The gut is one of the first indicators of health. In fact, most of the body’s serotonin (which is responsible for making you feel happy) is produced in the gut, not the brain. Consequently, the gut and the brain (and how you feel) are intrinsically linked. Try Indian dosa, Idli or even varieties of bread with a side dish that will help you to recover your mood.
Blue berries, strawberry and all those berries. With blueberries considered a super food, these little round bites of sweetness are excellent at relieving angst. Rich in vitamins, phytonutrients and a variety of stress-reducing antioxidants, blueberries are the perfect snack to help activate happy messages in the brain. Have blueberry yogurt once a while -the fruit at the bottom will uplift your spirits!
Image credit: Backyardberryplants.com (For plant sale)
Bananas are a neat way to put the zing back in your system. Full of energy, vitamin B6, tryptophan, iron, magnesium and potassium, plus being a natural probiotic, high in fiber, and a regulator of blood sugar, bananas are great snack too. In fact, eating one banana as a mid-morning snack will fuel the body with enough magnesium (a stress-reducer) for the entire day
Image credit: grocerystore.com
An ounce of walnuts has 4 grams of protein. Both walnuts and cashew are also a good source of magnesium and phosphorus: Having low levels of magnesium has been linked to increased risk of depression, while high levels of magnesium have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression. Walnuts also contain cell-protecting antioxidants and are low in carbohydrates, which mean they will not cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin.
Image credit: Indiamart.com
Not only is it delish, dark chocolate is high in magnesium, a mineral that calms your muscles and reduces anxiety. It also contains tryptophan, which helps reduce symptoms of depression. Dark chocolate not only provides immediate eating pleasure, but it has a high percentage of cacaos, which has more antioxidant power than many other foods. Suggested serving is 2-4 small squares or an ounce a day.
Coffee is practically a magic bean when it comes to mood lifting: The caffeine in coffee can boost mental focus and alertness and athletic performance. Coffee consumption may also protect against Type 2 diabetes and decrease the risk of depression. But the less you consume, the better it works.
Image credit: Photo by Emre Gencer on Unsplash (Free commercial use)
One cup of kale or spinach is excellent sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K and magnesium and is good source of fiber. Spinach contains high concentrations of folate, a B-vitamin used in the serotonin creation process. Kale is also high in copper, a trace mineral that works to support many vital functions.
Image credit: www.prevention.com/whats-healthier-spinach-kale
Snoring is a health condition that can disrupt day to day activities. If you or your loved ones are suffering from this disruption it is better to take proper precautions. Snoring is caused by vibration of the soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth) as the lungs strain to inhale oxygen through obstructed airways. Typically, this occurs when the muscles that keep the airways open become too relaxed or excess tissue accumulates nearby and obstructs air flow. Any condition or substance that promotes muscle relaxation or a build-up of fatty tissue can have this effect.
These include:
The following conditions can affect the airway and cause snoring:
Habitual snoring may be more than just a nuisance. Depending on the cause of your snoring, it may result in:
There are numerous products that claim to treat snoring. However, in most cases, simple lifestyle changes can stop snoring. They include:
Herbal help to stop snoring:
1) Peppermint Oil :The anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint oil can help in reducing inflammation in the membranes of the inner lining of your nostrils. This is enough to stop snoring if it happens due to nasal congestion.
2) Ayurvedic Ghee or clarified butter: Ghee or clarified butter has many medicinal properties. It is used for curing many diseases including snoring. Not only plain ghee but Brahmi ghee too is used for the purpose. For making this ghee, Brahmi herb is boiled along with pure ghee made from cow’s milk.
3) Ginger as anti-inflammatory agent: Ginger has been known for its various properties along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. It also increases secretion of saliva which then coats the throat to provide you with a soothing effect. When honey is used with ginger, it further lubricates the tissues and also opens up nasal cavity as well as throat by reducing the swelling.
4) Eucalyptus Oil :Eucalyptus oil can excellently liquify the mucus so as to keep your airways clear for smooth breathing. Eucalyptus oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent which when applied to your nose, reduces swelling in the inner lining of the nostrils and nasal passageways. Put few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and inhale steam to reduce inflammation of nose.
5) Mint Tea :Just as peppermint oil can be useful for curing snoring, mint tea too can help it. Mint contains menthol which reduces mucous from lungs.
References:
Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Airway_obstruction.png
Attribution: Drcamachoent / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
© 2025 Copyright. All Rights reserved.
