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Choose Ayurveda for Post-Covid Care
Nobody wants to get infected with the Coronavirus. But unfortunately if you do, it means that the next few weeks of your life are going to be hard. Your immune system is going to be weak, you’ll suffer from body pains, lethargy, and many other issues. Luckily, with timely care, and proper medication, you can bounce back healthy within two weeks or so depending on the severity of your symptoms. Some of the after-effects that people with heavy symptoms usually face after being tested for the virus are: Loss of taste and smell Shortness of breath Muscle and joint pain Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Mental issues like confusion, forgetfulness, anxiety, etc. Experts say that even though you have been tested negative after contracting the virus, it does not mean that you can go back to our regular routine. You still have to take good care of your body and mind, and make sure that you are completely rested and energetic before resuming all your activities. Don’t do things that can cause anxiety and stress. Instead, try to sleep as much as possible as that will only speed up the recovery procedure. Post-Covid Treatments in Ayurveda According to the AYUSH Ministry, these are some health guidelines that anyone who gets affected with Covid-19 can follow. Apart from this, the ministry has also mentioned some measures for people who are mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic and also includes people who are going through post-Covid-19 complications. These are some guidelines that all people can follow at home: Take immunity boosting medicine, recommended by AYUSH Drink warm water throughout the day Indulge in pranayama and meditation, if your health permits Practice yoga asanas such as shashankasana, vakrasana, bhujangasana, and anilom-vilom to strengthen your lungs and boost immunity Add spices like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, star anise and cloves to your meals. You can also include dried turmeric and dried ginger too. Amla juice or amla is one of the best things you can have to increase your immunity power. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C and aids digestion as well. Intake a properly balanced and prescribed diet Breathing exercises can be done as prescribed by the doctor Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol As per Ayurveda, every irregularity or flaw that disrupts your body’s health is due to the imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. It is also due to the toxins that have become a part of your body. Therefore, Ayurveda focuses on restoring the balance of the doshas and healing the body, making it as healthy as it was before. Here are some Ayurvedic preparations recommended by Krishnendu to fasten your healing process. The Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies, Vamana, Virechana, Niroohavasti, Nasya, and Anuvasanavasti, which allow the body to be cleansed and toxins removed, can be used. You can get other Ayurvedic treatments like an Abhyanga (full-body massage) or Swedan (whole body steaming). These treatments are suggested for detoxification. Chyawanprash: This helps in increasing your immune system and your respiratory system. Triphala: This helps in regulating the excess pitta in your body and eliminating all toxins as well. Ashwagandha: It is an adaptogen that enhances stamina and general well-being by assisting the body in adapting to various types of stress. It also strengthens and relaxes the neurological system. Shatavari: It can be used to increase the strength of the musculoskeletal system. Various yoga asanas can be practiced for boosting your immunity and strengthening your lungs. This can be done under the guidance of an experienced yoga practitioner. You can follow an Ayurvedic diet based on your prakriti. Also, stay away from fried and spicy foods. It is essential that you ensure a strict diet and regimen for completely healing your mind and body after getting tested positive for Covid-19. There is no way that you can heal completely without maintaining a mind filled with positivity. Although there are a lot of other alternate treatments that can be used for relief, Ayurveda is also highly capable of providing the required care and necessities for healing well.
7 Yogasanas that help in building the Immune System
Yoga is an ancient form of practice and is a proven way to improve the overall physical and mental wellbeing of any individual if practiced in the right way. Yoga helps in the overall regulation of hormones, improves blood circulation, reduces stress and nourishes all the internal organs which help in their proper functioning, thus improving the functioning of the immune system. Here are 5 asanas which help in improving the functioning of the immune system Sukhasana This is the most important pose for meditation, which helps the prana or the vital force to move throughout your body. This asana allows you to breathe deeply which helps to reduce stress, regulates the hormones, heart rate and nervous system distress which helps improve the immune system. Caution: If you any issues related to the knee or if you are unable to sit down, you can sit on a chair and keep your foot on the floor. Steps to follow: Sit in a comfortable position with folded legs. Keep your back straight. Keep your fingers in chin mudra on your lap. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, hold for as long as you can and exhale slowly. Repeat this process 10 times. Matsyasana Also called fish pose, traditionally done using padmasana, it has a variation in which you can keep your legs straight in front of you. You can choose which is comfortable for you. This asana is very helpful to relieve the stress and it also has a good effect on the lungs which can help to relieve congestion. Caution: If you have any problems or pain while doing the asana, stop immediately and consult a yoga practitioner for further advice on how to practice. Please avoid doing this asana if you have high blood pressure or any problems related to the spine or neck. Steps to follow: Lay down in Shavasana (laying down flat on your back with hands kept away from your body and legs apart). Slowly bring your legs closer, keep your legs straight together in front of you with toes pointing forward. Slowly with the support of your hands, bend your neck backward such that the mid-region of your head touches the floor (as shown in the picture). Your back should be bent like a bow. Slowly bring your hands forward and keep it on your abdomen. Your head should remain in the same position. Breath normally once you are in this position. Stay in this position for a few seconds and then slowly lower your head with the support of your hand bring your hands and legs in the comfortable position of Shavasana. You can repeat for a maximum of two or three times. ArdhaMatsyendrasana This asana helps decompress and nourish the spine. It also helps in improving the functioning of the internal organs around the abdomen region thus improving the immune system. Caution: if you have any issues related to the spine or neck muscles, you can look to the side instead of turning your neck backward. Steps to follow: Sit in a comfortable position with legs straight out in front of you. Slowly place your right leg on the outside of the left leg so that your right foot is on the ground. You can cross your left leg under your right leg (the foot being closer to the hip). On an inhale put your right hand back and exhale slowly, twist the upper part of your body towards the right side and try to look back as much as possible. Keep your left hand on the outside of the right knee. Inhale and exhale normally. Remain for a few minutes in this position. Repeat on the opposite side. Trikonasana This pose is so-called because the pose looks like a triangle. This asana helps in stretching all the muscles in the body. It aids in improving digestion, reduces blood pressure, improves blood circulation, concentration and balance thus helps in keeping the mind calm. It also nourishes the organs in the upper part of the body thus improving the immune system. Steps to follow: Stand straight with legs kept at a maximum distance apart. Bend forward from the hip. Ensure your waist is straight. Take a deep breath, exhale and twist your body to the right and bring your right palm down and move your left arm upward such that it is in line with your shoulder. Depending on your comfort level keep your right palm on the ankle, shin or the floor. Your body should be bent sideways and your chest and pelvis should be wide open. Tadasana It is the basic pose for all the other asanas. So it is called the mother of all poses. This asana helps improve balance and regulates the digestive system. It also helps in regulating the breath control, increases awareness, improves blood circulation and relieves tension. It also increases energy in the body, keeps you refreshed, regulates the hormones and thus improves the immune system in the body. Remember not to strain your abdominal muscles or any other muscle in the body while practicing this asana. Steps to follow: Stand straight with your foot close together or you can keep it a little apart. Make your thigh muscles and calf muscles firm. Slowly breathe in and raise your body upward standing on your toe. While standing on your toe, raise your arms, stretch your arms straight up above your shoulders and intertwine your fingers. Also stretch your chest and shoulders. Stand in this position for a few seconds and breathe normally. Try to focus on one point in front of you. Slowly exhale and bring your arms, foot and your body down. Relax Sethubadhasana Also called as the bridge pose is an important asana which helps in strenghthening the back muscles and stretches the chest, neck muscles and the spine. It regulates high blood pressure, helps to reduce symptoms of asthma, sinusitis and osteoporosis. It keeps your mind calm which helps in reducing anxiety, stress,
6 Superfoods for Diabetes
Diabetes is a common condition arising out of lifestyle factors. Following a healthy diet can prevent and control the condition. Here are 6 foods which benefits in controlling blood sugar levels – 1. Beans Packed with protein and soluble fiber, beans helps you feel full and in regulating better blood sugar level. Consuming beans also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Try using beans as your main protein source a couple of times a week, plain in salads, or in soups for optimum health. 2. Oats Oats is a super food that contains high amounts of magnesium, which helps the body use glucose and secrete insulin properly. It is also packed with soluble fiber that helps in carbohydrate breakdown and metabolism, thereby letting your blood sugar levels stay stable. Kick start a day with a bowl of oatmeal for good health. 3. Apples A super fruit with many health benefits, apples help battle diabetes. Naturally low in calories, and glycemic index, apples also have a rich fibre content that fights bad cholesterol and checks blood sugar swings. 4. Turmeric Containing a compound curcumin, Turmeric, a primary ingredient in our dishes, helps regulate fat metabolism in the body and blood sugar. It acts on fat cells, pancreatic cells, kidney cells, thereby reversing insulin resistance and reducing high blood sugar and high cholesterol. 5. Broccoli A good source of fibre, low in calories and compounds that help prevent damage caused to the blood vessels by diabetes, broccoli is a perfect companion for fighting diabetes. 6. Flaxseed A good source of fiber and alpha-linolenic acid, which your body converts to omega-3, flaxseed is another popular food known to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. Including them in oatmeal is a good way to have flaxseed daily.
What is Gout Arthritis?
Gout arthritis refers to a form of arthritis triggered by deposits of uric acid crystals (a waste product that is normally excreted through urine) in the body – Excess uric acid settles in joints, tendons and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. While the other types of arthritis develop slowly, an attack of gout happens suddenly and often overnight. The joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected, but it can also affect the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. Severe gout can sometimes affect many joints at once too. Risk Factors 1. Diet – The diet we have can play a role in the formation of gout arthritis. Having a diet rich in meat and high- purine food, such as seafood, and certain protein rich food can cause increase of uric acid in blood. 2. Dehydration – Quick loss of water from the body and the situation of not replenishing it will result in the building up of uric acid content in the blood, as they are removed from the body mostly through urine. 3. Obesity – The more weight you have, the more likely is the chance to develop gout arthritis, especially in the knee. 4. Trauma – Gout arthritis have an increased chance to be developed after an injury or a surgery. 5. Health Problems – Kidney problems or problems related to metabolism can increase the risk of developing gout arthritis, as uric acid won’t be flushed out from the body. 6. Drug Treatments – Medicines known as diuretics, or water tablets, usually used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure etc. can increase the probability of developing gout arthritis. 7. Too much Alcohol – Alcohol is a strong risk factor for Gout as it can raise the uric acid levels in the blood stream. Symptoms Gout arthritis develops quickly, often within 12-24 hours. The symptoms of this condition include: • Severe pain, swelling and tenderness in the affected joint • Skin over the joint may feel hot, tight and look red. • Loss of appetite • Limited movement of the affected joint • Fever • Nausea Diagnosis Gout arthritis may mostly mimic the conditions of some joint infections. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will closely examine the affected joint and take the full medical history. Blood tests can be used to determine whether there is an excessive amount of uric acid in it. Synovial fluid from the affected joint will also be taken to check the presence of uric acid crystals in it. X-rays can also be used to check for joint damage. The pain of gout arthritis often may last for a week, but if consulted with a doctor in time, the pain can be eased quickly and further problems can be kept at bay.
10 Superfoods for Healthy Kidneys
What you eat and drink can protect and help slow down chronic kidney diseases. Here are 10 superfoods that are good for your kidney health – 1. Cauliflower This cruciferous vegetable brings lots of Vitamin C to your plate, along with folate and fiber and other essential nutrients that are good for your kidney health. 2. Olive oil Olive oil is rich in a component called oleic acid that protects against oxidation. They are also rich in polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation making it a Kidney friendly super food. 3. Cranberries These tangy, tasty berries are known to protect against bladder infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. 4. Apple The famous phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” works! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and keeps your kidneys in good health. 5. Fish It provides high-quality protein and contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. Fish comprises of healthy fats that can help fight diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol). 6. Onion Low in potassium, onions are kidney-friendly! The superfood contains chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. 7. Blueberries These tasty berries get their blue colour from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins. Also, the superfoodgets high marks for nutrition, thanks to natural compounds that reduce inflammation and lots of Vitamin C and fiber. 8. Garlic It is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol making it a perfect superfood for those suffering from Chronic kidney diseases. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. 9. Cabbage It is a great addition to your eating plan, because it’s high in Vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of Vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it’s low in potassium, making it kidney-friendly. 10. Strawberries It is rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber that are good for the kidney health.
How to Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
A breathing exercise that calms and refreshes your mind, while also helping you stay focused, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is widely practiced in Ayurveda. The Sanskrit word “Nadi” means channel and “shodhana” means cleansing. In other words, Nadi shodhana pranayama aims at cleansing and purifying the various channels of the body. It can be practiced by just about anyone and is best practiced early in the morning. The Technique Seat yourself in a comfortable position. Straighten your spine and gently close your eyes. Start by taking a few deep breaths. Fold the tips of your index and middle fingers inward to your palm. Elevate your elbow so that your arm makes a right angle with your body, close your right nostril with your right thumb as you inhale through the left nostril. Breath deeply, bringing it down the spine and into your belly and pelvis areas. As you release the right nostril, gently close the left nostril with your right ring and pinky fingers. Now exhale through your right nostril, releasing the breath from the belly, up the spine, and through the nostril. Pause gently at the end of each exhalation. Once again inhale through the right nostril while keeping the left nostril closed, deeply drawing breath down your spine and into your belly and pelvis. Release the left nostril and block the right nostril with your right thumb. Release the breath out through the left nostril. Release your left nostril and block your right nostril with the right thumb. Exhale through the left nostril. You have now completed one round of nadi shodhana, Repeat the same pattern again for an additional round. Make sure that your breathing remains slow, gentle and fluid throughout the practice. Benefits Practicing Nadi Shodhana Pranayama at least 5-20 minutes a day helps avail the following benefits. Suffuses the body with Oxygen Eliminates toxins from bodily channels Relieves stress and reduces anxiety Calms and rejuvenates the body’s nervous system Maintains Hormonal balance Cleanses the body’s respiratory channels Restores balance to the left and right side of the brain Offers mental clarity and invigorates the senses