All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Keto bulletproof coffee

Keto Bulletproof coffee

Some claim it is a magical health elixir and some say it is not but people who tasted this keto coffee says it is delicious! We are talking about bulletproof coffee here which has gained popularity just like turmeric latte.

Why people are going gaga over bulletproof coffee? Those who wants to lose weight by following keto or ketogenic diet, are drinking bulletproof coffee in the morning hours. Its nutritional value is different than normal, traditional coffee. Most of us who love to drink coffee either will go for black coffee or with little milk, little sugar. Some prefer bit more flavor and add cinnamon into it. Keto’s bulletproof coffee recipe is designed to give more energy and fullness for most of the day!

People who invented say recipe of bulletproof coffee is designed to burn fat, to give energy and preparation is fun as it ends up looking like latte.

Reasons people drink bulletproof coffee: To curb hunger and keep full for many hours, to increase energy and metabolism, balance hormones, get mental clarity and helps to focus, helps in weight loss.

Bulletproof coffee recipe is like this- It is made of three key ingredients

  • Coffee: 1 cup
  • Butter or ghee (clarified butter): 2 Tbsp
  • MCT oil or coconut oil: 1 Tbsp

The term “bulletproof” originated from the brand Bulletproof which sells coffee beans under its brand name, MCT oil also known as Brain Octane Oil and butter!  It was coined by David Asprey, CEO of The Bulletproof company.

To make bulletproof coffee one need not have bulletproof coffee brand powder or seeds. You can use your favorite coffee powder – freshly brewed, unsalted butter or ghee and MCT oil. You will blend them together to get a latte look- that is foamy, frothy and creamy

How the ingredients are effective in your diet?

MCT oil is a saturated fat that has medium chain triglycerides. Unlike long chain triglycerides that must go through series of chemical reaction to release energy in our body, MCT with shorter chains is easy for body to use up fast and almost readily available to use. Apart from this, it is known to support healthy gut, curb food cravings, decrease fat storage, gives clarity and energy, good for heart health, sharpens mental clarity and boosts metabolism by inducing calorie burn. It is digested faster than other fats.

Butter or ghee:  Butter makes bulletproof coffee cream. Preferably adding grass fed butter because it blends well with coffee. In addition, grass fed butter has healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins that nourishes body. It is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a chemical known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

If a person cannot consume butter for diet and health reasons, they can opt for ghee. Only different using butter Vs. ghee is, ghee is oily and does not give a latte appearance for coffee.

Coconut oil has several health benefits from reducing body inflammation to skin health. If not MCT oil adding coconut oil as an alternative as it is a true keto coffee ingredient.

Coffee: Coffee as we know contains caffeine that keeps us going through the day. It keeps brain alert and active.

Adding butter or ghee or MCT oil in the coffee won’t it add calories? As per keto diet -eating more fat is a good way to combat food cravings and to lose weight. Eating fat makes us fill fuller long time. Bulletproof coffee said to have same effect – it slows down absorption of carbohydrates, keeps us full for longtime, helps to balance hormones and good quality fat absorbs vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. If someone wants to follow keto diet, bulletproof coffee is the start as it truly contains keto ingredients.

Like other products that claim, “good for health,” bulletproof coffee also surrounded by criticism about its claim. Some question about adding MCT oil and its use and feel that it is one of the extreme diets. It was tested mostly on animals and tested less on humans in small numbers. To lose weight we might follow diet and may be successful in losing some pounds. Challenge is to continue the diet by following it strictly. Bulletproof coffee is part of keto diet, but if you need other nutrients then you must also think about other foods- not just relying on one drink in the morning.  There is no harm in trying this coffee but also find a right diet for you that gives all nutrients you need!

References:

https://www.dietdoctor.com

https://blog.bulletproof.com

https://gizmodo.com/

Image credit: https://ketolog.com/keto-products/best-blender-for-bulletproof-coffee/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 30, 2019
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Dark underarm Remedy

Remedies for dark underarms

Many suffer from dark underarms and hesitate to wear sleeveless shirts and blouses.  Reason for dark underarm is, certain health conditions and increase in pigmentation in the area. This also happens because of underarm hair removal method or using hair removing creams, deodorants etc.  Shaving underarm often can cause more pigmented cell production. There are few simple home remedies that solve dark underarm condition.

  1. Mix ¼ cup lemon juice with ½ Tbsp baking soda. Apply mix on armpits before bath for half an hour and rinse with lukewarm water.
  2. Mix 2 Tbsp of honey with milk. Apply this under armpit before bath and leave it for about 20 minutes followed by rinse in lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one Tbsp coconut oil with one vitamin E supplement and rub this under armpit. Leave it for half an hour and wash.
  4. Mix honey, lemon juice and milk cream in 1:1:1 proportion. Apply this underarm pit and wash using lukewarm water.
  5. Peel and grate a potato. Collect juice by squeezing potato and apply directly on dark area. Leave it for 10-15 mins and wash using lukewarm water.
  6. Mix 1 Tbsp lemon juice with 1 Tbsp cucumber juice. Apply this mix underarms and leave for half an hour. Wash using lukewarm water.
  7. Mix one Tbsp rose water with 1 Tbsp baking soda and prepare paste. Apply this underarm and leave for about 15 mins. Wash using cold water.
  8. Mix apple cider vinegar and baking soda in equal quantity. Prepare a paste and apply underarms. Wash using cold water after 20 mins.
  9. Mix 4-5 drops tea tree oil in one cup warm water. Fill this in a spray bottle and spray it on dark are of underarm. Allow it to dry and wash using lukewarm water.
  10. Apply Aloe vera gel underarms and leave it for half an hour, followed by rinse in lukewarm water.
  11. Take 1 or 2 tsp castor oil and warm it for few seconds only. Apply warm castor oil and leave it for half an hour. Wash using warm water.
  12. Mix 2 Tbsp brown sugar with 2 Tbsp olive oil, prepare a mixture. Scrub this for couple of minutes underarms and leave it for 10-15 mins. Rinse using lukewarm water.
  13. Mix 1 tsp turmeric with 1 tsp honey and 1 Tbsp milk. Apply this mix underarm and leave it for 15 mins. Wash using lukewarm water.
  14. Use pumice stone and gently scrub the area – pumice stone is a natural exfoliate. It also removes unwanted hair.

You can try any of the above remedies two to three times a week. If you develop rashes then stop applying the remedy mix for few days.

Image credit: Photo by Billie on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 29, 2019
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Stress related stomach pain in child

Stress related stomach pain in children

Parents need to know that  according to studies on children health, stress in children causes abdominal pain and stress can also make abdominal pain worse. Children with chronic and frequent stomach pain are more likely to have anxiety disorders in adulthood.  The feeling adults get when we are nervous – “butterflies in stomach” and feeling sick is something like what kids feel when they are stressed out. Children feel the same things and might not be able to express what is happening to them.

The reason children often feel abdominal pain for no visible reasons is because, the stomach and intestine both have their own nervous system called enteric nervous system. Enteric nerves respond to the stress hormones and send to the brains. When there is stress and fatigue pain threshold reduce in children (as well as in adults).  During stress a small disturbance in digestive system or a passage of gas bubble can feel worse in children. In addition, stress related eating of comfort foods can make the pain worse. Children tend to eat more lactose and fructose, or they demand for such food. Children have poor ability to digest these foods and it causes uneasiness, pain, bloating, cramping and diarrhea in children. These changes also cause inflammation in intestine and sometimes bleeding in stool. This is inflammatory bowel disease with little blood in stool. Inflammation in the intestine affect brain and makes children more sensitive to pain. If you feel that your child is healthy but showing these above symptoms related to stress, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Parent also can help child to get relief from stress. Reasons for stress in children can be due to several reasons.

  • Bullying, meanness of other kids
  • Unable to take part in sports
  • Unable to take part in discussion
  • Body image
  • Unable to make friendship and feeling lonely
  • Inferior performance in studies
  • Parents fights
  • Physical abuse etc.

Some stress can be helpful but not all. Helpful stress that is related to sports or studies will help your child up to manage life in the future. Those stress that can be fixed with your interference, should be taken care soon. Parents must also encourage child to take part and continue normal activities during stress. School absence is common among children who often suffer from abdominal pain. Encourage child to go back to school and monitor child’s activity closely.

Apart from medication, some counseling will possibly help the child to come out from tension, anxiety and stress. In addition, meditation that brings mindfulness in child, helps to reduce pain. Slow breathing, walking, meditation, yoga, sports, exercise, extracurricular activities, counseling – all these does not have any side effect like medicines and focusing on happiness helps children to overcome stress and anxiety.

Talk to your children and understand what they are feeling, what activities they are involved at school or outside. If they have stress, it can worsen the pain. Devoting sometime solely to child and giving positive attention helps child to recover sooner.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Corn pomegranate spicy chat

Spicy corn pomegranate chat

Looking for quick and easy evening snack? Try Corn pomegranate combination spicy chat. This chat is delicious and can be a party entree item too. Moreover, you will get benefit of eating healthy and nutritious ingredients. It only take 10 mins to prepare this yummy snack if you have all ingredients in place!!

What Ingredients you need?

1.       Sweet corn – 2.5 cups

2.       Pomegranate – 1 cup

3.       Chopped tomato – 1 cup

4.       Grated carrot – 1 cup

5.       Chopped cilantro – 1 cup

6.       Chopped onion – 1 cup

7.       Little pepper powder

8.       Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

9.       Butter or ghee – 2 tsp

10.   Thin masala sev – 1 cup

11.   Salt

 

How to prepare?

1.       If you are using corn in the cob, separate corn

2.       On medium heat place a pan and heat butter or clarified butter (ghee)

3.       Add corn and fry until the corn puff up

4.       Turn off the heat and now add red chilli, pepper powder and salt. Mix well.

5.       After corn cools, add pomegranate and mix.

6.       Now prepare plates to serve and place desired amount corn pomegranate mix in the plates.

7.       Add chopped tomato, carrot, onion, chopped cilantro and bit of sev on top of it.

8.       Add little lemon juice and serve.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Reduce hand pain

How to reduce hand pain at work

Whether it is small or big task we need hands to perform all those countless hard works. With age our hands will often feel tired, less strength and suffer with pain which disturbs everyday activities. Joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and nerves in our hands are vulnerable to damage from injury or illness, highlighting the importance of consulting with a specialist, perhaps the best hand surgeon Singapore, if needed. Arthritis is one of the main reasons that can cause hand pain and eventually might result in disability. Other common causes of hand pain are – carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, trigger finger and tendinitis. Sitting and working in front of computer can initiate or can cause more pain in hand. How to reduce hand pain at work ?

Some of the reasons for hand pain are:

  • Tendinitis: Also known as Quevain tendinosis causes pain on thumb side of the wrist. Irritation in the wrist tendons at base of thumbs causes the pain. Pain can develop suddenly or gradually and will travel to forearm.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: It is a common nerve disorder of hand that leads to pain in wrist, forearm, palm and fingers. It also causes weakness, tingling, numbness in hand.
  • Fracture: a break in bone can cause stiffness, swelling, loss of movement in hand. Injured finger can lead to less movement of hands and wrist.
  • Arthritis: One of the common reasons for hand pain is arthritis.  Loss of cartilage in joints makes it painful for hand joints. It might cause swelling and pain.

Hand pain becomes worse when using computer. Follow these hand tips to keep hands healthy.

  1. While typing on computer, keep wrist in neutral position, not extended upward or flexed downward. Place wrist palm facing down, flat on a hard surface.
  2. Every hour get up from desk stretch your hand. While holding palm up facing away from you pull /bend your fingers slowly towards you.

Ergonomics specialists suggests following arrangements for computer workstations:

  1.  Keep telephone, keyboard, mouse, documents and other supplies within easy horizontal reach.
  2. Keep mouse close keyboard and at the same height with a padded wrist rest.
  3. Set your keyboard in adjustable tray – this will help your forearms to keep parallel to floor, wrists straight and in line with forearms. This keeps elbows are relaxes and at 90-degree angle to waist.
  4. Buy an adjustable chair with rounded front edge and back support. Knees should be lower than hips and feet must rest firmly on floor or on a footrest.

Home treatments:

  • If you notice swellings in hand, remove all rings, bracelets, watches, or any other jewelry from fingers, wrist and arms.
  • Give rest and take rest give a break for activities.
  • Apply ice, compression, and keep hand elevated for pain and swelling.
  • Avoid exposing hands to cold weather.
  • Do not sleep on our hands as it decreases blood flow to fingers.

If there is swelling and color change in hands see your doctor.

Image credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
(Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 19, 2019
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Eye glass care and cleaning tips

How to keep eye glasses clean

Eyesight is precious, and we must protect eyes. At any age anyone might in need of eye glasses for different purposes based on our need. We invest much on eye glasses not just for eye glasses, for eye glass cleaners too. In fact, eye glasses are revolutionized, and they are designed in such as way to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays and also to provide comfort to eyes.  Technically advanced eye glasses come with coatings that are durable for some time. What we need to understand that these coatings or anti-scratch glasses does not mean complete scratch proof.  They prevent scratches that can easily happen to regular eye lens. It is important to keep eye glasses clean to avoid accidents, for better eye sight, for better view and visibility.  Tips to clean eye glasses – anti scratch or not – are below.

One can use following materials for cleaning eye glasses:

To clean eye glass:

  1. Hold glasses under running lukewarm water. Do not use hot water as it can damage life span of eye glasses by removing coatings
  2. Take a small drop of dish soap in fingertip. Gently rub on both sides of glass and on frame.
  3. Rinse using warm water, gently dry glasses using microfiber cloth. When you use microfiber cloth it won’t leave any type of lent behind and glasses look perfect
  4. Use lens wipes to keep eye glasses clean throughout the day. Keep lens wipes at home, in your bag and at office. You can also spritz rubbing alcohol and wipe with microfiber cloth.
  5. The fibers in cloth and paper act like sand paper and scratches the lens and eventually disturbs the coating. Clothes might have dust and debris that can scratch lens.

Other precautions:

  1. Do not dry clean lens, always use water
  2. Do not leave eye glasses near any of your beauty products. Chemicals from beauty products such as hairspray, nail polish, shampoo can potentially damage the coating on lenses
  3. Before cleaning eye glasses clean your hands. Shake glasses gently to remove excess water and then wipe glasses using lens wipes

-If you feel that your glasses need deep cleaning, then get ultrasound cleaning machine like ultrasonic cleaner that is available at low prices online. These machines remove all gunk and grime without harming the coatings.

Do not clean eye lens using harsh chemicals and fibers like

  • Ammonia solution
  • Window glass cleaner
  • Bleach liquid
  • Vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Paper towels
  • Old or new shirt
  • Facial tissue
  • Your exhale

To put your best face in front of world take help of clean eye glasses. If you do not clean glasses regularly it can lead to build up oil film with dirt. This film will obstruct your view and eye sight will further deteriorate and you will end up getting new eye glasses with new readings. Take precaution today and protect your eyes.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 18, 2019
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Daily dose

Daily Dose From Grandma

Whether we like it or not, we all need certain disciplines and principles in our day-to-day life to achieve our goals. Everyday learning leads to knowledge and action. The more we learn how to take care of daily life activities; we can achieve more in our lives.

Remember these tips daily and start adopting good values:  A good beginning makes a good end. Listen to grandma…

  1. Early bird catches the worm: Be early and you will gain more in a day, will learn more and get more accomplished.
  2. Do uncomfortable things: Eat your vegetables – this will help you in longer run
  3. Always be on time: This gives a good impression at work and at school
  4. Never try to be someone you are not: This masks your personality and you will live a life of someone else’s that never makes you happy.
  5. Try to remain calm: Because cooler head prevail always. More ideas will come to calm mind, things will be clear, and solutions will emerge.
  6. Keep it simple and lead a simple life: Do not make things too complicated more than it is; as it can create chaos in your mind and life
  7. Do not hurt someone’s feelings and do not take people for granted. People will never forget how you made them feel. You never know when you need them.
  8. Education is important and it matters: No one take away your qualification and knowledge
  9. Be around people who brings you up and not put you down: If you want to grow with wisdom and come up in life, be around people who has positive energy and attitude
  10. Love people. Find something to like about the person: We all are humans. No one is perfect.
  11. You can only do your best: Do the best within your capacity and given circumstances. Don’t feel bad about what you could not do.
  12. Don’t buy what you can’t afford: Save money and use it for something more worth for your life.
  13. Treat others the way you would like to be treated: Even in the absence of a person, do not talk about him/her negative. It shows your integrity.
  14. A smile can get you a long way: Smile does not cost anything – it only spreads positive energy.
  15. Practice makes perfect: Never give up – keep practicing, practicing makes a skill more perfect.
  16. Never accept a lift from a stranger – Do not trust anyone easily. Do not offer a lift for a stranger too.
  17. Work hard at school: Because qualifications are the one thing that can’t be taken from you.
  18. Family first: You have a family who understands you. Never give up on them.
  19. If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all  – Keep your negative comment in yourself.
  20. Don’t ask, don’t Get: If you don’t ask you will not get. Open up, reach out to people, and ask what you want.
  21. I want never gets: Do not insist to get something. Remove that ego “I want” and “I want it now”.
  22. Never go to bed on an argument: You will not sleep and it will make you sad – it as simple as that.
  23. A happy marriage is the foundation to a happy family: Do not argue in front of children. You will set a bad example for your child. Whatever your difference may be talk it out and solve the issue.
  24. Lend helping hands: Lend more help to others then you ask for help yourself; give back to the world more than you take.
  25. Always keep your house clean: Your house is representative of your personality. Keep your house clean even if you have less money. A clean house shows you respect yourself and your family.

Source: www.werindia.com

Image courtesy: http://www.dailymoss.com/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 17, 2019
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Do you have metabolic syndrome?

Do you have metabolic syndrome?

Have you heard about Metabolic syndrome?

In recent years this one medical term has answered many questions about common conditions that people are suffering from.

Metabolic syndrome is the name given to group of risk factors or conditions that arises when we increase our risk heart conditions and type 2 diabetes.

This includes hypertension, large waist, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol level and above normal blood sugar levels.

Metabolic is the term used for biochemical processes involved in body’s normal functioning. Syndrome refers to the symptoms and conditions that causes disruptions to metabolism.

Presence of three or more of these below risk factors determine whether a person has metabolic syndrome or not.

  1. Central obesity. This is measured by waist circumference:
  • More than 40 inches for men.
  • More than 35 inches for women.
  1. Fasting blood triglycerides are 150 mg/dL or more or taking medicine for high triglycerides.
  2. Low HDL cholesterol levels or taking medicine for low HDL cholesterol:
  • Men — Less than 40 mg/dL
  • Women — Less than 50 mg/dL
  1. Elevated blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or taking medicine for high blood pressure.
  2. Fasting glucose (blood sugar) of 100 mg/dL or more or taking medicine for high blood glucose.

Other body conditions like a fatty liver, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gallstones, breathing problems during sleep play a role in metabolic syndrome.  Genetic factors like ethnicity and family history may play a role too. Risk of metabolic syndrome increases with age.

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

Best way to prevent metabolic syndrome is to adopt healthy lifestyle. Changing the lifestyle for better health really helps. Routine checkups on above mentioned risk factors and improving the levels of the factors helps. Losing weight, healthy diet and increased physical activity are three mantras one should practice.

To manage metabolic syndrome, follow these important steps.

  • Routinely monitor body weight (especially central obesity).
  • Monitor blood glucose, lipoproteins and blood pressure.
  • Treat individual risk factors (hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure and high blood glucose) according to established guidelines.
  • Carefully choose high blood pressure drugs because different drugs have different effects on insulin sensitivity.

Lifestyle changes can help to control risk factors:

  • Eat healthy
  • Aim for healthy weight
  • Manage stress
  • Physical activity
  • Quit smoking

Prepare yourself for  a realistic short and long term goals and work closely with your doctor to manage your health.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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