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Your Heart and You: Signs of Heart Disease to Watch Out For

heart diseaseMishita, 55 years old, had been feeling low and depressed for a few months. For the past 2 days, she began experiencing slight restlessness, palpitations, and a suffocating feeling followed by mild chest pain radiating to her left shoulder. Being alone, she called her daughter to share these symptoms. Her daughter immediately alerted a neighbour who had basic knowledge about heart symptoms and helped save Mishita from a major heart attack. Early signs of arteriosclerosis were detected, and with lifestyle changes, Mishita is now happy, healthy, and almost off medication!

How & When Does Heart Disease Develop?

Heart disease often develops over time due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Early signs or symptoms can manifest long before a serious heart issue arises. In my practice, I have seen that the body, including the heart, will give several signs before it deteriorates. It’s up to you how much you listen to your body.

Heart disease describes a range of conditions affecting the heart. It could relate to blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease—especially arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can lead to myocardial infarction)—or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats due to issues with the heart’s electrical system). Some people are born with heart conditions, such as congenital heart defects. Two major factors that affect heart health are a person’s physiological and emotional constitution.

Psychoneuroimmunology has proven that individuals who are sad, depressed, unhealthy, or unhappy are at greater risk for heart attacks and other diseases. Emotional, mental, and physical well-being are key to leading a healthy life.

Signs To Watch Out For

I’ll be discussing common symptoms of a heart attack, as the number of people affected continues to rise. If you experience any of the following symptoms at any age, it’s crucial to seek medical advice:

  • Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, which can be felt on the left, center, or sometimes even the right side, and may radiate to the left shoulder, upper back, jaw, or chin. There are many causes of chest pain unrelated to the heart, but it remains the most common symptom of poor blood flow to the heart cells, leading to a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
  • It can feel like crushing pain or mild discomfort.
  • It might feel heavy, or like the heart is being squeezed. Some may feel a sharp, burning sensation in the chest or upper stomach area.
  • Chest pain may occur during activity, after emotional experiences, or at rest, and may improve with rest or nitroglycerin.
  • Bad indigestion can also cause chest pain, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate heart trouble. However, any symptoms are the body’s way of communicating, so do not ignore them.

Additional symptoms to be aware of include extreme anxiety, fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations (feeling like your heart is beating too fast or irregularly), shortness of breath, and heavy sweating.

For individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, general weakness, or changes in skin color.

Symptoms That Need Cardiac Attention

  1. Shortness of Breath: When the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should, blood backs up in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart. Fluid leaks into the lungs and causes shortness of breath. This is a symptom of heart failure. One may notice shortness of breath during activity, while resting or when lying flat on the back – it might wake you up from sleep.
  2. Continuous coughing or wheezing could be a sign that the fluid is building up in the lungs. One may also cough up mucus that is pink or bloody.
  3. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet: because the blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in the legs. This causes fluid to build up in the tissues. One may also experience swelling in the stomach or notice some weight gain. This is mostly seen in congestive cardiac failure.
  4. Narrowed Blood Vessels could mean a higher risk of a heart attack & can occur when cholesterol and other fatty material (plaque) builds upon the walls of the arteries. It is also the cause of hypertension.
  5. Fatigue: Tiredness can have many causes. It could be a sign of heart trouble when one feels so tired that regular activities are not conducted or when the feeling is sudden and leads to severe weakness
  6. Palpitations: If the heart can’t pump blood normally, it may beat faster to try to keep up. It might feel that the heart is racing or throbbing. A fast or uneven heartbeat can also be a sign of arrhythmia. This is a problem with your heart rate or rhythm.

The heart is an organ that never rests until you do. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining heart health. Your diet, sleep, stress levels, emotional state, and physical activity all play key roles in your heart’s well-being. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately.

Don’t let the rhythm of your heart be disturbed. In most heart-related cases, prevention is the only cure!

Watch out for Part 2 of this article. For more on heart health, check out Healthy Reads or 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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Learn and know the symptoms of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOYou must have come across many women among your friends, neighbourhood and even within your family suffering from PCOS, a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary, as seen during an ultrasound exam.

A woman diagnosed with PCOS often feels like she has acquired a severe condition, worrying that she will not be able to conceive, her menstrual cycle will remain irregular, and she will continuously gain weight. These negative thoughts and stress can further worsen the condition. When they visit gynecologists, the treatment often involves oral contraceptives, hormonal pills, insulin sensitizers, and diuretics, which treat the symptoms but do not reverse the condition.

In my 4 years of practice as a dietician, I have encountered many women with PCOS, and by purely implementing lifestyle changes, I have successfully helped them reverse PCOS. Many have also been able to conceive and deliver healthy babies.

To help you better understand and relate to this condition, here is some important information about PCOS and ways to reverse it.

Signs and Symptoms of PCOS:

  1. Irregular or no menses, leading to weight gain
  2. Acne and oily skin
  3. Hirsutism Facial hair growth, abnormal hair growth and distribution
  4. Obesity, which increases insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance
  5. Dandruff or excessive flaky skin
  6. Skin discoloration
  7. Hypercholesterolemia due to poor diet and lifestyle
  8. Hypertension, due to weight gain, which puts pressure on the arteries
  9. Diabetes caused by insulin resistance, leading to weight gain

Causes:

  1. Obesity: Especially abdominal obesity
  2. Stress: Stress and lack of sleep lead to excessive production of cortisol, a stress hormone that raises blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, contributing to belly fat accumulation
  3. Lack of exercise: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, while the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) reduces cortisol levels
  4. Excessive intake of aerated drinks: These drinks contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is not metabolized properly and gets stored as fat, particularly in the abdominal area

What Should the Treatment Be?

A simple lifestyle change can work wonders. A good exercise regime, regular and balanced meal patterns, and a stress-free life can reverse PCOS.

So you would want to know what should be done and how, right?

Some Do’s and Don’ts:                                                                        

1. Meal patterns:

  • Consume whole grain products over refined ones
  • Stop consuming aerated drinks
  • Include a variety of colored vegetables rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
  • Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day
  • Include foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids like flaxseeds, almonds, nuts, and fatty fish
  • Consume at least 3-4 servings of soy per week, as it is rich in phytoestrogen, which helps improve estrogen levels in women. Processed soy is better as processing removes natural inhibitors.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption

2. Physical activity:

Engage in at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of physical activity daily. This helps produce endorphins, reducing cortisol levels and relieving stress. Exercise also improves glucose uptake, normalizes blood sugar levels, reduces insulin resistance, aids in weight control, increases HDL cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure.

3. Stress reduction:

Stress plays a major role in acquiring lifestyle related disorders

It is very important to keep your stress levels under control.

Ways to reduce stress levels:

  • Getting enough good sleep each day
  • Practicing pranayama (deep breathing exercises)
  • Meditation
  • Pursing hobbies or sports
  • Spending time with loved ones

By maintaining an active body, a peaceful mind, and healthy eating habits, you can reverse many lifestyle-related disorders. The power to change lies within you, and taking small steps towards a better lifestyle can make all the difference.

We hope this article provided valuable insights into managing PCOS. If you’ve found these tips helpful or have your own experiences to share, let us know in the comments below! For more articles on reversing PCOS and improving your overall well-being, check out Healthy Reads, or 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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Uric acid and seven ways to reduce it

uric acid

You may have heard people mention they suffer from ‘Gout.’ Gout is a condition marked by abnormal metabolism of uric acid, leading to excessive amounts of uric acid in the tissues and blood.

Uric acid is a byproduct of the metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides. High levels of uric acid in the bloodstream can result in gout. It is also linked to other health issues, such as kidney stones and diabetes.

Normal uric acid levels range between 3.5 and 7.2 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

Here are seven tips to help reduce uric acid levels:

  1. Increase Water Intake – Staying hydrated is key to flushing out uric acid. When your body is well-hydrated, uric acid crystals are less likely to form. Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily to help eliminate uric acid from your system. You can also include buttermilk, coconut water, lemon water, and green tea to boost your overall fluid intake.
  2. Reduce Purine-Rich Foods – Uric acid is formed by the breakdown of purines, a type of protein. While purines are naturally produced by the body, they are also found in foods like red meat, mushrooms, baked goods containing yeast, and fermented products. Opt for foods like lentils, split dals, milk, and egg whites to maintain healthy protein intake.
  3. Eat High Fiber Food – Fiber helps absorb uric acid in the bloodstream, allowing it to be easily eliminated through the kidneys. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and whole grain products, which should be chosen over refined products.
  4. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol – Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks) and alcohol hinder the excretion of uric acid by binding to it. Reducing your intake of these can improve uric acid removal from your system.
  5. Consume Vitamin C-Rich Foods – Vitamin C aids in the excretion of uric acid. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, cabbage, amla (Indian gooseberry), and guava are excellent sources of Vitamin C and can help lower uric acid levels.
  6. Limit Sugar Intake – Excess sugar can interfere with the excretion of uric acid. Studies have shown that drinking 300 ml of sweetened beverages daily can increase the risk of gout by 13%.
  7. Try Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which turns alkaline in the body, helping to dissolve uric acid crystals and preventing them from recurring. It also reduces joint inflammation and swelling, improving joint flexibility.

Reducing uric acid levels is crucial for managing gout and preventing associated health issues like kidney stones and diabetes. By making these simple lifestyle adjustments, you can lower your uric acid naturally and maintain better overall health. Do try these tips and share your thoughts in the comments below! For more 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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Importance of Vitamin D For Boosting Immunity

Vitamin DVitamin D, commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is actually a pro-hormone produced in the body upon exposure to sunlight. This essential nutrient exerts significant influences on multiple systems across the body

Health Benefits of Vitamin D 

  • Promotes Healthy Bones and Teeth: Crucial for calcium absorption, which is essential for maintaining bone health.
  • Supports Immune, Brain, and Nervous System Health: Boosts immune function and supports cognitive and nervous system functions.
  • Regulates Insulin Levels and Aids Diabetes Management: Assists in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
  • Maintains Healthy Lung Function and Cardiovascular Health: Supports lung function and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Influences Gene Expression Related to Cancer: Involved in regulating genes that may be linked to cancer development.

How Does It Improve Immunity Levels?

The human body fights infections using two types of immune systems – the innate system (which provides a quick, general response) and the adaptive system (which produces a slower but highly specific response, such as antibody production). Vitamin D modulates both systems, which explains its wide-ranging effects on the immune system.

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in individuals experiencing seasonal cold and flu outbreaks. During the winter and seasonal changes, there is less sunlight, leading to lower Vitamin D levels and reduced immunity.

Why Do Immune Cells Need Vitamin D?

Vitamin D has a “non-classic” role in modulating the body’s immune responses to illness or infection. Vitamin D receptors are found throughout the body, including in immune cells. T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections, need vitamin D to become activated. Without sufficient vitamin D, T cells remain dormant and unable to protect the body effectively.

How Do You Get Enough Of Vitamin D?

1. Sunlight

Getting enough sunlight is the best way to help the body produce sufficient Vitamin D. Exposing your skin to the sun for 20 to 30 minutes a day ensures enough UVB rays come into contact with the cholesterol in the skin, enabling Vitamin D synthesis.

However, several factors affect Vitamin D production from sunlight:

  • Time of Day: The skin produces more Vitamin D when exposed to the sun during midday (between 10 am to 2 pm) when the sun is at its highest.
  • Sunscreen: Sunscreen blocks UVB rays, limiting Vitamin D production. It is best to allow some direct sun exposure to the skin.
  • Skin Exposure: The more skin you expose, the more Vitamin D your body will produce. Consider wearing short sleeves or shorts when possible.
  • Skin Colour: People with lighter skin produce Vitamin D more quickly than those with darker skin due to lower melanin levels.
  • Geographical Location: Living farther from the equator means less UVB radiation, especially during the winter months in the UK.
  • Always remember: Frequent, moderate sun exposure is beneficial, but prolonged exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Balance is key.

2. Food Sources

While sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, certain foods can help increase levels:

  • Fatty Fish (Salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines)
  • Egg Yolks
  • Cheese
  • Mushrooms (exposed to sunlight)
  • Fortified Foods (milk, cereals, and juices)

3. Supplements

If you have limited exposure to sunlight or are experiencing symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency (such as frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, or muscle weakness), consider taking supplements. In the UK, the NHS recommends adults and children over 1 year should consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) of Vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements.

Hope this article helps you understand the importance of the Sunshine Vitamin, especially to boost immunity. For more tips on boosting your immunity, reach out to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for 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.

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]