Latest news with #PoojaMakhija
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Suggests Easy Immunity-Boosting Foods To Strengthen The Gut
The monsoon season, with its damp, swampy and humid weather, often brings relief from the scorching heat but also poses several health challenges – especially for our digestive system. During this time, the gut lining tends to weaken, leading to reduced nutrient absorption and compromised digestion. These issues can affect overall health, particularly immunity. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija, in a video shared on Instagram, highlights the importance of taking precautions to maintain gut health during the monsoons. She recommends incorporating immunity-boosting foods into your diet and emphasises, 'If your gut is not happy, neither can your immunity be. Sip as many lattes or turmeric lattes as you might.' She further explains, 'Remember, 70% of your immune cells are in your gut. But if your gut microbiome isn't healthy and strong enough, all the vitamin supplements, zinc, which boosts your immunity, and vitamin D, which boosts your immunity, cannot be absorbed by the gut. Remember, the gut microbiome is a diverse colony. But when you take too many antibiotics or too much stress, the microbiome gets pilfered or what is called as the leaky gut.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) The nutritionist shares ways to strengthen your microbiome. She says, 'One, let's ditch the raw, stick to warm foods. Two, sip on an ajwain, jeera and soft water.' Ingredients to make the jeera water and the benefits of each one of them: Jeera (Cumin seeds) Key action: Stimulates digestive enzymes Increases bile production → improves fat digestion and nutrient absorption. Rich in antioxidants like apigenin, which support gut healing. Ajwain (Carom seeds) Key action: Reduces gas, bloating, and microbial overgrowth Contains thymol, a natural antimicrobial and antispasmodic. Enhances secretion of gastric juices, preventing sluggish digestion post meals. Saunf (Fennel seeds) Key action: Soothes the gut lining and relieves cramping Contains anethole, which has anti-spasmodic and mild estrogenic activity (bonus for women during hormonal shifts). Calms inflammation and supports smooth digestion, especially after heavy or spicy meals. Recipe Boil 1 tsp jeera + ½ tsp ajwain + 1 tsp saunf in 2 cups of water for 5–10 mins. Then, strain and sip the warm mixture after lunch/dinner. In the same video, the nutritionist further talks about other key ways to strengthen your microbiome- 'Have a teaspoon of fermented rice kanji or a homemade pickle made at home to give the microbiome diversity,' she states. Lastly, she suggests having a week of gut reset with teas like licorice/liquorice and or triphala. She shares, 'Now, licorice or mulethi primarily soothes the gut lining just like aloe vera does. But this does it from the inside. It increases the mucus barrier, which is the first line of defence for your gut and also reduces inflammation.' And for the second one, she shares, 'Triphala helps to detoxify. So, therefore, there are no blockages, and there is no bloating. When we do have clear bowel movements, this promotes the healthy bacteria to flourish and the bad guys to stay suppressed and therefore boosts your immunity.' 'So this monsoon, my dear friends, don't just eat better, absorb better,' the nutritionist concludes.
NDTV
16-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Are Antacids Safe For Long-Term Use? Nutritionist Answers
If you suffer from sudden indigestion, stomach ulcers or heartburn, no doubt, the uncomfortable sensation makes you immediately reach out for quick-fix pills. But, have you considered the long-term effects of these relatively safe medicines? Nutritionist Pooja Makhija claimed that antacids like Netsim, NexPro, Omez or Sompraz can do far more damage than they can do any good. In a video shared on Instagram, she says, "Meta-analysis in the 2022 study published in BMC Medicine showed that long-term PPIs can cause increased dysbiosis because nutrient absorption is also affected." She added, "Not only does it reduce the acid in the stomach, but also the absorption of nutrients, B12, magnesium, and therefore, gut dysbiosis, osteoporosis, fractures, kidney damage, neurological symptoms such as dementia, as well as Alzheimer's, and even an increase in all all-cause mortality." Pooja mentioned that while a one-off use of antacids occasionally is not contraindicated, using it daily as a lifestyle can cause harm to your health. "Please understand that suppression is not the answer for reflux. In most likelihood, you don't have a surplus acid problem, but actually a low acid problem, and that requires a root cause to be addressed, which is your food, your habits, your stress, and many more," she concluded. Watch the full video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) In her previous Instagram post, nutritionist Pooja Makhija talked about hormonal changes and how they affect women during menopause. She started the video by saying that headaches are common during menopause. They can get worse if you have had them before, or they might even begin during the perimenopause phase. She pointed out that 'correcting how you eat' and 'how you hydrate' can help overcome these problems of menopause. 'You are not alone! We are not alone. Together we will turn all these symptoms into our strength,' reads the caption of her post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) Head to Pooja Makhija's Instagram profile for more medical advice and health tips. 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
14-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Rice, Wheat Or Millet: Which Carbohydrate Option Is Better for Your Meals?
We all know that Indian meals are incomplete without carbohydrates. Whether it is rice, roti, or a comforting bowl of khichdi, carbs are the backbone of most plates. However, in the name of weight loss and clean eating, many people have started removing them from their diets completely. The truth is that carbohydrates are not as harmful as they are often made out to be. In fact, the body requires them for energy, digestion, and even fat metabolism. Instead of cutting carbs out entirely, it is far more effective to understand how and when to include them in your meals. Rice, wheat, and millets are staple carbohydrate sources that frequently appear on our plates. But each of them has a different impact depending on when they are consumed during the day. So, which carb works best with your routine? Here is what the experts suggest. Also Read: Carbs Are Not Bad: 5 Grains To Enjoy In Your Everyday Rotis Why Are Carbohydrates Important? Just like any other essential nutrient, carbohydrates help the body perform daily activities. Many people avoid them out of fear of weight gain, but doing so can often backfire. According to celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, 'Carbs are needed to give you energy throughout the day. They are also important for the metabolism of fats. If you want to fight fat, you need carbs to burn them. Complex carbs from foods like whole grains, brown rice and lentils should make up at least 60 per cent of your daily meals. If you're not eating enough carbs, you will not be able to sustain the weight loss and eat more to make up for the lack of calories.' So, instead of skipping carbs, focus on incorporating the right types in the right amounts. Rice, Wheat or Millets: When Should You Consume These Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates dominate most Indian meals, with rice, wheat, and millets being the most common options. However, their impact on the body varies based on the time they are eaten. Nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar explains that three factors play a key role in this: Circadian Rhythm: Commonly referred to as the body's internal clock, it follows a natural 24-hour cycle that regulates bodily functions like sleep, hormone secretion, and digestion. Glycaemic Index (GI): This refers to how quickly a particular food can raise blood sugar levels. Fibre Content: Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that the body does not digest, and it plays a major role in maintaining gut health and regulating blood sugar. Rice, Wheat or Millets: Which One Is Better for Your Meals? According to the expert, timing your carb intake correctly can improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and boost overall health. 1. Rice for Breakfast Rice is high on the glycaemic index and relatively low in fibre, which means it can raise blood sugar levels quickly. This might sound like a drawback, but when eaten in the morning, it works in your favour. Since your body is more active during the day, it uses the glucose effectively for energy. Popular Indian breakfast dishes made from rice and its by-products include idli, dosa, and poha—all light yet energy-boosting options. 2. Wheat for Lunch Wheat has a moderate glycaemic index and is high in fibre, making it easier to digest and less likely to cause a sudden spike in blood sugar. It also keeps you feeling fuller for longer without making you sluggish. Ideal lunch options include wheat flour rotis, dalia, and occasionally maida-based preparations, depending on dietary needs. 3. Millets for Dinner Millets have the lowest glycaemic index among the three and are rich in fibre. They are ideal for dinner, as the body does not require high amounts of energy or glucose at night. They support digestion, help regulate blood sugar overnight and are easy on the gut. Suitable dinner-time millets include kodo, ragi, barnyard, jowar, bajra, and foxtail millet. Also Read: Weight Loss: 5 Side-Effects Of Extreme Low Carb Diets You Should Know About Each type of carbohydrate - rice, wheat, and millets - has a role to play in a balanced diet. When consumed at the right time of day, they can actually support your health goals, from maintaining blood sugar levels to aiding in weight management. Instead of eliminating carbs, understanding when to eat them could be the key to building healthier and more satisfying Indian meals. Advertisement Comments About Nikita Nikhil Meet Nikita, a passionate soul with an insatiable love for two things in life: Bollywood and food! When she's not indulging in binge-watching sessions, Nikita can be found behind the lens capturing moments or expressing her creativity through painting. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Rice Wheat Millets Carbs Show full article Comments
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘That next-day blah after drinking?': Celebrity nutritionist highlights alcohol's devastating impact on sleep
Alcohol's detrimental impact on our health is a well-established fact – backed by science and medical experts for decades now. In a recent Instagram upload, celebrated nutritionist Pooja Makhija shared how an alcohol-induced hangover messes up our sleep cycle 'That next-day blah after drinking? It's not just the alcohol — it's your brain paying for fake sleep. Alcohol sedates you, suppresses REM, and messes with your circadian rhythm — leaving you tired, moody, and craving more the next night,' she mentioned in the caption of her Instagram post. And when it comes to chronic use? Makhija shared that it raises cortisol, disrupts emotional regulation, and trains your body to depend on an external off-switch. reached out to a health expert to understand the long-term effects of alcohol abuse on sleep patterns. Deepti Khatuja, head clinical nutritionist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon explained that alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on one's sleep. Quoting studies that have revealed numerous neurotransmitter systems and other substances to be involved in the regulation of sleep and various sleep stages, she said, 'Both acute and chronic consumption alter the activity of many of these neurotransmitters such as – serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, Glutamate and noradrenaline- as well as affect other sleep factors. These alterations may contribute to sleep disturbances observed both in alcoholics and in people undergoing alcohol withdrawal.' She added that studies have suggested that some sleep problems observed among alcoholics may persist despite sustained abstinence and the three possible explanations can be: Although many people believe alcohol facilitates sleep, Dr Arpan Chaudhuri, consultant (internal medicine) and intensivist at Manipal Hospitals in Kolkata's Salt Lake told that alcohol use is actually shown to impair sleep quality and the amount of dream sleep a person gets. This can affect memory and concentration. Alcohol use can also make sleep apnoea worse. 'When alcohol is consumed just before bedtime, its percentage remains high in blood and that leads to instant sleep. But as the liver starts to metabolise the alcohol, it eventually disrupts sleep, especially the REM stage, and one tends to wake up soon after falling asleep owing to alcohol consumption just before bedtime. This is what is called as a fake sleep,' he further explained. 'Shorter sleep duration and more sleep interruptions may be the results of this imbalance, which lowers total sleep quality. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) also contributes to daytime sleepiness and exhaustion. People frequently use caffeine-containing products such as coffee and cigarettes to help them remain awake during the day, fueling an unhealthy cycle,' he added. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Reveals The Key Reasons For Experiencing Dry Mouth
Are you encountering the challenges of dry mouth? During the summer season, it is not an uncommon phenomenon experienced by many, and we tend to believe that not drinking the optimal amount of water throughout the day is the primary reason behind the same. Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal, in a video on Instagram, discusses the various other causes behind the same. She also mentions what can be done in this situation. In a video captioned 'Dry mouth is a red flag your body is whispering', the nutritionist questions, 'Waking up with your tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth? Well, it's not normal and just water is not going to fix it.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) She further mentions in the caption, 'Dry mouth = deeper dysfunction.' The nutritionist clarifies that dry mouth is not always a simple case of not drinking enough water. Instead, she elaborates on the other following problems in the body which majorly exhibit the symptom of dehydration- Hormone shifts (like in menopause). High stress. Certain medicines. Poor gut health. In the video, she then explains, 'Dry mouth or xerostomia means that your nervous system is fried, your hormones are shifting and or the salivary glands are undernourished.' According to the nutritionist, how saliva gets support from other nutrients to further ease the body's functions. She says: Zinc for enzyme function. B vitamins to activate the glands. Omega 3 and other adaptogens to reduce the inflammation in the nervous system. Probiotics because the saliva is where the gut-brain access story begins. Pooja says, 'Remember all those of you who are taking antidepressants or antihistamines regularly or blood pressure medication that reduces your saliva production.' So what is the solution? In the same video, she shared, 'Remember to support your salivary glands, you have to hydrate smart but nourish deeper,' reassuring that the key remains in the stack of vitamins from various healthy foods that enhance the glands of the body.
