Category: Ayurveda

May 20, 2019

How Meningitis can be treated naturally

Overview

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective covering (meninges) of the brain and spinal cord caused due to certain infections. It is a serious and life threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It is mostly caused by a viral infection but bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections may also be the causes. The early treatment of meningitis can prevent serious complications. This infection can occur in children as well as adults.

How Meningitis can be treated naturally

What are the causes of Meningitis?

  • Viral infection is the most common cause of meningitis followed by bacterial infections and rarely fungal infections. The bacterial infection is life threatening therefore identifying the cause is essential.

Types of Meningitis are:

1. Bacterial Meningitis

  • It occurs when the bacteria  from the bloodstream travels to the brain and spinal cord and cause acute bacterial meningitis or it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges.
  • Bacteria that cause infections such as Streptococcus pnemoniae, Haemphilus influenzae, Neisseria meningiditis and Listeria monocytogenes.

Bacterial Meningitis

2.Chronic Meningitis

  • Chronic meningitis is caused when a slow growing bacteria such as fungi or Mycobacterium tuberculosis invade the membranes and the fluid surrounding the brain,
  • The signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis are similar to that of acute meningitis such as fever, headache, vomiting, mental cloudiness etc.

3.Fungal Meningitis

  • Meningitis caused by fungal infections is very rare. Its symptoms may mimic the symptoms of acute bacterial meningitis.
  • Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies.

4.Viral Meningitis

  • Viral meningitis is the most common type and is mild and usually clears on its own.
  • Viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HPV), mumps etc. can cause viral meningitis.

sign and symptoms of Menningitis

What are the symptoms of Meningitis?

In the initial stages, the symptoms of meningitis mimics flu.

The symptoms are:

  1. Stiff neck
  2. Sudden high fever
  3. Headache with nausea and vomiting
  4. Seizures
  5. Severe headache that seems different from the normal
  6. Loss of appetite and thirst
  7. Sensitivity to light
  8. Confusion
  9. Difficulty in concentrating

What are the symptoms of Meningitis in newborns and infants?

  1. High fever
  2. Inactivity or sluggishness
  3. Poor feeding
  4. Stiffness in the baby’s neck or body
  5. Constant crying
  6. Excessive sleepiness
  7. Irritability
  8. A bulge in the soft spot on the top of baby’s head

Diagnosis:

  • The doctor can diagnose meningitis based on the medical history, physical examination and with the help of certain tests such as blood tests or CT scan.

Treatment

  • Modern medicine physicians prescribe corticosteroids and intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of acute bacterial meningitis to reduce the risk of swelling and seizures.
  • For viral meningitis, antibiotics are not prescribed as it can resolve on its own after sometime.

How Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Meningitis?

  • According to Ayurveda, meningitis is caused due to low immunity and vitiation of Pitta and Kapha mainly Tarpak Kapha. The function of Tarpak Kapha is that it helps the nerve impulses to move at a proper rate by nourishing and protecting the axons of nerves but when it is vitiated it obstructs the nerve impulses.
  • Along with the modern treatment for meningitis, ayurvedic treatment can be continued to prevent the complications.

How Planet Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Meningitis?

  • Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies that act as Rasayanas for enhancing the immunity of an individual and other herbs that act on the brain and nervous system to provide strength and nourishment.

Meningitis Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda includes:

  1. Brahmi Capsules
  2. Ashwagandha Capsules
  3. Kaishore Guggul
  4. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules
  5. Medhya Churna
  6. Septrin Tablets

1.Brahmi Capsules

  • Brahmi is an anti-oxidant herb that is used very commonly in Ayurvedic practice. Planet Ayurveda’s Brahmi Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri.It is used in the treatment of all brain disorders such as dizziness, confusion, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and lack of mental composure. It is a very good nerve tonic and protects the nerves, heart and blood vessels. Brahmi is also as an anti-inflammatory herb therefore useful in the treatment of meningitis.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2.Ashwagandha Capsules

  • Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda since a very long time for several health conditions. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is considered as a Rasayana. Planet Ayurveda’s Ashwagandha Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used in the treatment of meningitis. This herb protects the brain from degeneration and dementia.

Dose: Take 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3.Kaishore Guggul:

  • Kaishore Guggul is a classical Ayurvedic medicine which possesses anti-microbial properties. Planet Ayurveda’s Kaishore Guggul contains the natural purifying herbs like Triphala and Giloy which are useful in removing toxins from the blood. It has anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory actions which help in the treatment of infections as it is a natural blood cleanser. It acts as Rasayana as well.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

4.Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

  • Boswellia Curcumin Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a unique product that contains Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as the ingredients. Both these ingredients are anti-inflammatory in nature and work in a synergistic manner to reduce infection and inflammation. Curcumin is the best anti-inflammatory herb that has potent effects similar to the efficacy of corticosteroids. Turmeric has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic properties that are useful in the treatment of meningitis.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

5Medhya Churna

  • Planet Ayurveda’s Medhya Churna is a powerful blend of dried extracts of herbs that  act as a wonderful brain tonic. All the herbs used in this powder have been used individually since immemorial times for various types of brain disorders. Therefore, this churna is very effective in the treatment of meningitis.

Ingredients of Medhya Churna are:

Sr. No.

 Botanical Name Common Name Parts Quantity
1. Acorus calamus Vacha Roots 50 gm
2. Withania somnifera Ashwagandha Roots 5 gm.
3. Carum roxburghianum Ajmoda Seeds 5 gm.
4. Cuminum cyminum Shwet Jeerak Seeds 5 gm.
5. Carum carvi Krishna Jeerak Seeds 5 gm.
6. Zingiber officianle Sonth Rhizome 5 gm.
7. Piper nigrum Marich Fruits 5 gm.
8. Piper longum Pippali Fruits 5 gm.
9. Cissampelos pareira Patha Whole 5 gm.
10. Convulvulus pluricaulis Shankhpushpi Whole  5 gm.
11. Bacopa monnieri Brahmi Whole  5 gm.

Dose: 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).

6. Septrin Tablets:

  • Planet Ayurveda’s Septrin Tablets are useful in  conditions such as infections, pain, and inflammation. All the herbs used in this formulation are anti-inflammatory in nature which are very useful in the treatment of meningitis.

Ingredients of Septrin Tablets are:

Sr. No.

 Herb Used Botanical Name Parts Used Quantity
1. Guggul Commiphora mukul Resin 200 mg
2. Haldi Curcuma longa Root extract 150 mg
3. Tulsi Ocimum sanctum Leaves extract 100 mg
4. Sonth Zingiber officinale Root extract 20 mg
5. Marich Piper nigrum Seed extract 20 mg
6. Pippali Piper longum Fruit extract 10 mg

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Prevention:

  • Since it is an infectious disease, it can spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils, cigarette etc. So it is necessary to wash hands, practice good hygiene etc.

Diet:

(Reference: Charak Samhita Chikitsasthanam, Chapter No. 12, Shlok No. 20)

Meaning: In this shloka, a diet that should be avoided in inflammation is explained. According to this shloka, a person having inflammation should avoid lean meat, dry leafy vegetables, newly harvested grains, food items prepared from jaggery and rice flour, fermented foods, curd, sesame seeds, oily foods, alcohol and sour foods.

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May 15, 2019

What Diet You Should Eat to lose Weight

Overview

‘Weight loss‘ is the greatest problem the present world is facing. Physical activity has minimized in the last decade due to the easy availability of any product online  thus making the whole world more lethargic. And there is a common jinx that physical activity makes you lose your status in public, but all this, in fact, is not true, you tend to go lazy and gain lots of weight and become obese, a dent in your physical personality.

Your diet and how well you move physically act simultaneously. The way you eat doesn’t matter and what matters is what you eat and how well you do exercise to maintain  good health. Eating certain foods keep your  abdominal area in control and doesn’t allow it to expand and makes you look chubby.

Such foods also have lots of nutrients that keeps your muscular power strong and your body feels more flexible. Even when you are dining outside or partying you don’t need to concentrate on healthy foods, ’cause once in a blue moon’ you can have some wrong food and it never affects your health as your blood sugar level is in a stable condition.

Don’t make it a habit otherwise it’s your body that has to face the music. Many experts believe in some foods that keep your weight in control, thus spurting up your metabolism.

How to lose weight naturally

What Diet You Should Eat to lose Weight?

  • Not a single food works as a magic wand and makes you lose weight in seconds or minutes. There are many foods that need to be combined together to get  positive results of weight loss.
  • Most of these foods have one thing in common, all are rich in fiber and this thing makes you feel full for a longer time. And all have a low calorie count, you might eat a hefty sum of this food, but the calories in your body don’t enhance.

Diet Plan for Weight Loss

If you wish to lose weight. I prescribe the following diet;

1. Avocadosyogurt for weight loss

  • Avocados have an abundance of dietary fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals and potassium. A study was done and it was found that people who did eat avocados had  less circumference than the people who skip eating this green super fruit.
  • Avocados have lots of calories in it, but its fat & fiber when combined can make you go slim. Add it in your salad, sandwich or taco night for a unique flavor and creaminess.
  • Most of the other fruits have immense carbohydrates and avocados have lots of healthy fat. No doubt all contain mostly fat, avocados also contain a lot of water and fiber, thus making them less energy-dense than you might begin to think.
  • Their fat content can increase carotenoid antioxidant absorption from the vegetables. They also contain many important nutrients.

2. Beans and Legumes:

Healthy diet For obesity

  • Some of the beans and legumes are very effective in losing weight such as lentils, kidney beans, black beans etc. These foods have a high dosage of proteins and fiber, these two make you feel totally hunky dory. They also have some resistant starch in them.
  • The main factor that comes to the fore is that the majority of the people have difficulty in tolerating legumes, but first learn how to prepare them in the best ways and then proceed. When you have beans, they prove to be your friend while losing weight.
  • Consuming both these foods also help in lowering the blood pressure, reducing the risk of any cardio-vascular problem and reduce the LDL cholesterol level. You can try having the beans in your daily home-made diet, soups, and salads.

3. Yogurt:

Diet for obese people

  • Yogurt is an excellent food that is filled to the brim with proteins, which prove to be great for your gut area and helps when you try to lose weight.
  • It also contains fiber and probiotics that keep your gut bacteria in a healthy state, which is great to maintain your metabolism of the body.
  • Go and eat Greek yogurt which reduces appetite and enhances satisfaction. But better remain alert that it should be available in the original form and no artificial sugar is added to it. If you wish to add sweetness, add some fresh sweet fruit to it.
  • Some types of yogurt contain probiotic bacteria that enhance the functions of your gut area. A healthy gut can prevent leptin resistance, which is the main catalyst guilty of causing obesity.
  • Be alert while choosing the right yogurt which is live and active in cultures, as other types of yogurt contain no probiotics.
  • Choose a full-fat yogurt. Studies show that full-fat dairy and not low-fat dairy, and is linked with a reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes over a long time. Low-fat yogurt  usually contains lots of sugar, so it’s better to avoid it.

4. Fresh fruits:

  • Fruits are generally ignored by fat people as most contain a sweet taste and making everyone think that they have sugar in them. But all are wrong as they contain a natural sugar that is not harmful to the obese persons.
  • Instead of opting for sweet snacks that contain processed sugar, these help in losing weight. Thus you can reap in the benefits of fiber content and anti-oxidants.
  • According to recent research it was found that people who become habitual in eating sweet fruits, had very less chance of getting obese and losing their original shapes.
  • One who eats lots of fruits doesn’t have to worry about veggies and fiber intake, although eating fresh & organic fruits along with a healthy diet is the best strategy to stay fit & fine. Fruits do have properties, which make them weight-loss-friendly.
  • They contain a low energy density and take some time to chew. Plus, their fiber content helps in restricting sugar from being released in a fast manner into your bloodstream.
  • Only those people who may want to avoid or minimize fruits are those who are on a very low-carb ketogenic diet or have an intolerance.

Majority of the organic fruits can be an effective and delicious, in addition to a weight loss diet.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar:

  • It has an immense popular name in the community of natural health. Mostly it is used in dressing or vinaigrette of the dishes to enhance their flavor, but some people dilute it by adding some plain water to it and drink it as a health drink.
  • Many studies have shown it to reduce weight. If you take this drink along with your meals it will certainly reduce your appetite and your intake of calories, it makes you feel happy and totally satisfied with the rest of the day.
  • Vinegar was also found to reduce the sugar level in the blood that zooms up after every meal, and has positive effects on your health in the long run

Other Fruits and Veggies

  • There are many other fruits and veggies like popcorn, almonds, whole grains, cottage cheese, various kind of soups, boiled potatoes that also reduce weight.
  • People in the current times believe more in gossip  and are unaware about the facts that fruit and veggies contain the natural sugars, which never expand your abdominal area making you look a funny flabby, and thus making you go through the floor. All these fruits and veggies are going places these days.
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