Follow These Tips To Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels During Lockdown

Diabetes requires constant management. It is extremely important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels to prevent complications of diabetes. A healthy lifestyle is an effective way to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. When at home, diabetics should follow a few precautions to avoid any major fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In such a situation, living a sedentary lifestyle can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Read here to know some tips for diabetes management amidst the ongoing lock down.
Diabetes management: Tips to maintain healthy blood sugar levels during lock down
1. Consume a balanced diet

Diet plays a major role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. You should also focus on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. A healthy and balanced diet will ensure the intake of all necessary nutrients and also promote a healthy weight. Add more fibre to your diet keeping glycemic index into consideration.

2. Exercise regularly

Exercise can also help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. You can try exercising at home. But do not indulge in heavy exercises. Also, make sure that you do not exercise on an empty stomach or after consuming a meal.


3. Check your blood sugar levels constantly

To avoid any major complication check your blood sugar levels regularly. This will help you take all the necessary precautions at the right time. Also, keep in touch with your doctor for right guidance.

4. Keep all your medications

Due to the lockdown, it can be difficult to get every medicine instantly. Keep all your medicines in stock. Many also need insulin. Keep insulin ready to avoid any kind of emergencies.

5. Do not panic

Many are also dealing with mental health issues during lockdown. It is extremely important to maintain good mental health. Try different activities which can lift your mood. Also, try yoga or meditation to boost overall health.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Are you consuming pure honey? Do these 3 tests to confirm the quality

How to check the purity of honey
Honey is no less than an elixir for your body. From the antioxidant-rich and immunity-boosting benefits, healing properties and its ability to fight a cold, cough or throat infection in a jiffy, honey is something all of us should be consuming on a daily basis. It can also work as an excellent hack to cut back on calories if you are on a weight-loss mission without having to reduce your sweet intake! However, to get the most from this, it is crucial that the quality of this superfood is pure. A lot of benefits can go away during the production stage if it goes through adulteration and tampering. 

Beware, even if the label reads 'organic' or 'natural', chances run high that the honey might not be as safe as it should be! People can tamper its quality by adding simple solvents like sugar, corn starch, glucose solution or food colouring. Hence, it isn't always as simple as it sounds!

Don't miss out on the health benefits!
To ensure that the honey you are adding to your plate is absolutely pure, natural and free of added toxins, always make it a point to read the label on the back and check on the ingredient list. However, the risk of adulteration runs high and here are four simple, effective and totally foolproof ways you can check for the purity of your bottle of honey, right at home.

Vinegar to the rescue
Vinegar and honey mixed together can be an easy hack to spot fake honey from pure honey. To perform this test, try mixing a few drops of honey into a solution of vinegar-water. If the mixture starts to foam, it might be a sign that the quality of your honey has been contaminated and you are not having the real, pure one.

Perform the heat test
Pure honey, when exposed to any kind of heat or flame should remain unburned. To perform this test, try dipping a matchstick/cotton bud in honey and then light it. If it burns, that means the quality of your honey is pure. Adulterated honey might not show consistent results or burn properly, due to the fact that moisture or fermentation which might affect its quality and taste.

Water test
Another really simple and effective way to test if the quality of your honey is pure or not is to do the water test. The properties of "pure honey" would ensure that it does not completely dissolve in water, once mixed and would instead, require some efforts to dissolve. If your honey is laced with sugar or glucose, it would leave a white trace at times.

Thumb test
A lot of benefits can go away during the production stage if it goes through adulteration and tampering. Beware, even if the label reads 'organic' or 'natural', chances run high that the honey might not be as safe as it should be!


this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement        

8 Methods Companies Use To Hide Sugar In Foods

It’s no secret that eating too much added sugar can harm your health in a variety of ways, with excess sugar consumption being linked to a variety of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But even if you use little to no added sugar in your cooking, you might be consuming way more of it than the recommended daily amount. How is that possible? One major reason why that might be happening is that companies add a lot of sugar to their products, but they try to conceal it in a variety of ways to be able to pass them off as healthy foods.

And while the maximum daily amount of added sugar for men should be no more than 37.5 grams (9 teaspoons) and for women it should not exceed 25 grams (6 teaspoons), 1 protein bar can contain as much as 30 grams (7.5 teaspoons) of added sugars, which is over the daily recommended allowance for women. Let’s investigate how it is possible for companies to sell you junk food under the premise of healthy food, and how you can use food labels to make smart purchasing decisions that would promote and not harm your health.

1. They Use a Different Word For Sugar

When you want to find out how much sugar a product contains, let’s say, a box of cereal, you usually look at the back of a cereal box and scan the ingredients list for key words like sugar, sucrose, glucose, and fructose. If you don’t find those, or find them in the middle or at the end of the ingredients list, which means that there isn’t a lot of it in the product, you make the conclusion that it’s a healthy choice, right?

Well, not entirely, as many companies nowadays use many “alternative” names for sugar in an attempt to deceive a consumer that is used to scan the ingredients list before purchasing a certain product. Here is a list of such alternative names that you should watch out for when it comes to powdered added sugar.

Added sugar is also often used in syrup form rather than powdered form, in which case they commonly appear as the following ingredients on nutrition labels.

2. Adding Sugar to Things That Aren’t Sweet

You would expect to see added sugar appearing as an ingredient on a box of cookies, but not so much on a can of tomato sauce, salad dressings and soups. The truth is that humans simply love sweet food because our brains run on sugar and it’s addictive, and for companies, it’s a cheap way of making a product tastier for consumers.

Unfortunately, all of the foods we mentioned above can actually contain a lot of sugar, which add up and can be the culprit behind excess sugar consumption. For example, 100 grams of some ketchups can contain as much as 38 grams of sugar, which is higher than the daily allowance for men. That’s why it is always important to always check the sugar content of a product, be it sweet or savory.

3. Adding Health-Related Claims on Product Packaging

You’re better off completely ignoring claims like natural, zero, healthy, low-fat, diet, and light that often appear on the packaging of products. Instead, look directly at the label and analyze the ingredient list. These products are often lower in fat, calories, and sugar, but they’re often way too abundant in sugars.

4. Using So-Called “Healthy” Sugars

Certain products use labels like refined sugar-free or contains no refined sugar. What these labels mean, however, is that a product doesn't contain white sugar. While it may be true that these so-called “healthy” sugars have a slightly lower glycemic index (GI), they still have little to no additional nutrients compared to whole foods and, at the end of the day, they are still added sugars. A list of popular sugars marketed as healthier can be found in the picture below.

The bottom line is that like white sugar, fructose or corn syrup, these sugars should not exceed the overall amount of 37.5 g for men and 25 g for women. So, it doesn’t matter if you consume 25 g of white sugar, or 10 g of coconut sugar, 10 g of agave syrup and 5 g of honey as a woman, both equal your daily recommended amount. That doesn’t mean that you cannot choose these alternatives, but remember that they are just as damaging to your health as any other sugar.

5. Using a Few Types of Sugar

As we mentioned previously, ingredients appear in any ingredients list according to their amounts in a product, so the first ingredient is usually the most abundant one, whereas there will be very little of the last ingredient on the list. Companies learnt to take advantage of this regulation and often uses several types of sugar in smaller amounts, which makes them appear lower on the ingredients list.

This can trick a consumer into believing that there is very little sugar in the product. So, if you see a few different types of sugar in the middle or at the end of the list, know that the added amount of all these sugars may be way higher than you expect. For example, if you look at the picture below, you will see that this cereal uses a variety of sweeteners, such as sugar, honey, and brown sugar syrup that appear in different places on the list. 

6. Not Distinguishing Between Naturally-Occurring and Added Sugars

There is a difference between eating an orange and drinking a glass of soda, even if both of these products contain a lot of sugar. While products containing added sugars, like a glass of soda, do not contain anything apart from whatever is listed on the packaging, whole foods are packed full with fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and essential nutrients that not only mitigate the damage caused by the sugar they contain, but improve your health. Ingredient labels don’t distinguish between the added and naturally-occurring sugars, but you should keep in mind that choosing whole, unprocessed foods is always better.

7. Changing the Nutritional Facts With Time

If you know that a specific brand makes a great low-sugar product, don’t assume it applies to comparable products by the same brand. It is often the case that a similar product, but with a different flavor or simply one that is sold in a different country will not have the same nutritional content the original did.

It is also often the case that brands change the content of their products when they update the packaging, so always be critical of any changes or variations in the product you know is good, as it may actually turn out to be not so low in sugar.

8. Check the Serving Size

The last, but definitely crucial line in the nutrition facts portion of a product is the serving size. Food companies often manipulate the serving size of a product, making it too small to be realistic, but this makes the product look like it’s not that high in sugar. So, for example 1 small can of soda that even a child can gulp down in a matter of seconds often contains multiple servings, which means that by drinking the whole thing you’re actually consuming double or triple the amount of sugar mentioned on the packaging. Be careful and make smart food purchases.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

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Home Remedies To Tackle Colic And Soothe Your Baby

A baby who cries for hours on end practically every evening can wear any parent down. But if you’re struggling with a colicky baby, know that you’re not alone. Up to 40% of babies are estimated to have colic, a condition that is characterized by high-pitched, intense crying with no identifiable causes and during which the baby is inconsolable. Technically, colic is defined as crying for over 3 hours daily for over 3 days a week for a period of 3 weeks, but your doctor may provide a diagnosis of this condition before then. Fortunately, colic is not associated with any health problem and it resolves on its own eventually.

Although the exact cause of colic is not clear, various theories have been put forward. One theory suggests that the baby is unable to cope with environmental factors like sound or light and is reacting adversely to it. Other potential causes include abdominal gas, indigestion, a sensitivity to sugars or proteins found in milk, or immaturity of the nervous system. While there’s no sure-fire way of tackling colic, the measures and remedies we’ve listed here can definitely help. But do keep in mind that different babies may respond to different techniques, so you might have to figure out what works for your little one through trial and error.

1. Minimize Stimulation And Swaddle The Baby

Sometimes, overstimulation can worsen or even trigger a crying episode. So if your baby starts getting fussy around a particular time, try creating a calm environment during those periods. Avoid loud sounds and bright lights, limit visitors, and don’t touch your baby unnecessarily.

Swaddling your baby may also help. When you wrap the cloth or blanket around your baby, take care that it’s not tight around the legs or hips as this could lead to hip problems. Also, make sure that your baby’s not too warm. Babies below 2 months may do especially well if they’re swaddled in a calm, dark room.

2. Try Rocking Your Baby

Some babies respond well to movement. So gently rock your baby, walk around carrying them, or put them in a vibrating seat or swing. Some babies may prefer a car ride, or you could put them in a stroller and go for a walk.

3. Soothe With Sound

White noise is another go-to remedy that may calm your baby. While white noise machines are available, the drone of a clothes dryer, fan, or vacuum cleaner can also help. To combine movement with sound, make a “shushing” or “whooshing” sound while you carry or rock your baby. You can even get your vacuuming done with the baby in a baby carrier! White noise is thought to be soothing as it is reminiscent of the constant sound your baby heard in your womb.

4. Give The Baby A Massage Every Day

A massage a day might just do the trick! One study found that over a 4-week period, massages had a significant impact on both colicky crying as well as total crying in babies – total crying reduced by 48% while colicky crying decreased by 64%. In the study, the babies were given two daily full body massages for 20–30 minutes and one belly rub for about 15 minutes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you give this a shot:

• Give the baby a whole body massage once or twice a day when they are calm and happy. Gently stroke the head, limbs, and the rest of the body using olive oil. You could also try sesame or coconut oil after doing a patch test to ensure your baby is not allergic to it.
• Follow your baby’s lead when it comes to deciding how long the massage should last. While some babies might only tolerate one for 2–5 minutes, others might like a longer massage. Also, don’t massage the baby when they are hungry or full.
• Make sure the room is warm and comfortable.
• A belly rub can also be useful, especially when the child is colicky. For this, lay your baby on their back on a bed, towel, or your lap and move your palms gently in rhythmic circles in the clockwise direction on the abdomen. Make sure you apply only light pressure.

5. Try Using A Pacifier

Babies below the age of 3 months are not sufficiently neurologically mature to soothe themselves. Sucking can help relieve stress and calm babies. So try offering your baby a pacifier. But do keep in mind that you shouldn’t let your baby use a pacifier till breastfeeding is established. Since the sucking motions used on a pacifier and during breastfeeding are different, it can confuse your baby and make it difficult for them to latch on.

6. Make Sure Your Baby Gets Sufficient Hindmilk

If you are breastfeeding, make sure your baby finishes one breast before offering the next. The initial milk or “foremilk” that comes out is low in calories and fat. If you switch breasts before emptying the first breast and your baby doesn’t get sufficient amounts of the richer hindmilk, they may take in a large volume of low-fat feed which rapidly empties into the large intestine from the stomach. Your baby might also not have sufficient lactase enzyme to break down the lactose from this milk, which can mean gas and colic.

7. Give Probiotics a Shot

Probiotics or beneficial bacteria may help ease colic. One study found that giving colicky babies probiotic bacteria known as Lactobacillus reuteri improved symptoms and reduced crying considerably. Probiotics can change the composition of microorganisms present in the gut and improve digestive health. Probiotic supplements for infants as well as infant formula containing probiotics are available but you should check with your doctor before using them.

8. Try Herbal Remedies Like Chamomile, Fennel, And Lemon Balm

One study looked at the impact of giving a combination of fennel, chamomile, and lemon balm to colicky babies twice daily for a week. This remedy was effective at reducing crying time in 85% of the babies studied. It’s worth noting that the three herbs included here are well known for their ability to soothe intestinal discomfort. While the study used a standard extract, you could prepare a weak tea with these ingredients and give a couple of teaspoons up to three times a day. These herbs can also be taken individually as a diluted tea to ease colic. However, do remember to check with your doctor before giving your baby any herbal remedy.

Gripe water is another age-old remedy for colic in babies. However, research on whether it is effective is not conclusive, with some studies even finding it doesn’t work and may even cause problems like vomiting or constipation. While originally made with sugar, water, sodium bicarbonate and alcohol, the alcohol is no longer added in most commercial preparations. It may contain various beneficial herbs like cinnamon, cardamom, dill, chamomile, clove, licorice, fennel, lemon balm, and ginger. If you do choose to use gripe water, check with your doctor beforehand and opt for products that are free of alcohol and sugar.

9. Take Measures To Prevent And Relieve Gas

Since intestinal gas can be a cause of colic, healthy habits that prevent this issue may help with colic. Here are a few tips:

• Lying on the back can trap gas. Giving your baby a little “tummy time” or holding them upright may help relieve discomfort. However, do keep in mind that your baby should always sleep on their back to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
• Babies below 12 months can find it difficult to digest cow’s milk while those below 4 months can have trouble with cereals. So make sure you don’t feed your baby these foods before they are ready for them age-wise.
• Juice can also lead to gas. Wait till the baby is at least 12 months before you introduce them to this food.
• Make sure you burp the baby during a feeding session as well as after feeding

10. Check And Adjust The Mother’s Diet

Breastfeeding mothers sometimes notice that certain foods in their diet appear to cause colic. Some foods may pass on through breastmilk and lead to digestive issues or gas in babies. Though more research is required in this direction, some foods linked to colic include:

• Onions, garlic, broccoli, beans, and turnips.
• Rhubarb, melons, prunes, apricots, and peaches
• Caffeine
• Cow’s milk

If you find that your baby gets colicky after breastfeeding, keep a record of what you eat to check if any particular food could be contributing to the problem. Identifying and avoiding these foods can help.
Taking care of a colicky baby can be difficult and frustrating. So don’t hesitate to reach out to family or friends if you need help. If you feel overwhelmed and immediate help is not available, place your baby in the crib and take a break to collect yourself before trying to soothe your baby again.

When my daughter was 2-4 months, practically every evening, she'ld cry due to colic pain. My grandmother taught us home remedy- to apply castor oil around the belly button, then warm a chewing pan leaf after applying some castor oil after lamp, which we normally lit in front of Gods, Then once the leaf was warm, it would be placed near the belly button for few minutes, 2 leaves were alternately warmed and applied till the child would pass gas !

I'm sure there must be more such remedies that are followed around the Earth. My blessings and loads of love to all the babies, wishing them long healthy life with loads of happiness. When you see the baby's smile, all problems just disappear.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
                                                                                                                                                                      FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           
                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com