Ayurveda: The Philosophy, Importance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and Dosha Cycles
Ayurveda, a holistic science of health, focuses on maintaining a physically and emotionally balanced state. It is called the “science or knowledge of life”, deriving from experiences collected over the past 5000-6000 years.
Ayurveda treats every individual as a unique entity and believes that diet or lifestyle routines are unique for each individual. Focused on prevention rather than cure, Ayurveda provides holistic advice and guidance to maintain physical and emotional health. Ayerveda believes that understanding and inculcating a lifestyle routine, that embodies the curative and replenishing powers of food, meditation and mindfulness, should be the ultimate goal.
Ayurveda: Importance of Doshas.
Ayurveda is based on the principles of three doshas. Doshas are the 3 energies that govern the body; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
1. Vata Dosha — Energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and your heartbeat.
2. Pitta Dosha — Energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition and your body’s temperature.
3. Kapha Dosha — Energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system.
Ayurveda asserts that “When we function in accordance with nature, we will function at our best”. The knowledge, of what energies are strongest at specific times of the day, will help orient ourselves with the flow of those energies, in order to achieve the perfect mind, body and soul balance.
1. Contains Healthy Fats: Oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, is considered to be a “good fat” which reduces levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol in your blood, spikes the good (HDL) cholesterol, and lowers your risk of stroke and heart disease.
2. Aids Weight Loss: Your body treats monounsaturated fatty acids as a “slow burning energy” source, ensuring it isn’t tucked away as fat. This slowing ensures satiety, reducing hunger and appetite. It is high in healthy fats and less in processed carbs, making it ideal in a weight loss diet.
3. For Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin E prevents cholesterol oxidization; vitamin B6 and folic acid reduce dangerous homocystenine levels in the blood; potassium regulates blood pressure; phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption; dietary fibre controls blood sugar levels; Monounsaturated oleic acid and beta-sitosterol reduce dangerous LDL cholesterol while increasing more beneficial HDL cholesterol.
4. Anti- Cancer: Avocados contain a potent mix of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, phytochemicals, and oleic acid, which help inhibit the growth of cancer cells affecting the breast, mouth, skin, and prostate gland. Avocado selectively spikes the oxidative stress, of cancerous cells, to extreme fatal levels, while supplying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients to non-cancerous normal cells.
5. Anti-Inflammatory: Inflammation is considered the root cause for most non-contagious diseases. Avocados have an abundance of anti-inflammatory agents like plant phytonutrient, polyphenols, and flavonoids that prevent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
6. For Eye Health: AvocadoS contains the wonder carotenoid leutein, an antioxidant which prevents oxidative stress damage, the primary reason for poor vision, cataracts, and age related macular degeneration (ARMD).
7. Fights Diabetes: Avocados’ low glycemic index keeps high triglyceride levels in check, and its highly soluble fiber can reverse insulin resistance (Type2 Diabetes). Its 7-carbon sugars helps regulate the way blood sugar (glucose) is metabolized, by blocking activity of an enzyme called hexokinase, and changing the level of activity through a metabolic pathway called glycolysis.
8. Rich in Folate: Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, is critical during periods of rapid cell division and growth, such as infancy and pregnancy, preventing birth defects, such as neural tube and spina bifida. Folate is also essential for healthy cell and tissue development and metabolism of homocysteine and helps maintain normal levels of this amino acid. The high levels of folate in avocados also protect against stroke.
9. Immunity Booster: The master antioxidant glutathione supports the liver and the nervous system. It is responsible for replenishing and recycling other antioxidants in the body. The glutathione in avocado boosts immune systems, slows aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.
10. Settles Digestive Function: Nutrients and enzymes in avocado reduce inflammation in the stomach and small intestine’s mucous lining, improving the body’s ability to absorb carotenoids, including beta carotene and lycopene, and other vital nutrients.
11. Skin Care: The monounsaturated fats (Omega-9) in avocado protect your skin from wrinkles and other visible signs of aging and also treat psoriasis. Vitamin E helps guard against photo-aging from sun exposure and vitamin C is crucial in creation of elastin and collagen, for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
12. Against Alzheimer’s disease: Folate prevents formation of tangled nerve fibers, a condition normally associated with Alzheimer’s. Avocados combine brain healthy omega-3 fatty acids with natural vitamin E, preventing the progression and reversal of Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages.
13. Treats Halitosis: Avocados has long been used as a natural and effective mouth wash and in most bad breath remedies. Its insoluble fibers cleanse the colon and digestive tracts, which are the real cause of coated tongue and bad breath.
14. Abundant in Vitamins: Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin K, Vitamin B9, B6, B5, vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals like copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. B-vitamins assist in body’s metabolism, vitamin K nourishes the skeletal (bone) framework, and Vitamin E takes care of the eye, avoiding conditions like retinopathy.
15. Dietary Fiber Source: Source of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber stimulates efficient bowel movements eliminating constipation and colorectal cancer. Soluble fiber turns into a gel, which increases satiety, acts as a slow energy source, and controls appetite.
16. Aids Nutrient absorption: Avocados, when included in salads, increase the absorption of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes beta carotene and lycopene) by about 200%.
Yoga is one of the most preferred, revered and safe forms of physical activity that can be done by both adults and children. Besides, practicing yoga with your kin is one of the many ways you can work out together and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Below are five yoga poses that are appropriate for children of all ages;
Butterfly Pose (Badhakonasana)
Butterfly Pose
The butterfly pose is a brilliant pose which makes it possible for children to make use of their imagination. The pose enables your young one to better stretch the spine and legs.
Sunrise/Sunset Sequence
Sunrise/Sunset Sequence
The poses entail a combination pose of the big toe pose and the upward salute. This is a pose that is more appealing to your younger kin as the pose (sunrise/sunset) will see them imitating the sun rising and falling through body motions. The yoga pose is a structured two pose sequence one that needs to be performed for at-least ten times. You should begin with the sunrise pose (upward salute) and afterwards the big toe pose (sunset) which requires the child to bend forward.
GorillaPose( Padahastasana)
Gorilla Pose ( Padahastasana)
The gorilla pose is a name given to help you child assume the wide-legged forward bend. Fortunately, the pose can be held in place. However, in most instances, the children will enjoy swimming back and forth on the waste as they go into full gorilla mode.
This is a perfect pose that helps your children put their minds at ease. The gorilla pose also eliminates back pain.
Tree Pose (Vriksasana)
Tree Pose
This is a pose that needs optimum balancing. To have your children better perform this pose, you should ask them with authority to have their eyes trailed on one of the objects to eliminate any chances of a fall. The tree pose is one of the greatest poses that help children learn self-control. The pose will help your children improve both their strength and balance.
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Fish Pose
This is one of the most fun yoga pose loved by children of all ages. The pose is enjoyable and the children will not be aware that the pose helps them strengthen their neck muscles and upper back. The yoga position provides your child with a perfect posture and your children will be fully stretched
1. Any foods high in omega 3, such as oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines), flax seeds and walnuts are great for improving concentration and motivation as they improve cognitive function, which means they help with the brains ability to think and process. They are also anti-inflammatory, so they keep cells functioning optimally which help the brain function well also.
2. Any foods high in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E ) such as fruits (especially berries and tomatoes) and vegetables (especially cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli) are beneficial. These may help with blood flow to the brain, which will supply the brain cells with more oxygen and again these are anti-inflammatory, so they help the brain function optimally.
3. Moderate amounts of caffeine are good for concentration and motivation. Green tea and dark chocolate are the best sources, as these contain specific anti-oxidants called polyphenols that improve brain function and decrease cell death. Caffeine is good when you need an instant boost, but try not to rely on this all the time, as an excessive intake will have the opposite effect.
4. Any foods such as ripe bananas (look out for brown spots on the skin) or sunflower seeds are high in dopamine – a brain chemical involved in increasing motivation and concentration. Caffeine also helps to increase dopamine levels.
5. Foods high in vitamins B6 and B12 are good for memory and concentration, as these improve cognitive functioning of the brain and also prevent diseases like alzheimers and dementia, as they protect the brain from nerve damage from a chemical called homocysteine involved in the development of these diseases. Foods such as fish, meat, whole grains, eggs and nuts are high in B6 and eggs, fish, meat dairy and seaweed are high in B12.
6. Foods high in fibre such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans are great for concentration and motivation. The reason for this is because they help to sustain a regular level of energy, because they keep blood sugar levels stable. This means the brain cells and all other cells in the body are receiving enough energy to function optimally.
How important the role of food is in our concentration/motivation levels-
The role of food in helping maintain optimal concentration and motivation is paramount, as any deficiencies, or even sub-optimal levels of the essential vitamins and minerals in the diet may have an effect on the brains ability to function properly. It may also play a role in any medical conditions that could develop that have an impact on the brain or mental health in general, which would impact ones daily performance greatly.
Spinach is cool, mild, relishing, causes the formation of urine. It activates the intestine. It is also beneficial in the diseases and eliminates the excessive bile in the body. It also eliminates the excessive formation of bile and phlegmin the body, purifies the blood. It cures stone and strengthens the bone. Vegetable prepared from spinach leaves gives strength and keeps away diseases. The juice extracted from the leaves of spinach melts the stones formed in the kidney and the fragmented stones come out through urine.
Countless studies have shown the seemingly countless benefits of fruits for a person’s health. The U.S. Government recommends that people get some servings of fruits every day. Of all the fruits ready in the shop today, one fruit is at its height of popularity because of its legendary Greek mythology connection and its exoticism-the pomegranate fruit.
Considered as one of the earliest fruits that have been cultivated along with grapes, figs, olives, and dates somewhere between 4000 B. C. E and 3000 B. C. E., pomegranate prolonged to be an emblem of fertility, rebirth, and health.
Dubbed as a “miracle fruit” by some fans, pomegranate has earned its popularity because it is thought to perhaps help maintain the body’s natural defenses against Alzheimer’s disease, assorted cancers, coronary and heart diseases, arthritis and many ailments an aging man experiences. Because of its so -called anti-aging possibilities, pomegranate has had some food and beverage variations from juices, ice creams, dishes, and even in water that come in bottles.
Why is pomegranate good for you?
It is a rich source of assorted vitamins. Pomegranate is a good, natural source of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.• The antioxidants are thought to help maintain the immune system.
It may help maintain healthy blood flow because of its iron properties. Pomegranate supports the blood by supplying it with iron, thus may help prevent anemia symptoms that include exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hear loss.
Aside from having lots of anti-oxidants, pomegranate also might have some anti-viral properties.
Pomegranate juice and citation is thought by some women to help in overcoming the feeling of normal malaise while menopause.
It may help sell out the risk of having a heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes
‘Viagra effect’ from a daily glass of pomegranate juice as study shows it boosts sexual desire. It is natural & no side effects.
Benefits for Men:
Research has shown that pomegranate juice benefits men by acting as nature’s Viagra. A 2005 study on the long term effects of pomegranate juice intake on erectile dysfunction in animals showed that erectile dysfunction is closely linked to free radicals. Pomegranate juice, being so high in free radical fighting antioxidants, can help fight erectile dysfunction as well.
Not only that, but you might recall that another health benefit of pomegranate juice is it’s ability to help induce cancer cells to self-destruct. Studies have shown that a glass a day of pomegranate juice can slow the growth of prostate cancer.
Benefits for Women
Pomegranate juice can benefit pregnant women. It’s a rich source of many vitamins and minerals including folic acid, which is a vital component of any prenatal diet. The anti-inflammatory benefits of pomegranate juice also help keep a healthy blood flow to the developing baby. The potassium in pomegranate juice can also help with the leg cramps that many pregnant women experience, especially at night.
In the same way that pomegranate juice helps protect against prostate cancer, research has shown pomegranate juice to inhibit the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells.
Bitter Melon Is a Safe and Effective Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes: The bitter gourd (Bitter Melon) is regarded as the best remedy for diabetes. Drinking at least one tablespoon of bitter gourd juice daily will reduce blood sugar levels inyour blood and urine. Having bitter gourd cooked in ghee for a period of three months will bring the diabetes down by a significant amount.
The primary chemical found in turmeric is called curcumin, and studies show that this polyphenol contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular disease, as well as other health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer. Moreover, curcumin has positive effects on insulin sensitivity, which causes a reduction in triglyceride levels in the body. Researchers believe that it may just be the anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitizing properties that make turmeric so effective in warding off cardiovascular disease and strengthening the heart.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that curcumin can reduce the risk of heart attacks in coronary bypass patients. During 2009 and 2011, researchers from the University of Chiang Mai in Thailand studied 121 patients who underwent non-emergency coronary bypass surgery at the University Hospital. Half of the patients were given curcumin capsules before and after the surgeries, while the other half were given a placebo. The researchers found that the patients who had taken the curcumin supplements had a 65% lowered risk of heart attacks after the operation than the placebo group, as well as significantly lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Another study by the University of Tsukuba in Japan shows that curcumin may also improve vascular function and protect the heart, especially when combined with moderate exercise. Over a period of eight weeks, the scientists here monitored postmenopausal women in three different studies that measured the effects of curcumin and moderate exercise on blood flow, artery response and blood pressure.
In the first study, they divided the women into three groups: those who took curcumin supplements, those who exercised moderately and those who did nothing. When they examined the blood vessels, they found that the women who did nothing had no significant changes to their blood flow, while the curcumin and exercise groups showed an increase in vascular endothelial function. Interestingly, curcumin seemed to be just as effective as moderate exercise in improving blood flow.
In the following two studies, the researchers found that curcumin supplements also improved the performance of the arteries when reacting to changes in blood pressure, lowered aortic and brachial systolic blood pressure, and strengthened the heart against age-related degeneration of the left ventricle. They found that the women who exercised in addition to taking curcumin supplements showed the greatest improvements.
These are just a few examples of how turmeric can help improve heart health. I suggest taking turmeric in its natural form, either chopped, juiced or ground into powder, and adding it to curries, stir-fries and healthy drinks. To enhance the absorption rate, add a little black pepper to your food or drink as well. If you decide to take turmeric or curcumin in supplement form, be sure to consult with a registered health professional beforehand.
Cholesterol comes in two forms, good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol. When you have a high bad cholesterol count and a low good cholesterol count, it can put you at risk of developing heart disease. Bad cholesterol flows through the blood stream and can attach to the inside of arteries and cause plaque build-up. This can eventually lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and blocked arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Plaque can also break off and block an artery, resulting in a stroke.
High bad cholesterol can usually be controlled through a healthy diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Medication is sometimes used for those who cannot lower their cholesterol through other means. Herbal supplements can also be effective in lowering cholesterol. Here is a list of herbal supplements that can be used to lower cholesterol.
Alfalfa – Studies have shown that alfalfa supplements block the absorption of bad cholesterol and prevent the build-up of plaque. The chemicals and fiber in alfalfa stick to bad cholesterol in the bloodstream and stop it from attaching to artery walls. The recommended dose of alfalfa is 40 milligrams a day of alfalfa seeds or 1 gram, 3 times a day of alfalfa capsules. Alfalfa should not be taken in amounts over 80 grams per day as it can damage red blood cells. People with lupus are advised not to take alfalfa supplements.
Garlic – Garlic has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment to lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. It keeps cholesterol in balance by lowering bad cholesterol while elevating good cholesterol which is important for flushing away the bad cholesterol. Garlic also prevents clotting and reduces plaque in the arteries. To lower cholesterol, the recommended dose is 600 to 900 milligrams of garlic supplements each day. You can also benefit from eating fresh garlic by ingesting 4 grams per day. However, don’t overdo the garlic. Chronic overuse of garlic supplements can damage red blood cells and also cause hyperthyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Hawthorn – The leaf and flower of the hawthorn plant have long been used to prevent heart failure, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, inflammation of the blood vessels and to dilate blood vessels to allow the flow of blood to the heart. It can also prevent irregular heartbeat. Cholesterol is lowered due to the treatment of the inflammation in the blood vessels. Hawthorn berry is widely used to treat these ailments also, although it has not been proven to work as effectively as the flower and leaf of the plant has. Dosage of hawthorn should be discussed with you doctor or a registered herbalist. Overdose of this supplement can cause extremely low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and sedation.
Evening Primrose Oil – Evening primrose oil is used for many illnesses and is effective in lowering bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. The active ingredient in evening primrose oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an important fatty acid which helps to produce prostaglandins (PFE1). PFE1 fights against inflammation and helps in preventing blood clots and high cholesterol. This herbal supplement should not be taken by people who are prone to seizers or who are taking a medication for depression or schizophrenia. The recommended dose for adults is 6 to 8 grams per day.
Green Tea – Green tea has been used for centuries to prevent and treat many illnesses including heart disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, clinical studies have shown that the antioxidant properties in green tea can help prevent atherosclerosis and can lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. Because green tea works as a diuretic, it is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure. The recommended dose is 1-2 tablets a day or 1-3 cups of green tea a day. Drinking milk can lower the antioxidant effectiveness of green tea. The caffeine in green tea can cause high blood pressure, anxiety and heart palpitations if used in excess. There are decaffeinated green tea supplements and tea for people who should not have caffeine.
Glucomannan – In clinical trials, glucomannan has shown it is effective in lowering bad cholesterol as well as lowering triglyceride levels and helping people lose weight. The recommended dose to lower cholesterol is 3.9 grams a day for 4 weeks, then stop for two weeks and resume for another four weeks. Side-effects include diarrhea, intestinal gas, loose stools, blockage of the esophagus and lower digestive tract and low blood sugar. People who are already taking a medication for cholesterol should not take glucomannan.
You should have your cholesterol levels checked once every 2 years and more often if you are at risk of developing heart disease. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower cholesterol if your levels are high and discuss the use of herbal supplements before using them. Herbal supplements can be a safe, effective way to lower cholesterol if used responsibly.
The Indian Gooseberry is known as Amla and Amalaki as well. It is used for many Ayurvedichome remedies. 5 gms of gooseberry mixed with 1 tbsp honey and taken every morning, is an effective treatment for asthma. Fresh Amla juice mixed with fresh ginger juice, honey and a pinch of rock salt is an effective remedy to prevent frequent attacks of common cold and sinusitis. Add one teaspoonful of dried Aamla powder in warm water and mix 1 teaspoonful of honey and drink thrice a day to relieve a sore throat and hoarse voice.
The Vaidya 