Category: Low Immunity

August 6, 2019

Wonderful Health Benefits of wheatgrass for better health

Wheatgrass: Overview

Wheatgrass is a thick and dry young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. Wheatgrass has been used in natural medicine for generations because it is believed to be an extremely potent health food which has the ability to offer numerous health benefits.

Wheatgrass is harvested before it reaches its full growth size. Usually, it is harvested nearly one week after it starts sprouting. Wheatgrass is generally consumed as a fresh juice, though it is also available in powdered form.

The acknowledgment of the benefits of using wheatgrass for health reasons first came from Dr. Ann Wigmore from the US.  He started using wheatgrass in the late 1930s, to help the patients in recovering from chronic health problems. Ever since, the use of wheatgrass has become popular all over the world due to its action an amazing stimulant for good health.

Benefits and Uses of wheatgrass

Wheatgrass contains a number of nutrients which are an important part of a balanced diet. The key contents of wheatgrass are iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, manganese, phytonutrients, proteins, 17 amino acids, and Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex.

Wheatgrass is also abundant in enzymes and contains fibre. It has high levels of chlorophyll, due to which it is sometimes called ‘green blood.’ The practitioners of natural or alternative medicine recommend the use of wheatgrass for preventing or overcoming nutritional deficiencies. Wheatgrass is also a wonderful blood tonic which can help in the purification of blood.

Ayurvedic Significance of Wheatgrass

According to Ayurvedic texts, Wheatgrass is a remarkable nutritional support for health because it contains vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. The intake of wheatgrass can improve energy levels, purify the blood, and have a rejuvenating effect on the body.

Ayurveda also believes that the nutritional components of wheatgrass also have the ability to strengthen the digestive system, purify the liver by eliminating toxins, and manage a number of health disorders.

The benefits of wheatgrass have been mentioned in Ayurveda since ancient times, and it has been used by Ayurveda experts for preparing several herbal formulations for decades. However, the use of wheatgrass for health benefits has become popular in India only in recent times, after its increasing recognition as a health tonic in the Western countries.

Wheatgrass: A good option for better health

A wheatgrass is an excellent option for good health because of its numerous healing benefits which can help treat several diseases.

Some of the benefits of the wheatgrass for better health :

Lower cholesterol levels

Wheatgrass has the ability to lower cholesterol levels and is therefore useful in managing heart disorders. The lowered cholesterol levels because of the intake of wheatgrass can actually reduce the risk of developing potential heart diseases.

Enhanced Immunity

Wheatgrass is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system because of its antioxidant properties. Improved immunity due to the intake of wheatgrass can reduce the risk of infections and diseases. Furthermore, in case of any health issues, optimal immunity levels can facilitate a faster recovery process.

Increased energy levels

The use of wheatgrass can give a substantial boost to the energy levels of the body because it can provide the required nourishment. Increased energy levels resulting from regular use of wheatgrass can make a person feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and perform daily routine tasks in a more efficient manner.

Elimination of toxins and impurities

The presence of several nutrients in wheatgrass can help the body in eliminating impurities and toxins in a natural way. The high chlorophyll content in wheatgrass can particularly assist the detoxification and cleansing process, thus enabling the healthy functioning of the liver and better overall health.

Improved digestion

The high levels of enzymes in wheatgrass can aid the digestive process. Enzymes help the body in breaking down the food and absorbing nutrients from it. An improved digestive process can keep the intestines healthy, and treat common problems like gas, bloating, and abdominal pain/discomfort. The use of wheatgrass is also beneficial in relieving constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions affecting the digestive system.

Potential for helping in weight loss

Regular intake of wheatgrass juice can help you loose weight because wheatgrass has the capability to boost the body metabolism and fight obesity. Moreover, wheatgrass is also low in calories and does not contain any fat. This nutrient-rich food can also reduce food cravings because it gives a fuller feeling for a longer time, thus resulting in weight loss.

Lowers blood pressure

The consumption of fibre-loaded wheatgrass can also be very helpful in normalizing blood pressure. People suffering from high blood pressure can benefit from the use of wheatgrass because of the chlorophyll molecule which is similar to hemoglobin and can increase the count of blood cells, keeping the blood pressure in check.

Improved cognitive function

Wheatgrass also has an excellent neuroprotective effect which can improve the functioning of the brain and promote better cognitive health. More specifically, wheatgrass can improve the overall mental function, prevent memory loss, alleviate anxiety, improves eye-hand coordination, and manage Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders.

Improved blood sugar levels

The use of wheatgrass is recommended for people suffering from Diabetes because wheatgrass can regulate the levels of blood sugar in the body. Research has revealed that the intake of wheatgrass can prevent excessive sugar from entering the bloodstream. Even one meal of wheatgrass can significantly bring down glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Treatment of infections

Wheatgrass is also helpful in treating infections as it contains antimicrobial properties. It can reduce the serious complications resulting from severe infections, especially those infections which are resistant to antibiotics.

Cancer management

Wheatgrass is also known for its ability to prevent and manage cancer. It can be a beneficial supplement to conventional cancer treatments because of its capability to potentially improve the effects of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Wheatgrass is a remarkable source of protein and fibre, and low in calories. It is a good option for better health because of the abundance of nutrients and the ability to manage a number of health conditions. However, wheatgrass use can sometimes cause constipation or nausea. Hence, even though the use of wheatgrass to improve health and well-being does not usually have any side effects, it is advisable to consult an expert Ayurveda practitioner before consuming wheatgrass juice or taking wheatgrass supplements.

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August 3, 2019

Yogasanas To Control and Prevent Diabetes

Overview

Yoga practice is also useful in the management of various lifestyle disorders including Type 2 Diabetes as the incorporation of yoga practice in daily life helps to attain glycemic control.

Nowadays, Type 2 diabetes has become a common lifestyle disorder which is caused by insulin resistance resulting in chronic hyperglycemia and various other complications. A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary patterns are the major risk factors for the development of various lifestyle disorders, including diabetes. Psychological stress also increases the severity of diabetes.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Yoga, which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago, aims at balancing the body, mind, and soul. Traditionally, yoga is a mind-body practice with the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. It provides opportunities for self-awareness.

The word ‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit name which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Yoga is often compared with the tree and comprises 8 aspects or limbs such as:

  • Yama (Universal ethics)
  • Niyama (Individual ethics)
  • Asana (Physical postures)
  • Pranayama (Breath-control)
  • Pratyahara (Control of the senses)
  • Dharana (Concentration)
  • Dhyana (Meditation)
  • Samadhi (Bliss).

Recognizing its universal appeal, the United Nations on 11th December 2014 proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.

Many yoga asanas have been found to be beneficial in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes but their judicious use is recommended after a careful assessment of patient’s health.

  • They emphasize on the relationship of mind, body, and awareness and focus on the synchronization of movement and breathing.
  • The key to performing a yoga posture is that it should be performed with stability and comfort and involves stretching, twisting, movements, and relaxation.

Some Yoga Practices Beneficial for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

  1. Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation)
  2. Vakrasan (Spinal twist)
  3. Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
  4. Bhujangasan (Cobra pose)
  5. Pavanmuktasana (Wind relieving pose)
  6. Om Chanting

1.Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation):

This yogic exercise involves a series of various yogic postures which are performed in a series of a specific sequence.

It is a complete yoga asana in itself and involves 11 steps such as

  1. Pranamasana(prayer pose)
  2. Utthana hasthasana(raised arms pose)
  3. padahastanasana(standing forward bend)
  4. ashva sanchalanasana (equestrian pose)
  5. phalakasana(stick pose)
  6. ashtang namaskar(salute with eight points)
  7. bhujangasana(cobra pose)
  8. adho mukha svanasana(downward facing pose)
  9. ashva sanchalanasana(equestrian pose)
  10. padahastanasana(standing forward bend)
  11. pranamasana(mountain pose)

It increases cellular requirements for oxygen and glucose and to meet these requirements, through brain signaling, insulin production is stimulated.

The diabetic patient should practice 3-7 rounds at a slow speed and according to an individual’s capacity.

2. Vakrasan (Spinal Twist)

It is a very basic asana (pose) and it is recommended for overall body health as well.

  • It is a seated yoga posture which improves the function of pancreas.
  • Vakrasan is a pose having seated spinal twist that squeezes the intestines and massage them to prevent the stagnation of colonic contents.
  • It is recommended that diabetic patients should hold the final pose for 15 seconds or as per their capacity and then gradually increase the duration  upto 1 minute.

3.Trikonasana (Triangle pose):

Trikonasana is a standing pose that works on all areas of the abdomen and further helps in keeping the kidneys in good working condition.

  • It improves blood supply and enhances insulin receptor expression in the muscles.
  • It is recommended to hold the final pose for 15 seconds and gradually increases the duration up to 1 minute.

4.Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

Bhujangasana is a prone pose that stimulates and massages the pancreas and helps in the proper functioning of the gland.

  • This pose allows more blood to circulate in the pancreas and the whole body region.
  • Due to an increase in the amount of blood flow, the efficiency of beta-cells increases.
  • Diabetic patients should hold the final pose for 15 seconds and then gradually increase the duration up to 1 minute.

5.Pavanmuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose):

Pavanmuktasana is supine pose often known as ‘gas releasing pose’ and it braces up the entire system of the body including pancreas, liver, spleen, abdomen and abdominal muscles.

  • This asana causes a contraction in the abdominal muscles which improve the functionality of the abdominal organs.
  • Diabetic patients should hold the final pose for 15 seconds and gradually increase the duration up to 1 minute.

Om Chanting

6.Om Chanting

Several types of researches have shown that chanting Om is based on the physics of sound, resonance, vibrations, etc. that has a positive effect on health.

  • Chanting Om results in the removal of negative thoughts, an increase of energy, relaxation of brain and body.
  • Thus, chanting Om in supine posture produces an integrated relaxation response, which may have a clinical significance in the management of diabetes and hypertension.

Thus, Yoga postures help in the stretching of abdominal muscles which help in the regeneration of pancreatic cells and there is an improvement in the sensitivity of beta-cells to glucose, thereby there is an improvement in the secretion of insulin, increase in the blood supply to the muscles and muscle relaxation, thereby improving glucose uptake.

In addition to Yoga Asanas (Yoga Poses), Yogic breathing (Pranayam), Dhyaan (Meditation) have positive effects on the sugar levels and it is recommended in the management of diabetes.

Meditation

Meditation has been shown to cause physiological changes in the brain and meditators are less prone to stress.

  • The mental stability that is attained through Meditation helps diabetic patients.
  • Mindfulness Meditation is advocated for better sleep, greater relaxation, positivity in life etc.

Pranayama

Pranayama is control of breath. “Prana” is a breath or vital energy in the body.  The slow breathing technique involved in Pranayama causes comprehensive changes in the physiology of the body as it controls the autonomic nervous system.

  • Pranayama such as Bhastrika Pranayam (bellow-breathing) is energetic and powerful pranayama known as “the breath of fire”.
  • This pranayama helps in the regulation of pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands which play an important role in the regulation of metabolism.

Yoga also prevents the development of diabetes in individuals who have a high risk of developing diabetes and also a results in a reduction of fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar (blood sugar after meals), anti-diabetic drug requirements thus suggesting improved glycemic control.

Its regular practice helps in enhancing awareness of the mind and body which is needed in the self-management of diet in diabetes. Moreover, regular yoga practice also reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Effective Home Remedies To Control Blood Sugar Level

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