So grateful as 2026 is approaching ! Hereās a New Year for fresh start, new opportunities and abundant hope to build our dreams. A new chapter of growth, self discovery and unforgettable experiences and memories to celebrate.
Hereās wishing to all my lovely bloggers, a year filled with great opportunities, endless happiness, great health and beautiful moments to cherish. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year 2026 !
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May the Divinity and miracle of Christmas bring abundance, peace and joy in every home and families.
Wishing all my lovely fellow bloggers, a wonderful and blessed Christmas to you and your loved ones šā¤ļø
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1. Organizing or cleaning your space, room, or home isnāt about tidiness, but being in control of a world that feels otherwise uncontrollable. Itās about a mental state with clarity, being organized and being at peace with oneself. Psychologically, the environment we live in reflects our mental state. In a world full of everyday stress, chaos, and overwhelming uncertainties, cleaning becomes a tool, a therapy to make ourselves feel organised, meaningful and at peace. Clearly, this act can help reduce stress hormones and release endorphins, which can lift the mood.
2. Many people, even after a stressful day, have a habit of cleaning and tidying their stuļ¬ after reaching home or their living space. Psychologically, when emotions are overwhelming and stressful, our brain tries to do things which are tangible, grounding, and clarifying, which makes us feel more in control. These actions give the brain a sense of relief and stability, an escape in an otherwise uncontrollable world.
3. In the brain, activities like reorganising the bookshelf, arranging the oļ¬ce table, cleaning and tidying the home, folding clothes in the closets, cleaning the kitchen, washing the dishes, vacuuming the floor stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, the reward system, releasing dopamine, the happy hormone. These small acts instantly feel rewarding, light and happy. A tidy living space, home, or oļ¬ce gives the subconscious mind a feeling of security, stability, and organization.
4. Psychologically, on the flip side, a disorganised, messed-up space gives the mind a sense of cluttered thoughts, incoherence, ambiguity, confusion and anxiety. In an already stressful, loud world, you feel more overwhelmed, stressed, where things and people are unpredictable, uncertain and reactive. So, for a change, cleaning, organising, and rearranging makes people feel instantly happy, stable, predictable and certain.
5. Research shows that a cluttered, anxious, stressful mind raises the cortisol hormone. On the other hand, the environment we live in reflects our mental state. So, a messy, cluttered space clearly aļ¬ects our mental state. The subconscious mind feels confused, lacks clarity, and is incoherent in a disorganised space. So, rearranging the room, furniture, things, clothes, books gives an instant emotional high, certainty and sense of control. The truth is, cleaning isnāt about habit, itās about emotional regulation, choosing to change the emotional responses of stress, anxiety, chaos to stability, calmness and clarity.
6. Emotional regulation, by definition, is the ability to regulate our emotional responses from a state of uncontrolled, overwhelming situation by making behavioural changes with a healthy coping mechanism to a state of emotional grounding, stability and a sense of control. Examples of emotional regulation are deep breathing, going for a walk, journaling, light exercise and doing tasks like rearranging the books, furniture, cleaning the kitchen, doing the dishes and so on. Itās the ability to change a negative situationās impact to a more productive and fulfilling one.
7. The strategies of emotional regulation can be summed up as :
ā¢ Recognise: Identifying the emotions like anger, anxiety, ambiguity and incoherence.
ā¢ Respond: instead of reacting negatively, changing the situationās impact to a more productive, controlled and tangible behaviour like going for a short walk, rearranging the books on the shelf, cleaning the mess, folding clothes in the closet, cleaning or mopping the floor or any similar activity.
ā¢ Reappraisal, like changing the emotional response to more rewarding outcomes like stability, calmness, sense of control and certainty.
ā¢ Reflecting on the change of behaviour and situation gives deep satisfaction and happiness.
8. Activities like cleaning a room, realigning a corner, rearranging books, furniture, cleaning a countertop or mopping the floor are not just tidying or organising acts or behaviour but something more deeper as emotional relief or emotional satisfaction. Itās about reconnecting oneself, bringing a sense of control, stability in a world of external chaos, a stressful day or an overwhelming situation. So, for many people, organising and cleaning their home or their living space becomes a daily emotional ritual and therapeutic.
9. People who keep doing such activities, while they keep performing the acts, they also process their emotions, release the stressful thoughts, anxiety, ease the confusion, bringing more clarity and stability. In fact, by doing such activities, as the visual clutter slowly fades away by physical actions, internally, the mental clutter slowly subsides, emotions and thoughts become more under control, and thinking becomes clearer and regulated.
10. To sum it up, in a world full of uncertainties and unpredictability, organising, rearranging, and cleaning gives an instant outcome which the brain interprets as safety or being under control. When a book or a thing is placed exactly where it belongs, refolding a dress and placing it back in the closet, cleaning the otherwise dirty countertop, itās like reconnecting with oneself, which gives the subconscious mind that instant boost or reward of comfort, safety and stability in an external world of chaos or an uncontrolled environment.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love š
In general, we are exposed to arsenic daily. Not only through food, but also through air pollution, smoking, contaminated drinking water and so on. Rice is the most common dietary source of arsenic, along with fruits, vegetables and grains. Rice and rice-based products are vulnerable to arsenic contamination because of the method of cultivation, especially from the soil and irrigation water in paddy fields. Therefore, white rice, brown rice, rice snacks, rice milk, infant food and rice cereals are all found to have arsenic.
1.Yes, rice eating can give arsenic exposure, depending on the contamination levels, which can be a health concern in the long run. Arsenic contamination levels in rice can vary based on sources, brands, farming methods, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.Therefore, it is a potential health hazard, especially for rice-eating countries, mainly in Asia. Consistent arsenic exposure can aļ¬ect diļ¬erent organs, the nervous system, gastrointestinal system and can even cause cancer. Not many studies have been done so far, but research has confirmed that rice contains a relatively high level of inorganic arsenic, which can be toxic and carcinogenic.
2. Rice has been a staple diet for centuries in Asia, unlike in Europe and America. There are diļ¬erent varieties of rice in which the arsenic levels can diļ¬er. According to research studies, different varieties of rice can have diļ¬erent levels of inorganic arsenic, such as:
ā¢White long-grain rice (regular type) contains a higher level of mean arsenic concentration (ppb) as compared to medium or short varieties of regular white rice.
ā¢ Pigmented rice, like red rice or black rice, may have a slightly lower level of arsenic than regular white rice in many regions.
ā¢Usually, brown rice, which has a bran and germ covered, is found to have higher levels of arsenic than regular white rice.
3.Research has found that brown rice, red and black rice have around 154 ppb of arsenic concentration, though the quantity varies depending on where they have been sourced. The white rice relatively has a lower quantity of 90 ppm of mean arsenic concentration. Arsenic is a heavy metal which is water-soluble, so the sources are many. It can be contaminated through soil originating from volcanic eruption, mining, power production and other geothermal activities, from irrigated water sources, pesticides, fertilisers and environmental pollution.
4.Diļ¬erent varieties of rice with mean arsenic levels, but the quantities may vary from region to region:
ā¢ Arsenic levels are higher in rice grown in the United States and some regions of Europe than in Asian countries like India, Pakistan or China.
ā¢ Aromatic rice, like Basmati and Jasmine rice, has a level of around 50-80 ppm, less than regular long-grain rice.
ā¢ Medium and short grain white rice contain 80-90 ppm as compared to long grain rice.
ā¢ Coloured grain rice, like brown and black rice, contains around 90 ppm.
5.Sources: Organic arsenic can be found in some seafood, seaweed is less toxic than inorganic arsenic, which is found in rice, grains and vegetables. Heath risk of having inorganic arsenic- contaminated rice and other food items can cause heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, cancers, skin and nerve diseases. Arsenic-contaminated infant food and cereals are very toxic to infants and growing children as they can interfere with the growth and development of the brain and nervous system, leading to autistic spectrum disorders, kidney diseases, and gastrointestinal system disorders.
6.Arsenic is odourless and tasteless, water-soluble, and easily absorbed in various food items. Besides, rice, vegetables, grains, arsenic can also be contaminated in poultry, such as chicken meat and eggs. When arsenic-contaminated feed is given to poultry, the arsenic is absorbed by the chicken meat and eggs. Additionally, arsenic-containing drugs administered to poultry and farm animals can lead to contamination, posing a hazard to human consumption.
7.Cutting down rice and grains, and vegetables from the diet is not a solution, as these items are very much part of the staple diet because of nutritional value in a major part of the population around the world. So, the diļ¬erent methods by which arsenic contamination can be reduced in the diet are:
ā¢Sourcing the rice from less contaminated regions, also known brands, where the manufacturer mentions on the package.
ā¢ Using the type of rice, such as white regular, short and medium-grain white rice. Cooking brown rice with appropriate method.
ā¢ Correct method of cooking.
ā¢ Alternative use of whole grains like millet, quinoa, oats, and barley.
8.Typical way of cooking rice, where the water dries out, does not change the arsenic level in rice. Instead, an appropriate method of cooking the rice can reduce the arsenic contamination by 50-60 per cent:
ā¢ Overnight, soak the rice and drain the excess water.
ā¢ Using a larger quantity of water, like a 6:1 to 10:1 ratio, to cook the rice rather than the regular water level.
ā¢ Boil the rice and discard the excess water.
ā¢ Cook the rice in a pot slowly rather than in a pressure cooker.
9. Unpolished brown rice naturally contains nutrients and vitamins. Many white rice brands fortify the rice with diļ¬erent nutrients and vitamins, too. Rinsing and draining the excess water after boiling causes a lot of water-soluble vitamins and nutrients to be lost. For instance, rinsing white rice thoroughly causes a considerable amount of folate, niacin and vitamins to be removed from the rice. But in the case of unpolished brown rice, the nutrients and vitamins remain inside the bran covering. So, rinsing the brown rice does not aļ¬ect the nutrients. Hence, brown rice is still healthier than white rice.
10. Therefore, raw, unpolished brown rice can be thoroughly rinsed, cooked in a pot slowly with a large amount of excess water, like pasta in the ratio of 10:1, which can reduce arsenic concentration by 50-40 per cent. At the same time, the quantity of folate, vitamins and minerals in the boiled brown rice remains intact. In this way, the baseline risk of cancer and health hazard reduces by about 60% which is suitable too. So, eating unpolished brown rice, pigmented rice and aromatic white rice can be suitable with the appropriate method of cooking. Also, using alternative grains like quinoa, millet, and barley is considered a healthy option to be included in the diet routine.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love š
Peace and love š
1. Resistance starch is a new buzzword nowadays. But what exactly is resistance starch? Starches are a major portion of our everyday diet. They are usually found in grains, legumes, potatoes, and many other foods. Unlike simple starches, resistance starch passes through the digestive tract, the stomach and the small intestine undigested, and reaches the colon, where it is fermented by gut bacteria, like soluble fibres. Therefore, they are very gut-friendly, hence are potentially beneficial to health.
2. Several studies have identified the components of starches in diļ¬erent types of food, which are resistant to digestion, and can be very beneficial in the prevention and control of chronic diseases. Evidence has shown that starches present in food, which are rapidly digested, have significantly contributed to the growing risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and colon cancer. Ongoing studies have shown that resistance starches are highly resistant to digestion by digestive enzymes like amylase in the small intestine and pass through the colon, where they are fermented by the microbiota.
3. Five types of resistance starches have been identified such as :
ā¢ Type1 : Physically inaccessible starches like whole grains, coarsely grounded grains.
ā¢ Type 2: Granular starch like raw potato, raw banana starch.
ā¢ Type 3: Retrograde starch like cooked and cooled starch.
ā¢ Type 4: Chemically modified starch.
ā¢ Type 5: Amylose lipid complex.
4. Carbohydrates are simple in structure, like white rice, white bread, cakes, or refined food items. Resistance starches are complex carbohydrates which pass through the stomach and small intestine undigested and move to the large intestine to be fermented by the gut-friendly bacteria. Some examples of resistance starches are: Brown rice, whole grains, quinoa, lentils, plantains, oats and potatoes.
5. Simple starches are digested by the stomach enzymes and are responsible for spiking blood sugar and worsening insulin sensitivity. While resistance starches cannot be digested by the stomach enzymes, they travel through the small intestine and reach the colon. In the colon, they are fermented by the microbes and produce short-chain fatty acids like Butyrate. Butyrate improves insulin sensitivity, lowers inflammation, and provides food for gut-friendly bacteria.
6. Starch Retrogradation: It is a process where gelatinised starch molecules crystallize and become resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine. This trick can be done by cooling the simple starches after cooking and storing them in the refrigerator. Just before eating, heat them so that the content of resistance starch can be increased. Therefore, the eļ¬ect of cooling the cooked rice or potatoes, bread can decrease the post-prandial glucose and insulin spike.
7. Simple ways to have resistance starches or increase the resistance starches content are:
ā¢ Cooking the rice, potatoes or pasta, and cooling them.
ā¢ Freeze and store them in the refrigerator.
ā¢ Reheating them before consuming.
8.Pairing food like carbohydrates with protein and fat can help in controlling the glucose spike and improving insulin sensitivity. Pairing potatoes with butter or olive oil, or rice with lentils or beans, is a common example. Acidifying the meal by adding lemon, vinegar, or fermented food can lower the rate of starch breakdown.
9. Again, food orders are another important trick to improve insulin sensitivity and lower the glucose spike. Instead of having carbohydrate first, it is wiser to eat the protein like eggs, meat or fish first, followed by vegetables and lastly the carbohydrate portion. This way, it will slow down the glucose digestion. Such behavioural change while following the food order either at home or in a restaurant can help to improve the metabolic response.
10. Eating a meal and then immediately sitting down to work, using the laptop, or taking a nap can negatively impact your metabolic response. Instead, after finishing your meal, consider taking a light walk or engaging in a gentle activity like cleaning or washing dishes. These activities can stimulate your calf muscles, particularly the soleus muscle, which can quickly utilise a significant amount of glucose. By sustaining contractions, this muscle helps burn glucose, contributing to better blood sugar control.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love š
We come here with nothing. Yet, throughout our entire lifetime, we keep chasing for everything. Then, finally, we go back with nothing. This is the biggest truth.
So, itās important to pause awhile and be in the moment. Drop the regrets of the past, worries of the future and light up the present moment freely in true spirit.
May this festival of light, remove the darkness and spark the light of your inner self. May you merge with selfless love and blissfulness of the Divine.
Wishing all of you on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, let all your homes fill with abundance, warmth and joy and hearts filled with hope, love, peace and happiness.
To you and your loved ones, have a wonderful and blessed Diwali !
God bless and Peace š
Peace and blessings š
1. The gut is known as the āsecond brainā as there is a 2 way connection between the brain and the gut via the vagus nerve. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters that can travel and send signals through the nervous system, aļ¬ecting our mood, behaviour, emotions, and sleep. The gut and brain also send signals through hormonal pathways and the immune system.Therefore, the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and any disruption to this axis can lead to issues such as disturbances in gut health, neurological disorders, inflammation, and sleep disturbances.
2. Through the gut-brain axis, there is a mutual continuous communication between the brain and the gut. The gut microbiome produces a considerable amount of neurotransmitters and hormones like melatonin, which influence the circadian rhythm and mood. Both the sleep cycle and gut microbiota are influenced by factors like daylight, stress and diet. Hence, if there is unhealthy gut microbiome, there will be disruption in the sleep-wake cycle, while poor sleep will lead to disturbances in the gut microbiota.
3. Inflammation: Poor sleep can cause disturbances in gut health, which will lead to a pro-inflammatory state in the body. The gut microbiome composition and diversity are disrupted, creating an imbalance. Gut health issues like irritable bowel disorders, leaky gut, and hormonal issues can worsen in the body. Lack of sleep can also aļ¬ect gut permeability and lead to nutritional absorption interference. Not only gut health, but poor sleep can also aļ¬ect the metabolic pathways, immune state and neural pathways.
4. Research has shown that through the gut-brain axis, there is a bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system. Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which increase serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid production, help in the quality and lengthening of sleep. On the other hand, lack of sleep can lead to a reduction of beneficial bacterial flora, an imbalance in the microbiota, which includes probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics.
5. Studies have revealed that sleep, a natural physiological process, is important in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and vice versa. Poor sleep patterns, insomnia, and sleep deprivation not only influence the emotional and cognitive well-being but also cause an imbalance in gut bacteria and gut flora. Therefore, there is a direct connection between sleep disorders and gut health, and resolving gut issues has a therapeutic eļ¬ect.
6. The equilibrium of the sleep-wake cycle with the well-being of gut microbiota is very delicate and needs to be maintained by external factors. The balance can be easily disturbed by factors like stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleep habits. Studies have shown that this reciprocal correlation shows sleep as the primary modulator between gut health issues and sleep length and quality.
7. Growing research has shown that the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role both directly and indirectly in the shift of composition of gut-microbiota with the development of sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep fragmentation, sleep deprivation and sleep apnea. Human studies have shown that 60-70% of the composition of gut microbiota depends on the oscillatory rhythm of the circadian rhythm.
8. Though Melatonin, a sleep hormone, is known to be produced by the pineal gland, it is actually the gut which is the primary source of it. This hormone is integral in modulating the sleep-wake cycle, immune-regulatory eļ¬ect and antioxidant activity. The gut microbiota produces melatonin from tryptophan. This hormone has a favourable eļ¬ect on microbial population and gut barrier functions. Therefore, any imbalance of gut microbiota directly influences melatonin production and disrupts the circadian rhythm.
9. Evidence from several studies has shown that a significant level of melatonin has been produced by bacteria in the intestinal flora, has a beneficial impact on intestinal barrier functions and a preventive eļ¬ect in the human brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimerās disease and Parkinsonās disease. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to the development of sleep disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, pro inflammatory responses and neurological disorders.
10. Therefore, there is enough evidence to show that consequences in digestive health have a direct impact on the sleep-wake cycle and vice versa. Research has clearly shown that sleep deprivation can directly impact digestive disorders like gastric esophageal reflux, irritable bowel disorders and many gut health issues. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule of 7-8 hours can help greatly in reducing the potential risk of many diseases as well as in maintaining a sound gut health. Not to forget that stress management is equally important for maintaining the equilibrium of gut health and sleep patterns. So, an early fiber rich dinner, less screen time, routine exercise, meditation and early sleep habits are essential components to maintain this balance.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love š
3H:health,happiness,healing 