Category: Anti-Aging

July 28, 2018

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.
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April 20, 2018

The Amazing Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate is a wonderful and popular fruit in the Middle East, India and other Asian countries. They are growing and being used in the whole world, owing to their many health benefits as well as nutritional value.

It is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C and several B vitamins also. Other nutrients include potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, folate and manganese. The fruit is also rich omega-6 fatty acids.

The arils along with rind have many medicinal benefits due to the presence of antioxidants like anthocyanins, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids.

Pomegranate’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties helps in treating inflammation, viral infections and several cancers. This fruit can be enjoyed by anyone watching their weight, due to its low caloric values.

The seed pods or arils can be eaten raw as well as made into juice. The juice has a tart flavor. The arils can also be added to savory dishes, soups, smoothies as well as desserts. The seeds of pomegranate are also used to make oil, which has many health and cosmetic benefits.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

HEART HEALTHY

  • Pomegranates are wonderful for your heart. Pomegranate juice helps in improving the blood flow to the heart and also helps in clearing the clogged arteries. Its anti-atherogenic benefits helps in reduction of the growth of plaque formation. It is rich in polyphenol content.
  • A study conducted in 2005 at the University of Naples in Italy, it was found that the juice of dark pomegranate is very beneficial in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis which is the most serious condition nowadays.
  • According to another study it is found that intake of 800 mg of pomegranate seed oil lowers the levels of triglycerides and also improves the high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio.
  • Drink 1 glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice daily, so as to boost the health of heart. Another option, you can also eat 1-2 cups of pomegranate seeds.

REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE

  • Pomegranates are wonderful for people who are dealing with high blood pressure or hypertension. The high antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamin C stimulates the nitric oxide production, which helps the blood to flow easily and prevents arteries from blocking.
  • They even lower existing plaque formations in the arteries resulting in the reduction of risk of strokes as well as heart attacks.
  • According to some studies it is believed that consumption of pomegranate juice inhibits the activity of serum angiotensin converting enzyme and reduces systolic blood pressure.
  • According to another study, it was found that pomegranate juice consumption could be considered in the context of both pharmacological as well as dietary interventions for hypertension
  • Intake of at least a glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice on the daily basis for better results.
  • Another option is to make fruit salads and smoothies with pomegranates.
  • Always keep monitoring your levels of blood pressure when taking pomegranates to lower blood pressure, especially if you are taking blood pressure medication.

RELIEVES JOINT AND ARTHRITIS PAIN

  • Arthritis pain and joint pain is a major problem among old people, especially women. Include pomegranate juice in your diet so as to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and overall joint pain. Pomegranates juice has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties which helps in blocking the enzymes known to damage joints and cause pain as well as stiffness.
  • According to a study carried out, it is found that pomegranate fruit extract contains certain compounds which blocks the enzymes that can lead to joint damage.
  • Another study was carried out in 2011 and it was concluded that daily intake of pomegranates lowers the serum oxidative stress and lowers the disease activity in the patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. More research is still going on.
  • Have at least a glass of pomegranate juice regularly for better results and if you are taking medicines, always consult your doctor first before using it.
  • Make a mixture of equal quantities of pomegranate seed oil with a carrier oil. Then massage it on the affected painful joint. This can be done once or twice a day.

FIGHTS ANAEMIA SYMPTOMS

  • This superfood is even beneficial for the people who are suffering from iron-deficient type of anemia. The iron present in pomegranates increases red blood cell count which ultimately cures anemia.
  • This results in an increase in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and even induces healthy blood flow. It helps the body in absorption of iron, due to the presence of high amount of vitamin C.
  • Drink a cup of pomegranate juice daily with your breakfast, if you are suffering from anemia.
  • Have this juice for at least a month or more so as to treat various types of anemia.

AIDS IN CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

  • Another wonderful benefit of pomegranate juice includes protection against cancer. It helps in treating and preventing cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Pomegranate juice induces antitumor effects on various types of cancer cells such as prostate, lung, breast and skin cancer.
  • According to some researches, it was concluded that cytotoxic activities of pomegranate extract or pomegranate juice is likely to be valuable for the treatment of prostate cell line [by induction of apoptosis].
  • According to a study carried out in 2014 study, it is believed that pomegranate juice is best for the treatment of cancer. Molecular Carcinogenesis focuses on the anti-proliferative effects of pomegranate juice in breast cancer cells.

IMPROVES MEMORY

  • Pomegranate juice is also beneficial in improving the memory as well as helps in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The polyphenols present in the pomegranate juice are thought to provide positive cognitive benefits.
  • According to a study carried out in 2011, it was concluded that daily intake of pomegranate juice helps in improving the memory and functional brain activity in middle-aged as well as older adults with mild memory complaints and issues.
  • According to another study which was carried out in 2006, it was concluded that pomegranate juice decreases the accumulation and deposition of amyloid in the brain by 50 percent from Alzheimer’s disease.
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