Home Remedies to Increase Appetite in Children

Increasing a child's appetite can be a concern for many parents, especially when kids are fussy eaters or experiencing a lack of interest in food. Indian home remedies, rooted in Ayurveda and traditional practices, offer natural and effective solutions. Here are some tried-and-tested remedies to help boost your child's appetite.

 

1. Ajwain (Carom Seeds): 

Ajwain, known for its digestive properties, can help stimulate appetite. Boil a teaspoon of ajwain in a glass of water, strain it, and give a few teaspoons of this water to your child before meals. Ajwain aids in digestion and helps alleviate indigestion and bloating, making children feel hungry.

 

2. Ginger and Honey: 

Ginger is well-known for its appetite-enhancing properties. Mix a small amount of ginger juice with honey and give it to your child before meals. Ginger helps stimulate digestive enzymes, while honey adds a pleasant taste, making it easier for children to consume.

 

3. Lemon Juice: 

Lemon juice is a great way to kickstart the digestive system. Mix fresh lemon juice with a pinch of salt and a little water. This concoction can be given to children before meals to increase their appetite. Lemon stimulates the production of digestive juices, which can help in enhancing hunger.

 

4. Pomegranate Juice: 

Pomegranate is rich in nutrients and has appetite-stimulating properties. Fresh pomegranate juice can be given to children as it helps in boosting their appetite. Additionally, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.

 

5. Asafoetida (Hing): 

Asafoetida is an effective remedy for digestive issues. A small pinch of hing dissolved in warm water can be given to children. This helps in relieving gas and bloating, promoting a healthy appetite. The pungent smell might be a bit strong, so it’s often mixed with food or other remedies.

 

6. Mint Juice: 

Mint leaves are known for their ability to enhance digestion and appetite. Crush some fresh mint leaves to extract the juice and mix it with honey. This mixture can be given to children to help increase their hunger. Mint aids in calming the stomach and improving digestion.

 

7. Fennel Seeds: 

Fennel seeds are great for improving digestion and increasing appetite. Boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a glass of water, strain, and let it cool. This fennel water can be given to children throughout the day. Fennel helps in reducing bloating and gas, making children feel hungry.

 

8. Ghee and Jaggery: 

A mixture of ghee (clarified butter) and jaggery is a traditional remedy to boost appetite. A small spoonful of this mixture given to children before meals can help enhance their hunger. Ghee aids in digestion, and jaggery provides energy and improves digestion.

 

9. Black Pepper and Honey: 

Black pepper stimulates the taste buds and improves appetite. A small amount of powdered black pepper mixed with honey can be given to children. This combination not only enhances appetite but also helps in digestion.

 

10. Herbal Teas: 

Herbal teas made from ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, and fennel can help in improving appetite. These teas are gentle and effective in soothing the digestive system, thus promoting hunger. Ensure the teas are mild and suitable for children.

 

Tips for Implementing These Remedies 

1. Consistency is Key: Regular use of these remedies is essential for seeing noticeable improvements.

2. Balanced Diet: Ensure that your child is consuming a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.

3. Avoid Force-Feeding: Encourage eating but avoid forcing your child to eat as it can create negative associations with food.

4. Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity as it helps in increasing appetite.

5. Hydration: Keep your child well-hydrated as dehydration can sometimes reduce appetite. 

These home remedies are natural and generally safe for children. However, it's always advisable to consult with a pediatrician before starting any new remedy to ensure it's appropriate for your child's specific health needs.

Low hemoglobin levels can cause cancers, kidney, liver disease | Increas...

Hemoglobin is a crucial protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Low hemoglobin levels, or anemia, can lead to several health complications, including an increased risk of cancers, kidney disease, and liver disease. Understanding these risks and knowing how to effectively increase hemoglobin levels is essential for maintaining overall health.

 

Understanding Hemoglobin and Its Importance 

Hemoglobin is made up of four protein subunits, each containing an iron atom that binds to oxygen. The normal hemoglobin range varies slightly depending on age and sex, but generally, normal levels are:

- Men: 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL)

- Women: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL

 

Risks Associated with Low Hemoglobin Levels 

1. Cancer: 

Low hemoglobin can result in hypoxia (low oxygen levels in tissues), which can lead to genetic mutations and alterations in cell metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of cancer development. 

Types of Cancer: Anemia is often observed in patients with various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

 

2. Kidney Disease: 

The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can impair erythropoietin production, leading to anemia.

Low hemoglobin levels in CKD patients can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and cardiovascular complications.

 

3. Liver Disease: 

The liver is involved in the production and breakdown of red blood cells. Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, can disrupt these processes, leading to anemia. 

Anemia can worsen liver function and lead to complications such as portal hypertension and variceal bleeding.

 

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin Levels 

Common symptoms of low hemoglobin include:

- Fatigue and weakness

- Shortness of breath

- Dizziness or lightheadedness

- Pale or yellowish skin

- Chest pain

- Cold hands and feet

- Headache

 

How to Increase Hemoglobin Levels? 

Increasing hemoglobin levels can be achieved through dietary changes, supplementation, and medical treatments. Here are some effective strategies:

 

1. Dietary Changes: 

Iron-Rich Foods: Red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), tofu, fortified cereals, and whole grains. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production and the formation of red blood cells. 

Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (plant-based iron) from the digestive tract. 

Folate (Vitamin B9): Leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified grains. Folate is vital for the production and maturation of red blood cells. 

Vitamin B12: Meat, dairy products, eggs, and fortified cereals. Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell production and neurological function. 

Copper: Shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole-grain products, and beans. Copper helps in the absorption of iron and the production of hemoglobin.

 

2. Supplementation: 

Iron Supplements: Ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate are common forms of iron supplements. 

Iron supplements should be taken under medical supervision, as excessive iron can cause toxicity and other health issues. 

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12: These supplements can help in cases of deficiency-related anemia. 

Multivitamins: A comprehensive multivitamin can ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients required for hemoglobin production.

 

3. Medical Treatments: 

1. Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs): 

Use: ESAs are used to stimulate red blood cell production in patients with chronic kidney disease or those undergoing chemotherapy.

Administration: These agents are usually administered through injections.

 

2. Blood Transfusions: 

Use: In severe cases of anemia, blood transfusions may be necessary to quickly increase hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts.

Consideration: Transfusions are typically reserved for emergency situations or when other treatments are ineffective.

 

3. Intravenous Iron Therapy: 

Use: This therapy is used for patients who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements or have conditions that impair iron absorption.

Administration: Iron is administered directly into the bloodstream, ensuring quick and effective absorption.

 

Preventive Measures: 

1. Regular Check-ups: Routine blood tests can help monitor hemoglobin levels and detect any potential issues early. 

2. Balanced Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall health and prevents deficiencies. 

3. Manage Chronic Conditions: Proper management of chronic conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes can prevent complications leading to anemia. 

5. Avoid Overuse of Medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and contribute to anemia. Use such medications only as prescribed.

 

Bottom line: 

Low hemoglobin levels can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk of cancers, kidney disease, and liver disease. Recognizing the symptoms of anemia and understanding the importance of maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels is crucial for overall well-being. By adopting a nutrient-rich diet, considering appropriate supplementation, and seeking medical treatments when necessary, individuals can effectively increase their hemoglobin levels and reduce the risk of associated health issues. Regular monitoring and preventive measures are key to maintaining optimal health and preventing the adverse effects of low hemoglobin.

How to Gain Weight in 10 Simple Steps | Gain weight and muscle Fast and Safely

If you are wishing to look bulky with muscles, then you can add body weight. The secret of gaining body mass and weight includes consuming nutritious foods and consistent physical training. Here are 10 simple tips you can follow to become bulky.

1. Eat more

You should eat more calories than what your body can burn. This factor varies from one individual to another. This is because burning of calories depends on a person’s metabolic rate and physical activities. If you are not gaining any weight, then you should consider eating more.

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2. Eat more meals

Eating small meals is easier than eating big ones. Small meals do not make you feel too full and stuffed. It is advisable to wake up early and eat breakfast. Thereafter, continue eating 3-4 and/or meals throughout the day.

3. Eat Calorie loaded food

Foods enriched in carbohydrates and/or fats provide you with more calories per serving. Consuming few amounts of these foods would help in getting more than required amounts of calories. Eat nuts, pasta, dried fruits etc.

4. Eat more Proteins

The muscles in your body need proteins for fast recovery especially after vigorous workouts. Also, proteins help in the healthy growth of your muscles. Hence, you need to add several sources of proteins to your balanced diet for every meal. Some of the common sources of proteins include eggs, meat, chicken, fish etc.

5. Consume Liquid food

It has been observed that liquid foods are easier to digest than solid foods. Blend together banana, milk, oats, peanut butter and whey protein to make a smooth drink. Consume this drink as a substitute for eating solid foods.

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6. Track Calorie intake

People who are skinny or thin often over-estimate the quantity they eat. They think they have eaten too much but, in reality they do not. You should track your intake of calories to ensure you are eating enough for gaining weight.

7. Lift heavy

Do not waste time in curls and flies. Instead, practise working out with free weights such as Squats and Dead-lifts. These exercises provide you with more muscle growth leading to muscle mass and its strength.

8. Be consistent

You may eat lots on one day but, you do not eat enough the following days. As a result, you would notice that you do not gain much body weight. Every day you need to consistently eat more foods with high calories to ensure weight gain. Ideally, you should consume foods adding to calories more than that your body burns daily.

Hence, you can gain body mass and weight by eating the right diet and exercising. By changing your attitude in life, you can achieve even what you think is impossible.

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32 Natural Home Remedies to Improve Appetite (Anemia, Anorexia, Weight Gain)

Losing appetite decreases the body’s resistance power and could ingest the organisms in one’s body that leads to slowing down of the natural healing process of their body. Several reasons contribute to the loss of appetite, ranging from as small as cold or flu to bigger issues such as tuberculosis, low thyroid levels or even heart/ liver/ lung disorder. At the same time, it need not be due to some physical issues but could also be due to emotional or spiritual issues.

Loss of appetite or Anorexia could have an impact on one’s overall health in an overdramatic and a dangerous manner. This anorexia occurs primarily due to bad eating practices and is especially developed or experienced by women who get tempted to cut down their weight in extreme ways. Women who try to become size zero (where being thin is not at all enough) often experience anorexia. They try to reduce weight extremely – feeling as if they could lose another inch even if they have lost considerable weight. 

It is essential to treat this disorder at the earliest possible as a reduced urge to eat could lead to weight loss as well. When consuming less amount of food, one’s body weakens since the quantity of nutrition and calories taken in declines and the body grows to be vulnerable to several diseases.

Diet and Lifestyle

A day’s fasting is good for assimilating mucus. One should have newly prepared warm food items. Food should be taken at regular interval of time, such that the prior meal gets well digested. One should avoid nibbling between the meals. Where psychological aspects are associated, one should try to create calm and cheerful atmosphere, which would help to improve the condition. When one gets to be in the company of good friends and relations, they get to relieve stress which in turn improves digestion.

1. Ginger

Ginger is specially prescribed for anorexia as it aids in enhancing appetite. When ginger is taken with rock salt on a daily basis, it works miracles on a troubled stomach and also helps stimulating one’s appetite.

1.      Mix 1 tablespoon of ginger juice or 1 teaspoon of ginger paste with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, also add pinch of rock salt in it. Consume this mixture 20 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do this every day for fast result.

2. Ginger with black pepper

Take equal quantities of powder of dried ginger root, long pepper, cumin seeds, and 2 tablespoon of black pepper. Grind all these ingredients to make fine powder. Also add some rock salt in this mixture. Store it in an airtight container. 

Mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture with 1 teaspoon of honey and consume this 15 minutes before lunch and dinner. Follow this remedy daily to increase your appetite.

3. Cumin with mustard seeds

Take equal quantities of cumin seeds, powder of dried ginger root, mustard seeds and some rock salt. Grind all these ingredients to form a powder. 

Mix 1 tablespoon of this powder in glass of buttermilk and consume it 30-45 minutes before your meal. Do this once or twice a day.

4. Cinnamon

In Ayurveda, cinnamon is utilized to stimulate appetite and boost the secretion of gastric juices.

1.        Add one tablespoon of cinnamon powder or bark in glass of water & mix it well.

2.        And boil this mixture for 4-5 minutes on slow flame.

3.        Then add 1 tablespoon of honey and pinch of black pepper powder to it.

4.        Consume this mixture twice a day 30 minutes before heavy meals like lunch and dinner. 

5.        Repeat this regularly for 2-3 weeks & see the visible results.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds can be effective to deal with anorexia. These seeds can even boost one’s hemoglobin levels. Fenugreek seeds are also rich in protein, carbohydrates and also contain healthy fats. They aid in boosting the secretion of gastric juices, which enhances one’s cravings for food. 

1.        Crush 1-2 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds

2.        Boil them in glass of water for 7-8 minutes on slow flame.

3.        Allow the seeds to steep till the water cools down.

4.        Then Strain the water and add 1 tablespoon of honey in it.

5.        Consume this mixture once or twice a day to increase your appetite. 

6. Warm Water

Water naturally aids cleansing one’s digestive tract and also promotes hunger. One should drink warm water first thing in the morning in order to cleanse the digestive system. This also gets rid of toxic substances that could have accumulated in the digestive tract. This boosts appetite and increases the desire to eat. This is an easy way to treat anorexia at home easily.

7. Indian gooseberries

Make a powder of dry Indian gooseberries (amla) and mix one tbsp in a cup of water and keep it overnight. Next morning, add 2 pinches of black pepper powder and 1 tbsp of lemon juice to it. Drink this mixture daily on an empty stomach to increase appetite in kids and adults.

Alternatively, cut 1-3 Indian gooseberries, remove seeds and grind it to make paste. Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey to this paste. Consume it daily with cup of water on an empty stomach.

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Increase Hemoglobin levels naturally - 15 Natural home remedies for Anemia, Weakness

The blood is the body’s transport machinery for carrying essential nutrients and oxygen to different parts of our body. Our blood is made up of different elements and hemoglobin is one of them. Hemoglobin is the blood’s ‘Oxygen Carrier’. It is an iron-containing protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen all over the body. Without hemoglobin, our blood cannot carry oxygen to different parts of our body. If hemoglobin in blood is low, our blood cannot carry adequate oxygen required by the body & its organs to function properly. When hemoglobin level is low, it is very essential to reinstate it to normal level.

Nutritional deficiencies are the most common reason for low hemoglobin levels in the blood. Nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency, vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and folic acid causes low hemoglobin levels. But some reasons like kidney problems, blood loss, cancer, bone marrow defects and consumption of certain medicines can also lower the hemoglobin levels. If our blood doesn’t contain the adequate amount of hemoglobin, then you may go through anemia.

In this situation, due to lack of energy you feel tired and fatigued. However there are many medications & treatments available for increasing hemoglobin levels in the blood cells but the finest and healthy way to enhance hemoglobin levels in the blood is some diet changes. In this article, you will learn several natural tips and home remedies to raise hemoglobin levels, before that, let’s see how much hemoglobin is normal for men and women.

Causes of Low Hemoglobin/ anemia

Some of the most common causes of anemia due to low hemoglobin levels are –

Nutritional deficiency - Iron, vitamin B 12, folic acid deficiency,

Loss of blood, gastrointestinal blood loss

Pregnancy

Lack of nutritional food intake

Kidney disease, Thalassemia

Heavy bleeding during periods

Alcoholism

Chronic medical conditions

You must know - Normal Hemoglobin level

Hemoglobin level in blood is calculated in gm/dl i.e. (Grams of hemoglobin per 100 ml blood). If hemoglobin level in the blood goes under 8gm/dl, then you may suffer from anemia.

14 to 18 g/dL for men

12 to 16 g/dL for women

Mild level                  10 g/dL or more

Moderate                  8 g/dL - 9.9 g/dL

Severe                       6.5 g/dL - 7.9 g/dL

Life threatening       Less than 6.5 g/dL

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin/ anemia

The symptoms of anemia which caused by low hemoglobin level can differ from one person to another, depending upon hemoglobin levels. Some of the common symptoms are –

Weakness, Tiredness,

Lack of concentration

Fatigue, Dizziness, Irritation,

Fast/irregular heartbeat, Shortness of breath

Headache, General discomfort

Pale nail beds, Pale skin, and gums

Hair loss, Memory loss, Numbness

Restless leg syndrome, ringing in ears

Bloody stool, vomiting

Excessive perspiration

Constant heartburn

Common symptoms in Children

Poor neurological growth

Fast/irregular heartbeat, Shortness of breath

Poor concentration

Disturbed & anxious behavior

Pale skin

Home Remedies for increasing hemoglobin level and Cure Anemia

Get rid of anemia by increasing hemoglobin level. Simple changes in daily routine, eating habits will definitely improve your hemoglobin in the blood. 

1. Beetroot

Beetroots helps energize our exhausted body by providing iron, folic acids, vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin B, proteins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and many other essential minerals and nutrients. 

      1.      Drink small glass of beetroot juice adding 1 teaspoon of honey and pinch of rock salt. Do this twice a day to overcome anemia.

      2.      Peel 2 small beetroot cut them and boil them in cup of water for 10 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and some black pepper to it. Consume this once or twice a day 30 minutes before your lunch and dinner.

       3.      Grate 1 medium size beetroot and mix it with some tamarind paste, pinch of salt, turmeric and red chili powder. Mix all the ingredients properly and consume this s chutney with your regular food, bred, chapattis, sandwiches etc.

4.      Add raw or cooked beetroot to your regular diet. Add them in your salad.

2. Spinach

Vegetables like spinach fights anemia and helps increase the hemoglobin levels naturally. Spinach contains iron, vitamin A, B, C, and E, folic acid, calcium, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and proteins.

1.      Include spinach in your regular food. Boil it or cook it.

2.      You can also drink cup of spinach juice every day with teaspoon of honey and pinch of black pepper powder.

3.      Add boiled spinach to your vegetable salad.

3. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses or blackstrap is the thick and dark molasses remain after complete extraction of sugar from raw sugar cane. Blackstrap Molasses is rich source of iron, vitamin B, minerals, magnesium, potassium, copper and other essential nutrients.  

Blackstrap molasses has been recommended since ages to increase the low hemoglobin level in red blood cells. Use it in the food or spread over breads, biscuits, pancakes etc.

4. Meat

Meat also helps in increasing hemoglobin level in the blood. It contains vitamin B-12, which helps to maintain the average iron level in the body.  Low fat meat has highest amount of iron and helps to improve cardiovascular health, it energizes the body, it also treats anemia symptoms like fatigue, general discomfort, tiredness etc. 

It is recommended to go for dark colored meat, as it contains high amount of iron. Try to void high fat meat. Red meat is the finest source to enhance hemoglobin.  Eat meat at least twice a week to improve hemoglobin level.

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