Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Maintaining Healthy Eyes.. The Eyes like sentinel occupy the highest place in the body.

Life ll be  very hard without these...
             According to Ayurveda perspective, the eyes are one of the most important organs in the body. All five elements play a role in maintaining eye health. Earth (prithivi) governs the muscular part of the eye, fire (tejas) rules the blood vessels, air (vayu) governs the color, water (apu) dominates the white area, and space (akasha) controls the tear ducts and channels.
              Maintaining healthy Eyes…Like all other parts of the body, the eyes need to nourish properly. In addition to make sure that eyes are not strained by too much intense close work or inadequate light, proper eye care includes healthy diet containing sufficient amount of vitamins & nutrients. One of the biggest enemies of the eyes is lack of sleep.
            In order to promote good eyesight, you must make sure your diet contains the proper amounts of the vitamin B, A, C, E and the minerals selenium and zinc. Fresh fruits & vegetables are good sources of this vitamins and minerals. Food must be colorful yellow, yellow-orange, greens such as carrots, yams, cantaloupes. A well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits & vegetables can help your eyes healthy.
When you are outdoors, exposure to sunlight can be damaging. If you are exposing prolong in sunlight, then you should wear UV protective sunglasses that block both ultraviolet rays UV-A, UV-B. The ozone absorbs most of the radiation, but small amounts get through and can cause cataract, pterygia, and skin cancer. Buy real sunglasses, not the kiddy models. Look for polycarbonate lenses, which are light, shatterproof, and optically sound.

Simple recommendations:-
  • Include following in your diet: - Broccoli, raw cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, green vegetables squash, sunflower seeds, and watercress.
  • Eliminate sugar and white flour from your diet.
  • Never use hair dyes, containing coal tar on the eyelashes or eyebrows, doing so can cause injury or blindness. Although coal tar dyes are legal.
  • Be careful when using drugs, weather prescription or over the counter. Some may cause eye problems. Drugs that can damage to the optic nerve, retina, or other vital parts of the body.      
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormones or ACTH
  •  Allopurinol, which is used for gout.
  •  Anti-coagulants such as heparin & warfarin. Aspirin.
  •  Corticosteroids, Chloropropamide- which is used for non-insulin dependent diabetes.
  • Diuretics, anti-histamines and digitalis preparations.
  • Indomethacin, nicotinic acid, streptomycin, sulfa drugs, tetracycline.
Bags under the eyes: - Skin loses its elasticity with its age, and muscles within the eyelids lose tone, causing what is known as bags under the eyes. In addition, fat can gather in eyelid, and fluid can accumulate and cause swelling. Puffiness around the eyes can also be caused by allergies or excessive consumption of fat. Smoking can aggravate the problem.
• Avoid drinking fluids before bed.
• Avoid Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and limit your salt intake.
• Do not smoke.
• Get plenty of water of water.
• Place a washcloth moistened in ice water, chilled get-filled compress, over your eyes for 15 mins once or twice a day. We can also use wet tea bag or cucumber slices. The cold shrinks the swollen blood vessels.
General Tips
• Do not wash the eyes or face when the body is sweating, especially after hard physical exercise or after being exposed to heat and sun.
• Try to maintain regular and clean bowel movements. Constipation weakens the eyesight. In addition; too much anxiety, mental stress, grief, anger and worry are harmful for the eyes.
• Regular eye exercise maintains perfect eyesight. One simple method of exercise is moving the eyeball - right and left; upwards and downwards and rotating it in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.
• Another simple way of protecting of eyes is through 'palming'. Rub the palms of both hands for about 30 seconds, close the eyes and gently place the warm palms over the eyes.
• Soak a cotton pad in rose water, milk or aloe Vera juice and apply to closed eyes for 10-20 minutes while lying down comfortably.
• Boil 2 or 3 figs and 1 tablespoon of raisins in 1 cup of milk. Drink each morning.
• Yoga for eyes: Tratak or steady gazing is an excellent concentration & proper exercise. It involves alternately gazing at an object or point without blinking, then closing your eyes and visualizing the object in your mind's eye. The practice steadies the wandering mind and concentrates the attention, leading you to focus with pinpoint accuracy. Wherever the eyes go, the mind follows, so that when you fix your gaze on a single point, the mind too becomes one pointed.
• Wonderful eye care by Netra basti

           Useful Herbs for Eye Care
• Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) Aniseed is especially beneficial in the treatment of cataract. The powder of its seeds is taken in a tablespoon quantity every morning and evening.
• Babul (Acacia arabica) Babul can treat conjunctivitis. A paste of the babul leaves must be applied on the eyes before going to sleep at night. It will lessen the itchiness, wateriness and the redness of the sore eyes.
• Carrot (Daucus carota) Carrot is so beneficial in eye care that its virtues are taught to school students also. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is responsible for strengthening the eyes and protecting them from night blindness.
• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) A decoction prepared from coriander can be used as an eyewash for people with conjunctivitis. There will be immediate reduction in the burning, redness and swelling of the eyes.
• Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) The Indian gooseberry, known as amalaki, is exceptional in treating ocular problems. It can bring relief in both conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Its juice is taken with honey for better effects.
• Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) The Indian Sorrel has exceptional properties in the treatment of several eye problems. A few drops of the juice of its leaves must be put in the eyes every day to keep them free from strain. They can also be a good prevention for cataract.
• Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Marigold is taken as a cold infusion for washing eyes that are stressed. This brings a cooling effect to the eyes. It is also effective in cases of conjunctivitis.
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) the raw juice of parsley is effective for eye care. It can relieve the eyes of problems such as corneal ulcers, cataracts, weak eyes, conjunctivitis, ophthalmic and sluggishness of the pupils.
• Washing with Triphala also keeps eyes moist and healthy. Alos Chandroday vati is beneficial.
• Prepare a mixture of equal proportions of aniseed powder and coriander seed powder. Mix it with an equal weight of unrefined sugar. Take it in doses of 12 grams every morning and evening. It is beneficial for people with cataract.
• Take two small pieces of cardamom. Grind them and dissolve the powder in milk. Boil the milk and drink it at night. This makes the eyes healthier.

"A beautiful eye makes silence eloquent, a kind eye makes contradiction an assent, an enraged eye makes beauty deformed. This little member gives life to every other part about us."

Sunday, August 15, 2010

How to get the most of what best life can offer?


Everyone deserves better and better ask it, demand it what is rightfully yours, believes in it. You ll get best.
Many books are written on this “what u think all the day determines what you are” Power of thoughts brings Fame, Fortune and Happiness ‘
Some points for it 
§ Belief system – Change your limiting belief
§ Raise your standards
§Change your strategy
§Emotional Mastery
§ Physical Mastery
§Relationship Mastery
§Financial Mastery
§ Time mastery.

My idea of multi directed growth. Why some of us live up to our dreams while others fail and how to live our live our dreams the fullest.
I think Conscious decision making is must to shape our destiny
Three things control § what to focus on
§ What things mean to you
§ What to do to create the results you desire
Our mental attitude towards the objective we are struggling for has everything to do with attaining it. If you want to become prosperous, you must first believe that you are made for success and happiness. That there is divinity in you that will, if u follow it will bring you into the light of prosperity. Erase all shadows of doubts and fears, and any suggestion of poverty and failure from the depths of your mind. When you have become master of your thoughts, when u learned to dominate your mind, you ll be on the road to success.
I wish to tell you something more on it why this differs to every individual: - You can give name to this is “THE NIAGARA SYNDROME “
“Life is like a river, and that most people jump on the river of life without ever really deciding where they want to end up. So in short period of time, they get caught up in the current: Current events, current events, current fear, and current challenges. When they come to forks in the river, they don’t consciously decide where they want to go, or which the right direction for them is. They merely “go with the flow “They become part of mass of the people who are directed by the environment instead by their own values. As a result they feel out of control. They remain in this unconscious state until one day sound of ragging water awakens them, and they discover that they1re 5 feet from Niagara Falls in boat with no oars. At this point, they say “Oh shoot!” But by then it’s too late. They are going to take fall. Sometimes its emotional fall. Sometimes it’s a physical fall. Sometimes its financial fall. It’s like ly that whatever challenges you have in your life currently could have been avoided by some better decisions upstream.
Brain has already constructed an internal system of making decisions:-
But people are not aware of it. This based on 5 things
1) Your core beliefs and unconscious rules
2) Your life rules
3) Your references
4) The habitual question that you ask for yourself
5) And the emotional states.

Setting up an enterprise --The easy way: How was it (before the invent of internet) and how is it now…
Can’t say for this..Maybe now a daze..Everything’s is easy but competitive. I can say one thing, never lose single opportunity to explore you and never lose customer (you lost one). And one more thing, If trying something you will not lose anything then just do it. 

Saturday, August 14, 2010

AGEING...“The key to successful aging is to pay as little attention to it as possible.”

Growing older is inevitable; however we can try to slow down the ageing process & prolong our lives by taking measures to promote continuous cell division. If science could keep the cells from dying & doing bodily harm, the ageing process could be conceivably suspended.

■Eat balanced that includes raw vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, & quality protein such as fish, and soy foods. Consume less animal protein. Include in your diet broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, kale, fruits, whole grains, oats, seeds, soy beans. Avoid processed foods.
■Eat dark skinned fruits such as red apples & nectarines which are good source of bioflavonoids. Also blueberries, raspberries, & blackberries. Bioflavonoids are mostly found in fresh fruits and a vegetable keeps the free radicle from harming the brain & may help protect against Alzheimer's disease.
■Include in your diet garlic, onions, & pearl barely. This food are good source of germanium, potassium, & many other nutrients that lessen free radicle damage & act as catalyst in the supply of oxygen to oxygen-poor tissue.
■An occasional glass of red wine is good for the heart, but limit your alcohol consumption otherwise.
■ Cut back on salt, avoid saturated fats. Avoid caffeine, red meat, white flour, white sugar, chemical food additives, drugs, pesticides & tap water.
■Get regular exercise. Exercise is most important in slowing the ageing process because it increases the amount circulation with deep breathing.
■ Keep the colon clean. Eat high fiber diet and use cleansing enema.
■ Do not use harsh soaps on your skin. Use olive, avocado, or almond oil to cleanse the skin. Pat the oil on, and then wash it off with warm water & soft cloth. Use liquid creams & lotions. Do not use cold creams, or solid moisturizing creams. These are hardened saturated fats that become rancid rapidly and create free radicles, which can cause premature wrinkles. Free radicles can cause brownish spots on the skin known as age spots.
■ Learn how to relax. Keep active and be enthusiastic about life. By keeping up your appearance, exercising everyday & being involved in hobbies and other activities, you can keep your mind active. This is most important. Allow yourself sufficient sleep. Proper rest is important.
Consideration:-

Many older adults complain of sleep difficulties. One common cause is the consumption of sugar after dinner. Complex carbohydrates have a relaxing effect. Protein on other hand, promotes alertness, so it should be consumed earlier in the day.

A burning sensation mainly on the bottom of the foot, a deficiency of Vitamin B is often the cause also there is problem with absorption of Vit B.

Ageing is not an illness, but it does increase one chances of developing certain health problems. Constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, heart palpitations, heartburn, indigestion & weight gain are some of more complaints that accompany ageing.

"Age is an issue of mind over matter.If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Skin care for ACNE...

“By the time people reach adulthood, they really don't want to have acne. In adolescence, everybody seems to have acne.”

      Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pimples, black heads, and white heads. Acne has become the most commonly treated skin abnormality. Perhaps modern lifestyles contribute to this change in statistics; it is not merely cosmetic problem. An emotional stress that can have strong impact on one’s self esteem.

     Acne often arises at puberty, when the body dramatically increases its production of androgens (male sex hormone). These hormones stimulate the production of keratin (a type of protein) & sebum (an oily skin lubricant). If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through pores, a blemish arises. The excess oil makes pore sticky, allowing bacteria to trap inside. Blackheads forms when sebum combines with skin pigments plug the pores. If scales below the surface of skin become filled with sebum, whitehead appears. In severe cases it ruptures & eventually spreads the inflammation.
Many women suffer from premenstrual acne flare ups, by the release of progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptives high in progesterone can cause break out through. The presences of candidiasis also cause hormonal changes that encourage liver to produce wrong substances for healthy sebum.
Factors that contribute to acne:-
• Hereditary
• Oily skin
• Hormonal imbalances
• Monthly menstruation cycle
• Candidiasis
• Allergies
• Stress & use of certain types of drugs such as steroids, lithium, OC, some anti-epileptic drug.
• Nutritional deficiency, diet high in saturated fat, hydrogenated fats, & animal products can also be involved.
• Exposure to pollutants, environmental factors.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge. As toxin escapes through the skin, the skin’s healthy integrity is disrupted. The skin also breathes, if pore becomes clogged, the microbes that are involved causing acne flourish.

Recommendations:
• Eat high fiber diet. This is important for keeping the colon clean & ridding the body of toxins.
• Eat more fresh food almonds, beets, vege’s, etc. Eat fresh fruits, certain foods are tonic as Grapes, strawberries & pineapples are rich in alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids helps to exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells that can clog the oil glands.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
• Avoid alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, carbonated drinks, cream, fat, hot & spicy food, hydrogenated oil, shortenings, margarine, meat, poultry.
• Try eliminating dairy products from your food. Avoid all forms of sugar.
• Eliminate all processed foods from the diet, this contain less enzymes. Follow a fasting programme. Use cleansing enemas to promote faster healing.
• Keep the affected area as free of oil as possible. Shampoo your hair use natural soap. Wash your skin gently, never rub hard. Over washing, vigorous scrubbing can makes acne worse by over stimulating sebaceous gland, causing them to produce excess amounts of sebum.
• Avoid using make, only natural, water based products, do not use any oil based formulas. Wash & dip applicator brushes and sponges, after each use avoid contamination.
• Keep your hairs away from face to prevent excess oil being deposited on the skin.
• As much as possible, avoid stress. Stress can promote hormonal changes & cause flare ups.
• Do not squeeze the spots. It is risk of inflammation.
       In Ayurveda perspective acne are termed as YuvanPidaka. Vata and Kapha , Bhrajak pitta, are main doshas, which are involved in eruption of acne and pimples. Rakta dhatu or blood also plays an important role in formation of acne.
      Vata when gets vitiated due to unhealthy diet and lifestyles affects other two doshas (kapha and pitta) to aggravate them. Aggravated pitta affects rakta dhatu or blood. The vitiated blood affects the skin and causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has sticky property. The aggravated kapha imparts the stickiness to the oil produced by sebaceous glands of skin. Thus the thick sebaceous plugs are formed in skin pores and hair follicles leading to eruption of acne.
Herbs:-
• Burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle, & red clover are good for acne. They are powerful blood cleanser. Milk thistle aids the liver in the cleansing the blood. Neem etc herbs are also benificial.
• Paste made from one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk,
is very good. A paste of nutmeg and water is also beneficial.
• Half a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally (Do not take internally if pregnant) or
applied externally to the skin. It should be taken for twice a day.
• Before going to bed, wash the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of 1 tsp coriander juice
mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder.
• For pimples, apply a paste made from one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Remove after one hour.
• A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves is to be applied and washed off with warm water before
going to bed. This prevents pimples.
• There are different herbal packs can be used to treat acne with internal medicine depend on type of acne.
          “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart”

Thursday, August 12, 2010

"Every season can be an allergic season depending on what you're allegic to

Allergy is an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is normally harmful. The immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us to fight infections.


Typical allergic responses are:-
Nasal congestion
Coughing
Wheezing
Itching
Shortness of breathe
Headache
Fatigue
Hives & other skin rashes.
     Almost any substance can cause an allergic reaction in someone, somewhere in the world, but most common allergens are pollen, dust, certain metals (especially nickel), some cosmetics, lanolin, dust mites, animal hair, insect venom, some common drugs (such as penicillin & aspirin), some food additives (such as benzoic acid & sulfur dioxide), animal dander & chemical found in soaps, washing powder, cleansing supplies, and many other chemicals. Many people allergic to mold, which are microscopic organism, neither animal nor insect. Molds are throughout the house- under the sink & in bathroom, basement, refrigerator, and other damp, dark place. They also flourish in the air, in soil, on dead leaves & on other organic material.
     Foods also can provoke allergic reactions. Some of most common allergenic foods in adults are shrimp, lobster, crab, shellfish, fish eggs, peanuts, walnuts. In children, eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts etc.
     There is difference between food allergies & food intolerances. A person with food intolerance is unable to digest & process that food correctly. Many people have gas, bloating, or other unpleasant reactions to something they eat. A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to ingested food. Now food intolerances can lead to allergies if it enters into blood stream.
     When someone has food allergy, the immune system responds inappropriately. First an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced that is circulated in the blood, & the it attaches to the surface of mast cells. Mast cells are found in all body tissues, so when food is eaten protein react with specific IgE on mast cells to trigger the release of chemicals, such as Histamine, It’s this chemical that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. So according to which part of mast cells get involved it produces respective symptoms.
    According to the Ayurveda system, some allergies responses are created by the presence of ama, or toxins in the system that are by product of improperly digested food. Also the concept of SATMYA ( wholesome)/ASATMYA( Unwholesome) food etc is necessary to consider.
    The Ayurvedic herbs Picrorrhiza kurrooa, Phyllanthus acidus, are suggested for cooling & cleaning the blood, & helping the liver to detoxify the ama. Also different herbs are used for allergies depend upon predominance of biological humors. As triphala, neem, Tinospora cordifolia,turmeric,basil, clove, camphor, coriander, Trikatu also different herbal formulations are used involvement of system.Keep rotating diet which will guide in self-allergy test.
    “The only definitive test for food allergy is whether a person can consume that food without an adverse reaction."

Sunday, August 08, 2010

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE VERSES CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE…


A thought came in mind after looking through the patent. And these things are more realized once we came out from boundaries. Every country has different rules and regulation. Tough thing is to come out from it. Recently I am going through the company official procedure etc etc. made me think on this issue.
Traditional medicine is widely practiced in most countries and areas. The market for traditional medicine products in the Region has expanded significantly over the past decade. More and more governments in the Region have taken or plan to take actions to promote the proper use of traditional medicine and to ensure the safety of users of traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine is the knowledge, skills and practice of holistic health care, recognized And accepted for its role in the maintenance of health and the treatment of diseases. It is based on Indigenous theories, beliefs and experiences that are handed down from generation to generation. Traditional medicine is practiced in many countries, but it is not always included as part of the Health system recognized by the government. It is one of many types of non-standard health services which involve varying levels of training and efficacy. The difference between the origins and nature of more recent forms of alternative medicine and traditional medicine is often not well understood. In some health systems all these therapies, including traditional medicine, are collectively termed "Complementary", "alternative" or "non-conventional medicine".

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely accepted as including both traditional Medicine and more recent forms of non-standard medicine. A recent modification of the well-known Cochrane definition described CAM as including: "all such practices and ideas self-defined by their users as preventing or treating illness or promoting health and well-being. Boundaries within CAM an between the CAM domain and that of the dominant system are not always sharp or fixed". The same defined "mainstream medicine" as the "usual method of treating disease” and "orthodox" medicine as "that thought in the majority of university medical schools”.

Developing standards and regulations for training in and practice of traditional medicine, broadening research so that it encompasses its holistic nature, maximizing the economic potential of traditional medicine, and developing policies and programmes that ensure that traditional medicine benefits the people who need it most are formidable challenges facing traditional medicine.Traditional medicine has an established promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative role. It can be the main form of health care, or an integrated component of mainstream health care, or an alternative or complement to the main form of health care.

Some traditional systems of medicine are highly developed and well documented. They are based on systematized knowledge, a comprehensive methodology and rich clinical experienc Traditional Indian medicine & Traditional Chinese medicine falls into this category. Traditional Chinese medicine originated in China and was introduced to neighboring countries, such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam and others, which then developed their own variations. Traditional Indian medicine is another well-developed and practiced in different regions as well.
In most of this system the knowledge is never written down and is transmitted orally from generation to generation. Most practitioners do not obtain knowledge through an organized training process. The therapies used by different healers from different communities and islands can be quite
different. Even the same plants may be used for different conditions and purposes. In these communities, psychosocial therapies tend to predominate, and often merge with magical and religiouspractices.
It is impossible to have only one approach, one model or one set of standards to deal with all
the different traditional systems of medicine in the Region. Since the introduction of modern medicine into the countries of the Region, traditional medicine has in most cases been rejected by mainstream health services. Nevertheless, traditional medicine still exists in all countries. It provides an alternative option for people living in developed countries, while for a large part of the population in many developing countries it is the only available, affordable and accessible health service. Although there is a lack of reliable regional data on usage of traditional medicine, studies from several countries and areas in the Region have shown that it is used extensively.

Different reasons bring consumers to traditional medicine. Cultural beliefs may still be the major reason for using traditional medicine. However, people living in rural and remote areas in developing countries often seek first line health service from traditional systems of medicine because they are the only available and affordable form of health care. Some patients may go to traditional medicine after unsatisfactory treatment from modern medicine. In all these cases, the effectiveness of traditional medicine and consumer satisfaction with services plays an important role in maintaining and increasing public interest in traditional medicine. Traditional medicine and traditional health education, including methods of traditional exercise, make significant contributions to promoting health and improving quality of life in many communities.
Although traditional medicine plays an important role as a first line health service, in some cases, it may cause delay in obtaining treatment by a medical professional. Some cases are also beyond the knowledge and capability of traditional medicine practitioners. Practice models vary. In some countries, including China, Japan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam, traditional medicine is practiced not only at the primary health care level but also in hospitals providing secondary and tertiary care. In other countries, traditional medicine is used mainly as family and community-based practice.

Some researchers are attempting to evaluate the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine, while others are engaged in research into new drugs and other products derived from plants. However, some health professionals still have doubts about the usefulness of traditional medicine. Many insist on more scientifically-based evidence if they are to trust its safety and effectiveness. Unfortunately, the different philosophical backgrounds of traditional and modern medicine make it difficult for one system to judge the other. Since the introduction of modern medicine in the Region, a gap has opened between practitioners of traditional and modern medicine.

To be continued…

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

"Now constipation was quite a different matter...It would be dreadful for the whole world to know about troubles of that nature."

       Constipation is difficulty in passing stool or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools as the result food moving slowly through the large intestines, most people experience constipation time to time, but usually life style changes and better eating habits help to relieve the symptoms and prevent recurrence.

      Ayurveda treats constipation as a problem arising due to the predominance of the vata dosha . In fact, all people with the vata constitution have this problem to some extent or the other. From an Ayurvedic point of view, dietary bad habits are the main cause of constipation.

 The following are some of the dietary factors that lead to constipation:-
•Eating at different times each day
•Eating too late than the normal time
•Eating food that is difficult to digest
•Eating food without roughage (or foods that contain fiber content)
•Eating mostly dry foods
•Drinking too many beverages like tea and coffee
•Drinking too many cold drinks
•Not drinking enough water

In most cases constipation arises from insufficient amount of fiber and fluids in the diet. Fiber is found in plant foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber that is soluble in water takes on a soft texture & helps to softens the stools. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestine largely unchanged and add bulks to the stool, which in turn helps to stimulate bowel contractions.

Other factors that can cause constipation include are:-
Inadequate exercise, advanced age- often caused due to dehydration, muscle disorders, structural abnormalities, bowel diseases, neurogenic disorders, and a poor diet, especially heavy consumption of junk food. Constipation may be side effect of iron supplements and some drugs, such as painkillers (codeine), some anti-histamines, heart medicines and anti-depressants; it is also common during pregnancy. High level of calcium and low levels of thyroid hormones are metabolic disorders that lead to constipation. People with DM & Kidney failure also tend to have problems with constipation.
A small percentage of people, such as persons with spinal injuries, have problems with constipation because the nerves that usually regulate bowel movements have been damaged or destroyed. In a condition called Hirschsprung’s disease, normal excretion of feces is impossible because the nerves inside the bowel are missing. The nerve inside in the wall of the colon can also be damaged by long –term, habitual use of laxatives.

Constipation can give rice to many different ailments, including appendicitis, bad breathe, body odor, coated tongue, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids, hernia, indigestion, insomnia, malabsorption syndrome, etc. It may even develop serious disease as colon cancer.
Regular bowel movements are an important mechanism for removing toxins from the body. The colon serves as holding tank for waste matter. Antigens & toxins


Some recommendations:-
1) Triphala as internal cleanser. There are many Ayurvedic herbal formulations available.
2) Alfalfa extract contains chlorophyll, which aids in detoxifying the body & cleansing the breath. Fennel seed tea is also good for refreshing the breath.
3) Ginger stimulates the digestive system & eases passage of food through intestines. Try ginger dry extract & soft extract.
4) Aloe Vera has a healing & cleansing effect on the digestive tract and aids in forming soft stools. Drink ½ cup of Aloe Vera juice in the morning and at night. It can be mixed with herbal tea if you wish.
5) Use milk thistle to aid liver function and to enhance bile output to soften stools.
6) Other herbs that are helpful for constipation include senna leaves, rhubarb, psyllium seeds.
7) Flaxseed oil or freshly ground flax seeds have a pleasant, nutty taste and can be sprinkled over cereals, salads & other foods.


General Guidelines:-
1) Eat high fiber food such as fresh fruits, raw green leafy vegetables, whole grain oatmeal, & brown rice daily. Also eat asparagus, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, kale, okra, whole grains.
2) Food that contain high level of soluble fiber are adzuki beans, barely, dried beans, oats and some fruits especially apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blue berries, crane berries, figs, grapes, peaches, & prunes. Foods high in insoluble fiber are cereals seeds, wheat bran, whole grains, and skins of many fruits and vegetables.
3) Drink more water. This is important when adding fiber to the diet. Drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water a day.
4) Consume plenty foods that are high in pectin, such as apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas, & okra.
5) Follow low fat diet. Eat no fried foods. Avoid food the stimulate secretions by the mucus, such as dairy products, fats, and spicy foods.
6) Laxatives can be used occasionally to relieve constipation, but if used regularly they can cause serious problems including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, dehydration and ultimately damage to the colon.
7) Get some exercise. Physical activity speeds the movement of waste the intestines.


"Lifestyle changes, including getting regular exercise and eating a high fiber diet are better Ways to avoid constipation".





Sunday, August 01, 2010

My message is - keep moving. If you do, you'll keep arthritis at bay.

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It is usually accompanied by pain and stiffness. There are different forms of arthritis…as age advances we found it more difficult. Here I want to give some simple herbs and tips for it. Hope it will be helpful for everyone.


Herbs:-
1) Alfalfa contains all the minerals essential for bone formation, & may be helpful for arthritis. It can be taken in capsules or whole form.
2) Boswellia/Shallaki, an Ayurveda herb, is important for reducing inflammation. It helps to restore blood vessels around inflamed connective tissues. This can be also used tropically in cream
3) Cat’s claw is helpful for relieving arthritis pain. Fever few and ginger also good for pain and soreness.
4) Ginger is powerful antioxidant that has inflammatory effects. The active component is gingerol. Ginger inhibits pain-producing prostaglandins.
5) The hot peppers known as cayenne (capsicum) contain compound called capsaicin that relieves pain, apparently reducing neurotransmitter that responsible for pain. Also mix cayenne powder with enough wintergreen oil to make paste and apply it to painful joints, or use cayenne in poultice.
6) Nettle leaf is used in Germany for its anti/inflammatory properties.
7) Nexrutine is an herbal extract of Phellodendron tree (Phellodendron annurense). It is an anti-inflammatory used for natural pain management.
8) Also Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving property. Also willow bark, borage seed. Other beneficial herbs include burdock root, celery seed, corn silk, parsley tea.

Recommendations:-
1) Eat more sulfur containing foods, such as asparagus, eggs, garlic, onions. Sulfur is needed for the repair & rebuilding of the bone, cartilage, and connective tissue & it also aids in absorption of calcium.
2) Other beneficial foods such as fresh vegetables, non-acidic fresh
Fruits, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice fish, soybean products & avocados.
3) Consume foods containing amino acids histidine, including rice, wheat, and rye. Histidine is good for removing excess metals from the body. Many people with arthritis have high levels of copper and iron in their bodies.
4) Eat fresh pineapple frequently. Bromelin, an enzyme found in pineapple, is excellent for reducing inflammation. To be effective pineapple must be fresh, as freezing and canning destroy enzymes.
5) Eat some form of fiber, such as ground flax seed, oat bran, or rice bran daily. Reduce amount of fat in your diet.
6) Avoid night shade vegetables (peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, white potatoes). These foods contain a substance called solanine, to which some people, particularly those suffering from arthritis, are highly sensitive. Solanine interferes with muscles and may cause pain and discomfort.
7) Do not take iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron. Consume iron in foods as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, fish, lima beans, and peas.
8) If you are taking NSAIDs, avoid sodium which causes water retention. Spread the medication throughout the day, take them after eating and take an antacid after taking drug.
9) Hot tub baths provide relief. Raw lemon rubs and hot castor oil packs are also extremely beneficial.
10) Spend time outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. Get regular moderate exercise.

Take care of your joints..