Why Preventive Healthcare for India?

There is an English proverb that states “Stitch in Time Saves Nine”, which means it is better to take necessary precautions for safety, rather than being sorry. The same applies to the field of healthcare, where it is always advisable to take necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of a disease, rather than taking actions once the disease had already occurred. This is the reason why the focus of healthcare across the world is shifting from curative healthcare to preventive healthcare   In India, the growing population has been plagued with multiple lifestyle diseases. The complexity of the same is increased by the fact that these diseases are chronic in nature, which can only be controlled but can never be fully cured.

The seriousness of the matter is evident from the following statistics in India:  

1. Four people die of heart attack every minute
2. Two people die of diabetes every minute
3. One people die of cancer and stroke every minute
4. 35% of deaths due to heart attack, cancer or diabetes have occurred to the population with an age group of 35 to 60  

The onslaught of these diseases can only be curbed if they are detected early. A study indicates that 40% of the cancer cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle of the patient and by early diagnosis of the disease. Although the Indian population has been primarily surviving on a curative healthcare so far, the following factors are pushing the same towards a preventive healthcare:

1. Increasing awareness about diseases in both rural and urban areas
2. Increase in disposable income, which allows the population to take pro-active steps in their personal healthcare
3. Increase in lifestyle diseases, which can only be curbed through preventive healthcare than curative healthcare  

But we have only walked a few steps in adopting a preventive healthcare system, as the challenges that lay in our paths are multiple with varying complexity. One of these challenges is the lack of an ecosystem that will allow the individual to make some changes in their daily lifestyle, which will allow them to adopt preventive healthcare.

How to Lose Weight?: Just Change Common Food Habits

 

Fit people are successfully lean and healthy not due to good luck or hereditary, but because of having developed the right eating habits and regular exercise rou. It is not just what we consume, but also when we choose to eat, and how much, also plays a significant role in influencing our weight. We tell you about five very common eating habits that you need to change right away if you wish to lose weight.

The 'no breakfast' rule

Skipping breakfast is the commonest habit when it comes to food. Many people think that having a cup of tea/coffee is enough to sustain them till lunch. In fact, some even have more tea/coffee in case they feel hungry before lunch! However, did you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, in case you are planning to lose weight. Studies have found that people who give breakfast a miss are more likely to gain weight than those who don’t. A healthy breakfast helps trigger your metabolism right at the beginning of the day, preparing your body to burn more calories throughout the day.

The 'heavy breakfast' rule

While some completely skip breakfast, there are others who take the “healthy breakfast” too seriously! It is true that breakfast provides energy to the body, and kick starts metabolism for the rest of the day. However, with this view, having calorie-laden foods in the morning is not a very wise idea. Simple carbohydrate-rich foods, like cakes, rice, pasta, white bread, and desserts and fried foods tend to make you feel lethargic throughout the day, apart from aiding weight gain. Try and incorporate as many fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your breakfast, as possible.

Eating only a few times in a day

The belief that if you eat as few times as possible, you will lose weight faster, is very common. However, having 5-6 small, healthy meals in a day is much better way to lose weight, rather than 2-3 large meals. Frequent small meals keep you full longer, provide you with energy, and also keep your weight under control. This is because you keep your metabolism active, thus burning more calories. Also, longer intervals of not eating activate the release of stress hormone, cortisol. This makes you feel hungrier, and eat more later. High cortisol levels are also responsible for accumulation of belly fat.

Eating quickly

Many people believe that if they finish their meals quickly, they might end up eating less. The complete opposite is in fact true! If you try to finish your plate quickly, you tend to get tempted to fill it up again, thus, eating much more. Instead, take your time to chew each morsel well, and take your time to finish your meals. Not only will you eat lesser, but this also aides in better digestion.

Eating late in the night

This habit is mostly a result of a disturbed sleep pattern. When you are awake till late, especially past midnight, your body sends hunger signals, making you want to eat something at the odd hours. Many people resort to comfort foods like, cookies, cake, fried foods, etc., at this time. It is very common for you to binge on high-calorie foods late in the night, when you are either watching TV or working for long hours. This holds truer for people who have starved during the day. If you wish to lose weight faster, make it a rule to have dinner by 8-8:30 pm, and eat nothing post that.

Health benefits of eating Tomatoes

1- Helps to keep blood vessels healthy

2- Rich in lycopene to promote prostate health
3- Full of vitamin C to keep immune system strong
4- A good source of beta-carotene for healthy vision

5- Studies have shown tomatoes help prevent breast cancer.
6- Contains compounds to help lower cholesterol

7- Rich in potassium for heart health
8- Full of vitamin E to keep skin healthy and beautiful
9- The skin is full of carotenoids tomatoes to promote wellness
10- Rich in energizing B vitamins to help you stay active

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MUSIC

1. Heightens Awareness: Musical (non-verbal) and verbal interaction with others, enhances awareness of self and others.


2. Share Feelings: Offers opportunities for individuals to openly share their feelings and to experience a sense of ‘universality’.

3. Improves Self Belief: Music allows everyone to express themselves creatively without the need to follow any strict guidelines, processes or norms.



4. Skill Development: Plays an important role in the development of physical, sensory and cognitive skills, extending your visual perception.

5. Improves Focus: Music helps improve your concentration and attention span.

6. Motivation Booster: Increases self-confidence, self-esteem, personal insight and motivation.


7. Sense of Independence: Leads to development of independent, decision-making skills.

8. Improves Quality of Life: Provides immense satisfaction, enjoyment and an overall improvement in quality of life.

9. Creates Relaxed Environment: Provides a relaxed environment that enables better social interactions.



10. Anti depressant: Music calms the nerves and decreases tension, anxiety and stress. Your heart loves it.

11. Sharpens Motor Skills: Musicians have more evolved gross and fine motor skills.

12. Improves Memory: Musicians have sharper sequential memory and shorter recall time.

13. Improves Discipline: Trains the mind towards self-management and inculcates discipline.

14. Amps up happiness levels: Deeply engaging with music, rather than allowing it to wash over us, gives the experience enhanced emotional power and happiness.


15. Rehabilitation: Music therapy is widely used for patients with visual, sensory or motor disabilities, induced through stroke.

16. Effective Learning Aid: The inherent structure and emotional pull of music makes it an easy tool for teaching concepts, ideas, and information.

17. Shortens Recall Time: Music is second only to smell for its ability to stimulate our memory in a very powerful way. Music therapists use this while working with patients suffering from dementia and amnesia.

18. Easy Storage: Music, with its rhythmic patterns is easy for the brain to store and recall: predictable, structured, and organized–and our brain just loves it that way!
 

Symptoms not to be ignored

1. Constant coughing. If you've recently had flu, a cough will linger for a few days or even a few weeks. But if you have a cough which has moved in lock, stock and barrel, it's time to get to the doctor. It could be one of several things, from tuberculosis, a chest infection and lung cancer, to name but a few.

2. Rectal bleeding. If your stools are dark in colour and you become aware of the fact that you regularly bleed from the anus, make that appointment. It could be any of a number of things, from benign (bleeding piles) to serious (colon cancer), but don't take any chances.

3. Blinding headaches. Everyone gets headaches from time to time, but if you start missing work regularly and live on painkillers, the time for action has come. It could be as simple as getting different glasses, changing your diet/lifestyle, or it could be more serious. Best to get to the truth as soon as possible.

4. Vision problems. Everyone's vision deteriorates somewhat with age, but if your vision becomes blurry overnight, or changes in any other noticeable way, see an optician and a neurologist. It may be something insignificant, but it may also be serious.

5. Fever. If your temperature fluctuates between high and normal for no discernable reason, find out what's wrong. If you run a fever for more than 3 days, visit your doctor.

6. Ongoing diarrhoea. Whether the result of food poisoning or a virus, diarrhoea is dangerous. And the longer it continues, the more dangerous it becomes, as it dehydrates you. If you regularly get diarrhoea, or if it carries on for more than two or three days, see the doctor. If your baby has diarrhoea, don't waste a day before you see your doctor/nurse.

7. Chest pains. This could be as innocent as heartburn, but it could also signal that your heart is in trouble. If chest discomfort is accompanied by pains in your left arm, don't bother with the GP – get straight to the hospital's emergency room. You could be having a heart attack.

8. Night sweats. Sweating at night is not normal – it is often a symptom of tuberculosis, Aids or Hodgkin's disease, which is a lymphatic cancer. Do something about it.

9. Genital sores. These are usually a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. They should not be ignored, as this disease can be passed on to others, regardless of what it might be doing to you.

10. Menstrual problems or paralysis. A menstrual period that lasts more than ten days, or doesn't arrive at all, should not be ignored. Non-arrival could mean you're pregnant, or have fibroids or cysts on your ovaries. A period that overstays its welcome could mean many different things – point is, you should get to gynaecologist.

11. New moles. Most people have moles somewhere on their bodies. If a mole changes its colour, shape or size, it could be turning nasty. Watch out for new moles. It will not go away by itself and if left untreated, can ultimately become life-threatening.

12. Sudden muscle weakness. If you suddenly find you have difficulty standing, walking, balancing or that muscles that were fine the day before have become weak and useless, get it checked out. It could be, among other things, Parkinson's disease or you may even have had a mild stroke. And yes, young people can have strokes too.

13. Breathing difficulties. Sudden onset of breathing difficulties could signify many things – from asthma, to an allergic reaction, to name but two. It should be remembered that untreated asthma can kill. Breathing problems can quickly become life-threatening. Don't ignore it.

14. Constant urination. Everyone urinates a few times per day, but when you start getting up three or four times during the night to go to the toilet, something is wrong. It could be prostate problems or the onset of Type 2 diabetes or a bladder infection.

15. Bumps and lumps. Whether we're talking swollen glands or lumps under the skin, these should never be ignored. Better be safe than sorry. It may be something benign like a mild infection or a pimple or boil, but then again, it may not. Do something about it.

16. Chronic exhaustion. Between working nine-to-five and keeping the family going, most people are tired, and not surprisingly. But when you suddenly feel as if getting out of bed in the morning is a major undertaking, something could be wrong. It may be depression, or the exhaustion could be a symptom of other ailments.

17. Loss of interest in life. If you or family members suspect you may be depressed, why suffer unnecessarily? We are no longer in the fourteenth century and depression can be treated. Most people who commit suicide suffer from depression. Up those serotonin levels before you get to these levels of desperation.

Coconut Water:Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits

1. Reduce high blood pressure - Coconut water is high in potassium and some studies have reported that low levels of potassium has been linked to high blood pressure. Therefore, drinking coconut water regularly can help in regulating blood pressure. Similar recent studies also have found that coconut water can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol, which makes it an excellent natural treatment for maintaining good cardiovascular health.


2. Strengthen the Immune System - The lauric acid in Coconut water has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties, which help strengthen the body’s immune system against a variety of viruses and illness.

3. Keep Body Hydrated - Since coconut water is pack with all five of the same electrolytes that the body has, including potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium and sodium. Altogether, play an important role in keeping the body hydrated during physical activities. Even the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have fought for a patent in 2000 to promote coconut water as the next big sports drink.

4. Helps Lose Weight - Coconut water is low in calories and 99% fat-free. A serving of coconut water has just 46 calories. So regular intake of coconut water can help shed unwanted pounds by increasing the metabolic rate.


5. Aids in Digestion and Metabolism - Coconut water contains various bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA polymerases, which help to overcome the problem of digestion and metabolism. Drinking of coconut water on a regular basis has been shown effective in dealing abdomen discomfort.

6. Improve Blood Circulation - Coconut water is also good source of fiber, vitamin C and protein which can help in improving blood circulation and heart rate.

7. Good for Pregnant Women - Coconut water is an efficient natural remedy for pregnant women who suffer from acidity, constipation and heartburn problems. It is also helps boost the levels of amniotic fluid, which plays a vital role in the overall wellness of the baby. With such great benefits, it is no wonder that coconut water is recommended for pregnant women.

8. Treats Urinary Infections - Coconut water is a natural diuretic which helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTI) as well as relieve the kidney stones problem.

9. Promotes Skin Health - Coconut water acts as a light moisturizer which also decreases excessive oil on the skin. This proves to be beneficial for smoothing the skin as well. It can be used directly to a bath or mix with liquid shower gel. This natural water is also best for treating acne and blackheads as well.

10. Increase Energy Levels - The lauric acid in coconut water stimulates the production of thyroid hormones, thereby increasing your metabolic rate, which in turn increase your energy level.
 

Alarming Statistics about Disease Status of India

•Current projections suggest that India will have the largest cardiovascular disease burden in the world.

•One fifth of the deaths in India are from coronary heart disease. By the year 2020, it will account for one third of all deaths. Sadly, many of these Indians will be dying young.


•Heart disease in India occurs 10 to 15 years earlier than in the west.

•There are an estimated 45 million patients of coronary artery disease in India. An increasing number of young Indians are falling prey to coronary artery disease. With millions hooked to a roller-coaster lifestyle, the future looks even more grim.

•There are at least 50.8 million diabetics in India, which is the highest ever reported number from anywhere in the world according to International Diabetes Federation. The prevalence of diabetes varies between 6-8% in urban and 2-3% in rural adults.


•Indians tend to be diabetic at a relatively young age of 45 years which is about 10 years earlier than in West.

•The prevalence of diabetes varies between 6-8% in urban and 2-3% in rural adults.

•There appears to be a steady increase in hypertension prevalence over the last 50 years, more in urban than in rural areas. Hypertension is 25-30% in urban and 10-15% in rural subjects.

Sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of death, disease and disability. Physical inactivity increases all causes of mortality, doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity. It also increases the risk of colon and breast cancer, high blood pressure, lipid disorders and anxiety.

गरम पानी पीने के फायदे

सफाई और शुद्धी- यह शरीर को अंदर से साफ करता है। अगर आपका पाचन तंत्र सही नहीं रहता है, तो
आपको दिन में दो बार गरम पानी पीना चाहिये। सुबह गरम पानी पीने से शरीर के सारे विशैले तत्‍व बाहर
निकल जाते हैं, जिससे पूरा सिस्‍टम साफ हो जाता है। नींबू और शहद डालने से बड़ा फायदा होता है।




कब्‍ज दूर करे- शरीर में पानी की कमी हो जाने की वजह से कब्‍ज की समस्‍या पैदा हो जाती है। रोजाना एक
ग्‍लास सुबह गरम पानी पीने से फूड पार्टिकल्‍स टूट जाएंगे और आसानी से मल बन निकल जाएंगे।

मोटापा कम करे- सुबह के समय या फिर हर भोजन के बाद एक ग्‍लास गरम पानी में नींबू और शहद मिला
कर पीने से चर्बी कम होती है। नींबू मे पेकटिन फाइबर होते हैं जो बार-बार भूख लगने से रोकते हैं।

सर्दी और जुखाम के लिये- अगर गले में दर्द या फिर टॉन्‍सिल हो गया हो, तो गरम पानी पीजिये। गरम पानी में हल्‍का सा सेंधा नमक मिला कर पीने से लाभ मिलता है।
खूब पसीना बहाए- जब भी आप कोई गरम चीज़ खाते या पीते हैं, तो बहुत पसीना निकलता है। ऐसा तब होता है जब शरीर का टम्‍परेचर बढ जाता है और पिया गया पानी उसे ठंडा करता है, तभी पसीना निकलता है। पसीने से त्‍वचा से नमक बाहर निकलता है और शरीर की अशुद्धी दूर होती है।

शरीर का दर्द दूर करे- मासकि शुरु होने के दिनो में पेट में दर्द होता है, तब गरम पानी में इलायची पाउडर डाल कर पिएं। इससे ना केवल मासिक का दर्द बल्कि शरीर, पेट और सिरदर्द भी सही हो जाता है।

Benefits of Onion

1. Onions have anti-biotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and carminative properties to help you stay away from infections.
2. Onions are rich in sulphur, fibers, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and they are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.
3. It is an immediate cure for fever, common cold, cough, sore throat, allergies etc. A mixture of onion juice and honey can cure these problems easily.
4. A small piece of onion can work against side effects of fever if it’s kept on the fore head.
5. A small piece of onion when inhaled can stop or slow down the bleeding through the nose.
6. An onion a day can cure insomnia or sleeping disorders. This will surely give you a good night sleep.
7. Onions can improve digestive system. If you have digestion problem, then onions can cure it by increasing the release of digestion juices.
8. Onion juice can cure burnt skin or an insect bite or a bee bite. It may burn more but it can heal it very effectively.
9. Onions can be used to prevent cancers. It works against head, neck and colon cancers.
10. You can protect yourself from Osteoporosis and Atherosclerosis by consuming onions daily.
11. Onions increases insulin in the body and also treats diabetes by controlling the sugar levels in the blood.
12. The bad cholesterol that causes heart problems can be burnt or removed if onions are consumed daily. It keeps you stay safe from the coronary diseases and also protects the good cholesterol.
13. Inflammation from Arthritis in the joints which can be healed with onions.

14. There is a small trick with onions to get some relief from body pains. Onions should be fried in sesame or castor oil and can be used to heal any aches.
15. One of the well-known tricks to remove dark patches or pigments on your face is to apply onion and turmeric juice on that area.
16. Onion juice is also used to cure ear and eye problems. This juice is used for infants as eye drops for clear vision.
17. This is also used for toothaches and tooth decaying.
18. Onions have rejuvenation properties on the body tissues.
19. For few types of moles, onion juice works efficiently by removing them.
20. For good memory and strong nervous system, consuming onions is your best bet.
21. Onions cure menstrual disorders. Raw onions should be consumed before a few days at the beginning of your cycle.
22. Use onion juice on the hair or the scalp to get rid of lice and hair fall. This is one of the most prominent of onion benefits for hair.
23. Onions contain water, protein, fats, starch, fibers, minerals, calcium, vitamin C, iron and B complex.

Papaya - The World's Healthiest Foods

पपीता एक ऐसा मधुर फल है जो सस्ता एवं सर्वत्र सुलभ है। यह फल प्राय: बारहों मास पाया जाता है। किन्तु फरवरी से मार्च तथा मई से अक्तूबर के बीच का समय पपीते की ऋतु मानी जाती है। कच्चे पपीते में विटामिन ‘ए’ तथा पके पपीते में विटामिन ‘सी’ की मात्रा भरपूर पायी जाती है।

आयुर्वेद में पपीता (पपाया) को अनेक असाध्य रोगों को दूर करने वाला बताया गया है। संग्रहणी, आमाजीर्ण, मन्दाग्नि, पाण्डुरोग (पीलिया), प्लीहा वृध्दि, बन्ध्यत्व को दूर करने वाला, हृदय के लिए उपयोगी, रक्त के जमाव में उपयोगी होने के कारण पपीते का महत्व हमारे जीवन के लिए बहुत अधिक हो जाता है।

पपीते के सेवन से चेहरे पर झुर्रियां पड़ना, बालों का झड़ना, कब्ज, पेट के कीड़े, वीर्यक्षय, स्कर्वी रोग, बवासीर, चर्मरोग, उच्च रक्तचाप, अनियमित मासिक धर्म आदि अनेक बीमारियां दूर हो जाती है। पपीते में कैल्शियम, फास्फोरस, लौह तत्व, विटामिन- ए, बी, सी, डी प्रोटीन, कार्बोज, खनिज आदि अनेक तत्व एक साथ हो जाते हैं। पपीते का बीमारी के अनुसार प्रयोग निम्नानुसार किया जा सकता है।

 

१) पपीते में ‘कारपेन या कार्पेइन’ नामक एक क्षारीय तत्व होता है जो रक्त चाप को नियंत्रित करता है। इसी कारण उच्च रक्तचाप (हाई ब्लड प्रेशर) के रोगी को एक पपीता (कच्चा) नियमित रूप से खाते रहना चाहिए।

२) बवासीर एक अत्यंत ही कष्टदायक रोग है चाहे वह खूनी बवासीर हो या बादी (सूखा) बवासीर। बवासीर के रोगियों को प्रतिदिन एक पका पपीता खाते रहना चाहिए। बवासीर के मस्सों पर कच्चे पपीते के दूध को लगाते रहने से काफी फायदा होता है।

३) पपीता यकृत तथा लिवर को पुष्ट करके उसे बल प्रदान करता है। पीलिया रोग में जबकि यकृत अत्यन्त कमजोर हो जाता है, पपीते का सेवन बहुत लाभदायक होता है। पीलिया के रोगी को प्रतिदिन एक पका पपीता अवश्य खाना चाहिए। इससे तिल्ली को भी लाभ पहुंचाया है तथा पाचन शक्ति भी सुधरती है।

४) महिलाओं में अनियमित मासिक धर्म एक आम शिकायत होती है। समय से पहले या समय के बाद मासिक आना, अधिक या कम स्राव का आना, दर्द के साथ मासिक का आना आदि से पीड़ित महिलाओं को ढाई सौ ग्राम पका पपीता प्रतिदिन कम से कम एक माह तक अवश्य ही सेवन करना चाहिए। इससे मासिक धर्म से संबंधित सभी परेशानियां दूर हो जाती है।

५) जिन प्रसूता को दूध कम बनता हो, उन्हें प्रतिदिन कच्चे पपीते का सेवन करना चाहिए। सब्जी के रूप में भी इसका सेवन किया जा सकता है।

६) सौंदर्य वृध्दि के लिए भी पपीते का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है। पपीते को चेहरे पर रगड़ने से चेहरे पर व्याप्त कील मुंहासे, कालिमा व मैल दूर हो जाते हैं तथा एक नया निखार आ जाता है। इसके लगाने से त्वचा कोमल व लावण्ययुक्त हो जाती है। इसके लिए हमेशा पके पपीते का ही प्रयोग करना चाहिए।

७) कब्ज सौ रोगों की जड़ है। अधिकांश लोगों को कब्ज होने की शिकायत होती है। ऐसे लोगों को चाहिए कि वे रात्रि भोजन के बाद पपीते का सेवन नियमित रूप से करते रहें। इससे सुबह दस्त साफ होता है तथा कब्ज दूर हो जाता है।

८) समय से पूर्व चेहरे पर झुर्रियां आना बुढ़ापे की निशानी है। अच्छे पके हुए पपीते के गूदे को उबटन की तरह चेहरे पर लगायें। आधा घंटा लगा रहने दें। जब वह सूख जाये तो गुनगुने पानी से चेहरा धो लें तथा मूंगफली के तेल से हल्के हाथ से चेहरे पर मालिश करें। ऐसा कम से कम एक माह तक नियमित करें।

९) नए जूते-चप्पल पहनने पर उसकी रगड़ लगने से पैरों में छाले हो जाते हैं। यदि इन पर कच्चे पपीते का रस लगाया जाए तो वे शीघ्र ठीक हो जाते हैं।

१०) पपीता वीर्यवर्ध्दक भी है। जिन पुरुषों को वीर्य कम बनता है और वीर्य में शुक्राणु भी कम हों, उन्हें नियमित रूप से पपीते का सेवन करना चाहिए।

११) हृदय रोगियों के लिए भी पपीता काफी लाभदायक होता है। अगर वे पपीते के पत्तों का काढ़ा बनाकर नियमित रूप से एक कप की मात्रा में रोज पीते हैं तो अतिशय लाभ होता है।

Immune System: Tips for Improvement

Immune health is the backbone of every human system. It is dependent on many factors namely the genetic background one is born with, age, medical history and chemicals the human body is exposed to. We humans have such hectic lifestyles that stress is part and parcel of our daily lives. All these factors affect your stamina.

The human body is prone and susceptible to damage if proper steps are not taken in that direction. Regular exercise regime, proper diet, right nutrition and small lifestyle changes will make a lot of difference. We all have to take a closer look into enhancing our immunity towards diseases and learn about the top five tips that will help boost immunity from within.

 The immune system is a network of cells and body tissues that work in collaboration to protect human body from infections or viruses. White blood cells are good cells that protect the body and help fight diseases to maintain good health.

1. Include Protein in your Diet
Protein as we all know is a great building block for a healthy body and mind. It also helps to keep the immune system healthy. A protein rich diet is advised by nutritionists worldwide for a leaner and healthier shape. Low protein food has low fibre content and this stresses the immune system as it consists of carbohydrates. Hence, your first step should be to add protein to your everyday diet.

2. Limit or Minimize Sugar Intake
If you want to stay healthy and boost your immunity system then sugar in any form is a strict no-no. When people give into sugar craving or urge to binge in chocolates, then they are most likely to experience a sudden drop in energy levels. Dieticians suggest to avoid any form of carbonated drinks and starchy sugary stuff for a healthier life.

3. Early to Bed and Early to Rise
Adequate amount of sleep is quintessential when it comes to a better lifestyle. Your body gets tired after a hard day’s work, so it is important that you get eight to ten hours of sound sleep in a day.

4. Eat Right Foods and Supplements
Read the nutritional content value on the labels of all the food you intake. Vegetables and fruits consumed in their natural and raw form have high fibre content. The enzymes help you and protect good cells in the body. Those following a hectic schedule often opt for supplements to keep their body healthy. These supplements are readily available and easily found in all health stores.

5. Follow Yoga or Exercise
Listen to your body’s needs, do whatever suits you and your lifestyle. Doing breathing exercises like Pranayama and Yoga will improve your body’s metabolism. These are also good for the digestive system, which in turn improves your immunity. Deep and slow breathing do wonders to one’s body and you will surely notice the change in your thinking and body mechanism if you do it regularly.

These lifestyle changes that you will follow will have you on the right track for a better tomorrow.
 

Tips to reduce High Blood Pressure Effectively & Quickly!

Salt is everywhere!  No matter what product you look at, you will find salt – hidden and not so hidden.  Because of this, we have become a society addicted to this rock.  The consequences of salt addiction can be detrimental to our health, unless we make the decision to protect our health and reduce the sodium in our diet.

Many medical experts consider salt a primary contributor to high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. Sodium is necessary for optimal health – we only need 500 mg. per day!  The problem is, that we Americans consume an excess amount.  Sodium is necessary to regulate fluid balance, contract muscles, and conduct nerve impulses.  The recommended amount is no more than 2,400 mg. each day which equates to roughly 1 teaspoon of salt.  Most of us use three times this amount and over time can create health issues such as High Blood Pressure.

Many of my clients suffer from high blood pressure, so it is vital to help them lower the sodium in their diet.  Having integrated the following tips into their daily lives, they are not only living healthier, they are living a better quality of life and they don’t miss the salt!

Tips To Effectively Reduce Sodium
- Read food labels.  Reading a nutrition label will tell you exactly how much sodium you are consuming.
- Buy fresh foods.  Avoid sodium-ladened processed foods.
- Recipe calls for salt?  Cut the salt in half.
- Rinse your canned beans, canned vegetables and canned tuna.
- Avoid bacon, ham, pickles and olives.  These items are cured in salt and are loaded with sodium.
- Avoid meats packed in a marinade or sauce.
- Skip the cheese.  Cheese has a high amount of sodium – 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese has 745 mg. per cup!
- Minimize or avoid instant foods such as pasta, soups, rice and cereals.
- Choose the labelled “Lower Salt” versions of  foods when grocery shopping.
- Eat out less.  Restaurants and fast food chain’s menu items are notoriously high in sodium.
- When eating out, don’t be shy about asking to have your food prepared without added salt.
- Buy low-sodium or salt-free condiments, sauces and marinades.
- When cooking, Replace salt with herbs and spices.  You can leave out salt and never miss it with added spices.
- Add salt at the end of cooking as salt flavour diminishes.  If you need to add salt, do it at the end of cooking.
- Lemon juice adds zest and freshness.  It does a great job of replacing salt.
- Don’t add salt to your food at the table – put the salt shaker away.
- Try a low-salt cookbook for many delicious low-salt recipes.

Did you know that your taste for salt is acquired?  Your desire for salt is reversible.  By gradually decreasing  the salt in your diet, you will easily adjust to foods without salt.  Most people find that after only two weeks of lowered sodium in the diet, they begin to no longer miss it.

By mindfully choosing to reduce your sodium or salt intake, you will create very large health benefits that will serve you for life.

HYPERTENSION: Information in Indian System of Medicine

 

                                                          AYURVEDA
DefinitionAyurvedic Name: Vyanabala Vaishamya

A systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mm of Hg and /or a diastolic pressure (phase V) equal to or greater than 90 mm of Hg

Causes

• Family history

• Faulty dietary habits (fatty diet)
• Stress, anxiety, tension
• Obesity

Preventive Measures
Don’ts (Apathya)

• Don’t suppress the natural urges to pass urine, flatus stools

• Avoid stress

Dietary
• Junk food, salty snacks
• Canned vegetables
• Excessive condiments, fried food etc.

Lifestyle
• Stress
• Addiction of Alcohol, Tobacco, Tea, Coffee
• Night awakening
• Day sleeping

Health Promoting Tips
Do’s (Pathya)
Dietary changes
• Low salty diet
• Low fatty diet
• Fruits & vegetables
• Coconut
• Butter milk

Lifestyle changes
• Meditation, Pranayama
• Moderate exercise
• Positive attitude
• If obese-weight reduction

 

Curative Herbs• Shankhapushi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamamasi)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine)


                                                    HOMOEOPATHY

Definition

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic cardiac medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. Blood pressure is a measurement of force against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. Condition is characterized by systemic arterial pressure consistently above 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic.

Causes

 

Primary (essential) hypertension

• Idiopathic.

• Predisposing causes

- Family history of high blood pressure

- Life style (Smoking, extra salt intake, lack of exercise and high calorie diet)
- Mental stress.
- Type A personality ( ambitious, impatient, competitive, time-conscious etc.)
- Hyperlipidaemia.
- Obesity.

Secondary hypertension

• Renal diseases – Acute and chronic, Polycystic, Hydronephrosis Renal artery
stenosis
• Endocrine
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Acromegaly.
- Cushing’s syndrome.
- Hyperaldosteronism.
- Phaeochromocytoma.
• Neurological
- Brain tumour.
- Psychogenic.
• Disease of blood vessels like athersclerosis
• Polycythaemia.
• Iatrogenic.
• Pregnancy induced.

Preventive Measures

- Avoid excess alcohol, smoking, high calorie diet, extra salt and oily fried food.

- Adopt relaxation techniques to avoid too much mental or physical stress.
- Diet including fruits, fibers and containing more vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce chances of ebing Obese by regular exercise.

Health Promoting Tips

• Lose weight. Reduction of weight also modifies other cardio-vascular risk factors like diabetes and dyslipidemia.

• Restrict intake of salt, fried food and other foods rich in saturated fats (like ghee, butter, cream, coconut oil).
• Avoid stressful situations as far as possible.
• Take plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Abstain from tobacco & alcoholic beverages.
• Take regular morning walk or adopt a particular exercise regimen.
• Practice yogic exercises, pranayam, meditation, etc.

 

                                           UNANI

Definition

Zaqtuddam Qawi (Hypertension) is a condition in which the veins of body become hard due to the pressure and amplitude of the blood flows in it. It is also called as Salabat-e-Urooq (hard pulse disease).

Causes

• Mauroosi (hereditary) factors.

• Obesity (Siman-e-Mufrit)
• Alcoholism (Kasrat-e-Sharab)
• Smoking (Kasrat-e-Tambakunoshi)
• Certain diseases (Khilti Amraz) e.g. diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease.

Preventive Measures

• Follow guidelines of Asbab-e-Sittta Zarooriya (six essential prerequisites).

• Avoid tobacco in any form.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Avoid oily, fatty and salt rich diets.
• Avoid stress.
• Maintain body weight.

Health Promoting Tips

• Do Riyazat-e-Motadil (moderate exercise) as per instructions.

• Stop oily, fatty and salt rich diets
• Adopt healthy lifestyles.

Curative Herbs

• Khaskhas Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum Linn.)

• Tukhme kahoo Lettuce (Lactuca sativa Linn.)
• Kishneez Coriander (Coriandrum sativum Linn.)
• Asrol Serpentine wood (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth.)
• Seer Garlic (Allium sativum Linn.)
• Sankaholi Morning-glory (Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.)

Regimens

• Fasad (Venesection)

• Irsaal-e-Alaq (Leeching)
• Idrar-e-Arq (Diaphoresis)

                                       SIDDHA

Definition

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the wall of the main

arteries. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is the blood pressure, which is above the normal level, consistently for more than six months. According to Siddha philosophy the vitiation of Azhal humour is the main cause for Athi Rattha Azhutham. Hypertension is one of the major causes of death and disabilities worldwide and hence it is rightly called as ‘Silent Killer’.

Causes

• Hereditary

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Obesity
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hectic and stressful life
• Mental agony
• Insufficient sleep and rest
• High salt intake

Preventive Measures

• Avoid excess intake of Salt

• Reduce the intake of Oil, Meat and Egg
• Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

Health Promoting Tips

• Take plenty of water & fruit Juice

• Drink decoction of cumin and coriander seeds
• Walking
• Breathing exercise
• Meditation
• Yoga

Curative Herbs

• Cirakam - Cuminum cyminum

• Maruthampattai - Terminalia arjuna
• Musumusukkai - Mukia maderaspatana
• Ven Thamarai - Nelumbo nucifera
• Sarpagandha - Rauwolfia serpentina
• Vellai pundu - Allium sativum
• Elam - Elettaria cardamomum
• Kothumalli - Coriandrum sativum
• Sataamaangil - Nardostachys grandiflora
• Elumicam Pazham - Citrus aurantifolia
• Venkayam - Allium cepa
• Seenthil - Tinospora cordifolia