical activity and reduce their sitting time to reduce the risk of developing NAFLD, he added.

Michael Trenell, a professor of metabolism and lifestyle medicine at Newcastle University in England wrote in an editorial that accompanied the study in the journal that human body is designed to move not to sit idle which is characterized by low muscle activity and has direct impact on physiology. "What remains less certain is the effect of inactive behavior on the liver," he said.

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Calculate Your Heart’s Age

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 69 million adults have hearts that are 5 years older than their actual age. It has been found that most of the people are not as young at their heart as they believe they are.

CDC found 40% of adults had hearts that were five or more years older than their actual ages using a machine calculator which measures age, BMI, blood pressure. As per the CDC Director Tom Frieden to reveal a person’s risk of heart attack is best measured by the heart risk calculator. The Heart Age calculator test is designed to give you an overall idea of the health of your heart, and a general indication of how lifestyle related factors may affect your heart health. This test is not intended to be a medical diagnostic. But it will give you a good general indication of whether there’s more you can do to take care of your heart.

Heart age is an understandable simple tool for people to understand their heart risk," Frieden said. This type of study is the very first analysis of its kind which was examined on half a million adults aged between 30 and 74.

As per CDC, people can reduce their heart disease risk and make it younger by regular exercise, diet control and not smoking. More than 75% of heart disease cases can be prevented with certain lifestyle changes.

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Parental Care - Biggest Sacrifice One Can Make

“Parenting is the biggest sacrifice one can make, it’s putting your life on hold to fulfill the promise of your children’s tomorrow – Frederica Ehimen

To become a parent is a bliss. Parents only know that a child is an invaluable gem showered on them. A child is a God’s blessing that is bestowed on every parent. Parents are like angels to their children. They protect, nurture, and take care of their children till the last breath of their lives. “Parental care” - the term is used to describe the legal duty of a parent towards his or her children. If you are a mother, you will automatically be expected to provide care for your biological children. If you are a father, you will only usually be expected provide care for your children if you are married to their mother and/or listed on their birth certificates.

Your parental responsibilities starts from the very day your child takes birth. Your child is your precious one. So, to carry on the responsibilities for your child is your first and foremost priority. The first thing that comes to our mind after child birth is to name the child. Choose a name for your special one. Your child needs a comfortable home. So, provide him or her with a home. The preaching of discipline should start from the very early age of the child. Teach the child the basics of discipline and educate him or her how to maintain it to the core. This will be of a long term help for the child. Providing education for the child is a must. Provide the child with the right education that will help him become a better human being in the future. Determine the religion of the child. It is very important for the child to know his or her religion. The child should be provided with any necessary medical treatment. This will keep the child free from any kind of diseases thus keeping him or her healthy and strong. Disclose confidential information about the child only where it’s necessary. Take responsibility for your child’s property. Protect your child’s property and take adequate responsibility in handling them. If the situation demands, appoint a legal guardian for your child. Financial support for the child is very essential and provide him or her with it till he is attending the age to be financially free.

If you need to provide parental care over a child you do not reside with, then, you will not necessarily have a right to make contact with him or her. In such a case, the other parent must keep you updated with regards to your child’s physical and emotional well-being and personal progress.

If you do not have parental responsibility over your child, you will need to apply to the court for parental care. To apply for parental care, you must have a connection to the child. As for example, you must be a father, stepmother, stepfather or second female parent. If you are a father or second female parent who desires to provide parental care, you must complete a parental responsibility agreement, while if you are a step-parent, you must complete a step-parent parental responsibility agreement. You must then take your agreement to your nearest family proceedings court, along with the child’s birth certificate and formal proof of your identity. After visiting the court, you should send two copies of your agreement to the Principal Registry of the Family Division.

If you wish to provide parental care to your child, but the mother does not agree to your application, you will need to apply for a court order through your nearest family proceedings court. When considering your application, the court will take into account factors such as your commitment and attachment to your child, alongside the reasons for applying for parental responsibility. The court will then accept or reject your application, based on the best interests of your child.

Your parental responsibilities will decrease as your child grows older. Once your child reaches 18 years of age you will cease to have parental care over him or her. But there are some areas in which you will want to retain financial responsibility for your child, for example, when your child applies for a university grant.

So, enjoy parenthood to the fullest. To become a parent is a blessing in itself. So, carry out your parental responsibilities for your little one. Your little bundle of joy seeks your parental care. So, extend your warmth to your apple of the eye. Only under your shadow, the little one will turn up into that wonderful human being that you always dream of.

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Stroke More Probable With Long Working Hours

A toll on long working hours has recently been revealed in a major study published in the Lancet medical journal that people who are working long hours extending normal 8 hours are more prone to stroke.

There is a regular office going rush in everyone’s life after waking up in morning. Then the whole day passes by with work pressure. There is actually no way if the office leaving time already exceeds due to heavy pressure at work. Which results in the reduction in pace of life unconsciously. Though it sounds unreal but the same has been released in a journal stating that 55 hours or more work per week can put a full stop to anyone’s life.

As per the Lancet Journal people doing more than 55 hours of work can be at risk of increased cardiovascular diseases which results in many heart related disease at young age only. This largest experiment has been run for long 7 years on more than 5 lakhs 28 thousand men and women. 

Now it’s clear that people working more than 48 hours increases the risk by 10 % and the risk increases by 20 % for the people who work for more than 55 hours per week.

Experts suggests that people working for long hours should keep a regular check on their blood pressure. Dr. Mika Kivimaki, from University College London suggests that people need to be more conscious to maintain a healthy lifestyle instead of long working hours or long sitting. It leads to stress also which can make people tired and find less time for regular exercise.

All the experts and doctors shares a common view that not only work pressure but along with it alcohol consuming, smoking, stress altogether rings the alarm of heart stroke.

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Light Drinking Also Can Cause Risk Of Cancer

The less alcohol you drink, the lower the risk of cancer. Alcohol itself leads to destruction and deadly diseases. There is not a single type of alcohol which is better or worse. But everything is similar. Not everyone who has a drinking habit will grow cancer but researchers say that a moderate or even light drinking can lead to cancer - up to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.

The research in the British Medical Journal looked at two large US studies involving more than 100,000 adults. The experts are saying that intake of alcohol should be cut down and there must be some alcohol free days. There is no particular limit of the growing risk of cancer, but if a person is drinking within a limit then the risk will decrease. As a whole, the people who are more habituated to alcohol develop more risk towards certain cancers.

Each and every type of alcohol is linked with many type of cancers like mouth, throat, bowel, liver and last but not the least is breast cancer. As per a new research it is revealed that smoking and drinking together may increase the risk of cancer more dangerously. It is also proved that cutting down the intake of alcohol may reduce the increased rate of cancer.

NHS (National Health Service) suggests that in general 3 to 4 units per day is allowed for men and 2 to 3 units are allowed for women. As per American studies light to moderate drinking is referred to 30 gm of alcohol for men and 15 gm for women.

Cancer research UK, says that they want their patients to live longer as well as to reduce the regular bad habits of smoking or drinking for a healthier life.

Dr Jurgen Rehm, of Centre of Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto revealed that people who have cancer in heredity should be more cautious regarding the intake as well as need to drink in certain limitation.

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Research Reveals Spicy Foods Are Helpful For Longer Life

A new research just released this week focuses on the spicy food that too which can be supportive for your long life. Fiery foods like red chili peppers can burn your tongue but at the same time astonishingly it may give you a kick for longer life.

According to Lu Qi, associate professor of Harvard school of public health they have accumulated enough evidence from most of the researches which shows a huge benefit of spices on human health.

Based on this research there have been many studies followed in China. As per their one study, among 20,224 people who had a regular habit of having spicy food had a 14% lower risk of death than people who had spicy food less than once a week. People consuming spicy foods frequently also have a lower risk of cancer, ischaemic heart and respiratory system diseases.

According to the research program fresh and dried chili peppers were the most common spicy sources. Capsaicin, a bioactive component present in chili peppers is the source of benefits which increases fat burning and also helps in fighting infection and stimulate kidneys, heart and lungs. 

Few risks are also there related to spicy foods which triggers overactive bladders. There are also some of them which have identified by the doctors as irritants of women.

To be more precise, an association has been found between spicy food and death which require more scientific researches. It is not like having a plenty spicy food will make you live longer. But the value of a spicy food also depends on the quantity and how it is cooked ultimately.

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Additional Nutritional Supplements And Their Effects On Human Body

While reaching for a bottle of Vitamin D or vitamin C capsules how many of you think whether these will affect your health or really do wonder? The first thing you need to know before consuming these is whether you actually need them or not. Taking Additional nutritional supplements has become a regular habit among many Indians. Though most of them do not have any clear idea about what is it all about and what it does they keep on consuming it almost on a regular basis just to keep themselves healthy or to maintain their health. Moreover, these types of supplements are very easy to get as these do not require any prescription or doctor’s suggestion. These supplements are available in various forms like powered, capsules or in liquid forms. A few common supplements that includes herbal products, vitamins and minerals are known as botanicals.

It is a very common fact that different types of Vitamins, minerals and few other nutrients are necessary for human health. Without Vitamin A, C, D, people may suffer from the diseases like blindness, scurvy and others. But the amount of these elements should be limited.

Though a number of Indian as well as the international brands are launching a wide range of nutrient supplements every day in the market and most of them have become a part of our daily meals, many of these have some significant side effects.  A few recent studies have shown that taking these nutrients on a regular basis can do more harm than good to health. One of these studies even revealed that overdose of Vitamin D can even increase the chance of prostate cancer. In the countries like Puerto Rico, US and Canada many organizations ran a few tests where people were divided into 4 groups. While the 1st group was given 400 international units of Vitamin E, the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th groups were given 200 mg of selenium, both Vitamin E and selenium and inactive Placebo respectively. All persons took part in the studies were absolutely healthy without any diseases like cancer. But after the study it was shown that the people who were in the 1st and the 2nd groups and were given Vitamin E and Selenium and got prostate cancer. But the group taken both Selenium and Vitamin E did not affected much by the prostate cancer as Selenium has somehow minimize the effect of Vitamin E as well as the prostate cancer.

Apart from this, overdose of Vitamin A and D can also lead to various health issues, because both these vitamins are fat absorbers and can build up within the human body.  But this is a very rare case. But too little or too much of vitamins are definitely harmful for human body. We need different types of nutrients every day to maintain our good health and the list should include staple amounts of Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin, Folic Acid to improve our immune system and vision. But it is always suggested that we should depend completely on the natural diet for these resources. Food items like milk, fruits, vegetables, fishes, chicken and cereals are competent enough to supply all types of necessary elements to our body. Still if anyone wants to consume nutritional supplements he/she should consult a doctor to know which one can be perfect for him/her.

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A Complete Guide To Nutrition, Food And Health

1. What do we understand about nutrition?

Nutrition is the process where we get the necessary food for our physical growth. It is the science of food which is related to health. Lack of nutrition can cause complex diseases like diabetes, heart diseases and osteoporosis. Nowadays we are more cautious on how to prevent diseases rather than let the disease affect us and then we try to cure it. The most common nutrient deficiency is Vitamin C deficiency.

A poor diet which lacks the nutrients beneficial for our body can directly affect us both physically and mental health. Children are highly prone to the negative effect of bad nutrition. For them, bad diet can cause poor dental health. It is always better to avoid foods which are high on processed sugar and fat. Instead, you can replace their snacks with varieties of nuts, fruits and veggies instead of candies, burgers and chips.

2. Food and health: 

Food is essential part of our lives as this is our primary requirement. This needed to feed our physical and mental energy. There is a common saying, we are what we eat. So it definitely matters what we eat as it effects our efficiency of mind and body. Balanced diet means the balance of proteins, fats and minerals in our food. That is the reason dietitians always suggests us to have balance diet which is are the best foods and minerals.

The physical structure of food changes during consumption which alters the nutrients and other components are delivered to the body. As a common man, we have very little knowledge about how food effects our mind and body.

We get our energy from food but at times we tend o overeat. If you eat more even when you are not hungry then it reduces the benefits of food To digest more food, the digestive organs needs to work more. In that way our body loses its energy and body organs are deprived of energy. Thus, the organs become weak and fails to perform their regular functions. It is always better to give your digestive system a rest at least once a week. Thus you will get rid of the toxins from your body as the digestive organs are getting rest.

3. Types of food you should eat:

Fruits and vegetables:

Always prefers fruits and vegetables which are seasonal and fresh. It will be cheaper as well. Frozen fruits and vegetables are a good option only when you have time to shop from fresh ones.

Grains:

Grains include rice, barley, millet, maize, wheat, oats and cous cous. They are used to make bread, noodles and pasta. Whole grain food provide you more vitamins and minerals and fibre. Refined grains are white rice and white flour.

Carbohydrates and sugar:

It’s a common belief that rice and potatoes are carbs. But these are only examples of a vast food range which are carbohydrate rich. There are few more food items which has carbohydrates, such as, Grains, fruits and vegetables, sugary food items.

Dairy:

Dairy foods are rich in calcium which is essential for your bones. A healthy amount of calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Milk, Curd, cheese, yogurt, ice-cream and butter are a considered as dairy products.

Salt:

Processed food is the main source from where we get the maximum amount of salt. Excess amount of salt intake can increase blood pressure as well as heart diseases. 

Fats and oil:

Fats are essential part of our diet but like anything else, don’t overdo it. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are good for health. But saturated and trans fat can harm your health.

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Top Sports And Bodybuilding Supplements – A Complete Guide For You

People who are associated with sports and body building will definitely accept the fact that nutritional supplements are of great help! It will be help them not only build up the right body structure but will also help in gaining the required energy for better performance. There are different types of nutritional supplements available in the market and one has to choose the best option available for them. 

Let's take a look at the complete guide to sports and body building supplements: 

Creatine: It is one of the most economical supplements available in the market for people who are into high-intensity activity. But, you should also note here that if you are more into aerobics and planning to increase your work capacity, this nutritional supplement will not be the best for you. There are very few  nutritional supplements that can match creatine. It can be naturally found in meat. So, if you are in a habit of consuming meat, then you might not be in need of creatine supplements. The main aim of this supplement is act as backup phosphate donor in order to replenish ATP. Well, ATP is the most elemental form of energy and also the major source of energy for all muscular contractions. 

Casein Whey Protein Supplements: This protein supplement helps in promoting positive nitrogen balance in the body of the bodybuilders and athletes. Milk protein consists of 80 percent casein and 20 percent whey. So, if you are having milk protein, it can help you to avoid consuming this protein supplement. It should also be noted here that any longer acting protein similar to that of casein will help prevent too much breakdown of protein ultimately promoting growth. It should also be noted that whey is a primary endogenous antioxidant as well as a liver detoxifier in the body.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These nutritional supplements are easily available in fatty fish like sardines, mackerel as well as herring. You need to eat fatty fish at least 3 times in a week so that you do not go deficient on it. However, if you do not eat fish, then you will have go for nutritional supplements that are rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. If your body does not have proper amount of these fatty acids, then the brain neurotransmitter function can be hampered leading to depression and aggression.

Antioxidants: Many of the fruits, vegetables, meat and fish are rich in antioxidants. You can consume them in order to get the right amount of antioxidant for your body. It should be noted that exercise produces different oxidative reactions which are normally toxic to the bodies. As the body's antioxidant system normally gets disturbed by exercise, supplemental antioxidants will help to stabilize the body. They will also help you deal with toxic oxidants. 

Post workout recovery drinks: These drinks are similar to protein drinks. These nutritional supplements contain simple carbs as well as other nutrients which helps in promoting growth as well as muscular recovery. One of the best proteins that can be found in these drinks include whey. They rapidly get absorbed. Moreover the simple carbs found in these drinks help in promoting glycogen replenishment and insulin release.

Now you have a list of five major nutritional supplements that can help athletes as well as bodybuilders. So, if you are one of them and if you are planning to get some nutritional supplements, then you know which ones to go for!

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Change Your Health With 4 Major Vitamins

Health is wealth – All of us will have to agree to this famous quote! In today's world, we lead a stressful life. The tensions of professional life and personal life are there to take a toll on our health. Thus, it is necessary for all of us to maintain good food habits to ensure good health. Apart from good food to ensure nutrition and health, one should also give importance to exercise. Daily exercise also plays a great role in helping you get a better health. 

Vitamins are a major necessity to maintain a good health. Here are 4 major vitamins that can help you in managing your health in a better way and keep you away from a range of diseases. Let's take a look: 

Vitamin B6: This vitamin is also commonly known as pyridoxine. With the help of this vitamin, your body will be able to form the red blood cells. Apart from this, the vitamin will also help you in maintaining your brain functions. It should also be noted here that this vitamin plays a greater role in the proteins which are associated with various chemical reactions in our body. Thus, it should also be noted here that eating larger amounts of protein will help lower the vitamin B6 levels in the body. So, one needs to very careful about it. 

Vitamin D: This vitamin is also known as "Sunshine Vitamin". Why so? Well, this is because the body is able to prepare this vitamin after being in the sun. It is always essential to remain in the sunshine for 10-15 minutes three times in a week in order to produce the ample amount of Vitamin D required by the body. You will be surprised to note that it is quite difficult for the body to get Vitamin D from any other food source. You must be wondering why is Vitamin D so important for the body! Well, this vitamin will help the body to absorb the calcium. As we all know that calcium is very important for the body because it helps in the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also ensures proper levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Vitamin B12: Like all other B vitamins, B12 vitamin is also essential to ensure metabolism in the body. Apart from this, one of the major functions of this vitamin is to form red blood cells. Along with this, it plays a great role in maintaining the central nervous system in a better way. Another major fact that should be noted here is that Vitamin B12 when combined with Folate, plays a great role in forming red blood cells. Apart from this, Folate is also essential for the body to produce DNA that helps to control cell function and tissue growth. Moreover, women, at the time of child birth require good amount of Folate along with other nutrition and health products. 

Thiamine or Vitamin B1: This is one vitamin which is extremely essential for our health. This vitamin will help our body cells to change carbohydrates into energy. This vitamin is also very important during pregnancy as consuming carbohydrates during pregnancy as well as breast-feeding is very important. Apart from this, Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is essential for the better function of the heart as well as ensures healthy nerve cells.

Thus, make sure that you include all these major Vitamins in your platter on a regular basis. It will help you stay well and ensure good health.

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Diaper Rashes Can Happen To Babies & Adults Both

Diaper rashes are not only quite common in babies, but adults can also have the same. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Diaper rashes can be caused due to several reasons and it has several treatments as well. In this blog, we'll tell about this annoying problem and the steps to prevent and cure it.

Is Diaper Rash a big deal?
To put it simply, diaper rash is a kind of allergy or rash that is caused when the victim's skin reacts adversely to his or her diapers. This rash includes the skin's redness, soreness, tenderness as well as allergic reactions. Diaper rash can occur to anybody who is using a diaper, no matter what his or her age is. The severity of the problem can range from a few prickly red spots in a small area to tender red bumps that spread to the tummy and thighs. But no matter what the severity is, it is entirely curable.

7 Crucial Symptoms of Diaper Rash

• Bright red rash that gets bigger.
• Fiery red and scaly areas on the scrotum and penis in boys.
• Red or scaly areas on the labia and vagina in girls.
• Pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps, or pus-filled sores.
• Smaller red patches (called satellite lesions) that grow and blend in with the other patches.
• Older infants may scratch when the diaper is removed.
• Diaper rashes usually do not spread usually beyond the edge of the diaper.

Causes of Diaper Rash

The causes of Diaper Rash can be many starting from unsuitability to the diaper's material to wetness caused by urine, etc. Here are some of the common ones.

• Wetness – Wetness due to the accumulation of urine and faeces is the number one cause of diaper rash. When urine mixes with bacteria from stool it produces ammonia which can be very harsh. That is why it is essential to change diapers regularly and not to leave it on for too long. But don't think leaving a diaper overtime is the only cause of rash, it can occur even if the victim's skin is over sensitive.

• Diaper unsuitability - Babies with sensitive skin can get a rash just by rubbing their skin against a diaper or if they’re allergic to the fragrance of the disposable diaper. In case of cloth diapers, detergents used to clean them might cause sensitivity to the skin or it may also be that the lotion or powder you use is not suited to the baby’s skin.

• Solid food – It has been noticed that babies have greater susceptibility to diaper rash when they start eating solids. This is because their food intake changes their stool composition, which in turn may react on the baby's skin if lying in the diaper for so long. Breast-feeding mothers need to be careful as what they eat might affect the child's bowel movements, which may result in diaper rash.

• Infections – We all know bacteria and germs multiply in places where there is plenty of moisture. This makes the diaper, an ideal spot for them, and they in turn cause rashes. The cracks and folds of the baby's skin are particularly susceptible to such bacterial infection.

How to treat a diaper rash?

Avoid diapers for the time-being. Allow the baby's skin to breathe a little both in order to cure the rash quickly and prevent it from occurring again. Keep him in cot lined with waterproof cloth or let him play on the floor in a designated area so that only that particular area is dirted.

Rinse diapers well. Pat your baby's skin dry instead of rubbing it. Use warm water while cleaning the baby. Remember the diaper may be used when it's necessary, not when you find convenient.
Use a liquid barrier film. A barrier film protects the victim's skin from unwanted contact with liquids or other irritants.

Avoid talcum powder. Talcum powder irritates baby's sensitive skin, further aggravating it and leading to diaper rash. If your baby is suffering from diaper rash, avoid using talcum powder on his body till the problem is completely cured.

Breastfeeding the baby for long periods can boost your baby's resistance to infections and make him less likely to need antibiotics, which can contribute to diaper rash.

Diaper rash can occur in adults as well

Sometimes, adults who are incontinent may need a diaper as well. And, just as with babies, adults can fall victim to diaper rashes too. In adults, skin irritation may be caused by dampness, warm barrier environment, bad hygiene, incontinence or infection. The treatment is the same as with kids, don't wear diapers all the time, allow the skin to breathe, keep the area as clean as possible and avoid harsh detergents while washing the diapers.

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Did You Know About These 10 Pains You Should Never Ignore?

More or less everyone of us get affected by some or other type of pain in his or her lifetime. Some pains come mysteriously, lingers for a while and disappears minutes after arriving. Few pains and aches can be ignored, but, there are some pains which indicate that there is something seriously wrong going on in your body for which you must consult a doctor. Not that you need to worry about each and every pain, but, some pains are there which you really need to take care of. Here, you'll come to know, which pains you can simply treat with a painkiller and which ones you should never ignore.

1. An aching jaw and chest – Do you know that pain in chest, arm, shoulder, armpit, abdomen and jaw are some symptoms of getting a heart attack. So, if you find that you have mysterious jaw pain along with aching shoulders, stop what you are doing and seek medical help immediately. You may not realise it then, but your quick call may be your saving grace.

2. Pain in the lower back – Thanks to the computer, with so many of us slogging away at them, backaches are really common these days. Lower back pains are the most common back pain that people complain of. It shouldn't be ignored as it may be an indication of kidney troubles – it can be a kidney stone, an infected kidney or even a severe UTI. So, never ignore back pains because even if your kidneys are working fine, these pains can become chronic if left untreated for a longer period of time.

3. Severe abdominal pain – A severe abdominal pain can indicate many things as it is a home to many organs. It could be a problem with your kidneys, uterus, lungs or worse, an appendicitis attack. Sometimes it can be because of pancreatic or an infected gall bladder. A swollen liver can also give you abdominal pain, which is because you have contracted Hepatitis C.

4. Pain in the calf muscles -  If you are having a calf pain without working out, it may be an indication of Deep Vein Thrombosis, or clots in veins that are putting pressure on proper blood circulation. So, don't ignore this mysterious pain, it can be life threatening.

5. Burning in the hands and feet – If you're having a burning sensation and a strange tingling more often in your hands and feet without really sitting in a folded position, it can mean you have peripheral neuropathy. That means that there has been some nerve damage in your body and the loss of sensation and burning in your hands and feet are just a sign. The cause could be alcohol abuse, dehydration, diabetes or shingles. In any case, getting this checked immediately is highly advised.

6. Vague, Unexplained aches – An ache in some part of the body means that there is some problem in that local area. But, sometimes people find they have unexplained pain throughout their body. It can be a sign of Fibromyalgia. It affects more women than men. It can be a headache, a back pain or even aching legs. So, if you're experiencing multitude of pains recently, then, don't ignore and get checked immediately.

7. Testicular pain – Testicular pain can be symptom of hernia, cancer, testicular torsion, or just an infection. So, don't ignore, if you have pain in one of your testicles. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible, if you don't want your testicle to get amputed.

8. Severe headaches – Have you experienced headache that descends suddenly and feels more like a thunderclap? Don't ignore this; this is a sign that you may be having TIA or Transient Ischemic Attack. This means that one of your arteries is blocked which can lead to a stroke, if left untreated.

9. Pain in Pelvis – Are you noticing that you are having pelvic pain during intercourse? In fact, it is a good idea to never ignore any pain during sex. But this pelvic pain can be PID, which is a bacterial infection that is causing inflammation in uterus and fallopian tubes. However, even cysts can cause pelvic pains, as can uterine cancer. So, don't ignore any pain in the pelvic region.

10. Aching joints – We hear of everyone telling that with age, joints will start to ache. However if you find that the ache has appeared too mysteriously, it could mean you have osteoarthritis, hepatitis or rheumatoid arthritis.

If a pain persists more than two days, then, get it checked by your doctor immediately. A simple pain can be a messenger of some serious ailment. So, never ignore any pain, even it's a small one.

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Do You Suffer From These Tell-Tale Symptoms Of Asthma?

These days Asthma has become a common disease. But, before we start discussing about Asthma, we all should first know, what is asthma and how it is caused. Asthma is a condition that affects the airways, the small narrow tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.  A person with asthma when comes in contact that irritates their airway (pollen, dust and pollutants), the muscles around the lining tighten making them narrower and that results inflammation. At times, a sticky mucus or phlegm builds up which results in further blockage.

Asthma symptoms may not be the same with everybody. One may not have all the symptoms at one go while others may have different symptoms at different times. The symptoms may vary from one attack to another – being mild during one and severe during another. Also, some people suffering from Asthma might have no symptoms for extended periods, interrupted by periodic symptoms known as “asthmatic attack.” Others may have asthma symptoms everyday. In addition, some people have asthmatic attacks only while exercising or with a viral infection such as flu/cold. In general, mild asthma attacks are more common than severe attacks. For the mild attacks it takes a few minutes or hours for the air passage to clear up, but severe attacks long for last and require immediate medical assistance. Thus it is extremely crucial to detect, recognize and treat even mildest asthma symptom to prevent severe latter episodes and keep the condition under better control.

• Common Asthma symptoms include -
• Wheezing, which is a squeaky or whistling sound that happens when one breathes.
• Coughing especially in the night or in early morning, making it hard to sleep.
• Shortness of breath while exercising.
• Chest pain/tightness which is painful and it feels like something is squeezing or sitting on the chest.

The early signs of Asthma can serve as precursors or warning signs to stop an attack or prevent from getting worse. These early symptoms start much before the well-known symptoms and can be indicative that your condition could worsen. They are not severe enough to deter one's daily activities.

• Early warning signs of Asthma are -
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent cough, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Tiredness
• Extremely moody/grouchy
• Signs of a cold or allergies
• Lung function alterations as measured on a peak flow meter
• Trouble while sleeping

If you have any of the above symptoms, then visit a doctor.

An asthmatic attack occurs when the muscle bands of the airway are triggered to tighten. This episode is called 'bronchospasm.' During an attack, the lining of the air passages become inflamed or swell in size and the cell lining produces thicker and more mucus than normal. All of these result in breathing difficulty, coughing, wheezing, difficulty in performing normal day to day activities and shortness of breath. Other symptoms are:

• Rapid breathing
• Continuous coughing
• Difficulty in talking
• Severe chest pain
• Wheezing while breathing in and out
• Pale sweaty face
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Tightened chest and neck muscles, callled retractions
• Blue fingernail or lips

If not treated on time, severity of the attack can rapidly escalate. Without immediate treatment like an asthma inhaler or a bronchodilator, breathing can be more laboured and reading on a peak flow meter will probably be less than 50%. Under this condition immediately get transferred to a hospital. Withdrawal of wheezing is often mistaken as a sign of improvement and many fail to get prompt emergency care. Unfortunately if one doesn’t receive adequate treatment, eventually difficulty in speaking and development of a bluish color around the lips can be observed. This change in color is known as cyanosis and indicates lower oxygen levels in the blood. If still the patient is not treated, consciousness is lost and death occurs.

The usual symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath does not happen to everyone. Sometimes individuals may have unusual symptoms which might not be even related to asthma. These symptoms include-

• Sighing
• Fatigue
• Rapid breathing
• Exercise induced Asthma – inability to exercise properly
• Nighttime Asthma – difficulty in sleeping
• Lack of concentration
• Anxiety
• Chronic cough without wheezing

It is important to bear in mind that symptoms of asthma can be mistaken for an ailment in themselves or for some other disease. The best method to diagnose this condition is to have a talk with a doctor for prescribed medication to prevent and treat Asthma effectively.

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Smokeless Tobacco – Know How It Is Harmful For You

Of late, tobacco smoking has grown quite popular. People, now, opt for different types of tobacco smoking. Smokeless tobacco has also gained immense popularity amongst the masses. However, it should be noted here that smoking tobacco in any form can be harmful to you. Not only this, tobacco smoking can be harmful to other people who are in and around you. So, you should stop smoking tobacco not only for the sake of yourself but also for the sake of your near and dear ones.

Harmful effects of smokeless tobacco

You must have heard that smokeless tobacco is harmful for you and your family. Here are some of the things which will help you understand how smokeless tobacco can be harmful:

Cancer-causing agents: You will be surprised to note that smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer causing agents. These agents are also known as carcinogens. As a result, you should avoid smokeless tobacco.

Leads to Cancer: Not only is it a cancer causing agent, but it can also go ahead to cause two major forms of Cancer – Oral Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer. So, it is better to avoid this kind of smokeless tobacco.

Leukoplakia: It is very important for you to note that smokeless tobacco is also greatly associated with leukoplakia. This is a pre-cancerous lesion of the soft tissue inside the mouth which consists of a white patch or plaque that cannot be scraped off.

Dental and other associated problems: Smokeless tobacco is known to be associated with various dental and other associated problems. This include tooth decay,  recession of the gums, gum disease, etc. Thus, you need to be very careful about these things.

Pre-eclampsia: Many women go for smokeless tobacco during pregnancy. But that is not a good step. Opting for smokeless tobacco can lead to pre-eclampsia. This is a condition which includes fluid retention, high blood pressure, swelling, premature birth as well as low birth weight. So, a pregnant lady needs to be very careful.

Affects sperm cells and sperm count: In men, smokeless tobacco smoking can lead to abnormal sperm cells. It can also lead to reduced sperm count. So, before you go for this option of tobacco smoking, know the repercussions!

Nicotine addiction: Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine. As a result, it can lead to nicotine addiction as well as nicotine dependence. Thus, a person might get addicted to nicotine as well through this kind of smoking.

Become cigarette smokers: There are many adolescents who are into smokeless tobacco. In the long run, they are more likely to become cigarette smokers. So, if you find an adolescent smoking smokeless tobacco, take steps to rehabilitate that person.

Now that you know about so many harmful effects of smokeless tobacco, you will definitely be able to understand the importance of avoiding tobacco smoking in any form. You should take special steps in encouraging youngsters and adolescents to stop tobacco smoking or it can negatively affect their health.   Moreover, men and women should also forbid smoking tobacco in order to avoid Cancer as well as other health issues. Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, go to doctor for regular health check up and stay healthy and happy!

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Quick Tips: Diabetes And Shift Work

Diabetes has become a household name now. Majority of people suffer from this disease. But there are some ways to manage it. It all depends on a healthy routine of medicine, eating, exercise and sleep. But when you work night shifts or have changing work shifts, it can seem like there's nothing  at all routine about your life. In such a condition, it is more of a challenge to manage diabetes. But, it can be done. Here are some tips which will help you to have a control on your blood sugar level even if you are working in shifts.

Get organized

• Talk to your doctor, diabetes nutritionist, or diabetes educator. He or she will help you make a plan for dealing with your shift work.
• Have a backpack, briefcase, or large purse that always contains your at-work essentials like, a blood sugar meter, planned snacks, emergency snacks, medicines, a water bottle, lunch, an ice pack.
• Tell your employer that you have diabetes. Show him or her your plan. Ask for regular breaks, a place to store and take your insulin or other medicine, and a place to rest when you need it.

Manage your blood sugar

• Test your blood sugar every couple of hours. Working in night shifts or constantly changing shifts can affect your blood sugar in ways that may surprise you.
• Keep a detailed report of your blood sugar readings, medicine doses, exercise and sleep. This will help you and your doctor see patterns and make plans to deal with them.
• Consider updating your blood sugar meter. The record keeps track of carbohydrate averages per meal.
• If you take insulin, consider using an insulin pump.

Plan your meals

• Try planning a week's worth of your at-work lunches at a time, so that you avoid the snack machine or the nearby fast food restaurant.
• Are you often too tired to make dinner after work? Keep a supply of healthy, ready-to-eat snacks, such as, hard boiled eggs, fruit, cheese sticks, beef or turkey jerky, single servings of low sugar, nonfat yogurt or cottage cheese, or  a sugar-free gelatin dessert.
• Some jobs make it hard to take a snack break. Keep something in your pocket, like a small bag of dried fruit or unsalted nuts or a low-carbohydrate cereal bar.

Keep up your exercise

• Your regular exercise routine at home may be hampered if you work at nights or your shift keeps changing. Find a way to make it a part of your routine. Set some goals. Take the time to think about what is getting in the way of your success and what you can do to get around those barriers.
• At work, take a walk during breaks. If your's is a desk work, do some stretching in front of your computer.
• Use your commute to do some extra walking. Park several blocks away, or get off the bus a few stops early.

Get enough sleep

• Avoid caffeine drinks 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. But a light snack may help you sleep. Ask your doctor if you should snack before sleep.
• Be aware of a problem called shift work sleep disorder. If you have trouble sleeping because of your work shift, talk to your doctor.
• Measure your blood sugar before you go to sleep. This is especially important if your sleep time changes.

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Superfoods – The 6 New Food Items To Try Out This Season

A proper growth and healthy body depends upon the type of food you consume. Different types of food items have different qualities in them. You should know the qualities of specific food items and consume them so that you know what you're consuming. In the recent times, certain superfoods have come up in the market which can enhance your health. These superfoods are rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins as well as anti-oxidants and provide the required nourishment to your body. Moreover, these food items will help you safeguard yourself from different types of diseases including Cancer. So, in order to be on the safer side, you should consume the superfoods.

Let's take a look at the 6 top superfoods available for you in the market at present:

Kumquats: In the recent times, kumquats have gained immense popularity. These are rich in Vitamin-C. Eating just 5 of these tiny fruits will not only provide you with Vitamin-C but will also provide you with 6gm of fibre. You can have them as snacks. You will be surprised to note that you can eat the peel.

Cacao nibs: This is another superfood which has gained popularity in the recent times. This is an anti-oxidant rich superfood. You can add a quarter cup of antioxidant-rich, heart-healthy cacao in your diet on a regular basis. A cup full of this fruit contains 9gm of fibre. You can mix them into baked goodies or trail mix.

Nori: If you are looking for a superfood, then you can 

definitely consume Nori. You will be surprised to note that this seaweed has only 10 calories per sheet. Apart from this, it is also a good source of protein. You can garnish your rice with this superfood or use them in soups.

Hemp hearts: Of late, this superfood has become quite popular in the market. Three tablespoons of these hemp hearts will contain 10 g of protein, plus omega-3s and iron. You can add them to granola or smoothies and have them.

Manuka Honey: Another popular superfood in the recent times is Manuka Honey. It is known to have natural antibacterial properties. This is one of the best things that will help get you through easily with the flu season. You can drizzle it over the yogurt and enjoy it regularly in your diet.

Pomegranate: Yes, though it is a common food item, you can consider this to be a superfood.  You will be surprised to note that it is quite rich in Vitamin-K which is known to improve bone strength. Apart from this, it also contains disease-fighting B vitamins. You can easily toss the seeds in a salad.

So, now that you know about the superfoods, you should try to consume them regularly. Include these food items in your food platter so that you can lead a safe and healthy life. You may not find them in the regular local stores but you can definitely find them in the super-market and the shopping malls.

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3 Ways To Fight The Common Seasonal “End Of Winter” Fatigue

Winter is ready to bid goodbye, as spring flaunts its pleasant presence. But, while winter is retreating, it leaves with us some common seasonal “end of winter” fatigue. Lack of sunlight, sleep and energy irritates all and one gets sugar cravings. These are nothing, but, the symptoms of a seasonal change. It's your endocrine system and one of its most important parts – the adrenal gand – that is unable to keep up with all the stress and pressure of your everyday life. You may think that a nice vacation in a warm climate might help. But, its wrong. It might make things better for a little while, but a week later you will start feeling tired and stressed out just the way you felt before. The main reason you are feeling this way is the basic nutrient insufficiency. In this blog, I'll help you with three ways to get rid of all these unpleasant feelings and fatigue.

Start taking minerals – Minerals are even more important than vitamins. Mineral deficiency causes irritability, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, general fatigue, sugar cravings, skin, nails, hair problems and much more. Most minerals are very hard to absorb from tablets. It's much more effective if you take them in liquid form. Some energy drinks are very useful which not only provide you great support for the day but are equally tasty. Taking these drinks once in a day before breakfast will help. Taking liquid is much much better and more beneficial. But, if you really hate taking liquids, you can try some tablets. Two tablets two times a day with food is the prescribed dosage. You can take liquid, even if you are taking tablets.

Start taking essential fatty acids – Fatty acids are some of the most important things for normal functioning of the immune system, brain, heart, lungs, liver, bone, skin, hair and nail structure. Some of the food sources of essential fatty acids are fish, shellfish, flaxseed (linseed), hemp seed, soya oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy vegetables and walnuts. It's better not to buy fish oil from your local pharmacy because it does not have Omega 6 in it and is usually highly processed. It can't attract oxygen to your cells which is its main function.

Support your adrenals with some adaptogens – Adaptogens are herbs that help your body handle stress and utilize fatty acids more efficiently as an energy source. They also help boost your immunity and strengthen your body. You can also take essential fatty acids tablets. Take them once in a day in the mid-afternoon or even twice a day after lunch and at 4 pm, but never take them after 5 – 6 pm – as you don't need too much energy at night.

If you follow these simple remedies - all these together will increase your energy level, reduce irritability, improve your mood and sleep pattern. So, bid goodbye to winter with a big smile on your face without letting the winter blues get to you!

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Health Facts – 6 Facts That We Bet You Didn't Know!

Human body is a mystery in itself. There are some weird and wonderful things that our bodies are capable of doing of. These are small facts which we might notice everyday but we do not realize the importance of these facts. If you learn about these facts, you will definitely get surprised.

So, here are certain health facts that our body is capable of doing of however you might not know them. Let's take a look at them:

1. Sweat glands: You will be surprised to note that there are around two to four million sweat glands which helps to keep our body temperature regulated. Another interesting fact is that women tend to have more sweat glands than men but the sweat glands in men are more active. In a recent study, it has been said that we can get DNA out of a fingerprint because "there were cells shed that stuck to the surface of the fingerprint with sweat."

2. Know your hair: You lose 80 hairs per day. Towards the end of summer, you might lose more hair. However, it should be noted that whether you wash hair daily or once a week, the total hair loss over the week will be the same. In case you face excessive hair loss, then it can be due to hormonal imbalance. If women have polycystic ovarian syndrome, then they can start losing more hair. Apart from this, iron deficiency can also lead to hair fall.

3. Good bacteria on skin: There are around 1000 different types of good bacteria living on the skin. It should also be noted that they help with skin cell turnover and immunity. Apart from this, we leave remnants of them wherever we go.

4. Facts after death: If you are wondering what happens to the body after death, then read on. The body breakdown speeds up once we die. It should always be noted that most of the tissue breakdown is done by the bacteria from our gut. It should also be noted that in hot, humid conditions, any dead human body will start to deteriorate within hours.

5. Your skin: It should be noted here that our skin acts like a conveyer belt. It constantly produces new skin cells at the base layers and pushes up the old, dead cells away. You should also note that apart from our eyes, almost every other part of the surface of the body is dead. We also lose a lot of our skin in clothes, especially the old, dead cells.

6. Waste material: It is an interesting fact that the traces of faecal matters are not only just confined to the toilet pan. Such matters can also be found on hotel TV remotes, aircraft basins and toothbrushes. However, these are microscopic remnants. It should also be noted that Urine is sterile while it is in the bladder. However, it picks up a few germs when on its way out.

Hopefully, now you have a knowledge about some of the unique yet surprising health facts. Search through the Internet and you will know more about these wonderful 6 facts a lot more. With time, the researchers and scientists will be able to provide you with information about more such unique facts. Keep on updating yourself about these facts and know more about human body!

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7 Simple Ways To Get Slim Naturally

Who on earth doesn't want to be slim? One can go to any extent to get a slim body. Also, if you're devoid of fat, you can stay away from a lot of diseases. People hit the gym, go for diet control, and do helluva other things to get rid of those extra inches. In this blog, I'll help you with some ways which you can apply to get slim naturally. If you spend too much time to lose weight, you're likely to give up and go back to your regular habits because they are easier. The key to losing weight is to know the little tricks that make losing weight easy. So, here we go.

1. Eat five time a day, starting with breakfast – Many people skip breakfast, thinking that they are saving themselves some calories. But this rarely works – you end up overeating at other times of the day. In the morning, while you were sleeping, your body has gone without food for several hours. Your body needs the energy to get started. By eating five small meals each day, starting with breakfast, you'll stoke the fires of your metabolism, making it easier to lose weight.

2. Drink more water – Many people reach for food when their body is actually thirsty. Water also helps your body to flush things out, helping you get slim. Drink at least 8 bottles of water per day and try to drink more if you are particularly active or it is a hot day. This will keep you hydrated.

3. Grab a piece of fruit -  Before you leave your house, be sure to take an apple or banana with you. When you're out and about, you may not get healthy snacks when you get hungry. This could leave you straight through the drive-through. However, if you have a piece of fruit with you, you have something to hold you over until you get home.

4. Eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full – Your brain can take up to 20 minutes to realise that your stomach is full. Because of this, you should make sure to stop eating before you eat too much. It helps if you eat slowly instead of gulping a meal in 5 minutes.

5. Watch your portion sizes – Eating too much can negatively affect your plans to lose weight. When you don't watch how much you eat, you'll gain weight instead of losing it. People who stay naturally slim eat in small portions.

6. Don't drink your calories – Whether your poison is energy drinks, lattes, sugary sodas, or even juice, beverages can contain a lot of calories and they don't make you full. Swap these out for low-no-calorie beverages and you'll get slim naturally.

7. Eat cake – Whatever “bad” snack is your favourite, it's ok to eat it sometimes in normal sized portions. Naturally slim people allow themselves a few indulgences because they know that this tends to prevent the overindulging that occurs when you deprive yourself.

So, now you know these tips, you no longer have to worry about shedding those extra calories. By following these simple ways, you can stay slim and fit naturally.

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Healthy Food Choices

The instinct called 'hunger' can drive anyone crazy. Delicious food is the ultimate temptation. But, if you are on a diet or watching your weight, do not give into the temptation. In this blog, I'll help you with some healthy and tasty alternatives to what you have been eating. These food are nutritious as well as light on your waistline. You need to incorporate these healthy foods into your life and shun the high calorie treats.

Dairy products – Dairy products are loved by all. But, milk, yougurt and ice-cream have non-fat versions too. Choose skimmed milk or toned milk over full fat milk, Greek or non-fat yogurt over the full fat version and indulge in fat free ice-cream or sorbets.

Caffeine -  When you are having a cup of hot coffee, exclude the whipped cream, caramel and mocha sauces. Choose an iced latte over a very sugary frappe on a hot day.

Energy bar – When at work, keep an energy bar in your bag instead of calorie laden muffins.

Baked instead of fried – We all love potatoes. But, it is not potatoes that are fattening...it is how we cook them. Have baked potatoes instead of French fries and opt to boil potatoes and add it to your food. When making mashed potatoes, skip the cream and butter.

Fresh fruits -  As a pancake topping, skip the traditional maple syrup and butter. Top it with fresh strawberries, chopped nuts, and whipped yogurt. For a healthy twist on your favourite cereal, top with chopped fruit and dash of honey.

Sweetened cookies – While buying snacks, choose ragi, digestive and oat biscuits instead of cream biscuits and calorie laden cookies.

Plain nuts – When it comes to nuts, remember they are good for your heart but nevertheless contain significant amount of calories, so eat in small quantities. Avoid roasted and salted nuts. Stick to the plain variety.

Lime water – Next time you order a fresh lime soda, have lime water with ice instead. Skipping the soda will save you from those extra calories.

Ultralight beer – When it comes to alcohol, choose quality or quantity. A well-flavoured pint of craft beer is smarter than two pints of ultralight beer. Choose red wine over white wine, vodka and rum. It's good for your heart too.

Peanut butter – Peanut butter is healthier than butter, try making it at home to cut the calories even further.

Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate has fewer calories than milk chocolate and the oxidants it has are great for your skin too.  Switch over to the dark variety slowly but surely.

Multigrain or Wholewheat – Try multigrain or wholewheat bread instead of regular white bread. The former is a healthier alternative. Have homemade chappatis or flatbread instead of that bought in a store or restaurant. The darker they are, the better, as if they are too light, it indicates that refined flour or maida has been used. Avoid maida as much as possible as maida is nutritionally nil. Use couscous and quinoa in some dishes. When it comes to rice, switch to red rice or brown rice instead of the regular white rice.

Lean meats – When it comes to meat, choose leaner cuts of meat. When having chicken, remember that the leg piece has the most amount of fat. Also processed meat like sausages and salami is higher in calories than regular meat. Opt for roasted chicken over fried chicken.

So, this time while planning your diet, follow these food habits. They are delicious, nutritious and beneficial for your health.

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