Health

Health advantages of fasting

Fasting is a safe and effective means of enhancing the body’s self-healing capacities. Fasting may not be a new concept however, there has been a recent surge thanks to several celebrities practising it and sharing its health benefits. Fasting has been practised for hundreds of years and plays a serious role in several cultures. Dr Vijeta Goyal, Diet and Lifestyle Consultant, talks about the health advantages of fasting.

Fasting is a great way to give your body a break, allowing your body to resume back to normalcy with more vigour. It also detoxifies your body, and the cleansing allows better nutrient consumption to the body and also helps with feeling better. Every year for a month, Muslims practice and celebrate Ramadan by abstaining from food from sunrise to sunset. Similarly, this concept is an integral component of the many alternative major non-secular traditions like Navratri for the Hindus, the 40 day month of Lent for the Christians and so on.

Is fasting supposed to be healthy and effective?

When done properly, fasting is actually superb. Fasting is a safe and effective means of enhancing the body’s self-healing capacities.

Fasting refers to the absence of either food, drink, or each at your own will for a precise span of your time. It might be done for restricted hours or as total fasting, within which no food or liquid is consumed for one or more days.

We all comply with the very fact that, health results from healthful living. Irrespective of what number days an individual will fast or however undefeated his/her fasting expertise may be, it has to be followed by a healthy lifestyle afterwards.

Apart from the obvious benefit of detoxification of mind and body, the health advantages of fasting include, quicker healing, healthy skin, and secretion of growth and anti-ageing hormones. It’s conjointly sensible for the digestive system because it boosts metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, and reduces appetence, thereby keeping weight and flabbiness in check. It provides relief from arthritis and alternative inflammatory diseases.

Health Benefits of Fasting

1) Promotes detoxification and weight loss: The way it works is, when we don’t consume food for an amount of your time, the body utilises fat deposits for energy, which releases chemicals from the fatty reserves and leads to the elimination of toxins through the organs. As several studies have shown that fasting, even intermittent ones, allow the body to use fat as its primary supply of energy rather than sugar.

2) Regulates blood glucose levels: Many studies have found that a lot of chronic conditions respond well to fasting along with lifestyle changes. Therefore, a polygenic disease like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes is not an exception.

Intermittent and alternate-day fasting is effective in reducing hypoglycemic agent resistance. Fasting facilitates a steady blood glucose level; it bars spikes and prevents crashes in your glucose levels through a rigorously followed diet and lifestyle program.

Fasting has a positive impact on hypoglycemic agent sensitivity; complete abstinence from food permits the body to employ carbohydrates higher.

3) Facilitates overcoming addiction: Fasting may dramatically cut back the withdrawal symptoms caused due to the addition of alcohol, smoking, sugar and caffeine. The majority are stunned at how simple it is to quit smoking, alcohol and even tea.

4) Fights inflammation: Acute inflammation may be a traditional response of our system to fight infections; chronic inflammation like atrophic arthritis, cardiovascular disease or cancer can have damaging effects on health.

Some studies have found that controlled fasting will speed up the healing and reduce the level of inflammation, thus promoting better health.

5) Enhances heart health: It’s a incontrovertible fact that a change in your diet and lifestyle is one among the foremost effective ways to scale back your risk of cardiomyopathy. Cardiopathy is one among the leading causes of death globally, most cases of vessel diseases respond to conservative care. Thus, fasting may lower the chance of coronary cardiopathy, blood pressure level, blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol.

6) Enhances gut health: With today’s lifestyle we have a tendency to spend most of the time sitting for long hours and be constantly stressed. Coupled with this, issues like oesophagitis, gastritis, colitis, constipation and bloating have become common ailments. Intermittent fasting provides rest to the digestive system and may regulate digestion and promote healthy viscus movements and performance.

Complete abstinence from food and drink or only refraining from food, facilitates the body to alleviate itself from discomfort, pain and illness.

Fasting also heightens your awareness and appreciation for food. It ‘re-tunes’ the body for long lasting and glowing health. If somebody desires to prevent the vicious circle of self-destruction or any reasonable addiction, fasting is his or her best chance.

Having said that, it is best to consult a doctor before one includes fasting in their lifestyle, especially if one suffers from any kind of condition.

January 20, 2022

Wedding Wellness with Luke Coutinho: Starting the Journey

Luke Coutinho, India’s leading Integrative Lifestyle Expert, believes that true wedding prep goes far beyond fitting into an outfit or chasing picture-perfect looks. For him, it’s about building strength, balance, and inner calm that lasts well beyond the wedding day. Here, he shares his holistic wellness guide for brides and grooms stepping into this new chapter. From a holistic health perspective, how early should brides and grooms start preparing their bodies for the wedding? I’ve always believed that wedding prep should start with the inside. If we’re talking about sustainable energy, balanced hormones, strong immunity, or calm emotional states it’s not a 15-day crash course. It’s a rhythm you build. Ideally, I encourage couples to begin six to 12 months in advance. That gives us space to work on the deeper layers like gut repair, sleep cycles, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Even three months can make a real difference if done right. But more than timelines, I believe in intention. Whether you start 12 months or six weeks before, ask yourself: Am I just trying to look good for a day, or do I want to feel well through all the days that follow? How can couples set wellness goals that go beyond just looking good in wedding photos?It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics wanting to fit into a certain outfit or chase a number on the scale. But real wellness is about how you feel your energy, your digestion, your mood, your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos. I always tell couples: Don’t make the goal about shrinking your body. Make it about strengthening your health, supporting your hormones, and building the emotional resilience to actually enjoy your wedding. When you feel good inside, it shows up outside on your skin, in your eyes, and

Health

Eating Right, Feeling Bright: How to Stay Healthy and Happy This Festive Season

As the festive season arrives, it’s easy to get swept up in the celebration and sometimes, overdo it. Between rich sweets, back-to-back parties, and emotional highs (and lows), maintaining your health both physical and emotional can become challenging. SINDURI VUPPALA speaks to two experts Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet & Aesthetic Clinic, and Rajvir Kohar, a seasoned Mental Health Clinician to bring you a guide on how to eat mindfully and feel emotionally balanced this season. “It’s okay not to feel festive. Honour your emotions.” – Mental Health Clinician Rajvir Kohar While cultural celebrations and holidays offer opportunities for connections and joy, they also come with increased expectations and responsibilities. Research indicates that mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional eating often rise during the festive season. Many individuals experience heightened stress around the holidays, primarily due to factors such as financial strain, time pressures, and family dynamics. Financial challenges can be particularly overwhelming, as people feel the burden of purchasing gifts, hosting gatherings, and keeping up with social expectations. For individuals already managing financial constraints, these demands can deepen feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Additionally, the festive season can bring emotional pain for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may experience a profound sense of loneliness, especially if they lack close family or social networks, making the celebratory atmosphere feel isolating rather than inclusive. Common mental health symptoms during this period include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite (either overeating or under-eating), increased irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While these feelings are common, they often go unnoticed amidst societal expectations to “stay cheerful.” Despite these challenges, it is possible to approach the festive season with mindfulness and care. By adopting practical strategies, you can protect your mental health and still engage

Health

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.