Tag: myth

Categories
Health Lite Blogs

Dispelling Fertility Myths

Women often find themselves bombarded with myths and misinformation surrounding infertility and food, leading to unnecessary panic and stress…writes Dr. Ankita Kaushal

Infertility is a complex and misunderstood issue that affects millions of couples worldwide. It goes beyond the inability to conceive a child; it can be emotionally traumatic and socially isolating.

Beyond physical limitations, infertility can take a toll on mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Factors such as age, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions can significantly impact fertility for both men and women.

Women often find themselves bombarded with myths and misinformation surrounding infertility and food, leading to unnecessary panic and stress.

One common myth is that eating certain foods can either prevent or cause infertility. This has led to a frantic obsession with fertility diets, with women feeling pressured to adhere to specific eating patterns in hopes of increasing their chances of conceiving. By dispelling these myths and focusing on holistic approaches to reproductive health, women can alleviate unnecessary anxiety about their dietary choices and potential fertility issues.

Myth #1: Eating the core of a pineapple is believed to assist with implantation

Fact: Some claim eating the core of a pineapple right after ovulation can aid in implantation. Pineapple cores contain bromelain, a set of enzymes that acts as a blood thinner and has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, there is no concrete evidence from studies to prove that the bromelain in pineapple cores helps with implantation. Also, having fresh pineapple in your diet, rich in Vitamin C and B6 can be a beneficial way to include healthy fruit in your meals.

Myth #2: If the couple wants twins, they should eat yam

 Fact: Yam consumption is believed to play a role due to its natural hormone phytoestrogen, which may stimulate multiple ovulation. However, the high twinning rate is influenced by various factors, not just yams. Eating only yams may not boost fertility. Better to consult an expert instead of believing rumors.

Myth #3: Opting for pomegranates can improve one’s fertility

Fact: Pomegranates are believed to have positive effects on the fertility of both men and women. Due to their high antioxidant content, it is suggested that consuming pomegranates, which have long been associated with fertility, can enhance blood circulation to the uterus and thicken the uterine lining. However, further research is required to fully comprehend how antioxidants influence fertility.

ALSO READ-UK Pavilion Shines at IKBF ’24: A Cultural and Literary Odyssey

Categories
Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

RAMADAN – Can you take medicine? myth busting

Ifti Khan, Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, who will be observing Ramadan himself, said: “Confusion can sometimes arise when it comes to medication and managing health conditions whilst fasting…reports Asian Lite News

With Ramadan starting this week, a leading independent pharmacy chain has issued some myth-busting advice on managing your health and the use of medication while fasting, including prescribed medicines, injections and eye drops, to name a few. 

While Ramadan month is a total fast in terms of oral consumption, it’s still ok to have vaccinations and blood tests during that period, say Well Pharmacy, and to use eye drops or use other medical items that are not ingested through the mouth. 

It’s also important for people to keep taking their prescribed medication over the Ramadan period – and Well Pharmacy are stressing that anyone who is concerned should speak to their pharmacist about whether they can take their medicine at different times, as stopping it could have serious consequences. 

Ramadan involves complete abstinence from both food and drink between dawn and sunset, including water. As one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Its purpose is to remind Muslims of the less fortunate whilst reinforcing the need to be thankful.  

Ifti Khan, Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, who will be observing Ramadan himself, said: “Confusion can sometimes arise when it comes to medication and managing health conditions whilst fasting. 

“If you are worried, please pop in and speak to your local pharmacist as they may be able to allay your fears – it is important to keep managing your health during Ramadan. 

“Having injections or vaccinations is fine, as are blood tests, using eye or ear drops, and using anything that you don’t consume orally – so nicotine and other transdermal patches, pessaries and dialysis, for example. It’s also ok if you eat and drink as a result of a condition which causes forgetfulness. 

“You should also keep taking prescribed medications during Ramadan as not doing so could have serious consequences, but we’d recommend speaking to your pharmacist who is best placed to advise if the times that you take them can be changed or the doses adjusted. 

“You should also continue to attend any medical appointments you have booked assuming you feel well enough. If you become unwell while fasting, you can break your fast if you want to on the account of avoiding harm – again, if this happens you should speak to your pharmacist or GP. People fasting can sometimes feel bloated or constipated, especially in the first few days. There are over-the-counter medicines available to help with this, and our pharmacy teams can help with a recommendation.

“People who are exempt from fasting during Ramadan are able to make an obligatory donation to provide meals for people who need help, and it’s important not to risk your health. 

“To stay as healthy as possible during Ramadan, try to eat healthy meals when breaking your fast, and make sure that you stay hydrated. Take some light exercise if you can – and if you smoke, why not harness some of your self-control into quitting for good. Again, speak to your pharmacist if you need advice.” 

ALSO READ-Ramadan special: Home makeover tips

Categories
Food Health Lite Blogs

Be aware of these nutritional myths

Most importantly, lemon water has no unique, proven fat-loss benefit. So don’t expect any miraculous weight loss results from lemon water…reports Asian Lite News

The internet is riddled with misinformation, and it can be difficult (if not impossible) to distinguish between fact and myth. Myths that were once passed down through word of mouth are now spreading like wildfire through social media, blogs, and even traditional media. There are numerous reasons for this, including a 24-hour news cycle, lengthy and difficult-to-read research studies, and journalists/bloggers/celebrities looking for their next viral hit. As a result, information is frequently published without verification (or is ignored).

The end result? Confusion, frustration, and, in some cases, harm for those who try the latest quick-fix or magical solution for their weight loss and health issues.

Myprotein India examined the evidence and discussed three nutrition myths that appear to be widespread in India and refuse to die.

Myth: Lemon water is a quick fix for fat loss

Except it is not.

While lemon and water are not inherently harmful, they are also not magical. There are no compounds in that unique combination of a regular fruit and water that causes a biochemical reaction that begins to melt our adipose tissue.

So don’t expect any miracle fat loss outcomes from lemon water!

While you will lose weight (not fat) if lemon water is the only thing (or one of the few things) you drink for a few days, this is due to a severe calorie restriction as well as water loss. You’ll regain these pounds as soon as you resume your normal eating habits.

The truth: Lemons are just fruit, and fruit is healthy. Lemon juice won’t contribute substantially to your micro-nutrient intake, but it also doesn’t contain very many calories. Lemon juice contains small amounts of beneficial micro-nutrients and phytochemicals, but it’s unclear if, among all fruits, lemons are uniquely valuable.

Most importantly, lemon water has no unique, proven fat-loss benefit. So don’t expect any miraculous weight loss results from lemon water. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are the keys to long-term fat loss.

Myth: Chickpea (Channa) is a rich source of protein

A quick Google search (“chickpea cooked calories”) reveals that 100g of this legume contains 9g of protein and 27g of carbohydrates, or 3x the amount of carbs to protein.

So, while it contains a reasonable amount of protein, it does not qualify as a rich source of protein because it contains a lot more carbohydrates.

Chickpeas can certainly be used to supplement protein intake or to replace carbohydrate sources with lower protein content such as rice. It can also be used to supplement protein intake for vegetarians with limited options.

Truth: Chickpea is not a primary source of protein as every 1g of chickpea protein comes with 3g of carbohydrates. Do not rely on it (or similar legumes) as your primary source of protein. A diet rich in these legumes is a high-carbohydrate diet, not a high-protein one.

Myth: Taking whey is like taking steroids

Supplements can be intimidating to many people who are new to fitness. We’ve all heard the mainstream media talk about steroids and other illegal performance enhancers, and it’s easy to lump all supplements into the same category. Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to whey protein.

Whey is a component of milk; if we ‘cut’ milk in half, we get whey and cheese. Whey has been proven to be a completely safe and high-quality protein source. It is highly processed (the process is required to extract the whey from the milk), and care must be taken to ensure that your whey protein is derived from high-quality sources.

Did you know milk protein (and soy protein) is one of the main ingredients in baby formula powders?

Whey protein appears to significantly increase muscle protein synthesis. It also has no negative effects on the liver or kidneys. The exception is if there is already pre-existing damage to those organs, in which case it may exacerbate the problem. So, if you have kidney or liver problems, this may not be a good idea, and you should consult your doctor before starting to use whey.

It is a great source of protein to supplement our diet for those who do not have such issues, and not just for those who lift weights or actively exercise. Vegetarians, for example, will benefit greatly from including whey in their diet.

The truth: Whey is a natural part of milk and shown to be both safe and effective when used by healthy individuals.

Misinformation is widespread, difficult to identify, and, sadly, spreads much faster than facts. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Because we all want to be healthier, it’s easy to believe health myths.

Believing something, wishing it were true, or feeling it should be true does not make it so. So be inquisitive, sceptical, and questioning.

ALSO READ-Nutritional Way Towards Health