Health ministry issues advisory to display Oil and Sugar Boards in workplaces to promote healthier dietary habits
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Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
What is fibremaxxing? Know all about this wellness trend that improves your hormonal health, metabolism
Fibremaxxing is one of the wellness trends making rounds on social media. It spotlights fibre, which is commonly associated with better digestion. But fibremaxxing looks at it through a much wider lens, positioning fibre as a tool for improving overall welbeing, from enhancing metabolism to mental wellness. Swap wheat flour for ragi flour to make rotis and parathas, and increase fibre intake.(PC: adobe stock) Asad Hussain, founder and CEO of Odds Fitness, shared with HT Lifestyle that fibremaxxing involves a complete biological optimisation, demonstrating the health benefits of fibre, which go beyond the mainstream understanding of fibre benefits, like better digestion and better bowel movements. ALSO READ: Make your fibre intake more diverse: 12 foods that aren't green vegetables Describing what is fibremaxxing, Asad elaborated, 'Fibremaxing is the practice of deliberately increasing your daily fibre intake not just for digestion, but for overall biological optimisation. It goes beyond counting grams of roughage. The diverse fibre sources, timing, pairing with pre- and probiotics, and using fibre as a performance tool for everything from mental clarity to metabolic health.' Protein has dominated the diets of fitness enthusiasts and continues to do so, with people closely tracking their intake every day. But fibremaxxing manages to challenge this monopoly, reminding that other nutrients, like fibre, also deserve the spotlight because of the robust benefits. 'For years, protein has held the nutritional spotlight. It's been glorified in everything from shakes to cereals, championed as the nutrient of fitness, strength, and satiety. Fibre is the unsung hero of longevity and internal balance. It fuels gut microbes, supports healthy cholesterol levels, slows glucose absorption, and feeds the ecosystem that keeps your body in check. In the bio-optimisation world, that makes fibre a game-changer," Asad unpacked how fibre is also gaining a more prominent importance in diets. Benefits of high-fibre diet: Improved hormonal balance, metabolism and immunity When you include a high-fibre diet, you build a strong immune system, reducing risk of falling sick. (PC: Freepik) A high-fibre diet benefits three major functions of the body that are integral to health. Asad listed the benefits, which include hormonal health, metabolism, and the immune system: 1. Balances hormones: Soluble fibre helps remove excess estrogen and improves insulin sensitivity. These are the two key factors in hormonal health, especially for women. 2. Boosts metabolism: Certain fermentable fibres support the growth of gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate.) This plays a role in energy regulation and fat metabolism. 3. Strengthens immunity: Since nearly 70% of immune cells are located in the gut lining, a fibre-rich diet that supports gut health may indirectly enhance immune resilience. How can fibremaxxing be done with Indian foods? Roasted chana contains fibre. (PC: Freepik) One of the misconceptions is that fibremaxxing requires premium, exotic foods. Asad debunked this notion and shared that Indian foods can also easily fit into a fibremaxxing lifestyle. Clarifying the misconception, Asad described, 'One of the biggest myths is that fibremaxxing requires exotic ingredients or imported powders. The truth is, Indian diets are beautifully equipped for this trend; we just need to bring intentionality back to the plate.' Here are some of the ways, as outlined by Asad, one can maximise fibre intake with Indian foods: Embrace millets like bajra, ragi, and jowar instead of always defaulting to rice or wheat. Rotate your dals, each lentil variety brings its own fibre profile. Don't just stick to moong. Add prebiotic power with raw salads made from beetroot, carrots, cucumber, and onions before your meals. Smart snacking with roasted chana, trail mixes with seeds, or fruit topped with flax and chia. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
Employee joins Indian startup after decades of working with US firms, almost dies: ‘Damaged heart, uncertain future'
Synopsis A professional's harrowing experience at an Indian startup reveals the devastating impact of a toxic work environment. Enduring gaslighting, impossible demands, and constant availability led to severe stress and a heart attack. He now urges others to prioritize well-being over financial gain, emphasizing that no job is worth sacrificing one's health and life. iStock A Story of Burnout, Breakdown, and the Fight to Rebuild A professional recently shared a harrowing experience on the "Indian Workplace" subreddit, shedding light on the deeply damaging effects of a toxic job environment. After spending nearly twenty years with multinational companies across the US and Europe, he had grown accustomed to work cultures that valued transparency, boundaries, and employee well-being. However, after being laid off unexpectedly, he found himself forced to accept an opportunity at an Indian startup—despite early signs that it was far from the second week of joining, the red flags were unmistakable. Revenue figures were being manipulated, the leadership team operated with unchecked egos, and employees were expected to be available nearly around the clock—from late morning to the early hours of the next day. As days turned into weeks, he became immersed in a cycle of gaslighting, favoritism, and impossible client demands, all while facing zero regard for boundaries or dignity. Despite knowing he should walk away, the fear of joblessness during a volatile hiring climate kept him chained to the role. The daily stress began to erode not just his emotional health but also his sense of identity and ethical compass. Depression quietly set in, while the pressure and psychological abuse from leadership he could no longer withstand the atmosphere and chose to resign—even though he had no other job secured. But the toll had already been taken. Just weeks after quitting, he suffered a massive heart attack. Two emergency stents were inserted to save his life, and doctors warned that a delay of just half an hour could have been back home, unemployed and recovering with a weakened heart, he reflects on whether the monthly pay he earned was worth the irreversible damage. His answer: absolutely not. He admitted that while he once believed he had no alternative, lying in a hospital bed brought clarity. There's always a choice—we just often fail to recognize it until the consequences become physical."Now I'm home—jobless, with a damaged heart and an uncertain future. Was that monthly salary worth permanently destroying my health? Hell no..." he urged others working in similarly suffocating environments not to sacrifice their well-being for financial comfort. No paycheck is worth permanent health damage. Survival should never come at the cost of one's physical or mental integrity. While he learned this truth the hard way, he hoped others would heed the warning post struck a chord with Reddit users. Many responded with compassion, echoing similar experiences. One commenter shared how her husband—only 31 years old—suffered two heart attacks and needed three stents due to intense stress in the hotel industry. She had to leave her own job to care for reminded the original poster that while joblessness is daunting, it is still a better fate than losing one's life. Encouragement flowed in—praising him for choosing himself over a paycheck and wishing him strength for the road ahead. Some even advised moving to quieter towns for peace and healthier many, this story served as a powerful reminder: work can wait, but health cannot.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rujuta Diwekar's dating tip can change your gut health game for life: ‘Ask if your potential partner knows how to set curd'
The benefits of incorporating curd in Indian diet have been hailed for centuries now. According to Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, regular consumption of curd after lunch can significantly alter gut microbiota composition due to its probiotic content. In simple terms, improved digestion and immunity. Yay! 'These live cultures enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improving microbial diversity and suppressing harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus,' Malhotra said, adding that the lactic acid bacteria in curd strengthen gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote short-chain fatty acid production, which supports colon health. In a recent interview, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar reiterated on the importance of knowing how to set curd, and how that can give one a peek into their partner's soft skills. 'The dating advice I give girls is that, 'Get married in a house where the guy knows how to set curd. We have progressed enough to know how to do everything else in life. The guy should know how much to heat the milk to be able to set the curd, or else the milk will curdle and go bad. And if it's not hot enough, the curd will not set.'' 'Ask this on your first date only, forget whether he is a mountain or a beach person, coffee person or chai person, ask if your potential partner knows how to set curd,' she quipped. Experts believe a well-set curd is way healthier than one that isn't. 'Curd is formed through the fermentation of milk by lactic acid bacteria. During proper fermentation, these bacteria produce lactic acid, which coagulates the milk proteins, forming a gel-like structure. A well-set curd is more likely to contain viable probiotic cultures, which are essential for gut health,' said Malhotra. In contrast, poorly fermented or runny curd might lack a sufficient live bacterial count due to contamination or inappropriate incubation conditions. Dt. KS Aujla, clinical nutritionist at Unity Critical Care Hospital, Jalandhar, shared a quick recipe to help you set curd at home: 1. Whole milk 2. A spoonful of curd (as a starter) 3. A clean container – preferably an earthen clay pot or a stainless-steel bowl Since curd is made through fermentation, temperature and time play an important role, she noted. 1. Boil the milk until it comes to a good boil (around 80°C). This helps eliminate any unwanted germs. 2. Let the milk cool down until it feels warm to the touch (not hot), ideally between 35–40°C. 3. Add a spoonful of curd (starter) to the warm milk. Mix gently but thoroughly. This starter contains the good bacteria that help ferment the milk. 4. Leave the container undisturbed in a warm place for 6–8 hours. During this time, the bacteria multiply and convert milk sugar (lactose) into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives curd its taste. 5. In the summer, keep it away from direct sunlight or heat. In winter, wrap it in a cloth or place it in a warm corner to keep it warm. 6. Once set, refrigerate it to stop further fermentation and enjoy your homemade, gut-friendly curd!
