Category: mental health

10 facts to know about your gut flora 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, brain, detoxification, vegetable,, emotional health, Food, gut health, gut bacteria, hormones, Gastrointestinal, GI tract, healing, health, life, mental health, nature, physical therapy, pain, body aches, spinal,, wellness

Hello everyone 🤗

  1. The gut flora is mainly composed of trillions of gut microbiomes which are mainly bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea. This is unique to every individual and develops in his/her lifetime, as distinctive as the fingerprint. Initially, the intestinal tract of a newborn at birth is sterile. The newborn’s gut is first colonised by the mother’s bacteria during the process of vaginal delivery. Environmental bacteria also start colonising in the baby’s gut as soon as it is exposed after birth. Then, slowly the child’s gut starts developing into a unique microbiome flora depending upon the different food intake and environmental exposures with time.
  2. The gut starts having both good and bad bacteria with different kinds of food and environmental exposures. Good bacteria mainly help in the digestion and absorption of the food and nutrients. They strengthen the immune system and produce several beneficial amino acids and vitamins. The more, the good bacteria population, the healthier the person and the stronger the immunity, in his lifetime. They are simply the protectors of our health and well-being.

3. There are bad bacteria also in our intestinal gut flora. As long as they are low in level, they remain harmless. But then, when we take antibiotics or develop unhealthy food choices and habits, smoking, drinking alcohol and so on, the good bacterial flora is at risk and starts eliminating. In such cases, bad bacterial flora starts flourishing causing havoc in the immune system leading to various diseased states. Chronic inflammation starts progressing leading to autoimmune diseases, cancers, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

4. As research has progressed, studies have found links between bacterial species in the gut to certain types of diseases. Metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes are found to be linked with the presence of certain bacterial species of Lactobacillus.
New studies have shown strong evidence of gut kidney connection. Certain species of bacteria in the gut microbiome result in uremic toxins while digesting protein which may be a factor in developing chronic kidney diseases. Several studies have shown a link of depression to the gut microbiome. Various bacterial species like Eggerthella and Sellimonas are found at high levels in individuals with depressive symptoms.

5.The gut-brain connection plays an important role in a person’s well-being. That is why the gut is known as the “second brain”. The gut nervous system can be called the Enteric Nervous System, which has around 100 million nerve cells from the oesophagus to the anal opening. The main functions of this system are digestion, absorption of nutrients, and release of enzymes for food breakdown. Studies show that irritation in the GI tract may trigger the central nervous system to change moods. The gut microbiome also produces hormones like serotonin, and norepinephrine which are important for mood changes. Therefore, there is a strong connection between depression and anxiety in people who deal with gut issues like irritable bowel diseases, stomach upset, pain, and constipation.

6.The signs of a healthy gut are the regular pooping habit, which may be 2-3 times a day to 3-4 times a week, the range can vary with every individual. There is no pain, no bloating after eating, and no discomfort during bowel movement. Symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, stomach pain, feeling of fullness after eating or malnutrition can be the signs of an unhealthy gut or tigger for slowly increase in bad bacteria. In such cases, clinical attention is required to investigate and diagnose any bowel issues.

Sugar rich foods

7.The common triggers which may lead to an unhealthy gut can be too much stress, constant fatigue, sleep disturbances, ultra-processed food, a sugar-rich diet, and too little intake of fluids. The frequent use of antibiotics has a link to an unhealthy gut. Therefore, these lifestyle habits need to be avoided as practically as possible. Skin conditions like psoriasis do have a link to an unhealthy gut too.

Natural foods

8. The common ways that we can take care of our gut health and improve the good bacteria count are by having a fibre-rich diet with plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits. A diet rich in whole grains, legumes, pulses, nuts and sea fishes. Lowering the sugar-rich foods, limiting the everyday stress, and remaining hydrated as possible. Intermittent fasting is beneficial too for gut health and flora.

Fermented foods

9. Another important food for our gut health is fermented food as they are rich in probiotics. Plain yogurt, buttermilk, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha to name in the list. There can be other varieties of fermented food too which can be local or region-specific around the globe. Any food which is fermented or sprouting can be excellent for gut health as it increases the lactobacilli and keeps the growth of bad bacteria checked.

Walking in nature
Gratitude journal

10. So, the simple tips to take care of gut health are to have more and more fibres and probiotics daily, curtail sugar as much as possible, stay hydrated, keep out of stress, meditate to calming mind like walking in nature or listening to music, exercising, mild to moderate ways, practising gratitude journal every day increases happy hormones and trying to maintain a sleep routine. Ultimately, the best way to live a longer and healthier life is to live in harmony with nature.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 hard facts about Alopecia Areata 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, brain, cognitive health, emotional health, eyes, Food, hair, healing, health, mental health, nature, wellness
  1. What is Alopecia areata? About 150 million people around the globe suffer from this autoimmune disorder presently. Alopecia Areata is characterized by smaller to wider patches of hair loss in the scalp irrespective of race, gender, or age. Though the exact aetiology is unknown, it tends to be hereditary.
  2. Research believes, most of the cases appear to have a positive family history of this disorder. Families with a positive history of vitiligo, thyroiditis, lupus or other autoimmune disorders have this disorder of alopecia. The exact cause is still not known why the body’s immune system starts attacking the hair follicles causing these patches of baldness. Studies initially showed that all races are equally affected. However, recent studies show that females are more affected than males and African Americans, and Hispanics are more affected than Asians.
  3. Usually, the hair loss patches are involved in smaller areas of the scalp region. But may also include the entire scalp known as alopecia totalis. It may sometimes involve the entire body known as alopecia universalis. Sometimes, the hair loss is prominent in the bottom back of the scalp known as ophiasis alopecia areata.

4. The course of the disorder starts with the sudden loss of small patches of hair on the scalp, beard, eyebrows or any part of the body. There is sudden thinning of the hair, followed by broken hair and finally hair falls off in patches. In some cases, the hair regrows. But in most cases, the patches extend and widen affecting bigger areas. Rarely, the progression is a complete loss of hair in the body.

5.The diagnosis is usually by physical examination. However, to confirm the diagnosis, blood tests, and a biopsy of the scalp, and hair for lab analysis. The family history and medical history of autoimmune disorders are to be considered. Once diagnosed, the disorder has no cure but needs to be managed.

6.Various treatment options are available depending upon the progression and uniqueness. Oral and intravenous corticosteroids are used. Phototherapy and immunotherapy are used in more severe cases. Sometimes, platelet-rich plasma is used to replace the blood from the body to stimulate fresh hair growth. Herbal remedies should be used under expert supervision. Treatment may or may not respond depending upon the severity.

7.Whenever you have noticed such symptoms, it is important to confirm the disorder by health care provider. Though the disorder has no cure, it can be managed or in some cases reduced or controlled by various treatment options. Cosmetic techniques are available too to manage hair loss patches.

8.When you have alopecia areata, you should avoid stress as symptoms may aggravate. Sun protection is required as hair naturally protects our skin and eye guard/sunglasses should be used due to lack of eyelashes. Considerable amounts of vitamins and mineral supplements should be taken under physician supervision to minimize hair loss. A well-balanced diet is essential.

Release stress

9.All hair loss doesn’t mean that you are affected by alopecia. Emotional stress or physical stress regularly for prolonged periods leads to hair loss. Menopausal, ageing and poor diet can also lead to hair loss. In most of these cases, the hair loss is temporary.

10.When you have alopecia or hair loss, gentle hair products with no parabens, or silicons should be used. Tightly tied hair or too much hair styling should be avoided. The use of harsh chemicals, hot oil hair treatments, rollers, curlers etc should be avoided. It is also better to avoid smoking as some studies do suggest it.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Trapped emotions: Time to let go! 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, healing, health, life, mental health, Science, skin, goosebumps, fear, excitement, nervousness, spiritual, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

As a human being…

Everybody in this world has a deep longing for love and affection. From the new born to the older adult, everybody yearns the sense of belonging, love and compassion. Social acceptance, being valued, and recognition is longed for by one and all in the human community. Infact, we all deserve our inherent birthright of being loved, happiness, vitality, freedom, fearless and growth. So, then, from where does the negativity arise? A child being born is always happy and cheerful. It is the environment, caregivers, parents, teachers, elders, peers, and the competetive nature of this material world that pushes the child towards negativity, egoistic, pain, fear and unhappiness. These growing years, his interaction with the people around him, the environment that slowly programmed his subconscious mind with doubts, anxiety, worries, sadness, lacks and unhappiness. So, like you and me, every individual has grown up with our share of fear, limitations, and inadequacy.

Trapped emotions impact on physical health…
Within this paradigm of limitation and inadequacy in our subconscious mind, we move forward with the life journey. We are then, bombarded with challenges of day-to-day stress, relationship stress, work pressure, financial strain, and other constraints that affect our emotional health even more. Maybe, bad experiences, conflict with parents, loss of a closed one, heartbreak, deep trauma due to a failure, a toxic boss, rejection, and anger can all be overwhelming and add to our emotional baggage. We may think that emotions come and go. We can get over it, quickly or healed after some time. But, the truth is, certain emotions are’nt so superficial. Infact, it has a lasting impact on both our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that certain intense emotions get trapped in particular organs of our body. Like, anger gets trapped in the liver, while hurt, fear get trapped in the heart and so on. Ancient Ayurvedic science which is 5000 years old has rightly pointed out that too much of trapped emotions like anger, worry, chronic stress can create too much heat (Pitta) in the body which may affect the hameostasis and start creating physical illness. So, the emotional component is critical in the overall wellbeing. In reality, it is the emotional health and wellbeing that transcend physical health. Hence, the term disease means (dis-ease, absence of ease).

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017; 2017: 7618419.

Published online 2017 Aug 22. doi: 10.1155/2017/7618419

Emotional health is crucial…

Fundamentally, our mind and body are designed to be in a state of growth, restore, repair and relax. Yes, in times of potential threat and danger, the body reacts to the survival mode of fight and flight response. But, then as evolutionary, the body naturally comes back to its state of homeostasis when the threat is gone. The parasympathetic mode’s natural restoration mechanism is greatly affected by the daily’s state of chronic stress, being on the run, and always being overwhelmed. Moreover, this everyday struggle within our emotional health of mental barriers, mindset, limitations, fears, and worries added to day-to-day stress. So, leading a healthy lifestyle and caring about physical fitness has not stopped people from falling sick. People follow the best possible diet, take their best supplements, and follow an exercise routine, yet they fall into various illnesses like chronic diseases, mental issues and autoimmune diseases. Now, it has become very crucial to consider emotional health, a priority before everthing else. Maybe, this is the most critical component in our path of mental, physical, spiritual wellbeing and being a successful person we all longed to be.

It is vital to slow down...
It is essential to annalyse our emotional and mental state daily, introspect at times, and slow down to understand what affects us the most. It is crucial to change the way we think, elevate our vibration, be in the positive mind space and overcome the mental barrier if we want to take charge of our mental and physical heath and wellbeing. As, for all of us, it is much easier said than done. But, indeed, we have to put some efforts on our own to make our life the way we want it to be. To take control of our physical and mental wellbeing and be in a happy, comfortable space that we all longed for.

Some ways that we can work towards for self-improvement:
1. Self-acceptance: Being aware and acceptance is an essential and fundamental change. Any circumstances, any issue or conflict that we are facing, in terms of physical or mental health, needs self-acceptance. Self-resisting, self-denial, result in more stress, conflict, and high cortisol release, which makes us unfavourable to heal or change. So, self-acceptance and being self-aware is an essential step towards change. It is necessary to accept, share with a closed one or a therapist and let go the emotional baggage. Sharing with somebody or writing down the emotions and thoughts helps us acknowledge them better and give ourselves time and space to change. Meditation and mindfullness practices also helps us in emotional growth.


2. Victimhood: Instead of living in victimhood mentality, or self-blaming, starting to explore ways and methods to be part of the healing process. Suppose, somebody is being affected by a physical or mental issue must be an integral part of the healing process. Taking responsibility and works towards healing instead of surrendering yourself fully in caregivers’ hands. It is crucial to actively partcipate in the healing process.


3. Self-compassion and patience: It is vital to approach onself with self-compassion. Being compassionate towards self, putting oneself in the right frame of mind dramatically counts. Because failing or falling is the very essence of human nature. Having faith in the Higher Power and a lot of patience is beneficial in the healing process. Because, like good times, adverse times, doesn’t last long too.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 top benefits of music on health 🎧 🎼

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, healing, health, life, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day. 🙋🏻

Whether on purpose or without purpose, music has become a part of our lives. The day starts with a busy schedule, yet we happen to listen to music, maybe while driving to work, a shop, cafe, gas station or wherever we happen to pass by. After a day’s long work, we may intentionally listen to music to calm and rejuvenate our mind. Music is of different genre and variety, loud, hard, soft, calming or with and without lyrics. It is all about individual choices and preferences.

Both in the past and in the present time, studies show the tremendous effect of music on all mental, emotional and overall health.

Ten effects of music influence on health:

1.Mood booster: Listening to music can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine which gives a feeling of satisfaction and reward. It makes us repeat the behaviour, that is to continue listening to music. Therefore, it can elevate the mood to pleasure, motivation and enthusiasm. It can strengthen you emotionally by fine-tuning your emotional health.

2.Improves sleep efficiency: Listening to soothing music, stimulates the parasympathetic system, lowers the blood pressure and slows down the physiological functions. It relaxes the mind and body, making it ready to fall asleep. Music has been instrumental in treating sleep disorders.


3.Exercise performance : Studies show that music increases the level of performance, strength, endurance level while exercising. It delays fatigue by boosting the stamina level.

4.Focus: Listening to fine instrumental music helps to capture attention and to focus. So, some people prefer listening to music while on work which allows them to concentrate and increase productivity.

5.Divergent creativity: We all have the same cognitive capacity to think original thoughts and ideas; it’s the area on the right side of the brain, the creative brain. Research shows that listening to lively, happy music helps to stimulate this area of divergent creative thinking.


6.Reduce stress: Listening to calming music of about 60 beats/min can stimulate alpha brain waves which can make you feel calm and conscious. It reduces the cortisol level and releases endorphins which helps you relieve stress. It has been used successfully by many as a stress-reducing technique.


7.Memory: The frontal cortex and hippocampus of the brain are associated with memory. So, revoking memories are challenging in person with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Sometimes, music with a particular tune or lyrics can help significantly to relieve some of the memories in such individual.


8.Immunity: Music stimulate the parasympathetic response in the body which elevates the physiological coherence and promote the immune response. It boosts the release of antibodies and natural killer cells which helps to combat infections and chronic conditions like cancers and autoimmune issues.

9.Improves vascular health: Music helps to ease the anxiety and stress level by bringing the blood pressure and heart rate to the average baseline level. It relaxes the arterial wall and enhances the blood flow, thereby improving vascular health.

10.Weight loss: Music has a visceral effect too. Listening to music helps you to eat slowly, with relaxation. This effect improves our chewing ability and promotes metabolism. As you are eating slowly, you end up eating in a lesser quantity. Moreover, music also helps your exercise performance. So, in the process, you end up losing weight too.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Mind control : How do I get that ?😇🤔

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a great day 🙋🏻

Our mind is illusional. Whatever, we think and perceive is our own derived illusion. It’s our biggest friend and at the same time can be our biggest enemy. Therefore, a common quote says ” You may die a hundred deaths without a break in the mental turmoil “ Our mind makes up everything that happens in our life – good or bad, big or small, ugly or beauty, sad or happy, success or failure, it ‘s all within this thing, called mind. So, how do I control this thing ‘mind’ and remain focus on my goal and life purpose?

Understanding the mind, and its content is very important and fundamental. What makes our thought world? How do thoughts are generated? We build up mental impressions through the different inlets of this outer world. The inlets can be :
*Five senses: sight, hear, smell, touch, taste
*Memory: That has been built up over the years of this outside world experience, right from the day we were born.
*Activity: That we perform , habituated and do throughout the day.
We create thought by an idea backed with emotion. Through different inlets, we build up thoughts as our mental content every day. We generate, perceive, analyse, process and ruminate our entire thought world. So, we keep doing the same mental activity of thinking, analysing, ruminating every day. The thinking pattern doesn’t change. So, does our behaviour and habits. It is uninterrupted, a never-ending process which we may not be even aware.
According to Yoga Psychology ( Yoga Sutras), our thought world mainly depends on mental fluctuation (Vritti) and thoughts (prataya). The mental impulses (vritti) are created through the different inlets like the senses, memory, activity which inturn create mental impressions generating thoughts (prataya). This is the reason, when we are in a positive , vibrant environment, surrounded by positive people, we generate positive, beautiful, creative thoughts. But, when we surround ourselves with negativity, we generate negative thoughts of guilt, anger, pain, hurt, jealousy and so on.

Normally, what happens, when we centred our mind for a particular activity, at the office or home. There are endless distractions. Okay, we try to control the distraction or cut down to some extent, but still mental fluctuations and wondering thoughts continue to distract us. This is because the memory continues to generate unstable thoughts in an unstable mind.
Therefore to manage our mind, we need to control our mental fluctuation and thoughts. The only way to control them is through a concentrated mind. A concentrated mind can be achieved through the power of attention. The power of attention is our very own property (which arises from self) which we can achieve by practising and training our mind. It is a steady power of awareness which is created at our own will. It is the only capability that we can learn to develop for mind control. Whereas, the mental fluctuations (impression) and thoughts are greatly influenced by our outer world, the external distractions. They are not completely within our control.

The different states of mind depending on the power of attention can be defined as
*Ordinary mind: When both the mental fluctuations (vritti) and thoughts (prataya) are unstable. The mind is rather restless distracted, jumping from one thought to another.

*Focused mind: When there is less mental fluctuation (stable vritti) but thoughts are still wobbly (unstable prataya). This is the learning mind.

*Concentrated mind: When both the mental fluctuation (vritti) and thoughts (prataya) are on the same line, stable enough. This is the highest level of attentive mind.

*Meditative mind: When the vritti and prataya are concentrated at the same point, on a similar goal. That is the mind is concentrated at one point say, your attention is entirely on your breath or a point of focus. That is when both mental fluctuation and thought are at the same point. This is the highest level of concentration.

The power of attention is similar to a focused beam of light where all your energies are focused. With this power of attention, you can learn, achieve, complete tasks and attain success in whichever areas of life you want to. That is the reason, we should always learn to perform an activity or task one at a time. So, we give our full power of attention. Handling multiple tasks all at a time can be like a scattered beam where all your energies are distributed. You can be able to do some while some are left undone. Your mind will keep fluctuating and your attention span will be variable and unstable.

So, how do I learn to achieve a concentrated mind with the ultimate power of attention? How do I control my mind, my inner thought world, daily? How do I focus my mind on one activity at a time? How do I take charge of myself? This is a self-learning task, an ongoing process. Two comprehensive ways:

1. To achieve the power of attention, two important things matter the most :
Awareness: Being consciously aware all the time. Feeding our thought world and thought process with positive, constructive and creative thoughts.
Will: Self-training and developing a restrained impulse towards worthy goals, purposeful life.

2.Control of thoughts:
*Exposure to right kind of thoughts: Feeding the mind everyday with right kind of thoughts. Reading good books, being in a positive, good company, surrounded by positive vibrations.
*Right behaviour: Good conduct, right behaviour pattern influence thoughts and emotions. That means reframing our cognitive abilities. Correcting our behaviour patterns as on when required.
*Right lifestyle and habits: Maintaining a regulated lifestyle and habits will greatly influence our mind. You cannot have a stable mind with an unstable lifestyle.
*Purposeful life: Working towards a specific goal, understanding and working towards a meaningful life. Developing a stable mind through meditation and prayers. This cannot be achieved overnight. It is an ongoing, self-learning process. You and I have to keep working on it daily.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

References: Science of Focus by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana (Vivekavani)

 

Beliefs : Mine and yours ✊

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful day..

Beliefs are a certain pattern of thinking in our brain that must have been perceived and ingrained in the course of our lifetime. It is a way of making sense and understanding the world around us, the people, behaviour, perceptions, facts, realities. Beliefs can be on our faith, religion, things, people and the world in which we live. Based on our beliefs, we assume something or someone as good or bad, whether something is worthy, acceptable or achievable. The mental representation of our beliefs makes us create our boundaries and limitations concerning every aspect of our lives. It is these subconscious mind beliefs which autopilot our day to day life, career path or choices, or the life journey itself.

Since the time of human evolution, certain thinking pattern has been carried out as strategies to learning, simplify things or conceptualized certain experiences, facts or perceived realities. The perceptual beliefs are mainly based on sensory experiences. That is how beliefs keep moving from one generation to another. As the child grows up, his whole personality and belief system start moulding and developing based on his parents, his experiences, environment in school, college and other authoritative figures. Whether true or false, facts or distorted, the person already grows up with a set of a belief system which helps him undertake his life journey. Since our beliefs are rooted deeply in our subconscious mind, our mind will constantly look out ways and means to prove them right. This is what the subconscious programming does. Every action, behaviour, habit, the emotion of our’s are all based on our belief system.

Beliefs are not necessarily based on truth. They can be based on distorted facts or can be misconstrued or can be simply mistaken beliefs. They can be negative or self-limiting beliefs. Many of our beliefs are based on observations, what we think, hear or see the physical world around us. So, as we start learning more and more, a wider understanding of this world, opened up to a great sea of knowledge and Science, we realise that some of the beliefs which we have been carrying, holds no truth in them. They are just false beliefs. But in spite of knowing clear information about the fact, we still hold onto such beliefs, unable to change them. They are so much ingrained in us and are difficult to change.

Certain examples of common disempowering beliefs, some of us may have like
I am not good enough.

I am not lucky enough.
I have to achieve a certain level of success to be happy in life.
I cannot trust the people around me.
I am not attractive enough.
I cannot lose weight.
I am not good at public speaking.
I am not a happy person.

These are some examples of subconscious programmed beliefs that we hold onto to be true. So, subconsciously, we will behave and act trying to proof or validate them, each time to be true.
The realisation comes much later in life when we fail to achieve something, unable to achieve our goal, failed relationship, unsuccessful career path.
Therefore, a real soul searching, self-awareness is required to identify our self-limiting beliefs which made us fail or difficult to achieve our full potential in whichever aspect of life, it may be.

Some simple ways, we can try changing our beliefs :

•Changing the old pattern of beliefs is not an easy task. You have to be completely self-aware.
•Try putting down in a note because writing gives you a clear understanding of the mind.
•Once identifying your self limiting beliefs, reframe them with an empowering positive belief like I am good enough to succeed or I deserve to be happy, no matter what.


• Then, start reminding yourself consciously every day with your new beliefs. Keep repeating because your subconscious mind learns by habit and repetition. It takes a long time. Reminding and repeating does create an impression in our subconscious mind and the outcome of our new beliefs will soon unfold.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post: How about a smart healthy brain 😇😍, anytime, any age? : 5 ways to facilitate the process.

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful weekend🙋🏻

Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis, two terms commonly used when it comes to brain health. We, just don’t need to dive so much into Neuroscience to learn what they mean and how we can help ourselves to keep our brain healthy. Brain health is important because as long as our brain is healthy, we keep learning new things and our memory is intact. As ageing progresses, we can prevent ourselves from certain chronic conditions like dementia, Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease by maintaining good brain health.

Neuroplasticity, meaning that our brain is continuously changing through our entire lifetime depending upon our experiences, the environment, habits, behaviour. Neural pathways keep rewiring and dewiring depending upon what is necessary and what is no longer useful. Therefore, being in a positive environment, thinking and feeling positive is all very important.

Neurogenesis meaning formation of new neurons, that is our ability to learn new things and retain in our memory. Previously, it was believed that neurogenesis stopped once we reach our adulthood, that is around the age of 20. Now, researches have shown, that neurogenesis occurs throughout our lifetime. So, we can learn until the day we die. In our brain, the neurons are formed from the neural stem cells and progenitor cells which are in the Hippocampus mainly and also in other regions of the brain. Though every day, new neurons are formed, before, they could get matured, many of them get pruned. A special protein BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) has been identified which is responsible for promoting the maturation, survival and maintenance of the neurons.

So, how do we facilitate this process of neurogenesis and maintain the level of BDNF? 5 simple ways

1. Exercise: Any exercise which can increase the heart rate mainly aerobic exercise, running, brisk walking.


2.Food: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids like fishes (salmon, tuna, sardines), avocados, chia, hemp seeds and nuts. Other sources which help are turmeric, blueberries, goji berries, lotus roots, algae, green tea, coffee. However, too much caffeine is detrimental to neurogenesis.

3.Emotions: Experiencing positive emotions like joy, excitement, love and feeling good, stimulate Neurogenesis. Such emotional experience can appear by being creative, learning a new skill, going out in Nature, proper sleep, listening to Nature sounds, good music and sex. A positive relationship with partners, peers, relatives is helpful. Being in chronic stress, anger, anxiety are detrimental to neurogenesis.

4.Mind stimulation: Cognitive abilities like reading, learning, memorizing, discussing new ideas, taking up music lessons, problem-solving, all stimulate neurogenesis. Cognitive reserve (resilience against brain damage) can be built up by engaging mind stimulating activities or intellectual work.

5.Meditation: Prayers and meditation can stimulate neurogenesis. Practising mindfulness, compassion, being in silence, stillness all facilitate neurogenesis.

Some lifestyle factors which can decrease neurogenesis are a high intake of carbohydrate, sugar, fried foods, inflammatory foods, chronic caffeine intake, smoking, alcohol, obesity, chronic stress, lack of sleep, negative emotions like sadness, depression, lack of engagement, boring life. Direct trauma to the head can be very detrimental to neurogenesis. Nowadays, even environmental pollution is quite hazardous to brain health.

If you are intending to learn more about lifestyle changes that you can do to improve your brain health, I recommend the book: Neurogenesis diet and lifestyle by Dr Brant Cortright

Thanks for reading. Take care.

Blessings and Much love to all 💐

Post: Fivesome – The effective medicine 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a great Monday 🙋🏻

Chronic diseases contribute to huge healthcare expenses. Regular doctor’s visits, buying the prescription drugs, undergoing procedures, hospital treatments and stay, all of them incur huge expenses.

We know by now that inflammation is the key to all chronic diseases in the body. Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, lung diseases like COPD and asthma, Crohn disease, arthritis, HIV, Cancers and the list goes on. Not only these, even brain diseases like Alzheimers, dementia, and Parkinson are also related to inflammation in the brain.

The only solutions to this huge health issues are prevention and controlling the chronic conditions. So, how do we do that? Researches have already proved that most chronic conditions are caused by food and unhealthy lifestyle. So, the easiest and efficient way to reach our goal to prevent and control chronic conditions is by switching on to a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes. 80% of our immunity comes from good gut health. So, eating right, removing stress, active physical life, all contribute to a healthy gut. Therefore , the five some ….

1.Food:The problem is that too much information on food flooding the internet, conflicting information, different diet regimens like keto, paleo, vegan, Meditteranean and the list is long. Too many lists of superfood come out daily. So, how do we know what is right for us?

I think following any diet, there is always pros and cons because you eat some and skip something else. Depending on your goal, whether to lose weight or maybe for some chronic conditions like diabetes, your diet is scheduled and designed. Though following a particularly strict diet, do benefit like losing weight in case of a Keto diet. Sometimes, it can lead to unhealthy outcomes. And, following a particular diet seems to be like, you are doing for a temporary phase. But, to have a goal of a healthy life, the food and lifestyle changes has to be permanent and adopt it as a way of life. It has to be a mentality shift.
Again, not every type of grain, vegetables, fruits available in every part of the world. Different regions grow different crops according to their climatic conditions. So, the best food is preferably,organic (devoid of pesticides) and locally produce grain, vegetables and fruits so that they are fresh. And locally produce grains, veggies, fruits are usually affordable.
Your daily consumption should be a majority, about 70% of plant-based food like greens, veggies, fruits, nuts. About 30% should be whole grain fibres, low fat and protein like eggs, chicken and fish. This is how simple a daily healthy diet plan can be.

2. Exercise: Right from evolution, we, humans are meant to be active. So, being active is essential. Follow your daily routine exercise of at least an hour. Do whatever you like, running, walking, swimming, cycling, gymming., dancing. The workout you enjoy doing. There is no hard and fast rule.

3.Meditation/ Mindfulness: I have already written posts on meditation and it’s benefits. it is important to empty our mind daily, at least for some time.Spend a few minutes in silence every day. If you can, be mindful (being aware ) as much as you can. Being mindful means, paying attention to your thoughts, emotions without being judgemental. Staying mindful, by following your natural breaths, simply just being aware of, at least 20 mins or more is very beneficial. It reduces your stress level.

4. Support: Have always a support system. Loneliness is a major factor in many health issues. People with a good support system can better control chronic conditions. Rely on your spouse, partner, friends or a social support group where you can open up.

5.Sleep: Though ideally recommended in adult as 7-8 hours of sleep. But the fact is, the quality of sleep is more important than the quantity.
When you follow sleep hygiene of going to bed and getting up from bed at a routine timing, whatever hours of good sleep, you get is enough.

All these 5 steps can guarantee you for a healthy life for the longest time. Even, if you suffer from a chronic condition, it can be maintained better with a disciplined lifestyle.

Thanks for reading. Take care

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Feeling resentful 😠 3 simple approaches !

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, wellness

Hello Everyone! Have a great day 🙋🏻

Resentment is a common feeling. We, all must have harboured at some point in life. It is a feeling of anger or a sense of bitterness after an unfair incident, an event that has happened to us. It may happen very often in our everyday lives. Resentment can be felt from as simple as rude behaviour or unfair comment from a friend to as large as issues like racism or religion.
The immediate reaction after we feel resentful is an emotion of anger,hurt, pain, annoyance or even shame. Very often, we get affected so much that we start to harbour a feeling of revenge. The emotion gets trapped when we are unable to express our feeling of bitterness after the hurtful experience. It may come from either a true situation or a misunderstood situation of injustice.

How emotion of resentment get trapped in us from different situations?
Any kind of tense relationship maybe between partners, a colleague with a boss, or between friends.
*A feeling of fear or avoidance to confront the person or similar situation.
*A feeling of regret, low or dejected.
*Continuously ruminating the strong emotion against the incident, person or experience.

  • In a normal healthy individual, though there is an immediate feeling of pain, hurt, annoyance after the experience, you tend to overcome the feeling by letting go. Thinking it as a part and parcel of life or just an unfair or bad experience in life. Moving away from the negative situation or the negative person.
  • Or maybe, thinking that we have misinterpreted the person or the situation.

But the real problem arises when it started to affect our mental health. The resentful feeling continues to ride over us in spite of trying to let go of or trying to move on from the person or the experience. We started to develop a fear, negative attitude for every similar situation or person in our lives. It affects slowly our every perception of reality. We start looking at every situation with a negative outlook. We start having fear and fail to trust people. It becomes difficult to hope for positive outcomes. We, finally land up in the hands of a Therapist or counsellor.

So, the simple approaches, how we can help ourselves get over it.

1.Practice self-compassion: Compassion over self is a key to all kinds of negative situations, experiences or persons, we encounter in life. Holding self-compassion helps us to give a sense of security which is important. It helps us to restore our self-identity, self-worth which otherwise have the fear of losing if resentment is held up for a long time. Self-compassion helps us to overcome the feeling of lowness or less.

2.Being empathetic: We deal with people every day. There are both good and bad experiences of people with us. So, trying to empathize and understand the other person’s perspective or the circumstances which influence the behaviour will surely reduce the feeling of resentment. Many times, we may have misunderstood or the person who did it may not have realised that it can be hurtful.

3.Practice Gratitude: Practising gratitude and thankfulness for everything, everyone we have in our life is important. It gives us a sense of security and wholeness. So, unfair treatment or unfair incident can be overlooked with ease as they hold hardly any value to the beautiful life we lead. If we focus on how privileged and fortunate we are in life, harbouring resentful feelings look just meaningless.

Thanks for reading !

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Placebo effect and Nocebo effect 🤗

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful Friday 🙋🏻

I am sharing with you today, a beautiful talk by Dr Lissa Rankin MD, which gives you the idea how powerful is our mind, which has the ability and the enormous capacity to heal the body from any disease and illness.

Hope, you like watching it as much as I do.

Blessings and much love to all 💐