Latest news with #LeemaMahajan
NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Which Water Should You Really Be Drinking Every Day? Plain, Electrolyte, Salt Or Detox?
Hydration is vital for cell function, energy, brain health, and digestion. Plain water is best for most, while electrolyte drinks suit intense exercise or illness. Salt water and detox waters have limited benefits. Individual needs vary; avoid excess salt and overhydration. If you look through ancient wellness traditions or even modern ones, water has always been regarded as life's simplest yet most powerful fuel. From a glass of warm lemon water in the morning to a post-workout electrolyte drink, or the plain old tap water your grandparents swore by, every type of water comes with its own set of claims. With so many hydration options, from salt-infused water to detox water, it is easy to become unsure about what our body actually needs. If you struggle with selecting the right type of water, this article will help you understand what works best for your body, according to experts. Why Hydration Matters for Your Body and Brain Hydration is crucial for your overall well-being. Here is why keeping yourself properly hydrated matters: 1. Supports Every Cell In Your Body Water transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, keeping them functioning efficiently. Without adequate hydration, your body's repair and growth processes slow down. 2. Maintains Stable Energy Levels Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue and sluggishness. Staying hydrated helps maintain consistent energy throughout the day. 3. Boosts Brain Function Your brain is 75 per cent water, and dehydration can affect your mood, memory and concentration. Drinking enough water supports clear thinking. 4. Regulates Body Temperature Water acts as your body's cooling system, especially through sweat. Proper hydration helps maintain a balanced body temperature during exercise, hot weather, or illness. 5. Supports Digestion Sufficient water intake aids digestion, smooth bowel movements, and absorption of vitamins and minerals from food. Salt Water: Should You Really Add Salt to Your Drinking Water? Nutritionist Leema Mahajan explains that the human body only requires around 5 grams of salt per day, equivalent to one teaspoon. If your daily routine includes: One hour of a gym session in air conditioning Sitting in an office or at home in air conditioning A regular home-cooked Indian diet then there is no need to add extra salt to your water. Why is that? The salt in water can: Cause water retention by holding onto fluid in your cells. Reduce urine output, placing extra stress on your kidneys. Gradually increase blood pressure due to sodium levels. Electrolyte Water: When It Helps and When It Can Harm According to Mahajan, electrolyte water is beneficial only if you lose excess salts through sweat, diarrhoea, vomiting, or sports. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium are essential for hydration, muscle function, and nerve signalling. While normal hydration suffices for most people, electrolyte drinks can replenish minerals lost during intense exercise or illness. Otherwise, regular consumption may negatively affect blood pressure and kidney health. Detox Water: Does It Really Detox Your Body? Detox waters, made by soaking fruits and vegetables in water, are useful if: You dislike plain water They help you drink more water overall However, adding lemon, mint or cucumber does not remove toxins from your body. It is more beneficial to eat the fruits and vegetables directly, as fibres, enzymes and nutrients remain in the food, not in the water. Plain Water: The Safest and Most Effective Way to Hydrate Health organisations such as the World Health Organisation, Indian Council of Medical Research, and the US Food and Drug Administration agree that plain water is the best and safest way to stay hydrated. No salt-infused or fancy drinks surpass plain water for maintaining hydration. Compare Water Types: Benefits, Best Use and Cautions Type of Water Benefits Best For Cautions Plain Water Hydration, brain function, and digestion Everyone None Electrolyte Water Replenishes minerals Intense exercise, illness Can affect blood pressure if unnecessary Salt Water May retain water Limited use Not for regular consumption Detox Water Improves water intake Dislike plain water Does not detox How Much Water Do You Actually Need Each Day? While the eight-glass rule provides a basic guideline, individual water needs vary. Nutritionist Anju Sood recommends that if you have a sedentary lifestyle, work in air-conditioned environments, and sweat minimally, two to two and a half litres of water daily should suffice. Consuming more than this may cause over-hydration. Individuals with high activity levels, such as athletes, may require additional water to replace losses through sweat. 5 Signs You Are Not Drinking Enough Water 1. Dark, Strong-Smelling Urine Pale yellow urine indicates proper hydration. Dark yellow or amber urine, often with a strong odour, signals dehydration. 2. Fatigue and Sluggishness Dehydration reduces blood volume, forcing your heart to work harder and leaving you unusually tired, even after adequate sleep. 3. Frequent Headaches Loss of water can cause the brain to shrink slightly, pulling from the skull and triggering pain receptors. Drinking water often relieves mild headaches. 4. Dry, Less Elastic Skin Water maintains skin elasticity. Flaky, tight skin that takes time to bounce back may indicate insufficient hydration. 5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness Low hydration can reduce blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness, particularly when standing up suddenly or after activity. Best Times to Drink Water Throughout the Day 1. Morning Drinking water after waking up activates internal organs and prepares your body for the day. 2. Post-Workout Hydration after exercise helps regulate heart rate and aids recovery. 3. Before Meals Drinking water around half an hour before meals can improve digestion and prevent overeating. 4. After Meals Wait for around half an hour post-meal before drinking water to support digestion and hydration. 5. When Feeling Unwell Adequate hydration supports recovery during illness. 6. When Feeling Tired Water intake can re-energise your system and provide a natural boost. Common Water Myths Debunked Lemon Water Detoxes Your Body - False. While it can make water tastier, detoxification occurs naturally through the liver and kidneys. You Must Drink Eight Glasses Daily - Not always. Water requirements vary by activity level, climate, and individual health. Electrolyte Water Is Better Than Plain Water Daily - Only necessary if minerals are lost through sweat or illness. Simple Tips to Drink More Water Daily Keep a reusable water bottle within reach at all times. Use phone reminders to maintain regular intake. Add natural flavours like fruits or herbs if plain water feels bland. Drink a glass of water whenever you feel tired or sluggish. Special Considerations for Health Conditions Kidney Disease - Limit electrolyte and salt water. High Blood Pressure - Avoid added salt. Pregnancy - Focus on plain water to stay hydrated safely. Key Takeaways for Smart Hydration Plain water is the best choice for daily hydration. Use electrolyte water only if losing minerals due to sweat or illness. Detox waters help increase intake but do not detox the body. Avoid unnecessary salt in water. Stay mindful of your unique hydration needs based on activity and health.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Is It Safe To Eat Cold Leftover Food Straight From The Fridge?
Most of us do it without thinking - pop leftovers into the fridge, assuming they will be good to eat the next day (or the day after). After all, the refrigerator is our ultimate food safety guard, right? But is storing your dal or leftover biryani at midnight and reheating it three days later really as safe as it feels? Can we keep storing food without checking how, when, or where it is kept? Turns out, not quite. Improper storage and reheating habits can do more harm than you think. So, if you are used to storing piles of food in the fridge, here is how to eat it safely and retain its nutrition. How To Store Leftovers In The Fridge Safely: Nutritionist Leema Mahajan shares quick safety tips to help make the most of refrigerated food. 1. Store Food Within 2 Hours Of Cooking Mahajan says home-cooked food should be refrigerated within two hours. Leaving it out for longer allows bacteria to multiply, which can spoil the food and make it unsafe to eat. 2. Do Not Refrigerate Hot Food Immediately Placing hot food straight into a cold fridge can backfire. Mahajan explains that the temperature difference may encourage spoilage. Instead, allow the food to cool slightly at room temperature before storing. 3. Use Airtight Food Containers Only Avoid open containers, as they may lead to cross-contamination. Mahajan recommends clean, airtight containers to prevent the food from drying out or going bad. 4. Stop Reheating The Same Food Repeatedly One of the biggest errors, according to Mahajan, is reheating food more than once. This not only reduces the nutritional content but also raises the risk of spoilage. 5. Label Leftovers Clearly With Dates We often forget when we put something in the fridge. Mahajan advises labelling leftovers with the date to avoid guesswork and ensure they are eaten before they go off. How Long Can You Keep Leftovers In The Fridge? This is where most people slip up. Even if food looks or smells fine, it may not be safe to eat beyond a point. Mahajan shares that most home-cooked leftovers should ideally be consumed within two to three days. Cooked rice, dals, vegetables, or meat should be eaten in that time frame to minimise bacterial growth. Milk- or cream-based dishes have an even shorter shelf life and should be finished within 24 to 48 hours. If in doubt, it is safer to discard than risk a stomach bug. Can You Eat Leftovers Cold From The Fridge? Technically, yes, but it depends on the food type. If the food was stored hygienically and has not been out of the fridge, certain items like salads or cold pasta can be eaten cold. However, Mahajan recommends reheating Indian-style dishes such as curries or rice before eating to kill any bacteria and make digestion easier. 'Cold food is harder on your gut, especially if it contains fat or starch,' she adds. 4 Foods You Should Not Store In The Fridge: While it might feel safer to refrigerate everything, Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangda says some common foods are better left out, as they can become harmful when stored in the fridge. 1. Garlic Garlic contains spores that may cause botulism if stored poorly. Jangda explains that when humidity crosses 60 per cent, common inside refrigerators, mould can grow. Refrigerated garlic may sprout and produce mycotoxins, which pose serious health risks. 2. Onion Onions are sensitive to cold and may develop mould in lower temperatures. Jangda notes that cut onions can also absorb bacteria from the fridge, making them unsafe. She advises using the full onion or discarding leftovers. 3. Ginger Like garlic, ginger is prone to mould in the fridge. According to Jangda, this green mould can produce ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin that may compromise immunity. 4. Rice Rice is one of the fastest foods to catch mould. Jangda warns that refrigerated rice may also lead to higher starch levels, affecting blood sugar and cholesterol. It should not be stored for more than 24 hours and must be reheated thoroughly before eating.
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
This Is What A Nutritionist Recommends If You Are Battling High Uric Acid
In a world where movement is optional and meals are often a side-thought between emails, it is no surprise our bodies are raising quiet red flags. Late dinners, too much screen time, endless snacking, and litres of fizzy drinks, we are unintentionally setting ourselves up for health hiccups. One of those is high uric acid. It is sneaky, it builds up slowly, and by the time you notice, the discomfort has moved in. The silver lining? Uric acid levels can be managed if you know what to eat and what to skip. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan weighs in. What Happens When Uric Acid Shoots Up? High uric acid levels are not just about random joint aches. Think kidney stones, sharp urate crystals in the joints, swelling, pain - you get the idea. It is not just uncomfortable; it is not reversible either. Which is why keeping uric acid in check is less of a lifestyle choice and more of a non-negotiable. What To Eat If You Have High Uric Acid According to nutritionist Leema Mahajan, your kitchen already has a few heroes that can help bring those uric acid levels down naturally. 1. Vitamin C-Rich Foods Vitamin C helps flush uric acid out of your system. Think oranges, amla, apples, lemons—anything that has that tangy punch. Amla juice in the morning or a citrusy fruit midday could genuinely make a difference. 2. Raw Papaya Slightly boiled raw papaya is not just easy to digest—it is packed with papain, an enzyme that fights inflammation. Mahajan suggests it is particularly good during flare-ups because it is gentle on the joints. 3. Cinnamon When uric acid rises, your metabolism takes a hit, too. A pinch of cinnamon in warm water or sprinkled over your oats can calm things down internally. It is a small addition with solid benefits. 4. Black Coffee And Green Tea These drinks come with antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and catechins, which could help control an enzyme linked to uric acid production. Just do not overdo it—one to two cups a day is enough, ideally mid-morning or post-lunch. What To Avoid If You Have High Uric Acid 1. Alcohol And Sugary Sodas Beer, whisky, sugary fizzy drinks, all packed with purines and sugar. Both are bad news for uric acid levels. Mahajan recommends switching to coconut water, herbal tea or fruit-infused water instead. Your kidneys will thank you. 2. Packaged Snacks Processed foods often sneak in high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener known to spike uric acid. Chips, energy drinks, sugary cereals, even those so-called 'healthy' granola bars - worth a second look at the label. 3. Red Meats And Shellfish These are naturally high in purines. Eat them regularly, and your uric acid levels will follow suit. If you are looking for safer bets, opt for lean meats like chicken or plant-based proteins such as tofu or lentils. The One Mistake People Make With A Uric Acid Diet Cutting out all proteins. Mahajan is clear: protein is not the villain. Dal, peas, mushrooms - all fair but in moderation. They are not as purine-heavy as previously assumed and bring fibre, minerals, and plant protein to your plate. According to her, eating on time and making thoughtful swaps can help your body manage uric acid levels better, without drastic diet rules.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
6 Classic Indian Breakfast Upgrades That Actually Burn Fat
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan suggests healthier versions of six popular Indian breakfasts to aid weight loss. Upgrades include adding protein, fibre, and probiotics for better energy, digestion, and fat loss without extreme dieting. Many of us begin our day with well-intentioned food choices-comforting, homemade Indian breakfasts that feel nourishing. But what if those familiar meals are not really supporting your weight loss journey? Nutritionist Leema Mahajan, in a recent Instagram post, shares how some beloved breakfast dishes can be reimagined for better energy, digestion, and fat loss. The goal? No crash diets, no extreme restrictions- just smart, satisfying upgrades that work with your lifestyle... and help you lose weight fast. Let's decode six common Indian breakfasts and how to give them a healthy makeover. Here Are 6 Popular Indian Breakfasts And Ways To Make Them Work For Weight Loss 1. Idli with Coconut Chutney: Upgrade: Idli with Vegetable Sambhar While idlis are low in calories, pairing them with only chutney may leave you hungry soon after. Enter sambhar - a protein-rich, fibre-packed lentil stew loaded with vegetables. It keeps you full longer, balances blood sugar, and curbs mid-morning cravings. 2. Overnight Oats with Fruits: Upgrade: Chia Seed Pudding with Seasonal Fruits Overnight oats often include added milk, sweeteners, or nut butters, which sneak in extra calories. Chia seeds, on the other hand, offer omega-3 fats, a lower glycaemic load, and promote better satiety. Paired with seasonal fruits, it's a refreshing, weight-friendly start. Here's a chia seed pudding recipe you can try. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leema Mahajan | Nutritionist & Weight loss specialist (@leemamahajan) 3. Aloo Masala Dosa: Upgrade: Moong Dal Dosa with Paneer Filling Aloo masala is heavy on starch and low on protein. Swap it for a dosa made from moong dal-light, protein-rich, and gut-friendly. Stuff it with paneer for added protein, which supports lean muscle growth and keeps you energised for hours. 4. Suji Upma: Upgrade: Millet Upma (Jowar or Bajra) Suji (semolina) is processed and can spike insulin levels. Millets, on the other hand, are gluten-free, rich in minerals, and offer complex carbs that digest slowly. The result? Longer-lasting fullness and improved metabolic health. Also Read: 5 Morning Rituals To Kick-Start Weight Loss Journey And Cut Belly Fat 5. Ragi or Oats Chilla: Upgrade: Besan + Moong Dal Chilla While ragi and oats are healthy, besan and moong dal bring in high-quality, bioavailable protein that's easy on the gut. These chillas stabilise blood sugar and offer sustained energy-great if you're balancing work and workouts. 6. Plain Paratha with Chai & Achar: Upgrade: Missi Roti with Curd Paratha with chai and pickle is delicious but low on protein and probiotics. Missi roti (a blend of besan and whole wheat) with curd delivers the perfect trio of complex carbs, good bacteria, and quality protein- ideal for digestion and hormone balance. Check out these tips to make perfect missi roti. These changes aren't about eating less, they're about eating smarter. By upgrading your breakfast thoughtfully, you support your body's natural fat-burning mechanisms, reduce bloating, and enjoy better energy throughout the day. No crash diets. No deprivation. Just better choices that feel and taste good.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Which Roti Is Best For You? Learn How To Tailor Grains To Your Health Needs
In an age of superfoods and supplements, many of us overlook the simplest dietary tweak: rotating our grains based on what our bodies truly need. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan recently shared a thoughtful post on Instagram that has inspired many to revisit their flour jar with new respect. Her message is clear - our ancestors had it right. Choosing the right grain can be a subtle but powerful act of self-care. Let's explore how different traditional Indian grains - long valued in Ayurveda - can support your health. How to choose flour for roti as per your health condition: Barley (Jau) Best for: Blood sugar management & heart health With its low glycaemic load and rich beta-glucan content, barley is excellent for stabilising blood sugar and lowering cholesterol. If you're diabetic or managing high cholesterol, a barley roti a few times a week can make a noticeable difference. Samak (Barnyard Millet) Best for: Summer detox & sensitive digestion Light, cooling, and easy to digest, samak is perfect for those muggy summer months when heavy grains feel overwhelming. If you experience bloating, nausea, or loss of appetite in the heat - or are dealing with low iron - samak is a gentle companion. Bajra (Pearl Millet) Best for: Winter warmth & iron deficiency Thick, earthy, and deeply satisfying, bajra roti is a winter staple in many Indian homes. Rich in iron and deeply warming, it's ideal for those with anaemia or a sluggish metabolism during colder months. here are some tips to make perfect bajra roti. Amaranth (Rajgira) Best for: Thyroid support & gluten sensitivity Naturally gluten-free and a powerhouse of selenium and protein, amaranth is ideal for those managing thyroid conditions or hormone imbalances. Its nutty flavour also adds variety to your roti routine. Ragi (Finger Millet) Ragi roti is a nutritious addition to your diet. Best for: Bone health & growing children Packed with natural calcium and vitamin D, ragi is a must for children, post-menopausal women, and older adults. A soft ragi roti with ghee and jaggery? Both delicious and functional. Jowar (Sorghum) Best for: Digestive issues & constipation Rich in insoluble fibre, jowar helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. If you often feel constipated or sluggish after meals, jowar rotis can bring welcome relief. Here's how to make soft jowar roti. Khapli (Emmer Wheat) Best for: Wheat sensitivity & gut health Khapli is an ancient, low-gluten wheat variety that's far gentler than modern wheat. If regular atta leaves you bloated or heavy, switch to khapli - it could transform your relationship with rotis. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leema Mahajan | Nutritionist & Weight loss specialist (@leemamahajan) Swapping your roti grain isn't a diet trend, it's a return to eating with intention. Listen to your body, observe the seasons, and trust that your kitchen can be your pharmacy. Sometimes, the simplest meals are the most healing.
