B-Fit Archives -

12 Foods You Can Use to Prepare a Healthy Breakfast

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:34:56 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. Having it healthy is paramount. However, when it comes to breakfast, we often get confused about what to eat.

Cornflakes, oats, break butter, bread jam, and plenty of processed foods complex the choice instead of making it easy. To render choices simple and healthy, we have prepared a breakfast food list after discussing it with experts. You can have them either daily or alternatively.

We have excluded processed foods from the list because they lack essential nutrients and fill the body with empty calories. On the other hand, fresh foods contain micro and macronutrients in a balanced proportion.

Eggs – Eggs are the best breakfast. It is the perfect amalgamation of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and other essential nutrients. It also contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, both are excellent for eye health. Choline is a vital nutrient found in eggs and is healthy for the human brain and liver. If you take whole eggs in moderation, it never increases cholesterol levels, instead provides many health benefits.

Note: Never consume eggs with high-sugar foodstuff.

Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt is the simple yogurt we prepare at home. It contains protein, good fat, and beneficial nutrients such as Vit B 12, ZINC, Potassium, calcium, etc. The bacteria found in yogurt (the lactobacillus) improves gut health. You can top the yogurt with berries and fruits to make it tastier and healthier. In addition, it also enriches yogurt with fiber and antioxidant content.

Coffee – Coffee is the second most consumable beverage in the world after water. The caffeine in coffee improves alertness, mood, and physical and mental performance. Coffee contains two significant antioxidants, chlorogenic acid, and diterpenes. These are anti-inflammatory and reduce the risk of many lifestyle-related diseases. Nevertheless, to extract all its benefits, and cut down side-effects, consume it in moderation.

Oat Meal – It is a classical breakfast item because of being high in nutrition. It contains a beneficial fiber called beta-glucan. It is a water-soluble fiber and offers multiple health benefits, one of the major benefits is that it gives the feeling of fullness for a long time. It promotes the release of a peptide called YY from the gut. The peptide helps to prevent over-eating. It also contains protein, minerals, and other micronutrients in an adequate amount. Oatmeal breakfast is excellent for those who want to lose weight.

Berries – Berries are also an excellent breakfast food as it contains numerous micronutrients essential for the body. There is a particular antioxidant present in berries called anthocyanin. It is a super-food for brain health and has anti-aging properties. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and a few types of cancer. Only berries cannot be breakfast food, so combine them with any mentioned breakfast foods.

Paneer – We all know the health benefits of paneer. It contains high protein with low calories. One serve of paneer contains approximately 25 grams of protein and 180 calories. It also gives the feeling of fullness for a long time and reduces hunger.

Whole Wheat Bread – Whole wheat bread is another healthy food item you should introduce in breakfast. You can make its toast and top it up with your choice of topping, such as peanut butter, egg, chicken slices, etc., and make it tastier and healthier. Whole wheat bread is high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, it does not increase the blood sugar level.

Nuts – The next best breakfast food is nuts. Add nuts to your breakfast to enrich your body with magnesium, potassium, selenium, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Nuts contain many antioxidants in adequate quantity, however, one must consume them in moderation.

Fruits – Your morning breakfast should never be deprived of fruits. You must include fruits in your diet as they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins, etc., and at the same time, they are low in calories content.

Green Tea – Green tea is a soothing drink and an alternative to tea to start the day. It improves alertness and mood and comes with zero calories. It also contains many antioxidants that have multiple health benefits.

Protein – Protein is the building block of our body, therefore you must take it in an adequate amount in the breakfast. If you think your breakfast does not have the right amount of protein, increase it by adding protein powder. You can use any protein powder for this purpose.

So, these are the twelve best foods which you can customize to get a breakfast of your choice.

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How to Boost Immunity of Kids: A Guide to New Parents

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 05:52:56 +0000

The Buyt Desk

When children become sick, they bring the entire home to a standstill. It is the worst experience for parents. One or two colds or flu sicknesses in a year are considered ok for children, but more than that is troublesome for both parents and children.

You must be aware that children fall sick more frequently than adults because of their immunity. However, when it comes to dealing with their sickness, new parents often get panic and look for antibiotics, extra care, supplements, etc. Do all these help them?

The answer is No! Children take birth with zero immunity. Between the age of 0-5 years, they develop it. They do it when exposed to all the things in the environment. Thus, the immunity of kids builds according to the environment they grow. Various research states that those children who get more outdoor exposure and eat healthy homemade food are likely to fall less sick.

Paediatrics also ascertain this. According to them, kids should be kept away from antibiotics during early ages as much as possible. Mother feed helps them during the initial days by giving natural antibodies. Various studies also show the same.

So, what can parents do to boost their children’s immunity after that? There are five things they can do.

Give Children Enough Exposure to Outside World

With outside exposure, children learn through observation and develop immunity. From the Sunlight, they get Vit D, and from the soil, they take numerous good bacteria, which lift their immune system collectively and make them stronger.

Give More Fruits and Vegetables

Children are fussy eaters. It does not mean parents should surrender in front of their demands. Try to develop the habit of eating fruits and vegetables in your children. The earlier you start, the better. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals along with good energy. It not only helps in boosting immunity but also keeps children energetic for a long time.

Some parents consider giving supplements to their children for the same. Supplements are good but not as good as fresh food prepared at home. Also, not all are good for children. Therefore, parents should encourage children to eat healthy homemade food.

Develop a Habit of Hygiene

Develop the habit of hygiene in children at an early age. Habits like washing hands before eating, eating after cleaning, etc., keep harmful germs at bay.

Keep the Surrounding Clean

Children carelessly pick things and put them in their mouths, especially toddlers. The parents of toddlers need to monitor that their children do not do so. Keep the floor where they play and the toys clean. Ensure everything they put in their mouth is clean. It keeps the germs away.

Regular Immunization

Immunization should never be missed. It protects children from various fatal and dangerous diseases. In the past, immunization has helped eradicate some prevalent deadly diseases. Smallpox is an example of the same.

Following these small steps, you can help your baby adapt to a new environment comfortably. Nevertheless, it is also a fact that some children have severely low immunity. In that case, parents should work with pediatrics to find a way to boost immunity.

Feeding them Vit C and Vit D-rich food help in such cases as well. And with time, these children also get into the mainstream.

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Side Effects of Vit D Supplements

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 04:35:43 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Vitamin D, also known as the Sunshine vitamin, is prudent for a healthy life. But, the irony is despite having access to sunshine, a significant percentage of the population worldwide suffers from low Vit D level problems. The easiest way to improve vitamin D is its supplements. It comes in various forms, sachet, tablets, capsules, etc. But as every coin has two sides, it applies to the supplement also. Let’s check the downsides of Vit D supplements, and should you be worried about taking Vit D supplements?

Benefits Of Vit D Supplement

When you know your Vit D level is low, the next thing you do to improve is replenish it with the Vit D supplement. The benefits of this supplement are many

It is easy to consume
Not pricey
Quickly shoots up the Vit D level

But do all these benefits come at a cost to your health?

Good Source of Vitamin D

A lot of food contains a percentage of Vit D. Regular intake of these foods boosts the Vit D level. The food includes.

Oily fish – Salmon, mackerel, sardine, herring.
Liver
Red Meat
Egg yolk
And food fortified with Vit D

Is It Right to Rely on Vit D Supplement?

Supplements are a source of nutrients made artificially to fill the known gap. Supplements can be vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, etc.

The food resources available around us are enough to provide essential nutrients that our body requires to function. However, our unhealthy lifestyle, eating habits, and unavailability of a few foods deprive us of important nutrients, e.g. Most people do not have access to Vit D-rich food.

Example: Our body makes Vit D when exposed to sunlight. It makes enough for the body to fulfil its requirement, but these days due to time crunch, skin tanning or out of convenience, we don’t go out during day time. This result in low Vit D level in the body.

According to a study, more than 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in Vit D. People with low Vit D levels try adding it by eating Vit D-rich food and spending time in the Sun. However, they are unable to meet the threshold. In fact, nutritionists say it is not easy to get the quantity of vitamins that our body needs through diet and sunlight. Fortified foods and UV-exposed mushrooms are also not enough. So, what is the solution? Are supplements the best alternative to fulfil the body’s Vit D requirement? What if you overdose on it?

The Side-effects of Vit D

Like the other supplements bagged with side effects, the Vit D supplement doesn’t have that. When you take Vit D through food or the Sun, your body stops making it once you get enough. But this is not the case with the Vit D supplement. There is no auto mechanism present in the body to regulate its intake.

So, if you think excess Vit D would cause any damage to your body, you can be partially wrong. It is because it is difficult for an individual to get too much Vit D even when they take supplements along with Vit D-rich diet and exposure to the Sun. You would face the toxicity of Vit D supplements only when you over-consume them, which happens rarely. However, what if it happens? Too much Vit D for a long period can cause condition hypercalcaemia (In this condition, too much calcium builds up in the body). It weakens bones and damages the kidney and heart. Nevertheless, studies also suggest that you cannot overdose on Vit D until you take it in unprescribed quantity. Also, you cannot fulfil your Vit D needs with just food and the Sun.

How Much Vit D Do You Need?

Children from the age of 1 year and adults need ten micrograms of Vit D in a day. It is for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers too, which is difficult to manage with diet and exposure to sunshine.

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5 Causes of Sciatica Pain

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 04:20:11 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Sciatica is a common problem, and around 40% of the US population experience this painful condition once in a lifetime. India is no different. A large population suffers from this disorder, and it is more prevalent in females.

Know, more about sciatica, why it happens, and how to treat it.

What is Sciatica?

Pain in the nerve due to injury or irritation to the nerve. This nerve is the thickest and longest in the body. It originates from the buttock/gluteal area and continues down the leg. Sciatica is any injury to the nerve. People who suffer from it experience mild to severe pain along the length of the nerve. It can also cause weakness in the leg and foot muscles. People also complain about numbness in the leg and irritating pin and needle sensation in the foot, toes and leg.

What are the Causes of Sciatica?

Sciatica can happen due to different medical conditions. The top five are

A Slipped or Herniated Disk – This is the most common reason for sciatica. The problem causes pressure on the nerve root. The disk is the cushioning pad present between each vertebrate of the spine. The extra pressure in the vertebrate area causes the gel-like substance in the disk to bulge via a weakness in its outer wall. When it happens to a vertebrate in the lower back, it presses the sciatica nerve.

Spinal Stenosis – The spinal canal begins to narrow down naturally. The narrowing of space reduces the space for nerves and the spinal cord, which suppresses sciatica never.

Spondylolisthesis – In this condition, one vertebra slips and go out of line with the one above it. It narrows the line where the nerves exist. The extended bone pinches the sciatic nerve.

Pregnancy – During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy weight shifts, due to which ligaments in the body lose their strength. It puts pressure on the sciatic nerve indirectly.

Trauma – The nerve is vulnerable to damage because of an injury or accident that hit the buttock or lower body part. The incidents like car accidents, sports injuries, or accidental falls may lead to sciatica.

The Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Pain in the lower back, buttock or down the leg. It can be moderate to severe.
Feeling of numbness in feet, the leg, buttock or lower back.
Loss of movement or pain worsens when there is movement.
Feeling of pins and needles in feet, toes or legs.
Loss of control over bowel and bladder movement.

Some causes of sciatica are not preventable, like accidents and pregnancy. However, one can stay protected from pain by maintaining a good posture, a healthy diet, and fitness.

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Why You Should Consider Buying Insurance That Covers Both Physical and Mental Health

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 04:34:55 +0000

The Buyt Desk

We are living in a time when stress is at its pinnacle. Dealing with day-to-day stress is cumbersome but we are so preoccupied with work, aspirations and goals we have set for ourselves that we forget to give the kind of attention to mental health that it requires. As a result, mental issues which were not evident a few decades ago have become a matter of concern.

According to the latest report of NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences), 14 per cent population in India suffer from mental illness. It is the highest in the world. Out of this large percentage, a marginal percentage of people do not avail treatment for mental health because of the reasons like high cost, long-term treatment, and availability issue of the right health practitioner.

The time has come when we need to give equal importance to mental health and the right treatment for any issue that prevails just like physical health.

If you are buying health insurance, consider picking one that covers physical as well as mental health. Know why?

Cover Therapy and Sessions with Medical Practitioners

Therapies and counselling sessions are part of mental health treatment, and they are long terms, some last for years. And the cost of each session can range from Rs 1000 to 5000. Some patients require more than one sitting in a week. All these costs quickly convert into a huge amount. A health insurance plan covering both physical and mental health can help you with dealing with this situation.

No Need to Ignore Mental Issues

Mental problem is not as evident as physical problems. Thus, we end up ignoring it till it becomes gruesome. According to a study, the chances of recovery from mental illness get high when diagnosed and treated early. On the other hand, ignorance of one mental health problem triggers another problem. With a comprehensive plan that covers all expenses of treatment, you don’t have to think about the monetary part and carry out your treatment normally.

Comprehensive plans cover preventive treatment as well, like diagnosis, counselling and alleviating any financial dent.

Gives a Peace of Mind

A comprehensive health insurance plan covers both physical and mental illness for you and your loved ones. It gives a sense of relief as you don’t have to take the stress of arranging funds for treatment at the time of emergency.

In addition to buying a comprehensive plan for mental health, you can also take care of your mental health by practising a healthy lifestyle, spending time with friends and family, relaxing and taking breaks from a hectic work schedule, etc.

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What causes high cholesterol? Causes, Symptoms, Diet, Levels and Ranges, Treatment

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:07:48 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Cholesterol’s waxy consistency in blood makes it risky for health, especially heart health when found at higher levels. Cholesterol is needed to build healthy cells.

Cholesterol is not always bad but it is needed by our body. A normal level of cholesterol is essential stuff our body needs for day-to-day working. People with high levels of cholesterol in the blood are in silent danger as it puts them at risk of a heart attack.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an essential substance found in every cell of the body. It has a major role to play in digesting food, producing hormones and producing vitamin D. Cholesterol is produced by our body and is also present in our food. Cholesterol is a waxy oil-based substance and is fat-like in appearance. It does not mix with water and hence does not dissolve in the blood. Along with blood, it travels around the body along with blood in lipoproteins. There are 2 types of lipoprotein cholesterol carriers –

Low-density lipoprotein also known as LDL Cholesterol is considered unhealthy or bad cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein also known as HDL Cholesterol is considered healthily or good cholesterol.

What are the primary functions of Cholesterol?

Being part of the structure of cell walls
Producing digestive bile acids in the intestine
Helping the body in the production of Vitamin D
Helping the body produce certain hormones

What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol level in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. It may even cause heart attacks. As the cholesterol builds up, the arteries narrow. This condition is known as atherosclerosis where blood flow is restricted because of plaques. The major causes of high cholesterol are

Obesity – Excess weight can lead to higher LDL levels in the blood
Genetic factors – Inheriting familial hypercholesterolemia may cause very high LDL levels
Diabetes
liver or kidney disease
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
pregnancy

increased levels of female hormones
underactive thyroid gland
few drugs like progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol

How to decrease cholesterol levels?

Eat a healthy low-fat diet. To manage cholesterol intake of fat should be restricted. Also, reduce food consumption that contains –

Cholesterol is present in animal foods, meat, and cheese
Saturated fat from meats, chocolate, dairy products, baked goods, processed foods and deep-fried
Trans fats are present in fried and processed foods.

What are the symptoms of High cholesterol?

Usually, a person with high cholesterol levels does not show any symptoms. Regular screening through blood tests is the only way to detect high cholesterol. When not monitored, the high cholesterol level is not known and the person may have a heart attack without warning. With regular tests, risk can be mitigated. Lifestyle changes will help manage cholesterol levels.

What food lowers Cholesterol?

Having the below food as a part of a balanced diet will help keep cholesterol in check –

oats
barley and whole grains
beans
eggplant and okra
nuts
vegetable oil like canola, sunflower, olive
fruits like apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus
soy and soy-based foods
fatty fish mainly salmon, tuna, and sardines
foods rich in fibre

What food increases bad Cholesterol levels?

red meat
full-fat dairy
margarine
hydrogenated oils
baked goods

What are cholesterol Levels and ranges?

In adults, total cholesterol levels

Below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is healthy
Between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high
Above 240 mg/dL is considered high

LDL cholesterol levels

less than 100 mg/dL is healthy
between 100 – 129 mg/dL is acceptable for people with no health problems
between 130 – 159 mg/dL is borderline high
between 160 – 189 mg/dL is high
Above 190 mg/dL is very high

HDL cholesterol levels

Above 60 mg/dL is healthy
Below 40 mg/dL – a major risk factor for heart disease
Between 41 mg/dL – 59 mg/dL is borderline low

How to lower high cholesterol?

To reduce cholesterol levels make four major lifestyle changes

eat a heart-healthy diet – low fat and high fibre
regular exercise, physical activity
avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
reduce weight and maintain it

Lipid-lowering therapy is administered to a person with very high cholesterol levels. The drug depends on health conditions, risk factors and cholesterol levels. For people with a high risk of heart attack, statin drugs are prescribed. This is a cholesterol-lowering drug.

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What is IBS? Symptoms, Diagnosis, Triggers, Treatment

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:59:26 +0000

The Buyt Desk

IBS is classified as a group of intestinal symptoms with abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and flatulence. IBS disturbs a person’s routine.

According to research, 15 % of the global population experiences irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms but only 4.2% of Indians experience IBS. The young population, especially women, are affected by IBS. Not all have severe conditions but many have minor symptoms of IBS. When the symptoms are very significant then it could disturb everyday life. The cause of IBS is not known but experts relate it to an extremely sensitive colon and immune system.

What is Irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract which includes the stomach and intestines. It is also known as the spastic or nervous colon and spastic bowel. IBS is a collection of symptoms including abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. It is a chronic condition that stays for long periods, often years. Some may have one or more symptoms and a few severe cases have all at one time. It can be managed by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. Medication and counselling are needed in severe cases.

What are the Causes of IBS?

The cause of IBS is not known. Some studies say it is a combination of genetic factors, pain sensitivity, gut motility disorders, gut-brain axis problems, food sensitivity, neurotransmitters and infections like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The onset of IBS may be because of an intestinal infection triggered or triggered by stressful life events.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of IBS?

The initial symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain or discomfort along with a change in bowel habits including frequent diarrhoea or constipation or both. IBS flares and subsides. When it flares it is an acute attack of symptoms which will subside within a day or few days but symptoms may reoccur during the flare. Patients may feel an urgency for bowel movements or incomplete evacuation or bloating. Few patients may feel relieved from symptoms after bowel movements. The other issues associated with IBS are gastro-oesophagal reflux, genitourinary system issues, fibromyalgia, backache, headache and psychiatric symptoms like depression or anxiety. Studies also state that IBS patients may face sexual dysfunction mainly a reduction in libido.

The primary symptoms of IBS are –

Cramping
Abdominal pain
Bloating and gas
Constipation
Diarrhoea

What are the pains associated with IBS?

Abdominal Cramping is the primary pain associated with IBS. There may be some pain relief after a bowel movement. The pain intensity may change with bowel movement. There may be a change in the frequency of bowel movements. There may be a change in the way the stool looks. It may be a combination of any of these or all together.

What is the diagnosis of IBS?

IBS diagnosis happens based on the symptoms. Also, few more steps are taken to rule out the possibility of other causes of the symptoms. The patient may be asked to

adopt a certain diet
cut out specific food groups for a certain time to check allergy
test stool sample for infections
test blood for anaemia
perform a colonoscopy

How is IBS treated?

Currently, there is no cure for IBS. Treatment is given for relief from symptoms. Lifestyle change is advised and a few home remedies like

regular physical activities
reducing stress
avoiding spicy foods and deep-fried
cutting down caffeinated beverages as it stimulates the intestines
eating multiple smaller meals
probiotics to help relieve gas and bloating

When should one see a doctor?

Visit a doctor when symptoms do not go away after a week or when you experience a common occurrence of symptoms. Immediately see a doctor when you have

rectal bleeding
constant pain even after passing gas or a bowel movement
sudden weight loss
decreased appetite
nausea and vomiting

What IBS diet is advised?

For most IBS patients dietary changes will help them ease symptoms in long run. They are advised to avoid the FODMAP diet as this short-chained carbohydrate is not well absorbed by the small intestine causing issues. FODMAP diet consists of certain dairy, starch and fibrous food which should not be consumed like beans some soy products, dairy products and certain fruits and vegetables. Dietary changes vary from person to person based on their conditions and symptoms.

What medicines are administered for IBS?

Lifestyle changes and dietary alterations provide relief to most. Few may need medicines when these changes don’t work. Different people react differently to the same medication. So based on the patient’s history and medicines already taken, the medicine is administered. Medicine might be given to treat a specific symptom or to treat all symptoms. Few generally prescribed are –

drugs to manage muscle spasms
drugs to relieve constipation
antidepressant drug to ease pain
antibiotics to fight infections

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Will Obesity Increase the Risk of Hypertension?

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 03:57:05 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Hypertension is linked with Obesity as the latter will cause and worsen high blood pressure. There are ways to deal with it. Let us understand it in detail.

Nowadays obesity is seen in most of them because of a sedentary lifestyle. And in most cases, obesity leads to high blood pressure. Obesity and overweight is a major problem for a major chunk of the population and can be considered among nearly 50% of the population.

What is Obesity?

When the body fat percentage of a person exceeds a limit it is called obesity. There will be an increase in the body fat cells which may result in the overall body size of an individual. This can result in an unhealthy lifestyle for an individual. Obesity or overweight may be caused by the type and quantity of food consumed, the physical activity level, family history, genetics inherited and sleep pattern. There are many factors that will influence obesity.

Obesity may increase many health risks and the major ones are heart diseases, hypertension and diabetes. Watching your weight and body fat percentage is very important as an increase in fat invites many health complications.

What is Hypertension?

High blood pressure is known as hypertension. The blood flows through arteries as it is pumped through the heart. When this flow is at a higher pressure than a certain limit, it is called high blood pressure. When the blood in an individual flows at higher pressure, it causes heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, brain issues, and cognitive problems and also increases the risk of dementia. As one grows older the risk of an increase in blood pressure is high. More than 70 % of senior citizens have hypertension because of the age factor. And many Indian adults are having hypertension because of obesity, stress and lifestyle issues.

How will obesity cause hypertension?

Obesity may develop hypertension in an individual and can worsen the condition if the individual already has it. The study by health officials revealed that 70+% of hypertension cases are caused by obesity. As fat tissues increase in the body, it causes changes to body structure and internal organs which will worsen hypertension. The increase in body fat will over-activate the sympathetic nervous system, simulate RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), alter hormones like adipose-derived cytokines and compress the kidney which will change the kidney functioning.

What is Obesity-induced hypertension?

As we know, in various ways obesity can worsen or cause hypertension. To treat hypertension, an obese body will also make it more complex as there will be other related health conditions which may also need attention. There are many obesity-related mechanisms which cause or worsens hypertension which include changes in hormone signalling, change in the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, changes in the autonomic nervous system which is in charge of the fight-or-flight response and changes in the structure and function of the kidneys.

Usually, obese individuals carry a higher proportion of visceral fat. This is the fat around the midsection of their body. The visceral fat surrounds the abdominal organs and hence puts pressure on internal organs. This in turn causes stress on the cardiovascular system. It is this extra pressure which often leads to resistant hypertension. Such blood pressure will be uncontrolled even after administering three or more blood pressure-controlling drugs.

What is the line of treatment for hypertension in people with obesity?

People have shown that hypertension is reversible when weight is reduced and the body changes. Reducing weight will definitely mitigate the risk of hypertension. The first advice the doctors advise is weight loss. Weight loss will treat both hypertension and obesity. Lifestyle changes are often enough for overweight and slightly obese individuals. But for individuals who are highly obese, bariatric or weight loss surgery is recommended. Medication is prescribed when blood pressure readings are too high. Regular medical checkups are needed to monitor the changes caused by hypertension and obesity.

Medications – Antihypertensive medications are administered. One drug may not work for all. So doctors may change the class of the drug when it doesn’t work. Also, cholesterol-reducing drugs may be prescribed if the LDL level is too high.
Lifestyle changes – Weight reduction can manage hypertension. The focus should be on reducing the body fat percentage and maintaining the body lean mass. Advised lifestyle changes are

eating a healthy and lower-calorie diet
limiting caffeine
limiting alcohol consumption
quit smoking including second-hand smoke
getting physically active
getting a good sleep at night
managing stress
regularly monitoring blood pressure
involving family and friends for support

Dietary changes – Eating a low-calorie diet is a solution. Along with this, one should also

eat less salt, look out for added salt and salt in processed foods
cut down the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol
increase water intake
add more whole grains, fruits, fresh and raw vegetables, lean meats and fish to everyday diet

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What is Fatty Liver? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 04:02:29 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Fatty liver is a condition where fat builds up in the liver, also known as hepatic steatosis. Let us understand more about it and how it will become a health problem.

More than 20% of the population would have had Fatty liver and are unaware of it. This is more common in the USA and Europe than in India. Liver is the second largest organ in the human body. Its main function is to purify blood by filtering out unwanted substances and helping processing of nutrients the body get through food.

What is fatty liver disease?

A condition where fat builds up in the liver is known as Fatty liver disease. Too much fat in the liver may cause liver inflammation. This inflammation may damage the liver and create scarring which in future may lead to liver failure. There are two types of liver disease NAFLD and AFLD.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in individuals who don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) occurs in individuals who drink a lot of alcohol. This is also known as alcoholic steatohepatitis.

What are the signs and symptoms of fatty liver?

Fatty liver usually has no noticeable symptoms. But individuals may experience pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen or generally feel tired. Fatty liver disease may progress as these four stages:

Simple fatty liver where excess fat is built up in the liver. This stage is mostly harmless when it doesn’t progress.
Steatohepatitis is a stage where there is inflammation in the liver along with excess fat.
Fibrosis is a stage where there is persistent inflammation in the liver which may cause scarring. But the liver may be functioning normally.
Cirrhosis is a stage where scarring of the liver is widespread and thus impairing the liver’s functioning. This severe stage is irreversible. The liver damage due to this is permanent. This stage may have symptoms like – abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness or fatigue, nausea, itchy skin, yellow skin and eyes, easy bruising or bleeding, dark-colored urine, pale stools, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), swelling (edema) of your legs, web-like clusters of blood vessels under your skin, breast enlargement in men and confusion.

What is Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?

The fatty liver in individuals who don’t drink a lot of alcohol or have no history of heavy alcohol drinking is known as NAFLD. This usually does not have inflammation or other related complications. A type of NAFLD is Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is diagnosed as fatty liver accompanied by inflammation. Untreated NASH may lead to liver fibrosis and then to cirrhosis and liver failure.

What is Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD)?

It is well known that consuming a lot of alcohol damages the liver. AFLD is the first stage of alcohol related liver disease. A type of AFLD is Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) also known as alcoholic hepatitis which is diagnosed as fatty liver accompanied by inflammation. Untreated ASH may lead to liver fibrosis and then to cirrhosis and liver failure.

What is Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)?

AFLP is a condition when during pregnancy there is excess fat build up. It is a serious pregnancy complication but very rare, for both mother and child it may cause health risks when not treated on time. It can be noticed in the third trimester of pregnancy and the cause is not known. Genetics may cause this condition during pregnancy. A few weeks after giving birth, the liver may return to normal health.

What causes fatty liver disease?

Alcohol consumption can cause AFLD. Other primary causes are –

obesity
type 2 diabetes
insulin resistance
high levels of fat in the blood, mainly triglycerides
metabolic syndrome

Secondary causes are –

pregnancy
side effects of medications
infections like hepatitis C
genetic conditions

How is the fatty liver diagnosed?

Family doctor may have a doubt based on your

family medical history, history of liver disease
alcohol consumption
lifestyle habits
medical conditions
medications taken
off late changes in your health

Physical exam – Doctor may palpate or press on abdomen and feel the enlarged liver.
Blood tests – that show elevated liver enzymes which indicate liver inflammation but not cause of inflammation.
Imaging studies –

ultrasound exam
CT scan
MRI scan

Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE, FibroScan) measures liver stiffness using low frequency sound waves to help check for scarring.
Liver biopsy – It is the best way to determine the severity of liver disease and check if it is just fatty liver disease or liver scarring.

Is fatty liver reversible and treatment?

There is no treatment for fatty liver disease but fatty liver is reversible in most of the cases. Lifestyle changes listed below can help reverse most stages of fatty liver disease –

limit or avoid alcohol
losing weight and reducing body fat percentage
diet changes, eating healthy food
avoid supplements and medications that are hard on liver
receive hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines
regular hepatitis C screenings

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All About Scleroderma – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Types and Treatment

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 03:52:56 +0000

The Buyt Desk

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune, chronic disease. It replaces normal tissues with thick extra collagen tissues. Along with skin and connective tissue, it also affects internal organs.

Scleroderma is a long-lasting disease that affects nearly 250 people per million world population. Usually, people between the ages of 35 and 55 develop this autoimmune disease. Rarely even kids develop the pediatric form of the disease and very few develop it during teens. Women are four times more vulnerable to Scleroderma than men.

What is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a rare but chronic disease which replaces normal tissue with thick and dense fibrous tissue with extra collagen. This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system fights its own cells thinking it to be a foreign body. As a defence mechanism, the immune system of scleroderma patients triggers most of the cells to produce extra collagen. Collagen is a protein produced by our body. This extra collagen starts depositing in the skin and other internal organs causing hardening and thickening of skin and walls. Gradually even the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, blood vessels and kidneys start to thicken which affects their functioning. It even affects muscles and joint functioning. The severe form of the disease is life-threatening.

Signs of Scleroderma

Cardiovascular system – Raynaud’s phenomenon, palpitations, irregular heart rate and fainting, hypertension, congestive heart failure
Digestive – gastro esophageal reflux disease, indigestion, bloating, loss of appetite, sicca syndrome, Difficulty swallowing, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, loosening of teeth, hoarseness
Pulmonary – progressive deterioration in breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and dry, persistent cough
Musculoskeletal – joint and muscle aches, muscle weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, loss of joint range of motion
Genitourinary – dyspareunia, erectile dysfunction, kidney problems including kidney failure
Swelling of the hands and feet
Skin – Telangiectasias – Red spots on the skin, excessive calcium deposition in the skin, Tight facial skin like a mask, Hair loss
Joint contractures (rigidity)
Ulcerations on the fingertips and toes
Weight loss
Fatigue

Diagnosis of Scleroderma

Symmetrical skin thickening is the first sign to look for when diagnosing. Usually, 70% of patients also exhibit Raynaud’s phenomenon. Changes in nail-fold capillary and antinuclear antibodies can be seen. There is no single test that determines Scleroderma. Some patients might even experience systemic organ involvement. So diagnosis by exclusion is followed. Pathology tests in the lab can show the presence of antibodies which will help to arrive at a conclusion.

Causes of Scleroderma

The cause of the occurrence of Scleroderma is not yet known. But in a few cases, it can be said that it runs in the family. And it is not contagious but can be inherited through genes.

Types of Scleroderma

Localized and Systemic are two types of Scleroderma and Systemic scleroderma can be classified into diffuse and limited Scleroderma.

Localized scleroderma – It is a common form found in most cases where only the patient’s skin is affected in just localized places. It is less severe and can stop progressing without medicine.
Diffuse scleroderma – This form of the disease affects multiple parts of the body including the skin, and internal organs while hampering digestive, kidney and respiratory functions. As it progresses it can be life-threatening.
Limited scleroderma – This form is also known as CREST syndrome. This is an acronym for

Calcinosis – irregular calcium deposits in the skin
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Esophageal dysmotility – difficulty swallowing
Sclerodactyly – skin tightening on the fingers
Telangiectasias- red spots on the skin

Treatment for scleroderma

A cure for scleroderma is not yet found. The treatment is for the symptoms to keep them in control. This include –

Skin treatments – Topical medication, moisturizers, and nitrates to heal sores by dilating arteries
Digestive system treatments – Medication for heartburn, antacids and antihistamine
Lung issues treatment – Medication for pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. For severe lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, a viable option is a lung transplant.
Joint treatment – Anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy if needed
Raynaud’s phenomenon treatment – Medications like vasodilators, nitroglycerine patches, sildenafil and alpha-blockers can be prescribed. Medication for digital ulcers includes a prolonged course of antibiotics.
Sjögren’s syndrome treatment – Eye drops for dry eyes. Chewing gums for dry mouth. In severe cases, saliva production simulator drugs can be prescribed.
Kidney treatment – In severe cases, drugs like Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are prescribed. Dialysis is the final resort.

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