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Search Results for: metabolism

July 28, 2022 By GOQii 7 Comments

Lemon Water and Weight Loss: Are They Really Connected?

lemon water and weight lossThere’s no doubt that this bright yellow, all season fruit has innumerable advantages. If I were to list down the benefits, it would be endless. The foremost advantage of lemon is its power to enhance the flavor of our kitchen. Packed with vitamin C, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, pectin fiber and citric acid, this fruit has been known to boost immunity and take it to another level.

It is anti-bacterial in nature, thus protecting you from the clutches of most infections. It’s also a blood purifier and known to rejuvenate the skin by taking away acne and wrinkles. It’s a perfect morning drink as it aids in the elimination of waste products from the body and promotes quick bursts of energy.

I have seen many people using lemon water as a way to lose weight, but does it really help in weight loss? The good news is that it does! Lemon water has shown to have real weight loss powers. It actually helps accelerate the process of weight loss.

Let’s understand the Mechanism of Lemon Water and Weight Loss

  • Drinking lemon water in the morning helps activate the detoxifying process. It clears out toxins and some internal waste from the body. Once the toxins are out, it accelerates our sluggish metabolism, increasing our calorie burning capacity.
  • It has diuretic and laxative effect, enabling smooth bowels and cleansing of colon. Lingering waste in the colon also adds on to the weight and results in bloating. Removal of the lingering waste helps drop some kilos then and there itself.
  • Lemon water helps cleanse the liver. Some components of lemon stimulate the liver to produce more bile. Bile is a chemical that helps in fat digestion. This process helps metabolize fat faster.
  • Having lemon water with a meal also stimulates the production of gastric juices that enhance digestion.
  • Lemon is packed with Vitamin C. According to an article published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” in 2005, vitamin C is inversely related to our body mass. Reports suggest that having enough vitamin C can stimulate a series of chemical reactions that breakdown body fat and use it as energy.
  • It creates an alkaline atmosphere in the stomach which is conducive to weight loss and helps shed off the kilos faster.
  • It contains a fiber called pectin (especially the lemon peel). Pectin is known to cut down hunger cravings and provide satiety effects, thus, exerting control on overeating.
  • Last but not the least – substituting other drinks (colas/sugary fruit juices, etc.) with lemon water certainly reduces the caloric consumption, as lemon water adds ZERO calories to your body compared to other drinks.  If you choose to replace the other drinks with lemon water every day for months or even a year, it will help you lose weight!

This simple and tiny fruit is the perfect example of how “Big Surprises Come in Small Packages!” Make it a point to begin the day with a glass of lemon water daily. Enjoy its positive effects on your health and weight in the long run.

We hope this article helps you! For more on weight loss, check out Healthy Reads. You can also reach out to a GOQii Coach who will help you form healthy habits for sustainable weight loss, by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

July 27, 2022 By Dr Akshat Chadha 1 Comment

Busting Myths Related To Diabetes Reversal

diabetes reversalYou may have often come across the term ‘Diabetes Reversal’. But can the condition actually be ‘reversed’? “The word ‘reversal’ is a misnomer, as the dictionary defines it as a change in an opposite direction, position, or course of action or back to a former state. Of late, this seems to be used very loosely next to diabetes, and that’s not an accurate way to look at it.

Why is it not accurate? That is because ‘diabetes reversal’ would mean that the medicines are stopped, and the person no longer suffers from the disease. But, this scenario is seldom seen in practice for many patients. Yes, few patients — like the ones with prediabetes are able to ‘reverse’ their conditions for a longer period of time (if they are able to maintain a good lifestyle) but those with chronic, long-standing diabetes, find it difficult to even sustain the reduced medications.

The word ‘reversal’ may actually only mean better control and management to begin with, then slowly tapering off medicines, to finally try and take them off with further work aimed at a situation where you do not go back to medications. If a patient can sustain this state of no medicines with the blood reports staying within the normal limits for five years, then probably we can say that diabetes (type 2) has been reversed.

Common Myths Surrounding Diabetes Reversal 

Myth #1: Type 2 diabetes reversal is easy and can be achieved in 6-8 weeks by joining a program.

Fact: This one is actually a pretty funny and dangerous myth. I would think it’s impossible to believe something like this. But, people do believe it as they tend to get desperate to get rid of the condition and hence, go to any extent where they see a ray of hope, which makes it dangerous. Fad diets or even strict diets can show the blood reports getting better along with a reduction in weight (4-5 kgs every month). But, this drastic change can cause other issues later in life including chronic deficiencies.

While on the program, the patients are also taken off the medicines (since the blood reports look better) but once the program ends, and those who aren’t able to sustain the changes, the sugar starts to increase and this time with a vengeance. Some even end up rushing back to their original doctors who understandably get upset as they fear the damage caused and invariably have to increase medication. Thus, the patient suffers the most at multiple levels and what starts as a ray of hope for the patient ends up being a ray of destruction.

Myth #2: Cut out carbs, fruits and sugar and you will reverse type 2 diabetes

no sugar diabetes reversal

Fact: The patient will definitely get the numbers down initially, at least on paper. But, apart from the nutritional benefits that they will miss out on, it’s very unlikely that diabetes reversal will be achieved.

I want to help you all understand that the major source of the problem such as inflammation or insulin resistance is the refined carbohydrates and sugar that are present in cakes, pastries, sodas and even packaged foods. Grains and fruits can increase the sugars but it varies from person to person. If they are balanced with fiber, proteins and fats, then you will be surprised to know how well the sugars are regulated. We have a tendency of eating 5-6 chapatis or a big portion of rice with just a touch of vegetables (sometimes the quantity is even lesser than pickle) and sometimes no dals or beans or even curd. So, instead of going extreme and cutting down everything (which again becomes difficult to sustain), look at including a balanced meal as you will not only have better blood sugar but also improve your overall health.

Myth #3: Do fasting and you will reverse diabetes

Fact: This one is really doing the rounds. This might not be a myth but rather an exaggeration. It makes sense to fast as you will end up consuming lesser food (>12hrs – you mostly will end up missing one major meal). Initially, one will witness weight loss and the gut along with the pancreas will get some relaxation during the fasting period. Fasting is an age-old practice and does have benefits if done the ‘right way’. It’s however important to know what’s the right way to fast.

The answer to this question is that it varies from diabetic to diabetic and also depends on the co-morbid conditions, current medications, insulin and how much the blood sugar fluctuates. Of course, eating 2kg of fruits or eating “anything and everything” during the eating window isn’t going to work, so such behaviour is not encouraged. Also, if you are continuously fasting for weeks or months together, then be careful about muscle health, gut health and even your metabolism as all of these can take a slight dip. Fasting when used as one of the tools for better diabetes management under the right guidance should help in the overall improvement of the patient’s health.

Myth #4: I will not be able to reduce medicines or get off them because I have a family history of diabetes.

family history diabetes reversalFact: Family history, especially if both parents have diabetes, does play a big role in making a person predisposed to diabetes. But it’s not the only factor that triggers diabetes. It’s, in fact, your lifestyle, your daily habits repeated over a period of time that finally leads you to diabetes. So, in the same way, you might have to be more particular and take better care of yourself. If done consistently, one can hope to see the medicines reduced, in spite of the family history.

Of course, prevention or postponement is better than reversal so if people can start following a healthier sustainable lifestyle then they can keep diabetes away for a longer time or even if they get it, they can manage it with minimum medicines. Better control can also help to reduce chances of the complications.

Myth #5: If I start medicines or insulin, I will never be able to reverse the diabetes

Fact: I feel this is one myth that should be broken as soon as possible. Many times starting medication or insulin earlier can actually help you conserve the beta-cell function (cells in the pancreas that produce insulin), further increasing your chances of getting off the medicine sooner provided you have made the lifestyle changes simultaneously. If the patient refuses to make basic changes like eating better, getting regular exercise, sleeping and managing stress better, then the medicine will also not get the desired support and that can further lead to an increase in the medicines.

So it’s time the diabetics reset their mindset. Stop doubting every doctor or medicine and take responsibility for your health by making the right changes so that diabetes reversal can become an easier reality in the coming years.

Myth #6: Type 1 diabetes can be reversed

Fact: Simply put, not yet. If anyone at this point is claiming or promising reversal of Type 1 diabetes, then that’s far from the truth. There’s a lot of work and research going on in this field but nothing conclusive has been shown. I do feel and hope that it’s a matter of time and in this interim, we all need to build up our patience and instead work on the information that we have and at least better manage type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes doesn’t stop a patient from doing anything or living a good life, so if you have that worry or fear, it’s a good time to start changing it.

To summarize, diabetes reversal (the real one as I have mentioned above) is possible if the question on reversal is generic. But, we now need to ask the question differently – can I reverse my diabetes? If not then can I live healthy, fearlessly with diabetes – and the answer will always be a big yes!

We hope this article helps you! For more on Diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii 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), reduce HbA1c levels and let you win gold! You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

#BeTheForce 

July 20, 2022 By Komal Mehta 9 Comments

What You Can Eat To Beat High Blood Sugar Levels

eat right to beat high blood sugar levelsModeration is key – this holds true for everybody and everything, especially if you are suffering from or trying to manage diabetes. There is no specific diet plan or pattern for Diabetes. It’s the small changes that you make with foods which help you manage your blood sugar better.

The Right Eating Habits To Beat High Blood Sugar Levels

  • Have small but frequent meals: Having small meals will control the sugar spikes. Long gaps between meals can increase as well as drop blood sugar levels. Long gaps also leach out energy and makes you feel tired. Having 4-5 small meals with balanced carbohydrates helps managing blood sugar well.
  • Choose the right carbs: All the grains have carb, be it potato or oats, it’s the quality which matters. Opting for carbs allowing slow release of sugar are best to choose. Carbs with high fiber content like whole wheat flour, Jowar, Ragi, and Oats can help control blood sugar as it will release the sugar slowly and help you control those spikes.
  • Avoid processed foods: We all know refined foods and packaged foods are not that great for our health. With diabetes, it affects blood sugar directly. Refined foods get absorbed very easily as they lack fiber – which can easily increase sugar. Always add lots of vegetables if packaged food is the only option. Rely on portion control for best results!
  • Add more proteins: Protein-rich foods are not readily available to raise blood sugar. You will see the positive impact on blood sugar once you add protein foods with every meal. Having more sprouts salad, paneer bites, or curd raita fills you up as well as stabilizes sugar.
  • Include Fiber: Fiber plays an important role in the digestion of food. Fiber not only delays sugar absorption but also binds cholesterol and reduces the risk of obesity as well as heart ailments. Don’t think twice before adding some raw salads or veggie soups to major meals.
  • Cut down fat: There is nothing wrong if the fat is coming from right sources. All vegetable fats from avocado, seeds, nuts like peanuts, almonds, home-made ghee, etc. are good to go. Just make sure it is in moderation. Good fat helps you manage weight, which has a direct relation with sugar control and in a way, also helps release sugar slowly as fat takes time to digest.
  • Exercise: Even if you control your food habits well, if your muscles aren’t moving, you might not get to see the results you want. Just a 40-minute brisk walk can help increase blood circulation, manage weight and fat metabolism. Every 5% reduction in weight can provide a positive result with diabetes, heart health and overall wellbeing.
  • Cut out the refined sugar: Aim to have as little sugar as possible. Direct form of sugar results in major spikes. Refined sugar, candies, cakes, and pastries, etc. stay for 3 months as the blood RBC is made every 3 months. High HbA1c is associated with long term complication. It is best to try and keep your HbA1c in control by having a good portion control with right choice of food. Cut out on these sweets and go for healthier alternatives like jaggery.

Don’t fall for “diabetes friendly, sugar free products”. Just choose from the natural food to beat high blood sugar levels. It’s not too difficult! Just follow the tips above and you will feel better!

We hope this article helps you beat high blood sugar levels and manage Diabetes effectively. For more articles on managing diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii 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), reduce HbA1c levels and let you win gold! You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

Let’s #DefeatDiabetes and #BeTheForce 

July 15, 2022 By Hardika Vira Leave a Comment

More Common Reasons For Not Losing Belly Fat

more common mistakes for not losing belly fatIn my previous article, we looked at some common mistakes for not losing belly fat. In this part, we’re going to go over some more reasons which make it difficult for an individual to lose belly fat. As mentioned before, losing belly fat that has accumulated over the years is no easy feat and these habits make the journey even more difficult. Let’s look at them!

Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Belly Fat 

  1. Lack of sleep: Sleep deprivation or disturbed sleep not only adds on to physical and mental stress, but also affects your choice of food items i.e. you end up eating junk/carbs when you are unable to sleep at night. The ideal procedure of fat loss, growth and development actually takes place when you are in deep sleep. I think now you can relate why people with high stress levels tend to gain weight day by day even when their portions are controlled. Sleeping for 6-8 hours daily is very important.
  2. Starvation: In my practice as a dietician, I have come across a lot of people who starve themselves to lose weight, most importantly, belly fat. It is one of the worst things that you can do to your body. The first thing that your body does when it has access to food post a long gap is to store all the calories in the form of fat and spend the least for various functions of the body as well as for other activities. Small frequent meals and not keeping your body starved for long hours will really help improve metabolism.
  3. Consuming fruits at night or post meals: Most people think that eating fruits at night is healthy and light. But, the fact is that fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates and supply constant energy. We are neither that active at night nor is our metabolism good post sunset. Thus, all the unused calories get stored in the body in the form of fat. With regards to having fruits with/post meals, it increases the carbohydrate load of the meal and all the excess and unused carbs is converted into fat. It is better to consume fruits as a mid meal snack before sunset or a great option to start your day to boost your metabolism.
  4. Sweets/Dessert post meals: Sweets such as ice-cream, pudding, cake or chocolates are sugar laden. Eating them after a meal is quite a bad idea as it leads to more fat deposition. That doesn’t mean you should not enjoy sweets and desserts. You can enjoy them as a mid meal snack. If you manage to have it during the first half of the day, nothing like it. If you are a person who cannot do without sweets post meals, opt for a piece of more than 70% dark chocolate, a small piece of jaggery, chikki made of jaggery and nuts or squeezed rasgulla.
  5. Dehydration: Consuming less water/fluids or increased consumption of caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, pepsi, coke, etc. leads to dehydration of cells. In the state of dehydration, the cells and organs cannot function at their optimal level and metabolism falls. This aids in less energy utilization for various functions of the body and the unused energy or calories get converted into fat, which are generally stored in the belly region. When you drink less water, all the toxins that are present within the body do not get flushed out of the system and affect some functions of the organs like the liver, kidney, heart and other muscles which further reduces metabolism and effective calorie consumption of the body. This increases the conversion of excess energy into fats. Consuming at least 2.5- 3L of water and choosing fluids like lemon water, vegetable juices, buttermilk, and coconut water over caffeinated drinks, will help you hydrate and rejuvenate your cells.

While you might be making these common mistakes without realizing that they’re harming you, you now have a better idea of what needs to be done! After making these small changes to your life, you can bring about a great difference within you and work towards your health goals.

We hope this article helps you on your journey to losing belly fat and maintaining healthy weight. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

For more articles on weight loss, check out Healthy Reads or get the right advice, tailored to your goals, from an expert, by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

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