Health and fitness are very important these days. People have become more health-conscious post COVID19. Health is given top priority these days. At Medicircle, we are presenting the Ask The Expert Series for health awareness to understand facts and find solutions related to them. We have come up with the series of Sehat Ki Baat, Karishma Ke Saath.

Karishma Shah is a Renowned Nutritionist and Plant Diet based Food Coach. She is also a Weight Loss Expert, Diabetes and PCOS Educator & Certified in Psychology of Eating

Episode 1 with Karishma Shah revolves around the nutritional strategies to help ease anxiety with some valuable tips and advice from the expert. It deals with anxiety which is a mental disorder. Karishma Shah guides us about the consumption of correct foods which can help relieve anxiety attacks. She also informs us about the incorporation of antioxidant fruits in the diet can help reduce anxiety. In a gist, she explains the stress levels and how can it harm your body. Read more to know about de-stressing fruits that can boost your productivity. 

Spreading awareness and professional help

Karishma Shah informs, “Anxiety does not have any age barrier. Any person from different age groups can suffer from anxiety. Since the Inception of COVID19, anxiety has affected many of us. People don't raise out their concerns openly. Spreading awareness about anxiety is very important. Taking professional help is equally important if you have anxiety.”

Negative Impact of caffeine on Anxiety 

Karishma states,” Caffeine is a substance that stimulates the nervous system. It gives your system stimulus to make you active and alert. Overindulgence in caffeine is very common if you are occupied with work or stress. Caffeine products such as tea, coffee, aerated drinks, energy drinks, and energy bars should be reduced. Caffeine along with being a stimulant also increases anxiety. Anxiety is not just restricted to your mind or thought but affects the entire system. With anxiety, you tend to react more quickly, and consuming caffeine in such a situation can create overstimulation and havoc in your system. 

Anxiety causes:

Heart palpitations  Restlessness  Increased sweating  Fear  Choking sensation  Increased in temperature"

Relation of stress hormone and anxiety 

Karishma says, “ Hormones play a key role in maintaining the balance of our body. Cortisol (stress hormone) and serotonin (happy hormones) are the two key hormones in the entire process of stress. When there is stress, anxiety, and depression, there is an increase in cortisol levels in the body. Just making lifestyle changes, behavior changes and a healthy diet can help. If stress hormone levels are high for a long period, then it can cause complications like anxiety and depression” 

An unhealthy diet can cause anxiety-related issues 

Karishma clarifies, "A hormone called “insulin” is important for proper utilization of sugar. Having improper lifestyle, late sleeping habits, skipping breakfast, erratic food timings will disrupt the balance of hormones.”

Untreated cases of anxiety can lead to complications

Karishma points out, ”People do not raise their concerns about anxiety and keep their problems to themselves. This leads to overthinking. Anxiety patients generally tend to overthink. Lack of a support system can lead to more complications. With a better lifestyle and good support system, Anxiety can be treated and cured. Kindly consult a professional like a health coach, nutritionist, or psychologist and share your problem which will reduce anxiety. Professionals are trained and have the expertise to give solutions to the problem. Seek help if you have a problem.”

Antioxidants in fruits bring life to you and can help in anxiety

Karishma says, “Local Indian fruits like banana, grapes, chikus, amla, Jamun, pomegranate, and papaya are some of the fruits with high antioxidant levels. Consuming antioxidant-rich fruits reduces oxidative stress. This is important to reduce stress levels. I always make sure to incorporate fresh seasonal fruits in the diet for my clients who consult me. Fruits improve vitality in the body. Antioxidants in fruits bring life to you. Consumption of seasonal fruits will increase the nutritive value in the body during a particular season.”

Support the nutrition of your child.

Karishma informs, “Children should be taught about healthy food. Consumption of junk food and aerated drinks can harm the development of your child. Supporting your nutritive value of your child is very important. Improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle like lack of exercise can affect the academics and performance of your child. The reason behind this is the lack of nourishment in your child. A protocol should be maintained by parents to educate your child about nutrition, agriculture, and food benefits right from the school level will help in the overall development of the child. Teach the children to relate to their food.”

Inspirational story 

Karishma shares a story of her client and says, “I would like to share the story of my client who was an athlete and active sports player. He was working as a professional in the IT department. He was a sharp-minded professional. But, his work performance dipped overtime as he suffered from depression and anxiety. When he first approached me, his first question was, ”Is this feeling of anxiety normal?” I consulted him and suggested that he should change his lifestyle. You must decide what you want from your life.” 

Solution to anxiety 

Karishma says, 

“Accept the problem of anxiety  Understand anxiety  Switch to solutions for anxiety Have faith and confidence in yourself   Consult a professional  Transform yourself.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)