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Get Experts at Happy Tummy to answer your queries regarding Nutrition and other food-related topics.

In our continued efforts to stand for your happy tummy, top experts at Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains will answer any question that's on your mind around digestion, health and everything in between.

Digestive issues

Arundhathi

3 weeks ago

Healthy weight gain and no bulking skinny fit with healthy body mass

Fibre Intake Nutrition Digestive issues Food Lifestyle Physical activity Intolerances
0

Happy Tummy Expert

3 weeks ago

Dear Arundhati, thank you for the Question.To achieve and sustain ideal body weight, it is very impo

Dear Arundhati, thank you for the Question.

To achieve and sustain ideal body weight, it is very important to practice dietary modification. You can begin with small gradual changes towards portion guidance, and including high protein food.

Adolescence or teen age is acritical period of our lives in which our body undergoes rapid changes, growth and development. It is very essential to consume a healthy balanced diet with adequate amount of protein and other nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D etc., which will help support growth, development, pubertal changes and strong bones.

An adolescent girl should take enough calcium rich foods in her diet to support the increase of bone density and maintain healthy strong bones. Some of the calcium sources include milk, cheese, paneer, Ragi, curd, yogurt.

Reference weight and height for a 18year-old female is 48.1-59.5kg and 155.3-166.9cm respectively

The causes of underweight or unintended weight loss can be due to genetics, inadequate food intake, stress, hormonal imbalance, malabsorption or other underlying health condition.

In any weight management programme, it is very essential to consume a healthy diversified balanced diet with few dietary modifications and regular physical activity. For weight gain it is essential to focus on your daily balanced diet with high calorie, high protein, and regular meals. With any weight gain diet, changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.

A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g per kg body weight. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

Here are a few general Dietary guidelines to be considered for weight gain

• Adolescence represents a period of active life, hence no meal of the day should be missed to sustain energy and growth spurts

• Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the 5 food groups (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk & milk products) in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.

• Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.

• Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense foods include Whole wheat, Multigrain, millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.

• Do not skip meals. Eat small frequent meals.

• Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.

• Include good amount of fiber in your daily balanced, some of the god sources of fiber include whole grain, multigrain, millets, fruits and vegetables, nuts etc.

• Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically

• Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain hydration

• Indulging in physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.

• Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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Naval Soni

3 weeks ago

I always have bad smell inspite of brushing twice daily.I think its stomach problem what should i do

Digestive issues
0

Happy Tummy Expert

3 weeks ago

Dear Naval Soni, Thank you for the question Halitosis commonly known as “bad breath, can occur

Dear Naval Soni, Thank you for the question

Halitosis commonly known as “bad breath, can occur due to poor dental hygiene, dehydration, frequent consumption of foods such as garlic, onions, condiments, pickles, radish, spices, betel nut and alcohol and/or an underlying health condition.

Here are few Tips to maintain Oral Hygiene and mange Halitosis

  • Eat a healthy balanced diet
  • Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking minimum of 8 glasses of water per day.
  • Avoid foods with strong odour and flavours such as garlic, onion, radish etc.
  • Clean your teeth with toothbrush and toothpaste,  at least twice every day, most preferably  in the morning and at bedtime.
  • Use of mouthwash may help mask the odour and to feel fresh
  •  Visit your dentist once in six months.

 

It is necessary to improve your overall digestive system which involves a healthy lifestyle management including a good balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity and hygiene & stress management is key to maintain a good digestive health. It is also important to ensure adequate fiber intake which is essential for a healthy gut and overall digestive health.

Gut microbiota includes a diverse community of bacteria in human gut, they carry out various functions that influences our overall health. The functions include, nutrient metabolism, natural defense against infections and regulation of immune system.

For managing a healthy gut it is important to consume a diversified balanced diet at regular intervals, maintain hydration and include dietary fibre in your daily diet. It is also important to engage in regular physical activity and include prebiotic and probiotics in your daily diet Prebiotics are food components that confer benefits to the host by selectively stimulating the growth of beneficial gut microbiota whereas Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that incur positive effects on human health. They are present in the human gut and are also taken through food products such as yogurt, fermented foods, dietary supplements etc.

Prebiotics naturally exist in different foods including, asparagus, garlic, chicory, onion, honey, banana, barley, tomato, rye, soybean, human’s and cow’s milk, peas, beans, etc.

The common sources of probiotics are yogurt, cultured buttermilk and cheese. The other foods that are produced by bacterial fermentation are, tempeh, sauerkraut, sour dough, bread etc.  Look for food products labelled ‘Probiotic’, ‘Probiotic food’, ‘Contains Probiotics’, ‘with Probiotics’ etc.

Daily RDA for fiber as per NIN, ICMR is: 30g per day for male

Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health.

  • Do not skip your meals, have small frequent meals at regular intervals.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet including minimum 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.
  • Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
  • Try to include whole grains like wheat, millets and multigrain in your diet as they are a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
  • Limit the intake of dairy and fiber in case of loose stools/diarrhea
  • Avoid large, heavy meals, and practice portion guidance.
  • Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
  • Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.
  • Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
  • Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day
  • Have a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your last meal
  • Engage in physical activity for a minimum of 30-45 minutes for at least 5 days a week.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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You need to be above 18 years to add a question or a comment.

Umesh

3 weeks ago

I have constipation.
Want to reduce weight

Digestive issues
1

Happy Tummy Expert

2 weeks ago

Dear Umesh, Thank you for the questionConstipation can be due to inadequate fiber and water intake,

Dear Umesh, Thank you for the question

Constipation can be due to inadequate fiber and water intake, it may also be a symptom of gastrointestinal digestive issues such as indigestion, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which requires medical attention.

Some other causes that can lead to constipation include neglecting urge to defecate, irregular meals, excess stress etc.  For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of fiber for male is 30g per day

Here are a few tips to help manage constipation

  • Include adequate amount of fiber to your daily balanced diet. Some of the good sources of fiber include Whole grains, multigrain, millets, Psyllium, fruits such as apples, banana, citrus fruits, vegetables like green beans, peas, potato, cauliflower, nuts and soybean etc.
  • An intake of at least 2 litres of water per day.
  • A glass of hot water, preferably taken with lemon juice taken early in the morning, stimulates gastro colic reflex and helps ease constipation.

Ideally a sustainable and healthy weight loss regimen, should target on overall weight loss and fat reduction and requires a holistic approach that involves lifestyle modification which includes Dietary modification, Physical activity and stress management.

With any weight loss plan changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.

An ideal weight loss meal plan should include calorie deficit diet with appropriate exercise regime followed under professional guidance.

However here are few objectives to be considered when planning to start with a weight loss program.

Count Your Daily Calories

  • It is recommended to consume 500kcal less than your average, daily, current dietary intake of calories to target on 2-3kg weight loss per month (ideally 0.5kg per week).
  • This target is a healthy& sustainable way of reducing and then maintaining the weight loss.
  • The first step hence is “counting your daily calorie intakes”. Counting your daily calorie intake is proven to be effective when on a weight loss diet. You can use applications/apps freely available, that will help you count your calories to keep a track on your daily calorie intake and physical activity levels.
  • These apps will also help you to track your hydration & sleep patterns which also impact your weight.
  • Ideal body weight for an individual can be calculated using the Broca Index (BI) which is: Ideal Standard Weight (kg) = Ht (cm) – 100
  • WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.

It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 – Obese

General Dietary Guidelines for weight loss and general digestive health that can be considered:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet including minimum 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.
  • Do not skip your meals. Have small quantity of meals at regular intervals.
  • Choose healthy snacking options in between your meals.
  • Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
  • Avoid large, heavy meals, and practice portion guidance.
  • Fiber in your meals can potentiate the satiating property, suppress excess hunger and control food intake. All fruits and vegetables, whole grains, multigrain, nuts & seeds etc., are a good source of fiber.
  • Try switching from saturated fats and trans fats to MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) as they are essential fatty acids and are good for your health.
  • Include protein in your diet. Some of the sources include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc. 
  • Consume fresh, seasonal fruits as they contain many essential nutrients and are good sources of fiber.
  • Carbonated and alcoholic beverages to be limited or preferably avoided.
  • Deep Fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
  • Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
  • Minimum of 8 glasses of water should be consumed to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before Bed time.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

Some Physical Activity Tips:

Engage in at least 30-45 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking for at least five days a week. Kindly get guidance from your gynaecologist for appropriate physical activity regimen that can be followed.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

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You need to be above 18 years to add a question or a comment.

Durgesh Singh

3 weeks ago

From last one month I was facing problem to pass out stool in morning rather than i m eating well through out the day..??

Digestive issues
0

Happy Tummy Expert

3 weeks ago

Dear Durgesh, Thank you for the question.As per some experts, it can be considered healthy to have a

Dear Durgesh, Thank you for the question.

As per some experts, it can be considered healthy to have a bowel movement ranging from 3 times a day to 3 times a week.

Difficulty in passing stools or hard stools is constipation which can occur due to inadequate fiber and water intake, some other causes that can lead to constipation include neglecting urge to defecate, irregular meals, excess stress etc.  and/or due to an underlying health condition which requires medical attention. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Certain food intolerances can cause bloating, flatulence and stomach pain after consuming specific foods. In lactose intolerance it is seen after consuming milk and milk products like cheese, paneer etc. And in gluten intolerance it is seen after consuming, wheat, rye, barley etc.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of fiber for Male is 30g per day.

Here are a few tips to help manage constipation

  • Include adequate amount of fiber to your daily balanced diet. Some of the good sources of fiber include Whole grains, multigrain, millets, Psyllium, fruits such as apples, banana, citrus fruits, vegetables like green beans, peas, potato, cauliflower, nuts and soybean etc.
  • An intake of at least 2 litres of water per day.
  • A glass of hot water, preferably taken with lemon juice taken early in the morning, stimulates gastro colic reflex and helps ease constipation.

Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health.

  • Do not skip your meals, have small frequent meals at regular intervals.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet including minimum 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.
  • Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
  • Try to include whole grains like wheat, millets and multigrain in your diet as they are a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
  • Limit the intake of dairy and fiber in case of loose stools/diarrhea
  • Avoid large, heavy meals, and practice portion guidance.
  • Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
  • Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.
  • Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
  • Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day
  • Have a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your last meal
  • Engage in physical activity for a minimum of 30-45 minutes for at least 5 days a week.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

 

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You need to be above 18 years to add a question or a comment.

Aakriti Singh

3 weeks ago

I'm 5'3 in height and 40 kg currently
Wanna gain 20 kg in 3 months by having veg meal plan nd workout, plz suggest me a pure veg diet plan

Fibre Intake Nutrition Digestive issues Food Lifestyle Physical activity Intolerances Others
0

Happy Tummy Expert

3 weeks ago

Dear Aakriti Singh, Thank you for the questionWeight gain is a journey which requires appropriate nu

Dear Aakriti Singh, Thank you for the question

Weight gain is a journey which requires appropriate nutritional management along with stress management, ideal sleeping hours and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, prevent loss of lean body mass, Muscle mass and avoid malnutrition.        

WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.

It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 – Obese

As per WHO BMI (Body Mass Index) classification, a person weighing less than 18.5 kg/m2 is considered underweight

According to your mentioned Height & weight your BMI is 15.62kg/m2 which is categorised as underweight as per WHO classification.

Ideal body weight for an individual can be calculated using the Broca Index (BI) which is: Ideal Standard Weight (kg) = Ht (cm) – 100

According to your mentioned Height & weight your Ideal body weight is 60 kg

Please note it is recommended that the target body weight must be maintained within the normal BMI & ideal body weight range.

 

An ideal weight management program such as weight gain involves lifestyle management including dietary modification, regular physical activity, hydration and good sleep cycle. With any weight gain diet, changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.



 

A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. High protein foods give a feeling of satiety, delay gastric emptying and help in maintain lean body or muscle mass. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g per kg body weight.

Here are some vegetarian sources of protein 

  • Milk & milk products like paneer.
  • Legumes: lentils, beans (chickpeas, kidney, mung, pinto etc.), peas (green, split, etc.), soybeans (and products made from soy: tofu, tempeh, etc.), peanuts.
  • Nuts and Seeds: almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, hemp seeds, squash and pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds.
  • Whole Grains:  wheat, quinoa, rice, wild rice, millet, oats, buckwheat,
  • Other: while many vegetables and fruits contain some level of protein, it’s generally in smaller amounts than the other plant-based foods. Some examples with higher protein quantities include corn, broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and artichokes.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for weight gain

  • Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning. Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs.
  • Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.
  • Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense   foods include Whole wheat, multigrain millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.
  • Do not skip meals. Eat small frequent meals.
  • Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.
  • Include good amount of fiber in your daily balanced, some of the god sources of fiber include whole grain, multigrain, millets, fruits and vegetables, nuts etc.
  • Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically
  • Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain hydration
  • Indulging in physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

     

 

Regular physical activity or exercise is necessary and beneficial for overall health as it helps in improving muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, maintain ideal body weight, prevent, and manage lifestyle disorders as well as improve digestive health. Walking, cycling, jogging, skipping are some of the physical activities that can be considered. However, for specific exercise regimen to cater to specific fitness needs please contact a fitness expert.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

 

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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You need to be above 18 years to add a question or a comment.
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