Want to lose weight? Why don’t you try intermittent fasting?” This has made intermittent fasting more of a weight-loss fad more than anything else.
Looking at the current COVID-19 pandemic, I would say more than all the medicines or more than worrying about trying a new fad, try INTERMITTENT FASTING (IF) for boosting your immune system.
Surprised? Why would I want to diet or follow Intermittent fasting for a COVID-19 pandemic?
Intermittent fasting has a lot more benefits than just weight loss. Let’s start by going back to our roots and understanding fasting in general.
Going back to the roots
Fasting has been part of our culture since ancient times. Look at how farmers worked? They ate before sunrise and before they left for the fields.
Post the morning meal, they would only have meals in the evening when they were back from the fields. The other aspect to this is that every religion talks about fasting in its way – Christians have Lent for 40 days, Muslims have the month of Ramadan when they fast for more than 12 hours and finally, Hindus have various days of the year that are marked as fasting days.
This tells us that fasting has been a part of our culture and lifestyle since ancient times. The only difference is that earlier it was embedded into our lifestyles; currently, with changing times our eating pattern also changed.
Eating smaller meals at shorter intervals and the constant nibbling has led to higher amounts of food being consumed by the body. Another crucial point to note over here – our body is not designed to be able to consume the amount of food we consume.
Instead of providing us with a healthy lifestyle, this kind of lifestyle has to lead us to overeat, in turn, this leads to obesity. Obesity is the cause of most of the diseases that we know of today.
What does intermittent fasting do for the body? How does it work?
Understanding Fasting
Also, it’s not just the physical well being that we are now talking about. Fasting is known to be the cause of better spiritual and overall health, in general. How is that? Let’s first understand how your body works. Your body generates a certain amount of energy every day. And like any efficient system that energy is divided across the various bodily functions.
Now when we consume food, 80% of the energy is sent to the stomach for the digestion process. And the rest of the 20% gets divided across the rest of the functions. When we eat or nibble at frequent or smaller intervals, every time digestion takes place; the body prioritizes digestion over all the bodily functions and hence the energy is withdrawn from the various functions and fed to the stomach for digestion.
Now think about the other bodily functions, like muscle repair {especially if you are a fitness addict}, fighting diseases/viruses in the body, and finally let’s think about the brain. The brain is one of the most complex parts of the body; to the extent that even artificial intelligence has been trying to understand and depict the functioning of the brain for years and has still not been 100% successful.
Such a massive muscle being provided less than 20% of the bodily energy to function – would that work? Not at 100% efficiency.
In our day-to-day life, even with less than 20% of the bodily energy, your brain is working and that’s how most of us run our daily lives. Now just imagine what if the brain could be provided with more than 50% of the bodily energy or even put to 80% of the bodily energy –what would happen? To answer this question, if the brain is provided with that much amount of energy, the results would be PHENOMENAL. You would experience –
Faster brain processing
Improved concentration
Increase in energy and so on.
Remember this, the brain is the most important muscle of the body and hence when you give it energy and importance, you start to see overall effects in every facet of your life.
Is this even possible? YES. This is exactly what happens is when we fast or go into the fasting phase. Fasting means willing refrainment from eating for a certain period. The moment you stop eating and once the previous digestion process is complete, the body now has 80% of the bodily energy that is available.
Since the body no longer sees food coming in, this energy now gets diverted for the other bodily functions to be completed. So along with the above-mentioned brain benefits, the body now has energy for
Detoxification
Boosting the immune system
Repair and recovery of the muscles; and
Rejuvenation and growth.
How intermittent fasting is effective?
Our bodies are designed to survive without food for up to 24 hours. After 12 hours of fasting, when there is still no food provided to the body, the body goes into ketosis – the same effect we achieve with a keto diet, where the body started breaking down the carbs.
After about 20-24 hours of fasting is when the body starts going into starvation mode and then the breakdown of the protein stored in the body begins. So it’s not that if there is no food, you will die. Your body has various reservoirs of energy that are available for it to sustain.
Takeaway
In today’s world and the conditioning that we have received from the outside world has caused a complete change in the functioning of the body.
Instead of bettering our body, we are preparing our body for diseases and various other issues that affect our overall well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown us how badly our bodies are being treated.
What we need now if basically moving away from the myths & misconceptions that we have been feeding ourselves and moving back to our roots, towards a healthier body and lifestyle.
So what is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent Fasting is finding a balance between fasting & eating periods depending on your body type and your own internal systems.
About the author
Sheetal
I am Sheetal Makhija aka Crazy Pulchritude, as most of the handles say. Currently, a trainer and a Kriya Yoga Practitioner and personally on a mission to be able to add values to people’s lives and just tell everyone out there that “No matter how hard it gets there is always hope. You don’t have to give up.” My mission and motto in life remain – Even if I can give hope to people, my life has been a success.
I am Sheetal Makhija aka Crazy Pulchritude, as most of the handles say. Currently, a trainer and a Kriya Yoga Practitioner and personally on a mission to be able to add values to people’s lives and just tell everyone out there that “No matter how hard it gets there is always hope. You don’t have to give up.” My mission and motto in life remain – Even if I can give hope to people, my life has been a success.
Can You Have Sex with a UTI? Understanding the Risks and Precautions
UTI stands for urinary tract infection, which is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
UTI stands for urinary tract infection, which is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
Bacteria usually cause UTIs by entering the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplying in the bladder.
Symptoms of UTI include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pain in the lower abdomen or back.
Doctors can treat UTIs with antibiotics, but individuals should seek medical attention promptly as untreated UTIs can lead to more serious complications such as kidney damage or sepsis.
What Causes a UTI?
1. Bacteria:
Bacteria most commonly cause UTIs, with E. coli being the most common culprit. Other types of bacteria, such as Klebsiella, Proteus, and Staphylococcus, can also cause UTIs.
2. Female anatomy:
Women are more susceptible to UTIs due to having a shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to enter the bladder more easily.
3. Sexual activity:
Sexual activity can increase the risk of UTIs, particularly if a person has multiple partners or engages in certain sexual practices.
4. Birth control:
The use of certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or spermicides, can increase the risk of UTIs.
5. Menopause:
Changes in hormones during menopause can make women more susceptible to UTIs.
6. Catheterization:
The use of a urinary catheter can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.
7. Underlying health conditions:
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, can increase the risk of UTIs.
8. Poor hygiene:
Poor vaginal hygiene practices such as using harsh soaps or hygiene products in the genital area, and wiping from back to front after using the toilet can introduce bacteria into the urethra.
9. Dehydration:
Not drinking enough fluids can lead to concentrated urine that irritates the bladder, making it easier for bacteria to thrive.
10. Holding in urine:
Holding in urine for too long can increase the risk of UTIs by allowing bacteria to multiply in the bladder.
Can You Have Sex With A UTI?
It’s generally recommended to avoid sexual activity when you have a UTI. Intercourse can irritate the urethra, causing pain and discomfort.
It can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, potentially worsening the infection. In addition, sex can lead to a higher risk of developing a recurrent UTI.
If you do choose to have sex with a UTI, there are precautions you can take to minimize the risk of complications.
Using a condom can help reduce the spread of bacteria and lower your risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
However, it’s important to note that condoms may not provide complete protection against all types of bacteria.
What Happens When You Have Sex With a UTI?
Having sex with a UTI can cause pain and discomfort, as well as increase the risk of developing a recurrent UTI. It can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, potentially worsening the infection. In addition, sex can lead to a higher risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Can You Have Sex While Taking Antibiotics for UTI?
If you’re taking antibiotics to treat a UTI, you should avoid sex until the infection has completely cleared. It’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you’re feeling better. Having sex while taking antibiotics can increase the risk of developing a recurrent UTI, as well as the risk of antibiotic resistance.
How Long After a UTI Can You Have Sex?
It’s generally recommended to wait until your UTI has completely cleared before having sex. This can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of treatment you’re receiving. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you’re feeling better.
Should You Have Sex with a UTI?
It’s generally recommended to avoid sexual activity when you have a UTI. However, if you do choose to have sex, it’s important to take precautions to minimize the risk of complications. Using a condom can help reduce the spread of bacteria and lower your risk of developing an STI.
Can a UTI Cause Painful Sex?
Yes, a UTI can cause painful sex. UTIs can cause irritation and inflammation of the urethra and the tissues surrounding the vagina, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, women with a history of recurrent UTIs were more likely to report pain during sexual activity. The study also found that the severity of the pain increased with the frequency of UTIs.
Additionally, a study in the Journal of Urology found that women with recurrent UTIs were more likely to report painful sex as a symptom. It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing painful sex, as it could be a sign of a UTI or another underlying condition.
Can You Pass a UTI?
UTIs are caused by bacteria, and they are not contagious. However, having sex can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, potentially worsening the infection. It’s important to practice good hygiene and take precautions to minimize the spread of bacteria.
Final Words
It’s generally recommended to avoid sexual activity when you have a UTI. If you do choose to have sex, it’s important to take precautions to minimize the risk of complications. It’s also important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you’re feeling better. If you’re experiencing painful sex or other symptoms related to a UTI, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
About the author
Charlotte
Charlotte is a health, beauty and wellness blogger and a mother of two, who lives between India and London
8 Amazing Drumsticks Benefits That Can Change Your Life
The moringa tree is utilized for food, oil, fiber, and/or medicine in almost all of its components. Pods and leaves are the most significant products in the Pacific.
The moringa tree is utilized for food, oil, fiber, and/or medicine in almost all of its components. Pods and leaves are the most significant products in the Pacific.
You can eat young pods as a vegetable. Young pods lack fiber and resemble string beans in their preparation.
Commercial production mostly employs larger, fibrous pods suitable for soups, stews, and curries because very immature pods weigh very little.
Various cuisines utilize nutrient-rich leaves in stews, stir-fries, and soups. People also consume young leaves and blooms after sautéing them.
Usually, one or two backyard trees are enough to supply the number of pods and leaves needed for domestic consumption.
Native to the foothills of the Himalayas (India/Bangladesh), moringa. It is widely grown as a commercial crop in India and several regions of Africa.
Finding a place in the tropics or subtropics where moringa is not cultivated as a garden tree for leaf and pod consumption, medicinal use, and fiber would be difficult. Areas with a South and Southeast Asian (especially Filipino) population are more likely to have moringa.
Drumstick nutritional value:
Long regarded as a miracle plant for enhancing the nutrition of underprivileged communities in the tropics and subtropics, moringa.
On a dry weight basis, leaves have a high (20–35%) protein content. The fact that protein is of prime importance and high quality, containing a good amount of each essential amino acid.
This amino acid equilibrium in plant meals is extremely unique.
Additionally, moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and have significant concentrations of vitamin A (7564 IU), vitamin C (51.7 mg), calcium (185 mg), and potassium (337 mg) per 100 g of fresh weight (Foidl and Paull 2008).
In order to enhance the protein content and nutritional value of food, people in Africa and other regions of the world widely use moringa powder as a dietary supplement.
1-2 teaspoons of dried powder are added to soups and stews every day. To increase prenatal nutrition, African pregnant women are given 25 g of moringa powder every day. (Diatta 2001).
Drumsticks Benefits:
Drumsticks benefits for Females:
1. Enhances general health of pregnant women:
Drumsticks are a rich source of various essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E.
However, consuming drumsticks during pregnancy can help enhance the general health of pregnant women, as well as promote the healthy development of the fetus.
2. Reduces symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women:
The anti-inflammatory properties of drumsticks can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women.
The high fiber content can also help regulate bowel movements, which can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
3. Enhances milk production in nursing moms:
Drumsticks contain calcium, iron, and vitamins C and K, which are essential for enhancing milk production in nursing mothers.
Regular consumption of drumsticks can help nursing moms produce sufficient milk for their babies.
4. Enhances sexual health:
Drumsticks contain aphrodisiac properties and can help improve sexual health.
They are known to enhance libido and improve overall sexual function in both men and women.
5. Increases fertility:
Drumsticks contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and magnesium, which are known to enhance fertility in women.
Consuming drumsticks can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovulation, leading to increased chances of conception.
6. Enhances the immune system:
Drumsticks are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help enhance the immune system.
Regular consumption of drumsticks can help improve overall health and prevent various illnesses and diseases.
Drumsticks benefits for Males:
1. Aids in enhancing prostate health:
Drumsticks contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that can help enhance prostate health.
Regular consumption of drumsticks can help prevent the development of prostate-related problems such as enlarged prostate, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
2. Aids in increasing libido:
Drumsticks contain certain compounds that can help increase libido in both men and women.
These compounds can help stimulate the production of hormones that are responsible for sexual arousal and desire.
3. Aids in controlling erectile dysfunction:
Drumsticks contain certain nutrients and compounds that can help improve blood flow to the genital area.
Improved blood flow can help control erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual performance.
4. Increases the level of testosterone:
Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual health.
Drumsticks contain certain compounds that can help increase the level of testosterone in the body.
Increased testosterone levels can help improve libido, sexual function, and overall sexual health.
5. Aids in increasing sperm count and sperm motility in those who are infertile:
Consuming drumsticks benefit men who are infertile to improve their sperm count and motility because they are rich in various nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Moreover, regular consumption of drumsticks can help improve overall sperm health, increasing the chances of conception for couples who are trying to conceive.
Include drumstick in your diet:
1. Drumstick juice benefits:
Drumsticks have significant calcium and iron content. Consuming them can therefore be quite important for creating strong and healthy bone structures.
2. Drumstick soup benefits:
Antioxidants and vitamin C are abundant in the drumstick. This aids in blood purification. Asthma, the flu, asthma, and other common infections are also treated with drumstick soup.
3. Drumstick vegetable benefits:
Drumsticks are a great source of phosphorus, fiber, and several other vitamins.
Due to their antioxidant characteristics, these nutrient-rich veggies can aid in the management of diabetes and the defense against infections.
They also aid in preventing inflammatory illnesses including arthritis and heart disease.
4. Benefits of eating a drumstick:
As a Supplement, it works. The vitamins and minerals in drumsticks are first-rate. Fresh drumstick pods or leaves are a powerful nutrient for your health.
Other health benefits
Drumsticks benefit diabetics since they help control blood sugar levels. They improve the gall bladder’s performance, which in turn aids in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. Thus, you must include drumsticks in your diet if you have high blood sugar.
Drumstick leaves also aid in blood purification, which is another advantage Drumsticks are a powerful antibiotic and can purify blood. Regular consumption of drumsticks can help your blood circulate more efficiently.
Skin and hair nourishment and protection: Drumstick soup, a protein-rich dish, keeps hair healthy and helps to shield it from free radical damage. It also contains anti-aging qualities to guard against skin deterioration. It also has moisturizing and detoxifying components that benefit the skin and hair. It can effectively treat skin sores and infections.
Moringa (drumstick) Side Effects
Although people think that the leaves, petals, stems, and seed pods of drumsticks are safe for consumption, consuming them may have some negative consequences.
The following negative effects of eating too many drumsticks are possible:
Decrease in blood pressure
Sluggish heartbeat
Consuming drumstick bark may result in stomach discomfort and uterine contractions.
Low blood sugar levels can result from interference with blood sugar levels.
Interfering with conception.
It is advised against eating drumsticks with:
Drugs for the thyroid.
Hypertensive medication.
Additionally, extracts from drumstick roots should not be consumed.
Final word
Everyone benefits from regularly eating drumsticks for their health. People with diabetes benefit from a nutritious drumstick soup since it boosts the immune system, reduces infections, battles acne and pimples, and avoids heart disease.
Eating Green: Discovering the Nutritional Power of Green Vegetables
Incorporating healthy green vegetables into your diet can provide you with a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being.
Incorporating healthy green vegetables into your diet can provide you with a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being.
From leafy greens to cruciferous vegetables, there are many options for adding more green foods to your diet.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of eating green and provide a list of some of the healthiest green vegetables to include in your meals.
Benefits Of Eating Green
Adding more green foods to your diet can have a significant impact on your health. Here are some of the benefits of eating green:
1. Rich in Nutrients:
Green vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help support your body’s functions.
These nutrients can help boost your immune system, support healthy digestion, and improve your overall health.
2. Low in Calories:
Many green vegetables are low in calories, making them an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.
Eating more green foods can help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the necessary nutrients.
3. Antioxidant-Rich:
Green vegetables are often high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
These compounds can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
4. High in Fiber:
Many green vegetables are high in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
Fiber can also help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
5. Better Heart Health:
Eating a diet that is high in green vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall heart health.
6. Improved Mental Function:
Many green vegetables contain nutrients that can help support healthy brain function, improve memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
12 Green Food List: Nutritious Foods for a Healthy Diet
When it comes to healthy foods, green vegetables are some of the best options out there.
These vegetables contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that can help support a range of bodily functions, from healthy digestion to improved immune function.
Here is a list of some green foods that you should add to your diet:
1. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Incorporating spinach into your meals can help support healthy digestion, bone health, and immune function.
2. Kale
Kale is another leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Adding kale to your diet can help support healthy eyesight, skin, and bones.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It also contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect against cancer. Incorporating broccoli into your meals can help support healthy digestion, bone health, and immune function.
4. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They also contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect against cancer. Adding Brussels sprouts to your diet can help support healthy digestion, heart health, and immune function.
5. Avocado
Avocado is a fruit that is high in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Incorporating avocado into your meals can help support healthy skin, digestion, and cardiovascular function.
6. Asparagus:
Asparagus is a green vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and folate. It also contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion.
7. Cucumber:
Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating green vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins K and C.
8. Zucchini:
Zucchini is a versatile green vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and contains vitamins A and C.
9. Green Beans:
Green beans are a tasty and nutritious green vegetable that are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants.
10 Peas:
Peas are a green vegetable that are high in fiber, protein, and vitamins A and C. They also contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion.
11. Arugula:
Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against inflammation and disease.
12. Collard Greens:
Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber.
Final Words
Eating green vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet. These foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help support healthy bodily functions, reduce the risk of disease, and improve overall well-being. So, make sure to add some of these healthy green foods to your plate and start reaping the benefits today.
About the author
Charlotte
Charlotte is a health, beauty and wellness blogger and a mother of two, who lives between India and London