We all want to know the secret of good health. Indeed, the secret of healthy lifestyle is something that has evaded us primarily because of lack of expert opinion. Dr. Vivek Nigam, Holistic Physician, and CMD Godhealth Pvt. Ltd. now provides you health and fitness related information that is simple and easy to understand. According to Dr. Nigam the easiest way to enjoy good health is to follow the laws of nature. He has come up with an innovative idea to create awareness about obesity and diseases related with it through a nationwide campaign `Ask Dr. Nigam Why’.  To flag off this campaign he answers queries from prominent film celebrities. So, here is Dr. Vivek Nigam with effective healthcare interaction with who’s who of Bollywood. It’s time to make the most of it!
1) Hi Dr. Nigam. Being a professional actress I get very little time to take care for my health. Since water is a very essential part of any health regime I would like to know how many glasses of water should I consume in a day?
Ans: Normally one should consume 10-12 glasses of water. Since you are always in the limelight, it is advisable to take at least 16-18 glasses. This will give a glow to your skin as water works as a natural moisturizer.
2)   Dr. Nigam, I have a very stressful life, with disturbed sleeping patterns and add to it I have hyperacidity problems. What do you think is the solution for it?
Ans:  Transcendental meditation is a very good solution for all your problems. Shortly you will get a call from the center of Goodhealth where Transcendental meditation teacher will co-ordinate with you. Your acidity problem is primarily due to stressful lifestyle you lead.  What you need is better sleep and a good rest. We understand you are a famous music director and therefore have a very hectic schedule and lifestyle. However, you need to understand that money and fame can be enjoyed only if you have an integrated and holistic life. We all need spiritual development. A relaxed, de-stressed mind will be more creative. With the help of the meditation technique, you can get de-stressed and enjoy peace of mind.
3) Hello Dr. Nigam! I am a food junkie and can’t resist the temptation to engorge delicious cuisines! I want to know how can I can eat, eat, eat and still not put on weight?
Ans:  Eat, eat, eat, surely you can! But remember moderation is the mantra of good health. Secondly, eat only when you are hungry. Don’t just eat on your friend’s insistence, or because you are stressed out. Delicious cuisines are always tempting! Make a food plan for yourself. Since, you are a very famous singer, you already know the need for stronger abs for deeper voice. What we can do for you is to work on your abs to strengthen them. Introduce Soya in your diet as it will help build muscle mass. Also you can keep dumbbells in your car and exercise your abs while on the go. By little bit of exercising your muscle mass will increase and thus your metabolic rate will also increase.
4)  Hello Dr. Nigam. I find food very irresistible. If I pass by a restaurant and smell food I have to eat. Because of this I have weight problem. Tell me Dr. Nigam, what is the solution?
Ans:   I know you are diet conscious and love food. We are sending you a personalized diet plan to help you lose weight. You should eat only when you are hungry and not when you see food. Know your biological clock. The better option would be to chose healthier food over junk food while eating out. Stick to a normal diet while eating at  home and choose healthier cuisine.
5) Hi Dr. Nigam. I love to eat food, be it different types of cuisines or junk. I do not like to go on a diet nor do I like to exercise a lot. I want to know how can people eat everything, eat junk, not exercise and still keep fit?
Ans:   A dream come true for anyone would be to have different scrumptious cuisines, not go on diet, do a little bit of exercise and still keep fit! Yes definitely, you can have the cake and eat it too. According to the Indian Philosophy of `Nishkaamkarma’ (literally translated as performing action without being attached to the fruit or to get the best out of little effort) you can attain your dream. Introduce Tofu and Soya in your diet. It will help to increase the metabolic rate and also your muscle mass. Another way of increasing muscle mass is to keep female lightweight dumbbells in your car and exercise with it whenever you get the time. You can also take Chromium Picolinate (natural form-Palak), L-Carnitine, Vitamin E or Omega 6 fatty acids (natural form-fish) to increase metabolic rate. Take a good multivitamin to make your system work efficiently Drink plenty of water for detoxification for skin glow and to remove water retention and prevent acne. You can eat wholeheartedly when hungry but not when stressed or just because of peer pressure. It’s always better to waste food than put it on waist. Try to involve yourself in other activities apart from food. If you feel like binging then do so only occasionally. Keep a healthy snack so that you do not make a wrong choice in a hurry. Body is a beautiful temple; respect it and you will get what you want from life.
6) Dr. Nigam, you must first help me understand why there is no permanent solution for the digestive system. All the remedies are very temporary. Why? Why? Why?
Ans:   You are absolutely right, Sonu. Most remedies for digestion problem are temporary in nature. Sometimes we fail to acknowledge that most of the body functions is controlled by our mind. Like a gardener who on seeing the withering leaf turns his attention to roots and nourishes it. You must also learn to tackle any problem at its roots. All problems, like indigestion, acidity, etc. are connected to the mind. It is like thinking of emotion you get a tear, as you think about your favorite sweet you get saliva, you see food, and you start feeling hungry. So, mind and body are connected. Therefore, the remedy to your problem is Yoga and meditation techniques. Your mother and sister have both learned the Transcendental Meditation at Goodhealth and benefited immensely. Take some time off from your busy schedule to learn this technique. It will help you lower the secretive juices in your stomach and to relax both your mind and body. Always remember, our body should be in tune with nature. Relaxation and tuning also helps to make the mind more creative!
7) Hello Dr. Nigam. I usually have hunger pangs right after I have finished my workout session. I would like to know if it is all right to have food immediately after working out? I also want to know what is the best time to workout?
Ans:   Practically, anytime is a good time for a workout. However, scientifically speaking 6 am to 8 am in the morning is the best time for working out as you are in a fresh frame of mind. It is essential to have peace of mind. You must workout with your friends where exercising will be fun and not a humdrum. You should workout when the sun is rising and practice Yoga like ‘Suryanamaskar’ to lend flexibility to body for classical dancing as they strengthen the ligaments. During the workout you loose carbohydrates along with fats. For your hunger pangs focus more on liquids after the workout. Concentrate on low-cal fruit drinks but avoid Mango, Banana, Chikoo shakes. You can have pre-packaged, non-juicy fruits. Solid foods should be taken only after an hour. If you get body cramps or feel weak and tired have Calcium and Potassium supplements and Vitamin E. For main body toning, diet should contain 30%-35% protein, which are found in Soy, Whey, Sprouts, etc..
8) I do not have time to workout and my eating habits are also poor. Can you     suggest some other way that I can stay fit?
Ans:   If I am not wrong Shriya, you have made the transition from South Indian movies to Hindi movies. The journey from Tollywood to Bollywood surely requires greater attention on your diet plan as now you have to adjust to a different environment, and different set up. You also have to fulfill your professional demands. So get time out for a workout regime. Flexibility of the body as well as mind, is required to be successful. The adage "Man is known by the company he keeps" is very true. Choose friends who enjoy 'working out'. What you really need is will-power to do things and the emotional readiness to make it happen. Start thinking about fitness and because of strong-will power your actions will follow. Where the mind goes, the body follows. Set small goals to achieve your fitness regime. You have a long journey ahead of you.