Healthshots - nutrition

Gut health beyond probiotics: What your gut is telling your hormones?

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:30:59 +0530

Most conversations about gut health begin and end with probiotics. The research points to something broader. The gut is an ecosystem comprising five groups of organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa) and also functions as an endocrine organ. Bacteria make up around 97 to 99 percent of a healthy community, and the remaining groups …

Continue reading "Gut health beyond probiotics: What your gut is telling your hormones?"

Breakfast, dinner and your heart: How meal timing can affect metabolic and cardiovascular health?

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 09:00:27 +0530

For decades, we’ve been told breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That statement misses the real issue. For metabolic health, the important questions are how long the body has remained fasted and what food is used to break that fast. Many adults eat from shortly after waking until just before sleeping. How …

Continue reading "Breakfast, dinner and your heart: How meal timing can affect metabolic and cardiovascular health?"

Is your “healthy” breakfast actually making you hungrier by 11 am? The breakfast combinations a dietitian wants you to fix

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:00:12 +0530

Just because a breakfast looks healthy doesn’t mean it will keep you full until 11 am. The problem isn’t the food; it’s the nutrients. When breakfast has refined carbs, added sugars, and very little protein, fiber, and healthy fat, it may digest quickly but may not provide long-lasting satisfaction. “Milk provides protein, but commercial cereals …

Continue reading "Is your “healthy” breakfast actually making you hungrier by 11 am? The breakfast combinations a dietitian wants you to fix"

Can your plate help manage PMOS? What women should know about nutrition and hormonal health

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:18:38 +0530

When a woman is diagnosed with PMOS, one of the first things she often hears is, “You need to change your diet.” What that actually means can be far less clear. Search online, and you will find lists of foods to avoid, hormone-balancing drinks, strict carbohydrate-free plans, and a long list of supplements. It can …

Continue reading "Can your plate help manage PMOS? What women should know about nutrition and hormonal health"

Sickle cell disease: Diet and nutrition that support blood health and reduce crisis risk

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:16:10 +0530

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder in which a mutation in the HBB gene results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to become stiff, sickle, or crescent-shaped. This impairs oxygen transport. Abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells makes them less flexible, hindering their passage through small blood vessels …

Continue reading "Sickle cell disease: Diet and nutrition that support blood health and reduce crisis risk"

Protein, potassium and phosphorus: Nutrition during and after kidney cancer treatment

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:00:24 +0530

For many people diagnosed with kidney cancer, questions about food come up almost immediately. Should protein intake go up or down? Are bananas and tomatoes off the menu? Is phosphorus something to worry about? The answers are rarely straightforward. Nutrition during kidney cancer treatment is highly individual. It depends on how well the kidneys are …

Continue reading "Protein, potassium and phosphorus: Nutrition during and after kidney cancer treatment"

Protein matters at every age: 5 ways vegetarians can meet their protein needs

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:00:33 +0530

Protein needs differ from person to person. It depends on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and other health needs. So the question is not just “am I a vegetarian?” Am I getting enough protein in my meals? “A person may have dal for lunch. They start the day with just tea and toast. …

Continue reading "Protein matters at every age: 5 ways vegetarians can meet their protein needs"

PMOS cravings explained: Why they happen and how to manage them?

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:00:28 +0530

PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), which was previously called PCOS, causes strong cravings for sugar and quick carbs. These cravings occur due to insulin resistance, elevated androgen levels, and hormone imbalances. It’s not just about willpower. This metabolic issue leads to spikes and drops in blood sugar, making the brain seek fast energy. Cravings are …

Continue reading "PMOS cravings explained: Why they happen and how to manage them?"

How your child’s favourite snacks can lead to diabetes and heart disease?

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:08:13 +0530

A mother brought her twelve-year-old son to my clinic last year because she had noticed a dark, velvety patch on the back of his neck. She had been scrubbing it for weeks, convinced it was dirt. It was not dirt. It was acanthosis nigricans, a skin change that appears when insulin levels in the blood …

Continue reading "How your child’s favourite snacks can lead to diabetes and heart disease?"

Nourishing women: The vital role of nutrition in women's health at every age

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:52:37 +0530

In rural India, the problem is exacerbated by both poverty and a lack of awareness about nutrition. Poor nutrition among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) has significant consequences. It can lead to the next generation facing challenges, as these women are more likely to give birth to underweight children. This can trigger a vicious …

Continue reading "Nourishing women: The vital role of nutrition in women’s health at every age"

Is chocolate actually good for kids? 4 simple switches parents need to make

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:43:32 +0530

World Chocolate Day 2026: Chocolate carries a reputation it has never entirely earned. The parental dread runs along familiar lines, cavities, the sugar rush that flattens an appetite before dinner, the overtired child who then refuses to settle at night. Almost all of that comes down to sugar, and sugar is added to chocolate during …

Continue reading "Is chocolate actually good for kids? 4 simple switches parents need to make"

Are natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, and maple syrup better than refined sugar?

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:28 +0530

For generations, our grandmothers reached for honey, jaggery, or molasses instead of refined sugar. Their wisdom wasn’t just rooted in tradition; it was backed by nature. In today’s health-conscious world, science is finally catching up with what Grandma always knew: natural sweeteners are far better than their refined counterparts. Refined sugar may be sweet, but …

Continue reading "Are natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, and maple syrup better than refined sugar?"

7 magnesium glycinate supplements in India for sleep and muscle recovery

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:05:34 +0530

A healthy body and mind are essential for a good lifestyle. One way to build a strong, fit body is to increase your magnesium intake. Magnesium is an important mineral that helps with over 300 processes in the body. You can find it in foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens. Taking magnesium …

Continue reading "7 magnesium glycinate supplements in India for sleep and muscle recovery"

Is your daily food more processed than you think?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:00:51 +0530

Most people picture ultra-processed food as the obvious stuff: the fluorescent-orange cheese puffs, the drive-through burger, the shrink-wrapped pastry spinning under a gas station heat lamp. What they do not picture is their morning granola bar, their flavoured yoghurt, their multigrain wrap, or the protein shake they drink after the gym. Yet some of these …

Continue reading "Is your daily food more processed than you think?"

Perimenopause can change your body: Here's how your diet should change too

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0530

Menopause is as important a transition in a woman’s life as menstruation is. The years between regular periods and menopause are called perimenopause, and it doesn’t arrive dramatically. It slips in slowly. Sleep starts getting disturbed for no clear reason. Then, suddenly, there’s irritability, tiredness, or unexplained weight gain around the stomach. Some women feel …

Continue reading "Perimenopause can change your body: Here’s how your diet should change too"

Can people with diabetes eat mangoes? Know glycemic index and safe portion size

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:42 +0530

Summer and mangoes go hand in hand. From Alphonso to Dasheri, the king of fruits finds its way into almost every Indian household. But for people living with diabetes, mango season often comes with a dilemma—”Should I avoid mangoes completely?” The good news is that the answer is not necessarily yes. While mangoes are naturally …

Continue reading "Can people with diabetes eat mangoes? Know glycemic index and safe portion size"

Can drinking too much milk increase osteoporosis risk?

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:43:31 +0530

For decades, milk has been associated with strong bones because of its calcium, protein, and, in many regions, vitamin D content. As a result, dairy products have traditionally been recommended as part of a balanced diet to help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by reduced bone strength and …

Continue reading "Can drinking too much milk increase osteoporosis risk?"

PMOS diet might be worsening your symptoms: Nutritionist reveals 6 common mistakes

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:49:35 +0530

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, or PMOS, is a common hormonal disorder that affects a lot of women. Even though people are talking about PMOS on social media, there is also a lot of misinformation. Many women start following diets without really understanding what their body needs, and this can make their symptoms worse instead of …

Continue reading "PMOS diet might be worsening your symptoms: Nutritionist reveals 6 common mistakes"

Can childhood obesity lead to high blood pressure in kids? Here's why it's risky

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:59:22 +0530

Once a problem primarily affecting adults, high blood pressure is now a growing concern among children and teens. Childhood obesity is one of the major contributing factors to this increasing issue. Children’s overall health is being influenced greatly by unhealthy eating, low levels of physical activity, excessive use of screens, inadequate sleep and increasing stress. …

Continue reading "Can childhood obesity lead to high blood pressure in kids? Here’s why it’s risky"

7 nutrition tips every woman must know for a healthy life

Tue, 19 May 2026 09:45:22 +0530

Women, especially mothers, often forget about themselves while caring for their families. They keep their well-being at the bottom of their priority list. Between managing households, careers, and caregiving responsibilities, nutrition often becomes an afterthought. Since a woman’s health is the foundation of a family’s well-being, focusing on it is imperative. Prioritising the right nutrition …

Continue reading "7 nutrition tips every woman must know for a healthy life"

Snacking can harm your heart: 5 hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods

Thu, 14 May 2026 12:33:50 +0530

Foods like instant noodles, fizzy drinks, chips, and ready meals are cheap and easy to prepare. However, doctors warn that eating too many of these foods can harm your heart. Ultra-processed foods are manufactured in factories, often with additives, artificial flavours, and added sugar or salt to enhance their taste and shelf life. A new …

Continue reading "Snacking can harm your heart: 5 hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods"

Why do you have low vitamin D levels? Dietitian reveals 10 likely reasons

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:45 +0530

You step into the sun regularly, take your vitamin D supplements on time, and still your blood tests show low vitamin D. Frustrating, right? Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common, even in countries like India where there is plenty of sunlight. According to several studies, a large percentage of Indians may have insufficient vitamin D …

Continue reading "Why do you have low vitamin D levels? Dietitian reveals 10 likely reasons"

Watermelon vs muskmelon: Which melon boosts your heart health more?

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:30:01 +0530

As the Indian summer season starts, our bodies naturally seek relief. We often seek shade and drink more fluids, but the biggest change comes in what we eat. Eating seasonal foods helps regulate body temperature and is an important practice followed for generations. During hot summer months, two fruits are ideal for staying cool: watermelon …

Continue reading "Watermelon vs muskmelon: Which melon boosts your heart health more?"

How to get 50–100g of protein daily on a vegetarian diet without eating meat or eggs?

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:33:42 +0530

If you are a vegetarian, you have probably heard this question more than once, “But where do you get your protein from?” And honestly, many people still struggle with it. Between busy routines, limited food choices, and the belief that protein mainly comes from meat or eggs, hitting your daily requirement can feel confusing. But …

Continue reading "How to get 50–100g of protein daily on a vegetarian diet without eating meat or eggs?"

Nutritionist suggests 10 anti-inflammatory foods that may help prevent cancer

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:08:00 +0530

When we talk about cancer prevention, most conversations circle down to genetics, screenings, or family history. But there’s a quieter, everyday factor that often gets missed, and that is chronic inflammation. It’s not something you always feel or notice, yet it plays a powerful role in shaping long-term health. Inflammation, in its acute form, is …

Continue reading "Nutritionist suggests 10 anti-inflammatory foods that may help prevent cancer"