Bigger your waistline, greater the strain on your lungs

 There's more bad news for people who carry oodles of fat around their waists: Not only is it associated with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease and but also with decreased lung function. "After adjustments in the study for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, leisure time physical activity and cardiovascular history, metabolic syndrome remained independently associated with lung function impairment," wrote co-author Natalie Leone, of the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (FNIHMR). "We found a positive independent relationship between lung function impairment and metabolic syndrome due mainly to abdominal obesity," she said. The results were published in the second issue for March of the American
Thoracic Society's
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
— IANS

Now here's another good reason to slim down!

Red meat ups death risk

Raises Chances Of Heart Disease, Cancer Among Other Illnesses

Washington: People who eat the most red meat and the most processed meat have the highest overall risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer, US researchers reported.
    The National Cancer Institute study is one of the largest to look at the highly controversial and emotive issue of whether eating meat is indeed bad for health. Rashmi Sinha and colleagues looked at the records of more than 500,000 people aged 50 to 71 who filled out questionnaires on their diet and other health habits.
    Even when other factors were accounted for — eating fresh fruits and vegetables, smoking, exercise, obesity — the heaviest meat-eaters were more likely to die over the next 10 years than the people who ate the least amount of meat.
    "Red and processed meat intakes were associated with modest increases in total mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality," Sinha and colleagues wrote in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
    They divided the volunteers into five groups, called quintiles. Between 1995 and 2005, 47,976 men and 23,276 women died.
The quintile who ate the most red meat had a higher risk for overall death, death from heart disease and cancer than the men and women who ate the least red meat. The researchers said thousands of deaths could be prevented if people simply ate less meat. "For overall mortality, 11% of deaths in men and 16% of deaths in women could be prevented if people decreased their red meat consumption to the level of intake in the first quintile," Sinha's team wrote.
Many studies have previously shown that people who eat less meat are healthier in many ways, and Sinha's team noted that meat contains several cancercausing chemicals, as well as the unhealthiest forms of fat.
Barry Popkin, an expert in nutrition and economics at the University of North Carolina, said the study was unusually thorough and careful. Eating less meat has other benefits, he said, for instance, farming animals for meat causes greenhouse gas emissions that warm the atmosphere and uses fresh water in excess, he said. REUTERS

KILLER MENU: Red meat contains several cancer-causing chemicals, as well as the unhealthiest forms of fat

Benefits of apple juice

Fresh apple juice carries a significant amount of vitamins A and C! You can mix your fruits and vegetables together to make your own great tasting juices from carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, or melons. It is always better to juice with the peel on, so that you can enjoy all the nutrients...
    Simply push a lemon through your juicer right before you begin juicing your apple. The apple peel carries some of its nutritional value. You should also wash your apples before you juice them. This is because they are covered in a very thin layer of wax to help preserve the apple's moisture. A good portion of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Also, as the apple ripens, the skin retains a lot of its nutrients and flavour. So allowing a little bit of time for them to ripen before you juice them will improve the great tasting value of your fresh home made apple juice.
    Apple products serve as an immediate source of energy because of the sugars that the fruit carries.
    Apple juicing is an inexpensive way to improve your body health. Juices made from fresh fruits are a delicious way to improve your all round body health, and they also provide a great deal of nutrition. Apples can also be a primary source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Apple juice is a powerful cleanser and an important necessity for the health of your body. Compounds in apples and apple juice called phytonutrients act in the same way as red wine and herbal tea; they delay the break down of LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
    For the elderly generation, drinking fruit juices should begin with apples, especially if you are suffering from arthritis and rheumatism. This is because apples carry a substantial amount of potassium. For this reason, juicing your apples has been known to ease arthritis and rheumatism. Drinking apple juice also flushes out the liver and kidneys and is low in calories. Over time, this can reduce the chances of having liver or kidney disease.

APPY HAPPY: Apple juices serve as an immediate source of energy

Green tea keeps teeth tip top

 What ancient Chinese and Japanese believed about green tea's health giving properties is being borne out by ongoing scientific studies, especially in weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. Researchers also found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums, after analysing the periodontal health of 940 men. Peridontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and has been associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. "It has been long speculated that green tea possesses a host of health benefits," said study author Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. "And since many of us enjoy green tea on a regular basis, my colleagues and I were eager to investigate the impact of green tea consumption on periodontal health, especially considering the escalating emphasis on the connection between periodontal health and overall health." Researchers observed that for every one cup of green tea consumed per day, there was a decrease in all three indicators, therefore signifying a lower instance of periodontal disease in those subjects who regularly drank green tea.
    IANS

TEA FOR TWO: Green tea combats gum disease

MOOD-ASAN

YOGA GURU YOGESH CHAVAN SHOWS YOU HOW TO ALTER YOUR MOOD JUST BY MAKING THE RIGHT YOGA MOVES

– COMPILED BY KIRAN MEHTA
(Yogesh Chavan is a yoga expert based in Vashi)

ANGER
YOGA MOVE: When you get angry, your breathing quickens, resulting in high blood pressure. It is therefore necessary to control your breath. Start deep breathing or Dirgh Shwasan.Take about 10-12 deep breaths which will help bring your breathing back to normal. Move on to the Jivha Shitali or tongue roll. Here you roll your tongue in an almost cylindrical fashion.Then open your mouth only slightly and bring the tongue to rest on your lower lip. Inhale through your mouth, pulling the tongue in as you inhale and closing your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10-15 seconds.Then exhale through the nose. Repeat about 7-10 times and you will begin to feel a lot more relaxed. WHY IT WORKS: The tongue, due to saliva, causes the breath to cool.This in turn gives a cooling reaction to the entire body.

FEAR
YOGA MOVE: Try Veerasan or the warrior pose. Kneel down and let your buttocks rest on your heels. Raise your right knee so that it comes to touch your chest while your sole touches the ground.Then, place your right palm on your right knee, folding it at the elbow. Next, place the left palm on the left thigh. Sit with an erect spine and look straight ahead. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds after which you repeat the same process with the left knee.Always remember that during this asana, the toes of both your feet have to point inwards. WHY IT WORKS: This pose helps to build self-confidence. Holding the spine erect helps keep you alert.The bent toe on which your buttock is resting is exerted with a lot of pressure due to your own body weight. This toe, according to acupressure, stimulates the head, the pineal and the pituitary glands causing them to release certain chemicals that raise your mental and physical capacity, thus increasing your ability to think clearly even when you are faced with a scary situation.

ANXIETY
YOGA MOVE: When one is anxious, there are several thoughts racing through the mind.Therefore, you need the Dhyan Mudraor the concentration pose. Sit in Vajrasan, Padmasanor simply on a chair. Place your open right palm over the left one, facing upwards, letting the tips of your thumbs touch each other. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Concentrate on the subtle sound created at the opening of your nostrils, due to the friction of air. Listen to it attentively.You may get distracted occasionally. Fight it simply by taking a deep breath. Perform this asanafor about three to five minutes. WHY IT WORKS: The sound of your breath can only be heard when you are really focusing on it.When you shut out disturbing thoughts from your mind, your anxiety automatically reduces. This exercise also raises your power of concentration if performed on a daily basis.

LAZINESS
YOGA MOVE: Start with some deep breathing, which will supply oxygen to your cells and energise you. Next, perform the Chalit Pavanmuktasan. Here, you have to lie flat on your back, lift up your legs and fold them over your chest.Wrap both your arms around the folded legs and lift your head.Try to get your chin to touch your knees. Now rock back and forth in this position. Continue to do this while aiming to get your head and toes to touch the floor. If you find yourself getting exhausted, stop immediately.With practice you should be able to perform this more easily. WHY IT WORKS: Rocking back and forth serves as a massage for your spine. Its stiffness is released and the lethargy melts away, instantly refreshing you.

FATIGUE
YOGA MOVE: Try playing dead or Shavasan. Lie flat on your back and simply relax. Feel each individual part become lifeless, starting from your toes to the tip of your head. Let your hands lie by the side of your body, preferably at a slight distance from the body so as to keep them totally relaxed, palms facing upwards and your fingers curled. Keep your eyes closed and take a couple of deep breaths, similar to a sigh of relief and slowly bring yourself to breathe normally. Try to keep the mind blank. If thoughts keep disturbing you, count backwards starting from 100. Continue relaxing for about 20-30 minutes and then turn to your right and get up slowly to avoid straining your back. WHY IT WORKS: Fatigue is usually the result of inadequate rest. Shavasanis a perfect way to make up for being sleep deprived. It is similar to a power nap as it revs you up and makes you feel energised instantly.

Sleep well

Indian Sleep Disorders Association (ISDA) in association with Abbott India Limited have declared March as Sleep Awareness Month to generate awareness about the importance of sleep and the need to address sleep disorders

A good night's sleep helps you to be alert, awake and keeps you energetic throughout the day. Yet, very few realise importance of a good night's sleep. Sleeplessness is not looked at as a serious health problem and not getting enough sleep can affect every aspect of our lives. If you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, if you wake up too early or if you feel very tired during the day, you may be having some sleep problems.

Indian Sleep Disorders Association (ISDA) in association with Abbott India Limited have declared March as Sleep Awareness Month to generate awareness about the importance of sleep and the need to address sleep disorders.

Medical expert Dr Ramnathan Iyer says, "As sleep is vital to our health and well being, we must not cut ourselves short from the amount of sleep that we get. Effective management of sleep problems begins with a visit to your doctor. Early assessment and action can prevent short-term sleep problems from developing into a chronic one. Your doctor is the best person to determine the cause of your sleep complaint and recommend the best course of action."

The Indian Sleep Disorder Association and Nithra Institute of Sleep Sciences have also jointly organised Sleep Con 2009. The event is an international conference on sleep disorders to be held in Chennai, on April 3 and 4. It is endorsed by American College of Chest Physicians, USA (ACCP) and World Sleep Federation. The conference is designed to offer practical and relevant information to delegates.

A condition of sleep disturbance - Insomnia refers to the difficulty in initiation, maintenance, duration or quality of sleep. It results in the impairment of daytime function despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep. Hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, acidity and some medications, including some heart medications, may cause loss of sleep and stress. As a result of Insomnia people may experience poor concentration, lower productivity and poorer work quality. It can also make a person fatigued, irritable or forgetful and can lead to stress and strained relationships.

Most insomnia is co-morbid with other medical or psychiatric problems; in fact, it is likely that your patient will seek help for the co-morbid condition rather than the sleep problem. When insomnia occurs in the context of chronic illness, it tends to be more severe.

World Association for Sleep Medicine has also declared March 20 as World Sleep Day. Dr Manoj Bhatawadekar adds, "To prevent or relieve sleep problems and safeguard sleep making it more restful and pleasurable, it helps to practice good sleep hygiene." Sleep hygiene is a term used to describe techniques that promote good sleep. A good sleep hygiene would entail regular sleep/wake schedule, avoiding naps especially in the evenings increase exercise, avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol before sleeping and many more.

Myths and realities
Myth: During sleep your body and brain shut down for rest and relaxation.
Fact:Although during sleep our body rests and restores its energy, sleep is an active state. In fact the sleeping brain does a lot of work. The sleeping brain is more active at various times at night than it ever during the day.

Myth: Worry is the primary cause of insomnia.
Fact: Insomnia can be due to various reasons including physical and mental conditions and stress.

KICK NICOTINE , & WEIGHT

Nutritionist Neesha Bukht tells how to keep the kilos off when you quit smoking

  Vanity, in more cases than addiction, stops people from kicking the butt. Many people are afraid that they will put on weight if they stop smoking. But this need not be your excuse to stay addicted, says nutritionist Neesha Bukht. You can keep your figure and health if only you plan your Quit Smoking operation wisely.
    There are several reasons why smoking keeps your weight down: 1) It raises metabolism rate slightly and heavy smokers burn up to 200 calories a day. 2) Nicotine kills hunger as smokers replace snacks with cigs. When you are trying to quit, you turn to snacking not only for emotional support, it also eases the oral fixation. 3) Some studies have shown that nicotine could interfere with the release of insulin. The hormone controls glucose levels in the blood. When nicotine is withdrawn, a person will become slightly hyperglycaemic, and the body and brain may slow down the hormones and other signals that trigger feelings of hunger.
    On an average, most people gain three to five kilos after quitting. This can be avoided by a few simple lifestyle changes.
PICK THE RIGHT DAY TO QUIT: Try giving up at a time when you aren't stressed. Stress increases your urge to smoke and if you resist that, you will probably take comfort in food. Also, try to not quit during the festive season as that's when you will be even more tempted to give into high-fat, sugary treats.
BEAT WATER-RETENTION:
When your body is hooked on nicotine, its acidic balance is disturbed. When you give up, it stores water. Contradictory to how it sounds, drinking plenty of water will help eliminate excess water build up. If your body is assured that it will be given a constant supply of water, it will no longer hold on to water. Increase your water intake by one litre a day and even more if you are already overweight.
AVOID ALCOHOL: Alcohol contains empty calories and usually serves as a trigger to smoke.
START EXERCISING BEFORE YOU QUIT:
You need at least a half hour of exercise, five days a week. It doesn't have to be a high intensity aerobic workout — a brisk 30 minute will do. You can even break it into shorter sessions. Once you actually quit smoking, you may need more than 30 minutes of exercise. A work-out is also a great way to beat cravings. If you're itching for a smoke, get out for a walk. It will also reduce stress, which triggers smoking.
WORK ON YOUR FOOD HABITS: Change your eating habits gradually; anything drastic can add to the existing stress. Healthy snacks and light munchies is just what you need when you crave a smoke. Lean on cucumber and carrot sticks, fat-free popcorn, fruits, buttermilk, fat free yoghurt, herbal teas, hot cocoa with skimmed milk, puffed rice, bread sticks and sugarless chewing gum.
AVOID CAFFEINE: Avoid excessive drinking of coffee, tea and sodas. Nicotine withdrawal will make
    you jittery and nervous,
    and the caffeine will only
    make nicotine withdrawal
    worse. Also turn away
    from sugar and unhealthy
    starches. If you feel you
    must have sweets, go for
    sugarless and fat-free ones.
TAKE ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME: People who quit smoking often decide it's time to clean up other areas of their lives as well. If you have too many self-improvement projects at once, you run the risk of failing at all of them. Deal with one problem area at a time.
DON'T SWEAT IT: Don't step on the scale while you're still suffering withdrawal symptoms. The extra kilos (which you will eventually lose) might weaken your resolve. Keep affirming that you be much healthier in the long run. — CO-ORDINATED BY KIRAN MEHTA (NEESHA MARIA BUKHT IS A REGISTERED DIETICIAN AND ISSA TRAINER ATTACHED TO TALWALKARS,BANDRA)

CASE STUDY
    Since I was past 40, I knew I would be prone to putting on weight when I quit smoking as my metabolism was slowing down. I used to do six days of weight training.To keep the weight off, I started mixing two days of cardio with four days of weight training. I followed this routine for several weeks before I quit smoking to get attuned to it.
    I also cut out carbohydrates, increased my protein intake and tried to avoid sugar. Despite this, I did put on about four kilos initially, but I did not go back to smoking. Every time I craved a cigarette and knew that I was likely to binge on something unhealthy, I would instantly head for a glass of warm water.This kept me feeling full.Also, I realised I did not crave a cigarette much as I was getting high on my work-outs! A few months later, I lost the four kilos and am back to my ideal weight.
— Sunil Prabhakar, 45, sales and
    marketing professional

As the mercury rises, BT gives you tips to keep your body cool

SUMMER IS HERE!

 Here are some pointers which can come in very handy as the temperature rises. Add lots of citrus foods to your diet. Even simple water will do a lot of good. Coconut water is perfect during the summers. Fruits like mangoes and watermelons help to beat the summer heat. The most soothing vegetables for summer are water based like cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, lady fingers, etc. Yoghurt, buttermilk is ideal during the summertime.
    Avoid red meat, stick to fish or sprouts for protein.
    Hygiene is very important during summer. Have a shower atleast two to three times a day. Try to use an anti-fungal powder in the folds of your skin, specially the armpits, neck, groin, under the breasts (in woman) and webs of the toes especially if you are wearing closed shoes. Open sandals help to air the feet. The bacteria tends to breed more in the folds during the hot and humid weather of the summer months.
    Sunscreen is a must and the sun exposure should be minimal during summer.
    Due to excessive sweating skin loses its moisture during summer. So moisturising the skin is very important.
    Sunglasses should be worn while going out at all times.
    We sweat a lot during Summer which can breed bacteria and thus cause foul body odours. To prevent foul body odour specially in the underarms keep the area clean, shave the hair off in that area and try to use alcohol-free deodarants or perfumes.
    Always wear loose cotton clothes and avoid synthetic fibres.
    Cutting down on caffeine will go a long way in helping you this summer.

IT'S HOT: Drink a lot of juices to beat the heat

A to Z of Summer

As the mercury continues to soar, follow our alphabetised key of summer 'must-haves' and ensure a smooth sail

AMLA
It has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties. Have amla juice mixed with carrot and apple juice in the morning to fight heat strokes and urinary tract infections.
BLUSHER
Rub a bit of peach, gold or rose blusher onto your cheekbones.A clean face with a bit of colour on cheeks will make you look fresh.
COOL SIPPER
You need a convenient bottle to carry your coolant of choice everywhere you go, especially if you're a road warrior. Get a sporty one with a rubber straw or the thermal kind to keep drinks cool.There's no excuse for dehydration when you see it sitting on your desk or weighing down your bag.
DRESSES
The stop-at-knee, linen variety are the new corporate staples. So get some in beige, navy blue, grey and olive. Summer is the time for your legs to get an airing.
ESPADRILLES
Cork based wedges that look great with dresses and make your legs look longer. Beachy and ladylike.
FRAGRANT SOAPS
Get the handmade variety in lemon, khus and mint for a peppy start to your day. Store them in your closet to make your clothes smell sweet.
GLARES
Metal is out; plastic rims are in. Get happy oranges, pinks and greens in oversized frames.
HAIR EXPERIMENTS
Dying to cut your hair short? This is the time.Wear bobs that are shorter at the back with a chunk of green, blue or ash blonde colour at the nape.
ITTAR
The traditional oil-based perfume you should dab behind your ears and on your wrists to stand apart from the cloud of deos.
J ASMINE
This is the season when jasmine and mogras bloom so make the most of it. Pin back your fringe with a small, singular blossom or a large one in your chignon.
KHAKI
Wear the colour in cargoes, shorts, three-fourths and linen safari shirts.They look macho and cool, like you're in the military.
LEMON
Make a detour from white and opt for pale yellow shirts instead. Squeeze the fruit into your bath water, salad or into a spray bottle of cool water for a face spritz.
MUL
For kurtis and blousons. Give it a frilled neckline to disguise the fabric's nonchalance.
NAILS
Keep them short and square and colour them in this seasons navy blue and black.
OBI BELTS
Fashion one out of brocade, silk or velvet and wear over a flared dress for a defined waist. Don't forget, straw-lined chappals to keep your feet airy and sweat-free.
POT POURRI
Hang roses or lilies upside down in stark sunlight for a few days. Remove the petals and add a few drops of essential oil. Now throw out that synthetic air-freshner and put these in a bowl in the loo.
QUAFF
That's to drink heartily. Nimbu paani, iced tea, khus sharbat, watermelon juice... whatever you can put into a glass and improve with ice.
ROSETTE
Pin a quirky flower onto your bag, hair or shirt to set your self apart from the rest.
SARONG
Embrace the bright cloth and wrap it over a pair of shorts. Pleat and tuck into the centre or side or just wrap like a skirt.
TAN
Don't buy into the 'Fair is Beautiful' maxim. Go out and get a bit of sun for a dose of Vitamin D.
UNDIES
Forgo the sexy satin, lace and silk and go for cheeky cotton boyshorts.
VEST
Spaghetti, tank or scoop-necked. Get them in every colour to wear over the sarong.
WEAVES
Assam's Ikat has already debuted on international runways. Pack away the jerseys, lycras and synthetic fabrics. Embrace handloom..
XENOPHOBIA
Get over your fear of foreign people and go travel while recession keeps the air-fares low. Pick a beachy town or an exotic desert with great shopping.
YOGHURT
It not only cools your body but also helps digestion. Flavour it with fruit pulp or turn into a lassi.
Z ZZZZ
Beat the heat with 15-minute naps at your desk or in the train.This will cool you down, conserve energy and make you less irritable.

‘EAT RIGHT AND TREAT YOUR SKIN RIGHT!’

...advises eminent dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar on how one can have healthy skin in these stressful times

 In the last decade, entire lifestyles have gone for a complete change. And while our lives may have improved in several ways, leading fast paced, stressful lives has started to take a toll on our skin and hair. Processed, refined foods and cola drinks increase hormonal imbalances leading to acne, hair loss, increased facial hair and menstrual problems in women.
    Exposure to sunlight is another serious problem that many women don't realise and one of the main causes of premature aging. Harmful UV rays cause pigmentation, tanning and premature fine lines, which is why applying a sunscreen is an absolute must. Even if you're a working woman who sits in an air conditioned office all day, wear a sunscreen and a moisturiser because sitting in such an environment dehumidifies the skin and strips the skin of essential moisture. This will eventually result in Indian women aging faster than their western counterparts.
    There are three steps to healthy hair and skin — eat right, take adequate care and make certain lifestyle changes. Today a lot of pesticides are used in vegetables and many times food isn't even cooked right. Make sure you take vitamin supplements whenever needed and eat foods that are high in fibre. A topical Vitamin C cream depending on your skin type helps mop up the toxins. Retinol prevents wrinkles and exfoliation once a month helps skin remain healthy.
    The best way you can take care of your skin is to cleanse and moisturise it daily and avoid skipping out on the suncreen. I always tell my patients —go out without clothes, but don't go out without suncreen! Make sure that you get at least six to eight hours of sleep daily since the growth hormone is secreted during the time we sleep. Avoid alcohol since it dehydrates the skin and smoking decreases blood circulation.
    Stress is another major factor that causes skin and hair problems so make sure that you unwind daily. Eight hours of stress at work will go away with half an hour of complete relaxation. When you totally shut yourself off, you neutralise your stress levels. My mantra is to eat right, act right and treat your skin right!
Homemade Exfoliation Paste
Grind moong daal with the cover and use it to exfoliate your skin every three days.
Health Juice for glowing skin 1/2 beetroot 1 carrot 1 amlaor a tomato A few leaves of spinach, coriander and mint. Mix these ingredients and drink the juice as often as you can.

Kareena Connect
'My hair faces the most brunt of me being an actress'

Dr Bindu Sthalekar

Too little sleep may raise diabetes risk

Chicago: People who get fewer than six hours of sleep at night are prone to abnormal blood sugar levels, possibly putting them at risk for diabetes, US researchers said.
    They said people in a study who slept less than six hours were 4.5 times more likely to develop abnormal blood sugar readings in six years compared with those who slept longer.
    "This study supports growing evidence of the association of inadequate sleep with adverse health issues," said Lisa Rafalson of the University at Buffalo in New York, who presented her findings at the Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention in Palm Harbor, Florida, on Wednesday.
    Several studies have shown negative health consequences related to getting too little sleep. In children, studies showed it raises the risk of obesity, depression and high blood pressure. In older adults, it increases the risk of falls. And in the middle aged, it raises the risk of infections, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Adults typically need between seven and nine hours of nightly sleep, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Rafalson and colleagues wanted to see if lack of sleep might be raising the risk for type-2 diabetes, the kind that is being driven by rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. It develops when the body makes too much insulin and does not efficiently use the insulin it makes, a condition known as insulin resistance. REUTERS

40 WINKS TO HEALTH: Less than six hours of sleep can increase blood sugar levels

Salt is bad for health, but can lift our mood

NATURAL ANTI-DEPRESSANT

Washington: Salt may be "nature's anti-depressant" that helps put humans in a better mood, a study has suggested.
    According to the study at the University of Iowa, the idea that salt is a natural mood-elevating substance could help explain why people are so tempted to over-ingest it, even though it's known to contribute to health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. A potential reason pinpointed was that it might put us in a better mood.
    Researchers, led by Kim Johnson in the United States, found that when rats are deficient in sodium chloride, common table salt, they shy away from activities they normally enjoy, like drinking a sugary substance or pressing a bar that stimulates a pleasant sensation in their brains. "Things that normally would be pleasurable for rats didn't elicit the same degree of relish, which leads us to believe that a salt deficit and the craving associated with it can induce one of the key symptoms associated with depression," said Johnson, who published a review of these findings in the July issue of the journal Physiology & Behaviour.
    A pleasure mechanism in the brain is activated when salt is consumed. The researchers found similar changes in brain activity whether rats are exposed to drugs or salt deficiency, the Science Daily reported.
    "This suggests that salt need and cravings may be linked to the same brain pathways as those related to drug addiction and abuse," Johnson said.
    One sign of addiction is using a substance even when it is known to be harmful — and even though people know they should cut their salt intake, they like the taste and find low-salt foods bland so continue to eat it. Another strong aspect of addiction is the development of cravings if something is withheld. PTI

Big butt = good health

A healthy, sizeable bottom can actually help you in more ways than one. Read more to find out how your butt can be a life saviour

By AINDRILA MITRA

A ROUND BOTTOM:
Prevents diabetes
If you're fretting that your last morsel of tiramisu has sat tight on your posterior, then worry not. According to a research at the Harvard Medical School, 'a type of fat accumulated around the hips and bottom' can actually have some preventive attributes against diabetes. In fact, people with pear shaped bodies and with an wellendowed butt having some amount of fat deposits in the hips and buttocks are less prone to blood sugar related ailments.
FULLER THIGHS:
Fight against high blood pressure
According to holistic health guru Mickey Mehta, "A fuller thigh does help in maintaining low blood pressure." However, he warns that one must have muscular or toned thighs for enjoying any health benefits. Moreover, Mahesh Rao, fitness consultant at Sykz, Bandra, opines, "A toned thigh and a toned body always helps in gaining better stamina and makes you less prone to leg injuries."
CURVY HIPS:
Get the perfect back
The butt is located in the centre of a muscular skeleton
    structure. Curvy hips and a well rounded bottom are instrumental in having a healthy back. The butt muscles support the lower region and the butt is the key strength of the human body, Mehta emphasises. As Rao says, "Besides the aesthetics involved in having a toned and shapely butt, a healthy curvy hip also acts as a protective shield for the hip joint."
    A strong and full butt also ensures a healthy reproductive system. Mehta explains, "A full buttock can keep the uterus healthy and aid in smooth pregnancies."
    A healthy bottom also supports in developing a strong abdomen, which is easily the body's powerhouse of energy.

Eight wonder ways for a flat tummy!

Blame it on SRK's six-pack-magic, Aamir's eight-pack-charisma or Priyanka's hot bikini bod, but flaunting the flattest tummy and a set of well

Eight wonder ways for a flat tummy! (Getty Images)

toned abs is the latest dream for many youngsters.

But, they usually tend to forget that it takes more than just basic crunches and crash dieting to carve a drool worthy, flat stomach. Explains fitness trainer, Deanne Pandey, "Ab exercises + cardio exercises + right diet – this is the most effective formula to achieve well-toned abdominal muscles. Missing upon any one of these will take away the real impact of an abs-workout."

"An ideal diet and workout for every individual depends upon his/her weight loss requirement, body type and body shape," suggests Pandey. For instance, a pear shaped person may indulge in a less strenuous workout and minimal diet modifications to get the desired tummy in comparison to an apple shaped body, who is usually heavy in the tummy area.

Here are a set of workout and physical activities, which when combined with an ideal eating plan and cardio workouts can assure you of the killer abs that you always dreamt of...

1. Naukasana- A common yoga posture that works wonders on your abs.
Method: Lie flat on the ground, with your back on the floor. Raise your upper body and legs to an angle of 30 degrees and hold the posture for 30-40 seconds, then relax. Repeat this asana for 10 times to begin with, graduating to 30 times. Breathe normally all through the work out.
"Holding onto the posture tightens and contracts your upper and lower abs while repeating the movement tones them up," tells yoga expert Usha Chegappa of Bharat Thankur's Artistic Yoga.

2. Ushtrasana : It is the counter pose to naukasana .
Method: Stand on your knees, with heels facing upwards. Arch your back, placing your hands on your knees one by one. Hold your head behind pushing your belly outwards. Hold this posture for 30 seconds and repeat 30 times.
"During naukasana , the ab muscles contract building up tension in the area, while ushtrasana releases the tension by giving your tummy a good stretch. It is important to practice ushtrasana after naukasana to save one's back from injury," explains Usha.

3. Basic crunch : The good old crunch still remains the best exercise to bag the perfect abs.
Method: Lie on the floor with your legs off the floor in a right angle. Keep your shoulders just above the floor. Breathe in and bring your knees in towards your chest, while lifting your upper body to an angle of 30 degrees and breathe out while you relax. Repeat this exercise 15-20 times to begin with.
"Don't arch your back. The crunches will help you contract your abdomninal muscles giving them an effective workout," suggests Deanne.

4. Bridging: Stretch till you feel the burn!
Method: Lie flat on the floor with your hands resting by your sides, feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart and knees bent. Now, contract your abdominals, lower back and gluts and slowly lift your midsection to form a bridge from your knees, through your hips to your shoulders. Hold this position for a few seconds, and then slowly lower. Fitness expert Kiran Swahney suggests, "Avoid this exercise in case you are suffering from lower back problems."

5. Lying Torso Twists: Twisting motion stretches the oblique muscles.
Method: Lie on the floor with knees pulled over your chest. Place a ball between your knees and stretch arms to the sides like an airplane, palms facing up. Contract your abs and twist your hips to the right, bringing knees towards the floor Don't touch the floor, but use your abs to bring your knees back to the start and go to the other side.
"Make sure your shoulders lie flat on the floor and keep breathing normally," advises Kiran.

6. Cycling: Not on the cycle, but on the floor.
Method: Lie on the floor and raise your legs. Make slow pedaling motions with both your legs alternatively. Keep breathing normally. Touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee.
"The slower and controlled are the motions, more is the pressure exerted on your abs giving better results," explains Deanne.

7. Side plank: targeted to your oblique muscles or side abs.
Method: Lie down on your side with elbows supporting your body above the ground. Now lift your body sideways. This will make you feel the stretch on your oblique muscles giving them a good workout. 2-3 sets of 15-20 movements are ideal.
"Make sure your body is in one line without any bends and arches. If indulging in a strenuous workout is on your mind, hold in the position and pulsate," adds Deanne.

8. Dancing wonders: Feel the pulse
"Stomach muscles are core muscles involved in any kind of dancing. A toned stomach accentuates your moves, while dance movements make your stomach sexy. It's a co-related process," says dance instructor, Nanda Kundu.
Some of the dance forms that can help you tone your stomach include Lindy Hop, Jive, cha cha and belly dancing. "All these forms of dance involve lots of lifts, dips and tricks which give a great workout to the stomach muscles," adds Nanda.

The above mentioned abdominal muscles are required to be repeated over a period of time to get desired results. "Give sufficient rest between abdominal exercises and sets. Increase the amount of repetitions that you perform each week by two times, until you can comfortably perform 20 repititions of each abdominal exercise," advises Kiran.
"With adequate diet and a regular workout, the effects can be felt in as many as just seven days," adds Usha.