Blood pressure is necessary for blood circulation through arteries and to provide oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues. High BP is not a disease but a symptom signifying some disease is progressing. Most of the times hypertension is asymptomatic, but can be easily diagnosed and treated by Naturopathy. Hypertension damages the blood pumping function of the heart and if not treated on time, it may damage the heart, brain and kidneys. Thus leading to the complications like stroke, heart attack, retinal hemorrhage, arteriosclerosis and neurological disorders.

If systolic pressure is more than 120-140 mm hg and diastolic pressure is more than 80-90 mm hg it is categorized as mild hypertension. If systolic pressure is more than 140-150 mm hg and diastolic pressure is more than 90-100 mm hg it is categorized as moderate hypertension. If systolic pressure is more than 160 mm hg and diastolic pressure is more than 100 mm hg it is categorized as severe hypertension.

It may be caused due to hereditary, lifestyle changes, stress, obesity, smoking, hormonal imbalance, or even due to some medications. Mild to moderate hypertension is almost asymptomatic. But a person having severe hypertension may have symptoms like headache, dizziness, impaired vision, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and heart pain.

Some of the lifestyle modifications help to overcome many health problems. Diets play an curtail role in managing hypertension.  Eat food which are rich in fiber and potassium. Some of the fruits rich in fiber and potassium are bananas, orange, mosambi, pineapple, apples and grapes. Raw vegetables in the form of salada that can be consumed to reduces hypertension includes cucumber, carrot, beetroot, tomato, onion, raddish, cabbage and spinach.  Green leafy vegetables have high fibre and helps in combating hypertension. Sprouts are also rich in fibre, minerals and proteins. Eat 2 cloves of garlic on empty stomach every day.

Restrict intake of salt, spices and condiments.  Intake of salt elevate BP. It is advisable to avoid pickles, canned foods which are rich in sodium. Increased intake of dished with ajinomoto, baking powder, ketchup, sauce, biscuits, cakes, pastries and bread increases the complications.

Also read articles from : Dr Venkataramana Hegde 

It is important to maintain normal body weight (BMI – 18 to 24). Relaxation techniques are helpful to reduce stress, tension and anxiety. Regular brisk walking (atleast 30 min/day), yoga and moderate aerobic exercise daily is helpful. Avoid alcohol consumption.

Naturopathic treatment to manage hypertension include cold spinal bath, ice massage, oil massage, spinal spray (cold), spinal bath (cold), cold hip bath, neutral immersion bath and mud therapy.

Dr Venkataramana Hegde

Veda Wellness Center
Nisarga Mane, Sirsi
Uttarakannada District
Ph:9448729434

The post Naturopathic treatment for Hypertension appeared first on Health Vision.

Nutritional facts:

1 Medium orange [approximately 154 grams] contains

•  80 calories
• 0g fat
• 250mg potassiu
• 19g carbohydrate
• 1g protein

1 Orange provides 130% of vitamin C needs of the day, 2% of vitamin A needs, 6% of calcium & 0% of iron.

Orange also contain thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, foliate, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, selenium & copper. Because of their high Vit-C content  oranges are associated with boosting the immune system. Oranges also contain chlorine, zeaxanthin & carotenoids.

Chlorine is an important nutrient found in oranges that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning & memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

Zeaxanthin & carotenoids have antioxidant effects and have been shown to have an inverse relationship with overall cancer mainly prostate cancer.

Benefits:

• Stroke: Eating higher amounts of a compound found in citrus fruits like oranges & grapefruit will lower the risk of ischemic stroke.
• Blood pressure: Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lower blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilatation effects.
• Cancer: Oranges and orange juice in the first two years of life may reduce the risk of developing childhood leukaemia. Oranges [vitamin C, antioxidant] also help to combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
• Heart health: The fibre, potassium, vitamin C & chorine content in oranges support the heart health. High potassium intake are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density & reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
• Diabetes: High fibre diet will lower the blood glucose level in type 1 diabetes and improve the blood sugar, lipids & insulin level in type 2 diabetes.
• Skin: The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form[as in an orange] or applied topically, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin textures. Vitamin-C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of skin.
• Kidney stone prevention: Oranges are a good source of citric acid & citrates, which are believed to help prevent kidney stone formation.
• Good eye health: Oranges are rich source of carotenoid. The vitamin A present in them play an important role in keeping the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy.
• Safeguards against constipation: Oranges have both soluble and insoluble fibre. This helps in keeping healthy intestines & smooth functioning of stomach and preventing irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the fibre helps treat constipation to a greater extent.
• Help treat anemia: The high folic acid content in oranges helps reduce anemia. Iron cannot be fully absorbed in the body without the help of vitamin C.
• Can help to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome: Should follow the diet that contains low glycencic index foods to combat PCOS. Orange has a low glycencic index & is suitable for those with PCOS. Orange also improves insulin resistance, which is thought to be the origin of PCOS.

Dr Venkataramana Hegde

Veda Wellness Center
Nisarga Mane, Sirsi,
Uttarakannada District
Ph:9448729434

The post Orange fruits and its health benefits appeared first on Health Vision.

In 1981, homosexual men with symptoms of a disease named Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were first described in Los Angeles and New York. The men had an unusual type of lung infection (pneumonia) and rare skin tumors called Kaposi’s sarcoma. The patients were noted to have a severe reduction of a type of cell in the blood,which is an important part of the immune system, called CD4 cells. These cells, often referred to as T cells, help the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognized throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Africa.

 In 1983, researchers in the United States and France described the virus that causes AIDS, now known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and belonging to the group of viruses called retroviruses. More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981 and young people under 25 years accounts for half of all new HIV infection. India with worlds one of the largest HIV patients has largest number of AIDS deaths.(Nearly 50% of AIDS patients die of Tuberculosis in India.)

 The spread of HIV by exposure to infected blood usually results from HIV is present in the blood and genital secretions of virtually all individuals infected with HIV, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissues such as those lining the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes (the mucus membranes), or with a break in the skin, such as from a cut or puncture by a needle.

The most common ways in which HIV is spreading throughout the world include,

• Sexual contact
• Sharing needles
• Transmission from infected mothers to their newborns 
•  Infection from blood transfusions or blood products
• Transferred by casual exposure, as might occur in a household setting.
• Still, theoretical risks are associated with the sharing of toothbrushes and shaving razors

To avoid sexual transmission

• Abstinence from sex until it is certain that both partners  are not HIV-infected.
• The next best method is the use of latex barriers.

The most common symptoms of primary HIV infection are Fever, Aching muscles and joints, Sore throat, and; Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, Fleeting arthralgia  (joint pain), Maculo  papular  rash,  Tender lymphadenopathy, Occasionally encephalitis, Diarrhea, Mouth ulcers. Only some HIV-infected persons develop these symptoms.  Other infected persons will become symptom-free (asymptomatic) after this phase of primary infection.

During the asymptomatic stage of infection, literally billions of HIV particles are produced every day and circulate in the blood. This production of virus is associated with a decline in the number of CD4 cells in the blood over the ensuing years. It probably results from a direct effect of the virus on the cell as well as the body’s attempt to clear these infected cells from the system. In addition to virus in the blood, there is also virus throughout the body, especially in the lymph nodes, brain, and genital secretions.

Some people develop symptoms, signaling the complications of HIV that define AIDS, within 1 year of infection. Others, however, remain completely asymptomatic after as many as 20 years. The average time for progression from initial infection to AIDS is eight to 10 years. The  state  of  asymptomatic  phase  or  even  after  that  depends  on  immune  system.  Good  immunity  builds  lengthy  lifespan  with  better  living  where  as  poor  immunity  drag  us  towards  deadliest  stage  i.e.  death.

Clinical features

• Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow, most often causing Anaemia, and occasionally hyper pigmentation (most often of the nails).
• Damage nerves and cause peripheral neuropathy, a neurological condition with numbness and/or tingling of the feet and hands.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that causes nausea, vomiting and mid upper abdominal pain.
• Oral ulcers.
• Hypersensitivity reaction. [The hypersensitivity reaction most often causes fever and other symptoms, such as muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, rash or cough].
• Rare kidney damage
• Hyper pigmentation, most often on the palms and soles..

In individuals not infected with HIV, the CD4 count in the blood is normally above 500 cells per cubic milliliter (mm3) of blood. HIV-infected people generally do not become at risk for complications until their CD4 cells are fewer than 200 cells per mm3. At this level of CD4 cells, the immune system does not function adequately and is considered suppressed. A low CD4 cell count signals that the person is at risk for one of the many unusual infections (the so-called opportunistic infections) that occur in individuals who are immunosuppressed.

Complications of HIV disease :

Oral thrush (yeast infection in the mouth), Chronic unexplained diarrhoea, Fevers, Weight loss, Opportunistic infections,  Dementia (for example, forgetfulness).

Management through Naturopathy:

AIDS can be treated naturally. Researchers have found diet therapy and yoga is very effective for AIDS. Each individual needs to  understand  a  basic  idea  behind  maintaining  perfect  health  and  that  is  strongest  mind  which  in  turn can  rebuild  greater  amount  of  immunity. The focus should be

1. Improving the nutritional status
2. Enhancing the functions and balance the weakened system
3. Clearing the toxins from the body
4. Managing  Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Anger

Diet Therapy:

Proper dietary pattern that includes Fruits and juices, Drinking plenty of water, Eating  in regular intervals, Avoiding artificial food products, Taking fibre rich food, Consuming plenty of macro and micronutrients helps the patient.

Hydrotherapy

• Different types of tub baths and packs helps to tonify different systems of body.
• Enema helps in elimination of toxins
•  Jalanethi and sutranethi helps to activates the respiratory system and clears the pranic energy flow.
• Immersion bath with salt helps to activate the sweat pores and aids the process of elimination.

Role of Yoga :

Yoga  one  of  the  most  efficient  ancient  therapy,  today  again  is  on  revolution  with  a  goal  to  change  the  world  positively.  Variety  of  Yogic  techniques  like  body  postures,  breathing  techniques,  Mind  stability  techniques  and  still  many  others  can  fill  up  each  cell  of  our  body  with  powerful  resistance,  so  that  the  deadly  virus  doesn’t  dominate  and  attack  on  different  organs  of the  body.

Yoga helps to reduce Anxiety, Depression, Stress in all the following 5 levels i.e, Annamaya Kosha, Pranamaya Kosha, Manomaya Kosha and Anandamaya Kosha. Meditation,  Relaxation techniques,  Asanas,  Pranayamas,  Kriyas. Yoga found to be very effective in increasing Parasympathetic activity thus helps in reducing Anxiety, Heart rate, Respiratory rate and Blood pressure.

Effect of yoga on endocrine system:

• Yoga Supports the thymus gland
• Improves the circulation
• Improves oxygen flow and the transfer of energy from nutrients to cells
• Improves the flow of sinuses and flushing out mucous from the lungs
•  Increases the lung mobility
•  Rejuvenate internal organs
• Relaxes the nervous system and boosts immune response

Effect of yoga on cardiovascular system:

Improves blood circulation, Tonify the cardiac muscles and improves the oxygenation

Effect of yoga on digestive system:

Yogic kriyas enhances the immunity of Gastro Intestinal Tract and Improves digestive power

Effect of yoga on respiratory system:

Strengthens the respiratory muscles, Increases the vital capacity, increased oxygenation of blood.

AIDS though existing in the body, one can lead a healthy life with powerful vitality and stronger, peaceful mind.

Dr Venkataramana Hegde

Veda Wellness Center
Nisarga Mane, Sirsi,
Uttarakannada District
Ph:9448729434

The post How AIDS can be managed by yoga and diet therapy? appeared first on Health Vision.

Our skin is our security system, our sensations detector and our gateway to the world around us. Touch is the very first sense we develop in the human embryo– less than eight weeks after being conceived, an embryo is barely 2.5 centimetres long and has neither eyes nor ears, but its skin is already highly developed.

“Hugging it out” is often touted as a good way to solve a problem. Of course, hugs can help in many situations, from showing appreciation to beating loneliness and stress at work.

The science behind why touch feels good!

The slow stroking involved in grooming stimulates a particular set of nerves – the afferent c-tactile neurons that are found only in hairy skin and are quite different to the usual nerves that convey information about touch, pain and pressure. These neurons respond only to light and slow stroking. They have a direct route into the brain, where they trigger the release of endorphins. Touch releases special hormones in our bodies and also inhibits stress hormones. Specifically, the right kind of touch can:

1. Increases oxytocin—this hormone is great for our heart and makes us feel connected to the world around us.
2. Drops cortisol—the stress hormone which makes us feel anxious and decreases our cognitive function.
3. Triggers dopamine—the pleasure hormone which makes us feel really, really good.

The Science behind hug

When you see someone you have not been around in a long time, when someone is celebrating exciting news, or when someone is having a hard time, it is normal to give them a hug. It is a gesture that sends a specific message depending on the occasion. It can show people just how much you love them, how sorry you feel, or how much you care about them.

Hugging is an important way for many to express how they are feeling to someone else. If you were to ask someone why they hug or why they like being hugged, they might tell you something along the lines of, “it feels right.” While hugging does tap into your emotions and even elicit an emotional response, there is more science to hugging than you might realize.

Hormones & hugging

There are hormones released when you hug someone that can provide significant health benefits. Skin-to-skin contact can send signals to nerves in the area of the brain that is responsible for managing blood pressure. When you receive a hug, it can lower your blood pressure, helping you feel relaxed.

Hugging also release dopamine which results in people “feeling good” or feeling a sense of reward. Dopamine is responsible for the “highs” people get after exercising, eating your favourite meal, or having sex. Even simply hugging someone in a non-sexual way can release dopamine in your brain and help you feel good.

Physical touch, including hugging, also releases a chemical called oxytocin or what some call “the love hormone.” When people connect physically with someone they love, this hormone is released and helps them feel good. It helps increase bonding, empathy, and positive thinking. Oxytocin can have positive impacts on physical health like fighting infections and boosting your immune system.

Emotions & hugging

In general, hugging can have significant impacts on emotional health as well. The hormones involved can aid in this process as well. People who hug tend to feel a reduction in stress due to feeling loved and more secure. It also is a way people feel connected. Whether it leads to other forms of physical intimacy or not, a simple hug can increase bonding between people.

Hugging can also decrease emotions associated with depression. It can help people fight a sense of fear, isolation, and loneliness. It also can provide a self-esteem boost which aids in fighting symptoms of depression as well.

Importance of hugging your child

The importance of hugging your child cannot be underestimated. Hugging provides many benefits to people, but is particularly important in child development. Benefits of hugging and the science behind hugs

1. Hugs help kids grow smarter
2. Hugs help kids grow

Studies show that hugging can instantly boost the level of oxytocin. When oxytocin is increased, several growth hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and nerve growth factor (NGF), are increased as well​10​. As a result, the nurturing touch of a hug enhances a child’s growth.

3. Hugs keep kids healthy
4. Hugs stop temper tantrums
5. Hugs build resilience
6. Hugs make happy kids
7. Hugs help child and parents bond

Final thoughts

Hugging has all kinds of benefits. But body autonomy is also important. Teaching kids how to kindly refuse a hug and handle uncomfortable situations is a good lesson for the child, too. Basically, a good hug is the fastest way for you to get oxytocin flowing in your body. Oxytocin, also known as the “love drug”, calms your nervous system and boosts positive emotions. Here’s how a good hug resulting in oxytocin flow affects you.

Dr.Nandhini V. Mohan & Dr Venkataramana Hegde
Veda wellness center
Nisarga Mane Sirsi
Uttarakannada District
Ph: 9597019032/ 9448729434
Email : nisargamane6@gmail.com

The post Hugging as a medicine- the power of touch appeared first on Health Vision.

Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower. Commonly known as the “saffron crocus”. The term “saffron” applies to the flowers thread like structures or stigma. It originated in Greece, where it was revered for its medicinal properties.

1. A Powerful antioxidant: Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants- molecules which protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. Notable saffron anti-oxidansts include crocin, crocetin, safanal, kaemperol. Crocin and crocetin are considered pigments and responsible for saffron’s red colour. Both compounds may have anti-depressant properties, protect brain cells against progressive damage, improve inflammation, reduce appetite & aid weight loss. Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been linked to health benefits such as reduced inflammation, anti-cancer properties and anti-depressive activity.

2. Treat depressive symptoms: Saffron is nicknamed the “sunshine spice”. That’s not just due to its distinct colur, but also because it may help brighten your mood. Both the saffron petals and thread like stigma appear to be effective against mild to moderate depression.

3.May reduce PMS Symptoms: Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat Pre-menstrual syndrome(PMS) symptoms such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain and anxiety.

4. May act as an aphrodisiac: Aphrodisiac are foods or supplements that help boosts your libido. For instance, taking 30 mg of saffron daily over 4 weeks significantly improved erectile function over a placebo in men with anti-depressant related erectile dysfunction. Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women and may especially help those taking anti-depressants.

5. Promoting weight loss: Saffron may help promote weight losss and curb the appetite. Helps to reduce body mass index(BMI), total fat mass, waist circumference.

6. Protection against cold: Saffron is a stimulant tonic and very effective to treat cold and fever; saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold.

7. In delayed puberty: In under developed girls, saffron has an overall stimulant effect. A pinch of saffron crushed in a tablespoon of milk is useful to stimulate hormones and bring about desired effect.

8. Immune response: Saffron increase white blood cells count without affecting the levels of other blood cells. It also inhibit viral replication and entry into cells, potentially improving the immune system’s ability to fight off viral infections.

Dr.Nandhini V. Mohan &  Dr Venkataramana Hegde
Veda wellness center
Nisarga Mane Sirsi
Uttarakannada District.

Ph:9597019032/  9448729434  Email : nisargamane6@gmail.com

The post Saffron a Superfood for health appeared first on Health Vision.