Blood purification offers numerous advantages due to its critical role in the human body.

The significance of blood is well-understood, and maintaining its freedom from toxins is absolutely critical for ensuring good health.

The presence of toxins in the blood can increase susceptibility to diseases, which is why Ayurveda views the purification process as essential for optimizing the body’s functioning. Ayurveda identifies three major components of the human body known as doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

These Doshas can be employed as indicators to assess the presence of toxins in the blood based on its characteristics. The Ayurvedic criteria based on Doshas are as follows:

1. Vata: an imbalance in this Dosha results in thin, non-viscous blood that tends to form a frothy substance.

2. Pitta: an imbalance in Pitta leads to darker blood, often with delayed clotting.

3. Kapha: a Kapha imbalance causes the blood to become pale, thick, and sticky.

Blood is a vital bodily fluid responsible for supplying oxygen and essential nutrients to the body’s cells while simultaneously carrying away metabolic waste products. It plays a fundamental role in sustaining life itself.

The primary organs responsible for producing Rakta Dhatu are the liver and spleen. The chief purpose of Rakta Dhatu is to provide essential support to the body and ensure the continuation of life.

Ayurveda supports this process as it believes it significantly enhances immunity and overall health. The removal of toxins is also known to be an effective way to prevent many diseases and reduce the risk of illnesses.

How to know if your blood is pure?

If the qualities of your blood are high you will have:

• A glowing skin and attractive complexion
• Your sense organs work well
• You have an optimal digestive power
• A healthy and happy outlook on life
• Your body tissues receive good nourishment
• You are energetic and active

If you have blood disorders

You can develop:

• herpes
• abscess
• skin disorders like acne, pimples, psoriasis, etc
• gout
• hemorrhagic disorders
• tumours
• jaundice
• pigmentation of skin
• indigestion
• syncope
• redness of eyes, skin and urine
• Feeling cold
• Reduced volume of urine and sweat
• Skin loses its lustre; becomes pale, dry, rough, and cracked
• Coldness causes the body to hold on to heat, leading to constipation
• Craving for hot, spicy, sour, citrus, and iron-rich foods
• Collapsing veins
• Becoming mentally dull, having difficulty processing and understanding new information, confusion and misunderstanding.

What are the causes of blood disorders?

The quality of foods that you eat

It is very important to prioritize the food’s quality to maintain a pure blood because it can leads to various deficiencies like iron or vitamin B12.

Try to choose food that are organic and grow in normal conditions not industrial one. Industrial and processed food are not providing the nutrients that your body needs to function optimally. Most of that food contains, chemical, artificial flavour, additives, preservatives…And your body accumulates those toxins leadind to disorders and by the time diseases.

Also, avoid excess of sugar or salt, consuming heating oils and fried foods or toxins such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs & chemicals, pesticides, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Combinations of certain foods are also harmful for the guts, for example fruits and milk, milk and meat…

Any excess of food like cheese, curds, milk sour and fermented food can also lead to a bad blood condition.

Take care of your body

Avoid all excessive exposure to the sun, to the radiation or working in a hot environnement. To maintain a good homeostasis and physical conditions, do exercices.

Keep moving your body every day. Exercise regularly and keep looking for opportunities to do physical activity of any sort.

How Ayurveda treat blood disorders?

Ayurveda use different kind of strategies to detoxify blood:

Purgation therapy called virechana

Medicated purgation therapy effectively purges pitta and eliminates accumulated toxins from the bloodstream, primarily stored in the liver and gallbladder. This therapy thoroughly cleanses the entire digestive system.

Therapeutic fasting or langhana

Fasting results in a sensation of bodily lightness, offering a reprieve for the digestive system and a chance for the body to undergo a detoxification process.

Bloodletting therapy,

Known as raktamokshana, aids in organ detoxification, enhances immune function, and improves blood circulation. It facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body.

Historically, bloodletting involved the use of leeches; however, in contemporary times, the same benefits can be achieved through regular blood donation.

Which Ayurvedic herbs are effective for blood purification?

Herbs with the combination of bitter, astringent, and pungent tastes (tikta-kashaya-katu rasa) have properties that are advantageous for blood purification. These herbs typically exhibit characteristics of being light, fine, and liquid in nature. They tend to have a balanced temperature, not excessively cold or hot. Some of the potent herbs falling into this category include:

• Neem (Azadiracta indica)
• Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia)
• Saffron (Crocus Sativus)
• Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
• Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)
• Amla (Emblica Officinalis)

What about your emotions?

Emotions and memories are transported by the bloodstream.

Anger can elevate the temperature of your blood, while depression has a cooling effect. Since blood carries hormones and genetic information, it can be passed on to future generations. The term “blood relationships” also signifies emotional bonds and connections.

Solution for blood purification

Care your lifestyle to balance rakta dhatu

• Reduce spicy foods.
• Drink water all day long,
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Don’t skip meals and maintain regular timings for eating.
• Drink 1/4 cup of fresh aloe vera juice daily.
• Avoid daytime sleep and go to bed before 10 pm.
• Reduce your anger, what is creating this anger, try to transcend this harmful emotion for the body.
• Relax and meditate regularly.

Also, effective blood circulation is crucial for the efficient conveyance of nutrients and energy throughout the entire body. Disorders affecting blood circulation can lead to various health issues, and in severe instances, may even result in organ failure.

Tips for good circulation

Handle stress by incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine. Pause, take deep, calming breaths, and explore relaxation activities that promote well-being. Consider receiving regular massages.

Maintain good posture by standing upright, ensuring your spine is correctly aligned to facilitate proper blood circulation.

Consume a well-balanced diet and seek out natural sources of vitamins K, C, and E. Include foods like oranges, sunflower seeds, garlic, ginger, and turmeric in your diet.

How to cleanse your gut?

You can fast for a week or more with kitchari.  

• 1/2 cup split mung beans
• 1 cup basmati rice  

Thoroughly wash both ingredients. Then, melt some ghee and combine it with spices such as fresh ginger, turmeric, ground fennel, cumin, and coriander. Next, add the rice and beans along with 6 cups of water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until the mung beans become very soft. Alternatively, you can prepare this in a crockpot and let it cook overnight. Once it’s done cooking, season with salt to your taste. If you live at a high altitude, cook the mung beans for 45 minutes while you soak the rice, then add the rice and cook for an additional 45 minutes.

Another excellent recipe for daily use during a rakta shodhan or liver cleanse.

This recipe aims to detoxify the liver, eliminating excess pitta, and nourishing vata. To cater to pitta, opt for chioggia or golden beets instead of the usual red ones, and use an abundance of cilantro. If you have a kapha constitution, incorporate a spicy green pepper and lightly cook the vegetables to prevent the release of sugars.

• 4 medium carrots
• 2 beets
• 1 daikon radish
• 2 tsp ghee or sunflower oil
• 1 bunch bitter dark greens (turnip, kale or collard)
• 1 t organic turmeric powder
• 1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tsp organic cumin seeds
• Pinch asafoetida
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped.  

Start by cleaning and cutting the root vegetables into slices. Then, take half of the ghee and heat it in a wok or frying pan. Stir-fry the vegetables until they start to become tender. Once they’ve softened a bit, introduce the greens, cover the pan, and sauté them until they reach your desired level of tenderness.

Simultaneously, in a separate small frying pan, heat the remaining portion of ghee. When it’s hot but not smoking, reduce the heat and add cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Continue frying until the cumin seeds turn brown, then incorporate the asafoetida and mix it into the vegetables. Finally, add the salt and cilantro, give it a good stir, and serve.

Conclusion

This article is intended to provide general information about the Ayurvedic blood purification.

When it comes to your blood disorders, it’s a highly individualized matter and then crucial to have an initial consultation with an Ayurvedic specialist before pursuing any treatment.

You can schedule an appointment at either of our facilities, where an Ayurvedic doctor will create a customized program specifically tailored to your needs.

References

Blood purification for prevention and treatment of multiple organ failure

Blood purification in sepsis and systemic inflammation

Effects of sequential blood purification on the organ function and lethality

Potential effect of blood purification therapy 

Feeling motivated to attempt an ayurvedic skin care and facial cleanse at home? I’m here to simplify the process by outlining the straightforward steps and pinpointing some top-notch products for your convenience!

Opting for natural ingredients or entirely natural products is highly recommended for your routine skincare regimen, as they deliver optimal outcomes without stripping your skin of its inherent moisture. When it comes to your regular skincare routine like a facial cleanse, it’s advisable to avoid using products containing harsh chemicals.

Utilizing chemical-free cosmetics, creams, and personal care items is vital due to the diverse hazards they can pose to both human health and the environment. Certain chemicals have been associated with potential risks, and here are a few of the hazards linked to chemicals present in cosmetic creams:

Skin Irritation and Sensitization

Certain chemicals, including specific scents, additives, and pigments, have the potential to induce skin irritation, inflammation, itchiness, or allergic responses in individuals. Continued use of items containing these substances could result in persistent skin issues.

Hormone Disruption

Chemicals in cosmetics like phthalates, parabens, and triclosan, have been identified as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with the body’s hormone system, potentially leading to developmental and reproductive issues, as well as increased risk of certain cancers.

Carcinogenic Risks

Some cosmetic ingredients, such as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and certain coal tar dyes, have been classified as possible or known carcinogens. Prolonged exposure to these substances may increase the risk of cancer.

Neurological Effects

Neurotoxic chemicals like lead and mercury have been found in some cosmetics, particularly in products from less regulated markets. These substances can negatively affect the nervous system and cognitive function, especially with prolonged exposure.

Environmental Impact

Chemicals from cosmetics can enter the environment through wastewater and other means, contributing to pollution in water bodies and soil. This can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation

Some chemicals used in cosmetics can accumulate in the body over time. For instance, heavy metals like mercury can build up in tissues, potentially causing long-term health issues.

Mislabeling and lack of regulation

In some cases, cosmetics may contain undisclosed or inaccurately labeled ingredients. Additionally, the regulation of cosmetics can vary widely between countries, and not all products undergo thorough safety testing before being marketed.

Microplastics and nanoparticules

Some cosmetics contain microplastics and nanoparticles which are tiny particles that can have negative effects on the environment when they enter water bodies and are ingested by marine life. These particles can also potentially enter the human body through the use of cosmetic products.

To mitigate these risks, it’s important to be an informed consumer. You can read ingredient labels, choose products from reputable brands, look for certifications such as “cruelty-free” or “organic,” and consider using natural or organic products that are less likely to contain potentially harmful chemicals. Or simply use total natural products from nature which are completely efficient for skin scare without any side effect.

We know how difficult it is to stick with complex regimes, so we’ve made this one really simple to follow.

Let’s start with the first basic step.

Cleansing

Begin by inspecting your face for any lingering makeup. Honey or oils like coconut, jojoba, sunflower, almond, or argan can be employed to gently eliminate any residual makeup. Utilizing an all-natural makeup remover is especially beneficial for sensitive skin and provides hydration to parched skin.

Commence by applying the makeup remover to your skin and delicately massaging it using circular motions. Pay special attention to delicate areas such as eyelids, under the eyes, and areas with tenacious makeup like the lips. Employ a moistened tissue, cotton pad, or washcloth for hassle-free cleanup.

For the subsequent cleansing phase, clear away the oil residue with a dry cotton pad and gently pat the skin dry using a soft towel. It’s advisable to avoid using hot water during this process as it could potentially lead to skin dryness.

This approach to cleansing is known as double cleansing. Given that a cleanser alone might not be sufficient to eliminate all traces of dirt and makeup, incorporating an oil-based makeup remover aids in effectively eliminating any remaining remnants.

Honey is also a natural cleanser. If you’ve oily skin, you can apply lemon and honey to your face for cleansing and then wash it off after 5 minutes. 

Steaming 

After completing your facial cleansing, utilize either a facial steamer or a vessel filled with boiling water to steam your face. Enhance the experience by adding a few drops of essential oil to the water, which imparts a moisturizing effect.

During the steaming process, ensure your face is positioned a few inches away from the steaming bowl or apparatus, and envelop your head with a towel. Engage in steaming for a duration that is comfortable for your skin, ideally no more than 5 minutes. Subsequently, delicately blot your face using a facial tissue.

This phase is particularly advantageous for individuals with oily skin. Steaming not only assists in the elimination of toxins but also intensifies the cleansing of your face. Additionally, it aids in the extraction of blackheads and whiteheads. Following the steaming session, employ a blackhead remover to cautiously address persistent blackheads.

Post-steaming, you can apply ice cubes to your face, employing circular motions. This technique effectively minimizes pore size and restores the skin’s temperature to its regular state.

Scrubbing  

Are you aware of the reason behind your skin’s lackluster appearance?

It’s due to the accumulation of deceased skin cells over time. This leads us to the third phase of the facial clean-up: exfoliation.

Exfoliating your skin proves to be an effective method for eliminating these lifeless skin cells, while also priming your skin to better absorb subsequent skincare products. Opt for a gentle natural scrub that treats your skin kindly. Employ this scrub to gently exfoliate your face for approximately 3 minutes. Exercise caution to avoid applying excessive pressure, as it may result in skin damage. Allow the scrub to remain on your skin for about 3 minutes before rinsing it off.

Unlike chemical scrubs containing plastic microbeads, opt for a natural concoction composed of organic components that naturally exfoliate the skin. For instance, you can combine equal portions of brown sugar and lemon to concoct a homemade scrub, offering a natural exfoliating effect to your skin. This blend aids in lifting away impurities and pollutants, contributing to a radiant complexion.

Applying Face Pack 

The concept of applying a facial mask and unwinding is truly comforting! However, a facial mask offers benefits beyond just soothing your nerves.

Regardless of your skin type, using a hydrating facial mask renders your skin supple and enhances its complexion. Nevertheless, selecting an appropriate facial mask tailored to your skin type is crucial.

Smoothly apply the mask across your face and indulge in relaxation. Allow it to remain until it dries, typically within a span of twenty to thirty minutes. Once the mask has dried, cleanse it off using cold water and gently pat your skin dry.

If you’ve oily or combination skin, you’ll benefit from:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or water for sensitive skin)
• 1 teaspoon of honey (raw and unprocessed)

Optional: a few drops of tea tree oil (for its antibacterial properties)

If you’ve dry skin, then you can prepare a face pack using banana, honey, and yogurt. These natural ingredients have cleansing and tightening effects on the skin.

• 2 tablespoons of mashed ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of honey (raw and unprocessed)
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil or almond oil

If you’ve acne issues, then use special anti-acne face packs that have special ingredients that help in removing acne and scars.  

• 1 tablespoon of mashed ripe papaya
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of honey (raw and unprocessed)
• 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
• A pinch of cinnamon powder

Toning

Toning constitutes another crucial phase of facial cleansing. It imparts a refreshing sensation to the skin, while also closing the pores and ensuring proper hydration. Opt for a gentle and chemical-free toner that aligns with your specific skin type, or alternatively, you can utilize cucumber juice, a straightforward homemade toner renowned for its cooling effects during the summer and its ability to maintain the skin’s pH balance.

Moisturizing

Now, let’s transition to the ultimate and most soothing phase of facial cleansing: moisturization.

Applying moisturizer serves the purpose of maintaining facial hydration and targeting individual skin concerns. Apply a nurturing product to both your face and neck, such as natural moisturizers like coconut milk, sesame oil, olive oil, and aloe vera. These elements possess inherent moisturizing properties.

You can opt to apply these natural moisturizers directly to your face for hydration or choose creams formulated with these natural oils.

Conclusion

You will get many benefits of a face cleanup because regular face cleanup keeps your skin free of excess dirt and impurities.

It ensures that your skin remains refreshed and rejuvenated and keeps pores unclogged and clean which helps in reducing breakouts and other skin issues. 

Engaging in a facial cleanse twice a week maintains skin hydration and averts dryness-related skin problems like flakiness and itching. Moreover, it imparts a luminous quality to your skin while diminishing tanning and pigmentation concerns. All this is also related to lifestyle and healthy eating. What you eat and how you live is reflected on the outside.

References

The Role of Skin Care as an Integral Component in the Management of Acne Vulgaris

Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets

Clinical evidences of benefits from an advanced skin care routine in comparison with a simple routine

Nutritional deficiency is a significant concern that can have far-reaching impacts on your health. Trace minerals are crucial for a healthy body.

Nutrients are the building blocks of life, playing a crucial role in maintaining our overall well-being. However, when our bodies lack essential nutrients, a cascade of adverse effects can occur.

In this article, i will delve into the symptoms, causes, and remedies of nutrient deficiency.

These are minerals that are needed in small quantities, such as trace elements such as iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese.

And minerals that are needed in larger amounts like potassium, calcium, magnesium.

Why do we need trace minerals?

What is so important about these trace minerals and why do we need them in such small amounts?

Role of enzymes

Trace minerals are essential for enzymes. They are proteins that basically do the work of the body. We can only think about enzymes for digestion, but enzymes are involved in all of your biochemistry. They are making cells, repairing DNA and checking DNA, making hormones, converting hormones into active form, breaking down glucose in fat.

There are thousands and thousands of biochemical pathways involving these enzymes. It’s incredibly complex and what we do know is that these minerals, including trace elements, ordinary minerals and vitamins, are the cofactors of these enzymes or biochemicals.

Zinc

Without them our biochemistry doesn’t work, so take for example zinc which is involved in over 300 different enzymes with functions ranging from breaking down alcohol to producing testosterone to building cells. Immune weapons to kill pathogens also involved in detoxification. Chemicals and even the manufacture of neurotransmitters that greatly affect your mood and there are actually over 2 billion people on this planet who are deficient in zinc primarily due to another compound called phytic acid which is found in grains like cereals and crackers and breads and things like that.

Zinc is very abundant in red meat, organ meats and seafood.

Iron

Iron is also the first deficiency observed worldwide. More people have an iron deficiency than any other deficiency. Iron is needed in over 6.5% of all enzymes in every cell in our body. It is also needed to detoxify hydrogen peroxide. Your cells produce hydrogen peroxide to kill pathogens. Therefore, if there is too much of it, it can damage our own cells. Then, certain proteins transport oxygen in the blood and iron is necessary for this process, without iron you cannot transport oxygen in your blood, you become anemic. It is also needed to make collagen. The body contains a large amount of collagen: skin, nails, hair, joints, tendons, ligaments and bones. Iron is mainly found in red meats, shellfish, spinach…

Selenium

Selenium is also very important. It helps convert inactive thyroid hormone into the active form, so the enzyme involved helps produce enough thyroid hormone because you have enough iodine. But if you are deficient in selenium, you cannot go from the inactive form to the active form. Also, glutathione, a very important antioxidant, depends on selenium. Glutathione is needed to protect against all free radical damage and all oxidants present in our body. It is there to balance or slow down these effects.

If a mother lacks iodine when she has a baby, that baby may be deficient and can seriously affect the brain.

So iodine is really important not only to help make thyroid hormones, but also for brain development. It is also involved in enzymes that help protect you against excessive amounts of estrogen and if you lack iodine you can end up with a fibrocystic breast with a cyst on the ovaries. We find iodine in seaweed, shellfish, salt, egg yolks…

Causes and symptoms of nutrient deficiency:

Intensive cultivation

Impoverishment of our soils

Today, there is also a big problem with trace elements: it is the impoverishment of our soils due to intensive cultivation, the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. It is all the microbial life in the soil that is responsible for mobilizing these minerals. To make these minerals available to the plant, it is necessary to take care of the land and respect fallow times. So when we plow the land, we destroy the soil with glyphosate and pesticides and chemicals. Now we are dependent on adding fertilizer and other things to keep this plant growing.

The health of your cells is really a biochemical photograph of what’s going on in the soil. That’s really where your health comes from, because if you don’t have the microbes, they can’t mobilize to create the minerals and the plant roots can’t get the nutrients. The plant suffers, will not be healthy and the animals that eat the plant or grass will then become deficient. Trace elements are a key part of this whole chain.

We risk eventually being too deficient, so we won’t have enough enzyme to detoxify hydrogen peroxide, we wouldn’t have enough glutathione to protect us against oxidative stress, we wouldn’t have the ability to convert T4 to T3, we wouldn’t have the enzymes to break down alcohol or even make testosterone… So hopefully now you are becoming more aware of the importance of trace minerals to your health.

Choose organic food, prioritize local production, cook yourself…

Nowadays we don’t know where our food is grown maybe it’s grown hydroponically, maybe it’s grown in soil that needs to be fertilized because the soil is so poor. Most of our children are fed ultra processed foods, not processed foods, but ultra processed foods. That’s why, of course, they have to fortify the food with certain synthetic vitamins. It’s all so sad.

The tomato looks good but it doesn’t have a lot of flavor and the flavor chemicals are aligned with the nutrient density of that food so I really think we’re literally starving to death by consuming a lot of calories because calories are empty.

Always prioritize quality. Today, we are starving for nutrients and minerals. We need to raise awareness in order to change the imposed production systems. Enriching and safeguarding the land to find a diet rich in trace elements should be a struggle for each of us..

Poor dietary choices increase nutritional deficiency

Such as consuming a diet high in processed foods and low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can lead to insufficient nutrient intake. Certain medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, can impair nutrient absorption, exacerbating deficiencies.

Lifestyle choices

Like restrictive diets Vegetarian or vegan diets without proper planning, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to nutrient imbalances. Additionally, factors such as age, pregnancy, and lactation increase the body’s demand for specific nutrients, making certain populations more susceptible to deficiency.

So let me give you some signs of a trace mineral deficiency.

I will talk about it briefly. To find out your trace element deficiency:

If you have a zinc deficiency:

• loss of your hair
• small white spots on your fingernails
• low testosterone levels
• you may even have diarrhea

Now with iron deficiency:

• you are going to have anemic symptoms like you are going to feel a bit tired weak
• chilliness
• brittle nails
• hair loss

Selenium deficiency:

•  you may have infertility with selenium deficiency,
• to be tired,
• suffer from hair loss,

With iodine deficiency,

You may notice swelling in the lower part of your neck because the thyroid is growing to some degree.

But typically, these trace minerals aren’t just involved in making strong nails or strong hair, they’re involved in your entire biochemistry.

You might not have an obvious symptom right away but it can definitely contribute to all sorts of chronic illnesses and even put you at risk for cancer.

Other preventions to avoid nutritional deficiency:

Addressing nutrient deficiency requires a holistic approach that involves dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, supplementation. Here are some steps to remedy and prevent nutrient deficiency:

1. Balanced Diet. Prioritize diverse and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, seafood, high quality salt, and healthy fats. This ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients for optimal health.

2. Supplementation if needed. In cases where dietary sources are insufficient, supplements can be helpful. If you suspect nutrients deficiency, talk with me here before starting any supplementation to avoid overconsumption, potential interactions with medications and get personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.

3. Regular Check-ups. Periodic health check-ups can help detect nutrient deficiencies early. Blood tests can reveal imbalances, enabling timely intervention.

4. Awareness of special needs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and older adults often have unique nutritional requirements. Being aware of these needs and adapting diets accordingly is crucial.

6. Moderation. Limit the consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine or alcohol. These can hinder nutrient absorption and contribute to imbalances. EAT FRESH AND COOK YOURSELF.

Conclusion

Nutrient deficiency is a serious health concern with wide-ranging implications.

Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and taking proactive steps to remedy and prevent deficiencies are vital for maintaining optimal health for now and your future.

By adopting a balanced diet, making informed dietary choices, and seeking professional guidance, you can safeguard yor well-being and enjoy a vibrant and energetic life.

References

The role of soil in the contribution of food and feed

Main nutritional deficiencies

Public Health Aspects in the Prevention and Control of Vitamin Deficiencies

Syndromes associated with nutritional deficiency and excess

Solving digestion problem should be your priority. It is an essential process for its well-being and the prevention of disease.

Digestive disorders spoil our daily lives and are one of the causes of the creation of diseases, but fortunately there are valuable methods to improve this essential process.

By turning to Ayurveda and naturopathy, we discover natural solutions that make our digestion fluid and harmonious. In this article, I offer you powerful strategies to apply to cultivate an easy, pleasant digestion and capitalize on your future health.

Why good digestion is important: Ama

Ama is the accumulation of toxins, undigested food or waste that unbalances our three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). In general, Ama has the same characteristics as kapha, it is very dense, cold and viscous, and composed mainly of mucoid accretions.

Digestion problems leads to the formation of ama (toxins) and altered blood chemistry.

This imbalance of the doshas manifests itself as explained below:

Vata accumulates gases in the large intestine and spread to the small intestine, blocking the digestive power called Agni and giving rise to Ama.

Kapha can accumulate in the stomach as mucus, spread to the small intestine, block Agni and also create Ama.

Pitta can accumulate as bile in the small intestine, which although hot, can block Agni by its liquid or oily character.

Ama and Agni are opposite in properties. Ama is cold, damp, heavy, smelly and impure. Agni is warm, dry, light, clear, fragrant and pure. To treat Ama, it is necessary to increase your Agni or your digestive power.

There is also a psychological resultant as Ama is the result of negative emotions which extinguish mental Agni or clarity of mind. Undigested experiences become toxic like undigested food.

Symptoms of Ama that results from the accumulation of waste or toxins include:

• loss of taste and appetite,
• indigestion (gas, swollen stomach, diarrhea, constipation, etc.)
• a loaded tongue,
• bad breath,
• loss of strength,
• heaviness, lethargy,
• obstructions of channels and vessels,
• the bad smell of the body, urine or feces,
• a dull pulse,
• lack of attention and loss of mental clarity,
• depression, irritability and obstruction of other doshas.
• Musculoskeletal pain

Ama is at the origin of our ailments: colds, fevers, chronic diseases of a weakened immune system, allergies, from hay fever to asthma, to osteoarthritis, to arthritis … and if nothing is done for much more serious illnesses such as cancer…

How to remove toxins from the body.

Your first priority: your diet. Learn how to solve your digestion problem by applying simple rules.

It’s no longer a secret that processed products bought in supermarkets contain a plethora of additives, pesticides, salt, sugar, irradiated, chemical foods that the food industry has developed to make you addicted, to improve the taste and that make you sick…And all of that food is not anymore alive, so no nutriments, vitamins or essential elements are there to nourish the body properly.

So, first advice, buy fresh seasonal foods in a local market that you can trust and cook yourself.

The body also works with the seasons, and therefore its nutrient needs work with the seasons. An example, do not buy tomatoes in the middle of winter for example. Tomatoes are summer, and it’s in summer that your body needs the nutrients from tomatoes…not winter. In addition, winter tomatoes have no taste, grown with pesticides and chemicals and out of the ground.

Your argument would be to say to me: “I don’t have time”… so in vogue for years…

You can’t say that when it comes to your health…or you’re really disconnected from your body and your soul…disconnected from the reality of real life.

Wait for signs of genuine hunger.

Let your body digest between meals, leave it at least 4 hours between meals so that your digestive system can optimally process the food you eat. The less time you give it between meals, the more you tire your digestive system, which then becomes less efficient. It is in this case that you accumulate ama.

Know that the duration of your intestinal transit is 18h to 24h… So, you understand that if you do not allow time for this process to be complete, you tire it and you accumulate ama.

The miracle of lukewarm water

A simple glass of warm water twenty minutes before a meal can improve digestive function by up to 24%. You can also do that just after wake-up to flush your toxins from the night…

Eat at the same time every day.

Because your digestive juices will be ready and optimal to receive and process the food you eat.

Chews thoroughly and mixes food with saliva.

You understand that the less you chew, the more you increase the work of digestion and you weaken the energy available to properly assimilate nutrients. Digestive juices are not unlimited and are not meant to digest large chunks of coarsely chewed foods. The more the food ingested is fragmented and smaller, the more easily your food bowl will be digested.

Saliva is also a secretion that allows us effective predigestion and live a happy digestion!

Fill your stomach 1/3 full with food, 1/3 with water and 1/3 empty.

If you leave a vacuum in your stomach, the food bolus can be suitably degraded by the gastric juices.

Relax while eating and go for a walk at least 2 minutes later

It has been demonstrated that a walking just two minutes after eating has positive effects on the body, with ten minutes being ideal.

By doing this, you prevent the glucose spike after the meal and help stabilize its level. Many people struggle with those high glucose spikes after meals, especially if they contain high amounts of carbs.

It is important to prevent this blood sugar spike because it can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

It is a question of taking this time to digest well, to clear your head. There is no question of doing 30 minutes of active walking here, it will have the opposite effect and disturb your digestion

Eat simple food combinations.

Some food combinations cannot be assimilated correctly. And if it can’t be properly assimilated you know it will create toxins.

When two or more foods with different taste, energy, and post-digestive effect are combined, Agni can become overloaded, which inhibits the enzyme system and results in the production of toxins. Yet these same foods, if eaten separately, may well boost agni, be digested faster, and even help burn ama (toxins).

A wrong combination can lead to indigestion, fermentation, putrefaction and gas formation and, if prolonged, can lead to toxemia and disease.

For example, eating bananas or most fruits with milk can decrease agni, alter gut flora, produce toxins, and cause sinus congestion, colds, coughs, and allergies.

Although these two foods have a sweet taste and refreshing energy, their post-digestive effect is very different: bananas are hot while milk is cold. This causes confusion in our digestive system and can lead to toxins, allergies and other imbalances.

Avoid cold drinks or foods.

Simply because it weakens your digestive fire.

Eat a simple breakfast, a hearty lunch and a sweet dinner.

From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., it is the Kapha phase.

Your body doesn’t need a lot of energy. You get out of bed after eating your dinner and your liver is loaded with enough sugar to carry out your activities until 10 am.

It also allows your digestive system and other physiological digestive processes to rest after this night of digestion and regeneration.

Choose a vegetable and fruit juice to load your body with good nutrients and vitamins.

It also allows you to maintain your weight or lose it.

Then a light dinner is obvious since you have finished your activities and you will go to bed at least 2 hours later…

Use herbs in your cooking to solve digestion problems

The herbs and spices have therapeutic virtues largely underestimated. I strongly urge you to use them.

Ama or toxin is diminished by herbs which are pungent and bitter in taste as they restore Agni.

Ama is increased by sweet, salty and sour taste.

If you need to treat a Vata imbalance use pungent herbs, stimulants and carminatives as well as laxatives and purgatives to eliminate them.

For Pitta mainly uses herbs with a bitter and pungent taste, bitter tonics and stimulants.

For Kapha, incorporates pungent and bitter herbs for a stimulating and decongestant action to cut mucus and fat.

In addition to following the principles above, here are some other habits to adopt:

Avoid snack between meals, it will help to decrease your digestive problems.

Too much fat, especially fatsaturated and trans fatty acids so-called “bad fats”. A high cholesterol level is very often due to an excess of bad fats in the diet.

Prioritize the ghee, sesame and olive oils for cooking and seasoning. Their qualities do not change during cooking and above all do not produce toxic substances.

Too much processed products, protein, sweets, sour, fried, salty and sweet foods.

Eating heavy foods late at night or sleeping right after eating.

Eating too much or too soon after a meal

Do not eat when you are stressed, besides you are not hungry when this is the case. Your body is busy managing your stress by providing the appropriate responses to keep your homeostasis balanced.

Learn to manage your emotions, especially if you tend to overeat…or if you have eating disorders. Why are you doing this?

Yoga and holistic therapies to improve digestion problems

I don’t think I’m teaching you anything by telling you that yoga regulates your emotions, your appetite, improves your digestion and to speak more generally, maintains your homeostasis.

I’m also a yoga teacher and I’ve had a lot of digestive issues which I dealt with through my diet and lifestyle. Now the problems are over.

I sincerely invite you to practice because yoga undeniably improves and cures the pathological conditions that it would be a shame to deprive yourself of.

I give you here an exercise that you can practice. There are also different postures or asanas that are useful for improving your digestion. I cannot detail them here because it would be too long and will therefore be the subject of another article. If you can’t wait, I invite you to take your first free yoga session with me for your digestive problems in particular.

Matangi Mudra to improve your digestion

Matanga is one of the names of Shiva

His Shakti (his feminine energy or manifestation) is called Matangi, one of the ten Mahavidyas, tantric goddesses, who control power and creative expression. It is said to destroy demons and bring inner harmony.

Thus, the Matangi Mudra is the Hasta Mudra (hand gesture) of inner harmony.

It is performed by interlacing the fingers of both hands, except those in the middle, which are held upright and pressed together; the thumb plays no role.

As the middle finger represents the akasha or spatial element, it is used for focus in advanced yoga practices.

In the Upanishads, akasha is the first material element that evolved from Brahman, the ultimate reality.

The practice of Matangi mudra activates the manipura chakra, located behind your navel.

How to practice?

Clasp your hands in front of the solar plexus (stomach area).

Interlace the fingers, except the middle fingers which are extended one against the other.

Women cross the left thumb over the right thumb.

Men cross the right thumb over the left thumb.

Observe the breath in the solar plexus region. The Matangi Mudra can be practiced for 45 minutes when needed, or 3 times 15 minutes a day.

I gladly practice it a little longer and I like to associate it with different series of Hasta Mudra, which I alternate, each for a few minutes…

One can also practice Matangi Mudra with a mantra.

Chanting the following mantra helps to manifest the energies needed to improve your condition.

Om Matangai Namah

Maa Matangi Mantra is considered to be the main mantra for attaining all that one wishes positively in life and for a comfortable life.

It gives mental, physical and financial stability, promotes good digestion, frees the solar plexus region, and breathing is facilitated.

This mudra balances the energies in the middle of the body. It stimulates the Earth element which gives depth to life and regulates the fire element linked to digestion.

It is favorable to the heart (which it calms), the stomach, the liver, the duodenum, the gallbladder, the spleen, the pancreas and the kidneys.

The Matangi Mudra provides inner harmony and self-confidence. It calms the mind and centers our spirit.

Conclusion

There are many other methods to implement and all of those are a really good start. Ayurveda offers us a treasure of knowledge to improve our condition, promote our overall well-being and avoid diseases.

By understanding the doshas that govern our physiology and adapting our diet and lifestyle accordingly, we can harmonize our digestive system. Practicing mindful chewing, incorporating healthy spices into our cooking, and exploring intermittent fasting, offer simple, natural ways to cultivate smooth, worry-free digestion.

Ayurveda also reminds us that each individual is unique. It is therefore essential to understand that personalized advice, according to our personal needs, is essential. It is important to consult to respond precisely and be effective in the approach and in the treatment. If you want to make an appointment with me, it’s here.

By adopting these principles in your daily life you will improve your digestion, which will contribute to your overall well-being.

Let’s not forget that the attention paid to our digestion goes well beyond simple intestinal comfort. By cultivating easy digestion, we promote better absorption of nutrients, more efficient elimination of toxins and therefore an overall improvement in our physical and mental health.

So whether we are looking to relieve existing digestive disorders or simply to maintain optimal digestion, Ayurveda offers us valuable tools to achieve this goal. By putting these ancestral teachings into practice, we can pave the way to a life of well-being, balance and vitality, while preserving our digestion as an essential pillar of our health…

References

Ghee : Its Properties, Importance and Health Benefits

Effect of integrated yogic practices on positive and negative emotions in healthy adults

Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life

Reasons, Years and Frequency of Yoga Practice: Effect on Emotion Response Reactivity

Mindful Eating: A Review Of How The Stress-Digestion-Mindfulness Triad May Modulate And Improve Gastrointestinal And Digestive Function

The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Gut Microbiota and Human HealthImpacts of Gut Bacteria on Human Health and Diseases

Welcome to the enchanting world of Ayurvedic herbs and remedies, where the wisdom of ancient healing traditions meets the wonders of nature.

Ayurveda, a time-honored holistic system of medicine, has been nurturing humanity for over 5,000 years. It embraces the profound connection between the human body, mind, and the natural elements, aiming to restore balance and harmony within.  

In this captivating journey, we will delve deeper into the diverse realm of Ayurvedic herbs and their remarkable role in promoting vitality and addressing a wide array of health conditions, unlocking their potential benefits, and considering essential precautions to ensure a seamless and secure integration into our lives.

Nature’s Bounty Unveiled for Holistic Health and Well-Being

Plants and animals exhibit a greater sense of caring than some individuals who have become emotionally distant in their isolated human perspective. Only when we start perceiving all things as having human-like qualities can we truly lead a compassionate and humane life. The wisdom imparted by plants and herbs, rooted in their interconnectedness with nature, helps us rediscover our true selves and fosters a deeper understanding of humanity.

Plants convey the vital-emotional impulses, the life-force that is hidden in light that they receive. That is the gift, the grace and the power of plants.

Plants gift us with the love and nourishing energy of the sun, a radiant force shared by all stars and light sources.

Plants, as cosmic messengers, provide us with nourishment that goes beyond their physical nutritive value.

Their energies nourish and support our astral body, enabling its growth and sustenance. They offer not just their own life-sustaining properties but also the profound light and love from the stars and the cosmos. By embracing these gifts, we can connect with the universal light and embark on a journey towards universal life. They serve not only our physical needs but also play a crucial role in our psychological nourishment and well-being.

Using a plant or herb correctly, unlocking its true potency, involves establishing a deep connection or communion with it. When we become united with the plant, it revitalizes our nervous system and enhances our perception. This sacred approach recognizes the plant as a means of communion with all of nature, instilling a sense of reverence for the plant kingdom held by many ancient civilizations.

This reverence is not rooted in superstitious awe or a mere appreciation of beauty, but rather in the profound acknowledgment of the inherent power and gifts that plants bestow upon us.

“The essence of all beings is Earth. The essence of the Earth is Water. The essence of Water is plants. The essence of plants is the human being.”

“Esam bhutanam prthivi rasha, prthivya apo raso-pam osadhayo rasa, osad-hinam puruso rasah.”Chandogya Upanishad l.1.2.

Herbal energetics

Ayurveda approaches herbs through a science of energetics. The properties of herbs are related systematically according to their taste (rasa), elements (bhutas), heating or cooling effects, effect after digestion (vipaka) and other special potencies they may possess.

It gives us a structure in which they can easily be identified and understood. From that, they can be used properly for the individual constitution and condition.

The foundation of Ayurvedic comprehension of herbs lies in the system of herbal energetics, which plays a pivotal role. Similarly, Chinese herbalism follows a comparable approach, employing a system based on taste and energy.

You can understand now why herbalism cannot be learnt in one day. And to treat at the root and adequalty a person we need also to understand ayurvedic principles.

Embracing the Essence of Ayurveda:

The foundation of Ayurveda lies in the belief that each individual is unique, characterized by a distinct dosha composition – Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. The doshas govern our physical, mental, and emotional traits and dictate how our bodies respond to various stimuli. When these doshas are in harmony, we experience good health, but when they fall out of balance, ailments may arise. Ayurvedic herbs are carefully chosen to restore this balance, guiding us back to a state of wholeness.

Unveiling the Magic of Ayurvedic Herbs:

Each herb holds its captivating story and distinctive set of healing powers.

I share with you some simple and efficient remedies that you can use for your personal use and needs. Dosage require to know your conditions to be effective in the treatment. You cannot apply a general dosage because as said below, in ayurveda each one is unique with its medical history.

Ashwagandha – The Resilience Elixir:

Ashwagandha is the revered adaptogenic herb known for its exceptional ability to bolster our resistance to stress. Fondly called the “Indian ginseng,” Ashwagandha nourishes the nervous system, enhances energy levels, and bolsters overall vitality, helping us brave the storms of modern life with renewed vigor. You can find a complete article here. Ashwagandha offers so many beautiful and powerful other healings for you.

Turmeric – The Golden Healer:

Behold the golden brilliance of turmeric, nature’s radiant gift to humanity. Blessed with the potent compound curcumin, turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb. Its nurturing touch soothes joint pain, aids liver function, and uplifts our immune defenses, making it an indispensable ally in our pursuit of wellness. Always use it with a black pepper.

Triphala – The Triad of Wellness:

The trinity of rejuvenating fruits, Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki are known as Triphala. This trio synergizes to cleanse and purify, providing gentle yet profound support to our digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements, and guiding us towards harmonious well-being.

Brahmi – The Mind’s Nectar:

Step into the realm of Brahmi, the herb that nourishes our intellect and empowers our cognitive prowess. Known for its brain-boosting qualities, Brahmi fosters memory retention, enhances mental clarity, and amplifies our ability to navigate the complexities of life with a sharpened mind. It also calm the monkey mind and you can use Brahmi oil to relax it by applying on your head, preferably warm.

Neem – The Nature’s Shield:

Feel the nurturing embrace of Neem, a potent herb celebrated for its versatile antimicrobial properties. This guardian of skin health stands tall as a time-tested remedy for various skin conditions, from acne and eczema to supporting oral hygiene, ensuring we radiate a glow of vitality inside and out. It is used to clean the guts from parasites and worms too.

The Digestive Elixir – Unlocking the Magic of Ginger, Cumin, and Fennel:

These aromatic herbs compose a soothing symphony for our digestive system, gently alleviating indigestion, bloating, and gas. Let the magic of spices infuse your meals and ignite your culinary experience, nurturing your gut and bringing harmony to your inner fire.

Breath of Life – Trio of Tulsi, Licorice, and Vasaka:

This trio is a liberation for the respiratory system. Tulsi, the sacred basil, soothes inflamed airways, while Licorice calms coughs and Vasaka acts as a respiratory tonic.

Embracing Slumber – Jatamansi and Shankhpushpi:

Lay your worries to rest as Jatamansi and Shankhpushpi lead you on a tranquil journey to dreamland. These soporific herbs weave of calmness, easing insomnia’s grip and inviting you into a realm of restful slumber, where the body and mind rejuvenate.

Easing the Pain – Guggul and Shallaki:

Let the powerful duo of Guggul and Shallaki calm the storm of joint pain and arthritis. Their anti-inflammatory prowess soothes achy joints, allowing you to revel in the joy of movement once again, unshackled by discomfort.

Women’s Nourishing Allies – Shatavari and Lodhra:

Witness the nurturing grace of Shatavari and Lodhra as they shower their support upon women’s reproductive health. From hormonal balance to easing menstrual discomfort, these gentle herbs embrace the divine essence of femininity.

Infusing Life with Ayurvedic Herbs:

Picture yourself savoring the delightful essence of Ayurvedic herbs as they weave their magic into your daily life:

– Sip on invigorating herbal teas to start your day with a burst of vitality.

– Embrace self-massage (Abhyanga) with nourishing herbal oils, caressing your body with love and care.

– Indulge in aromatic herbal baths, allowing the herbs’ grace to cleanse and soothe your senses.

Precautions – Nurturing Safety and Harmony:

As with any powerful healing art, caution is essential. Delve into the importance of seeking professional guidance with me as a qualified Naturopath and Ayurvedic practitioner. Learn about potential herb-drug interactions and the significance of tailored approaches, ensuring the herbs’ safe integration into your life. It is also the best way to be autonomous for your care.

Conclusion:

These sacred herbs, revered for millennia, hold the keys to unlocking the gates of well-being and transformation at the physical, psychological and energetics level.

It must be preserved from our disrespectful, polluting and destructive behavior. I hope that mankind will soon realize that it is at one with her, so that we can preserve this purity in our care and connection to our divinity.

The wisdom of Ayurveda invites us to embrace the harmony between ourselves and the natural world, fostering a deeper connection to the essence of life itself. As we savor the profound magic of Ayurvedic herbs, we embark on a journey of wholeness and fulfillment, guided by the timeless wisdom of the ancients.

As a reminder, you can get a free call with me here, to know how to learn, to talk about your health conditions… And improving your life by getting autonomous.

References

Ayurveda and Panchakarma: Measuring the Effects of a Holistic Health Intervention

Lifestyle disorders: Ayurveda with lots of potential for prevention

The Significance of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants

A compilation of Bioactive Compounds from Ayurveda

Today 75% of women suffer from food cravings.

So, I’m going to talk about different crucial and essential dimensions to get out of this state.

Stay until the end because the final solution may be the one that allows you to get out of it.

Food cravings on the psychological level

There are two essential dimensions that generate these impulses:

You have the food axis ie that you manage your diet according to food rules, your beliefs, and not taking into account your food sensations. It is called cognitive restriction

So, you need a balanced diet plan that fills you both physically and emotionally.

Which means that your body is starving, there are foods it needs that you are not providing. This, therefore translates into food cravings. Your body is hungry and absolutely has to compensate.

There are other reasons that i will explain later in this article.

And the food craving on emotional level

The emotional axis means that youhave difficulty managing or tolerating your emotions or states : stress, boredom, sadness, … 

We chose comfort foods, often high in sugar or fat, that are commonly sought to provide a temporary mood boost or distraction from negative emotions.

Hormones play a significant role in regulating appetite and cravings. Ghrelin, often referred to as the “hunger hormone,” increases appetite and can trigger cravings.

Similarly, leptin, known as the “satiety hormone,” helps regulate hunger and cravings. But any imbalances in these hormones, which can occur due to factors like stress, sleep deprivation, or certain medical conditions, can lead to increased cravings.

Some other important dimensions that can develop those pathologies are:

• What perception of your body image do you have?
• Do you have low self-esteem?
• Do you have a lack of assertiveness?
• Are you a perfectionist?
• Is it coming each time your menstruation starts?

You know very well that all this has consequences on your mental and physical health.

The Somatic (physical) and psychobiological consequences.

These cravings have many consequences such as: 

• Weight gain,
• Gastrointestinal imbalances
• Digestion problem
• Muscle weakness,
• Edema,
• Hyperglycemia,
• Menstrual disorders (amenorrhea (loss of periods), dysmenorrhea (irregular periods),
• Osteoporosis,
• Visual disturbances,

You have to keep in mind that food cravings can evolve in bigger imbalances on eating disorders such as hyperphagia, anorexia or even more serious emetic bulimia for example, nutrients deficiency…

The psychobiological consequences of food cravings: 

• Increased hunger,
• Binge eating
• Decreased libido,
• Insomnia,
• Apathy (loss/lack of motivation)
• Concentration and memory problems,
• Disorders of your body image,
• Anxiety
• Depressed by dissatisfaction
• Irritability and anger,

You can enter in a vicious circle that leads to a drop in your self-esteem.

What to do?

Take care of your nutrition

To reduce the frequency of your crises. The most important thing is to remain regular in your accessible and achievable efforts. And to stay regular, you need to prepare balanced, freshly cooked and delicious meals.

The more you restrict yourself, the more you increase your drives, your weight gain and your dissatisfaction.

Learn what nutrients your body needs and how to compose your meal.

Ayurveda helps us to know our constitution and what food we need to eat to stay balanced and without deficiencies. You can have a look here in my program if you want to learn to live a healthy long life.

Here in this board you can find some explanations concerning your craving. These are just indications which need to be confirm by a health professionnal.

Refocus on your body and reconnect to it

You can regularly take care of yourself by giving yourself little moments of relaxation, reconnecting to your body and also learning to manage your emotions.

Yoga and pranayama are one of the best tools to change and balance your psychological and lifestyle habits. They act on emotions, hormones, and the nervous system. You will bring back your homeostasis, you will manage your emotions, and learn how your mind works, and develop sensitivity. 

Why is reconnecting to the body important?

Because you will learn how to hear your body’s messages and thus be able to give it the right answers, what it needs. For example, one day you may be attracted to a particular type of food, another day it will be another food. It’s not a coincidence, it’s because your body needs it.

Hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry have a huge role in driving our desire for certain foods.

For example, the other day, while going to the market, my gaze stopped on some beets. Yet I do not necessarily like beets but that day it made me want because my body needed the nutrients that constitute beets.

To relearn your body and manage your emotions, you can practice Yoga or/and treat yourself to Ayurvedic massages which are excellent for the nervous system, lymph and blood circulation. You can also learn to meditate to increase your awareness, increase your concentration, self-control and your chemistry. There is active or passive meditation, targeted meditation to treat your specific state. Do you need to handle your stress, your anger, your sadness, depression…? It will really help you to heal.

Identify your triggers

Emotions?

A strong emotion in general can trigger your seizures

Learn to identify those emotions that push you to act as well as the times and places where it is strongest. The goal is to implement preventive strategies.

Conditioning and associations?

Cravings can develop through conditioning and associations formed between certain foods and pleasurable experiences. For example, if you frequently eat popcorn while watching movies, you may develop a craving for popcorn whenever you sit down to watch a film. These learned associations can trigger cravings even without a physiological need for the specific food.

Social and Environmental Influences?

Environmental cues, such as food advertisements, go often in supermarkets, the presence of food smells, or the sight of appetizing foods, can stimulate cravings. Additionally, social factors, such as social gatherings or seeing others enjoying certain foods, can trigger cravings as well.

Write these moments of impulses in a small notebook, it will help you to raise awareness of your behavior and remedy it in a more psychological way.

Talk about your feelings

Trying to talk about what hurts you is extremely important. You can talk about your painful experiences, your failures, your difficulties…

The idea is to externalize your feelings and all your negative emotions. You should know that some eating disorders are psychological illnesses that can be treated very well. You will be able to find a healthy relationship with your body by talking about it too.

Does this topic speak to you? Do you suffer from it?

You have a choice, stay where you are in your suffering or move forward by taking your responsibilities.

Improve your nutrition, learn and manage your mind to change your habits and move on from your comfort zone.

Staying in your comfort zone is like stopping watering a plant, it eventually dies.

Change comes first from within and change is lifesaving.

Tell me in the comments if you are concerned by food urges and what do you put in place to remove them?

Om Shanti

Sources

The Psychology of Food Cravings: the Role of Food Deprivation

Regulating Food Craving: From Mechanisms to Interventions

Stress, cortisol, and other appetite-related hormones: Prospective prediction of 6-month changes in food cravings and weight

A randomized crossover, pilot study examining the effects of a normal protein vs. high protein breakfast on food cravings and reward signals in overweight/obese “breakfast skipping”, late-adolescent girls

Impact of insufficient sleep on total daily energy expenditure, food intake, and weight gain

Food Cravings and Body Weight: A Conditioning Response

Is eating behavior manipulated by the gastrointestinal microbiota? Evolutionary pressures and potential mechanisms

It is essential to treat women’s health problems at an early stage, especially painful menstruations, as their body’s natural doshas are more sensitive to imbalances caused by the physical changes they undergo.

Contents of menstruation pain relief:

• The menstrual pain and the three doshas
• Indications of Menstrual Disorders
• Enhancing Digestive Strength
• Dietary Recommendations and Lifestyle Regimen
• Balancing Vata Dosha
• Balancing Pitta Dosha
• Learn To Calm Your Mind
• Research Insights
• Food and Menstrual Health

First Key: know your body

Failure to follow proper diet and lifestyle practices during menstruation leads to changes in your doshas, especially considering the symptoms present during the menstrual flow, the individual’s body type, and her digestion strength. Imbalances in these doshas during period not only impact a woman’s health but also have consequences for the well-being of future generations.

The menstrual cycle is a natural monthly cleansing process in women. Then, when it occurs regularly, it helps restore balance to the doshas, purify the blood tissue, and maintain healthy reproductive tissues.

Therefore, Ayurveda places utmost importance on maintaining and regulating the menstrual cycle to ensure its normal functioning. This involves paying attention to symptoms, adopting suitable dietary and lifestyle choices, and aiming for a state of equilibrium. By doing so, one can promote overall well-being and support optimal reproductive health.

The menstrual cycle and the three doshas

Kapha dosha serves as a cohesive element, responsible for binding and forming structures. It is closely associated with ojas, the vital energy that nourishes and strengthens the body. Kapha dosha is predominantly involved from the follicular phase until ovulation, supporting the development of the uterine lining.

During the follicular phase, the egg matures, leading to ovulation. If conception occurs, kapha dosha continues to nurture and sustain the uterine lining. It facilitates the implantation of the fertilized egg and supporting pregnancy. And ovulation typically occurs around the 14th day of a 28-day of the menstrual cycle. By the way, this timing can vary by a few days.

Pitta dosha plays a role during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. It promotes increased blood flow and fills the blood vessels in preparation for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Additionally, pitta dosha contributes to the rise in basal body temperature that often follows ovulation.

Vata dosha governs movement and activity. In a healthy menstrual cycle, vata dosha ensures smooth and unhindered downward flow of menstrual bleeding, without causing discomfort or obstruction.

Indications of Menstrual disorders:

• Insufficient or scanty bleeding
• Excessive flow or heavy bleeding
• Painful menstruation
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Low back pain
• Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, fear, mood swings, anger, and stress
• Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and constipation

During menstruation, it is important to follow a diet and regimen that promotes balance in the doshas, supports healthy digestion, and cultivates a sattvic (pure and harmonious) state of mind.

Enhancing Digestive Strength

To have a good agni or digestive fire prevents imbalances in the doshas. When the doshas are imbalanced, women are more likely to experience various menstrual disorders. Insufficient digestive strength can lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body’s channels, causing obstructions in the menstrual flow and resulting in painful periods. Indigestion can also contribute to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea during the menstrual cycle.

Dietary Recommendations and Lifestyle Regimen.

To maintain healthy digestion during menstruation, it is recommended to consume light, easily digestible foods that are served fresh and warm. Examples include grams, fried barley, and gruel.

Drink warm water helps promote smooth menstrual flow by reducing abdominal cramps, supporting normal digestion, improving appetite, and enhancing taste.

It is advisable to avoid heavy and difficult foods to digest such as oily dishes, junk food, refrigerated items, deep-fried and burnt foods, fish, meat, and cheese. Also your meals should be consumed at regular intervals, ensuring that the previous meal has been properly digested and skipping meals should be avoided.

Including a small quantity of ghee in the diet is beneficial. Ghee helps maintain the balance of digestive acids, nourishes reproductive tissues, and supports the downward flow of apana vata, thus reducing abdominal cramps, bloating, headaches, and other discomforts during menstruation. Additionally, ghee has a calming effect on the mind as it is considered a sattvic food. Including an appropriate amount of ghee in the daily diet of women can help alleviate stress, anxiety, mood swings, and fear.

Balancing Vata Dosha:

It is important to rest and avoid excessive physical strain during menstrual flow to prevent an increase in Vata dosha, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, abdominal cramps, headaches, anxiety, and mood swings. Excessive exercising, long-distance walking, long travel, and detox treatments like emesis, purgation, and enemas should be avoided.

Late-night sleep and night vigils should be avoided, and natural urges should not be suppressed, as these activities can disrupt Apana Vata, which governs menstruation, ovulation, and conception in women.

The diet for balancing Vata dosha during menstruation includes foods like:

• ghee,
• milk,
• sugarcane juice,
• coconut water,
• almonds,
• bananas,
• pomegranates,
• rice,
• wheat,
• and spices such as cumin seeds, coriander, sesame seeds, and ginger.

Balancing Pitta Dosha:

Intake of spicy, sour, and salty foods should be avoided during menstruation, such as excessive use of chili, tamarind, and pickles. These foods can cause increased menstrual flow, a burning sensation during menstruation, and outbursts of anger.

The diet for balancing Pitta dosha during menstruation includes foods like milk, ghee, green gram, snake gourd, chikoo, pomegranate, almonds, sugarcane, and cumin seeds.

Learn to calm your mind:

The diet, thoughts, and activities we engage in can influence our mental state.

Following a sattvic diet, which consists of light, freshly prepared, warm, and sweet-tasting foods, helps calm the mind, promotes optimistic thoughts, and improves strength and immunity.

Practices such as meditation, inner silence (antar mouna), and pranayama help relieve stress. Mental stress can cause imbalances in Vata dosha, leading to various pains and aches. By reducing stress and anxiety and balancing Vata dosha, pain and discomfort during menstruation can be alleviated, making the flow smoother and easier.

The effects of yogasanas in managing menstrual pain have concluded that yoga and relaxation techniques are effective therapies for managing irregular menstruation and reducing menstrual pain.

Research insights about food and menstrual health:

According to Ayurveda and modern sciences, the quality of food women consume directly affects menstrual health.

When the quality of the nutritious fluid (Rasa dhatu) diminishes, the regularity of the menstrual flow is affected. Menstrual flow is regarded as a consequence of this nourishing fluid, and any decline in its quality leads to an irregularity in the menstrual cycle.

Scientific research has indicated that irregular food consumption patterns can contribute to heightened levels of menstrual discomfort among high school students.

Conclusion:

So, to maintain good menstrual health during teenage years, it is important to eat and drink when hungry and thirsty, avoid skipping meals, eat slowly, include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and dry fruits in the diet.

Also engage in regular exercise and outdoor activities, manage mental stress, ensure sufficient sleep. And include spices in the diet to improve your digestion, and maintain a well-balanced diet (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals).

It is very important to practice meditation and staying centered also beneficial for overall menstrual health.

I hope this will help you better understand the reasons for painful periods, and that you will change the lifestyle habits that need to be modified.

To establish a precise nutritional plan tailored to your constitution and needs, please book a free initial call here.