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

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.

Health

Best in-clinic treatments for summer

Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist and Director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., shares expert insights on the best in-clinic treatments for summer, the dos and don’ts of exfoliation, and how to safely achieve a radiant glow. What in-clinic skin treatments should people opt for in summer, and which ones should they avoid? Opt for hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, Fire & Ice facial, and IV therapies for inner hydration. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Do laser and chemical peel treatments have different effects on the skin during summer? Yes, they work differently, Chemical Peels exfoliate the outer skin layer and help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. They range from light to deep intensity and require some downtime. Laser Treatments use focused light beams to break down pigmented cells and treat hyperpigmentation. Q-switch lasers – Nd YAG is used for pigmentation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers are for reducing sun damage. Fractional lasers (538 nm to 1064 nm) target deeper pigmentation. Pigmentation may darken initially before fading gradually, and lasers are safe for all skin types. How do you recommend treating pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure? To treat pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and wear sun-protective clothing to minimize direct exposure. Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. For more persistent cases, in-clinic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and Q-switch laser treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve skin clarity. What role does Vitamin C play in skin brightening, and should it be used more in summer? Vitamin C helps prevent heat rash by reducing sweat gland

Health

Exploring Indian Rice Varieties and Their Health Benefits

India is not just a land of spices and festivals but also a rich treasury of rice varieties. From the snow-fed Himalayan valleys to the sun-soaked southern deltas, rice has been a staple grain in Indian households for centuries. What sets India apart is the sheer diversity of rice grown—over 40,000 varieties! Each variety comes with its own taste, texture, aroma, and health benefits. Hashtag magazine delves into some of the most popular Indian rice varieties and understands how they contribute to your well-being. 1. Basmati Rice Region: North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand)Features: Long-grain, aromatic, fluffy when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Biryani, pulao, jeera rice, festive meals 2. Sona Masoori Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, KarnatakaFeatures: Medium-grain, lightweight, less polished than basmati Health Benefits: Best Used For: Daily meals, lemon rice, pongal, plain rice 3. Indrayani Rice Region: MaharashtraFeatures: Aromatic, sticky texture when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Khichdi, dal rice, curd rice 4. Gobindobhog Rice Region: West BengalFeatures: Short-grain, aromatic, sticky Health Benefits: Best Used For: Bengali desserts, khichuri, payesh 5. Matta Rice (Rosematta/Red Parboiled Rice) Region: KeralaFeatures: Red-tinted rice, coarse, earthy flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Kerala meals, kanji (rice porridge) 6. Black Rice (Chak Hao) Region: Manipur and Northeast IndiaFeatures: Dark purple-black color, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pudding, salads, stir-fries, special occasions 7. Brown Rice Region: Grown all over IndiaFeatures: Whole grain, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Health-conscious meals, grain bowls, pilafs 8. Red Rice Region: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil NaduFeatures: Reddish hue from anthocyanins, nutty flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Traditional South Indian meals, power-packed lunches 9. Bamboo Rice Region: Tribal regions of Kerala, Tamil NaduFeatures: Collected from mature bamboo flowers, seasonal and rare Health Benefits: Best Used For: Unique rice dishes, porridge, desserts 10. Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Region: Odisha and West BengalFeatures: Small-grain, mildly aromatic Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pulao, prasad, daily meals Health Tips While Choosing Rice: Conclusion Rice is more than just a