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How can high air pollution levels harm your heart? Understanding the risks and prevention

How can high air pollution levels harm your heart? Understanding the risks and prevention

In this pollution season why you need to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, highlights Dr Nishith Chandra Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi

In our rapidly urbanizing world, pollution has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. While we often associate pollution with respiratory issues, its impact on the heart is equally concerning. Air pollution poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health.

However, by understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce their susceptibility to pollution-related heart problems.

Air Pollution and Heart Disease

Studies have shown a direct connection between exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of heart disease. Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), can infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress in the arteries. This, in turn, contributes to atherosclerosis, a major precursor to heart attacks and strokes.

Preventing Pollution-Related Heart Issues

1) Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

To promote healthier living in areas with elevated air pollution, it’s advisable to minimize outdoor activities on days when pollution levels are high. Furthermore, ensuring clean indoor air quality can be achieved by employing air purifiers at home. Additionally, it’s important to advocate for and actively support policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating emissions from both vehicles and industrial sources

Most importantly, improve indoor air quality. To enhance indoor air quality, it is essential to prioritize proper ventilation in both your home and workplace. You can also consider incorporating indoor plants to aid in air purification, while refraining from smoking indoors to minimize the substantial contribution it makes to indoor air pollution.

2) Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Choices in a Polluted World

1. Diet and Nutrition: To maintain a heart-healthy diet, prioritize foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. High pollution levels introduce free radicals into your body, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage, accelerating the aging process. Vitamins C and E act as powerful antioxidants, shielding your body from these harmful free radicals. Hence, it’s wise to include antioxidants like vitamins C and E in your diet to counteract the oxidative stress caused by pollution. For instance, almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, while avocados offer a dual advantage, providing both Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity improves cardiovascular health and can counteract some of the negative effects of pollution. If possible, exercise in green spaces with lower pollution levels.

3. Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate the harmful effects of pollution on the heart. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.

4. Medication and Medical Check-Ups: If you have pre-existing heart conditions, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate medications and regular check-ups to monitor your heart health.

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7 Simple Daily Habits to Keep Yourself Young

7 Simple Daily Habits to Keep Yourself Young

Aging is a natural part of life, but there are daily habits that can help us maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance as we grow older. These habits go beyond just looking young; they also contribute to overall health and well-being.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, hydration, skincare, quality sleep, stress management, and social engagement can all contribute to maintaining a youthful and vibrant life. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a more youthful appearance and improved overall health as you age gracefully.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to stay youthful. Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. It also promotes the production of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support skin health, boost the immune system, and keep the body functioning optimally. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, spinach, and tomatoes, can help fight the signs of aging by reducing oxidative stress.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining youthful skin and overall health. Water helps flush toxins from the body, keeps skin moisturized, and supports various bodily functions. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and consider adding herbal teas for added hydration and antioxidants.

Skincare Routine

A good skincare routine can help maintain youthful-looking skin. Cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun are essential steps. Use sunscreen daily to prevent UV damage, and consider incorporating anti-aging products like retinoids or antioxidants for added skin protection.

Quality Sleep

Adequate, quality sleep is essential for the body’s repair and rejuvenation. Lack of sleep can lead to premature aging, increased stress, and a weakened immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help keep stress levels in check. Reducing stress not only promotes a youthful appearance but also supports mental and emotional well-being.

Social Engagement

Maintaining an active social life is linked to longevity and youthfulness. Positive social interactions can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and provide a sense of purpose. Nurture your relationships, make time for friends and family, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Joint pains bothering you? This sitting asana, done on a sofa or mat, can help

Sitting asanas done on sofa or mat can help
This exercises every joint, starting from the toes to the neck area. This frees up the joints and removes blockages, says yoga expert Kamini Bobde Winter is around the corner which is a bane for people suffering from all kinds of joint problems. Osteoarthritis, which is caused mainly by the degeneration of the cartilage between the joints, is also impacted by cold weather as it aggravates inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Sitting asanas done on sofa or mat can help One of the main reasons for osteoarthritis is excess body weight, stress, a poor lifestyle and a diet rich in meat, fat and sugar. Any excess or imbalance in daily living impacts the complex systems of our body right down to the cellular level, thus disrupting the auto-immune system and the central nervous system. The simplest but most effective practice to start with for osteoarthritis is Sushma Vyvyan. This exercises every joint of the body, starting from the toes to the neck area. This helps free up the joints, releases excess wind from the joints, removes blockages in the flow of pyranic energy and blood in the whole body. Synchronised with breath awareness, it helps better exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in better oxygenation. All this helps in preserving and reversing the cartilage degeneration. SUKSHMA VYAYAM OR PAWANMUKTASANA SERIES 1: This whole practice can be done in a sitting posture either on the yoga mat, a reasonably stiff sofa or bed. Sit comfortably with legs stretched out in front and palms behind your body with fingers pointing outwards, so that you can rest your back. Toe movement
  • Focus on your toes. With every inhalation, pull the toes of both legs up and with exhalation, bend them towards the floor. This is one round. Do five to 10 rounds.
Ankle joint movement
  •  Bringing attention to the ankle joints, inhale and pull them towards yourself and with exhalation, stretch and bend them away from yourself. This is one round. Do five to 10 rounds.
Knee joint movement Inhale, then squeeze and tighten your knee joint with the kneecap automatically moving upwards. Exhale and relax the knee joint. This is one round. Do five to 10 rounds. Hip joint movement
  • Fold your right leg and place your right foot on your left thigh. Place your right hand on the right knee and left hand on your right toes. Rotate the hip joint by moving the leg in circular motion, drawing an invisible circle with your right knee. Inhale as the knee moves down and exhale as you pull your knee up. A clockwise rotation makes one round. Do five rounds in clockwise and five rounds in anti-clockwise direction.
  • Do the same with the left hip joint.
Finger joints movement
  • Sitting with legs stretched out, stretch your arms out in front of you along your shoulder with palms facing each other. Inhale, stretch all your fingers out maximum. Exhale and relax all finger joints. This is one round. Do at least 10 rounds.
  • Wrist joint movement
  • Then make a fist with your arms still stretched out and rotate the wrist joint for five rounds in the clockwise direction and five rounds in an anti-clockwise direction.
Elbow joint movement
  • Cup your right elbow joint in your left palm. Then rotate the forearm in clockwise then anticlockwise direction for five to 10 times.
  • Do the same for the left elbow joint.
Shoulder joint movement
  • Fold both arms and place the tip of your right hand fingers on the right shoulder and the left hand fingers on the left shoulder. Join the elbows in front of the chest. Breathe in, pull both arms behind, then bring them back together in the front, thus completing one full rotation of both arms in the clockwise direction. Do five to 10 rounds.
Neck movement
  • Inhale, throw your head at the back and look up. Exhale and lower your chin to the chest in slow, smooth movements. This is one round. Do five rounds.
  • Sideways bending movement of the neck is done by inhaling when your head is straight. As you exhale, bend your head towards the right shoulder. Then inhale as you look straight and with exhalation bend the head to the left. Do five rounds.
  •  Keep your head straight and inhale. As you exhale, turn and twist your neck to the right looking as far back as possible. Repeat on the left side and do five rounds each.
  • Sitting upright, rotate your neck area first in a clockwise and then in an anti-clockwise direction. Inhale as your head goes back and exhale as your chin moves towards your chest. Do five clockwise and five anticlockwise rotations.
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Vision for all: The essential role of eye care in primary healthcare

Vision for all: The essential role of eye care in primary healthcare
eye care

Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director-India, Orbis stresses that primary healthcare, often a person’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, should ideally provide preventive eye care services as well. Preventive eye care revolves around a range of interventions aimed at identifying and addressing vision-related issues before they escalate into more severe conditions

One of the most important senses, vision allows us to completely participate in daily activities, learn, work, and navigate the world around us. Yet, for millions across the globe, access to adequate eye care remains elusive. This calls for integration of comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare systems.

Primary healthcare, often a person’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, should ideally provide preventive eye care services as well. Preventive eye care revolves around a range of interventions aimed at identifying and addressing vision-related issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. Such interventions include regular eye examinations, health education and the provision of affordable eyeglasses. By incorporating these measures into primary healthcare, we can detect and treat visual impairments in their early stages, preventing avoidable blindness and reducing the burden on tertiary care facilities.

Early detection is indispensable

Many eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, progress asymptomatically in their initial stages. By the time symptoms become noticeable, irreversible damage may have already occurred. Integrating eye screenings into routine primary healthcare visits ensures that potential issues are identified promptly. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preserving vision and thus enhancing the quality of life.

Awareness: The catalyst for effective preventive measures

To work on preventive eye care, one needs to be educated about it. Communities often lack knowledge about the importance of regular eye examinations and protecting their eyes from environmental hazards. The need of the hour is to integrate eye care into primary healthcare systems. This way healthcare professionals can serve as a valuable channel for disseminating information on eye health thereby emphasising the significance of adequate eye protection. A balanced diet and refraining from habits like smoking can act as a preventive measure against eye ailments. Therefore, awareness is important because an informed person is better equipped to take proactive steps in maintaining their eye health.

Timely intervention in the form of eyeglasses can save eyesight

Affordable eyeglasses are another vital aspect of preventive eye care. It is an effective tool to correct refractive errors. However, affordable eyeglasses are not accessible to all. By integrating optometry services into primary healthcare, those in need of eyeglasses can receive them. This can address refractive errors and reduce the negative outcomes of poor vision such as productivity loss.

Incorporating eye care into primary healthcare also fosters equity and inclusivity. Vision impairment disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with low socioeconomic status. By making eye care services available at the primary healthcare level, we can remove barriers to access and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can receive the care they need.

Integrating comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare is not merely an option; it is a necessity. Preventive eye care plays a crucial role in preserving vision, enhancing well-being and promoting equity. By bridging the visual gap through primary healthcare, we can prevent avoidable suffering, reduce healthcare costs and empower people to lead fuller and more productive lives.

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Skin problems that may be happening due to poor gut health

Skin problems that may be happening due to poor gut health

When we experience any problems with our skin health, such as sudden appearance of acne, we may start applying creams or wash our face repeatedly during the day. However, not every skin issue may be caused due to unclean skin or polluted environment. Sometimes, the cause may be deeper than you think — coming from your gut. Our gut health is connected with our skin health, and so, poor gut health can show through various problems with your skin. Here are some of the skin problems caused by bad gut:

Skin problems that may be happening due to poor gut health

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. Symptoms of eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. Your intestinal flora influences the microbes that live on the skin. An imbalanced microbiome may play a role in the inflammation and immune response that causes eczema. This also means that healthy dietary changes can help alleviate your eczema symptoms.

 

Poor  gut health can promote growth of acne on your skin. Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal walls and microbiome aren’t able to keep up with the build-up of toxins in the body. If toxins aren’t well processed in your gut, you may start to see them exiting your skin via acne. Make sure you’re eating healthy foods to get probiotics, polyphenols, and minerals that heal your skin from the inside out.

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which skin cells build up and form itchy and dry, scaly patches. The cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood. As per research, one possible connection is that between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Since the skin is made up of tissue that absorbs things more easily, it is sensitive and reacts to the inflammation signals that travel throughout the body.

Rosacea can lead to larger pores on the face as well as dry skin. The development of this condition is related to inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Treating rosacea with antibiotics or microbiome modulation has been shown to help with disease management. For healthy, refreshed and disease-free skin, here are some tips to improve gut health. Stress can mess with your gut, so manage stress with yoga and meditation. Regularly consume probiotics and fermented foods to lower inflammation of the gut. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Avoid excess consumption of sugar and eat fibre-rich vegetables and fruits, sprouts, whole grains, and legumes. Cut down on smoking, alcohol, junk, and processed food.

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Medicine & Health

Anti-pollution diet: Top foods to include in your diet for fighting air pollution

Top foods to include in your diet for fighting air pollution
  • What are you doing today to safeguard your heart and lungs from ill effects of pollution? Eat these foods to protect yourself from toxic air and stay healthy .
  • Air pollution is on rise in Delhi NCR and surrounding regions as the air quality deteriorates with each passing day. While one can avoid exposure by limiting outdoor time during peak pollution hours, it is not always possible to avoid ill effects of air pollution all the time. The toxic air can wreak havoc on your lungs, brain, heart and overall health and it’s important to adopt measures that can combat harmful effects of pollutants and particulate matter than can damage health. Air pollution has been identified by WHO as one of the largest environmental health risks, responsible for millions of deaths from lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. With the right dietary choices and balanced diet with antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s possible to reverse pollution-induced damage to some extent.
  • “Oxidative stress is known to contribute to the development of age-related diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that a poor diet, including clinical malnutrition, may increase the risk of oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Oxidative stress occurs due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, which can lead to tissue damage, inflammation, worsened disease severity, and abnormal immune responses,” says Dr Charu  Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad in an interview with HT Digital.

  • FOODS TO FIGHT POLLUTION

    Dr Dua shares food groups that must be included to combat harmful effects of air pollution:

    1. Vitamin A: Milk, eggs, carrots, pumpkins

    To counteract pollution’s effects, it is recommended to include dietary sources of retinol (vitamin A), primarily found in animal sources like milk, liver, eggs, and fortified foods, as well as orange and yellow fruits such as carrots, mangoes, and pumpkins to introduce carotenoids into your diet.

  • Top foods to include in your diet for fighting air pollution
  • 2 Vitamins C and E: Oranges, guavas, soybean, nuts Observational and preclinical studies have shown that low Vitamin C and Vitamin E intake is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma. Therefore, it’s important to include foods rich in these vitamins in your diet. Citrus fruits like oranges and guavas are excellent sources of vitamin C, while oils, such as soybean and mustard oils, along with green leafy vegetables and nuts, provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.

  • 3. Vitamin D: Sunlight, eggs, fatty fish

    Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and maintaining normal vitamin D levels is correlated with improved asthma control in adults with asthma. However, many people have low indoor vitamin D levels nowadays, so supplementation is necessary to keep vitamin D levels within the normal range to control asthma effectively.

  • 4. Turmeric

    Curcumin, a phytochemical found in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Including curcumin in your diet may help protect against pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. However, it’s important not to overdose; a teaspoon of turmeric is sufficient.

    5. Black pepper

    Also, ensure you consume it with black pepper to enhance its bioavailability, as curcumin is not effectively absorbed by the body without black pepper.

    6. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Incorporating omega-3 rich oils into your diet is not only heart-protective but also helps protect your body against pollution. Finally, it’s worth noting that the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets. It emphasizes whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, balanced meals, and limits processed and instant foods.

  • Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in managing asthma and reducing your susceptibility to pollution-related health issues.
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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

When trying to lose weight, many people tend to skip meal(s) thinking that will help them in their journey. However, this is not what helps in weight loss. As per Anjali Mukerjee, a nutritionist, eating frequent and small meals throughout the day help achieve the goal.

While people follow different diets and hacks like intermittent fasting and calorie counting, experts believe that portion control is one of the most popular and effective ways to keep your weight in check.Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

Defined as “the process of making sure that the amount of food you eat for each meal is not too large, especially when you are trying to lose weight,” portion control can help you with your weight loss journey.

As per Anjali, studies have shown that eating frequent mini-meals spread throughout the day prevents the metabolism from slowing down, reduces hunger pangs, optimally fuels your body, and has a positive impact on cholesterol and insulin levels.

Stressing the importance of portion control, Anjali wrote, “In the world of nutrition, it is a known fact that you should burn more calories than you consume to lose weight and fat. And how can one achieve this? By portion control and optimal meal frequency.”

Portion size is a key driver of energy intake and also impacts the weight of a person. Therefore, measuring and controlling the portion size has become very crucial to control (and not gain) weight,” Dr Garima Goyal, a nutritionist, told indianexpress.com previously.

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