Causes of Obesity in Children and Natural ways to fight it

When a ten year old Kritika entered my clinic she was already limping due to her 70kg weight and by the moment she sat in front of me she was breathless already —hardly 50 steps and this condition!!! Is this what we call love for our children????
Unfortunately, childhood obesity has become an epidemic today. It has significantly impacted the physical and psychological health of our children. As per research, obese children have a higher chance of staying obese as they turn adults. They might also develop diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases at a younger age compared to non-obese children.
 According to WHO, there are nearly 43 million overweight kids under the age of 5. By 2020, nearly 60% of diseases around the globe will be because of obesity. Don’t get too worried as these are just research statistics. But yes, every day in my clinic I see minimum three children moving towards obesity and parents being helpless as the habits we inculcate since their birth are now showing its repercussions. Integrated health care can help parents like you deal with child obesity. Let me make you understand how we can do it holistically!

Causes of Obesity in Children- 

The most common causes of childhood obesity include genetic factors, inadequate physical activity, and unhealthy eating patterns. In rare cases, childhood obesity may be a result of medical conditions like hormone problems.

A poor diet containing higher levels of fat and sugar and comparatively fewer nutrients may result in kids gaining weight quickly. Parents should pay close attention to the eating habits of their children and overall lifestyle to reduce obesity and ensure holistic health care for their little ones.

Natural Remedies and Holistic Health Treatments: Healthy Eating

When you go food shopping, choose fruits and vegetables over crackers, cookies and other prepared snacks which are often high in fats and calories.

Try to prepare food with fun element e.g. make cartoon faces on a plate with the help of fruits or salads, it will attract the kids and shift them to healthy items. Limit sweetened beverages and fast food as they offer lower nutritional values and higher calories rather give them fresh lemon juice with gur or make zoodles out of vegetables along with herbs for it will activate their taste buds and boost their immune system.

You should also consider sitting down together for family meals and avoid distractions like TV or mobile phones. Remember to serve appropriate portions – children don’t need as much food as adults. Restaurant food can be an option once a month rather than every weekend.

Kitchen Secrets

How about adding honey to milk instead of sugar??? It is sweet plus it will calm down the hyperactive brains of your super child and help them sleep peacefully. There are other benefits of honey too; adding honey to your child’s diet can help in burning fat and excess calories. So the next time whenever your child demands energy, give lukewarm water with honey and ginger.

Other measures that can be taken on a day to day basis are:

Encourage your children to drink warm water 30 minutes before and after their meals to lose weight. Tomatoes and cucumber with black pepper and lemon are good for liver and kidney so try it half an hour before meals.

Green leafy vegetables are high in fibre but none of the kids like it so give it to them either in form of soup or stuff it in chapattis. The chapattis will make them fell full for a longer period. This helps in reducing the need to indulge in fast food. Fennel seeds also help in treating childhood obesity by limiting food cravings. Make a powder of carom seeds and fennel seeds along with raw coconut and give it to them post meals to chew it well. It helps in fast digestion and also suppresses their cravings.

Physical Activity

In today’s tech world every child is hyperactive isn’t it??? That activity is only on the mental level as far as the physical level is considered there’s hardly any activity. When we say holistic health care is a solution to reduce childhood obesity we don’t mean only diet rather we aim to channelize the child’s energy towards physical activity.

For being active helps in reducing weight, strengthening bones and muscles, and burning calories. It also supports better sleep and promotes alertness during the day. Try to limit TV and screen time to 1 hour for toddlers and not more than 2 hours for older kids. Encourage free-play activity like hide-and-seek, jump rope, slides and swings, etc. You can also take part in activities with your child and as a family make it a fun activity so that they look forward to it.

Remember that integrated healthcare in Pune is all about a healthy lifestyle for your little ones. Holistic health treatments are always better than medications and thus, as parents, you should try your best to offer a healthy and nutritious diet for your children. Together, we can fight childhood obesity and look forward to a healthy future for our nation.

Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalised! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.

The Role of Homeopathy in Treating Illnesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.

We all have our reservations about homeopathy, whether it’s effective enough? Whether it’s fast enough? Whether it cures completely?

My friend was no different; he had a little doubt himself. Which I tried to resolved during our conversation. I am sharing with you all, the highlights of our conversation. Hope it clear your doubts too.

Pravin: I can understand about cough and cold but can we trust homeopathy with the serious diseases?

Dr Nidhi: Homeopathy is an alternative medicinal practice that has shown positive results for millions of patients. It is a holistic health care solution that offers treatments for a number of diseases, right from allergies and skin disorders to thyroid, anxiety and serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

Key Facts About Homeopathy:

•  Homeopathic physicians assess a patient, recognize the symptoms and then match them with the right medicine. Doctors grade symptoms as per their intensity and frequency and then assign specific remedies.
• Homeopathic medicine works on the ‘like cures like’ principle
• Since homeopathy offers holistic health treatments, doctors study the patient’s complete lifestyle, background and behaviors. There is also prominence to emotional symptoms that might contribute towards an ailment. For instance, emotional stress can lead to tension headaches or lack of sleep can cause digestive issues.      
• Homeopathic medicines are prepared by diluting the mother tincture over and over for several times to make a potent mixture. A diluted mixture may be thought of less effective but it is believed that with every dilution the mixture gets stronger.
• In homeopathy all medicines work on individual basis, hence there is no generalization of medicines.

Pravin:  What about cancer how can homeopathy play its role in fighting cancer?

Dr Nidhi: Homeopathy is one of the most common complementary therapies used by cancer patients around the world. It is a completely different medicine compared to the conventional cancer treatments. It is recommended to use this treatment alongside the conventional medicine to get maximum benefits. Homeopathy is promoted as a natural way to help patients relax, cope with the anxiety, stress and depression of the disease and control the symptoms and side effects like pain, tiredness and sickness. It can also help to boost the immune system so that patients can fight the disease better.

Pravin:  Okay, so unlike popular believe homeopathy is not a substitute to cancer medicines but rather a complementary therapy.

Dr Nidhi: Yes absolutely. But homeopathy doesn’t always complement the conventional medicines. There are diseases where homeopathy was alone able to fight it off. One good example is Diabetes. 

Pravin: Really? My uncle suffers from diabetes; please tell me how I can help him?

Dr Nidhi: Diabetes is a growing concern in the world. According to WHO, India will have 80 million diabetic patients by 2030. Homeopathy uses the process known as individualization for holistic health care of diabetic patients. It treats the patient and not the disease by understanding his/her emotions, family history, sleep habits, mental reactions, and individual preferences. It offers Jambol seeds, Insulinum, and Uranium Nitricum for dealing with high blood sugar levels.

Pravin: That’s great! I can easily get access to these natural remedies and slowly start changing his unhealthy life style. Along with diabetes he also suffers from hypertension which has increased since his medical report.

Dr Nidhi: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension can put your heart and circulatory system at risk. It is often called the silent killer. Homeopathy has been used in conjunction with conventional medicine since the last 2000 years and helps patients with the necessary lifestyle changes and integrated healthcare in Pune to reduce the effects of diabetes.

Compared to allopathic medicines that offer instant results that aren’t long-lasting, homeopathy medicine shows results slowly over time but ensures long-term results. Homeopathy doesn’t work in a superficial manner. Instead, it helps the body and mind to get back to its natural efficient self. Belladonna, Natrum Mur, Glonoine, Rauwolfia, and Nux Vomica are some of the most effective homeopathic medicines for high BP.

Pravin: This has been a real revelation Nidhi. I can confidently say that this talk has helped me get rid of most of doubts. I know its role and its incredible contribution in the field of health care.

I hope this blog has helped you understand the important role that homeopathy plays in the health sector. It has proved vital in fighting in some disease whereas proved an effective complementary therapy in a life threatening diseases.

Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalised! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.

7 Tips to Live Long and Live Healthy

Yesterday as I was enjoying my tea at my favourite restaurant, I met an old friend of mine. We talked about college, married life and like any other conversation we found ourselves talking about health issues. She complaint about the pollution, adulteration in food, the reduced nutrient value and on and on.

I listened to her patiently and finally coined her the following questions

Dr Nidhi: Ever wondered how healthy are you? Do you spend ample of time exercising daily? Do you follow a healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet? Are you getting ample of sleep? And drinking 8 glasses of water?

As expected she didn’t have a clear answer on it. This does not mean that she was at fault. It’s just that we are surrounded by so many things that claim to build our health but seldom play their part. What we need is not the plethora of things flooding the internet but few basic things.

Shreya: So how do I ensure which things to follow?

Dr Nidhi: Our body is a temple and all of us need to focus on taking good care of it. You don’t want to spend most of your life bogged down by health issues, right? The key is to take good care of your body and not take it for granted. You should opt for holistic health care, with a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle. 
Here are some vital tips to live a healthier and longer life:

    1.   Drink More Water –

Did you know that 60% of our body is made up of water? We need water for our body to function. It helps in removing waste, carrying nutrients and oxygen around your body and maintains essential bodily functions. Drinking water can also help you in losing weight. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Why not sip one glass before you continue reading this article!

Shreya: I agree, I have a hard time keeping track of my water intake. Unlike a trek where I constantly feel thirsty because of all the exertion, at home sitting in my A.C room I rarely drink water. But I guess I should start.

Dr Nidhi: Yes, we should stay hydrated regardless of the conditions around us. Also the second important thing is.

     2.    Get Enough Sleep – 

If you aren’t getting enough rest, you’ll either compensate by eating more or resort to unhealthy medications rather than holistic health treatments. Lack of sleep can also cause premature ageing and none of us wants that! Catch up on your beauty sleep every day!

Shreya:  Yup, I think we should plan our routine better to ensure we get enough sleep.

Dr Nidhi:  Now few important things that you must do in your waking hours.

3. Exercise – 

Don’t forget that movement is life. Research shows that daily exercises can increase our lifespan, lower the risk of diabetes, improve bone density and help in weight loss. Exercise is the key to integrated health care in Pune. Pick exercises that you enjoy and add variations to keep them interesting.

4. Eat Fruits – 

Fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals. Oranges offer a lot more health benefits than Vitamin C pills. So skip your medicine cabinet and choose holistic health treatments instead that focus on healthy eating. Watermelons, strawberries, apples, guava, papaya are all highly nutritious fruits.

5. Choose Healthy Herbs –

There are various herbs and spices in our kitchens that are great for our health and well-being. They also boost immunity and keep illnesses at bay. Consider turmeric, cloves, garlic, ginger and cinnamon in your regular diets to enjoy the benefits of natural herbs.

6. Cut Down On Processed Food –

Busy lifestyles tend to lure us towards ready foods or processed meals that may be super unhealthy for our body. The nutritional value is lost in these foods and the added preservatives can be bad for our body. A number of processed foods also contain a lot of salt, which can lead to higher blood pressures and also increase the risk of a heart disease.

7. Eat Small Meals – 

Rather than eating just two large meals, try to eat smaller meals throughout the day. You can opt for healthier snacks at work like juices or yoghurt and nuts rather than cookies or candy bars.

Shreya: This is Great! I can’t remember the last time I had such a fruitful conversation. The points that you mentioned today were all around us but you cemented it for me today. I shall take this list with me and post it on my refrigerator.

I hope this blog was useful to all of you. Remember that holistic health care begins with you and your mind. Once you set out to achieve a healthy lifestyle, no one can stop you from being fit and fabulous! Choose integrated health care in Pune over medications and you will witness a drastic change in your health – mental, emotional and physical.

Good luck!

Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalised! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.

How to Boost Your Kid’s Immunity Naturally?

Cold, cough and flu seem like a fact of life for kids. The rainy season isn’t too friendly for little ones as they tend to fall sick more often. However, there are smart things you can do as parents to reduce the number of sick days. The healthy habits that you adopt today can go a long way in boosting your kid’s immunity. By opting for holistic health treatments, you won’t need to visit your paediatrician every time to get some antibiotics for your little ones.

Only last week I met with a very caring and vibrant mother, Mridula, who was worried sick about her kids' health. I am sharing the highlights of our conversation that helped Mridula immensely and I am sure will help all the mothers who are worried about their kids' health especially in this rainy season

Mridula: My son Sidharth’s health had been quite well until this rainy season where he keeps falling sick. I have tried everything. I don’t let him leave the house before literally laminating him from head to toe and I also make sure he eats well and gets enough sleep; but to no effect.

Dr Nidhi: I can understand your concern Mridula and what I got from your description is that your son has a weak immune system. If the immune system is week the health issue will always persist no matter the season.

Mridula: How do I build his immune system. He eats well and I also give him vitamin and calcium tablets to keep his body nutrients in check. What can we do beyond this?

Dr Nidhi: It’s good that your kid eats will but along with regular meals we also have to insure if the kid is getting all the nutrients necessary to build a good immune system. Here are 5 things that every mom must insure to boost their kids’ immunity.

1. Focus on Good Nutrition

We’ve all heard that you are what you eat. Inculcating healthy eating habits early on is extremely important to set the stage for good nutrition in the future. Try to serve ample of fruits and vegetables to your children. When kids are constantly bombarded with additives, preservatives or sugar, their immunity can take a hit. Sugar can also suppress immunity so try to minimize its use in your children’s meals. Holistic health care is all about healthy and nutritious meals, and it begins right from the time your child is a baby.

2. Boost Sleep Time

Most children aren’t getting enough sleep because they are so involved in activities all through the day. Based on their age, children need nearly 10 to 14 hours of sleep on a daily basis. It’s not just the quantity, but the quality of sleep is important too. Children should sleep in the dark, unplugged, without any electronics. If your child is not taking any naps during the day, make sure to put them to bed early.

Since Sidharth is getting enough sleep I don’t think we have to worry on that front.

3. Exercise as a Family

Integrated healthcare in Pune is all about eating right, exercising and being healthy as a family. Rather than urging kids to go outside and play, try to be a good role model and plan your family’s exercises together. You can go for bike rides, go for a mountain walk on a weekend, try some basketball or tennis or even plan a swimming class together. Your child needs at least 1-2 hours of physical activity every day to stay healthy.
So rather than sending Sidharth out all the time, I would suggest some good family outings where everyone can get some exercise and also family time.

4. Try Home-Remedies

If you want to opt for holistic health care and avoid medications as much as possible, there are various healthy food items you can include in your meals every day to help fight infections. Give your children ginger juice and honey twice a day. Consider adding some extra garlic to your cooking. Tulsi leaves are also great to enhance our body’s infection-fighting ability. You can crush them and give its juice with a teaspoon of honey to your children. Don’t forget to include fruits with Vitamin C like oranges, lemons and amla. Curd and fermented food contain probiotics which can protect your children’s gut and keep infections away.

5. Keep Things Clean

Remember that germs and infections spread really fast. Teach your kids cleanliness from the time they are little. Simple things like washing hands, using soap, staying clean can go a long way in keeping infections away.

If you ensure these five things, you can be confident about your kid’s immunity and hence a good health.

Mridula: Thank you Dr Nidhi. The things that you have mentioned are easy to do and I can now figure out a diet plan for him and even put in some outings. However, could you tell me more about holistic health treatments?

Dr Nidhi: Holistic health treatments are all about natural ways to boost immunity and reduce the dependency on medicines. This will build your child’s capabilities to fight infections and make them healthier and happier. Integrated healthcare in Pune urges you to focus more on prevention rather than cure.

Mridula: That’s wonderful Dr Nidhi.

I hope this small conversation helped you figure out how you can work on the prevention part. For more information visit us at PHCC Integrated Healthcare.

Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalised! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.