Weight Gain Archives | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

What are the leading causes of Weight gain and Obesity?

About obesity

Obesity is a medical condition that is caused due to the accumulation of excessive fat in the body which leads to other various health problems.According to Ayurvedic principles, excessive fat (Stholyata) is generally caused by the unhealthy lifestyle which leads to other chronic disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

Body mass index (BMI) and obesity

Body mass index is a measurement of an individual’s body weight with respect to height. If the person is diagnosed with BMI is 30 or higher than this are considered at higher risk of obesity.

Obesity

Signs and symptoms of obesity

Some of the noticeable symptoms of obesity are as follows

Extra flesh on the cheeks
Excessive fat around the waist
Higher body mass index (BMI)
Soggy breasts in women
Breathing problems
Snoring
Joint pains
Fatigue and excess sweating

What are the risks of having high BMI?

Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Cardiac arrests
Gallbladder disorders
Arthritis
Joint diseases
Gout
Fatty liver and other liver diseases
Sleep apnea
Mental illness and depression

What are the main causes of obesity?

Some of the main causes that leads to weight gain and obesity are as follows:-

1. Genetics

Obesity in an individual can becaused by the mutation in some genes and plays an important role in causing obesity.

2. Age

Obesity can occur in any age group depending upon the hormonal changes, lifestyle, eating habits etc.

3. Lack of sleep

Individuals who have inappropriate sleeping patterns which induces the secretion of ghrelin hormone that leads ultimately to inadequate appetite. This results in increased intake of food.

4. Prolonged illness

Various syndromes like Cushing’s syndrome, Prader-willi syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to reduce physical activity.

5. Certain medications

Some medications like Anti-depressants, Anti-diabetic, Anti-psycholic etc. can lead to change body’s metabolism.

6. Diet

Eatingprocessed & packaged foods, lack of exercise, consuming fast food, carbonated drinks & beverages and alcohol can leads to weight gain and obesity.

7. Sedentary lifestyle

Sedentary lifestyle which include nature of our job, no workout or exercise, spending hours sitting in front of compute screen and lack of any physical activity that makes a person obese.

What are the complications of obesity?

Improper blood circulation
Increased chances of cardiac-arrest
Severe liver and kidney disorders

How obesity can be diagnosed?

Obesity can be examined clinically or by physical exam

Health and medical history
Blood tests that may include- thyroid test, cholesterol level, liver function tests and diabetes.
Physical examinations like- Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and heart rate.

Natural remedies and Ayurvedic herbs for treating weight gain and obesity

Indian traditional herbs have been used for years in manufacturing medicines due to their effective medicinal properties. Some of the tremendous herbs that are useful in treating obesity and weight gain are as follows

herbs

1. Triphala

Triphala which means three fruits is an Ayurvedic herbal preparation composed of Alma (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) in appropriate ratios. According to Ayurvedic principles, it is known to trigger rejuvenation, longevity and is considered as Tridoshic Rasayana i.e. it can treat Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It promotes proper absorption of food, digestion, appetite and possesses anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antibacterial properties.

2. Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia (Malabar tamarind), which is used as a flavoring agent in fish curries and acts as a preservative also contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that makes beneficial in weight management and anti-obesity agent. This herb is also useful in treating intestinal problems and a natural appetite suppressor.

3. Ashoka (Saraca indica)

Ashoka which is known for its benefits in treating PCOD and in the regulation of menstrual cycles. This herb possesses tannins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides which makes it beneficial properties in weight management and promotes healthy digestion. This is an amazing detoxifying agent which flushes out all the toxins and prevents the accumulation of fat in cells and tissues.

Natural treatment for obesity by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is offering the best herbal supplements for weight management such as Thinner you pack for effective treatment of obesity and weight gain. This pack includes the following products

the-thinner-you-pack

1. Trim support capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s trim support is an effective herbal supplement that has been formulated by Garcinia Cambogia, Katuki (Picrohiza kurro), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus) and Triphala. This product supports healthy digestion and assimilation, suppresses the appetite thus reduces the conversion of fat and fat deposition in cells/tissues and simultaneously improves the proper balancing of metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Dosage 1 capsule two times daily with plain water after meals.

2. Garcinia capsules

Garcinia capsule are manufactured by the fruit zest of Garcinia Cambogia which is 100% pure, vegetarian and does not contain any kind of additives, chemicals and don’t have any side effect. The rind of Garcinia fruit contains HCA which prevents the fat accumulation in tissues and balances healthy cholesterol levels in our body.

Dosage 2 capsules two times daily with water after meals.

3. Guggul capsules

Guggul capsules have been formulated by guggul (Commiphora wightii), which is extracted from Mukul myrrh tree which possesses amazing phytochemical constituents makes it a great lubricant, stimulant and induces healthy digestion. This product maintains proper metabolism and balances tridosha effectively.

Dosage– 1 capsule two times daily with plain water.

4. Stholyantak capsules

These capsules are formulated by many traditional herbs which are beneficial in weight management like Mustak (Cyprus rotundus), Chirbilva (Haloptela integrifolia), Balbach (Iris ensata), Babool (Acacia Arabica), Triphala, Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Jamun (Syzgiumcumini), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), and Sonth (Zingiber Officinalis).These herbs possess tremendous properties which make them beneficial in maintaining healthy body weight and support the healthy body with its goodness.

Dosage 1 full teaspoonful with plain water after meals.

Why only planet Ayurveda?

100% pure and vegetarian products
Free from chemicals, preservatives, colors, binders and additives.
Sterile herbal extracts are used
Formulated under strict supervision and guidance.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3748738/-
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/garcinia

What are the Health Benefits of Dates?

Introduction

Dates, no I am not asking you to go on a date with me, but we are talking about the ones, which is consumed as a dry fruit, have lots of nutrients, fiber and anti-oxidants properties, making them very popular all over the world. Dates have proven their worth in treating many ailments, when consumed in advance it enhances the immune system, are anti-inflammatory and are anti-tumor.

Dates have a unique sweet taste, which comes from the family of date palm trees, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera

This tree is found all over the world, but mostly it is cultivated in the tropical regions. You can also consume it as a dessert, date molasses which is made from the syrup created by dates. Scientists recommend eating 25 to 38 grams of dates daily to enhance your fiber intake.

This fruit is gaining popularity due to its ability to correct all hassles of digestive system. It is also popular for enhancing your eye sight and is sought after to treat ailments like night blindness. It has immense healthy benefits like it enhances the muscle development, makes your mind bright & sharp, so it works wonderfully for your both physical and mental health.

Just with your naked eyes you can tell whether the dates are fresh or dried. Their wrinkled skin means these are dried, whereas their mellow skin indicates that they are fresh. In various varieties, fresh dates have a small size and has different color that ranges from shiny red to shiny yellow.

Amazing Health Benefits of Dates

Great Source of Energy:

Dates contain many natural sugars like fructose, glucose and sucrose. The presence of natural sugar enhances the energy level manifold. Most people around the world consume them as an afternoon snack, if they are feeling lethargic or are acting sluggishly. To gain instant energy and become enthusiastic, dates are eaten.
When you hit the gym or do any intense physical activity at home, after which you feel exhausted, eat dates, which contain energy providing nutrients that can help you recover at more pace than the normal.
Muslims hold a special value for them, when they observe fasting for so many days at a stretch, during Ramzan, when they finish the fast, they do it with eating dates with water. They do so that they don’t like eating any other food, which can be overeaten. The body pacifies the need for hunger with dates nutritious value.
When dates are dried, their nutritious value increases, their calorie count is similar to that of figs and raisins. Most of these calories come from carbohydrates in addition to some from proteins. Despite the calories it contains, it also has vital vitamins, minerals and a fair amount of fiber.

May Boost Brain Health:

A study was conducted and it revealed that dates protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also suggested that dates have abundance of total phenolics and natural anti-oxidants, like ferulic acid, anthocyanins, protocatechuic acid, and caffeic acid. All these prevent the body from dementia and high levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Consuming dates help in reducing inflammatory markers like interleukin 6 (IL-6), in the brain.
Consuming dates reduces the activity of amyloid beta proteins, which creates plaque in the brain.

Treat sexual malfunctions:

A research was done in 2006, revealing that dates pollen and its oil have huge amounts of estradiol and flavonoid components, which increase the quantity and quality of the sperms.
According to an Indian study, dates eradicate male infertility in the ancient times.
If you need a safe and effective way to enhance your libido and indulge in sexual functions, why don’t you eat organic dates, which have the aphrodisiac properties.

How to Use

Dip a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk for the whole night. Put this mixture in a grinder, with a mixture of cardamom powder and a teaspoon of honey. Mix them vigorously and then drink the mixture. But it will be better if you pay a visit to your trusted Ayurvedic doctor.

Helpful for Pregnant Women

Dates have the potential to promote and ease late-term labor in pregnant females: During the last weeks of pregnancy, consuming dates may enhance cervical dilation and will reduce the requirement of induced labor. Dates certainly lessen the labor time. If the female is going to conceive within 4 weeks, she should start eating at least 6 dates per day. This process will certainly help in going to have the baby in a natural condition.
A research was done on females, it was found that pregnant females who ate dates amounting to 70 to 76 grams daily, 91% of them felt the labor pains just 4 hours before the delivery.
Dates play such a significant role due to the fact that it contains oxytocin receptors and appears to copy all the effects of oxytocin in our body.
Oxytocin is a hormone that creates contractions during the childbirth. It also has tannins, which is a compound that facilitates contractions.
During pregnancy the females body needs to maintain the energy level by controlling the sugar level, dates have natural sugar, which never raises its level above the normal.

Cancer Fighting Properties

Dates have cancer fighting properties: Eating dates help in enhancing the bowel health, and reducing the pace of developing and spreading of colo-rectal cancer cells.
Dried dates have anti-tumor activities, the exact mechanism is still a mystery and need more research.

Enhances Bone Health:

Dates contain an ingredient called boron, which promotes healthier bones. It has sufficient amount of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which makes it a super food that takes care of the health of bones. It helps in combating many diseases like osteoporosis.
Organic dates have selenium, copper, manganese and magnesium, all these help in the managing strong health of bones, especially during the old age.

Thus dates have numerous properties, which certainly make them a super food, which has been bestowed by nature to humans