Skincare Tips

Food and Nutrition

Boost Your Physical And Mental Health

You are what you eat! The secret to good health often lies in one's reach in one's own kitchen, if only one remembers to look. From nutrient-dense and healthy lentils and flours to natural alternatives to calorie-heavy processed foods, kitchen shelves are full of ingredients that are both healthy and delicious if whipped up the correct way. Here are some foods suggested by Jyothi Sri Pappu, CEO and Founder of Nutreat Life that help you boost your physical and mental health if consumed regularly: Ragi A staple in south Indian households, Ragi is not only high in protein but is also packed with nutrients like vitamins C, B-Complex, and E, iron and calcium, making it good for your hair and skin. Ragi is a wonderful breakfast food that also helps relax nerves and induce sleep naturally. The best part? Ragi is a versatile ingredient that can not only be part of many recipes but can be prepared for babies to adults alike, whether in the form of baby cereal, piping hot porridge, or yummy pancakes. Jaggery A great alternative to empty-calories sweeteners like sugar, jaggery, or gur is high on nutritional value, containing within itself a fair amount of antioxidants and minerals. Jaggery is an ingredient that can be eaten raw, or put in meals to improve its flavour. Along with boosting immunity, jaggery has great purification properties for your entire body, especially the liver and blood. Dates Another food that is great for diabetics, along with jaggery, is the date fruit. This precious brown dry fruit contains loads and loads of nutrients, including potassium and antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acid. High in fibre and easy to add to dishes, dates are also great for brain health. As per research, a diet rich in date palm fruits improves memory, learning and reduces the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Dates and jaggery instant mixes, such as the one by NutrEatLife, can be added in place of sugar in dishes and beverages to sweeten them, minus the health disadvantages of sugar. Coconut Another traditionally available superfood is coconut, which is full of nutrients, whether one has coconut water, raw coconut, milk or even its oil! From manganese to magnesium, copper and potassium, consuming coconut can help you increase the intake of the micronutrients each day. Sipping coconut water could also have the same effect as an activity designed to reduce anxiety, and research shows that coconut water may have an antidepressant effect. Nuts Add them to your desserts, or have a handful of them after soaking in water, nuts are wonder foods that are proven to be transformative for both physical and mental health. Along with improving brain function, almonds and walnuts are energy-boosting foods that are a great snacking option in between meals. Pistachios, similarly, improve function in the brain and eyes and are a blessing for hair and skin health. Peanuts, too, make for a great snacking option and a nutrition powerhouse as well with 17 grams of protein in every half a cup (73 grams). (Agency) Read More► Benefits of Spiced Tea in Winter
Nirog Health Tips

Ayurvedic Remedies For Pimples

Mukhadushikais (Pimples) is one of the most commonest problems noticed now a day, characterized by Shalmali kantaka vata (thorn like) eruptions on the face. It is seen more from a cosmetic point of view than a medical one. In Ayurvedic texts it finds its place under the heading of Kshudra rogas which are considered minor diseases. But in exceptional cases like Mukhadushika(Pimples), these can produce a marked cosmetic disability and give rise to much mental distress. According to Ayurveda Diet & lifestyle has an important role in managing any disease, so the following modification are recommended if you are suffering from pimples: - Spicy, sour, oily and packaged food must be avoided. Fresh fruits & vegetables are recommended. Herbal soaps are recommended to wash face frequently Irritant cosmetics should not be used Pimples must be left untouched Sound sleep is recommended with proper time schedule as sleeping late at night & getting up after sunrise increases pitta in the body which can lead to problems in the skin. Intake of herbs is recommended which has a cooling effect on the body like Amla, Mint etc Every night before sleeping Avipatikar churan 5to 10gms should be taken to pacify pitta in the body. Apply the paste of sandalwood, turmeric & rose water on the affected area and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. Then wash it with cold water. Apply honey on the skin & wash off after 10 to 15 minutes. Apply Neem paste on the affected area to get good results, in fact, neem can be taken internally too to get more results in pimples.   Few treatments like Virechana & Jaluka-avcharan (Leech therapy) has very good results in pimples, these two treatment should be taken under the guidance of Ayurveda consultants. Aleo Vera is one of the plants having a cooling effect and taking its pulp every day in the morning is very helpful in maintaining pitta dosh. Read More► Facial Massage For Skin Rejuvenation
Nirog Health Tips

Minimal Skincare for Men

When it comes to skincare, most men prefer to keep things as simple as possible. Men, on the other hand, are becoming more interested in self-care as time passes. Some simple changes are recommended that aren't taxing and produce long-term results. Men's skin is typically oily and hard, and it is constantly exposed to external factors such as pollution and sunlight. It also faces difficulties as a result of poor sleep habits, stress, and a poor diet. Oily, dry, normal, sensitive, or combination skin all necessitate a unique set of products to address your concerns. Cleansing This is the most important requirement for combating pollution and oil leakage. The first step of the day is to cleanse your face with a cleanser. It's also simple to understand. Simply washing your face with a cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, helps to remove impurities. Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type will assist you in unclogging your pores and preventing acne. AHA-BHA facewash is recommended for oily skin. Hydration Men's skin takes a beating over time. This is caused by chemicals found in air pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV rays. It is then critical to hydrate your skin. A serum with active ingredients, applied before a moisturiser, aids in skin repair. Instead of excessively moisturising, hydrate, minimise, and maintain the skin's protective barrier. The serum should be chosen based on the issue you are dealing with. Protect Sunscreen should be used as part of every morning skincare routine before going outside. It is the final step in skincare. Non-sticky gel-based sunscreens should be suitable for daily use. The most important thing to remember here is that sunscreen should be applied even if we aren't going outside because it protects us from the UV rays emitted by our screens. If you are constantly exposed to the sun, you should apply sunscreen every three hours. Men can also use an anti-oxidant serum or a pigmentation serum to address their concerns if they are constantly exposed to pollution, smoke, and so on. This should be done either before or after hydration, depending on the serum's consistency. It is recommended that serum with a thinner consistency be used first. Aside from that, men should use a non-sticky, non-comedogenic moisturiser before applying sunscreen. Always be aware of your skin type and make purchases accordingly. The same steps can be followed, but the products will differ. (agency) Read More► Most Effective Herbs to prevent Cancer
Nirog Health Tips

Mental Health Tips For A Love-Filled Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is an exciting time for many of us. It is the time when we express our feelings of love, compassion, gratitude and affection. Expressing your emotion to your 'special someone' in just one day can feel impossible. Valentine's Day can also become a source of stress for people. The pressure of planning the perfect day, getting the perfect gift, wearing the perfect outfit all while managing work, household chores and other responsibilities can take a toll on one's mental health. Here are a few tips that will help you make this Valentine's Day special without the stress and anxiety. Share Your Expectations With Your Partner Talking about your expectations with your partner can be daunting. It can help your partner better understand what makes you happy and prevent miscommunication. A hot balloon ride may sound romantic to one person but can be terrifying for someone who has a fear of heights. Communicating your expectations clearly will help construct a better path for the future. You and your partner can also start having conversations about finances, time, and emotional well-being. Make Realistic Plans Often, the idea of what Valentine's Day should look like comes from movies, books or other forms of media. But, they may not be realistic. It puts a lot of pressure on trying to make things fantastical or perfect. Sure, it's fun to plan surprises and date nights, but remember that things may not always go the way you plan. Instead, focus on giving your Valentine your attention, time and love this year. Show Your Appreciation In relationships, we sometimes end up taking our partner for granted. We may not mean to, and it's not intentional. But, there's a reason we chose to be with them, and spend Valentine's Day with them. This year, make a special effort to notice and acknowledge the things your partner does for you. You can also show your appreciation through actions - getting them their favourite flowers, writing them a note, offering to do chores in the house, or giving them a massage. Valuing and appreciating your partners will help the relationship flourish. Try Something New Together While trying to figure out how you and your partner can spend Valentine's Day, give yourselves the opportunity to learn and grow together. Take this time to learn or explore something new. Maybe you can sign up for a couple's dance class, try making a new dish, explore museums in your city, or go for a hike, Planning activities together can be a great way to keep the relationship vibrant. Learn about each other's love languages: What could be better than getting to better know each other on Valentine's Day? Love languages is a concept explained by Dr. Gary Chapman. Love languages outline five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love and commitment. These love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, receiving gifts and quality time. Take time to explore what you and your partners love languages are. After all, every individual differs from one another, and so do you and your partner. It's important to understand what matters the most to your partner. (Richa Vashista, Chief Mental Health Expert, AtEase) Read More► 10 Ways to Get Fit This Year
Nirog Health Tips

5 Ways to Manage Childhood Allergies

Motherhood comes with its own mixed bag of emotions; we want to save our child from every little peril that comes their way, including allergies. The most common allergen in India are milk, egg and peanuts. According to the IAP survey, 11.4 per cent children under the age of 14 years suffer from some form of allergies and they usually peak around the month of May. The symptoms of allergy range from runny nose, sneezing, coughing, rashes, watery and red eyes to swollen tongue and breathing difficulties. A child experiences serious discomfort and it leaves the parents hopeless at times. Allergies develop slowly over time; parents need to have patience and commitment towards managing them. However, there are certain ways in which we, as parents, can contribute in prevention and possible alleviation of the problems. Do Not Stress Staying stress-free and calm is very important during this time. Creating panic will only add to the misery. Once we know about the symptoms, our mandate must be to keep a first-aid antiallergic kit at home. We can make this kit with the help of our paediatrician. Let Them Get Dirty We are all kids of mother nature. Nature has its own way of strengthening our immunity. Being over-protective about children, not letting them get their hands dirty increases their sensitivity response. Let them play in the park and get dirty once in a while. Gut Microbiota Correction As claimed by ayurveda, all allergies develop from a leaky gut syndrome. Excessive use of antibiotics and MSG-laden packed foods has made microscopic holes in our intestine. These holes get bigger with time allowing more allergens to pass into the bloodstream, eventually a runny nose becomes asthma overtime. Full Research of the Allergen Once we know our child is experiencing allergy symptoms, parents need to work like Sherlock Holmes. They need to take down a detailed history about their food, clothes and skin care products. Anything can trigger the allergy response. Natural Aloe Vera-based Products As far as skin allergies are concerned, Aloe Vera aka the Plant of Immortality is a healer. We recommend using natural, organic and purified Aloe Vera-based products for children so that their skin remains smooth, calm and fresh. DON'T WORRY MOMMIES!!!! (Dr Nidhi Gupta completed her MD from the DY Patil University, Pune. She is a cardio metabolic expert for seven years with a keen interest in mother and child nutrition and hormonal imbalance. She is the co-founder of AloeMaa. She writes several blog posts on emerging nutrition and skin problems and the solutions on the same on her website www.aloemaa.com) Read More► 10 Ways to Get Fit This Year
Food and Nutrition

Superfoods for Healthy Skin During

Your food habits have a huge impact on your energy levels and even show on your skin. The dietary choices we make every day can either make us feel energetic and look good or can make us look older than our actual age. Healthy eating is beneficial for maintaining proper body weight as well as boosting the immune system. It rejuvenates your skin and improves your hair quality, thereby leaving you with glowing skin and reduced hair fall. Apart from that, it also helps to smoothen the skin, curb wrinkles and strengthen nails. Skin, during winters, can become dry, and one might not be able to protect it in the right manner despite moisturizers. Certain superfoods can help healthily protect the skin- Water: This one is one of the most important elements in our daily diet. Water gives our body and skin the much-needed boost of hydration. Consuming ample water makes the skin soft, smooth and supple. If the opposite is done, it can lead to dryness, clogged pores, wrinkles and blemishes. Further, drinking less water leaves you dehydrated that can trigger fatigue and make you look older. Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax seeds, and fish like Salmon and Mackerel help in keeping the skin nourished. These polyunsaturated fats accelerate the production of the skin's natural oil barrier, which is critical in keeping your skin hydrated. It even makes it plumper, and younger-looking. Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and lycopene that protect skin from UV damage. Although the sun is not too bright in winters, UV rays are still present all around us. Carrots are also packed with Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants that keep dry skin and uneven skin tone issues at bay. Citrus Fruits: Winters are the time when fresh juicy and refreshing citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerine, grapefruit, and lime are available in abundance. These vitamin C rich fruits can be excellent winter superfoods. Some common benefits provided are - Vitamin C can help boost immunity, the water content can help keep the body hydrated, and fibre can help improve digestion. Sweet Potatoes: A winter special is loaded with tons of benefits. Sweet Potatoes are loaded with fibre which keeps the stomach full for a longer time. The high levels of beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes not only nourish the skin but also makes it glow from within. They are essential to boost immunity and help in safeguarding the body against minor ailments. The change in weather demands a change in diet. With Covid cases on a rise again, it poses a lot of health problems as we continue to work from home and there is less physical activity. Joint problems, weight gain, vitamin D deficiency, constipation are some of the common problems people are facing during self-quarantine. With winter stepping in, dry skin and hair fall also become a cause of concern. Enriching your diet with nutrient-rich foods may help deal with all these problems and let you enjoy good immunity, good skin and overall good health. (Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics, Fitness & Nutrition Expert) Read More► Make Your Kids Morning Happy With These Healthy Breakfast Foods