Prevention of Thyroid with YOGA

Metabolism : is a series of complex processes by which the human body converts food, water, and oxygen into tissue, energy, and waste products. It is a continuous process and goes on in every cell of the body. It comprises the breaking down of substances into simpler parts, and their shuffling and recombination into countless new substances that compose the body. For example, the carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes and acids and converted into pure sugar or glucose.
The constructive chemical and physical process by which food materials are adapted for the use of the body is known as anabolism; and the destructive process by which energy is produced with the breaking down of tissues into waste products is called catabolism. The two processes together are called metabolism.

Basal Metabolic Rate: is the rate at which energy is consumed when a person is at complete rest. When a person is placed in a state of complete rest, the metabolic rate can be measured by measuring the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanged during breathing under certain standard conditions. The BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is an index of a person's health.

Endocrine glands : Metabolism is controlled by the endocrine glands--a term applied to certain organs whose function is to secrete into the blood or lymph, a substance which plays an important role in relation to general chemical changes or to the activities of the other organs at a distance. The chief endocrine glands are the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary body, parathyroid glands, pancreas, ovaries, and the testes.

The thyroid gland is situated in the front of the neck and produces a hormone thyroxine which plays a very important role in regulating the general metabolism of the body. When it is defective, the conditions known as myxoedema (in adults) and cretinism (in children) result. An excess of its secretion is associated with a condition known as exophthalmic goitre or thyrotoxicosis or Grave's disease.

Disorders of the Thyroid Gland

1. Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis: in which the gland secretes excess of hormones. This condition is more common in women than in men whose age ranges from 30 to 50 years. Thyrotoxit individuals become tremulous, irritable, anxious and even hysterical. Because the metabolism is raised, they experience rapid heart rate and palpitation, rapid shallow respiration. Frequent bowel motions and diarrhoea, Flushing, heat intolerance, sweating, menstrual disturbance and sometimes bulging of the eyes. Such people suffer the paradoxical situation in which they feel fatigue and lack of energy and yet are compelled to move about, talk and do things. They are constantly fidgeting and the slightest remark may set off an inappropriately angry response.

2. Hypothyroidism : here the thyroid is underactive, producing too little thyroid hormone. This condition is far more common than hyperthyrodism and can be caused by iodine deficiency or thyroid failure brought on by pituitary dysfunction, inflammation, and scarring. By far the majority of cases are mild or borderline, unrecognized by the medical establishment. Yet these mild cases can be the cause of vague, but persistent, disorders such as fatigue, depression, loss of vitality, and overall hormonal imbalance. More severe problems from hypothyroid are the result of failure to develop properly, such as cretinism and juvenile myxodema. Long term hypothyroidism, such as adult myxodema, which is characterized by swelling of skin and subcutaneous tissues; dry, cold and slightly yellow skin, puffy face, loss of eyebrows, anginal pain, bradycardia, anorexia, constipation, and anemia.

Treatment

Diet and Other Regimen:
According to Charaka, goitre does not strike those who take milk in adequate quantities. In addition, old rice, barley, moong dal, Bengal gram, cucumber, sugar juice, and milk products are recommended for a goitre patient. Sour and heavy substances are contraindicated.

Herbs:
kanchanara - Bauhinia veriegata (purple mountain ebony) is specific for proper functioning of thyroid. Among the other herbs jatamansi and Brahmi guggulu and shilajita are also useful. gokshura, punarnava are useful herbs

Home Remedies:
A fine paste made of the vegetable jalakumbhi (Pistia straticies) applied over the affected part helps in reducing the swelling. The juice obtained from the jalakumbhi should be given in doses of II to 22 gm a day. It increases the amount of iodine, the lack of which, according to Allopathy, is one of the factors responsible for the disease.
Coconut oil offers much promise today to sufferers of hypothyroidism and slow metabolism. It is a known fact that the fatty acid chains in coconut oil, known as medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), offer wonderful health benefits and are no where found more abundantly in nature outside coconut oil. For the hypothyroid sufferer the MCTs rev up the body's sluggish metabolism

Yoga :
Long before medical science ever knew about the existence of thyroid glands, yogis had devised practices, which not only maintained healthy glands and metabolism, but also were part of a system of enlightenment.
Sarvangasna (shoulder stand) is the most suitable and effective asana for the thyroid gland. An enormous pressure is placed on the gland by this powerful posture. As the thyroid has one of the largest blood supplies of any body organ, this pressure has dramatic effects on its function, improving circulation and squeezing out stagnant secretions. After sarvangasana, we should perform matsyasana, and from sarvangasana we can practice halasana. All these practices positively result in better health of the thyroid gland. At the same time, all these practices should be avoided in severe thyroitoxicosis, physical debility or a goitre that is enlarged very much, where medical therapy is obviously the first line of treatment to be given. However, adding iodine once again to the diet is the first obvious step.
Other effective asanas include Surya Namskara, Pavamuktasana with emphasis on the head and neck exercises, yoga mudra, Suptavajrasana and all backward bending asanas.

Pranayama :
The most effective Pranayama for thyroid problems is Ujjayi. It acts on the throat area and its relaxing and stimulating effects are most probably due to stimulation of ancient reflex pathways within the throat area, which are controlled by the brainstem and hypothalamus. This practice also gives us direct access into the pranic and psychic net work, the substructure of metabolic activity. Nadi shodhana pranayama is useful in re-balancing metabolism.

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All Natural Ways To Treat Your Baby's Cold

Almost all babies get a cold before their first birthday. Does your baby have a cold? Many parents are hesitant to give their children decongestants, antihistamines, or other drugs. Here's a look at natural ways to treat your baby's sniffles and sneezes.

All of us have been inconvenienced at one time or another by the common cold. Colds aren't usually serious, but they certainly can be annoying, even for the strongest immune systems. But the common cold can be more than an annoyance for infants and their parents. The average infant has eight to ten colds before his or her second birthday, which means four to five times a year your precious little baby will suffer through the sneezes and sniffles, coughs and fever, and aches and pains that are associated with the common cold. And you, as a parent, will suffer the worries, fears, and feelings of helplessness that arise whenever your little angel isn't feeling well.

There is no cure or vaccine for the common cold, which makes catching a cold an inevitable part of growing up. Many parents prefer to use natural methods to relieve their child's cold symptoms, rather than use medications such as decongestants and expectorants. Most over-the-counter medications are unsuitable for use in very young children anyway, except for very severe symptoms, and should only be used on your doctor's recommendation, and under his or her supervision.

PREVENTION

To reduce your baby's risk of getting a cold:

*Breastfeed your baby if possible, as long as possible. Breast milk provides your baby with antibodies, which are important for fighting infection and strengthening baby's immune system.

*Wash your hands. Make sure everyone in the household washes their hands frequently. If small children are unable to wash their own hands, do it for them. Use plenty of soap and water, and dry thoroughly to prevent chapping.

*Avoid second-hand smoke, which can increase susceptibility to illness, aggravate cold symptoms, and damage lungs.

*Avoid contact with people who are sick, and wash hands thoroughly after any exposure.

CONGESTION

*Let your shower run on hot to create your own steam room. Sit in the bathroom with your baby for 10-15 minutes, three to four time a day. Do not put baby in the shower, and do not leave baby unattended in the bathroom. Be sure to keep the bathroom door closed to keep the steam in. This will help loosen baby's congestion. After you're done, you may need to wipe baby's nose, or use a bulb syringe to gently suction secretions from baby's nose.

*Saline (salt and water) nose drops are good for thick, dry nasal secretions. There are brands made specifically for infants. Tilt baby's head back and instill 2-3 drops in each nostril. The saline will loosen secretions and make them easier to blow or suction out. Saline gel, which is fairly new, is good for dry, chapped noses. Spread a little of the gel around the outside, and just inside, both nostrils.

*Keep baby in an upright or semi-upright position to encourage nasal drainage. If possible, put a pillow UNDER the head end of baby's crib mattress. NEVER put a pillow in the crib with baby.

*Use a cool mist humidifier in baby's room at night to keep the air moist. This will help prevent secretions from drying out. Use distilled or filtered water in the humidifier. Tap water will cause particle build-up in the humidifier, and will also leave a filmy dust over everything.

*Give your baby plenty of fluids to help thin secretions and prevent dehydration, especially when diarrhea is present.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:

-Your baby has drainage from one or both ears, tugs at one or both ears, or complains of ear pain.

-Your baby is having trouble breathing.
COUGH
*Use a cool mist humidifier and make sure baby is drinking plenty of fluids. This helps to thin mucus and makes it easier for baby to expel secretions.
*For older babies not breastfeeding or on formula, limit dairy products for a few days. Milk and other dairy products can cause very thick mucus, which can be difficult for baby to clear.
*For children over one year, make your own cough remedy: 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts honey mixed in a small amount of warm water makes an effective, soothing drink for irritated throats.
*Keep baby's head elevated to make it easier to cough. Keep your baby sitting up as much as possible and/or put a pillow under the head of the crib mattress (NEVER on top of the mattress).
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:
-Your baby is coughing up thick green, bloody, or rust-colored mucus.
-Your baby develops a very sore throat that is bright red.
-Your baby's cough is severe, or lasts for more than 10 days.
-Your baby is having a very difficult time clearing secretions.
FEVER
Fever is a sign of illness and can be very serious in infants.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:
-Your baby is under four months old and has a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
-Your baby is between four months and three years old and has a fever of 101-104 degrees Fahrenheit that lasts for 24 hours, and doesn't respond to home remedies or acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Give these medications only under the direction of your doctor.
*For mild fever, try sponging your baby with warm water, or giving baby a cool bath.
*A cool (not cold) washcloth on the forehead or back of baby's neck helps to cool and soothe. Be careful not to over-chill baby while attempting to bring baby's fever down.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:
-Fever is accompanied by:
*vomiting
*stiff neck
*rash
*difficulty breathing
*confusion
ACHES AND PAINS
Body aches and pains are common during a cold. A nice warm bath followed by a gentle all-over body massage can help soothe an achy little body. This is also an excellent technique to relax baby, sick or not. For baby's massage, use soft, light touches. Using baby oil or lotion for the massage works very well. The bottle of oil or lotion can be gently heated in a cup of hot water before the massage.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:
-Your baby seems to have a great deal of pain, especially in the abdominal area.
Colds are an inevitable, unavoidable part of childhood. Natural remedies and techniques can help your baby get through his or her cold with a minimum of discomfort while avoiding the side effects associated with decongestants and over-the-counter cold medicines.

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Home Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes brings along with it many complications and affects the functioning of our vital organs. In the initial stages itself, care should be taken to keep our blood sugar levels normal. Regular blood checkups should be carried out and the necessary precautions should be followed diligently.

Some changes in your lifestyle needs to be made when you are suffering from heart disease and diabetes. There are many home remedies that can help you ease the discomforts that you may experience when you are a diabetic.

Home Remedies

Here are some tips and home remedies that will benefit you if you are a diabetic:

1. Go Slow on Sauces and Salad Dressings: Salad dressings and sauces contain loads of sugar, fat, and cholesterol. You may unknowingly be consuming a lot of these when you pour them on your dishes. To avoid this, just pour a little salad dressing or sauce on the side. Dip your fork in this and pick your food. This will give you the flavor and taste without you consuming excess of it.
2. Bitter Gourd Juice: Drink the juice of a small bitter gourd (ghiya/lauki) with added water every morning. This is one of the best remedies to bring down your blood sugar.
3. Fenugreek (Methi): Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, drink the liquid as well as gulp down the seeds. This lowers your blood sugar level as well as provides you with the much-needed fiber.
4. Walk: Walking is a good exercise both to prevent and cure diabetes.
   • If your fasting blood sugar is high, walking 15 to 20 minutes in the evening is helpful in bringing down your sugar levels.
   • If your postprandial blood sugar is high, take a medium-paced walk after every meal.
5. Low Salt: Most of the time, high blood pressure is seen to coexist with diabetes, therefore, your meals should have very less salt. Resist the temptation of adding table salt to your food. Do not keep salt on the table. It is easier to drive things out of your mind when they are out of sight. Fill your salt shaker with some flavorsome herbs. This is a low-sodium way of making your dishes tasty.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar: It is seen that people who have diabetes often experience muscle cramps in the legs. To get relief from this, pour 8 ounces (236 ml) of apple cider vinegar in a tub of hot water and soak in this for about 15 minutes.
7. Asparagus: Steam asparagus and drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice and eat. Asparagus is a mild diuretic agent, which will help control diabetes.
8. Watercress: This has diuretic properties and it helps in strengthening the body's immune system.
9. Fresh Mango Leaves: Boil some fresh mango leaves in water at night. In the morning, filter and drink on an empty stomach. Drinking this daily helps with curing diabetes.
10. Cinnamon (Dalchini): Boil one liter of water with three tablespoons of cinnamon and drink this water.
11. Fishberry: Soak some crushed fishberry in water for a day. Drink this solution on an empty stomach in the morning.
12. Black Berries: Powder some black berry seeds (Jamun) and have this regularly. Eating fresh black berries also helps in controlling diabetes.
13. Curry Leaves: Chewing a few curry leaves in the morning every day helps in the treatment of diabetes.
14. Gooseberry: Mix some turmeric powder with Indian gooseberry powder. Take this on an empty stomach to get relief from diabetes.
15. Lime Water: Drink a glass of lime water in the morning. This helps in reducing diabetes. Lime water also boosts the immune system.
16. Salted Buttermilk: Drinking some salted buttermilk helps in reducing the blood sugar levels. If you have hypertension, go slow on the amount of salt.
17. Tomato Juice: You can either eat raw tomatoes or drink tomato juice to help reduce diabetes.
18. Sadabahar (Vinca rosea): This comes to your rescue when your blood sugar shoots up. Boil one glass of water. Immerse 3 flowers of Sadabahar in half of that water and let it stay for 5 minutes. Take out the flowers and drink the water. Then drink the remaining half glass of boiled water. This, when done continuously for 7 days, helps in bringing down your blood sugar levels.
19. Sea Salt Soak: When you have diabetes, you tend to have very dry, itchy skin. This can be relieved by soaking in a hot bath to which some table salt or sea salt has been dissolved. Your skin will feel soft to touch as well as the hot soak will relax you.

When you have diabetes, taking care of your eyes, skin, and foot becomes very important. Regular eye checkups are a must. Also, eating at regular intervals becomes more important than before. Equipments that help you monitor your blood sugar levels at home would be beneficial for timely regularization of blood sugars.

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