Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Top 7 Superfoods That Fight Allergy

Overview

Allergy – can be defined as an exaggerated/ hypersensitive response of our immune system to an allergen (the common substances that cause allergy such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, insect sting, certain medicines or foods etc.).

Some people show hyper-reactive response to some of the allergens due to biological difference of each individual. Their immune system reacts against allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies which in return travel to the cells which release histamine and other chemicals.

Symptoms of Allergy

  • Allergies are associated with a variety of symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, swelling, wet eyes, red eyes, itching and rashes.
  • The symptoms can range from mild to severe. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.

Top 7 Superfoods That Fight Allergy

Top 7 Superfoods That Fight Allergy

  • Allergies can be treated with super-foods naturally.

Here we are going to discuss some Foods which can Help us During or in Preventing Allergies.

APPLE

  • As we all know “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”.  Because an apple a day can keep your immune system healthy and can keep allergies at bay.
  • Apples are having Quercetin (a flavonoid) as its active ingredient. It is known to effectively protect against allergic reactions. It stabilizes the cell membranes of mast cells and prevents the release of excess histamine in your body.

Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most powerful natural remedies for allergies. The anti-inflammatory property of Apple cider vinegar makes it a wonderful remedy for treating allergic reactions.

How to Take

  • Apples can be taken as raw apple or as juice.

TURMERIC

  • Apart from being a common spice in Indian foods, Turmeric is a natural healing super food.
  • It’s an anti-allergy herb. Turmeric helps to extensively treat the allergies.It can treat both chronic as well as acute allergies.
  • It has an active ingredient called Cur-cumin, which is known for its anti-allergic and anti-oxidant properties. It is a potent immune booster.

How to Take

  • Turmeric can be taken in hot milk; it will relieve the seasonal allergies and provides immediate relief.
  • Turmeric can be taken with food as a spice.
  • It can be taken along with raw honey. It will help one to recover from congestion, cough, dry mouth and sneezing.

LEMON

  • Lemon are natural antihistamines in nature and are a great source of anti-oxidants and vitamin-C. They boost our immunity and prevent allergic reactions.
  • Apart from this, lemon is also very effective in detoxification of our body.
  • All these qualities of lemon make it a superfood to fight against allergies.

How to Take

  • Squeeze one lemon and obtain its fresh juice, add it to warm water.
  • Mix it well and add one spoon of honey. Have this mixture early morning on an empty stomach every day.

FLAX SEEDS:

  • Flax seeds are very well known for their health benefiting properties. These are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for treating inflammation, thus calm your allergies.
  • They can also fight against the harmful bacteria and give relief from allergy.

PINEAPPLE:

  • Pineapples are also needed to Include in your diet to prevent or cure allergy because of its unique active component.
  • Bromelain can ward off allergies and gives you relief from discomfort caused by allergic reactions.

GREEN TEA

  • As we know Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants and increases our metabolism rate.
  • It also provides strength to our immune system to fight against diseases.
  • By adding green tea to your diet can subsides the presenting symptoms of allergy and can prevent them getting worse.

How to Take

  • Add one or two spoons of good quality green tea to warm water, you can also use dip packs.
  • Allow it to steep well. Strain it into a cup and have the same 3-4 times till your symptoms of allergies are gone.

GARLIC

  • A well known spice used in India. Garlic also possesses anti-biotic and anti-rheumatic properties.
  • Moreover garlic has ability to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, which are responsible for the production of inflammatory compounds in our body, thus helpful in relieving the symptoms of allergies.

How to Take

  • You can have fresh cloves of garlic at empty stomach in the morning.
  • This can help your body to fight off the allergy causing bacteria and provide strength to your immune system.

Prevention & Tips

  • There are some people who are sensitive to some foods too.
  • They can substitute those Superfoods with other one.
  • There are few more foods in the list which are also good for the treatment of allergies. They are:- Walnuts, fatty fish like salmons, berries, ginger, onion, collard green, broccoli, cabbage, yogurt, cashew nuts etc.
  • If symptoms get severe then you must consult the doctor. The information may be helpful to you to fight against the discomfort caused by allergic diseases.

Management of Osteoporosis in Ayurveda – Natural Treatment

Introduction

Osteoporosis, which is also known as brittle bone disease is characterized by fragile, porous and easily breakable bones. According to WHO, osteoporosis holds the second place after heart diseases among the most popular diseases. October 20th is regarded as World Osteoporosis Day.

A bone mineral density less than – 2.5 is considered to be chronic osteoporosis.

CAUSES

  • Inadequate calcium intake
  • Menopause and ageing
  • Tobacco consumption
  • Alcoholism
  • Excess consumption of carbonated beverages & coffee, salt & chocolate
  • Inactivity
  • Prolonged use of anti inflammatory corticosteroids
  • Inherited factors
  • Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism & Cushing’s syndrome

Osteoporosis

SYMPTOMS

  • Osteoporosis is generally asymptomatic. Increased risk of fracture is the main characteristic due to low mineral density. Delayed union of fractures can also be noted.
  • Females are more at risk as compared to males. Estrogen (females) plays a crucial role in keeping bone mineral density. In males this role is taken care of by testosterone.
  • Towards menopause and aging, hormone levels decreases owing to bone demineralization.

DIETARY MANAGEMENT AND HOME REMEDIES

Adequate calcium & vitamin D and optimum protein intake are the cornerstones of dietary management.

  • Milk & milk products – milk, paneer, curd, soymilk etc.
  • Lean chicken and eggs
  • Berries & cherries – strawberries and blue berries
  • Green leafy vegetables – spinach, water cress, spirulina, turnip greens, kale. Kale is regarded as the king of vitamins.
  • Green vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, green peas. Cabbage is abundant in vitamin k, vitamin c and calcium.
  • Sour fruits – orange, kiwi, grapes, plums. These are rich in vitamin c. Vitamin c aids in calcium absorption. Plums are best when used in dried form (prunes). Prunes have high concentration of polyphenols (anti-oxidants) which can prevent fractures and maintain adequate bone density.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids – fish oils, salmon, sardine, walnuts, hemp, chia seeds. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep the bone strength.
  • Seeds – pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
  • Sesame seeds – high in calcium content. It contains magnesium, manganese, vitamin k and vitamin D. Snack on a handful of roasted sesame seeds anytime a day.
  • Apple & apple cedar vinegar – these are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. These allow the body to retain calcium. Try to include the skin while eating apple.
  • Pineapple – rich in manganese, which is vital in preventing osteoporosis.
  • Virgin coconut oil – this brings magic to women with estrogen deficiency. Virgin coconut oil helps to reverse and stop the loss of bone density. Have 3 tsp of virgin coconut oil daily.
  • Almond milk – they are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants. Keep 1 cup of almonds at water overnight. Peel off the skin and blend well with 2 cups of water. Add a dash of cinnamon and honey. It can be taken twice a day after staining.
  • Coriander – it is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. 2 tsp of coriander is boiled with 1 cup of water. This is cooled to room temperature. It can be taken twice daily with honey.
  • Green tea – rich in antioxidants and can be taken daily.
  • Food to avoid – sweets, carbonated beverages, alcohol, excessive salt, coffee, artificial colors, sweeteners and canned foods.

EXERCISE AND OSTEOPOROSIS

  • It is a fact that exercises increase bone density.
  • It is a natural process that bone density will decrease with age.
  • It is better to keep your bone density intact before old age.
  • As we all know, prevention is better than cure.
  • So start exercising from today.
  • Male bones are skilled to increase its bone mineral density till the age of 33 and for females it is 28.
  • Weight bearing exercises are best suited for osteoporosis. Aerobics, brisk walking, jogging, skipping, climbing stairs, hiking, tennis etc can be added to the account.
  • All exercises should be done in accordance to your strength and tolerance level.

YOGA POSTURES FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

Yoga Postures for Osteoporosis include

  • Padangusthasana
  • Adho mukha svanasana
  • Uttitha hastha padangusthasana
  • Uttitha parsvakonasana
  • Uttitha trikonasana
  • Ardha chandrasana
  • Parivrtta parsvakonasana
  • Uttanasana
  • Urdhwa dhanurasana
  • Veerabhadrasana

Practice yoga under the strict supervision of a trained yoga instructor.

Soorya Namaskara

Ayurveda also mentions to practice soorya namaskara daily in the morning.Exposure to sunlight for at least 20 minutes a day is recommended for vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption in the body.

OSTEOPROSIS AND AYURVEDA

  • In Ayurveda view point, osteoporosis comes under the category of vatika roga. When the vata aggravates in the body (due to imbalanced life style and ama dosha), it accounts for the DHATU kshaya (asthi kshaya) in the body.
  • Santarpana therapy (nutritive therapy) is advised in these conditions. Also it is mentioned in Ashtanga Hrdaya sutra stana that decreased state of asthi dhatu is to be treated with vasthi (enema) using milk, ghee, and tikta rasa dravyas (bitter taste drugs)

Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis

Medications Used Are

  • Bone Support – capsule consisting of boswellia serrata (asthishringala), laccifera lacca (laksha), moringa, arjuna (terminalia arjuna), and pravala pishti. Boswellia is an excellent choice of remedy for fractures. It is a natural pain killer and fastens the reunion of bones. It helps to inhibit the bone mineral density loss. Laksha is mainly used to increase the bone density.
  • Lakshadi Guggulu – it helps to calm down the aggravated vata and is excellent for fracture healing. It also helps to reverse the bone density loss and helps n the Management of Aches and Pains associated with osteoporosis.
  • Pravala pishti, akik pishti, Mukta pishti, giloy satwa, Jahar mohra pishti etc are also used. These can be used for Natural Calcium Supplement, which helps to strengthen the bones and joint.
  • Arjuna Capsules – terminalia arjuna bark extracts are used to prepare this capsule. 34% of calcium carbonate is present in arjuna. Also it contains sodium and magnesium. Arjuna has powerful healing properties.