Healthy living is a long-term commitment. But there are steps you can take right now that will make your today healthier than yesterday and pave the way for healthy living tomorrow. So why are you waiting? Start following healthy living practices suggested by experts on HelloDox.
With changing lifestyles, the small household chores have become the workouts for most of us. When not done properly, however, these cause more harm than good. The spine often bears the brunt of this damage. Read on to know if you are damaging your spine on a daily basis. If yes, time to change the way you do these activities.
Carrying shopping bags: While two bags might look more expensive, carrying one bag tilts the weight to one side and causes the spine to bend. Instead, opt for two small bags, and this weight distribution is friendly on the spine.
Cleaning the floor: Either sit down completely or stand and use a mop. Never bend down and try to clean the floor with a cloth. The spine posture created during this is very unhealthy and puts pressure on the spine.
Tying up shoe laces: While it is difficult to sit down and tie the shoe laces, it is definitely worth the effort. Bending down and tying is harmful to the spine posture, and when repeatedly done, can be damaging in the long run.
Washing vessels: Bending and washing vessels is a strict no-no. It puts too much pressure on the back and the disk wears out faster. Try standing and keep a stool at knee level, on which you can rest the knee. Take turns to do this on the right and left knee.
At the washbasin: Bending down to brush the teeth or wash face is bad on the spine. Over a long period, this can put lot of strain on the spine. Try to rest your hand on the wall or the sink and see the pressure on the spine reduce.
Office/school bags: It is very easy to sling a bag onto the shoulder and go on. The bag could contain books of a school kid or laptop of an office goer, whatever may be the situation, this puts uneven pressure on the back and can cause shoulder and spine issues. Always try to put the bag on both your shoulders. This distributes the weight and makes it easy on your shoulders and spine. Especially for people who are going to do some walking with the bag, it is definitely not advisable to carry it on one side.
Sitting: For those who end up sitting for long hours, there is too much stress on the back and so support is advisable. Take short breaks and avoid sitting for more than an hour at a stretch.
Bad mattress: While a soft mattress is very inviting, it does not support the spine and does not leave you fresh in the morning. Choose a mattress that supports the spine and see the difference.
Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu science of medicine, was developed over thousands of years ago (with initial mentions found in the Atharva Veda) and is based centrally on the concept of balance. This balance refers to the equilibrium between the mind and physical health to maintain a properly functioning body existing in perfectly harmonious co-existence. Based centrally around the usage of herbs and other natural remedies, Ayurveda has historically worked wonders in various aspects of life and well-being. This includes improving digestion, maintaining heart health, increasing height and maintaining an overall well-being.
When does Ayurveda flourish?
If anything aids the flourishing of Ayurveda and herb growth, it is the rains - or the season of monsoon. The months of July-September provide the optimum temperature and environment required for proper growth of herbs, and in turn, is the best time for bodily growth as well. Advancements in science and technology and extensive research has proved, that the maximum amount of growth of the body takes place during the rainy season.
Understanding the concept of Vata dosha
Vata is a concept that, according to the ancient science of Ayurveda, governs all movement of the human body, along with regulating almost all bodily systems such as the nervous system and the elimination or excretory system. When the Vata dosha dominates (which is usually congruous with the Monsoon season), it is said that you tend to be more energetic and creative. Greater energy leads you to be more enthusiastic and lively, thus aiding your growth process as well.
Height growth, however, is not universal in all cases. It is mostly seen in people aged 25 or below, as during that period, the bones are still relatively soft and developing.
What can you do?
1. Engage in Yoga: Engaging in proper yoga and exercising regularly will go a long way in increasing height, especially when the vata dosha is prevalent. In this regard, mention needs to be made of the Tarasana (Tadasana/Mountain Pose). Tarasana mainly exercises the foot muscles (both intrinsic and extrinsic), along with the diaphragm and quadriceps - all of which work towards increasing height.
2. Eat right: The one imperative aspect that cannot be overlooked, and which goes hand in hand with yoga and exercising is maintaining a proper diet. Suggested foods include protein-rich foods such as gram flour, pulses, milk and other dairy products, black gram, beans etc. all of which will help you to grow those extra few inches. Herbs such as ashwagandha, giloy, bala, shatavari etc., in certain specific ratios, can also work wonders. It is advisable that you contact your doctor to know the correct amounts of each which will be suitable for you.
It is a universally known fact that milk is good for your health, unless you are lactose intolerant of course. But have you ever taken a close look at what milk really accomplishes for your body?
Knowing about the medical advantages of consuming milk can also inspire you to include this nutritious item in your diet on a regular basis.
Astonishing Complexion: A glowing complexion is everyone's dream. And milk keeps your skin to stay supple, delicate and sparkling. This is because of the numerous vitamins and nutritional supplements it contains. Drinking about two glasses of milk every day can offer you this benefit in a wonderful way.
Solid Teeth: Milk is a powerhouse of calcium, and that is precisely what your teeth need. Milk also helps in avoiding depressions and tooth rot. Along with calcium, vitamin D is also extremely important for your body, so ensure that the milk you drink is laced with vitamin D.
Solid Bones: You already know that children need to drink milk regularly to build healthy bones and it's also good for their overall development. But grown-ups can also benefit by drinking milk to keep their bones solid, which will lessen the danger of osteoporosis. Once more, this advantage originates from the calcium found in milk, and also vitamin D which retains the calcium in the body.
Muscle Growth: Milk can enhance muscle development in a very effective way. This is because of the protein found in milk. Numerous athletes and health freaks drink milk after a workout, as it gives their body the vital supplements needed for recuperation. Milk also forestalls muscles soreness and recharges the liquids that are lost through physical exertion.
Weight reduction: Studies have demonstrated that ladies who drink milk daily will probably get in shape faster than ladies who don't drink milk. In case you're looking for a solid nibble or satisfying snack, drink a glass of milk. It's additionally prescribed that you take it with supper or while eating an organic product.
Researchers have also found that milk keeps various maladies at bay. It has the ability to lower hypertension and decrease the danger of strokes. Likewise, milk can diminish the creation of cholesterol by your liver and enhances visual perception. There are a few scientists who also believe that milk can reduce the danger of building up of certain types of malignancy.
A routinely regulated sleep time is of the utmost importance to our health. Interestingly, inadequate sleep meddles with the functioning of the brain and can wreak havoc on the overall synchrony of various bodily processes including the endocrine system. The National Sleep Foundation, US, recommends close to 7-9 hours of sleep for people ageing between 18 years to 64 years. Erratic sleep time for those who work till late hours or pull off night shifts also affects health adversely.
A recent study links regular sleep pattern with the quality of sperm in men. Experts from the Harbin Medical University in China studied close to thousand male participants and concluded that those who turned in between 8 and 10 pm reported best sperm mortality. This indicated that their sperm had greater chance of fertilizing an egg as compared to other participants who had late sleeping pattern.The participants were also told to set their alarms so they got six hours' sleep or less, seven to eight hours, or nine hours or longer. Scientists took regular semen samples to check sperm count, shape and motility.
The study was published in the journal Medical Science Monitor and reported that sleeping for six hours or less made this even worse, as did lying in bed for more than nine hours. Late bedtimes and inadequate rest are harmful because they increase levels of anti-sperm antibody -- a type of protein produced by the immune system which can destroy healthy sperm. A previously published study had revealed that men getting six hours a night had sperm count that was 25 per cent lower than the the men who slept for full eight hours.
How to sleep better
If you feel that you try too hard but just can doze off as soon as you hit the bed, try analysing few things about your sleep pattern and some associated factors. Make sure that you eat your last meal at least two hours before you plan to sleep. Ditch those devices at least 45 minutes before you are about to doze off. Taking a hot water shower before turning in helps induce sleep. Make sure the lights are dimmed or switched off in your room. A bit of perfumery also helps transpose you to the world of slumber. Listen to music if that helps you relax. Wear light, loose clothing - nothing suffocating or tight. Check your posture while sleeping. Your mattress and pillows should also be comfortable.
Sings of inadequate sleep
The National Sleep Foundation describes the following as symptoms of lack of proper sleep:
- Feeling sleepy while driving.
- Feeling irritable, tired or fatigued throughout the day.
- Lack of focus, attention and motivation.
A study by American scientists presented Wednesday supports the view that a substance in egg white has the ability to lower blood pressure without negative effects.Scientists reported that a component of egg whites, already popular as a substitute for whole eggs among health-conscious consumers concerned about cholesterol in the yolk may have another beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure, reports Science Daily.
Their study was part of the 245th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society, which continues here through Thursday.
"Our research suggests that there may be another reason to call it 'the incredible, edible egg,'" said study leader Zhipeng Yu, Ph.D., of Jilin University.
"We have evidence from the laboratory that a substance in egg white -- it's a peptide, one of the building blocks of proteins -- reduces blood pressure about as much as a low dose of Captopril, a high-blood-pressure drug," Zhipeng Yu said.
Yu and colleagues, who are with Clemson University, used a peptide called RVPSL. Scientists previously discovered that the substance, like the family of medications that includes Captopril, Vasotec and Monopril, was an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
It has a powerful ability to inhibit or block the action of ACE, a substance produced in the body that raises blood pressure.
The results of feeding the substance were positive, showing that RVPSL did not have apparent toxic effects and lowered blood pressure by amounts comparable to low doses of Captopril.