All posts by Sumana Rao

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Ergot alkaloids

Ergot alkaloids Mycotoxins

Ergot alkaloids are large group of toxin compounds produced by certain fungi belonging to the genus Claviceps and its close relatives of fungi -Strains of C. purpurea, C. paspali and C. fusiformis.

Ergots are compact masses of hardened fungal mycelium called sclerotia that contain nutrient reserves in fungi. Thus, it helps fungi to survive adverse conditions.

Ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine and ergotamine are used in pharmacological applications. Ergot alkaloids poisoning can increase complexity of cardiovascular function, increase uterine motility, can cause vomiting, decreased circulation, weak pulse, nausea and could lead to coma. In livestock, these poisons can cause issues with reproductive performances.

Image credit: Thank you: Beef Cattle Research Council

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 25, 2021
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Mucormycosis fungal infection in covid patients

Mucormycosis Fungal Infection in Covid-19 Patients

A fungal infection that resulted in loss of eyesight was reported in New Delhi and several hospitals across India.  According to doctors the fungal infection in patients was triggered by Covid-19. The infection also resulted in removal of jaw and nose bone and five people died because of the infection.

The black fungus infection called Mucormycosis occurs when the body immunity system is too week because of severe illness. In this case, mucormycosis infection happened with patients who were tested positive and treated for current pandemic.

COVID-19 infections may be associated with a wide range of bacterial and fungal co-infections:

According to Dr. Manish Munjal, Seniro ENT surgeon “The frequency with which we are witnessing the occurrenc rof Covid-19 triggered mcormycosis with high morbidity and mortality is alarming.  Early clinical suspicion on symptoms such as nose obstruction, swelling in the eye or cheeks, black dry cursts in the nose needs prompt biopsy and antifungal therapy as soon as possible”

Dr Neha Sethi, ENT specialist, consultant at Dharmashila Naryana Superspeciality Hospital –“It is a fungal infection which starts in the nasal area, throat, and then soon spreads to the eyes, brain, and finally, the entire body. Once it starts infecting a patient’s brain, it becomes life-threatening. Its rapid spread worsens the condition which can lead to multiple organ failure as well if left untreated or not treated at the right time. In the process, it damages immunity, aggravates other diseases, and makes the patient infection-prone”

The same Mucormycosis was also reported from Ahmedabad in patients who recovered from Covid-19 with preexisiting conditions such as diabetes, heart and or kidney disease or cancer conditions. Our of 46 cases nine patients died by Mucormycosis infection.

Mucormycosis is a rare type of fungal infection caused by mold that belongs to Mucorales family It is present in soil, rotten wood, leaves, decaying organic matter such as leaves etc. When people encounter the spores, they can get infected in lung or sinus through spore inhalation. It can also infect skin by means of cut, burn, scrape or any type of skin wounds.

Rhizopus, Mucor, Syncephalasturm, Cunninghamella, Apophysomyces, Rhizomucor are prominent fungal species that are responsible for mucormycosis infection.

Types of mucormycosis (source: CDC)

  1. Rhinocerebral (sinus and brain) mucormycosis is an infection in the sinuses that can spread to the brain. This form of mucormycosis is most common in people with uncontrolled diabetes and in people who have had a kidney transplant. 7-8
  2. Pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis is the most common type of mucormycosis in people with cancer and in people who have had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant.
  3. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is more common among young children than adults, especially premature and low birth weight infants less than 1 month of age, who have had antibiotics, surgery, or medications that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. 9-10
  4. Cutaneous (skin) mucormycosis: occurs after the fungi enter the body through a break in the skin (for example, after surgery, a burn, or other type of skin trauma). This is the most common form of mucormycosis among people who do not have weakened immune systems.
  5. Disseminated mucormycosis occurs when the infection spreads through the bloodstream to affect another part of the body. The infection most commonly affects the brain, but also can affect other organs such as the spleen, heart, and skin.

Symptoms:

1)Continuous headache,

2) heaviness and swelling in the facial area,

3) Badly swollen eyes

4) black spots around the swollen area

5) black spots inside nose

6) chocked throat etc.

Treatment: Endoscopy and CT scan helps to diagnose the infection.  Antifungal injection is given primarily. To remove fungal balls from affected organs surgery assistance might be needed. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and will be decided by doctor.

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection. The severity of the infection depends on the immunity system of patients. Highly immunity compromised patients with preexisiting health issues such as severe diabetes, cancer or multiple surgeries could easily get infected by the fungal spores.

What is alarming is, fungus is infecting those who recovered from Covid. It means Covid-19 infections affects our immune system severely. Yes, we all are getting ready to receive the vaccine. Even after receiving the vaccine, we all must continue taking precautions to stop Covid -19 virus spread by maintaining social distancing, by wearing masks, washing hands frequently and avoiding huge gathering. If you or your near ones are covid survivor, tell them to go for regular health checkups to make sure there is not further complications including Mucormycosis infections.

References:

www.cdc.gov

https://www.e-ce.org/

https://link.springer.com/

https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 19, 2021
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Celebration of Makara Sankranthi

Celebration of Science & Spirituality: Makar Sankranthi

Respecting and honoring the Sun is practiced in all religions. The Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. The Sun is source of energy. The movement of Sun into zodiac of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit) is called Makara Sankranthi. This day marks the end of cold, winter and gloomy days. What we are going experience next several months is brighter Sun, brighter days and plants coming back to life. On this auspicious day yogis also practice Sun Salutation to achieve the positive aura.

Sankranti literally means “movement.” Makar Sankranti denotes neutralization of inner illusion by lightening inner glow. The day of Sankranti people worship nature and it is also symbolizes harvest season. On January 14  every year or occasionally  on 15th  January , we celebrate Makar Sankranti. It is the only Indian festival celebrated on a fixed calendared day of the solar calendar. On this day, people make offerings to the animals particularly the cow. Cow which plays a vital role in agriculture is worshipped on this harvest festival. In many villages, on this day cows are decorated with colors, bells & clothes and worshipped along with harvested crops. This signifies that nature is supreme.

On Makara Sankranthi day Surya (The Sun) is worshipped : Sankranti (Sanskrit: संक्रान्ति sankrānti) means transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi (constellation of the zodiac in Indian astronomy) to the next. Hence, there are 12 Sankrantis in a year. Makara Sankranthi marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path, and the six-month Uttarayana period. The term Uttarayana is derived from two different Sanskrit words “uttara” (North) and “ayana” (movement) thus indicating a semantic of the northward movement of the Sun on the celestial sphere. In India except Makara Sankranthi all other Indian festivals are celebrated as per the lunar calendar, which make days of celebration on the solar calendar vary every year. In India, we follow a lunar calendar; the moon goes from new moon to new moon or full moon to full moon in 29.5 days. We get 12 full moons in 354 days, making a lunar calendar year 354 days long. However, the Sun returns to the same spot in the sky every 365.25 days. This shows there is a difference of 11.25 days between the solar and lunar years. Every 2.5 years, therefore, an intercalary month (the Adhik Maas) is added to the lunar calendar to roughly synchronies the two.

Many astrological books are based upon solar calculations. The sun is the most important and the most prominent of our stars and the undisputed lord of our planetary system. The sun always comes first. First day of the week commences with Sunday (Ravi).  Science attaches great importance to the sun. The sun is the inexhaustible storehouse and the source of light and energy. Without sunlight, creatures and vegetation would cease to exist. People will lose their life sustaining vitality. Lack of nourishing substances would lead to the end of creation. This is why the sun’s existence, movements and positions in the cosmos are so important and that is why the sun earns our respect, admiration and reverence. As Makar Sankranti is one of the oldest solstice festivals and falls on the equinox, day and night on this day are believed to be equally long. Post the festival, it is officially the beginning of spring or the onset of Indian summer and the days become longer, and nights shorter.

According to Hinduism from Makar Sakranti onwards when the sun is travelling northwards, innumerable auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere improve. Children born during this period are naturally progressive, well mannered, pleasant and of noble disposition. The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the owner of Makar Rashi. This day symbolizes the healthy relationship of father & son. It is responsibility of the  son to carry forward his father’s dream and the legacy of family.

Makar Sankranti is the festival of seeds and sweet – sesame, ground nut and jaggery where sesame and jaggery laddoos or chikkis are distributed among all. While eating sesame & jaggery  people say “Til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola”, meaning ‘eat these sesame seeds and jaggery and speak sweet words’.

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/

http://www.wikipedia.com

Image: www.werindia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 15, 2021
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Carrot laddu

Carrot Laddu Recipe For Makar Sankranthi

Carrot laddu is a tasty dessert that takes less time to prepare. On the occasion of Makar Sankranthi festival give it a try and prepare carrot laddu using simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

  1. Grated carrot: 1 cup
  2. Grated coconut: 1 cup
  3. Jaggery: 1 cup (or sugar)
  4. Ghee: 2-3 spoons
  5. Besan (gram) flour- ¼ cup
  6. Cardamom powder – little
  7. Cashew and raisins- few

Preparation:


  1. Fry besan powder in ghee. Let it turn to golden brown color and release the fragrance.
  2. Prepare thick jaggery (or sugar) water using ½ cup water. Thickness can be tested by holding the jaggery water between two finger and it should stick to fingers, leaving thin thread when you separate the fingers.
  3. Add grated carrot and coconut to jaggery mix and continue mixing the contents on low flame.
  4. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
  5. In a separate vessel fry raisin and cashew to golden brown. Add this to carrot mix.
  6. Continue mixing on low flame till the whole mix starts separating from the bottom of the vessel.
  7. Prepare small round laddus. After cooling laddus completely, transfer laddus to airtight container.

Image credit: Image credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/282812051587420529/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 14, 2021
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Celebration of Makara Sankranthi

Celebration of Science & Spirituality: Makar Sankranthi

Respecting and honoring the Sun is practiced in all religions. The Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. The Sun is source of energy. The movement of Sun into zodiac of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit) is called Makara Sankranthi. This day marks the end of cold, winter and gloomy days. What we are going experience next several months is brighter Sun, brighter days and plants coming back to life. On this auspicious day yogis also practice Sun Salutation to achieve the positive aura.

Sankranti literally means “movement.” Makar Sankranti denotes neutralization of inner illusion by lightening inner glow. The day of Sankranti people worship nature and it is also symbolizes harvest season. On January 14  every year or occasionally  on 15th  January , we celebrate Makar Sankranti. It is the only Indian festival celebrated on a fixed calendared day of the solar calendar. On this day, people make offerings to the animals particularly the cow. Cow which plays a vital role in agriculture is worshipped on this harvest festival. In many villages, on this day cows are decorated with colors, bells & clothes and worshipped along with harvested crops. This signifies that nature is supreme.

On Makara Sankranthi day Surya (The Sun) is worshipped : Sankranti (Sanskrit: संक्रान्ति sankrānti) means transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi (constellation of the zodiac in Indian astronomy) to the next. Hence, there are 12 Sankrantis in a year. Makara Sankranthi marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path, and the six-month Uttarayana period. The term Uttarayana is derived from two different Sanskrit words “uttara” (North) and “ayana” (movement) thus indicating a semantic of the northward movement of the Sun on the celestial sphere. In India except Makara Sankranthi all other Indian festivals are celebrated as per the lunar calendar, which make days of celebration on the solar calendar vary every year. In India, we follow a lunar calendar; the moon goes from new moon to new moon or full moon to full moon in 29.5 days. We get 12 full moons in 354 days, making a lunar calendar year 354 days long. However, the Sun returns to the same spot in the sky every 365.25 days. This shows there is a difference of 11.25 days between the solar and lunar years. Every 2.5 years, therefore, an intercalary month (the Adhik Maas) is added to the lunar calendar to roughly synchronies the two.

Many astrological books are based upon solar calculations. The sun is the most important and the most prominent of our stars and the undisputed lord of our planetary system. The sun always comes first. First day of the week commences with Sunday (Ravi).  Science attaches great importance to the sun. The sun is the inexhaustible storehouse and the source of light and energy. Without sunlight, creatures and vegetation would cease to exist. People will lose their life sustaining vitality. Lack of nourishing substances would lead to the end of creation. This is why the sun’s existence, movements and positions in the cosmos are so important and that is why the sun earns our respect, admiration and reverence. As Makar Sankranti is one of the oldest solstice festivals and falls on the equinox, day and night on this day are believed to be equally long. Post the festival, it is officially the beginning of spring or the onset of Indian summer and the days become longer, and nights shorter.

According to Hinduism from Makar Sakranti onwards when the sun is travelling northwards, innumerable auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere improve. Children born during this period are naturally progressive, well mannered, pleasant and of noble disposition. The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the owner of Makar Rashi. This day symbolizes the healthy relationship of father & son. It is responsibility of the  son to carry forward his father’s dream and the legacy of family.

Makar Sankranti is the festival of seeds and sweet – sesame, ground nut and jaggery where sesame and jaggery laddoos or chikkis are distributed among all. While eating sesame & jaggery  people say “Til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola”, meaning ‘eat these sesame seeds and jaggery and speak sweet words’.

References:

Image: www.werindia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Food recommendation to reduce belly fat, inflammation & weight

Food recommendation to reduce belly fat, inflammation & weight

As per the reports, current pandemic has huge impact on human lifestyle. People who were active physically, have reduced their physical activities. Companies are closing their offices to save rent and people are continuing to work from home. While at home with family, many are choosing sedentary lifestyle and the obesity has increased around the globe. This includes both children as well as adults. Closed schools and colleges and online classes are making children to be more obese. Weight gain around the belly is an indication of an unhealthy lifestyle. This could result in weakened immune system and as a result people are inviting the diseases such as diabetes, body inflammation, heart conditions etc. Such health conditions make it easy for Covid-19 virus to get into our system. How to reduce and take control of increasing weight? By choosing healthy eating habits and getting back to exercise.

Reducing belly fat is important to be healthy. It is not that difficult to reduce belly fat with proper exercises and good choice of healthy food.

If not reduced, belly fat can cause health issues such as body inflammation and heaviness of the body that can lead to problems like knee pain, leg pain, lower back pain, diabetes, increase in other chronic conditions… etc. 

Overweight also acts on energy balance. How to reduce belly fat? Combination of exercises and good choice of food.

We are presenting here our choices of foods that helps to reduce not only belly fat also body weight and inflammation. 

References:

  • https://www.truthaboutweight.com/
  • https://www.worldobesity.org/
  • https://www.wcrf.org/
  • Image credit: Belly fat: Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay (Free CC0)

Coffee and Green Tea: Click here to read more

Coffee and Green Tea: Click here to read more

Sweet Potatoes and Greens: Click here to read more

Sweet Potato And Greens

Pears and Apples: Click here to read more

Pears And Apples

Hot Peppers and Cinnamon: Click here to read more

Hot Peppers And Cinnamon

Quinoa and Soup: Click here to read more

Quinoa And Soup

Tabouli and Raw Vegetables: Click here to read more

Tabouli And Veg Salad

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 11, 2021
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Cilantro plant benefits

Home Remedies and Many Benefits of Herb Coriander

Next time when your stomach gets upset, consider taking a glass of buttermilk with coriander juice for great relief! Also known as cilantro, coriander is an annual herb and is one of the most popular culinary herbs around the globe. Its unique fragrance adds extra flavor to dishes. Cilantro is a must to give finishing touch to spicy curries. Coriander seeds have unique structure and contains oil glands called vittae inside which oil is stored. Coriander seed powder has many culinary as well as medicinal applications just like cilantro plant.

 The aroma of ripened coriander seeds is somewhat different from the cilantro plant. For some people cilantro smell reminds of soap odor. Cilantro leaves, stem and seeds are the parts used in medicine as well as in cooking.

Coriander seeds
  1. Digestion aid: Add washed cilantro pieces to buttermilk with salt and asafetida. Mix and drink. This will help to get rid of bloated tummy, releases gas and helps in digestion. You can prepare cilantro juice and mix with buttermilk, salt and asafetida. It is an appetite stimulant and promotes gastric juice secretion.
  2. Reduces anxiety: Using coriander seeds prepare tea. Boil water and add half tsp of coriander seed powder. Drink this tea to reduce anxiety.
  3. Mouth ulcers: Seeds water and paste of fresh cilantro plants are remedy for mouth ulcers.
  4. For infections: Coriander leaves are used in treating skin infections called erysipelas a type of infection caused by streptococcal bacteria. It is a remedy for fungal infections too!
  5. For insomnia: Drinking coriander seed water one hour before going to bed improves sleep. There is no side effect and this will help to get good sleep throughout the night.
  6. For diabetes: Do you know cilantro is good for reducing blood sugar level. Add cilantro to food, prepare chutney or make tea out of seeds – cilantro promotes liver health, and this will help to reduce blood sugar level
  7. For food poisoning: In traditional remedies, cilantro is recommended for detoxification of body. Cilantro thus removes poison from the system.
  8. For cardiovascular health: Coriander reduces high blood pressure, brings down cholesterol level. Potassium content in cilantro helps to control blood pressure and maintains sodium balance. Including cilantro in diet is helpful for heart conditions.
  9. Urinary tract infection relief: Drinking coriander seed water is helpful to reduce UTI. Soak cilantro seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning. Cilantro helps to clean up UTI and reduces the pain.
  10. Menstrual pain: Coriander seed khashayam is recommended for menstrual pain and problems. Drinking this will help to regulate the cycle.
  11. For inflammation: To reduce neurological inflammation coriander seed water is helpful. Including cilantro in diet regularly will help to fight inflammation caused by nerves.
  12. Colon cancer: Detoxification property of cilantro is helpful in cleansing colon. This prevents colon cancer and promotes colon health.
  13. Good for skin and joints: Any type of skin irritation can be treated with cilantro. Cilantro plant and cilantro seed poultice is helpful in reducing joint pain and rheumatism.
  14. To get over the hangover: Seeds of cilantro is a good remedy for hangover. Chewing the seeds or drinking the seed water helps to recover from hangover.

Growing cilantro is very easy. Some people grow cilantro throughout the year in kitchen garden. In moist and well drained soil, coriander seeds germinate and grow well.

Image: Image by ReStyled Living from Pixabay & Image by PDPics from Pixabay   (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 8, 2021
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Basil zucchini soup

Basil zucchini Jalapeno soup

Who does not want to have hot food while sitting at home and take care that irritating throat during flu season? Try a nutritious soup for cold and flu.

Basil zucchini jalapeno soup is very tasty and not only it gives taste bud a lift,  it also helps throat to recover.

What you need?

  1. Olive oil – 1 Tbsp
  2. Garlic – 3 cloves
  3. Chopped green onions – One bunch
  4. Zucchini – 1 medium size
  5. Basil – Half bunch
  6. Jalapeno – 1 (remove seeds and cut into small pieces)
  7. Cilantro – 1 bunch
  8. Crushed black pepper – 1 Tsp
  9. Salt – as per your taste

 Method:

  1. Make a puree of zucchini and basil using a grinder/mixer.
  2. On medium heat place a container and add olive oil.
  3. To slightly heated olive oil add garlic, green onions and jalapeno. Cook the contents while stirring for few minutes.
  4. Add zucchini and basil puree and continue stirring.
  5. Add chopped cilantro and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the content to cool.
  6. Add this soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Garnish with croutons and fried onions and serve hot with bread, chapatti, roti or as a starter before lunch or dinner!

www. Healthylife.werindia.com

Image credit: Image by RitaE from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 5, 2021
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