Friday, September 14, 2007

Low cholesterol and Ayurveda

Ayurveda firmly belives that a person should have a balance of all tissues and lowering one to a very great extent is wrong and should not be done.
Cholesterol as per Ayurveda is an essential part of a healthy person and should be maintained as per body requirements or else the person can become very sick and today Science is slowly but surely catching up with this fact.Ayurveda recomends consuming ghee (carified butter)daily to maintain perfect health.
It has been nearly forty years since Atromid-S, the first drug approved for the lowering of cholesterol, appeared in the United States. Released in 1967, it was withdrawn from the market in 2000. While the drug was never proven to decrease the risk of heart attacks or shown to lower the mortality rate, it was found to increase the incidence of gallstones, cancer, liver disease, and a severe inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis. Individuals who took the drug reported nausea, diarrhea, loss of sexual ability, headache, weakness, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and other side effects. Some died of a severe muscle disease called rhabdomyolysis.
Currently available cholesterol-lowering drugs are promoted as safer and more effective, but most studies have failed to demonstrate a decrease in the death rate in those taking them and the risks and side-effects appear to be similar to those seen with earlier medications.
some years ago total cholesterols of 250 mg/dL or even 300 mg/dL were considered to be within the normal range. As drug therapy to reduce cholesterol became available the “normal” levels were dropped to 240 mg/dL or less and then to 220 mg/dL.
When treatment failed to demonstrate the anticipated benefits, researchers refused to abandon the “cholesterol is harmful” hypothesis. Instead, they directed their efforts at finding ways to lower cholesterol more effectively. As the ability to drive cholesterol to previously unobtainable levels was achieved, “ideal” values were lowered to promote the use of the new technology.
The National Cholesterol Education Program’s expert panel, heavily weighted by individuals with ties to the pharmaceutical industry, currently recommends that TC be less than 200 mg/dL, and than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) be less than 100 mg/dL. In an attempt to reduce the LDL to the 100 mg/dL level, many physicians today are seeking to lower total cholesterol to less than 160 mg/dL.
When confronted with a disease, physicians innately want to do something. Just because it is possible to do something, however, does not mean that one should do something.
Before lowering the acceptable levels (the “speed limit”) of cholesterol it would have been wise to ask, “Does the benefit of lowering one’s cholesterol outweigh the risks involved in doing so?”
Many doctors believe it is a resounding NO! A number of epidemiologic studies (analyses of the characteristics of groups of people) have demonstrated that the cholesterol-lowering benefits are seen primarily in men under the age of fifty who have other risk factors for having a heart attack. When those risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and inactivity, are addressed a much greater reduction in heart attacks is seen than when cholesterol-lowering is the focus of prevention.
While some studies purportedly do so, it is very difficult to demonstrate a cholesterol-lowering benefit in women and in either sex over the age of fifty. Rather than showing that high cholesterol levels are dangerous in people over sixty, studies have repeatedly found that senior citizens with high cholesterol levels tend to live longer than their peers with low cholesterol values. You didn’t misread the last sentence. As a group, elderly people with high amounts of cholesterol outlive those with low levels of cholesterol.
Unfortunately, physicians have been taught for the past four decades that cholesterol is dangerous and that it must be lowered at all costs. The “cholesterol is harmful” hypothesis, although never proven, has come to be accepted as fact by physicians and patients alike. Any suggestion that cholesterol is beneficial and not harmful tends to fall upon deaf ears. Those who will listen, however, should carefully weigh the benefits and risks before taking measures to lower their body cholesterol.
In an article entitled Needs to Change the Direction of Cholesterol-Related Medication – A Problem of Great Urgency, published in November 2005, Japanese researcher H. Okuyama reported his findings based upon the data available in the medical literature. He concluded, “ . . . reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol and increasing that of polyunsaturated fatty acid are ineffective in reducing total cholesterol in the long run, but rather increase mortality rates from coronary heart disease and all causes . . . high total cholesterol is not positively associated with high coronary heart disease mortality rates among general populations more than 40-50 years of age. More importantly, higher total cholesterol values are associated with lower cancer and all-cause mortality rates among these populations . . . Although the effectiveness of statins in preventing coronary heart disease has been accepted in Western countries, little benefit seems to result from efforts to limit dietary cholesterol intake or to lower TC values to less than approximately 260 mg/dl among the general population and the elderly . . . (These measures) create major risk factors for CHD, cancers, and shorter longevity. Based on the data reviewed here, it is urgent to change the direction of current cholesterol-related medication for the prevention of CHD, cancer, and all-cause mortality.”
Okuyama concludes, on the basis of an exhaustive review of the available data:
High cholesterol levels are not associated with heart attacks in people over 40 to 50 years of age
High cholesterol levels are associated with lower cancer and premature death rates
There is little benefit in lowering cholesterol levels below 260 mg/dL in older people
Efforts to lower cholesterol increase the risk of developing cancer and shorten life span
He believes that changing the current practice of lowering cholesterol levels is a matter of the utmost urgency. His pleas will almost certainly be ignored, as he is not the first to sound the alarm.
A 1993 analysis of the cholesterol-lowering data available at that time reached the same conclusion. Because of the increased rate of death from causes other than heart disease in people taking cholesterol-lowering drugs the researchers concluded
Cholesterol-lowering drugs lower the overall mortality rate in only a small subset of people who are at extremely high risk of death from CHD
Cholesterol screening tests are a waste of money
Lowering cholesterol in the vast majority of people is harmful, not helpful
Cholesterol-lowering drugs should be used cautiously, if at all
That same year an analysis of the results of the Honolulu Heart Program revealed a sharp increase in death rates from hemorrhagic stroke, cancer, liver disease, chronic obstructive lung disease (emphysema), and deaths from unknown causes when cholesterol levels dropped below 190 mg./dL. The investigators theorized that lowering cholesterol would not have any substantial impact on total mortality over fifteen years because premature deaths would increase in those individuals with starting cholesterol levels less than 225 mg./dL (approximately 60 % of the population).
One of the largest investigations of all-cause mortality and cholesterol involved nearly half a million Korean men between the ages of 30 and 65. Reported in 2000, the study found that the lowest death rates corresponded to cholesterol levels between 211 and 251 mg./dL., well above currently recommended treatment goals.
Another large study, which looked at nearly 150,000 men and women, was published in 2004. This report, Why Eve is not Adam, concluded that while high cholesterol levels predicted risk of death from heart disease in men of all ages and women under the age of 50, low cholesterol in men of all ages and women over the age of 50 was associated with deaths from cancer, liver disease, and mental diseases.
When confronted with the data that demonstrates the dangers of lowering cholesterol, “Cholesterol is Harmful” advocates are quick to point to the 10 year follow-up of individuals who participated in what is known as the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study, commonly referred to as the 4S study. The 4S study compared a group of individuals who received a cholesterol-lowering drug, simvastatin, with a control group who did not. The follow-up study, Mortality and incidence of cancer during 10-year follow-up of the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S), compared the incidence of cancer in the two groups over the ten year period following the conclusion of the original study in 1994. The researchers did not find any difference in cancer incidence between the two groups.

Okuyama is correct in stating that there is an urgent need to reconsider the current practice of aggressively lowering cholesterol levels. Cholesterol-lowering drugs seem to reduce the risk of premature death in only a small group of individuals who are at very high risk of death from coronary heart disease. Lowering cholesterol appears to increase the risk of premature death in at least sixty percent of individuals. In the remainder of the population, the net effect of aggressively lowering cholesterol is zero, with the increase in non-cardiac deaths equaling the decrease in deaths from heart disease.
Ayurvedic concept of balanced diet has some unique features as fallows-
THe following to be consumed daily--ghee,honey,milk,fruits,mybrobalan --the embelica fruit,buttermilk etc.All 6 tastes should be a part of your meal and not jsut 2-3 tastes.
Drinking water has been given due importance.Check other articles coming in future for details.

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Thursday, September 13, 2007

Ayurveda for cold

Ayurveda to control cold
) Never control natural urges. (Especially bowels-bladder-sneezing) Drink only warm or hot fluids-never cold food or drinks to be taken.
2) Sleep covered well and don’t sleep late or get up late (early to bed and early to rise makes you free from cold and cough) and never sleep during daytime (this increases your tendency to catch cold sooner.)
3) Consuming food and drinks which have preservatives are not favorable. Try eating fresh vegetables and fruits. Reduce intake of non-vegetarian diet or give up fishes-meat-eggs daily. If at all you are used to only that then reduce it and take only as much as you could digest.
4) Cold-cough should never be neglected as it may lead to diseases of eye-ear-throat-chest etc. Following proper diet and medication is important.
5) Dry figs (2-3) soaked overnight, to be chewed and eaten early morning this also helps provide good nutrition in patients suffering from cold-cough frequently.
6) Dry ginger made into fine powder (125-250mgs)+equal crystal sugar to be added to a cup of hot water and taken hot,(1-2times a day) for 2-3 days -this helps relieve cough.
7) If you suffer from dry -hacking cough it helps to drink milk with liquorice powder with sugar and ghee, at bedtime.
8)If it is not dry cough then taking 4 spoons of onion juice with 1 spoon of honey helps in both cough and cold (with sputum expulsion)
9) Fasting is also beneficial in cold -cough. During this fasting hot water with fresh lemon juice in it is to be sipped frequently.
10) Physical & mental exertion makes body weak and susceptible to frequent cold-cough so avoid them by listening to the signals your body gives you from time to time. ) Exposure to cold breeze, frost, snow, rain is to be avoided. Keeping warm your hands, feet, ears, head, chest are advisable.
11) To make your upper respiratory system strong it is best to learn (from a Yoga expert) pranayama and yogasanas (matsyasana, sarvanga asana, paschimotanasana, shirasasna helps more but each person needs different asanas and pranayama as per associated problems)
12) Ayurveda advocates different treatments for same condition based on many factors like-genetics-environment-food habits-prakruthi-age-etc but giving up excessive intake of coffee-tea-alcohol -cokes-smoking-drugs etc help in all people.








12 tips for a diabetic patient
1.Don't panic or neglect the condition, accept the diagnosis, start a sensible diet, exercise and medication as per the doctor's advice. Keep a record of all readings.
2.Stress, excessive sleeping and eating is a sure way to increase blood sugar levels and also you would be inviting the complications.
3.Regular practice of yoga, pranayama and meditation surely helps you in many ways.
4.Repeated infections, weight loss, uncontrolled pains and aches, blurring vision etc may be an indication that your blood sugar is not under control. Check it.
5.Changing your life style to become more creative, stress free and avoiding sedentary life habits is as important as maintaining your blood sugar normally
6.Cut down on poultry, dairy, fried stuff and sweets, better still avoid them.
7.If you are sleeping at noon daily -change it, it may increase your complications.
8.Drinking excessive fluids is not advisable, drink when you are thirsty.
9.Cumin, turmeric, myrobalan, (amla) pepper, ginger, asafetida. Cloves, bitter gourd, fenugreek can be increased in your daily diet .It has been proved to be highly beneficial.
10.Including more of curry leaves, coriander, gotukola, greens, cabbage, garlic, onion, wheat, ragi, pulses can all make delicious dishes. There are many dishes which are diabetic friendly and healthy.(check section 4)
11.Being labeled a diabetic does not mean that you should be depressed, you can still enjoy life.
12.All diabetics will not have a cardiac arrest or stroke or lose vision. Life is your choice; keep your body fit and free from complications.








12tips for a patient suffering from joints pain.
1. If your joints are making crackling noise during movements then you need to lubricate them applying herbal oils regularly.
2. Excessive intake of coffee/tea /beverages should be stopped, especially coffee.
3. Excessive physical exercises like aerobics, walking, jogging, skipping etc should be stopped .It can make the condition worse.
4. Eating potatoes, peas, sprouted grains, and junk food increases pain.
5. Including cabbage, garlic, cumin, ginger, asafetida, milk, ghee, papaya, curry leaves, green etc has been found beneficial.
6. Fry garlic pods in ghee until golden brown and bake it in milk, add sugar and eat it daily at bedtime. This helps in many ways
7. If your pain is not decreasing check if you are suffering from diabetes or any other ailments.
8. Herbal oil or castor oil massage (very gentle but systematic) followed by hot herbal fomentation helps immensely.
9. “Use it or lose it,” is true with all body parts and more so with joints but one needs to sensibly move joints and keep them healthy.
10. Keeping warm and avoiding breeze and wet weather helps.
11. Ginger decoction with cloves or cardamom helps.
12. Avoid eating dry, rough food but include milk and sufficient ghee.














12tips for hypertensive patients

1) People fear this condition much and this could cause a lot of stress so it is advisable not to be worried about the condition but to regulate life to lead a very simple stress free life. (Don’t hurry too much; try to take life as it comes.)
2) Anger& irritation, lust, greed (in excess) being unsatisfied with regard to simple things also cause imbalance and in the long run are very harmful and in case you are already predisposed to hypertension you are inviting trouble.
3)”Eat less keep fit” holds good for all people but especially for people suffering from hypertension Remember to leave the table when you feel you could take a little bit more.
4) Fasting once a fortnight not only cleanses all your systems but helps rest your digestive system and makes it more efficient. Proper metabolism is a positive step towards better health in this condition.
5) All fried, freezed food, lot of spices, salt in excess is best avoided.
6) Taking two tablespoons of raw onion juice with equal honey twice a day is found to be beneficial.
7) If you are addicted to smoking, drinking coffee, tea, aerated drinks in excess -reduce the intake and if possible give up to improve your health faster.
8)Regular walks in relaxed atmosphere, relaxation techniques (yoga asana, pranayama etc which are suitable are to be learnt from a qualified teacher and practiced regularly).
9) Maintain normal weight by regular exercises, sensible diet and stop worrying about everything. (Enjoy nature, relax with family and friends more often, and cultivate a creative hobby)
10) If you suffer from sleeplessness/constipation get rid of them too (please read tips for both) as they could lead to increase in your blood pressure reading.
11) Just taking your medication is not enough try not to worry, think positive, check your blood pressure reading regularly but remember your health is in your hands. Eating less, sleeping in time not being a workaholic all help a lot, mental exhaustion should be avoided at all costs.
12) One whole garlic (without separating the pods) to be put into a cup of milk and a handful of raisins are to be added and boiled on low fire until 20-25% of the milk evaporates, then the garlic is thrown away, raisins and milk to be consumed. But please remember all these are to be continued with your regular medication.


12 Tips for a patient suffering from piles

1. Avoid sitting for many hours in front of pc-or on soft mattresses, cushions and vehicles-this triggers off manifestation of piles.
2. Adopt all tips prescribed to relieve constipation and acidity.
3. Consume at least one cup of freshly made lassi (preferably with ginger, cumin, fenugreek, coriander and a little bit of salt)
4. Freshly made lassi with equal amount of radish juice twice daily is very useful. Consume radish raw or cooked.
5. Drinking 2-3 tablespoons of onion juice with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, twice daily helps. Remember to make onion juice fresh every time.
6. One should avoid green chilies, horse gram, yogurt, rich food, hot beverages, smoking, alcohol, excessive sexual indulgence, traveling long distances daily and stress.
7. Foods that will cause acidity, burning sensation are best avoided. Milk, ghee, butter, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, green gram, yam, ginger, and lassi are recommended to be taken frequently.
8. Eating raw potato -either grated or sliced is found useful.
9. Yogasanas, pranayama learnt and practiced regularly help avoid repeated surgeries.
10. Herbal or hot water tub bath is beneficial too.
11. Eating a piece of ginger with either a little bit of salt or jaggery before every meal is advocated.
12. Figs, raisins, papaya, grapes taken regularly are helpful.


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Monday, July 2, 2007

Qualities of a doctor in general as per Ayurveda

susrutha dealt with 3 essential qualities before a doctor is entitled to surgical practice--ADIGAT TANTRANENA,UPASITHATANTRARTENA,DRSTKARMANA,KRUTHAYOGYENA,SHASTRAM NIGADATHA,RAJANUGNATHENA,NICCHANAKHAROMANA,SHUCHINA SHUKLAVASTRAPARIHITENA,SUMANASA,KALYANABHI VYAVAHARENA,AKUHAKENA,BANDUBHUTENA BHUTANAM,SUSAHAYAVATHA,VAIDYENA VISHIKANU PRAVESHTITHAVYA.
Practice can be started only after having read and thoroughly studied the science of medicine.having seenand performed the operations himself.having passed the appropriate tests and thence obtained the permission of the governing authority.
The hairs should be worn short ,nails pared,personal hygiene and cleanliness should have been take care of.He should wear clean white and sober clothes.
On his visits he should go with calm mind,wishing everybody, without trying to show off but with a attitude to help others.He should be accompained by an able assistant.
(3)Cha-chi or vi-1/4.61
No other gift is better than the gift of life.
He who treats his patients only on humanitarian grounds, without desiring any money or personal benefit ,superseedes all other physcians.
THose who trade their medical skill for personal skill for personal livelihood can be considered as collecting a pile of dust leaving aside heap of real gold.
parobhuta daya dharma iti matva chikitsaya.
vartate yaha sa sidarthha sukhamatyanathamashnute.
He ,who regards kindness to humanity as his supreme religion and treats his patients accordingly ,succeeds best in achieving his aims of life and obtains the greatest pleasures.
Sarvathra mytri karunatureshu shakye preetirupeskhanam.
prakruthistheshu bhuteshu vaidya vruthischathurvidha.
Friendship ,sympathy towards the sick ,interest in cases according to one's capabilities and no attachment with the patient after his recovery -these are the four ethical principles of a doctor.
vaidya samooho nissamshya karanam.
Doubts can be cleared by a group of doctors.

Lessons from life

Spiritually your’s
Life depends upon the liver .
The pleasant morning breeze carried fragrance of flowers, the chirping birds, the red horizon, were all so welcoming when we stepped into the mediation center. The vibrant voice of the teacher that carried conviction attracted us .She was beautiful, yet simple and made a very impressive teacher. We were in an introductory class of the Art of living course. After hearing her, we all decided to take up the course. Before leaving I learnt that her name was Tejaswini (Yes, the name suited her very well, as she had twinkling eyes which lighted up much more when she smiled and she had deep set dimples which made her more attractive), she was a highly placed officer in an insurance company. Her voice, her honest smile, her image lingered even during lunchtime and I happened to mention about her to my colleagues and that is when I heard the whole inspiring story.
It was the reputed, usually silent, skillful surgeon, Dr.Kaza Ali who proclaimed-“who are you referring to? It should be the pretty girl whom we operated eight years ago after her terrible road accident. Tell me, does she smile with those delightful dimples?”
I was reluctant to agree, “Sir, but she had no scars or remorse on her face, and she looked too care free to have under gone any such trauma. Maybe you have mistaken her to some one else. But Dr.Kaza who was nearing retirement said that he was very sure that was the girl and wanted us all to hear his story.
It was a fateful day in November when the enthusiastic Tejaswini was parking her two-wheeler in front of her office, that a speeding bus hit her from behind and she was under the bus, dragged a few feet before the driver could control the brakes. Immediately the driver surrendered as he feared that the lady was dead and the onlookers came near fearing she was dead but when they saw her stir they shifted her to the nearest hospital and ours was the nearest and luckily I was there just having my cup of tea after the busy surgery schedule of the day. When I had a look at the case I thought if she survives this night, maybe she will have to have 3-4 surgeries to put her back on feet, which I very much doubted. (Dr.Kaza hates if interrupted so we did not ask if he doubted her survival or her ability to walk again) But she did survive and was not only on her feet but also back on her scooter in just six months. It is the fortitude of the patient that has made a lasting impression on me. The girl’s strong will to survive, her tolerance, courage, ever ready smile even during so much of pain was exemplary. The whole team warmed up to her vivacious nature.
She, as I had suspected needed 4 surgeries, to put her damaged lower limbs and back into working condition but due to extensive damage, the prognosis was still guarded, but we went ahead with the surgeries and she was wonderful all through. We all wondered how a person could be so calm in such a situation. We found the answer when we became familiar with her mother who was a meditation teacher. She was teaching –Art of living for many years and saw to it that all family members practiced.
Later I did speak to Tejaswini, who said it was all the grace of the Master. She is happy teaching. She has mastered the art of living and so makes an impressive teacher.

Monday, March 19, 2007

conquer constipation ,before it does

Understand your teenager

Is your teenager truly nourished ?
Don't laugh at a youth for his affectations; he is only trying on one face after another to find a face of his own. ~Logan Pearsall Smith, "Age and Death,"
The teenage years are a time of transition from childhood into adulthood. Teens often struggle with being dependent on their parents while having a strong desire to be independent. They may also feel overwhelmed by the emotional and physical changes they are going through.Their diet should sustain growth, promote health - and be enjoyable. During this time a number of physiological and psychocolgical changes occur which affect nutritional needs, including rapid growth and considerable gains in bone and muscle.
Parents either worry that their teenager is over eating,starving,or into food fads.Did you know that most adolescents fail to meet the recommended dietary requirements for caloric and nutrient intake? Many teens in fact receive the majority of their calories from processed and high fat foods. A low intake of essential nutrients including vitamin A, folic acid, fiber, iron and calcium is prevalent among adolescents. A low intake of iron and calcium in particular is common among female adolescents, which can impair cognitive function and physical performance, as well as increase a females risk for osteoporosis later in life! Dietary surveys show that the foods most commonly eaten or perfered by children are white bread, biscuits, savoury snacks, potatoes, chips, chocolate and fizzy drinks. In general, children and teenagers eat too few vegetables, fruit, dairy foods, fish and lean meats. They have also become less active.
Adequate nutrition for teens is vital for overall emotional and physical health It is essential to ensure healthy eating habits in teenagers to prevent chronic illness in the future,including risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity,anorexia nervosa,cancer,diabetes etc.As each individual is unique the nutritional requirement varies ,but generally increase due to the growth spurt and rapid changes.In the short term, it may affect concentration, energy levels, immunity and cholesterol levels.
When the boy is growing he has a wolf in his belly. ~German Proverb
Teenagers seem to eat always or in excess and it might be due to the body's requirement,stress,or for they are still not adjusted to the changes they are experiencing.But it is essential to make sure that they eat the right amount of nourishment for all round development.Among the more common teen eating habits include skipping meals, routine fast food consumption, frequent snacking and dieting. By addressing each of these factors individually one can ensure that your teen is meeting the minimum nutritional requirements. Teens skip meals for a variety of reasons, including irregular schedules, convenience, work and social activities. Up to 50% of teens skip breakfast at one point or another. Breakfast is actually the most important meal of the day! What can you do? With regard to breakfast, let your teen know that skipping breakfast can slow their metabolism contributing to weight gain and poor performance. A busy lifestyle or running late are often reasons teens skip meals.Keeping regular sleeping and wakeing hours is a must and waking up early helps prevent the morning rush.
Because of the 'skipping meal' factor, many teens fail to eat three regular meals per day and resort to snacking.Having healthy snack items readily available including yogurt, fresh and dry fruits and vegetables can be beneficial.But snacking should not be encouraged.No parent no matter how well meaning will be able to avoid fast food altogether. Teens are more apt to eat fast food because it is convenient and typically a social affair. Fast food is often jam packed full of fat and empty calories however. What can you do? Educate your teen as much as possible. Help them make smart food choices even when at fast food restaurants. To as great an extent as possible, you should also work to provide wholesome and healthy foods at home.
Teens often diet because of the perception that 'thin is in'. Dieting can lead to dangerous habits including eating disorders in teens. Some signs that your teen may be dieting include: skipping meals, 'binge' eating, fasting or use of laxatives or diet pills. One thing you can do for your teen is encourage a healthy self esteem and body image. Remember that your teen will also model the behaviors that they see at home. If you are constantly obsessed about your weight, your teen is likely too. Always aspire to maintain a healthy and balanced approach to eating and your teen is more likely to do the same. One approach is to attempt to eliminate the term 'diet' and replace it with 'healthy eating.' If you regularly incorporate healthy lifestyle and dietary practices into your life your teen is less likely to diet on a consistent basis. Work with your teen to encourage a healthy lifestyle that incorporates sound eating habits and regular exercise. You might both benefit in the process
Heredity is what sets the parents of a teenager wondering about each other. ~Laurence J. Peter.
Parents should be exemplary and not argue in front of teeangers.Disharmony among adults at home will hit the teenagers the most.This could also lead to eating disorders,depression or other health problems among teens.
"Healthy" or "Junk" FoodsTeens tend to classify foods as either "healthy" (i.e., good) or "junk" (i.e., bad). "Healthy" foods, of which fresh fruit and vegetables are their most cited examples, are described as low in calories, sugar, fat, cholesterol, salt, additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients, and as sources of vitamins, minerals and proteins. "Junk" foods such as chocolate bars and potato chips are described as having the opposite profile, and are valued because they taste good and are convenient.Poor health is only one of several negative consequences of "junk" food consumption they name. More frequently mentioned are weight gain, acne, bad mood, laziness and cavities."Junk" food is associated with snacks, friends, being away from home, independence and having fun. However, conflict is apparent as these foods also have the negative connotations of going off a diet, being out of control, overeating and feeling guilty. "Healthy" food is associated with family, home and meals, being on a diet, being concerned with weight and appearance, self-control and being good.Creating health awareness is the watch word here to increase health foods and reduce junk consumption.
Some parental tips
Set your kids a good example.This is the most important anti-obesity rule of all. Rememebering -one should "eat to live and not "live to eat" is a good beginning.
Don’t worry so much about the number of calories they consume in a day.Children need quite a lot of calories to fuel their high energy levels and growing bodies. The important thing is where these calories come from. Day sleeping increases weight and hampers digestion.
No more than 30 percent of their calories should come from fat.The less saturated (animal) fat, the better. Dairy products, fried food, poultry are to be limited.
The family diet should consist mostly of complex carbohydrates.Fruit, vegetables, wholemeal or wholegrain breads and cereals are great sources.
Serve them a balanced diet.Be creative with vegetables and serve them regularly to your kids from the earliest age onwards. Including fruit juices, salads, lassi,fruits, tender coconut water in daily diet helps.
Avoid fast food restaurants, except on rare occasions!Many fast food meals are high fat, high calorie and nutritionally inadequate. Snacking in between meals,frequently drinking cokes, tea and coffee with lot of sugar surely does not help.
Encourage them to drink regular water.Once they get used to it, kids love water. It's great for a balanced, healthy diet. Sipping a cup of luke warm water with two table spoons of honey mixed into it helps. This could be done before walking or exercising in the morning.It helps teenagers to have a lustrous skin,eyes and bubbling energy.
Sedentary life style should be changed Keep them active! Don't just order them outside. If possible, go with them! Get them to stay fit and increase your fitness in the process. Regular walking, jogging, swimming, and any other suitable exercise which makes one perspire is recommended.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) suggests the following ways for parents to prepare for their child's teenage years:
Provide a safe and loving home environment.
Create an atmosphere of honesty, trust and respect.
Allow age-appropriate independence and assertiveness.
Develop a relationship that encourages your teen to talk to you when he or she is upset.
Teach responsibility for your teen's belongings and yours.
Teach basic responsibility for household chores.
Teach the importance of accepting limits.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Cancer and diet

WHO statistics say--Cancer accounts for 7.1 million deaths annually (12.5% of the global total).
Dietary factors account for about 30% of all cancers in Western Countries and approximately up to 20% in developing countries; diet is second only to tobacco as a preventable cause. Approximately 20 million people suffer from cancer; a figure projected to rise to 30 million within 20 years.
The number of new cases annually is estimated to rise from 10 million to 15 million by 2020.
More than half of all cancer cases occur in developing countries
While tobacco use is the single largest causative factor -accounting for about 30% of all cancer deaths in developed countries and an increasing number in the developing world – dietary modification and regular physical activity are significant elements in cancer prevention and control. Overweight and obesity are both serious risk factors for cancer. Diets high in fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk for various types of cancer, while high levels of preserved and/or red meat consumption are associated with increased cancer risk.
Dietary factors are estimated to account for approximately 30% of cancers in western countries, making diet second only to tobacco as a preventable cause of cancer. This proportion is thought to be about 20% in developing countries and is projected to grow. As developing countries become urbanised, patterns of cancer, particularly those most strongly associated with diet and physical activity, tend to shift towards the patterns of economically developed countries. Cancer rates also change as populations move between countries and adopt different dietary patterns.
The relative importance of cancers as a cause of death is increasing. The incidence of lung cancer and cancers of the colon and rectum, breast and prostate, generally increases in parallel with economic development, as stomach cancer declines. Cancer is also strongly associated with social and economic status. Cancer risk factors are highest in groups with the least education. In addition, patients in the lower socioeconomic classes have consistently poorer survival rates than those in higher strata.
In recent years, substantial evidence has pointed to the link from overweight and obesity, to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. The composition of the diet is also important since fruit and vegetables may have a protective effect by decreasing the risk for some cancer types such as oral, oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer.
Ayurveda always advocates natural food,fresh,seasonal and in moderation.Rtu buka-seasonal,mita bhuk-eat in moderation and hita bhuk-eat that which is nourshing and natural.