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Walking Benefits Every Organ Of The Body!

Walking is a safe, low impact exercise that only requires proper clothing and footwear, it can be done outdoors or indoors, requires no trainers or special gear.

Effect of walking on health:

Weight loss:

Walking burns about 250 calories per hour and since it is a low impact exercise, one can walk much longer than high impact exercise like running or HIIT. So effectively, it can help burn a lot of calories if you can invest enough time into it, even spread over the day and this helps weight loss.

Weight loss helps lower blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and protects us from diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

Heart:

According to the American Heart Association, walking is as effective in preventing coronary heart disease as running. A daily thirty minute walk lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and improves blood circulation, helping prevent heart disease and strokes.

Brain:

Walking regularly improves the brain health. A University Of Kansas study found that walking prevents early onset of dementia and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

Over 35 million people worldwide are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and scientists predict that the number will double in twenty years.

Those who have been active lifelong are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who are sedentary. Being physically active increases the volume of the hippocampus. It is a small, curved structure located deep in the brain’s temporal lobe. It plays a central role in memory and learning,

Walking reduces stress and stimulates the of release of endorphins, it not only stimulates the chemicals that improve brain health but also the growth and survival of the neural blood vessels.

Mind:

Walking calms your mind. In a study on fifty severally depressed individuals the Journal Of Psychiatric Research found that thirty to forty five minutes of walk five days week significantly improved their condition. If it can do this to severely depressed people you can imagine how easily it can improve your mood when you feel a little low!

Walking stimulates production of various beneficial brain chemicals including endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and brain derived neurotrophic factor. These chemicals improve self esteem and are also responsible for elevating mood, keeping us happy, energetic, improve focus, attention, and divergent thinking and problem solving abilities. It also reduces cortisol levels and brings in a sense of calm.

Eyes:

It helps relieve eye pressure and helps relieve glaucoma and its symptoms. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends walking as the best exercise for reducing the risk of developing glaucoma and also for relieving its symptoms. Both low and high intensity exercises improve the health of the visual cortex, that part of the brain that processes the visuals that our eyes send to it.

Lungs:

It improves lung volume and function. Walking is an aerobic exercise, it increases oxygen flow in the blood and helps eliminate toxins and wastes. Deeper and better breathing improves the lung function and helps significantly improve some symptoms of lung disease.

Immune system:

Stress and lung disease medication weaken the immune system, walking outdoors in green environment strengthens immune system.

Pancreatic health:

Walking improves pancreatic health and function better than running. Walking is a more effective way of preventing diabetes than is running.

A six month trial in a Duke University study of a group of people who walked regularly, showed a six times greater improvement in glucose tolerance than a group of runners. More efficient use of sugar allows the pancreas to produce less insulin and gives it much needed rest.

Digestion:

Walking improves digestion. Just thirty minutes of daily walk improves digestion and regulates bowel movement, helping prevent constipation.

It helps prevent colon cancer. It also helps people survive colon cancer even amongst those who have already been diagnosed of it.

This fact has been established in a study of over 1,50,000 people where the activity levels of people who had survived colon cancer were compared with those who had colon cancer and died of it.

Muscles:

Just thirty minute walk every day helps tone up your muscles. Walking about 10000 steps or about 7.5 km with some uphill walking included in it, is as effective as proper workout in a gym.

Bones and joints:

It helps build stronger bones and joints. Walking improves joint mobility, bone density and reduces the risk of fractures.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends thirty minute walks to reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. Strong bones reduce bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis.

Backache:

Walking reduces back pain. It improves blood supply to the vertebral structures and pumps nutrients into the soft tissues around them.

Walking makes the spine more stable and strengthens the muscles those keep the spine upright.

This improves posture and flexibility.

In short, walking is a magical exercise that can completely revolutionise your health.

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So wear comfortable, breathable clothes, put on good quality walking shoes and start walking, any time of the day, indoors or outdoors, even better in natural, green, pollution free areas.

Walk as much as you comfortably can, at your own comfortable pace and keep walking consistently, increase the time and pace of walk as you get fitter.

Walk morning, evening if you can, try reaching at least 6 km a day and more if you can and watch how it works its magic on your health!

Also read the articles ‘Walking To Be Slim And Healthy’ and ‘The Safest Slimming Exercise In The World!’ on this website.

 

Preventing Heart Disease!

Nearly thirty per cent of adults over forty five years of age in India have a confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular heart disease.

Nearly 350 men per lac men and 265 women per lac women in India die of cardiovascular heart disease.

And cardiovascular heart disease is largely preventible, and still we see a large number of people suffering from it.

It is not too difficult to stay heart healthy if we know what to do to stay heart healthy and are a little conscious about how to stay that way.

Staying heart healthy is all about consistent, balanced habits. 

Here are some of the key things that help.

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Eat healthy: 

Adapt a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and pulses, skimmed or low fat milk and its products like curds, buttermilk, home made paneer.

Non vegetarians can have lean proteins like fish, especially sea fish and lean meats.

Vegetarians can get adequate proteins through milk and the combined consumption of pulses and cereals.

It is also important to get moderate amounts of healthy fats from our food. In India, for our relatively high temperature cooking, groundnut oil if your cooking is low temperature cooking, like salad dressing, olive oil, nuts, and avocados provide good fats. But make sure your fat consumption is very moderate as we are also watching our weight.

Limit saturated fats viz. fatty meats, cream, butter, ghee, trans fats viz. vanaspati ghee, coconut and palm oils, fried foods, salt and added sugars.

Most of these precautions are also in confirmation with the DASH Diet or the Mediterranean Diet, both have been confirmed to be great for heart health.

Eating healthy can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30 per cent!

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Get off your chair or the couch and get adequate workout.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise like running or jogging per week.

Include strength training a couple of times a week, too, if you get proper guidance for it or have already been trained to do it. Small weights and more repetitions are more likely to be beneficial as there is lesser risk of injuries in it.

Regular exercise as simple as brisk walking 150 minutes a week can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25 to 30 per cent!

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Lose weight, if you are overweight.

Getting completely slim from being obese can lower your heart disease risk by 50 per cent, especially losing weight by adapting a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

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Manage Stress:

Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and heart disease risk.

Practices like meditation, deep breathing, pranayam, yoga, yoganidra or just taking time to chill out can help.

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Sleep Well:

Get  7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart problems.

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Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol:

Smoking is one of the worst things for your heart. If you smoke, quitting altogether is the only option if you wish to stay heart healthy.

If you drink, do so in moderation. Western advice is maximum one drink a day for women, 2 for men, but this limit is probably guided more due to the culture of drinking daily in the West. 

In our culture, it should be limited to one and two a week, for women and men respectively, complete quitting is even better if you want to get heart healthy.

The DASH Diet also advises similarly.

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Keep an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight.

Regular check-ups can catch issues early.

Make sure they are all within normal range.

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Stay Connected:

Social interaction with family and friends is good for your heart. Staying connected helps reduce stress and improves emotional well-being.

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A 2021 study in the Lancet found that the modifiable risk factors, particularly diet, blood pressure and cholesterol, account for over 70 per cent of global cardiovascular deaths.

Meaning eating healthier and controlling the blood pressure and cholesterol can lower the global cardiovascular deaths by over 70 per cent.

The INTERHEART study (global case-control) showed that 90 per cent heart attacks can be explained by modifiable lifestyle factors.

Meaning probably that 90 per cent of heart attacks can be prevented by lifestyle modification.

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So making these lifestyle changes can immeasurably improve our heart health, the sooner we begin the better, but it is never too late.

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We have always helped people get slim and healthy by only simply nutritionally fine tuning their original food patterns and keeping the food plan as close to their original food habits as possible and planning exercise mostly in the form of walking regularly, which most people easily can, not only at our Slimming Centre in Pune, but also all over the world, on our ‘Distance Program’.

On such treatment people can get slim and healthy and overcome various diseases associated with obesity including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, assuredly and happily, as their nutrition and fitness improve dramatically!

While most of the obesity clinics or weight loss treatments in Pune or anywhere else rely on low calorie diets in one form or another to treat obesity, such treatments cannot help people get slim and healthy long term, much less overcome diseases associated with obesity.

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Also read the article ‘Eating To Lower Your Blood Pressure And Become Heart Healthy!’ on this website.

The DASH Diet Or The Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension!

Most people know that a very large number of people in India suffer from diabetes and it is a very grave disease that can damage the health of multiple organs and can be fatal.

What is probably not as commonly perceived is that there are over three times more hypertensives than diabetics in India and hypertension is as grave a disease as diabetes.

And there is a way of eating that can lower your blood pressure and help you become heart healthy.

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The world famous hypertension prevention diet is the DASH (Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension) diet.

It recommends:

Eat ample fruits and vegetables.

Eat ample whole grains.

Eat lean meat, poultry, fish and legumes.

Consume low fat or fat free dairy.

Eat unsaturated fats, avoid saturated fats.

Limit red meat.

Limit salt, sodium consumption.

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

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Health benefits of the DASH Diet:

Lowers blood pressure.

Improves cholesterol.

Lowers heart disease risk.

Supports weight loss.

May lower the risk of diabetes and strokes.

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Adapting the DASH Diet to our food.

Whole grains:

Our major meals basically consists of a combination of whole grain cereals in the form of chapati, rice, bhakri and whole grain pulses and legumes in the form of varan / amti / dal / sambar and  usal / pithla. So it is already rich in whole grains, as is advised on the DASH Diet.

Plus both cereals and pulses lack one and three essential amino acids respectively but the amino acid lacking in cereals (lysine) is available in pulses and the amino acids lacking in pulses (methionine, tryptophan and cysteine) are available in cereals.

So we should look to consume cereals and pulses together in both the major meals.

We also consume vegetables in both of our major meals.

So we should consume cereals, pulses and vegetables and moderate amounts of a good cooking oil to cook them, in every meal.

This is not difficult as normally also we eat in the same pattern.

This also implies that we should avoid simple carbohydrates like sugar, jaggery, honey, rava and maida (all purpose flour) and bakery products.

We should consume skim milk or low fat milk, legumes (pulses), fish, lean meats and chicken for proteins.

Skim milk or low fat milk and curds, buttermilk, paneer made from this milk should be part of this diet.

Vegetarians can have adequate low fat milk and pulses and cereals to get proteins sans fats, which the DASH Diet recommends.

Eating low fat dairy (milk and its products) and lean portions of meat and poultry satisfies this condition in people who also consume non vegetarian food.

Eggs too are low in saturated fat and can be included in moderation in this diet, no more than a whole egg a day, for four or less days, especially if you are watching your cholesterol as it has 210 mg cholesterol in a whole egg.

If you eat fish, include sea fish, especially the fatty fish in your food twice a week, it provides healthy fats and the heart healthy sea source omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

They prevent inflammation in the arteries and thus help prevent atherosclerosis of the arteries, helping lower the blood pressure and to prevent heart attacks.

It also allows nuts and seeds as they have good fats and are low in saturated fats, but eat them very moderately if you are looking to lose weight. They are high in fats and thus high in calories.

DASH Diet recommends stricter control on salt and sodium.

So use salt minimally in your cooking, avoid high salt, high sodium salty snacks like chips, French fries, fast foods and seasoned, frozen ready to eat meats.

Avoid alcohol consumption completely or reduce it as much as possible.

Also read the article ‘Hypertension’ on this website.

How To Interpret Lipid Profile!

Most people know that lipid profile is the blood test that doctors order to check if they have any heart disease risk.

Few probably also know that high levels of total cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) cholesterol are bad for their heart health and normal levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is good for their heart health.

Lipid profile tests of most labs include blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and the ratios of total cholesterol to HDL  cholesterol and LDL cholesterol to HDL  cholesterol. The reports also include blood levels of triglycerides.

Normal levels of total cholesterol are less than 200 mg/dL, those for LDL cholesterol are less than 100 mg/dL, those of HDL cholesterol are above 60 mg/dL and those for triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dL.

But the optimal levels of LDL cholesterol are less than 100 mg/dL and those recommended for heart disease and diabetes patients are less than 70 mg/dL.

The normal ratio of total cholesterol to HDL  cholesterol should be lower than 3.2.

The normal ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL  cholesterol should be between 0.5 to 3.0.

LDL and VLDL are not the only cholesterols that are atherogenic, that is they cause atherogenesis or hardening of the arteries that leads to hypertension, heart attacks and strokes.

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) are similar to LDL and VLDL cholesterol and also are atherogenic lipoproteins.

Triglycerides are normal fats in blood and their normal levels are below 150 mg/dL.

Raised levels of triglycerides lead to the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

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But there are other factors to lipid profile that should also be included in a lipid profile, but are covered by only a few laboratories.

These are Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB).

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary protein component of all of these atherogenic cholesterols namely LDL, VLDL, Lp(a) and (IDL).

Raised Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels indicate increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, even if LDL cholesterol levels are normal.

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) is the primary protein associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Raised ApoB to ApoA1 ratio indicates an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, independently of LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations.

That is why the Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein A1 levels and the ApoB to ApoA1 ratio are more significant than the  ratios of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol and the LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

That is why, when you get a lipid profile test done, make sure that it includes Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein A1 levels and the ApoB to ApoA1 ratio in it.

Also read ‘What You Must Know About Cholesterol’ on this website.

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Diseases which water walking can play an important role in recovering from or controlling better:

Water walking can be of great help in overcoming or help in reversing or controlling of coronary heart disease, diabetes and in rehabilitation of diseases like osteoarthritis knees, low backache, hip, ankle injuries, post surgical rehabilitation in joint and spine surgeries, post stroke recovery, illnesses rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease.

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Preparations for beginning water walking:

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वॉटर वॉकिंग!

वॉटर वॉकिंगचे जादूई फायदे!

आज अनेक लोक कंबर, गुडघे, हिप हे सांधे, घोटा आणि टाच दुःखी मुळे, किंवा मणक्यांच्या किंवा ह्या सांध्यांच्या दुखापती किंवा सर्जरी नंतर च्या वेदनांमुळे जमिनीवर किंवा ट्रेडमिल वर ही चालू शकत नाहीत.

अशा लोकांसाठी किंवा इतर अनेक आजारांसाठी किंवा सर्वसाधारण फिटनेस साठी ही वॉटर वॉकिंग किंवा पाण्यात चालणे हा सर्वात उत्तम एक्सरसाईज आहे!

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वॉटर बॉयन्सी:

पाण्यामध्ये असलेल्या प्रत्येक गोष्टी वर पाणी एक ‘अपवर्ड फोर्स’ एक्झर्ट करत असते. ह्या फोर्स ला पाण्याची बॉयन्सी असे म्हटले जाते.

हा फोर्स ग्रॅव्हीटी च्या (गुरुत्वाकर्षणाच्या) विरुद्ध फोर्स असतो आणि त्यामुळे ती गोष्ट पाण्यावर तरंगू शकते.

जेव्हा आपण पाण्यात असतो तेव्हा हा फोर्स आपल्याला पाण्यावर तरंगण्यास मदत करतो.

म्हणजेच पाण्यात आपले वजन कमी होते.

आपण जेवढे खोल पाण्यात जाऊ तितके आणि जितके पाण्याच्या खाली असू, तितके आपले वजन कमी होते.

म्हणजेच आपण कंबरे पर्यंत पाण्यात असलो तर आपले वजन साधारण 50 टक्के, छाती इतक्या पाण्यात असलो तर 75 टक्के आणि गळ्यापर्यंत पाण्यात असलो तर 90 टक्के कमी होते.

वॉटर वॉकिंग मध्ये सरळ चालणे, रेट्रो किंवा पाठीमागे उलटे चालणे, दोन्ही बाजूला साईड बाय साईड चालणे, सरळ उभे राहून पाय गुडघ्यातून फोल्ड करून छाती जवळ घेणे, गुडघ्यातून न फोल्ड करता सरळ वर उचलणे, कंबरेतून पाय सरळ ठेऊन पाठी मागे उचलणे, एक पायावर उभे राहून दुसरा पाय साईड ला वर उचलणे, नंतर दुसऱ्या पायावर उभे राहून पहिला पाय साईड ला वर उचलणे हे स्वतः हून सहज करता येण्या सारखे एक्सरसाईज तुम्ही करू शकता. 

स्नायूंमध्ये ताकद आल्यानंतर हेच एक्सरसाईज तुम्ही वॉटर वेट्स लावून ही करू शकता, ज्याने स्नायूंना अधिक ताकद येऊ येते. 

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वॉटर वॉकिंग चे फायदे:

पाण्यात आपले वजन कमी झाल्याने पाण्यात हालचाल करताना आपल्या वजन पेलणाऱ्या सांध्यांवरील प्रेशर खूप कमी होते आणि छाती एवढ्या पाण्यात केलेला एक्सरसाईज लो इम्पॅक्ट होतो आणि साहजिकच त्या सांध्यांची झीज कमी होते.

आणि त्याच वेळी आपण पाण्यात हालचाल करताना पाणी आपल्या स्नायूंना विरोध करणार फोर्स अप्लाय करते आणि ह्या हालचाली करण्याने पोट (कोर), पाठ – कंबर, आणि पायाचे स्नायू बळकट होतात आणि  पाठ – कंबर, हिप, गुडघे ही दुखणी कमी किंवा पूर्ण बरी होण्यास मदत होते.

म्हणूनच विशेषतः गुडघे दुखी सारख्या दुखण्यांमध्ये जमिनी वर चालण्यापेक्षा पाण्यात चालणे खूप सोपे आणि कमी वेदनादायक होते आणि म्हणून ऑस्टिओआर्थरायटिस मधील गुडघे दुखी किंवा नी रिप्लेसमेंट सारख्या सर्जरी नंतर रिकव्हर होण्यासाठी वॉटर वॉकिंग हा सर्वोत्तम एक्सरसाईज आहे.

पाण्यात कमी वेगाने हालचाली करतानाही हार्ट रेट वाढून तो एक्सरसाईज कार्डिओव्हॅस्क्युलर होतो आणि ब्लड सर्क्युलेशन (रक्ताभिसरण) आणि हृदयाचे आरोग्य सुधारते.

हा एक्सरसाईज लो इम्पॅक्ट असूनही त्यात कॅलरीज अधिक जळतात आणि वजन उतरण्यास मदत होते.

हा एक्सरसाईज करण्याने स्नायू आणि सांध्यांची स्टॅबिलिटी, बॅलन्स, कोऑर्डिनेशन (समन्वय) आणि फ्लेक्सिबिलिटी (लवचिकता) वाढते.

ह्या एक्सरसाईज मुळे मन शांत होण्यास आणि स्ट्रेस (तणाव) कमी होण्यास आणि रिलॅक्स होण्यास मदत होते.

वजन कमी होण्याने, स्नायू चे आरोग्य सुधारण्याने आणि मन शांत होण्याने ब्लड प्रेशर आणि ब्लड शुगर्स कमी होण्यास मदत होते.

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ह्या एक्सरसाईज चा फायदा कोणाला होऊ शकतो:

वयस्कर लोक, विविध दुखणी असलेले लोक, सांधे आणि मंडक्यांच्या सर्जरी मधून रिकव्हर होणारे लोक, प्रेगनन्सी, किंवा जनरली फिट होण्या साठी आणि पाणी आवडत असलेल्या कोणासाठीही हे उत्तम एक्सरसाईज आहेत.

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वॉटर वॉकिंग मुळे बरे होऊ शकणारे किंवा अधिक चांगले कंट्रोल होऊ शकणारे आजार:

ब्लड प्रेशर, हृदयविकार, डायबीटिस, गुडघे, मणक्यांचे आजार किंवा त्यांच्या सर्जरी नंतरची रिकव्हरी, स्ट्रोक्स नंतरची रिकव्हरी अशा अनेक आजारांसाठी वॉटर वॉकिंग उत्तम उपाय ठरू शकतो.

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वॉटर वॉकिंग ची तयारी कशी कराल?

पहिले म्हणजे चांगला स्विमिंग पूल निवडणे.

सर्वात प्रथम पायऱ्या असलेला पूल निवडा, नुसत्या शिड्या असलेला नको.

पूल मध्ये वॉटर फिल्टरेशन आणि क्लोरिनेशन खरेच वापरले जाते का ते चेक करा.

पुरेशी डेप्थ (खोली) असलेला पूल निवडा.

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एक नोट ऑफ कॉशन:

पूल च्या बाहेर जमीन ओली आणि निसरडी असू शकते. तसे असल्यास पूल बाहेर चालताना खूप काळजी घ्या, तुम्हाला कोणी तरी बरोबर घेऊन चालणे आवश्यक होऊ शकते.

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बेसिक वॉटर वॉकिंग टेक्निक:

सरळ उभे रहा, पोस्चर ताठ आणि सरळ ठेवा.

टाच ते पायाची बोटे अशा स्टेप्स घ्या.

हात बाजूला नॉर्मली स्विंग करत चाला.

स्टेडी कंट्रोल्ड पेस ठेऊन चाला.

***

नव्याने सुरुवात करताना बिगिनर्स वर्कआऊट प्लॅन: (20 ते 30 मिनिटे)

वॉर्म अप: छाती इतक्या पाण्यात 5 मिनिट स्लो सरळ चाला.

नंतर 5 मिनिट मध्यम स्पीडने सरळ चाला.

नंतर कंबरेतून पाय उजवीकडे (आणि नंतर डावीकडे) सरळ उचलून दोन्ही बाजूने 3 – 3 मिनिट चाला.

त्या नंतर 3 ते 5 मिनिट उलटे चाला (रेट्रो वॉकिंग).

त्या नंतर सरळ उभे राहून पाय गुडघ्यातून फोल्ड करून छाती जवळ घेणे, गुडघ्यातून न फोल्ड करता सरळ वर उचलणे, कंबरेतून पाय सरळ ठेऊन पाठी मागे उचलणे, एक पायावर उभे राहून दुसरा पाय साईड ला वर उचलणे, नंतर दुसऱ्या पायावर उभे राहून पहिला पाय साईड ला वर उचलणे हे एक्सरसाईज 1, 1 मिनिट करा.

कूल डाउन: छाती इतक्या पाण्यात 5 मिनिट स्लो सरळ चाला.

जस जसे तुम्ही फिट आणि हेल्थी होत जाल तसे तुम्ही एक्सरसाईज चा टाईम वाढवू शकता!

Physical And Mental Health Benefits Of Walking Backwards!

Walking backwards, also known as retro walking, is a new trend in exercise that is now considered as an excellent physical activity.

It can be done on floor or on ground or it can be done as water walking in a swimming pool.

It has multiple health benefits including physical, mental, and cognitive health and overall mental and physical fitness.

It helps in rehabilitation and pain relief and calorie burning and in improving cardiovascular fitness.

***

Physical health benefits:

Improves Balance & Coordination: Engages different muscle groups and improves awareness of body position.

Strengthens Leg Muscles:  Works the hamstrings, calves, and glutes more than forward walking.

Reduces Joint Impact: Reduces stress on the knees and helps relieve knee pain and knee rehabilitation.

Improves posture: Reduces strain on the lower back and helps develop upright posture.

These benefits are more pronounced if you retro walk in a swimming pool than on ground or a treadmill.

***

Cognitive and neurological benefits: It activates different neural pathways, improves cognitive flexibility and memory and improves brain function.

Improves mental faculties and awareness: Improves focus and attention, enhancing mental awareness.

***

Improves Athletic Performance: Improves core muscle strength and stability and helps improve running speed.

Rehabilitation and Pain Relief: Strengthens knee, leg and back muscles helps in rehabilitation of knee injuries, arthritis and post surgery recovery.

Reduces lower back pain: Strengthens muscles that support the spine and helps reduce lower back pain.

***

Burns more calories: Requires more effort and hence burns more calories.

Improves cardiovascular health: Provides good aerobic workout even at lower speeds.

***

Tips to Get Started:

Start on a flat, safe surface, track or a treadmill or in a swimming pool.

Warm up with normal forward walk for five to ten minutes.

Use handrails if necessary, for backward walk.

Focus on your posture, keep the back straight while walking backwards.

Use short, controlled steps to maintain balance.

Focus on controlled movements to avoid falls.

Swing your arms naturally to maintain coordination.

Start with only a few steps backward initially.

Increase to one or two minute backwards walking once you learn to walk backwards and increase the

distance and time gradually.

Walk backwards for 10 to 15 minutes in one session.

***

Also read the article ‘Walking To Be Slim And Healthy!’ on this website.

***

रेट्रो वॉकिंग किंवा वॉकिंग बॅकवर्ड्स किंवा उलटे चालणे आणि त्याचे फायदे!

रेट्रो वॉकिंग किंवा वॉकिंग बॅकवर्ड्स म्हणजे उलटे चालणे.

हा एक थोडा अवघड पण उत्तम एक्सरसाईज आहे.

हा एक्सरसाईज आपण ग्राउन्ड वर, घरात किंवा सर्वात सुरक्षित आणि सर्वात उत्तम, पाण्यात स्विमिंग पूल मध्ये करू शकतो.

ह्या एक्सरसाईज मुळे शारीरिक, मानसिक, आरोग्य आणि फिटनेस तसेच कॉग्निटिव्ह (आकलन क्षमता) हेल्थ वर खूप चांगला परिणाम होतो.

तसेच ह्या एक्सरसाईज मुळे इंजरी रिहबिलिटेशन, वेदना मुक्ती आणि कॅलरी बर्निंग आणि कार्डिओव्हॅस्क्युलर हेल्थ वर ही उत्तम परिणाम होतो.

***

शारीरिक आरोग्यावरील परिणाम:

शरीराचा बॅलन्स (संतुलन) आणि कोऑर्डिनेशन (समन्वय) सुधारतो: शरीरातील वेगळे मसल (स्नायू) ग्रुप वापरले जातात आणि शरीराच्या पोझिशन (स्थिती) चा अवेअरनेस (जाणीव) सुधारतो.

पायाच्या मसल्स ची ताकद वाढते: मांडी च्या मागचे हॅमस्ट्रिंग आणि पायाच्या मागील काफ मसल्स आणि सीट चे ग्लुटियल मसल्स सरळ चालण्याच्या एक्सरसाईज पेक्षा अधिक वापरले जातात आणि अधिक सशक्त होतात.

पायाच्या सांध्यांवरील इम्पॅक्ट कमी होतो: त्यामुळे गुडघ्यांवरील ताण कमी होऊन गुडघे बरे होण्यास मदत होते आणि तेथील वेदना कमी होतात.

पोस्चर सुधारते: कंबरेच्या मसल्स (स्नायू) वरील ताण कमी होऊन पोस्चर अपराइट (ताठ) होण्यास मदत होते.

हे फायदे रेट्रो वाटर वॉकिंग मध्ये अधिक चांगले आणि अधिक लवकर झालेले दिसतात.

***

कॉग्निटिव्ह आणि न्यूरॉलॉजिकल परिणाम: असे चालल्याने मेंदू मध्ये वेगळे न्यूरल पाथवेज निर्माण होतात आणि कॉग्निटिव्ह फ्लेक्सबलिटी (आकलन लवचिकता), मेमरी (स्मरणशक्ती) आणि मेंदू ची कार्यक्षमता सुधारते.

मेंटल फॅकल्टी (मानसिक कार्यक्षमता) आणि अवेअरनेस (जाणीव, जागरूकता): फोकस आणि अटेंशन (एकाग्रता) आणि मेंटल अवेअरनेस (मानसिक जागरूकता) सुधारतात.

***

ॲथलेटीक परफॉर्मन्स सुधारतो. पायाच्या, पाठीच्या मसल्स ची ताकद वाढते आणि त्यामुळे पाठ, गुडघे ह्यांचे आरोग्य सुधारते आणि तेथे होणाऱ्या आजारातून किंवा सर्जरी मधून लवकर रिहॅबलिटेशन होऊ शकते.

पाठीच्या, कंबरेच्या मसल्स बळकट होतात आणि त्यामुळे पाठ कंबरदुखी बरी होऊ शकते.

***

उलटे चालण्याचा वेग कमी असला तरी ह्या एक्सरसाईज मध्ये शरीर अधिक कॅलरीज जाळते आणि त्यामुळे वजन कमी करण्यास मदत होते.

कमी वेगामध्ये सुद्धा हा एक्सरसाईज चांगली एरोबिक ॲक्टिव्हिटी, म्हणजेच चांगला कार्डिओव्हॅस्क्युलर एक्सरसाईज होऊ शकतो आणि त्यामुळे हृदयाचे आरोग्य सुधारते.

***

हा एक्सरसाईज सुरू करण्यासाठी काही टिप्स:

हा एक्सरसाईज फ्लॅट जमीन, किंवा ग्राउंड वर किंवा ट्रेडमिल वर किंवा सर्वात उत्तम म्हणजे स्विमिंग पूल मध्ये छाती एवढ्या पाण्यात करावा.

आधी पाच ते दहा मिनट सरळ, नॉर्मल चालत वॉर्म अप व्हावे.

गरज असेल तर साईड ला हॅन्ड रेल्स असलेले ठिकाण शोधावे. 

पाठी मागे चालताना पोस्चर वर लक्ष ठेवावे, पाठ सरळ ठेवावी, वाकू नये.

छोट्या, नियंत्रित स्टेप्स घेत चालावे, म्हणजे आपण पडणार नाही, ह्याची काळजी घ्यावी. पाण्यात असे चालणे अधिक सोपे जाते.

सुरुवातीस अगदी थोड्या स्टेप्स नी सुरुवात करावी, हळू हळू स्टेप्स वाढवत न्याव्यात.

एकदा प्रॅक्टीस झाली की एक सेशन मध्ये 10 ते 15 मिनटे चालावे.

Small Lifestyle Changes Can Make A Big Impact On Health!

Making small but significant changes in our lifestyle can radically change our physical and mental health!

Adapting a healthy lifestyle:

Healthy lifestyle revolves around balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and mental peace and happiness.

Balanced Nutrition:

Eat a variety of whole foods including whole grain cereals and pulses, fruits, vegetables and nuts, low fat milk and dairy and healthy fats for vegetarians. And also sea fish, eggs and other lean proteins, for mix food eaters.

Reduce intake of processed foods like refined sugar, refined carbohydrates like rava, maida, bakery products, fried food and trans fats, and high-sodium foods.

Drink plenty of water daily.

Learn to eat sensibly and moderately. Avoid overeating.

Regular Physical Activity:

Walking sufficiently and regularly is the easiest exercise most people can take up easily.

Younger and fitter people can also take up more intensive aerobic exercises like jogging, running, swimming, or cycling for at least 150 minutes per week.

In addition to walking or other cardiovascular exercises, those who have access to trained instructors can take up strength training or resistance exercises twice a week and yoga or stretching exercises.

Sit less, keep moving, walk as much as possible, climb stairs more than using an elevator.

Mental peace and happiness:

Manage stress, take up practices like yoganidra, meditation, pranayama, deep breathing, or take up some hobbies.

Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep at night.

Healthy Habits and Routine:

Maintain a consistent sleep-wake cycle.

Quit tobacco, smoking, limit or stop consumption of alcohol.

Maintain healthy weight.

Get regular medical check ups, make sure your blood pressure, blood sugars and lipids are normal.

Keep an eye on your renal function and the health of your eyes if you have diabetes.

ESR and C Reactive Protein are markers of inflammation, keep an eye on them.

Incorporating these small changes in your lifestyle can significantly improve overall health and longevity.

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Impact on health:

Improved lifestyle will improve cardiovascular fitness, help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, improve HDL cholesterol and protect us from hypertension, heart disease and strokes.

Better muscle health will help reduce insulin resistance, lower blood insulin levels and blood sugars and protect us from diabetes.

Eating sensibly and moderately and exercising regularly will help lower and maintain weight at a healthy level and prevent obesity and obesity related diseases.

It helps improve immunity and helps prevent infections and chronic illnesses.

It helps improve muscle and bone health.

It helps reduce stress, and anxiety, improves mood, improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities, reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and helps improve mental health.

It helps improve digestion and helps prevent constipation, hyper acidity, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcers.

It helps prevent and manage diabetes by reducing sugar spikes and improving insulin sensitivity and helps improve metabolic health.

Improved metabolism supports efficient energy production and fat burning, reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.

It improves sleep quality by helping maintain healthy melatonin levels and promoting better sleep.

It helps improve hormonal balance, improves reproductive health and overall body functions.

It slows down ageing and helps prevent chronic diseases like cancer, hypertension and arthritis.

Also read the articles ‘Simple Steps To Slimming’ and ’Walking To Be Slim And Healthy’ on this website.

Also read the articles ‘Simple Steps To Slimming’ and ’Walking To Be Slim And Healthy’ on this website.

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जीवनशैलीतील छोटे बदल आपले आरोग्य आणि जीवन बदलू शकतात!

आपल्या जीवनशैलीत छोटे पण सुयोग्य बदलांमध्ये आपले आरोग्य आणि संपूर्ण जीवन बदलण्याची शक्ती असते!

आणि असे बदल करणे सहज शक्य असते, त्यात फार अवघड असे काही नसते!

असे करण्यासाठी आपल्याला थोडी अधिक चांगली जीवनशैली स्वीकारण्याची गरज असते.

हेल्थी (हेल्दी) जीवनशैली:

हेल्थी (हेल्दी) जीवनशैली मध्ये आपल्याला थोडे अधिक चांगले, बॅलन्स्ड न्युट्रिशन घेणे, नियमित एक्सरसाईज करणे आणि थोडे अधिक एक्टिव्ह राहण्याची आणि मन शांत आणि आनंदी ठेवण्याची गरज असते.

बॅलन्स्ड न्युट्रिशन: 

आपल्याला न्युट्रिशन बॅलन्स्ड राखण्यासाठी आणि अधिक परिपूर्ण प्रोटीन्स मिळण्यासाठी आपल्या आहारात पोळी, भाकरी, भात (सीरीयल किंवा धान्य) आणि वरण, आमटी, सांबार, उसळी (पल्सेस किंवा कडधान्य) हे एकत्रित घेणे आवश्यक असते.

ह्याशिवाय आपल्या आहारात फळे, भाज्या, नट्स, साय काढलेले दूध आणि दही, ताक, हेल्थी फॅट्स आणि खाद्य तेल, आणि मांसाहारी लोकांमध्ये सागरी मासे, अंडी आणि लीन (लो फॅट) प्रोटीन्स ह्यांचा समावेश असावा लागतो.

उत्तम आहारासाठी आपल्याला साखर, गूळ, रवा, मैदा सारखे रिफाइंड कार्बोहायड्रेट्स, तळलेले पदार्थ, ट्रांस फॅटस, आणि हाय सोडियम पदार्थ टाळणे आवश्यक असते.

आणि असा आहार सेन्सिबली आणि माफक प्रमाणात खाणे आणि ओव्हर इटिंग (अतिसेवन) पूर्णपणे टाळणे आवश्यक आहे.

ह्याबरोबर दिवसभर पुरेसे पाणी पिणे ही आवश्यक आहे.

नियमित एक्सरसाईज:

नियमित वॉकिंग सुरू करणे आणि फिटनेस वाढेल तसे ते वाढवणे हा उत्तम एक्सरसाईज आहे आणि तो बहुतेक सर्व वयातील बहुतेक लोक सहज करू शकतात.

आधी तरुण आणि फिट लोक जॉगिंग, रनिंग, सायकलिंग, स्विमिंग किंवा ट्रेडमिल, एलिप्टिकल ट्रेनर सारखे कार्डियोव्हॅस्क्युलर एक्सरसाईज ही करू शकतात.

वजन कमी करण्यासाठी आणि हृदयाचे आरोग्य उत्तम राखण्यासाठी रोज वॉकिंग किंवा इतर कार्डियोव्हॅस्क्युलर एक्सरसाईज हे सर्वोत्तम एक्सरसाईज आहेत.

शिवाय ज्यांना तज्ज्ञ ट्रेनर उपलब्ध असतील त्यांनी आठवड्यातून दोनदा स्ट्रेंग्थ ट्रेनिंग, फ्लोर एक्सरसाईज आणि किंवा तज्ज्ञ गुरु उपलब्ध असतील त्यांनी आठवड्यातून दोनदा किंवा तीनदा योग करण्यास हरकत नाही.

ह्याबरोबरच कमी वेळ बसा, जमेल तितका वेळ हालचाल, चालणे चालू ठेवा, गुडघे दुखी किंवा टाच दुखी नसेल तर सतत लिफ्ट न वापरता रोज थोडे जिने चढण्या उतरण्याची सवय ठेवा, पण त्याचा अतिरेक करू नका. आणि अगदी खूपच फिट नसाल तर जिने पळत चढणे उतरणे तर अगदीच टाळा.

मन शांत आणि आनंदी ठेवणे:

स्ट्रेस मॅनेज करा, योगनिद्रा, मेडिटेशन (ध्यान), प्राणायाम करा, एखादी हॉबी आत्मसात करा. उत्तर वयात सुध्दा लोक गाणे, चित्रकला, पेंटिंग किंवा लेखन, कविता करणे ह्या सारखे छंद जोपासताना दिसतात, अशा हॉबीज किंवा छंद खूप आनंद आणि मनशांती देऊन जातात.

शिस्तबध्द सवयी लावून घ्या.

खाण्या, पिण्याच्या, एक्सरसाईजच्या आणि झोपण्याच्या वेळा सांभाळा.

रात्री दहा पर्यंत झोपण्याची आणि सात ते नऊ तास झोप मिळवण्याची सवय करा.

स्मोकिंग करत असलात तर बंद करा, अल्कोहोलिक ड्रिंक्स घेत असाल तर अगदी कमी किंवा बंद करा.

वजन जास्त असेल तर कमी करा आणि नियंत्रणात ठेवा.

रेग्युलर मेडिकल चेक अप करवून घ्या, ब्लड प्रेशर, हीमग्रॅम, ब्लड शुगर, लिपिड प्रोफाईल वर लक्ष ठेवा.

डायबीटिस असेल तर रिनल फन्क्शन आणि डोळ्यांच्या आरोग्याकडे लक्ष ठेवा.

इएसआर आणि सी रिॲक्टीव्ह प्रोटीन हे इनफ्लमेशन मार्कर्स आहेत, त्यावर लक्ष ठेवा.

आपल्या जीवनशैलीत हे छोटे बदल केले तर आपले आरोग्य आणि संपूर्ण आयुष्याच बदलू शकते.

***

अशा जीवनशैलीतील बदलांचे आरोग्यावर होणारे परिणाम:

जीवनशैलीतील बदलांनी आपला कार्डियोव्हॅस्क्युलर फिटनेस वाढतो, म्हणजे आपल्या हृदय, फुप्फुसे आणि ब्लड सर्क्युलेशन ह्यांची कार्यक्षमता वाढते, ब्लड प्रेशर, ब्लड शुगर, कोलेस्टेरॉल, ट्रायग्लिसराईड्स, ह्यांच्या लेव्हल्स कमी होतात, एच डी एल (चांगले) कोलेस्टेरॉल च्या लेव्हल्स वाढतात आणि आपल्याला हृदयविकार आणि स्ट्रोक्स पासून संरक्षण मिळते.

मसल्स (स्नायू) चे आरोग्य सुधारते आणि त्यामुळे त्यांची इन्सुलिन वापरण्याची क्षमता वाढते आणि रक्तातील इन्सुलिन लेव्हल्स आणि इन्सुलिन रेझिस्टन्स कमी होतात आणि आपल्याला डायबीटिस पासून संरक्षण मिळते आणि आपले मेटबॉलिक आरोग्य सुधारते.

सेन्सिबली आणि माफक खाण्याने आणि नियमित एक्सरसाईज करण्याने वजन कमी होते आणि आपल्याला लठ्ठपणामुळे होणाऱ्या आजारांपासून संरक्षण मिळते.

आपली इम्युनिटी (रोग प्रतिकारक शक्ती) सुधारते, आणि त्यामुळे आपल्याला इन्फेक्शन्स आणि क्रॉनिक (मोठ्या) आजारांपासून संरक्षण मिळते.

आपल्या मसल्स (स्नायू) आणि हाडांचे आरोग्य सुधारते.

स्ट्रेस, ॲन्गझायटी (काळजी) कमी होते, मूड चांगला राहतो, स्मरणशक्ती, एकाग्रता, कॉग्निटिव्ह (आकलन) क्षमता सुधारते, आणि डिमेंशिया, अल्झायमर्स, पार्किनसन्स सारख्या मेंदूच्या डिजनरेटिव्ह आजारांपासून आपल्याला संरक्षण मिळते.

आपली अन्न पचनशक्ती सुधारते, कॉन्स्टिपेशन (बद्धकोष्टता), हायपरॲसिडिटी, अल्सर आणि इरिटेबल बॉवेल सिंड्रोम (आय बी एस) सारख्या आजारांपासून आपल्याला संरक्षण मिळते.

मेटबॉलिक आरोग्य सुधारल्यामुळे आपल्याला मेटबॉलिक सिंड्रोम होण्यापासून संरक्षण मिळते आणि त्यामुळे हायपरटेन्शन, हृदयविकार, स्ट्रोक्स आणि डायबीटिस हे आजार होण्यापासून पासून संरक्षण मिळते.

आपल्या शरीरातील मेलटोनीन ह्या झोप आणि जाग येणे ह्यांची सायकल नियमित करणाऱ्या आणि झोपेची क्वालिटी चांगली राखणाऱ्या हॉर्मोन च्या लेव्हल्स नार्मल राखल्या जातात आणि त्यामुळे आपली झोप सुधारते, जी आपले आरोग्य उत्तम राखण्यासाठी आवश्यक असते.

आपल्या शरीरातील हॉर्मोन्स चा बॅलन्स उत्तम राखला जातो आणि त्यामुळे शरीराची विविध कार्ये आणि रिप्रॉडक्टिव्ह हेल्थ चांगली राखली जातात.

एजिंग स्लो डाऊन होते आणि कॅन्सर, हायपरटेन्शन, आर्थरायटिस सारख्या क्रॉनिक आजारांपासून संरक्षण मिळते.

Is Diabetes Reversal Even Possible?

Diabetes reversal — what does it really mean?

Is Diabetes Reversal Even Possible?

Diabetes is broadly of two types: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body does not produce insulin.
People with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy, and at present, it cannot be reversed.

Type 2 diabetes, however, is largely a lifestyle-related condition.
In many cases, it can be effectively controlled— and sometimes put into remission – through sustained lifestyle changes.

***

What does research show?

Around 30 – 50% of newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics can achieve good blood sugar control with:

Healthy diet

Regular physical activity

Weight reduction

Losing even 5 – 10% of body weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels.

Some individuals can reach normal blood sugar levels without medication.

***

Intermittent Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes — What Does Research Say?

There is growing interest in intermittent fasting (IF) as a strategy for managing Type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that IF can help improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and support weight loss.

Some clinical studies have shown that intermittent calorie restriction may help certain individuals achieve remission, along with a reduced need for medications.

However, an important point to understand is:
Much of the benefit appears to come from weight loss and reduced calorie intake, rather than a unique “reversal effect” of fasting itself.

Also:

• Most available evidence is short-term
• Long-term sustainability varies
• Results differ from person to person

***

Remission vs Reversal — Important Difference

Remission means:
Blood sugar levels are normal without medication, as long as healthy habits are maintained.

It does not mean cure.
If lifestyle changes are reversed, blood sugar levels may rise again.

***

So, is “Diabetes Reversal” real?

Here’s the honest answer:

The term ‘reversal’ is often loosely used

What is actually achievable is remission, not permanent cure

***

Be Careful of Misleading Claims

Avoid programs or products that promise:

“Permanent cure”

“Quick reversal”

Stopping medicines without supervision

These are often exaggerated or not scientifically supported.

***

A Practical Perspective

Prediabetes is reversible with timely lifestyle correction

Type 2 diabetes can often be brought into remission

Long-term success depends on consistency, not shortcuts

***

Final Takeaway

Managing Type 2 diabetes effectively—and even achieving remission—is possible for many people.

But it requires sustained lifestyle discipline, not quick fixes.

Always consult your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, exercise, or medications.

 

***

We have always helped people get slim and healthy by only simply nutritionally fine tuning their original food patterns and keeping the food plan as close to their original food habits as possible and planning exercise mostly in the form of walking regularly, which most people easily can, not only at our Slimming Centre in Pune, but also all over the world, on our ‘Distance Program’.

On such treatment people can get slim and healthy and overcome various diseases associated with obesity including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, assuredly and happily, as their nutrition and fitness improve dramatically!

While most of the obesity clinics or weight loss treatments in Pune or anywhere else rely on low calorie diets in one form or another to treat obesity, such treatments cannot help people get slim and healthy long term, much less overcome diseases associated with obesity.

 

Related article

‘Preventing Diabetes’

 

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डायबीटिस रिव्हर्सल — नेमके खरे काय आहे?

डायबीटिस रिव्हर्सल खरंच शक्य आहे का?

डायबीटिसचे मुख्यतः दोन प्रकार आहेत: टाइप 1 डायबीटिस आणि टाइप 2 डायबीटिस

टाइप 1 डायबीटिस हा एक ऑटोइम्यून कंडिशन आहे ज्यामध्ये शरीर इन्सुलिन तयार करत नाही.
म्हणून टाइप 1 डायबीटिस असलेल्या रुग्णांना आयुष्यभर इन्सुलिन घ्यावे लागते.
सध्या तरी हा प्रकार रिव्हर्स करता येत नाही.

टाइप 2 डायबीटिस मात्र मुख्यतः लाइफस्टाइलशी संबंधित कंडिशन आहे.
योग्य बदल केल्यास हा डायबीटिस कंट्रोलमध्ये आणता येतो आणि काही केसेसमध्ये रेमिशनमध्येही नेता येतो.

रिसर्च काय सांगते?

नवीन निदान झालेल्या टाइप 2 डायबीटिस रुग्णांपैकी 30 – 50% लोक खालील बदलांनी आपल्या कंडीशन मध्ये सुधारणा करू शकतात:

हेल्दी डायट

रेग्युलर एक्सरसाइज

वेट लॉस

फक्त 5 – 10% वजन कमी केल्याने ब्लड शुगर कंट्रोलमध्ये मोठी सुधारणा दिसू शकते.

काही लोकांमध्ये औषधांशिवाय नॉर्मल ब्लड शुगर राहू शकते.

***

इंटरमिटंट फास्टिंग आणि टाइप 2 डायबीटिस — रिसर्च काय सांगते?

इंटरमिटंट फास्टिंग (IF) बद्दल सध्या बरीच चर्चा आहे.
काही रिसर्चनुसार IF मुळे ब्लड शुगर कंट्रोल सुधारू शकतो, इन्सुलिन रेसिस्टन्स कमी होऊ शकतो आणि वेट लॉसला मदत होऊ शकते.

काही स्टडीजमध्ये असेही दिसून आले आहे की इंटरमिटंट कॅलरी रिस्ट्रिक्शनमुळे काही लोकांमध्ये रेमिशन मिळू शकते, तसेच औषधांची गरज कमी होऊ शकते.

परंतु एक महत्वाची गोष्ट लक्षात घ्यावी:
IF चे फायदे प्रामुख्याने वेट लॉस आणि कमी कॅलरी इन्टेकमुळे दिसतात, फक्त “फास्टिंग”मुळे वेगळा रिव्हर्सल इफेक्ट होतो असे नाही.

तसेच:

• उपलब्ध पुरावे प्रामुख्याने शॉर्ट-टर्म आहेत
• दीर्घकाळ टिकवणे सर्वांसाठी सोपे नसते
• परिणाम व्यक्तीनुसार बदलू शकतात

***

रेमिशन विरुद्ध रिव्हर्सल — महत्वाचा फरक

रेमिशन म्हणजे काय?
औषधांशिवाय ब्लड शुगर नॉर्मल राहणे — जोपर्यंत लाइफस्टाइल टिकवली जाते तोपर्यंत.

याचा अर्थ पूर्ण बरा (क्युअर) झाला असा नाही.
जुनी लाइफस्टाइल परत आली तर ब्लड शुगर पुन्हा वाढू शकते.

मग “डायबीटिस रिव्हर्सल” खरं आहे का?

‘रिव्हर्सल’ हा शब्द अनेकदा काहीसा स्वैरपणे वापरला जातो

प्रत्यक्षात शक्य असते ते म्हणजे रेमिशन, कायमस्वरूपी क्युअर किंवा रिव्हर्सल नाही

मिसलीडिंग किंवा फसव्या जाहिरातींपासून सावध रहा

खालील प्रकारच्या क्लेम्सपासून दूर रहा:

‘परमनंट क्युअर’

‘जलद रिव्हर्सल’

डॉक्टरांच्या सल्ल्याशिवाय औषधे बंद करण्याचा सल्ला

अशा क्लेम्सना सायंटिफिक आधार नसतो किंवा ते अतिशयोक्ती करत असतात.

प्रॅक्टिकल अर्थ

प्रीडायबीटिस रिव्हर्स होऊ शकतो योग्य वेळी लक्ष दिल्यास

टाइप 2 डायबीटिस रेमिशनमध्ये जाऊ शकतो

दीर्घकाळ यशासाठी सातत्य महत्वाचे आहे, शॉर्टकट नाहीत

निष्कर्ष

टाइप 2 डायबीटिस कंट्रोल करणे आणि काही वेळा रेमिशनमध्ये नेणे शक्य आहे.
पण त्यासाठी सततची लाइफस्टाइल डिसिप्लिन आवश्यक आहे.

आहार, एक्सरसाइज किंवा औषधांमध्ये मोठे बदल करण्यापूर्वी नेहमी आपल्या डॉक्टरांचा सल्ला घ्या.

 

 

PCOS Or PMOS And Fertility: How Weight Loss Can Restore Ovulation!

The Critical Role of Weight Loss in PCOS Or PMOS!

***

PCOS Is Now Increasingly Being Called PMOS

An important recent development is that international experts have begun replacing the term PCOS with PMOS — Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

The newer name reflects modern scientific understanding more accurately. Many women with the condition do not actually have ovarian cysts, while the disorder affects not only the ovaries, but also metabolism, insulin regulation, hormones, body fat distribution, emotional disturbances, skin, fertility and long-term cardiovascular health.

Many people are also familiar with the older term PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). Modern medical understanding now recognises that PCOD and PCOS largely refer to the same condition, with PCOS — and increasingly PMOS — being the preferred terminology.

Most importantly, PMOS is not merely an ovarian disorder. It is a complex condition involving the body’s metabolic and hormonal systems.

***

Many women with PMOS believe that infertility is caused mainly by ovarian cysts or hormonal imbalance. However, modern research shows that the real underlying driver in many cases is insulin resistance and excess abdominal fat. This metabolic disturbance interferes with ovulation and disrupts the delicate hormonal balance required for fertility. The encouraging news is that even modest weight loss – as little as 5 – 10% of body weight — can restore ovulation and significantly improve the chances of conception in many women with PMOS.

Key Points:

•PMOS is not only a reproductive disorder but also a metabolic condition linked to insulin resistance.

• Excess abdominal and visceral fat worsens hormonal imbalance and interferes with ovulation.

• Losing even 5–10% of body weight can restore ovulation in many women with PCOS.

• Weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, hormone balance and fertility outcomes.

• Lifestyle measures such as healthy diet, regular exercise and stress reduction form the foundation of treatment.

Introduction:

PMOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women of reproductive age.

Women with PMOS may experience:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

• Difficulty conceiving

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Excess facial or body hair

• Acne or oily skin

• Emotional disturbances

While these symptoms are well recognised, PMOS is increasingly understood to be not only a reproductive disorder but also a metabolic condition closely linked to insulin resistance and abdominal fat accumulation.

Understanding this connection is essential for effective treatment.

The Metabolic Root of PMOS: Insulin Resistance:

Many women with PMOS have insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin.

To compensate, the pancreas produces higher levels of insulin, a condition known as hyperinsulinaemia.

Elevated insulin levels contribute to several problems in PMOS:

• stimulation of the ovaries to produce excess male hormones (androgens)

• disruption of normal ovulation

• increased storage of fat, particularly in the abdominal region.

This leads to a vicious cycle:

Insulin resistance → High insulin levels → Increased androgens → Irregular ovulation → Weight gain → Worsening insulin resistance.

Breaking this cycle is key to restoring normal fertility.

The Role of Abdominal and Visceral Fat:

Women with PMOS often accumulate fat around the abdomen, particularly visceral fat.

Visceral fat is the fat stored deep inside the abdomen around internal organs. Unlike fat under the skin, it is metabolically active and releases substances that worsen:

• insulin resistance

• inflammation

• hormonal imbalance.

Even women who are not visibly obese may still have excess visceral fat and metabolic disturbances.

This is why reducing abdominal fat is often more important than simply reducing overall body weight.

Can Weight Loss Help PMOS?

Yes. Weight loss plays a crucial role in improving the hormonal and metabolic disturbances associated with PMOS.

Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, worsens insulin resistance and leads to higher insulin levels. This in turn stimulates the ovaries to produce excess male hormones, which interfere with ovulation.

Reducing body weight helps to:

• improve insulin sensitivity

• lower insulin levels

• reduce androgen production

• restore more regular ovulation.

Even modest weight reduction can therefore break the metabolic cycle that contributes to PMOS symptoms and infertility.

How Weight Loss Improves Fertility:

The encouraging news is that even modest weight loss can significantly improve reproductive function in women with PMOS.

Studies have shown that losing just 5–10% of body weight can:

• improve insulin sensitivity

• reduce androgen levels

• restore ovulation

• regulate menstrual cycles

• increase the chances of natural conception.

In some women, ovulation resumes naturally once metabolic health improves.

Weight loss also improves the success rates of fertility treatments when they are required.

Lifestyle Treatment Should Be the First Step:

In many cases, lifestyle modification should be the first line of treatment before medications or assisted reproductive techniques.

A well-designed program should focus on three key pillars.

1. Dietary Changes

The goal of dietary treatment is to reduce insulin levels and promote gradual fat loss.

Helpful strategies include:

• reducing refined carbohydrates and sugars

• increasing protein intake

• consuming more fibre-rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains

• including healthy fats

• controlling portion sizes.

These changes help stabilise blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce abdominal fat.

A balanced routine may include:

• brisk walking or jogging

• strength training or resistance exercises

• yoga or relaxation techniques.

Regular physical activity also improves mood and reduces stress.

3. Stress Reduction and Adequate Sleep:

Chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or guided relaxation may help restore metabolic balance.

The Benefits Extend Beyond Fertility:

Addressing the metabolic aspects of PMOS does more than improve fertility.

It also reduces the long-term risk of:

• type 2 diabetes

• high blood pressure

• heart disease

• metabolic syndrome.

Thus, lifestyle treatment benefits both reproductive health and long-term health.

A Message of Hope:

PMOS can be frustrating and emotionally distressing, especially for women trying to conceive.

However, the condition is highly responsive to lifestyle changes.

With sustained weight management, improved diet and regular exercise, many women can restore ovulation and significantly improve their chances of conception.

In many cases, correcting the underlying metabolic imbalance becomes the most effective step toward overcoming PMOS-related infertility.

Doctor’s Insight

PMOS Is Often a Metabolic Disorder First

Many women think of PMOS only as a hormonal disorder affecting the ovaries. In reality, insulin resistance and abdominal fat accumulation are often the underlying drivers. Treating these metabolic factors frequently improves both hormonal balance and fertility.

Even Small Weight Loss Can Make a Big Difference:

Patients are often surprised to learn that a modest reduction in body weight can restore ovulation. The goal is not extreme dieting but sustainable lifestyle changes that reduce visceral fat and improve metabolic health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can weight loss really improve fertility in women with PMOS?

Yes. Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve fertility in many women with PMOS. Weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, reduces excess male hormones (androgens), and helps restore regular ovulation.

Is PMOS mainly a hormonal disorder or a metabolic disorder?

PMOS is both a hormonal and metabolic condition. While hormonal imbalance affects ovulation and menstrual cycles, insulin resistance and abdominal fat accumulation are major underlying factors in many women with PMOS.

Can women with PMOS conceive naturally?

Yes. Many women with PMOS are able to conceive naturally, especially after improving metabolic health through weight reduction, healthy diet and regular exercise.

Article Update:

This article was reviewed and updated to reflect current understanding of the metabolic aspects of PMOS, including the role of insulin resistance and abdominal fat in infertility.

***

Related articles:

‘Health Problems Of The Young: PCOS and PCOD!’

‘The Relationship Between Visceral Fat And PCOS!’

The Health Benefits Of The Nut Skin!

The skin of all nuts including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, pecans and also peanuts has a wealth of nutrition and we stand to lose this invaluable nutrition if we eat them without their skin.

Although cashew nuts are majorly sold minus their skin, they are also available with skin. It is healthier if we eat them with the skin.

Many people eat almonds after soaking and removing their skin, but this practice is robbing them of valuable nutrition.

Nut skin is rich in fibre, mostly insoluble fibre.

Many people know that nuts have ample fibre, what few know is that most of it is present in the skin and only fraction of it is in the nut proper.

Insoluble fibre slows down digestion of food and improves its satiety and prevents over eating.

It also slows down absorption of sugar from the carbohydrates in the food, helping control blood sugar levels, helps digestion and facilitates passage of stools out of the body, preventing constipation and helps keep the bacterial flora in the intestines healthy. This healthy bacterial flora helps digestion.

Nut skin is also rich in various antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Almond: The brown skin of almonds are rich in polyphenols (antioxidants), such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. It also has trace amounts of vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium.

Walnuts: The thin, papery skin of walnuts has tannins (antioxidants) and polyphenols and is also packed with essential minerals like copper and manganese.

Pistachios: The greenish-purple skin of pistachios is rich in carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds and it also provides vitamins (B6) and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Cashew nuts: Cashew nut skin is rich in flavonoids and also provides trace minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Hazelnuts: The brown skin of hazelnuts is rich in powerful antioxidants viz. proanthocyanidins and provide vitamins like E and minerals like manganese and copper.

Pecans: The skin of pecans contains ellagic acid and other phenolic compounds and essential minerals like manganese and zinc.

Peanuts: Peanut skin is rich in fibre and polyphenols like resveratrol. It is also known to have Vitamin E and biotin (B7), niacin (B3), folate (B9), thiamine (B1), and riboflavin (B2). It also has minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron. Peanut skin also has small amounts of proteins and healthy fats, including essential fatty acids.

Health Benefits of Antioxidants:

Antioxidant reduce Oxidative Stress: Protects cells from free radical damage.

 Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases: Reduces inflammation and supports heart, brain, and immune health.

Promotes Healthy Aging: Protects skin and other tissues from aging effects.

Improves Eye Health: Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin support vision.

Health benefits of vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamins C and E strengthen immunity.

Essential vitamins and minerals support overall health, enhance nutrient intake and

bolster immune function.

A note of caution:

Eat nuts moderately. They are high fat and high calorie and can cause weight gain.

Do not snack on them indiscriminately.

Tannins work as antioxidants in moderate amounts, but can interfere with nutrient

absorption if consumed in large quantities.

Also read the article ’Lots Of Cheese And Nuts Won’t Make You Slim!