WHAT ARE HIV AND AIDS?

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against illness. The virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a T-helper cell, and makes copies of itself inside these cells. T-helper cells are also referred to as CD4 cells.

As HIV destroys more CD4 cells and makes more copies of itself, it gradually breaks down a person’s immune system. This means someone living with HIV, who is not receiving treatment, will find it harder and harder to fight off infections and diseases.

If HIV is left untreated, it may take up to 10 or 15 years for the immune system to be so severely damaged it can no longer defend itself at all. However, the speed HIV progresses will vary depending on age, health and background.  

Basic facts about HIV

• HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.
• There is effective antiretroviral treatment available so people with HIV can live a normal, healthy life.
• The earlier HIV is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start – leading to better long term health.
• HIV is found in semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids, and breast milk.
• HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat, saliva or urine.
• Using male condoms or female condoms during sex is the best way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
• If you inject drugs, always use a clean needle and syringe, and never share equipment.
• If you are pregnant and living with HIV, the virus in your blood could pass into your baby’s body, or after giving birth through breastfeeding. Taking HIV treatment virtually eliminates this risk.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is not a virus but a set of symptoms (or syndrome) caused by the HIV virus. A person is said to have AIDS when their immune system is too weak to fight off infection, and they develop certain defining symptoms and illnesses. This is the last stage of HIV, when the infection is very advanced, and if left untreated will lead to death.

Basic facts about AIDS

• AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
• AIDS is also referred to as advanced HIV infection or late-stage HIV.
• AIDS is a set of symptoms and illnesses that develop as a result of advanced HIV infection which has destroyed the immune system.
• Treatment for HIV means that more people are staying well, with fewer people developing AIDS.

Although there is currently no cure for HIV with the right treatment and support, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. To do this, it is especially important to take treatment correctly and deal with any possible side-effects.

Tag : Hiv AIDS. Aids.

Subtle Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency

4 Subtle Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency

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• signs and symptoms of vitamin k
• Cabbage and Broccoli are known to be rich sources of vitamin K intake.
• A decrease in vitamin K levels causes anemia.

What is vitamin K? We may be aware of the importance of vitamins for the human body but do we know the significant role played by each of the different vitamins essential for human survival?
Here’s your guide to the importance of vitamin K in our body and the several signs that the lack of it may cause.

 According to Webmd, vitamin K is indispensable for the formation of clots in the blood. Think about it, one may suffer loss of a huge amount of blood, just in case vitamin k is deficient in our body. It is often believed that vitamin K and vitamin D go hand in hand with each other. If the body is deficient in any one of them, the other fails to perform effectively too. Vitamin K ensures stronger bones, overall cognitive well-being among other things. It also helps balance blood pressure and protects you from heart problems.

 There are various indicators to show that one may be suffering from a lack of vitamin K.
 (Top 6 Vitamin K Rich Foods)

 According to BN Sinha, ayurvedic expert, some symptoms include:

 1) Blood thinning:

As already mentioned above, vitamin K plays an essential role in the formation of blood clots. In case one has a deficiency of vitamin k, the body loses the ability to stop excessive flow of blood even in case of minor cuts.

 2) Weakness: A decrease in vitamin K levels causes anemia. Anemia is widely known to cause weakness in the body. One may feel lifeless, tired and appear to look pale.
(7 Best Home Remedies for Anemia)

3) Stomach pain:

A good amount of vitamin k in the body monitors our digestion and facilitates smooth digestion. However, sometimes, stomach pains are common due to a lack of this vitamin in the body.
 

Picture credits: www.instagram.com/awf_clinic

 4) Nose bleeding:

Those with low levels of vitamin K are highly susceptible to nose bleeding.
Always look out for these symptoms as an indicator that one is deficient in this essential vitamin.
There are several food products that could be consumed to enhance vitamin K production.

-   It is believed that green leafy vegetables enhance vitamin K production multifold. They help increase the hemoglobin level in the body.

-   Apart from vegetables, Indian spices are very beneficial for vitamin K.

-   Olive Oil is known to enhance vitamin K production in the body. So, apart from being a cooking   essential, it is a great health supplement too.

-   Cabbage and Broccoli are known to be rich sources of vitamin K intake.
 

Picture credits: www.instagram.com/frostfitness101

Apart from these, it is important to consult your doctor in extreme cases. Our diet always has an impact on our health. Maintaining a balanced diet with a regular fitness regime would help keep us healthy and happy.

Tags:  VitaminDeficiency

Simple Ways to Remove Bitterness from Cucumber

3 Simple Ways to Remove Bitterness from Cucumber

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• Cucumber is a super healthy food ingredient belonging to the gourd family
• A bite of bitter cucumber can ruin your appetite and how!
• Cucumber plants naturally produce chemicals known as cucurbitacins

Don't you hate it when you bite into a bitter cucumber? This refreshing summer vegetable may look perfect for a salad or a snack, but can be deceiving as far as taste is concerned if proper care is not taken. A bite of bitter cucumber can ruin your appetite and how! Cucumber is a super healthy food ingredient belonging to the gourd family, with high water composition along with numerous minerals, vitamins and electrolytes. Known for being a classic cooling food, cucumber also helps in maintaining body's water balance in this scorching heat. According to the book Healing Foods

by DK Publishing House, the seeds and skin of the cucumber make an exceptional source of silicon, chlorophyll and bitter chemicals that aid digestion. The skin also contains the highest concentration of cholesterol lowering sterols.

What Makes the Cucumber Bitter?

One of the reasons that makes a cucumber bitter is that it belongs to the cucurbitaceous family. These plants naturally produce chemicals known as cucurbitacins, which are the main cause of making the cucumber bitter. The presence of large amount of cucurbitacins can make a person sick. The other reason, which is not genetic, is the environmental effect. The cucumber plants grown with unsteady watering schedules and left over-heated or not fertilized properly can definitely produce a bitter vegetable. The extreme fluctuation of temperatures may also be one of the reasons.

How to Remove the Bitterness from the Cucumber?

Here are some methods to help -

1. Rubbing the Ends

This is one of the most popular and commonly used methods to remove the bitterness of cucumber. All you need to do is thinly cut off the last part of the stem or blossom end of the cucumber and with that piece rub the end of the cucumber in a circular motion. While you do this, a white foam-like substance will emerge from the inside of the cucumber. This is the cucuritacin, which causes bitterness in it. Repeat the process on the other end by cutting the edge of the stem. Once you are done, wash the cucumber with water. You can definitely feel the difference.

The salting technique is not very popular; however, it is believed that it works wonders. Cut the cucumber into two halves lengthwise. Sprinkle some salt on both the halves from where they were cut open and rub them against each other. You will see the white foamy substance appearing on both the halves. Repeat the procedure two-three times before washing it off with water.

3. Fork Furrows Method

The fork furrow method is an easy method; all you need to do is cut the ends of the cucumber and peel off the skin. Before slicing it, take a fork and run its tines up and down lengthwise till the cucumber is covered with fork furrows. This is done to release the chemical compound in the cucumber. After repeating it for two times, wash it once before consuming.

These methods do not completely guarantee to make your cucumber bitterness-free; however, these age-old procedures have helped remove the bitterness somewhat. Do let us know if you have tried all these methods. Also, tell us if you any other ways to eliminate bitterness from cucumber.

Tags:  CucumberBitter CucumberFood TipsSummer Vegetables

Drinking Water After Eating Watermelon: Is it Safe or Not?

Drinking Water After Eating Watermelon: Is it Safe or Not?

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• Watermelon contains 96 percent water
• Not drinking water after watermelon is one of the long persisting myths
• Here's why you should not drink water after eating water melon

It is the season of watermelons. The sweet delight has filled the carts of all fruit sellers in town, and we couldn't be happier. Apart from being an extremely hydrating fruit, watermelons pack a number of health benefits. Shilpa Arora, Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner, shares, 'Watermelons contain lycopene, potassium and a lot of other nutrients. It has fiber that keeps the digestion process going.'

According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing House, citrulline, an important amino acid found in the flesh of watermelons, can stimulate the production of nitric oxide which regulates blood pressure and enhances the blood flow. So, it's definitely worth adding this juicy, seasonal fruit to your summer diet plan. You can add it to salads or juice it up, there are number of ways to use watermelons and at the same time a number of myths surrounding them. A lot of people suggest that you shouldn't drink water after having watermelons. We set out to explore if this suggestion holds any truth and here's what we found. 

Some believe that watermelons contains 96 percent water and so, there is no need to drink water after consuming them as it may hamper your digestive system by diluting the digestive juices. Others feel that since watermelon mostly contains water and sugar in the form of fructose drinking additional water after consuming it may put you at the risk of stomach infections.

According to Ayurveda, certain food combinations disturb the normal functioning of the gastric fire and upset the balance of doshas in our body. In his book, Ayurvedic Home Remedies, Dr. Vasant Lad makes a suggestion for all kinds of melons, ''eat them alone or leave them alone''. Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood also advises against drinking water after eating watermelons. She says, "It can affect your gastrointestinal tract. Watermelon is mostly water, sugar and fibre. Microbes or bacteria need water and sugar to develop and expand. So, if you drink water after having watermelons, there are more chances of the microbes spreading across your GI tract."

Drinking water after watermelon is not recommended by nutritionists because of the tummy problems it brings in

According to Shilpa Arora, Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner says, “Since watermelon is in itself full of water, it makes no sense to have water after eating it. Ayurveda recommends that we avoid water or in fact any food with watermelon. When watermelon is eaten along with other foods, it slows down the absorption and digestion process in our stomach leading to an acidic tummy. Some people with a sensitive stomach experience uneasiness when they drink water with the fruit. So, it is best avoided, however, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that watermelon and water are not compatible."

Enjoy the lovely fruit in a smoothie, in a salad, or just tuck into it raw. Whether or not this myth is true, it is definitely not a reason to avoid watermelons. So, feel free to indulge and perhaps avoid drinking water as a precautionary measure. 

Tags:  WatermelonWaterHealth

Juices That Are Good to Treat Constipation

10 Juices That Are Good to Treat Constipation

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• Your stool or feces tend to become hard & it becomes difficult to pass
• Acids in mosambi juice can help in clearing toxins from the bowel tract
• Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain improves the bowel function

Constipation is one of the most common stomach problems where people face irregular bowel movements and it creates digestive issues in the stomach. Your stool or feces tend to become hard and it becomes difficult to pass. The common symptoms of constipation include fewer bowel movements, trouble passing stool, swollen belly or abdominal pain. The good news is that some home remedies can help relieve constipation easily. During the summer season, natural and homemade juices can be of great help. Nutritionist Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital in New Delhi suggests the following seven juices that are good to treat constipation.

1. Mosambi juice

Mosambi juice can be a good remedy for constipation as it has acids that help in removing toxins from the bowel tracts and will give immediate relief. Add a pinch of salt in the mosambi juice for quicker results. 

(Also read: 15 Amazing Benefits of Mosambi Juice)

Pineapple juice is very good for constipation as it provides both fluids and water that can help the stool pass through. Pineapple also has an enzyme called bromelain which helps in improving the bowel function and controlling regularity. 

3. Watermelon juice 

Watermelon can be a very good option, especially during summers, as it has a lot of water which will keep you hydrated, clear your digestive tracts and also help in regulating your bowel movements. 

4. Lemon juice 

Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C which helps in treating indigestion. Have at least two glasses of lemon water daily to help soften the stool for easy passage if you feel constipated.

 

Photo Credit: facebook/skin and beauty

5. Apple juice 

Apple juice can also help in fighting constipation as it has a laxative effect because it contains sorbitol which helps in regulating digestion. It also has iron which is good for your health.

6. Orange juice

Orange juice is very rich in vitamin C and it has fibres that add bulk to the stool and it makes it easy to pass. Vitamin C also helps in improving your digestive cycle.

(Also read: 6 Effective Home Remedies for Constipation)

7. Cucumber juice

Cucumber is a delight in summers and is full of water which helps to regulate the bowel system. It is also light on the stomach and acts as a natural laxative for the body.

"Juices can be a very good option for constipation as they provide all the fluids needed. While having juices for constipation, we have to be very careful about a few things. The fruits and vegetables used should be fresh and after making it, the juice should not be stored for long as it may lose its nutrients. Freshly squeezed juices should be consumed immediately as they may get oxidized," says Dr. Saini. She also suggests that these juices should be consumed in the morning before breakfast or between breakfast and lunch to get relief from constipation. Apart from these juices, we can also have jeerawater as it has thymol and other essential oils which help to regulate the digestive system and can treat constipation. 

Tags:  ConstipationJuicesHome Remedies

Did You Know That Fats and Calories Are Not The Same? Here's the Difference

Did You Know That Fats and Calories Are Not The Same? Here's the Difference

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• It is important to understand the difference between fats and calories.
• Calories is the unit of measurement of energy body takes to digest food.
• Fats is one the six essential nutrients that body needs to stay healthy.

You may have come across the terms 'fats' and calories'. They are on every nutritionlabel of packaged foods you buy from super-stores, are often used by your gym instructor if you're a fitness freak and your dietician may have told you to avoid them if you are trying to lose weight. The most common weight loss advice given to anyone is to burn fat and burn calories. Unfortunately, both the terms are often used interchangeably, but they are really different from each other. It is very important to understand the difference between fats and calories to be able to lose weight or even maintain it and reach your goals effectively. So, here's all that you need to know when it comes to fats and calories and how they are different from each other.

What Are Calories?

Calorie is a unit of measurement used to indicate the amount of energy released when the body breaks down (digests and absorbs) food. As the food breaks down and isdigested, it releases calories. When it releases more calories than needed by the body as energy to sustain, the extra calories get stored as fat. As long as your body is using up all the calories released by the food you eat, you may be able to maintain your weight. Whenever there is an imbalance, you tend to gain weight. All food items release calories, be it from a carbohydrate source, protein source or fat. One gram of carbohydrates has four calories. A gram of protein also has four calories. One gram of fat has almost double the amount of calories - nine calories!

What Are Fats?

Fats are one of the six essential nutrients required by the human body to stay healthy. They are a sub-group of lipids and are known as triglycerides. Fats play an important role in chemical and metabolic functions in our body. Our body needs fats as building blocks for nerve tissues and for the production of hormones. Fats can also be used as fuel by the body. When a person eats fat that is not utilized by the body, it is stored in the fat cells. This stored energy is used by the body in case of deprivation of food.

Certain types of fats are beneficial and necessary for your health. Instead of cutting out fat completely from your diet, consume foods rich in unsaturated fats. Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood suggests, "There are three prime nutrients. Carbs that generate energy, proteins that work essentially for muscle building, and fats which are important for insulation, nerve sheath coating and smooth functioning of your hormones. Therefore, by cutting down on fats completely you are hampering your health."

Dr. Sood further adds, "Around 15 to 20 percent of your calorie intake has to be fat, out of which 50 percent should be from visible origins (ghee, butter, and oil) and the other 50 from invisible origins which are already present in the food you eat. Recent studies have noted that you need to have 3 parts of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and 1 part of saturated fats for optimum health."

To summarise

According to Nutritionist Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, "One must know that a certain set of calories are generated from everything you consume, whatever may be the source. On the other hand, fat is just one of the ingredients of a balanced diet which produces calories and any excess of it is stored in the fat cells that leads to weight gain. Hence, it is always recommended that you go easy on fats, however, don't discard them completely."

Tags:  FatFatsCalories.

Smart Ways to Eat Healthy During Office Hours

8 Smart Ways to Eat Healthy During Office Hours

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1. Cut the Junk

Junk food options like namkeens and chips are the ones that are stocked by most office spaces for their employees. While completely disallowing yourself to eat these may not be the solution, it is a good idea to keep a check on the amount you take in one go. Bingeing on junk is the unhealthiest habit possible, so be mindful of it. Limit your starch content intake in the form of pastas, rice and breads too.

(Also Read: How to Knock Off Stubborn Office Fat

)

 

_{Limiting your junk intake is vital for healthy eating. Photo credits: iStock}

 

2. Pack Home-Cooked Meals

This is the fool-proof way to make sure you cut down on junk; however much you want to. Getting home-cooked food

to your office makes sure the food is healthy and fresh. The food cooked at home best satisfies your taste buds. You can customise it according to your own tastes and preferences. Chances of getting a case of food poisoning from badly-cooked food is severely reduced by eating home cooked food everyday. Freshly cooked food packed in a tiffin box keeps reminding you to finish it first before you go on to any other snacks or drinks. Home food in decent proportions is something which you can always binge-eat, without feeling conscious of overeating.

(Also Read: Packed Lunch: The Highs and Lows of Eating Al Desko

)

 

_{Simple, home-made food is the best way to limit unhealthy snacking habits. Photo credits: iStock}

3. Stay Hydrated

The importance of drinking water at your work place cannot be overstated. A water bottle

at your desk is an absolute must. Make sure you take several big sips before and after every meal, and keep drinking through the day as well. Water has no calories, and helps you stay energized and fresh throughout the day. This is vital especially for those working in air-conditioned offices, as their skin gets devoid of moisture, and thus needs to retain its hydration.
 

_{Water- the evergreen superfood for your workplace. Photo credits: iStock}

4. Cold Drinks Are Not the Best Refreshment

Some tend to consciously avoid junk food in an attempt to watch weight, but it is also important to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks, sodas, energy drinks, packaged juices and lattes. These drinks contain heavy amounts of sugar, which hampers your diet. Extra sugar and cream in your tea and coffee should be avoided. Opt for black coffee orgreen tea as a viable alternative to cut down on calories as well as boost your metabolism; or gorge on water, of course.

 

_{Calorie-heavy drinks like colas and sodas become an unnecessary pile-on to your daily requirement. Photo credits: iStock}

 

5. Keep Snacks at Your Desk

Stock your desk larder with plenty of snacks other than the regular chips and biscuits. This will be an added incentive to eat well, and will prohibit you from reaching out to thevending machine

or nearby grocery store every time. Pine nuts, flax seeds and almonds are also good snacking alternatives. The best snacks are fresh fruits and veggies- simply wash and bring them to your work place!

(Also Read: 10 Healthy Snacks for Work

)
 

_{Healthy fruits and nuts are one of the most healthy snacks possible. Photo credits: iStock}

6. Healthy Eating Options

If you’re still wondering what exactly you can binge-eat during office hours, we have a list of healthy options ready for you-

• Fresh coconut chunks, which are conveniently available in bite-sized packets in the local supermarket. They are high on fibre and rich in good fats
• Sweet potato crisps, with no additives or preservatives.
• Roasted chickpeas, which is low on calories and high on taste.
• Yogurt, is a great snacking option and has a variety of flavours to choose from. It fills up the stomach with good bacteria and stocks up high on calcium and magnesium.
• Dark chocolate, is rich in antioxidants and keeps you fresh and energized. Be careful not to eat too much. The kind of dark chocolate that has maximum benefits is the one with close to 98% cocoa content and least milk and sugar.
• Protein bars, are filling, richly layered, and available in several different kinds of flavours. They live up to their name and supply you with the energy-boostingProtein that keeps you going through the day.
• Mixed nuts, such as almonds which are high on magnesium; flax seeds which reduce drowsiness and contain Omega-3 fatty acids as well. Roast a variety of these nuts and keep them in a handy jar on your desktop.
• Fruits, including bananas, apples, oranges, peaches, grapes, and any other fruit which does not require peeling and cutting. A single serving of any fruit is a healthy snacking portion for one person. It is a filling snack and high on fiber and vitamins.

(Also Read: Top Four Foods to Stay Alert at Work

)
 

_{Healthy snacks in small portions are the key to a healthy lifestyle. Photo credits: iStock}

7. How to Curb Cravings

Controlling your food cravings is vital for the workplace. The brain often sends hunger pangs

based on food smells and sounds nearby. This ends up becoming a major deterrent to your healthy snacking intentions, as your cravings result in binge eating. What’s more, if there is nothing available to satisfy your craving, you will end up relying on sugary foods that are high on carbohydrates and fats.

(Also Read: This is Why We Give In To Our Food Cravings

)
 

To satiate your food craving, make sure you choose the healthier path. Photo credits: iStock

8. Check Portions

It is always a good idea to snack and satisfy your hunger pangs rather than intentionally deprive yourself of food. However, the key element here is not to go overboard with any snack you take. Be it simple mixed nuts, protein bars or even vegetables and fruits- it is essential to control the portions you eat. Excess of anything is too much for the body to handle. Over-snacking makes you lose your appetite for the proper meals of the day, and pile on unnecessary calories and weight.
 

Tiny portions of every food is the best way to avoid overstuffing. Photo credits: iStock

Thus, healthy bingeing during the 40-hour workweek is not as much of a Herculean task as it seems. It is simply a combination of switching to the right diet and a little bit of self-control. So, get your office snacking habits right today!

Tags:  Healthy EatingOffice SnacksHomemade Meals