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October 1, 2023 By Mohammed Tufail Qureshi 8 Comments

Sleep Your Way to More Muscles

Did you know you can build muscles even while sleeping? The three aspects of the muscle building pyramid are nutrition, training and rest. Most of us pay close attention to the first two factors but frequently ignore the third and suffer the consequences. Sleep isn’t a luxury for the human body, it’s a genuine necessity. Extended periods of sleep deprivation can lead to amnesia, delusions and hallucinations. Shorter stretches cause forgetfulness, bad moods and irritability.

How Does Sleep Lead To More Muscles?

If you’re trying to gain strength, sleep becomes even more important because it’s synonymous with recovery. If your body doesn’t get to fully recuperate from a hard workout, there’s no way it will be ready for the next one. Heavy training destroys tissues. In order for the tissue to be repaired, your body needs the proper nutrients and deep sleep. One of the key events that occur during sleep is that the body releases growth hormones which are critical for repairing tissues, maintaining tonus in the muscles and keeping the fat in the cells. Since the body releases growth hormones only during deep sleep, the question is how do you get deep sleep?

Getting enough rest is critical to your overall health. Lack of sleep, even for a single night, can have a huge effect on your immune system. Research has shown that there’s a 20-30% drop in the immune system cells that fight cancer and viruses after just one night of sleeplessness. If sleeplessness continues over several days, the percentage of decreased immune system cells climbs drastically. The good news is that you can bring the number of cells back to normal with a solid night’s sleep.

So How Much Sleep Is Enough?

That depends on individual to individual and it depends on many variables. Ideally, one should aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sound sleep. Sleep is the most critical variable affecting our workouts. How well we have slept the previous night will determine how good a workout you do the next morning.

Work-related stress is one of the many reasons that most suffer from sleep deprivation. One of the best things you can do is slip in to a nap prior to your workout. You don’t want to drop off into the deeper stages of sleep before training because it will make you groggy. 20-30 minutes is plenty before a workout.

How Can You Induce Sleep Quickly?

Deep sleep at night is very important and here are some of the things we can do to get sleep fast:

Read to relax
Take a shower or soak in the tub
Listen to soothing music
Try Chamomile tea
Warm turmeric milk will induce melatonin, which is a sleep hormone
A light snack can be useful in promoting a more relaxed state, but it’s smart to select foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan, which converts to serotonin in the brain, helping you to feel drowsy. Milk, yogurt, cheese, turkey and fish contain tryptophan.

What to Avoid Before Sleeping

Now here are some things you should not do if you want to have a good night’s sleep:

Don’t overindulge in alcohol
Avoid eating large quantities of food. Eating a large meal before bedtime isn’t conducive to sleep as the food will trigger various systems, including the heart, to work harder. Also, the digestive tract may become upset and disrupt sleep even more.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. This includes tea, coffee and soft drinks as well.
Avoid any form of strenuous exercise or participating in a competitive sport as it will work against you. Vigorous physical activity stimulates the body, and it takes some time to calm you down.
Don’t take your work to bed. If you make your bedroom an extension of your office, you’re sure to carry business problems with you at night. Your bedroom should be a cool, dark, sleep chamber.

You may have to experiment a little to find out what works for you. But if you’re having trouble getting a good night’s rest on a regular basis, make some changes in your lifestyle, quickly. The “magical one-third of your life” is a critical variable in your quest to gain strength, so be mindful of that.

We hope this article on sleep for muscle building helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on muscles and sleep, check out Healthy Reads or speak with a GOQii Coach by subscribing to our Personalised Health Coaching program here.

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September 28, 2023 By Neha Goyal Leave a Comment

Best Foods To Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder making mealtimes a challenge for many people. With such a condition, you may notice that certain foods trigger uncomfortable digestive symptoms like irregular bowel movements, cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. It’s no surprise that living with IBS can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life.

While there are foods which help prevent the symptoms of IBS. Everyone, responds to food differently. One has to be their own food detective by recording their intake and symptoms so as to rule out trigger foods that your gut may not be able to handle easily.

Foods Which Help Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Here is a list of food you can stock as they are gentle on your system. You can use them to create satisfying, healthy meals and snacks without upsetting your stomach.

Cooked Vegetables: Vegetables are high in fiber and may worsen symptoms for IBS in some people. But cooked vegetables are safe to eat as cooking makes them easy to digest. Eggplant, carrots, sweet potato, yam, broccoli, bell pepper, potato, zucchini, baby spinach, pumpkin, bottle gourd, green beans and celery in cooked form with some added herbs like basil, coriander, mint, ginger, lemongrass, rosemary, parsley and thyme enhance flavor and are safe to eat for most people.
Fruits with low Fructose: Fructose in fruits can cause discomfort if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. So choose low fructose fruits like banana, blueberry, cranberry, kiwi, strawberry, lemon, lime, raspberry, pineapple and papaya. Make sure you don’t eat too many fruits at a time or you may overwhelm your body’s ability to absorb fruit sugars without fermentation.
Gluten-free/Low Gluten Grains: People with IBS can safely tolerate gluten to some extent. Some gluten-free grains can be a great addition to a hassle free IBS diet. You can enjoy rice, cooked oatmeal, quinoa, tapioca and millet every day without being worried about IBS flares.
Eggs: can easily be a part of your breakfast, lunch or dinner. However, some people report sensitivity with protein in egg whites or fat in egg yolk, but for most people, they are easy to digest.
Lean Meats: They are easy to digest due to low fat and negligible fiber content. They provide a good amount of protein.
Fish: Being rich in anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acid, fish can be a great addition to your diet. Since inflamed gut may be a reason for your IBS, consuming fish can actually help. Good fish sources are anchovies, sardines, mackerel, black cod, herring, rainbow trout and salmon.
Lactose-free Milk: Most people can handle small amounts of lactose found in dairy unless they have lactose intolerance. But if you have more than your intestines can handle, it may cause bloating and gas. Some lactose-free milk options can be used in such conditions like oat milk, rice milk and soy milk as an alternative to cow milk.
Nuts and Seeds: are high in fiber, protein and omega 3 – which are good for overall health and your gut flora. They are especially good for IBS. You can add them to your salads, smoothies or oatmeal. Safer options in limited amounts for IBS are almonds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pine nut, hazelnuts, pecan and macadamia nuts.

Along with carefully choosing food that suits you, a healthy lifestyle with a low fat diet, regular exercise, managing stress and mindful eating often makes a great difference. Before you begin consuming any of the above foods, do consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian.

For more information or tips to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome, speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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September 27, 2023 By Dr Shreya Arora 4 Comments

Add Magic To Your Life With This Simple Technique

Positive Affirmations

More than often, we get disheartened if we are not able to achieve our goal well on time or if we face obstacles in achieving it. It’s not just related to our health journey but the journey of life as well. We face so many challenges on a daily basis. While some face them bravely by being positive and firm, others get discouraged or depressed for not being able to face failures. The way we deal with issues is different for each individual and that is okay!

Life is not about going through it passively, it’s about living it actively. Yes! Living life to the fullest. Joy comes from facing challenges head on, setting goals and giving it a 100% to achieve them with full zeal and spirit.

But how can we do it? That’s the big question with a very simple solution.

VISUALIZE
Yes, we need to understand that visualization is powerful enough to solve any problems that we face. Many of us don’t even realize that this power lies within us, all we need to do is use it.

We know that our body and mind are connected and our emotions are linked with our actions, right? For instance, if we are sad/depressed due to any reason, it reflects in our behavior. If we get irritated or angry/frustrated, the turmoil of emotions affects our health negatively.

HOW CAN WE WORK ON IT?
It’s simple! Just concentrate on your thoughts. What kind of thoughts are wandering in your mind? These thoughts have an impact on your feelings, emotions and actions. Trust me, if we are aware of the thoughts creeping in our mind, we have the power to change that thought, at that very moment. Don’t let the bad or negative thoughts enter your mind or affect you. There are thousands of thoughts in our mind. So, how many of them are we going to stick to or store, so that they can bother us? Make sure its none of the negative ones.

Hence, VISUALIZE, BE AWARE, KEEP NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AT BAY, GO EASY AND CHANGE YOUR THOUGHT TO A POSITIVE ONE!

Just close your eyes and visualize. For instance, if someone has a health goal of losing weight, but due to some reason, the player is not able to achieve it or is not getting the desired result in the stipulated time, the player might have some negative thoughts. The player may feel that ‘this goal cannot be achieved’ or ‘I can’t do it’. At this very moment, the player can stop this negative thought from entering his/her mind and instead visualize the positive, coming out of any fear that affects his/her mind.
Wake up every day with a positive mind and visualize. Visualize the day, how you are going to achieve your goal, what’s your target for the day and strive to fulfill that.
Never give up! It’s okay if you can’t achieve your target today, try again tomorrow.
If losing weight is the target, visualize that the habit, diet or exercise regime you are following is working for you and getting you closer to your goal. If any medical condition, then envisage that the treatment or the medication is working for you and improving your health.

Hence, it’s not only the physical aspect that we need to work on but the mind as well. Detoxifying our mind is equally important as detoxifying our body.

MAKE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

This has to be done every single day – Morning and night. Morning, you make an affirmation and visualize how you’re going to work on it. At night, introspect on how it all went and how the day was, just for a few minutes.
As soon as you wake up, make an affirmation with closed eyes. Spend a few minutes with yourself every morning and night.
Set it for a shorter duration or you can even set it for a week so that you can stick to it. Affirmations could be as simple as, “I will follow all my habits today”, or “I will be active today”, or “I will not get angry today”.
The key is to be committed and dedicated.

Once you start this process, you will see how your life changes positively. So go ahead and make one right now!

We hope you found this article insightful. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. For further guidance on holistic well-being, explore Healthy Reads, or speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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September 26, 2023 By Dr. Pragati Godara Leave a Comment

Importance of good food for the human body to be healthy

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy body has become more crucial than ever. Good food is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and plays a vital role in promoting overall well-being. The food we consume provides essential nutrients, energy, and nourishment to our bodies. In this article, we will explore the significance of good food in maintaining a healthy body and the positive impact it has on our physical and mental well-being.

Essential Nutrients for Optimal Functioning

Good food provides our bodies with the necessary nutrients required for optimal functioning. These nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, while proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Fats play a significant role in hormone production, brain function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for numerous bodily functions, including immune system support, energy production, bone health, and protection against oxidative stress. Additionally, water is essential for maintaining proper hydration and facilitating various physiological processes.

Disease Prevention and Management

Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the body with essential antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber that help combat inflammation, boost the immune system, and protect against cellular damage.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health. Good food choices, combined with regular physical activity, help manage body weight effectively. A balanced diet with adequate portions ensures that our bodies receive the necessary nutrients without excess calories. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, provide a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating. In contrast, processed foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories contribute to weight gain and various associated health problems.

Mental Well-being

The impact of good food extends beyond physical health; it also influences mental well-being. Several studies have shown a strong connection between diet and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and magnesium, have been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders.

Conversely, a nutrient-rich diet, including whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats, has been associated with improved mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. Healthy eating habits can also enhance sleep quality, energy levels, and brain performance, thereby promoting a positive mindset and reducing stress.

Longevity and Quality of Life

Good food choices and a healthy lifestyle contribute to a longer, healthier life. Studies have consistently shown that individuals who adhere to a nutrient-dense diet have a lower risk of premature death and age-related chronic diseases. The combined effects of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle factors can improve vitality, increase longevity, and enhance the overall quality of life.

The importance of good food for a healthy body cannot be overstated. A well-balanced and nutritious diet provides the essential nutrients, energy, and protection necessary for optimal bodily functions. It not only prevents diseases and helps manage weight but also supports mental well-being, promotes longevity, and enhances overall quality of life. By making conscious choices to incorporate whole, unprocessed foods into our diets, we empower ourselves to lead healthier, happier lives. Remember, food is not just fuel; it is the foundation of our well-being.

We trust you’ve found this article informative and beneficial, please let us know in the comments below. You can discover more articles on enhancing your lifestyle here. To get personalized guidance and expert advice consider subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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