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August 28, 2019 By Pradnya Shinde Leave a Comment

Should You Go Grain-Free?

In the past few years, imperical evidence emerged, coaxing us to stay away from all the foods we enjoyed so much in order to live a strong, healthy and disease-free life. Now, along with sugar, fats and diary, you even have grains joining the list of dietary outcasts. How did this happen? Is it necessary? Let’s find out if you should go grain-free!

What is Grain-Free?

Have you ever thought about skipping rice, chapati or your favorite rotis for losing weight quickly? Ever skipped all grains which includes wheat and its products, corn, rice, jowar, ragi, and bajra? That is called going grain-free. It is when you eliminate all grains from your diet.

If you have followed a specific diet like Keto or Paleo, you know that they involve skipping grains. Another reason people avoid grains is the discomfort in digesting them. The specific known culprit is Wheat! But there is hardly any reason enough that suggests grains are unhealthy or promote weight gain.

Are There Any Benefits of Going Grain-Free?

The immediate benefit of going grain-free is that you will notice some weight loss and reduction in bloating. 80% of dry matter of grains is carbohydrates. Reduced intake of excess carbohydrates helps in reducing weight quickly as it also reduces water retention. Hence, skipping grains makes you feel light. It works for short-term weight loss.

However, if you want to go for long-term weight loss, skipping grains might not be such a great idea as it may lead to nutritional deficiency. Whole grains are a major source of Vitamin B in our diet. Restricting it for a long time may lead to deficiency and cause problems. Going grain-free is not for every person. You can get the same benefits by skipping sugar and processed foods. For long term weight loss, go for grains!

What to Watch Out For!

If you are insistent on going grain-free, then plan your diet in such a way that you can cope with the vitamin loss. For instasnce, include green vegetables in your diet. You can go grain-free for a specific period but avoid going long term. Remember that eating whole grains is good for your heart and it reduces the risk of cancer as well.

If you are skipping grains due to digestive discomfort, then take the IgA anti-gliadin antibodies test to see if you have gluten sensitivity followed by endoscopy to check for celiac disease.

Gluten is a protein present in wheat and it will cause you discomfort if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. If you have either of these conditions, avoid wheat, rye and barley. You can safely eat other grains.

To sum it up, you can enjoy eating rice, idli and parathas in moderation. Avoid refined cereal!

We hope this article helps you come to a conclusion on whether you should go grain-free or not! Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

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 8, 2019 By Trupti Hingad 41 Comments

Foods That Help Cure Sinusitis!

Have you woken up one morning with terrible pain in your forehead or between your eyes? To add to this agony, you experience a swelling face, stuffy nose and congestion. Your upper teeth hurt and it feels like your head is about to explode! If you have these symptoms, it is an indication of Sinusitis!

What is Sinusitis?

Sinus points are basically air spaces in your skull lined with mucous membranes. Most people have four sets of nasal sinuses.

Two in the forehead above the eyes
One inside each cheekbone
A group of them, called the Ethmoid Sinuses, behind the bridge of the nose
Another group behind the nose and underneath the brain called the Sphenoid Sinuses

These sinus points are like fingerprints. If there is an infection in these points, it leads to a condition called Sinusitis. Basically, it is an inflammation of the sinus cavity due to a virus, bacteria or fungus. Tiny hair-like structures called Cilia move mucus across Sinus Membranes, towards an exit.

All of your sinus cavities connect to your nose to allow a free exchange of air and mucus. Infections or allergies affect the sinus tissues, making them inflamed, red and swollen. But don’t worry, nature is loaded with remedies for most conditions!

Foods That Help Cure Sinusitis

Spicy Foods: Hot spices like pepper, chillis (capsicum), jalapenos, relieve sinus congestion as they help release the mucus that causes a stuffed nose. Spicy foods help in opening the sinus cavity and promote the restoration of normal breathing.
Garlic: contains an enzyme called Allicin that destroys bacteria and viruses that cause Sinusitis.
Vitamin E: found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils helps you get rid of a sinus congestion.
Zinc: in Lean Meat, Poultry, Licorice and Seafood helps in relieving a congestion.
Warm Herbal Teas: like Peppermint, Ginger, Licorice and Holy Basil (Tulsi) teas are some of the best for your sinuses and throat during a bout of Sinusitis. Tea moistens mucus membrane, helping to clear the sinus network.
Chicken Soup: contains an amino acid called cysteine that causes a runny nose and clears out the nasal congestion.
Leafy Green Veggies, tomatoes, oranges, yellow fruits and veggies contain Vitamin A that helps build a healthy mucus membrane.
Grapefruits, Oranges and Lemon are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Thus, they help clear a sinus congestion. Oxidation damage can contribute to Chronic Sinusitis. Antioxidants protect the mucus membranes from free radical damage.
Pineapple is rich in antioxidants which protect the delicate mucus membranes from damage. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, breaks down the junk that builds up in sinuses and reduces inflammation.
Coconut Oil is very good at reducing inflammation and also in killing many bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Try oil pulling with a spoonful of coconut oil and you’ll notice your sinuses clear up. Simply swish around a spoonful of it for five to ten minutes and spit it out.
Turmeric/Ginger Root: Turmeric root is wonderful, fragrant and contains natural anti-inflammatory Curcumin. This spice is also an antioxidant. When combined with spicy ginger root and brewed for hot tea, this combination can help loosen mucus from clogged nasal passages, alleviate sinus pressure, and make you feel better all around. Ginger root also has the added bonus of calming an upset stomach – a frequent side-effect of excessive night time sinus drainage.
Apple Cider Vinegar: acts as a boon for sinus infections. Firstly, it is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory that can kill the destructive microorganisms which cause the infection. Secondly, it helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level, which helps breaking up mucus and discourage the proliferation of the condition.

Worst Foods For a Sinus Infection

Caffeine weakens your adrenal glands and causes sinus congestion
Fried foods/Processed foods containing additives are best avoided during a sinus infection
Foods with high sugar content, especially ice cream, worsen a sinus infection
Refined carbs like bread, pasta, and rice do not help during sinus congestions
Fermented foods like cheese worsen sinus
Starchy heavy foods like noodles are not for people with a sinus problem
Milk is known to worsen a sinus congestion as it thickens mucus and promotes microbial growth
Foods high in saturated fats like egg yolk and meat are to be avoided during a sinus infection

Keep your sinus clean and relax, breathe refresh and stay healthy! We hope this article helped you. Please do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

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!