Latest news with #PoojaMakhija
NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Shares How To Boost Your Reproductive Health With Vitamin E
Reproductive health is often seen through the lens of medical procedures and fertility clinics. Yet, there is growing awareness that nutritional choices, particularly certain key vitamins, may hold powerful potential in supporting natural fertility and overall reproductive wellbeing. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija has shed light on the often-overlooked benefits of vitamin E, describing it as a true "fertility ally." Highlighting its potent antioxidant properties, she explains how vitamin E helps protect sperm quality, supports ovulation, and may even aid in early pregnancy. Her caption reads, "Vitamin E = Fertility Ally." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) In the video, she says, "We all know that vitamin E is required for great hair and skin. But did you know that if fertility is what you're looking to improve, then vitamin E is the key?" The essential benefits of vitamin E, according to the nutritionist, are as follows - She shares, "In men, vitamin E protects the sperm from oxidative damage, therefore improving the count, motility, as well as the DNA quality," further noting in the caption, "A 1996 study (Suleiman et al.) found that men given Vitamin E + Selenium showed marked improvement in sperm motility & oxidative stress levels." Pooja Makhija says, "In women, it boosts ovulation and it helps thicken the uterine wall, therefore boosting the chances of implantation," as per a citation from Cicek et al., 2012. She also states, "In early pregnancy, it protects the embryo during the critical cell division stages." The nutritionist mentions that the natural sources of vitamin E, also the best fertility tools, are almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, spinach, wheat germ oil, and olive oil. Key takeaways according to the nutritionist: "Avoid mega-dosing (>400 IU/day) - it can interfere with clotting. Stick to food-first or consult a professional." Pooja mentions, "Now that you know, go nourish like a pro!" Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Binge Eating Tied To Emotional Pain, Not Hunger: Nutritionist
Binge eating goes far beyond the occasional indulgence. It is a recurring pattern of consuming large quantities of food in a short time, often driven by emotional triggers rather than genuine hunger. It is typically followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and a loss of control. Unlike festive feasting or casual overeating, binge episodes often happen in private and are linked to deeper emotional distress, stress, or restrictive dieting habits. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija highlights that the urge to binge or cheat on a diet is rarely about physical hunger, it's more often tied to emotional stress. Many people find themselves reaching for food even after a full meal, especially when grappling with overwhelming emotions or frustration from not seeing visible progress. According to Pooja, binge eating can stem from impulsivity during emotional highs or confusion during emotional lows. It's one of the many unhealthy coping mechanisms that surface when we don't feel in control. She says that healing from these patterns takes time, and real progress often begins with small, internal shifts, the kind that may not be flashy or Instagram-worthy, but are vital for long-term well-being. Taking to her Instagram, the nutritionist shares that emotional distress, rather than actual hunger, is the cause of the drive to binge eat. It is a way of expressing sadness over the absence of noticeable changes in one's physical appearance. 'The urge to binge eat isn't hunger. It is just heartbreak. You're grieving the results you can't see,' Pooja Makhija says in the video. She advises that the real transformation begins with the changes that one cannot see. Internal changes are important indicators of healing alongside fat loss. Pooja urges to seek out improvements that might not be instantly visible: Lesser energy crashes Better sleep quality Reduced bloating Decreased cravings Improved sugar levels Better insulin control More stable moods Hormone rebalancing 'That is progress. Just not the kind that Instagram celebrates,' Pooja Makhija says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) Pooja further mentions that healing takes place gradually and often goes undetected. Illustrating with analogies, Pooja says that we don't smash our phone just because it's slow to load, or we don't rip out a plant just because it hasn't bloomed yet. 'You're not weak, you're tired,' Pooja says in the caption. The brain craves a fast dopamine rush when we are exhausted, such as comfort food, or sugar, but this backfires. It intensifies the losing cycle. Progress often requires understanding and patience. It is important to trust the healing process and refrain from self-criticism. According to the nutritionist, giving up might occur just before big changes occur. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Here's Why It Is Important To Stay Hydrated During Monsoon: Nutritionist Shares Useful Tips
Feeling dehydrated during the monsoon season is more common than you might think. While the cool, damp weather may reduce your urge to drink water, your body still needs adequate hydration. In fact, signs of mild dehydration, such as fatigue, brain fog, sugar cravings, and constipation, are frequently observed during this time. Addressing this often-overlooked issue, nutritionist Pooja Makhija has shared a video on Instagram. She warns, "Water, water everywhere, and yet your body is running dry. The rain is tricking your brain, and your body is paying the price." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) The nutritionist writes in the caption, "'But I'm not even thirsty...' That's the monsoon tricking you," and goes on explaining what's really happening in the body. According to her - Humidity slows sweat evaporation → less obvious fluid loss. Cooler temperatures reduce thirst cues from the hypothalamus. Your brain relies on external cues-so when it's raining, it assumes you're hydrated. But what happens inside the body, as per the nutritionist? She pens - Your cells may still be running low on water. You're still peeing and losing electrolytes. And the signs of mild dehydration show up as fatigue, fogginess, cravings, and constipation. She mentions, "Hydration isn't about thirst, it's about function." Further, in the video, she explains the real reason behind the same: "Your brain is like a thermostat. In the summer, sweat signals thirst. But in the cool, damp monsoons, the external environment is tricking your internal signals. Just because we are seeing more water on the outside, we trick the brain to think it does not need water for the inside. But clearly, that doesn't work. What to do in such situations? She shares two simple tips - "One is to keep water where you can see it," Pooja mentions. She adds, "And two is perhaps we could keep a few sip cues. For example, let's say every time I open Instagram, I'll drink a few sips of water. For some, that might be too much. But for most, it could work. So my dear friends, let this reel be a reminder for you to go grab your glass of water and hydrate with intention this monsoon." In the caption of the same video, she also shares a bonus tip to stay hydrated. "Add lemon + a pinch of rock salt to your water. Hydrates better than plain water alone," she concludes. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
17-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Talks About Bloated And Disoriented Gut On High Altitude
High altitude conditions can have a detrimental effect on gut health by rupturing the intestinal barrier and changing the gut microbiota. This potentially results in gastrointestinal problems and aggravated altitude-related diseases. A limited but growing body of research suggests the intestinal barrier can be affected by sudden exposure to high altitudes. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija echoed a similar sentiment and stated that high altitude disrupts the entire enteric nervous system—the "second brain" in your gut. Speaking in an Instagram video, Pooja noted that trying to eat healthy while on vacation in the hills can cause unanticipated bloating. She added that increased altitude leads to lower air pressure, and gas expands in your body when pressure decreases. 'The increase in the altitude means a reduction in air pressure,' she said. According to Pooja Makhija, ascending causes hypoxia, a drop in oxygen levels that impairs digestion and increases gas and bloating. Hypoxia causes the vagus nerve, which regulates digestion, to react poorly, which results in slow motility, inadequate enzyme release, and delayed gastric emptying, she added. To alleviate discomfort, Pooja suggested sipping ajwain water after meals, taking a leisurely walk, and avoiding heavy or cold foods. Drinking ajwain (carom seed) water after meals helps with digestion. Bloating can be reduced by taking a leisurely 10-minute stroll after eating; known as the "fart walk" for good cause. Avoid cold foods, hefty meals, and foods like pahadi quick noodles if you want to reduce bloating. Pooja Makhija added that the sympathetic nervous system—your fight-or-flight response—is triggered by cold, which further slows digestion. Therefore, your nervous system is going into energy-conservation mode alongside to the pressure. According to the nutritionist, travel has an impact on your microbiota, which is simply amplified by altitude. Therefore, carefully prepare your gut the way you prepare your luggage. Pooja concluded by saying that bloating on a hilly vacation is partly caused by the physics of altitude and is not only related to dietary choices. Travel light, both physically and in terms of food, to avoid pain. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), research shows that high altitude can change the types and amounts of gut bacteria, impacting their capabilities and capacity to release beneficial chemicals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) More human research is required to completely comprehend the long-term impacts of high altitude on gut health and to find viable prevention approaches. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Addresses Health Benefits Of The Miracle Insulin Plant
The Insulin Plant (Costus ignis) has long been recognised in traditional medicine for its ability to help manage high blood sugar. When its leaves or extracts are consumed, the plant is believed to regulate blood sugar levels, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote quicker healing of wounds. It is also reputed to boost immunity and enhance overall vitality. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija recently highlighted the Insulin Plant's key benefits in an Instagram post, calling it "nature's free therapy." She said that its uses aren't limited to those with diabetes, it can also be helpful for people with insulin resistance, PCOS, or challenges with weight loss. The plant's main active component, Poroselic acid, works by increasing the body's ability to absorb glucose and boosting insulin production. It also supports the health of the pancreas's insulin-producing beta cells. For best results, Pooja Makhija suggests eating one or two raw leaves of the Insulin Plant on an empty stomach. While some research points to the plant's effectiveness, large-scale scientific studies are still needed. As with any natural remedy, it's wise to consult a healthcare provider before making it a regular part of your routine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) Cautions and recommendations for using Insulin Plant The nutritionist went on to describe the cautions and recommendations of consuming Insulin Plant. She said that it should be regarded as a supplementary alternative rather than a substitute for primary diabetic treatment. If using with anti-diabetic drugs, one should keep an eye on blood sugar levels to prevent hypoglycemia. Blood sugar control is also known to be aided by other herbs, such as tulsi and neem, Pooja Makhija said. The insulin plant is one example of a natural option for controlling blood sugar levels. Few but encouraging small-scale research points to Costus ignis's possible benefits. Pooja further added in the caption that for the insulin plant to produce consistent effects and health gains, it requires successful lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, hydration, and stress management. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija previously advised on how to effectively reduce blood sugar and maximise metabolism. "You've eliminated all sugar from your diet, but your blood glucose levels still indicate that you are pre-diabetic," she said in a video on Instagram. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
