Natural Health Tips and Ayurvedic Medicine

I watch TV and my husband snores !

No gender bias. It is the reality that males snore more than females do. Snoring is quite irritating especially when it disturbs your sleep. It disturbs the person who snores and anybody around him or her. It is a cause for sleeplessness to both the doer and the sufferer. Hence it is a Problem!

Like any sound, Snoring is also the result of vibration. If the throat and the nose are blocked during sleep, the air cannot find its way in or out though the narrow passage. There are some soft tissues in the back of the throat which become relaxed due to some factors. When air flows through they vibrate and result in harsh noises. Some people have heavy snoring while some have mild. Amusingly, even babies snore. Occasional snoring is said to be not dangerous. An end to snoring can begin a new chapter in your life. Curing this will not only help your sleep but perhaps your relationship too.

The main reason for snoring is the restrictions in the air passage. It can be due to many factors like a poor sleep posture, abnormal sleeping habits, health conditions or even fatigue.

Sleeping on your back leaves the muscles in your throat relaxed blocking the air passage.
Genes travel! A narrow air passage or physical conditions may get inherited.
Physical Conditions like an elongated uvula, an enlarged tonsils or a low, thick soft palate aids snoring.
Being overweight will give fatty tissues in the neck leading to snoring.
Age would matter as the growing age affects the muscles in the throat.
An obstructed nose also interferes with breathing resulting in noisy breathing.
Males have a narrower passage than females. So they snore in most cases.
Smokers! Smokers or passive smokers have relaxed muscles in the nose and lungs.
Being an alcoholic. Snoring is likely if you take alcohol before you sleep.
Certain medications lead to snoring too.
Well, snoring is a sleep disorder . At times, it is a symptom of sleep apnea.
Snoring is a botheration only when it disturbs everybody’s sleep and your relationships. Snoring is involuntary and is frustrating to the snorer.

Help yourself!

To an extent, you can consciously take steps and avoid snoring.

Avoiding poor sleep postures would be the first thing. Mild snorers can sleep on their chest or sides.
Reducing weight would be relevant.
And smokers need to quit smoking for sure.
Say no to alcohol in the night.
Remember, sedatives and antihistamines keep you snoring.
Take the help of nasal decongestants if you have an obstructed nose.

Though snoring is common in adults if it disturbs your sleep regularly consult a doctor. It is wise to talk to a paediatrician if your child snores. If nothing helps, try these simple exercises to stop snoring

-Aparna K V

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

Water - do you know all about it?

We all know that we are composed of 70% water. The body tissues, cells and reactions carried out within the body are all a failure in absence of water. But this is not a store which can be utilized for ever. There are continuous losses of water from our body. Water is lost in the air exhaled, through sweat on the soles of the feet and other skin areas, tears, and urine, the biggest loss of all. Collectively, this loss could be upto 2 litres every day. In addition to this loss there is a utilization of water in various chemical reactions.

So if we do not replenish enough amount of water back into the body, what would be the result? Dehydration. This is a very crucial problem which could even be life threatening. Shrinkage of body mass, malfunctioning of organ systems, reduced blood volume and cell death are some resultants. Hence it is of utmost importance to resupply 2.5 liters of water every day back to our bodies. This can be done in form of fresh fruits, vegetables, beverages, soft drinks, juices and not to forget pure water at its best. The water content of these sources varies but nothing matches pure water supply. We do take in salts and nutrients in our day to day life but what we are not able to catch on is the water supply. To take more and more plain water is the best idea though you don’t have to cut down upon your regular beverages and drinks.

Water can be available in two types. Mineral water and spring water. Both are reasonably good sources but the purity and assurance against contamination is more for mineral water. However, if you don’t have a choice of any water, your tap water can be boiled to eradicate the impurities. A generous supply of 8-0 glasses a day is a must. Unavailability of water or forgetfulness is not an excuse to compromise your health for long.

Another astonishing fact is that our thirst is not a reliable indicator of dehydration of water needed by the body. A chronically dehydrated patient who has not been drinking enough water for years together develops a faulty reflex and even when he is dehydrated which is always the case, his reflex doesn’t prompt him to drink more water as the body is used to the insufficient water supply. Try this. Drink sumptuous 8-10 glasses of water for a day or two and then on the third day you would be reminded every hour for water by stimulating your thirst.

Some serious illnesses like asthma, hypertension, high cholesterol levels are the resulted in chronic dehydrated patients. Since water also cushions the joints and ligaments by forming a jelly matrix, in its absence there is a greater risk to develop weak bones. Arthritis, spondyloslysis and other such illnesses are thus caused and the misfortune is that we don’t even recognize the fact behind all these happenings which seem irrational to us.

The first ills of dehydration is a pain signal when histamine is released from mast cells to combat the lack of water. But in most cases this becomes subdued and negligible if a corrective action of proper water supply is not provided. Most of us who drink water religiously would experience this subtle pain in our throat if our throat is under a drought. But do the scanty drinkers experience it, No.

So help your body perform well by drinking more water. You would be helping yourselves as
• All your cells, even the most remote among them would be oxygenated.
• Toxins would be excreted well from the body and nutrients would be supplied to each part.
• Vital body reactions in metabolism, immunity and other functional areas would be carried out efficaciously as water is a good solvent.
• Nerve signals would be prompt.
• The circulatory system would be in a bloom giving a pinker tone to the skin.
• The joints and ligaments would be well cushioned.

You can use the following guidelines to improve your water supply.

1. Start your day with a glass full of water.
2. Keep a jar of water handy when you work at your desk so that you can have water periodically.
3. Whenever you travel, carry water with you.

Good Health to all… !

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

Quick Meals ring warning bells

After an unexpected social visit or shopping spree I can return home in time for lunch with a smile. “How convenient!” my mother would say. In her times, either she had to prepare the lunch for the entire family or cook it after a hurried outing or even better, she would skip the visit! I would just come home and heat up some ready-to eat delicacies and have a sumptuous meal. Recently, I began to think about the effects of this genre of food on health. This made me think. Are they really bad?

Processed Food : An Observation

In the grocery stores out there, we find a whole section dedicated to processed food. Processed foods have been altered from their natural state to increase their shelf life and for ease. This technique evolved and got promoted as a result of urbanisation and resultant hectic life style. In the present scenario, people like me can’t imagine a week without dried noodles or canned fish.

How it changes the whole of life!

It helps people who can’t get fresh food and refrigerate it. You don’t remember seasonal foods anymore. Any food item is made available all around the year by food processing. Food processing also enables the market to have variety. The grocery shops are not going to look nice if food processing is stopped.

The methods of processing include canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration and aseptic processing. The use of preservatives like antioxidants and antimicrobials to increase the store life of food is not uncommon. If you believe that consuming processed is totally unhealthy, then you are mistaken.

Not all kinds of food processing are harmful to health. Some food items gain edibility and nutrition after getting processed while some need processing to retain nutrition. Tinned fish and pasteurized milk are instances. Except for those who prefer raw milk, pasteurization kills bacteria and homogenization prevents the fats from separating.

Vegetables do not lose anything when frozen. The minerals and the vitamins remain fresher in them than in the ones available in the market. The vegetables do not reach the market the day when they are picked and by the time they reach the destination they may end up losing their nutritional content. Through processing, provisions like bread and breakfast cereals can be given more minerals and vitamins. In any case, the human body will not retain any unnecessary vitamin or mineral. Sugar, oil, pulses and grains get their edible form through processing. They are again processed in the making of bakery products, dairy products and packed foods.

Dangers of Processed Food

The tendency to consume these kinds of food is ever on the increase. But one has to know that though they fill the stomach and quench hunger they do not give the body and its immune system their regular share. Processed meats amplify the risk of colorectal, kidney and stomach cancer. They are often simply saturated fats and salt with just preservatives and flavouring agents. They do not contain much of protein, minerals or vitamins.

Carcinogen

Doctors relate the reason for the leaping number of cancer patients to processed foods. Carcinogen is a substance that promotes cancer. It seems to be omnipotent by being present in asbestos, radon, certain pesticides, arsenic, tobacco smoke and food stuffs. Foods cooked at high temperatures are susceptible to carcinogen due to certain chemical reactions. In eatables like fried potatoes carcinogen is found in potential amount. Hence the French fry scare!

Acrylamide

Forms of acrylamide present in heat–processed food is another concern. Acrylamide is a chemical used to make polyacrylamide materials which in turn is utilized for the treatment of drinking water. WHO says that acrylamide, if taken in can cause and damage the nervous system. Acrylamide is born in foods when processed in high temperatures especially for long duration. This is seen in higher levels in potato fries while breakfast cereals, biscuits, cookies and snacks and even pop corn. WHO adds on some more alarming information. Acrylamide is also found in home-made food as well. WHO further warns us that food should in no way get overcooked. (I also read that Acrylamide in these proportions is not dangerous! But I I go with WHO)

Preservatives

I am not sure whether they mean when they say ,“no preservatives”.

Some of the food preservatives used are Sodium acetate, Sodium nitrite and Sodium metabisulphite. Taurine, glucuronolactone and caffeine are introduced in energy drinks and fizzies as stimulants. Lalala! Disodium inosate and disodium 5-ribonucleotide do the flavour part. Needless to say that these chemicals and stuff are not going to be very friendly to the body.

Sodium

Processed food (frozen dinners) and soft drinks contain a good amount of sodium. Sodium chloride (salt) is used for preservation of food as it checks moisture and prevents the growth of bacteria.

We should think healthy first. Let’s look for foods that are free from trans-fat, low in sodium and calories and those made of whole grain.

-Aparna K V

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

Pneumonia and its care

I have a habit - I drink chilled water … near the refrigerator, directly from the bottle.

My mom has a habit : She warns me not to do so, as soon as I walk towards the refrigerator. She has been doing so since I first walked down.

The reason for this warning is nothing but a fear factor my mom has regarding for my health. She wants to protect me from the dreadful cold, influenza and perhaps even pneumonia.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infectious state of the lungs. It is caused when micro-organisms in form of virus, bacteria and fungi attack the lungs. These are parasites which harm the human body and utilize the nutrients and tissues for their own existence. This causes a detrimental effect on the body which is much more detrimental than a mild cold or cough, its an infectious state in form of pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza are some micro organisms which cause this infection.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The human body responds to any foreign agent by a self defense system. In the case of any mild infection or common cold, the body reacts to it in form of a cough through which the toxins and foreign agents are expelled out of the body. However, in the case of pneumonia, the body loses its immune power and hence the power to expel out the irritants and toxins is lost. This causes the infectious substances and secretions of the parasites to get accumulated in the respiratory tract, mainly the lungs. The colour of this cough is also characteristic as it is not the transparent mucus secreted by a patient of common cold. A deep yellow or even perhaps a greenish shade is seen in the cough if it is expelled with great persistence of the patient. The agony of the patient doesn’t stop with congestion and wheezing alone. A high temperature on account of the infection is very common. Moreover, loss of appetite and exhaustion are seen among pneumonia patients.The most common symptoms of pneumonia are shortness of breath; chest pain, especially when breathing in; coughing; shallow, rapid breathing; and fever and chills. Coughs usually bring up mucus, also called sputum. The sputum may even be streaked with blood or pus. In serious cases, the patient’s lips or nail bed will appear blue due to lack of oxygen.

Diagnosis

Blood tests along with x-ray reports where a patch is identified on the lungs help in the diagnosis of pneumonia. However, practitioners may even identify the problem by physical symptoms.

Who is more prone to be infected

Since previous illness and advanced age both reduce the immunity of a person, these are factors which increase the risk of capturing the pneumonia bacteria. Asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, advanced age and other such chronic diseases are some factors which increase this risk. However, people above 65 years have an option of administering anti pneumonia vaccine by which they can prevent this menace.

Natural treatment for Pneumonia

1. Fenugreek: In the initial stages of the infection tea made with fenugreek seeds help in perspiration and removal of toxins from the body. This tea can be taken three to four times a day. During this treatment no other food should be taken.
2. Garlic in pure form relieves the respiratory symptoms very soon.
3. Sesame seeds when infused with water and mixed with linseed oil help in relieving the phlegm from the body. Salt and honey when mixed with the infusion help in this at a faster rate.
4. Carrot juice , spinach juice and beet root juice also help in the relief of symptoms.
5. The pain experienced on the chest can be relieved by rubbing turpentine oil on the rib cage.

Mothers are always right in protecting their children, hope they would make use of these guidelines need be!!

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

A Cup of Tea!

Of late, my Inbox has been getting junked by all sorts of e-mails. One of them looked interesting. It was about the health benefits of Green Tea. I had tasted it at the persuasion of my cousin in one of the Thai restaurants. Green tea tasted good to me. Though it did not satisfy me any more than the usual comfort of black tea, it was different. It reminded me of the well-known Kashmiri tea I got to sip during a visit to our Kashmiri friends in Haryana. But green tea is poles apart in terms of medicinal value and taste.

I read hard on green tea and here’s the result.

About Green Tea

This is something that has been gaining popularity over the years. Though born in China, green tea has had all kinds of incarnations in different parts of the world. Made exclusively with the leaves of Camellia sinensis (haril chai), green tea is quite popular in the west. Science turned its focus on this recently and found that it is highly beneficial for health without having any side effects. And this accounts for people switching from the warmth of regular black to green tea.

How does it vary from black tea?

Tea in general is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Predominantly, there are three types of tea -black, green and oolong depending on the way tea leaves are processed. And there is the not-so popular white tea too. Green tea is the least processed of all and thus retains the antioxidant, catechin polyphenols called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) along with caffeine. This is the main ingredient responsible for the health benefits. Remember, nature cures!

How are the leaves processed?
The freshly harvested tea leaves are steamed to a soft pliable stage so that they do not lose their natural colour or aroma. Then they are rolled, spread out and dried.The black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves which make them incapable of retaining any beneficial stuff inside.

The Known Benefits

Green tea leaves of good quality will contain catechins which can fight viruses, slow aging, and have a positive effect on health.
Clinical studies show that this antioxidant effectively destroys free radicals which can cause damage to cells and the DNA.
The high presence polyphenols and flavanoids enhance the immunity system.
EGCG is a highly potent stuff that is many times powerful than vitamin C and E. This can prevent many degenerative diseases and even kill the cancer cells without damaging the healthy tissues.
Helps with High blood Pressure. Angiotensin II is the main culprit in causing high blood pressure by making the blood vessels constrict. Green Tea muffles this villain.
Green tea can constrain rheumatoid arthritis, control the cholesterol levels and lower blood sugar, treat genital warts and help with some cardiovascular diseases and infections.
Aids digestion and helps with weight loss. In combination with caffeine present in green tea polyphenols can burn a higher rate of calories. The catechin polyphenols also raise thermo genesis and the usage of energy.
Green tea prevents thrombosis or abnormal clotting of blood.
Green tea contains caffeine but in lesser amount than in coffee. Hence it does not cause sleeplessness as in the case of coffee, instead it acts a stimulant to sleep.
It makes the skin look healthier and younger. Think of the complexion of the Chinese and the Japanese.Green tea extracts have started appearing in cosmetics as well. Topical application of the extract is said to prevent the harmful effects of UVA.

-Aparna k V

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

Ginger : Spice of life

Ginger is a spice which has traditional medicinal value. In fact Indian and Chinese civilizations have been taking advantage of ginger since ages. Most of the Indian recipes have ginger in one form or the other. It has long been known as a very healthy food. It has anti-cancer properties and is recognised as healthy by both modern and ancient systems of medicine. Have a read to see why you should start eating more ginger.

What gives Ginger medicinal value?

Ginger is scientifically called Zingiber officinalis and this is a rhizome as discussed in the case of Turmeric earlier. This rhizome has volatile oils and compounds which impart medical properties as well as taste and odor to the rhizome. The aromatic constituents of ginger are zingiberene and bisabolene. The other constituents which give ginger a pungent taste are gingerols and shogaols. These stimulate the digestive system and impart characteristic taste and flavor. These active constituents are in form of phenols and complexes in form of flavanoids which impart their properties.

The other active ingredient in ginger is terpenes and an oleoresin, which is called ginger oil. These active agents are responsible for its antiseptic qualities, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating and mild constipation relief. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.

Ginger in ayurveda

Ayurveda acts by correcting the energies within the body to suit the environment outside and maintaining this balance. Energies within the body are either hot or cold. When there is excessive heat in the body, the hot energy is provocative and in cases of flu and cough, the cold or cool energies are more dominant. Ginger increases the heat within the body and thus increases the action of the hot energy giving rise to a fruitful balance of energies and correcting the illness.

Medical properties of ginger

1. It helps in improving perspiration, hence is effective in reducing or treating fever.
2. Ginger loosens phlegm and hence is used in the treatment of tough cold. Here it is used as an expectorant.
3. Ginger aids digestion by activating the digestive enzymes.
4. They neutralize stomach acids and hence are effective in digestion.
5. Ginger tones the muscles of the intestine and is thus used in relieving constipation.
6. It reduces inflammation of joints and tissues and hence is used in treatment of arthritis.
7. The circulation increases within the body by consuming ginger.
8. Motion sickness and nausea can be curbed by chewing ginger, swallowing may reduce its effect.
9. Nervousness and sore throats are easily improved by ginger.
10. Ginger has been shown to clean and thin the blood and hence is used as a blood purifier.
11. The ills of LDL or bad cholesterol are curbed by reducing the concentration of LDL.
12. Ginger is also a mood enhancer due the content of cineole , an alcohol.
13. The mouth freshening properties of ginger make it commonly used in tea and after meal refreshers.

As a spice, ground ginger can be quite a valuable substitute when fresh ginger root is not available. But fresh ginger is always preferred, both for its greater health benefits and for its superior taste. Fortunately, in most parts of the United States fresh ginger root is available year round, so finding it shouldn’t be a problem for the majority of shoppers. Ginger may not be the most familiar spice or herb, but it definitely pays to get to know this great root.

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

Those Extra Pounds in the Tender Years

Healthy and happy looking little ones are a lovely sight. But obesity in those tender years rings an alarm. Children are the future and we look forward to a healthy future, don’t we?

Childhood Obesity-A Global Epidemic

The world is changing. Children do not think or act like children anymore. They are introduced to the rational world quite early and they learn to think, discern and act like adults. Children are changing physically too. The International Journal of Pediatric Obesity observed that at least 46% of the child population in North and South America are going to be overweight by 2010. It is predicted that 25% of Chinese children will be overweight by 2010 while 38% of all children in the European Union are also feared to join the gang. In India, the prevalence of Childhood Obesity has been marked as 22% in 2002. Dr. Anoop Misra, (Director and Dept Head of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Fortis Hospitals, New Delhi) raises his concerns on the rising number of obese Indians. Among Indians, Obesity is often the predecessor of Diabetes, lipid disorders and Heart Diseases. Further, obese children stand the chance of growing up into obese adults.

What is Obesity?

A “complex condition, one with serious social and psychological dimensions, that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups and threatens to overwhelm both developed and developing countries”, is what WHO says about obesity. Obesity is not just having a few extra pounds but having a high proportion of body fat. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more than the normal weight.

The Risk Factors

Hypertension
Lipid disorders like Dyslipidemia
Heart diseases
Some Cancers
Stroke
Metabolic syndrome especially Hyperinsulinemia
Lower chances of recovery especially from cancers
Reproductive and gynecological problems in women
Fatty liver disease
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Breathing problems in some cases and
Sleeping disorders

Reasons for Obesity among Children

Childhood obesity is often the result of an imbalance between the calories taken and the calories burnt. It is highly altered because of the modern life style. Children do not eat, play or participate in activities as before.

1. Poor Food Habits:

Children are introduced and encouraged to have food which were not given to kids a decade ago. Many of them do not get the privilege of home-made food as tiffins. They are free to eat food available in the school or outside. These kinds of food habits deprive children of their required nutrition while earning them those extra calories.

Children by themselves are not aware of the health hazards they are exposed to while doing so. The Indian family represented in the Indian (Hindi) Movie Tara Rum Pum serves as a good example to this.

2. Overeating, Of course!

Among the affluent and the elite section of the society , not only children, but the adults also are exposed to abundance. Many of us do hold obesity as a sign of prosperity.

Jokes apart, the western diet is high in fructose and low in fibre. This diet affects the insulin in the body which in turn acts on the brain leading to overeating. Insulin also suppresses leptin, another hormone that increases physical activity and well-being and reduces appetite.

3. Lack of Physical Activities

Children do not have any compulsory physical activity in schools. People with the habit of sitting for hours on demand of school or work without any regular exercise can gain weight. They need not do any overeating. Some people have the habit of eating while watching TV or during work. The practice of eating when not hungry is another cause for Obesity.

4. Family and Genes !

Obesity can be hereditary. The lifestyle and food habits followed by a particular family can be a contributing factor. But it can be kept in check through diet and exercise.

5. Medical Conditions

Illnesses like neurological problems plays a major role in increasing body weight.

6. Medications

Steroids, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, insulin and certain psychiatric medicines like some antidepressants may cause appetite stimulation and consequent weight gain.

7. E motional Problems and Events Causing Mental Stress

Those with psychological problems like depression or low morale tend to eat more. It is an interesting fact that you tend to eat less or more in response to your emotions. In most of these cases, there are no physiological factors leading to weight loss or weight gain.

Fat people go though a phase of low self-esteem, depression, shame, rejection and isolation. And children facing this kind of social discrimination end up with psychological problems.

Put an End to those Increasing Waistlines

The awareness should be brought on the public level. Children cannot be blamed alone for this as it is the responsibility of the whole society to build up a healthy generation. Parents as well as teachers need to work together for effective remedies. Only a balanced diet with sufficient physical activity can limit obesity among children.

For this, children have to be aware of the health problems they are prone to. Depriving the littles ones from their favorite food stuffs is both insensitive and injudicious. On the other hand, children need to be taught the values of quantity and quality. Parents and teachers share the responsibility of encouraging them for physical activities. Swimming and jogging can be real fun if the whole family gets into it. Parents need to spend some quality time with their children sharing their little joys and worries. A listening parent gives the child the confidence to face the world.

-Aparna K V

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