Natural Remedies and Vitamins in Vegetables

[P.J.]

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Veggies, Protein, and Better Blood Sugar Control

Veggies, Protein, and Better Blood Sugar Control

Sep 22, 2015

Recent research reveals that a diet high in protein improves blood sugar control for those with type 2 diabetes.



The study also shows that the helpful proteins can come from animal, or plant sources.


“In diabetic subjects, the 6-week high-protein diet leads to an improvement in glucose metabolism and decrease in liver fat independently from the protein source. The high-protein diet has no adverse effects on kidney parameters, moreover the kidney function actually improved in the plant protein group,” concluded the researchers.


Fortunately, it is easy to increase protein intake without straining the food budget. Many familiar, easy to obtain vegetables are also fiber-filled, nutrient rich, low-glycemic sources of protein.

Adding a few extra servings per week of these protein-plentiful veggies to our diet can help us feel energized, lose weight, and steady our blood sugar.



9 Veggies Packing A Protein Punch

1. Peas, fresh or frozen, will give any meal a quick and easy protein boost.
2. Kale, often called a nutrient super-food, can be added to most any casserole, soup, salad, or smoothie.
3. Spinach was Popeye’s food of choice for a reason. Besides protein, spinach comes loaded with various antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Sprouts are easy to toss on sandwiches, salads, or soups. They come in several varieties (e.g., broccoli, radish, alfalfa), and are easy to grow at home.
5. Broccoli is famous for its mix of minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, but is also a wellspring, or should we say well-sprig, of protein.
6. Mushrooms not only provide us with protein, but support our immune system and help us feel full without adding many calories to a meal.
7. Brussels Sprouts are delicious when roasted or steamed, and scrumptious when spritzed with butter, olive oil, or lemon. Sprinkle with a mix of herbs or sea salt, and enjoy.
8. Asparagus is a fiber-full protein source that also helps our body eliminate toxins.
9. Artichokes - roasted, steamed, or blended - will add interest, flavor, and protein to any meal.

“The easiest diet is, you know, eat vegetables, eat fresh food. Just a really sensible healthy diet like you read about all the time.” ~ Drew Carey



Sources: Science Daily; Mind Body Green


http://www.informationaboutdiabetes...eggies-protein-and-better-blood-sugar-control

 

[P.J.]

தலைமுடியை பாதுகாக்கலாம்!

தலைமுடியை பாதுகாக்கலாம்!

20 Sep 2015

முடியை பாதுகாப்பதில் மருதாணிக்கு இணை வேறு எதுவும் இல்லை என்கிறார்கள் மருத்துவர்கள். பெரும்பாலும் ஒரு முடிக்கு இயற்கை நிறம் அளிப்பானாக அல்லது கண்டிஷனராக இது பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. ஆனால், மருதாணிக்கு உங்கள் முடியை வேர்களிலிருந்து பலப்படுத்தும் பண்புகள் உள்ளது. இதை மற்ற பொருட்களுடன் இணைத்தால், அது இன்னும் சிறந்த முடி பேக்காகிறது.

250 மி.கி., கடுகு எண்ணையை ஒரு டின்னில் எடுத்துக் கொண்டு அதனுடன், 60 கிராம் கழுவி மற்றும் உலர வைக்கப்பட்ட மருதாணி இலைகளைச் சேருங்கள். இப்போது அந்தக் கலவையை கொதிக்க வைத்து இலைகள் எரிந்த பின் அந்த எண்ணையை வடிகட்டுங்கள். வழக்கமாக அந்த எண்ணையை உங்கள் உச்சந்தலையில் மசாஜ் செய்யவும், மீதமுள்ளதை காற்றுபுகா ஒரு பாட்டிலில் வைக்கவும். நீங்கள் தயிருடன் உலர்ந்த மருதாணி தூளை கலந்து மற்றொரு மருதாணி பேக் செய்யலாம்.

அதை உங்கள் உச்சந்தலை மற்றும் முடியில் தடவி ஒரு மணி நேரத்திற்குப் பின் அலசவும். உங்களுக்கு அழகான முடிக்கு விருப்பப்பட்டால் இதை மற்ற வீட்டில் செய்த மருதாணி முடி பேக்குகளை முயலுங்கள்.

செம்பருத்தி: காலணி பூ என்றும் அழைக்கப்படும் செம்பருத்தி, முடிக்கு ஊட்டமளிக்கிறது, முன்பாகவே நரைத்தலைத் தடுக்கிறது, பொடுகுக்கு சிகிச்சை அளிக்கிறது மற்றும் முடி உதிர்வதையும் கட்டுப்படுத்துகிறது. சில பூக்களை நசுக்கி அதை எள் எண்ணெய் அல்லது தேங்காய் எண்ணையுடன் கலந்து ஒரு கூழ் செய்யுங்கள். அதை உச்சந்தலை மற்றும் முடியில் தடவி சில மணி நேரத்துக்கு விட்டு விடுங்கள். மிதமான ஷாம்பூவில் குளிர்ந்த நீர் கொண்டு முடியை அலசவும். மற்ற செம்பருத்தி முடி பேக்குகளையும் முயற்சி செய்யவும்.
ஆம்லா அல்லது நெல்லிக்காய்: முடி உதிர்தலால் அவதிப்படுபவர்களுக்கு, ஆம்லா அல்லது நெல்லிக்காய் ஒரு ஆசிர்வாதமாகும். அதில் நிறையை வைட்டமின் சி மற்றும் ஆண்டியாக்சிடென்ட்ஸ் உள்ளன. இது ஆரம்ப நிலையில் முடி உதிர்தல் இருந்தால், அதை மாற்றி அமைக்கும். நெல்லி சாறு அல்லது தூள் இவற்றில் ஏதாவது ஒன்றை எலுமிச்சை சாற்றுடன் கலக்கவும். அதை உச்சந்தலையில் தடவி உலர விடுங்கள். வெதுவெதுப்பான நீரில் முடியை அலசவும். இங்கே இன்னும் சில நெல்லிக்காயுடன் முடி பேக்குகள் முடி உதிர்வுக்கு சொல்லப்பட்டிருக்கின்றன.

முட்டை: முடி உதிர்தலை தடுக்க அல்லது கட்டுப்படுத்த முட்டையில் பல் உள்ளடக்கங்கள் உள்ளன. அதில் நிறைய சல்பர் மற்றும் ஆஸ் பாஸ்பரஸ், செலினியம், அயோடின், ஜிங்க் மற்றும் புரோட்டீன்கள் உள்ளன. இவை எல்லாம் முடி வளர்ச்சிக்கு உதவுகின்றன.
ஒரு முட்டையின் வெள்ளைக் கருவை எடுத்துக் கொண்டு, அதை ஒரு டீஸ்பூன் ஆலிவ் எண்ணையுடன் கலக்கவும். கூழ் போன்ற நிலைத்தன்மைக்காக அதை நன்றாக அடித்து, முழு உச்சந்தலை மற்றும் முடியில் தடவவும். அதை, 20 நிமிடங்கள் விட்டு மிதமான
ஷாம்பூவில் குளிர்ந்த நீரில் அலசவும்.


http://www.dinamalar.com/supplementary_detail.asp?id=27019&ncat=11

 

[P.J.]

Benefits of eating Watermelon

Benefits of eating Watermelon

 

[P.J.]

Homeopathy for hair loss

Homeopathy for hair loss



Dr. Mukesh Singh​




B.H.M.S., Senior Homeopath Consultant ·
Homeopathy for hair loss

We suffer from hair loss because of multiple reasons. While for some it is genetic, for others it is the quality of water used to wash hair, and for some others it is side effects of medicines/ailments. Hair growth on the other hand will either happen naturally, or with particular treatments. Homeopathy has certain very effective medicines which assist hair growth in individuals. The process is slow but the result is extremely satisfactory. These medicines are mixed and matched and dosage is given according to your hair and scalp condition.

Know about these medicines and when are these most relevant:

1. Lycopodium: this medicine is prescribed to those who are suffering from premature balding, including pregnant women and new mothers. The medicine is made from the spores of plants like club moss and is effective on both men and women.

2. Silicea: this is made from sandstones and human tissues and happens to be one of the most prescribed homeopathic medicines. It aids in making the hair stronger and nourishing the hair, thus taking its dryness away.

3. Natrum muriaticum: made from table salt, this medicine helps in hair growth for cases hair loss results from dry scalp and dandruff, skin and menstrual problems. Women suffering from menstrual problems also suffer from hair loss. This medicine is prescribed to them too.

4. Kalium cabonicum: this is prescribed a lot, specifically to stop thinning of hair, aiding growth of hair in this process. It also cures brittle hair condition. Kalium cabonicum is made from the compounds which are used to make glass in egypt.

5. Phosphorus: scalp disorders at times result in loss of hair in clumps. Phosphorus is prescribed for such situations.

6. Kali sulphuricum: as the name suggest, parts of this medicine is sulphur. It is available in liquid form and tablets as well. It should not be taken more than twice a day and should be discontinued after taking for a couple of weeks.



please read more from here

http://emailday.blogspot.in/2015/09/wwwkeralitesnet-homeopathy-for-hair-loss.html

 

[yesmohan]

A great consolation for the bald people.

 

[P.J.]

How Pranayam Benefits The Brain

How Pranayam Benefits The Brain

24/09/2015

Pranayam means control of pran or vital force. According to the sage Patanjali it means controlled breathing which includes deep inhaling, exhaling and retention of breath. Pranayam occupies a central position in the Indian yogic system; it is said that liberation of soul is achieved through proper Pranayam and meditation.

Modern medical science has shown unequivocally that Pranayam has benefits for both mind and body. However the exact mechanism of how it works remains a mystery. Recent research has shown that nanoparticles (particle size of 10-30 nanometers which are almost 10-20 times smaller than those emitted in cigarette smoke), can directly reach the brain through nose breathing and bypass the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). This process may throw some light on how Pranayam affects the mind and body.

Medical researchers discovered for the first time in 1941 that small amounts of fine particles that were inhaled through the nose could be lodged in the brain by breaching the BBB. However this field of research remained dormant until the 1990s when scientists, alarmed by rising environmental pollution, revisited the early research and started discovering the harmful effects of toxin invasion of brain through breathing.


"Scientists have found that breathing through one nostril affects the part of the brain on that side..."
Today, rapidly growing research shows that a small part of the air we breathe through our nostrils goes directly to the brain via the olfactory lobe and the rest (major portion) goes to the lungs supplying the necessary oxygen to the blood. Thus the inhaling breath affects both the mind and the body directly. Moreover, the air we breathe has a direct impact on our brain.

Scientists have also found that breathing through one nostril affects the part of the brain on that side, and thus the practice of inhaling through one nostril during Pranayam could be to stimulate that side of the brain and not for cleaning the nostril as explained by some experts. Similarly, deep slow breathing allows enough time for the nanoparticles or pran to pass through the BBB and into the brain.

This has alarming implications for modern living since the inhaled pollution from household and automobile smoke, dust and general industrial environment has the ability to directly go to the brain and affect the nervous system. The increasing incidences of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, etc., have been attributed partly to the toxin invasion of the brain caused by pollution. This could also be a possible reason whysecond-hand smoke is more dangerous than smoking actively since the exhaled smoke particles go to the brain directly.

It has also been shown by the scientists that though the pollutants are most of the time flushed out of the lungs by the immune system, the toxic particles in the brain go on accumulating .

Nevertheless if Pranayam is practiced in a clean and open-air environment daily then it can negate the problems of modern life. A possible mechanism is explained below.

It has been known for quite some time now that antibiotics-resistant bacteria get neutralised with fresh air and plenty of sunlight . Researchers are finding that the enclosed environment of hospitals and offices with air conditioning and artificial air breeds disease-causing bacteria. Exposing them to plenty of sunlight and fresh air has brought down the incidence of disease drastically.

A possible mechanism for this is that UV radiation of sunlight interacts with nanoparticles in air and produces free radicals and these reactive free radicals when inhaled have tremendous therapeutic value.


Thus it is possible that the toxins in the brain can be countered by inhaling free radicals. Recently scientists have also found out that a good deep sleep helps in flushing out the toxins from the brain . Since deep sleep is like meditation , detoxification through Pranayam, good sleep and meditation can be the basis of a healthy brain.

In the mountains the proportion of UV rays in sunlight is higher than in the plains and with higher altitude and less pollution the creation of free radicals also increases. Thus a mountain sojourn has always been recommended for improving health. Probably that could also be a reason why rishis and yogis went to mountains to meditate and practice yoga.

"Pranayam acts like enhanced homeopathy where the free radicals from clean air help detoxify the brain and body."

One of the most important aspects of breathing is smell. It is perhaps our most memory-evoking sense. The smell signals from the nose go directly to the limbic system - the seat of emotions. Thus smells evoke deep emotional responses and memories.

Studies have also shown that fragrance can change moods and influence judgment. That could possibly be the reason why throughout the ages, humans have always had a love affair with flowers and their scent. Beautiful flowers are not only balm to our eyes but their fragrance is food for our soul. No wonder then that the fragrance and perfume industry is worth USD30-35 billion. The use of mood-enhancing incense has been ubiquitous in religious practices all over the world for time immemorial too.

Thus, clean crisp mountain air with a whiff of a flowery fragrance literally evokes the abode of gods -Pranayam in such an environment provides the mechanism for detoxifying and cleaning the brain for better meditation and hence liberation. Even in our daily life, we can do Pranayam in open and clean air.

Scientists are also developing brain drug delivery systems through nasal sprays so that it can breach the BBB and go directly to the brain. It is quite possible that this may explain how the homeopathic system of medicine works.

Generally homeopathic medicines are given in the form of small globules which a patient is supposed to suck. Through sucking of pills a small part of the medicine reaches the brain via the olfactory lobe. This helps the brain to trigger the mechanism by which the body releases chemicals to fight the disease. That is why the best way to administer the homeopathic medicines is to spray the liquid directly on the tongue since this allows rapid transfer of the particle mist to the brain via the olfactory lobe. Also, homeopathic medicines are supposed to be taken half an hour before or after food consumption so that food smells do not interfere with the aroma of medicine.


Another interesting aspect of homeopathic medicines is that their potency increases with increasing dilution. There are conflicting reports on why this happens. I feel that increased dilution of medicine allows the BBB to be breached with relative ease resulting in its enhanced effect in the brain.


Thus, Pranayam acts like enhanced homeopathy where the free radicals from clean air help detoxify the brain and body.


http://www.huffingtonpost.in/dr-ani...yam_b_7340474.html?ncid=fcbklnkinhpmg00000001

 

[P.J.]

இயற்கை வயாகரா

இயற்கை வயாகரா

செப்டம்பர் 25,2015

ஜில்லென்ற தர்பூசணியின் சுவையில் மயங்காதவர்களே இருக்க முடியாது. கொளுத்தும் வெயிலில் அதனை சுவைக்கும்போது, தாகம் தணியும். உடலும், உள்ளமும் குளிரும். தர்பூசணியில் ஏராளமான மருத்துவக்குணங்கள் உள்ளன என்பது பலரும் அறியாத விஷயம். தர்பூசணியில் பசலைக்கீரைக்குச் சமமான அளவு இரும்புச் சத்து அதிகம் உள்ளது. வைட்டமின் சி, ஏ, பி 6, பி1 உள்ளன. பொட்டாசியம், மெக்னீசியம் போன்ற தாது உப்புகளும் காணப்படுகின்றன. 100 கிராம் தர்பூசணியில் 90 சதவீதம் தண்ணீர் மற்றும் 46 சதவீத கலோரி, கார்போஹைட்ரேட் 7 சதவீதம் உள்ளது.

தர்பூசணியை சாப்பிட்ட பிறகு ஏற்படும் சிட்ரூலின் அர்ஜினைன் என்ற வேதி மாற்றம் இதயத்தையும், ரத்த ஓட்டம் சம்பந்தமான உடல் உறுப்புகளையும் ஊக்குவிக்கிறது என்று ஆய்வில் தெரியவந்துள்ளது. சிட்ரூலின் அர்ஜினைன் வேதி மாற்றம் சர்க்கரை நோய்க்காரர்களுக்கும், இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கும் கூட நன்மை செய்கிறதாம். கண்களைப் பராமரிக்க வைட்டமின் ஏ, மூளை மற்றும் செல் பாதிப்பை தடுக்க வைட்டமின் சி ஆகியவற்றை இந்த தர்பூசணி கொண்டுள்ளது.

அத்துடன், தமனி, ரத்த ஓட்டம், இதய ஆரோக்கியத்தை காக்கும் அமினோ அமிலங்கள் போன்றவற்றை சீராக இயக்கக் கூடியது, தர்பூசணி. இது, உடலுக்கு தேவையான இன்சுலினையும் மேம்படுத்தும். கட்டி, ஆஸ்துமா, பெருந்தமனி வீக்கம், நீரிழிவு, பெருங்குடல் புற்று நோய், கீல் வாதம் போன்றவற்றை தர்பூசணி மூலம் குணப்படுத்த முடியும். சதையுடன் விதையும் பலன் தரக்கூடியது. விதையில் அதிக அளவில் ஊட்டச்சத்துகள் அடங்கியுள்ளன. இதில் உள்ள மெக்னீசியமும், புரதமும் கொழுப்பைக் குறைக்க வல்லவை.

தர்பூசணியில் இவ்வளவு நன்மைகள் இருந்தாலும், இந்தப் பழம் ஒரு இயற்கை வயாகரா என்பது பலருக்கும் தெரியாத உண்மை. தர்பூசணியில் உள்ள மேல்பகுதி அதாவது, வெண்மை பகுதியில்தான் ஆண்மையை அதிகரிக்கும் சத்து உள்ளது. இதில் உள்ள பைட்டோ நியூட்ரியன்ட்ஸ் சத்துகள் உடலை ஆரோக்கியமாகவும், சுறுசுறுப்பாகவும் வைத்திருக்கின்றன. இதில் உள்ள மூலப்பொருட்கள் ரத்தம் வழியாகச் சென்று நரம்புகளுக்கு கூடுதல் சக்தியைத் தருகின்றன. தர்பூசணியில் உள்ள சிட்ரூலின் சத்துப்பொருள், வயாகராவைப் போல் ரத்த நாளங்களை விரிவடையச் செய்து, ரத்த ஓட்டத்தை அதிகரிக்கும்.

http://www.dailythanthi.com/News/World/2015/09/25110702/Natural-vayakara.vpf

 

[P.J.]

Psa test

PSA TEST


The PSA test is used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate, a small gland that sits below a man's bladder.

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. For this test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA permilliliter (ng/mL) of blood.

The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer, and the PSA test was originally approved by the FDA in 1986 to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who had already been diagnosed with the disease. In 1994, the FDA approved the use of the PSA test in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to test asymptomatic men for prostate cancer. Men who report prostate symptoms often undergo PSA testing (along with a DRE) to help doctors determine the nature of the problem.


In addition to prostate cancer, a number of benign (not cancerous) conditions can cause a man’s PSA level to rise. The most frequent benign prostate conditions that cause an elevation in PSA level are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate). There is no evidence that prostatitis or BPH leads to prostate cancer, but it is possible for a man to have one or both of these conditions and to develop prostate cancer as well.

Is the PSA test recommended for prostate cancer screening?


Until recently, many doctors and professional organizations encouraged yearly PSA screening for men beginning at age 50. Some organizations recommended that men who are at higher risk of prostate cancer, including African American men and men whose father or brother had prostate cancer, begin screening at age 40 or 45. However, as more has been learned about both the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening, a number of organizations have begun to caution against routine population screening. Although some organizations continue to recommend PSA screening, there is widespread agreement that any man who is considering getting tested should first be informed in detail about the potential harms and benefits.
Currently, Medicare provides coverage for an annual PSA test for all Medicare-eligible men age 50 and older. Many private insurers cover PSA screening as well.

What is a normal PSA test result?


There is no specific normal or abnormal level of PSA in the blood. In the past, most doctors considered PSA levels of 4.0 ng/mL and lower as normal. Therefore, if a man had a PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL, doctors would often recommend a prostate biopsy to determine whether prostate cancer was present.

However, more recent studies have shown that some men with PSA levels below 4.0 ng/mL have prostate cancer and that many men with higher levels do not have prostate cancer (1). In addition, various factors can cause a man’s PSA level to fluctuate. For example, a man’s PSA level often rises if he has prostatitis or a urinary tract infection. Prostate biopsies and prostate surgery also increase PSA level. Conversely, some drugs—includingfinasteride and dutasteride, which are used to treat BPH—lower a man’s PSA level. PSA level may also vary somewhat across testing laboratories.

Another complicating factor is that studies to establish the normal range of PSA levels have been conducted primarily in populations of white men. Although expert opinions vary, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal PSA threshold for recommending a prostate biopsy for men of any racial or ethnic group.
In general, however, the higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely it is that he has prostate cancer. Moreover, continuous rise in a man’s PSA level over time may also be a sign of prostate cancer.

What if a screening test shows an elevated PSA level?


If a man who has no symptoms of prostate cancer chooses to undergo prostate cancer screening and is found to have an elevated PSA level, the doctor may recommend another PSA test to confirm the original finding. If the PSA level is still high, the doctor may recommend that the man continue with PSA tests and DREs at regular intervals to watch for any changes over time.


If a man’s PSA level continues to rise or if a suspicious lump is detected during a DRE, the doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the nature of the problem. A urine test may be recommended to check for a urinary tract infection. The doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as a transrectal ultrasound, x-rays, or cystoscopy.

If prostate cancer is suspected, the doctor will recommend a prostate biopsy. During this procedure, multiple samples of prostate tissue are collected by inserting hollow needles into the prostate and then withdrawing them. Most often, the needles are inserted through the wall of the rectum (transrectal biopsy); however, the needles may also be inserted through the skin between the scrotum and the anus (transperineal biopsy). Apathologist then examines the collected tissue under a microscope. The doctor may use ultrasound to view the prostate during the biopsy, but ultrasound cannot be used alone to diagnose prostate cancer.

What are some of the limitations and potential harms of the PSA test for prostate cancer screening?


Detecting prostate cancer early may not reduce the chance of dying from prostate cancer. When used in screening, the PSA test can help detect small tumors that do not cause symptoms. Finding a small tumor, however, may not necessarily reduce a man’s chance of dying from prostate cancer. Some tumors found through PSA testing grow so slowly that they are unlikely to threaten a man’s life. Detecting tumors that are not life threatening is called “overdiagnosis,” and treating these tumors is called “overtreatment.”
Overtreatment exposes men unnecessarily to the potential complications and harmful side effects of treatments for early prostate cancer, including surgery and radiation therapy. The side effects of these treatments include urinary incontinence (inability to control urine flow), problems with bowel function, erectile dysfunction (loss of erections, or having erections that are inadequate for sexual intercourse), and infection.


In addition, finding cancer early may not help a man who has a fast-growing or aggressive tumor that may have spread to other parts of the body before being detected.

The PSA test may give false-positive or false-negative results. A false-positive test result occurs when a man’s PSA level is elevated but no cancer is actually present. A false-positive test result may create anxiety for a man and his family and lead to additional medical procedures, such as a prostate biopsy, that can be harmful. Possible side effects of biopsies include serious infections, pain, and bleeding.


Most men with an elevated PSA level turn out not to have prostate cancer; only about 25 percent of men who have a prostate biopsy due to an elevated PSA level actually have prostate cancer .


A false-negative test result occurs when a man’s PSA level is low even though he actually has prostate cancer. False-negative test results may give a man, his family, and his doctor false assurance that he does not have cancer, when he may in fact have a cancer that requires treatment.





Please read more from here

http://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet

 

[P.J.]

Identify and Treat Poor Blood Circulation

Identify and Treat Poor Blood Circulation


Your blood does a fantastic job of transporting nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body, so if you have a problem with your circulatory system, it can create a knock-on effect that impacts upon your general health. Poor circulation usually stems from other health factors, but it is important that you are aware of warning signs that indicate a problem, as well as the steps you can take to improve the condition should you need to do so. This article will run through some common symptoms of poor circulation, as well some tips for treating it at home.

Symptoms of Poor Circulation

1. Feelings of numbness Most of us will have accidentally lay on one of our arms while sleeping at some point, and will be familiar with the numb feeling that tends to result. This sensation comes about because you have inadvertently limited your blood circulation. If you find that you often experience a similar sensation in your limbs without an obvious trigger, it could be a sign that your blood circulation is permanently restricted. 2. Loss of Appetite If you don't feel hungry, despite having skipped a meal, it could indicate a circulatory problem. Your liver sends signals to your brain to tell it you're hungry, but it can only do this when it receives adequate blood flow. This symptom can also cause weight loss over time as you will eat less. 3. Cold Hands and Feet Your blood flow is also responsible for ensuring your body stays at a healthy temperature, and rubbing cold hands together is a natural response we all use to try and encourage blood to flow more quickly. If your circulation is compromised, areas of the body with lots of nerve endings like the hands and feet can feel unusually cold. 4. Skin Discoloring Cyanosis is a condition characterized by a slight discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels just below the skin's surface. If you have poor circulation, you may see signs of cyanosis, and your fingers and toes may appear slightly bruised or red. 5. Varicose Veins If your blood is not pumping as it should, pressure can build and cause veins to twist and swell. The resulting varicose veins tend to appear on the lower legs, and cause pain or itchiness. Varicose veins can be both a symptom and cause of poor circulation, but there are also some specific home remedies you can use to treat them. 6. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss Your nails and hair can provide some of the clearest signs that your blood is not distributing the required amount of nutrients around your body. Hair can become thin, dry and even start to fall out, whether you are male or female. Your nails will become weaker and more prone to breaking.

7. Swelling and Leg Ulcers

In extreme cases, poor circulation can cause swelling in extremities. If your hands or feet begin to swell it could be a result of slow blood flow, which causes fluid to gather. Leg ulcers are sore inflamed parts of the skin characterized by a rash that refuses to go away. If you notice red patches or swelling gathering around your ankles or lower legs, you may have problems with circulation.


8. Exhaustion

Restricted blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles, so you will become fatigued much more easily. Lack of breath, sore muscles, and the inability to complete physical tasks that you should find easy, are all indicators of poor circulation.


9. A Tight Chest

Your heart might pump your blood around your body, but it also needs to be supplied with plenty of blood flow as well. If it isn't, then you may develop angina, characterized by feelings of tightness in the chest. If pain recurs in fits and spurts, it can be a common indicator of poor circulation.


10. Poor Libido or Erectile Dysfunction

Poor circulation can cause associated problems with both the female and male libido because reproductive organs require a sizeable supply of blood in order to function properly. The obvious issue that can effect men is erectile dysfunction, while women may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles and a loss of energy in the bedroom.


11. Forgetfulness and Concentration Issues


The brain is another organ that needs to be fed a regular supply of oxygen, and it only gets the stocks it needs if your blood is flowing as it should. Poor circulation will affect your ability to focus and concentrate when going about your daily business, and can have a negative impact on both short term and long term memory.


12. Digestive Issues

If your blood flow slows down, it will have an impact on a number of bodily processes and digestion is one of them. This can reduce the frequency of bowel movements and even contribute to constipation.


http://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=17450

 

[P.J.]

Top Six Reasons You Should Not Skip Breakfast

Top Six Reasons You Should Not Skip Breakfast


Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many people skip this meal. Most people have very busy schedules, and that leaves little time to eat breakfast. However, you should try your best to eat a nutritious meal before you start your day. There are a number of benefits that you can reap from eating breakfast.


Energy Boost
www.healthdigeZt.com





If you feel sluggish in the morning, then a nutritious breakfast can give you the energy that you need to get through your day. Fiber, vitamin C and vitamin D are just a few of the many nutrients that will help increase your energy level. Whole wheat toast with eggs and an orange is an example of a nutritious breakfast.


Help You Focus Better

It will be much easier for you to focus on work or school if your stomach is full. On the other hand, you will have a harder time focusing if you skip breakfast. When you are hungry, it is hard to think about anything else except for food.

Prevent You From Gaining Weight

Researchers have found that people who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight.When you skip breakfast, you are much more likely to overeat during lunch and dinner. Additionally, you encourage your body to store calories when you skip breakfast.

Boost Your Metabolism

Your metabolism has a tendency to decrease when you go to sleep. Eating breakfast helps you jumpstart your metabolism. A faster metabolism will allow you to burn more calories throughout the day. That is another reason why regular breakfast eaters usually weigh less.

Help Decrease Your LDL Cholesterol

Your LDL cholesterol is better known as the “bad” type of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol builds up in your arteries and can increase your chances of developing heart disease. Studies have shown that eating breakfast regularly can help lower LDL cholesterol.

Prevent Heart Attacks

A new study done by Harvard School of Public Health has shown that people who skip breakfast may be at a greater risk for having a heart attack. Skipping breakfast increases the risk of high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, which are all heart disease risk factors. Therefore, you may be able to reduce your risk of having a heart attack if you eat breakfast.

It is very important for you to make time for your morning meal. A healthy breakfast will increase your metabolism, boost your energy, help you focus and lower your bad cholesterol. It can also prevent you from gaining weight and reduce your risk of having a heart attack.


Source: FB

Dr. Batra's time line

 

[P.J.]

The Truth About Vitamin D

The Truth About Vitamin D


JULY 30, 2014

Vitamin D: Wonder Pill or Overkill?

Do you know that there is a vitamin that can build strong bones, protect against diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, and depression? Or even can help you lose weight? Researchers have high hopes for vitamin D which comes from our skin’s reaction to sunlight, a few foods, and supplements.


Vitamin D Boosts Bone Health

Vitamin D is critical for strong bones, from infancy into old age. It helps the body absorb calcium from food.
Adults need a daily dose of “D” and calcium to prevent fractures and brittle bones. Children need Vitamin “D” to build strong bones and prevent rickets, a cause of bowed legs, knock knees, and weak bones.

Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis

For years, experts suspected a link between sunlight, vitamin D levels, and this autoimmune disorder that damages the nerves. One newer clue comes from a study of a rare gene defect that leads to low levels of vitamin D and a higher risk of MS. Despite this, there’s not enough evidence to recommend vitamin D for the prevention or treatment of MS.

Vitamin D and Diabetes

Some studies have shown a link between a low vitamin D level and type 2 diabetes. There is not enough proof for doctors to recommend taking this supplement to prevent type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat may play a role in diabetes and low levels of vitamin D.


Vitamin D and Weight Loss

Studies have shown that people who are obese often have low blood levels of vitamin D. Body fat traps vitamin D, making it less available to the body. It’s not clear whether obesity itself causes a low vitamin D level or if it’s the other way around. But one small study of dieters suggests that adding vitamin D to a calorie-restricted diet may help overweight people with low vitamin D levels lose weight more easily.



Low “D” and Depression

Vitamin D plays a role in brain development and function. One promising study showed that large doses of vitamin D could lessen the symptoms of mild depression. But other studies show mixed results. The best bet is to talk with your doctor about whether vitamin D could ward off the symptoms of depression.


How Does Sun Give You Vitamin D?

Most people get some vitamin D from sunlight. When the sun shines on your bare skin, your body makes its own vitamin D. But you probably need more than that. Fair-skinned people might get enough in 5-10 minutes on a sunny day, a few times a week. But cloudy days, the low light of winter, and the use of sun block (important to avoid skin cancer and skin aging) all interfere. Older people and those with darker skin tones don’t make as much from sun exposure. Experts say it’s better to rely on food and supplements.


Dining With Vitamin D

Many of the foods we eat have no naturally occurring vitamin D. Fish such as salmon, sword fish, or mackerel is one big exception — and can provide a healthy amount of vitamin D in one serving. Other fatty fish such as tuna and sardines have some “D,” but in much lower amounts. Small amounts are found in egg yolk, beef liver, and fortified foods like cereal and milk. Cheese and ice cream do not usually have added vitamin D.


Start Your Day With Vitamin D

Choose your breakfast foods wisely, and you can get a substantial amount of vitamin D. Most types of milk are fortified, including some soy milks. Orange juice, cereal, bread, and some yogurt brands also commonly have added vitamin D. Check the labels to see how much “D” you’re getting.


Vitamin D Supplements

Eating D-rich foods is the best way to get vitamin D. If you still need help getting enough, there are two kinds of supplements: D[SUB]2[/SUB] (ergocalciferol), which is the type found in food, and D[SUB]3[/SUB] (cholecalciferol), which is the type made from sunlight. They’re produced differently, but both can raise vitamin D levels in your blood. Most multivitamins have 400 IU of vitamin D. Check with your health care provider for the best supplements for your needs.


Are You Vitamin D Deficient?

Problems converting vitamin D from food or sunshine can set you up for a deficiency. Factors that increase your risk include:

• Age 50 or older
• Dark skin
• A northern home
• Overweight, obese, gastric bypass surgery
• Milk allergy or lactose intolerance
• Liver or digestive diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac

Symptoms of “D” Deficiency

Most people with low blood levels of vitamin D don’t notice any symptoms. A severe deficiency in adults can cause soft bones, called osteomalacia (shown here). The symptoms include bone pain and muscle weakness. In children, a severe deficiency can lead to rickets and symptoms of soft bones and skeletal problems. Rickets is rare in the United States.



Testing Your Vitamin D Level

There’s a simple blood test used to check your vitamin D level, called the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Current guidelines by the Institute of Medicine set a blood level of 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) as a goal for good bone health and overall health. However, some doctors say people should go higher, to about 30 ng/mL to get the full health benefits of vitamin D.


How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 600 IU (international units) per day for adults up to age 70. People aged 71 and older should aim for 800 IU from their diet. Some researchers recommend much higher doses of vitamin D, but too much vitamin D can hurt you. Above 4,000 IU per day, the risk for harm rises, according to the Institute of Medicine.


Daily “D” for Breast-feeding Babies

Breast milk is best, but it doesn’t have much vitamin D. Breastfed babies need 400 IU of vitamin D until they’re weaned to fortified formula and can drink at least one liter (about 4 ¼ cups) every day. Starting at age 1, babies drinking fortified milk no longer need a vitamin D supplement. Be careful not to give too much vitamin D to babies. High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, muscle aches, or more serious symptoms.


Vitamin D for Older Children

Most children and adolescents don’t get enough vitamin D from drinking milk. They should have a supplement with 400 IU to 600 IU. That amount is often included in chewable multivitamins. Children with some chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. Talk to your child’s doctor about the need for extra vitamin D.



How Much Is Too Much Vitamin D?

Some researchers suggest taking far more vitamin D than the 600 IU daily guideline for healthy adults. But too much be dangerous. Very high doses of vitamin D can raise your blood calcium level, causing damage to blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. The Institute of Medicine sets the upper tolerable limit at 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day. You can’t get too much vitamin D from the sun. Your body simply stops making more. But sun exposure without sunscreen can raise your risk of skin cancer.


Drugs That Interact With Vitamin D

Some drugs cause your body to absorb less vitamin D. These include laxatives, steroids, anti-seizure and anti-cholesterol medicines. If you take digoxin, a heart medicine, too much vitamin D can raise the level of calcium in your blood and lead to an abnormal heart rhythm. It’s important to discuss your use of vitamin D supplements with your doctor or pharmacist.


Vitamin D and Colon Cancer

It’s too soon to make a strong case for vitamin D as an overall cancer-fighter. But newer studies suggest that people with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood may have a lower risk for colon cancer.


Vitamin D and Other Cancers

Headlines tout vitamin D as a way to prevent breast and prostate cancer. But researchers don’t yet have enough evidence to say that the benefits are real. In the meantime, a healthy body weight, regular exercise, and the diet guidelines of the American Cancer Society may help prevent cancer.


Vitamin D and Heart Disease

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Still, it’s not clear whether boosting vitamin D will reduce heart risks and how much vitamin D is needed. Very high levels of vitamin D in the blood can actually harm blood vessels and the heart by increasing the amount of calcium in the bloodstream.


A Factor in Dementia?

Older people are more likely to have vitamin D levels that are too low. Researchers found that older people with vitamin D deficiency performed poorly on tests of memory, attention, and reasoning compared to people with enough vitamin D in their blood. Still, better studies are needed to learn if vitamin D supplements could prevent dementia or slow mental decline.

http://www.wellwomanclinic.in/blog/the-truth-about-vitamin-d/

 

[P.J.]

Do you know these facts about your bladder?

Do you know these facts about your bladder?






1. Drink what you need. Though the medical recommendation is to
Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day the individual needs differ. Some
Need a lot more of water depending on their physical activity, body
Constitution, health conditions, climatic conditions etc, while
Some others need less. Frequent urination or a leak in a healthy adult
Means he is taking extra fluids! so drink just enough water to keep yourself
Healthily hydrated.

2. Caffeine is not good for your bladder as it is a diuretic. It
Speeds up your kidneys and irritate the bladder. So a leaking
Bladder may signal more of caffeine in the diet.

3. It is not often an enlarged prostate that causes plumbing
Problems in men but an overactive bladder. So get it diagnosed and
Treated!

4. It is normal to urinate once at night. Several visits to the loo at night
Indicate something is wrong. It could be just that you drink too
Much water in the evening or that you are anxious. If it's a
Regular habit to urinate more than twice at night keeping a fluid
Diary is recommended. Consult your doctor if it persists.

5. Another sign of an overactive bladder is urinating for more than
8 times a day.

6. Being overweight is a reason for stress incontinence. Stress
Incontinence is a condition where pressure on the bladder from
Cough or sneeze causes you to leak. It happens when the muscles in
The pelvis is weak and cannot handle this pressure.

7. It is not a small bladder that causes frequent leaks but your
Capacity. If you drink more water than you can hold you will
Probably leak. Weak muscles, nerve damage (due to conditions
Like diabetes), medications, infections etc can cause leaking.

Take care!


https://www.lybrate.com/topic/living-healthy-man/aa4eab2a867a61d8914104ac8ad9e0b4

 

[P.J.]

Hygiene

HYGIENE


All of us are taught about hygienic living and this subject should be included as a chapter in the curriculum of every school. There are many different kinds of hygiene.

Respiratory hygiene: This is important to prevent cross infection, specifically, from flu and related respiratory illness. One should keep a distance of minimum 3 ft, from a person who is coughing, sneezing or singing. Most respiratory particles are more than 5 microns in size and do not travel a distance of more than 3 ft. This respiratory hygiene, however, will not prevent transmission of the tuberculosis bacteria, which are less than 5 microns and keep circulating in the area.

Hand hygiene: This is the fundamental principle for any disease prevention and the catch phrase is “before and after”, i.e. one should wash hands before and after eating food, touching any infected material, seeing a patient or after normal evacuation of stool in the morning.

Food hygiene: This means maintaining hygiene at home while cutting, serving and eating food. While cutting a vegetable, the surface or the cutting board should be clean and hygienic including the knife, hands, water, utensils etc. If that hygiene is not possible, follow the formula of ‘boil it, heat it, peel it, cook it or forget it’. This means that any food which has been boiled, heated or peeled is safe for eating. Peeling means removing the skin of a fruit such as banana or oranges.

Water hygiene: This involves drinking safe water, safe drinking glass, proper washing of glass, not washing multiple glasses in the same utensil and picking up glasses properly. People often try to pick up four glasses of water at the same time with one finger in each glass.

Sexual hygiene: This involves washing local areas before and after sexual contact.

Body hygiene: This involves 16 upchars, as mentioned in mythology. Out of these 16 basic steps, some are related to body hygiene and they involve washing feet first and then hands followed by mouth and finally the body. Washing of the feet is the most important as they are the ones which carry infections into one’s house.

Cleaning of mouth is cleaning the teeth with one finger, gums with two fingers, tongue with three fingers and palate with thumb.

Abhishekam or the snana of the body involves multiple steps. Ancient steps have been washing the body with milk water (rose water etc.) followed by rubbing with curd (soap), honey (moisturizers), ghee (oil), sugar (the drying agent) and finally with milk water again. This facilitates natural bathing and not dependent on soap.

Nail hygiene: This is also a very important hygiene, especially for food handlers, because they are responsible for causation of water and food disease. It is important that they be given typhoid vaccines and de-worming tablets every three months.

Another important hygiene to be observed at our homes is that of the servants or the help. They are often provided soap at the start of the month and they are supposed to use that bar of soap for a month. If by any chance, they lose that soap in 2-3 weeks’ time, they are apprehensive in asking the owners for soap. As a result, they may wash their hands without soap for the next 2-3 weeks, which includes washing of hands in morning.


https://www.lybrate.com/doctor/sajeevkumar

 

[P.J.]

Yoga Hand Mudra Meanings, Explanations and Benefits

Yoga Hand Mudra Meanings, Explanations and Benefits

Sep 24, 2015




While at yoga class or watching a yoga video, you may have noticed certain hand movements that are held while in a pose or during meditation. These are called Hand Mudras, and they have a specific and deliberate purpose. In this post, I’ll demonstrate various mudras and explain their meanings and benefits.


What is a Mudra?



Mudra is Sanskrit for seal, mark, or gesture. Typically, mudras are used during meditation or pranayama as a way to direct energy flow in the body. According to yoga, different areas of the hand stimulate specific areas of the brain. By applying light pressure to these areas of the hand, you will “activate” the corresponding region of the brain.

​

In addition to the “reflexology” aspect of hand mudras, these positions symbolize various feelings, emotions, and states of being. Hand positions play a part in many societies and religions. The Christian church uses many hand movements during mass – all of which symbolize various important ideas. Even in modern Western culture we have hand movements that are associated with a meaning: clapping, flipping the bird, or holding the hands up and palms open to signify surrender.
The mudras described below are an ancient part of the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Although they were developed thousands of years ago – their meaning is still understood and relevant today.
Gyan Mudra



Description: The index finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged). This is one of the most recognized and commonly used mudras. In many depictions of the Buddha, you will notice he holds this mudra.




Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of knowledge.” The thumb represents fire and divine nature and the index finger represents air and individual human consciousness. When the two fingers are placed together in Gyan Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage Wisdom and Expansion.


Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Gyan mudra can help ease drowsiness, inspire creativity, and increase concentration.

Shuni Mudra



Description: The middle finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged).





Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of patience.” The middle finger represents Aakash and courage to hold duty and responsibility. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together in Shuni Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage Patience, Discernment, Focus and Discipline.


Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Shuni Mudra can help encourage patience and the courage to fulfill one’s responsibilities. It also helps to develop noble thoughts and turn negative emotions into positive ones.


Surya Ravi Mudra or Prithvi Mudra



Description: The ring finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged).





Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of life” or “seal of the sun.” The ring finger represents earth, energy, strength and endurance. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together in Surya Ravi Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage energy, balance, health, and vitality.


Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Surya Ravi Mudra can give you energy, positivity, intuition, and help encourage positive change in your life. It also helps to build and invigorate the bodily tissues.


Buddhi Mudra or Varun Mudra



Description: The little finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged).





Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of mental clarity.” The little finger represents water and communication. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together in Buddhi Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage openness and fluid communication.


Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Buddhi Mudra can encourage clear and effective communication. It also helps balance the water element in the body, activating the salivary glands and moistening dry eyes and skin.


http://www.remedyspot.com/yoga-hand-mudra-meanings-explanations-and-benefits/

 

[P.J.]

How Exercise Helps the Brain

How Exercise Helps the Brain

When speaking of exercise, most people imagine from the neck down. However, brain health plays an integral role in nearly everything we do – feeling, working, thinking, eating, and even sleeping. Fortunately, there are recent studies suggesting effective ways to maintain brain health and keep it sharp as you age. Further, these steps may even reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

How the Brain Responds to Exercise




The brain is a special organ that develops by interacting with its surrounding through action and perception. Stimulating the brain through mental exercises, for instance, actually will protect it from mental decline. The human brain can rewire itself continually. As we grow old, our motor and memory skills gradually decline – this often results from lack of mental stimulation.

The benefits of exercising regularly and staying physically active are well documented. But it seems it’s not only the body that benefits from regular exercise, but also mental health too. In fact, there are a number of studies supporting this theory.

In a recent study published by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2012), physical exercise has been revealed to improve cognition and increase brain volume in a trial of elderly people in China with no dementia. In addition, a new research published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences proves adults exercising at least 40 minutes per week are found to have bigger volume of neuron within the hippocampus – a brain center for learning and memory. Aside from that research reveals elderly people who exercise at mild to moderate intensity for a year have improved brain volume in the hippocampus.

Endorphins, Exercise and the Brain


Endorphins, the body chemical secreted by the pituitary gland to respond to pain or any stressful stimuli, works by binding to opioid receptors in the neurons, causing blockage of neurotransmitter release. This mechanism interferes with the transmission of pain sensation to the pain. As far as regular exercising is concerned, it stimulates endorphin release, causing reduction of the discomfort felt during exercise. It is also associated to the feeling of euphoria, although there are still some uncertainties if endorphins are directly linked for it.

Exercise and Neurogenesis

Neurons are normally made in the hippocampus and the hippocampus normally shrinks as we age, causing impaired memory and greater risk for dementia. However, one of the remarkable effects of exercise to the brain is that it can cause neurogenesis – the formation of new neurons.

The specific mechanism has not yet established but experts believe at the cellular level, it is possible exercise-related stress can trigger an influx of calcium, activating transcription factors existing in neurons. These transcription factors stimulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, which makes BDNF proteins – responsible for promoting neurogenesis.

Altogether, engaging in active lifestyle through exercising regularly is an effective means of optimizing cognitive function. Besides maintaining good brain function, exercising offers a multitude of goodness for the body including maintaining heart health, improving good mood and stamina, controlling weight, and much more.

References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/...-functioning-mental-test-adult_n_2902243.html
http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8467811.stm
www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/12/lifelong-exercise-brain-function-study
http://health.usf.edu/nocms/publicaffairs/now/pdfs/JAD_Mortimer_30(2012)_757_766.pdf
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web2/mmcgovern.html
http://www.pnas.org/content/108/7/3017.full?sid=b3858659-6944-442a-b6ba-faa30406635f







http://examinedexistence.com/how-exercise-helps-the-brain/

 

[P.J.]

10 Important Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

10 Important Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease in which the covers of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord are damaged, disrupting the ability of the nervous system to communicate. This means that an individual can lose control of certain parts of their body, even to the point of complete paralysis. Fortunately, a number of early symptoms of this disease are known and recognizable, allowing the affected to get early treatment.

​ 1. Vision Where it comes from: One of the first signs that you may have MS lies in problems with your vision. The optic nerves can be affected as a result of MS, meaning that the signals coming from your eye to your brain and vice versa - get confused. What you may feel: You notice that your eyes hurt, either all the time or only when you move them. This can be true of both eyes, although it is more likely to occur in just one eye at a time. It may be expressed as double or blurry vision, or you may notice that certain colors look dim. Another warning sign is uncontrollable eye movements, particularly when you turn to the side. What you should do: If you experience any of these issues with your vision, you should first make an appointment with an ophthalmologist to make sure that there are no other causes for your vision problems. Only after seeing an ophthalmologist should you consult your doctor or health professional. 2. Your Balance Where it comes from: MS disrupts the signals between the brain and the spinal cord, which could lead to something called benign positional vertigo (BPV), an inner ear problem that causes vertigo. What you may feel: If you experience this symptom, you may notice that you easily tip over when you are asked to stand on one leg, or that you feel off balance and clumsier in general. You may even feel unbalanced when you step over an obstacle or curb, or even dizzy when you move from sitting to standing. What you should do: If you experience any of these effects, you should begin to take mental note of the activities that have become more difficult and think about whether you may have had trouble doing these things in the past. ​ 3. Tingly Feeling Where it comes from: This is the most common sign of MS, but it is easily missed. What you may feel: You may feel a tickle, prickly or crawly feeling, much like pins and needles when your feet fall asleep. This becomes a sign of MS when that tingly feeling then moves up to your legs and into your arms. What you should do: Every time that you experience a tingly feeling or numbness, you should first try to identify if you've done anything to cut off your circulation. You should also notice if you feel the prickliness just at night (which is a sign of restless leg syndrome) or during the day time as well. If there is no other logical explanation, consult a doctor. ​ 4. Sudden Changes in Body Temperature Where it comes from: One of the effects of disrupted nerve signals is that it can cause confused sensations, meaning that suddenly you may feel extremely cold or hot. What you may feel: You may notice that there are sudden extremes of cold and heat mostly in your hands and feet and then your torso, but not all over your body like in a regular hot flash or chill. What you should do: Keep track of these reactions and tell your doctors about them. If you are a premenopausal women, make sure that these sudden changes aren't a result of changes in your hormones 5. Constipation Where it comes from: Yes, even this could be an early sign of MS. If you've been regular in the past and all of a sudden are having problems with constipation, this is something to take note of. What you may feel: Be aware if your stools are less frequent and if you need to make longer trips to the bathroom. You also may gain weight and suddenly feel bloated. What you should do: This is more of a symptom to add to the list of others (as 'proof') because constipation can be caused by many things. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with your doctor before drawing any conclusions. 6. Confusing Symptoms Where it comes from: MS is not easy to diagnose because your symptoms may switch around in a very confusing way. What you may feel: You may notice that episodes of stiffness and tremors vanishes, only to be followed later by a bout of constipation. You may feel like you are having one health problem after another and feel as if something is 'off'. What you should do: Clusters of unexplained, seemingly unrelated symptoms should be brought to your doctor's attention. ​ 7. Trembling Hands Where it comes from: MS can affect your muscles in a number of ways, weakness and spasms being the most common. What you may feel: You may notice that precise hand movements, like buttoning a shirt or using tweezers are difficult. Your hands may tremble as you pick things up, and you may feel clumsier. What you should do: If the weakness and stiffness remain over a period of a few weeks, you should speak to your doctor who will rule out other health conditions like arthritis. In general, muscle spasms should always be reported to your doctor. 8. Fuzzy Thinking Where it comes from: Cognitive impairment is one of the earliest signs of MS, but most people only recognize it in retrospect, once they have been diagnosed with other symptoms. What you may feel: You may notice that you are unable to concentrate like you used to and that you are easily distracted. You lose track of tasks when you are in the middle of them, and words slip more easily from memory. What you should do: Tell your doctor that you are experiencing cognitive differences, especially if you are under the age of 40 - the typical age for the onset of MS. 9. Disappearing Symptoms Where it comes from: MS is a chronic disease, but it doesn't follow a steady progression, meaning that some MS patients go into remission for a long period of time, until the symptoms reappear. What you may feel: You may feel confused and frustrated because once you seriously begin worrying about a symptom, it disappears. What you should do: It's best to keep a record of all that you notice, how long it lasts, and any of the activities that seem to make it worse. Also, note whether you experience the symptoms when you are rested and healthy, or when you are tired and stressed, letting your doctor know. ​ 10. Feeling Tired Where it comes from: A weak and weary feeling is another of the most common signs of MS, but it is also the hardest to diagnose since it can be a sign of many illnesses. Most MS patients claim that they experience chronic fatigue until other symptoms set in. What you may feel: You may notice that you are exhausted all the time, that it is hard to get out of bed even when you've had a good night's sleep and you feel physically exhausted. Your arms and legs may feel heavy and clumsy. What you should do: If you experience fatigue, you should consult with your doctor that this is not a normal symptom and explain that it comes on suddenly. Provide specific examples of when the tiredness and fatigue set in, and that it prevents you from engaging in your daily activities. MS is a very serious condition that should be treated from its first sign, so be aware of these common early warning signs, and make sure that your friends and families are too.

Source: Richard L.
http://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=17561&memberid=851138

 

[P.J.]

Cancer awareness: We need to talk to about breasts first

Cancer awareness: We need to talk to about breasts first

30-09-2015

Bra-talk is a personal topic. The taboos associated with the mere three-letter word are many, and ridiculous. As young girls, when we are told to switch from a Barbie-doll image imprinted vest to an elastic band bra, we’re handed over the garment in secrecy. We’re told that the garment is to be never left unattended, or the straps to be visible, for it would suggest we’re sending across wrong signals.


We walk the streets, our femininity tucked in between hooks and straps, whilst the undergarments worn by men hang on the clothesline, at railway stations, in balconies, on water storage tanks, and more. While we’re told that the good girls should hide the straps, each time they peek from the side of a tee-shirt, the men scratch and play with their private parts, brazenly. A few young men make sure the band of their under wears/boxers are visible from underneath their denims, and this gets recognised as a style statement too.


We go about our lives, not talking bras (panties/undergarments are not ignored that much, even campaigns are called Pink Chaddi, not Pink Bra!), and the world goes about ignoring the fact that woman have breasts, till we reach the month of October. (On few rare occasions, we talk, say, when a lifestyle supplement of a newspaper flaunts breasts of a woman and an online debate stirs, or when a Hollywood star leaves home sans underpants.) For most parts, women as we know are about two arms and two legs, a face, head, back and stomach.


But come tomorrow, and we will recognise that women have breasts, and they need to be spoken about, each day, each hour. We will get draped in the colour pink. It is the start of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and pink ribbons will pop up everywhere. Charities, candies, spa offers, and more, along with the useful information brochures, workshops will dot the geography of the country. Videos of survivors will be shared as brave tales. And more.


And at this point, one can’t help but shudder looking at the mere statistics. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in most Indian cities, and the second most common in the rural areas. There are an estimated 1,00,000 - 1,25,000 new breast cancer cases in India every year. We are witnessing an age-shift, and the average age of developing breast cancer has shifted from 50-70 years to 30-50 years; and cancers in the young tend to be more aggressive. Roughly, in India, for every two women diagnosed with breast cancer, another is dying of it.


It is said that correct knowledge is half the war won. But in a land where in schools, the science books with the chapters titled "Parts of the Human Body" label every part, other than the woman’s "privates", how will we ever win a war? As a fifth-grader, I thought that maybe my privates don’t have or deserve a name. I had a head and toes, neck and knees, and a small and large intestine in between. And then, I thought, if my teacher didn’t know anything about the breasts, how could anyone else possibly know?

As a tenth grader, my friends who studied in co-ed schools told me that during the study of the chapter on reproductive organs, the class was divided into two batches: girls and boys, to be taught separately. Of course, the latter lead to giggles and what was called as "non-veg" jokes shared on back benches. Growing up doesn’t change things much. Except that now we face male salesman (at many small undergarment stores in our country) selling us the garment, at times remarking on the sizes and on other occassions, grinning. When it comes to getting married, the bras become a topic again, friends giggling about gifting us pieces of intimacy! A grilled toaster would have been better, you want to tell them.

All along, we know the breasts are part of us, and they don’t go ignored, even though we are made to believe they’re private, hidden. The world knows we are not roaming around vest-less – we are wearing a bra. We are elbowed by aunts to bend down with caution. A stranger at a busy railway station gropes us. Lecherous man describe a young girl’s breasts as fresh, young and juicy, an orange going on an apple, something of that sort. And more.


Yet, we don’t talk about it, till it is October or our world comes crashing. The body part that didn’t even exist so far bearing signs of cancer. The women putting up fights, the men supporting them. Many thanking gods, that it was not them.

A month later, we’re likely to go back, walk the path where we came from. I wonder if this exhaustive ignorance will ever end. Will we ever stop pretending that women have just a chest?


http://www.dailyo.in/politics/breas...en-health-sex-education-bra/story/1/6538.html

 

[yesmohan]

Cancer awareness: We need to talk to about breasts first

/QUOTE]
Then about ? ..................... in the same way..............?

 

[P.J.]

Soak your feet every night in cold water for 15 seconds- Amazing Results

Soak your feet every night in cold water for 15 seconds- Amazing Results

October 2, 2015


Sergei Bunovski a specialist in Chinese Medicine from the University of Moscow recommends this simple method for strengthening the immune system with soaking your feet in cold water.



We know that showering wit warm water is certainly more pleasant than showering with cold water, but indeed provides a variety of health benefits and it is used in so many cultures.

A German scientist in his study came to the conclusion that people who take cold showers at least 2 seconds, rarely suffer from colds.

There is also another study which was conducted in Prague, and included young athletes that supposed to have bath in cold water. The water temperature was 14 ° C and the study was conducted three times a week for six weeks.

After this period, it was found that the number of two types of white blood cells – monocytes and lymphocytes, which are responsible for the destruction of pathogens – increased.

Cold shower makes us more alive and gives us more vitality; our heart thumps speedier and enhances the course. In the event that washing your face with cold water gets up you and makes you feel fresh, envision what is the impact of frosty water all in all body.


Numerous specialists guarantee that a cold shower mitigates push and enhances state of mind. A study led at the University of Virginia, USA, uncovered that the icy water invigorates the generation of norepinephrine, hormones like adrenaline. Norepinephrine is responsible for the littler veins and goes about as a stimulant.

How this method should be conducted:

Every night before bedtime fill a basin with cold water and than soak your feet in it and hold it for 15 seconds and than put cotton soaks. Do this every night and you will increase the strength of your immune system.

In the case if you have a cold do this treatment every 4 hours.

This method won’t worsen your condition because it works only to strengthen your immune system.

http://www.healthadvisorgroup.com/s...in-cold-water-for-15-seconds-amazing-results/

 

[P.J.]

A chat with Dr Naresh ,Dr Trehan, (Heart Specialist)


A chat with Dr Naresh ,Dr Trehan, (Heart Specialist)

A chat with Dr Naresh ,Dr Trehan, (Heart Specialist) at MEDANTA-"The Medicity" Gurgaon arranged by WIPRO for its employees. The transcript of the chat is given below. Useful for everyone.


Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?
Ans:

Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week;
avoid lifts and
avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control BP - Blood pressure and Sugar




Qn: Can we convert fat into muscles?

Ans: It is a dangerous myth. Fat and muscles are made of two different tissues, fat is fat ... Ugly and harmful... Muscle is muscle. Fat can never be converted into a muscle.


Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person
gets a cardiac arrest. How do
we understand it in perspective?


Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.



Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?
Ans: Yes


Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?

Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.


Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
Ans: Walking is better than jogging, since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints


Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?
Ans: Mother Theresa, who was my patient.


Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
Ans: Extremely rare.
Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?
Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.


Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?

Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.


Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?
Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.


Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?
Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and oilis the worst.


Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?
Ans: All oils are bad.


Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?
Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.


Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?

Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position, place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit, since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.


Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?
Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.



Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.


Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.



Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?
Ans: Yes.


Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?
Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may NOT have a software engineer as a child



Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart? What precautions would you recommend?
Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as yougrow older, respect the biological clock.


Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short/long term)?
Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.


Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?
Ans : No.
Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?
Ans : No.
Qn: How would you define junk food?
Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , Samosas, and even Masala Dosas.
Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?
Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.
Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?
Ans: No.
Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded e-mails on this)?
Ans: Yes. Lie down comfortably and put anaspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.
Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?
Ans: No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.
Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?
Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.
Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?
Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.
Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.
Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
Ans : No.
Qn: What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?
Ans: There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugsand go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.
Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?
Ans : No.
Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?
Ans: Nature protects women till the age of 45. (Present Global census show that the Percentage of heart disease in women has increased than in men )
Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
Ans: Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkups if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ....
Please, don't hoard knowledge.
It takes sharing of knowledge to discover and understand the world in which we live.
Please send it to all your friends and relatives....... They might benefit as well.


The American Doctors Association has given out answers for the causes of cancer :1.Do not take tea in plastic cups.2.Do not eat anything hot in a plastic bag e.g. chips. 3.Do not heat foodstuffs in a microwave using a plastic material. REMEMBER when plastic gets into contact with heat, it produces chemicals which may cause 52 types of cancer. Therefore, this post is better than 100 useless posts. Inform your loved ones so as to be.ft


Source: Savera Society of Human intiatives

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[P.J.]

INTERVIEW: Dr. V. Shanta, Chairperson, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai

INTERVIEW: Dr. V. Shanta, Chairperson, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai

01 October 2015


In 1954, I did not have a single child alive after the treatment of Pediatric cancer. Today I am able to get 65% of them go back to normality.


Dr. V. Shanta, Chairperson, runs one of the biggest, busiest and the oldest Cancer Institute at Adyar, Chennai. At 89, she continues to be an active administrator and a doctor, serving the institute with the same passion and zeal. She exuberates an aura of relentless zeal and enthusiasm in cancer care and cure. ETHealthworld interviews the legendary persona.

1. You have witnessed the evolution of cancer for the past 60 years. How would you describe this journey ?

In these 60 years I have witnessed remarkable changes in the entire scenario of cancer, from the time of diagnosis to treatment, patient satisfaction and the concept of treatment. The foundation stone was laid on 1954 and we started work on 1st January 1955. At that time the facilities for cancer in the entire country was minimal and the only cancer specialty facility was Tata Memorial Hospital in Bombay.

All other cancer facilities were confined to the radio therapy departments of general hospitals. There was no concept of cancer as they did not understand its biology. There was no statistics of cancer and the only modality of treatment available was surgery which people did not understand.

Radio therapy which is a high voltage radiation therapy and the morbidity produced by such radiation was severe. People called it the current treatment and were afraid to have any treatment from radiation because many times the whole mouth and other areas got burnt so the results automatically were not satisfactory. We did not have anything like chemotherapy.

Globally if you think, 1965-1975 is a period of enormous enhancement and improvement in scientific knowledge about cancer, the biology of cancer, causation and the history of cancer etc. At the time of independence our life span was 27 and today it is 70, and this is only because of the progress in medical sciences with finances involved in it. It has also improved everything from the cure rate to survival rate. Today in cancer, it is not only improved survival but also improved quality of life. All this is possible and easier when you prevent the disease or detect it early.

Our thrust is to give a lot of community education, the education about hazards of drugs and improved hygiene, integrated health hygiene and education at a level where it will impact the youth because you cannot educate the adult.

2. Your focus on data and statistics ?

We have an entire department of statistics and epidemiology. The most important thing is that no other institution in the country is doing the statistical data collection as demographic registration.

We were 26 registries all over the country, which were collecting data only in urban areas now we are also collecting data in Chennai, Bangalore and Bombay. We have now set up Tamil Nadu self registry project and it covers the entire population. We found that certain cancers are very high in certain areas while in some areas it's low and in another one year we can publish the data also.

3. How about pediatric oncology ?

We have to be very positive and there is a lot of scope. In 1954, I did not have a single child alive after the treatment of Pediatric cancer. Today I am able to get 65% of them go back to normality, and by normality, I mean their normal life milestones like school, college, getting married etc. Our survival rate is going up which is only because of research and we will further improve and grow. The genomic era is going to thrust tremendous amount of potential and I am quite sure it will happen.

I ate well and lived a normal life, with no hypertension or diabetes. Then I suffered from a stroke and nobody till today could tell me why it happened, there are a lot of things that we cannot answer. It was a shattering experience for me but I got out of it and then 2 year ago I got a fracture and it had to be operated. Unfortunately my age didn't permit complete healing.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuCUTq6KbCg


http://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hospitals/interview-dr-v-shanta-chairperson-cancer-institute-wia-adyar-chennai/49182834

 

[P.J.]

Vazhaipoo Health Benefits

 

[P.J.]

தேங்காய்ப்பாலில் அடங்கியுள்ள மருத்துவ &#

தேங்காய்ப்பாலில் அடங்கியுள்ள மருத்துவ பயன்கள்!


தேங்காய்ப்பாலில் உடல் ஆரோக்கியத்திற்கு தேவையான சத்துக்கள் அடங்கியுள்ளன.

தேங்காய் எண்ணெய்யில் சமைத்து சாப்பிட்டால் உணவுகளும் ருசியாக இருக்கும்.

அடங்கியுள்ள சத்துகள்
விட்டமின் சி, விட்டமின் இ, பி1, பி3, பி5, பி6, இரும்புச்சத்து, கால்சியம், செலீனியம், மெக்னீஸியம், பாஸ்பரஸ் போன்ற சத்துக்கள் உள்ளன.





மருத்துவ பயன்கள்



தேங்காய்ப்பாலில் உள்ள பாஸ்பரஸ், எலும்பை உறுதியாக்க வல்லது.
மெக்னீஸியம் நிறைந்துள்ள தேங்காய்ப்பால் உடலின் ரத்த அழுத்தத்தை கட்டுக்குள் வைக்கும்.

பாக்டீரியா, வைரஸ் மற்றும் பூஞ்சைத் தொற்றுக்கு எதிரான தன்மை கொண்ட தேங்காய்ப்பால், வைரஸ் காய்ச்சல், பூஞ்சை மற்றும் பாக்டீரியா தொற்று போன்ற உடல் நோய் வராமல் தவிர்க்கும். உடலின் நோய் எதிர்ப்பு சக்தியை அதிகரிக்கும்.
சரும எரிச்சல், சோரியாசிஸ், பாக்டீரியாக தொற்று போன்ற பிரச்னைகளுக்கு, தேய்காய்ப்பாலை பாதிக்கப்பட்ட இடங்களில் மருந்தாகத் தடவ, நிவாரணம் கிடைக்கும்.


வறண்ட, உடைந்த, நுனி பிளந்த முடிக்கு ஊட்டச்சத்து கிடைத்து ஆரோக்கியம் பெற, தேங்காய்ப்பாலை மயிர்க்காலில் இருந்து நுனி வரை தடவி, ஐந்து நிமிடங்களுக்கு தலையில் மசாஜ் கொடுத்து, 20 நிமிடங்கள் வைத்திருந்து அலசவும்.


தேங்காய்ப்பால், ஒரு சிறந்த கண்டிஷனர். பயன்படுத்தும் ஷாம்பூவுடன் சரிபாதி அளவு கலந்து ‘ஹெட் பாத்’ எடுக்க, கூந்தல் மினுங்கும்.


வறண்ட, போஷாக்கு குறைந்த சருமம் உள்ளவர்கள் தேங்காய்ப்பாலை உடலில் தடவி, 30 நிமிடங்கள் கழித்துக் குளிக்க, அதன் ஈரப்பதம் சருமத்தால் உறிஞ்சப்பட்டு, வறட்சி நீங்கி பளபளப்பாகும்.


வயதாவதால் ஏற்படும் சரும சுருக்கங்கள், சருமத் தொய்வு போன்றவற்றைத் தவிர்க்க, காப்பர் மற்றும் விட்டமின் சி அடங்கியுள்ள தேங்காய்ப்பாலை சருமத்தில் தொடர்ந்து பயன்படுத்தி வர, இளமைப் பொலிவு கிடைக்கும்


http://www.nilavaram.com/index.php/medicine/medical-news/general-health/7202-

 

[P.J.]

Going Vegan – Motives And Benefits

Going Vegan – Motives And Benefits

Going vegan can be due to a variety of reasons. Health issues, weight loss motives, nutritional diet and even for religious reasons people decide to become vegan. Beside these reasons, the Harvard Medical School has put up a very interesting article about many issues that are also involved with a vegan lifestyle. They even suggest some alternatives to a strict vegan lifestyle which one could also take into consideration if becoming a total vegan seems to be a bit tough in the beginning.

“Avoiding meat is only one part of the picture. A healthy vegetarian diet should be chock-full of foods with known benefits.

People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental resources. Some people follow a largely vegetarian diet because they can’t afford to eat meat. Vegetarianism has become more appealing and accessible, thanks to the year-round availability of fresh produce, more vegetarian dining options, and the growing culinary influence of cultures with largely plant-based diets.


Today, six to eight million adults in the United States eat no meat, fish, or poultry, according to a Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group, a nonprofit organization that disseminates information about vegetarianism. Several million more have eliminated red meat but still eat chicken or fish. About two million have become vegans, forgoing not only animal flesh but also animal-based products such as milk, cheese, eggs, and gelatin.


Traditionally, research into vegetarianism focused mainly on potential nutritional deficiencies, but in recent years, the pendulum has swung the other way, and studies are confirming the health benefits of meat-free eating. Nowadays, plant-based eating is recognized as not only nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk for many chronic illnesses. In July 2009, the American Dietetic Association weighed in with a position paper, concluding that “appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases” (Journal of the American Dietetic Association, July 2009).


“Appropriately planned” is the operative term. Unless you follow recommended guidelines on nutrition, fat consumption, and weight control, becoming a vegetarian won’t necessarily be good for you. A diet of soda, cheese pizza, and candy, after all, is technically “vegetarian.” For health, it’s important to make sure that you eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s also vital to replace saturated and trans fats with good fats, such as those found in nuts, olive oil, and canola oil. And always keep in mind that if you eat too many calories, even from nutritious, low-fat, plant-based foods, you’ll gain weight. So it’s also important to practice portion control, read food labels, and engage in regular physical activity.


You can get many of the health benefits of vegetarianism without going all the way. For example, a Mediterranean eating pattern — known to be associated with longer life and reduced risk of several chronic illnesses — features an emphasis on plant foods with a sparing use of meat. (For more about the Mediterranean diet, go to www.health.harvard.edu/womenextra.) Even if you don’t want to become a complete vegetarian, you can steer your diet in that direction with a few simple substitutions, such as plant-based sources of protein — beans or tofu, for example — or fish instead of meat a couple of times a week.


Only you can decide whether a vegetarian diet is right for you. If better health is your goal, here are some things to consider.”


http://www.goingveganhealthbenefits.com/going-vegan-motives-and-benefits/
​

 

[P.J.]

Pratyahara: The Most Important Limb of Yoga

Pratyahara: The Most Important Limb of Yoga

Sep 30, 2015



Yoga is a vast system of spiritual practices for inner growth. To this end, the classical yoga system incorporates eight limbs, each with its own place and function. Of these, pratyahara is probably the least known.

How many people, even yoga teachers, can define pratyahara? Have you ever taken a class in pratyahara? Have you ever seen a book on pratyahara? Can you think of several important pratyahara techniques? Do you perform pratyahara as part of your yogic practices? Yet unless we understand pratyahara, we are missing an integral aspect of yoga without which the system cannot work.

​

As the fifth of the eight limbs, pratyahara occupies a central place. Some yogis include it among the outer aspects of yoga, others with the inner aspects. Both classifications are correct, for pratyahara is the key between the outer and inner aspects of yoga; it shows us how to move from one to the other.

It is not possible to move directly from asana to meditation. This requires jumping from the body to the mind, forgetting what lies between. To make this transition, the breath and senses, which link the body and mind, must be brought under control and developed properly. This is where pranayama and pratyahara come in. With pranayama we control our vital energies and impulses and with pratyahara we gain mastery over the unruly senses — both prerequisites to successful meditation.

What is Pratyahara?

The term pratyahara is composed of two Sanskrit words, prati and ahara. Ahara means “food,” or “anything we take into ourselves from the outside.” Prati is a preposition meaning “against” or “away.” Pratyahara means literally “control of ahara,” or “gaining mastery over external influences.” It is compared to a turtle withdrawing its limbs into its shell — the turtle’s shell is the mind and the senses are the limbs. The term is usually translated as “withdrawal from the senses,” but much more is implied.

In yogic thought there are three levels of ahara, or food. The first is physical food that brings in the five elements necessary to nourish the body. The second is impressions, which bring in the subtle substances necessary to nourish the mind — the sensations of sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell. The third level of ahara is our associations, the people we hold at heart level who serve to nourish the soul and affect us with the gunas of sattva, rajas, and tamas.





Pratyahara is twofold. It involves withdrawal from wrong food, wrong impressions and wrong associations, while simultaneously opening up to right food, right impressions and right associations. We cannot control our mental impressions without right diet and right relationship, but pratyahara’s primary importance lies in control of sensory impressions which frees the mind to move within.


By withdrawing our awareness from negative impressions, pratyahara strengthens the mind’s powers of immunity. Just as a healthy body can resists toxins and pathogens, a healthy mind can ward off the negative sensory influences around it. If you are easily disturbed by the noise and turmoil of the environment around you, practice pratyahara. Without it, you will not be able to meditate.

There are four main forms of pratyahara: indriya-pratyahara — control of the senses; prana- pratyahara — control of prana; karma-pratyahara — control of action; and mano-pratyahara — withdrawal of mind from the senses. Each has its special methods.

Control of the Senses (Indriya-pratyahara)

Indriya-pratyahara, or control of the senses, is the most important form of pratyahara, although this is not something that we like to hear about in our mass media-oriented culture. Most of us suffer from sensory overload, the result of constant bombardment from television, radio, computers, newspapers, magazines, books — you name it. Our commercial society functions by stimulating our interest through the senses. We are constantly confronted with bright colors, loud noises and dramatic sensations. We have been raised on every sort of sensory indulgence; it is the main form of entertainment in our society.

The problem is that the senses, like untrained children, have their own will, which is largely instinctual in nature. They tell the mind what to do. If we don’t discipline them, they dominate us with their endless demands. We are so accustomed to ongoing sensory activity that we don’t know how to keep our minds quiet; we have become hostages of the world of the senses and its allurements.





We run after what is appealing to the senses and forget the higher goals of life. For this reason, pratyahara is probably the most important limb of yoga for people today.


The old saying “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” applies to those of us who have not learned how to properly control our senses. Indriya-pratyahara gives us the tools to strengthen the spirit and reduce its dependency on the body. Such control is not suppression (which causes eventual revolt), but proper coordination and motivation.


The three worlds are also called the three Waters or three oceans. Each form of Vayu is associated with a particular form of the Waters or the ocean. The Earthy or sacrificial form of Agni is associated with ground Water and with caves and springs and with the water and ghee (clarified butter) that is offered to the Fire. The Atmospheric wind (thunder) is associated with the ocean and the rains which are created by Water evaporating from the sea.


The Heavenly (solar) wind is associated with the cosmic ocean and heavenly Waters which are also the Milky Way. Space is the Waters of Heaven through which the Sun moves like a boat


http://www.remedyspot.com/pratyahara-most-important-limb-of-yoga/