Sunday, January 27, 2013

Anti-Aging: Ayurvedic Treatments and Home Remedy




Ayurveda and Yoga says that a normal human being should live 120 years, and through Sadhana (Routine practice of certain physical activities) one can prolong his life well past 160. While this concept was ridiculed by the western medicine, today the modern science accepts the fact that human beings should live 120 years or more. Human life span is solely determined by the number of times cells can replicate. It is genetically predetermined and researchers conclude that based on that concept a man should live 120 years or more.

Though humans are designed to live over 120 years, the average life span hovers around 70.  The reason for this is the deterioration of cells and tissues caused mainly because of the free radicals. These free radicals are oxidizing agents created in our system due to metabolism, toxins, pollutants, metals and so on. To combat this our body needs anti-oxidants. Too much of stress and insufficient supply of anti-oxidants increases the speed of aging. Ayurveda prescribes certain herbs to combat this accelerated aging, coupled with certain yoga asanas, people can effectively fight quick aging and regain their youth and vitality.
Most of the anti-aging herbs mentioned here are safe for prolonged usage.


Anti Aging Herbal Supplements

1. Indian Gooseberry (Amla, Phyllanthus Emblica)
Indian gooseberries are one of the richest sources of vitamin c (contains 720 mg of vitamin C per 100 gm of fruit) . It has 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges  However the herbal benefits of the Indian gooseberries are not restricted to vitamin c alone, it also has immune boosting and anti-aging benefits. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, learn more about Indian Gooseberries (Amla)

2. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurveda and has been in use for thousands of years in curing several diseases like ulcers, inflammations and impotence. The important constituents of ashwaganda are alkaloids and steroidal lactones like tropine and cuscohygrine.  Ashwagandha’s leaf extract boosts our Immune system and increase T-cell generation. The chemical agents in ashwagandha relieves the body of stress and oxidative degeneration. It is an excellent anti-aging supplement which detoxifies the body and controls inflammation and arthritis.

3. Guduchi – Tinospora Cordiofolia (Indian Tinospora)
Guduchi is generally used in Ayurveda to treat diabetes. However in addition Guduchi is used to strengthen the body and as an immunomodulator. It increases vitality and longevity.

4. Yashtimadhu (Licorice, Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
The rhizomes of Yashtimadhu is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants and this supplement rejuvenates and protects the liver and increases cell growth and cellular health. It is prescribed by Ayurveda to control pre-mature aging.

5. Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Garlic is a prohibited food in yogic diet (the sattvik diet), however it is considered as a powerful medicine by ayurveda for certain conditions. It is prescribed for issues related to cardiovascular system and to overcome premature aging. It has enormous amounts of anti-oxidants  and important compounds like allicin and diallyl sulphide.

6. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna)
This again is prescribed for heart related issues, but this herb also acts as an anti-aging herb.

7. Centella Asiatica (Vallarai, Brahmi)
Centella asiatica is a very important herb in both Ayurveda and Siddha systems. It is longevity herb, it is one of the most powerful adaptogens, it improves memory and controls mental fatigue and oxidative stress. It improves wound healing  and reduces scar tissues. Excellent anti-aging herb.


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Be Smart with Antibiotics




Antibiotics are powerful medicines that should be reserved for situations that demand them, for instance, when the immune system cannot contain a bacterial infection or when a bacterial infec...tion establishes itself in a vital organ like the heart, lungs, or brain.


Antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria that are making you sick, they also destroy the beneficial flora in your gut, and can promote the development of resistant organisms in your body. There's even evidence that without normal "friendly" bacteria in the digestive tract, our immune system wouldn't function properly, and we would be less resistant to harmful bugs.



To restore the helpful organisms, be sure to take supplemental probiotics while you're on antibiotics. Acidophilus is the general name for dried or liquid cultures of the living lactobacillus bacteria that aid digestion. Always check the expiration date to help ensure that the acidophilus product you choose is still viable. Take one tablespoon of the liquid culture or one to two capsules after meals, unless the label directs otherwise. I recommend taking acidophilus to restore "friendly" cultures even when on antibiotics for just a few days. And I particularly recommend products containing lactobacillus GG or bacillus coagulans 30 (BC-30), two strains proven to survive passage through the strong acid in the stomach.