Detoxification Health Feed

According to the Ayurvedic lifestyle, cleansing is an important part. This process of cleansing oneself is known as detoxification. Our environment makes us susceptible to several toxins and we further indulge in processed food which we colloquially call junk food. Our lifestyle has become too full of stress. In the midst of all these, often it becomes necessary to clean the accumulated waste. As detox helps in improving our digestive and immune system and makes our metabolism function well, it need not be emphasised more about a detoxification at regular intervals.

Energy, vitality, and enthusiasm have become quite uncommon in today’s life where the pace has become very fast to cope up with. Detoxification will help induce sleep and have a balanced sleep cycle. There is not much to do but contribute as less as three days only but make sure that you start your detox on Friday so that you get 2 off days as undergoing this process in the middle of the week might trigger disturbances in one's day-to-day routine. Another thing to make sure of is that all the supplies needed for the process are gathered way before the detox is begun. This would ensure that one need not run off to shops to get things that were forgotten to be bought.

The Diet
The diet is a rather simple one with whole grains like oatmeal or any simple carbohydrate and tea. Triphala can be consumed before going to bed. If one is in the habit of consuming caffeine, tobacco, drugs, and the sorts then this process will help in eliminating the usage. Also, Ayurveda insists in getting plenty of water and enough detoxifying drinks like amla juice, lemon green tea, aloe vera juice. The food that is consumed during detoxification is those that can be easily digested so that it strengthens the metabolic fire or the ‘agni’. Diet in detox is crucial as it helps in cleansing the whole body.

The Routine
A perfectly scheduled routine must be followed during the detoxification process. Early to rise and early to bed is the first major point because if this is not followed then sleep might be imbalanced which might hamper the process.

To have a clean and healthy digestive system drinking water in the morning is suggested. Simple morning exercise soothes one's body and relaxes. Have your bath before having your breakfast so that you get ample time in hand and do not have to rush.

Meditation is the next best thing that can be indulged in during this time. Stay away from the mobile phones and be unsocial for three days.

Though we often detox on our own, that is toxins are flushed off from our body on its own but it is not effective most of the time considering the pollution and stress and food habits that we go through. Thus, a detoxification process is required to regain our health, vitality and rejuvenating ourselves for a healthier life and a balanced ‘agni’.

 

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), which affects the liver. It leads to inflammation of the liver. Even though it does not cause any severe harm in the initial stages, it can become acute or chronic later if not treated or managed on time. If it becomes chronic, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and permanent liver failure too.

Hepatitis A is caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and it can also result due to anal or oral contact during sex. This infectious disease results in specific signs and symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice, anorexia, and rashes on the body. There are many allopathic medicines to cure Hepatitis A but they can be harsh on the body. If one wants to avoid the possible side effects of these medications, then Ayurvedic remedies offer to be a better choice as they do not have any side effects and also cure the infection completely, giving permanent and full relief.

So, here are some Ayurvedic remedies for Hepatitis A.

1. Virechana: A part of the Panchakarma process, it is a detoxification therapy that flushes out the toxins from the body. In Ayurveda, it is believed that any disorder of the liver is caused by pitta imbalance and this imbalance is rectified by a purgation technique. In the first step, the patient is made to vomit and then is kept on a light diet for a few days and watched over. In the last step, the patient is administered virechana drugs such as sweet herbs to cleanse the toxins and purify the blood. After cleansing, the patient is given a warm bath to calm the senses.
2. Echinacea: This herb is a natural immunizing agent that helps fight the infection caused by HAV. It is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory in nature and thus, provides relief to the liver. It also stimulates the secretion of enzymes in the body and improves blood circulation as well. Lastly, it prevents auto-immune diseases.
3. Phyllanthus niruri: Also known as Bhumi Amla, it is very effective in fighting infections of the liver and can cure all forms of liver diseases. It possesses analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-spasmodic properties. It cures the liver inflammation and corrects the pitta imbalance.
4. Triphala: A mixture of bibhataki, haritaki and amlaki, triphala is a very effective cleansing herb. It carries laxative properties and thus, helps remove toxins from the intestines.
5. Katuki: This Ayurvedic herb is very effective in the treatment of different liver diseases and is known as a strong laxative. It helps in the detoxification of the intestines and also kills the intestinal worms.

These Ayurvedic remedies are known to provide lasting relief in Hepatitis A, no matter what the stage of the infection is. The herbal medicines can be consumed in the form of tablets, capsules, mixture (churna), or even taken as a tea. Nevertheless, it is advised to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before resorting to any of these remedies. Proper diagnosis and accurate dosage is a must in the treatment of Hepatitis A. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Unani, the system of traditional medicine, has been practiced in India for a long time now. Originated in Greece and pioneered by Hippocrates, it came to India through Arabs and Persians during the 11th century. Even though it has foreign roots, it has been practiced widely and adopted in India.

Core of Unani
The Unani system of medicine believes that disease is a natural process and their symptoms are reactions of the body to the disease. The proper functioning of the body is dependent on seven key factors or Umoor-E-Tabaiya - elements, temperament, humours, organs, vital forces, faculties and functions. Also, it emphasizes the presence of four humours in the body. These are the essential fluids, which the human body obtains from food and constitutes of various hormones and enzymes.

Each of these humours carry a temperament:

• Blood – Dam: It is hot and moist.
• Phlegm – Balgham: It is cold and moist.
• Yellow bile – Safra: It is hot and dry.
• Black bile – Sauda: It is cold and dry.

A person is considered to be healthy if these four humours and their corresponding temperaments are in a state of mutual equilibrium. Every individual has their own humoural composition, which represents their state of health. An imbalance in the humours leads to diseases and ailments in the body.

Diagnosis of Unani
The balance of the humours and the overall health of the body is assessed through the pulse or nabz, urine and stool. Also the functioning of the entire body and mental health is determined with the help of the pulse, urine and stool.

The Unani Therapy
Unani takes into account the whole personality of the individual and employs the following techniques:

1. Regimental therapy – It is a special technique that uses detoxification methods to remove waste materials and improve the defence mechanism of the body. Some of the commonly used therapies under this section are as follows:
2. Venesection – This corrects blood-related problems and relieves high blood pressure.
3. Cupping – This cleans the skin and gets rid of waste matters
4. Sweating – Dry or wet fomentation, massage, warm water bath are used to remove waste through the natural process of sweating.
5. Diuresis – Waste products are excreted through urine and used as cure for certain diseases of heart, liver and lungs.
6. Turkish bath - Hot or cold bath is taken to eradicate waste and increase nutrition.
7. Massage – It improves the blood supply and relaxes muscles.

Pharmacotherapy
Important components used in Unani medicine are as follows:
• Hibiscus
• Haritaki
• Saunf
• Ashwagandha
• Almonds
• Kasni or chicory

Diet therapy: Proper monitoring of the diet in accordance with the individual is prescribed. This age-old alternate form of medicine is noteworthy for its remarkable benefits. 

Are you looking for an ideal detox diet? Detoxing does much more than making your skin glow and your eyes sparkle. It boosts your energy levels, improves your digestive system and also helps you with weight loss. A detox diet contains no grains, no milk, no alcohol, and no sugar. A detox plan aims at taking the load off the organs which detoxify your body, such as the kidneys, liver, and bowel. There are several things you should keep in mind before undertaking a detox diet.

How to start?
You should undertake a detox diet when you have a long break from events and occasions which might disrupt your detox diet, such as parties, weddings, and birthdays. You may experience a cleansing reaction during the first few days of the detox diet, like loose bowel movements and headaches. This happens because of the abrupt withdrawal of some food items from your diet.

Food you should avoid
While on a detox diet, there are several food items you should avoid. They include milk products, sugar, maple syrup, honey, artificial sweeteners, coffee, alcohol, dried fruit, and grains such as wheat, barley, oats, rice, and barley.

Food you should take
Here are the food products which should be a part of your detox diet:

1. All kinds of fresh fruits
2. All kinds of fresh vegetables
3. Fresh fish or fish canned in olive oil or water
4. Lean red meat and chicken
5. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans
6. Organic eggs
7. Unprocessed coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil
8. Nuts such as walnuts, cashews, macadamias, and unsalted almonds
9. Seeds like pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds
10. White tea, green tea
11. 1 to 3 liters of water every day

Seven day detox plan

1. You should start your day in the morning with lemon juice, which is good for cleansing your system and kick starting digestion.
2. During detox, you should exercise for an hour regularly. Vigorous exercise is required, which increases your circulation and lymph flow for helping you sweat out toxins.
3. Consume raw food items as they contain more enzymes and nutrients.
4. You also need to detoxify your mind. You should meditate for at least 15 minutes every day. You can also try belly breathing.
5. Drinking lots of water is very important during a detox diet. This helps in moving the lymphs and supporting detoxification from your kidneys.
6. It is important to chew your food properly. You should chew a mouthful of food for about 10 to 12 times before swallowing it. You should avoid a detox diet if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, are underweight, or if you are an elderly person.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!