Latest news with #AsimahHanif
Vogue
25-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
5 Foods That Cause Water Retention
Water retention can happen any time of the year, but experiencing swollen, heavy legs is especially common in the summer—and certainly uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help ease the puffiness or, better yet, avoid it altogether. One of the most effective ways? Skipping the foods that cause water retention. Why do we retain water in the summer? Feet, ankles, and legs can swell in the summer when an excess of fluid accumulates in the tissues. This type of water retention is known as edema. 'Edema is a medical term for swelling caused by fluid buildup in the tissues,' explains Dr. Asimah Hanif. 'It often appears in legs, ankles, and feet, but it can also affect other areas like the hands, arms, face, or even the lungs.' While certain health conditions—like heart or kidney disease—and taking specific medications can cause fluid retention, Hanif says that it can also be due to poor circulation or lack of movement. 'Even something as simple as sitting or standing for too long, especially in hot weather, can cause the legs to swell up,' she notes. Furthermore, women may be especially susceptible. 'For many women, mild edema is part of monthly hormonal shifts or travel-related fluid retention,' says Dr. Terry Dubrow. 'Think of it as your body whispering that it's holding on to water—often because something is off balance.' What foods cause water retention? Certain foods, usually those high in sodium or sugar, also promote fluid accumulation and venous stagnation, which inevitably leads to swollen and painful legs. If you are susceptible to leg swelling, avoiding these foods during the warmest months can be helpful. 'Diet can play a big role in how much fluid your body holds onto,' Hanif says. 'The biggest offender is salt. Eating salty foods—like chips, canned soups, takeout, or ready-made meals—makes your body hold onto more water, which can worsen swelling.' Foods that don't taste particularly salty can lead to water retention—especially if they're processed and packaged. 'Things like bacon, ham, sausages, and other cured meats can also contribute. Pickled foods and sauces like soy sauce tend to be salty too,' says Hanif. Sugar and alcohol can be culprits, too. 'High-sugar diets can lead to inflammation and make your body retain more fluid, while alcohol affects your liver and kidneys and can throw off your fluid balance by causing dehydration,' Hanif says. 5 surprising foods that lead to water retention Canned tuna Canned tuna can be high in sodium due to the salt that's added during processing and preservation. Tomatoes Although tomatoes are water-rich, they also contain histamine, which could contribute to water retention as histamine increases the permeability of blood vessels. Eating tomatoes with diuretic vegetables, such as cucumbers, can help mitigate the effects. Smoked salmon Like canned tuna, smoked salmon is high in sodium, which can contribute to water retention. 'Sodium is the biggest culprit in water retention,' says Dubrow. Crackers Crackers may seem like a light alternative to bread, but they're processed and therefore can be high in sodium. 'Refined carbs spike insulin and promote inflammation, which can worsen swelling,' says Dubrow. Aged cheeses Many aged cheeses, like parmesan, gruyere, cheddar, and manchego, are high in sodium thanks to the aging process—as cheese ages, it loses moisture, which concentrates its salt content. What foods reduce water retention? Just as some foods can cause water retention, others can reduce it. 'Edema might show up as a little puffiness, but it's your body's way of asking for a reset. Choosing the right foods isn't just about de-bloating, it's about feeling lighter and more energized,' says Dubrow, who recommends 'magnesium-rich foods like almonds and dark chocolate, which are especially helpful for hormonal swelling.'
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Alert for travellers on weight-loss jabs going to the airport as they risk 'serious trouble'
Without these two documents, your weight-loss medication could get confiscated or you could be held by the authorities if you try to import it Travel and health experts are advising individuals taking weight-loss injections to exercise caution when travelling abroad, as these medications are prohibited or heavily restricted in certain countries. Despite being approved for use in the UK, including the recent NHS rollout of Mounjaro, other nations have not sanctioned their use, which could lead to confiscation or even detention if attempted to be imported. Experts recommend researching the regulations of your destination and taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted treatment. NHS GP Dr Asimah Hanif explained: "There are countries where weight loss injections are restricted or banned - unlike the UK where they are more widely accepted. "For example if you were to go to the UAE you would need pre-approval from the Ministry of Health. Or if you were to go to Japan, you would require an import certificate. "In Singapore - you would need approval from the health services authority before travel. There are many ways you can prepare yourself according to the country you're travelling to. "This will ensure a smooth journey and also allow you to continue administering your weight loss injections." This is especially critical for individuals relying on these injections for diabetes management, in addition to weight loss. GP Dr Ola Otulana has stated: "At the moment weight loss injections such as semaglutide are widely prescribed in the UK for diabetes management and now more recently for weight management. However, people may not realise that rules can differ significantly abroad as in some countries (in Asia and the Middle East), medications like semaglutide can be heavily regulated or banned entirely if they are not licensed for weight loss there. "Even in places where they are legal, carrying injectable medications without a letter from a doctor and proof of prescription can raise issues at customs, which may lead to items being confiscated." "If you are prescribed a weight loss injection in the UK and are planning to travel, the safest approach is to check the embassy website of your destination country in advance to confirm the rules on your medication. You should also carry your prescription, a formal letter from your GP explaining the indication and dosing, and also keep the medication in its original packaging. "Some countries require you to declare any injectable or controlled medications when you arrive. Prepare and bring any necessary documentation to avoid stress while travelling / abroad and talk to your GP or pharmacist before travelling." Travellers have reported encountering problems in several countries where these jabs - and other medicines - could potentially land you in hot water, reports Bristol Live. Isheeta Borkarm, co-owner of Travelicious Couple, warned: " Weight-loss injections like Wegovy are legal and widely used in the UK, but they're not allowed everywhere else. "We've come across a few countries where bringing them in could actually get you into serious trouble. For example, Japan has extremely strict rules around medication import. "Even certain asthma inhalers are banned, so bringing in injectable weight-loss medication, especially with a needle, without prior approval could lead to confiscation or worse. Singapore requires prior authorisation for any injectable medication. "We've heard in Thailand even prescription drugs can be flagged at customs if the paperwork isn't clear." Experts recommend five steps for those travelling with weight loss jabs: 1. You should check embassy websites for the latest information 2. Carry your prescription and a letter from your doctor (ideally stating dosage and medical necessity). 3. Declare it at customs. 4. Avoid packing injectables in carry-ons. Use the original packaging and keep medication with their official labelling. 5. Some of these medications need refrigeration. Call hotels in advance to ensure they had a minibar fridge.
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
You need two documents to take common drug on holiday this year
Experts warn your medication could be confiscated and you could be held by the authorities Travel and health experts have warned anyone taking weight-loss jabs to check before they go on holiday as they are banned or restricted in some countries. Mounjaro has been released for use as a weight-loss jab on the NHS in the UK and other jabs are available to buy privately. But while weight-loss medication is legal in the UK, other countries have not approved it - meaning it could be confiscated or you could be held by the authorities if you try to import it. Travel and health experts have explained what you need to do if you want to take your weight-loss jabs abroad this summer. NHS GP Dr Asimah Hanif said: "There are countries where weight loss injections are restricted or banned - unlike the UK where they are more widely accepted. For example, if you were to go to the UAE, you would need pre-approval from the Ministry of Health. Or if you were to go to Japan, you would require an import certificate. "In Singapore - you would need approval from the health services authority before travel. There are many ways you can prepare yourself according to the country you're travelling to. This will ensure a smooth journey and also allow you to continue administering your weight loss injections." The jabs are often used for their original purpose - managing diabetes - as well as being taken for weight loss. This can mean there is an even more urgent need to keep talking them. GP Dr Ola Otulana said: "At the moment weight loss injections such as semaglutide are widely prescribed in the UK for diabetes management and now more recently for weight management. However people may not realise that rules can differ significantly abroad as in some countries (in Asia and the Middle East), medications like semaglutide can be heavily regulated or banned entirely if they are not licensed for weight loss there. "Even in places where they are legal, carrying injectable medications without a letter from a doctor and proof of prescription can raise issues at customs, which may lead to items being confiscated. "If you are prescribed a weight loss injection in the UK and are planning to travel, the safest approach is to check the embassy website of your destination country in advance to confirm the rules on your medication. You should also carry your prescription, a formal letter from your GP explaining the indication and dosing, and also keep the medication in its original packaging. Some countries require you to declare any injectable or controlled medications when you arrive. Prepare and bring any necessary documentation to avoid stress while travelling / abroad and talk to your GP or pharmacist before travelling." Travellers say they have come across a number of countries where the jabs - and other medication - can land you in trouble. Isheeta Borkarm co-owner of Travelicious Couple, said: "Weight-loss injections like Wegovy are legal and widely used in the UK, but they're not allowed everywhere else. We've come across a few countries where bringing them in could actually get you into serious trouble. "For example, Japan has extremely strict rules around medication import. Even certain asthma inhalers are banned, so bringing in injectable weight-loss medication, especially with a needle, without prior approval could lead to confiscation or worse. Singapore requires prior authorisation for any injectable medication. We've heard in Thailand even prescription drugs can be flagged at customs if the paperwork isn't clear." Five steps to take if travelling with weight loss jabs: 1. You should check embassy websites for the latest information 2. Carry your prescription and a letter from your doctor (ideally stating dosage and medical necessity). 3. Declare it at customs. 4. Avoid packing injectables in carry-ons. Use the original packaging and keep medication with their official labelling. 5. Some of these medications need refrigeration. Call hotels in advance to ensure they had a minibar fridge.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
GP says travel insurance could be invalidated by 'health-risk' trend
You could be left ill with no way to fund your treatment or return home Almost a quarter of people in the UK now have tattoos, and the trend has become so popular that you can even get a tattoo on a cruise holiday. Temporary tattoos, such as henna designs, have also surged in popularity, particularly among travellers seeking a souvenir without the lifelong commitment. Traditional henna art, practised across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, uses natural dye to create intricate patterns that fade over time. But GP Dr Asimah Hanif, working with medical travel insurance provider Staysure, warns holidaymakers of one thing they must be aware of when getting a tattoo abroad. Dr Asimah said: "A tattoo can be a great memento from a trip, but it's important that Brits are aware that any health complications, such as a bacterial infection, will likely not be covered by your travel insurance if it's caused by getting a tattoo." Part of the reason tattoos can lead to complications while travelling is the strain they place on the body. "Getting a tattoo temporarily weakens the immune system," Dr Asimah said. "The immune system is activated to try and fight off what it perceives as a foreign invader: the tattoo ink." Dr Asimah adds that a holiday setting also puts you at increased risk of an infection. "A tattoo is essentially an open wound whilst it's healing, and a foreign holiday offers plenty of opportunities for infection. "From a dip in a chlorinated pool to applying suncream, these factors increase the chance of bacteria entering the wound and a bacterial infection developing. "In some cases, there's also a chance you'll be eating less nutritious food than usual, which again can put the body at higher risk of an infection. "It's also worth noting that while natural henna is generally considered safe, so-called 'black henna' – often used at tourist markets – can sometimes contain harmful additives like para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause severe skin reactions and allergic responses," Dr Asimah said: "Always check what ingredients are being used if you opt for henna while abroad. "A bacterial infection is never good news, and they can range from a mild illness to something as dangerous as sepsis, which can cause the body's vital organs to shut down. "Most standard medical travel insurance packages won't cover an issue caused by a tattoo, and the same goes for piercings," Dr Asimah added: "So, it might be wiser to wait until you're home to get inked, where you can visit a trusted tattoo parlour and have access to medical care in the UK if an infection does occur. "Having a tattoo isn't to be taken lightly so it's best not to rush into it. The aftercare routine is key to helping it heal properly which takes time."
