Top 5 Reasons Why Your Belly Fat Increases

Most of us dream to have a flat belly or ‘six-pack abs’; but sadly the reality is different, as prominent Indian population has a bulging belly. The biggest reason behind is the sedentary lifestyle which we live owing to numerous demands that surround us, like the 9 hour jobs involving sitting continously at one place, etc. and these end up causing numerous diseases, conditions and also resulting into a bloated belly. Your arms, legs may be in the right shape but, a bloated belly not only damage your personality but also, severely affects your health. Despite of all the consequences it may lead, we still, manage to ignore it until some health problem arise. Moreover, even the fat around our waist is more dangerous than, being overweight. This is mainly because fat which accumulates around your belly can even increase your risk to heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer too. Hence, reducing your waistline is the first step towards experiencing healthy living and opting for periodical complete health checkup is the second for early detection of health problems due to bulging belly.  

All of us have belly fat, yes you read it correct. Even the ones with abs have belly fat but, below the permissible limits. Protruding of tummy is commonly found in middle age individuals, especially women who have been pregnant or men with a habit of heavy intake of alcohol. But, beyond understanding the age group with high risk of developing a round middle, it is also important to understand the reasons behind it and what you can do to avoid it! The secret behind reducing excess of belly fat lies out of reach, beneath our abdominal wall, and are known as visceral fats. Surprisingly, it comprises only 10% of total body fat and the rest 90% is subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat covers vital organs like liver, pancreas and intestine in order to act as a cushion for these organs. 

So, now the biggest question in front of you must be exactly what causes this visceral fat to increase beyond the permissible limits. Here are top 5 reasons your belly fat increases: 

1. Diet: 
What you eat, will definitely affect your heartbeat. Strange but very true that, diet alone plays 80% role in maintaining of everyday health. So, eating junk food, foods which are comprised of high fat and sugar is the biggest reason behind your extra belly fat. Hence, high sugar containing foods such as cakes, candies, muffins and flavoured beverages such as soft drinks, sweet tea and artificially sweetener & preservative added juices are a big NO to prevent bloated belly. Also, incorporating lean meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet becomes essential. 

2. Alcohol & Beer belly: 
You must have observed those who consume alcohol frequently tend to have bloated belly. This is because alcohol slows downs your metabolic rate leading to burning of lesser calories. And thus, excess calories from alcohol are stored in the form of belly fats called as ‘beer belly’. 

3. Genes:                                        
Your genes can also be responsible for the bulging belly. One of the factors responsible for increasing the paunch is if it is running in your family. According to family tree your body shape tends to become either apple-shaped or pear-shaped. Most of the men tend to have an apple shaped body type which can be inherited from the parents. 

4. Stress: 
Cortisol is a ‘stress hormone’ which is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations. If it is produced in excess due to recurrent stress, it leads to weight gain in the abdominal region. This is mainly because, cortisol hormones sends chemical messages to the brain to store more calories to fight against stress.  

5. Gut Health:
Any imbalance in gut micro flora hampers gut health and indirectly affects the immune system too. Numerous types of bacteria live in our gut, with some being helpful while others being harmful. Any imbalance in these gut micro flora can lead to abdominal fat deposition. 

Now that you are aware of the reasons for increase in your belly fat, ensure to take extra precautions and start implementing remedies to enjoy healthier, happier and a confident life.   

5 Easy Ways To Support Your Friend With Cancer.

Friendship - A relation not defined by blood ties but from ties we make on earth during our lifetime. Undoubtedly, friends are the ones with whom we share almost everything; at times even certain secrets and thoughts which we feel uncomfortable to even share with our parents. Right from secret crushes in college to silly events in every day of our lives, a friend is someone who knows every bit of us! But a devastating situation comes in front of a dear friend. Your friend is diagnosed of a disease like cancer! - an ultimate trauma and a sure means of isolation. What soon would creep in your friendship is his/her busy schedules full of appointments, scan, treatments along with the endless thought of a nearing fate. The first thing which will come to your mind will be spending sometime with him. But, whenever you meet, it may be very difficult to understand what to say or do that will bring smile on his/her face.

‘Cancer’ the word itself is associated with feeling of despair, anxiety and isolation. We often fail to understand that cancer patients are overlooked, due to our reluctance in interacting with them and to know what’s exactly going on in their mind. This is a very crucial aspect, because diagnosis of a disease like cancer brings many changes in one’s lifestyle. Hence, a strong emotional support from their surroundings to boost their willpower coupled with moments of happiness is essential. 

There are no concrete rules to support a friend who recently got diagnosed with this life threatening disease. The secret lies in, is to keep things simple, as little things which we do selflessly are the ones which leave behind great impact. First of all you need keep in your mind that, touching, hugging or shaking hands with your friend does not mean you will become next cancer victim; on other hand it will make your friend feel better. A friend will not want your sympathy but a feeling that you care. Here are few simple ways by which you can apply to support and care for your dear friend with cancer : 

1. Make Up Your Mind First : 

First of all cope up with your own emotions before visiting his/her home as you need to control all your feelings that can even make your friend weaker emotionally. Think what all things will result into few moments of laughter but at the same time be careful that it won’t hurt if he or she is no longer capable of experiencing them. 

2. Always Ask Before You Visit : 

Do not forgot to confirm is it’s right time to visit as the patient can be in hospital or home. On the top, if your friend is unwell your visit will make him uncomfortable. So, make a phone call to seek permission to visit as well as make flexible plans that can be changed if your friend needs to postpone. 

3. Make Every Visit Memorable : 

Whenever you meet, start conversation saying, “It’s good to see you” instead of commenting on physical appearance as there can be physical changes due to cancer. Talk about likes, hobbies and things which will distract your friend from thoughts of cancer. Offer him gifts such as motivational books, articles regarding people who won over cancer, etc. Show them discount offers on online shopping portals as carrying out shopping in markets and malls may not be possible for your friend due to weakness. 

4. Put Some Practical Efforts :    

Often we forget that family members of cancer victim too need support. Hence, it is essential to even boost their moral and practically helping your friend’s parents in daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning and laundry, etc. can even mean a lot! Help them with hospital formalities, booking of health check ups and chemotherapy sessions, etc., and or even drive your friend to an appointment. You can also go for walk followed by movie together with whole family.  

5. Your Words Can Do Wonders : 

• Here are examples of phrases that can be really helpful : 
• I care about you. 
• If you ever feel like talking, I’m here to listen.
• You can share anything with me. 
• What are your plans for today, how I can be part of it. 
• It will be great if you tell how can I help you in this. 

In the end, you need to understand that friendship can really make a difference, Happy Friendship Day.