Holistic Ayurvedic Approaches To Stress Management: Balancing Mind, Body, Spirit For Well-Being

Stress is a constant companion in today’s fast-paced world, wreaking havoc on both our mental and physical health. But what if the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda could offer a holistic solution? Dr. Karthik Krishnan, VP at The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Ltd., Coimbatore, recently shared with HT Lifestyle how Ayurveda goes beyond merely managing stress — it targets the root cause.

According to Dr. Krishnan, stress often stems from imbalances in the body’s doshas (Vata and Pitta) and poor lifestyle choices. Unlike conventional methods that focus on symptom relief, Ayurveda aims to restore balance by realigning the body and mind with nature’s rhythms, making stress management a long-term, sustainable practice.

Dr. Krishnan highlighted the effectiveness of Ayurvedic practices like meditation, mindful breathing (pranayama), and personalized nutrition in restoring balance to the body’s energies and providing lasting relief from stress. He explained that herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Brahmi are key in helping the body manage stress and regain balance. He also emphasized the importance of understanding a person’s unique constitution, or prakriti, to create customized treatments for stress relief. These could include herbal remedies or detoxifying therapies like Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Dhara, and Pada Abhyanga, which focus on relieving stress in specific areas for a complete approach to both physical and mental relaxation.

Dr. Karthik Krishnan also explained that Ayurveda sees stress management as a lifelong process that requires self-awareness, regular care, and balance between the body, mind, and spirit. He noted that in today’s world, Ayurveda reminds us that true well-being starts from within, helping us build resilience, peace, and harmony in all areas of life. He also mentioned that this ancient wisdom still offers valuable guidance for living a balanced life in a fast-paced society.

Dr. Sachin, BAMS, Medical Advisor at Rasayanam Ayurveda, said that stress is a constant challenge for many, but Ayurveda offers a holistic solution by tackling both the symptoms and the root causes. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit through time-tested practices like meditation, adaptogenic herbs, and lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Sachin highlighted the role of herbs such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi, which work together to calm the nervous system and enhance resilience against stress.

Ravichandran Venkatraman, Founder of Alive Consultancy, shared his perspective on India’s traditional system, which identifies five layers of the human being. He explained that Annamaya Kosha (Earth) represents the body, nourished by food. Praanamaya Kosha (Water) is the life energy sustained by breath. Manomaya Kosha (Fire) is the mental layer, shaped by thoughts and emotions. Vijyanmaya Kosha (Air) is wisdom, including knowledge, intuition, and will, and, finally, Anandmaya Kosha (Space) is the layer of bliss, representing a state of pure happiness.

He concluded by saying that managing stress is all about balancing your energy throughout the day. This means balancing physical energy through food (Rajasic, Tamasic, Saatvic), mental energy through thoughts and breath control, life energy by managing will, discipline, resilience, and empathy, and environmental energy through Rajas (Kinetic Energy), Tamas (Potential Energy) and Satwa (Essence of Consciousness).

Eight Simple Rules for Effective Fat Loss: Tips from Fitness Expert Sunil Shetty

 

Losing fat is crucial for improving health by reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It enhances physical performance, boosts confidence, increases energy levels, and promotes better sleep by alleviating issues like sleep apnea.

The process of losing fat may seem simple, but the abundance of conflicting advice can make it confusing. Fitness coach Sunil Shetty (@profoundly_m3 on Instagram), who helps numerous individuals on their weight loss journeys, strives to make the process easier. He recently shared a post titled “8 Rules to Burn Fat Fast," providing eight actionable tips to aid in fat loss. While weight loss primarily focuses on diet, creating a calorie deficit, and exercising, other lifestyle factors also play a significant role in achieving fat loss. Sunil revealed his ‘simplest approach to losing fat quicker’ and boosting your chances of success in a recent post.

1.     1. Create a Calorie Deficit

·         What it means: Burn more calories than you consume.

·         How to do it: Monitor your food intake with apps, reduce portion sizes, and avoid overeating.

·         Tip: Aim for a 500-calorie deficit each day for steady fat loss.

2.     2. Avoid Liquid Calories

·         Why it matters: Drinks like soda, juices, and sugary coffees are high in calories but don’t satisfy hunger.

·         Better options: Water, green tea, black coffee, or herbal teas.

·         Tip: Add lemon, cucumber, or mint to water for flavour without adding extra calories.

3.     3. Exercise at Least 3 Times a Week

·         Why: Strength training helps build muscle, while cardio burns calories.

·         What to do: Combine weight lifting with 20-30 minutes of cardio.

·         Tip: Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and push-ups for maximum results.

4.     4. Include Protein in Every Meal

·         Why: Protein keeps you full longer, preserves muscle mass, and boosts metabolism.

·         Good sources: Eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, lentils, and Greek yogurt.

·         Tip: Aim for 20-30 grams of protein at each meal.

5.     5. Load Up on Vegetables

·         Why: Vegetables are low in calories but high in fibre, helping you stay full.

·         What to eat: Spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.

·         Tip: Fill half your plate with vegetables to prevent overeating.

6.     6. Sleep 7-9 Hours Each Night

·         Why: Inadequate sleep raises hunger hormones and slows fat loss.

·         How to improve: Follow a bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a dark, quiet environment.

·         Tip: Quality sleep boosts recovery and curbs cravings.

7.     7. Increase Your Daily Step

·         Why: Walking burns calories and increases overall activity.

·         How to start: Aim for 10,000 steps per day.

·         Tip: Take short walks after meals and opt for stairs instead of elevators.

Tennessee woman accused of selling fake weight loss drugs as counterfeit concerns grow

 

The first tip came into West Tennessee law enforcement about two months ago: A resident in the area was selling cheap versions of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs. 

According to officials with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, the tipster believed the products couldn’t be legitimate due to their unusually low prices: A 10-milligram vial of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, sold for about $100, for example, and a 15 mg vial costs $140. The brand-name versions, from drugmaker Novo Nordisk, sell for around $1,000 for a month’s supply. 

Last week, officials said they raided Emily Arnold’s home in Medina, Tennessee, and found more than 300 vials of counterfeit versions of semaglutide, tirzepatide — the ingredient in the weight loss drug Zepbound and the diabetes drug Mounjaro  — along with other drugs used for weight loss. Syringes, alcohol preps, mailers and other materials were also confiscated. 

Officials learned that she allegedly had also been supplying the drugs to two med spa clinics in the state. Some people who used the counterfeit drugs reported rashes and other pain from the injections, officials said.

“We stumbled into one room that was set up, sort of like a lab,” said Johnie Carter, the director of the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. “We even found three packages that were already packaged up and ready to go.”

“It was very shocking,” he added. 

Officials said Arnold, 41, has been charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor, including impersonating a licensed professional. She will plead not guilty, her attorney said.

As highly effective but pricey weight loss drugs gain popularity in the U.S., experts and public health officials warn that low-cost counterfeit versions are becoming increasingly common.

Counterfeit versions of Wegovy or Zepbound are different from compounded weight loss drugs. Compounding is a legitimate practice that’s monitored by the Food and Drug Administration. Compounded medications are essentially copies made by a licensed pharmacist and usually prescribed by a doctor. 

The FDA is allowing pharmacies to dispense compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide until shortages of the brand-name drugs are fully resolved. In October, the FDA said compounding pharmacies can continue making their own versions after a compounding trade group sued the agency, saying the drugs were still in shortage. Compounded versions of the drugs tend to cost less and are popular at online pharmacies and med spas.

Counterfeits, on the other hand, aren’t licensed. They are manufactured and packaged to look like legitimate brand-name medications, but often contain little to none of the actual drug.

Shabbir Safdar, the executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, an advocacy group that tracks counterfeit drugs, said fake GLP-1 medications are “the No. 1 fraud issue” that group is seeing in the U.S. and other parts of the world right now. 

“It has exploded,” Safdar said. “I’ve never seen the quantity of fraud and crime that is happening in this space right now in anything for years. The criminals have been as active as the market excitement about the medicines are.”

The packaging of the counterfeit weight loss drugs can “appear like a perfect look-alike” to the brand-name versions, Safdar said. At the same time, he said, they could contain wrong or harmful ingredients, or contain too little, too much or no active ingredient at all.

West Tennessee law enforcement officials said that testing by Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound, after the raid revealed that one of the samples sold by Arnold was nothing more than water, which could be dangerous if not properly sterilized.

“No one will be bothered if you’re hurt,” Safdar said. “They just want your money.”

The proliferation of counterfeit drugs

The FDA is aware of and investigating reports of counterfeit weight loss drugs being illegally marketed in the U.S., an agency spokesperson said in a statement. 

“We vigilantly monitor the internet for fraudulent or unapproved products and have issued warning letters to stop the distribution of illegally marketed semaglutide and tirzepatide,” the spokesperson said. 

If needed, the spokesperson added, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations will work with federal law enforcement officials to carry on seizures, injunctions and criminal prosecutions. Last year, the FDA announced that officials had seized thousands of units of counterfeit Ozempic found in the U.S. drug supply chain, but noted that some may still be available for purchase.

An Eli Lilly spokesperson said in a statement that the company was pleased that regulators in Tennessee took action to “stop one of the bad actors selling knockoff tirzepatide.” Lilly has obtained shipments from China claiming to be tirzepatide that are packaged as dog food, tea and facial masks or hidden inside of a box of T-shirts, the spokesperson said.

“The proliferation of counterfeit and other unsafe, unapproved tirzepatide knockoffs is dangerous and needs to be stopped,” the spokesperson said. 

Novo Nordisk said it’s fighting counterfeit products and pursuing litigation against groups that sell counterfeit drugs.

“Producing counterfeit products and inserting them into the legitimate U.S. supply chain is an illegal activity and puts patients at considerable risk,” a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said in a statement. 

The risks of counterfeit drugs

Using a counterfeit medication can lead to dangerous complications, said Dr. Daniela Hurtado Andrade, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

“You never know what they are mixing them with,” said Andrade, who spoke generally about the dangers of counterfeit drugs. “There is the potential risk that they are mixed with electrolytes, which for example, can put a person at risk of having cardiac arrhythmias.”

With counterfeit drugs, there’s no way to know they’re following health regulations. 

“If you are putting a contaminated substance under your skin, you can certainly be at risk of developing infections,” she said. “These are infections that are local, but then you could have certain complications of local infections that can become systemic infections.” 

Who is most at risk of counterfeit drugs?

Anyone who buys a GLP-1 drug without a prescription could be at risk of getting a counterfeit version. 

The most vulnerable are people without adequate health care coverage or without prescription drug benefits, or who feel stigmatized by their weight and don’t want to see a doctor, Timothy Mackey, a professor of global health at the University of California, San Diego, said. 

The nature of the weight loss drugs — large amounts of  people qualify for them and their high cost — make the problem even more challenging to control, said Mackay, who studies counterfeit drugs.

“This situation is a bit different than prior counterfeit medicine incidents, as arguably so many people are at risk,” he said.  “And consumers believe that they should be readily available, conveniently.” 

Safdar, of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, said the best way people can protect themselves is to always get the brand-name product through a prescription from a doctor. 

He acknowledged that other people may not qualify for the drug’s indicated use and will seek alternatives.

“I’ve seen people say, ‘I got it because I was trying to lose that last 10 pounds,’” Safdar said. “People are finding telehealth providers who will write that prescription and then dabbling in the market. None of that is safe.”

This Article Source from NBC News Dec. 18, 2024, 4:29 AM GMT+5:30

By Berkeley Lovelace Jr., Erin McLaughlin and Aarne Heikkila

Increase in babies in England born by Caesarean

 

Latest figures for 2023/24 show 42% of all deliveries were Caesarean.

The proportion has increased steadily over the past decade, and experts say it is linked to a "growing number" of more "complex" pregnancies - because the mother is older or obese, for example.

 

But some mothers are choosing to have a Caesarean - where the baby is delivered by surgeons cutting into the mother's abdomen and womb - for non-medical reasons.

 

Last year, of the 398,675 deliveries performed by the NHS in England - where the method of starting labour was recorded -101,264 (25%) were Caesarean births.

 

Of those, 67,100 were a planned or "elective" procedure.Data shows a further 32,463 deliveries were started by Caesarean and carried out as an emergency - due to urgent health concerns for the mother or baby which arose before labour could start spontaneously or be induced, for example.

 

Overall, there were 225,762 deliveries by Caesarean in 2023/24 (42% of all deliveries), of which 99,783 were elective and 125,979 were registered as emergency Caesareans. In comparison, a decade ago in 2013/14, 166,081 deliveries - 26% - were by Caesarean.

 

'Rising rates'

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) president, Dr Ranee Thakar, said complex births were a "major factor". "We are seeing national rising rates of obesity and people choosing to have children at a later state in their life, both of which can increase the chance of complications," she said. The likelihood of a Caesarean increased with the mother's age.

And for those aged over 39, it was the most common method of onset and delivery. Most women under 30 had "spontaneous" labour without medical intervention, and the most common method of delivery was vaginal births. A third of all deliveries were induced, meaning labour was started using artificial methods such as a hormone drip or a pessary. The RCOG does not promote one form of birth over another.

 

'Major operation'

 Experts say women should have a choice about how they give birth, whenever circumstances allow it and it is deemed safe. The NHS recently removed a limit on how many Caesareans it performs. Previously maternity units were encouraged to promote vaginal births and keep the Caesarean rate to about 20%. But NHS advice now says women have the right to a planned Caesarean if it is considered safe for mother and baby. An NHS spokesman said: "A Caesarean is a major operation that comes with risks, so it's usually done when it's the safest option for women and their baby. "However, some do choose to have a C-section for a non-medical reason.

"NHS maternity teams across the country are fully committed to providing the safest and most personalised care possible to all women, according to best-practice guidance and informed by evidence, to help them to achieve the type of birth they would like."

This Articles  source is from https://bbc.com/news/articles/c8ew4jjr252o

Suffering From Frequent Acidity? Here Are Some Home Remedies To Try On

Acidity, sometimes referred to as heartburn or acid reflux, is a prevalent problem that many people experience, especially in the morning. A burning feeling in the chest or throat is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Frequent episodes of acidity can interfere with daily lifestyle. This problem can be made worse by stress, bad food habits, and irregular sleep patterns. There are several natural ways to reduce morning acidity that offer immediate relief without the need for prescription drugs.

Acidity: What Are The Symptoms?

• Heartburn,
• Regurgitation,
• Indigestion pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen,
• Gas and bloating,
• Having trouble swallowing, and
• Wheezing or coughing

Home Remedies To Cure Acidity

1. 1. Ajwain- Ajwain, sometimes referred to as carom seeds, can help reduce bloating and acidity. Drinking ajwain water or chewing on a few ajwain seeds will help promote the release of digestive juices and lessen acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, ajwain possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that may help calm the gastrointestinal system.
2. 2. Buttermilk- It can help neutralize the acid and has a calming effect on the stomach. It contains lactic acid, which has an alkalizing impact on the body while being acidic. After meals, buttermilk can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.
3. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar- Diluting apple cider vinegar with water can help improve digestion by balancing the stomach’s pH. Many people find it useful for bloating and digestive problems, but there is little scientific evidence to support its efficacy for heartburn.
4. 4. Lukewarm Water- Quick relief from acidity can be obtained by drinking lukewarm water, which also helps to aid digestion and dilute stomach acid. When taken after meals, it helps the digestive system process food more effectively and is very beneficial. Cold water can affect the stomach and exacerbate symptoms.
5. 5. Bananas- Fruits like bananas can help balance the stomach’s high acidity and lessen the risk of heartburn. Ripe bananas are rich in minerals like potassium, which support the body’s pH equilibrium, they are very healthy. Another fruit that can help with acidity is papaya.
6. 6. Black Cumin seed- Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, black cumin seeds can help calm the digestive tract and lessen acid reflux. To use black cumin seeds, make a paste using a teaspoon of the seeds and water, then eat it after meals. Although there isn’t much scientific proof that black cumin seeds can directly reduce acid reflux, they can be combined with other treatments to get even more advantages

Acidity can be upsetting and uncomfortable, especially in the morning. Fast relief can be obtained, nevertheless, by combining easy and efficient home remedies. Long-term relief is ensured by combining these treatments with lifestyle modifications like stress management and avoiding big meals late at night. If your condition worsens, consult a doctor for treatment.

Try These 3 Easy Exercises On A Pilates Reformer To Get A Toned Waist Like Ananya Panday

When Ananya Panday is not impressing the fashion police with her sartorial choices, she is busy dedicating her time to her fitness regime. Be it yoga or Pilates, her fitness regime incorporates a lot of forms of workouts that help her maintain her svelte frame. Recently, her fitness instructor – Namrata Purohit – shared a picture of the actor sweating it out on a Pilates reformer.

In a picture shared by Namrata Purohit, Ananya Panday was seen performing the side plank on a Pilates reformer. She captioned the picture as, “@ananyapanday…Consistency and hard work always pays off." The actor was seen dressed in a black crop top which she had paired with a pair of black leggings. The side plank on a Pilates reformer adds pressure on the core and helps build a slimmer waist.

In case you are also aiming for a toned body this festive season, then here are three simple exercises that will help you to reach there.

1. 1. Side Plank Twist

For the side plank twist, lie on the side on the Pilates reformer. Place one hand behind your head and exhale. Lift the other hand towards the ceiling and keep the pelvis still. Make sure that your feet are separated. Hold for some time and let go.

2. 2. Scissors Criss-Cross
3. A quick and simple exercise for targeting the waist is the scissors crisscross. Start by lying on your back with your hands supporting your head. Lift one leg, and twist your torso toward that leg, engaging your core as you exhale. On the inhale, switch to the other leg and twist in the opposite direction. Repeat this movement a few times before resting.
4. 3. Double Lunge Twist

Start in a standing position with your hands behind your head, one leg forward and the other leg back. As you exhale, bend both knees while twisting your torso toward the front leg. Inhale to return to the starting position and repeat the movement for a few more reps before resting.

New nutritional recommendations emphasize increased consumption of plant-based foods and a reduction in processed items and added sugars.

 

A dietary advisory board suggests that Americans increase their intake of legumes while cutting down on red and processed meats, alongside avoiding ultraprocessed foods and discussions about alcohol usage. Americans are encouraged to incorporate more beans, peas, and lentils into their diets while reducing their consumption of red, processed meats, and starchy vegetables, all while maintaining limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. This guidance was provided by a panel of nutrition professionals on Tuesday, tasked with advising the U.S. government regarding the 2025 dietary guidelines, which will serve as the foundation for federal food programs and policies.

However, the 20-member panel did not address the increasing prevalence of ultraprocessed foods associated with adverse health outcomes, stating that the evidence is not sufficient to recommend avoidance. Additionally, the committee chose not to update the contentious recommendations regarding alcohol consumption, deferring this analysis to two external reports anticipated to be published soon. Overall, the proposals for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans appear to echo previous guidance, according to Marion Nestle, a food policy authority. “This resembles prior dietary recommendations since 1980: consume vegetables and reduce intake of foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat,” Nestle mentioned in an email. “This specific statement fails to address the issue of balancing calorie intake when overconsumption, particularly from ultraprocessed foods, poses a significant challenge to the health of Americans.” Insights from the panel on healthy dietary practices The nutrition panel concluded that a healthy eating pattern for individuals aged 2 years and older should consist of increased vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish, and vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fats. Conversely, it should be lower in red and processed meats, sugar-laden foods and drinks, refined grains, and saturated fats. It may also comprise fat-free or low-fat dairy products and foods with reduced sodium, alongside plant-based options. The panel, which convened for nearly two years, was the first to examine dietary needs through what they termed a “health equity lens,” according to Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital involved in the group. This perspective encompassed considerations like household income,

race, ethnicity, and culture when making dietary recommendations, aiming to ensure that the guidance reflects the diversity of various population groups, she stated in an email. The panel did not reach conclusions regarding ultraprocessed foods or alcohol consumption. Ultraprocessed foods, which include snacks, sugary cereals, and frozen meals, constitute about 60% of the American diet. The panel evaluated over 40 studies, some indicating a correlation between ultraprocessed foods and weight gain or obesity. However, the panel expressed concerns about the research quality, leading them to determine that the evidence was too scant to formulate recommendations. This decision could conflict with the views of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the designated nominee for the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, who has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest among dietary guidelines panel members and pledged to address ultraprocessed foods contributing to chronic health issues. The panel also did not modify recommendations suggesting limited alcohol intake, capping it at two drinks per day for men and one for women. In 2020, when the guidance was last revised, the government disregarded the scientific advisors' counsel to advocate for reduced alcohol consumption. Two organizations—the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and a committee from the agency overseeing substance abuse—are preparing to publish reports shortly on the impact of moderate alcohol consumption to aid in refining the guidelines. Do Americans adhere to dietary recommendations? The advisory panel recognized that most Americans' diets fall short of current guidelines. Over half of U.S. adults suffer from one or more diet-related chronic health conditions, and around 18 million households in the U.S. face food insecurity, as stated in the report. “Chronic health issues related to nutrition and their precursors continue to jeopardize health throughout the lifespan,” the report concludes. “This does not bode well for the future health landscape in the United States.” What’s next? 

The scientific report will inform the dietary guidelines, which are updated every five years. The recommendations presented on Tuesday will now be forwarded to HHS and the Department of Agriculture, where officials will draft the final guidelines, scheduled for release next year. As of Wednesday, the public will have 60 days to provide feedback on the guidance, with HHS and USDA officials planning a public meeting on January 16 to discuss the recommendations.