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About Neha Morche

A post graduate in Nutrition and Dietetics, Neha Morche believes in inculcating good habits, lifestyle modifications and being active. According to her these will always take precedence over medicines like it did in ancient days. As a nutritionist, Neha counsels people for therapeutic diets and helps them understand the benefits of these diets for their physical and psychological well-being. In her previous avatar as a dietician her job was to only make diet plans according to the individuals’ daily routine. In most cases she realised people could never maintain their diet regime. Also, people would seldom acknowledge their weak points or improve habits and implement them in their daily routines. GOQii, in that sense is different as we will work towards changing people’s habits in a positive manner and motivate them to lead a healthy lifestyle. In her free time she loves to listen to music. When she wants to get into her meditative mood she likes to go trekking. She has done treks in the Sahayadri ranges of Maharashtra and Himalayas and aims to do Mount Everest. She says that treating food as a medicine will help us to maintain overall health and help enjoy life to the fullest. Finally, Neha’s fitness regime is to stay positive and respect your body and make life simpler.

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Aloe Vera- Wonders of the spiky green plant

AloeVeraCleopatra is known for her beauty, and one of the reasons for her immaculate beauty can be credited to the spiky green plant Aloe Vera, which she is understood to have used daily in gel form as part of her beauty regime. Today, this very plant is used in several personal care products and medicines. Dubbed affectionately as the ‘Plant of immortality’ by the Egyptians 6000 years ago, Aloe Vera has rejuvenating and healing properties. The ancient Greeks used it to cure everything from baldness to insomnia.

Aloe Vera, also known as a Wonder Plant, has tremendous benefits. No wonder it is wildly used in cosmetics, herbal remedies, and food supplements.

If you have observed the leaf of Aloe Vera closely, there is yellow latex found just under the skin and white-colored gel inside the leaf. Both of these have medicinal properties. It is rich in calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, folic acid, amino acid and Vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, and B6.

Benefits :

  • Aloe Vera’s white gel contains enzymes, fiber, and amino acids, which help with digestion and digestive disorders like colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
  • It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties to help boost the immune system and maintain oral hygiene.
  • It has laxative properties to relieve constipation.
  • Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto-immune disease affecting the entire body. The immune system attacks body tissues, especially the membranes lining the joint.
  • Aloe Vera juice can be used for lowering sugar levels. However, consult your doctor before consuming Aloe Vera juice
  • It has anti-carcinogenic properties to fight cancer.
  • Aloe Vera is rich in magnesium lactate, which works very well for chest congestion.
  • Vitamin C present in Aloe Vera is an excellent natural source to fight against cold and coughs.

Aloe Vera for the Skin :

  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • Aloe Vera gel has a soothing effect, reducing skin irritation when applied to the affected area.
  • Its anti-microbial properties help in curing acne, pimples and lightening the skin.

Aloe Vera for the Hair:

  • It contains Proteolitic enzymes, which help remove dead skin from the scalp and excess sebum to promote hair growth.
  • Its alkaline properties maintains the pH balance of the scalp to keep hair moisturized.
  • The anti-fungal property of Aloe Vera helps in reducing dandruff.
  • To keep hair soft and smooth, Aloe Vera gel can be added to regular conditioner and used daily.

Word of Caution:

Aloe Vera is packed with nutrients to treat the body naturally. However, certain treatments may cause adverse effects if not taken under supervision. Excessive intake may cause diarrhea and lower blood sugar, leading to potassium loss. It may also inhibit some drug reactions internally and cause allergic reactions on the skin.

With its numerous benefits for health, skin, and hair, Aloe Vera truly stands out as a wonder plant. Whether you use it topically or consume it in moderation, its natural properties can enhance your overall well-being. However, it’s essential to use it wisely and consult a healthcare professional if needed. Have you experienced the benefits of Aloe Vera? Let us know in the comments below! For more natural health tips, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

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Acidity: Its Symptoms, Causes and Cure

how_cure_acidity_problemAcidity is a very common problem among people. Most usually complaint of acidity due to various reasons. And, many take temporary treatment but, few know what has caused it or what it is exactly?

This aspect of not knowing what the problem is worries me. If the issue of acidity relapses, then one has to develop certain habits which will help permanently. Just because it is a disorder most tend to ignore it. But, acidity over a period of time can get worse.

The acid in our body is needed to digest the food. If there is less secretion, then it can cause indigestion, and if it is in excess, then it causes ‘Acidity’. Today, I would like to tell you more about Acidity and what are its symptoms, causes and cure.

Symptoms of Acidity:

Restless, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, sour belching of food you have consumed, aversion to certain food items, indigestion, severe constipation in some cases.

Possible causes of Acidity

  1. Oily food, food with more salt, sweet and spices (overeating)
  2. Food or drinks containing a lot of acids or food that taste sour which increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach
  3. Tension, worries, and pressure on the mind create more acid in the stomach
  4. Frequent drinking of coffee, alcohol, smoking and drugs etc
  5. Lack of physical activities, going to sleep immediately after food will produce excess acid
  6. Taking frequent allopathic medicines like aspirin or pain killers will increase acidity
  7. Any illness related to the alimentary canal or the organs connected with the digestive system may lead to acidity
  8. Keeping long gaps between two meals
  9. Having acidic food (which are mentioned below)
  10. Highly emotionally and nervous individuals
  11. Overeating

Acidic Foods:

Butter, Lentils, White Refined Flour, Whole-Wheat Cooked Spaghetti, Peanuts (dry-roasted), Walnuts, Chicken, Whole Egg, Oats, Brown Rice, Salmon, Tuna, Cheese, Tomato

Alkaline Food:

Honey, Asparagus, Margarine, White and Red Wine, Broccoli, Watermelon, Apples, Zucchini, Hazelnuts, Green Beans, Cherries, Radishes, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Apricots, Carrots, Celery, Bananas, Leafy Vegetables, Raisins.

Home remedies for Acidity:

  1. Cold milk with 1 tsp of ghee
  2. Banana
  3. Eating 4-5 basil leaves (tulsi) after every meal
  4. Boil fennel seeds (sound) in water, leave it overnight and drink it the next day when you get a bout of acidity
  5. Chew cumin seeds (jeera) has calming effect
  6. Bite cloves so the juice is released and keep it in the mouth for a while
  7. Boil cardamom, cool it, and drink that cool water
  8. Boil mint leaves, cool it, and drink that cool water
  9. Crush ginger and eat with a piece of Jaggery
  10. Have Amla powder twice a day to refrain from acidity

Understanding acidity, its causes, and how to cure it is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By adopting healthier eating habits, managing stress, and incorporating natural remedies, you can effectively combat acidity and prevent its recurrence. Remember, long-term changes in diet and lifestyle are key to permanent relief. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take control of your digestive health. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Hypertension: Cause for all heart issues

heart-failure2

Heart is one of the most important organs of our body, and keeping it healthy is important. Heart connects the entire body through its vital functions.

What does the heart exactly do? Why is it related to blood pressure?

This small fist like structure works hard to maintain blood flow to our body day and night. Fundamentally, it takes all the impure blood from the body, makes it pure with lots of Oxygen (fresh air), and sends it back. While doing this, it also contracts and relaxes (medically termed it as systolic and diastolic, respectively) in between a single beat. In normal course, if the person is healthy this happens smoothly without much pressure on it. Normal blood pressure levels should be 120/80 mm/hg.

Blood pressure is the culprit to heart issues. It’s natural to increase our blood pressure due to certain unpleasant situations, but if the blood pressure stays elevated for longer periods, then it turns into hypertension.

Causes for increased blood pressure:

  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Less water intake
  • High salt intake
  • Intake of more processed or bakery food.
  • Junk food or less fibrous food Intake
  • Less activity
  • Less sleep
  • Kidney disorders
  • Heredity
  • High fat food intake

All of these lead to plaque formation in the tiny blood vessels, due to which heart has to put more pressure than usual for a smooth blood flow. When it goes beyond the heart’s limit (it has muscles, after all) it stops pumping blood (which carries water, nutrients, and oxygen) thus it results in heart attack.

The good news is that one can avoid high blood pressure and avert heart attacks by just taking care of our daily meals, activities, water, sleep, stress etc. in short keeping a check on our lifestyle.

We need to improve all micro habits which set into our routine. Once you set yourself a routine, it’s difficult to break it.

Salt is the crucial factor that can lead to high blood pressure. Salt is a combination of sodium and chloride. Daily requirement of sodium is 1500mg to 2300mg, which means we can include approximately 1 teaspoon of salt. Sodium is also found in baking soda, monosodium glutamate (MSG), various seasonings, additives, condiments, meat, fish, poultry, dairy foods, eggs, smoked meats, olives, and pickled foods. High sodium directly contributes to high blood pressure.

Here are some heart friendly food options I have listed down for you

Antioxidants (green tea, red wine)

Fiber and Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, whole pulses)

Whole Fruits

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats (Almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, tuna, avocado)

Ample amount of water intake.

Doing regular breathing exercises help us increase our Oxygen uptake.

Yoga, meditation or giving time to your hobbies keeps stress at bay.

Staying active through the entire day or indulging in any type of activity or game you enjoy can keep stress levels under check.

Maintaining heart health starts with managing your blood pressure. By making mindful choices in your diet, staying active, managing stress, and staying hydrated, you can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For more health tips and personalised guidance,speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. Take control of your heart health today!

#BeTheForce

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All about Wheat Grass and its benefits

wheatgrass

In the ancient days in India plants were used as a medicine to cure health issues. Later allopathy was invented and it made life simpler. During my days of college, I came across this magical grass called ‘Wheatgrass’ and it’s amazing benefits to our health.

Wheat grass itself cannot be eaten as it is hard to digest. Interestingly, it can be grown indoors and outdoors by putting wheat seeds in water and then harvesting the leaves; which also occupies less space. It is available in various forms such as juice outside parks, powders and in capsule form. But, the ideal way to have it is in the fresh juice form to get enough nutrients. Wheatgrass is used as a concentrated source of nutrients in powder and capsules.

Wheatgrass is a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium, and has negligible amount of proteins.

Wheatgrass is generally considered safe. A word of caution as it may cause nausea, headaches, swelling to your throat due to the bacteria present in it (due to contamination) as it is grown in soil or water.

 Benefits :

  1. It is rich in chlorophyll (similar to haemoglobin) and iron which increases blood cell count.
  2. Lowers blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways.
  3. Wheat grass juice has alkaline minerals which reduces acidity also gastrointestinal tract problems.
  4. It detoxifies liver and the bloodstream.
  5. It has powerful ability to fight against tumors.
  6. If applied externally on the skin which eliminate itching immediately.
  7. It prevents hair from greying.
  8. It helps in stabilising blood sugar levels.
  9. Drinking wheat grass juice will help in clearing sinuses by breaking up the mucus.
  10. It helps in increasing immunity.

We trust this exploration into the wonders of wheatgrass has sparked your curiosity about incorporating this nutritional gem into your daily routine. Are you already a wheatgrass enthusiast, or are you inspired to give it a try? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For further insights into holistic health and nutrition, check out Healthy Reads. If you’re seeking personalised guidance, connect with our certified experts through GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. Embrace the goodness of wheatgrass and embark on a journey to enhanced well-being!

#BeTheForce

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