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Tuesday 26 April 2016

Why is meditation necessary?

Why Meditation is necessary?

Read below from Medical Angle

From the time of our birth till death the heart works continuosly.Everyday the heart pumps 7000 litres of blood ,of which 70% blood is pumped to the brain and the remaining 30%  to the rest of body.The blood is pumped through veins/arteries which are about more than 70,000 km long.
The strength required to pump the blood upto 42 ft high and weight of 1 tonne is generated by the heart everyday throught its work.

We take rest when we are tired but if the heart takes rests for 4-5 mins we will have to rest forever.

How does the heart work so much effeciently and effectively?

Heart works effectively because it follows a discipline. In normal conditions the heart takes 0.3 secs to contract (systole) and 0.5 secs to relax (diastole). So 0.3+0.5=0.8 secs are required by the heart to complte one beat (1 cardiac cycle).That means in 1 minute the heart beats 72 times which is considered as normal heart beat.
During the relaxing phase of 0.5 secs the impure blood travels through the lungs and becomes 100 % pure.

In some stressful conditions the body demands more blood in less time and in this situation the heart reduces the relaxing period of 0.5 secs to 0.4 secs.Thus in this case the heart beats 82 times in 1min and only 80% of blood gets purified.
On more n more demand the relaxing time is further reduced to 0.3 secs then only 60% of blood is purified.
Thus 20-40% of impure blood is pumped in the veins/ arteries.These impure components (cholestrol/lipid) gets deposited on the walls of arteries/ veins and thus the elastic nature of the veins and the arteries is lost. So they become plastic in nature.

After some time due to the above conditions the veins/arteries become rigid. Now if a blood clot travels through the veins/ arteries ( which in normal conditions gets easily passed away due to the elastic nature earlier) gets blocked and resists blood flow in that area.
This results in a blockage which further results in Heart Attack.

From the above discussion we realise that the main reason for the heart problems is the increase demand of blood by the brain and the body.
When the activity of brain is stimulated it demands more amount of blood than that of normal conditions.

To stimulate the activity of brain 25-30% of diet we take is responsible whereas the remaining 70-75% is due to the thinking, emotions, attitude, memories and other processes of the brain.

So those who want to keep their heart working effectively for a long period of time they should protect themselves from  - worries, anger, sadness, emotional n sensitive behavior,  stress and hurry .

To protect ourselves from the above few things there is no MEDICATION available

So the only option is MEDITATION.


Saturday 23 April 2016

New week


Over the weekend we all tend to overeat, overspend and overindulge, which is one reason why Monday morning makes us feel so bad.

Beat the blues by sorting your life out.

Begin by making a tick list of tasks you like to achieve.  
Eg : Half an hour walk / 2 glasses of water soon after waking up / 20 minutes meditation/ follow sleep schedule etc.

What's your goal for this week?

How to cool during summers?

In the warmer, longer, lazier days of summer, the living may not be easy.

Even adults tend to adopt a "school's out!" attitude in summer.

That's why this is a perfect time to improve your health in a fashion so seasonally laid back you'll barely notice the effort.

To get you started, here is a nice tip...

Give Your Diet a Berry Boost

If you do one thing this summer to improve your diet, have a cup of mixed fresh berries -- blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries -- every day.

They'll help you load up on antioxidants, which may help prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses.

Blueberries and blackberries are especially antioxidant-rich.

A big bonus: Berries also tops in fiber, which helps keep cholesterol low and may even help prevent some cancers.

I hope you had berries today to help yourself this summer

Another major thing to do is stay hydrated. Carry water with you at all time.

The heat saps away body energy and dehydrates us leading to fatigue, dizziness and even fainting spells.

You can add some rock salt and jaggery to make it a natural energy drink too.

Eat cooling foods like cucumbers and carrots , fruits and veggies and the good old Indian buttermilk /chaas.

Ice creams are cold but they don't cool the body and in fact dehydrate us.

How to TASTE food?

Let us learn to SAVOR food. Whenever you take a bite, really taste! Research indicates that the FIRST bite is the most flavorful. After a few more, you get habituated to the taste.

Tips for Savoring: To truly taste, tune into these factors:

T - Temperature. Is it hot? Cold? Boiling? Frigid? Chilled? Temperature affects the taste and enjoyment of food. Ever eaten a hot cookie right out of the oven or hot soup on a freezing day?

A - Aroma. Smell also impacts taste. People who lose the sense of taste often lose the joy of food. Take a deep whiff before taking a bite.

S - Speed. How fast do you eat. Savoring includes slowing down the pace.

T - Texture. We often lump our experience together into the words “good” or “bad.” Instead, use some adjectives to describe your experience. Creamy, chewy, sticky, soft, dry, succulent, juicy. Etc.

E - Experience. How does it taste? Sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, rich, delicious? What is your overall reaction.

So are you ready to TASTE and savour your food?

Sometimes savoring can be easier said than done. On occasions when we are busy or distracted, we just mindlessly pop food into our mouth. Such distracted, hurried eating may add pounds and take away pleasure.

On the contrary slower, more thoughtful way of eating could help with weight problems and steer us away from processed food to more healthier diets and also help us cope with guilt and anxiety about food.

This mindful eating helps us recognize the difference between emotional and physical hunger and satiety and introduces a "moment of choice" between the urge and eating.

Here's the reason why it is so important for us...

Digestion involves a complex series of hormonal signals between the gut and the nervous system, and it seems to take about 20 minutes for the brain to register satiety (fullness). If you gobble down food too quickly, satiety may not occur until after you've gone overboard. There's also reason to believe that eating while we're distracted by activities like driving or working at a keyboard may slow down or stop digestion in a manner similar to how the "fight or flight" response occurs. And if we're not digesting well, we may be missing out on the full nutritive value of our food.

So are you willing to savour food every time you eat?
Being grateful thinking about what it took to produce the meal, from the sun's rays to the farmer to the grocer to the cook!!!



What are the benefits of earthing?


The sun gives us warmth and Vitamin D, and the Earth under our feet gives us negative electrons that flood our body with the most powerful anti-oxidants on the planet.

By walking barefoot and connecting to the Earth, as humans have done throughout history, our bodies receive a charge of energy that makes us feel better as it naturally discharges electrical stress from our bodies

The free electrons on the surface of the Earth are easily transferred up, into, and throughout our body as long as there is direct contact with the ground. These electrons restore our body's natural internal electrical stability and rhythms, which in turn, promotes normal functioning of our body systems.

This process remedies an electron deficiency, which in turn supports a healthy inflammatory response in the body. It shifts the nervous system from a stress-dominated mode to one of calmness.

Earthing has shown improvement in blood viscosity, heart rate variability, inflammation, cortisol dynamics, sleep, autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance, and reduced effects of stress.

By reconnecting to the Earth, we enable our body to return to its normal electrical state, which makes us better able to self-regulate and self-heal.

Traditionally shoes were made of leather, which actually conducts electrons and therefore maintains a conductive contact between the Earth and our feet.
However modern day rubber and plastics are electrical insulators and therefore block the beneficial flow of electrons from the Earth to our body.

Also the floorings having substances such as asphalt, wood, rugs, and plastics separate us from this earth contact.

Earthing may be one of the most important overlooked factors in public health.
Ensure that you have benefited from Earthing.

Celebrate Earth Day today by connecting back to it barefoot!!!




Monday 18 April 2016

What is the connection between belly fat and cortisol?

I have a little science lesson for you about your "belly fat" hormone, also known as cortisol.  Cortisol is a hormone that your body releases to deal with stress, and unfortunately high levels of cortisol have been linked to increased levels of abdominal fat.

Want to reduce cortisol and burn more belly flab?  Here are 3 things that you can do starting today:

1. Work less - New research shows that if you work more than 48 hours per week, the likelihood of consuming excess alcohol goes up dramatically.  Alcohol consumption increases cortisol, and together they both increase belly fat. If you're looking to shrink your belly, trimming back your working hours while choosing calorie-burning exercise for stress relief (in lieu of alcohol) will do wonders for your waistline.

2. Don't consume caffeine after 6PM - Although caffeinated beverages can enhance fat-burning when consumed around exercise, caffeine can be a double whammy on cortisol levels, especially if consumed at night when it's very likely to negatively affect the quality of your sleep.  Getting quality, uninterrupted sleep each night is critical to reducing cortisol, so you'll want to avoid caffeine in the evening hours.

3. Take time to "unplug" - A recent Canadian study showed that those who were constantly "plugged in" to technology all throughout the day (TV, smart phones, computers) were significantly more stressed than those who took time to "unplug" during designated time blocks each day.  More stress = more belly fat, so if you want a trim belly start planning some device-free time each day.


Tuesday 12 April 2016

What to eat before bedtime?

You may have heard that eating before bed is a big-time "no no" for those looking to lose weight. In fact, you've probably even heard that eating late at night will undoubtedly cause you to GAIN weight...even worse!

Well, there's good news, and that good news is that not every food that you eat past 7PM will be automatically deposited to your butt, thighs, and love handles.

In fact, there are certain foods that you can eat as a late-night snack that can actually INCREASE your fatloss results! The key is knowing which foods to eat, and which to avoid, as the evening progresses.

Here's a good rule of thumb: Avoid carbs before bed in favor of slow-digesting high-quality protein.

Carbohydrate consumption causes significant rise in the storage hormone insulin, which also puts the breaks on fat-burning. That's a recipe for disaster in the late evening hours as your metabolism is winding down, but fortunately, slow-digesting protein isn't.

Instead, slow digesting proteins provide your body with a steady flow of amino acids throughout the night to help you recover from exercise and maintain your calorie-burning lean muscle as you lose fat.

Here are some of my top pre-bedtime choices:

1. White Meat Animal Protein (not red meat or fish) - White meat protein sources such as chicken and turkey are great pre-bed meal choices because they digest slowly and have a very low insulin release. These sources also promote the release of another hormone, glucagon, that assists the body with breaking down stored carbs and fat within your body to be burned for energy...a double win! Red meat and fish have a significantly higher insulin response so they're best to avoid in the evening.

2. Cottage Cheese - Cottage cheese is very slow digesting and coats the stomach to be assimilated by the body over many hours. As a protein, it also stimulates glucagon release; a solid pre-bedtime choice. Just make sure you're using plain cottage cheese, not the flavored varieties with added sugars.

3. Green Vegetables - While these aren't considered a protein, they contain virtually no calories, are high in fiber, and they're very filling. Often times when I get a late night craving I eat a big bowl of green veggies and it completely kills my craving...a diet savior!

4. A Slow-digesting, Low-carb Protein Shake - You can use a slow-digesting protein shake before bed literally every day. A glass of low fat milk with turmeric is a good option which enhances sleep too. It's become somewhat of a ritual and great way to end my day.


Wednesday 6 April 2016

Why is it good to eat with our hands?

Benefits Of Eating With Hands

Many people find eating with hands unhygienic and disgusting but the connection of eating food with hands is not only with the body but also with the mind and soul. Lets know the benefits of it.

Within many Indian households nowadays, the practice of eating food with the hands has been replaced with the use of cutlery but very few know the benefits of having food with hands.
Benefits – Eating With Hands

The ancient tradition of eating with hands is derived from mudra (postures) practices and are widespread in many aspects within Hinduism. As we know that hands postures are used during mediation and Yoga. Even in many classical forms of dance, hand postures are important.

* As per Vedic knowledge, our hands and feet consist of the five elements – Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Practice of eating with hands is also mentioned in Ayurveda. As per Ayurvedic texts, each finger is an extension of one of the five elements:

    Thumb: Fire
    Index finger: Air
    Middle finger: Heaven/ Ether
    Ring finger: Earth
    Little finger: Water

Five Elements in Hand

Each finger transforms food in digestive form before it passes to human digestion system. Improved digestion enhances the pleasure of eating as taste, texture and smell is felt better while having food with hands.

* The skin sends the senses to the brain about the temperature, texture of the food and this acts like a catalyst in the action of generating the necessary salivary juices.

* Eating with the hands, one can verify the temperature of the food before and it can prevent one from burning of the mouth.

* Some people believe that hands behave as energetic cleanser when the food passes via hand to mouth. Similar kind of tradition is followed in other religion also when people eat food after placing their palms above the food.

The logic behind it that food contains various external energies positives, negatives, pains, emotions, thoughts etc when it passes from various people like vegetable/ spice seller, cook, waiter etc. It is believed hands help cleaning all external energies so that it could not impact the human soul.

A similar pattern is found in many people coming from abroad that they feel suffocation and negative feelings when they eat through knife and fork. On the other hand, if they eat with their hands, they experience heavenly and divine feeling.
Science Behind Eating With Hands

We have some bacteria, known as normal flora, found on our skin. These bacteria are not harmful to human instead they protect us from many harmful bacteria from outside environment.

It is required to establish normal flora in various parts of our body like in mouth, throat, intestine, gut etc for the betterment of health.

Eating with spoon for long time can change the arrangement of normal flora. With this, the pattern of normal flora can be changed in the gut. It results reduced synchronous immunity to environmental bacterial germs.

Lets take an example, in India, when some people come from abroad after spending several years of staying there mostly suffer from acute gastroenteritis whereas the local people don’t, because their normal flora and gut flora are in sync.

Karaagre Vasate Lakssmih Karamadhye Sarasvati |
Karamuule Tu Govindah Prabhaate Karadarshanam ||

i.e. At the Top of the Palm Dwell Devi Lakshmi and at the Middle of the Hand Dwell Devi Saraswati, At the Base of the Hand Dwell Sri Govinda; Therefore one should Look at one’s Hands in the Early Morning and contemplate on Them. Hence, This shloka suggests that the divinity lies inside our hands.

Many things within Hindu culture seem weird and unusual but once we go deep into it, we find that a surprising and vast amount of knowledge is hidden in Vedic culture.


Saturday 2 April 2016

How to be active at work?

It is important to move in every 30-45 minutes.

Did you actually do that today?

Is your job sitting job? 
Are you sitting continuously for long time at one place ?
are you aware of consequences to sit for long time at once place ? 

You should get to know how uninterrupted sitting hours can be dangerous for your health:-

* Working long hours in a similar sitting position affects the blood circulation of body

*Increased risk of having diabetes and heart diseases

*Causes eye strain

*Causes tiredness in the back and neck muscles

*Reduces efficiency of heart and lungs

*Leads to back and joint pains

*Responsible for digestive problems

Make sure to more more throughout the day for good health.

Here are a few suggestions to keep you active at workplace:-

*Take small breaks.

*Avoid the elevator, use stairs.

*Go for a short walk during the lunch hour

*Rinse your eyes with water

*Move neck forward or backward

*Change body positions frequently

*Make correct adjustment of chair (height, tilt etc.)

*Carry out some simple exercises

*Sit in a comfortable position


What is resting pulse rate?

I have an interesting stuff for you today!

Let us check your resting pulse rate today/tomorrow morning. It would help us understand if your heart is functioning at an optimum rate and whether your workouts are actually benefiting you, or if we need to make any changes in your workout routine.

It is quite simple, just place your first 3 fingers on your wrist, let go off the first 5-6 beats. Once you are stable, count the beats for 10 seconds and then multiply that number with 6.

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute.

Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats a minute.

So now you know what your heart says 😉

PS - Consult your doctor if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute (tachycardia) or if you're not a trained athlete and your resting heart rate is below 60 beats a minute (bradycardia) — especially if you have other signs or symptoms, such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.


How to eat clean?

Are you aware of how to eat clean?

Here are some suggestions to EAT CLEAN...

*Avoid White sugar - Instead use brown sugar, coconut sugar, Dates, Raw honey, Raw Jaggery

*Avoid White Flour maida -Instead have multigrain, whole wheat, jowari or bajra flour

*Avoid Processed food for example in place of flavoured yogurt have fresh curd, have fresh nuts (seasonal) instead of dried nuts.

*Avoid Chemically enhanced food (Genetically modified food) For example Avoid Canola oil as its too much refined, made from Genetically modified crops (a lots of  chemical injection given for variation)

*Avoid Artificial ingredients - a lots of preservative is added which is unwanted, so best is to avoid. For example sweet syrup, colas, fuzzy drinks.

EAT CLEAN!!!


What are the benefits of Ginger?

Ginger: 9 Reasons Why You Should Know Adrak Ka Swaad

Ginger or adrak, a staple spice of Indian household today, originated in the south-east Asia more than 5000 years ago. Back then, it was considered a medicine for all ailments. It contains a compound known as ‘Gingerol’ that has anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties.

Ginger has been used to combat common cold in addition to being a taste enhancer in food and tea. But little do we know about the gamut of health benefits that it provides.

Here are some amazing health benefits of this wonder spice:

1 . Boosts Immunity

It cleans the body’s sewage system thereby preventing the accumulation of toxins.Cut ginger into small pieces and put into a bowl of water and then boil for 8-10 minutes. Drink this herbal solution for 3-4 times a day, relieving you of the irritating coughs in addition to boosting your immunity. If you do not like the taste of it, stir some honey or lemon into it.

2 . Helps In Weight Loss

Ginger also helps in promoting weight loss. It activates the body’s metabolism and hence leads to burning of fat. Heat a cup of water till it boils, now add small piece of ginger and keep it covered for five minutes. You can add lemon juice to taste. Drink this before breakfast for reaping maximum benefits.

3 . Regulates Blood Pressure

Ginger acts similar to blood pressure controlling pills. It blocks the flow of calcium into heart cells which lowers blood pressure. Drink ginger tea before breakfast instead of popping the prescription pill.

4 . Helps Clear Acne

The ginger extract helps in purification of blood. Extract ginger juice and store it in a refrigerator. Mix 2 tablespoon of ginger juice along with 2 tablespoon of honey and consume every morning on an empty stomach. This helps you get rid of pimple, acne and other skin disorders.

5 . Lowers Cholesterol

Consuming 2-3 grams of dry ginger everyday has been associated with lowering cholesterol levels. Consuming ginger activates an enzyme that increases body’s use of cholesterol. It also protects a diabetic person’s organs such as liver & kidneys.

6 . Aids In Digestion

A good stomach is the sign of good health. A common problem among the mass is indigestion. Ginger is helpful in battling indigestion. Peel & cut the ginger into small pieces. Soak these in honey in a bottle and keep in sunlight for 10 days. Consume 2-4 pieces every morning.

7 . Cures Nausea

Chewing raw ginger is effective in treating nausea. Wash & peel ginger before cutting into small pieces. Chew these pieces throughout the day. You can also grab some snacks containing ginger.

8 . Eases Muscle Pain

Heavy weight lifting at the gym often leads to muscle pain the following days. The anti-inflammatory property, attributed to sesquiterpenes such as zingiberene present in ginger, helps in reducing exercise induced muscle pain if taken consistently over a period of time. One teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger can be added to meals daily.

9 . Relieves Joint Pain

The anti-inflammatory property of the ginger helps in fighting Osteoarthritis- a condition of joint pain and stiffness. Applying ginger oil topically on the joints lowers the pain and also eliminates the necessity to pop pain killers.

It should be noted here that ginger should not be given to children under the age of 2 years. For children over 2 years, you should consult your doctor to determine the right dose. Adults should not consume more than 4 grams per day.

With so much to offer, Ginger can safely be tagged as a superfood that you should make a part of your daily diet. Stay Healthy, Stay happy!