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"The Best Beverage For High Blood Pressure Is..." AIIMS, Harvard Gut Doctor Reveals

"The Best Beverage For High Blood Pressure Is..." AIIMS, Harvard Gut Doctor Reveals

NDTV12 hours ago
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition which can lead to serious health issues. When blood pressure remains elevated for prolonged periods, it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. Hypertension is usually known as a "silent killer" because most individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms, yet it can cause significant damage over time.
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure numbers. A diet rich in fibre, potassium, and magnesium, with low sodium intake, can help reduce blood pressure significantly.
Best beverage for high blood pressure
Drinking beetroot juice is one of the effective ways to control blood pressure through dietary changes. In an Instagram video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, popularly known as the "gut doctor" and a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, revealed that beetroot juice is a beverage for high blood pressure.
Several studies suggest that dietary nitrate, found in beetroot juice, can effectively lower blood pressure. Drinking beetroot juice can lead to a significant decrease in blood pressure, especially in those who already have high levels.
Beetroot juice is rich in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This compound helps to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially reducing blood pressure levels.
Additionally, beetroot is a good source of potassium, a mineral which helps nerves and muscles function properly and lowers blood pressure effectively. Beetroot juice is also rich in iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc, copper and selenium.
Incorporating beetroot juice into a balanced diet, alongside other lifestyle changes can be an effective strategy for controlling high blood pressure. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a low-sodium diet and managing stress can effectively aid in lowering blood pressure.
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Drug regulator issues list of 17 drugs which should be flushed down if unused or expired
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Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Drug regulator issues list of 17 drugs which should be flushed down if unused or expired

NEW DELHI: India's top drug regulatory body, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has released a list of 17 drugs which, it says, should be flushed down the sink if lying unused or expired at home. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This includes fentanyl, Tramadol and several other painkiller drugs and Diazepam which is an anti-anxiety medication. According to the CDSCO, these drugs may be especially harmful and, in some cases, fatal with just one dose if they are used by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed. If these drugs are kept unwanted, unused or expired, the drug regulatory body says, they should be flushed down the sink or toilet to prevent danger to people and pets in the home. However, for most other medications used commonly by people, the drug regulatory body in its latest guidelines on disposal of unused/expired drugs recommends that scientific disposal is needed to prevent environmental pollution. For that, it suggests the initiation of 'drug take back' initiative that could be led by either the state drug control department or local chemists initially but eventually, the CDSCO recommends, the state govt in coordination with local bodies needs to establish the methodology and facility for the collection of and disposal of unused or expired drugs as per the provision of Biomedical Waste Management Rules. "Initially, state drugs control departments and concerned chemists and druggists' associations may jointly launch 'drug take back' site programme at designated locations, where people can drop expired or unused drugs from their homes and that can be disposed finally by such associations under intimation to concerned state drug licencing authority with the help of registered/licenced external agencies. The CDSCO guideline follows multiple reports and studies that show how unscientific disposal of unused or unexpired drugs is causing environmental pollution, eventually affecting human life. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A study by led by Dr T Velpandian of AIIMS' ocular pharmacology division that analysed water samples from seven places in Yamuna river, including the entry and exit points, 35 bore wells in Delhi NCR and the water percolating from waste at Ghazipur landfill site in 2018 showed drugs thrown in the waste bins end up in the environment and contribute to the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens. The study showed presence of antibiotics and other drugs in the surface water of river Yamuna and in areas adjacent to the Ghazipur landfill. 'The govt move to formulate a guideline on disposal of unused or expired drugs is commendable. We also plan to develop a pamphlet on how to dispose of drugs that will be given to all patients' said Devarat Majumdar, director and chief of pharmacy at Max healthcare.

Does milk cause bloating? Top US doc rates best and worst variants
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Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

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Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, has ranked milk types based on their bloating potential, with sweetened cow's milk scoring the highest. Unsweetened cow's milk and goat milk also ranked high, while plant-based options like rice and soy milk scored moderately. Cashew milk is ranked as the best option, causing the least bloating. That uncomfortable and gassy feeling after a morning latte or bowl of cereal is more common than you think. Do you know the culprit behind bloating? No, it's not the cereal or oats. Any guess? It is a common ingredient in our morning breakfast. The culprit in question is milk. Yes, that's right. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has now ranked some of the popular milk types based on their likelihood to cause bloating and gut distress. Using a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest bloating potential, he has ranked the dairy products. Take a look. 'Do you often feel bloated after your morning chai, coffee, or cereal? It might not be the food, it could be the milk,' Dr. Sethi said in a video shared on Instagram. The worst milk linked with bloating The gastroenterologist has ranked one of the popular milk choices as the worst. Yes, that's right. Dr. Sethi has ranked sweetened cow's milk as 10, which means it causes the most distress to the stomach. Packed with added sugars, sweetened cow's milk can exacerbate bloating. The bloating could get even worse for those with lactose intolerance. Consider the high lactose content teamed up with sweeteners as a perfect storm for gut distress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Dairy products that cause bloating Just behind sweetened cow's milk is its unsweetened version, which Dr. Sethi has ranked 9. Most of the adults worldwide have some degree of lactose intolerance. When you drink sweetened or unsweetened cow's milk, it can trigger bloating, gas, and discomfort. Goat milk, often considered a lighter alternative for milk, however, has scored 8, due to its lactose content. Though it is easier for some to digest this milk, it still could lead to bloating in lactose-sensitive individuals. Rice milk, which is a plant-based option, scored 7. Dr. Sethi has placed soya milk in the sixth position. The doctor has ranked 5 for the oat milk. Comparatively better milks For some people, consuming milk is non-negotiable. So what does that mean? Do you avoid milk altogether? Well, no. But if you have bloating, you may want to look for varieties that are easy to digest and do not cause havoc on your digestive health. Lactose-free cow's milk is a decent option. The gut doctor has ranked it four. If you are someone who enjoys dairy's taste, but don't want to feel bloated, go for a lactose-free option. The lactose in this type of milk is broken down during processing, and hence you won't feel bloated. Coconut milk is an even better option. It is rich and flavourful and has low lactose. But ensure to buy the unsweetened varieties. Though it's a safe option for most, its high-fat content may affect people with sensitive stomachs. The best options Dr. Sethi has ranked unsweetened almond milk 2. It won't make you bloat, thanks to its low lactose and simple ingredient profile. 'Pretty Little Baby' Singer Connie Francis Hospitalised, Family Gives Health Update Now the winner! If you want a milk option that won't make you bloat at all, go for cashew milk. The gastroenterologist has ranked the milk 1. It is gentle on the digestive system and is incredibly rich and nutritious.

Cardiologist says this desi diet can help Indians prevent heart attacks early: 'No bland oats, no boring salads'
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Hindustan Times

time6 hours ago

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When it comes to heart health, many assume that the only way to eat well is by sticking to bland oats and endless salads. But healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. Traditional Indian cuisine, when chosen wisely, can be both delicious and heart-friendly. To improve heart health, Dr Jivesh suggests reducing refined sugars and processed foods while increasing fibre, protein, and healthy fats.(Freepik) Dr Jivitesh Satija, cardiologist, in his July 6 Instagram post, shares a heart-healthy desi diet that's tasty, easy to follow, and actually works long-term. (Also read: Cardiologist shares most dangerous food habits that could silently increase your risk of heart attack: 'Eat more fibre' ) Why do you need a heart-friendly diet According to a Lancet Global Health 2018 report, heart disease affects Indians 10–15 years earlier than it does Western populations. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 heart attack patients in India is under the age of 40. So what's changed? "More sugar, more fried food, more processed carbs and far less fibre, protein, omega-3s, and vitamin B12," explains Dr Jivitesh. The 5-sep desi fix, according to Dr. Jivesh Dr. Jivesh shares a simple yet effective strategy for better health: 1. Cut down on refined carbs, sugars, and outside food. 2. Add more fibre, protein-rich, and gut-friendly foods to every meal. 3. Choose good fats instead of going zero-fat. 4. Include anti-inflammatory desi herbs, nuts, seeds, and seasonal fruits. 5. Fill hidden nutrient gaps like Vitamin B12 and Omega-3. Upgrade your grains Dr. Jivesh suggests switching to healthier grains can make a big difference. Add whole wheat, bajra, jowar, brown rice, oats, and quinoa to your meals, and cut down on maida (refined flour) and excess white rice. These whole grains are rich in fibre, which helps improve blood pressure, lowers LDL (bad cholesterol), and supports better blood sugar control. This approach is supported by findings from a BMJ 2016 meta-analysis and the NIN Guidelines 2020. Power up with protein Dr. Jivesh suggests adding a good source of protein to every meal for better energy, muscle health, and metabolism. Include options like moong, toor, rajma, chana, besan, and soya, along with curd, paneer, milk, and tofu. If you're non-vegetarian, eggs, chicken, and fish are excellent choices. A simple hack: pairing dal with rice or curd creates a balanced protein profile, as they complement each other's amino acid gaps. Aim for 1–1.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight daily, as recommended by the ICMR Protein Guidelines 2020 and supported by JACC 2019 findings. Nuts and seeds are like daily heart insurance He recommends having 5–7 nuts a day, like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts and adding 1–2 tablespoons of seeds such as flaxseed, chia, pumpkin, or sunflower to your meals. "They help lower LDL (bad cholesterol), reduce inflammation, and improve HDL (good cholesterol)," he explains. Flax and chia seeds are also excellent plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These heart-protective benefits are backed by research, including a NEJM 2013 study and a 2021 review in Circulation. Smart fats and oils, not zero fat: "Going fat-free isn't the answer, using the right fats smartly is," says Dr. Jivesh. He recommends rotating healthy oils like mustard, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and groundnut oil in your cooking. "Ghee and coconut oil can also be used in moderation," he adds. What should you avoid? Reheated oils, vanaspati, palm oil, refined sunflower oil, and refined soybean oil, as they can increase inflammation and harm heart health. The ideal total fat intake should stay between 3–5 teaspoons per day, as advised by the ICMR Fat Guidelines 2020 and AHA 2021. Add desi heart boosters: Dr. Jivesh says daily 1–2 raw garlic cloves can cut total cholesterol by 10–15%. Amla (fruit or powder) boosts good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad (LDL). A pinch of haldi with black pepper reduces inflammation, while curry leaves, ginger, and methi seeds support heart health. These benefits are backed by studies in Nutrition Reviews (2016), IJCB (2010), and Phytotherapy Research (2017). What to add and what to cut: "Balance is key," says Dr. Jivesh. He recommends adding half a plate of vegetables to every meal, 1–2 fruits a day, and including gut-friendly options like curd, buttermilk, or chaas regularly. As for what to cut? "Keep maida, sugar, bakery items, colas, achar, fried papad, and packaged snacks strictly for cheat days," he advises. These guidelines align with WHO India 2023 and the DASH Diet Review 2021. Plug the gaps: "Even healthy diets can miss key nutrients," says Dr. Jivesh. 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