Tag: heart

All about Ashwagandha 🌱

by drjurisharma, posted in emotional health, food, Life, nature

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Ashwagandha: This is a herb, initially grown in India, also in the Middle East and some parts of Africa. As the name signifies, ‘Ashwa’ meaning ‘horse’ and ‘gandha’ means ‘smell’. So the herb smells like horse and doesn’t taste good either. But, this herb is well known for its exceptional medicinal properties. It is used in Ayurvedic Medicine from an ancient time. Its botanical name is “Withania Somnifera”. Since it has some fantastic health benefits, various researches have been carried out across the world to prove it’s efficacy. Well yes, this herb has been considered safe and now widely been used as a supplement for various health issues and overall good health.

Scientifically, this herb is an adaptogen, meaning that it adapts the requirement of the body. It balances the body’s homeostasis depending upon the emotional and physiological stresses by strengthening the nervous, endocrine and immune system. The main medicinal compound found in this herb is called ‘Withanolides’. It is found beneficial for both men and women’s health and can be used in case of children too.

The top benefits of Ashwagandha:

1.Ashwagandha helps to boost the overall health, enhances the immune system, increases muscle growth and power. It increases stamina and endurance power.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha reduces the level of cortisol and empowers the adrenal health. It can improve the mood by acting as a natural antidepressant. It improves sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety and calming the mind.
3.Aswagandha benefits the thyroid health. It helps to keep a balance of the different thyroid hormones. As it is an adaptogen, it can benefit in overall balance of thyroid hormones so it helpful in thyroid issues. But studies shows that it is more effective in hypothyroidism than hyperthyroidism.
3. It is highly beneficial for brain health. It can reduce inflammation in the brain, improves neuronal health and memory. It is used successfully to improve conditions like Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease. It can help to improve focus and concentration, so it is used in cases of ADHD too.
4. It can be beneficial in both males and females by improving the reproductive health and endocrine system. So, it has been used successfully in case of males to improve the level of testosterone.
5. Studies suggest that it has anti-cancer properties and prevent the growth of new cancer cells. More shreds of evidence are required in this regard.
6. It can lower the blood sugar level as it improves the insulin secretion and increases insulin sensitivity. It can also lower cholesterol level and so is heart-friendly.


Since it is a natural herb from a green shrub, its root, leaves and different parts of the plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine. But the most widely used is the root powder extract. It is available in capsules and powder form. The ideal dose as a supplement is 500mg once or twice daily depending upon the individual body types and body weight. The best way to take the dose is at a convenient timing after a meal. A healthy diet is advisable along with the herb to get the best possible result. Since it has a robust medicinal compound, it has to be always used under Expert advice.

Though considered safe, like all herbs, overdosing can lead to toxicity.
Some of the side effects are important to note before using this herb.

1.Drug interaction: People using medicines for thyroid, blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases should never carelessly use this herb. Because, using this herb, can interfere with the efficacy of the other medicines used. So, this herb should be used only before advice by the treating Physician.
2.Large doses of Ashwagandha can cause gastrointestinal irritations like vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhoea. People should not use it if one suffers from a stomach ulcer.
3.Pregnancy and breastfeeding women should avoid using this herb as it can cause a harmful effect.
4.It can cause sedation when taken in excess or along with antidepressant pills.
5. It is better to avoid using this herb in individual who are opting for surgery as it can slows down the central nervous system.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

(The intent of this post is mainly informational)

Phosphorus: 6 important facts 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Life

1. Phosphorus is an abundant mineral present in the body. It is found mostly intracellular and in bones and teeth. We get ample amount of Phosphorus from dietary sources. The kidneys remove the excess Phosphorus. Though mostly ignored, this mineral is essential for many vital functions in the body.


2. Functions are primarily :
– Strengthen bones along with Calcium
– Detoxifies the body by helping the kidneys to eliminate the wastes.
– Maintain the ph balance
– Improves digestion
– Assists in the production of energy molecules ATP and releases the energy by breaking the phosphate bonds
– RNA and DNA synthesis
– Needed for growth and development (especially children)
– For Cognitive health
– For dental health

3. Phosphorus level is essential in the body with a standard range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dl. Usually, excess Phosphorus gets eliminated by the kidneys. But when the kidneys are weak like in chronic kidney diseases, the extra level in the body can cause damage to organs. High level of Phosphorus can pull the Calcium from the bones, making them weaker and brittle. High level of Calcium and Phosphorus can cause calcium deposits in the heart, blood vessels, eyes and lungs. Such an individual has a higher risk of stroke and heart attack.

4. Sources: Plant sources are mainly in the form of phytates. Other sources are dairy, cereals, meat and fishes.
Familiar sources available: Lentils, cheese, yoghurt, almonds, halibut, turkey, chicken and beef.
A healthy adult requires about 700mg/day.
Growing children, pregnant and breastfeeding women require more of Phosphorus for proper growth and development.

5. Hypophosphatemia: When the serum level is below 2.5mg/dl.
Causes: Usually, the deficiency is rare as enough of Phosphorus is available from food sources.
Certain Conditions where Hypophosphatemia occurs:
Reduced intake in the diet,
Alcoholism,
Vitamin D deficiency, alkalosis,
Diabetic ketoacidosis,
Hyperparathyroidism
People who have renal insufficiency (acute tubular necrosis)
People on renal therapies.
People on parenteral nutrition
Hypomagnesemia/ Hypokalemia
Anabolic steroids
Diuretics
The symptoms are Fragile bones, bone pain, stiff joints, irregular breathing (arrhythmia), anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, tingling and numbness.
Usually, dietary sources are advised for deficiency. If severe, clinically treated with parenteral supplementation.

6. Hyperphosphatemia: When the serum level is more than 4.5mg/dl.
The causes are:
Excess oral sources,
Renal insufficiency like in Chronic kidney diseases
Cellular necrosis,
Excess use of laxatives,
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hypoparathyroidism
Cell lysis like in tumour lysis syndrome,
The symptoms are Anorexia, neuromuscular cramps, tingling, calcification of soft tissues, joints, cornea, blood vessels (like in ESRD end-stage renal disease), Arterioslecrosis,
It is usually recommended by Physician to limit the dietary sources, use of phosphate binders, renal replacement therapies like Haemodialysis depending on the actual cause.
This post gives general information about understanding the importance of Phosphorus in our body. It’s not for clinical purpose or recommendation.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

 

 

 

Potassium: Facts to know 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Life

Hello everyone ! Have a great and safe day 🙋🏻

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Potassium is an essential mineral which is used as an electrolyte by our body to conduct electrical impulses throughout our body to carry out many vital functions like blood pressure regulation. Since our body doesn’t produce Potassium on its own, it has to be sourced from the food items, we eat.

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Other vital functions of Potassium include
fluid balance,
muscle contractions,
nerve impulses,
Heart rythm
aid in digestion
Maintain the ph balance

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People get enough necessary Potassium by eating a healthy balanced diet. Too little Potassium state is called Hypokalaemia may cause health problems. The Hypokalaemic condition is diagnosed by a blood level of less than 3.5 mmol/lit. Similarly, high potassium state is called Hyperkalaemia when blood level is more than 5.0 mmol/lit, which also causes health issues. So, the right balance is required. Daily Potassium requirement for the body is 3500 – 4700 mg per day. So, that is quite a massive amount of quantity for daily consumption.

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Naturally, the kidneys maintain the level of Potassium in the body with the excess being eliminated in the urine. Majority of the Potassium in the body that is almost 98% is stored inside each bodily cell and the rest in liver, RBCs and bone.

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Hypokalaemia: Symptoms can be muscular cramps, spasms, fatigue, constipation and irregular heartbeats. Health problems that cause this state can be:

Diuretics (water pills for high BP)
Excessive fluid loss (diarrhoea, vomiting, sweating)
Kidney diseases
Magnesium deficiency

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The sources of Potassium-rich food are Avocado, Potatoes, sweet potatoes, all greens, most of the varieties of beans, Salmon, bananas.

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Hyperkalaemia: In a healthy individual, the condition of Hyperkalaemia usually is not seen. So, there is no adverse effect on consuming potassium-rich food daily. However, such a state is seen in people with compromised kidney functions like in chronic kidney diseases, and those who take medications that affect kidney functions like blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitors). The most common symptom of Hyperkalaemia is abnormal heartbeat called Arrhythmia. Calcium gluconate is usually used to stabilize such cases.

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In such an individual, food that is known to be rich sources of Potassium should be avoided.

Potassium is crucial for the body’s vital functions. To maintain the correct blood potassium level, consuming varieties of food items are good enough, to add up to a group of 4700 mg per day. Over the counter, Potassium supplements can provide only a small fraction of it, which is hardly useful. So, it is not recommended to use Potassium supplements unless specifically prescribed by your Physician.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

Omega 3 fatty acids : Why? 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Life

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

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The cell membrane of each cell in the body consists of phospholipids which has omega-three fatty acids as a component. Physiologically, omega three fatty acids help in the metabolic processes of energy production and individual organ function of heart, lungs, immune system, blood vessels and endocrine system. Therefore, it should be an essential part of our diet. It’s defficiency leads to many physical and mental diseases and symptoms like the autoimmune disorders, heart problems, COPD, skin and eye problems and even depression. Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are called essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesised in the body and has to be consumed from dietary sources. The average recommendation for an adult is 1200mg of Omega 3 fatty acids per day.

There are three types of omega-three fatty acids :
ALA – Alpha Linolenic acid
EPA – Eicosapentaenoic acid
DHA – Docosahexaenoic acid.

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The benefits of omega-three fatty acids are immense. The most critical effect in the body is in the inflammatory process. Whenever, there is a trigger of inflammatory response like microbial infection, physical or metabolic tissue damage and stress (mental or physical), there are molecular and cellular events taking place, causing an alteration in the genes, and the cells produce a different pattern of proteins. The white cells in the blood interact with the endothelial cells and initiate the inflammatory process and as a result of which many chemicals are produced which causes further tissue damage. And when the inflammation process continues, irreparable tissue damage occurs and metabolic changes appear in the organs of the body. When omega-three fatty acids, EPA and DHA are supplied or increased in the diet, they alter the composition of the inflammatory cell phospholipid and thereby change the cell phenotyping and reduces the overall inflammation process.

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In case of heart problems, more supply of EPA, DHA lower the triglyceride level and reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event like a stroke, heart attack. Researches also show a high intake of Omega 3 helps in lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s, disease, dementia and other cognitive issues. It also reduces the risk of certain cancers like breast cancers and colorectal cancers. It is also beneficial for eye health and the joints so required in the improvement of Rheumatoid arthritis.

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Naturally, Omega 3 fatty acids are found in wild fishes like salmon, sardines, tuna, anchovies, herring, and mackerel. Plant seed oils like canola, flaxseed oil, chia seeds and soybean. Nuts like walnuts are extremely rich in omega-three fatty acids. Supplementation is generally recommended under Physician’s guidance.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

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Walking: 20 health benefits.

by drjurisharma, posted in Life
Hello everyone! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Why did I feel writing something about walking? Firstly, I believe in this form of fitness, and secondly, off course, for its incredible health benefits. Without stepping inside the gym, the concept of exercise and physical fitness in today’s time doesn’t seem to work. Either you are running the treadmill or using high-end gym apparatus to strengthen and shape your muscles. Unless you do such exercises, you feel you are not doing the right kind of exercise regime for your fitness. Such psychology commonly revolves around us.

Therefore, walking has been most underrated as an exercise form for fitness. Enough studies have been done in the past, which goes to show that walking can be an effective form of a workout as exercise. A simple walk around nature gives you enough mental and physical boost and can be helpful to reduce the anxiety and stress in our everyday life. A good 20- 30 mins of a walk at a moderate pace every day is enough to give you the immense health benefits, your desired fitness level and reach your weight loss targets. Though running utilizes a more exaggerated level of energy, more pressure on the muscles but walking at a medium pace for a longer duration can give you the same desired results. Health markers have effectively shown the fitness and endurance level that can be attained by an everyday walk.

20 such amazing health benefits:

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Pic courtesy: Haven Pharmacy.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐


Selenium : An amazing mineral 😇

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone 🤗 Have a wonderful day and stay safe 🙋🏻

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Today, I am going to write about an amazing mineral called Selenium. This mineral is present as a trace mineral in the body’s skeletal muscles. It is an essential mineral which acts as a coenzyme to some almost 25 proteins in the body. Its main function is that it is a powerful antioxidant, protects our body from the damage of oxidative stress caused by free radicals, helps in maintaining a healthy immune system, also improves our cognitive functions. The ideal dose of Selenium as a daily intake is 55 mcg. The therapeutic dose is usually recommended as 200 mcg. A person can tolerate safely up to 400 mcg of selenium daily but beyond that, there are chances of selenium toxicity. Researches have shown that there are 2 forms of Selenium: Organic as selenomethionine and inorganic as selenite or selenate. So, the sources of selenium can be both dietary and supplementation.

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 8 amazing benefits of Selenium are :

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Glutathione structure

1.The most powerful benefit is that selenium is involved in the synthesis of glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, heavy metals, harmful chemicals, or too much sugar causing damage to the nerve, muscle cells in the body. This is why selenium is very useful for people with chronic conditions like Diabetes, heart issues, peripheral neuropathy. It also helps in reducing the complications of such chronic conditions. It protects the brain and nervous system.

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 2.Another important benefit of selenium is that it helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the synthesis of the thyroid hormones. Therefore, a person with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid diseases where the production of thyroid hormones become low, selenium is of great help. It also helps in reducing significantly the thyroid peroxidase antibodies. This is why, selenium is recommended as therapeutic supplement in such conditions. 

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3.Selenium has a high impact on our immune system. It helps in the increase production of activated T cells and natural killer cells making the immune system strong and reduces the susceptibility to viral infections, diseases and tumours. It also reduces inflammation in the body.

4. It helps to protect us from the damage of mercury. Consuming fishes and shellfish, we are exposed to Methylmercury, an organic form of mercury which isn’t good for the body at all. It may have a toxic effect on the nervous system, kidney, lungs, skin and in eyes. Selenium which is also present in fishes counteract with the mercury and make it inactive thereby protecting the body from the toxicity.

5. Anti Cancer effect: Since it reduces the oxidative stress in the body , therby reducing the damage to DNA Mitochrondria. This effect can counteract the carcinogens of harmful chemicals and toxins that enters the body through various sources.

6. Liver disease: Selenium helps to prevent or rather helps in reducing liver damage caused like alcohol use, obesity and liver scarring called Cirrhosis.

7. Prostate : It helps to reduce certain condition of prostate like Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

8. Arsenic: It helps to reduce the effect of Arsenic Poisoning.

Though selenium has some amazing benefits, it is wise to take the appropriate amount daily. Just as the deficiency can cause certain problems in the body, the excess quantity can cause certain toxicity.

Deficiency of Selenium:
Compromised immune system causing us more susceptible to disease.
Cognitive problems like difficulty in thinking and concentrating.
Infertility.
Hair loss
Weight gain.

Some effects of Selenium toxicity :
Skin rashes
Nervous system abnormalities.
Fatigue
Diarrhoea.

Finally, the dietary sources of Selenium:

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Brazil nuts: Though brazil nuts are highest in selenium concentration. They have another substance called Phytic acid which makes the selenium difficult to absorb in the body. So, brazil nuts should be soaked overnight so that the layer of Phytic acid is removed and the selenium can be absorbed properly.

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Grains, bread.

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Fishes like tuna, salmon, sardines, halibut.
Poultry.
Eggs.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post: 10 magical facts to keep smiling 😊.

by drjurisharma, posted in Uncategorized

Hello everyone! Have a great day 🙋🏻

Who doesn’t like to see a smiling face as soon as you wake up in the morning? Seeing someone smiling at you at home, office, travel everywhere you go simply lift up your mood. In fact, it is the easiest way to boost your mood, health, longevity, coping up with success, setbacks, and challenges in the life journey.

10 magical facts of smiling :

1.Endorphins: Not just a genuine smile, even if it is not so genuine, a smile can help the release of endorphins which can relieve the body from stress and pain. The natural release of endorphins helps in reducing everyday stress and anxiety. Therefore, keep smiling throughout the day, it will keep you away from stress. It will help you to keep your mood elevated.

2.Social health: We are always attracted to smiling, happy people. It is a part of social health. With genuine smiling, we can build up trust while dealing with people. Building a relationship with trust is long lasting. Smiling helps you get motivated, work harder while performing tasks and increase productivity at work.

3.Open mind: Smiling keeps our mind open, relaxed. Often stress, limits our attention to people, perceptions, thinking. But with smiling, we are open up to a wider perspective, a wider view which helps in multitasking and help in facing the challenges easily.

4.Anti-ageing: Smile lift up your face and makes you look younger. A genuine smile uses all the facial muscles of your face. In fact its a good facial muscle exercise. A good smile helps you release stress, helps your heart to keep you live longer.

5.Heart-friendly: Smiling slow the workload of heart, relaxes your body. Therefore, it helps you to reduce blood pressure (though temporarily) and also keep you away from heart diseases.

6.Boost Immune system: When the body is out of stress, in a happy mood while smiling, the immune system works better, reacts quickly against invaders.

7.Pain killer: Studies have shown that endorphins or happy hormones released while smiling can ease the pain. So that is why endorphins are called natural pain killers. Smiling can help release endorphins from hypothalamus and pituitary quickly.

8.Successful: Studies have shown that people who smile often, appear more confident, approachable, motivated hence are likely to get promoted, successful at work.

9.Infectious: Yes smiling is infectious, not only it lifts our mood but also change other people’s mood around us make it easier and happier in whatever task performed or at home. The facial expression is an unconscious automatic response so when someone sees a smiling face, they smile you in return.

10.Improves relationship: Time and again, it has shown that people always get attracted to a smiling, humorous person. People who smile tend to be more attractive and trustworthy than people with other neural expressions.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Keep smiling 😊