10 truthful facts for widely consumed French fries 🍟

  1. French fries have been the most popular and widespread available fast food around the globe. Unlike its name, it was originated in Belgium. Regardless of its popularity, it has been proven time and again as one of the unhealthiest foods on the planet. Deep-fried potatoes are not only rich in starch content but also fatty due to being heavily fried in oil. They are instant sources of starch so are easily available for a quick bite. Frequent eating of this junk food is a potential risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases due to their high glycemic index.
  2. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming french fries not only multiplies the health risk but also increases the risk of early death. Adding to that, you start gaining weight and weaken the immune system by destroying your healthy gut microbiome with unhealthy flora.

3. Nutritionally stated, potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acid. Also, it is loaded with fibre content, vitamin B6, and minerals and is gluten-free. But, what makes fries calorie-dense is due to the deep frying technique to make them crispy. As a result, the nutritional content is damaged. Due to high calories, obesity is directly linked to consuming fries and junk food.

4. Studies show that fries are prepared with saturated fat which is metabolized at a much slower rate than protein and carbohydrate in the body. So, people are most likely to get stomach issues. The saturated fat further increases the bad cholesterol in the body which elevates the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.

5. To pile up the adverse effects of consuming fries regularly can weaken the immune system, and gut health making us vulnerable to diseases and inflammatory conditions including cancers. The hydrogenated fats used in fries can likely lead to foggy brain, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

6.Research studies have found that when potatoes are deep-fried, a compound named acrylamide is formed which can be directly linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In today’s time, fries are consumed more by the younger generation compared to older ones, making them more vulnerable to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

7.Moreover, fries contain a high amount of salt which makes them even worse. The high salt content can lead to a high risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. In addition to that, tomato ketchup, different varieties of sauces, and mayonnaise make them even more unhealthy due to artificial flavouring agents and other processed ingredients.

8.According to some studies, are french fries can be label as ‘death food’? No not exactly because most meals in restaurants are still served with fries as a meal accompaniment. Eating them for once a while or once a month in a small portion is not harmful or the effect on health is negligible. But, having them 2-3 times a week in large quantities will most likely lead to chronic diseases like diabetes type 2, heart disease, stroke, and inflammatory conditions which may cause death risk.

Sweet potato fries

9.To make them healthier and still have the experience of having french fries, opt for a healthier version like the baked ones. A thicker version of fries can be opted to reduce the fat content, fried in olive or cannula oil. More over, having them with a healthier meal mate like salad, chicken or soup is another good idea. Sweet potato fries are healthy too.

10. Actually, not just french fries, but all deep-frying foods which are available and widespread have a high risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke. Frying damages the nutrients, antioxidants and protein naturally available in the food item. Moreover, the frying medium of oil adds to the trans fat, acrylamide which further multiply the health hazard. The best thing to do is to avoid them completely or have them rarely. Once in a while is quite okay.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts about Orexin 🧠

Hi everyone ✋

1.The lateral hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex produce a hormone called Orexin, also known as hypocretin. It is produced in two forms like Orexin A and Orexin B. It has various functions related to Central Nervous System. It helps in regulating important functions like sleep-wake cycle, arousal state, energy homeostasis, feeding behaviour, emotions, mood and cognition.


2.Sleep: Orexin is usually released in the daytime and keeps us awake. It stimulates those neurons which in turn help in the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and nor- epinephrine. In case of individuals with orexin deficiency, are usually diagnosed with narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep imbalance, daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.


3.Stress regulator: Orexin is highly responsive to environmental stimuli and our mood. When in stress situations ,the orexin neurons stimulate the body’s response to increase heart rate, blood pressure and disturb the resting state.


4.Obesity: It is a result of the influence of orexin-producing neurons on energy metabolism.Orexin deficiency in the body can lead to slowing down energy metabolism, physical inactivity, and excessive weight gain, even if the calorie intake is low.

5.Mood: Orexin has an influence on mood through its impact on the hippocampus. Abnormal orexin activity has been related to mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety and addiction. Deficits in orexin influence can result in hippocampus problems such as learning disability and memory deficits, as it also promotes the development of neurons in the hippocampus.


6.Narcolepsy: Orexin helps us stay awake during the day. So, people with orexin deficiency suffer from narcolepsy. They have daytime sleepiness and sleep paralysis. Mostly, these type of individuals can also suffer from cataplexy. The person is unable to move for a short time even if he is awake or about to fall asleep. It is usually occurs in a conscious state of mind and triggered by strong emotions like being angry, or laughing.

7.Alzheimer’s Disease: Several studies show that orexin has direct connection with sleep, cognition and as a stress regular. So it does play a significant impact on Alzheimer’s disease pathology. An increase level of orexin has been found in cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s. So, they usually have circadian cycle disorders, daytime sleepiness and cognition problems. However, researches are still going on for further prospectives of using orexin antagonist receptors as a potential treatment alternative.

8.Heart: Lack of sleep and insomnia have a direct impact on cardiovascular health and hypertension. Studies show that increased levels of orexin stimulation can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Both orexin A and B receptors have a direct role in the regulation of sympathetic nervous system. Therefore orexin antagonist receptors might be a therapeutic option for hypertension.

9.Orexin levels: High levels of orexin may lead to sleep disorders, stress prone and eating disorders. But lack of orexin or loss of orexin in brain injury may lead to narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. The normal level of orexin found in cerebrospinal fluid in a healthy individual is around 250 – 500 pg/ml.

10.Food: Optimal level of orexin can be provided in a healthy individual by regular intake of fermented food like pickles or sauerkraut. Having excessive sugar or carbohydrate rich food can inhibit orexing production.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 hard facts about Taurine 🙌

Hello everyone ,

1. Amino Acid :Taurine is found naturally in our body. Chemically, it’s an amino acid or more precisely amino sulphonic acid. Since it is naturally available in the body, it plays a significant part in different bodily functions like metabolism, immunity, nervous system, electrolyte balance, biliary system.

2. Nervous system :Taurine as an abundant amino acid support building up the nervous system, helps in storing memory. As ageing progresses, it’s bodily reserve reduces with age. Due to its decreased levels can be responsible for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers’ or memory deficits.

3. Liver :The liver is supported by taurine mainly to break down cholesterol into bile salts. Bile salts play a crucial role in the digestion and metabolism of fat in the body.

4. Lifespan: Researches show that high taurine levels do have anti-aging effects. From its lower levels contribute to inflammation, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, so, with improved levels of taurine, these risk factors are significantly reduced. Food supplementation of taurine and exercise do contribute to the lifespan.

5. Cell protective agent: Taurine plays a vital role in regulating cell volume, calcium homeostasis, sweeping free radicals and stabilizing the cell membrane.

6. Heart : Studies show that taurine reduces the risk of heart failure by lowering the progression of atherosclerosis. It has a potential vasodilating effect. Taurine supplement in people who have a history of heart failure shows lower levels of cholesterol. Low Taurine levels may be a significant factor in the development of cardiomyopathy.

7. Eye :Studies have shown that taurine is abundant in the retina of the eye. Reduced levels of taurine is linked to eye disorders like glaucoma, retinal degeneration like diabetic retinopathy.

8. Muscle :Studies show that taurine helps to improve muscle power and strength. Taurine appears to help restore muscle injuries, damage, pain and reduce progress in people with muscular dystrophy.

9. Food : Taurine is found in dairy and high sources are mainly meat, chicken and fishes. As for plant based diet, seaweed is a good source of taurine.

10. Dosage : Taurine supplementation is not usually recommended as it is naturally available in the body and in our diet. If prescribed clinically, evidence shows that consumption of 3 gms per day works well without the risk of side effects. Taurine has also been an essential component in energy drinks in case of physical performance. Some infant formulas contain taurine because it is not naturally found in babies as it is in adults.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 quick facts of ginger🫚

Ginger is an ingredient common to our cuisine for centuries. It is widely used in most of the culinary dishes. Besides adding the zing in our taste buds, it has immense medicinal and health benefits.

  1. Ginger contains gingerol that imparts its unique taste and flavour to cooking. This compound gingerol is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Hence, ginger helps to cure common cold, flu, seasonal rhinitis and fungal infections.
  2. Previous studies have shown that ginger has played an important role in controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Researches also show that regular intake of ginger helps to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby reducing the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. It is also effective in weight loss.
  3. Ginger is highly effective against swelling, itchiness and minor skin allergies such as hives. Having ginger juice along with jaggary powder can be consumed to reduce skin allergies and itching.
  4. Ginger is an effective pain reliever. Consuming ginger slices or ginger juice can help to reduce joint pain, body ache and earache.
  5. Consuming ginger or raw ginger juice has helped in improving many digestive issues. Eating raw ginger slices before a meal will help to stimulate digestion and improves the appetite. A person having indigestion, belching, bloating will be relieved after having ginger juice along with lemon juice or ginger slices. Problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea can all be relieved after consuming ginger. So, it can be used during Morning sickness. People taking chemotherapy may use ginger to alleviate post-drug side effects.
  6. Ginger is very effective when used freshly, but also beneficial when consumed as a powder for juices or tea. A common spice used in various cuisines.
  7. Ginger is effective against degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease due to the presence of compounds like 6-gingerol and 6- shogoal.
  8. Ginger is grown especially in tropical areas. Ginger roots are mainly used for cooking and healing purpose. It can be stored in dried or powdered form for a long time. Ginger supplements are available in capsules or liquid extracts. Ginger oil as essential oil is used in beauty products.
  9. Ginger is rich in dietary fibre and in vitamins like B3, B6 and C. It is rich in folate, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
  10. Ginger is usually safe, but it must be used in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Too much consumption or concentrated higher doses may lead to heartburn, stomach upset or loose motion.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

5 important facts about Candida 🙌

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Important facts about Candida :

1.Candida is a group of yeast/fungi, comprising of many types. Out of which, 20% of them cause infection in the human population. The most common type is Candida Albicans. Candida typically resides in the human body, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, respiratory tract and the skin. They do not cause any harm when the host’s (human body’s) defence mechanism is resistant enough. Specific health issues, poor nutrition or lifestyle changes can lower the immunity status, leading to this candida infection or Candidiasis.

2. When the host defence mechanism is weak, Candida, proliferates the mucous membrane of the GI tract, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract or the skin. It is usually prevalent, in about 80% of people, causing annoying infections or skin rashes. In about 15% of the cases, Candida can penetrate deeper tissue in the gut mucosa, causing severe health issues like Leaky gut syndrome. To know more about Leaky Gut syndrome, click the link https://atomic-temporary-162723897.wpcomstaging.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3865&action=edit 

On rare occasions, Candida can spread systemically through the bloodstream and lymphatic tissue. Focal Candidiasis can be transmitted to the vital organs like brain, heart, kidney and can cause life-threatening conditions.

3. Different causes of Candidiasis can be:
a.Chronic health issues like diabetes, thyroid issues, cancers, AIDS and STDs.
b. In a weak immune system like in chemotherapy, radiotherapy.
c. High level of stress
d. Sleep deprivation
e. Individuals with drugs like antibiotics, steroid, birth control pills
f. Nutritional deficiency of vitamins, zinc, selenium.
g. Dietary causes like intake of sugary foods, processed food, alcohol, too much gluten (grains intake), lactose intake.
h. Environmental causes like heavy metal poisoning (mercury, lead), pesticides, cleaning agents, petroleum-based solvents.
i. Poor hygiene and wearing tight fitted clothing.

4. The symptoms are organ-specific can be single or multiple depending upon the severity.
a. Oral thrush, frequent sore throat, bleeding gums.
b. Skin rashes.
c. Nail infections.
d. Vulvovaginal candidiasis in females and Balanitis in males.
e. Systemic Candidiasis with a complicated, life-threatening situation in a small number of cases.
f. Gut issues like Leaky Gut syndrome.

5.The most crucial remedy is detoxifying the toxins from the body by making lifestyle changes, and dietary changes. Some of the treatments are:
a. Cleaning the gut from unfavourable foods like cutting down sugar and processed foods, low gluten (grain) intake, low dairy, no alcohol. b.Consuming more alkalizing food to avoid the acidic ph of the stomach.

c. Food preferences like green leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, arugula.
d.Low sugar fruits like coconut, citrus fruits like lime, lemon, Apple cider vinegar, and herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, oregano, cinnamon, cloves.
c. Supplements like Probiotics and vitamin C.
d. Antifungal drugs like Triazole /Imidazole as prescribed by a Physician.


f. Localized treatments like salt water or hydrogen peroxide mouth rinsing in case of oral thrush. Local application of coconut oil, oregano oil in case of skin infections.

g. Wearing loose fitting clothes preferably cotton in warm, moist weather.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

 

 

 

 

6 important facts: Probiotics and SBO supplements 🙌

Hello everyone! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

 

We know by now that our gut flora is full of the microbiome. It is this microbiome flora which maintains our health and wellbeing. Previously, nobody ever worried about this microbiome flora which is natural and responsible for our good health. But in today’s time, due to consuming highly processed, refined food, heavy toxins and pesticides in food, unhealthy lifestyle, artificial farming and hybrid products, environmental toxins, this gut microbiome flora is greatly affected. The overall health and immunity status of people have suffered much. As a result, many chronic health issues like chronic inflammation, inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune conditions, and cancers have increased.

In the past, food used to come directly from the soil. People lived closer to nature. Nowadays, whatever food is available in the Supermarket, are all cleaned, bleached grains, vegetables, fruits, and processed refined, packaged foods. Therefore, the gut microbiome flora is shrinking slowly. This is why more and more people are suffering from gut health issues and other chronic severe conditions.

6 Important facts about Probiotics and SBO supplements:

1. Probiotics are live organisms which are found in some natural foods. They are also available in the form of supplements. There are mainly two types: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. They have become very popular in recent times because they provide the gut microbiome flora with good bacteria, improve digestion, increase immunity, and improve overall health and wellbeing.


Probiotics are found naturally in fermented foods like:
Kefir
Saurkraut
Kombucha
Natto
Yoghurt
Apple cider vinegar
Miso
Gherkins
Kimchi

3. Dairy-based probiotics are naturally found in yoghurt, especially in goat milk yoghurt and raw cheese. But, in processed cheese and poorly storage dairy products, probiotic bacteria get denatured. Sometimes, acidic ph in the stomach also can harm the good probiotic bacteria found in dairy. So, having dairy products may not provide enough probiotic in our body.

4. SBOs are soil-based organisms found in the soil, about 6 inches below the topsoil. They are found to be very beneficial to overall good health. To name a few, like Anthrobacter Simplex, Bacillus brevis and many more. Commercially grown plants and crops lack SBOs as they are no longer grown on the natural organic environment. So, SBO supplements are very much in demand.

5. SBO supplements are useful in improving overall immunity status, improving inflammation and digestion. Patients affected by chronic issues, or who undergo chemotherapy, SBOs supplements help improve gut functions and immunity status significantly.

6. While taking Probiotics and SBO supplements, one should start slowly and in consultation with a Physician. About 70%-80% of people can show marked improvement after taking supplements like improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving immunity. While some may show slow progress like the symptoms can slowly reduce. While there may not be any improvement or sometimes some people, there may have a negative impact. So the response is quite variable. The decision of using such supplements depends on the individual and his or her requirement. Otherwise, regular intake of natural sources of Probiotics can be very beneficial too.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Liver care 🙌

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and has more than 400 functions. It is the primary organ of filtration, which mainly helps in the metabolism of food and absorb the necessary nutrients. It eliminates the toxins from our body daily and purifies the blood. So, it is an essential organ of detoxification for our body. Some critical functions to highlight:

1.It produces bile which helps the fat to break down during the process of digestion.
2.It helps in the production of haemoglobin from its iron storage ( liver stores iron)
3.It convert excess glucose into glycogen.
4.It cleanses the blood from toxins and poisonous substances.
5.During breakdown of protein, urea and poisonous ammonia is produced. The liver helps to eliminate them through the kidneys.

However, even if we have a powerful detoxifying organ, it gets sick and tired if we do not care enough. If we frequently consume refined, processed food, sugary items. To multiply this load, frequent intake of alcohol, smoking, drugs causes a greater danger. Also not to forget the environmental toxins, pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides from food, toxins from home cleaning products, cosmetics, perfume, the liver is unable to take the load at some points.

Signs of lousy liver functioning:


1.Tiredness
2.Collected fat around the belly.
3.Oily skin
4.Pale yellow fingernails
5.Oily skin, acne
6.Allergies
7.Digestive issues
8.Irregular bowel
9.Brain fog, headache
10 Pain on the right side of the abdomen.

Methods to detoxify the liver:
1.Eliminate the toxic sources as much as possible: We need to cut down the processed, canned, and sugary food. The refined, vegetable oil which is unhealthy fats, should be eliminated from the diet too. It is essential to minimize the use of toxic household cleaning products, cosmetics, perfumes as much as possible. As far as practically feasible, relocating from the polluted area is advisable.

2.Again it is essential to limit smoking, alcohol, drugs as much as possible.


3.Fasting: It is a crucial tool to rest the liver and minimize its load. Fasting accentuates the detoxifying process, stimulate autophagy and strengthen the immune system.


4.Focussing more on whole foods and organic vegetables, fruits given by Mother Nature than the packaged, canned food with preservatives.


5.Drinking lot of water every day will help to flush out toxins. Water added with lemon or a tinge of vinegar is beneficial.
6. Letting out toxic emotions like anger, frustration, resentment, and fear by mindful, spiritual and relaxing techniques.


7.Getting a goodnight sleep helps in the detoxification process.


8. Consuming foods which can restore the microbiome flora like fermented foods, prebiotics and probiotics. Essential foods like cruciferous vegetables, iron-rich food like spinach, beets are all useful.

 Milk thistle

9. Herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, cilantro, thyme, turmeric, garlic and green tea proves beneficial.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

Glycemic index: 6 facts to know 🙌

Hello everyone! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Why do we need to know about the glycemic index of food? The answer is simple. Whatever food we eat, we should know how fast the food is digested and absorbed in our body and raises our blood sugar level. Knowing this, we can arrange our daily meal plan and maintain good health. It will help us to lose weight if necessary, and avoid lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart diseases.

Six facts to know:

1. Glycemic index refers to how fast a type of carbohydrate consumed is digested and absorbed in the body and raises the blood sugar level. Insulin then helps the sugar molecules to be absorbed by the cells of our body for energy. To be precise, the Glycemic index is referred to the measurement scale of 0 – 100 of the rate at which the carbohydrate is digested and absorbed in the body.

2. Note that the Glycemic index is influenced by other food content also like protein and fat content, as we usually do not consume carbohydrates in isolation during a meal.

3. On the Glycemic index scale :
Low GI – Less than 55
Medium GI – 55-69
High GI – 70 or more
Low GI index means that the particular food has a slower rise of blood sugar levels but has a sustained release of energy.
High GI index means that the particular food indicates a rapid rise in blood sugar and release energy quickly for a shorter period.

4. It is relatively healthy and safe to prefer food with a low GI index as:
It reduces hunger as the energy is slowly reduced.
Helps to lose weight.
Improve cholesterol level.
It helps to lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

This doesn’t mean that all food with higher GI index like potatoes, rice, watermelon, dates, raisins should be avoided entirely, but can be consumed in moderation. But, we should avoid high GI foods like processed, refined, sugary food altogether for better health and wellbeing.

5. Glycemic load: This is a term which is used commonly along with Glycemic index, often as well. It refers to both the quality and quantity of carbohydrate that is eaten during the meal. It indicates how food choices in the feed would affect the blood glucose level in the body.
The equation is Glycemic load = Glycemic index, multiplied by how much quantity of carbohydrate is eaten.

6. Some practical tips:
a. Fibrous vegetables are best in the sense as they are dense and rich in fibres. They are digested by the gut microbes, which in turn provide food for the microbes and in exchange causes a slow and steady absorption. Subsequently, blood sugar is released slowly.

b. Some food like eggs, lean meat, fishes, pulses, full-fat dairy, cheese are not considered in the GI index. So, these foods have little effect on blood sugar level directly. We should consume these foods regularly.

c. Enjoy daily a considerable portion of vegetables and fruits, preferably with a low GI index along with a limited quantity of carbohydrate to regulate the blood sugar efficiently.

d. Acid content in food can slow down the digestion of food so lemon, vinegar, should be added to the meal.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Pic courtesy :Pinterest

Immunity : 8 signs to indicate that your immunity is intact 🙌

Hello everone ! Have a wonderful and great day 🙋🏻

1.You have a bodyweight within the range of average weight, according to the height and not being overweight.
2.You have a routine, regular bowel habit.
3.You have clean and clear skin.
4.You get up fresh and remain energetic. There is an absence of laziness.
5.Experiencing a sense of hunger once or twice a day.
6.You don’t have general body ache except with injury or heavy exercise.
7. You experience a sense of wellbeing and generate positive thoughts.
8. You experience deep sleep at night.

These are general signs that indicate that your body is functioning optimally and your immunity is intact. Our body’s immunity and vitality is not acquired by having a glass of smoothy, or daily going to the gym and having a load of supplements. It is the result of what you eat, how you think and how you live.

Three simple ways to build up a strong immunity is:

1.Fasting: Fasting is the simplest and easiest way of building your immunity. Ideally,15 to 16 hours of fasting every day are good enough. It is also the easiest way of losing weight. Having everyday dinner at around 6-7 PM, and not having any meal or snacks in between except water. Then, followed by having breakfast, the next morning around 10 to 11 AM gives you fasting of at least 16 hours quickly.

2. Food: Having food which is as much as close to Mother Nature. Fruits and vegetables, in their natural form or cooking minimum to restore their nutritional value. Preferable having a one-grain meal a day like brown rice or whole wheat and having meals (1-2 times /per day) with enriched portions of fibres, healthy saturated fat, protein and carbohydrate. It is necessary for avoiding processed, refined food altogether. Limiting the intake of beverages, alcohol and having more water, instead is ideal.

3. Mind and body care: Exercising every day is a must. Instead of heavy workouts in the gym, simple exercises like walking in nature, running, jogging are ideal. Physical activity throughout the day is good enough to give you a good night sleep. It is essential to maintain a positive attitude and a calm mind, to keep stress at bay. So, meditation, yoga, mindfulness practices, spiritual practices helps to build a positive and healthy mind.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

 

 

11 ways to get rid of Acid reflux 😠

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Reflux is the upward movement of the material from the stomach to the oesophagus through the lower oesophageal sphincter. The content of the material can be acid, food or air now and then. Usually, the sphincter remains tight, but when it becomes loose, stomach content migrates to the oesophagus.

Common causes of Acid reflux can be:

1.Overweight or obese.
2.Pregnancy
3.Hiatus Hernia (when part of the stomach bulges out into the chest through the diaphragm)
4.Eating a heavy meal and lying down on the right side or bending forward.


5.Drinking fizzy, carbonated drinks or alcohol.
6.Smoking.


7.Having too many beverages, like tea and coffee.
8.Intake of blood pressure medication or pain killers.

Commonly occurring symptoms are :

Burning sensation behind the sternum/breast bone. Also known as heartburn.
Belching/ Regurgitation of food.
Acidic taste in the mouth.
Atypical symptoms like coughing at night.

Acid reflux pain or heartburn can be very annoying and uncomfortable. If the episodes become frequent, the diagnosis is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The condition is diagnosed based on physical symptoms. But in prolonged cases, or frequent episodes, or in case of hiatus hernia, oesophageal stricture, diagnosis is done by ultrasound and CT scan. The treatment recommended with medication proton pump inhibitors, Omeprazole. In severe cases, some may require surgery.

But, there are several Lifestyle measures which we can adapt to reduce Acid reflux:

1. Changing the eating pattern by avoiding eating late at night. Avoiding large, heavy meal.

2. Getting rid of trigger foods like spicy, fried, citrous or even tomato-based food items.

3. Eating small meals at regular intervals and eating slowly by chewing properly.

4. Avoiding carbonated and fizzy drinks, avoiding alcohol, too much tea and coffee.

5. Quitting Smoking.

6. Destressing yourself before meals like by taking 5-6 deep breaths before each meal.

7. Don’t eat 2-3 hours before going to bed.

8. Sleeping on the left side so that it decreases the pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter and reduces gastric stress.

9. Using a pillow of sufficient height to support the head so that the abdomen and oesophagus are all in alignment.

10. Avoid tight clothing which may again cause gastric pressure and on the oesophageal sphincter.

11. Food preferred are


Green leafy vegetables
Non-citrous fruits
Oatmeal
Eggs
Lean meat and fish
Probiotics like yoghurt, buttermilk
Fennel seeds
Winter melon/Ash gourd
Ginger/turmeric


Aloe vera
Healthy fats like avocado, walnut.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐