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Ice Therapy or Heat Therapy: Which One Should You Use?

heating-pad-heat-therapy-joint

Whether you run a marathon or go for a trek, you come back with some amount of soreness of the muscles. There’s a possibility of soreness even after a strenuous gym workout. When some of my players experience minor aches and pains, I often tell them to “drink lots of water and stretch“. Apart from drinking water and stretching, there are 2 routes which are commonly used for pain relief:

  • Cryotherapy or Ice therapy
  • Thermotherapy or Heat therapy

Which therapy you use, depends on the situation and the kind of pain/injury. Let’s go over some markers which might be useful to you.

Ice Therapy: What Happens When You Do It?

Our body has skin receptors which pick up different sensations that include touch, pressure, pain and temperature. If you look in to these skin receptors, you will find out that the body has more cold receptors than heat receptors.

When you use ice therapy or apply ice, your skin activates the cold receptors and they block the sensation of pain. After an injury, the area might be red and swollen. Applying ice will help in reducing or preventing the inflammatory response. Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) which reduces blood flow temporarily.

How Do You Use It? 

  • Ice packs (frozen packets): These are the best and most portable option as it will adapt and mold to the body part accordingly
  • Ice in a towel: You can also hold ice in a towel and apply it on the injury. The towel will provide additional compression
  • Using a light cloth: If you have sensitive skin, keep a barrier between the skin and ice. A thin cloth or light cotton one can help

When Should You Use Ice Therapy 

You can use ice therapy under the scenarios mentioned below:

1. If the injury is sudden and acute: Ice therapy will help in preventing swelling and will provide relief from the pain by reducing the blood flow to that area.

For example: If you sprain your ankle during a marathon, trekking or while working out in the gym, apply a pack of ice to reduce the swelling. The sooner you apply the ice, the better.

2. Soft tissue injuries: Applying ice after a strenuous workout will help in relieving the muscle soreness and aid the recovery process.

Try using ice therapy 4 times a day for 2 days. If the pain persists, you should visit your doctor or physiotherapist.

When Should You Avoid Using Ice Therapy?

“Ice is good, but not always!” Below are scenarios where ice therapy might make your situation worse.

  • Avoid applying ice on open wounds
  • If you are a high B.P patient, avoid ice therapy on the shoulder and near the neck region. It will raise the systolic and diastolic pressure because of decrease in blood flow
  • Do not apply ice before a workout but if your workout consist of stretches, then apply ice for healing the acute injury
  • If you have issues with blood circulation
  • If you have stiff joints, applying ice will increase the stiffness
  • If the pain becomes chronic i.e. more than 72 hours, it is not a good option as now ice is not needed to stop the blood flow
  • If you have a persistent lower back pain, ice therapy won’t work.

How Long Should You Continue With Ice Therapy?

You need to be careful about the icing duration as excess of icing might cause pain due to lack of blood flow. If you have sensitive skin, applying ice directly to the skin might not be a good option.

  • For a minor post workout injury, 15min is the most optimal time
  • To deal with acute soft tissue injury, 10min session is optimal
  • Deeper the injury, longer the icing time. For example, hamstring injury might need longer icing time then an injury on the finger

Heat Therapy: What Happens When You Do It? 

Like Ice therapy, heat therapy is also used for relieving pain and aids the healing process. When you apply heat to the injury, unlike ice therapy which first causes vasoconstriction and then vasodilation, heat therapy directly causes vasodilation which increases the blood flow to the injured part.

How Do You Use It? 

  • Whole body heat therapy: This includes steam, sauna or a jacuzzi which can be used to relax your entire body
  • Heat packs: Applying a heat pack without direct contact to the injured part is a great way to aid the healing process.

When Should You Use Heat Therapy?

  • You can use heat therapy for chronic pain. After 72 hours, once the injury has crossed the acute stage and the inflammation is reduced, heat can be giving to aid the healing process.
  • Heating can reduce your stiffness as well because it increases the blood flow to the stiff part making it more flexible.

When Should You Avoid Heat Therapy?

  • Do not apply heat to a fresh injury. This can cause increase of blood flow which can increase the inflammation.
  • Never apply heat to the places where it is swollen. Only ice should be used till the swelling reduces.

How Long Should You Continue With Heat Therapy?

  • 18-20 mins is the most optimal time for a heat therapy session. Please note that this doesn’t remain the same for all as it entirely depends on the type of heating method used.
  • It is advisable to keep a barrier between the skin and the heat pack to avoid direct contact and feel a burning sensation.
  • Comfort level is very important in heat therapy sessions. You should get optimal heat, excess of it might make you uncomfortable. 

These are the basics about Ice and Heat therapy. It should help anyone who is working out or running a marathon or goes for a trek very often. So, the next time before reaching out to any painkillers or pain relief ointments, reach out to the things mentioned in this article! But if you are not sure about your injury, it is always better to speak with your coach, doctor or any physiotherapist.

If this article helped you, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Find more articles on fitness here.

Still not sure whether you should use ice therapy or heat therapy? Speak to one of our experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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12 Foods You Have Been Consuming The WRONG WAY

foods

With all the sessions on GOQii Play and interactions within the app, most of us have understood “what to eat” in order to get the necessary nutrition for our body. But, have you ever wondered “how to eat”? Sounds silly? But it is not. It’s a valid question. The way we eat says a lot about how the nutrients will be best available to our body. However, it could get tricky here. While some vitamins can be destroyed during the cooking process, a little bit of heating enhances the absorption of certain nutrients.

12 Foods You’ve Been Consuming The Wrong Way

You must have also heard your coach or diet expert say that eating foods in certain combinations enhances the absorption of various nutrients. To help you out, we’ve made a list of proper ways to consume these top 12 foods and beverages!

1. Tomatoes: Cooking tomatoes makes them more nutritious and the longer you cook them, the better it is. Heat changes the “lycopene” present in them to a form our bodies can readily absorb. So you can either soup it up or cook tomatoes into pasta sauce and omelettes to benefit from its antioxidant, cancer fighting, bad cholesterol lowering properties in a full blown way.

2. Boiling Vegetables: Boiling vegetables is a no-no because water soluble vitamins like Vitamin C leach out and drain into the water. Moreover, it reduces the antioxidant content. This phenomenon is especially noticeable in Spinach. Of course, if you are going to consume the liquid when making soups, it’s a different thing. Steaming, roasting, sautéing methods of cooking result in more nutritious vegetables on your plate.

3. Going Absolutely FAT-FREE with Vegetable Juices/Salads: You can absorb more nutrients from your salads/green juices when you consume them with a wee-bit of fat because most nutrients in them are fat-soluble (Vitamin A, D, E, K). But, the type of fat can make a difference. For salads skip the mayo and instead, add cold pressed coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, egg yolks, nuts and seeds. For green juices, add a teaspoon of coconut oil for enhanced absorption.

4. Garlic: Unlike Vitamin C, Allicin is an enzyme found in garlic that benefits from exposure to air. If you mince it and quickly throw it in a pan, you are doing it wrong! This enzyme is not activated unless the cell walls are ruptured. Crush/Press those garlic pods instead of mincing. Let it sit for 10 minutes before exposing it to heat so that your finished dish contains maximum amount. With activated Allicin, you get to benefit from its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal , anti-viral , anti-bacterial and cholesterol lowering properties.

5. Whole Grains, Beans & Pulses: Have you ever noticed how cloudy and dull the water gets once you soak your grains, beans or pulses in it? Well, it’s because of the presence of Phytates – the compound that binds the vitamins/minerals in the food and prevents them from being absorbed by the body. Soaking them overnight releases the phytates and you get the maximum amount of iron and zinc. Not only that! Soaking them overnight in warm water and then cold for 24 hours followed by cooking them negates the effect of gas formation. So you don’t end up feeling “gassy”.

6. Flaxseeds: If you have been sprinkling a spoonful of these into your morning smoothie or onto your yogurt snack, you have been doing it wrong! Our bodies are not capable of digesting “whole” flaxseeds and excrete them as it is. In order to reap benefits from these pods, chew them properly. You can either consume them raw or immediately after slightly roasting them. Even flaxseed meal (powdered) works, but make sure its consumption is immediate.

7. Yogurt : There are 2 points to consider:

i. If you have been draining away the watery fluid floating atop your yogurt, you’re actually draining away all your whey protein. Apart form Whey, it also contains Vitamin B12, Calcium and Phosphorus. Give your yogurt a quick stir to retain all its benefits .

ii. If you think you are going to get “probiotic” benefits out of yogurt by cooking a hot dish that involves yogurt based gravy or marination, you’re not going to. Most live/active cultures (the “healthy bacteria” in them) can’t stand heat and will be destroyed in the cooking process. While you will be getting the Protein, Calcium and Vitamin D, “probiotic” benefit is something that will be missed out .

8. Carrots: Cook, then cut. Cooking whole carrots and cutting them after they are cooked keeps more nutrients intact. Carrot is one vegetable (tomato is a fruit) that is better if cooked as heat breaks down its cell walls.

9. Broccoli: If you have been boiling, frying, overcooking or even over-steaming broccoli florets, then we have some bad news for you. Too much cooking destroys the enzyme that turns a chemical called glucosinolates into cancer fighting agents. Even if you are steaming them, make sure you do it only for 2-3 minutes.

10. Strawberries: Just 1 serving of these berries takes care of half of your daily Vitamin C requirement. However, if you have been cutting your berries prior to eating them, you’re missing out on your Vitamin C. The vitamins in strawberries begin to breakdown when exposed to light and oxygen (unlike Allicin). So eat them whole and if you want to store them, deep freeze! Cool temperatures help them retain their Vitamin C.

11. Citrus Fruits: Do you throw away the lemon or orange peels? These citrus peels contain 4 times more fibre and disease fighting flavonoids than the fruit itself. If you’re thinking how you can consume the peels, here’s what you do:

  • Grate peels just like you do with cheese and store in the freezer. Use them for recipes that call for lemon ‘zest’.
  • Add peels to a pitcher of water for an effective detox.
  • Marinate your meats, cottage cheese, fish with your own citrus rub.

12. Tea: Now, we have been drinking tea more than ever. Do you enjoy your tea with milk? There’s a downside to this. Milk proteins bind with Catechin in tea, making it difficult for your body to absorb this beneficial compound. So, tea no longer turns out to be a heart healthy drink. Plus, the excess amount of sugar which some people add only makes things worse. So just sip on some nice black or herbal tea without adding anything to it!

We hope these tips help you extract the most amount of vitamins and minerals from your food. Which one of these facts left you surprised? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

To understand more about these foods and to get proper nutritional advice, speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

Find more articles on nutrition here.

#BeTheForce 

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Healthy Eating: Chilli Bean Soup

healthy recipe

The onset of the cool, rainy weather calls for a bowl of piping hot soup! If you’re keen on experimenting with some new recipes, why not try this delicious bowl of Chilli Bean Soup? It’s easy to prepare and is totally nutritious! Let’s get started.

What You Will Need

  • Boiled Kidney Beans – 1 Cup
  • Finely Chopped Onion and Tomato – 1 Medium Sized
  • Chopped Carrot – ½ cup
  • Finely Chopped Red, Green and Yellow Bell Peppers – ½ cup
  • Chopped French Beans – 2 tbsp
  • Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
  • Chopped Coriander – 2 tbsp
  • Chopped Green Chilli – 1
  • Pepper Powder – ½ tsp
  • Chilly Sauce – 1 tsp
  • Tomato ketchup or puree – 1 tsp
  • Vegetable stock or water – 2 cups
  • Oil for seasoning
  • Salt to taste

How To Prepare  

  1. Take a pan and heat a tsp of oil.
  2. Add ginger garlic paste and saute till slightly brown.
  3. Also add onion and chopped green chilly. Saute onion till translucent.
  4. Add tomato, bell peppers, carrot and french beans to the pan.
  5. Saute the vegetables for 5-7 min with closed lid.
  6. Now add kidney beans and stir along with vegetables.
  7. Add the pepper powder, salt, chilly sauce and tomato ketchup.
  8. Stir well and add 2 cups of vegetable stock.
  9. Close the pan with a lid and allow the soup to simmer for another 5-7 min.
  10. Serve the Chilly Bean Soup hot.

Highlights Of The Chilli Bean Soup

  • It is a great mid meal snack or even a meal option when you wish to end your day light.
  • The soup will help you clear your throat and work as an anti-inflammatory agent because of vegetables and pepper.
  • Choose your vegetables very wisely this monsoon and use them only after washing them properly.

If you try and enjoy this delicious Chilli Bean Soup recipe, share it on your social media pages and tag us! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

You can find more healthy recipes here. You can also get more recipes and tips, tailored to your health needs directly from a certified expert. Subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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How To Improve Sleep and Sleep Quality

sleepThere’s no denying that a healthy diet, exercise and stress management play an important role in living a healthy life. But, there’s one aspect that most of us miss and that’s getting adequate sleep! Why exactly is adequate and good quality sleep necessary for the body? 

Benefits Of Good Quality Sleep 

Good quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of getting enough restful sleep:

  1. Improved Cognitive Function: Sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating memories and enhancing cognitive functions such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It helps with information processing and improves focus and attention.
  2. Enhanced Mood: Quality sleep is linked to better emotional regulation and a more positive outlook. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk of developing mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It also helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of calmness. It allows the body to recover from the day’s stressors and prepares it to cope better with future challenges.
  3. Physical Health: Adequate sleep is associated with better physical health. It can help maintain a healthy immune system, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, and promote a healthy metabolism and weight management.
  4. Increased Energy and Productivity: Good sleep provides the body with the necessary rest and rejuvenation, leading to increased energy levels and higher productivity during waking hours.
  5. Cellular Repair and Growth: While sleeping, the body undergoes important restorative processes. Tissues and muscles are repaired, and the body releases growth hormones, essential for overall growth and development.
  6. Cardiovascular Health: Sufficient sleep is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. It helps regulate blood pressure and reduces inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Now that you know why you need it, let’s look at how to improve sleep and sleep quality.

How to Improve Sleep Quality

In case you are not getting adequate rest or aren’t getting any quality sleep or are facing issues falling asleep, we have some tips to help you out: 

  1. Bedtime and wake up time should be the same: Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time daily. Practice the same routine on weekends too. 
  2. Maintain Sleep Hygiene: Do not consume alcohol 6 hours before bedtime. Also, avoid caffeine 4 hours before sleeping and do not smoke before going to bed.  
  3. Limit Screen Time: Stay away from your gadgets and mobile phones at least an hour before sleeping. Put your phones on DND mode for uninterrupted rest.
  4. Environment Is Everything: Keep your bedroom environment clean, calm, dark and quiet. Make sure that your mattress and pillows are comfortable. 
  5. Eat a Light Dinner: Strictly avoid heavy meals at night and finish your dinner 2-3 hours before going to bed. If possible, go for a light walk after dinner every day. 
  6. Try Music: In case you find it difficult to fall asleep, you can listen to light, soothing music 45 minutes before bedtime. Music generally soothes our nerves, reduces stress levels, and helps us fall asleep faster. 
  7. Deep Breathing: It is a very effective tool for inducing good quality sleep. Perform deep breathing 10 minutes before bedtime daily to improve your sleep and reduce stress levels. You can also try these breathing techniques: https://goqii.com/blog/breathing-techniques-for-better-sleep/  
  8. Take a Shower: A Lukewarm Shower 1-2 hours before bed is a well-known remedy for sleeplessness. It significantly improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety.
  9. Lavender oil: It is used for aromatherapy which improves sleep quality, especially for people who are fighting with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. You can put  2-3 drops of lavender oil on your wrist or pillow at night, it will soothe your nerves and help you fall asleep easily.

If you’ve tried the above techniques and still face issues with sleeping, start drinking warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg or turmeric 30 minutes before bedtime. It should help. If sleeplessness issues persist, consider consulting a doctor. 

Making sleep a priority and striving for good quality sleep is crucial for overall health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical performance. Developing healthy sleeping habits and maintaining a consistent schedule can significantly improve your quality of life.

You can find more techniques on how to sleep and to learn about sleep-related issues here. If you’re facing issues and need guidance to improve your health and lifestyle, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. 

#BeTheForce  

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