Dr. Alisha

Simple sugar is also known as monosaccharide, is the basic unit of carbohydrates. The simplest forms of sugar are usually colourless and crystalline and exist in forms of glucose, fructose and galactose. Simple sugar is deemed to be a major concern according to all health nutritionists.

Here are five reasons why you should avoid them:

Sugar is the biggest cause of obesity sugar present in all kinds of junk food is considered to be the biggest cause of obesity as fructose easily converts into fat inside your body. Consuming too much sugar can put too much pressure on your liver as it is responsible for converting fructose into fat. Large amounts of sugar are directly converted into fat, thus, putting you at a very high risk of becoming obese. Increases risks of contracting heart diseases consuming too much sugar throughout the day causes a hike in your insulin levels which can further affect your nervous system. An excess of sugar in your blood stream also causes your blood pressure to rise which makes you more likely to get a heart stroke. Thus, to avoid cardiac problems at a young age, you must cut down your sugar intake. Weakens immune system: sugar is a major reason for inflammation which affects the central immune system adversely. With an excess intake of sugar, the body becomes less effective in dealing with infection and common cold because phagocytes (white blood cells) cannot do their job properly of engulfing dangerous bacteria. Thus, you should aim at boosting your immune system by cutting down on sugar completely. Sugar can make you age faster: the sugar content in your body creates molecules known as ages (advanced glycation end products) which attack the fibres in elastin and collagen (the building blocks of the cells on your skin). A study also proved that consuming too much sugar can result in acne as the collagen in your skin weakens. Thus, to maintain youthful looking skin for longer, you should remove sugar from your diet completely. Sugar can be addictive: most people who consume too much sugar get addicted to it. According to a study, the addiction to sugar is very similar to addiction to tobacco and drugs. You might start craving sugar and depending on it to change your mood more often than required. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult me.

Dr. Kapil Dev Gupta
Homoeopathic Physician 
Ramashram Homoeo Care
Chandigarh

Stress is very common now a day's and it is affecting all age groups - Be it school going children, young adults or working professionals.  No one is immune to stress in the present fast and competitive world.

So, what is stress? Stress is the body's response to any kind of physical or emotional demand or threat. Body releases certain stress hormones under these pressure conditions. On long term basis , stress can lead to many chronic conditions affecting the heart and can cause mental disorders like depression, sleep disorders or affect the social well being also.

Women and Stress:

Women deal with stress differently than men. Women  are generally soft, caring and gentle. They have to manage their personal and professional life and generally get less support at both fronts.They generally spend their life taking care of others and give least attention to their own needs( emotional and physical). As women progress through different life stages her emotional balance also changes affecting her emotionally making her vulnerable to stress and depression.

Ways to handle Stress:

• Relax - don't take each and every situation seriously , take a deep breath, not all emergencies are a do or die situation.

• Learn  yoga, meditation or other relaxing techniques. Go for a massage , listen to music or talk to a good friend.

• Make time for yourself - love yourself and take care or yourself and then you can love and care for others as well. Take out time to do things which you like.

• Sleeping is a great way to help both your body and mind. Try to get atleast 8 hours of sleep.

• Get a hobby and immerse yourself in doing something creative and constructive.

• Do regular exercise- it is the best way to bust stress in a healthy way.

• Make new friends or travel to new places. Explore the unknown and spend time with people.

• Focus on one thing at a time.

How to manage stress:

Don't let stress make you sick . Often people are not aware of the stress levels and how they are affecting them. One should pay attention to themselves  and focus on their emotional and physical needs. Take a break, go on holiday, eat what you like, go out with friends and relax. Live life, love yourself, listen to your body.

Side effects of Stress on Women:

• Menstrual problems: Stress can cause delay in periods or sometimes short cycles.

• Infertility : Stress can affect the hormonal levels leading to an ovulation and infertility.

• Hair loss : Many women complain if losing hair and biting their nails in stress.

• Eating disorders : Either women end up binging on healthy food items or completely refuse to eat anything. In stress the best is to out ant divert your attention to something constructive.

• Skin ailments: Stress can lead to pimples, break outs and even itching and rashes.

• Sleep disorders: Trouble  in falling asleep is common in women under stress.

• Heart disease: High blood pressure., stroke and heart attack are common ailments caused due to stress. This is because women take stress to heart and are more susceptible to go through heart disease due to stressful situations.

• Depression : Women can go into a shell and suffer from acute depression. If you are getting self loathing or helpless thoughts, reach out to your loved ones and talk. If talking and reaching out also doesn't resolve the situation, consult a specialist. Medical expertise can ensure that stress doesn't affect your health.

• Weight gain : Women stop going out, start eating unhealthily and restrict their interaction with people in depression and stress. The result is that they start to gain weight. It is best that you keep a check on the scales and opt for a strict diet.

• Decreased libido: Stress affects the sex life the most. A decrease in libido can affect relationships and create distances. Talk to your partner and of needed opt for medical advice.