THE DIRTY BEAUTY

“Hey! Cleopatra used DIRT on her body?!!!”

We talk of environmental pollution, pesticide and organic food.but there is a difference between being a"health freak" and a "Health enthusiast".  Healthy living, healthy food so far so good. But what about taking care of the largest organ of the body? Am sure madame Cleopatra eat pretty good food without pesticides yet why did she travel from Egypt to build the world's first spa in Israel?

For over 1000 years ancient Indians knew about the medicinal properties of mud. Layers of different mud paste were applied for different diseases. The mud coating was not only done because of the maintenance but also to keep the house cool during summer and warm in winter, Most importantly, to keep the house germs free.          
Ayurveda believes that components and functioning of nature are similar to that of the
 body. Pancha Mahabhuta theory states that everything in the physical creation is

composed of these 5 elements. The very first element is Akash (Ether) which is most expansive and least concreate of all. The next  is Vayu (Air) then Agni (Fire), Jala (water) element is and lastly Prithvi (earth).Mud therapy is based on the principal of two elements, prithvi (earth) and vayu (air). 

“In this era when bacteria are developing antibiotic resistance, the potential for discovery of new broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, such as natural clay minerals, to combat pathogenic bacteria would be particularly advantageous.”- Anonymous

Though all clays have a certain swelling and drawing capacity but the main characteristic of Smectites is that they have the power of absorption and adsorption extremely well compared to the other six types of clay. Therefore they are called the "Living Clay. 

It has a high detoxifying ability due to microscopic layers through which it absorbs the toxins in our bowels. It has a strong negative electromagnetic charge. When activated by water, it bonds to the positive charge of the toxins, chemical, or heavy metals and absorbs while releasing its minerals for the body to use. 

Bentonite clay is a common ingredient in detox and cleansing products. The clay cleanses chemicals, viruses, infections, fungus, yeast, and radiation. It has an alkalizing effect on the body and when taken correctly, it can help balancing gut bacteria. It pulls excess hydrogen and helps the cells to replace with oxygen instead. It contains a high amount of silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, sodium, sulfur and carbon. The best way for us to remineralise.

Since bentonite clay acts as a magnet for positively charged toxins, the equipment that the clay is mined, matters. You’re not supposed to use metal utensils with your bentonite clay as the metals can leach from the utensil and be pulled into the clay. This fills the clay up with those positively charged metals making it useless for internal and external consumption. 

Mud from various places of has different medical properties. The soil of the northern hills is very good for arthritis, spondylitis, sciatica and paralysis. Whereas mud of the desert is good for viral infection and the south Indian mud has the most effective properties as it is rich in minerals. 
Copyright of mud therapy doesn't  stay with Ayurveda alone, as it was practiced in Israel, South Africa Eygpt, China are few from the list, where Queen Cleopatra is still the brand ambassador of mud of the Dead sea. 

In recent times, due to "natural" "organic" and "back to basic" approach Alternative Medicine is truly gaining popularity and healing clays like 'bentonite' have once again taken the center stage for internal and external detoxification. Though in vogue due to the acceptance of many Hollywood celebrities still a lot of people don’t really know what bentonite clay is or how it works. 

Bentonite clay is a clay that is mined from the earth, and it’s formed after volcanic ash has weathered and aged in the presence of water. Bentonite is one of the seven types of clay formed from volcanic ash. It is from the family of clay called Smectite. The other family of clays are Kaolin clays, Illite clays, Vermiculite clays, Chlorite clays, Iron oxyhydroxides and Allophane. The name comes from the largest known deposit of Bentonite Clay located in Fort Benton, Wyoming. In India this is found in the Kutch district of Gujrat. Its colour is mustardy brown unlike that of wyoming USA.

"The clay's immediate action upon the body is directly on the digestive channel. This involves the clay actually binding with the toxic substances and removing them from the body with the stool.”

In the next blog we will talk about different types of clay and their usage. Thanks for reading, If you all appreciated the into please give a like and back to check more.

Exfoliation: A Reality Check!!

Exfoliation: A Reality Check!!

You take a long luxurious bath on a weekend and you feel so relaxed. You exfoliate your skin and apply after bath lotion, thinking it is going to make your skin smooth, supple and wrinkle free. You do get a desired result too but in a day or two you feel to you have gone to the square one. On top of that, suddenly you start observing that the wrinkles have picked up a speed. You wonder why.....You are eating good, you exercising and also you are taking care of your skin. 

Sun damage and stages of menopause , i.e loss of estrogen reduces the ability of skin cells to reproduce in a healthy normal manner. Apart from the slower regeneration of skin cells in the lower layers of skin, the natural shedding process on the surface of skin also become inefficient, causing a build up on the skin surface.

Have you ever felt that you are itchy while you are bathing or just after you applying an after bath lotion? If yes, then the answer is very simple. Apart from Sun damage, menopause and slower rate of cell regeneration, the soap, the lotion,the oil etc that we use all leave a ‘Live on’ on our skin.
The so called “natural” products which has to have some preservative to increase the self life ends up being detrimental.
No amount of exfoliation can remove these ‘Live on'. 

The layers of these live-on, year after year become a part of your skin which are difficult to remove. As a result it is difficult for your skin to breath and the skin can become rough, scaly, thickened, discolored, and look more lined and itchy. Slowly the‘laugh lines’, the ‘crow feet’, the ‘frown lines’ all start becoming prominent, coupled with age spots. Now one might ask, “Do we ever get rid of these ‘live-ons’?

Different forms of exfoliation help to remove the built up on "Outer layer" of skin, to uncover a more normal, younger-looking layer hiding beneath. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which comprises of glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids helps on the outer layer. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)-salicylic acid, on the other hand has the ability to penetrate the skin.

 

Using AHA or BHA every other day, would not only make the skin feel and look smoother, even-toned and have healthy appearance but they also provide protection from UV damage, provided one is regularly using a sunscreen.

The exfoliation of facial skin can also unclog pores by keeping dead skin cells from blocking the pore opening, so that sebum (oil) can flow more normally. Those struggling with acne need to know that it helps in reducing the blemishes and blackheads and it also allows antibacterial agents penetrate, where the bacteria causing acne is hiding.
Naturally, these AHAs and BHA would produce a better result by penetrating the skin, unlike the cosmetic scrubs, which work only on the exposed surface area. They exfoliate just the dead or damaged surface of  skin and leave the healthy skin alone. The  results dramatic and much more impressive in the beginning when the thickened, discolored layers of skin are being removed than the results from continued use.

 

As a rule, AHAs are best for normal to dry, sun-damaged skin because they only exfoliate the surface layer of the skin, increase moisture-binding ability and improves collagen production. On the other hand BHA or Salicylic acid can exfoliate inside the pores too. It is antibacterial anti-inflammatory  and has extra property that makes it better for normal to oily or combination skin and especially blemish- prone skin.

Some might experience a tingling or slight stinging sensation initially, with minor to severe flaking and redness. However, if any of these symptoms occur for long, one should reduce the frequency of use,though still regularly perhaps  two or three times a week and use a gentler concentrated.  If it gets too dry and flaky, use of moisturizer would be a great relief.

GIMME MORE

FRUITS N VEGGIES

Benjamin Franklin said "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". If this ‘Prevention’ is chemical free and natural then nothing like it. Since childhood why did our  mom always told us ‘eat your fruits and vegetables’, why it is better to be a vegan. Today research shows why it was, it is and it will always be a good advice
Our ancestors knew the impotance ‘World of plants’. It is the plant that store their reserve supplies of nutrients for themselves and their progeny. Therefore, "Om Vanaspataye Shanti” was the vedic hymn that was chanted to bring harmony in the world's plants, trees, forests; basically all vegetation.
Fruits n vegetables are desirable for several reasons. They give pleasing variety and helps to resolve basic deficiency in our diet. Since they have low calorific value they are important for obese or diabetic people. The antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetables helps in lowering a person’s risks of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer disease, cataracts, and some of the functional declines associated with aging. It also improves bowel movements and constipation.
Even juices are beneficial, provided that they are taken in moderation and  in pure state. Fruit juices have the ability to detoxify the human body especially those with high acid levels.
Tomatoes, pineapples, and citruses such as oranges, red grapefruits, and lemons are known for their detoxifying properties. While these fruits promote cleansing, they also provide a high boost of Vitamin C.
Cranberry juice is believed to prevent urinary tract infections;
Grape juice is believed to lower the chances of blood clots in the heart;
 and orange juice is believed to prevent stroke and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Rise in death due cardiovascular disease and cancer are ranked as the first and second in most of the industrialized countries and are of great concern. Therefore Indian Council of Medical Research recommends a  balanced diet of 90gm of fruits and 284gm of vegetables for ‘That ounce of prevention’.
Well! When and how should one take FRUITS???
"Eat fruits first thing in the morning after a glass of water”, fruit is supposed to be really good for waking you up, especially apples. For general weight loss it doesn't matter when you eat fruits. Always mix with fats and protein in your meals because carbs usually will not keep you full for a long time and fruits are carbs.
A fruit is a GREAT substitute for desert after a meal, though, taking right after is not such a great idea, as it may not be digested and thus nutrients may not be absorbed properly either. It is important to leave a gap of at least 30 minutes between a meal and a fruit snack.
"Eat fruit before every meal", this helps you to take up space in your stomach that a high calorie food might occupy. Now this may also be helpful to curb the appetite and makes you consume less calories! Ideally, one should eat fruits an hour before or two hours after the meal, if they have diabetes or any other digestive problem like acidity because at times, diabetes is accompanied with digestive problems.
You can mix fruit with yogurt or salt as long as you do not have any digestive problems like indigestion or acidity. Pineapple, oranges, melons or pomegranate make great salad mix and berries and dry fruits go well with cereals.
Shelf-life of common fruits
Banana: Three-four days
Apple: Up to a week
Pears: Five-six days
Papayas: Two-three days (depends on how ripe the papayas are to begin with)
Chickoos: Two days (depends on the ripeness)
So, Just a little shift in your mind can give you a healthy life and save on big bucks!! Next Post we will deal with colour of the fruits, their importance and planets!! So watch out!!












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MOOD FOOD AND DOPAMINE...CONCLUDING PART

Eating and living without pleasure = stress. 



THE KIND OF FOOD FOR GOOD MOOD is the concluding part of " Mood Food and Dopamine". 

Most women think pleasure is something they don’t have time for, don’t deserve or can’t understand, growing up in cultures that praises struggle and belittle pleasure. Here I’m talking about real soul-satisfying, life-giving pleasure. A pleasure that nourishes and sustains you. Like, Cuddling up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book. Well this kind of pleasure isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

"When we have cravings for potato chips and chocolate, it may mean that we need an endorphin pill rather than all the empty calories from chips.”

Endorphins: High concentrations of endorphins in the brain produce a sense of euphoria, enhance pleasure, and suppress pain, both emotionally and physically. When endorphins are low, people feel anxious; they are also more aware of pain. Endorphins have an appetite for fat and fatty foods, such as fries, cheese, creamy sauces, margarine, butter, fried chicken, potato chips, and chocolates. Upon eating some fat, you will notice a change in mood, feeling more pleasure.

Many people believe that if they limit carbohydrate intake and then exercise, their body fat will be broken down. In fact, this way they are lowering their capacity to burn fat, and will lower their metabolism. In such a condition the body will break down muscle to form carbohydrate. In addition, the muscle breakdown raises stress hormone levels and causes carbohydrate cravings.

Serotonin: This hormone makes us feel calm, poised, confident, and relaxed. When our serotonin levels are low, we feel nervous, irritable and stressed. About 80% of our body's total serotonin is in the gut, where it regulates intestinal movements. The rest is produced in the central nervous system. Lack of serotonin loses maternal instincts in human beings. Now we don't crave for fat, now we crave sugar. Have cravings for sugar? Try some crackers, frozen yogurt or popcorn.

When we don't get adequate protein, dopamine levels drop and this makes us mentally sluggish. Chicken, eggs, has coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), which increases the energy generating potential of neurons. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in seafood, especially mackerel, salmon, striped bass, rainbow trout, halibut, tuna, and sardines have a possible role in the production of these pleasure hormones.

Apples not only help in the prevention of cancer but may also play an important role in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

Bananas are important in motivation, alertness, concentration and memory.

Beet is an antidepressant of the first order.

Cottage Cheese: One of the “must eat” foods on every expert’s list

Watermelon: Watermelon juice is fat free and loaded with vitamins A, B6, and C! Vitamin B6 is used by the body to manufacture neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Vitamin C also enhances the immune system while protecting the body from free radicals.

Wheat germ: Is natural force of dopamine.

Avocado, seaweed, spinach and mustard green, oats, whole grains, brown rice and wheat, whey protein and yogurt are more such food that increases the inflow of pleasure hormones and makes you happy and gay.

 

Apart from food,  exercise too decreases the stress hormones like cortisol and increases endorphins.  

Endorphins are the body’s natural feel good chemicals, and when they are released through exercise, your mood is boosted naturally. Workout releases adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine too,these chemicals work together to give the feel good factor. Physically active people recover from mild depression more quickly and physical activity is strongly correlated with good mental health as people age.

The best type exercise is cardiovascular exercises and aerobics.  This is because vigorous exercise helps to release the chemicals necessary for the mood-raising high.  Yoga is also great for reducing tension and stress.  It focuses on stretching, breathing, and motion that releases negative emotions from the body.  Just ten minutes of moderate exercise is enough to elevate mood, vigour and decrease fatigue.  However, 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day will fetch you all the benefits.

So folks balance your "Happy Hormones" by checking on what you eat and how you live!!

Next post will be on how to care of your skin in winter and make your own body butter at home. Adios!!

MOOD, FOOD and DOPAMINE – part 2

MOOD, FOOD and DOPAMINE – part 2

More than 100,000 chemical reactions go on in your brain every second! The brain is also a radio transmitter, which sends out measurable electrical wave signals. In fact the brain continues to send out these signals for as long as 37 hours after death!

Last time I talked about the Pleasure homone ‘Dopamine’ and how it controls our mood. There are three more such hormones which are responsible for our mood, feelings, empathy etc and they are Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins. Today we will discuss about two of these.

A HORMONE THAT MAKES US HUMAN, MAKES US GENEROUS:

Oxytocin is secreted from the pituitary gland. It has a major role in social behaviour, like ‘bonding’ in many species, including humans. In a study, it is found that both in humans and in dogs, oxytocin levels rose after five to 24 minutes of a petting session. This is possibly the reason why humans and dogs are such great pals. Increase in Oxytocin also increases the sexual receptivity.

Oxytocin is a hormone that initiates maternal behaviour. It is higher in mothers when they interact with unfamiliar children rather than their own. It prepares the foetal neurons for delivery. Mother’s oxytocin reaches the foetal brain and switches the action of neurotransmitter, which in turn silences the foetal brain for the period of delivery and reduces the risk of damage due to deprivation of oxygen. Also high levels of oxytocin is related to romantic attachment. It is Oxytocin that may aid romantically attached couples by decreasing their feelings of anxiety when they are separated. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels drive up. One of the great things about oxytocin is that you can fix anywhere and at any time. All you need to do is simply hug someone or shake their hand. The simple act of bodily contact will cause your brain to release low levels of oxytocin — both in yourself and in the person you're touching.

MDMA or Ecstasy

This particular pleasure hormone develops tolerance towards various addictive drugs like, cocaine, alcohol and reduces withdrawal symptoms, where as MDMA commonly known as ‘Ecstasy’ may increase feelings of love, empathy and connection to others by stimulating Oxytocin activity via activation of serotonin. Well, that does not give a lead to try ‘Ecstasy’ and get addicted!!

SEROTONIN

Serotonin is also known as the happy hormone. It seems to help keep our moods under control by helping with sleep, calming anxiety, relieving depression. It is important for our memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behaviour. Research says, it might also have a role in anxiety, migraine, vomiting and appetite. About 80% of our body's total serotonin is in the gut, where it controls intestinal movements, that is why it controls our appetite. Rest of it is in the central nervous system and blood platelets.

The body’s natural urge is to have positive feelings and humans will do anything to get that rush. The object of the game is to find the best way to maximize the natural high and push the body's limits without jeopardizing the individual's delicate, natural balance needed for survival. And what would be better than the natural ways to get that high?

Next time, we will discuss about the last celebrated Pleasure hormone, ‘The Endorphin’ and the kind food and way of life one should have, that will create the natural balance of these ‘The Pleasure Hormones’ , to lead a happy healthy life.