Tag: life

10 facts : Why sea buckthorn has gained popularity?

by drjurisharma, posted in Antioxidant,anti inflammatory, immune boosting, anti cancer, Blog, brain, Food, Fruits, veggies, berries, hair, healing, health, life, meditation, inflammation, disease, physical health, mental health, wellbeing, Nature,, Omegas, fatty acid, Science, Sea buckthorn, Siberian pineapple, sand thorn, berries, super fruit, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin , supplements, diabetes, heart, hypertension, high cholesterol, high BP, anti inflammatory, metab, self healing, Skin, hair, wellness

1.Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a shrub with yellowish-orange berries, a native of Southeast Asia and Europe. Other names used are sea berry, sand thorn and Siberian pineapple. Recent research has highlighted the tremendous health benefits of the fruit berries grown on this high-altitude shrub, which has been quite common on the Himalayan steep slopes for centuries. This shrub and its fruits are not new to the natives living in those regions. But, suddenly, it has gained much popularity due to its label as β€œSuper food” by the recent scientific studies. The berries of this shrub are identified to have about 190 flavonoids and polyphenols, rich in Omega fatty acids and 15 times more vitamin C than oranges.

2. Sea Buckthorn’s nutritional profile stands out among many fruits and berries provided by the plant kingdom. It is considered a β€œsuperfood” for its amazing nutritional value.

β€’ These berries have a rich supply of fat-soluble vitamin A, such as Beta-carotene (due to the orange colour), lycopene and Zeaxanthin.

β€’ Vitamin E includes 8 natural variants, the tocotrienols.

β€’ Vitamin K2 in natural form, which is quite rare in plants.

β€’ Plant-based Omega 3, 6, 9, which is a complete omega fatty acid profile.

β€’ Omega 7, which is Palmitoleic acid, is a rare variant.

β€’ Vitamin C, which is 15 times more than that of a typical orange.

β€’ Multiple bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phytosterols, organic acids and Tanins.

3. Heart-friendly: One of the main reasons for Sea Buckthorn berries’ attraction is their profound benefit to cardiovascular health.

β€’ The Omega profile and bioactive compound help to lower LDL cholesterol, prevent plaque buildup, and lower blood pressure.

β€’ Improve Cholesterol: Phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption, LDL and triglycerides in the gut and maintain the level of good cholesterol, HDL.

β€’ Relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure.

β€’ The antioxidant properties prevent LDL plaques from being deposited on the arterial wall and lower the risk of atherosclerosis.

β€’ Reduces the risk of thrombosis by thinning the blood due to antiplatelet aggregation properties.

4. Diabetes: Studies have proven that sea buckthorn berries, due to their powerful antioxidant profile, help in the management of type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the potential benefits:

β€’ These berries improve the metabolic function and lower the fasting blood sugar levels.

β€’ Helps the body to improve insulin sensitivity and lower the resistance in due course.

β€’ Its anti-inflammatory properties help to fight inflammation and prevent organ damage, which is a characteristic of diabetic progression.

β€’ Reduce the damage to the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin.

β€’ Promotes heart health, which is otherwise a cardiovascular risk for diabetics.

β€’ Boost immunity, which is important for diabetics or anyone with a chronic illness.

5. Metabolic disorder: Collectively, metabolic disorders include obesity, hyperglycaemia, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The different ways of managing metabolic syndrome can be controlling blood sugar, lowering insulin resistance, improving dyslipidemia, reducing abnormal lipogenesis, lowering blood pressure and also improving gut health. The rich nutritional profile of sea buckthorn, which contains various flavonoids, omega fatty acids, and vitamins, helps to promote a positive impact on metabolic activities and prevent complications in metabolic pathways in such individuals.

6. Other amazing benefits :

β€’ Aids cancer therapy: Studies have shown that flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhemnetin present in sea buckthorn berry juice and oil extract can induce a cytotoxic response and prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

β€’ Skin / cosmetic uses: Due to their rich nutritional profile of vitamins and omega fatty acids, these berries promote skin health, promote hair growth, increase blood circulation and reduce signs of ageing.

β€’ Effective in promoting gut health and liver health by lowering liver inflammation, fibrosis and scarring.

β€’ Disease prevention: Sea buckthorn, due to flavonoids and antioxidants, prevents free radical damage, reduces oxidative stress and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

7. Interaction: Sea buckthorn berries are usually safe, and there is no evidence of adverse side effects. But due to its rich content of various nutrients, there may be drug interactions, and precautions are necessary:

β€’ People with bleeding disorders and those undergoing surgery should avoid situations where there is a risk of slowing blood clotting, bruising and bleeding.

β€’ Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can interact with sea buckthorn and pose a risk of bleeding.

β€’ People on high blood pressure medication should avoid it as they can further lower their BP.

8. Uses: The raw berries are sour and acidic in taste. So, it is not usually consumed raw; instead, it is converted into functional foods.

β€’ Juices and pulp: They are diluted in water before drinking and used in pies, desserts, jams and herbal teas.

β€’ Oils are used in the form of capsules as a vegan Omega fatty acid source, used in hair and skin wellness.

β€’ Powders: As supplements in drinks, smoothies and teas.

9. Availability: Sea buckthorn berries are available in local markets specific to the native regions of Asia -Pacific where they are grown. Otherwise, they are available as products in supermarkets, stores, and retail in different brands. It is important to buy from known, reputable brands for safety issues.

They are available in juices (cold-pressed is best), pulps, dried berry powder, gummies, tablets, capsules and in oil extract. Due to their nutritional value, the products are widely used and have been quite popular.

10. Takeaway: Sea buckthorn berries have been used for centuries by the native people of mainly Asia, especially in the Himalayan regions, Ladakh, China and European regions. But recent scientific studies and research have identified its rich nutritional profile, which has attracted the attention of health enthusiasts. Therefore, these tiny berries have become popular, and the products are selling widely nowadays. No doubt, sea buckthorn is, indeed, a super fruit and its intake in moderation, in whatever form, can be helpful for overall health and wellness.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

Silent Sunday 🌀️

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, cognitive health, emotional health, healing, health, life, mental health, Nature,, photography, self healing, spiritual, wellness

Peace and love πŸ™

Silent Sunday 🀍

by drjurisharma, posted in emotional health, healing, health, life, Nature,, Nature, Mother Earth, Earth, nature, peace, tranquility, calmness, Nature, peace, meditation, stillness, calmness, abundance, spiritual, happiness, healing, self healing, sunday, Tranquil water, peace, calmness, stillness, nature, natural beauty, water front, Tranquility, tranquil water, natural beauty, nature, peace, calmness, stillness, wellness

Peace and love πŸ™

Silent Sunday πŸ’š

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, cognitive health, emotional health, healing, health, life, mental health, Nature, Mother Earth, Earth, nature, peace, tranquility, calmness, photography, self healing, spiritual, wellness

Peace and love πŸ™

Wordless Wednesday πŸƒ

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, emotional health, healing, health, life, Nature,, Peace, harmony, calm, compassion, empathy, photography, self healing, Wednesday, wordless, stillness, wellness

Peace and love πŸ™

Silent Sunday πŸƒπŸŒž

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, emotional health, healing, health, life, mental health, nature, Nature,, Science, self healing, spiritual, Sunday, morning, natural, peaceful, wellness

Peace and love πŸ™

10 facts on the link between poor gut health and hormonal irregularities βœ‹

by drjurisharma, posted in Antioxidant,anti inflammatory, immune boosting, anti cancer, detoxification, vegetable,, emotional health, Food, Fruits, veggies, berries, Gut health, hormones, estrogen, exercise, sleep, yoga, meditation, healing, health, mental health, self healing, wellness

1. Poor gut health means poor metabolism, microbiome irregularities, digestive issues, chronic inflammation, built-up toxins, elevation of cortisol and hormonal issues. Therefore, a weak gut health profoundly affects the endocrine ecosystem. On the other hand, studies have confirmed that gut microbiota can be influenced by the hormonal environment. Some studies suggest that there is a connection between gut microbiome and sex-related diseases like polycystic ovarian disease, post-menopausal osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and type-1 diabetes.

2. The gut microbiome normally maintains and regulates digestion, nutrient absorption, immune protection and hormonal regulation. In fact, a balanced gut microbiome is the key element in stabilizing hormones like oestrogen, cortisol, and insulin. When the gut microbiome and its ecosystem are in balance :

β€’ Digestion is smooth

β€’ Hormones are regulated

β€’ Inflammation is low

β€’ Mood and energy are improved

β€’ The estrogen level is stable

3. Trouble arises when the gut microbiome goes out of balance and gut health is disturbed; the hormonal health is impacted as well. The common issues may appear:

β€’ Body weight may fluctuate

β€’ Estrogen levels may shoot up

β€’ Other hormone levels may fluctuate rapidly

β€’ Sugar cravings increase

β€’ Toxin levels may rise

β€’ Hair fall

β€’ Irregular periods

β€’ Trouble sleeping

Gut microbes

4. The gut microbiome and oestrogen link: A special group of gut microbiome named estrobolome maintains and regulates the oestrogen cycle in the body. The bacterium helps to clear out the excess oestrogen from the body and maintain the menstrual cycle:

When estrobolome functions properly,

β€’ Menstrual cycle remains regular

β€’ The oestrogen level is regulated

β€’ PMS remain under control

β€’ Acne and skin issues are absent

β€’ Bloating and gas issues are nil

When estrobolome is unhealthy,

β€’ Estrogen levels imbalances

β€’ Instead of clearing, the oestrogen recirculates in the body

β€’ Acne, bloating, and gas issues may arise

5. When gut health is optimised, the estrobolome produces enzymes like betaglucoronides which not only metabolise and maintain the optimal levels of oestrogen, but also help in breaking complex carbohydrates, absorption of bilirubins and flavonoids. Oestrogens are basically produced by the female ovaries and adrenal glands. In women, the hormone plays an important role in reproductive functions, regulating body fat, maintaining heart health, bone health and brain health. In men, this hormone helps to maintain libido and the maturation of sperm.

6. PCOS linked to gut health: Many women who suffer from PCOS usually have gut health issues, including slower metabolism and chronic inflammation. Other issues which are commonly seen are:

β€’ Blaoting, gas issues

β€’ Irregular digestion

β€’ Sugar cravingsβ€’ High insulin levels

β€’ Depressions, mood swings

β€’ Low energy

β€’ Irregular periods

β€’ Skin issues, acne

7. Holistic health approach: To maintain stability and balance between gut health and hormonal balance, changing lifestyle habits, nutritional habits, and daily physical activity are the major steps towards this goal. Developing routine habits includes:

β€’ Changing nutritional habits to whole foods.

β€’ Timely eating habits

β€’ Manage routine stress

β€’ Mindfullness

β€’ Breathing techniques like Pranayama

β€’ Regular physical activity

β€’ Maintaining a sleep routine

β€’ Avoid the intake of unnecessary antibiotics

8. Nutrition plays a significant role in shaping gut health and maintaining hormonal stability. The important steps are:

β€’ Completely avoiding processed, junk, refined and sugary foods

β€’ Maintaining hydration, drinking plenty of water

β€’ Focus on whole grains, lentils, beans

β€’ High-fibre vegetables

β€’ Fermented foods

β€’ Omega-3 rich foods

β€’ Herbal teas

β€’ Fresh fruits

Curd

9. Probiotics/Prebiotics: Both probiotic and prebiotic foods strengthen gut health and support hormonal health. When consumed routinely, it significantly impacts digestion, slows down inflammation, improves sleep, and helps in managing PMS and PCOS in women.

β€’Probiotics like fermented food, such as pickled vegetables, kombucha, kefir and curds.

β€’Prebiotics include whole grains, onions, garlic, and bananas.

10. The major takeaways in optimising gut health and maintaining hormonal balance are:

β€’ Always be careful what you put into your body. Food not only curbs our hunger but they feed our cells.

β€’ Routine exercise helps in the detoxification of the liver and reduces daily cortisol levels, regulate the levels of sex hormones. Activities like Yoga, mindfulness practises, and breathing exercises maintain an optimal environment for the balance of the gut-hormone axis.

β€’ Curbing smoking and limiting alcohol can prevent toxins from building up, supporting the liver in the detoxification process, which is crucial for endocrine health.

β€’ Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics as they can disturb the ecology of the gut microbiome and disrupt its functions.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

10 facts: Why is self-awareness an ultimate goal?

by drjurisharma, posted in Anger, frustration, pain, jealousy, hatred, fear, greed, lust,, cognitive health, Emotional thoughts, fear, pain, emotions, healing, health, mental health, Psychological traits, habits,, Science, self healing, Self-awareness, self- reflection, self- esteem, empathy, acceptance, spiritual, wellness

1. Self-awareness is quite a commonly used term for mental health and well-being. While it has been discussed frequently, many people lack its actual understanding. Our everyday life is often caught up in autopilot mode, so our quality of awareness is very low. Our thoughts, emotions, reactions, habits, routines and impulses of day-to-day life are all on autopilot, so that instead of being aware of them, they keep us in control every day. So, it is important to understand Self- awareness and learn this ability of self-observation to improve our quality of awareness.

2. Many times in real life, we have gone through similar experiences, similar kinds of failures, attract similar people, have similar reactions, similar impulses, similar emotional meltdowns; the reason is not the outside world, but it is our inability to understand ourselves and our unwillingness to change. Most of the time, we are not self-aware of our emotional state, lack understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, so we end up in similar situations and experiences. As an individual, it is important to learn self-assessment, introspection and the ability to recognise our thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions.

3. Self-awareness is a psychological skill of knowledge and understanding about one’s own emotional state. It’s about self-observation, self-assessment of one’s emotions, thoughts, feelings, reactions and actions. It’s a capability of recognising one’s own reactions, actions, and behaviour in interacting with the outside environment and other people. Self-awareness helps in identifying tendencies, understanding emotional states, strengths, weaknesses, limitations and personal goals. It’s a lifelong learning ability to develop confidence and optimism in this dynamic world.

4. Self-awareness can be beneficial in several ways:

β€’ Helps in building self-esteem, self-control, creativity, and skills

β€’ Benefits include self-acceptance, emotional growth, and self-development.

β€’ Aids in decision-making.

β€’ Understanding strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.

β€’ Accurate self-reports.

5. For several decades, thousands of research studies have been carried out to understand the interconnectedness between self-awareness and important key attitudes of human behaviour like habits, feelings, emotions, happiness, stress parameters, empathy and job satisfaction. Broadly, two types of self-awareness studies are recorded as :

β€’ Internal self-awareness: It’s the ability to observe and monitor our inner world, while some label it as a state of self-consciousness temporarily. It is found to be associated more with relationships and job satisfaction as we try to fit ourselves with our personal control and social control.

β€’ External self-awareness: Some state it as the difference between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Studies show that people who understand how others see them can be more empathetic and understanding of others’ perspectives.

6. Extensive research has identified five layers of self-awareness:

β€’ Physical: Awareness of your physical body as shape, size, gender, race, ethnicity and five senses.

β€’ Energetic: The breath and energy levels, which include the life forces that help you to move, think, create and take action.

β€’ Mental: The thoughts, feelings, emotions that help you to react and take actions for yourself, others and life.

β€’ The Witness: When you learn to become your witness and become aware of the different layers of self-awareness without being judgmental. This is an essential part of the path of learning self- awareness because you can bring about changes, a better understanding of your flaws, unhelpful patterns of beliefs, and habits that need to change.

β€’ Bliss: Deep connection with a Higher Self, the Truth. A spiritual interconnectedness with the Divine.

7. The skill of knowing yourself is the biggest deal. If we actively start employing this art of self- awareness, we see ourselves as in a mirror, no hidden veil, just inside out, the reality as it is. Then,we start to find acceptance within ourselves, develop resilience if changes are not possible, and consciously bring about changes in our reactions, habits, behaviour and actions in our day-to-day life whenever required. This makes our everyday life approach easier, better handling relationships with people around, self -efficacy in controlling our mind, emotions, impulses, feelings, reactions, dealing with the external environment, people and the world around as it is.

8. Being in a path of self-awareness asks us to understand:

β€’ Clear knowledge of our basic nature, character, impulses, flaws and desires.

β€’ Observe our own habits and behaviour in dealing with our inner world and external world.

β€’ In alignment with our energy levels and breath, and how they are affected by our choices and lifestyle.

β€’ Keep an eye on our thoughts, feelings, emotions, impulses and learn to respond rather than react to whatever life throws us.

β€’ Being a witness to self (intuitive wisdom) so that self-acceptance is easier without being judgmental.

β€’ Searching for our connectedness to something bigger than ourselves.

9. Practising and learning to seek self-awareness is far from being an easy task; it is a lifelong process. Our day-to-day life is so much attuned to working, earning money, parenting, paying the mortgage, bills, and routine hustles that we hardly get time for ourselves. Besides, many obstacles cause hindrance in this path :

β€’ Fear – Knowing and understanding our vulnerability, uncomfortable emotions, and weaknesses.

β€’ Attachment – attachment to people, desires, things can often lead to internal conflicts.

β€’ Aversions – Conscious understanding and resurfacing of situations, people, we usually avoid, internal conflicts, unresolved emotions and discomforts.

β€’ Ego- Instead of being the centre of the world around us, knowing that ego is that tool to distinguish us β€œI” from the outside world, learning to balance it with wisdom rather than controlling us.

β€’ Ignorance – Learning and understanding about the larger picture of life, rather than being happy when life goes well and disliking it whenever life throws challenges.

10. Developing and seeking self-awareness is an ongoing process, a lifelong learning. In this process, as an individual, there is tremendous personal growth, control over emotions, decision- making and self-acceptance with limitations. Some of the basic strategies are:

β€’ Daily practising mindfulness, calmness, and reflections upon thoughts without judgement.

β€’ Journaling your thoughts, feelings, emotions, impulses on experiences and situations.

β€’ Getting honest feedback from trusted friends, family members, siblings, and partners.

β€’ Self-analysing the situations that can trigger strong emotional responses like anger, panic- attacks, pain, and fear.

β€’ Self- assessment of limitations, weaknesses, strengths, and levels of resilience.

β€’ Routinely reviewing the day-to-day reactions, actions, decisions and interactions.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

Happy New year 2026 πŸ™Œ

by drjurisharma, posted in 2026, new year, happiness, peace, gratitude, love growth, dreams, discovery, emotional health, healing, health, life, Nature,, self healing, wellness

So grateful as 2026 is approaching ! Here’s 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.

Here’s 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 !

Peace and blessings πŸ™

Merry Christmas wishes πŸŽ„

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, celebration, Christmas, holidays, healing, health, life, spiritual, wellness

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 πŸŽ„β€οΈ

Peace and blessings πŸ™