Detox has been a buzzword for a while now with a variety of products nowadays promising to rid our body of toxins that get accumulated. Drinking water daily is one habit that all health experts unanimously say is crucial to our body's well-being, whether they believe in detoxification or not. Water is said to fasten our metabolism and maintain the health of the skin and other organs. A lot of health experts even say that adding certain hydrating elements to our daily drinks of water may enhance its properties. This is why infused waters have gained popularity. But just how important and powerful is the habit of drinking water daily? Is there a way to drink water to make it work wonders for us? If celebrity nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary is to be believed, then yes!

In her recent Instagram post, Chowdhary who is an 'Inch-loss expert' talked about something called 'Water Memory'. The concept of water memory has erstwhile been associated with alternative streams of medicine like homeopathy, and there is still some debate as to whether this concept of a lingering memory of dissolved substances in water holds up to scientific scrutiny or not. But Rashi Chowdhary says that we may be able to use this purported property of water to our benefit.

"Water has amazing healing powers. We now know that the molecular structure of water can change without making any chemical changes to the water. Putting in good intentions, very pure intentions into the water before you drink it can have a very powerful impact on your health and overall well-being. We are 70 percent water and every time we drink water, we have the ability to heal ourselves," she said in her Instagram post. She added by saying, "Every time we eat and drink, we absorb life force from it, and this life force has an influence on how aligned we are spiritually and how balanced our life is."

She suggested an exercise to help ourselves and our family stay hydrated while using water memory: "Add some lemon, cucumbers and mint leaves to flavour it and encourage every family member to drink water from this jar and say something nice for themselves every time they take a few sips."

Early 30s can bring about many unanticipated changes, in both men and women. Your features might harden, you might find yourself at the receiving end of comments like, "you don't smile as much anymore" or you might feel very disheartened and often, shot down.

30s are supposed to be that time of your life when you're in complete control over your relationships, you're on track when it comes to work, have a sizable bank balance and are attune to a truly happy and enjoyable life. But then life plays a cruel joke and throws a real beauty bouncer. In simpler words, 30 is often the age when you start to see your skin, body and looks change. And in some cases this change is not for the better, unless you start being extra cautious.

Skin Troubles in your 30s:

Those first deep wrinkles begin to emerge, turning faint lines around the eyes into full blown crow's feet (also known as laugh lines or character lines). In some unfortunate cases, acne decide to make a comeback after teen years or it may also appear for the very first time. This phenomenon is called 'adult acne' and is usually hormonal in women. Damage from earlier sunburns and beach holidays begin to appear as blotchy pigmentation and you suddenly seem to have dull and saggy skin. A plush ponytail of just the earlier decade thins down and your mirror throws back a picture with a few but prominent aging features which can be very discouraging.

Hormones are one of the biggest contributors to these problems, especially in women. The majority of hormonal changes start around the age of 30. When female reproductive hormones levels begin to taper off and lead to thinning hair and undesirable skin conditions. The level of human growth hormones begins to drop which leads to increased breaking of collagen production, giving way to dull and droopy skin. At 18, growth hormone levels are around 900 but by the time you're 30, they drop to 200. Men don't go through to skin problems but fall victim to male pattern baldness due to changes in testosterone and DHT.

Beauty8 Expert Skin Care Tips For People In Their 30's
8 Expert Skin Care tips for People in Their 30'sDr. Deepali Bhardwaj, Skin Care Expert | Updated: September 19, 2017 18:41 ISTTweeterfacebookReddit
8 Expert Skin Care tips for People in Their 30's
Early 30s can bring about many unanticipated changes, in both men and women. Your features might harden, you might find yourself at the receiving end of comments like, "you don't smile as much anymore" or you might feel very disheartened and often, shot down.

30s are supposed to be that time of your life when you're in complete control over your relationships, you're on track when it comes to work, have a sizable bank balance and are attune to a truly happy and enjoyable life. But then life plays a cruel joke and throws a real beauty bouncer. In simpler words, 30 is often the age when you start to see your skin, body and looks change. And in some cases this change is not for the better, unless you start being extra cautious.

Skin Troubles in your 30s:

Those first deep wrinkles begin to emerge, turning faint lines around the eyes into full blown crow's feet (also known as laugh lines or character lines). In some unfortunate cases, acne decide to make a comeback after teen years or it may also appear for the very first time. This phenomenon is called 'adult acne' and is usually hormonal in women. Damage from earlier sunburns and beach holidays begin to appear as blotchy pigmentation and you suddenly seem to have dull and saggy skin. A plush ponytail of just the earlier decade thins down and your mirror throws back a picture with a few but prominent aging features which can be very discouraging.

Hormones are one of the biggest contributors to these problems, especially in women. The majority of hormonal changes start around the age of 30. When female reproductive hormones levels begin to taper off and lead to thinning hair and undesirable skin conditions. The level of human growth hormones begins to drop which leads to increased breaking of collagen production, giving way to dull and droopy skin. At 18, growth hormone levels are around 900 but by the time you're 30, they drop to 200. Men don't go through to skin problems but fall victim to male pattern baldness due to changes in testosterone and DHT.

Everyone is going to see some kind of changes in their 30s due to hormonal imbalance, but those who indulge in tanning, drinking, smoking, don't exercise regularly and eat poorly, the problems are going to be much worse.

How to look fabulous in your 30s:

To stay gorgeous through your 30s and after, follow these 8 simple steps:

1. Cleansing - Cleanse your skin each morning and make sure to remove all makeup and cleanse again before bedtime. This allows the skin to perform its essential protective and renewal functions well. Always use products suggested by your dermatologist as there are many products available in the market and picking the right can be confusing.

2. Exfoliate - Exfoliate at night rather than in the day. Overnight skin is in renewal mode and removing dead skin skin prior to bedtime enhances the skin's function. Exfoliate gently, just to remove dead skin and if your skin is oily or you've got acne then exfoliating twice a week should be sufficient.

3. Protect - Protect your skin during the day by combining an antioxidant serum or vitamin C serum with sun screen as they enhance each other. Be sure to apply the sunscreen first.

4. Stay hydrated - Make sure that the skin is not dehydrated. Don't spend more than 5 minutes in the shower and use lukewarm water. Use a moisturizing body wash as acts as a protective moisture barrier for the skin.

Here's a golden nugget of advice for working professionals: Add 4-5 drops of essential body oils or if nothing then almond oil/vitamin e oil/sesame oil in 2 mugs of water and splash it on the body to form a moisturizing coat.

5. Sunscreen - Wear a sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection every single day of the year, including raining days and on overcast winter days. UVA rays are "slow agers" which remain constant throughout the year.

6. Moisturize - Rub in rich intense moisturizing body lotion or apricot oil daily after bathing on slightly damp body for a healthy, hydrated skin.

7. Drink water - Drink plenty of water to also stay hydrated internally. Add lemon or lime juice for an extra boost. Eat a healthy and high-fiber diet and workout for atleast 15-20 daily.

8. Stay stress free - Of course that's easier said than done but indulging in a hobby of ones choice works wonders for the skin.

Chaitra Navratri 2019 started on April 6th, 2019 and will go on till April 14th, 2019. The nine days of the festival are when Hindu devotees of the female Goddess and her avatars observe ritual prayers and observe fasts. Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu Luni-solar calendar and is one of the four annual Navratris observed by people in certain regions in India. Chaitra Navratri coincides with the Marathi New Year Gudi Padwa and the Telugu New Year Ugadi.One of the most important rituals of the Navratri is the observance of fast, wherein people refrain from eating non-vegetarian food and only eat foods made from a handful of food grains and spices. Fruits and dairy products are also allowed during Navratri, but wheat flour is not. One of the spices that people generally refrain from eating during Navratri is turmeric, or haldi.

Haldi is a central spice in Indian cooking and most of our vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes feature this antioxidant-rich spice. Haldi, or turmeric, has been gaining popularity in the West as well for its numerous health benefits, which includes fighting inflammation, boosting immunity and keeping the skin healthy. But during the Navratris, a lot of people keep haldi out of their vrat (fasting) preparations. Why is the much-celebrated golden spice left out during this period of fasting? Let us break down the various beliefs and health facts about this practice.

Navratri 2019: Should Turmeric Be Kept Out Of Vrat Foods?
Chaitra Navratri is the time of fasting not just because it is a Holy time, but also because we have had a tradition of starting the lunar calendar by detoxing our bodies and cleansing it of toxins. The fasting period is claimed to have a number of health benefits. The nine days of fast are said to make your body feel lighter and prepare it for the long summer months. The foods that are added and omitted from the fasting diet have been decided according to the principles of the ancient Indian "science" of Ayurveda, which divides foods into three different categories, based on the effect they have on our bodies. The three categories of foods include - Sattvik, Rajasik and Tamasik foods.

Sattvik foods are the ones that are included in Navratri fasting meals, as these are the foods that are believed to provide the body with energy and vitality. These foods are said to be pure and clean. Rajasic and tamasic foods, on the other hand, are referred to as negative foods by Ayurveda and these foods are said to make the body feel heavy and bloated. Turmeric is a spice that is considered Sattvic in nature, but due to its bitter taste and tendency to generate warmth inside the body, it is omitted from the fasting diet. Turmeric and its use is, therefore, more popular during winters. However, it is a perfectly healthy Sattvic spice that you may include in your summer diet as well.

Consultant nutritionist, Dr. Rupali Datta, says, "You can consume haldi through summers and you must (do so), because it has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties." So, there you have it. If you're on a fast during the nine days of Chaitra Navratri 2019, then you may add haldi to your diet, without worrying about any adverse impacts on your health.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat low-carb diet, which scores of people are adopting to achieve quick weight loss. The diet, which has been the talk of the town since last year, focuses on consuming high amounts of healthy, high-quality fats and lean proteins, to shift the body metabolism to burning fat, instead of carbohydrates for fuel. In a ketogenic diet, upwards of 70 per cent of the daily calorie budget must be fulfilled by fats and fat-rich foods. The diet can be extremely difficult to follow as it deprives the body of carbs and restricts a person to consume less than 50 grams of carbs per day. The exact ratio of these macro-nutrients depends on the needs of your own body. This is why ketogenic diet must be custom-made for everyone and the one-size-fits-all doesn't work in ketogenic diet.

Needless to say, people on ketogenic diet must focus on including more fat-rich and low-carb foods, which are also healthy and nutritious. These mostly include plant-based oils, nuts and seeds, as well as low-carb vegetables. It is important to understand that keto diet may not suit every body, do consult a certified dietician before you make any major alterations to your diet.

Ketogenic Diet: 5 Keto-Friendly Dip Recipes To Try-

1. Avocado Dip or Guacamole Recipe
One of the best fat-rich fruits out there is the avocado, which is used to make the incredibly popular Mexican dip guacamole. A 100 gram portion of avocado contains 15 grams of fat (as per USDA data), which makes it one of the most favoured foods of those following the ketogenic diet.

2. Cashew Pesto Recipe
Nuts are also keto-friendly as they are extremely rich in healthy fats. This cashew pesto dip recipe will fit right into your keto diet. Cashews contain 40 grams of fats per 100 gram portion (as per data from United States Department of Agriculture).

3. Zucchini Hummus Recipe
Zucchini is one of the best low-carb vegetables out there and is hence a good addition to the ketogenic diet. This hummus recipe uses peeled and chopped zucchini as well as soaked almonds and tahini, making it favourable for a high-fat diet.

4. Spinach And Artichoke Dip Recipe
Two excellent low-carb vegetables come together to make this dip, which is both nutritious and keto-friendly. Besides spinach and artichoke, this dip also contains onions, cream, garlic and nutmeg, as well as lime juice and salt.

5. Eggplant Chermoula Sauce Recipe
Another excellent low-carb keto-friendly vegetable is eggplant or brinjal, which contains just five grams of carbs per 100 gram portion of the vegetable (as per USDA data). Besides eggplant, this recipe has tahini paste and a number of herbs like rosemary and thyme as well as lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and basil.

Although the weight loss results of ketogenic diet have been studied, only short-term results have been examined and the long-term effects of this diet are still unclear.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient, which is known to have potent effects on our body. For a country like India, which is gifted with plentiful sunlight, it was surprising to find that around 70 to 90 percent of the population is suffering from vitamin D deficiency. As per the findings of a new study, researchers found that majority of Indians are Vitamin D deficient and this condition was significantly associated with people suffering from Type-2 diabetes and hypertension.

This finding by P.G. Talwalkar, Diabetologist at Shushrusha Hospital in Mumbai, further confirms that Vitamin D deficiency leads to chronic diseases. "Pregnant women in India have up to 84 percent prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, which also correlates with the level of Vitamin D deficiency in their newborns," said Srirupa Das, Medical Director, Abbott India, Mumbai. "In adults, Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low bone mass and muscle weakness, which results in increased risk of fractures and bone disorders such as osteoporosis," Das said.

The research was conducted on 1,508 individuals. As per the researchers, in Mumbai there is 88 percent prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in urban adults. They also revealed that 84.2 percent of Type-2 diabetes patients were Vitamin D deficient, as were 82.6 percent of hypertension patients.
"Our study also investigated co-occurrence of deficiency with hypothyroidism and obesity or overweight condition. A majority (76 per cent) of hypothyroid patients had low levels of vitamin D. Moreover, 82 per cent of patients were obese, indicating that there may be a link between the deficiency, its comorbidities and body weight," said Talwalkar.

"These findings highlight the need for routine screening to ensure early diagnosis and effective management of Vitamin D deficiency to help reduce the burden and risks associated with non-communicable disease," Talwalkar added.

There are various causes of Vitamin D deficiency in India. Most people do not receive adequate exposure to sunlight, as urban and sedentary lifestyles have resulted in less time spent outdoors for work or leisure. High levels of air pollution are also one of the reasons of Vitamin D deficiency in people.

Eat These Healthy Vitamin D-Rich Foods
Dairy products like milk and eggs are rich in Vitamin D. To overcome deficiency of this nutrient, eat the following foods regularly.

1. Yogurt
2. Cow Milk
3. Orange Juice
4. Oatmeal
5. Mushrooms
6. Egg Yolk

Try These Vitamin D-Rich Recipes At Home:
Try these easy recipes of meals containing vitamin D-rich foods

1. Masala Chaas
2. Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
3. Tofu Fruits Salad
4. Chilled Mushrooms and Capsicum