Tag Archives: Health

The Ayurvedic Medicine for Digestion Problem

 

ayurvedic medicine for digestion problem

Digestion is indeed one of the most essential processes of our body. Beginning from the intake of food to the excretion of waste materials, all of these mechanisms together as a whole is defined as digestion. The malfunctioning of the digestive system gives rise to disorders like acidity and constipation. This is when Ayurveda sheds light on the reasons behind digestive problems and the concepts of AGNI (the digestive fire) and  AMA (toxins) take their shape. Dr. Vasant Lad, a veteran Ayurvedic expert based in Albuquerque, New Mexico stated his opinion about the importance of digestion in Ayurveda in an interview with the lifestyle media brand MindBodyGreen1.

In his interview, he stated how Ayurveda pinpoints the connection between digestion and AGNI.  He said that gastric fire, metabolism, and enzymes are together known as AGNI. If AGNI weakens, food would not be digested properly and undigested food would accumulate as AMA, which in other words means toxins. Ayurveda emphasizes that AMA is the underlying cause of all diseases. AMA is sticky by nature and it blocks the inner channels of the body. The accumulation of toxins in the body is responsible for weakening the immune system and that exposes people to other infections. He also mentioned how Ayurveda specifies that a mild digestive fire and profuse toxic production are the main reasons working behind frequent illnesses and that Ayurveda stresses on maintaining efficient digestion and elimination of waste materials.

Therefore, Dr. Vasant Lad’s interview magnifies our outlook on how Ayurveda perceives a healthy digestive system that ensures a healthy body.

Ayurveda aims at restoring the nourishment and well-being of the body. Bellytone and Livonia, manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works, balance the Agni- Ama equation to foster a healthy metabolism within the body.
Bellytone and Livonia contain the precise herbal extracts that address digestive disorders which are frequently exhibited by the body. Bellytone contains Sonapata, Haritaki, Ajowan, and Teori which foster digestion. Livonia consists of Triphala and Kalmegh which helps in restoring the functional efficiency of the liver.

Two of the Digestive Disorders that are Consequences of a Feeble Digestive Fire are :

Constipation

Constipation is either hereditary or is caused due to a distorted food regimen. Haritaki, an Ayurvedic herb, is indeed a boon for people who have been victims of constipation. It is rich in Vitamin C and is endowed with substances that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Bellytone, one of the finest products of Branolia Chemical Works which is an Ayurvedic medicine for digestion, becomes an indispensable choice for us, to do away with constipation as Bellytone contains the goodness of Haritaki in it along with Sonapata, Teori, and Ajowan.

Acidity

Acidity is the burning sensation or pain experienced in the chest which generally occurs after a heavy meal.
Amla is an effective agent that subsides acidity. Amla, the Indian gooseberry is present along with Haritaki and Bibhitaki in Livonia, a liver purifying tonic manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works aimed at fostering proper liver functioning.

Thus, Branolia Chemical Works has always put its best foot forward in providing relief to the people suffering from digestive disorders with some of its promising products like Livonia and Bellytone.

MindBodyGreen1https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2784/Q-A-with-Ayurveda-Expert-Dr-Vasant-Lad.html

 

Get Rid of Obesity with Ayurveda

Obesity

Obesity is a problem that has engulfed our society in the recent years. According to recent reports published by WHO1, 2016 witnessed an upsurge in the number of overweight people. It stated that more than 1.9 billion people were overweight and out of these, 650 million were obese. People are putting in consistent efforts to resolve this issue and have turned to Ayurveda for respite. Ayurveda and its principles give an impetus to the body to stay toned and certain ayurvedic herbs are fruitful in getting rid of the body fat as well, thus mitigating the risk of excess weight gain or acute obesity.

What is Body Fat and How it Causes Weight Gain or Acute Obesity?

Triglycerides, cholesterol and fatty acids are collectively known as body fat. Body fat is stored in a loose connective tissue that is composed of adipocytes. Another name for these tissues is the Adipose tissue. These tissues store energy in the form of fat deposits. These are specially layered under the skin or coating the internal organs of the body. Adipose tissue has two constituent tissues, the white adipose tissue, and the brown adipose tissue. White adipose functions as a reservoir of energy, producing various hormones and cytokines that monitor the metabolic activities of the body whereas the brown adipose tissue converts food into heat energy. The equilibrium between these two tissues determines the amount of fat in the body. However, an extreme imbalance between these two tissues or between the consumption of food and the outgoing of energy can further give birth to health issues such as obesity.

There are specific Ayurvedic elements that have the ability to get rid of body fat. Triphala, Pipul, and Honey cut down on fat deposits and are a genuine help to obese people. Triphala encourages the secretion of cholecystokinin in the body which relays messages to the brain signaling that the stomach is full. This automatically diminishes the food intake resulting in weight loss. Pippali, on the other hand, burns the fatty acids accumulating in the body, thus inhibiting weight gain.

Ayurveda’s best-fit resources to restrain such detestable body fat

The unrivaled remedies of Ayurveda provide the most appropriate solutions to slim down cumbersome body flabs. A few of the Ayurvedic constituents which have multipurpose utilities, one of them being decreasing fat accumulation in the body, are mentioned below

Triphala

The concordant mixture of Amlaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki aids weight loss. Triphala is endowed with anti-inflammatory properties along with vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and saponins, augmented with essential plant compounds. These compounds act as valuable constraints of body weight.

Triphala is present in Livonia along with Kalmegh, one of the products of Branolia Chemical Works aimed at restoring healthy liver metabolism.

Pipul

Pipul along with sunth ( dried ginger) and maricha ( pepper) restrains the excess deposition of fat. It ignites the “digestive fire “ in the gastrointestinal tract which will escalate the process of digestion, leaving no scope for fat to get deposited.

The richness of Pipul and Sunth is preserved in Bitocough and Branolia’s Honeyguard. Pipul, along with Vasak, Tulsi and Jashtimadhu are present in Bitocough which is an expectorant to combat cough and cold whereas Branolia’s HoneyGuard involves Honey, Tulsi, Jashtimadhu, Aswagandha along with Sunth to give an extra boost to our immunity.

Honey

This sweet viscous liquid, when taken before going to bed is exemplary for burning body fat. Honey contains vital hormones that curtail the appetite. This, in turn, enables weight loss as the rate of food consumption deters because of a bad appetite.

Honey is one of the ingredients amalgamated with Tulsi, Sunth, Jashtimadhu, and Ashwagandha in Branolia’s HoneyGuard which cures bronchial disorders.Thus, Branolia Chemical Works uplifts the ideals and principles of Ayurveda and makes our bond with Ayurveda even more concrete.

WHO1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

Ayurvedic Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetic

Life does not always tilt the scales of fortune in our favour. Since man’s expectation knows no bounds, it is inevitable that he gets engulfed with anxiety and stress if things don’t turn up his way or maybe if he is too worked up. It is more often discerned that health problems crop up from a disturbed mind or the health issues may be hereditary. The mind can be put to ease in a number of ways, and Ayurveda advocates all possible remedies to diminish such common health issues. WHO1 has reported that the number of people suffering from diabetes has spiraled from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. These figures indicate that diabetes is emerging as a common health issue that needs to be addressed in the upcoming years.

What is diabetes?

It is a condition of increased blood sugar levels in the body. The glucose in our bloodstream is the main source of energy obtained from the disintegration of food materials. The pancreas secretes a hormone called Insulin, which stimulates the passage of glucose into our cells for processing energy. When the body becomes incapable of producing sufficient insulin or, is unable to use insulin properly, a substantial amount of unused glucose persists in the bloodstream, leading to Diabetes.

Types of Diabetes:

  • Diabetes Mellitus:  This chronic situation arises either due to insufficient production of insulin or due to unresponsive behavior of cells to the glucose level.
  • Diabetes Insipidus:  This happens to be a rare situation of diabetes where the kidneys are unable to maintain the balance of body fluids and expel an abnormally large volume of urine from the body, which happens to be insipid.

Ayurvedic herbs and spices that can cure Diabetes

Since time immemorial, man has always opted for herbal remedies to cure unforeseen health disorders and Ayurveda has been benevolent enough to place its uncountable remedies at our disposition. Even though Diabetes stands as a tough challenge to Ayurveda since there are no permanent cure for it but there are certain herbs that can maintain the blood sugar level in the body regressing the negative impacts of diabetes.

Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum)

This shrub is commonly grown in Indian households owing to its religious significance and medicinal properties. Tulsi is said to have diverse uses, one of them being, regulating the blood sugar levels in the body. It assists in pancreatic beta-cell function and secretion of insulin. It also helps in the absorption of glucose by the muscle cells. Traces of tulsi extract are found in Branolia’s  Honey Guard and Bitocough along with other ingredients to ease sore throat and combat viral infections.

Amla

The efficacies of the Indian gooseberry cannot be equated with any other herb in accordance with its medicinal properties. Amla is known to enhance body resistance against numerous ailments, the common ones being cough, cold & flu. However, it is also used in treating pancreatitis, a condition exhibiting inflamed pancreas, in which the insulin-secreting cells are debilitated, thus aggravating the glucose content of blood. Amla also contains chromium which balances the carbohydrate metabolism of the body, thus keeping a steady level of glucose in the blood. Livonia, manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works includes Amla extracts along with Haritaki and Bibhitaki, which cater to problems related to the Liver.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the aromatic spices that contribute to regulating the glucose content in the blood. It is unique in the sense that it counterfeits the effects of Insulin, increasing the uptake of glucose in the cells.

Cumin

Another regular spice used in the Indian kitchen is bestowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory  properties responsible for normalizing blood sugar levels in the body.

Aswagandha

Another plant to be mentioned which not only plays a major role in managing stress and anxiety but also acts as an insulin stimulant, thus keeping tabs on the glucose level in the bloodstream. This herb, mixed with honey, Tulsi, Sunth, Joshtimodhu are the key ingredients of Branolia’s Honey Guard, an authentic formulation that takes care of the body’s immune system.

Kalmegh

These leaves are far bitter in taste than neem and possess outstanding healing properties, one of them being, curbing the glucose content in the bloodstream. It also helps in restoring healthy metabolism of the liver. This is the reason, the composition of Kalmegh and Triphala is bottled and sold as Livonia, a product of Branolia Chemical Works.

Thus we have been successful in utilizing the bountiful gifts bestowed by Nature to us. The measured Ayurvedic concoctions are indeed a blessing to the common man. Man,for ages, has recognized the treasure trove of Ayurvedic remedies and used them for his personal benefits. Owing to this fact, it is justified that Ayurveda’s profuse resources were never eclipsed to the common eye neither will it ever be in the years to come.

WHO1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

Ayurveda’s Call On Irritable Bowels

Healthy bowel movements are one of the major reasons that ensure the robust metabolism of the body. However, there are instances when the body does not perform regular mechanisms of excretion due to a number of reasons. This, in turn, triggers disorders related to the large intestine which involve bloating of the lower abdomen, flatulence, and in some instances even diarrhea. The prominence of these symptoms may suggest the presence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is a functional disorder occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. Ayurveda fosters the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders through some of its herbal formulations of Sonapata, Haritaki, and Teori as they never come with side-effects.

IBS has two segregations, one being IBS-D(due to diarrhea) and the other being IBS-C(due to constipation)

  • IBS-D is identified with frequent diarrhea  and  problems such as recurring stools, Nausea, also the feeling of unevacuated bowels during excretion are some of the distinctive symptoms of IBS-D
  • IBS-C  features abdominal pain and an uncomfortable sensation owing to constipation. It has distinctive symptoms of bloating of abdomen, flatulence, straining sensation during the passage of stool.

The causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) are based on some assumptions as the actual reasons supporting its cause are unknown:

  • Gastroenteritis, which is typically a bacterial or viral infection in the stomach and intestines, acts as a potential trigger for IBS.
  • The possible occurrence of food sensitivities due to absorption of salts and acids from food
  • Peculiarities in the serotonin levels in the colon which adversely affect the colon and bowel movement
  • Anxiety, stress, and depression may play a vital role in the occurrence of IBS.

Some prominent symptoms of IBS include:

  1. Pain in the abdomen, Bloating of the abdomen, and severe cramps which mitigates the passage of stool.
  2. Excess flatulence
  3. Constipation
  4. Mucous discharge in the stool.
  5. Bleeding from the rectum
  6. Incurring weight loss
  7. Nausea- the urge to vomit
  8. Lethargy

Nowadays, people have become more vulnerable to such gastrointestinal disorders due to their imbalanced diets, consumption of gluten-rich and fried foods and they are responsible for deterring the bowel movement. A report published by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology Task Force in 2008 aimed at studying the profile of Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) and the incidence of its symptoms across the population in India. The study concluded that most middle-aged men were susceptible to IBS. It stated that middle-aged men experiencing IBS had a sensation of incomplete evacuation of bowels and the presence of mucus in their stool. Even though abdominal pain was a prominent symptom but it was not universal and that the stool frequency was similar for all the patients irrespective of the fact, whether it was diarrhea or constipation. The study highlighted that 90 percent of the non- affected people had 1to 2 stools per day whereas  4.2 percent of the people, experienced complex symptoms of IBS.1 Evidently, more people in the middle ages are seeking medical assistance for its cure.

Even though in today’s world, allopathic cures are more sought after, Ayurveda can offer much simpler and refined remedies to alleviate victims of  IBS. There are a number of ayurvedic solutions which suffice the treatment of hindered bowel movements. Branolia Chemicals is one such company that has utilized Ayurveda’s authenticity and versatility in a way that would benefit every man. Branolia Chemicals has a number of products in store for us, and one such product which meets the requirements for healing IBS is Bellytone. Bellytone is one such exclusive tonic manufactured by Branolia Chemicals which is an amalgamation of Sonapata, Haritaki, Teori and Ajowan, all of them aimed at relieving constipation and subsiding flatulence. Sonapata and Haritaki are renowned laxatives that ease bowel movement. Teori is recognized as a carminative and Ajowan quickens digestion. These properties of Bellytone make it potentially capable of eliminating gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.

Branolia Chemicals has indeed been getting along with the illustrious years of its journey, inculcating the principles of Ayurveda into people’s lives, making use of Ayurvedic authenticities in its exclusive products that are aimed at benefitting people and doing away with their health miseries. Branolia Chemicals, through its wide range of products, has reached out to people in need and this keeps motivating people to fight off the perils of grave health issues, like IBS, thus lifting a heavy burden off their shoulders.

Reference:
Indian Society of Gastroenterology Task Force-  Epidemiological and clinical profile of the irritable bowel syndrome in India.  http://medind.nic.in/ica/t08/i1/icat08i1p22.pdf

Nobel Prize Winners Study the Fluctuating Levels of Oxygen in the Blood: How can Ayurveda contribute to it?

 

With every fleeting second, as one is delving deeper into the varied branches of science, so is he reaping the benefits of novel scientific developments, technological advancements and discoveries and these inventions are signals of mankind putting their best foot forward towards a generative and a productive future ahead. One such progressive step has been taken in the field of medicine and physiology, by three veteran scientists, William G. Kaelin, Gregg L. Semenza and Peter J. Ratcliffe who have received the highest accolade for their impressive discovery in the field of medicine and physiology, that is the Nobel Prize, for their authentic discovery of tracking the adaptation of cells in accordance with the changing levels of oxygen in the bloodstream.

Oxygen is an essential element that exists in nature in the purest form. It plays an important role in sustaining living organisms. The study conducted had highlighted the molecular mechanisms monitoring the activities of the genes, in accordance with the fluctuating levels of oxygen in the blood. However, these fluctuating levels of oxygen in blood, at times, may create a condition of low oxygen diffusion. Haemoglobin, which are proteins identified as oxygen carriers of the body, are unable to accommodate sufficient oxygen in them to be circulated all over the body, on account of low oxygen diffusion rates and this will hinder the oxygen supply to the tissues. These conditions induce Hypoxia, a condition exhibiting low oxygen content in the body tissues. This would lead to adverse changes in cellular metabolism as Hypoxia, debilitates the oxygen content in the cells, subsiding cellular metabolism and gene expression in the cells. Hypoxia is also responsible for various respiratory diseases, neural and heart disorders in the body. Hypoxia is one of the many causes inducing malignant tumors in the body. For an expanding mass of tumor, the demand for oxygen is much more than its supply. The deficit in the oxygen supply induces the tumor cells to grow distant from the vascular system, hindering the diffusion of oxygen and this situation culminates in a fatal hypoxic environment. However, this remarkable study on oxygen detecting mechanisms, lays down potential guidelines, for healing diseases resulting from a dearth in the oxygen supply to the tissues of the body, thus repressing the growth of tumors around the breast, colorectal areas and pancreas which later on aggravates into cancer. However, the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda has devised ways to counter the effect of Hypoxia. Withania Somnifera, commonly known as Aswagandha, identified by Ayurvedic experts, as one of the essential components of Ayurvedic concoctions, works wonders in replenishing oxygen content in the blood and eliminating Hypoxia. It escalates the growth of RBC’s(red blood cells) in the body and since RBC’s are responsible for carrying oxygen all over the system, it ensures the healthy functioning of the cardiorespiratory system. It assists in the regulation of aerobic respiration and the cardiorespiratory processes function actively, diminishing the risks of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Another contribution of Ayurveda is Kulerron, which is one of the products of Branolia Chemical Works. This Ayurvedic tonic proves beneficial, especially for enriching the haemoglobin content in the blood which are the carriers of oxygen. The multiplication of haemoglobin automatically facilitates the faster transportation of oxygen throughout the body, diminishing the risks of Hypoxia.

The beneficial properties defining Aswagandha have been infused in the products of Branolia Chemicals. Extracts of Aswagandha are infused in Branolia’s Kulerron, which is blood replenishing Ayurvedic tonic and also in Branolia’s Honey Guard which fights bronchial congestion as it has anti-oxidant properties. Thus Aswagandha exhibits its multi-purpose utilities and versatile applications in Ayurveda and Branolia Chemical’s, over the years has borrowed the essential properties of Ashwagandha to make their products worthwhile.

Combating Mouth Odour with Ayurveda

Clean bowels assure fresh breath. It is a cyclical process that starts with the intake of nutritious food which enables the stomach to function properly and perform proper digestion. This, in turn, ensures a smooth bowel movement, which in turn induces fresh breath. The digestion of food occurs in three stages; namely, the ingestion of food, assimilation of food and elimination of food. Ingestion involves the disintegration of food into its respective chemical components, whereas assimilation involves the absorption of essential minerals into the body. The elimination of indigestible food, in the form of faeces, is the final stage in this three-tiered process. The hindered movement of faeces is a precursor of constipation. Constipation or unclean bowels are the potential reasons for developing a stench in the mouth. In today’s world, an imbalance in the diet, the increased consumption of fast foods and aerated drinks, are the pivotal causes for the malfunctioning of the digestive system. The constant intake of gluten and greasy food hampers the digestion process. This, in turn, leads to the hindered passage of faeces, and the faecal remnants in the intestine induce foul smell in the mouth, making it unpleasant.

Since time immemorial, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medication has been offering holistic solutions to problems experienced by the human body which encompasses effective remedies for combating a foul breath as well. Even though these problems do have alternative anti-biotic cures, people still invest their trust in Ayurvedic medicinal cures as they are free of side-effects. Ayurveda, through its herbal extracts and concoctions, caters to many of the oral problems, one of them being bad breath.

Some of the herbal ingredients in Ayurveda, effectively combat mouth odour. They are

  • Amla, which has an extensive application in Ayurveda, is used in the form of extracts, for rinsing the mouth. Amla, coupled with Haritaki and Bibhitaki, forms the Triphala, which is used in essential Ayurvedic compositions and acts as a rinsing agent to get rid of mouth odour.
  • Triphala, also identified as an effective remedy in Ayurvedic combats constipation as well, as it is a laxative. It facilitates smooth bowel movement which will result in fresh breath.

Ayurveda also suggests the use of rinsing agents like sesame oil and fermented rice water to do away with mouth odour.

Two of Branolia Chemical’s products, Bellytone and Livonia extend a helping hand to a person who suffers from digestive problems and, indirectly solves the problem of mouth odour. Bellytone, which is one of Branolia Chemical’s products, assists in abdominal metabolism. It relieves constipation and reduces flatulence, which is again a result of gastrointestinal problems or improper bowel movement. The prime ingredients in Bellytone are Sonapata, Haritaki, Teori & Ajwon and each of the ingredients acts as a laxative to combat constipation or curb flatulence. They enable the smooth functioning of the bowel.

Livonia is another product of Branolia Chemicals which assists in the healthy functioning of the liver. The liver, being a vital organ, is responsible for the disintegration of fats from food. Malfunctioning of the liver disturbs the digestion. Both these products aim at the proper functioning of the digestive system, enabling smooth bowel movement and hence, clean bowels will automatically eliminate mouth odour.

Over the years, the numerous products of Branolia Chemicals Pvt Ltd, have proved to be beneficial for the common man. Branolia, Branolia’s Kulerron, Branolia’s Honey Guard, Bitocough, Bellytone, and Livonia have testified their relevance in people’s lives through their commendable medicinal properties. The products of Branolia Chemicals have exerted immense influence on the lives of individuals. The exclusive concoctions and purity of the products manufactured are sufficient to prove Branolia Chemical’s worth in our lives.

 

Brahmi – the Herb of Grace

Ayurveda believes in the overall well- being of a human being and thus it is often termed as the ‘science of life’. Ayurveda also lays stress on maintaining a proper balance in every sphere of our lives; be it physical, emotional and spiritual. It is of utmost importance to all of us that this balance is maintained under all circumstances. In the modern world increasing digitalization is impacting our day- to – day functioning to a great extent. Till recently any individual would remember at any given times a minimum of ten phone numbers. However, with a ready to use cell phone address book and other technological devices that do the remembering for humans the ability to memorize has witnessed a downfall. But if someone is frequently being forgetful then it is time to treat one’s brain with a little bit of Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda there are three aspects of memory and learning that the brain does. They are: a) the power of learning; b) the power to retain and process and c) the power to recall and remember.The most common popular herb used in Ayurveda to enhance the functioning of the brain is Brahmi.

Scientifically known as Bacopa Monnieri ; Brahmi as it is popularly known is a herb which is being used in Ayurveda since time immemorial. It is also known as an herb of grace which is commonly used to promote intellect and overall functioning of the brain. The Brahmi plant which is a creeper with thick leaves is easily available across the globe.

The unique health benefits of this amazing Ayurvedic herb are Brahmi has been commonly used in Ayurvedic medicines to enhance the power of the brain. Some of the organic compounds in brahmi stimulate cognitive pathways in the brain to enhance the cognitive ability of humans , according to a study by Devendra, Patel Saurabh Shankar et al., 2018 (Journal of Pharmacognosy and Photochemistry). The leaves of the Brahmi plant are also known to reduce stress and anxiety in humans. It also acts in enhancing the cognitive function, reduces amyloidal levels in PSAPP mice, the effect on the cholinergic system, prevents aluminum neurotoxicity i.e., protect the brain from oxidative damage resulting from aluminum toxicity. (Source: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/medhya-rasayanas-in-brain-function-and-disease-2161-0444-1000309.php?aid=64517).

Brahmi in combination with other herbs increases the effectiveness of Branolia to a large extent. It also works as an anti – inflammatory and nerve tonic agent when combined with digestive stimulants like cumin seeds, fennel seeds to name a few.

Branolia an Ayurvedic tonic is the flagship product from the house of Branolia Chemicals was first launched in 1922.This tonic is being used for improving the mental capacities for more than a decade. Branolia is fortified with the goodness of Satamuli,Aswagandha, Jyoshtimadhu and Alkushi which apart from enhancing the capacities of the brain improves muscle and tissue flexibility. Branolia can be administered to people of all ages. It is useful to sharpen the cognitive skills in the young ones, for the middle aged to relieve them from stress. Branolia is especially of value to the senior citizens to manage age related mental degeneration. It can be consumed by all for a healthy lifestyle.

Ayurvedic Tips for a Cool Summer

Ayurveda sustains on the common knowledge that seasons are divided on the basis of elemental forces or doshas as they are popularly known. The three doshas are kapha, pitta, and dosha. The summer season is ruled by the pitta dosha which is ruled by the fire and water element. Balancing these two elements will lead to a healthy body. The advent of summer in India is laced with extreme heat, dehydration, sweat and skin problems. However, Ayurveda has a lot to offer to maintain a healthy body in this weather.

 Ayurveda believes that whatever is happening in nature is also happening inside our bodies. This simply indicates to the fact that during the hot summer months heat accumulates inside our bodies as well. Thus consuming proper food is the best tool to balance out excessive summer heat. It is only possible by consuming food with higher water content that will keep the bodies hydrated at all times. Some of the Ayurvedic tips to keep cool this summer are:

  1. Consume foods to address the Pitta Dosha: In order to balance out the doshas during the summer months including foods with cooling effect will help. The focus should be on consuming:
    • Vegetables: Cucumber, summer squashes (zucchini), celery, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and all green vegetables (spinach, kale, chard, etc.)
    • Fruits: Melons, grapes, berries, and stone fruits such as peaches and pears
  2. Time is an essential factor: It is advisable that especially during the summer months one should not skip lunch. A proper lunch will help balance out the pitta dosha and keep the body cool. Foods like meats, carrots, garlic, and chili should not be consumed in large quantities as they tend to hamper the functioning of the overall bodily functions by increasing the pitta dosha. Moreover, all strenuous activities should be avoided when the sun is overhead.
  3. Refrain from hot drinks: Hot beverages of all kinds should be especially avoided during the summer months. It is essential to consume drinks that are in the room temperature and are neither very hot nor very cool. Drinking chilled waters harm digestion in many ways.
  4. Moderate exercising is the key: Exercising should be of moderate nature as excessive exercising may create an imbalance in the body. It is always advisable to practice breathing exercises which have a calming and cooling effect on the body.
  5. Go herbal – Ayurvedic herbs have been in vogue since generation as to help in maintaining the balance and warding off the doshas. The most common herb that can be used to have a cooling effect on the brain is Brahmi along with Ashwagandha. Branoila Chemicals have been manufacturing the well-known tonic ‘Branolia’ since decades. This tonic will not only enhance brain function but will also have a cooling effect. Another important herb which is essential to detoxify the body is the Triphala. Its use as a digestive cleanser has been supported by various modern scientific studies as well. Livonia from the house of Branolia Chemicals is fortified with the goodness of Triphala will help balance out the pitta dosha.

Ayurveda strongly recommends that diet needs to change with every season to promote healthy and happy living.

Anemia at Older Age

With population aging, Anemia in older patients is a condition which doctors have to increasingly deal with. Large prospective registry studies have revealed an overall prevalence of anemia ranging from 10% to 24% in older individuals. Senior adults admitted to the hospital are more frequently affected by anemia (40%), and the prevalence is even higher (47%) in nursing home residents. Incidence of anemia rises with age with from 17% for males and 13% for females for mean age of 65 yrs to 45% for males and 30% of females in 85 yrs old age bracket.

Old_Age_Amenia

World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds were established in 1968 in a cohort of persons <65 years old, defining anemia as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <130 g/L in men and <120 g/L in women. However, Hb levels decline with age and are distinct in different ethnic groups.

Low Hb levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, insomnia, impaired mood, and restricted Quality of Life. Moreover, anemia is associated with reduced physical performance. Low Hb levels are associated with an increased risk for falls and fractures. In addition, the presence of anemia is significantly associated with more frequent hospitalization and longer hospital stays for the elderly.

The various types of anemia affecting the elderly:

Anemia based on iron, folate, and/or vitamin B12 deficiency

Iron depletion is often associated with malnutrition. Age-dependent alterations in function of Gastro Intestinal Tract, concurrent use of multiple medications, and social isolation may lead to malnutrition and subsequent anemia. Bleeding due to a variety of medications (eg, acetylsalicylic acid, standard or direct oral anticoagulants) or GI diseases, including cancer, is the most frequent cause of iron-deficient anemia in older patients.

Anemia developing in the context of Chronic Kidney Disease

At least one-third of anemic patients older than 65 years show a hyper-inflammatory state typical for Chronic kidney disease(CKD) or for AI (cancer, autoimmune disease, and chronic infection). Renal failure results in severe anemia because of reduced EPO production. Erythropoietin (EPO) is the glycoprotein hormone that promotes differentiation of Erythroid Progenitor cells in bone marrow.

Clonal Anemia

Anemia is a condition wherein the number of red blood cells decreases in number and thus the oxygen carrying capacity of blood falls. Generally it is owed to iron deficiency. However in the older population it may be because of mutation in the blood cells. Though mutations take place in our body throughout our lifetime, they are small and cause no trouble. However as we grow older, the effect of these accumulated mutations become visible.

Branolia’s Kulleron brings in the goodness of Kulekhara in helping maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood. Kulekhara herb has been known for its anemia combating abilities in traditional medicine and ratified by modern research. Kulekhara contains 7.03 mg/100 gm of iron as well as other micro nutrients like sodium, potassium and copper. All this goodness goes into Kulleron which is prepared from the whole plant including root, leaves and stem.

Kulleron is an ayurvedic formulation. Advice of the doctor for persistent anemia is recommended.

Reference:

  1. Gaskell H, Derry S, Andrew Moore R, McQuay HJ. Prevalence of anaemia in older persons: systematic review. BMC Geriatr. 2008;8:1.
  2. Merchant AA, Roy CN. Not so benign haematology: anaemia of the elderly. Br J Haematol.2012;156(2):173-185.
  3. Stauder R, Thein SL. Anemia in the elderly: clinical implications and new therapeutic concepts.Haematologica. 2014;99(7):1127-1130.
  4. Artz AS, Thirman MJ. Unexplained anemia predominates despite an intensive evaluation in a racially diverse cohort of older adults from a referral anemia clinic. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.2011;66A(8):925-932.
  5. Valent P. Anaemia of the elderly (AOE): does it exist and does it matter in clinical practice? Eur J Clin Invest. 2008;38(10):782-783.
  6. Valent P, Horny HP, Bennett JM, et al. Definitions and standards in the diagnosis and treatment of the myelodysplastic syndromes: consensus statements and report from a working conference. Leuk Res. 2007;31(6):727-736.
  7. Valent P, Orazi A, Steensma DP, et al. Proposed minimal diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and potential pre-MDS conditions. Oncotarget. 2017;8(43):73483-73500.