Saturday, March 19, 2011

Mission: healthy digestion











Most people are known to over-eat, especially when the food is incredibly delicious. Occasions like parties, weddings, friends' birthday treats or simply trying out new restaurants are some of the many occasions where one tends to over-eat. But hogging all that yummy food also causes severe indigestion.


Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, occurs when the digestive juices in the stomach are not secreted properly - and as a result, causes one discomfort. Here are some simple remedies for indigestion:

  • One of the most common remedies is to drink two spoons of lime juice, ginger juice and honey, mixed in a glass of warm water.
  • Add a teaspoon of roasted and ground coriander seeds to a glass of butter milk, and drink it rapidly.
  • Munching a teaspoon of aniseed after your meal will provide relief. Another effective remedy is to have a teaspoon of ajwain seeds with a pinch of black salt.
  • Mix a teaspoon of roasted cumin in a glass of water and drink slowly.
  • Drinking green tea or herbal tea after your meal is a great way to aid he digestion process.
  • For quick results, drink a glass of water to which a few drops of peppermint extract have been added.
  • Add about two teaspoons of coriander juice to a glass of buttermilk. Drinking this will provide relief.

If you know that you are planning to pig out for a meal, chew on some fresh ginger slices with a pinch of salt. Doing this will help stimulate the digestive juices even before you eat.
Place a packet of ice over your stomach to seek relief.
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of water and drink it. This is known to provide effective and instant relief.

Always carry a pack of water-soluble antacid to parties, this will help deal with emergencies.
Avoid gorging on greasy and deep-fried food, stock up on protien and throw in a few fruits and green vegetables into your diet.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

















Although we’re inclined to scour the Web in search of the best diets and meal plans, the truth is, some of the tools to weight-loss success are already on your spice rack! Here are five ingredients that not only add flavor to your favorite dishes but can help in your battle against the bulge.


1. Cinnamon

A 2003 study published in Diabetes Care showed that as little as one teaspoon of cinnamon per day can boost the body’s weight-loss ability by reducing blood sugar and promoting healthier processing of carbohydrates. It also lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by seven to 27% and total cholesterol by 12 to 26%. Plus, cinnamon has been shown to prevent the metabolic syndrome commonly seen in pre-diabetics. But before you go on piling the spice by spoonful, note that cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin, which can lead to liver damage if consumed in very large amounts.


2. Cayenne

The main ingredient in spicy cayenne—capsaicin, which is also found in other hot peppers—has long been studied for its fat-burning abilities and thermogenic properties (the stimulating of the central nervous system to produce heat in the body, leading to an increase in calorie burning). In fact, Nicholas Perricone, M.D., cites several of these studies in his wildly popular The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet and concludes that capsaicin acts as an appetite suppressant. Many think that cayenne pepper promotes weight loss because it’s simply difficult to overindulge in spicy food. However, later studies performed by the Journal of Obesity also found that the spice increases fat oxidation, “ramps up energy expenditure, and stimulates activity by the sympathetic nervous system”—all which help the body to shed excess weight. Not a fan of fiery cuisine? Not to worry! Research has found that cayenne’s ability to reduce appetite is equally effective whether ingested as food or in capsule form.


3. Black Pepper

Among the dozens of health benefits of this common household ingredient is its ability to improve digestion and promote the absorption of nutrients in tissues all over the body. Plus, its main component—piperine (which gives pepper its pungent taste)—boosts fat metabolism by as much as 8% for several hours after ingesting it. If you want your pepper to pack the most punch, use freshly ground pepper, which has the most concentrated amounts of piperine.


4. Mustard Seed

Like the other hot ingredients on this list, spicy mustard helps boost metabolism and allows you to burn fat more quickly, thanks in part to its thermogenic properties. Scientists at England’s Oxford Polytechnic Institute recently found that eating just one teaspoon of hot mustard can “boost metabolism 20 to 25% for several hours after eating, resulting in an additional burn of about 45 calories if a 700-calorie meal is consumed.”


5. Ginger

Long used for its medicinal properties, ginger is also an effective diuretic (a substance that increases the elimination of urine). It improves gastric mobility (i.e. it pushes food and waste through the digestive system) and hinders the absorption of cholesterol. Although according to the Mayo Clinic, more study is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that this versatile spice helps to increase metabolism.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Color Therapy for Obesity

We are surrounded by colour

It is not only the plants and trees and their flowers and fruits which provide us with colour, but also the many wonderful creatures who share this planet with us who contribute to the amazing colour palette, and the planet herself.

What more dramatic colours could you ask for than the variations of the blues of the sky, the blue/greens of the oceans, and the reds and oranges of sunsets - to name but a few.

The subject of Nature is enormous, however see related topics above right for some examples which have been written with the Colour Therapy / Nature connection in mind.

According to me try wearing Yellows, Orange or Purple on upper body when you go out or in office or at workplace. Try to wear black at night while sleeping or from evening to Morning But not in sunlight. This will help in releasing body fat upto some extent. Males try wearing Red color under garments for strong Immune system, this will help you in long workouts in Gym or Swimming


Yellows

Yellows are associated with sunlight and good luck, they are uplifting, joyful colors. They stimulate and enliven, and instill positive, cheerful, energetic feelings. They also encourage flexibility and adaptability. Yellows are connected with the ego, will and intellect. They are associated with mental energy and activity, stimulating the left side of the brain. Yellow activates the motor nerves and can generate energy for muscles.

Home - Yellows used in kitchens and baths are stimulating and great colors to wake up to. They are also great in areas where studying or homework may
occur. They should not be used in bedrooms, where the stimulation may make sleeping difficult. Yellows are a good choice for children who suffer from attention deficit disorder.

Overuse - Too much yellow can cause excessive mental stimulation, feelings of detachment, and arguments.

Chakra - Yellow is connected with the Solar Plexus Chakra, which governs the nervous system, metabolism, and emotions.

* Color Therapists use yellow for their positive effects on the nervous system,
gastrointestinal tract, and to treat arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems, eczema, and constipation.

Oranges

Oranges are associated with joy, excitement, creativity, movement and ambition. They have a warming effect, and instill a feeling of playful energy,
and celebration. Since orange is a combination of yellow and red, it combines the strength and drive of red with the lighter more thoughtful nature of yellow.

Home - Orange creates a social atmosphere, related to creativity,
excitement, fun, and humor. It is a good color for kitchens and dining rooms, since it can stimulate the appetite. Oranges are a good choice for children who suffer from attention deficit disorder.

Overuse - Too much orange can lead to irresponsible behavior, nervousness, or restlessness.

Chakra - Orange is connected with the Sacral Chakra, which govern the digestive system, and sexual organs.

* Color Therapists use orange to treat problems like asthma, cold, digestion, thyroid problems, and to stimulate lactation.


Reds

Reds are associated with strength, passion, sexuality, instinct, and vitality. They can instill the feelings of power and security. Red can increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. Magenta is less physical and more spiritual in nature. It can instill feelings of protection, self-respect, and
self-awareness. Pink is connected with love, romance, caring and compassion.

Home - Reds are great in spaces where you want a lot of activity. They are empowering in meeting rooms. They can bring a romantic, cozy feel to a bedroom, however it may make sleeping more difficult. Reds can be effective in a small space where we spend a shorter period of time. Short and quick exposures to red can be enough to give our energy levels a boost. Reds are a good choice for
children who suffer from attention deficit disorder. Pink will have a very calming
effect in a room.

Overuse - Too much red can cause exhaustion, fear, aggression, and
anger. Too much magenta can be mentally draining and lead to arrogance.

Chakra - Magenta is connected with the Crown Chakra, which governs our spiritual energy.



Purples

Purples are associated with meditation and inspire contemplation. They are soothing and tranquil colors. Violet is connected with insight, dignity, respect, intuition, and clairvoyance. Deep purples are rich and regal colors.
Lavenders instill peace and well-being.

Home - Purples are great in areas for study, but should not be used in a busy or active room. Lavender can become gray looking in rooms that do not have
much natural light.

Overuse - Too much purple is linked to mental fatigue, and stagnation.

Chakra - Violet is connected with the Brow Chakra, also known as the "third eye", which relates to the mind, knowledge, and governs sensory organs.

* Color Therapists use violet to reduce hunger, control irritability, and to calm
mental illness.


Black

Black is associated with a feeling of protectiveness, mystery, and the unknown. It is an absorbing and silent color. Grays are associated with
neutrality and tranquility. Instead of standing out on their own, they tend to
support and influence more vibrant colors.

Home - Blacks should be used in small quantities along with other colors. Grays are good to use in any space, to help balance the effect of vibrant colors. Grays are a good choice for children with learning disabilities.

Overuse - Too much black can be draining, negative, overwhelming or depressing. It can soak up energy and vitality.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Acupuncture Treatment for Obesity

According to contemporary research studies, acupuncture has been proved as an effective treatment for obesity. By stimulating metabolism, it allows the body to use food and sometimes reduces the desire to eat excessively. To know more, read below.



Research studies claim that acupuncture treatment can help obese patients lose weight naturally. Acupuncture is widely used throughout the world and is one of the main pillars of Chinese medicine. Inserting acupuncture needles outwardly into several parts of the body can be proven beneficial lose weight. Besides, it can stimulate metabolism and thereby enable the body to utilize food efficiently instead of storing it as fat.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient treatment, originated in China that attempts to cure illness or relieve pain by puncturing specific areas of the skin with needles.

Basically, the pressure points which are used specifically vary depending on individual factor. Experts decide which points should be used with regard to the patient’s fat distribution, emotional status, eating habits and other factors. For your convenience we are presenting some of techniques of acupuncture which can help you to reduce your weight.

Acupuncture Points

There are several acupuncture points (365 points have been identified in Chinese acupuncture maps) which focus on peripheral nerve junctions, referred to as ‘trigger points’.



Needling or ‘traditional acupuncture’, in which fine stainless-steel needles are inserted through the skin to various depths, kept in place for varying lengths of time or further stimulated manually or electrically that is called ‘electroacupuncture’.


Treat these points by colors, seeds or Magnates


  • Press needles in which short acupuncture needles are taped into place for extended periods with pressure being applied on a regular basis.


  • ‘Acupressure’ in which beads are massaged or pressed at specific locations.


  • ‘Moxibustion’ involving the application of heat, by burning small grain-sized pellets of combustible material on or near the acupoints.


  • ‘Cupping’ or using cups of various materials to create ‘negative pressure’ or a vacuum on the skin surface for increased blood circulation and point stimulation.


  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (’TENS’) which involves applying electrode pads
Auricular acupuncture

The commonest method used for the treatment for obesity is Auricular (ear) Acupuncture. Normally the acupuncture points used in the treatment of obesity include ‘Hunger’ and ‘Stomach’ points.

Diet & Exercise

In any kind of weight loss program, diet and exercise should always be given the first priority. Most people who come for acupuncture treatments, however, have been given diets and exercise regimens before. They may have good knowledge of what they should and shouldn’t eat but they feel depressed or irritable when they try to stay on a diet. Acupuncture should relieve such problems and improve will power along with aiding in weight loss.

Acupuncture & Weight Loss

After acupuncture treatment, expected weight loss is about two to four pounds a week. Six to ten acupuncture treatments are usually sufficient, and these can be given once or twice a week. Weight loss continues after the treatments are completed until normal weight is achieved. The results of acupuncture usually last for minimum six months and sometimes it extends to a year. In the meantime, if the craving to eat excessively returns, a few more acupuncture treatments can mitigate it easily.


Benefits of Green Tea, How It Helps in Weight Control

A recent research study that people who have been regular tea drinkers for more than 10 years showed lower body fat levels compared with those who don’t drink tea regularly. Drinking tea is a better life choice. It’s naturally calorie-free and helps quench your body’s thirst for the daily fluids it needs. And, especially green tea can help you lose weight and keep the weight off.

Is green tea really good for weight loss? You may believe it or not, you can find green tea or green tea extract added in the compilations of popular weight loss supplements available today. The manufacturers of these supplements add it only because the benefits of green tea for weight loss are numerous.

If you understand the following benefits of green tea you can better understand how green tea helps in weight loss.

Fat Burner

Most importantly, green tea extract often replaces the caffeine component of standard ephedrine - caffeine - fat burning stack. It makes green tea a decent quality fat burner in and of itself.

Powerful Anti-Oxidant

Apart from this, it also provides additional benefits than what plain caffeine could do. It’s a powerful anti-oxidant, just like vitamin C and beta-carotene. Researchers suggest that the active ingredient called epigallocatechin gallate is up to 200 times more powerful than vitamin E as an oxidant.

Glucose Regulator

Green tea also acts as a glucose regulator i.e. it slows the rise in blood sugar following a meal, by slowing the action of a particular digestive enzyme called amylase. This enzyme is pivotal in the breakdown of starches that can cause blood sugar levels to soar following a meal.

Good Calorie Burner

Green tea aids weight loss also by increasing the metabolic rate, helping those who use it to experience greater calorie burn. A recent study showed that the ingestion of green tea, which is rich in catechins, leads to both a lowering of body fat and of cholesterol levels.

If you’d like to try green tea, you have a couple of choices: buy it in isolation or buy a popular fat burner that contains a good dose of green tea in its formulation. Drink green tea instead of regular tea or coffee. You really don’t need to take a pill or spend a ton of money to get this stuff into your system.

It is certainly true that green tea is a good health-promoting supplement and a good weight loss supplement as well. It’s one of the few natural supplements with some decent clinical proof validating its claims. The only condition to get best out of green tea is to get a good diet and exercise program under way.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Home Remedies for Weight Loss

Honey: Mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of lime juice and some pepper. Drink this at least once a day.

Boiled Water: Drink a glass of boiled water every day after a meal.

Ginger Tea: Drink ginger tea 2-3 times a day.

Black Pepper: Seasoning foods with black pepper will decrease the need for salts and fats, and will still add flavor to foods. This will also help reduce weight.

Cinnamon: This spice can act as a low calorie sweetener to help reduce the amount of sugar needed in a recipe. It also adds a unique flavor to most cookie recipes.

Shudh Guggulu: Take Guggulu with a teaspoon of ginger and honey twice a day. This helps increase a body's metabolism.

Trifla: This is another diet aid that contains amalaki, bibbitaki, and haritaki. This should be taken at least once a day if one chooses to use this supplement.

Raw or Cooked Cabbage: The intake of cabbage reduces the conversion of sugars to fat.
Therefore, eating plenty of this well help increase the body's ability to metabolize fatty foods.

Vitamin B-12:Take a vitamin B-12 tablet at least once daily. For further information on vitamin usage, read the directions on the vitamin bottle, and consult a doctor for more information. This vitamin comes also in leafy dark green vegetables, so eat many of these as often as possible.

When one follow the above diet recommendations and partake in one or more of the ayurvedic remedies, that person will be cured from obesity.When not sure about how to apply herbal remedies or diet tablets, one should consult an ayruvedic specialist who is trained to help people in determining correct dosage. This is especially true for children inflicted with any disease, but is true for everyone. All medicines should be taken within the recommended guidelines.


weight loss using Cinnamon and Honey formula

*NOTE:The honey used needs to be REAL RAW UNPASTEURIZED HONEY. If it says PURE honey it is most likely pasteurized. It is best to only buy honey that says RAW or UNPASTEURIZED on the label. The difference is that the enzymes are all heated out of the pasteurized honey.


This should be prepared at night before going to bed.

1. Use 1 part cinnamon to 2 parts raw honey. 1/2 tsp cinnamon to 1 tsp honey is recommended but can use more or less as long as in the ratio of 1 to 2. --- so 1 tsp cinnamon to 2 tsp raw honey is ok too as an example.

2. Boil 1 cup...that is 8 oz of water.

3. Pour water over cinnamon and cover and let it steep for 1/2 hour..(30 minutes)

4. Add honey now that it has cooled. Never add honey when it is hot as the heat will destroy the enzymes and other nutrients in the raw honey.

5. Drink 1/2 of this directly before going to bed. The other 1/2 should be covered and refrigerated.

6. In the morning drink the other half that you refirgerated...but do not re-heat it...drink it cold or at room temp only.

Do not add anything else to this recipe. No lemon, no lime, no vinegar. It is not necessary to drink it more time in a day...it is only effective on an empty stomach and primarily at night.

This works for most people. Inches are lost before any measurement on the scales. This program will cause significant inches lost...but you will reach a plateau and may not lose anymore. This is because the cinnamon and honey cause a cleansing effect in the digestive tract and cleans out parasites and other fungus and bacteria that slow down the digestion...causing a toxic build up. (Lowers pH) Once this is all cleaned out then you will most likely have the weight loss slow down.

Other side effects from a cleansing can occur because of toxins being released...if this occurs, cut back on how much you use or take a break.

Additionally people report increased energy, more sex drive, and feeling happier/mood enhancer.

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It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month ... which we know today as the honeymoon.

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