What precautions should individuals with high uric acid levels take during Dashain?

 What precautions should individuals with high uric acid levels take during Dashain?

Since uric acid levels tend to rise during Dashain, it is advised to limit the consumption of purine-rich meats—such as goat, buffalo, liver, and kidneys—and instead incorporate vegetables and salads into one's diet.

The very mention of Dashain brings to mind meat dishes, delicious food, and gatherings with relatives. Many people believe that regardless of what they eat throughout the rest of the year, Dashain is a time to indulge in tasty food and enjoy themselves.

During this period, some people also consume more meat, often accompanied by beer or other alcoholic beverages. Even those who are usually very mindful of their diet tend to overindulge during Dashain.

After all, festivals are meant for eating and having a good time!

However, the dietary experience during Dashain is not the same for everyone. In particular, those prone to high uric acid levels need to be extra careful with their food choices; giving in to the temptation of taste could risk triggering a flare-up of their condition.

Does eating meat automatically raise uric acid levels? Could eating a bit too much cause complications? Such questions can leave many feeling uncertain. It is not the case that everyone with high uric acid must follow the exact same dietary restrictions. Some individuals may have elevated uric acid levels in their blood without showing any symptoms, while others may experience joint swelling, redness, and excruciating pain—a condition known as "gout." Uric acid is produced when a substance called 'purine' breaks down in the body. Typically, the kidneys excrete it through urine. If the body produces an excess of uric acid, or if the kidneys are unable to excrete a sufficient amount, the level of uric acid in the blood can rise.

When this accumulates and forms tiny crystals in the joints, it can lead to a condition known as gout.

Does the diet during Dashain increase uric acid levels?

During Dashain, people often consume large quantities of meat dishes, along with foods that are oily, spicy, or contain items like paneer (cottage cheese). Because these foods are tasty, there is a common tendency to overeat in a single sitting or to consume such dishes consistently over several days. However, those prone to high uric acid levels need to be extra mindful of their diet.

In particular, red meat—such as goat or buffalo—as well as dishes made from organ meats like liver and kidneys, contain high levels of purine.

Consequently, consuming large amounts of these foods can raise blood uric acid levels or trigger a flare-up of gout. Purine is also found in fish and chicken; therefore, one should not assume that 'white meat' can be consumed in unlimited quantities. Rather than avoiding meat entirely during Dashain, a more practical approach is to limit portion sizes and avoid the habit of including meat in every single meal.

Thus, instead of filling your plate exclusively with meat during Dashain, you can manage your intake by incorporating vegetables, salads, and other nutritious foods.

Is it okay to consume alcohol? Although it is common to consume alcohol with friends and family during Dashain, abstaining is the safest choice if you suffer from high uric acid levels. Even if you decide to drink, the general advice to "consume in moderation" does not define a universally "safe" amount for everyone.

If you are experiencing a gout flare-up or have other underlying health issues, you should avoid alcohol entirely. Similarly, you should limit the intake of soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, and other sugar-sweetened beverages; the fructose found in these drinks can increase uric acid levels.

**Legumes and Protein**

Legumes also contain purines. However, purines derived from plant-based foods do not necessarily pose the same level of risk as those found in meat or seafood. Therefore, foods such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and soybeans can be consumed in balanced amounts.

It is better to focus on a varied diet that includes vegetables and fruits, ensuring your meals provide the necessary nutrition. During Dashain, rather than simply sitting around eating and resting, it is advisable to incorporate some walking or physical activity to help digest what you have consumed.

**Does high uric acid always require medication?**

Not everyone with elevated uric acid levels in their blood requires medication. A condition where no symptoms are present is known as "asymptomatic hyperuricemia." In such cases, medication to lower uric acid is generally not initiated.

However, a doctor may make a decision based on an individual's overall health, kidney function, and other risk factors. The situation is different when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to a condition known as gout. The primary symptoms include sudden swelling, redness, and excruciating pain—most commonly in the joint of the big toe. The pain can be so intense that even placing the foot on the ground, putting on a sock, or having a blanket brush against it becomes difficult.

This pain may subside on its own after a few hours or days, and there might be no further issues for months or even years. However, the subsiding of pain does not mean the condition has been cured. Over time, the condition may flare up repeatedly; if left untreated, the accumulated uric acid crystals can form hard lumps in the joints, known as "tophi."

Therefore, it is not advisable to take medication only when pain occurs and stop once it subsides. If a doctor has prescribed medication to lower uric acid levels, you should not discontinue it on your own.

5 Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Diet and Lifestyle During Dashain

1. Stay active: Engage in regular walking, avoid sitting in one place for too long, and incorporate light exercise.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Be mindful of your diet, and adjust your fluid intake based on your specific health condition and bodily needs.

3. Take medication consistently: Do not stop taking your uric acid-lowering medication just because your diet or eating habits have changed during the Dashain festival.

4. Avoid alcohol and an unbalanced diet: It is wise to exercise moderation regarding alcohol consumption and overeating, even during the festive season.

Eating more legumes and soybeans reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

 Eating more legumes and soybeans reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

Eating about 170 grams of legumes daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure by about 30 percent.

Regular consumption of legumes and soybean-based foods is very effective in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, a new study has shown. According to a large report published in the journal 'BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health', people who eat more of these foods are found to be much less likely to have high blood pressure.

Analyzing various studies conducted around the world, scientists have found a clear result. The risk of high blood pressure has been found to be reduced by 16 percent in people who eat more legumes. Similarly, this risk has been found to be reduced by 19 percent in people who eat more soybeans and dishes made from them.

According to the research, eating a certain amount of these foods daily is the most beneficial. Eating about 170 grams of legumes daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure by about 30 percent. Similarly, eating 60 to 80 grams of soy foods daily reduces the risk by 28 to 29 percent.

But scientists have said that eating more than that does not provide any additional benefit. Here, 100 grams of beans or soybeans is understood to be one cup of cooked beans or about 5 to 6 tablespoons.

This research included data from 12 long-term studies conducted in various countries in the United States, Europe and Asia. Beans and soybeans are rich in elements such as potassium, magnesium and fiber. These nutrients help balance blood pressure. The fiber in beans relaxes and widens the blood vessels in the body. In addition, a substance called 'isoflavones' found in soybeans also helps reduce blood pressure.

Currently, people in countries around the world, including Europe and the UK, eat very little beans. Although it is recommended to eat 65 to 100 grams of legumes daily for heart health, people are only eating 8 to 15 grams per day.

According to nutritionists, this research provides a strong basis for people to prioritize legumes and soybeans as the main sources of protein in their daily diet.

Can high blood pressure be controlled by diet?

 Can high blood pressure be controlled by diet?

There are various reasons behind high blood pressure. Like, hereditary, kidney and heart problems, stress etc. Along with that, the main responsible food is also considered in this.

The World Health Organization has also recommended the 'Dash Diet' diet plan to control high blood pressure. Which suggests how high blood pressure can be controlled with the help of diet.

The Dash Diet recommends eating whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.

Recently, doctors also say that the problem of high blood pressure has increased due to diet. There are some foods that we eat, which increase blood pressure. But the problem can be controlled if the quantity and balance is eaten. You should eat in such a way that you get nutrition and not disorder. In this case, diet plays an important role in increasing and controlling high blood pressure.

These foods play a role in increasing blood pressure

Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of high blood pressure. As soon as there is a lack of magnesium, an increase in calcium increases the blood pressure by narrowing the blood vessels.

If more salt is used, the sodium present in it increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Generally speaking, the more sodium in the blood, the more water it draws into the blood vessels.

It increases blood pressure and then increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Excessively greasy, fried food can also cause obesity and high blood pressure. Alcohol, cigarettes, packaged foods also increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Obesity can also be a cause of high blood pressure. Obesity is an increase in body fat, when body fat increases, it narrows the blood vessels. When the veins are narrowed, it becomes difficult for the heart to work. As a result, blood pressure may increase.

Foods that control high blood pressure

Since potassium reduces the effect of sodium, you should eat more potassium-rich fruits and vegetables. Milk, curd and mohi contain calcium which helps in controlling blood pressure. Do not skip the salt. Many people eat vegetables without salt after high blood pressure, which is wrong. People with high blood pressure also need salt, so salt should be eaten but its quantity should be reduced.

Blood pressure can be controlled by consuming foods rich in magnesium which causes blood pressure problems due to lack of magnesium. We get magnesium through food. Bananas, broccoli, beans, cashews, almonds, avocados, fish, walnuts, green vegetables, legumes, parsley seeds, soybeans, sesame seeds, and tofu are the main sources of magnesium.

Bitter foods like green tea and bitter gourd also help in controlling blood pressure. Bitter foods contain potassium and magnesium. Potassium removes sodium from the body through water as urine. By reducing the amount of blood in the body, it reduces the pressure on the artery walls. The effect of which is only for some time. Similarly, magnesium makes blood vessels flexible and wide and lowers blood pressure. But before eating, you should consult a doctor.

If the doctor has advised you to take medicine, you should take it regularly. Blood pressure can be brought under control by staying away from alcohol and smoking, controlling anger, incorporating yoga and meditation into your daily routine, staying busy, walking, not letting stress dominate you, and making a regular schedule of meals.

How to make sex life easier for people with high blood pressure and heart disease?

 How to make sex life easier for people with high blood pressure and heart disease?

Sex is a natural need. However, many people with heart problems may have a question - doesn't sexual activity put the heart at greater risk?

It is natural to have this dilemma. Because as much as other health problems are openly discussed, not so much is discussed about sex. Patients do not openly ask questions about this due to hesitation with doctors. So that it may be affecting the sex life directly and indirectly.

Does having heart problems affect your sex life?

Factors such as physical and mental condition, appropriate person and environment can make a difference in the outcome of sex. But sex is a basic need and it is not considered a taboo subject even in any disease.

It is considered safe to have sex even in people with heart problems. According to a journal published in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Organization, cohabitation is considered safe for people with heart and high blood pressure who have no problem climbing stairs, walking and running for some distance. If there are no symptoms, there is no objection to intercourse.

But during the extreme stimulation of sexual intercourse, heart rate increases and blood pressure also increases, so the heart may be under more pressure. For this reason, it is necessary to take some precautions in people with heart artery disease. But it is not necessary to stay away from sexual contact.

If the chest becomes heavy during normal swaying or climbing stairs, there may be some risk of heart attack during sexual intercourse. In such a case, after examining a cardiologist, proper treatment can be given and sexual activity can be done after consulting about precautionary measures.

Post-heart attack condition

It is not good to do too much physical activity for the first two weeks after a heart attack. After that, when the chest is not heavy while swinging and it is easy to do moderate physical activity, then it is possible to have sex. But the condition of being able to have sex and not being able to have sex may differ from person to person.

How to facilitate sex life after a heart attack?

- Husband and wife should talk about their interests and situation without keeping any distance between them.

- A healthy person between husband and wife should help each other by understanding each other's situation.

- Do not have sex immediately after eating.

- Fear should be removed from the mind. Sometimes you can't enjoy sex if you are afraid of having heart problems during intercourse.

- If the chest becomes heavy during intercourse, it may be necessary to stop the activity immediately and take medicine of the "nitrate" group. What the doctor may have said during the consultation.

- If you feel uncomfortable, you should consult a doctor.

Effects of sex on hypertension and cardiovascular disease

In people with high blood pressure and heart disease, the interest in sex is low and the male sex is not stimulated, it takes more time to get excited, and the excitement may not last for a long time. Women may also experience less interest and vaginal dryness and more pain.

the reason

Just as fatty substances accumulate in the blood vessels of the heart and brain and become narrowed, the blood vessels of the penis and vagina also become narrowed when the blood pressure increases. And, the blood flow decreases, which can decrease sexual interest in both.

Sometimes, heart and high blood pressure patients think they are weak without any reason and weaken their self-esteem, so they don't show priority in sex and cannot get full satisfaction. A condition that requires psychological counseling.

Similarly, some medicines related to heart and high blood pressure also affect sexual function. Medicines of the 'thiazide' and 'beta blocker' group used for high blood pressure can reduce sexual interest, lack of extreme pleasure, and decrease in sexual stimulation.

Studies have shown that about 10 percent of young and old people taking these drugs have this effect. Similarly, drugs such as digoxin and sparonolactone, which are used for heart disease, can also reduce sexual desire and cause pain and swelling in men's breasts.

Those with heart rhythm problems may also experience lack of sexual desire and sexual satisfaction. In addition, sexual desire can decrease in diseases such as high blood pressure, various hormone-related conditions, kidney disease, and long-standing uncontrolled diabetes.

What is the solution?

Medicines such as Viagra can be taken to increase sexual arousal. But before taking this medicine, you should consult a doctor.

Alternative medicines can be used on the advice of a doctor, depending on the age and condition of the person, instead of the drugs of the 'thiazide' and 'beta blocker' group used for high blood pressure and the drugs like 'digoxin' and 'sparonolactone' used for heart disease.

Taking Viagra can be fatal for people who are taking drugs from the 'nitrate' group. Apart from that, people with very high or low blood pressure, recent heart attack patients, kidney and liver diseases should not take Viagra.

Yoga and Pranayama can help you get rid of high blood pressure medication

High blood pressure is basically a lifestyle related problem. Some people also have high blood pressure genetically. However, poor diet, lifestyle, and mental disorders are the main causes of high blood pressure. Is it then possible to keep the blood pressure balanced by improving the lifestyle?

Do the keto diet control diabetes and high blood pressure?

How to reduce soiling, how to control diabetes, how to control high blood pressure? Now, with the search for these questions, the trend of 'keto diet' has increased widely. Especially urban people have adopted such a diet plan for a disease-free life.

What happens When people with high blood pressure drink alcohol

Let's say you have high blood pressure. He is also an alcoholic. Doctors have clearly said, 'Alcoholic substances can be more dangerous in high blood pressure.'

Is there a natural way to control high blood pressure?

Senior Cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju says, ‘Depending on the condition of high blood pressure, it is decided whether to take medicine or change the lifestyle to control it. However, after taking the medicine, you have to adopt a healthy lifestyle. '

According to him, the first thing to do is to find out the cause of high blood pressure. Just like blood pressure is caused by various other diseases, it is also cured automatically after the related health problem is cured. About 10 percent of such causes of high blood pressure.