health and wellness – That Madras Mom

February 24, 2023

What is Collagen and why is it so important?

Of late, we’ve been hearing this word a lot more. Anything to do with skin, immediately brings up suggestions mentioning ‘Collagen’. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that plays a critical role in the health of our skin, bones, and joints. It is also an essential component of many other parts of our body, including our hair, nails, and muscles. For women, in particular, collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful and healthy-looking skin, as well as providing support for bones and joints. It not only helps to maintain good skin but is also good for vibes and joints.

What is collagen, and how does it work?

Collagen is the protein found in abundance in our bodies, which is about 30% of the total protein content. It is a structural protein that provides support, elasticity, and strength to our skin, bones, and connective tissues. Collagen is produced by cells called fibroblasts, which are found in the skin, bones, and other connective tissues throughout the body. So now you know why it’s important not only for skin.

When we age , there is a decrease in collagen production and we see signs of ageing in bones, joints and skin. A predominant reason why we need collagen supplements and collagen-rich foods. These have become much more popular recently, as they help replenish the natural collagen and improve the appearance of skin, bone and joints.

The importance of collagen in women’s diet

For women, in particular, collagen plays an important role in maintaining youthful and healthy-looking skin, as well as providing support for bones and joints. Women’s skin is thinner and much more delicate than men’s, making it more prone to damage from the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. As we age, the natural production of collagen in the body decreases, causing formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. By consuming collagen-rich foods and supplements, women can help replenish their skin’s natural collagen stores, leading to a more youthful and healthy-looking complexion.

Collagen is also essential for maintaining healthy bones and joints, which are especially important for women as they age. Women are more prone to osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions than men, due to factors such as hormonal changes and decreased bone density. Consuming collagen-rich foods and supplements can help improve bone density and strength, reducing the risk of fractures and other bone-related conditions.

Collagen-rich foods and supplements

There are several ways to consume collagen, including through foods and supplements. Collagen-rich foods include bone broth, fish, poultry, and other animal products that contain collagen. Supplements are also available in the form of powders, capsules, and drinks.

Collagen supplements are typically derived from animal sources, such as cows, pigs, and fish. They are made by processing the bones, skin, and connective tissues of these animals into a collagen-rich powder or liquid. Collagen supplements are available in a variety of forms, including powders that can be added to smoothies or drinks, capsules that can be swallowed, and gummies that can be chewed. We now also have various formulations that bring out plant based collagen supplements which is a welcome move for the vegans.

It’s important to note that while collagen supplements can be said to be beneficial for overall health and wellness, they cannot be relied on as the only source of collagen in the diet. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods is essential for overall health and well-being, and should be the primary focus of any dietary plan.

Collagen is an important protein that plays a vital role in the health of our skin, bones, and joints. For women, in particular, collagen is essential for maintaining youthful and healthy-looking skin, as well as providing support for bones and joints. By consuming collagen-rich foods and supplements, women can help replenish their natural collagen stores and improve the health and appearance of their skin, bones, and joints

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022

Benefits of drinking water from copper vessels

Just like you need air to breathe to stay alive, the second most important thing that you need is water. 70% of the human body is made up of water. It was an age-old practice to store water in metal containers like copper. The most known reason would be to safeguard the water we use for drinking. But now there is a lot more than just safeguarding drinking water.

Ancient ayurvedic principles support, water stored in copper vessels when consumed offer innumerable benefits. There is a natural purification process that the water undergoes when stored in copper containers that make the water practically fit for drinking by killing microorganisms that might be harmful to human health.

Water when stored overnight or at least four hours in a copper container acquires certain qualities from copper. An essential trace mineral that is very important to human health because of its anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

According to ayurvedic principles, it is believed that consuming water stored in copper containers on an empty stomach helps in balancing the three doshas(Vata, pitta and Kapha). This also ensures the body undergoes proper metabolism and proper functioning of vital organs.

MOST COMMON BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER FROM COPPER VESSELS

Protects from infections:

Copper is oligodynamic in nature which means it can sterilize the effect of bacteria on metals and destroys bacteria in an effective manner. It is very much effective against E.coli which causes the most severe illnesses in human beings.

ARTHRITIS and inflamed joints:

Copper has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal aches and pains. The bone and immune-strengthening properties are highly beneficial for people affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

Regulates thyroid gland working:

People with thyroid conditions usually have low levels of copper, especially in the case of hyperthyroidism seen most commonly.

Helps maintain heart health:

Copper is known to help in reducing the risk of developing heart disease. It also helps regulate blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterols and triglyceride levels.

Helps in weight loss:

Consuming water from copper vessel helps in making your digestive system work effectively so that it helps in breaking down fat effectively and eliminates it from the body.

Better digestion:

Water from copper vessels helps kill harmful bacteria in the stomach and lowers inflammation which also is beneficial in the case of ulcers and infection. It also helps in cleansing and detoxing so that the liver functions in an effective way to eliminate toxins and unwanted waste from the body. The copper in water helps in effectively breaking down food particles and hence aids better digestion.

Helps in anemia:

Copper is very beneficial for iron absorption in the body and it also plays a vital role right from cell formation to the effective functioning of organs.

Aids better skin health:

Copper plays an important role in melanin production. Not only that it also helps in forming new cells that replenish the top layers of skin. As a result, your skin feels smooth and silky.

As much as we stress drinking water from copper vessels and the benefits being convincible, it is also equally important that we choose quality copper vessels to consume water. I’ve been using the copper bottle and copper mug for over three months and the quality of the vessel seems to be amazing.

Mandala engraved copper bottle . Source: world of ek

Matte finish copper mug. Source : world of ek

I purchased mine, a copper bottle and a mug from EK by Ekta Kapoor, which is a one-stop shop for premium home décor and handcrafted wellness products. Ek was started by Ekta Kapoor to bring home the best of India. Every product has a sense of deep rootedness attached to it and screams good vibes.They also have ethnic wear, home decor, home linens, jewelry, dining and incense.

MAINTENANCE OF COPPER VESSELS:

Add two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and a cup of water. Close the lid and shake the bottle, discard the water and wash with fresh water.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.’

October 8, 2021October 11, 2021

Here’s what my doctor told me about flu vaccines

Parenting always comes with a major responsibility of keeping children safe. As a parent we are not only responsible for bringing them up as good human beings but also responsible for raising a healthy child. This cannot be seen as duty, rather it comes out of parental love and impulse to keep the kids safe from physical harm and diseases.

In the growing years, it is necessary to keep an eye on the child’s growth. Also important is strong immunity. That’s why doctors ask about any kind of symptoms and other health conditions during regular visits.

Immunity in children is another area of concern. Children easily contract infections from elders and can pass on the infection to senior citizens. Since we are already battling a pandemic for which we have the vaccination drive ongoing, here’s what my doctor told me about flu vaccines.

Influenza can lead to dangerous complications and children in the age group of 6 months to 8 years are especially vulnerable. The elderly too are at a risk. Keeping them all safe is a priority and the best way to be protected is to get the flu shot.

The flu has symptoms similar to common cold. Battling flu along with covid-19 is a disastrous situation, which is why the doctors, on flu vaccines in India stress that the flu shot should be taken during the monsoons as India falls in the SH region.

When the pandemic hit us, it took some time before a vaccine was available. However, that is not the case with flu since we already have the vaccine handy. It is just that people need to be made aware of the importance of administering the shots, as well as educated about the right vaccine and the time when they should take it. The flu shot is crucial for 360° protection.

Best time to get your flu shot

The WHO has recommended that the Southern Hemisphere (SH) vaccine is the ideal vaccine for India. Influenza vaccination is most effective when local circulating viruses are well-matched with vaccine antigens for SH. Since the peak season of flu in the larger part of the country starts between mid-summer to monsoons, now is the right time to vaccinate against flu for effective protection.

Flu vaccine should be taken annually. However, getting vaccinated early for subsequent seasons is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults says CDC. Protection fades over time, so not getting vaccinated with the vaccine containing the right seasonal strains may leave one more vulnerable. Vaccination can be done throughout the SH flu season, into September or later.

We did see a lot of pediatric cases during the second wave of covid-19, so it is much needed for us as parents to keep ourselves updated on the vaccine schedules for the kids. For diseases like influenza, it is very much a necessity that the entire family is vaccinated. The responsibility lies with us parents to make all the members of the family aware of the consequences and therefore as a proactive measure it is a must to take the flu shot.

Do remember if the adults in the family have recently taken the covid vaccine, there can be a gap of 14 days before they take the flu shot.

Though maintaining good hygiene is a great way to keep away from flu, getting vaccinated gives you an upper hand to prevent getting infected.

CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine, which will help in reducing the additional burden to the healthcare services who strive to keep our population safe.

AS per CDC, below are the benefits of the flu vaccine:

Flu vaccination helps you to keep away from becoming sick due to flu.
Flu-associated hospitalization is greatly reduced for kids and adults when the flu vaccine is administered.
The flu vaccination could be an important preventive tool for adults with chronic illnesses.
Women during and after pregnancy are protected if the flu vaccine is taken.
Reduction in severity of illnesses is proved by various studies wherein people who got infected in spite of taking the flu vaccine.
When you get vaccinated you are not only protecting yourself but also people around you.

Let us not skip or postpone vaccinations just because we are all grounded in our homes. Talk to your doctor, get the flu shot and stay healthy!

We must #PreventWhatCanBePrevented because flu is preventable with vaccination.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/influenza-are-we-ready/5-myths-about-the-flu-vaccine
https://www.hindustantimes.com/brand-stories/three-steps-to-fight-flu-this-monsoon-101631877277522.html
https://www.hindustantimes.com/brand-stories/have-you-got-your-flu-shot-find-out-the-right-time-for-india-101632831201860.html
https://www.hindustantimes.com/brand-post/how-to-safeguard-your-family-from-seasonal-infections-in-the-pandemic-101626856896522.html

December 10, 2020December 12, 2020

Simple period care regime to take care of PCODs and irregular periods.

Do you experience any of the below?

Irregular periods
Infrequent bleeding
Issues in ovulation
Thinning hair
Excess facial and body hair growth
Dark patches
Pelvic pain
Increase in body weight
Acne
Lipid abnormalities

If you have answered yes to most of the above symptoms, you could have PCOS/PCOD and would be necessary to check with a gynecologist to confirm the possibility.

What are PCOS and PCOD?

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is a common condition among women in the reproductive age group due to higher levels of androgen interfering with egg development and is transformed to cysts on the ovaries which prevents the ovaries from functioning normally.

Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder is a collection of mature eggs not being released leading to cyst development. This is due to hormonal imbalance.

Ever since we had the pandemic in place and a lockdown being announced many of our metabolic clocks startled. Be it male or female, the majority would agree that their entire lifestyle took a jolt and would take a lot of time to recuperate back on track. Females had yet another clock that wasn’t spared by the pandemic and the associated stress meter that came into the picture.

Sudden isolation from kith and kin, no outdoors, and no helping hands for domestic chores, managing kids, and working from home skyrocketed the stress levels. Untimely meals which could be junk, no proper sleep cycle added more fuel to a burning medical problem amongst women. Would you believe that there have been reports that at least 25% of women in the country have been experiencing irregularities in periods?

Stress from any trigger be it at the office, travel, or at home could have an impact on your monthly cycle. The so-called new reality hit the female population hard that Doctors reported more cases of disrupted menstrual cycles which were either irregular cycles or severe menstrual cramps of varying intensities.

A no-show at the end of the month brought out smiles to many but brought trouble to the others. The fear of getting infected and the inability to venture to hospitals to get the irregularities checked worsened the condition for many.

Doctors reported that many patients who had PCOD under control had their conditions jumping over the wall due to lockdown stress. Binge eating, no physical activity, and stress have been attributed to have caused the major malfunction.

Doctors have also mentioned that increased levels of cortisol (stress hormone) were messing up the monthly cycles in women when tests were taken. A regular mealtime with nutritious food, physical activity, and a good sleep cycle could help keep the condition in check. More importantly, finding ways to relieve stress and maintaining good menstrual health is a must for women.

Though PCOD and PCOS cannot be completely cured, you could keep them at controlled levels so that they do not bring in complications.

You could bring in tremendous changes by inculcating the below habits.

11 habits to control PCOS and PCOD

Keep a check on your weight.
Addressing triggers of stress be it a human or a situation.
No junk food.
Being sure of the food portions, eating only when you are hungry, and not skipping meals in between to end up binge eating.
No desserts which include sweets, chocolates, or bakery items.
Limiting intake of wheat, dairy, and minimizing simple carbs.
Not ignoring an irregular period.
Increasing intake of fiber and bitter foods.
A good amount of physical exercise.
Good sleep cycle.
Leading a slow and joyful life.

I also came across a period care kit that I would love to share with you here.

Deal PCOS and PCOD with Namyaa Period Care

Namyaa natural care’s newest launch is their period care range. Comprising of three products under the name of Namyaa period care the products help in treating the root cause and aid in keeping the hormone level in balance.

Namyaa Aarthava Kshaya for PCOD and PCOS – These are tablets that are 60 in number packaged in a bottle. Prepared by following the Ayurvedic principles of Stree Roga Chikitsa.
The product claims to address the root cause of PCOD and PCOS, helps in restoring hormonal balance, and aids in timely ovulation. The product has no chemicals, is prepared by using all-natural ayurvedic ingredients, and hence safe to consume.

Price: Rs.399 for a bottle of 60 tablets

Namyaa Anartava – For delayed and irregular periods – An exclusive syrup that treats irregular periods. The product claims to be a permanent solution for delayed periods and help maintain a regular menstrual cycle. Not only regularize the monthly cycle but helps restore a proper balance of hormone and thereby eliminating toxins for blood purification.

Price: Rs.449 for a 500ml syrup bottle

Namyaa Shwetkanika for white discharge– A pack of 60 tablets that help in controlling white discharge. Instructed to be taken twice post breakfast and dinner for 90 days to achieve the results. Also helps in balancing hormone and eliminating toxins.

Price: Rs.399 for a bottle of 60 tablets.

All the above three products part of Namyaa period care are available on the brand website, amazon, and Flipkart.

Next time you have irregular periods don’t ignore and take care of your health. Remember that you are important to run the show. And a no-show could ruin things for you.

Keep regular, be healthy. Happy periods!