Kitchari Myths and the Truth About Its Ingredients

“Kitchari is a nutritious Indian dish consisting of rice and lentils or occasionally mung beans. Highly favored by Ayurvedic practitioners, Kitchari is an ideal dish for purifying the body. It is also comforting when you are not feeling well or bouncing back from overindulgence. Kitchari is unique because it provides both a cleansing and nourishing effect on the body. It is easily digestible, giving your body a chance to rest, assisting in removing toxins from the body and improving the health of the digestive system. Lentils and beans are rich in protein, which can help prevent hunger and reduce fat storage in the body. Kitchari is nourishing and helps keep you satisfied, making it easier to stay committed to the cleanse without feeling hungry. ”   The notion that I have described above is what I have found in Google elaborating all the benefits of Kitchari, but there are some quick facts that I would like to share related to this concept.   Kitchari is the most famous and hyped Ayurvedic Food on the internet. It is a typical Indian lunch dish.   Ayurveda is much more than a Kitchari! There are so many fantastic recipes (I will introduce a few in my future posts) in Ayurveda; why only Kitchari? The fact is, most Kitchari recipes I have come across on the internet and in many Western Ayurvedic cookbooks are totally wrong.    So why is Kitchari, not the real Kitchari?   Firstly, the name itself is wrong! Sanskrit name (Ayurvedic texts): Krsara Indian name (Hindi): Khichdi Internet name: Kitchari (Who named this?)   During my six years in Ayurveda College, I did not have Wi-Fi. I had no access to the outside world. Once I came to Dubai and started reading up things online, I had a revelation – Kichari is synonymous with Ayurveda! Whoever talks about Ayurvedic food talks about the dish!   I had to literally go back to my textbooks to see if I missed something so important! I just realized that’s how the Ayurvedic internet world works and also went through a few Western Ayurvedic books – they also mention the same Kitchari but got all that wrong!   First, it is not made with Basmati Rice (Basmati rice is the most inferior quality of rice according to Ayurveda)   Also, it is not made with coconut oil (Coconut oil is heavy, cold, and difficult to digest).    The new-age Kitchari is heavy and hard to digest, while the real Ayurvedic one is totally digestible, light, and suitable for all Doshas, especially Vata! It is excellent as a mono diet for detoxification, too!    The recipe   This is the (Real) recipe for preparing Kitchari.   Ingredients 12 parts unbroken Sona Masoori rice Eight parts mung beans, a.k.a green gram (soaked) Asafoetida Fresh ginger Ghee Salt to taste   How to prepare: Cook rice and soaked mung beans in water till it comes to a dry oatmeal consistency. In a pan, add one tablespoon of ghee, fresh ginger, asafoetida and turmeric. Add a little salt to taste if you wish, and add to the cooked rice beans mix. That’s it! Simple. Light. Digestive!   Kitchari is one of the most delicious and healthy foods for the diet, but you should focus on preparing it with the correct ingredients and cooking methods. I can name you the most famous western Ayurvedic author, giving Kitchari recipe with Basmati rice and coconut oil, making it totally wrong!! Try to learn and practice Ayurveda directly from authentic Ayurvedic textbooks written by Vagbhata, Caraka, or Susrutha. Trust me, your eyes will open to a whole new world!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Is Brahmi good for kids’ brain development?

Bacopa monnieri is a plant that thrives in moist environments found in various regions around the globe. It goes by names like water hyssop, Brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, and is employed in traditional Ayurvedic practices. It has a mild odour, and the plant’s foliage is dense, elongated and full of moisture that measures between 4 and 6 millimeters in width.   The leaves are elongated with a broader tip; furthermore, they are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. The flowers are small and white, each with four to five petals that are of the same shape. It can thrive in slightly saline water as well, and cuttings often propagate plants.   After discussing all the characteristics of Brahmi, let’s move on to understand its medical effects on kids.  Is Brahmi good for children? Brahmi is one of the very potent Ayurvedic medicines or supplements that you can give to your kids to improve their memory, intellect, and brain power or retain power. The best time to consume it is the night after you have dinner. Just one teaspoon or less than a teaspoon is fine.   If the baby is having more heat issues and digestive issues, try to reduce the dosage to a quarter teaspoon every night, but don’t give it for more than two months.    Personally, I am not in favour of medicines and supplements for kids. I strongly believe in the power of food as medicine. If your baby eats light digestive food and has good Agni, they don’t require supplements as the body will be able to absorb nutrients well from the food itself.   There was so much discussion recently about Swarnaprashana. But I don’t recommend as there are stringent protocols, dosages and purification processes to be followed to make it safe for babies – giving gold to babies is no joke. Imagine, therefore, how much the tender liver, kidneys, etc., need to work to detoxify it.  Never give it without consultation from an Ayurvedic doctor. Brahmi Ghrita is a much, much, much safer herbal medicine for boosting brain functions in kids. This is way better than giving metal-based heavy drugs (even if it has gold) to kids.    Make sure you give half a glass of warm milk or warm water after you give Brahmi ghee!   You can buy Brahmi Ghrita from any of the Kerala-based brands like Vaidyaratnam, Sitaram or Kerala Ayurveda. If you are outside India, you may, for instance, find it on Distacart.   People have utilized Brahmi, a powerful plant, for many years to enhance brain function and memory retention. It can also boost the immune system, reduce children’s anxiety and stress, and improve their ability to concentrate. Including Brahmi in your child’s meals can promote better health and well-being.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Hypothyroidism Diet : Ayurvedic Recipe for Thyroid Balance

Do you have hypothyroidism ?    If yes, then this Ayurvedic recipe is for you!   You can include this Ayurvedic recipe for hypothyroidism in your everyday diet to get better effects. The main essence of the recipe is Moringa or Shigro. Drumsticks and the fresh leaves are the main ingredients of the recipe.    Moringa, the superhero plant, is packed with nutrients. It’s like a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and some compounds that might have anti-inflammatory properties. People in various cultures have traditionally used Moringa to boost energy and enhance overall health. The moringa plant grows in both Asia and Africa.  Another name for it is the “miracle tree” or “drumstick tree.” Its rise in popularity can be attributed to its positive impact on health; moreover, it is also due to its nutrient-rich composition   The recipe   Ingredients:    Washed fresh drumstick leaves (3 bunches around 500 g) Ghee/ coconut oil – 1 tablespoon Mustard seeds – 1/4 teaspoon Cumin seeds – 1/4 teaspoon Grated coconut – quarter to half cup Onion – 1 small Garlic – 3 one-inch piece Turmeric – 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder – 1/2 tablespoon Curry leaves – 5 Whole green chilly split – 2   Method of preparation:   First, wash fresh drumstick leaves, and then squeeze the water off completely. Finely chop them and place it over a clean cloth to absorb water else; the dish will turn mushy if there is water content in it. In a blender, add grated coconut, garlic, cumin, turmeric, and red chilly powder and make a coarse paste. In a pan, on medium flame, add ghee. To this, splutter mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions, and then add the leaves and saute. Once the leaves soften, add the coconut paste prepared earlier. First, add salt; then, cover, and finally, cook for 10-15 minutes on a low flame You can have this as a side dish with rice.   Moringa is beneficial for hypothyroidism, but it should be noted that this ayurvedic recipe cannot provide a complete cure for hypothyroidism.   However, hypothyroidism can be reversed with dietary and lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic medicines. You won’t have to depend on thyroid medicines any more!    If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Multitask in Ayurveda’s P.O.V

Multitask involves performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Many individuals believe that multitasking is a display of intelligence and should be practised for maintaining brain health. but can your mind really multitask?   The truth is that our brains are not built to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.   We focus on doing one thing at a time and giving it our complete attention. Our brains rapidly switch between various tasks when we engage in multitasking. The ever-shifting aspects of life stimulate our mental faculties, leading to exhaustion and reducing the efficiency of the brain. It becomes challenging for us to focus on a single task, even when we’re not juggling multiple tasks.   Though it may seem that the mind is capable of doing many things at a time, it cannot. Instead the mind can switch tasks quickly and that happens one after the other.   Ayurveda’s take on multitask   Kudos to modern science for discovering this after the 1900s, but total respect to Ayurveda and Indian philosophy to have spoken some 5000 years ago!   Ayurveda says that the mind has a quality know as “ekatwam” or oneness. The mind is only one. The mind can do only one job at a time. Think of seeing food in front of you. You see, hear, smell and taste the food. You feel the mind is into all of these thoughts at the same time. It is not. The mind is not invested in multiple things at a time, even if we feel it is.   Ayurveda quotes an interesting maxim for this – ‘Utpala satadala suchivedha nyayam.’   When a needle is pierced quickly through a hundred lotus petals arranged one over the other, it may seem the needle pieces all 100 petals simultaneously, but in reality, it makes piercing one after the other. The mind is like the needle here. Impressions happen one after the other.   So stop believing that your mind can multitask. Instead of doing many different things at a time, like having a coffee while typing on a laptop or talking on the phone to the boss, try to do one task at a time so that all your attention goes into one task, which means increased productivity!   Health effects of multitasking   Multitasking can lead to increased stress and elevated blood pressure and heart rate. It can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. If your high blood pressure persists over time, it can have adverse effects on your brain, increasing the likelihood of cognitive problems.   According to Ayurveda, multitasking upsets Vata, the element that controls flow and movement. When we don’t let our minds focus on one activity at a time, we continuously disrupt our attention.  Among other symptoms, anxiety, disarray, overstimulation, and trouble sleeping are signs that Vata is out of balance. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on giving crucial chores your whole, focused attention—yes, even eating. Ayurveda holds that we cannot perform two attentive actions at once. For example, we cannot drive and chat on the phone at the same time since doing so puts us at risk of an accident because both tasks require our mental focus. So, yes, your mind can multitask. But it does not fit your mental health.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Ayurvedic treatment and its truth

When you think of Ayurvedic treatment , the first thing that comes to mind is Panchakarma and body massage. What if I tell you it is because your mind has been tuned to think so, thanks to the commercialized version of Ayurveda you often see in the various forms of marketing.  Do not believe in a friend, uncle, aunt or an Ayurvedic doctor who tells you ” Got skin issues, bone & muscular issues, chronic diseases, or just random headaches? Head to an Ayurvedic center, enroll yourself, and undergo a 15-day Panchakarma & body massages!”   That’s not “real” Ayurveda; that’s more of “commercial” Ayurveda!     The truth about Ayurvedic treatment     The truth is Ayurveda treatment is much more than Panchakarma and body massages. A few diseases may need Panchakarma first, but that’s only in “a few” of the diseases. For the rest, it is only the last line of treatment. Ayurvedic treatment for most diseases is about treating the root cause through dietary and lifestyle and medicines, if required. If the patient’s condition does not subside, the doctor may advise panchakarma. Panchakarma is all about detoxifying your body, i.e., removing the toxins (Ama) accumulated in your body. It is just one of the many parts of Ayurveda treatment. Unless you address the root cause of your health condition, panchakarma is really of no use.   Why I do not support “commercialized” Ayurveda   This is my own story and experience.  Before starting my practice, I worked in 2 clinics in Dubai and one in Kerala. In all these three clinics, I have been asked by the management to prescribe mandatory body treatments and Panchakarma for every single patient, whether the patient needed it or not. They offered me decent commissions for every treatment I prescribed. This was totally beyond my ethics of practicing Ayurveda, and I never lasted long in any of these places. From the point of view of the clinic, it was more commercially viable for them when they looked at their fixed and variable costs – the cost of rent of the facility, the salary of therapists, the medicines used for body treatments, the licenses, etc. However, that is not authentic Ayurveda. Ayurveda is all about understanding the patient in and out. It includes understanding their body constitution (Prakriti), lifestyle, health conditions and prescribing a treatment plan that is best suited for them. If it does not get better, you can try body treatments. If you have a disease, do not jump into getting admitted and doing panchakarma and body treatments.  First, consult an authentic Ayurvedic doctor who will help figure out the root cause of your health condition and offer you a personalized treatment plan that involves dietary and lifestyle changes and medicines, if needed. They’d recommend Panchakarma if it’s absolutely necessary.   Choose “real” Ayurveda   Certain conditions require panchakarma, and it is vital. However, today, people misuse it to the extent that every disease treatment begins and ends with panchakarma and body treatments. I never lasted long in any of these clinics as I would not change a bit from my ideologies and ethics of practicing a system in which I have invested my whole life in. That was the triggering point to not depend on any clinic and start my own. I know I am talking about a billion-dollar industry, but it is what it is. Let us bring back real Ayurveda treatment !   Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Dark Neck & Underarm Creams

Are you looking for the best cream for treating dark neck and underarms? The answer is there isn’t any! You could attribute the darkness on your neck to several causes. Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker in colour. If the doctor discovers that hormones are not the cause of the skin colour changes, excessive sun exposure and poor hygiene could be potential factors.  Hyperpigmentation, the velvety patches on the folds and creases of the skin like neck, armpits, groin, etc. is called Acanthosis Nigricans (AN).    What could be the possible reasons for Acanthosis Nigricans ?   Diabetes Acanthosis Nigricans commonly signifies that your body is generating an excess of insulin that it cannot utilize efficiently. Increasing amounts of insulin can lead to a dark patch on the skin. This is called insulin resistance.   PCOS Women with PCOS frequently develop dark spots in areas of the body where there is rubbing or friction, such as the neck, underarms, and inner thighs.   Obesity (most common) Acanthosis Nigricans is associated with obesity and affects the skin. Over half of adults who are double their ideal body weight suffer from this condition.   Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism can alter the condition of your skin, hair, and nails. It may also result in skin issues like vitiligo, melasma, alopecia areata, and xanthelasma palpebrarum. Additionally, these conditions can lead to further complications, and consequently, individuals may experience a range of symptoms.   Prolonged use of birth control pills Prolonged use of contraceptive pills can result in the formation of hyperpigmentation in areas like the armpits and skin folds.    Continuous use of steroids like Prednisolone, etc. The individual experienced the development of thickened, darkened skin in the groin, armpits, and neck following eight years of steroid treatment for dermatomyositis.   No creams or peels can cure Acanthosis Nigricans  completely. They can only lighten it a little temporarily; however, they can never cure it! Therefore, despite their efforts, the underlying issue remains unresolved.  Only internal treatment can cure Acanthosis Nigricans.   What to do when you notice you have Acanthosis Nigricans ?   First, do a complete bloodwork/hormonal picture; then, consult an Ayurvedic doctor; and finally, find and treat the root cause.  If you have PCOS or diabetes, treat it. And if you are obese, lose weight.   If any doctor tells you he/she can cure Acanthosis Nigricans completely with skin treatments, and you believe it, then be ready to lose all your money.   If you’re looking for the best cream for treating dark neck and underarms, you’ll be disappointed. The condition is Acanthosis Nigricans, which might be related to some underlying health issues that you already have. If you notice AN, consider consulting a doctor and comprehend the root cause because every problem has its own set of solutions.    Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Cooking Oil Health Facts

Cooking oil is a common ingredient found in our kitchens and is used in many of our favourite recipes. Each kind of oil is usually named after the part of the plant it comes from, like a nut or seed. The type of fat it contains the most commonly defines it.   Some oils are more suitable for high-heat cooking as they transform when heated. As we fry food, the oil temperature increases and combines with humidity and air. This leads to chemical processes that alter the oil and impact its flavour. Considering how the oil was manufactured is essential because it can affect its cooking performance and nutritional value.   Ayurvedic Perspective   There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anything in Ayurveda and this applies to cooking oil as well. Choose cooking oil based on dosha imbalances and the health of the individual.   Sesame oil Due to its qualities like sharpness (Tikshna) and penetrating (Sookshma), it is the best oil for the absorption of nutrients. It also helps sharpen your Agni.   Mustard oil Mustard oil is a highly heating oil. It is advisable to avoid using mustard oil entirely if you have psoriasis, eczema and other diseases that lead to flare-ups. However, it is suitable for people with diabetes.   Coconut oil If you exercise a lot and get exhausted quickly, use coconut oil.  This cooling oil suits people with gastric issues but is not the best if you are trying to lose weight.   Ghee Ghee is the best when used at medium temperature. It enhances digestion and also nourishes,  rejuvenates and replenishes the blood, muscles, bones and reproductive tissues. However, go easy on ghee if you have extreme indigestion and liver diseases.   Peanut oil If your digestion is on point, you can consume peanut oil. It can be Vata aggravating, so if you have issues like malabsorption or sluggish digestion, it is better to reduce until the digestion becomes normal.   Refined vegetable oils Canola oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil all highly process and unsuitable for consumption.   The Samhitas do not mention olive oil because it is not native to India.   According to Ayurveda, if something is Satmya (favourable by habit), it won’t cause any disturbance in your body. However, it does not work in the case of oils.  If you grew up consuming refined oils,  then that’s not helpful. It may have become favourable by habit for you, but let’s not repeat the same mistake for the next generation!    Oil is essential for cooking, but the mandatory point is to choose the wise option among all. Choosing the best oil depends on your Dosha imbalances and health. So, weighing all the positive and negative effects and moving on with the correct option is critical.    Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Conceive with Care : The Ayurvedic Essentials to Get Pregnant

Embarking on the journey to conceive is an extraordinary and hopeful chapter in many people’s lives.  According to Ayurveda, there are, in fact, 4 essentials (Garbhasambhava Samagri) for conception.  Whether you are just starting or have been on this path for a while, understanding these essentials can make the journey smoother.    The essentials to Conceive   Ayurveda lists out few essentials that are necessary for conception.     Fertile period (Garbhasaya Ritu)  From the 14th to the 16th day of menstruation, after bleeding stops, this period is, in fact, called Ritu Kala.  This is fertile phase of your monthly cycle and is therefore, very crucial.  It is the right time for conception.  The uterus (Kshetra)  A healthy, disease-free uterus is ideal for conception; furthermore, the uterus is home for the growing embryo. If there is any disease of the uterus, treat it before conception.    Nourishment (Ambu)  When food digests, Rasa Dhathu is formed. Its main function is Preenana or nourishment.  A growing foetus, consequently, receives nourishment from the mother’s Rasa Dhathu.  Hence mother’s nutrition is extremely important.     The gametes (Beeja)  Beeja means seeds. Specifically, it denotes the sperm (Shukla) and, on the other hand, the ovum (Artava).  It is said that, ultimately, the quality of the seedling depends on, in fact, the quality of the seeds.  The best way to improve the quality of Beeja is by following a healthy lifestyle and diet.    Tips to boost sperm health    Here are 5 simple ways by which you can boost sperm health:     Keep your laptops away from your lap  Keep your phones away from your pocket  Include cooling foods in your diet  Strictly avoid incompatible foods  Reduce stress and exercise more    Best foods for sexual health   You can also try the following foods to improve your libido and sexual health:  Pomegranate  Barley soup  Dates  Black gram soup with ghee and rock sugar  Moringa    If you are finding it difficult to conceive, remember, in fact, Ayurveda has  the  answers you seek for infertility. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor for guidance.     Furthermore, Ayurvedic treatment does not involve any painful procedures or strong medications.  It’s all about preparing your body by correcting the imbalances and administering Ayurvedic herbal combinations and formulations that enable natural conception.      Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Goat Milk Good for your health?

There are many discussions going on about whether the goat milk is good for your health or not. And one of the varieties of milk that is part of the debate is goat milk .   In this blog, let us find the answer to the question from the Ayurvedic perspective.   Properties of goat milk   Picture a goat in your mind—it is lean, always active, drinks lots of water and loves eating grass. Surprisingly, its milk also has similar properties. According to Ayurveda, consuming goat milk can help maintain a lean physique, enhance activity levels, boost strength, alleviate Kapha, and prove beneficial for conditions related to dryness and weakness   Ashtanga Hridayam Suthrasthana – an ancient Ayurvedic text mentions the following about goat milk.   Atyambupana vyayama katu tiktaashanair laghu।  ajam shosha jwara swasa rakta pitta atisarajit।।     This milk is beneficial for those who engage in excessive physical activity and consume a lot of water. It has a pungent or bitter taste, making it light and easily digestible. It is beneficial for conditions like emaciation, fever, and shortness of breath It also helps pacify conditions related to bleeding disorders (Rakta Pitta) and is effective in alleviating diarrhoea.   Goat milk for kids   Diluted goat milk with a lot of water is a good replacement for breast milk for babies. It also helps subside loose motions in babies and kids. But make sure that the milk is genuine.   As we navigate through the infinite number of debates surrounding milk consumption, the Ayurvedic perspective sheds light on the goodness of goat milk. It is a nourishing alternative even for babies. Our cultural practices, rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda, continue to shape our dietary choices.   Whenever a baby is born in my family, the first thing people look for is a good source of goat milk. If you ask my grandmother, she will say  it  has lots of  health benefits for kids. But she may not know the reason.   That is how Ayurveda has been interwoven in our culture. It is high time we are appreciative of our culture and Ayurveda. Let us go back to our roots. Are you with me? Do you have similar doubts regarding your child’s diet? Then join our child care program today! We’ll help you. You can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Ayurvedic practices I would never do as a doctor

Coming from a family of Ayurvedic practitioners, Ayurveda has always been a part of my life. But it took me years and a personal experience to cement my trust in Ayurveda. I’ve diligently followed Ayurvedic practices in every aspect of my life since then. That includes things I have to avoid.      Things I won’t do as an Ayurvedic doctor    As an Ayurvedic doctor, here are 5 practices I would never do:      Waking up late For many years, I have been waking up at 5 am – be it on a regular day, during weekends, or even when I am on vacation. My first consult starts at 6 am every day and I am proud to say my team who assists me in my morning consults are also early risers. Waking up early before sunrise is, in fact, the first Ayurvedic daily routine mentioned in the Samhitas. Additionally, this practice sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.    Sleeping after 6 am I don’t do day naps. Like I always say, day napping is not for all. It is a Kapha increasing and Vata decreasing activity. You shouldn’t day nap if you are overweight or obese, consume oily and fatty foods excessively or if you have any Kapha-related conditions like diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroidism, etc.       Having cold water/drinks/juices or raw salads Raw salads, cold drinks, cold juices, cold water – all of these are Vata increasing and make digestion sluggish. You cannot live an Ayurvedic life without, therefore, taking care of your Vata!    Oiling hair overnight Leaving hair oil overnight is a 100% no-no for me. This may be a “traditional practice” but it is not an Ayurvedic practice.  Leaving oil overnight, consequently, increases the mucous and accumulation in the body.    Shower after meals As the sun sets, digestion also sets down. Hence if you eat after sunset, chances are you will not be able to digest the food completely leading to Ama- toxic waste build-up in the body. Showering is a cold practice. Digestion needs a warm environment. These two do not go well with each other. I try to take a shower 1 hour before a meal and never after a meal. If I have to, I would, however, do it after the meal has been completely digested.   As an Ayurvedic doctor, these are some of the practices I often recommend to my patients to avoid. Following the above-mentioned practices has been helping me lead a healthy life.       What are the changes you have brought to your life after you started following me? Let me know in the comments ❤️   You can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.