If you are of the opinion that this is one of those write ups where the ethics of women drinking are going to be discussed, think again. This is not about ethics but about medical facts. However strongly we may believe in equality of sexes, there are certain facts which need to be recognized and acted upon to attain better living. After all, you would not be able to argue with the opposite sex if you were not there to live!

Yes, alcoholism is a very serious syndrome or so to call, a disorder which can cost us our lives. Research today proves that women are more sensitive to alcoholism than men and there are reasons to believe the same. These are discussed further along in the article. However, there are certain reasons which are known by all of us which account for the ills of alcoholism. Let’s recapitulate them before understanding why it is worse for women.

• Alcoholism is nutrition deficient - No vitamins, minerals or proteins are provided by alcohol. What is liberated is only energy, much more than fats too! Hence, there is no physiological benefit from alcohol and the effect on the mind is detrimental as it gives you a temporary high which is not a regular normal reaction to the environment and to that extent it is an abnormal behavior.
• Makes you fat - Alcohol is rich in calories and hence makes you fatter than ever before. However if you are tired of those skinny legs and dream of chubby cheeks, this could be a benefit.
• Liver damage - The liver which metabolises the alcohol is put under stress under alcoholism due to excess intake of the same. This gives rise to generation of dead cells in the liver and this could lead to cirrhosis in turn which is fibrous tissue of the liver.
• Blood pressure - Alcoholics are more likely to suffer from blood pressure.
• Addiction prone - The worse part about alcohol is that no matter how strong you believe in the ills of alcohol, you get addicted to it sooner or later.

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Tags: Herbal Supplements, Ayurvedic Medicine, Natural Cures, Kitchen Tips, Natural Remedies

Cardiovascular diseases in form of arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis and even hemorrhage are growing at a tremendous rate and are the cause of at least 50% of deaths worldwide.

The cause for concern is that the figure of heart attacks and related deaths is on the rise but the number of people conscious of their health and taking preventive measures is not growing at the same rate. We all are struggling for a better means of living, improving our standards, providing for our necessities and so on. But do we ensure that we would be able to reap the fruits of the seeds sown. This would be done only if we live long enough and are healthy. Hence, at least half an hour should be dedicated daily only to ourselves, for our health and productive mind. Otherwise we would be running in a marathon without an end point. The following are some of the guidelines to maintain a healthy and fit heart.

a) Exercise regularly :- This should be done in such a manner that the heart rate is at a faster pace than normal and this faster pace should be maintained for 20 minutes. Brisk walking and jogging are two good methods of exercising where the body exerts to enhance its stress undertaking capacity. In general forty minutes of exercise for four times a week is a good exercise.

b) Diet :- Avoid refined flour and restrict carbohydrates and fats once you are 30 years. A good intake of fruits, dryfruits and vegetables would do wonders for your body. The minerals and vitamins used by the body are best sourced in nature. The best supplement for cardio-health is Omega 3 Fatty Acids . Another herb which is useful and has been quoted in various Ayurvedic scriptures is Terminalia Arjuna (Arjun Chhal).

c) Meditation : Yoga, prananyamas and meditation calms and focuses the mind and also avoids excitements and stresses. Hence a weekly practice of meditation would only benefit the heart and mind by controlling the volatility and maintaining a steady heart rate.

d) Regular blood tests : These are required to monitor the HDl and LDL levels in the blood. The LDL/HDL ration should be a maximum or 4 and any higher value is an indication of greater risk of heart diseases.

If you are strong at heart would you be able to enjoy all emotions and also face the struggles in life.

Tags: Ayurvedic Medicine, Natural Cures, Kitchen Tips, Herbal Supplements, Natural Remedies

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are very common in females and affect almost all between the age of puberty and post menopause. This is an infection caused by a foreign body which is harmful to the host. These foreign bodies are in form of micro organisms like E coli, Chlamydia and micoplasma. The secretions and toxins secreted by these micro organisms within the urinary system gives rise to infections.

The most affected part of the urinary system is the urethra, the short opening at the end of the urinary tract in women which allows to let out urine from the kidneys. When these are infected, the common symptoms include burning sensation, itching, constant urge to urinate, frequent but less urination each visit and a feeling of a full bladder, nearly always.

A serious problem

A UTI is not just a simple infection. Since it infects the inside of the lady’s body, there is a great risk of the infection to spread further into various visceral organs. The risk is further pronounced if the lady is pregnant. There are complications of premature delivery, low birth weight of the new born, infection in the new born too and may even result in death of the new born.

The association of pregnancy and UTI doesn’t end here. Post delivery or any surgery, catheterization is a normal process to avoid pressure on the bladder while urination. In this process, a catheter in the form of a tube is inserted within the urethra through the vaginal opening. This insertion also leads to UTI at times.

Triggers of UTI

E Coli is a micro organism in the colon, a part of the large intestine. The anal opening of the large intestine is very near the urethral opening. The proximity between the two openings increases the risk of E coli being transmitted to the urinary tract. Poor genital hygiene and sexual transmission of micro organisms further deteriorate already existing infections and increase the risk of infections as such.

Complications from UTI

The nuances of UTI are manifold and have long implications. Kidney stones, cystitis, kidney failure are some of the severe repercussions. The cloudy appearance of urine and the strong odour from urine are symptoms of a long age urinary tract infection.

Prevent UTI by

• Drinking loads of water daily
• Maintaining proper genital hygiene
• Never resist the urge to urinate
• Urinate after sexual intercourse
• Use cotton undergarments
• If stones are detected, water and solvent intake should be further increased.

Therapy and treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Though prevention is better than cure there are circumstances due to which a patient may have already developed UTI and be looking for a therapy. Antibiotics , if prescribed are always to be continued for a specific time depending on the dose and potency of the medication. However, ointments, herbal anti-inflammatory products and othe antiseptics can add value to the therapy.

In Ayurveda, Chandraprabha Vati is recommended for Urinary Tract Infections.

Tags: Natural Remedies, Herbal Supplements, Kitchen Tips, Natural Cures, Ayurvedic Medicine

Apart from eating right and avoiding junk food, the manner in which we eat is also influencing our digestive systems. Here are some facts which would help us achieve healthy eating habits.

Simply cooked foods are the best

Do you or your spouse spend hours in the kitchen to prepare gastronomic delights? If this is the case you need to change your habits because food should be simply cooked according to nutritionists as excessive spices and complicated cooking can remove the essential oils and nutrients from the food.

Take only 2 meals instead of three

Reducing three main meals a day to two would really help to maintain the vitality of the digestive tracts and give them enough time to rest also. This is because one should not eat at least for 5-6 hours after a meal. Hence, if we eat 3 main meals, we would not get time to snack nutritious supplements and refresh the digestive system.

Have a good (Royal) breakfast

Breakfast should be the best meals of the day and a poorly designed one can lay your meal plan hay wire. Since you eat after eight to nine hours during your breakfast your stomach is in the best condition to digest food at this time. On the other hand, a poor breakfast can lead to acidity and bloated ness on account of gas accumulation.

Don’t eat anything before going to bed

When you are sleeping your metabolism is at its minimum. The food which you eat before going to bed is not digested or consumed by the body. If you are habitual to eating before bed time, a drink in form of fresh milk or fruit would be the best as they are easier to digest. However, the habit is best forgotten.

Avoid eating a complicated designed meal with many dishes

Are you invited for dinner tonight? Do you enjoy brunches and buffets? These habits need to be changes as it is not a good idea to mix a variety of foods in a single meal. Soups, starters, main course and desserts with biryanis, roast chicken, barbeque, pies, pizzas, tuna fish, cakes, puddings and sundaes are all composed of different nur\trients which require a different treatment in digestion. Hence eating a complicated meal would add to the strain on the body and in the course none would be completely digested.

Chew food well

The process of digestion begins in the mouth when the food is chewed and saliva starts its action to break down the carbohydrates. The pace at which you eat doesn’t determine how well you eat as if the food isn’t chewed properly, it would not be digested and absorbed by the body. Hence, take your time and make sure you are chewing and not gulping.

Don’t drink water with meals

Drinking water with meals is not suitable as liquid with solid food would only delay digestion. This is because the liquid needs to be absorbed before digestion of solid food begins.

Say no to hot and cold

Extreme temperatures also add burden on the stomach as digestion best happens at body temperature. Hence eating as close to body temperature helps. Never mix vegetables with fruits as the nutrition offered and texture of either is different.

- Gunjan

Tags: Herbal Supplements, Kitchen Tips, Natural Remedies, Natural Cures, Ayurvedic Medicine