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Endometriosis: A Silent Menace Disrupting Women’s Lives

Endometriosis: A silent killer

Earlier this year, GOQii conducted a focused group study among 3000 women to understand which health issues they are facing. The Women’s Health Matters survey highlighted some key issues such as menstrual problems, PCOS, hypothyroidism, UTI, Fibroid and issues with infertility which continue to persist despite the increased focus on women’s health. Apart from these issues, we also found a looming threat to women’s health in the form of endometriosis.

We found that approximately 6% of women suffer from endometriosis. As compared to the other issues, this percentage might seem small but endometriosis is a growing issue among many women. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in India and is increasing in prevalence. 

What Is Endometriosis? 

Endometriosis is a painful and debilitating disease that affects many women. It is a condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside the uterus and onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, and other organs in the abdominal cavity. 

This can cause severe pain during menstruation, severe pelvic pain, and infertility. The cause of endometriosis is still unknown, and the exact biological mechanisms are yet to be determined. However, research has suggested that genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the disease. 

Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone have been identified as potential culprits, as they have been found to stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.  Additionally, genetics may play a role, as endometriosis appears to be passed down through families. 

Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of endometriosis. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as dioxins, can increase the risk of developing the condition. Additionally, prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices has been linked to the condition.

As per the survey, 57.1% of the women surveyed have been suffering from endometriosis for anywhere between 1-5 years.

Endometriosis 2

Symptoms Include: 

  • Painful periods
  • Pelvic pain
  • Cramping
  • Abnormal or heavy bleeding
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Fatigue.

Other symptoms may include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and painful bowel movements. Endometriosis can also cause emotional distress and depression. Some women may experience pain in their lower back, thighs or rectum. The long term health issues involving pain, fatigue and depression can lead to a reduction in quality of life, as well as decreased productivity. 

How Can You Manage Endometriosis? 

Managing Endometriosis can be a challenging affair but it is not impossible! Here are several tips and strategies to keep in mind: 

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional experienced in endometriosis. They can provide a proper diagnosis, suggest treatment options, and offer ongoing support.
  2. Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about endometriosis. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, and available treatment options will empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
  3. Pain management: Pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. Explore pain management strategies such as over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads, hot baths, relaxation techniques, and gentle exercise. You might need prescription medications in case of severe pain.
  4. Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so it’s important to find effective stress management techniques. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
  5. Diet and nutrition: Some individuals find that certain foods worsen their symptoms. Consider keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, or high-fat meals. Eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can be beneficial.
  6. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve overall health and reduce symptoms. Aim for moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best exercise plan for your specific situation.
  7. Support network: Seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and concerns with others who understand can be comforting and provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
  8. Self-care: Prioritize self-care activities which help you relax and promote wellbeing. This can include getting enough sleep, engaging in activities you enjoy, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion.

Last but not the least, awareness of the condition is needed so that women can seek help early and receive the treatment they need to ensure that they are able to manage their symptoms and live full and healthy lives.

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below. Know someone suffering from this condition? Share this article with them. Find more articles on women’s health here. To help you manage women’s health issues, get expert advice from our coaches by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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5 Healthy Juices For Weight Loss

Juices for weight loss

One of the golden rules to live by is to include at least 2 servings of fruits and vegetables to our diet every day. While this seems hard for some people because of the sugar content in fruit juices, you can’t deny the fact that one can get numerous micronutrients from them. While juices alone won’t help you lose weight, you can add these nutrient rich, less sugar blends to your existing regime and see drastic improvements! Try these amazing juices for weight loss now!

Best Natural Juices For Weight Loss

Below are some recipes we think can help you in your journey to lose weight. More greens are useful than fruits but this variety and blends will definitely help you a lot to not just detox, but supply your body with the nutrients it needs.

1. Clean and Green Detox Juice

juices for weight loss

Ingredients:

  • Apples
  • Kale
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Basil

Method:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender
  2. Add 1/4th cup of water. Mix thoroughly. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

This smoothie is excellent for detox as it flushes out all toxins from your body and contains antioxidants from the basil to make this one of the effective vegetable juices for fat loss.

2. Beetroot, Carrot & Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • Beetroots
  • Carrots
  • Strawberries

Method:

  1. Peel beetroots and chop the carrots. Add strawberries to the veggies and blend it in a blender
  2. Add 1/4th cup of water. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

Beetroot juice will help you work out harder in the gym and this is one of the fruit juices for weight loss that contain a high amount of soluble and insoluble fiber that assists in weight loss.

3. Mint, Watermelon and Kale Juice

Ingredients:

  • Watermelon: 1.5-2 cups
  • Mint leaves: 1 fistful
  • Kale: 3 leaves

Method:

  1. Wash mint and kale leaves and put in blender. Chop the watermelon, remove the seeds and place in blender.
  2. Add 1/4th cup of water and mix well. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference.

Watermelon, by nature, are mainly water and sugar, thus making them a low calorie, weight loss assistant. This is a handy juice for weight loss because of the mint leaves. Mint leaves are a natural appetite suppressant. So forget your hunger pangs after having one of these smoothies!

4. Green Spinach Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • Lemon: 1/4th cup
  • Water: 1/2 cup
  • Spinach: 1 whole
  • Apple (secret ingredient)

Method:

  1. Cut up lemons and remove seeds. Add spinach, lemon and water to blender.
  2. Add 1 apple with skin. Mix thoroughly. Add more apple if you want to sweeten more.
  3. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

The key ingredient to this, as you may have noticed, is the apple. Not only is it a fantastic sweetener, but it is also a fantastic source of antioxidants and minerals. This is the best juice for weight loss because it contains the minerals and micro-nutrients from spinach and apples but also assists in weight loss due to the lemons.

5. Cucumber Kiwi Juice

Ingredients:

  • Kiwi – 2 whole
  • Cucumber – 1 whole
  • Lemon – 1/2
  • Water – 1/4 Cup

Method:

  1. Chop and peel the kiwis and cucumber. Blend together.
  2. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

This recipe is the best juice recipe to get rid of belly fat because it is high in water and low in sodium. Low sodium juices reduce the overall bloating of the body and because this juice is lower than 50 calories, it is a fantastic way to satiate your hunger and be in a caloric deficit. A must try option for effective weight loss.

There you go! We hope these juices aid you on your weight loss journey. More importantly, consult with your doctor before trying these in case you have any allergies.

Which recipe did you like the most? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Get more healthy recipes here. To get more tips and guidance on your weight loss journey, speak with a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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Does Apple Cider Vinegar Really Promote Weight Loss?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has gained a lot of popularity for its weight loss properties but the real question is, does it really help one lose weight? Before we delve deeper into that, let’s understand what ACV is.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

ACV is acidic in nature due to its main component of acetic acid. It is prepared by the fermentation of crushed apples. It is the acetic acid which has numerous health benefits. Some of these include:

  1. Helps controlling blood sugar levels: Acetic acid present in Apple Cider Vinegar can improve the ability of the liver to utilize sugar more efficiently from the blood.
  2. Decreases insulin levels: If the ratio of insulin and glucagon reduces, it helps in increasing the fat burning process. This is done by acetic acid.
  3. Helps in boosting metabolism: which increases the fat burning process.
  4. It reduces fat storage and suppresses appetite resulting in low intake of food.
  5. Controls blood pressure naturally
  6. Helps in reducing bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol (HDL).
  7. Alleviates the symptoms of PCOS.

What Does Research Say? 

One of the researches done on humans (Japanese) states that Apple Cider Vinegar can really help in reducing weight and body fat.

Researchers gave 1 Tbsp (15ml) of ACV, 2Tbsp (30ml) of a placebo drink daily to 144 obese Japanese adults for 12 weeks, along with their usual diet and exercise routine. After 12 weeks, it was found that those who consumed 15ml of ACV per day reduced 1.2kgs, 0.7% of body fat, 0.5” of the waist and 26% Triglycerides. Those who consumed 30ml of ACV per day reduced 1.7kgs of weight, 0.9% body fat, 0.75” waist and 26% Triglycerides (same as 15ml).

On the other hand, those who were fed the placebo increased 0.4kgs and slight increment in waist circumference too.

So, the bottom line is that 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar per day can lead to weight loss and the reduction in body fat percentage, belly fat, and blood triglycerides.

How Do You Add ACV to Your Routine?

Mix 15-30ml of ACV in a full glass of water. However, it is always advised to break the doses 2-3 times a day preferably, at least 15 mins before a meal. If you can’t drink it due to its pungent taste and smell, then it can be used:

  • As a salad dressing with olive oil
  • For pickling of vegetables

Please Note: Do not consume ACV directly. Always dilute before consuming to avoid burning of the throat and stomach lining due to the strong acid. Also, excessive usage of apple cider vinegar may be harmful due to the acid content. Always consume within the safe limits or else it may lead to the erosion of teeth enamel and loss of potassium.

Before you begin using Apple Cider Vinegar, do consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian. Want to try ACV? Get it from the GOQii Health Store here. 

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below! Get this kind of information and more directly from an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. 

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Should You Fast During Ramadan if You Are Diabetic?

diabetes and ramadan

Just a few days back, I was walking down a lane when I came across a person who fainted and fell before me. I got curious and learned that the man was fasting and he had recently been diagnosed with diabetes. He was given immediate medical support and revived.

This incident primarily occurred because he was unaware about the disease. He fell unconscious because the blood glucose levels of his body spiked up while fasting due to the change in medical timings and improper meals. It got me thinking if it is really safe for a diabetic to fast during Ramadan.

What Is Diabetes?

To keep it short, Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level is high due to the lack of Insulin – a hormone produced by the Pancreas. Insulin converts glucose into energy and supplies it to every single cell present in the body. The 3 main type of Diabetes include Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational.

In Type 1, the Pancreas stop working and in Type 2, the body produces a little Insulin or does not use it properly. This results in several health problems. Gestational Diabetes often occurs during pregnancy and it generally goes away after delivery.

Should You Fast During Ramadan If You’re Diabetic? 

During this holy month, the Muslim community observes a fast, eating only before sunrise (Suhoor) and after sunset (Iftar). They are not allowed to eat or drink anything in between. However, there is an exception towards people with medical ailments.

Diabetics and those at lower or moderate risks may choose to fast but there certainly isn’t a choice for those at higher risks. If you do choose to fast, keep an eye over blood sugar levels throughout the day. Most importantly, consult a doctor before fasting to avoid medical emergencies.

What Happens To Diabetics When They Fast?

Monitoring your blood glucose level while fasting is crucial for a diabetic. When healthy individuals consume food, Insulin is released by the Pancreas and it stores Glucose in the Liver and Glycogen in the Muscles which balance out the Blood Glucose Levels and maintain it at optimal range.

This process tends to malfunction during fasting which results in lack of Insulin in the blood, leading to either of the two conditions called Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia.

  • Hypoglycemia: This is a serious health condition where blood glucose levels drop below 70mg/dl. It requires immediate medical attention. If a person who is fasting feels shakiness or experiences headaches, sweating or lack of concentration, they must break their fast immediately to avoid any severe complications. Complications may range from seizures, coma to death. A bar of chocolate, a sugary drink or a small bowl of curd rice with sugar must be consumed if Blood Sugar Levels are exceptionally low. If a person breaks their fast on such an emergency, visit a doctor immediately.
  • Hyperglycemia: This occurs when your sugar levels are as high as or more than 200mg/dl.  Common symptoms include extreme thirst, tiredness, and frequent urination. In such a situation, take advice from your doctor if you should continue your fast or not. Hyperglycemia affects each part of your body. If larger blood vessels are affected, you may face risks of stroke or a heart attack. On the contrary, if smaller blood vessels are affected, then you may face issues with your eyes, nerves and kidneys.
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis: This is a condition where Blood Glucose Levels go extremely high and a person experiences abdominal pain, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting. It requires immediate medical attention. In such situations, it is best to consult with a doctor.
  • Dehydration: While fasting, one may experience dehydration, especially those who work outdoors under the scorching heat of the sun. Due to lack of fluids, sugar may accumulate in the system, resulting in high blood sugar levels which can make you pass urine frequently. To overcome such dehydration during Ramadan, try to drink plenty of water after Iftar till Suhoor.

Managing Diabetes While Fasting During Ramadan

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an individual’s decision. It can be managed with lifestyle changes, advice from a doctor and frequent monitoring. A few things you should consider are:

1. Pre-Diabetic Health Checkup: A Health checkup and monitoring your glucose levels before the month of Ramadan is necessary. You can also try fasting before Ramadan to see if you can manage it. Check your medication timings and discuss it with your doctor if you choose to fast.

If you consume medicines at Suhoor and keep a fast the entire day, chances are that your blood glucose levels might drop. Your blood glucose levels might even spike in the evening when you break your fast due to the intake of meals. Hence, discuss your medication timings and keep a glucometer handy to avoid medical emergencies.

2. Nutrition: If you are diabetic, ensure that both your meals are balanced. Opt for low Glycemic Index foods and Complex Carbs which digest slowly. Go for high fiber foods at Suhoor to manage blood glucose levels during fasts. Foods such as oats, Talbina (barley-based dish), brown rice, pasta and a bowl of vegetable salads work best.

Sorghum (Jowar) or Pearl Millet (Bajra) flattened bread (rotis) with Curd Raita is the best choice. A glass of buttermilk is also a good option. You can have Basil Seeds Water during Suhoor as it is rich in antioxidants, protein, good fats and fiber, all of which help in controlling diabetes.

A little protein in the form of chicken, fish, beans and legumes can also be included as they keep you full for a longer period of time and get absorbed slowly. However, people with kidney problems should take extra care to increase protein intake.

During Iftar, break your fast slowly. Chew properly and consume small amounts of food at different intervals as glucose levels may spike up if you consume a large meal at once. Have a small bowl of fruit salad or a glass of lassi (yogurt based drink) before heavy meals. Choose baked or grilled foods as compared to something fried and oily.

Sprouted salads, boiled chickpeas, or fruits are good options to include before you begin your meal. Don’t forget to hydrate yourself. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages and choose fresh fruit juices such as beetroot juice or herbal iced tea.

We hope this article helps you stay healthy and maintain a fast without any complications or medical emergencies. If a medical emergency should arise, visit your doctor immediately.

If you found this article to be helpful, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can browse through more articles related to diabetes here.

If you need help or support managing Diabetes, join GOQii’s Diabetes Care Program. It’s India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), and reduce HbA1c levels. You can subscribe here.

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