Different measurements and factors are used to determine whether or not a person is overweight to the degree that it threatens health: Body mass index (BMI) (a measure of body fat), waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, anthropometrics, the presence or absence of other disease risk factors in addition to obesity. Some of the dietary habits which put people at risk for becoming overweight are:

Night Eating: Consuming between 25 percent and 50 percent of daily calories between the evening meal and the next morning is referred to a night-eating syndrome and is associated with obesity.

Binge Eating and Eating Disorders: About 30 percent of people who are obese are binge-eaters who consume more in one sitting. Many experts believe that binge-eating carbohydrates causes an increase in natural opiate leading to dependence on carbohydrates, and therefore, the condition should be treated as an addiction.

Dangerous consequences of binge eating are its antitheses, the eating disorders bulimia and anorexia. Bulimia is binge-eating followed by purging in order to lose weight. Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness in which the person refuses to maintain weight at the normal level because of a terrible fear of getting fat and an abnormal perception of what his or her body looks like. Both conditions pose risks for serious medical problems, and anorexia nervosa can be life threatening.

Restrained Eating: Some people, mostly middle-aged women who have normal weight, have a pattern referred to as restrained eating. This pattern requires a high level of conscious control and usually maintains a lower weight. However, such restrain places these individuals as higher risk for loss of control and subsequent overeating.

Infrequent Eating: There is some evidence to suggest that eating small frequent meals uses more calorie than infrequent large meals.

Habitual overeating: It may come solely from environment. Purposeful overeating also occurs through ignorance, It is essentially of environmental nature than of hereditary origin. What happens to be genetically induced condition is more often merely a passing on to food habits from one generation to next. Children tend to imitate their overeating parents, thereby familial trend of overweight is seen. Excessive calorie consumption whether in children or adult leads to fatness.

Psychological problems: They also affect a person and food act as a sedative to give temporary solace in psychosomatic group. They live only to eat and derive no reward from love, family, art etc., For these people food restrictions would be cruel and useless.

Reactive obesity: Has its roots in some upsetting experience, such as home sickness, illness or death of dear person.

Ex-Smokers: The trend toward weight increase has followed the trend for quitting smoking. Nicotine increases the metabolic rate, and quitting, even without eating more, can cause a weight gain, which may be considerable. It is important to note that weight control is not a valid reason to smoke. People in previous centuries did not smoke cigarettes, not were they usually obese.

Shift workers: A recent study found that individuals who work late shifts tend to eat more and take longer naps than day workers and are more likely to gain excess weight.

In obese adults, following calories restrictions can only reduce the size of fat cells but not influence their number which remains fairly constant. In a very obese person, the number and the size of adipose cells are greater. The decrease in cell size is not permanent, and it is rapidly restored when restrictions are stopped. As a result, the individual may be morphologically more abnormal after weight loss than before. Prevention is always better early in life through control of the factors which leads to obesity.

Eating out is a temptation most of us succumb to once in a while. But, in case the restaurant in question is not up to the mark, it could turn out to be a painful, stomach – churning experience.

 A stomach upset can occur due to one or more of the following factors – poor hygiene, spicy, oily food additives, poor storage facilities, bacterial infections such as e-coli and salmonella, parasitic infections such as amoebiosis and helminnthiasis (worm infection), faecal contamination and possible pesticide exposure.

Stomach upsets due to food poisoning lead to gastroenteritis, which causes irritation and inflammation of the gastro – intestinal tract. About 50 per cent to 70 per cent of gastroenteritis is due to viral infection (noro virus in adults and rotavirus that commonly affects children and for which a vaccine is now available), bacterial infection, parasitic infections, and toxins.   In its acute phase, gastroenteritis can leave you scurrying from the bed to the bathroom. The symptoms? Diarrhea, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain and vomiting.

 The causes for gastroenteritis are really not far to seek. Kitchen hygiene, cleanliness practices adopted by the cooking and food handlers, quality of the cooking ingredients… all have a bearing on gastroenteritis. Improperly – packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes food poisoning. And, flies that hover around transmit bacteria, fungi and viruses from one place and person to another.  “Any unwashed items are possible sources of infection. The possibility of microbial flora in raw vegetables is high.”

 Is hot food better?

Are foods that are steaming hot safer to eat as some people tend to believe? “Not necessarily. Double – fried food may destroy bacteria, but also the nutrients.  And, hot food is injurious to the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the oesophagus.

 So, you have is it that some people eat out all the time, and yet not fall sick? Is it just plain luck or are they naturally resistant to infections?  “The immune system, which varies for person to person, is responsible for a person catching a bug or not.  Susceptibility is not only based on immunity, but also on various other factors such as gastric acidity. Most bacterial pathogens are highly susceptible to low pH levels, a measure of acidity. Thus, exposure to gastric acid significantly reduces the number of ingested viable bacteria. The virulence and number of organisms ingested also play a part.

 Thankfully, most of the time the condition is self – limiting. The main treatment for food poisoning is getting the fluids back into the body – orally and through IV. Anti – emetic (for vomiting) and anti – diarrheal medicines could also be prescribed. Antibiotics are rarely needed except in the case of bacterial infections.

In cases of mushroom poisoning or eating foods contaminated with pesticides, aggressive treatment such as a stomach wash and specific antidotes may be suggested.

 Stick to the basics

 And, what about those who don’t have choice and are forced to eat out on a daily basic? “If one has to survive every day by eating out, he / she should choose a place that is hygienic and stick to basic items with an eye on calorific and nutritive value”.

 TIPS FOR RECOVERY

 Drink plenty of fluids and juices and ORS

• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated or sugary drinks
• Take rest
• Add solids gradually, after nausea and vomiting have stopped. Opt for rice, wheat, bread, potatoes, careaks, lean meats and milk

 TAKE PRECAUTIONS

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after means, after using the toilet and changing a diaper
• Keep chopping boards, knives and counter tops clean
• Plates should be washed with hot water and soap before food is served.
• Do not eat or buy food past their self –by or expiry dates
• Never take food that comes in a torn or leaky package
• Do not cross – contaminate. Keep raw meat and fish away from other food
• Never leave cooked food out for more than two hours. And use cooked left – overs within four hours

Courtesy :The Hindu 06-12-2010

The following are the risk factors.

• Abdominal obesity
  Hypertension
  Abnormal lipid levels of high density lipoprotein, HDL cholesterol
  High levels of serumtriglycerides
  Fasting blood glucose level more than or equal to 100.

The presence of three are more of these abnormalities confirms the diagnosis of Metabolic syndrome.  There is no single cause for the metabolic syndrome.  All of the risk factors of the syndrome are related to obesity.  The second cause is insulin resistance found in individuals who cannot effectively utilise insulin.  Insulin is needed to help control the amount of sugar in the body, besides facilitating the transport of blood sugar to cells.  Over a period of time, when the insulin and blood sugar levels rise, it affects the kidney functioning and raises the level of blood fats such as triglycerides and later cholesterol.

About 20-25 percent of the world’s adult population has metabolic syndrome and are twice likely to die from it and three times as likely to suffer a heart attack or storke as compared to healthy people.  In addition, people with metabolic syndrome are at a five-fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors so typical of metabolic syndrome is now considered the driving force for a new cardio vascular epidemic.  Those with type 2 Diabetes, coupled with other causes of Metabolic syndrome, are more prone to heart attack and stroke than those with only diabetes.

Soth Asians have a tendency to carry more fat around the middle and are genetically predisposed to metabolic syndrome unlike caucasians who have more muscle mass.  Age too has a bearing.  Once one hits the 30s and 40s one’s body becomes resistant to weight loss as the metabolic rate slows down.  The first level of prevention is not to put on weight.  As a society we should accept on the fact having is paunch is no longer a sign of prosperity but it is unhealthy.  Preventive measures are the key, as the condition may escalate to full blown diabetes, stroke and heart attack.

Prevention of metabolic syndrome is possible through lifestyle modifications involving healthy food choices and regular exercise.  If blood pressure , triglycerides and blood sugar are not within control, it is better that appropriate medication is taken.  Lifelong medical treatment is required to keep each factor under control and prevent complications.  If the levels are not very high, weight reduction, exercise and diet control alone will be sufficient.

Life style changes

• Healthy weight loss that involves calorie restriction
  Moderate daily exercise for atleast 30 minutes
  Eat a balanced diet rich in wholegrain, vegetables and fruits.
  Switch to lean meat, fat-free or low-fat milk products.
  Reduce salt and added sugar.
  Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol.
  Get adequate hours of sleep.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Wellness, 11/07/11

Coffee consumed straight, is perfect.  Having zero calories, zero carbs and zero fats.  Sticking to regular coffee and limiting extras such as milk and sweeteners is useful in achieving healthy living and weight loss. It is very advantageous in a weight loss program.

The Pluses of Coffee

• Avoid or atleast limit simple cabs while drinking coffee as coffee can affect blood sugar negatively and encourage insulin spike.
  Coffee with exercise causes and average 20% increase  in burning fat than exercise without coffee.
  Coffee functions as a diuretic , mild anti-depressant and stimulant for central nervous system.
  Coffee helps improve alertness, attention and wakefulness.
  Coffee consumed moderately can increase the metabolic rate by 30 %.
  Regular consumption of coffee decreases the risk of type II diabetes.

The Minuses of coffee

• Coffee in excess can be addictive.
  Coffee consumed all at once can be negative effect on blood sugar levels that influence the burning of fat.
  Too much coffee consumed over a period of time can stain your teeth.
  If consumed at bedtime reduces the the duration and quality of sleep.

Courtesy :The Hindu, Wellness,4/12/08

Tackling the unexpected weight gain is a difficult task.   We often hear ” I hardly eat and i don’t know how i gain weight”.  The problem with weight gain is that it can be insidious and unexpected.  If you are not careful about the calories you consume and balance them with the calories you spend,  the weight can just pile on.

The hidden calories come from the sugar that you add to the extra cups of tea/coffee, the additional idli or rice, soft drinks or snacks loaded with saturated fats and sugar.  A sedentary lifestyle combined with those hidden calories adds up to unwanted weight gain.

For example, if you eat an extra of 250 calories more than what you spend, you will gain about a kilo in a month which is 12 kilos per year.  To know how many calories you need to eat on a day multiply your weight with 26.  If you weigh 70 kilos and you want to maintain your weight at 70 then your intake has to be limited to 70*26 which is 1860 calories.

If you need to lose about half a kilo a week the you need to cut down 500 calories by both exercise and diet. 250 calories should be burnt by exercising.   Most of us think that if we do not eat large quantities of food we become weak, which is a myth.

Start by reducing the size of the plate.  Fill your plate with vegetable servings than rice. Let the rice serving be half of what you usually eat.  Drink lots  of fluids.

All of us should necessarily have our blood pressure checked above 40 years.  The check should be done at periodic intervals as the condition cannot be known with just one reading. 

High blood pressure damages the heart and the blood vessels.  Often the cause of blood pressure is not known.  Age is also a factor that influences the blood pressure.  Inheritance is also a suspected factor for hypertension.  Stress is also a factor that increases the hypertension.  Maintaining the blood pressure at a normal level definitely improves the quality of life.

Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers systolic and diastolic.  The peak pressure at which the heart beats to pump blood is called systolic and the pressure exerted when the hearts rests between beats is the diastolic pressure.  The instrument that is used to measure the pressure components is called to sphygmomanometer.  Usually 120/80 is said to be the normal pressure level.

Diet plays a very important role in the treatment and prevention of hypertension.  Human body tends to retain excessive salt and fluids and this tendency also leads to hypertension.  A high sodium diet also is a reason for hypertension.  It is recommended to use the low-sodium salt instead of the normal salt.  Patients who are hypertensive should avoid packaged foods. Avoid pickles. 

Weight management is the key health tip to maintain the levels of blood pressure.  A slight increase in weight also will lead to increase in blood pressure.  Always opt for low fat food.  Food laden with fat not only increases weight but also increases the blood pressure.  Change to healthy cooking like steaming instead of shallow fry.  Increase the portion of raw foods in your diet.  Try and eat small portions of fruits and vegetables often.  Use herbs and spices to flavor the food.

Apart from diet and weight management certain life style changes are necessary to manage the blood pressure levels.  Stay away from alcohol and smoking.  Opt for a regular exercise regime.  Meditating for a few minutes every day could help bring down the stress level and the proportional hypertension.

 Always consult a doctor for treating any kind of illness if you are hypertensive.  Over-the-counter medications are usually prescribed without the knowledge of the existing hypertension condition or the past medical history would also contribute to increase in blood pressure and in some cases may prove fatal.

Ajwain is known for its medicinal properties.  Its is very popular in treating stomach disorders.  Infants are given small doses of tea made of ajwain in regular intervals to keep away from  colic episodes.  Clean and wash one teaspoon of ajwain seeds in water and add them to boiling water. Cool the water filter, this tea can be given to anyone with gastric problems. The ajwain tea is the best home remedy for indigestion and acidity problems. It improves appetite.  The strong flavour helps prevent bad breath.  Ajwain is the best remedy to control vomiting sensations.  Ajwain is a good source of thymol which is known for its anti bacterial properties.  Ajwain helps prevent cold and cough. 

Ajwain oil is used to treat joint pains and inflammations.  Ayurvedic preparations that are used to cure stomach, kidney and fertility disorders use ajwian as an ingredient.  A paste made of ajwain can be applied on insect bites to relieve pains.  Asthmatics are recommended to take ajwain in regular intervals. Add a teaspoon of ajwain to boiling water and inhale the steam this prevents nasal congestion. 

Ajwain seeds are readily available in supermarkets. Ajwain should be bought in small quantities and should be used as early as possible else the essential oils would evapourate and the flavour is lost.  Once the pack is opened it should be stored in cool dry place and in an air tight container.  Patients suffering from ulcer should avoid ajwain as it may worsen.

Originally spread from Brazil by the Portuguese, the cashew tree today can be found in all regions with a sufficiently warm and humid climate. Vietnam is now the largest producer of cashew nuts.

Most cashew nuts labeled “raw cashew nuts” are not truly raw. They have been heat processed in order to remove the delicious nut from the toxic shell.

In the 16^th century, Portuguese traders introduced the tree to India where it has more recently become an important export crop. Cashew trees produce both a fruit (apple) and a nut, and valuable oil can be drawn from the nutshell. After the cashew flower blooms, a nut forms. The apple later swells between the nutshell and the stem. It takes two months for the cashew apple to ripen. When harvested, the apple can only keep for 24 hours before it begins to ferment.

Medicinal value

Cashew provides essential fatty acids, B vitamins, fibre, protein, carbohydrate, potassium, iron and zinc. Like other nuts, cashew is high in saturated fat; however, eaten in small quantities, it is highly nutritious. Cashew contains useful amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, selenium and copper. It also helps prevent anaemia.

Courtesy: THE HINDU Date: 15-02-2007

Aging brings in a lots of physical ailments and eye problems are one of them.  Apart from weakening eye sight, cataract, and presbyopia are some of the problems that are due to aging.

 Cataract is one of the disorders affecting a many across the globe.  Cataract is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens gets clouded and impairs the vision. This is a problem generally faced by people in their early 40s. Usually it is treated through a simple surgery in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced by an artificial interocular lens.

There have been many advancements in technology that has improved the  quality of the interocular lens. One such breakthrough is the new advanced accommodating interocular lens which allows focusing on near and distant objects. These lenses not only remove the cataract cloud but also have capacity to bend, flex, thicken and contract like the natural lens.

Courtesy : The Hindu 24/04/2011

A generous portion of almond is poured on the legs followed by the shiatsu massage, a preventive therapy that helps get rid of the niggling body pain. Shiatsu originated in Japan and is derived from the words shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure. “Reflexology improves circulation and creates a feeling of head to toe relaxation by stimulating the pressure points on the feet.

 These massages do not just relive you of stress and spasms but also improve blood circulation, stimulate the skin and benefit your body in many other ways.

courtesy :The Hindu 04-12-2011