PharmEasy Blog

8 Reasons Why You Could Be Feeling Tired Today

Everyone feels tired after an exhausting day at work or trek. It’s absolutely normal. Demanding work environments, stress from personal relationships, strain from balancing all aspects of life and patchy sleep due to anxiety can lead to physical and mental fatigue. If you are into health and fitness, engaging in a high-intensity workout can also contribute to exhaustion which becomes pronounced as the day draws to an end. While tiredness caused by these factors is usually nothing to worry about and can be reversed with some lifestyle changes, feeling tired 24*7, even after 7-8 hours of sound sleep, can be worrying and merits your attention. Such feelings of tiredness are indicators of more serious underlying health conditions which may need immediate medical intervention.

In this article, let us explore 8 common health conditions that could be causing perpetual fatigue in you.

Health condition no.1: Anaemia

Anaemia is a common deficiency disorder, more prevalent amongst Indian women. According to the National Family Health Survey, approximately 55% of women in India suffer from anaemia or iron deficiency. Anaemia is a condition in which the blood lacks a sufficient quantity of healthy red blood cells and haemoglobin. Red blood cells are very important because they are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and cells in the body. This lack of healthy RBCs and low haemoglobin contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath, suddenly aggravated heartbeat, difficulty concentrating and constant tiredness. Sometimes, persistent exhaustion is the first sign of anaemia. 

Pre-existing conditions like kidney disorder, arthritis, internal bleeding and blood loss can cause anaemia. Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency leading to anaemia can affect children, men and women. Getting a blood test done is the best way to evaluate your situation. Consuming prescribed supplements and foods like dark leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, raisins, beans and apricots can help manage iron deficiency.

At times a person with diabetes will describe himself as feeling tired, lethargic or fatigued. It could be a result of stress, hard work or a lack of a decent night’s sleep but it could also be related to having too high or too low blood glucose levels.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Health condition no. 2: Overall nutrient deficiency

Sometimes an improper diet lacking in essential nutrients can cause several health issues, including chronic fatigue. As per studies, deficiency in nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, folate, niacin, iron, riboflavin and pyridoxine are linked to fatigue. The best way to tackle this is to consult a doctor and a dietician who may prescribe you certain food groups or health supplements to incorporate into your daily diet and improve your nutrient deficiency. Once your nutrient levels normalise, you can expect an improvement in your energy and mood.

Depression is another major cause if weakness.Fatigue is a frequently reported symptom in major depressive disorder, occurring in over 90% of patients. Clinical presentations of fatigue within major depressive disorder encompass overlapping physical, cognitive and emotional aspects.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Health condition no. 3: Thyroid problems

Thyroid imbalance, wherein the thyroid gland releases excess or lesser hormones, can cause weakness and fatigue. The thyroid gland is positioned at the front of an individual’s neck and its dysfunction is responsible for a number of health conditions (in women mostly), which are not just limited to weight changes. These include conditions like tiredness, weakness, irregular periods, mood swings, hair fall, constipation or diarrhoea, weight changes and rapid heartbeat.

A thyroid function test can help bring about clarity behind your tiredness and the right intake of medications can help remedy your situation to a great extent.

Health condition no. 4: Underlying infection

Sometimes an underlying or undetected infection within the body could be depleting your energy which in turn makes you feel tired all the time. This internal fight may not be visible to the naked eye and symptoms can sometimes be minimal aside from extreme fatigue. Weakness confused with otherwise daily strain from lifestyle activities, if continued for months, need expert supervision. 

A complete blood count (CBC) test can point out various health conditions like infection, anaemia or even cancer. The CBC test counts whether there has been a loss or increase in the number of cells in the body. Your doctor may further advise specific tests needed for the diagnosis.

Health condition no. 5: Diabetes

When the body fails to utilise sugar (glucose) correctly, it gets stored within the blood, leading to a build-up. Blood glucose cannot be used efficiently by the body to produce energy in diabetes. This causes symptoms like constant thirst, fatigue, weight loss, sudden pangs of hunger, yeast infections, blurry vision, irritation and constant urge to urinate. Blood sugar tests can help your doctor diagnose diabetes. Such tests also help shed light on the reason behind your tiredness.

Health condition no. 6: Kidney disorder

The kidneys carry out the task of purifying your system by removing all impurities and toxins from your body. When the job is not done well, it can cause painful urination, constant urges to urinate, high blood pressure and, last and most importantly, fatigue.

Doctors recommend tests to evaluate issues with the kidneys and these involve urine and blood sample collection. This group of tests is called the ‘Kidney Function Test’ and includes parameters like blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. A high level in either of the two parameters is a sign that the kidney is not functioning right.

Health condition no. 7: Liver disorder

A common symptom reported by patients with liver disorders is chronic fatigue. This is linked to alterations in neurotransmission, which is due to a mismatch of signals interchanged between the brain and the diseased liver.

Alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are some common tests prescribed by doctors to evaluate enzymes generated by the liver when it has become damaged. If a liver disorder is left unaddressed medically, it can cause a condition like jaundice or even be life-threatening. 

Want to check how healthy your liver is click here

Health condition no. 8: Electrolyte deficiency

We often come across advertisements about electrolyte deficiency during summertime. This deficiency is a common cause of tiredness. But electrolyte deficiency is not just a seasonal problem. Some people suffer from a lack of sodium, potassium and chloride (electrolytes) within their body which can cause exhaustion irrespective of the season. Electrolytes help the muscles and nerves to function healthily and when there is a shortage, it causes fatigue. Blood tests, along with consuming coconut water daily, are some ways you can detect and manage your electrolyte deficiency.

Also Read: Felty Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Research-Backed Treatment Options

Conclusion:

From the article, we can understand that tiredness is not as uncomplicated as it may seem. A physical condition as harmless as the constant wish to sleep or rest can be a preliminary sign of an illness. Exhaustion is often one of the earliest symptoms and if action is taken promptly, it helps with a speedy recovery. To address chronic fatigue, consult a doctor and follow up with diagnostic tests and medications to properly manage your condition.


Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Answered: 9 Top Health Questions for Indians

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.

Ghee Vs Butter – Which Is The Healthier Option?

The debate on which is healthier between ghee and butter has been raging for ages. There are staunch supporters on both sides who will vehemently argue the benefits of either butter or ghee. But what do people in the medicinal field have to say? Is one indeed better than the other?

Butter – Preparation And Benefits

The first written reference of butter was found on an old limestone tablet that is 4500 plus years old. Butter is made by churning milk and separating the solids (butterfat) from the liquid (buttermilk). Butter contains a high concentration of fat that gives it its rich and creamy texture. Butter is often used as a substitute for oil in cooking, especially when it comes to sautéing vegetables because it adds a unique and pleasing flavour to foods. It is an indispensable ingredient in baking as well.

Over the years, some people have replaced butter with margarine. However, margarine hasn’t been proven to be healthier than butter. Butter, after all, is a natural fat.

Despite being used extensively all over the world, butter has always been at the centre of controversy. Some claim that its fat content will amp up your cholesterol level, but did you know that it is not as villainous as it is portrayed to be?  

The benefits of butter include

Ghee – Preparation And Benefits

Ghee is actually a derivative of butter. It is clarified butter. When butter is heated, it allows milk to break away from the fats. The milk portion then caramelizes, and the oil that is left behind is ghee. The impurities from the surface are gotten rid of, and the clear liquid fat is retained.

It is a staple of sub-continental cuisine. It even finds mention in ancient ayurvedic texts. Like butter, ghee has faced its share of backlash. But ghee too has several benefits-

If both butter and ghee are nutritionally similar, which should you opt for?

In my opinion Ghee is slightly better than butter , but don’t use these to fry any foods because fried foods with ghee and butter has transfats which is very bad for body

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also Read: Ghee Benefits: Unveiling The Golden Goodness For Your Well-Being

HOW TO STORE GHEE & BUTTER

Homemade ghee can easily be stored for up to 3 months without refrigeration. It should be stored in an airtight container and as far away from direct sunlight as possible.  

As for butter, in almost all weather conditions in India, the butter needs to be refrigerated. It is preferable to chop a block of butter in smaller chunks and wrap it in butter paper before storing it. Using zip lock bags or air-tight containers can also be preferred. This makes usage of butter easier while allowing better heating and re-heating as required. Small butter chunks are also easier to consume as the proportions and measurement of using butter in making a particular dish is better.

Ghee is comparatively easier to digest since it is free of lactose and milk solids and thus preferred by people who are lactose intolerant.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Also Read: Does Butter Go Bad? Your Guide to Butter Shelf Life

Ghee Vs. Butter

There are slight differences between the two products other than how they are produced. Ghee contains fewer milk proteins than butter. So, if you are relying on dairy products for your source of proteins, butter would be a better option for you. On the other hand, people who are allergic to milk cannot consume butter, so ghee is something they can opt for.

Ghee has a higher fat and calorie content. But the difference is marginal. One tablespoon of ghee has about 115 calories and 14.9 grams of fat. Ghee is rich in fatty acids. The ratio of omega- 3 to omega- 6 fatty acids in ghee is considered ideal but only in pure ghee. One tablespoon of salted butter has about 100 calories and 11.52 grams of fat. The calories in one tablespoon of butter are equal to an entire banana.  

Essentially, you have to look beyond the nutritional profile of the two to figure out which is more suitable for you.  

First of all, the two have very distinctly different flavours. Go for the one whose essence you prefer.  

Secondly, ghee has a higher smoking point (252 degrees Celsius) than butter (177 degrees Celsius). So it can withstand more heat and would not stick to the bottom of your cooking pan, which makes it ideal for sautéing.  

People who are sensitive to lactose and casein can opt for ghee- it has a lesser content of both. What we can conclude is that both butter and ghee are a preferable substitute to most other cooking oils as they both produce less acrylamide when heated- a chemical that ups the risk of cancer. While both ghee and butter should be consumed in controlled amounts, one needn’t exile them from their diet until absolutely necessary. Both can be used based on preferences.

So, analyze your taste and culinary requirements to decide which to opt for.

Also Read About: 11 Health Benefits of Buttermilk & How to Make It Home

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How Important Is Social Connection For Elderly Health?

Humans are social creatures from the very beginning. We have evolved from our ancestors who interacted socially with the members of their clans and tribes. One of the benefits of socialization was survival, however, today an active social life still holds many benefits.

With lockdown measures across the world calling for social distance, everyone has had to take a step back from regular social activities. When we were younger, our parents made efforts to ensure we had proper socialization but being socially active is important as we grow older too. 

What is Social Life?

Social life is simply having interactions with people outside of your immediate family, typically on a regular basis. These interactions may involve recurring activities (walks, games, meetings, gatherings, etc.) or simply conversations, some people also consider their regular religious activities as a social activity. 

Who are Seniors?

In anticipation of Senior Citizen Day – 21st August 2021, here is a brief definition of who exactly is a senior citizen. Although the specific age varies by country, seniors or senior citizens are those people who have passed a certain age milestone, typically 60 years or more. In India, for example, people who have passed 60 years of age are considered senior citizens.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, remaining socially active can reduce risk for depression, as well as support brain health and potentially even delay the onset of dementia. Overall, staying socially active can create a positive impact on both mental and physical health.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Why is Social Health important for Seniors?

The benefits of an active social life have been studied and are well known, both in medicine and sociology. It helps to boost brain health, provides emotional support and can even reduce the risk of Dementia. On the other hand, being socially isolated is terribly bad for emotional and physical health. It has been linked to depression, loneliness and in the elderly, it may lead to feelings of being unwanted or being a burden. 

Social isolation has such a strong effect on us that in some countries and situations (for example, prison), forceful social isolation is used as a means of punishment. So, for the elderly, the importance of socialization cannot be ignored. Many people retire from their work at the age of 60-65 years, an active social life holds a lot of significance during this phase. As they get older and their independence is reduced due to age-related complications, being socially active can help them feel needed and improve their self-confidence and overall mental state. 

What is the Physical Importance of Socialization for Seniors?

Although the primary benefits of social life in seniors is an improved mental state (and therefore, improved psychological health), there are also some physical benefits. This is true especially if socializing involves age-appropriate physical activities. Having a friend or group of friends with you when you exercise not only improves your regularity with your fitness regime but also improves your motivation to persevere with it. 

The same goes for seniors, they too can improve their physical health with regular exercise and activities like yoga and walking with the added motivation of a social group helping them along. Besides this, regularly interacting with others, regardless of age can help to keep the mind and brain sharp. 

Senior Communities: Can they benefit the Elderly?

It is not required for seniors to interact with only people of their age, since any kind of active social life still brings with it all the associated benefits. However, elderly folks may find a certain charm to mingling and socialize with people who are in the same age group as them. Whether these meetings are in an elderly home or a community centre or even at someone’s home, a social community specifically for elders can provide a place where they can be themselves. 

But is Socializing really helpful for Seniors?

Although it may not seem like it, there are real and physically measurable benefits to an active social life for elders. In one study, seniors with active social lives were found to have higher physical mobility than those with poorer social lives. Additionally, people who are socially active are more likely to seek medical screening at the appropriate times when it is required. This is especially useful with older adults since cancer affects older demographics significantly more than any other age group. So not only can socialization help with getting physically better but it also helps to remain aware and informed about the latest news and ongoing health updates.

This Senior Citizen Day, take some time out of your schedule to socialize with seniors that you know. Whether it’s your parents, grandparents or other elderly folk near you. A few minutes of your time every day will be fruitful and takes little to no effort. Although the pandemic has thrown a wrench in our ability to keep our social lives active, we can still have responsible socialization by the use of technology, maintaining physical distance and wearing a mask. In the long term, make efforts to keep your social activity consistent and regular, whether you are a senior yourself or someone who interacts with them. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How Can Physical Activities Counter The Negative Health Effects Of Poor Sleep?

Sleep is a vital aspect of our health, both physical and mental. Inferior quality of sleep and lack of physical activity have independent negative implications on our health. An extensive study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine has shown that high levels of physical activity can help counter the negative effects of sleep deprivation. So how are physical activity and sleep-related?

The association between sleep and physical activity

The association between sleep and physical activity has been done with the help of the study of around 380,000 middle-aged men and women. The study conclusively showed that the participants who slept least were at risk to contract heart diseases. Participants who had poor or moderate levels of physical activity coupled with low quality of sleep were found to be at an even higher risk level for contracting cardiovascular diseases.

Healthy sleeping periods already resulted in healthier cardiovascular conditions and better functioning of the body. Moderate to high levels of physical activity and healthy sleep levels resulted in the best health conditions for people.

What was a new finding from the research was that high levels of physical activities (which refers to 1200 or more Metabolic Equivalent Minutes per week), can help in reducing the risk of diseases related to low levels of sleep. Thus even if you are missing out on sleep due to a heavy workload, maintaining a healthy level of physical activity can help you reduce the risks to your health. Moreover, a regular exercise routine can also improve the quality of sleep.

Regular exercise can help healthy adults sleep better. While acute physical activity can have a small effect on sleep quality and duration, regular, moderate exercise can extend sleep duration, improve sleep quality, and decrease sleep onset, or the time it takes to fall asleep

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Incorporate physical activities as a part of your routine

Cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and obesity are just some of the physical inactivity risks to our bodies. You can easily avoid any complications by including these simple but effective physical activities into your daily routine:

Ensure a healthy sleep schedule by following sleep hygiene tips

Sleep hygiene refers to a set of habits that can be practised for a better quality of sleep. A sound sleep not only keeps your body healthy but is also great for your mental health. Try following some simple steps in order to sleep better at night: 

Lack of physical activity and proper sleep is unhealthy for the body. Incorporating a good sleep schedule and a physical activity routine is crucial in maintaining your health at an optimal level. Our work and other responsibilities often lead to a lack of proper sleep. If such is the case, do try and include a high level of physical activity in your routine, as it can help you reduce the negative effects of sleep deprivation. A healthy diet should also be followed if you really want to see the effects of a good sleep schedule and an active lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Which Is Worse For Your Health – Sugar Or Carbs?

There is one question that puzzles us as much as the ‘which came first – the egg or the hen’ question. This one is linked to health. You guessed right! If you are conscious about your health, we bet you may have googled this question as well. Let us put this musing to rest, once and for all and get to the bottom of the conundrum.

The origin of the debate

Ever since the pandemic struck and we have been trapped in our homes, we have been bombarded with social media posts and discussions on the need to be mindful of our health. Now more than ever, with a virus running rampant, we have to scrutinize our dietary and lifestyle choices. The COVID infection has the potential to take a nasty turn if we are already saddled with comorbidities such as obesity.  

For the first time, the whole nation began to scrutinize health and how it can be improved through a strict diet.

And at the forefront of the list of foods that we decided to be wary about were – sugar and carbohydrates. 

But what if there was more to the story than what you already know? Which is more dangerous of the two and are the carbohydrate and sugar side effects as they are made out to be? Let us take a look.

Here’s what you should know about sugars

What are sugars? Simply put, sugars are the simplest form of carbohydrates. Monosaccharides and Disaccharides are the two categories of sugars.  

Monosaccharides and Disaccharides can be found in nature (in fruits and vegetables). They are produced during photosynthesis. Sugars can also be extracted from the said natural products and used as an additive.

That is why sugars can also be categorized into:

The composition of both is exactly the same. When you eat plant products, you are consuming sugar, the same sugar that you add to desserts, the ones that are present in candies, ice-creams and fruit juices. Your body is blind to the source of the sugars. When monosaccharides and disaccharides enter the body, they are broken down into the simplest form of sugar-glucose. This glucose is used by your body as energy to carry out all its functions.

So why is sugar bad? 

Technically, sugar isn’t harmful in fact, it is essential. It is our obsession with added sugars and the processed sugar side effects that pose a serious risk to your health.

Added sugar is sugar that you do not need because this is excess sugar. The added sugar side effects will do the following:

The optimum amount of daily sugar consumption should not be more than:

This target can easily be met by fruits and vegetables (and yes, no need to forego mangoes, ripe papayas or bananas to curb your sugar intake, these are very beneficial fruits). Just say no to processed sugar.

Complex carbohydrates are present in foods such as bread and pasta. Simple carbohydrates are in foods such as table sugar and syrups. Complex carbohydrates contain longer chains of sugar molecules than simple carbohydrates. The body converts these sugar molecules into glucose, which it uses for energy. I routinely recommend complex carbohydrates.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Here’s what you should know about carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (along with fats and proteins). Sugars are a type of carbohydrate. Fibres and starches (called polysaccharides) are also carbs. All carbohydrates are broken down by your body into glucose which in turn acts as fuel to power all your activities.

Foods high in carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose, which is converted to energy used to support bodily functions and physical activity.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

So why is a carbs diet considered harmful?

Not all carbohydrates are bad. There are two types of carbs:

So, you see, a simple carbs diet can be dangerous. Examples of foods you need to be cautious about are:

  1. Cookies
  2. Baked products
  3. Fruit juices
  4. White bread
  5. Table sugar (both brown and white)
  6. Ketchup

Complex carbohydrates are good for you. Examples of good carbohydrates are:

It is recommended that 45% – 55% of calories of our calorie intake should come from carbohydrates. So, you cannot do away with a carbs diet or you would not be able to function. Choose your carbs wisely.

What happens if you consume too many simple carbs?

Uncontrolled simple carb consumption can trigger:

Also Read: Foods to Avoid with Trulicity: A Comprehensive Dietary Guide

What should you do to stay healthy?

Now you know that you cannot eliminate carbohydrates and sugars from your diet. So here are a few suggestions for you:

Don’t let diet fads call the shots. Your needs are unique to your body, sex, age and geographic location. Be wise and mindful of your diet and lifestyle choices and your health will naturally improve itself.

Key Takeaways

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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5

Father’s Day Special – Show Them You Care!

  

It is never too late to thank your dad for the gift of life that he helped bestow on you. This Father’s Day, acknowledge him for everything he has done for you and the battles he continues to fight for you and what better way to appreciate your warrior of a father than making sure that he pays heed to a few sensible health tips.

1. Healthy Diet –

Keep an eye on what your dad is eating and stop him from biting into unhealthy food. Instead, make sure he fills his plate with only fresh and organic foods such as vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, lentils, soy products, dairy products (unless he is lactose intolerant), fishes and lean meat (if he isn’t a   vegetarian).

A complete diet is a perfect mix of all the nutrients your dad needs to stay fit and fight off illnesses. But there are several factors that determine how much of each nutrient he needs. So, on father’s day, you can take him to a dietician who will draw up a plan according to your father’s requirements.

2. Work Out Every day –

Exercise is the byword to robust health. Impress upon your dad the importance of regular exercise. Your dad might groan at the thought of working out after a long hard day of work or might lose his temper if you try to wake him up early in the morning to go for a jog, but persevere!

Even 20 minutes of exercise can shield your dad from a wide array of lifestyle ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, obesity and high blood pressure. Exercise will keep his blood pressure under check and not allow bad cholesterol levels to soar. This, in turn, will ensure that your father never succumbs to major life-threatening diseases.

So, motivate your dad to work out. And on this father’s day, you can start a new trend! Accompany him to the gym or on a run. Working out will be more fun for him if he has you for company.  

  

3. Health Check-ups –

Your dad needs to undergo regular health check-ups. These routine tests can zero in on an illness that is just about to set in. Early diagnosis can at times ensure a complete recovery. So, this father’s day convince your dad to consult a doctor and undergo a health check-up. The doctor might suggest some routine tests like –

If these test results are good, you will know that he is in peak shape.

4. Sound Sleep –

Do not undermine the importance of sleep. Sleep deprivation is directly linked to illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, heart failure and hypertension. Sleep can also save your dad from a range of psychological ailments such as stress, chronic anxiety or even grave ailments like ADHD, depression or bipolar disorder in his later years.

Encourage your dad to go to bed early every night. If necessary, confiscate his phone so that he does not stay up late watching movies. You may also purchase some essential oils that promote sleep. Make sure your father gets at least 7 hours of sleep every day.

Your dad is a warrior. But even the most resilient fighters can fall sick unless they take care of their health. So ensure that he follows all the tips mentioned above to stay hale and hearty for years to come.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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