5 Ways to Burn Calories When You Are Not Exercising

Do you know someone who stays toned and trim even though they don't seem to exercise much? They must know the secret to burning calories even when they are not exercising! There are small things that you can do to achieve this too.

Here are 5 ways you can shed extra calories even when you are not exercising:

1. Posture: Good posture strengthens your core muscles and maintaining the correct posture when sitting or standing takes energy and burns calories. Practice perfect posture by sucking your abdomen in, pushing your shoulders back, keeping your spine in proper alignment (the spine is naturally S-shaped and that is how it needs to be maintained), and looking straight ahead. 

If you feel a tightness behind your shoulders, it means that your muscles are used to slouching. The more you practice good posture, the easier it gets!

2. Breathe: When you take a breath, most of the time you don't use the full capacity of your lungs. Deep abdominal breathing takes conscious effort, and extra calories. Inhaling and exhaling deeply tightens the muscles of our chest and abdomen and forces us to use our diaphragm. 

Breathing exercises done for 2-5 minutes a day can give you that extra energy in the middle of an afternoon slump by increasing the uptake of oxygen and revving up your metabolism.

3. Drink more water: Up to 70% of your body is made up of water. Your cells need water to produce energy. Dehydration slows down your metabolism. 

Lethargy or tiredness, headaches, dry eyes, sleepiness, low urine output, dizziness are often the first signs of dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty and reach for a cup of water, you are already dehydrated. Everyone has different requirements on how much water they need; but if you drink coffee, tea, or sodas (caffeinated), then you need more water than usual because caffeine is a diuretic. 

Sometimes you think you are hungry but your body actually needs water. So instead of grabbing a snack, try drinking some water. You will not only save yourself from consuming extra calories, but also lose calories just by drinking water!

4. Sleep: Getting fewer hours of sleep over a longer period of time also slows down your metabolism. Lack of sleep also turns into cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, which pack on the pounds. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep every day. 

5. Laugh: We all have heard that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can make us eat extra. Laughing for 10-15 minutes a day can burn up to 40 calories.

The routinely suggested healthy balanced diet of whole foods, regular exercise, and avoiding habit-forming stimulants play the most important part in maintaining our health. When you also follow these 5 ways described above, no one can stop you from being on the road to optimum health!

How Homeopathic Individualization Works

As a regular reader of this blog, or a regular user of Homeopathic remedies, you must be familiar by now with the word 'individualization' when used in the homeopathic context.

Briefly, 'individualization' in homeopathy means that there is no one-for-all remedy. As an example, two people with a headache may not need the same remedy to relieve them. One might need Belladonna and another might need Natrum muriaticum. This is because of each person's individual traits and how they present with the symptoms of their headache.

Homeopathy considers the uniqueness of each person, and treats them based on their individuality as opposed to an assembly-line style of treatment where everyone gets the same drug.

I recently had the opportunity to help a 4-year-old child with symptoms of flu. His mother called me saying he had had a mild fever and cough with a little expectoration since 3 days. She had been using OTC ibuprofen and an allopathic cough syrup which relieved for 2 hours and then the symptoms would be back again. He refused to eat anything and slept fitfully. He had become weak and dull.

When I asked her to tell me how he was feeling, she said that he usually likes to be cuddled and hugged but with this fever he did not like anyone touching him even to check the fever. She also added that he kept saying that he was fine even though his skin was hot with a fever of 102. I suggested that she give him Arnica 200. 

That evening, she called me back saying that her son's fever broke within 20 minutes of giving the first dose of Arnica 200. He started to sweat, then sat up and asked for something to eat. He was able to keep the food down and fell into a deep sleep after the meal. She repeated the dose after he awoke, and he continued to improve and recovered well within the next 2 days without the need for further dosage, and was able to go back to school on the 3rd day.

The uniqueness in this case is the use of Arnica 200. Usually, Belladonna or Aconite are the first remedies everyone reaches for in the case of fever. But Arnica was chosen because of the way the boy responded to being touched. Belladonna or Aconite or any other remedy may not have helped the boy to recover completely within 2 days as he did with Arnica 200.

A professional homeopath is trained to observe these subtleties and suggest the correct remedy in the correct potency and dosage for that individual person. It can get overwhelming for someone who does not have enough training to try to find the correct remedy from a book or by other means. So do not hesitate to call your homeopath the next time you need their help.

I have already written about how homeopathy faces the myth that remedies act slowly and that they don't act well for acute conditions. You can read more by clicking the highlighted text. 

This case once again proves that homeopathy does wonders for acute conditions, while enhancing the individual's own immunity at the same time.

Capsicum annuum - Homeopathy in Your Garden!

Picture source

This is a fruit that is used the world over to add flavor to different cuisines. It is Capsicum annuum, commonly known as cayenne pepper. 

In homeopathy, it is used for people who are lethargic, averse to exercise, alcoholics. They have a tendency to reminisce about the past and are known to be couch potatoes. People who need homeopathic Capsicum have burning pains with a feeling of coldness, constrictive sensation in the chest with difficulty in breathing. They have frequent urinary infections, digestive troubles, and muscle aches and pains. They are worse from the cold and always better from heat. 

Many symptoms of homeopathic Capsicum are similar to those of a heart attack, making it one of the top remedies to be used in heart disease. Homeopathic dilutions of Capsicum may be used as a cardiotonic, or heart stimulant, when the symptoms match.

When it is eaten as part of your diet, capsicum decreases free radical damage which slows the degenerative ageing process and supports healthy functioning of the arteries and the whole cardiovascular system. Some research says that cayenne peppers regulate blood sugar levels, and increase the body's capacity to burn calories, thereby helping in weight loss. The capsaicin component of Capsicum is also a well-known pain-reliever. 

Many cultures around the world use cayenne peppers in their cuisines, and chilli sauce or chutney or pickle is a prized recipe in many cultures.

How do you like your chillies?

How to Boost Your Immune System In One Step!

If you are looking for ways to boost your immunity, there is just ONE thing you need to do to get started! 

Reduce your sugar intake!

That's all there is to it. It may not sound like a big feat but it's all you need to do to see an immense positive change in the way your body works.

I'm sure that has got you wondering how just removing a little bit of sugar from your diet can make such a big difference in your health. The reason is that just that little bit of sugar can wreak such havoc with your immune system, and reducing or even completely eliminating excess sugar from your diet may be the only change you need to make to improve your health. That is especially true if you have tried all kinds of immune boosters and supplements and nothing seems to work, you still keep falling sick at the slightest instance. 

If you are still reading this, you would definitely like to know how sugar drastically damages your system and makes it prone to sickness. Here's how:

When you eat something sweet, the sugar is the first to get digested and is instantly absorbed into your system. This sugar is carried on a fast track to all your cells because it is instant fuel. Your body does not need to break it down to access it for fuel, like it needs to break down other nutrients like proteins or complex carbohydrates. 

Your cells are then loaded with sugar and remain so for hours until all this sugar is used up either during regular body functioning or for extra energy. Your blood sugar level rises, giving you a false state of alertness and making you hyperactive. (Sugar that is not used up is converted into fat and stored.)

While your cells are loaded with sugar, your immune system remains suspended because it is weakened by all the sugar-high activity. Sugar competes with vitamin C for space within your cells. Vitamin C is required by the body to fight infections and heal tissues. 

A healthy diet contains not more than 120-130 calories from sugar obtained from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains. Sugar found in processed foods made from refined flours, or in desserts or other processed foods should be avoided.

A high sugar diet reduces the absorption of vitamin C which is so important to the immune system. So it is the one thing that you need to change to improve your immunity!

Bach's Walnut for Smoother Transitions

Bach flower remedies are wonderful to help you handle the little (or big) anxieties in the roller coaster ride called Life.

Walnut is especially useful to help us prepare ourselves for the many transitions life puts before us. 

Walnut is the flower essence to use at any period when there is a major life change. 

This may be at birth, or puberty, menopause, teething; or moving from one place to another, marriage or divorce, change of job, first day of school, recovering from a major illness. 

Children respond very well to Bach flower remedies. If you have a child who is having difficulties adjusting to a new school or new city, or needs help to cope with separation anxiety, try Bach's Walnut flower essence!

How to take Walnut: 

For adults or children: Take two drops directly on the tongue, or mix two drops in a glass of water and sip throughout the day. 

Using for 2-3 days is generally enough in acute situations.


Find it here on Amazon (not affiliated)

Plantago major - Homeopathy in Your Garden

Plantago major

The next time you step out of your house, keep an eye out for this plant. It is a very commonly seen plant. It grows just about everywhere as a weed, between the cracks in the sidewalk, in gravel, in grassy surfaces. It is Plantago major.

It is commonly called Plantain, and it has immense medicinal value. Poultices made from the leaves are used to promote wound healing, because the leaves contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial compounds. It also has astringent properties and it prevents loss of fluids from the body by contacting tissues. This makes it useful in diarrhea.

In homeopathy, the tincture of Plantago major is used to relieve toothache caused due to caries. The tincture, when applied with cotton wool, also relieves teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold. In other potencies, it is useful to relieve headache that is caused by toothache, diarrhea. It is especially useful for people with nicotine addiction by creating an aversion to tobacco, and by relieving the symptoms of insomnia and depression caused due to tobacco addiction.

Such a common little plant, and so many uses!

Photo credit: Frank Vincentz

5 Reasons Why You Should Take Homeopathy Seriously

Here are 5 good reasons why you should take Homeopathy seriously:


1. It is a complete system of medicine that has constantly evolved and stayed up-to-date with the evolving health issues, while staying rooted to the basic principles that its founder Dr. Samuel Hahnemann formulated in the late 18th century.

2. Homeopathy addresses a wide range of health problems from headaches to infectious diseases to autoimmune disorders, with gentle administration and very low to nil side effects. It has been useful for adults, children, animals (veterinary homeopathy), and is also being used for plants (agro-homeopathy).

3. Homeopathic remedies are made from materials that are found in our natural world. Remedies need to be created synthetically only very rarely, making homeopathy an eco-friendly and sustainable system of healthcare. Many commonly used homeopathic remedies are made from plants (Calendula) or their parts, some from animals (Apis) or their parts, others from various minerals (Natrum mur). This makes Homeopathy a completely natural system of medicine that uses the resources that are already available on Earth.

4. Homeopathy is cost effective. Since most homeopathic remedies are made from natural materials, it does not take a huge financial burden to produce them. The methods of producing the remedies are also simple and follow natural laws. Single remedies in Homeopathy cannot be patented because they are made from naturally-occurring materials; so people who use single remedies won't pay extra as patents royalties. 

One vial of a homeopathic remedy goes a long way because of the small doses used in homeopathy. All of this translates into a cost-effective system of healthcare that can reach across all economic boundaries.

5. Saving the best for last, homeopathy can be safely used at home for minor ailments, and regular use of homeopathy strengthens the immune system, because homeopathic remedies work with the body's natural immunity instead of against it. Using homeopathy will only help you to stay healthy longer, and recover from illnesses faster.

Homeopathy in Your Garden - Yellow Jessamine/Gelsimium

Continuing the Homeopathy in Your Garden Series, the second plant remedy you are going to get introduced to is Gelsimium. It is commonly known as Yellow Jessamine or Trumpet flower.

Gelsimium is native to Southeastern United States and is also called Carolina flower. It is the State Flower of South Carolina.

The root of this plant is used to make the homeopathic remedy Gelsimium sempervirens. Homeopathic Gelsimium is used for a range of symptoms like headache, flu, diarrhea, weakness of nerves, giddiness, anxiety, etc.

You can click on the highlighted text to read more about how to use Gelsimium for the flu or influenza.

Does this plant grow anywhere near you?

Homeopathy for Chikungunya

Aedes albopictus female mosquito

Chikungunya is a viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms appear within 5-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are weakness, fever, headache, skin rash, muscle pain, and joint pains are most severe. Most people feel better within 7-10 days, but incapacitating joint pains may linger for one month or longer, sometimes resulting in joint stiffness and restriction of mobility. Young people tend to recover easily. Newborns, adults over 40, and people with chronic diseases may experience the most severe form of the disease.

Conventional medicine does not offer any specific treatment for chikungunya, other than rest and OTC painkillers. Most people find it difficult to take painkillers for long periods of time because of their side effects and risks associated with long-term consumption.

There are many homeopathic remedies which can be used for chikungunya, the first of the line being Euphatorium perfoliatum (or Eup. per). Eup. per relieves the severe joint pains to a great extent and address the fever and weakness, reducing the intensity of the symptoms.

Other remedies that may be considered according to the person's symptoms are Belladonna, Bryonia, Cinchona, Gelsimium, Rhus tox, Pyrogenum, Polyporus pinicula.

It is advisable to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing and full pants when outdoors, keeping windows screened with a mesh, and using a natural mosquito repellent like oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is also important to keep surroundings clean and prevent any collection of water (including roof gutters, bird baths) where mosquitoes may breed.


Note: Please do not take any of the above remedies for chikungunya without consulting a Professional Homeopath.


Additional Reading:

1. PubMed - Homeopathy in Chikungunya Fever and Post-Chikungunya Arthritis

Image credit: James Gathany via Wikimedia Commons

Homeopathy in Your Garden - Calendula

Have you ever wondered about the sources of homeopathic remedies? What are they made of? Many homeopathic remedies are made from plants. Remedies are also made from animal, mineral, and other sources. 

The flower in the picture is calendula, commonly known as marigold. 

Calendula is one of the remedies used for injuries because it promotes wound healing. It contains flavonoids which have anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Homeopathic Calendula has also been used in the treatment of various types of cancer, and the after-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Do you remember eating marigold flowers as a child? You might not have known its benefits then, but you do now!

I have also shared videos of how homeopathic remedies are made in a previous post. (You can find the videos by clicking on the highlighted text.)

Stay subscribed to learn more about the different kinds of plants that are used in homeopathy!

Have You Found Your Alternative To Painkillers?

Painkillers are the most commonly used form of medication around the world. While they might help to manage pain to some extent, they also have numerous side effects, especially when used to manage chronic pain. It is important to find alternatives to treat and manage chronic pain rather than depend completely on painkillers. 

Low-impact exercise, physiotherapy (physical therapy), acupuncture, yoga, meditation, chiropractics, massage, dietary changes, and homeopathy are just a few of the many methods you can use to manage pain effectively without relying on prescription drugs. Finding alternatives will not only help your physical body, but will also help you connect to yourself and be more mindful of what you need to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle.

If you have been using painkillers like NSAIDs since a long time, this info graphic may give you enough food for thought to help you make a switch to other methods of pain management and treatment.

Aconite, Chamomilla, and Coffea are just 3 out of 100s of homeopathic remedies that can be used to manage both acute and chronic pain. Contact your homeopath to find out which remedy is best suited for you!

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs may offer temporary relief for chronic pain, but this comes with a list of side effects ranging from gastrointestinal problems to cardiovascular problems and premature death. Learn the painful truth about these painkillers by checking out this infographic on NSAIDs. Use the embed code to share it on your website or visit our infographic page for the high-res version.

<img src="http://media.mercola.com/assets/images/infographic/nsaids.jpg" alt="NSAIDS " border="0" style="max-width:100%; min-width:300px; margin: 0 auto 20px auto; display:block;"><p style="max-width:800px; min-width:300px; margin:0 auto; text-align:center;">Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or <a href="http://www.mercola.com/infographics/nsaids.htm">NSAIDs</a> may offer temporary relief for chronic pain, but this comes with a list of side effects ranging from gastrointestinal problems to cardiovascular problems and premature death. Learn the painful truth about these painkillers by checking out this infographic on NSAIDs. Visit our infographic page for the high-res version.</p>

NIH-funded Study: Infants Exposed to Dirt and Germs Have Lesser Risk of Asthma and Allergy

A recent study funded by National Institutes of Health in Maryland, USA, shows that infants who were exposed to household bacteria or allergens early in life (within the first year of birth) showed lesser risk of developing asthma and allergies later in life. 

I have already explained how this works in my previous post on The Rapidly Increasing Immune System Disorders and also in this post about How to Improve Your Immunity.

Asthma and allergies are both very common immune system disorders. They are becoming more and more prevalent at a rapid rate.

It is commonly thought that newborns need to be kept in 100% germ-free environments and anti-bacterial products are used extensively to maintain this. The recent results of the NIH study just show us how badly our war against bacteria is affecting our future generations. 

A reasonable level of sanitation is required to prevent the proliferation of bad bacteria; however, wiping out all bacteria from our surrounding environment will have negative consequences for our health and that of our future generations. Maintaining a bacterially sterile environment should remain in the domain of healthcare facilities like hospitals and the offices of medical providers, not in our homes where we eat and sleep and spend most of our time. While medical science still does not fully understand how immune system disorders are caused, we now know that some exposure to household germs is definitely good for our health.

An excerpt from the published study report:

A report on the study, published on June 6 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, reveals that early exposure to bacteria and certain allergens may have a protective effect by shaping children’s immune responses — a finding that researchers say may help inform preventive strategies for allergies and wheezing, both precursors to asthma.

“What this tells us is that not only are many of our immune responses shaped in the first year of life, but also that certain bacteria and allergens play an important role in stimulating and training the immune system to behave a certain way.”

Asthma is one of the most common pediatric illnesses, affecting some 7 million children in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By the time they turn 3, up to half of all children develop wheezing, which in many cases evolves into full-blown asthma.

You can read the full report on the Johns Hopkins website by clicking on this link.

Sprouted lentils

Sprouts are so easy to make in summer! In today's post, I'm going to share how I make them.

Lentils are an excellent source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble fiber. They are inexpensive, nutritious, and extremely versatile!

Compared to other legumes and dried beans, lentils are easier to cook and digest. They can be cooked on the stove top in 20-30 minutes or in a pressure cooker within 15 minutes. 

Soaking and sprouting removes some of the enzyme inhibitors that nuts, legumes, and beans naturally contain. This makes them easier to digest and absorb optimal nutrition. Sprouts also contain a large amount of vitamin C, which is not available in dried lentils or beans. Sprouted lentils can be added to salads or stir fries, or cooked to make dal, soups, or stews.

How to make sprouted lentils:

1. Wash the whole lentils and cover with cold water until they are completely under water.  
2. After 4-6 hours, check the water level and add more water if required.
3. Once all the lentils have softened (usually 6-8 hours), take the lentils in a sieve and drain all the water.  
4. Place the sieve on top of another container to collect any water drainage, and cover the lentils with a damp paper napkin or kitchen towel.  
5. Leave this on the counter top for a day or two. The lentils need air, water, and some light to be able to sprout.  
6. If the napkin or towel dries out, sprinkle some water on it to dampen it a little bit. You should see sprouts within 24 hours. The longer you leave them, the longer the sprouts will get. 
7. Eat immediately or store in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 1 week.

The photo is of sprouted whole red lentils, or masoor dal, on day 2 of sprouting. These are our most favorite kind of sprouts. We also sprout whole moong, red kidney beans, chickpeas, and fenugreek seeds.

Sprouts are fun to make, fresh, full of nutrients, and filling! How do you use sprouts?



Photo belongs to the owner of the blog. Please do not use it without permission.

We're back!

The blog is back up and running today after a long gap. We had some issues that have been hopefully sorted out permanently now. I'm looking forward to sharing more Whole Health Medicine with all of you!

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How to Avoid Frequent Upper Respiratory Illnesses

Throughout this season, cold dry weather causes excessive dryness of the throat and nasal cavity, and the dry air from your heater saps the humidity within your home. While the popular belief is that lowered temperatures cause frequent upper respiratory illnesses like the common cold and flu, the lowered humidity plays a big part. 

The throat and nasal cavity are lined by mucus membrane, that releases mucous, which keeps them moist. The mucous also contains some antiseptic enzymes and antibodies which either kill micro-organisms upon contact or activate the immune system to act against them, respectively. 

Dry air causes the throat and nasal cavity to dry out, and most of us make matters worse by drinking less water, resulting in dehydration and therefore less production of mucus. All of these literally open the doors to viruses and micro-organisms into your body, and that is the foremost reason for the increase in upper respiratory illnesses in winter.

Keep yourself and your family healthy this season by following these rules:

1.  Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Remind yourself to take a sip here and there. 
2.  Maintain the level of humidity in your home at 25-40% by running a humidifier. 
3.  To keep your nasal cavity moist, use a saline nasal spray when you are outdoors. 
4.  Avoid turning the thermostat up in your home (you also save a lot of energy!). 
5.  We all know this rule, but it can never be repeated enough - always eat a healthy and wholesome diet, stay away from junk food, get enough exercise, and use homeopathy!

Stay warm, and stay healthy!

Monday Health Tip - Garlic & Flax seed Chutney powder

It's time again to talk about staying healthy with nutritious food! As the season changes to cold and we acclimatize our bodies, it is important to include in our diet foods that help us to stay healthy. Garlic has historically been used in medicine as an antimicrobial for preventing infections, treating digestive disorders, and lowering blood pressure. The fact that it is found around the world shows its popularity. Garlic is such a powerful herb that everyone should use it all through the year. In this post, I'm sharing a very nutritious recipe that uses garlic and flax seeds - garlic and flax seed chutney powder.

Chutney powders are a convenient side dish used in South India as an accompaniment for breakfast dishes like dosa and idli. Most chutney powders contain split white urad dal (black gram or matpe bean), coconut, dry tamarind, and dry red chillies, in varying proportions. These ingredients form the base of the chutney powder and the main ingredient may be any kind of dal or seed. Every household has its own traditional recipe for chutney powder. Some recipes use garlic, some don't. Some use additional ingredients like peanuts or curry leaves. 

Chutney powders are a simple way to include extra protein or essential nutrients in the diet. Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially in plant-based diets. I have already written about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in this post. Now let's look at the recipe!

Ingredients:

Flax seeds, whole - 1/2 cup
Dry coconut, grated - 1/2 cup
Sesame seeds - 1/4 cup
Dry red chillies - 3-4
Garlic, crushed - 15-20 cloves
Dry tamarind - 2 teaspoon
Oil - 1 teaspoon
Salt - to taste

Method:

Heat a pan and roast the flax seeds lightly, stir frequently and take care that they do not burn. Remove the flax seeds into a dish and then do the same with the sesame seeds, dry red chillies, and dry coconut. Let the coconut turn light brown. After the first 4 ingredients are done, take 1 tsp of oil in the same pan and fry the garlic until it turns light brown. The other ingredients should have cooled enough by now. Take everything in a coffee grinder or a small Indian grinder with salt and pulse a few times to get a coarse mixture. This should not be ground to a fine powder. Once cool, store it in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a month. Chutney powder is typically served with Indian breakfast dishes or with rice. You could also sprinkle this on yogurt or use as a garnish over other side dishes. Mix it with a little yogurt to make a spicy dip. There are lots of ways to enjoy this chutney powder!

Tips:

1. Chutney powders are typically coarse and have some texture. However, they can be ground fine if you prefer. 

2. Adding peanuts will give this powder a different taste. If you like peanuts and would like to experiment with them in this recipe, dry roast the peanuts and grind along with the other ingredients. Do not grind them too fine as
peanuts release oil and can make the dish pasty.

Homeopathy for Flu - An update

It's that time of the year again... the weather is getting colder and we're preparing ourselves for the winter.

Here's an old post that I wrote about how to tackle the flu with homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy for flu

Homeopathic remedies work very well for flu, but the list of remedies in the linked article is just an illustration of how homeopathy can be used when you have the flu. It is always a good idea to consult a homeopathic practitioner for advice on what remedy would suit you the best and how to take it.

Stay warm! And stay healthy, with homeopathy!

Homeopathy for the Mind

October 10 is World Mental Health Day

Mental health is an important part of all round well being. In today's fast-paced lifestyle, in spite of all the advances in technology and modern-day conveniences, anxiety disorders, stress-related illnesses, panic attacks, PTSD, and depression are commonly seen in populations around the world.  

Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. (Source - WHO). It is not merely the absence of mental disorder(s). Many factors contribute to mental health, including, but not limited to socio-economic, biological, work- or family-related stress, and unhealthy lifestyle.

Homeopathy has always given importance to mental health and homeopathic case taking requires inquiry into symptoms of the mind in all cases of chronic illness, and sometimes in acute illnesses too. The reason for this inquiry is the principles of homeopathy that say that the body, mind, and vital energy are all connected and affect one another. It is only recently that modern medicine has accepted the body-mind connection and opened up new departments for 'psychosomatic medicine' and 'integrated medicine'.

Let's look at some homeopathic remedies that are commonly used in maintaining mental health.

A woman came to me with great anxiety and palpitations of the heart. She had an intense liking for sugar and all things sweet. She was an impulsive person by nature. She was relieved of her anxiety after taking Argentum nitricum.  

Arsenicum album is recommended for persons who are extremely anxious about their health, and about maintaining order in their surroundings (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). The saying 'A place for every thing and everything in its place' might have been written for an Arsenicum person. 

Someone who needs Gelsimium experiences muscular weakness along with anxiety. The person is sensitive to sunlight and often has headaches. 

Children who are emotionally affected by life's transitions by becoming clingy and insecure may need Pulsatilla. They feel better by being comforted.

Someone who needs Aurum metallicum is depressed to the extent of having suicidal thoughts; while someone who has many fears, including fear of death, may need Aconite. 

Hyoscyamus and Stramonium are indicated in different forms of mania, as is Belladonna.

Natrum muriaticum and Ignatia may be indicated for women with hormonal disturbances and emotional issues. A woman who had become depressed and indifferent towards life felt better after taking Sepia.

A person who has had failures at work and losses in business may need Bryonia or Lycopodium. There was the case of a man who worked hard and partied harder, pushing himself and his body to do more and more until he became irritable and angry with everything in life. His need for alcohol and caffeine reduced and he felt less stressed after taking Nux vomica. 

A student who was very shy, nervous, and couldn't concentrate on his studies just before his exams was helped by Silicea. He became more confident and did not dread his work any more.

These are just a handful remedies that I have named to illustrate how homeopathic remedies are used for symptoms of the mind. Virtually any remedy from the homeopathic materia medica (the manual of homeopathic remedies) can be used, as long as it best suits the person who it is given to. I cannot name the whole list of remedies here since the materia medica contains more than 3000 remedies!

It is important to remember that homeopathic remedies are given based on the individuality of each person and not on the name of a disease. Each person is unique and even though two people may appear to be affected by the same kind of illness, their symptoms will always differ. 

For example, depression may present as excessive eating, increased sleep, and intolerance to cold in one person; whereas it may present as decreased appetite and sleep, and intolerance to heat/sunlight in another person. While modern medicine gives pertinence to the name of the disease (the diagnosis), homeopathy only considers the person presenting with signs and symptoms. Therefore, even though two people have the same disease diagnosis, their homeopathic remedies may be different based on their own unique symptoms. 

Research has concluded that homeopathy can immensely help people who are troubled with anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental illnesses. As is obvious, it is imperative that the practitioner recognize signs of psychosis or suicidal tendencies and integrate other methods of treatment along with homeopathy. 

For the management of daily stress and the mental symptoms that arise due to tough life situations, homeopathic remedies can greatly help!


 

Good Posture for Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, watch your posture! Good posture is extremely important for good health. The correct posture not only maintains digestive health, but also helps to build the core abdominal muscles, as well as the back and shoulders.

To know whether you have the correct posture, stand in front of a mirror. Stand up straight, chin up, chest out, stomach in, and shoulders held back. If you draw an imaginary line connecting your ears, shoulders, and hips, they should all fall in the same straight line. Your spine will form a natural S-shape. If you are not used to it, you might feel a little awkward or stiff in the beginning. But keep practicing the correct posture and you will definitely feel good. Practice the same posture when sitting down. Sit with a straight spine, stomach tucked in, and chest out.

Many people go for a walk for exercise, but they ignore their posture when walking. Just walking around will give your heart some exercise, but walking with the correct posture will give all the large muscles in your body a good workout. 

Standing straight will strengthen your lower back. Your body weight will be more evenly distributed and this posture will lift some weight off the lower back. Bad posture is a very common cause of lumbo-sacral (lower back) pain as well as cervical (neck) pain.

Tucking in your abdominal muscles with strengthen them, making them tighter. The more muscles you are able to build in your belly region, the more fat you will eliminate. Just maintaining good posture will help you get started.

Holding your shoulders back will strengthen the muscles of your upper back and neck, which bear the brunt of most of the work you do everyday with your arms. 

To practice:

1. Stand straight against a wall with the back of your head, your shoulders, and your bottom just touching the wall. 
2. Practice walking with a book on your head. This not only helps to improve your balance, but also your posture because you need to stand up straight. Any amount of slouching will make the book fall off. 
3. When you are sitting, imagine a string is attached to your head and pulls you up whenever you slouch.

Did you know that with good posture, comes balance? That is because your body weight is evenly distributed, as I explained earlier. If you play sports that involve balance, like skating, posture is extremely important.

More Tips:

- If you experience back pain or body aches when you practice sitting or standing straight, it might be just your body getting used to the new posture, or because you tighten your muscles too much. Try to relax when doing it and concentrate on keeping your spine straight. Your muscles will follow on their own.
-  Practice yoga. The cat and cow poses are used alternately to strengthen abdominal and back muscles. Padmasana or the lotus pose is very useful in maintaining posture.
- If you have had bad posture for a long time, it will take a while for your body to get used to a new alignment. Have patience and keep practicing. 

Keep your chin up, and take the first step towards a healthier weight!

Monday Health Tip - Fermented Salsa

If you like salsa, you must make this recipe of fermented salsa! Anyone who likes real salsa knows the difference between the store-bought and the fresh versions. The store-bought salsa is nearly devoid of all nutrients because it is pasteurized. It contains too much sodium and other preservatives that increase the shelf life of the product. Fresh salsa is a great way to include an extra serving of vegetables in the diet without consuming artificial and chemical preservatives. It provides minerals, an extra dose of vitamin C and fiber. 

Benefits of lacto-fermented foods:

• Provide beneficial microorganisms that are important for gut health and immunity. We know that probiotics are so important in our diet for gut health and good absorption. 
• Lacto-fermented salsa is a fun way to include more probiotics in your diet, and also kid-friendly. 
• The amount of beneficial microorganisms in lacto-fermented foods like homemade yogurt and condiments is far more than those in store-bought products. 
• Lacto-fermentation is also a great way to preserve vegetables as condiments and increase their health value. 
• It's also unbelievably easy and cost-effective!

The recipe is basic and uses tomatoes, onions, garlic, hot chilli peppers, cilantro, salt, and whey or yogurt.
  
The recipe:

4 medium tomatoes, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped fine (you can use more or less as you like)
1/2 onion, chopped (I used white because I didn't want the salsa colored red. Use whichever type of onion you prefer.)
5-6 sprigs of cilantro, chopped with stems
2 Thai chillies, chopped, with seeds
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp homemade yogurt
Non-chlorinated water to fill the container (about 1 cup)

Take all the ingredients except water in a wide-mouthed clean glass jar that has an air-tight lid. Mix well to blend the flavors. If the liquid from the vegetables is not enough to cover the vegetables, add the water slowly so that it covers the salsa, leaving at least 2 inches space from the top of the jar. Check for saltiness with a clean spoon. The salt should be just right, according to your taste, but it should not be overly salty. Adjust the salt if required, then cover with the air-tight lid and let the jar sit in a cool dark place for 2 days. You can leave it on your counter or put it in a cabinet. Just don't forget it if you put it in a cabinet! 

After a day, check to see the fermentation. You may be able to see little bubbles forming at the bottom of the jar and rising to the top. If you don't, then leave the jar for another day. If the temperature is warm enough, the level of fermentation might cause the jar to leak. At this point, or when you see little bubbles inside the jar, you can move the jar to the back of the fridge to control the speed of fermentation. It usually takes 2 days at 70F for the fermentation to start after which you can keep the jar in the fridge. In general, fermented foods last for months as long as they are stored well in the fridge.

You might be wondering how the salsa tastes after being fermented this way. It develops a sourness from the lactic acid that is released from the beneficial bacteria that are present in the yogurt culture. The longer you keep the salsa, the sourer it gets. The level of sourness also depends on how much culture you use and the temperature it is stored at, but the taste is not much different from fresh salsa that uses lemon or lime juice for sourness.

Some tips:

• Watch for mold. This is the only thing you need to be careful of when making any fermented foods. If the beneficial bacteria is not active, it is easier for other organisms like mold to grow. I would not consume salsa that has grown mold. To prevent mold growth, make sure you use a good active culture. Use clean vegetables and utensils and cover the vegetables in the jar with water. 
• Use non-chlorinated water. Chlorinated water does not allow beneficial bacteria to grow. 
• If you find your jar leaking, remove the lid and let some of the gases escape. Cover again, shutting the lid tight. 
• You can use more or less of any vegetable you like. Bell peppers, cilantro, extra garlic or chillies, cauliflower - you can use whatever you have on hand. 
• Instead of yogurt, you can use the whey that floats on top of most homemade or organic yogurts.

It is so easy to add this salsa to any of your food, whether breakfast or a healthy snack. Tasty, easy, economical, and beneficial - it's an excellent way to consume probiotics.