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Avoid exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and consumption of processed food
healthysoch
New Delhi, May 22, 2019 :
A recent study has found that people exposed to chemicals have an increased risk of acquiring metabolic disorders. They found that certain chemicals can lead to impaired liver function and thereby an increased likelihood of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about the incidence and prevention of metabolic disorders.
Common additives used to manufacture plastics can be found in everyday items including milk, bottled water, instant coffee, perfume, makeup, shampoo, toys and food packaging. Exposure to certain chemicals called endocrine disruptors can also cause infertility and other issues.
Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “Our internal and external environment can affect our metabolism. Our bodies are composed of five elements, and all of them are responsible for different functions. For example, air and space affect movement; fire and water affect metabolism; and water and earth affect all secretions and structures. The three negative emotions that are responsible for diseases include ‘ignorance, hatred and desire.’ Physical sickness is caused by hatred, which further leads to disharmony of the bile. Diseases that stem from the middle and upper part of the body are caused by the mental emotion called hatred. In Ayurveda, this is called as ‘Pitta’ disorder and the person experiences metabolic and digestive issues. They can also be caused by eating unhealthy food or exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.”
A less commonly known source of an endocrine disruptor called bisphenol A (BPA), is paper money. Present in trace quantities, BPA is a chemical found in some plastics and other consumer products. BPA may be associated with behavioral and reproductive issues.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “The incidence of metabolic syndrome was low in the Vedic era. People kept a weekly fast with no carbohydrate intake. They followed a vegetarian diet which was preventive in nature. The only example of probable metabolic syndrome in mythology was of Lord Ganesha with increased abdominal circumference with preference for eating sweets or laddoos.”
Ganesha pooja is incomplete without the use of durva grass, consumption of bel, katha (cathechu) and jamun. In Ayurveda, these are known to possess anti-metabolic syndrome properties (insulin sensitizers).
Some tips from HCFI
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your height.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limit sodium intake to under 2,300 milligrams a day (one teaspoon of salt) and get plenty of potassium (at least 4,700 mg per day) from fruits and vegetables.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Reduce stress.
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