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Mint
9 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
How to manage high blood pressure with simple lifestyle tweaks
Just under a month ago, the world celebrated Hypertension Day on May 17. Considering an even more recent report published by online medical site Healio, Hypertension unawareness rose from 2013 to 2023, you might reason that having a day just for this condition that silently creeps on us is essential. Furthermore, a May 2024 WHO (World Health Organisation) report states that Indians have been consuming nearly twice the recommended amount of sodium (10.98 gms). And this is making the population more susceptible to high blood pressure (hypertension). WHO's recommendation is to use Lower Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS). Unavoidable as hypertension or blood pressure is, Lounge spoke to experts to know if there are simple tweaks you could make to your daily to control this condition before it turns severe. Also read: A guide to understanding inflammation and ways to combat it's negative effects 'While the risk of developing hypertension increases as one ages, recent research has revealed alarming statistics about its prevalence among Indian adolescents, with rates as high as 25 per cent. That's why it's important for people with a family history of diabetes and hypertension to start getting regular BP checks in their mid-20s. Others can wait until their early 30s to start testing for hypertension," says Dr Anuja Agarwala, vice president, Indian Dietetic Association, Delhi. According to Agarwala, parents should be aware that hypertension can exist in children too. So, if high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases run in the family, schedule regular BP checks for your children too. SYMPTOMS 'About a decade back, hypertension would happen to those in their 50s. These days, due to high stress, lifestyle, genetic factors and addictions, people are getting hypertension at even 28. And the risk is higher if you're obese," notes Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, head of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai. Pal explains that hypertension happens when calcium gets deposited in the lining of the blood vessels, causing it to harden. This adds pressure to the heart as it's pumping harder. If left unattended, this can eventually result in cardiovascular disease. The most common symptoms of hypertension, according to Pal, are sleep deprivation, an inability to focus, throbbing headaches and fluctuation in energy levels. More serious symptoms could include blacking out and being on the verge of collapsing. 'Get your blood pressure checked every three-six months, especially if you're above 30," he advises, and reiterates that the risk of one being affected by hypertension is high if you have parents who are obese or have a history of heart disease. 'While women are more or less protected by the hormone estrogen till age 45 or 50, after menopause, they too are at a risk of suffering from hypertension," Pal adds. Hypertension, Agarwala says, manifests in symptoms as small as headaches. 'What makes it particularly dangerous is that it does not cause specific symptoms until it's too late. If not managed well, hypertension can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease," she cautions. Also read: Why short bursts of cold showers are good for you WAYS TO MANAGE HYPERTENSION Apart from medication, Agarwala's top tips for managing hypertension naturally include quitting drinking and smoking; getting adequate sleep for about eight hours; reducing exposure to stressful environments– if your work environment is stressful, step out every four hours or so; and exercise three-four times a week. She cannot stress enough about the importance of physical exercises. 'It is important to make time for it at least 3-4 times a week. But those who are unable to dedicate time for exercise should try and include more walking into their daily routine. Walking 10,000 steps a day is considered beneficial for your cardiovascular health." It's also crucial to be aware of how sodium insidiously adds up in your diet. It might be the chutney you eat at lunch or those rice crackers you have at tea. According to Agarwala, including fruits and vegetables in your diet is another effective way to maintain healthy blood pressure. GET CREATIVE WITH INGREDIENTS Mysuru-based Dr. Jamuna Prakash, former professor, food science and nutrition, University of Mysore, says, managing hypertension isn't about entirely cutting out namkeens us Indians are so fond of from our diet, but consuming it judiciously. 'Whilst cooking, pairing salt with low-sodium seasonings like MSG (monosodium glutamate), along with an assortment of herbs and spices, can bring out an ideal balance of umami, saltiness, and other traditional Indian flavors—making for a satisfying meal without the need for additional sodium," she says. Adding smokiness to your paneer and chicken preparations can provide additional complexity to the flavor profile of the dish, says Mumbai-based chef Ajay Chopra. 'Borrowing from culinary practices around the world, like using kombu or seaweed broth, as done in Japan, can create umami in certain soups and curries. Adding lemon juice is another way to add flavour to your dishes, and stimulate your taste buds," he notes. Sumitra Nair is an independent journalist based in Kochi. Also read: Anxiety attacks: When should you get treated?
NDTV
17-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
World Hypertension Day 2025: How Sodium Sneaks Into Everyday Indian Food - And How To Reduce Its Content
Every year on 17th May, World Hypertension Day raises awareness about a silent, deadly threat that affects millions globally: high blood pressure. In India, where food is as much about emotion as it is about nutrition, the role of sodium in our daily meals is under increasing scrutiny. As we observe World Hypertension Day 2025, it's time to shine a light on how sodium subtly but steadily makes its way into our diets- and what we can do to manage it. Also Read: 5 Everyday Foods That May Help Manage High Blood Pressure What Is Hypertension? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this excess pressure can damage your blood vessels and vital organs, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Often called the "silent killer," hypertension usually presents no symptoms until significant damage has already been done. Why Is Excessive Sodium Bad for Health? One of the key dietary factors linked to hypertension is excessive sodium intake. Sodium, primarily consumed through salt, plays a vital role in fluid balance and nerve function. However, too much of it causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 5 grams of salt per day (about 2,000 mg of sodium), but many Indians consume far more often without even realising it. This excess sodium intake, sustained over time, contributes not only to hypertension but also to increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and osteoporosis. How Sodium Sneaks Into Everyday Indian Meals We spoke with Dr. Anuja Agarwala, a former dietitian at AIIMS and vice president of the Indian Dietetic Association, who shared her insights on the stealthy presence of sodium in our daily diets. "For many people, reducing sodium intake simply means using less salt while cooking. But that alone isn't enough," says Dr. Agarwala. "Restaurant meals and packaged foods often contain surprisingly high levels of sodium, and it's easy to overlook the extra salt we habitually add while eating." From savoury snacks like bhujia and namkeen to seemingly innocent pickles and papads, sodium is omnipresent. Processed foods such as bread, biscuits, sauces, and ready-to-eat mixes can carry hefty sodium loads. Even our beloved street foods and festive dishes are often sodium-heavy, thanks to seasonings, preservatives, and garnishes. Also Read: Top 10 Natural Foods to Control High Blood Pressure A low sodium diet can help manage hypertension. The Right Way to Reduce Sodium and Prevent Hypertension So how can we reduce sodium intake without sacrificing flavour- especially in Indian cooking, which thrives on bold, complex tastes? "Reducing salt at home doesn't mean compromising on flavour - especially when Indian cooking already offers a rich toolkit," Dr. Agarwala explains. "With the wide variety of spices, herbs, and traditional seasonings we use every day, it's possible to create deeply flavourful meals that rely less on sodium." Here are some smart strategies she recommends: Leverage natural souring agents: Lemon juice and tomatoes add brightness and depth, enhancing dishes like dals, sabzis, and curries without extra salt. Tap into umami: Ingredients rich in glutamates (like tomatoes) provide a natural savoury taste. A small amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) - a low-sodium seasoning - can be used to add umami without the sodium spike. Rethink your salt habit: Avoid sprinkling extra salt on cooked food. If your dish is already well-seasoned, additional salt isn't necessary. Read food labels: Especially for processed or packaged items, keep an eye out for hidden sodium sources like baking soda, sodium benzoate, or disodium inosinate. Reducing sodium isn't just a dietary adjustment- it's a long-term investment in your heart and overall health. On this World Hypertension Day, take a moment to evaluate your salt habits and discover how Indian cuisine's vast flavour palette can help you eat better and feel better. Because health doesn't have to come at the cost of taste. Sometimes, all it takes is a dash of awareness. Advertisement Comments About Neha Grover Love for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Hypertension Blood Pressure Sodium Show full article Comments
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bengaluru, Hyderabad Lead Growth as Other Cities Plateau in Q1
The Indian housing market is showing signs of measured cooling, as new data from Real Insight Residential: Q1 2025 report indicates a visible slowdown in the rate of price growth across key urban centers. The platform, a part of REA India alongside found that while home prices have continued to rise on an annual basis, quarterly growth has eased notably in recent months. The first quarter of 2025 saw cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad lead the market in terms of price increases. Bengaluru posted a 5 per cent quarter-over-quarter gain, bringing average residential rates to Rs 7,881 per square foot. Hyderabad matched this pace, with prices moving up to Rs 7,412 per square foot. These two cities remain growth hotspots even as other metros begin to flatten out. In contrast, established markets such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune and Chennai showed no change in residential prices compared to the previous quarter. This marks the second consecutive quarter of zero growth for these cities, signaling a pause after a strong run-up over the past two years. The report describes this phase as a 'cautious consolidation' rather than a downturn, with prices stabilising at elevated levels. Ahmedabad and Kolkata also showed positive, though moderate, growth trends. Ahmedabad recovered from a decline in late 2024, rising 4 per cent during the quarter. Kolkata followed a similar pattern, bouncing back with a 4 per cent quarterly gain after falling in the previous quarter. These movements reflect a market that is stabilising rather than retreating, as cities adjust to more realistic demand and supply dynamics. Industry observers attribute the shift in market behaviour to a broad realignment of demand. According to Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO of and the reduced pace of price increases is helping re-engage serious homebuyers who were previously sidelined by speculation. He noted that the return of end-user participation will be key to maintaining long-term market health. Agarwala highlighted that this controlled trajectory will enable developers and investors to sustain gains without triggering pricing bubbles. From late 2024 into early 2025, market performance across Indian cities became more uniform, with most urban centres either holding prices steady or showing minimal increases. Delhi NCR, which had registered sharp price hikes throughout 2023, has now entered a holding phase, posting no increase during Q1 2025. Pune also remained stable with no price movement, after experiencing consistent appreciation in the past year. Chennai's pricing, too, showed no change, indicating equilibrium after sustained growth periods. The report notes that this current phase of moderation has been driven by multiple macro-level factors. A more informed and end-user-led buyer base has replaced speculative investors in many cities. Additionally, developers have started aligning supply pipelines with actual market demand, leading to more grounded pricing strategies. Investor interest, while still present, has become more rational, focusing on long-term value over short-term returns. Looking ahead, the PropTiger study forecasts that India's residential property sector will continue to follow a stable growth path. Developers are expected to adopt more cautious launch plans, focusing on project viability and location-specific demand. This is anticipated to help maintain momentum without triggering excess supply or inflated pricing.
News18
07-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Average Housing Prices Remain Stable In MMR, NCR, Chennai, Pune During January-March 2025: PropTiger
Agency: PTI Residential property prices have continued to rise year-on-year, but the pace of growth has clearly moderated in recent quarters. Average housing prices across Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Delhi-NCR, Chennai and Pune remained stable during the January-March period compared to the previous quarter, according to PropTiger. Data of real estate brokerage firm PropTiger, a part of REA India that owns showed that prices in Bengaluru and Hyderabad grew 5 per cent each while Ahmedabad and Kolkata saw an appreciation of 4 per cent each. The consultant noted that residential property prices have continued to rise year-on-year, but the pace of growth has clearly moderated in recent quarters. 'The moderation in price growth observed over the past few quarters indicates a stabilising market dynamic, likely encouraging the return of end-users previously displaced by speculative activity," said Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO, & 'This more measured trajectory is critical for sustaining end-user participation while maintaining the value built by investors and developers. In 2025, the market is expected to undergo further consolidation, reinforcing structural fundamentals and enabling steady, sustainable growth," Agarwala added. As per the data, MMR, Delhi-NCR, Chennai and Pune markets did not see any increase in average prices. They were at Rs 12,600, Rs 8,106, Rs 7,173 and Rs 7,109 per square feet, respectively. Housing price in Hyderabad appreciated to Rs 7,412 from Rs 7,053 per square feet, while Kolkata saw an increase to Rs 5,839 from Rs 5,633 per square feet. First Published: May 07, 2025, 14:37 IST
