Healthcare is self-care. So, in honour of World Health Day on April 7, we have answered some of the most pressing questions Indians have about health and healthcare.

What are some hacks and tips for healthy living?

The mantra for healthy living can be boiled down to 3 points: 

1. Eat right – Simply prepared home food.
2. Sleep well – A minimum of 7 hours at night.
3. Stay stress-free – Gather your thoughts right after you wake up and focus on your breathing.

How to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a budget?

It doesn’t cost a fortune to live healthily:

1. Cook simple but delicious meals at home.
2. Avoid high-carb and bad cholesterol foods like fast and processed foods, full-fat dairy and red meat.
3. Brisk walking or cycling instead of taking a car can both save you money as well as improve your health.
4. Fitness doesn’t require a gym membership. Do basic stretching exercises for 30 minutes a day.

Are high-calorie foods good for health?

Only if you have an active lifestyle and use up a lot of calories, will high-calorie food be good for you. 

Opt for low glycaemic index and low glycaemic load foods such as oats, milk, chickpeas and carrots instead.

Are there any health benefits to high cholesterol?

There is both ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). Higher HDL levels reduce plaque build-up in the blood vessels. Stay active, quit smoking, control diabetes and avoid obesity to boost HDL.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol levels in themselves may not show any symptoms but can lead to an increase in other medical problems such as cardiac issues, obesity and fatty liver.

What health problems are associated with high blood pressure?

The first actual sign of high BP may be a stroke or a heart attack. So it’s important to keep track of BP through regular checkups. 

Also Read: What to Avoid When Taking Glutathione: Expert Recommendations for Safe Use

At what level is high BP dangerous?

Systolic blood pressure higher than 180 and diastolic BP higher than 110, require immediate medical attention.

How dangerous is sugar to our health? 

Sugar consists of empty calories and provides no health benefits whatsoever. On the other hand, too much sugar can lead to obesity, metabolic issues and cardiac issues. 

What are the health risks of following a high-protein diet?

Higher levels of protein (more than 1-2 gms per kg of body weight per day) can lead to health complications including higher uric acid levels, digestive problems, or even kidney and liver problems. 

Content reviewed by –
Dr. Animesh Choudhary

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.