Sleep Your Way to a Healthy Life

Adequate and restful sleep is critical for the body to heal and repair itself and lack of it can lead to many health problems. In this article, let us explore the importance of sleep for our health according to Ayurveda.   According to Ayurveda, proper sleep is essential for good health and well-being. In Ayurvedic philosophy, it is considered one of the three pillars of life; moreover, it stands alongside diet and lifestyle.   In Ayurveda, sleep is considered, in fact, a natural state of rest and, furthermore, rejuvenation.  According to Ayurvedic principles, the human body is composed of three Doshas or biophysical energies – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Each of these Doshas, therefore, has a unique influence on our sleep patterns and, its quality.    Ayurveda believes that a balanced Dosha system is necessary for good sleep.  An imbalance in any of the Doshas,  can lead to disturbances and, as a result, health problems.      Restful  Sleep, Stronger Health    Ayurveda acknowledges the importance of sleep for health and well-being. According to Ayurveda, there are a number of ways that getting enough sleep can be beneficial to our health:     Rest and rejuvenation  It is a natural state of rest and rejuvenation, and the body uses this time to repair and regenerate itself. During the process, the body produces growth hormones, which are essential for cell repair and tissue growth.    Immune system booster  It is also necessary for a strong immune system. The body creates cytokines , which are proteins that aid in the fight against stress, infection and inflammation.     Enhances cognitive function  Proper sleep is essential for cognitive function; moreover, it plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and learning. It is also essential for mood regulation and emotional balance.     Improves digestion  Adequate sleep is critical for good digestion and metabolism. It helps to regulate hormones that control appetite and digestion, and lack of it can lead to weight gain and metabolic imbalances.     Reduces inflammation  Cancer, diabetes and heart disease are just a few of the chronic health problems that inflammation in the body is a key cause of. Getting enough sleep is essential for reducing body inflammation.       Ayurvedic tips for Better Sleep   Furthermore, Ayurveda offers many natural remedies and lifestyle practices for improving its quality.  Here are some Ayurvedic tips: Have a consistent schedule  Even on weekends, Ayurveda, therefore, advises maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Better, it is encouraged furthermore, the body’s natural cycle is helped to be regulated.     Create a relaxing  environment  A dark, quiet and cool environment is  ideal.  Avoid bright lights and loud noises in the bedroom; furthermore, keep the temperature cool and comfortable.    Practice relaxation techniques  Ayurveda recommends relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga for reducing stress and promoting better sleep.    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.

Are flax seeds really healthy?

The internet nowadays promotes flax seeds as one of the superfoods. Many sources claim that flax seeds are healthy and packed with nutrients.    But are these tiny seeds really worth the hype?   Let us see.      Ayurveda’s take on flax seeds     According to Ayurveda, flax seeds have a cooling property. This can disturb the balance of the digestive fire (Agni). This cooling effect can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating, gas and constipation. The oily nature of these seeds can also aggravate Kapha Dosha. This can lead to excess mucus production, congestion and sluggishness.    Flax seeds may also disrupt the body’s normal hormonal balance, especially in women, according to Ayurveda. Flax seeds contain lignans, which are phytoestrogens that mimic the action of estrogen in the body. Consuming them might further imbalance hormone levels in women who already have high estrogen levels, which can result in irregular menstruation, sore breasts and other problems.     Ayurveda also advises against consuming flax seeds due to their potential for toxicity. While they are generally safe for most people to consume, they contain a compound called cyanogenic glycosides, which can be converted to cyanide in the body under certain conditions. While this conversion is unlikely to occur in normal consumption, it can happen if they are improperly prepared or consumed in large amounts.    In short, flax seeds are not as healthy as they seem to be. According to Ayurveda, they are cooling and oily, have detrimental effects on the Doshas, can cause hormone imbalances, detrimental effects on the mind, and potential for toxicity. Alternatively, Ayurveda advises consuming seeds like sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds that are better at balancing Doshas.    Rather than focusing on certain foods or nutrients, Ayurveda stresses the significance of a balanced and personalized diet that takes into account each individual’s particular needs and imbalances. Therefore, instead of going by the trends, it is safe to follow a diet that best suits you.    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 butter healthy?

Ayurveda identifies clarified butte or  ghee  as good fat and recommends its inclusion in your diet. But, what about regular butter? Is it healthy?    Let us see explore from the Ayurvedic perspective.     According to Ayurveda, each person has a unique body type which greatly affects diet and lifestyle. Therefore, what is healthy for one person may not be healthy for another. Some general principles can help understand butter’s healthiness in Ayurveda.    Butter Facts   One important factor to consider is the quality of the butter.     Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of consuming pure, unadulterated foods in order to support optimal health. Butter from grass-fed cows without hormones or antibiotics is healthier than from conventionally raised cows. Additionally, to avoid health risks from rancidity, you should consume freshly made ghee promptly. From an Ayurvedic perspective, people generally consider butter to be heavy, oily, and cooling. This is beneficial for Vata or Pitta, may not suit excess Kapha individuals. One of the key benefits of butter in Ayurveda is its ability to enhance the absorption of nutrients from food. This is because it  contains lipids, which are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. In addition, the oils in it can help to lubricate the digestive tract and support the elimination of waste products from the body.     Another benefit of butter in Ayurveda is its ability to support the health of the nervous system.  Butyric acid in butter has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, as well as the ability to improve gut health and support immune function. Though high in saturated fat and cholesterol, it may be problematic for some.   Excess consumption of heavy, oily foods can lead to Ama or toxic build up in the body, which can contribute to a variety of health problems. Therefore, experts generally recommend consuming it in moderation and advise individuals with high cholesterol or a tendency towards excess Kapha Dosha to avoid it altogether.   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.

Health Signs in Ayurveda

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In this period of vast amount of online information available on health and healthy living, people find themselves lost in this rat race to health and too overwhelmed to begin their journey towards a healthy living. Ayurveda believes primarily in digestion to improve your overall health. Ayurveda can help you in achieving good health and according to Ayurveda, the following are the    Signs of good health   Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in perfect balance  Efficient working of all tissue systems (blood, bone, muscles, etc.) Good digestion and elimination Clarity of sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, etc.) Pleasant, happy mind and soul In order to achieve these aspects of good health, Ayurveda recommends you to start by getting into a routine.   Ayurveda suggests a simple morning routine that includes the following steps:   Step 1:  Wake up early in the morning (ideally before sunrise or with sunrise) as this is the natural Vatakala that helps your body to push your bowel movements down. Step 2:  Brush your teeth with Ayurvedically compliant toothpaste as most toothpaste available in the market has a sweet taste and Ayurveda does not recommend this. Ayurveda recommends toothpastes to taste like Katu (Spicy), Tikta (Bitter) and Kashaya (Astringent taste). Step 3:  Tongue scrapping using copper or steel tongue scrapper, however, refrain from using plastic ones. Step 4:   Oil pulling (holding oil in your mouth). Ayurveda recommends organic black sesame oil or hot water or even milk but strongly discourages the usage of coconut oil. Step 5:   Drink warm water or water infused with herbs. Step 6:   Abhyanga (oil massage) for at least 4 to 5 minutes. Standing out in the Sun during Abhyanga can help improve Vitamin D levels in your body. After Abhyanga, you should move your joints; light physical activity like Yoga is advised for your physical well-being. Step 7:  Warm or room temperature shower. You should make sure not to let warm water fall on your head or scalp as this will lead to hair loss and hair fall. Step 8:  A warm, nourishing, freshly cooked breakfast.   Creating a simple morning routine will enable you to take the first step towards good 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.