Latest news with #SakshiLalwani
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Experts want you to avoid having these nutritious foods for dinner; here's why
Consuming nutritious food is essential for good health. But there seems to be a catch: In an Instagram post, nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani emphasised that not just what you eat but when you eat matters too. She went on to list five nutritious foods one must skip at dinner to ensure smooth digestion through the night. For better digestion and sleep, early dinner, light, easily digestible meals are recommended at night, said Dr Bhavana P, chief dietitian, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad Spinach: It's hard-to-digest fibre and iron can cause bloating and discomfort if consumed at night, said Lalwani. 'Rich in oxalates, spinach may increase the risk of kidney stone formation if consumed excessively. Its high fibre content can slow digestion, potentially causing bloating or discomfort at night,' seconded Dr Bhavana. Fruits and fruit juices: While nutritious, their sugar content can lead to bloating and disturbed sleep. According to Dr Bhavana, fruits are high in natural sugars, which can spike blood sugar levels and disturb sleep patterns. She added that juices lack fibre, leading to quicker sugar absorption and a potential energy spike. Raw cucumber and beetroot: Cold foods like these can weaken your digestive fire (Agni) in the evening. 'High water content in these vegetables can lead to frequent urination, which can disturb sleep. Beetroot's natural sugars may also cause mild energy fluctuations,' said Dr Bhavana. A post shared by Sakshi Lalwani (@sakshilalwani_nutritionist) Sprouts: While high in fibre, eating them at night can lead to gas and stomach discomfort. Dr Bhavana noted that while healthy, raw sprouts can be more complex to digest for some people, causing gas or bloating, especially before bedtime. Curd: Its cooling effect may cause mucus build-up and slow digestion at night. Though beneficial during the day, Dr Bhavana said that curd's cooling properties might aggravate congestion or mucus production in susceptible individuals when consumed at night. 'However, low-fat curd is beneficial at night,' said Dr Bhavana. 'Remember, eating healthy is great, but timing is key,' said Lalwani. Dr Bhavana shared some generic rules to avoid digestive discomfort at night and feel rested Spicy foods: Spices can irritate the stomach lining and trigger acid reflux, causing discomfort and disrupting sleep. Caffeinated products: Coffee, tea, and chocolate contain caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system, delaying sleep onset. Sugary treats: Desserts and sugary snacks can spike blood sugar levels, leading to energy fluctuations that interfere with restful sleep. Fried or fatty foods: These are hard to digest, potentially causing bloating or indigestion, and can disrupt sleep quality. Citrus fruits: Highly acidic, citrus can cause heartburn when consumed close to bedtime, especially for individuals prone to acid reflux, said Dr Bhavana. Be mindful: Avoid eating large meals or drinking a lot of water. 'This can disturb good sleep,' said Dr Bhavana.
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Experts reveal the hidden cost of digital screens on kids: Are children at risk?
The rise in screen time among children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, is contributing to a significant increase in myopia (nearsightedness). Early and prolonged exposure to digital devices like smartphones and tablets has been linked to vision problems due to reduced outdoor activity and increased near-focus tasks. Experts warn that if current trends continue, nearly half the global population could be myopic by 2050. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Early Screen Use and Its Benefits Myopia and Its Broader Impact Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Recommended Screen Time Limits and Preventive Measures The widespread use of digital devices among children has seen a sharp increase, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While earlier generations primarily interacted with television, today's youth are surrounded by multiple screen-based technologies from infancy. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and video games are not only prevalent in homes but have also become part of educational tools and recreational researchers point out that screen-based activities like educational games and storybooks may support early development in areas such as motor coordination, language acquisition, and general cognitive engagement. However, these benefits are limited and must be weighed against the long-term health consequences of excessive screen adverse effects of increased screen time are well documented. These include early-onset hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, sleep disorders, acquired autism, and notably, the progression of myopia . Medical experts warn that every additional hour of daily screen use raises the risk of developing myopia by 21%. This trend is especially alarming given projections that nearly 50% of the global population may be affected by myopia by global increase in nearsightedness carries with it a heightened risk for more serious eye disorders. These include maculopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and degenerative conditions linked to high myopia. Children who use multiple screens—such as both televisions and smartphones—tend to face a greater risk of myopia and lifestyle factors, particularly those related to increased near-vision activities and reduced time spent outdoors, play a crucial role. More screen time typically results in less exposure to natural sunlight and more reliance on artificial lighting, both of which contribute significantly to visual experts strongly advise limiting screen time to one hour per day for children and recommend no screen exposure at all for children under two years of age. For those aged three to five, daily screen use should not exceed one Dr. Sakshi Lalwani of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital emphasizes, controlling environmental conditions and lifestyle habits early can significantly reduce the burden of progressive myopia and associated eye diseases in the institutions are encouraged to adopt stricter policies regarding digital device usage. Limiting screen time during school hours to 30 minutes and promoting alternative teaching methods could be effective strategies. Furthermore, mandatory exposure to natural light should be integrated into school also have a role in reducing risk. Setting up ergonomic workspaces, ensuring proper lighting at home, and maintaining appropriate viewing distances are key. Regular eye examinations—once or twice a year, depending on the child's vision needs—are also crucial.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Experts reveal the hidden cost of digital screens on kids: Are children at risk?
Early Screen Use and Its Benefits Myopia and Its Broader Impact Recommended Screen Time Limits and Preventive Measures The widespread use of digital devices among children has seen a sharp increase, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While earlier generations primarily interacted with television, today's youth are surrounded by multiple screen-based technologies from infancy. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and video games are not only prevalent in homes but have also become part of educational tools and recreational researchers point out that screen-based activities like educational games and storybooks may support early development in areas such as motor coordination, language acquisition, and general cognitive engagement. However, these benefits are limited and must be weighed against the long-term health consequences of excessive screen adverse effects of increased screen time are well documented. These include early-onset hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, sleep disorders, acquired autism, and notably, the progression of myopia. Medical experts warn that every additional hour of daily screen use raises the risk of developing myopia by 21%. This trend is especially alarming given projections that nearly 50% of the global population may be affected by myopia by global increase in nearsightedness carries with it a heightened risk for more serious eye disorders. These include maculopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and degenerative conditions linked to high myopia. Children who use multiple screens—such as both televisions and smartphones—tend to face a greater risk of myopia and lifestyle factors, particularly those related to increased near-vision activities and reduced time spent outdoors, play a crucial role. More screen time typically results in less exposure to natural sunlight and more reliance on artificial lighting, both of which contribute significantly to visual experts strongly advise limiting screen time to one hour per day for children and recommend no screen exposure at all for children under two years of age. For those aged three to five, daily screen use should not exceed one Dr. Sakshi Lalwani of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital emphasizes, controlling environmental conditions and lifestyle habits early can significantly reduce the burden of progressive myopia and associated eye diseases in the institutions are encouraged to adopt stricter policies regarding digital device usage. Limiting screen time during school hours to 30 minutes and promoting alternative teaching methods could be effective strategies. Furthermore, mandatory exposure to natural light should be integrated into school also have a role in reducing risk. Setting up ergonomic workspaces, ensuring proper lighting at home, and maintaining appropriate viewing distances are key. Regular eye examinations—once or twice a year, depending on the child's vision needs—are also crucial.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Screens are the new sugar: Is digital addiction fueling a myopia epidemic?
Screen time includes computers, televisions, video games, and other mobile digital devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Screen time exposure has become an important part of children and adolescents in day-to-day lives. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Screens are gaining popularity among children, this has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. In earlier days, television used to be the only screen available, but now trends have changed children are exposed to mobile phone screens from the first year of age. Through games, books, there are some benefits like improvement in motor skills, language overall cognitive engagement becomes better. However, there are numerous negative health benefits of excessive screen time, like early onset of hypertension, insulin resistance, obesity, acquired autism, sleep disorders, and also myopia progression. The increase in screen exposure at an early age and also the increase in screen time every day have led to an increase in myopia. According to a study, an average increment of one hour of screen time, there is an increased risk of myopia by 21 percent. According to future predictions by 2050 nearly half of the world will be myopic. With the increase in myopia even the global burden of myopia-associated disorders like degenerations, maculopathy, glaucoma, and retinal detachments will also increase. The odds of myopia progression are higher when children have access to combined television or smart screen use. Myopia is influenced by multiple risk factors, including a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, screen time being one of the latter, and potentially interacting with others, which can pose a significant negative impact on vision. An increase in screen time basically means doing more of near-vision work and spending more time indoors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This means there is less exposure to natural light and more dependency on artificial lighting, which is also one of the major contributing factors in the case of myopia progression. It has been seen that keeping a limit on screen time to one hour a day is generally safer for the eyes. There has to be no exposure to screens in the first two years of life. The screen time limit for children of 3-5 years of age should not be more than one hour The schools should come out with a policy of banning the use of mobile phones and also limit the screen time to 30 minutes a day, a more original way of teaching should be advocated. There should be compulsory natural light exposure for all children. The parents should take necessary measures in improving the lighting, sitting table ergonomics at home so that the working distance and posture, along with good lighting, is maintained for every child. have regular eye screening done with a paediatric ophthalmologist once a year or twice a year depending upon the pattern of refractive error change. Dr. Sakshi Lalwani, MBBS, MS, DNB (Ophthalmology), FLVP Paediatric, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital with CEDS, Bandra
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Want Healthy, Glowing Skin? Avoid These 5 Everyday Diet Mistakes
Have you been spotting saggy skin and those annoying fine lines more often than usual? Spent way too much money on anti-ageing creams and serums only to see zero difference? Same here. We all want glowing, youthful skin, and anything that gets in the way feels frustrating. What many of us forget is that skincare is not just about what you apply; it is also deeply linked to what you eat. Making small, smarter changes to your diet can seriously slow down ageing and help your skin look healthier and more radiant. Feeling confused about where to begin? Do not stress. We have got this sorted for you. Nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani is pointing out a few super common food-related mistakes that might be speeding up your skin ageing. Along with that, she is sharing some simple diet swaps that could help reduce wrinkles and support better skin. Also Read: Beyond Skincare: Enhance Your Radiance With These 7 Nutrient-Rich Foods Image Credit: iStock Diet Tips For Healthy, Glowing Skin: Here Are 5 Skin-Ageing Mistakes To Steer Clear Of: 1. Not eating enough collagen Collagen keeps your skin firm and strong. Sakshi Lalwani mentions that once you cross 25, your body starts making less of it, which leads to looser, wrinkled skin. That is why eating collagen-boosting foods is important if you want to keep your skin firm and bouncy. Add these collagen-friendly foods to your plate: Bone broth Chicken Fish Citrus fruits Foods rich in Vitamin C 2. Drinking water but skipping electrolytes Hydration is great for your skin, no doubt. But are you doing it right? According to the expert, your body also needs electrolytes. They help keep sodium and potassium levels in check, add moisture to your skin, and stop it from drying out. Plus, electrolytes manage fluid levels in skin cells and flush out excess toxins. Electrolyte-packed foods to include: Cucumber Watermelon Coconut water Leafy greens Also Read: Avoid These 5 Foods In Summer To Protect Your Skin From Breakouts 3. Ignoring Ellagic Acid-Rich Foods Ellagic acid is a plant-based antioxidant that supports the skin's melatonin levels. Melatonin plays a role in skin tone and evenness. Sakshi Lalwani shares that a lack of ellagic acid can throw off this balance, leading to a dull complexion. Eat more of these for your melanin game: Cherries Grapes Nuts 4. Missing out on antioxidants If your diet is low in antioxidants, your body could build up more toxins. That leads to inflammation and messes with how oxygen and blood circulate in your skin. The result? The expert says that your skin gets stressed, and those early wrinkles might show up faster. Your antioxidant-rich shopping list: Berries Leafy greens Almonds 5. Overloading on sugar We hear you, sweet cravings are hard to ignore. But too much sugar can affect collagen in your body. Sugar molecules latch onto collagen and make it stiff and less stretchy. According to Sakshi Lalwani, this can show up on your skin as early ageing signs and wrinkles. Also Read: Diet For Dry Skin: 15 Best Foods That Lock Moisture Naturally Try these skin-friendly sugar swaps: Fresh fruits Monk fruit Dates Honey Coconut sugar Now that you know what could be messing with your skin, it might be time to switch things up. Think of it as giving your skin the support it actually needs. Youthful, happy skin? Totally within reach. Advertisement Comments About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Tips For Glowing Skin Tips To Prevent Skin Ageing Tips For Glowing Skin At Home Show full article Comments
