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Tag: chronic diseases

  • What are the major supplements you can take to avoid chronic illness?

    What are the major supplements you can take to avoid chronic illness?

    chronic illness image

    We all know that eating a balanced diet is important for maintaining good health. But what if you’re looking for an extra boost to help protect against chronic illnesses?

    Living a healthy life involves more than just eating right. As new age habits impact the lifestyle, it becomes necessary to take the right supplements. This ensures that your body has all the nutrients it needs for optimal functioning. Taking the right supplements can help improve your overall health, keep diseases at bay, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, promote bone health, regulate blood pressure, increase energy levels, and improve digestion. Ensure to include essential supplements in your daily routine if you want to live a long, healthy life.

    A wide range of supplements, from vitamins and minerals to herbal remedies, promises increased energy and improved immunity. But with so many out there, it can be difficult to know which ones are most beneficial for helping to avoid chronic illnesses.

    To make things easier, here’s a look at some of the major supplements you should consider taking to help reduce your risk of developing a chronic illness:

    1. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your body’s overall health and wellness. They have been found to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help prevent and manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements, flaxseed oil, and krill oil.

    2. Vitamin D

    Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It’s also important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of certain chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Many people don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone, so it’s important to supplement with a daily multivitamin or fish liver oil capsule.

    3. Probiotics

    Probiotics are live bacteria that can help maintain the balance of bacteria in your gut. This can improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and allergies. You can find probiotics in yoghurt or capsule form.

    4. Magnesium

    Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports nerve and muscle function. Low magnesium levels are linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Some good sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables like spinach, legumes like beans and lentils, nuts like almonds and cashews, seeds like pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.

    5. Calcium

    Calcium is an essential mineral in maintaining strong bones and teeth. Low calcium intake is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Good sources of calcium include dairy products like milk and cheese. Calcium supplements are also available if you don’t get enough from food alone.

    These are just some of the major supplements you should consider to help reduce your risk of developing a chronic illness such as heart disease or cancer. Always talk with your doctor before taking any supplement to ensure it’s safe for you based on your medical history and current health condition.

    6. Curcumin

    Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant benefits. It can help reduce joint pain associated with arthritis, support brain health, and improve digestion. A curcumin supplement can easily get all these benefits without consuming large amounts of turmeric.

    7. Zinc

    Zinc plays an important role in immune system function and can help with wound healing and healthy skin, hair, nails, and eyesight maintenance. If you don’t eat enough zinc-rich foods like seafood or nuts, a supplement may be beneficial for optimal health and wellness benefits.

    8. Multivitamins

    Multivitamins are a must for any health-conscious individual. They provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals for optimal functioning. When choosing a multivitamin, ensure it contains the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of all major vitamins and minerals.

    9. B vitamins

    B vitamins are important for energy production, metabolism, cell growth, and more. B6, B12, and folate are particularly important for optimal health, so it may be worth taking a B vitamin complex supplement containing all three essential nutrients in one pill or capsule form.

    Conclusion

    Living a healthy life involves more than just eating right. It requires taking the right supplements to ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to keep functioning at the top level. Taking the right supplements can help improve your overall health, keep diseases at bay, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, promote bone health, regulate blood pressure, increase energy levels, improve digestion, etc. So make sure you include these essential supplements into your daily routine if you want to live a long, healthy life.

    Before starting any new supplement, you should look for potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Additionally, it’s always best to try to get most of your nutrients from whole food sources rather than relying solely on supplements, especially when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Eating various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats should form the foundation of any healthy diet plan.

    Choosing Medkart for supplements is a wise decision since we offer generic supplements that are of high quality and are priced lower than branded ones. You can order generic supplements online on www.medkart.in/blog, our iOS app or Android app. With the convenience of online shopping and fast delivery, it’s easy to see why Medkart is becoming one of the preferred brands for people in India to buy supplements easily.

  • Childhood Obesity – What is the impact of obesity on children’s health?

    Childhood Obesity – What is the impact of obesity on children’s health?

    Childhood Obesity

    Overview – Childhood Obesity 

    Childhood obesity is a global issue. By 2030, India is expected to have 27 million children with obesity. The effects of obesity on the body can be quite harmful. Obesity can cause health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These were earlier considered adult health problems. Sadly, that’s no longer the case.

    However, the good news is that obesity is a lifestyle disease and thus can be prevented and controlled with the right steps. Changes in dietary styles and lifestyle habits can keep children healthy, active, and away from obesity. Also, greater awareness about health can help parents make better choices for keeping their children healthy and avoid future health problems.

    Read on to learn about the effects of childhood obesity and how to prevent it.

    What is childhood obesity?

    Obesity is when the body stores excessive fat. The Body Mass Index helps determine if one is obese. If the BMI crosses 25, a person is considered overweight. If it crosses 30, the person is considered to have obesity.

    Obesity has proven to pose several health complications. Some of the primary issues are related to the heart and hormones. This is for both adults and children. But obesity among children is more concerning since their body is in the developing stage. Thus, hormonal disbalance in children can cause greater health risks.

    The effects of obesity on the body and the mind can impact your child’s overall well-being. Obesity is also a leading concern for teenage depression, body dysmorphia, and poor self-esteem.

    What causes childhood obesity?

    Childhood Obesity is a lifestyle disease. Several lifestyle factors contribute to this issue.

    1) Diet:

    The excessive consumption of high-calorie foods can lead to childhood obesity. Some examples are burgers, pizzas, cakes, pastries, cookies, and candies. Unfortunately, these have gained extreme popularity among children today.

    2) Lack of exercise:

    Lack of participation in sports or an active lifestyle is another cause of this lifestyle disease. Children spend more time indoors, glued to their screens. This lack of activity leads to childhood obesity and mental health issues.

    3) Family environment:

    Children whose parents and siblings are overweight or have obesity are likely to put on weight. Moreover, an environment where high-calorie food is preferred and physical activity is not encouraged increases the possibility of children developing weight issues.

    4) Environmental factors:

    Feeding practices at home influence a child’s eating habits. Increased consumption of processed food at home and proximity to food outlets and supermarkets increase the risk of obesity among children.

    5) Psychological factors:

    Stress owing to parental and study issues can leave the children emotionally disturbed. It can lead to anxiety, depression, or boredom. To cope with such difficult feelings, children often tend to overeat, which can cause excess weight gain, and eventually obesity.

    What are the effects of childhood obesity?

    The impact of obesity on children can be a major one. Some of them are as follows:

    1) Type 2 diabetes:

    Excessive body fat makes muscles and tissues resistant to insulin and increases the risk of diabetes. Diabetes is the body’s inability to process glucose. It is a harmful effect of obesity on the body and can lead to eye disease, nerve damage, and kidney disease.

    2) High cholesterol and blood pressure:

    Earlier considered adult health problems, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are now frequent among children with obesity. Foods high in fat and salt cause an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cholesterol leads to the development of fatty deposits in the arteries, which blocks blood flow and leads to heart disease.

    3) Breathing problems:

    Asthma is common among children with obesity. Extra fat around the abdomen and the chest restricts the airway causing difficulty in breathing. The fat tissue produces inflammatory substances that affect the lungs and increase the risk of asthma.

    4) Joint pain:

    Excess weight puts pressure on the joints and causes stiffness and pain. It also limits the child’s movement, damages the cartilage early in life, and leads to arthritis.

    5) Menstrual issues:

    Girls with obesity may attain puberty at a comparatively earlier age. Obesity may also cause uterine fibroids and menstrual irregularities in the future.

    Summing up

    Parents are the best role models for children as they can inspire their children to follow a healthy lifestyle. Increase awareness among your children regarding their health and teach them the importance of staying physically fit and active. To start with, instilling healthy eating habits in children can prevent the effects of obesity on the body. Preventing weight gain in childhood goes a long way in ensuring your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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    FAQs related Childhood Obesity

    1. How does childhood obesity affect the quality of life?

    Childhood obesity causes chronic health problems. Furthermore, it affects the emotional and mental health of children. Children suffer from poor self-image and self-esteem. They may also experience bullying, depression, and loneliness.

    2. How early does obesity start in childhood?

    Obesity in children begins between 2 and 6 years. A study shows how most adolescents become overweight and develop obesity by age 5.

    3. How can obesity in childhood be prevented?

    Obesity in childhood can be prevented by following a healthy diet and lifestyle. This would include,

    • Limiting high-calorie and high-fat foods
    • Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and nuts.
    • Staying well-hydrated
    • Engage in regular physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day.
    • Replace sugary drinks with homemade milkshakes or smoothies.
    • Reducing screen time to ensure proper sleep
  • Be aware about top 5 common and chronic diseases in India

    Be aware about top 5 common and chronic diseases in India

    5 common and chronic diseases

    Today India, like other countries, is fighting against the Corona pandemic, but do you know that other than this corona pandemic, many non-communicable diseases are fastly growing in India? India is turning into a country where its citizens are vulnerable to many diseases, especially chronic ones. Well, this is not only happening in India, but the whole world is suffering from this.

    Chronic diseases are long-term diseases that take longer to develop and cause any significant harm to the body. Chronic diseases impair an individual’s immune system as well as other body functions. Approximately more than 20% of the country’s population is suffering from at least one non-communicable or chronic disease (NCDs). According to WHO, about 38 million people worldwide are affected by non-communicable diseases or chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disorders, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. This means that 1 in 4 Indians have a risk of dying from an NCD before they reach the age of 70.

    Of all of India’s chronic diseases, here are 5 conditions having a greater presence, and more reported cases:

    ​Why Essential minerals are required for body | List of essential Minerals

    Top 5 common and chronic diseases in India

    1. Diabetes

    Diabetes has made India the capital of the world that houses the largest numbers of diabetic patients. Everyone thinks that diabetes occurs due to excessive intake of glucose. But, one gets affected due to excessive consumption of package or junk goods and carbohydrates, genetic susceptibility, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is more of a hormonal condition where the body can not properly use/produce an insulin hormone that helps remove glucose in our food to turn it into energy.

    Diabetes has been classified into two types, based on the inability to use or produce insulin: Type I and Type II or prediabetics (elevated blood sugar but certainly in limits). Common signs of both forms include excessive urination, persistent thirst or need for water, tiredness, weight gain or loss, and slow healing of cuts and sores, blurred vision. High levels of unchecked bloodstream glucose can damage the kidneys, skin, nerves, and may even cause cardiac arrest. Here, the age spectrum is between 20 to 80 years.

    For prevention, regular workout-approximately 30 minutes, high intake of water, fruits and salads, and low intake of sugar or refined, and lastly active lifestyle is necessary.

    2. Poor heart conditions

    Heart disease is a term that covers almost all instances that affect the heart and prevent its optimal functioning. It ranges from elevated blood pressure to major coronary heart disease in India, which causes premature death. The most common in this category is hypertension, or high blood pressure that has two subcategories. One, the primary hypertension; appearing to develop over several years slowly without any identifiable source. In contrast, certain medical conditions cause secondary hypertension.

    Conditions affecting your kidneys, lungs, heart, or endocrine system may cause secondary hypertension. After that, coronary artery disease is another heart condition that is common amongst Indians and a dangerous life-taker. The common cause of coronary artery disease is plaque deposits containing cholesterol. Apart from these other causes, one artery is partially or fully blocked, restricting, or blocks blood passage.

    Like diabetes, high Blood Pressure (BP) is also known as the silent killer. However, it shows some signs such as left-armed pain and chest pain that may be confused due to indigestion, shortness of breath, heartburn, and nausea/vomiting, back pain, etc. Coronary artery disease has no signs, leading to a heart attack being the first sign of this condition.

    Cautions:

    In the case of moderate hypertension patients, improvements in lifestyle such as daily exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, reducing fat intake, etc. should be considered before taking any drug.

    3. Cholesterol

    Today, 79% of Indians suffer from high cholesterol which is one of India’s leading causes of cardiovascular diseases. An abnormality in lipid levels can contribute to the thickening of the arteries and leading to heart attacks. High cholesterol triggers the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol that carries cholesterol particles throughout your body and builds up plaque in walls of arteries, making it hard and narrow. Some of the reasons that create LDL are poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, etc.

    High cholesterol is another silent killer that does not show any symptoms; only blood tests can reveal it. Prevention is a balanced diet low in saturated and trans-fat, regular exercise, less alcohol consumption, and no smoking.

    4. PCOS

    Poly Cystic Ovary syndrome/condition (PCOS from here on) is an ovarian cyst that has grown highly under 20 years. PCOS develops cysts that form a lining over the ovaries, preventing an egg from ejection or fertilization. People with acute PCOS may have as little as eight cycles in a year.

    Insulin resistance, genes, or obesity are known causes for PCOS. It affects a woman’s body’s hormonal balance, leading to missed periods, chest, back, and face acne, and face and breast hair growth.

    PCOS treatment typically starts with improvements in lifestyle such as weight loss, diet, and exercise. So, better to do it as prevention than treatment; otherwise, one has to bound herself with medication.

    5. Cancer

    Cancer is lethal because it not only resides in the region organs involved but may also be invasive and spread to other areas of the body. The most common cancers are prostate cancer in Indian men and breast cancer in women. However, breast cancer is second-highest cancer; the first is pelvic cancer to being the most common chronic disease among women.

    According to research, about 1,00,000 women per year had breast cancer, and 10 percent per 1,00,00 men suffer from prostate cancer. There are no specific causes of cancers. However, early detection can be helpful in some instances. Breast cancer usually shows symptoms like a breast lump, change in size and form, pigmented or crusted skin, redness, and tingling. While prostate cancer usually delivers pain during urination or ejaculation, blood in urine, weight loss, or fatigue.

    Prevention here is an adoption of a healthy lifestyle because indulgence of a sedentary lifestyle has been seen common amongst cancer patients.

    Conclusion

    These are the most common chronic diseases developing at certain ages. Therefore, it becomes essential for individuals to stay cautious and prevent such chronic illnesses by maintaining your overall health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management are keys to a healthy life.