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deepa iyer's Questions & Answers

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which is the best site i want to ask the questions to experts like doctors ragarding health

Asked by arun kumar in Personal Health at 7:50 PM on June 15, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

You are indeed in the right place. Still further try to visit www.revolutionhealth.com

Answered at 8:08 PM on June 16, 2008

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i m uderweight can anyone give me some tips thatswhy i can get good wieght & fig.

Asked by Kushi 1 in Personal Health at 10:18 AM on June 16, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

If you are not ill but feel you are underweight and need to gain then not all the advice on this sheet is suitable for you. You should try and increase your food intake without consuming too much fat and sugar although a little with the right type of food is fine. For example, you can use olive oil on baked or boiled potatoes and sugar in a nutritious wholemeal fruit cake.

Regular meals, especially breakfast, are important if you find it difficult to gain weight. Taking your time with meals and making sure you are relaxed is also important to ensure that your digestive system functions properly. A glass of wine with an evening meal is beneficial to relax you as well as stimulating your digestive juices.

Some people are just naturally thin no matter how much they eat and the envy of those who gain weight easily. As long as you are in good health and do not drop below the recommended range of weights for your height you should not worry. Exercise can help build up your muscles and make you feel better about your body shape. Protein is essential to the body, for repair, to enable the immune system to function and for recovery from illness. If you are recovering from illness, it is important to include adequate protein in your diet. Good vegetarian sources of protein include: cereals, nuts & seeds, soya products (soya milk, tofu, tempeh etc) and pulses. Milk, yoghurt, cheese, and free range eggs are also excellent protein sources for the non-vegan.

You must ensure that you include a protein source at each meal. Try to choose the energy dense sources of protein that are relatively soft and which do not contain to much fibre, for example, the soya or dairy sources of protein.

Try nut butters. There are many more available other than peanut butter, try others such as hazel nut or cashew nut butter.

Soya products are excellent and easily digested sources of protein. Choose the nutritional supplemented soya milks with added calcium and sugar.

If you use dairy products, make good use of soft milky puddings, such as custard and rice pudding. Vegans can also get a variety of soya pudding, including soya rice pudding. If you like, add jam, honey, ground nuts or cream to your pudding. Porridge with a couple of tablespoons of added vegetable oil, perhaps with some nuts and/or dried fruit, can be very nutritious.

If you prefer to have white bread, white pasta and refined rice, then do so. But remember that the wholemeal varieties are very good sources of the B vitamins.

Make good use of cereal products (wheat, barley, rye, oats etc.), although avoid too much fibre. Complement cereals with other sources of proteins, such as nuts, seeds, pulses, milk and cheese.

Seeds, such as sesame seeds (tahini) or sunflower seeds, when ground as a paste, can also provide an energy dense source of protein in the diet. Tahini is particularly good when combined with a mashed pulse, such as chick peas to make hummus.

Pulses are more easily digested if well cooked and mashed. Try mashed lentils or pureed black eye beans.

In order to gain weight it is essential to increase the energy content of your diet. Also, in order for your body to make proper use of protein, you must ensure sufficient energy. The most concentrated form of energy in the diet is from fat. If you can tolerate fat then try and increase the fat content of your diet.

Alcohol is also a concentrated form of energy and can be taken in moderation, perhaps before meals, as it may help improve your appetite. Only take alcohol with your doctors permission.

If you can tolerate oils, try adding some vegetable oil or vegetable margarine to your food, particularly to mashed pulses, salads and potatoes. If you like fried foods, then have fried foods.

Use cream if you can tolerate fats. A good vegan alternative to cream is cashew nut cream, made from ground cashew nut

Answered at 8:07 PM on June 16, 2008

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How do I start a fitness program?

Asked by jks marven in Fitness at 9:00 AM on June 05, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

Starting a fitness program may be one of the best things you can do for your health. With your doctor's OK to exercise, physical activity can reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your balance and coordination, help you lose weight — even improve your sleep habits and self-esteem. And there's more good news. You can do it in just five steps.

Step 1: Assess your fitness level
You probably have some idea of how fit you are. But assessing and recording baseline fitness scores can give you benchmarks against which to measure your progress. To assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility and body composition, consider recording:

Your pulse rate before and after a one-mile walk
How long it takes to walk one mile
How many push-ups you can do at a time
How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you
Your waist circumference at the level of your navel
Your body mass index
Step 2: Design your fitness program
It's easy to say that you'll exercise every day. But you'll need a plan — and no single plan is perfect for everyone. As you design your fitness program, keep these points in mind:

Consider your fitness goals. Are you starting a fitness program to help lose weight? Or do you have another motivation, such as preparing for a 5K race? Having clear goals can help you gauge your progress.
Think about your likes and dislikes. Choose activities you'll enjoy. If you have fun doing the exercises you've selected, you're more likely to keep doing them.
Plan a logical progression of activity. If you're just beginning to exercise, start cautiously and progress slowly. If you have an injury or a medical condition, consult your doctor or a physical therapist for help designing a fitness program that gradually improves your range of motion, strength and endurance.
Build activity into your daily routine. Finding time to exercise can be a challenge. To make it easier, schedule time to exercise as you would any other appointment. Plan to watch your favorite show while walking on the treadmill, or read while riding a stationary bike.
Think variety. Varying your activities (cross-training) can keep exercise boredom at bay. Cross-training also reduces the risk of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. Plan to alternate among activities that emphasize different parts of your body, such as walking, swimming and strength training.
Allow time for recovery. Many people start exercising with frenzied zeal — working out too long or too intensely — and give up when their muscles and joints become sore or injured. Plan time between sessions for your body to rest and recover.
Put it on paper. A written plan may encourage you to stay on track.
Step 3: Assemble your equipment
You'll probably start with athletic shoes. Be sure to pick shoes designed for the activity you have in mind, as well as your foot type.

If you're planning to invest in exercise equipment, choose something that's practical, enjoyable and easy to use. You may want to try out certain types of equipment at a fitness center before investing in your own equipment. To stretch your exercise dollars, consider buying used equipment. Or get creative. Make your own weights by filling old socks with beans or pennies, or by partially filling a half-gallon milk jug with water or sand.

Step 4: Get started
Now you're ready for action.

Start slowly and build up gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching. Then speed up to a pace you can continue for five to 10 minutes without getting overly tired. If you can't carry on a conversation while you exercise, you're probably pushing too hard. As your stamina improves, increase the amount of time you exercise by one to five minutes a session. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
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Answered at 8:10 PM on June 12, 2008

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What are the best diet foods to eat?

Asked by jks marven in Fitness at 9:01 AM on June 05, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

Fresh, sweet fruits of all types, preferably taken whole.
• All vegetables except onions and garlic.
• Whole grains, such as rice, wheat and oats.
• Ideally beans like mung, aduki and tofu, other types in moderation.
• Not overly roasted or salted nuts and seeds such as almonds, coconuts, walnuts, pecans and sesame.
• Butter, ghee (clarified butter) and all good natural plant-based oils like sesame, olive and sunflower.
• Dairy products like milk, ghee, yogurt and cottage cheese from dairy animals who've been treated well.
• Natural sugars such as jaggery, honey, maple syrup and molasses.
• Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, cumin, coriander, turmeric, mint, basil, fenugreek and other such sweet spices.
• Herbal teas, natural water and fresh juices.

Answered at 8:09 PM on June 12, 2008

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hi.........my problem is that when i apply shampoo and bath my hair fall increases

Asked by john boys in Personal Health at 11:22 AM on June 16, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

All shampoos are not good for hair. OIL IS GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR

Massage scalp with warm coconut or castor oil twice a week. Massage scalp with finger tips in a circular motion for at least half an hour. Leave on the oil over-night and shampoo the following morning. This prevents hair from becoming dry and prevents dandruff and hair fall by improving circulation and strengthening hair roots. Lack of vitamins too can lead to hair loss and pre-mature greying of hair. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables primarily leafy vegetables will help curb hair loss. Spinach (palak) and fenugreek (methi) are strongly recommended for healthy hair. Indian gooseberry (amla) and mangoes are hair-friendly fruit that one must eat in abundance (go easy on the mangoes though). Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair. Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water. Dyed hair gets affected easily by the cold winter weather. Hair becomes dry and looks dull, the ends tend to split resulting in loss of hair. To prevent this you need special hair conditioners. `Banana Pack' is one such conditioner.

To make this you need:
• About half a dozen ripe bananas, two eggs and half-cup beer.
• Mash the bananas well and mix with the rest.
• Apply this to the hair - from the scalp to the tip.
• Keep the conditioner for at least half an hour before washing it off with a mild organic shampoo.
• The protein of egg and moisturising property of bananas will make the dry hair soft and silky.

Answered at 8:04 PM on June 16, 2008

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how to prepre six pack helth?

Asked by Sahil Khan in Personal Health at 11:24 AM on June 16, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

Go to a good gym + get a good ab instructor and go ahead with their instructions about exercises and food intakes.

Answered at 8:00 PM on June 16, 2008

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Tummy Exercises: Which are the best?

Asked by jks marven in Fitness at 9:02 AM on June 05, 2008

deepa iyer's Answer

Are there flat tummy exercises that are the best for great female abs? Abs-olutely! To make this list, the female abs exercises must be safe, effective and can be done nearly anywhere. Your abs can be worked out every day. Here are great flat tummy exercises:

1. Tummy Isometric Crunch - exhale, then suck in your stomach as far as you can, hold for about 15 seconds. Relax and breathe. Visualize moving your bellybutton straight toward your back. Holding in your tummy muscles and tensing your abs is a good way of firming and strengthening them. You will also become more aware of how to control your tummy muscles. Repeat several times. This exercise can be done anywhere, anytime.

Note - if you have high blood pressure, do not hold your breath for extended periods of time.

2. Rectus Abdominis Tummy Exercises (doesn't that sound great?):

a. Lie on your back on the floor with bent knees and your feet flat on the floor, knees and feet spread apart the width of your hips.
b. Place your hands gently on the sides of your head for support, spreading your elbows so you cannot see them.
c. With your chin tucked toward your chest, gently curl upward and forward so that your head, neck and shoulder blades lift off the floor and your lower back presses against the floor (if you want, start with your head resting on a pillow which has your head and neck in the correct position to begin).
d. Pause just a moment, then gently return to the starting position.
e. Repeat several times.

Note - do not use your arms to complete the curl. If you can see your elbows, you're cheating. Do not put your feet under anything since this lessens the effectiveness of these types of flat tummy exercises. If this female abs exercise is too difficult for you, do the next one below.

3. Sit-Back Flat Tummy Exercises - if your female abs muscles are weak and you have trouble lifting yourself off the floor in #2 above, here is an alternate flat tummy exercise for you:

a. Start in a sitting position on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor (secure your feet under a piece of furniture).
b. Cross your arms over your chest and roll your head and shoulders forward toward your chest.
c. Gently and slowly lean back, keeping your head and shoulders tucked. Continue until you begin to feel your stomach muscles contracting.
d. Then try to lean back just a bit more if you can and hold that position until your muscles start shaking. Try to hold this position with your muscles shaking for five seconds, then ease back to the upright sitting position.
e. Repeat in a few seconds.

4. Reducing Chewing Exercises - yes, as in jaw muscles used for excessive chewing as in overeating. Reducing overeating or exercising those jaw muscles less may be necessary to have great female abs. No one can see your great female abs if they are covered with body fat! Having great female abs may require losing some body fat. Losing body fat means:

a. Cardio exercise on a regular basis - getting the heartbeat up with fun whole-body workouts several times a week.
b. Healthy eating habits - eating healthy foods, eliminating sodas/junk food and taking in fewer calories than you burn each day.
c. Besides flat tummy exercises, strength training for the whole body - any muscle tissue you add will burn extra calories 24/7.

Besides looking great, having great female abs is about good health. Visually and physically, the midsection is the center of the body and the foundation of strength. Weak abdominals leave a woman weaker looking and vulnerable to lower back pain. At first, the goal is to build up the basic strength in the female abs area with flat tummy exercises. And remember, always check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program. Start out slowly and gradually build up your strength and repetitions.

For great abs and good health, th

Answered at 8:05 PM on June 12, 2008

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