Sudhir Ahluwalia's Blog, page 51

How do I come to terms with my husband’s morbid obesity?

To begin with, you need to understand that obesity is a complex disease. During the course of my research for my book on natural solutions for obesity, I realized that obesity management is complex and requires a multi-pronged approach.

For instance, behavior plays an important role in obesity control and management. You can assist your husband by assisting him to achieve behavior change. Here are some tips for behavior change:

The daily routine and lifestyle provide the behavior pattern. Changing a set routine and a lifestyle is not an easy change to bring about. A bit of patience and support from family, friends, and group members goes a long way to achieve the goals that you could help him set for himself.

Tips on achieving behavioral change

Begin by setting some simple goals for changing behavior.

Goals could be as simple as deciding to keep only healthy food at home.Dense, high-calorie food is just not bought or stored at home.When you are hungry and feel the need to snack, then keep low-calorie snacks ready and accessible.You may also decide not to eat while watching a movie or watching television as one tends to eat more doing that but on the dining table.Avoid keeping tempting snacks at your desk. I would not want to be sitting next to my work desk with a bag of potato chips in my lap.I regularly chew sugar-free gum while writing. I also keep a bottle of water handy, which I frequently sip, reducing the need for frequent snacking.As a matter of habit, fill half your plate with vegetables and split the rest between lean protein and starchy food like a potato. That should not just make for a satisfactory but also an enjoyable meal.You may also decide to take a walk during work breaks instead of snacking.The intent should be to drive behavior change in your meal habits and use the eating environment to support a change to achieve weight loss goals.It is essential not to rush through your meal. Remember, it takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to send a message to the brain that it is full. Take a bit of time while eating and give the stomach a bit of time to post – I am full – message to the brain.

If you are interested in learning about the available natural solutions for obesity, you can check this book title – Natural Solutions for Obesity.

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Are there any herbal solutions for Type 2 diabetes?

Multiple herbs have been found to help manage the blood sugar levels of people who have Type 2 diabetes. However, most of this research is still at preliminary human clinical trial or late animal trial stage. We should get a definitive verdict on their effectiveness on the completion of phase 3 human clinical trials.

I have found the maximum scientific evidence in favor of herbs Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Eugenia jambolana, and Curcuma longa. These herbs are included in many Ayurvedic diabetes formulations.

Scientific studies have also validated the following herbs’ anti-diabetic properties that are mentioned in Traditional Chinese medicine. These are – Atractylodes macrocephala, Codonopsis pilosula, Dioscorea opposita, Flos lonicerae, and Pueraria lobata.

During my research, I did not come across definitive support to the view to Ayurveda alone can cure Type 2 diabetes. It is probably acceptable to use herbal formulations under medical supervision but only as supporting medicine.

Diabetes is a complex disease, and it is best to be under the treatment of a diabetologist than self-medicate.

For additional reading on Natural Solutions for Diabetes, you can check this book here.

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Are there Ayurvedic herbs used to heal cancer?

Researchers have identified 45 herbs used in Ayurveda to heal cancer. Some of these herbs, like Vinca rosea, are now in use in modern medicine. Vincristine is a chemotherapy medicine. Its origin is from Vinca rosea.
Then there are other herbs like Curcuma longa, common name turmeric, that has been extensively studied. The turmeric molecule – curcumin – is undergoing clinical trials and could join the long list of modern medicines of plant origin.
Other herbs are under research. Some of the 45 herbs have been found to have proven potential as anti-cancer agents. Others are ineffective.
Ayurveda works on the principle of a synergistic effect of herbal and mineral combinations. How this synergistic action takes place has not been adequately studied by Ayurveda scientists. Until this happens, Ayurveda formulations are unlikely to get approval from regulators across the world.

To know more about herbs and herbal medicine, you can take a look at the following book titles:

Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient PlantsAsian HerbsNatural Solutions for Cancer

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Herbs for weight loss

A herbal combination containing the following herbs – Cyperus rotundus, Saussurea lappa, Curcuma longa, Berberis aristata, Acorus calamus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Picorrhiza kursoa, Plumbago zeylanica, Holoptelea integrifolia, and Iris ensata is a formulation prescribed to control obesity. (Kumar and Bhandari 2015) A small trial with 70 obese individuals claims a reduction in obesity. (Paranjpe et al., 1990)

Chinese herbs that claim to reduce weight and supplement the spleen include Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae (Bai Zhu), Radix astragali membranacei (Huang Qi), Fructus crategi (Shan Zha)

A significant decrease in body weight occurs following treatment with the following formulations:

1. xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang (a combination of a compound of rhubarb, Coptis chinensis, Cassia semen, and Citrus aurantium),

2. yellow pea fiber;

3. bofu-tsusho-san (a mixture of Radix platycodi, gypsum fibrosum, talcum, Paeoniae, Scutellarie, and Glycyrrhiza);

4. RCM -104 (compound of Camellia sinensis, flos sophorae, and semen cassia); pistachio,

5. Satiereal (a trade medicine),

6. Monoselect Camellia (containing green tea extract: GreenSelect and Phytosome both registered trademark products) or Nigella sativa. (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017)

A significant decrease in body fat occurs by treating with xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang, bofu-tsusho-san, RCM -104, Ling gui zhu gan decoction (compound of Poria, Macrocephalae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Ramulus Cinnamomi and Radix atractylodis), Pu’er tea, pistachio, or Monoselect Camelia; (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017)

The scientific support for the above-mentioned Ayurveda and TCM herbs’ effectiveness in weight loss is tenuous. There is a lot more work to be done before the silver bullet that will bring about weight loss is found.

To learn more about Natural Solutions for Obesity, you can check this book title here.

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Is onion beneficial for diabetes?

Onion is not among the list of primary anti-diabetic herbs listed in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine.

Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Eugenia jambolana, and Curcuma longa are plants used in most Ayurveda based diabetes supplements. These plants have extensive scientific studies in support of their anti-diabetic properties.

Atractylodes macrocephala, Codonopsis pilosula, Dioscorea opposita, Flos lonicerae, and Pueraria lobata are used in Traditional Chinese medicine. These herbs have scientific literature supporting their ability to retard the progression of diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels.

Most scientific support for the above-listed plants is still restricted to animal trials. It is best to consult your physician before consuming herbal supplements containing the above-listed herbs. Anecdotal evidence does support their use as supplements. These, at best, have a role as an adjunct to modern medicine recommendations for keeping diabetes under check.

Popular literature is full of miracle cures of herbs, but my research in herbs on diabetes advises me to take these recommendations with caution. The diabetologist is your best friend for people with diabetes.

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Can obesity be really genetic?

Most diseases, including obesity, can be traced back to a gene or a set of genes. The linkage between the ob gene and leptin hormone is now widely understood. Leptin is known to send a trigger to the brain that tells the individual that ‘I am full, I don’t need to eat more.’

The relationship between genes and cancer has also been discovered. Though, genetic causes do not necessarily lead to the emergence of either obesity or cancer in an individual. External environmental factors are a more potent cause of obesity.

The Centers for Disease Control and the www.worldobesity.org mention three critical factors that play an essential part in the development of obesity. These are:

Behavior– influences food choices. Behavior management is a useful tool for obesity control. Excess calories get converted into fats.

The environment plays a crucial role in shaping our habits and lifestyle. Availability of motorized transport at home, convenience foods, and home entertainment solutions are some factors that determine the low expenditure of energy.

Genetics, too, has a role in obesity. Genes can cause disorders resulting in obesity.

Prevention of obesity starts in childhood. Lower birth weight seems to be associated with later risk for central obesity. It confers increased cardiovascular risk, which is probably occurring through changes in the hormone systems. (Oken et al., 2003)

Body composition changes with aging due to several factors ranging from physical inactivity, diet, hormonal changes, etc.

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My 12 year old daughter is obese. How can I politely tell her that we are going to put her on a diet?

Obesity is a complex disease. People suffering from obesity may not get to lose weight by only eating less and doing exercise. Let me present some scientific facts that will illustrate the complexity of this disease.

An adverse prenatal environment may induce long-term metabolic consequences like obesity and insulin resistance. Inappropriate growth during pregnancy or lactation may lead to an increased risk of developing obesity. The mother and through her, the child gets impacted by related metabolic actions. (Vickers, 2007 (https://journals.lww.com/co-endocrino...))

Food consumed by the mother during the pregnancy period plays a critical role in fetal development. Understanding the role of diet and nutrition in modifying genetic expression is complex. Food choice, diversity of nutrient intake, individual genetic differences, intestinal environment, physiological action in an individual’s intestine, and impact on the individual from the use of new technologies by consumers – all play a part in obesity expression. (Cobiac, 2007 (https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstra...))

Epigenetic marks or imprinting affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetics is responsible for the increased susceptibility of an individual to obesity. External exposures during critical development periods can alter the profile of epigenetic marks and result in obesity. (Herrera et al., 2011 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...))

Epigenetic markers are responsible for obesity at birth. Several of these are modifiable by changing the fetus’s exposure to the uterus and undertaking lifestyle changes in adult life. Interventions in postnatal life can modify unfavorable epigenetic profiles. (Van Dijk et al., 2015 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...))

It is vital to understand the relationship between epigenetics, nutrition, and obesity. We then require to understand underlying mechanisms. It is only then we should begin to use supplements, medication, etc., to tackle obesity.

You may not get results if you focus only on diet and exercise.

Book reference:

Natural Solutions for Obesity Similar Posts:

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How do I lose weight as a type 2 diabetes patient?

Obesity is listed as one of the major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a complex disease. While in most cases it is related to lifestyle but other factors can trigger obesity. These include hormonal disbalances, stress, genetic causes, etc.
Three factors are externally responsible for obesity and obesity control. These are:
Nutrition: Certain foods, such as refined carbohydrates and unsaturated fats, contribute the most to obesity
Medicine: Certain prescription medicine, including anti-depressants, steroids, contraceptives, medications for diabetes, hypertension, migraines, seizures, bipolar disorder, allergies, insomnia, and a host of others, are associated with weight gain.
Sleep: Disrupted sleep or sleep less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours can lead to obesity. Difficulty in breathing can also be a reason for disturbed sleep.
Diet and exercise are some of the popular means to achieve weight loss:
A vegan diet is helpful in both reducing blood sugar as well as achieving weight loss. Multiple other popular options include intermittent fasting, Atkins diet, Paleo diet, and others. Still, my obesity and diabetes research does not support other dietary options for diabetes and weight gain.
The choice of exercise type, including tai chi, qi gong, yoga, walking, gym routines, and swimming, is also available. Still, the proper exercise for an individual depends on the physical condition of that person.
I would recommend consulting a diet and exercise expert with these generic remarks before trying any of these options. In the meanwhile, a switch to yoga and a vegan diet should help.

Book references:

Natural Solutions for ObesityNatural Solutions for Diabetes

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The post How do I lose weight as a type 2 diabetes patient? appeared first on Sudhirahluwalia, Inc.

Diabetic disorder is mostly under the cloud of myths. Can you clear it?

Diabetes manifests itself when insulin produced in the body cannot adequately metabolize the blood’s sugar, causing blood sugar levels to spike. Another reason is that the conversion of blood sugar into the energy process itself has become retarded. The cells of the body have become resistant to the available insulin. As a consequence, blood sugar levels rise. The medical name for such a condition is insulin resistance.

Multiple risk factors like overweight or obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, enhanced cholesterol levels, smoking, gene dysfunction can cause diabetes. Racial factors also have been found to strengthen risk. (Feskens et al., 1989; Choi et al., 2001; Salman. I et al., 2013; Knowler et al.,1990)

Diabetes, in most cases, is a lifestyle disease. A healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and dietary goals that seek to bring down calorie intake can help improve diabetes risk.

Conventional treatment of diabetes broadly speaking is composed of:

1. Diet modification

2. Exercise

3. Medication

Diabetes, if untreated, can lead to heart-related diseases, impact the eyes, impair mobility by affecting the feet. On the other hand, this condition can be managed with discipline in eating, exercise, and regular medication.

Book references:

Natural Solutions for DiabetesNatural Solutions for Obesity

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Should I start taking multivitamins at the age of 25, considering I am a vegetarian?

In normal healthy adults, supplementation with nutraceuticals is not required. Supplements should only be consumed under medical supervision. The vegetarian diet consumed in South Asia often is rich in oil and dairy products. This is not good for health. To make this diet nutritious, oil and dairy products need to be reduced to the minimum.
A plant-based diet, though, is good for health. Multiple studies have shown that this diet is excellent in preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Plants are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. People who are exclusively consumers of a plant-based diet show deficiencies of iron, Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12.
Iron obtained from plants is of poorer nutritional quality than heme iron that is obtained from red meat. Non-heme iron is provided mainly by plant-based foods like whole grains, legumes, lentils and nuts, dairy products, and iron-fortified foods. The usefulness of supplementation and its relationship to health, though, is not yet fully established.
Vitamin B12 is obtained from dairy products, and the best sources of Omega3 fatty acid are available from fatty fish. Plant-based sources of Omega3 are flaxseed, chia seeds, canola, walnut and soybean oils, leafy and green vegetables. These are short-chain omega 3 molecules that need to be converted in the body into long-chained fatty acids. Converting plant-based omega3 foods into nutritionally useful forms is an inefficient metabolic process. The absorption levels of this type of fatty acid are quite low.

Book reference:

Nutrition Facts- a guide to good health.Natural Solutions for Obesity

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