Dealing with emotional thoughts: A perspective 🙌

Emotions are subjective yet universal among all humans. They significantly influence our daily lives, decision-making, behavior, relationships, psychological states, and physical health.

Our emotional thoughts arise from emotional reasoning in response to situations, people around us, events, and past experiences. Emotional responses trigger our thoughts, feelings, actions and behaviors in reaction to external events, situations, or circumstances. Thus, emotions play a crucial role in our everyday lives and the decisions, we make.

Research states that all things in the Universe are made of energy which has a vibrational frequency. Emotions too, have amplitude and frequencies. Positive emotions like peace, love, and joy are found to have higher frequencies as compared to negative emotions like anger, fear, guilt, and sadness. According to the frequency chart, emotions like guilt, and shame have as low a frequency of 30-20 Hz to emotions like love, peace have as high as 500-600 Hz. Studies often link low frequency to disease state, depression and stress. Negative thoughts and feelings can often create a low vibrational frequency state which can create anxiety, and stress and affect our physical health.

Studies have consistently shown that negative emotional thoughts and feelings can significantly affect our physical health and overall well-being. The importance of the mind-body connection and the gut-brain connection highlights how our physical body responds to our thoughts, feelings, and mental state.

While unwanted changes, negative experiences, and challenging situations are a part of life, learning to manage our emotional state and well-being is a significant challenge—but it is certainly not impossible. Events such as:

Death of a loved one

Suffering from an illness

Getting laid off from a job

Divorced

Getting married, having a baby

Financial issues

Dealing with a pandemic or war-like situations

Cheating partners

Domestic violence

Physical health often suffers when emotional health is struggling. During times of emotional crisis, many individuals may seek an escape through unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or binge eating, attempting to suppress their emotional turmoil. Unfortunately, this approach does not lead to healing and can result in disastrous consequences. The list of physical impacts and symptoms experienced in a state of emotional stress is extensive.

Physical symtoms frequently seen as:

Palpitation

Chest pain

Back pain, neck stiffness

Fatigue , tiredness

Poor sleep, insomnia

High blood pressure

weight loss / obesity

Stomach upset like bloating, acidity

Physical signs of our mental state can often be quite apparent. Additionally, there are mental symptoms that we or those around us may observe, even if we attempt to deny them. Here are several such signs:

*Resisting to acknowledge the thoughts instead of accepting

*Not self-realising and accepting the present situation

*Trying to control the situation or the people around

*Suppressing emotional thoughts and feelings instead of expressing

*Living in blame

*Focussing on lacks

*Forgetting gratitude

Dealing with emotional thoughts is not easy. It’s important to remember that while I cannot control external events or situations, I can influence my own mental state to cope and adapt positively. Here are five simple tools that can help bring about a positive shift in the mental state:

1.Self-Responsibility: Recognizing and taking responsibility for our mental state is crucial. Often, we create more pain and hurt from emotional thoughts and feelings by overthinking and getting caught in repetitive loops, rather than addressing the actual situation. It’s important to remember that 95 to 98 percent of our worries are self-created rather than based on reality. Only about 2 to 3 percent of our concerns are truly justified. Therefore, it’s essential to become aware of and take responsibility for our mental state, as this is the first step towards creating positive change.

2. Let go of control: We have to understand that we cannot control everything that happens in our lives. We have to let go and trust the Divine and timings of life. Letting go is important to heal and restore balance.

3.Journaling and practicing gratitude: Daily journaling can release deep thoughts that might otherwise feel heavy and hurtful. Practicing gratitude and maintaining a thankful mindset can elevate our vibrational frequency and promote healing.

4. Healing the Sacral Plexus Chakra: According to Yogic science, the sacral chakra is responsible for maintaining emotional balance, creativity, and a sense of vitality. To heal this chakra, engaging in yoga and physical activities such as dancing, swimming, and savoring life’s simple pleasures— like playing with a child, listening to birds chirping, or enjoying the sound of flowing water—can help release blockages.

5. Daily Affirmations: Choosing words and phrases that align with your life goals, such as mantras or sacred verses, can significantly enhance your positivity and resilience. Reciting these affirmations each morning can set a positive tone for the day. Some powerful examples include: “I trust the Universe,” “I am strong and powerful,” and “I let go” “My food nourishes my body and mind”.

Every day, we experience a wide range of emotions based on external events, past memories, current situations, and various circumstances. It is essential for us to recognize our emotional limitations and boundaries in order to protect our mental well-being. One of the most important things we can do is to let go and trust the Supreme, the Divine, as not everything is within our control.

Self-reflection is crucial for restoring our emotional balance. Engaging in daily activities such as meditation, yoga, chanting, and appreciating the small joys in life holds great significance in achieving mental equilibrium. Finally, staying grateful and expressing our thankfulness for this journey of life is truly fulfilling.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Wordless Wednesday 🍃

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Silent Sunday 💛

Happy Easter Sunday 🌞

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10 facts: How Radon enter our homes 🏠?

1. Radon is a naturally radioactive gas released from soil, water, and rocks. It is invisible, tasteless, and odourless. According to WHO, this gas is a potential health risk to the human population.Studies show that this gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking. When radon decays, it produces radioactive dust, which, when inhaled for a long time, can damage lung tissues, causing lung cancer. Therefore, it is considered a human carcinogen.

2. Research shows other potential health risks related to inhalation of radon gas exposure are Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Radon gas poisoning is considered hazardous to human health. There is no specific threshold up to which level it can be considered a health risk. Even a small concentration of long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.

3. In Nature, radon is everywhere. But in some areas, radon is present in higher levels like near coal mines, limestone caverns and near surface of bedrock. Soil with high permeability, soil of a slope or hill, soil close to bedrock, mining plant, oil refineries are found to have higher concentration of radon.

4. How does radon exposure affect human life on a day-to-day basis? Buildings which are homes, offices, and educational institutions like schools, colleges, and shopping malls, where we spend most of our hours cause the exposure to this harmful gas. Radon gas is trapped in cracks of walls, floors, in the basement, crawl spaces, in the drainage system like pipes, wires that are not sealed properly. Bulding materials like concrete, granite also emit radon but in low levels.

Cracks on walls

5. Radioactive particles are released when radon gas decays, which are inhaled in the lungs when breathed. The particles get deposited in the lung tissues over a period causing damage to lung tissues. The onset of the disease and the period of exposure can be many years. Many risk factors can influence like:

• Age and duration of exposure.

• Concentration of exposure.

• Climate-like exposure is higher in winter than in summer.

• Water sources.

• Smoking.

6. Children are more vulnerable to radon exposure as they breathe faster than an adult. Young children’s lungs are different in shape and size as compared to adult lungs. These factors make them at greater risk of high level of radon exposure than average adult. But there are not yet, any concrete studies to prove that children have higher risk of lung cancer than adult due to radon exposure.

Reservoir

7. Radon is present in water of the reservoirs, lakes, rivers and underground sources. So, home water supply coming from a treatment facility is much safer than coming directly from underground sources and wells. People working in underground work like coal mines, other metal mining businesses, fertilizer factories, oil refineries are more vulnerable to radon exposure.

Lake

8. Safety measures to reduce radon gas exposures at homes are like :

• Proper ventilation and airflow inside the house by opening windows, using fans and air conditioning.

• Using safe treatment water supply.

• Sealing cracks in floors, walls, and pipes with materials recommended for these purposes.

• Prevent smoking inside the house as well as outside.

• Using radon-resistant techniques while in the construction phase of the building rather than later.

9. Testing: If the radon level is never tested at your house, it is important to contact a Professional use a Test Kit or install a radon reduction system. However, every Country has their safety standards, but usually radon level of 4 pCi/L or above is not safe. Below 2pCi/L is considered safe.A radon reduction system is usually important to install in such homes. While buying a property, renovating, and repairing, the radon levels need to be measured before and after.

10. As already mentioned, radon present everywhere in the environment is not a health risk factor to the human population. Trouble occurs when radon exposure reaches inside homes or the buildings that people live or visit daily like schools and offices. So, it is important to have general awareness, using regular radon testing kits, installing radon reduction system if necessary, safety measures to reduce exposures and safe water supply. Homes and buildings below 2pCi/L is recommended and safe for human dwelling.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts to know about Vitamin D linking to mental health🧠

Vitamin D deficiency is critical for both physical and mental health. Here are some facts to understand the impact of vitamin D on mental health.

1.Several research studies have concluded that low vitamin D levels are directly linked to anxiety, mood changes, depression and cognitive dysfunction such as impaired memory, sadness, weight loss and loss of appetite. Studies have not shown that vitamin D deficiency causes depression but people who suffer from depression do show low levels of vitamin D.

2. Vitamin D mainly maintains the body’s calcium homeostasis. It is also crucial as a neurosteroid hormone and plays a significant role in maintaining normal brain functions and helping in brain development. Therefore, numerous studies have shown that hypovitaminosis D is linked to depression and neurocognitive disorders.

3.Some studies have shown that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more prevalent in winter as there is a lowering of Vitamin D levels in the cold season. Lack of exposure to sunlight in winter months is shown to increase the incidences of depression, mood changes and anxiety issues.

4. Rising cases of suicide have been a common risk factor for low vitamin D levels (psychiatric times.com).A research study in 2023 found a correlation between low vitamin D levels with cases of suicidal behaviour. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is mandatory for all those who have low levels can help to address mental health issues and prevent cases of suicide thereby saving lives.

5.As mentioned earlier, Vitamin D is required for normal brain development. Vitamin D supplementation is essential in childhood for overall brain and cognitive development. Low levels of vitamin D have been found in many cases of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder). Improved levels of vitamin D by supplementation have shown marked improvement in symptoms of ADHD children.

6. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to have a direct correlation with adult schizophrenia. Studies show that it is quite common to have in individuals with poor nutrition, elderly persons, people living in regions with insufficient sunlight, or during pregnancy. So, it is important to routinely check the levels of Vitamin D to reduce such risk factors. Correction of the levels of vitamin D shows marked improvements in symptoms of such mental illness.

7. Vitamin D acts as a neuroprotective neurotransmitter and helps to maintain the functions of neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system. So, administrating Vitamin D helps to reduce the oxidative stress and neurotoxicity on the cortical neurons. Therefore, controlling the neuronal inflammations helps to reduce many psychiatric illnesses.

8.Strong evidence shows that low levels of Vitamin D are related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin D supplementation can improve or even prevent the neurodegenerative process by reducing the deposition of beta-amyloid plaques, intra-neuronal tangles of tau-protein and loss of cholinergic neurons and synapses.

9. Vitamin D levels ranging from 50nmol/L or above are sufficient to maintain overall physical and mental health well-being. Blood levels below 20 ng/mL are treated as insufficient and require immediate vitamin D administration. Normal levels can be maintained by exposure to sunlight, vitamin D supplementation and food sources like oily fishes, eggs, meat, liver, veggies like broccoli, pumpkin, green leafy veggies, green peas, avocados and many more.

10. Though vitamin D is not the only cause of mental health issues, essentially, it is an important nutrient to maintain normal brain function and neurochemistry. In the general population, many people do suffer from vitamin D deficiency, unknowingly. Supplementation of vitamin D can improve the blood levels in individuals and can at least help address the challenges of mental health issues.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

8 facts: Burning mouth syndrome or Glossodynia 👅

1.Glossodynia, also known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), is a fairly common condition. It’s an intermittent burning sensation in the mouth, especially in the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth, that is not accompanied by a specific reason. It feels as though the tongue is injured by a very hot liquid. The syndrome may be gradual or sudden in onset. There is no observable physical sign seen either in the tongue or in the mouth while having an episode. The specific cause of BMS is difficult to determine.

2. Most causes of burning mouth syndrome are unknown or idiopathic. Research suggests that it can be related to nerves which carry sensations of taste and pain. The causes are broadly divided into primary and secondary. Primary burning mouth syndrome is uncommon and mainly idiopathic.

3, Secondary burning mouth syndrome is quite common and causes can be related to :

* Vitamin deficiency like Vitamin B complex, lack of iron, zinc ,folate.

* Oral infections like oral thrush, oral lichen planus.

* Allergies following food additives, flavouring substances, mouth care products.

* Acidic drinks, extreme hot liquids, irritating foods like highly spiced foods.

* Dental materials, ill-fitted dentures.

* Dry mouth due to some medicines like anti hypertensives, anti cancer treatments.

* Reflux or Gastro esophageal reflux.

* Endocrine issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism.

* Anxiety, stress, depression.

Hot spicy food

4. Burning mouth syndrome, (BMS) can occur in any individual irrespective of age and gender. But the common risk factors are seen mostly:

* Females.

* More common over the age of 50.

* Post menopausal or perimenopausal women leading to low estrogen levels affecting taste buds.

* Smoking.

5. When a person experience BMS, there is no visible symptoms like discolouration of tongue or bumps. The symptoms found are :

* Altered taste, or metallic taste or loss of taste.

* Tongue and mouth feels like scalding, burning or tingling.

* Dryness of tongue, lips, gums.

* Numbness in the mouth.

Sipping cold water

6. BMS treatment and diagnosis are individual specific depending upon the symptoms. Diagnosis can be done by a saliva or oral swab tests. As far as treatment are concerned, there is no approved drugs. Remedies are there to ease the symptoms like :

* Mild mouth rinses.

* Saliva substitue like Biotene.

* Getting enough vitamin B complex, iron and folate.

* Pain relievers if necessary.

* Sipping cold water or ice chips.

* Sugar free gums chewing to encourage saliva production.

Hot beverages

7. Though it is not always possible to prevent BMS. But,if we are prone to BMS or have been affected in the past, it is important to avoids certain things :

* Very hot liquids, hot bevereges or drinks like highly acidic ones.

* Hot or spicy food.

* Alcohol

* Mouthwash containing alcohol.

* Smoking.

8.Feeling fire, irritations, and a burning sensation in the mouth, you can be sure to have Burning Mouth Syndrome, which is frustrating and irritating. But, once you have acquired it, it takes a while to go away. You can take the above-mentioned remedies and precautions till it heals. But, if there are flare-ups or hasn’t gone for long, you should surely visit your Physician or Dentist.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

8 facts: Are CoQ10 supplements actually necessary ? 🙌

CoQ10 supplement

1.We have often encountered a supplement named CoQ10, commonly seen in the drug aisle of a supermarket. Let’s know, what exactly CoQ10 is. Well, it is Coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble, vitamin-like molecule, which is naturally present in every human cell. It is a powerful antioxidant that converts food into energy. Like all other antioxidants, it can neutralize the free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. Therefore, it can prevent us from many chronic health problems and slow down the ageing process.


2.Clinical studies have suggested that CoQ10 plays a significant role in:
It may help in preventing heart-related problems.
Improving the overall immunity.
Improve physical endurance.
Improves male fertility.
Prevent migraine.
Improves blood sugar level in diabetes.
Supports treatment of neuro-degenerative disease like Parkinson’s disease.


3.Evidence-based studies show that people who have a history of heart failure show reduced incidence of heart attack when they take CoQ10 supplements daily along with conventional medications. But then, it has to be prescribed or taken under expert guidance. Several studies have shown similar preventive or improvement levels in cases of heart issues like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, congestive heart diseases and heart damage caused by chemotherapy.


4.CoQ10 supplements have no approval from the FDA or other Drug Regulatory Authorities for the treatment of any medical conditions. However, yet it is easily accessible and available as the over the counter supplements and has been quite popular. It is often recommended as a dietary supplement by many Physicians and Specialists as a supportive therapy to conventional
treatments.

Food sources

5.Naturally dietary sources of CoQ10 intake are enough for overall well-being. Dietary sources are wide variety of whole grains and oily fishes. CoQ10 supplements are not necessary for a healthy individual who has a balanced diet. Supplements of CoQ10 is only necessary for those who suffer from CoQ10 deffeciency, or have health issues like heart disease, migraine, neuro-degenerative
disease or other chronic health conditions. It is not advisable to pick a supplement bottle from the supermarket aisle and start popping unless clinically recommended.

Nuts and seeds

6.As already mentioned, the human body makes enough of CoQ10 as much as it needs. The body content is about 500 to 1500mg and it declines with ageing. The food sources are organ meats, fatty fishes like salmon, sardines, trout, mackerel. As for vegetarians, soya products like tofu, soy milk, and soy yogurt are good food sources. Nuts and seeds, lots of vegetables including broccoli are rich sources of CoQ10.


7.Though CoQ10 supplements do not have major risk or side effects, it is still not advisable to take unless necessary for specific health issues. Some side effects of supplementation can be diarrhea, nausea, heartburn. It may interact with medications like blood thinners with further lowering of blood pressure, or in case of diabetes, subsequent lowering of blood sugar along with hypoglycemic drugs.


8.Due to certain chronic health issues like heart problems, migraine, fertility issues or
neurogenerative conditions, Physicians do recommend CoQ10 supplements. There is no standard dose as such. Depending on the individual’s requirement, dosage varies from 60-500 mg daily. The highest dose recommended daily is about 1200 mg. As it is a fat-soluble substance, it is best absorbed with a fatty meal and better if taken at night.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 compelling reasons to consume Flavanoids to combat oxidative stress 🙌

  1. Flavonoids are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds in various deep-coloured fruits and vegetables. There are 6 different varieties of flavonoids, all of which have antioxidant properties and can help the human body to get rid of different toxins and stress. Therefore, including flavonoids in your routine diet can help to get rid of many chronic health conditions.
  2. Dietary Flavonoids are of 6 subtypes :
    Flavanols , Flavones, Flavan-3-ols, Flavanones, Isoflavones, Anthocyanins.
    Coloured fruits, vegetables, and plants are all rich in flavonoids. Naturally, they are found in apples,purple and red grapes, berries, peaches, oranges, cocoa, chocolate, green tea, black tea, chamomile tea, vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, red peppers and onions. Flavonoids are dark-coloured pigments so they act as natural pesticides and protect the plants from harmful UV rays, bacteria, viruses and harmful insects.

3. Main functions of flavonoids:
•Powerful antioxidants
•Fights inflammation
•Free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress.

•Anti-haemorrhagic and vasodilatory effects.
•Certain flavonoids, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties prevent cancer cells from multiplying and decrease the risk of some cancers.

4.Research shows that oxidative stress can lead to cellular damage and disease development. So, oxidative stress can cause many disease conditions like cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Flavonoids play an important role in reducing this oxidative stress and free radical damage, thereby preventing cellular damage.

Cocoa (Dark Chocolate)

5.Numerous studies have shown that cancers develop due to oxidative stress, genetic mutations,hypoxia and reduced apoptotic function. Apoptosis, in simple terms, is a normal cellular activity whereby the body tries to eliminate unwanted cells. Flavonoids play an integral part in promoting apoptotic cellular pathways and preventing cancer cells from proliferating and multiplying.

6.Research shows that flavonoids protect the different organs including the liver and brain from free radical damage. Studies show that flavonoids have protective effects of various liver injuries caused by drug and alcohol usage. Since, they are anti-inflammatory, and antitumor, they protect the hepatocytes from inflammation and fibrosis.

7.Flavonoids are a polyphenol group of compounds that can improve and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical studies in the past have shown that dietary intake of flavonoids can lower the risk of depression. However, further studies are still anticipated to make substantial proof.

8.Flavonoids are best when naturally consumed as all dark-coloured fruits, vegetables, and green tea contain abundant polyphenolic compounds. It should be included in the routine diet for overall
well-being. However, many flavonoid supplements are out in the market. The best supplements are Cucurmin (Tumeric), Green tea, grape seed extract, Resveratrol, Quercetin, hesperidin and Rutin.

9. Toxicity: Intake of natural flavonoids on a daily diet is usually enough. Sometimes, flavonoids supplements are clinically recommended. However, the risk of flavanoid toxicity exists, if someone takes a huge amount of highly potent supplements. It may affect anaemic and elderly patients as flavonoids may bind with non-heme iron. Flavanoid toxicity may cause liver failure, hemolytic anaemia and male reproductive issues. Recommended daily dose of consumption should be around 400-600mg/day.

10.A healthy routine diet rich in flavonoids will provide all the necessary support to the human body to maintain biological activity, provide anti-oxidant effects, reduce oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases, maintain cardiovascular health and prevent infectious diseases. The key point is that the food readily available to us contains the most effective flavonoids and antioxidants that fortify our health and immune system, making expensive supplements unnecessary

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Silent Sunday 🍂

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