Post: Cellular health: 5 ways to improve the fundamental 🙌

Hello everyone ! Have a great Friday and weekend too 🙋🏻

Cell division

Individually, our body is not a single life form. It is a community of 50 -75 trillion cells depending on body size. Each of the cells collectively forms individual tissue, tissues collectively form organs, organs collectively form systems and systems form the human body. Each cell function as an individual unit. It needs food, nutrients, water, air and undergo metabolism, absorb its necessary nutrients and releases toxins as waste. That’s how, fundamentally the cells functions, grow and carry out different bodily functions. Optimally, our body needs 116 essential nutrients to function normally, maintain a proper weight, energy and health, that is the overall wellbeing.

Human blood cells

As we age, the cells slowly get tired, slows down metabolism. They are unable to absorb the nutrients and vitamins that we get from food and supplements. The toxins from food, air and water get deposited in the cells. Slowly, the cellular function gets damaged leading to diseases state, fasten ageing and poor health.
So, several factors are affecting at the cellular level. The poor quality of food, processed food, food contaminated with pesticides, low quality of vitamins and supplements.
Other factors like environmental pollutions, high level of stress daily, lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, all of them affect greatly at the cellular level, the core of the body.

Therefore, to become healthier and stay healthy, we need to take care of the body at the cellular level. Experts say that NAD+, a coenzyme is associated with the function of Sirtuins, the kind of protein which is responsible for ageing and longevity. NAD+ is the main factor for maintaining the cellular functions ranging from metabolism, energy production, circadian rhythm, excretion/release of toxins and DNA health. As age progresses, Sirtuins activity, NAD+ levels decline in the body.
When Sirtuin activity and NAD+ levels decline, not only we age faster, affect the life span, also result in pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases like diabetes.

How to increase and improve the activity of Sirtuins and NAD+ levels?

  1. Calorie restriction: This is not a diet plan. It is just that you started to reduce the intake of the number of calories slowly than your usual or habitual intake. Research shows, that when food is restricted, scarce in the body, the state has a powerful influence in the activity of Sirtuins, SIRT 1. Similarly, in the case of intermittent fasting, the same effect is observed.
  2. Intermittent fasting: This is a pattern of eating. It is having just 2 proper meals a day leaving long hours of fasting between the meals so that you get the maximum benefit out of them.

3.Physical activity: Any form of physical activity.

4.Melatonin, the sleep hormone also influences the activity of Sirtuins.

5. Food which increases polyphenols and omega 3 fatty acids.
Research shows that some particular variety of food are responsible to increase the activity of Sirtuins, SIRT1


Quercetin: Found in green vegetables, berries, tea, citrus fruits, apples, onions
Resveratrol: Pomegranate, berries, grapes, soybeans.
Food like green tea, olive oil, cocoa, omega 3 fatty acids rich fishes (salmon, tuna, sardines) avocados, all influences the activity of Sirtuins, SIRT1.

Thanks for reading. Take care.

Blessings and much love to all💐

Post: Fivesome – The effective medicine 🙌

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 : Supplements: An aid or just hype. 4 points of understanding 👐

Hello Everyone! Have a great weekend 🙋🏻

Whenever we visit a grocery store. There is always a separate counter for vitamins and minerals supplements. It feels like why do we have to take the pain of looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, instead take some of the supplements home which will fulfil our daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. But, it is not so. Right from evolution, humans are born to live and survive on food. So, it is always the food first.

It is the healthy diet which is the key to provide you with the best sources of vitamins and minerals to the body for growth and maintenance. If you are eating the best healthy form of diet and nutrient-dense food, then supplements are not necessary at all. But, sometimes, even if you are having a healthy diet, there are some deficit for which you are showing some signs and symptoms. Then, there is a requirement for supplements. So, vitamins and minerals pills are a supplement to your diet to recover the deficit but not replacement.

4points of understanding

1.Balanced diet: Moreover, a healthy balanced diet is not only a source of vitamins and minerals but also a good source of dietary fibres, protein, carbohydrate and fat which are essential for the body. Supplements do not contain any kind of dietary fibres so they are not wholesome as in a healthy diet. Again vitamins and mineral supplements do not get fully absorbed sometimes in the body like for instance, fat-soluble vitamins do not get absorbed if taken in empty stomach. Therefore, there is no substitute for a healthy nutritious diet. So, never rely on supplements for your daily requirement. Before, taking supplements, it is important to consult your Physician.

2.Heart diseases: People with risk of heart disease are usually advised to take Omega 3 fatty acids which are found in fishes like salmon, herring, tuna, at least twice a week (American Heart Association). So, omega 3 fatty acid supplements (EPA +DHA) are recommended for such people. It is always wise to discuss the diet plan with the Physician before consuming such supplements.


3.Antioxidant vitamin supplements (A, C and E): There is yet to be proved clinically that antioxidant supplements provide overall benefits. So, it is not to rely on these supplements for the daily dietary sources of antioxidants. Therefore, antioxidant food sources like veggies, fruits and whole grains are the best.

4.Harmful: Too much of any supplements which are not required for the body, taken in large quantity can be potentially damaging. Too much of iron can have the risk of chronic diseases, or too much vitamin A can cause to have birth defects. Again, the interaction of dietary supplements, along with prescription drugs, can sometimes be potentially toxic.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Placebo effect and Nocebo effect 🤗

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 💐

Post : Reverse your wrinkles. 6 interesting ways 🙌

 

Ageing is inevitable. Signs of ageing start appearing in every part of our body. So, does in the face which appears as wrinkles. The beauty industry has earned billions of dollars every year on the entire range of anti-ageing products. Not only this, there are several cosmetic procedures like wrinkle fillers, Laser resurfacing, facelifts, which are done to reduce and improve the wrinkling of the face. Though, these products and procedures do give results temporarily but may not have a long-lasting effect or cannot reverse the process of ageing. So, it is important to understand why wrinkling happens and how can we, actually reverse the process?

The tightness of the skin is mainly due to complex polysaccharides named (GAGs), glycosaminoglycans which attract water and act as the lubricant to the skin and prevent from sagging. It keeps the skin and collagen tissues, electrically hydrated. The collagen and elastin are the proteins which give the structure and stability to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is also a form of unsulphated GAGs. That is the reason, many anti-ageing products contain hyaluronan. The GAGs also contributes to bone mass density. Therefore, with ageing, GAGs levels decline which causes wrinkles to appear in your face, and your bone density also reduces, causing weaker bones and joints. Over the years, other factors like exposure to sunlight, pollutants, unhealthy eating habits, lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, all contribute to the wrinkling process. Then, there is the day to day stress, which results in a high level of cortisol which also further increases the wrinkling.

Now, the problem is how do we reverse the wrinkles? Yes, as we know, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, sleep improvement can help to a great extent.
But, how can we maintain the level of GAGs in the body?
GAGs levels are mainly stimulated and synthesized in the body by a hormone made in the liver called IGF -1 (Insulin-like growth factor -1).

Therefore, 6 interesting tips to maintain the level of GAGs

1.Low insulin: Insulin levels are inversely linked to IGF-1 levels. When insulin levels are high, the IGF -1 level is low and vice versa. So, people with diabetes whose insulin level fluctuate, their IGF-1 levels also fluctuate oppositely. The ageing effects are also more prominent in them. So, in a normal individual, to maintain a low insulin level, and get high enough IGF-1, we need to cut down carbohydrate to a great extent. Follow a low carb diet,with plenty of fluids, avoid all kinds of sugars and regularly exercise.

2.Enhance the liver function: Liver is important because it produces the IGF-1 hormone which in turn result in GAGs production in the body. Cutting down alcohol is a healthy choice when it comes to the liver. Eating organic, fresh vegetables, fruits like apples, grapes, blueberries, nuts, beetroot is important to enhance the liver.

3.Intermittent fasting: You should have a meal and remain fasting for a long interval until you have your next meal. Because, when you are fasting, your body secretes growth hormones, including IGF-1. When you eat, your body produces insulin which deactivates the IGF-1. So, a considerable period of fasting or intervals between meals is important when you don’t eat anything not even snacking.

4.Fat-soluble vitamins: Daily intake of good sources of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K2. Sources can be organic egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, fish liver oils, butter, spinach, kale, carrots. Vitamin D is found in fatty fishes, fortified dairy products. It is better to take dietary sources of vitamins than supplements.

5.Moderate Protein intake: Daily intake of a moderate amount of protein can result in an adequate amount of GAG in the body. According to DRI (Dietary Reference Intake), 0.8 gm/kg or 0.36 gm/pounds is ideal. The right amount of protein depends on the individual ‘s age, muscle mass, current health status.

6.Sleep: Good amount of sleep of 7-8 hours a day releases growth hormone adequately in the body including IGF_1. Also, during sleep, your cortisol level is low giving enough time for cells to repair and regenerate.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

http://pladollmo.com/4Et2

Post : Stillness 👤

Hello Everyone ! Happy Friday 🌼 and have a great weekend ahead 🙋🏻

Every day, in this hustle-bustle of life, there is too much noise to ever be in silence. The cacophony of sounds distract us all the time and our mind is filled with too many overcrowded thoughts. By the end of the day, you are too exhausted physically and mentally with this craziness. But then, can this drama of the outer world ever pause? The answer is yes, unless, we allow ourselves to be paused and listen to the silence.

Yes, the essence of being silent in stillness even for a short time can be a source of great strength, highly rejuvenating not just mentally but physically too. It gives you the much-needed fuel before you step into a new day. We feel stillness is difficult behind all the distractions. Everything gets in our way. It’s only when we become aware and learn to listen to the stillness, we get time to truly rest.

The best day to practise stillness is right from today. Each morning or evening or summer or winter has its kind of stillness. Sitting or lying down, after breathing deeply with eyes closed, away from noises and trying to follow up your natural breaths for some time will let your life simply, drawn into this darkness where there is no limitations or constraints. Though it may sound simple, it isn’t that easy. But then, this is a practice. Initially, you are so caught up with thoughts that the mind slips for tomorrow’s meeting, the emails that you have to check, you have to meet up a friend, your next meal to be prepared come all your way. I know my friends, this is a little difficult, as you are trying to focus on nothing and there isn’t any goal to reach.

You start forming a habit when you are doing every day for a couple of minutes. Some days are difficult with too much clutter of thoughts while some days are easy to focus. That’s all ok, my dear friends. As the days pass by, you will learn to enjoy this silence, the peace. The darkness within this stillness has much more to say than anything else. I have tried myself and am still learning and enjoying the process. You will experience inner peace and wisdom, your spiritual growth. This is what people call as meditation or the sacred stillness is all about.

I have already talked about the science point of view ( in some of my previous posts) what meditation, stillness bring about changes in the brain and also in the physical wellbeing (reduces inflammation).
Practising stillness also helps in a better quality of sleep. So, the benefits are plenty. I am not exactly using the term “meditation” as there are several methods of guided thought meditations. Here, I am simply talking about the stillness, listening to the silence which helps to nourish us both physically and mentally. It gives us a deeper sense of connectedness, perhaps with the Divine.

Whether or not, to practise stillness or meditation is entirely our choice to make. We can start listening to silence and practise stillness or continue to hide from it.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Let’s be happy today 😃! 4 ways to elevate your happy hormones.

Hello everyone ! Happy weekend 😃🤗

I think God has given us the most efficient machine, our body, within which lies the solutions of every stress and issues. so, it is entirely up to us whether we run this machine efficiently and enjoy its benefits or be gloomy under stress and end up in a diseased state.

The happy hormones include Dopamine, Seratonin, Endorphins and Oxytocin run within the bloodstreams produced from various glands, acting as pleasure and happiness messengers which lifts our mood. They are neurotransmitters produced by the central nervous system which regulates our mood, sleep, memory, motor movements, digestion, appetite and learning ability.

Each of them have its own relevance within our body’s mechanism.

Dopamine or reward hormone: It is linked to the brain’s reward system. Whenever we complete a task or a goal, we feel accomplished, rewarded, pleasure, all because of this hormone. This hormone mainly releases during mind activity like meditation, playing an instrument, performing a task, exercise or doing something creative.

Serotonin: This hormone is derived from amino acid tryptophan which regulates the mood and emotions. Whenever we help others or share with others, we get a feeling of contentment and pleasure, it is due to this hormone.

Endorphins or Natural painkiller: It is produced in response to pain or discomfort/ stress to ease the situation. It is produced after heavy workouts, eating spicy food, having sex or laughing.

Oxytocin or love hormone: It produces the calming effect and is released during social bonding. It is linked to reproduction. Hugging, cuddling, kissing between parents and newborn, partner, family members, friends,pets are all due to this hormone.

4 simple ways to elevate your happy hormones every day:

1.Plan the day: Always get up from the bed with a sense of gratitude and a positive note for being around with your loved ones. Plan your day with short term practical goals and task to proceed through the day. So, that when you complete each of the tasks, you pat yourself, feel rewarded and contented. Do take out time to laugh out with your partner or a friend.

2.Mind activity: Certain activities stimulate the mind like meditating, listening to the music of your choice, cooking a meal, playing an instrument, exercising, going for outdoor activities and being creative with a hobby. So, never forget to devote some time to yourself in spite of the daily grind to get your daily dose of happy hormones release.

3.Eating: Certain food directly stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin. Like dopamine is made from tyrosine which is present in bananas, avocados, apples, oats, beans and leafy vegetables. Similarly, serotonin is released while eating bananas, walnuts, dairy products and also carbohydrate. Exposure to sunlight also helps in releasing serotonin.

4.Social Bonding: Bondings with loved ones, spending time with friends, relatives also releases these hormones. Helping and sharing with others gives the much-needed boost to happy hormones. Do enjoy hugging your partner, loved ones, friends, cuddling a child.
In the case of children too, as parents, always let them share and help their siblings, friends very often, Make them play with their friends outside so that they get to learn social bonding.

All these small steps during the day and every day would ensure the release of the steady flow of happy hormones in the body. So, whether there are stress, problems or trouble in our daily life, we can overcome them with ease.

Thanks for reading.

Much love to all 💐

Post : Meditation minimizes Inflammation 🙌

Hello everyone ! Hope everybody is doing great 🙍🏻

We know by now that chronic inflammation is the commonest cause of various disease state in the body. Inflammation is a natural attempt of our body ‘s immune system to fight against a certain state like infections, injury or toxins which can harm the body. It is a defence system.

When cell damages, your body releases chemicals in the form of antibodies and protein to combat the threat and increases the blood supply to the damaged area to fasten the healing. This usually lasts for a few days and is called acute inflammation. But when the response lingers for a long time can be harmful to the body. In the chronic inflammatory state, the body goes into a constant state of threat. This is the state responsible for many diseases ranging from cancers, asthma, heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Chronic inflammation is influenced mainly by chronic stress, anxiety, prolonged infection, injury, autoimmune diseases (like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis and many more), long exposure to toxins and lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, alcoholism.

Physically, maintaining the health of the body by eating an anti-inflammatory healthy diet (antioxidant-rich ), exercise, Yoga, sleep helps the body greatly to prevent and defend from the inflammatory state.
But then, this is not enough, our environment, our thoughts, feelings, emotions are equally important for healthy mental health, responsible to prevent and defend the body from the inflammatory state. So, how do we maintain a sound, calm mind in spite of all the day to day triggers of stress from our daily grind?

Several types of research have found that meditation-like mindful practises does reduce inflammation by impacting in the brain ‘s functional connectivity. Stress reduction mindfulness practices have shown a marked reduction in inflammatory biomarkers like C reactive proteins.

Learning and practising meditation isn’t rocket science. We don’t need a special session under an expert or Guru to learn to meditate. It is simply a state with the least distraction and freeing the mind from the clutter of thoughts. It is making an effort to put our mind in a relaxed, calm and “nothing” state. There are loads of books, reading materials and videos on Youtube and other channels of guiding and teaching you to meditate. But for me, self learning and adopting my method to relax my mind and meditate , works better. Just devote some time for yourself everyday, away from all distractions.

Mindfulness too greatly helps the mind to free from the thoughts clutter. Like meditation, you don’t need to go to a “no thought” state. Instead, you remain fully aware of your surrounding, yet not being reactive to it. It is a basic human ability to be fully present at the moment. Like being simply aware of your breaths, or simply focussing on whatever task you are performing at the moment.

To conclude, whether you may meditate or learn to practise mindfulness, the main purpose is to clear your mind from unnecessary thoughts clutter. This helps your mind greatly from going into chronic stress and overthinking. Maintaining a calm and relaxed mind not only prevent unnecessary inflammation but nurture the physical body and is also self healing.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post: Self Control ✋

Hello Everyone, Hope you are doing great! Have a wonderful day. God Bless 🙏

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Post: Daily detox diet 🙌

Dear friends, hope you all are doing good !

Leading a healthy life isn’t enough to maintain a state of wellbeing or make us disease-free. A lot has to do with our mental state of health too. Daily, we feed ourselves with a lot of unwanted, unhealthy emotions which not only harm us mentally but detriment our physical health too, causing a diseased state in the long run.

Normally, people, like you and me when in emotional good health, are aware of our behaviour, thoughts, feelings and emotions. We have learned to deal with the daily stress and grind of our daily lives. However, sometimes, some sudden disruptions may happen in life which may greatly affect our emotional health. Certain unwanted situations, like the death of a loved one, suffering from an illness, fired from a job, financial issues, divorce and a lot more. All such kind of situations can build up trapped emotions in us like a looming sadness, stress, anxiety, depression. Even good news like the arrival of a baby, or joining a new job can build up unwanted stress in the body.

Now, we all know that thoughts and emotions greatly affect our both physical and mental health. Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and hopelessness can build up chronic stress in the body. It is directly indicating that something isn’t right in our mind and body balance. That is the reason, people with chronic stress state suffer from high blood pressure, hormonal imbalance, thyroid issues, insomnia, gastric ulceration and so on. We are already aware that chronic stress can increase inflammatory processes in the body. And chronic inflammation is the most common causative factor of diseases like Cancers.

So, how do we do detox daily from this emotional baggage ?

1.Wider Perspective about life: From the time you are born, you start having a defensive mechanism against threat or loss in life. So, it is your natural tendency to give more importance to the bad than the good. You always keep worrying about the bad and forget about the good side of life. So, we have to have a broader perspective about life, understand the realities. Death is inevitable to all of us. So, instead of worrying about the bad of what has happened or what is going to happen, focus on the positive aspect of life, all the good things around us, the Gratitude and the Blessings. Feeling the present moment as much as we can. All of them have a powerful impact on both physical and emotional health. So, every day and throughout the day be in awe of your Blessing and gratefulness. This gives you an emotional resilience and strength to deal with potential threats and stress. Build upon your creativity, the talent which you have never explored. The more you open up to life, the more resilient you become. So, daily give yourself time, do whatever you enjoy doing, forgetting all your worries and stress. Though it is easy to say than done, it’s a practise, a habit, we need to form and follow.

2.Trapped Emotions: Never let any negative emotion to be build up within. Let go your anger, pain, hurt, stress, sorrow, frustration. Always remember, nothing is permanent here in this life, not even the life itself. We all have to go one day. So, what is the point in holding back emotions which seems meaningless afterwards? What is the point in holding anger or frustration which harm us from within? So, letting go of your negative attitude and emotions is the only solutions. Every day, make sure you release, forgive and forget all the negative emotions that you felt for the day before going down to bed.

3.Invest in your health: We need to invest in our health both physically and mentally. Take out time every day for your wellbeing. Exercise, meditate, go for Nature’s walk will help you let out your strong emotions within you. Talking to your friend, your partner or anyone whom you rely upon can help you let out the negative emotions. This is important because sharing helps you to lessen your emotional baggage. Last but not least, love yourself, eat healthily and try having a good night sleep every day.

Thanks for reading.

Take care. Much love to all 💐