The population of India by 2050 has been estimated to be 1.7 billion, which is equal to the combined population of China & USA. In order to match the growing population, the requirement is to increase food production, chemicals are used to accelerate the amount of produce obtained from the land. However, the chemicals soon show their harmful effects. Though used in very minor quantities, over a period of time, their cumulative effect has detrimental effects on the consumers. Especially in homes with children, the aged, and the health-conscious people, the concern about the harmful effects of conventional foods has grown quite a bit over time. So that is where the concept of organic foods gained momentum.
Organic food items are produced by using approved techniques, promoting recycling of resources, which are not harmful to the environment and preserve biodiversity. These are food items which are grown without the use of chemicals - be it synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, or prophylactic antibiotics.
There are permissible levels of chemicals defined by food agencies whose limits when exceeded can cause harmful effects with prolonged use - such as, birth defects, respiratory problems, reproductive issue, etc. So the question you need to ask is - if pesticides are used to kill insects, can the same do any good to the human body? Also, you must consider the quantity and if it is within the permitted limits.
Organic food items have been proven to be more beneficial relatively, since they are more nutritious, reduce allergies, digestive infections, reduce the risk of cancer, etc. However, have a word of caution in mind. There are no long-term studies to prove this aspect.
Also, it is advised not to overdo on the 'organic' part. A lot of time, there are organic junk food items also available. And then there are the organic foods which are produced in one part of the world and are shipped over long distances. Do they really retain their nutrients and benefits over this duration? That needs to be answered.
Another thing to consider is the cost-effectiveness of buying organic products. Because they take their natural cycle time to grow, the growth rate is slower and therefore they are expensive. Affordability becomes a question again, and you may think if such food items can be conveniently purchased by all?
The trick is to use locally grown, seasonal fruits which are easily available and grown without using many chemicals. You can be assured of their freshness and the reduced use of chemicals in this case.
Use organic for sure, but please be careful not to fall for it all the time with all the products.
Part of the joy of eating is in tasting the food. However, not everyone can enjoy their sense. Taste disorders affect up to 15% of the world’s population. However, many people do not recognize the signs and consult a doctor for this condition. There are many different types of taste disorders. Some people are born with such disorders while in other cases, it develops as a result of radiation therapy, infections, surgery, bad oral hygiene, etc. The good news is that many of these disorders are curable once the trigger has been identified.
What is a taste disorder?
The tongue is divided into different zones which respond to different tastes such as salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami. An inability to recognize one or more of these tastes is known as a taste disability. It is important to note that the reaction of taste-buds is relative. Thus, suddenly finding candy sweeter after eating a bland meal is not a taste disorder. While taste disorders may be common, true taste loss is rare. This is a condition known as ageusia.
Most common taste disorders
When to seek help?
If the inability to taste food persists for a long time, one should consult a doctor. This becomes necessary especially when a loss of taste causes weight loss of any other changes in the body. The doctor will identify the factor triggering the loss of taste and treat it to revive taste buds. Making a few lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can also help treat a loss of taste.
Good eyesight can be an outcome of a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin C. Including certain foods in your diet can be directly beneficial for your eye health and can improve your vision.
Here is a list of 5 foods which will help you combat age-related vision problems and will supplement your overall eye health.
1. Eggs - Eggs are rich in vitamin A and lutein, which help you combat age-related vision problems and night blindness. Eggs are also beneficial for dry eyes and improving your eye health. Egg yolks are considered to be one of the best foods for your eyes and should be included in your regular diet. It also helps prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is one of the primary causes of blindness in the 60+ age group.
2. Leafy Greens - Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin which reduce the chance of cataracts. It is best to consume them raw as they have more antioxidants when uncooked. Other green vegetables like broccoli, collard greens, and zucchini are rich in lutein and play an important part in preventing age-related vision problems.
3. Carrots - Carrots improve your overall eye health as it contains vitamin A, the lack of which is one of the leading causes of loss of vision. The orange hue in carrots is due to Beta-carotene which helps the retina function better. Other foods rich in beta carotene are apricots, mangoes, pumpkin and cantaloupe which also contribute to healthy eyes. So make sure you include them in your diet.
4. Almonds - Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which prevents macular degeneration. Include a handful in your daily diet as it not only improves your eyesight but also effectively lowers cholesterol and prevents heart diseases. Nuts like pistachios and walnuts contain omega 3 fatty acids which contribute to the maintenance of your vision.
5. Citrus Fruits and Berries - Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons are rich vitamin C which reduces the risk macular degeneration and cataracts. Blueberries also aid in the protection of the retina from damage caused due to sunlight and oxygen.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is an abnormal condition of the leg veins. It occurs when either the walls or the one-way valves of the veins cannot work effectively. This
makes it difficult for the veins to send the impure blood from the legs to the heart. This results in impure flowing backward and collecting at places in the veins. It can
cause swelling, pain, and changes in skin and over time may lead to ulcers in legs.
Causes of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Veins return impure blood from all parts of the body to the heart. In the case of legs, the impure blood has to flow upwards to the heart. The natural coordination between contractions of feet and calf muscles with every step helps to push the blood upward. The veins have one-way valves to ensure that impure blood does not flow back up into the veins.
● If the valves in the veins somehow get damaged or weakened, the impure blood starts backing up. This results in Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
● Blood clots in the deep veins can also precipitate this disease. Blood clotting in the deep veins of the legs is a disease which is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Nearly 30% of people with Deep Vein Thrombosis develop this disease.
● Vascular malformations and Pelvic tumors may impair the natural coordination of muscles and lead to failure of leg valves in holding the weight of impure blood. This may lead to swelling of legs and Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Damaged or weakened valves may result from aging, extended standing or sitting, reduced mobility or a combination of all. If either the valves or the walls of veins become so weak that the veins cannot ensure normal blood flow, it leads to higher blood pressure in the veins for extended periods of time leading to Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
Who Is At Risk?
CVI occurs frequently in people aged over 50 years, and it affects women more than men.
Symptoms-
CVI is a gradual development. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better are the chances of recovery. Complexities of treatment increase with the disease progression. This is why early recognition of the symptoms can be a game changer. Waiting for the problem to go away would aggravate the problem. Early intervention would ensure a rapid recovery. This is why one needs to have a fair idea of the symptoms. The symptoms include:
● Swelling in ankles and lower legs, mostly after sitting or standing for extended periods.
● Tiredness or pain in the legs
● Varicose veins
● Changes in the appearance of the skin of legs
● Itching or flaking skin on the legs
● Ulcers in legs
Treatment-
Chronic Venous Insufficiency demands a combination of treatments to bring the situation under control. With the help of compression stockings, regular movement, and exercise, one can help the leg veins to push the blood up. If there are ulcers, the doctor may also recommend antibiotics to prevent infections. For blood clots, the doctor may also prescribe blood thinners. However, if the situation does not come under control despite these measures, the doctor may go for surgery that includes vein repair, vein transplant, vein bypass, vein ligation, etc.
Take Away-
There are many treatments available for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. However, it is
always advisable to consult a doctor before opting for any treatment.
Homeopathy is a branch of traditional medicine that aims to cure diseases and disorders by focusing on causal factors. Homeopathic treatment comes to your aid for all your big and small problems alike. If you are part of the league that suffers from oily skin, homeopathy will be your answer. In most cases, oily skin doesn't lead to severe health issues, but it does cause inconvenience. It makes you feel sticky and smudgy, leading to a loss of confidence.
Homeopathic cures to keep oil on the skin at bay
Natrum Mur: A good homeopath will administer this medicine only after having inquired a litany of things about your constitution. A homeopathic preparation varies from person to person depending upon the constitution of their body. If you have oily skin, you are prone to pore - clogging, acne, pimples and pockmarks. Natrum Mur efficiently deals with these problems. It helps in removing excess oil from the pores, making your skin glow at the same time. Prescription of this medicine is based on symptoms like inability to cope with difficulties, nervousness, intolerance to heat exposure, and an agitated disposition.
Psorinum: Your greasy skin often casts a shadow on your natural complexion. Oily skin makes you look exhausted at all times of the day. You can benefit from Psorinum as it deals with the overactive
sebaceous glands, cleans the pores of your skin, treats pimples and also fights dark patches. People who sweat profusely and suffer from body odor problems or people susceptible to cold are usually advised to take this medicine.
Silicea and Kali Bromatum: Excess oil secretion often leads to the development of pus containing acne or pimples. These pimples, when diminish, may leave permanent or long lasting marks on your face. Scars and marks further result in pigmentation. Such problems can take a huge toll on your psychological health, leading you to be overly concerned about the way you look or losing interest in self appearance. In this regard, Silicea and Kali Bromatum can work wonders for your oily skin and its resultant effects.
Berberis Aquifolium: No amount of make up can mar the appeal of clear skin. If you have oily skin, you are likely to face dullness. Since dirt easily settles on a greasy skin, it can make you look darker than usual. Berberis Aquifolium is an unparalleled medication in homeopathy that treats the above conditions without any side effects.