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August 12, 2019 By Anu Acharya 1 Comment

Nutrigenomics and You!

There are many people who feel that they are not able to achieve their health goals in spite of a conscientious diet and fitness routine. Even regular health checks do not seem to help. Is there any method to identify and bridge the gap? Nutrigenomics is the science that looks at the interaction between our diet and lifestyle habits and how they affect our DNA in terms of regulating genes responsible for metabolism, development, and overall wellness.

Why is it Important to Understand Nutrigenomics?

Common dietary elements can act on our DNA, either directly or indirectly, to alter gene expression or structure. For example, dietary fat/carbohydrate intake affects genetic activity, metabolism rates, adiposity and thereby, a likelihood of weight gain (obesity).
Sometimes, for some of us, diet can be a serious risk factor for many diseases. For example, carriers of MTHFR gene variants may have lower enzyme activity and hence a higher risk for developing folate deficiency. In such instances, a reduced intake of Vitamin B6-containing foods may trigger clinical manifestation — screening can help implement dietary changes to manage health better.
The impact of diet on the balance between healthy and diseased states depends on our DNA. For example, variation in the SOD2 gene can alter the the antioxidant activity and increase the risk for excessive oxidative damage. Individuals who carry such variants need to ensure richer portions of antioxidants in their diet. Exercise routines can be planned with adequate rest between heavy workouts for repair/recovery.
Some diet-regulated genes (and their common variants) can affect the onset, incidence, progression, and/or severity of chronic diseases.
Chronic diseases can be prevented, mitigated, or addressed through dietary intervention based on the knowledge of nutritional requirement, nutritional status, and genotype. For example, certain gene variants can increase the likelihood of developing gluten intolerance. Genetic screening can help identify such risk factors for dietary intervention if required. This can have a positive impact on health, overall wellness, as well as athletic performance.

What Can You Learn From Nutrigenomics?

Your power to absorb vital nutrients required for a healthy body and mind
The impact of nutrients on various organs and pathways
Nutritional factors that can protect your genome from damage
Impact of genes on your lifestyle, diet, fitness, habits, etc.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Test?

The answer is NOW! Nutrigenomics are once-in-a-lifetime tests that are noninvasive. From newborns to nonagenarians, anyone can take this test. Whether you are starting your wellness journey or a veteran health and fitness expert, these tests can help you get to know yourself better.

How Can You Use It To Improve Quality Of Life?

Nutrigenomics can be the game-changer that empowers you on your wellness journey or enables you to achieve your fitness goals. Here’s how it works:

Genetic tests are available online — you order one and receive the sample collection kit, along with a health history questionnaire.
Once you send the sample, your DNA is extracted and analyzed for several key markers associated with diet, fitness, well-being, disease risk, and more.
The genetic counselor correlates genetic findings with health history to offer personalized nutrition, fitness, and wellness advice.
Your nutritionists and personal trainers can also be part of the genetic counseling session in order to design diet plans and fitness routines that work for you.

Sharing her views on the importance of Nutrigenomics, Pooja Ramachandran, India’s pioneering genetic counselor says, “The need for personalizing nutrition was seen soon after the conclusion of the Human Genome Project and the ensuing impact of personalized medicine. Nutrigenomics is poised to be a powerful tool for nutritionists, dietitians, doctors as well as any healthcare professional in using nutrition therapy for the treatment of disease. More importantly, Nutrigenomics may facilitate the prevention of diet-related diseases, and help design individualized nutritional strategies based on anticipated adverse or beneficial impacts of specific food or nutrients for a particular individual.”

August 10, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Why Fake Health News is Dangerous For Your Mind and Body!

“Eating 30 mangoes a day can cure diabetes”

“Eating 1 tsp of Methi Seeds every day for 30 days can cure diabetes”

These were some of the claims made by patients to GOQii’s very own Dr. Akshat Chadha. In fact, we even came across a 2016 article that received around 1.4 million shares on Facebook that was titled, “Dandelion Weed Can Boost Your Immune System and Cure Cancer”.

Now before you begin stuffing yourself with mangoes and Methi Seeds or begin a quest to get a hold of Dandelion Weed, take a step back and analyse these claims.

Dr. Chadha asks a very valid question, “If it is that simple, why is the world suffering from diabetes?”

How Fake Health News Works

What is the first thing you do when you experience an unusual fever, intense pain in a body part or several of them? You turn to Dr. Google! At some point, we all have typed in “Quick ways to lose weight” or “How to build muscle quickly”.

While this may be out of general curiosity or to find an easier way out, it is certainly not the right thing to do. Most of Google searches related to illnesses end with either cancer or some other godforsaken illness that no one has heard of. Is Google even reliable?

On the other hand, fake health news forwarded via WhatsApp or shared on Facebook are mostly prevalent because people are looking for an easier way out. Eating Banana Peels or a spoonful of Methi seems easier to do than to actually eat the right food and exercise.

Even the allure of alternate medication over traditional medication seems intriguing for the simple fact that someone would rather experiment with something as absurd as Dandelion Weed, than go through Chemotherapy for Cancer treatment.

Is the tone of authority that claims – “Cure <insert illness here> instantly”, “100% guaranteed weight loss”, or “Build a 6 pack in 3 days” to be blamed or is it our willingness to click on something like this without asking questions to be blamed? At the end of it, these articles only lead you to a website where someone is trying to sell you something or keep you from buying something else.

Apart from the reasons above, why fake articles get so much traction is simply because they deliver quick and easy to read content and headlines as opposed to research documents which are full of tables and scientific jargon that provide evidence.

More so, there’s this crushing need to believe something we wish were true. If someone who loves sweets were to come across an article that read, “Eating a lot of sweets is good for your health”, wouldn’t you click on it even if the claim isn’t backed by a legitimate study?

The Need to Eliminate Fake Health News

With more people buying into these fake health news and tips, it becomes difficult for doctors as most of their consultation time goes in myth-busting rather than treatment. If an expert is to reject fake news or tip, the patient is often not convinced.

Fake articles and our willingness to believe in them can do more harm than good. Especially if you go for alternate or self-medication cited from these fake articles which can make your condition worse!

Fortunately, the anti-vaccine brigade hasn’t made its way to India with their disputable content. Thanks to them, Measles made its return in 2016 in the United States. Who knows, if we begin here, we’d be welcoming Polio with open arms.

How to Identify Them

Keep an open mind but not open enough to passively accept any false piece of information which claims to be true. Here’s what you can do:

Check the Source: Always check if the article is backed by proper study. If the giant breakthrough in cancer treatment hasn’t been spoken about by the American Cancer Society or other reputable sources consisting of experts on the subject, it probably isn’t true.
Look for More Sources: Don’t rush to the fields to pick out Dandelion Weeds based on a single article. Always look for more sources, more studies have reached the same conclusion. If you can ask multiple people how you look in your new dress, taking multiple opinions on medication and health shouldn’t be that difficult.
Be Sceptic: If you watched WWE in the 90s, the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin probably gave the most genuine advice ever – “Don’t Trust Anybody!” If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Just because a “research”, “Study” or “Claim” falls in line with what you’re already doing, doesn’t make it authentic. Awaken your inner sceptic and doubt everything! There is no shortcut to getting healthy and fit.
Talk to Your Doctor: If you tell your doctor or even your nutritionist about eating banana peels to lose weight, we’re sure they’d crack up! Any credible data, analysis or information is useless if not interpreted by an expert. Verify these so-called “facts” with your doctor, nutritionist or expert. The person on the other side of the table didn’t spend years of their life getting a degree in medicine or certification just for show.
Get a Second Opinion: Not convinced with what your doctor, nutritionist or trainer has to say? Get a second opinion. No one is 100% accurate all the time. They are human, they can make errors. It’s best to get a second opinion if you’re not convinced. Just avoid Googling your issue because search engines and social media channels aren’t allotted degrees on healthcare, medicine, nutrition and fitness.

It is imperative to bust fake health news, tips and myths to avoid injury, illness and in a worst-case scenario – death. Be well-informed with the right knowledge from the right people. In an attempt to curb the epidemic of false news, GOQii in association with Akshay Kumar and a team of experts is out to bust these myths for good with the GOQii India Health Quiz (IHQ).

The GOQii India Health Quiz aims to elevate over 130cr Indians by giving them the right knowledge and busting myths via live hourly quizzes within the GOQii App. All you need to do is download the app, watch LIVE classes on GOQii Play, participate in the quiz and earn points. These points can be redeemed for prizes such as Cellphones, Fitness Trackers and a grand cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.

Remember, that the first step towards a healthy lifestyle begins in the mind. Train yours and until then, in the words of Akshay Kumar, “Gadhe Mat Bano!”

#BeTheForce

August 3, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

“Being Healthy & Fit is Lifelong Habit” – Prashant Pathak User Journey

His rant of just work and no play was similar to the other professionals. His quest for a healthy and fit life was often disrupted by the fact that he does not have the time nor the motivation to do anything. Prashant Pathak always had an excuse for leading an unhealthy life – he blamed his job and erratic work hours… until one day, when his wife stepped in to make him realize that he had to change. It’s been four years that he has taken to being physically active and Prashant Pathak is now running marathons and walking the healthy trail.

Prashant Pathak Tells His Story:

My typical day usually involved going to work in the morning, eating anything that was available with no proper regulation on diet. I would sometimes remain hungry for long hours. Once I got home, I would eat a heavy dinner. On days I was on travel, I would head out to work, and the rest of my day was filled with eating out and hanging out back at the hotel. As a result, I had become overweight and weighed 94kgs and was just few KGs from being obese. My BMI was 29.

I tried but could never get into a regular exercise regime. My challenge was to find time for a workout. I would look at my schedule and invariably come up with an excuse to not workout. Every time it would be a new excuse. There was an impetus and aspiration to workout but energy levels were very low with no motivation and hence, no action. One fine day back in 2015, my wife gifted me GOQii. I was surprised but it was a clear indication that I had to do something about myself.

Goal Setting, Achievement and Transformation

My first health goal when I got on the GOQii platform four years ago was weight reduction and to be energetic throughout the day. My first GOQii Coach and I set small monthly goals in the beginning that could be easily achievable. It was delivering results. My coach started me with only a 15-minute workout that was doable. I had absolutely no activity of any kind for so many years and suddenly to be able to do exercise was not an easy task. But 15 minutes I felt was good enough to begin with.

My Coach simultaneously fine-tuned my diet pattern as well. I started having pre and post workout meals. I was having 6 small meals instead of three bulky meals. Secondly, I also started eating fruits. I have stopped tea/coffee with snacks. My water intake also increased.

Clearly, in the last 6 years or so, I have not been so engaged with any kind of program for over a month. But, the GOQii program has been good. The very fact that somebody is monitoring you, makes you accountable.

My first step when I began my health journey was to form habits and build consistency, while trying to reduce weight. So, for the first two years I concentrated on these aspects. From 94kg I reduced to 87kg. I admit that it was pretty tough. Although I was committed and had focus, it was still tough sticking to working out on a regular basis and eating healthy. Slowly and steadily it started becoming easy to the point that being healthy indeed became a habit.

In the last two years, reducing further from 87kg to 73kg was not so tough. From walking 4-5 km daily, I have taken to running marathons regularly. My exercise routine currently, as guided by Coach Parwage via his class Bhaag Marathon Bhaag on GOQii Play, is 3-2-1 Configuration. Where in 3 alternate days I run 5-10 kms, 2 days I do core strengthening exercises and other exercises such as lunges, planks sit-ups etc. 1 day I alternate between cycling and swimming and 1 day, which is usually Monday, is my rest day.

As a result of this, I am positive and feel very energetic. My overall well-being has gone up. Mentally & physically, I am stronger now. The impetus and the consistency in being healthy comes from the GOQii App and the GOQii Coach. I will never forget what my coach has taught me. She helped me get over all my cravings such as junk food and sugar.

No more do I encourage samosa parties in office. Earlier we would gorge on samosa and all that is unhealthy. Now, even if it is a party in office and a cake is being cut, I politely say no

and people are amazed at me. What makes me happy is that I have become an inspiration to many who think that they will never be able to get back on track. After seeing the progress I made they see a ray of hope for themselves.

Giving It Back Like a Champion

This is one of the key reasons I chose to be a GOQii Champion and started the Palava Chapter in the outskirts of Mumbai. The champions programme is a first-hand experience for players. Only if you believe in being healthy will you be able to motivate others. I totally believe in this concept and even if I am able to improve one person’s health I will be happy. Giving back is what I learned from GOQii.

Giving back brings me to the concept of Karma on the GOQii Platform. The dimension of karma is an added advantage. Earlier you would sweat it out for yourself but here, you are not only sweating it out for yourself and your health but in the process are also helping somebody else who is in need, which is very enriching.

Did you find the story of Prashant Pathak to be inspiring? Would you like your story to be featured next? To write to us, please click here.

July 27, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Overcome! Achieve! Excel! Shivkumar Vishwanathan User Journey

There is definitely a lot of struggle in the process of getting healthy after being sedentary for too long. But what if you’ve been active and healthy your entire life? Do you keep pushing yourself to the limit, consistently improve or stagnate? Shivkumar Vishwanathan found himself in such a predicament and what did he do?

Before GOQii

Before joining GOQii, Shivkumar Vishwanathan was regular at the gym from 2007 to 2014. He stopped training once his trainer quit the gym. Due to the lack of motivation from a trainer, he didn’t hit the gym for almost a year. But Shivkumar Vishwanathan was not someone who could stay still. He wanted to continue being active and decided to look for a fitness tracker that would help him. It was purely by chance that he found GOQii in late 2015. What attracted him to GOQii was the personalized coaching feature, which at the time was not available with anybody else.

Passion for Cycling

Shivkumar Vishwanathan used to cycle to school back in the day. Later, when his family was aversive to him commuting to work on a motorcycle, he bought a bicycle on a whim! What began for purely commuting purposes soon became a passion.

Initially, cycling for even 5-10 km used to be tough. When he registered for BRM (Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux) chapters for long-distance endurance cycling, his GOQii Coach was able to help him improve his stamina and endurance.

His GOQii Coach used to give him targets to complete every week, progressively increasing distance and speed. The training strategy was charted out to gear up methodically for the ride. On the nutrition front, he was asked to consume complex carbs and proteins.

He was advised to begin carb-loading 3-4 days before the ride and his GOQii Coach also advised him on how to stay hydrated during the ride and what gels to use for quick energy. His Coach also suggested protein supplements, vitamin D and B12 supplements.

Thanks to all these inputs and support from his family, especially his wife who watched his diet, helped him cut on sugar and implement suggestions by his GOQii Coach, he can cycle for 100 km effortlessly.

He attempted the Mumbai – Pune and back 300 km ride in January, 2019 but, had to pull out midway. He, however, has two successful completion rides namely Mumbai – Charoti 200 km last November in 12 hours and the Mumbai – Kamshet 200 km night ride in April 2019.

Currently, he has cycled in every country he has been to. He did a 55km ride in North England, braving the rain and the extreme cold.

Completing the Kailash Parikrama

One of his close friends wanted him to go on the Kailash Parikrama along with him. They gathered 15 of their friends and decided to do it last December. When his GOQii Coach got to know of this, she immediately suggested that he do a lot of cardio to improve his cardiovascular fitness and to get his heart to pump at a higher rate. Resistance training also became a part of his routine to improve stamina and endurance. He began eating a diet that was rich in antioxidants. This consisted of more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. He also ate iron-rich foods that improved his blood circulation.

The highlights of the expedition were that he did not suffer from any stomach issues or headaches which are common among people while acclimatizing to higher altitudes. He didn’t face any major issues thanks to his training and diet. He was happy that he didn’t have to pop a single pill during the entire expedition.

The first day they covered 15km at an altitude of 5000mtrs and 22km on the 2nd day which was a climb to 5620mtrs. This was extremely excruciating and painful due to the lack of oxygen. 7 out of 15 of his friends, including him, completed the Parikrama. The expedition was a success for him although it was physically and mentally challenging.

Although physically fit, Shivkumar Vishwanathan wanted to push past his limits and take up challenges to test himself. He says it was because of the guidance, motivation and inputs from his GOQii Coach that he could overcome his challenges and achieve everything he has so far!

He plans to visit Tokyo to watch the Olympics and cycle in Japan! We look forward to hearing more of his adventures!

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#BeTheForce!