Latest news with #FrontiersinNutrition
Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
Best time to drink water for weight loss and better digestion
Do you have a reminder set in your smartwatch that blinks every half an hour, reminding you to drink water? Or, do you have a sticky note pasted on your work desk that works the same way – a reminder to hydrate? If your answers are affirmative to these questions, then you're already on the right track. Water, after all, is the cornerstone of good health. Drinking water is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, from regulating temperature to transporting nutrients and waste. It aids digestion, lubricates joints, and supports brain function, among other vital processes. But, do you know, timing is equally important when it comes to hydration? While staying hydrated throughout the day is vital, specific times can significantly maximize the benefits of water for weight loss, digestion, and overall wellness. From waking up to pre-meal hydration, knowing when to drink water can enhance metabolism, curb cravings, flush toxins, and aid in smoother digestion. So, what time is the best time? Wake up and hydrate This has been the norm for ages now, as it should be. You wake up and you drink a glass of water. Drinking 1-2 glasses of water first thing in the morning helps activate your metabolism, hydrate your organs, and eliminate overnight toxins. After 6-8 hours of sleep without fluid intake, your body is naturally dehydrated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Replenishing with water upon waking can stimulate digestion, kickstart calorie burning, and support kidney and liver detox functions. According to a study in Frontiers in Nutrition , early hydration may also contribute to better fat metabolism. What are the benefits: Jumpstarts metabolism Flushes out toxins Prepares your gut for digestion Supports healthy bowel movement Pro tip: Adding a squeeze of lemon can provide a small vitamin C boost and further support digestion. Pre-meal hydration: 30 minutes before meals Elders have been trying to get this habit imprinted in our DNA. Guess what? It's actually science-backed, too! Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before eating is one of the best strategies for weight loss and digestion. Pre-meal hydration helps prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness, prepares your stomach lining for food, and aids in the secretion of digestive enzymes. A 2010 study published in Obesity found that participants who drank water before meals lost 44% more weight over 12 weeks compared to those who didn't. Why it works: Helps control portion size Prepares the stomach for food intake Enhances nutrient absorption by triggering digestive enzymes Pro tip: Avoid drinking large amounts immediately before or during meals, as this can dilute digestive juices and hinder nutrient absorption. Work out and hydrate: Before and after workouts hydration It's not just because you're thirsty after a good run. Or that you don't want to start your pilates session with a dry mouth. Staying hydrated is essential for optimal performance during exercise, and the timing of your water intake plays a role. Drink 1-2 cups of water 30-60 minutes before your workout to stay hydrated without bloating. After a workout session, rehydrate to replenish lost fluids through sweat, support muscle recovery, and regulate body temperature. Drinking water before cardio also helps mobilize fat stores, especially when combined with a fasted workout. To sum it up… Before exercise: Drink 1-2 cups of water Helps increase stamina and energy After exercise: Replenishes fluids lost through sweat Aids in muscle recovery Promotes fat oxidation According to the American Council on Exercise , proper hydration during workouts can improve performance and calorie burn. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon hydration You've got to keep sipping round the clock! Hydration plays a major role in managing hunger cues. Often, when you feel "hungry," your body might just be thirsty. Drinking a glass of water around 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM can not only reduce unnecessary snacking but also help in maintaining alertness and focus and prevent the energy crashes commonly mistaken for hunger. If you're bored with chugging glasses of water, consider herbal teas or infused water with cucumber or mint to make hydration more enjoyable while supporting digestion. Hydrate before bed Just the way it's important to wake up to a glass of water, it's equally crucial to hydrate before you call it a day and hit the bed. However, while it's important to hydrate before sleep, don't go overboard so that you interrupt your rest for frequent bathroom trips. Drinking a small glass of water 1-2 hours before bed can support nighttime cellular repair, aid in waste elimination through the digestive tract, and prevent dry mouth and muscle cramps. However, avoid drinking water right before bed, as it may interfere with sleep quality. Why it helps: Keeps you hydrated overnight Supports kidney and liver function Helps muscles recover while you rest Why timing matters Water is more than just hydration; it directly influences metabolic efficiency and digestive health. Drinking water at the right times offers multiple health benefits. Here's how: Thermogenesis: Drinking cold water increases energy expenditure as the body warms it to core temperature. Satiety: Hydration helps control the hunger hormone ghrelin, reducing unnecessary food intake. Bowel regularity: Water softens stool, promoting smoother digestion and regular bowel movements. Fat oxidation: Dehydration impairs the body's ability to burn fat effectively. Timing your water intake around metabolic peaks (morning, pre-meals, and post-workout) can amplify these effects. When NOT to drink excess water While hydration is essential, avoid these common mistakes: Right before or during meals: May dilute digestive enzymes Chugging large amounts at once: Can cause bloating or electrolyte imbalance Immediately before bed: May disturb sleep Listen to your body's thirst cues and balance intake throughout the day. Sip smart, not hard Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your health. By timing your intake strategically, you can unlock even greater benefits, especially for weight loss and better digestion. From boosting metabolism in the morning to supporting digestion before meals and aiding recovery post-workout, water is a natural, side-effect-free way to enhance health. Be intentional, and be consistent – that way, you can sip several of your health woes away! Herbal Drinks to Aid Weight Loss After Dinner and Promote Digestion
Leader Live
30-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
The 6 beers good for your gut health according to experts
Health experts have revealed beers like Guinness, Stella Artois Unfiltered, and London Porter Dark Ale could all have benefits when it comes to your gut health. Researchers have been accumulating evidence to suggest that certain beers could help improve the diversity of species in the gut microbiome. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, from 2022, followed 22 men who drank a little more than half a pint of beer every day for four weeks and found as a result, they had better intestinal health, The Telegraph reported. Health experts have now conducted a review of experiments in Frontiers in Nutrition and have come to the conclusion that various ingredients in beer may have a positive impact on the immune system. Nutrition researcher at King's College London and founder of The Gut Health Doctor, Dr Megan Rossi, said this was due to plant chemicals known as polyphenols, which are found in certain beers, and are useful for the bacteria in your gut. Dr Rossi, speaking to The Telegraph, said: 'Bacteria have been shown to digest about 90 per cent of polyphenols and turn them into chemicals, which can have anti-inflammatory effects." The six beers that are good for your gut health, according to health experts, are: Guinness is thought to be rich in certain plant chemicals, according to Dr Rossi. She said: 'Some polyphenols are particularly high in Guinness. "We talk about diversity (being good for the gut), and that's the case for drinks as well. "So, if you drank a little bit of Guinness one night, and then a little red wine another time, while keeping within the alcohol limit, that's probably going to get you a wider range of these polyphenols.' Guinness is among the beers experts say could be beneficial for your health. (Image: PA) Medical scientist at Imperial College London, Dr Federica Amati, said: 'It's not a health drink, but some of these ales will contain more of these useful chemicals as well as yeast strains left in the beer. 'They're probably not going to be alive, but there's a vein of thought that they still have some sort of beneficial impact on our immune system when they reach the gut.' Belgian branded beers such as Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel and Echt Kriekenbier are fermented twice. This second fermentation uses a different strain from the traditional brewer's yeast, The Telegraph reports, which not only increases the strength of the beer, but also means it contains more useful microbes. Belgian professor Jeroen Raes added: 'We know that even dead yeasts could have an effect on the composition of the microbiota, and it could also have an effect on transit times." Craft beers and dark ales also contain gut-boosting yeast, according to The Telegraph. Dr Amati said if there's a little bit of sediment at the bottom of your craft beer or dark ale, "that's always a good sign". If you are a larger drinker, try finding an unfiltered version as it may contain more potentially useful chemicals, as well as having a more "complex flavour and aroma". Dr Amati continues: 'If you drink a fairly long fermented and traditionally made beer, so not one that's super filtered, you will get some of those polyphenols and yeast strains left in the beer." If you are a larger drinker, finding an unfiltered version will be better for your gut health. (Image: PA) "Drinking alcohol-free beers could offer all the benefits to your gut, without the disadvantages of the actual alcohol content," The Telegraph said. Alcohol free beer - in particular Doom Bar's version - are said to be more likely to contain helpful plant chemicals. According to Dr Amati, there are also several artisan cider brands, including the likes of Old Rosie Scrumpy Cider and Henry Westons Vintage Cider, that can have benefits for the gut microbiome. She explained: 'They tend to have some of the actual fruit left in the drink, meaning that fermentation carries on for longer. 'The cloudier ciders are better as these are sugars known as polysaccharides which float in the cider and they're good prebiotics to feed the gut bugs.' Other drinks, such as mead, are also thought to be beneficial for the gut. While the likes of Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale and Stella Artois Unfiltered are good for your health, there are a number of beers that are not so good for you, and the experts have warned to avoid them. There are also beers to avoid, according to health experts, including the likes of Budweiser, San Miguel and Peroni. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) The six beers drinkers should avoid, according to the health experts, are: While the experts say there are benefits to some beers, they also emphasise alcoholic drinks are not health drinks and in many cases, any benefits for the gut are likely to be cancelled out by the impact of alcohol on the body. Dr Amati said: "I'm very keen to pass on the message that we have to drink very moderately. 'Have at least three days with no alcohol in your week, and no more than one drink when you do drink.' While Dr Rossi advocates drinking no more than one or two alcoholic drinks at a time. RECOMMENDED READING: Is wine good for you and what are the healthiest options - dietician has their say Chocolate is good for you and here are the 7 health benefits to prove it Walkers Cheese & Onion to Kettle Lightly Salted - which crisps are the healthiest? These are the 8 foods to eat that will help you live to 100 (or longer) She added: 'When we're talking about any anti-inflammatory benefits for the gut from these darker beers, that becomes pro-inflammatory after about two drinks.' 'That's because the alcohol starts to make the gut a little bit leaky, allowing things to move from our gut into the bloodstream that wouldn't normally be there, and causing low-grade inflammation.' The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That equates to around six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of 4% beer.
North Wales Chronicle
30-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
The 6 beers good for your gut health according to experts
Health experts have revealed beers like Guinness, Stella Artois Unfiltered, and London Porter Dark Ale could all have benefits when it comes to your gut health. Researchers have been accumulating evidence to suggest that certain beers could help improve the diversity of species in the gut microbiome. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, from 2022, followed 22 men who drank a little more than half a pint of beer every day for four weeks and found as a result, they had better intestinal health, The Telegraph reported. Health experts have now conducted a review of experiments in Frontiers in Nutrition and have come to the conclusion that various ingredients in beer may have a positive impact on the immune system. Nutrition researcher at King's College London and founder of The Gut Health Doctor, Dr Megan Rossi, said this was due to plant chemicals known as polyphenols, which are found in certain beers, and are useful for the bacteria in your gut. Dr Rossi, speaking to The Telegraph, said: 'Bacteria have been shown to digest about 90 per cent of polyphenols and turn them into chemicals, which can have anti-inflammatory effects." The six beers that are good for your gut health, according to health experts, are: Guinness is thought to be rich in certain plant chemicals, according to Dr Rossi. She said: 'Some polyphenols are particularly high in Guinness. "We talk about diversity (being good for the gut), and that's the case for drinks as well. "So, if you drank a little bit of Guinness one night, and then a little red wine another time, while keeping within the alcohol limit, that's probably going to get you a wider range of these polyphenols.' Guinness is among the beers experts say could be beneficial for your health. (Image: PA) Medical scientist at Imperial College London, Dr Federica Amati, said: 'It's not a health drink, but some of these ales will contain more of these useful chemicals as well as yeast strains left in the beer. 'They're probably not going to be alive, but there's a vein of thought that they still have some sort of beneficial impact on our immune system when they reach the gut.' Belgian branded beers such as Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel and Echt Kriekenbier are fermented twice. This second fermentation uses a different strain from the traditional brewer's yeast, The Telegraph reports, which not only increases the strength of the beer, but also means it contains more useful microbes. Belgian professor Jeroen Raes added: 'We know that even dead yeasts could have an effect on the composition of the microbiota, and it could also have an effect on transit times." Craft beers and dark ales also contain gut-boosting yeast, according to The Telegraph. Dr Amati said if there's a little bit of sediment at the bottom of your craft beer or dark ale, "that's always a good sign". If you are a larger drinker, try finding an unfiltered version as it may contain more potentially useful chemicals, as well as having a more "complex flavour and aroma". Dr Amati continues: 'If you drink a fairly long fermented and traditionally made beer, so not one that's super filtered, you will get some of those polyphenols and yeast strains left in the beer." If you are a larger drinker, finding an unfiltered version will be better for your gut health. (Image: PA) "Drinking alcohol-free beers could offer all the benefits to your gut, without the disadvantages of the actual alcohol content," The Telegraph said. Alcohol free beer - in particular Doom Bar's version - are said to be more likely to contain helpful plant chemicals. According to Dr Amati, there are also several artisan cider brands, including the likes of Old Rosie Scrumpy Cider and Henry Westons Vintage Cider, that can have benefits for the gut microbiome. She explained: 'They tend to have some of the actual fruit left in the drink, meaning that fermentation carries on for longer. 'The cloudier ciders are better as these are sugars known as polysaccharides which float in the cider and they're good prebiotics to feed the gut bugs.' Other drinks, such as mead, are also thought to be beneficial for the gut. While the likes of Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale and Stella Artois Unfiltered are good for your health, there are a number of beers that are not so good for you, and the experts have warned to avoid them. There are also beers to avoid, according to health experts, including the likes of Budweiser, San Miguel and Peroni. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) The six beers drinkers should avoid, according to the health experts, are: While the experts say there are benefits to some beers, they also emphasise alcoholic drinks are not health drinks and in many cases, any benefits for the gut are likely to be cancelled out by the impact of alcohol on the body. Dr Amati said: "I'm very keen to pass on the message that we have to drink very moderately. 'Have at least three days with no alcohol in your week, and no more than one drink when you do drink.' While Dr Rossi advocates drinking no more than one or two alcoholic drinks at a time. RECOMMENDED READING: Is wine good for you and what are the healthiest options - dietician has their say Chocolate is good for you and here are the 7 health benefits to prove it Walkers Cheese & Onion to Kettle Lightly Salted - which crisps are the healthiest? These are the 8 foods to eat that will help you live to 100 (or longer) She added: 'When we're talking about any anti-inflammatory benefits for the gut from these darker beers, that becomes pro-inflammatory after about two drinks.' 'That's because the alcohol starts to make the gut a little bit leaky, allowing things to move from our gut into the bloodstream that wouldn't normally be there, and causing low-grade inflammation.' The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That equates to around six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of 4% beer.
Gulf Today
30-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Vegan diet beats Mediterranean diet when it comes to jump-starting weight loss, scientists find
Switching to a vegan diet can help promote weight loss by reducing inflammation, a new study suggests. Scientists compared a plant-based diet with a so-called "Mediterranean diet" - one that includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, dairy and eggs - and found that eliminating these altogether resulted in a net reduction in the body's production of acid. Researchers in the four-month study, which has been published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found that switching to a low-fat vegan diet could slash the body's overall acidity, a change that was associated with weight loss. "Eating acid-producing foods like meat, eggs, and dairy can increase the dietary acid load, or the amount of acids consumed, causing inflammation linked to weight gain," said Hana Kahleova, a co-author of the study. "But replacing animal products with plant-based foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes can help promote weight loss and create a healthy gut microbiome," Dr Kahleova explained. In the study, 62 overweight adults were randomised to follow either a Mediterranean or a low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks, separated by a four-week cleansing period, followed by an additional 16 weeks on the alternate diet. Researchers closely monitored participants' dietary records to calculate their acid load - a measure of the net acid production in the body from the foods we eat. For instance, scientists say food like meat, fish, eggs, and cheese causes the body to produce more acid, a change linked to chronic inflammation and that can lead to increased body weight. In comparison, they say plant-based diets are more alkaline and are associated with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower blood pressure. Researchers found that the acid load significantly decreased under a vegan diet, with no significant change on the Mediterranean diet. This reduction, scientists say, is associated with significant weight loss, which remained even after adjusting for changes in calorie intake. Participants in the study experienced weight loss by up to 5 kg (13 lbs) on the vegan diet, compared with no change on the Mediterranean diet. Scientists recommend more consumption of alkalising food such as leafy greens, broccoli, beets, asparagus, garlic, carrots, and cabbage, as well as fruits like berries, apples, cherries, apricots, or cantaloupe. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans, or soy and grains like quinoa or millet can also have an alkalising effect, they say. "The alkalising effect of a vegan diet may be an independent mechanism by which a vegan diet promotes weight loss," researchers concluded The Independent
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
THIS diet reduces the risk of diabetes, and it's even better than the Mediterranean diet
A recent study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that a low-fat vegan diet significantly reduces dietary acid load compared to the Mediterranean diet. This reduction is associated with weight loss and improved metabolic health. The vegan diet, rich in plant-based foods, promotes an alkaline environment in the body, potentially aiding in weight management and reducing diabetes risk. What we eat plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. In recent years, the Mediterranean diet has been in the spotlight for its heart-healthy benefits among others. But a new study suggests there may be an even better option, especially if you are looking for weight loss and to reduce the risk of diabetes. A new study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that a certain diet significantly reduces dietary acid load, a key factor associated with weight gain and diabetes risk, when compared with the popular Mediterranean diet. The findings are published in Frontiers in Nutrition . Diet and diabetes risk The diet in question is a low-fat vegan diet. The study found that compared with a Mediterranean diet, dietary acid load decreased significantly on a low-fat vegan diet, and it was associated with weight loss. 'Eating acid-producing foods like meat, eggs, and dairy can increase the dietary acid load, or the amount of acids consumed, causing inflammation linked to weight gain. But replacing animal products with plant-based foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes can help promote weight loss and create a healthy gut microbiome,' Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee and lead author of the study, said in a statement. The study To understand the link between a vegan diet and its effectiveness in reducing the risk of diabetes, the researchers conducted a randomized crossover trial involving 62 overweight adults. The participants followed a low-fat vegan diet or a Mediterranean diet, separated by a four-week cleansing period, followed by an additional 16 weeks on the alternate diet. The researchers analyzed the dietary records of the participants to calculate dietary acid load, which is commonly estimated by two scores: Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP). A higher score indicates a higher dietary acid load. The findings The researchers found that animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and cheese, caused the body to produce more acid. This increased the dietary acid load, which is linked to chronic inflammation that disrupts metabolism and can lead to weight gain. On the other hand, plant-based diets, which are more alkaline, were associated with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower blood pressure. Ronnie McDowell RUSHED to Hospital Mid-Show; Sudden Health Crisis STUNS Fans | WATCH They also found that both PRAL and NEAP scores decreased significantly in participants on the vegan diet, with no significant change on the Mediterranean diet . The reduction in dietary acid load was linked to weight loss. Also, this association remained significant even after adjustment for changes in energy intake. They also noticed a significant weight loss of 13.2 pounds on the vegan diet, compared with no change on the Mediterranean diet. The researchers said that the vegan diet's alkalizing effect increases the body's pH level to make it less acidic, which may also help promote weight loss. Such foods include include vegetables, particularly leafy greens, broccoli, beets, asparagus, garlic, carrots, and cabbage; fruits, such as berries, apples, cherries, apricots, or cantaloupe; legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans or soy; and grains, such as quinoa or millet.
