Causes of Indigestion

The problem of indigestion is very common and painful. It is generally caused due to reasons like overeating, improper way of eating and eating heavy foods including excess spices, fried food, fast foods. The digestive system fails to properly digest these foods.

Indigestion is also caused when all the enzymes present in the liver fail to function properly.

Gastric, burning sensation in stomach, sour belches, acidity etc., are the symptoms of indigestion.

    

Diseases caused due to Indigestion

The problem of indigestion is to be taken seriously as it increases the risks of several diseases. The problems like allergy, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, skin infection, pimples, tiredness and mood swing are caused by indigestion.

Reasons for Indigestion

The digestion depends on what nutrients are taken in the foods we eat, and the what toxins we eject out of our body.

The control of overall health depends upon the digestive system. The internal health depends upon proper digestion, right assimilation of nutrients from food, and appropriate metabolism and disintegration of the food in the stomach.

The liver discards several toxins in the bile as the byproducts of metabolism. These toxins show negative effects and cause indigestion, if not removed from the body.

Another reason for indigestion is the reduced intake of fiber and increased intake of sugar in the food.

The deficiency of nutrients and the intake of high-calorie foods increase the presence of bad bacteria in the body. These bad bacteria disturb the biological balance of intestines.

The excessive intake of certain medicines like aspirin and presolac etc. also disturbs the digestive system.

Increase in the levels of mercury and mold toxins also disturb the digestive system. 

Stress is another reason for indigestion. It disrupts the nervous system and the digestive system together with creating an imbalance in the presence of intestinal bacteria.  

Role of Bacteria in the Digestive System

About 500 species of bacteria are present in our stomach. These bacteria help in the digestion of food. Besides they help in hormone balance, toxin removal, and the synthesis of vitamins and healing compounds.

These bacteria keep the body and the digestive system healthy.

For proper health, it is necessary that this system remains balanced.

The overall is disturbed, if the levels of parasites and other bad bacteria increase or the presence of friendly bacteria like lactobacillus or befedo-bacteria decrease in the body.

For proper digestion and good health, the proper balance of bacteria in the body is very necessary.    

Home Remedies for Thyroid by Ashwagandha

More and more people throughout the world are becoming the victims of the problem of the thyroid. This problem is very common among women as compared to men.

The fruits of Ashwagandha
Wikimedia Commons by Roger Culos

The thyroid gland is located on both sides of the vocal cord situated above the wind pipe. It is in the shape of a butterfly. This gland produces thyroxin hormone.

Thyroxin hormone controls different things like the energy needs of the body, protein production, and sensitivity towards other hormones.

Several disorders spring up during the thyroid problem. Even the immune system of the body also becomes weak.

This problem could be found among the women by some general symptoms. The early detection of the problem is very effective to help for the complete cure of the disease.

Types

Hyperthyroidism appears when the thyroid gland produces excess thyroxin hormone.
The less production or the reduced levels of thyroxin hormone in the body is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by the inactiveness of thyroxin hormone.

Hypothyroidism or the reduced production of thyroxin hormone causes dwarfism among the children and increases the fats among the adults.

Hyperthyroidism or excess thyroxin hormone causes the problem of goiter.  

The deficiency of Iodine or thyroid failure causes tiredness, indolence, and hormone imbalance. If left untreated it may cause swelling in tissues and skin.

Reasons for Thyroid

The thyroid is caused by an increase in the thyroid gland in which the capacity of the gland to form thyroxin hormone gets reduced.

The excessive use of the products containing isoflavones rich soy, protein, and soya in the form of a capsule or powder may cause thyroid problem.

Side effects of certain medicines may become the cause of thyroid.

A thyroid problem can also be due to the pituitary gland because it fails to give a signal to the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin. 
  

The intake of less or increased amounts of iodine in foods also increases the problem of the thyroid.   

Other causes include radiation therapy around the head, and chest; radiation treatment for pimples; lymph nodes, tonsils, and the problem of the thymus gland.

The increased stress affects the thyroid gland the most. Stress increases the production of thyroid.

The family history increases the chances of the thyroid. Genetics is the most common cause of thyroid.

Ashwagandha Plant
Wikimedia Commons by Hari Prasad Nadig

Treatment in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha is a natural herb known for its powerful properties. The intake of an Ayurveda herb Ashwagandha meaning “the smell of the horse” increases the strength like a horse. Its botanical name Withania somnifera or called Indian ginseng, winter cherry is used in an Indian and Chinese system of ancient medicines. 
This small shrub with yellow flowers is native to India and North Africa. It could be grown in a pot for regular use. This herb is beneficial to cure and control several ailments. 

1. Thyroid

The powder or the paste of the green leaves of ashwagandha or the extract of boiled roots could be used for the desired effects. 

The intake of ashwagandha controls the irregularities of the thyroid. It is very effective for the cure of both hypo and hyperthyroidism.

Take 200 to 1200 mg of the powder of ashwagandha with tea. The leaves of basil could also be added for taste and added benefits of another herb.

In hypothyroidism, ashwagandha is used with Ayurveda tablet Mahayograj Guggulu.

2. Strength of Body

The regular intake of Ashwagandha maintains the energy of the body and increases the work efficiency. It increases muscle mass and muscle strength.

3. Inflammation

It reduces the inflammation. It increases the activity of natural killer cells or immune cells that fight inflammation.

The rich concentrations of “withanolides” in the herb fight inflammation and tumor growth. The herb also reduces the cancer risks by promoting the death of cancer cells.

4. Reduces Cholesterol

It can reduce the risks of heart disease by bringing down the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

5. Hormone Imbalance

The daily intake of ashwagandha also balances the hormone imbalance in the body. It increases the testosterone and androgen hormones in the body and increases the male fertility.

6. Reduces Stress

It is called an adaptogen that helps the body to manage stress and anxiety and depression. The adrenal glands release the stress hormone “cortisol” during stress or in low levels of blood sugar, and ashwagandha.

  

7. Diabetes

The regular intake of ashwagandha for a month can reduce the fasting blood sugar in Type II diabetes

Caution
Do not stop the medicines being taken for thyroid. Ashwagandha could be taken with the regular tablet. 

Pollution Causes Asthma

The patients of asthma are increasing due to pollution. The problem is so serious that about 150 Million people suffering from asthma throughout the world.

Asthma Inhaler
Wikimedia Commons by Magnus Manske 

In India there about 20 million people are suffering from asthma.

Every year more than 180,000 people die of asthma.

Asthma is a type of permanent disease in which spasms occur in lungs, the air passage gets contracted and the cough starts being formed.

The chief reasons for asthma are genetic and environmental.

Among environmental causes, the air pollution, pollination, dust mites, fungus and animal dandruff are the chief factors.  Besides, some medicines like aspirin, beta blocker (medicine for blood pressure) etc. also cause an attack of asthma.

Clean environment and Yoga is beneficial for the patients of asthma.

The children who repeatedly suffer from cold also become the patients of asthma. The disease is more prevalent among the children with a history of premature and caesarian births.

Here is no permanent cure for asthma. It is better to avoid the reasons causing the attack of asthma. The common treatments are bronco dilator medicines or the steroid intake through breath. 

Hybrid Cabbage for Anemia during Pregnancy

Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Solan is situated in an Indian State of Himachal Pradesh in District- Solan.

Cabbage
Wikimedia Commons  by Dinkum

The Institute is doing pioneer efforts in the fields of horticulture and forestry.

The scientists of the University have developed a new seed of cabbage. This new variety of cabbage can remove the deficiency of calcium, Iron and Hemoglobin during pregnancy.

The scientists of Vegetable Science Department have developed a hybrid variety of Cabbage, the seeds of which are available now in the University.

The demand for the seeds of this hybrid cabbage is increasing. It is proving to be a boon for the farmers. The University is organizing the training camps for the farmers to grow this hybrid variety.

This variety could be grown in winters.

It took more than five years for the scientists to develop this hybrid variety. This new variety of cabbage has been named as Solan Bund Sarsoun.

The researchers of the Department of Agriculture have claimed that a cup of a soup and a little amount of cooked cabbage could replenish the daily needs of vitamin intake by 91.6% out of which 53.6% is vitamin C, B-6, B-2, B-1, potassium, calcium magnesium, Vitamin A, Zinc and folic acid.

This variety could replenish the deficiencies of anemia during pregnancy. It increases the immune system and removes the deficiency of blood in the body. It could transform the inactive cells of the skin. This cabbage could help to strengthen the teeth and bones too.

Dr. H.S. Kanwar from the Botanical Department said that a research was being conducted by the University on the variety of Chinese cabbage for the last 5 years.

This new variety of cabbage could be grown in farms, poly-houses, kitchen gardens and even in the flower pots. 

An Egg a Day Keeps Heart Diseases at Bay

The inclusion of eggs in regular diet keeps the heart healthy.

It has been proved in a recent research that eating 12 eggs a week reduces the dangers of heart-related disease among the patient of pre-diabetes and type- 2 diabetes. The eggs contain proteins and 9 other amino acids. It also contains a nutrient called lutein, which keeps the brain healthy.

Eggs
Wikimedia Commons by ZabMilenko

A research has found that the daily intake of an egg reduces the risks of heart-related diseases by 12%.

A research was conducted for 9 years on Chinese people within the age group of 30 to 79 years. It was found that the danger of heart diseases was less among those who ate an egg a day as compared to those who did not do so.

The British- Chinese research team the risks of brain haemorrhage was 26% less among those eating an egg a day.

And the risks of death due to heart diseases were 18% less among the daily egg eating category.

According to WHO, the annual death toll throughout the world due to heart diseases is 17.7 Million? The chief reasons for which are smoking, fast food, lack of exercises and insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables in the regular diet.  

Tomato Juice for Cancer

Besides imparting color to the cooked food, tomatoes enhance the taste of the food and are used as a salad, juice, soup, and ketchup. The daily intake of either the tomatoes or tomato juice helps in several health problems.

Tomatoes
Wikimedia Commons by MartinThoma

The tomato juice help in acidity, obesity and weak eyesight as it contains rich amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C.

It is advisable to include the tomato juice into a regular diet chart. Peel to tomatoes before extracting the juice of tomatoes.

Here are the few benefits of tomato juice.

1. Cancer

The tomato juice contains nutrients like antioxidants, folic acid, beta-carotene, etc., which help to retard the growth of the cancer cells. It has been found that the daily intake of tomato juice reduces the cancer risks by 18%.

2. Eyesight

The daily intake of a glass of tomato juice improves the vision. It has been found that the daily intake of two glasses of tomato juice for few months helps to even get rid of specks.

3. Liver Detox

Tomato juice detoxifies the liver and removes all the toxic substances from the body. It helps to keep the liver and the bile healthy. It saves the body from the damages caused by the presence of free radicals. 

4. Heart Diseases

The tomato juice is very beneficial for the health of the heart due to the presence of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and cologne in it. The daily intake of a glass of tomato juice saves from heart diseases on one hand and reduces the levels of cholesterol on the other.

5. Health of Intestines

The tomato juice removes the toxic substances from the intestines and increases the presence of lactobacillus. Thus it increases the immune system and helps in the proper assimilation of nutrients from the intestines.

6. Strong Bones

The intake of tomato juice helps in the strengthening of bones. It is very beneficial in osteoporosis. It is due to the presence of lycopene in the tomato juice.

Heliotherapy or Treatment by Sunlight

The Sun has been considered as a source of energy since ancient times. This source of infinite energy has the properties by which several diseases could be cured.

The Soothing Sun
Wikimedia Commons by Lux Raimbow Rafael

The Solar treatment to cure the diseases is called heliotherapy. It is completely a natural way of treatment in which no medicine or herb is used. In heliotherapy, the color band within the rays of the sun is used to treat the diseases.

It has been found that each of the seven colors of the sunlight has their peculiar characters.

It is on the basis of the use of the characteristic properties of these colors that the different maladies are treated.

The seven colors in the sunlight are violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. This is commonly defined as VIBGYOR.

In heliotherapy, these seven colors are divided into three groups.

1. The first group consists of yellow, orange, and red colors i.e., YOR.  

2. The second group consists of only the green color i.e., G.

3. The violet, indigo, and blue i.e., VIB, are put in the third category.

Medicines in Heliotherapy

It is very easy to prepare the medicines in heliography. These medicines are essentially and actually just a pure and ordinary water.

The ordinary water is put in the bottle of the desired color and placed in sunlight for 6 to 8 hours and the medicine is prepared.  

Doses and Types of Medicines

According to the judgment and experience, the practitioner of heliotherapy could use the combination of different colors as per the needs of the patients. He studies several factors related to the patient like physiology, age, etc. before determining the specific assortment for a particular ailment in the solar treatment.

As an example, if a patient is to be given the blue medicine, he could also be administered indigo or violet medicine 2-3 hours after the first one.

Nature and Effect of Different Colors

It is necessary to know about the nature and the properties of primary colors of the sunlight before starting heliographic treatment. Otherwise, the desired results could not be achieved or the problem may aggravate.

The Effect of Different Colors
The properties of different colors divided into three groups are as follows.

1. Orange is the chief color of the first group consisting of three colors i.e., YOR. This color is a mixture of its adjacent colors, which are Red and Yellow. The nature of orange color is warm and it is very useful in the diseases due to cold and phlegm (or Kapha or the watery element as explained in Ayurveda). It increases the blood circulation.

In combination with yellow color, it strengthens the functions of stomach, kidneys, and intestines. This color improves the digestion too.

The most surprising effect of orange color is that it replenishes the deficiency of Iodine.

When administered with red color, it helps in cough, influenza, pneumonia, fever, gastric, diseases of the lungs, nervous disorders, arthritis, deficiency of red blood cells and tuberculosis.

2. Green is the only color in the second category. The nature of green color is cool and it purifies the blood. It destroys the toxic elements and removes them from the body through sweat, urine, cough, and stool.

It is very effective to destroy the effects of Vata (or the airy element as explained in Ayurveda).  It helps to build and strengthen the muscles in the body.

This color inhibits the growth of infection-causing germs. It keeps the mind cool due to its cool character and strengthens the functions of the brain.

The green color is used to treat all problems of the eyes.

The green medicine is very useful in the treatment of heart diseases. It controls the high blood pressure.

The green medicine is taken on an empty stomach or half an hour before eating anything.

3. The primary color of the third group in VIB is blue even though the indigo and the violet colors are also present in the group.

The property of the color is cool and is used as an antibacterial and antivirus medicine. The bacteria do not survive long in the environment of blue color.

It is used to treat the diseases of the mouth and the upper part of the throat.

The swelling in the body due to Pitta (or the fiery element as explained in Ayurveda), is also treated by green color. The green medicine is very effective in case the pus is formed in any part of the body. It is also effective in a headache, sunstroke, high blood pressure, toothache, swollen gums, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, pyorrhea, and cholera.

What is Vata, Pitta, and Kapha     

According to Indian Ayurveda, the diseases are caused due to the imbalance of three constituents in the body. These three constituents are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

i) Vata is an airy element characterized by dry, cold, and light properties including all types of minute movements in the body. The derangement of this element causes pain, windy humor, flatulence, gout, rheumatism, etc.

ii) Pitta or bile is the fiery element secreted by the stomach and the bowels. It flows through the liver and permeates to spleen, heart, eyes, and skin. It is characterized by heat or hotness and is a sharp and sour moist liquid. It uses the bile to improve the metabolism and digestion. The body heat, burning sensation, and redness of the skin are its chief characteristics.

iii) Kapha or phlegm is the watery element. It is characterized by heaviness, coldness, tenderness, softness, and slowness. It nourishes the body as a carrier of nutrients. All the soft organs are made by Kapha. It gives the sense of taste and perception. It nurtures and lubricates the joints.

Colored Vegetables Reduce Cancer Risks

Garnishing the food with colored fruits and vegetables not only makes the food attractive but also provides several nutrients to the body. It helps to reduce the risks of cancer and control aging and heart problems.

Colored Fruits and Vegetables

The attractive looking colored fruits and vegetables act as an antioxidant in the body and several other health benefits. Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress and flush out the toxins from the body. As a result, several new cells are formed in the body.

The physicians advise the people to eat colored vegetables. The cancer patients are advised to eat red colored fruits and vegetables. The deep red and pink colored fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, elegiac acid, and hesperidin, which help to reduce the risk of cancer and save the cells from further damage.

Watermelon, pink grapes, carrot, tomatoes and the products made from them are the best source of lycopene.

Beetroot, strawberry, and gooseberry contain anthocyanin which helps to control high blood pressure and diabetes.

White fruits and vegetables contain beta glucose, and other nutrients which strengthen the immune system of the body and reduce the risks of cancer. Such fruits also contain potassium which helps to reduce the blood pressure.

Onion and garlic help to reduce the levels of cholesterol in the body. The intake of the vegetables of onion family decreases the chances of stroke or heart attack.

Orange and yellow colored fruits and vegetables contain rich amounts of antioxidants, vitamin C, and carotenoids. Yellow apple, yellow pear, mango, orange, lemon etc. is the best source of these nutrients.

Colored fruits and vegetables also improve the memory.

The Health Benefits of Apples

The crunchy, sweet, and satisfying apples boost the immune system and prevent several diseases.  

Apples

The alkalinity of apples quenches the immediate thirst and satiates the dehydration at cellular-levels.

Apples detoxify the body and remove the impurities from the liver and gallbladder due to the presence of malic and tartaric acids in it.

The intake of 2-3 apples a day alleviates the effects and risks of several cancers like that of colon, liver, breast, prostate, and lungs.

It strengthens the heart and decreases the risk of a stroke.

Apples are especially rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants.

They help to alleviate the severity and repair the neuro-degenerative disorders of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Apples are very helpful in respiratory disorders and bronchial problems including asthma.

The anti-inflammatory properties of apples provide relief in autoimmune disorders like Addison’s disease, Cardiomyopathy, Celiac disease, Lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis etc.

The Wonderful Pectin in Apples

A gel-like fiber known as pectin present in citrus peels, apples and apple pomace removes the waste material from the intestines and colon.  This action of pectin is very beneficial for constipation and indigestion. Always eat the apples with the peels.

Pectin prevents the putrefaction of protein in the digestive tract.

Pectin gets attached to radioactive residues and toxic heavy metals such as lead and mercury inside the body and safely flushes them out.

Blend raw apples with dates, mint, and cinnamon to prepare a nutritious sauce.