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Hypertension

Diet and Hypertension

May 15th, 2021

Archive for the ‘ Health Tips ’ Category

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Diet and Hypertension

Saturday, May 15th, 2021

Have you checked your blood pressure recently? One in five young adults in India suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension is a silent killer that can lead to serious complications even before the symptoms appear. Regular health checkups, a healthy diet, and a strict exercise routine all help to control your blood pressure levels. Your diet has a strong influence on your blood pressure and starting early helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is due to the high force exerted by blood against the walls of the artery and is usually defined by a level greater than 130/80 mmHg. Uncontrolled high blood pressure for a while can harm the Kidney (Chronic Kidney Disease, Nephropathy), Heart (Cardiovascular disease risk), Eye (Retinopathy), Brain (Stoke), Nerves (Neuropathy) and can be dangerous during Pregnancy (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension). 

Hypertension can be caused due to faulty dietary habits, poor lifestyle, or secondary to a disease, for example, diabetes. Adding extra salt to food preparations daily will lead to water retention in the body, thus increasing the pressure of blood. But one needs to understand that it’s not only the visible salt but also the invisible salt intake that matters and should keep a check on those foods as well like:

  • Pickles and papad
  • Frozen & ready to eat foods 
  • Bakery products like bread, biscuits, khari
  • Sauces, salted seasonings
  • Packaged chips, farsan like samosa, wada, gathia, sev, boondi etc. 

Similarly, foods high in saturated fats lead to the build-up of fat in the arteries due to which blood exerts higher pressure to pass through it. Hence it is important to limit the intake of oily & fried foods in the diet.

Healthy diet tips to prevent Hypertension

Including foods low in salt and cholesterol according to the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) such as: 

  • Whole grains (whole wheat, millets like ragi, jowar, bajra).
  • Fresh vegetables (like beetroot or green leafy vegetables) & fruits. 
  • Low-fat dairy products (toned, double toned, skimmed milk, low fat curd etc).
  • Reducing alcohol intake.
  • Including regular physical activity for 30-60min will help manage high blood pressure. (Moderate intensity aerobics: 5-7days/week, Resistance exercise: 2-3days /week, Flexibility exercise ≥ 2-3days/week). 
  • The European Society of Parenteral Enteral Nutrition Guidelines, recommends <5g of salt (<1Tsp/day) for people with high blood pressure. Also knowing the facts related to hypertension will help make a smart choice.

Myths and Facts of Hypertension

Here are some common myths and facts related to hypertension:

Myth 1: Using sea salt, black salt, pink salt other than table salt will help manage high BP.

Fact – Irrespective of the variety, chemically all salts are the same. They contain sodium which for hypertensives is the key to management.

Myth 2: Exercise increases BP.

Fact- Participation in regular exercise is a key modifiable determinant of HTN for the primary prevention, treatment, and control of high BP. On average, regular aerobic exercise lowers resting systolic BP 5-7 mmHg, while resistance exercise lowers resting systolic BP 2-3 mmHg among individuals with hypertension. (Recommended by ACSM).

Myth 3: Red wine is good for heart health.

Fact – Including red wine in moderation (<2 drinks for men, 1drink for women) can help, but it’s a choice to be given only to alcoholics. It is important to avoid excess alcohol in general as it affects blood pressure.

Myth 4: Complete elimination of salt in the diet.

Fact – Limitation and not elimination is important. It is important to check for sodium or salt in ready-to-eat packaged and processed food items.

Healthy lifestyle changes

Making a lifestyle change rather than using quick fixes will help control high blood pressure. Here are a few tips:

  1. Read food labels: It is important to be aware of the amount of sodium or salt present in the packaged food.
  2. Include fibre rich foods in the diet like whole grains, cereals, millets, fresh fruits & vegetables, pulses.
  3. Include foods like fish, egg, and poultry as they contain Vitamin B12 that helps reduce blood pressure.
  4. Have nuts like walnuts or almonds, ginger, beetroot, pomegranate, citrus fruits contain arginine (an amino acid) which are precursors for nitric oxide a potent vasodilator.
  5. Kalonji (Nigella Sativa), barley water, cranberry juice, coriander seeds act as natural diuretics by flushing out the excess water retained in the body.
  6. Reduce the amount of salt in the diet by using lemon juice, tamarind pulp, onion powder, garlic powder, and amchoor (dry mango powder) to flavour the food preparations.
  7. Include some form of physical activity daily (walking, running, swimming, dancing, aerobics etc.)

Bhakti Samant – Chief Dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital shares deep insights about the role of a healthy diet in maintaining your blood pressure levels in the above article. Starting early by modifying your lifestyle helps control your blood pressure levels and avoids complications of hypertension. Concerned about your fluctuating blood pressure levels? Consult our doctors for further medical assistance. Please find below our website details for more information:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/

How to keep your liver healthy

Monday, April 19th, 2021

According to the World Health Organization, liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death in India. It is the next big lifestyle condition that could affect one out of every five Indians. Did you know? Even a single episode of binge drinking can have serious consequences and may damage your liver cells. Alcohol is responsible for four out of every five deaths due to liver disease. Increases awareness, early detection and treatment helps stop the progression of a liver disease.

Functions of the Liver

The liver controls the majority of chemical levels in the blood and excretes bile. This aids in the removal of waste products from the liver. The liver filters all of the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates the nutrients and also metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. The liver performs above 500 vital functions of the body, some include:

  • Regulates your supply of body fuel
  • Regulates the balance of hormones
  • Regulates your supply of essential vitamins and minerals
  • Production of cholesterol and special proteins
  • Processing of haemoglobin
  • Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances
  • Regulating blood clotting
  • Resisting infections by strengthening your immune system

Common Liver Diseases

Different things lead to serious liver conditions. Here are some of the most common liver infections that need awareness:

1. Hepatitis – This is an infectious disease that inflames your liver. Viral hepatitis is the most common cause, including:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

2. Alcoholic liver disease – This disease is a result of overconsumption of alcohol that damages the liver, leading to a build-up of fats, inflammation, and scarring. It can be fatal.

3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease  – This occurs when too much fat has built up inside your liver. The extra fat can inflame your liver, causing swelling and may damage your liver cells. Over time it may scar your liver and lead to cirrhosis.

4. Cirrhosis of the Liver – It is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Over time, this disorder inhibits the liver from working properly.

5. Liver Cancer – If cancer shows up in your liver, that’s most likely because it has spread from another part of your body, like your lungs, colon, or breasts or may have started in the liver.

6. Acute liver failure – This happens when you don’t have long-term liver disease but your liver quits working within a very short time – days or weeks. It may happen because of an overdose of certain medications, or drugs, or any other toxic infection.

Essential tips for a Healthy liver

Your liver can come under attack by viruses, toxic substances, contaminants, and diseases. Here are some healthcare tips to maintain a healthy liver:

1. Eat healthy – Eat a healthy diet that is low in refined sugars, processed foods, sweets, sodas, and refined carbohydrates. Choose fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods instead.

2. Exercise regularly – Exercise at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time as it helps to clear toxins from your system.

3. Say “No” to alcohol: Regular or heavy alcohol use can lead to permanent liver damage, as well as other health problems.

4. Practice safe sex – Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Practice safer sex by using a condom.

5. Avoid supplements – A well-balanced diet is much safer than adding additional nutrients into your system. Some dietary supplements and herbal medicines are linked to liver damage.

6. Avoid toxins – Toxins can injure liver cells by inhalation, ingestion, or physical contact. Use cleaning agents and aerosol products, insecticides, and other chemicals with caution. Quit smoking.

7. Get vaccinated – There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

8. Painkiller use: Overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers have potentially harmful side effects on your liver health. Always follow dosage instructions, never mix your medication with alcohol, and take medications under a doctor’s supervision.

Management of Liver diseases at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

The Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases with cutting-edge technology. Our various divisions provide prompt treatment and medical intervention as and when appropriate, from infectious hepatitis to fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Our highly skilled surgeons are experienced in both open and minimally invasive procedures for complex liver disorders.

Keeping You Healthy

Tuesday, April 6th, 2021

With the second-largest population in the world, India is home to over 1.3 billion people. But are we a healthy population? Do we prioritise healthcare and are proactive with preventive healthcare? 1 in every 10 Indian suffers from a non-communicable disease mainly due to poor lifestyle choices, physical inactivity, uncontrolled stress, unhealthy diet, and environmental conditions. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are responsible for 2 out of every 4 deaths in India. Research also suggests that unhealthy eating patterns alone are a risk factor in one in five global deaths, raising the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure immensely.

Close to 60 to 70 million people in the country suffer from common and severe mental health disorders that have a lasting impact on their lives. India is the world’s suicide capital with over 2.6 lakh cases of suicide happening each year. Both physical and mental health needs to be identified and treated promptly. Healthcare is a basic human right and must be accessible and affordable to all. This year “World Health Day” focuses on the theme “Building a fairer, healthier world”. Let us eliminate inequalities, fight discrimination based on gender, race, caste, or creed and bring people together to build fairer and healthier communities.

Healthy living tips

The first step toward preventive healthcare is to choose to live a healthier lifestyle. This not only lowers your chances of contracting multiple chronic illnesses, but it also increases your chances of living a long life. Here are a few things you can do every day to improve your health:

Eat well
Have a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and consume a balanced diet to fulfil your body’s nutritional needs. Stay away from fad diets as they may deplete you of certain nutrients.

Exercise daily
A physically active lifestyle can aid in the prevention of a variety of health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Aim for consistency in your exercise routine and gradually increase the amount and intensity.

Get screened
Regular health screenings are important and essential to help detect diseases early. Age-appropriate tests based on any symptoms, risk factors or family history help detect chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc and start prompt treatment.

Stay socially active
Staying connected with your family and friends, colleagues, your classmates, joining a hobby class, or volunteering helps you build a sense of community and boosts your overall happiness.

Manage safety risks
Take the required safety precautions to safeguard your and your family’s life. Drive within the speed limits, avoid distractions, don’t drink and drive, wear a seat belt or a helmet as required and wear appropriate equipment during an adventure sports too.

Maintain good dental hygiene
Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly protect your teeth  from decay and keeps your gums healthy. The inflammation in the gums may lead to heart disease, breathing problems and other health risks.

Quit Smoking and drinking
Smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, and is a leading preventable cause of death. By quitting, you can reduce your chances of serious health problems like heart disease and various cancers. Excessive use of alcohol has harmful effects on your liver and is also linked to various cancers.

Get immunized
Immunizations are a key way to stay healthy and ward off many life-threatening illnesses. Talk to your paediatrician about the recommended vaccine schedule for your child and also ask your doctor about essential adult immunizations.

Sleep well
Aim to sleep between seven to nine hours a night to optimize the amount of deep, restorative sleep you get. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and minimize distractions like screens, caffeine, or noise before bedtime.

Manage stress better
Stress is a part of everyone’s life nowadays due to professional deadlines, multi-tasking and managing various responsibilities. Meditate daily, maintain a journal or take up a hobby you enjoy to reduce your stress levels.

Why choose Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has been voted as Mumbai & Western India’s no. 1 Multispeciality Hospital for 5 consecutive years. We are proud of our team for scaling these heights and promise to continue delivering world-class healthcare services each day. Our team is at the forefront of research and adapts to the most advanced medical technologies. We believe that healthcare systems become more efficient and accessible as a result of digitization. Our hospital is driven by advanced surgical procedures, minimally invasive techniques, robotics, high-end imaging, and superior diagnostic methods to facilitate high-quality healthcare services for our patients. Our specialists are highly trained, experienced and offer expertise that match international standards.

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative technologies, and a multi-disciplinary care approach our team offers specialised treatment to children, women, and the elderly. Our Centre for Cancer offers a range of therapies, medication as well as conventional and minimally invasive surgical support for patients suffering from various cancers. We help detect, diagnose and manage minor health problems as well as the most serious health conditions.

Some important healthcare statistics at our hospital:

  • Centre for Cardiac Sciences
    2577+ Angioplasties
    7850+ Cardiac surgeries
  • Centre For Cancer
    12,298 complex cancer surgeries
  • Centre for Bone & Joint
    1960+ Joint Replacement Surgeries
    1902+ Spine surgeries
  • Centre for Neurosciences
    1373+ Brain tumour surgeries

Your health is important to us. With over 750 beds, 180 ICU beds, 15 Centres of Excellence, 140+ OPD Clinics, Diagnostics & Day Care Services, Full-Time Specialist System and cutting-edge technology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is committed to your well-being. Our team is dedicated to offer comprehensive healthcare solutions to you and your family. Keeping you healthy at all times. For further information please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

Tuberculosis (TB) – Awareness & Management

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021

India accounts for about a quarter of the global TB burden, which is about 2.6 million cases out of 10 million cases worldwide. Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection that usually attacks your lungs but can also spread to other parts of your body, like your brain and spine. A person with infectious tuberculosis can infect up to 10–15 other people per year. But with timely diagnosis and treatment, most of these patients are no longer infectious after just two weeks of taking the medication. Removing the stigma around TB, increasing the awareness and seeking timely medical help will help fight the TB battle in India.

Stages of TB

When exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria in your body, it goes through the below stages:

  • Latent TB – Your body contains the TB germs, but your immune system prevents them from spreading. You’re not infectious and don’t have any symptoms. However, the virus is still alive and could resurface at any time.
  • Active TB – The TB germs multiply and make you sick and you can also spread the disease to others. Ninety percent of active cases in adults come from a latent TB infection.

Signs and symptoms of TB

When you are suffering from latent TB, it does not show any symptoms. A skin or blood test can help detect latent TB. Here are a few signs of active TB disease:

  • A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Night sweats
  • Fever and chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor to get yourself tested.

Risk factors of TB

People with impaired or immature immune systems, such as those infected with HIV, the elderly, or those with existing medical conditions have a higher risk of getting TB. Here are some other situations that increase your TB risk:

  • A friend, colleague, or family member has active TB
  • You live in or have travelled to an area where TB is common
  • You are a healthcare worker
  • Use of cigarettes

How does TB spread?

When someone who has active TB coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings, they release tiny droplets that contain the germs. If you breathe in these germs, you can get infected with it. This airborne disease is contagious and you are more likely to get it from co-workers, friends, and family members. However, the germs do not thrive on surfaces and you cannot get it from shaking hands with someone who has it or by sharing their food or drink. 

Complications of TB

Without treatment, tuberculosis can be fatal. Untreated active disease typically affects your lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream over a period of time. Examples of tuberculosis complications include:

  • Spinal pain
  • Joint damage
  • Meningitis
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Heart disorders

Preventive measures – TB infection

If you test positive for latent TB infection, your doctor may advise you to take medications to reduce your risk of developing active tuberculosis. The only type of tuberculosis that is contagious is the active variety. Take all the precautions as suggested by your doctor to prevent your latent tuberculosis from becoming active. Here are some additional recommendations:

1. Protect your family and friends

  • Stay at home and isolate yourself from others
  • Ventilate the room
  • Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing
  • Wear a mask when you are around people

2. Finish your entire course of medication

This is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and others from tuberculosis. When you stop treatment early or skip doses, TB bacteria have a chance to develop mutations and turn into drug-resistant TB that is deadly and difficult to treat.

3. Vaccination

The BCG vaccine is given to infants to protect them from tuberculosis. Ensure that your child is immunized against TB.

Tuberculosis Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Early detection and treatment is the key to controlling the spread of TB. We help patients in the diagnosis and testing of both active and inactive TB. The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital provides state-of-the-art care for all respiratory diseases. The team is equipped with advanced infrastructure and world-class service in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. Our dedicated team guides patients through the various stages of TB and ensures a successful treatment.

Exercise can change your life!

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

Stressed, frustrated, or anxious about your career, relationships, or life in general? Highs and lows are a part of everyone’s life but an active lifestyle helps you float through and come out as a stronger and happier person. Did you know? Even a simple run has miraculous effects on your brain. Exercise can have a tremendous impact on your mood and acts as a positive coping mechanism in difficult times. In fact, in treating mild to moderate depression, it is thought that exercise can be just as beneficial as anti-depressants. Regular exercise not only has several physical health benefits but is also known to boost your mood, improve your sleep, and help you manage depression, anxiety and stress better.

Exercise and mental health
A new exercise habit enhances the brain’s reward system and increases neural connections among areas of the brain that helps calm anxiety. The natural state of the nervous system can be changed by daily physical activity so that it becomes more relaxed and less inclined to fight, flight, or fear. Around the world, people who exercise daily experience more gratitude, love, and hope in their life. These benefits are seen throughout the lifespan, including among those living with serious mental and physical health challenges. Choose a sport or exercise that you enjoy doing and see how it boosts your self-esteem and has a profound effect on your personality. Here are some of the underlying medical reasons why exercise positively impacts your mental health:

  • Exercise helps chronic depression by increasing serotonin (which helps your brain regulate mood, sleep, and appetite)
  • It reduces the levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol
  • Exercise reduces immune system chemicals that can make depression worse
  • Exercise increases your level of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters
  • Exercise helps regulate your sleep patterns
  • Exercise limits the effect of stress on your brain

The importance of exercise
People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. Throughout the day, they feel more energetic, sleep at night better, have sharper memories, and feel more comfortable throughout the day. And for this, you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic or spend long hours at a gym. Research indicates that even modest amounts of exercise can make a great difference to your health. Avoid exercising only for weight-loss reasons, since it takes a few weeks or months to produce results. Look at the various ways that exercise benefits your well-being from the inside out. Focus on a health-related target to remain accountable for your fitness routine, such as lowering blood pressure, decreasing stress, or sleeping better. Here is how maintaining a regular fitness regime benefits your health:

  • Uplifts your mood and reduces the risk of depression
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Protects your heart health
  • Helps relieve chronic pain
  • Help reduce stress levels
  • Promotes better sleep
  • Boosts your fertility levels
  • Improves your posture and makes you flexible
  • Increases your life span
  • Relieves PMS symptoms
  • Slows cognitive decline
  • Strengthens your bones and joints
  • Supports your eye health

Stay motivated to exercise regularly

For most adults at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity is recommended. Healthcare experts suggest that you can spread this exercise throughout the week. Choose your preferred fitness activity – walking, running, swimming, dancing, biking, playing sports, lifting weights, or practicing yoga and be regular with it. Here are some additional tips:

  • Make everyday activities more active – Even small changes can help. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk down to a nearby store instead of driving, park further away from your destination.
  • Be active with friends and family – Encourage plans with your family and friends that include exercise. It can be a trek or attending a virtual fitness class together too. Set aside sometime every week to play a sport with your children and spend quality family time together.
  • Keep track of your progress – Keeping a log of your activity or using a fitness tracker may help you set goals and stay motivated.
  • Make exercise more fun – Try listening to music while you exercise. You can also try a combination of fitness activities like power yoga, aerobics, playing tennis, running, going to the gym, and alternate between them.

Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness, haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, lower back pain or arthritis. Stay fit, stay happy!

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