Asparagus, garlic in daily diet helps shed weight & control diabetes

(Avataraline.it) Including food like asparagus, artichokes and garlic in daily diet, can help shed excess weight, while also helping to keep blood sugar levels under control, revealed a recent study.

Researchers have noticed that a diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates such as garlic, asparagus and artichokes can suppress hunger, while also helping the body in regulating blood sugar levels.

The reason behind this could be because these foods prompt the release of gut hormones that reduce appetite. They enhance the sensitivity to insulin, thereby leading to better glucose control.

A Dietician at Imperial College, London, Nicola Guess, also the study lead, said on investigating the appetite and glucose level control in people with Type 2 Diabetes, it is hoped that there will be a way out to prevent its onset

Therefore, if the study has been successful, it can be determined if such fermentable carbohydrates can form an effective and affordable health intervention, to reduce an individual’s risk of developing diabetes.

Currently, the Charity Diabetes UK is funding research into the health benefits of such foods. If found effective, the finding could be used as treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

An earlier study by the Leicester University had revealed that eating green leafy vegetables, including Broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage and sprouts, on daily basis can cut the risk of Type 2 diabetes. (by Ayurvedictalk.com)

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Immense benefits of Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy)

(Avataraline.it) Since ages numerous diseases have been treated by Water. Ancient Egyptians, Roman and Greek Civilizations too depended on water for routine treatments. Ancient Egyptian royalty bathed with essential oils and flowers immersed in water. The use of water as a therapeutic agent was revived during the 19th century.

Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy) is the oldest, safest, and most inexpensive way to treat common ailments. Hydrotherapy makes use of physical properties of water for treatment. They buoyancy of water helps reduce the effect of gravity, thereby utilizing less energy for performing movements. Hence, people suffering from painful joints or muscles, can perform simple exercises more easily in water than outside. Apart from this, the hydrostatic pressure of water promotes better blood circulation imparting a sense of well being. This, when performed in warm water (wherein the pool is at a temperature of about 34 degree centigrade), further increases the benefit.

Another unique property of water is that resistance to any movement increases with the speed of movement. This aspect is particularly beneficial for strengthening of muscles. Water, being nature’s healer, has beneficial effects on the skin and muscles. It calms the internal organs and the endocrine system, and stimulates nerve reflexes on the spinal cord. While heat quiets and soothes the body, cold stimulates and rejuvenates the body.

Studies conducted at Mayo Clinic revealed that soaking in a hot bath provides immense health benefits that are otherwise obtained through exercise, with less strain on the heart. Soaking in a hot bath increases the heart rate, and lowers blood pressure, just as when doing other exercises.

Numerous researchers now, are of the opinion that patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can safely exercise by following tailor-made water exercises. Water therapeutically massages joints every movement. It helps increase aerobic capacity, overall activity levels, and muscle strength in rheumatoid arthritic patients.

Hydrotherapy is also beneficial in treating several musculoskeletal and neurological ailments such as neck pain, back pain, sports injury, arthritis, head injury, spasticity, stroke and paralysis. It also helps in post surgery rehabilitation. It can also be used as a mode of exercise during pre and post deliver, for weight reduction and for relaxation purposes.

There are several forms of Hydrotherapy, one of which is, Submersive hydrotherapy. This involves submerging all parts of the body in water or in a pool or tank and may involve use of various types of equipment, with or without whirling water. These techniques are now adopted in several spas. (by Ayurvedictalk.com)

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Conoscere e riconoscere Kapha

Kapha, uno dei tre dosha dell'ayurveda, deriva dall'unione di Terra e Acqua, evoca il concetto di stabilità, rilassamento e gestisce il raffreddamento corporeo

 

Immaginate una struttura solida, le fondamenta di un castello. Visualizzate il principio che tiene coesi uno o più elementi. Sono tutte immagini attraverso cui è facile evocare l'essenza di  uno dei tre dosha dell'ayurveda: Kapha, unione di Terra e Acqua, principio che controlla la struttura.

Qualità di Kapha

Principio di pesantezza, solidità, coesione, Kapha rappresenta la stabilità, la lentezza. Un Kapha equilibrato favorisce un atteggiamento calmo, forte, affettuoso. Quando questa forza è invece in condizione di squilibrio, queste doti si trasformano in apatia, possessività e, dal punto di vista fisico, tendenza ad accumulo di adipe.

I cibi che aumentano Kapha sono molto freddi, pesanti, untuosi, dolci: rientrano in questa categoria i latticini, i gelati, ma anche la carne. Le attività che squilibrano Kapha sono sedentarietà, frequentazione assidua di luoghi freddi, umidi e prolungate ore diurne regalate a Morfeo.

Caratteristiche del tipo Kapha

Il tipo Kapha ha la struttura del corpo pesante, forte; il carattere è calmo, leale, gentile, rilassato; quando mangia, lo fa lentamente, il suo sonno è profondo. Quanto alla predisposizione emotica e all'indole, può essere afflitto da problemi di sovrappeso, obesità, ostinazione, tendenza a procrastinare, pigrizia, difficoltà ad accettare i cambiamenti, attaccamento ai beni materiali, depressione.

I sapori dell'ayurveda che i tipi Kapha dovrebbero prediligere sono il pungente, l'amaro e l'astringente.

Kapha nel corpo umano

L'umore Kapha è legato al sistema immunitario, ne controlla le funzioni, assicurando integrità a tutto l'organismo. Governa l'equilibrio dei fluidi a livello delle cellule e dei tessuti. Le malattie che insorgono a causa degli squilibri di Kapha possono essere asma, tosse, disturbi alimentari (anoressia o sovrappeso), debolezza della digestione.

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A solution to the much troubled Urinary Incontinence

(Avataraline.it) Accidental or involuntary loss of urine or the inability to restrain urinary voiding is referred to as “Urinary Incontinence”.

In such cases, the bladder is unable to hold urine for such a time, so that it could be released voluntarily. Though incontinence is not considered a disease by itself, it could signify a symptom of other problems, too. This problem has been found to affect more women than men.

Though current medications and therapies do not have a direct solution to help such women with overactive bladders, acupuncture has proved success in dealing with this problem.

Researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University subjected seventy four women with problem of incontinence to acupuncture treatment. They were given acupuncture either in placebo points or the points known to control the functioning of the bladder. This was done once a week for four consecutive weeks.

On completion of the treatment, it was found that women who received the treatment were 30% less likely to visit bathroom in urgency, when compared to the placebo group that showed 3% decrease. Apart from decrease in distress and incontinence episodes, the women experienced an increase in bladder capacity.

Researchers say that the improvements shown in women with acupuncture treatment were equivalent to that offered by behaviour therapies and drugs. (by Ayurvedictalk.com)

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Natural supplements for treating allergies

(Avataraline.it) Here are a few scientifically studied natural/ complementary remedies to treat allergies.

Vitamin C: Recent studies have suggested that Vitamin C is effective in treating allergies, as it lowers histamine levels in the bloodstream. Hence, eating plenty of citrus fruits and juices, berries, broccoli, dark greens, onions, berries, and mangoes could prevent on-set of allergies. However, people who have an allergic reaction to certain fresh fruits may have to be more careful.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) : Various studies conducted in Switzerland which were peer-reviewed by medical journals have revealed the supplements derived from Butterbur, reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in most patients. Hardly any side effects have been reported.

Acupuncture: This involves placing needles onto specific points in the skin. The procedure relieves symptoms of hay fever.

Quercetin: The supplements of this antioxidant are found in plenty in yellow onions. Studies have revealed that this supplement blocks allergy causing substances. It can be used alone or in combination with allergy medications.

Chinese Skullcap: This is a herb with high level of antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. Along with use of Chinese Skullcap, a Chinese herbal formula, ‘bimminne’, helps in treating hay fever.

However, it should be noted that few natural substances may even inhibit histamine release. Although this may appear to be good for patients suffering from allergies, lowering histamine release completely may also prove dangerous. At times, these supplements, when taken along with prescription medication that inhibits histamines, the combo could cause trouble.

Hence, to be on the safer side, it is best to openly discuss with the doctor all that you are taking for allergies. (by Ayurvedictalk.com)

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