All posts by Sumana Rao

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Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

Enhances emotional wellbeing: Vagal tone (the strength of vagus nerve function) is closely tied to emotional resilience and mental health. Higher vagal tone is associated with lower anxiety, better emotional regulation, and a greater ability to cope with stress.

Facilitates communication between organs: It helps coordinate organ functions to maintain homeostasis (the body’s stable internal environment). For example, it sends signals from the brain to the stomach to begin digestion or from the lungs to slow breathing during rest.

Plays a role in reflexes: It is involved in reflex actions like coughing, swallowing, sneezing, and gagging. Proper vagus nerve function ensures these reflexes work efficiently, protecting the body from harm.

Promote healing and recovery: By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve helps the body repair itself after injury or illness. It reduces oxidative stress and enhances cellular recovery.

Image credit: Photo from University of Minnesota Medical School. https://twin-cities.umn.edu/


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 20, 2025
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Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

Supports digestion: It controls the digestive system by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and promoting gut motility. A healthy vagus nerve ensures proper nutrient absorption and helps prevent issues like bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

Maintains a healthy gut-brain connection: The vagus nerve forms a crucial link in the gut-brain axis, influencing mood, emotions, and mental health. A healthy gut, supported by vagal activity, produces neurotransmitters like serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone).

Reduces inflammation: The vagus nerve has anti-inflammatory effects. It helps regulate the immune system and prevent chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and depression.

Image credit: Image by Steve Morissette from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Keep Vagus Nerve Happy And Healthy For Better Mental And Physical Health

Keep Vagus Nerve Happy And Healthy For Better Mental And Physical Health

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in the human body because it serves as a key communicator between the brain and various organs. Vagus nerve is the longest nerve that starts from the brain and ends in colon. Its proper functioning is essential for maintaining physical and emotional health.

 

Importance of Vagus nerve:

 

Connects the brain and body: The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), often called the “rest and digest” system. It connects the brainstem to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, digestive tract, liver, and kidneys, regulating their functions.

 

Helps managing stress: The vagus nerve plays a critical role in counteracting the “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous system. Activating the vagus nerve helps the body relax, lowers stress hormones (like cortisol), and restores balance.

 

Regulates the heart and breathing: It helps slow down the heart rate and regulate blood pressure, ensuring cardiovascular health. The vagus nerve is involved in calming breathing patterns, especially during stress or physical activity.

 

Image credit: Anatomy, Head and Neck: Anterior Vagus Nerve (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

References:

 

Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

 

Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

 

Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

 

Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

 

What is Vagal Tone And Factors Influencing Vagal Tone

What is Vagal Tone And Factors Influencing Vagal Tone

 

Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve

 

Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve

 

Gargling, Meditation And Yoga Activates Vagus Nerve

 

Gargling, Meditation And Yoga Activates Vagus Nerve

 

Laughter, Massage And Guided Imagery Exercises Helps Vagus Nerve

 

Laughter, Massage And Guided Imagery Exercises Helps Vagus Nerve

 

Eating Gut Friendly Food Supports Vagus Nerve

 

Eating Gut Friendly Food Supports Vagus Nerve

 


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Breathing for weight loss

Deep Breathing Exercises Aids Weight Reduction

Do you know? Incorporating deep breathing exercises in your daily routine can help with weight loss? Traditional diets and exercises directly help in reducing weight by directly burning calories.  Whereas deep breathing instead of directly burning calories, aids weight loss by following means-,

1. Reducing stress and lowering cortisol: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can cause fat storage, especially around the belly. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and lowering cortisol, which may prevent weight gain.

2. Improving digestion and metabolism: Deep breathing increases oxygen flow in the body, improving digestion and gut health. Better digestion means more efficient nutrient absorption and reduced bloating.

3. Boosting oxygenation and fat oxidation: Breathing deeply enhances oxygen intake, which helps the body break down fat more efficiently. Oxygen plays a key role in metabolic processes, and better oxygen flow may support fat loss.

4. Enhancing mindfulness and eating habits: Mindful breathing can help control emotional eating, making it easier to recognize true hunger versus stress cravings. This naturally reduces overeating.

5. Supporting physical activity and recovery: Breathing exercises improve lung capacity and endurance, making workouts more effective and reducing fatigue, which indirectly aids weight loss.

Best deep breathing techniques that support weight loss:

1. Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing – Boosts metabolism & reduces stress: Enhances oxygen flow, improves digestion, and lowers cortisol.

  • Sit or lie down comfortably.
  • Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
  • Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand.
  • Exhale slowly through your mouth, pulling your navel inward.
  • Repeat for 5–10 minutes daily.

2. Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) – Activates fat-burning & detoxifies: Increases oxygenation, stimulates digestion, and supports hormonal balance.

  • Sit cross-legged with a straight spine.
  • Take a deep inhale through your nose.
  • Exhale forcefully and quickly by contracting your lower belly.
  • Continue rapid exhales (1 per second) for 30 seconds, then rest.
  • Repeat for 3 rounds.

3. Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) – Boosts energy & burns calories: Speeds up metabolism and improves circulation.

  • Sit comfortably and inhale deeply through your nose.
  • Exhale forcefully through your nose, engaging your core.
  • Continue strong, rhythmic breathing for 20 breaths.
  • Rest and repeat for 3 rounds.

4. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) – Balances hormones & reduces cravings: Calms the nervous system and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

  • Sit comfortably, closing your right nostril with your thumb.
  • Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
  • Close your left nostril and exhale through the right nostril.
  • Inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left.
  • Repeat for 5 minutes.

5. Box Breathing (4-4-4-4) – Curbs stress-induced weight gain: Regulates cortisol and prevents emotional eating.

  • Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds.
  • Repeat for 3–5 minutes.

When to practice deep breathing to achieve maximum benefits?

Morning – To kickstart metabolism.
Before meals – To improve digestion and mindful eating.
Before bed – To lower cortisol and aid fat-burning sleep.

Incorporate these breathing exercises into your routine for a healthier metabolism and natural weight balance!


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Measles in children

Measles in Children- What Parents Need To Know

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Concern for measles in children is because of recent measles outbreaks in children that ishappening in the western countries -,

West Texas (2025): 48+ cases, among unvaccinated children.
Ohio (2024): Outbreak in schools due to low vaccine rates.
Europe and UK (2024–2025): Increasing cases among unvaccinated toddlers.

Symptoms of measles in children: Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure and progress in stages:

Early symptoms (Days 1–4):

  • High fever (can reach 104°F or higher)
  • Runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Fatigue & loss of appetite

Koplik’s spots (Days 2–3):

Measles rash (Days 3–5):

  • Begins as flat red spots on the face and hairline.
  • Spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
  • May merge into large patches and last 5–7 days before fading.

What are some complications can parents expect? While most children recover, measles can cause serious complications, especially in infants, malnourished children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Common complications:

  • Ear infections -which can lead to hearing loss.
  • Diarrhea -causing dehydration.

Severe complications:

  • Pneumonia -most common cause of death in measles cases
  • Encephalitis -brain swelling, leading to seizures or disability.
  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) – A rare but fatal brain disorder that can develop years after measles infection.

Prevention: Measles vaccination (MMR Vaccine):

The best way to prevent measles is vaccination with the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.

MMR vaccine schedule for children:

First dose: 12–15 months old
Second dose: 4–6 years old

If a child misses a dose, they should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

How effective is the MMR vaccine?

  • 1 dose = 93% protection against measles
  • 2 doses = 97% protections for life

Other preventive measures:

  • Handwashing: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap.
  • Avoiding contact: Keep infected children isolated for at least 4 days after a rash appears.
  • Post exposure prevention: If an unvaccinated child is exposed, they may still get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours or receive immune globulin (IG) within 6 days to reduce severity.

What to do If your child gets measles?

Rest and hydration – Encourage fluids to prevent dehydration.
Fever management – Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) (avoid aspirin).
Vitamin A supplementation – Reduces measles complications.
Monitor for complications – Seek urgent medical care if the child has:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe dehydration (not urinating, very weak)
  • Seizures

Health officials strongly urge parents to vaccinate children to prevent further outbreaks. If your child shows any such symptoms described above, please contact the child’s pediatrician, or seek advice from your primary care.

References:

Image credit: Dave Haygarth https://www.flickr.com/photos/minnellium/ (https://flic.kr/p/6ixHyo) CC by 2.0 (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 19, 2025
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Methi leaves pathra

Healthy Methi Leaves Patra

Fenugreek leaves or methi leaves has slight bitter taste but is good source of several nutrients including soluble fiber. It is a good medicinal herb and when cooked tastes delicious. Methi leaves has similar health benefits as its seeds or fenugreek seeds. It helps in easy digestion, reduces gas, promotes hair health, gives good nourishment for skin etc. Methi patra (or pathrode) is a tasty dish like Colocasia patra, where Colocasia is replaced by cut methi leaves. All other ingredients are same and takes less time to prepare. It is a good snack item for diabetic patients and for those who are looking for a vegan snack.

Ingredients:

  1. Methi (Fenugreek) leaves – 1 bunch
  2. Urad dal – 1 Tbsp
  3. Channa dal- 1 Tbsp
  4. Coriander seeds -1 Tbsp
  5. Rice – ¼ cup
  6. Grated coconut -1/2 cup
  7. Cumin – 1 tsp
  8. Ginger -1/2 inch
  9. Green chilli -2
  10. Red chili – 4-5
  11. Jaggery – little
  12. Tamarind – 2 inch

Preparation:

  1. Wash and soak rice, channa dal, urad dal, coriander seeds in ¾ cup water for about 3 hours.
  2. Grind soaked ingredients with chilli, red chilli, jaggery, tamarind, coconut, cumin seeds to a coarse paste (thicker than dosa batter) by adding little water.
  3. Clean. wash and cut methi leaves to small size, remove grown stem portion.
  4. Mix cut methi leaves with spicy batter.
  5. Transfer the mix to a clean banana leaf (leaves) and fold the banana leaf
  6. Place banana leaf containing methi masala mix in a cooker bowl and steam cook for 20 minutes
  7. In between open the cooker lid and check to see whether the content is  cooked well.
  8. Remove the cooked methi patra and allow it to cool.
  9. In a frying pan heat 1 Tbsp oil, add mustard, curry leaves, urad dal (1/2 tsp), little turmeric  and pinch of asafetida.
  10. Remove methi patra from banana leaf, cut into small pieces and add methi patra pieces to seasoning, miix well for few minutes.
  11. Remove from flame, garnish with little fresh grated coconut and little lemon juice. Serve hot methi patra with chapati, jeera rice or one can eat methi pathra as it is.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 16, 2025
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Measles outbreak in Texas USA

Measles Outbreak Continues In Rural West Texas

As of February 16, 2025, a significant measles outbreak is affecting West Texas, USA marking the state’s most severe occurrence in three decades. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 48 confirmed cases, primarily among unvaccinated children and adolescents. Thirteen individuals have been hospitalized due to complications.

The outbreak is concentrated in Gaines County, particularly within a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates. Surrounding counties—Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum—have also reported cases. Health officials are collaborating with local authorities to enhance vaccination efforts and public education to curb the virus’s spread.

What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral disease presenting symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red or brown rash. Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis. The MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is a proven preventive measure, with two doses offering substantial protection. Residents in the affected regions are strongly encouraged to verify their vaccination status and receive the MMR vaccine if necessary.

Recent Measles Outbreaks (2024–2025 updates): Measles cases are rising in several areas due to declining vaccination rates:

  • West Texas (2025) – 48+ cases, primarily in unvaccinated communities.
  • Ohio (2024) – Outbreak among unvaccinated schoolchildren.
  • Europe & UK (2024–2025) – Measles surges due to vaccine hesitancy.
  • Philippines (2024) – Over 1,000 measles cases linked to low vaccine coverage.

Health officials strongly encourage vaccinations to prevent further outbreaks.

Measles symptoms and prevention: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and progress in stages:

Early symptoms (Prodromal phase – 2 to 4 Days):

  • High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
  • Cough (dry and persistent)
  • Runny nose (coryza)
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue and malaise

Key identifying signs:

  • Koplik’s spots (Tiny white spots with a bluish-white center inside the mouth, on the inner cheeks) appear 1–2 days before the rash.
  • Measles rash (3 to 5 days after symptoms start):
    • Begins as flat red spots on the face and hairline.
    • Spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
    • May merge and form larger patches.
    • Can be itchy and lasts about 6–7 days before fading.

Complications (more common in high-risk groups)

  • Ear infections -can lead to hearing loss.
  • Diarrhea -leading to dehydration.
  • Pneumonia -most common cause of measles-related deaths
  • Encephalitis –brain swelling, leading to seizures or disability.
  • Pregnancy risks – increases miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

Supportive care:

  1. Rest and hydration – Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  2. Fever reduction – Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to manage fever (avoid aspirin in children due to Reye’s syndrome risk).
  3. Vitamin A supplementation – Reduces severity and risk of complications, especially in children.
  4. Cough and sore throat relief – Use humidifiers or steam therapy. Avoid irritants like smoke.
  5. Isolation – Measles is highly contagious. Patients should stay home and avoid public places for at least 4 days after rash onset to prevent spreading.

When to seek emergency care?

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent high fever (above 104°F)
  • Severe dehydration (not urinating, extreme fatigue)
  • Confusion or seizures

Measles vaccination and prevention: MMR Vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella): The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

Dosage and schedule:

  • First dose: 12–15 months old
  • Second dose: 4–6 years old
  • If missed, adults and older children can still receive the vaccine at any time.

Effectiveness: One dose is 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses provide 97% protection for life.

Who should get the vaccine?

  • All children
  • Adults born after 1957 who have not been vaccinated.
  • Travelers going to measles-endemic areas.
  • Healthcare workers
  • College students & those in high-risk settings

Who should not get the vaccine?

  • Pregnant women (should get vaccinated after delivery)
  • People with severe allergic reactions to vaccine components
  • Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients)

Post-exposure protection: If an unvaccinated person is exposed to measles, these steps can help:

  1. MMR Vaccine (within 72 hours) – Can prevent or lessen the severity of the illness.
  2. Immune Globulin (IG) (within 6 days) – Provides temporary protection for high-risk groups (infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals).

This outbreak has reignited discussions about vaccination policies, especially concerning nonmedical exemptions. Experts warn that increasing exemption rates may lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks in the future.

References:

  1. https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news-alert
  2. https://apnews.com/article/
  3. https://expressnews.com/news/texas/article
  4. www.cnn.com
  5. Image credit: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/php/laboratories/serology.html

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Raw Banana Cutlet

Raw Banana Cutlet Recipe

Raw bananas are healthy and contain nutrients that support our digestive system. The main ingredient is starch and the same starch converts to sugar in ripened bananas. The starch in raw banana does not digest in small intestine totally, hence it is considered as dietary fiber. Another ingredient in raw banana is pectin. Both pectin and starch are good for blood sugar maintenance and digestive health.

There are different ways to cook and eat raw banana. One can prepare curry, varieties of sambar, chips (bake or deep fry). For those who like cutlets, substitute potatoes with raw banana and prepare tasty cutlets.

Raw banana cutlet recipe

Ingredients:

  1. Raw banana – 3
  2. Green chilies, finely chopped – 3
  3. Grated ginger – ½ tsp
  4. Garam masala – 1 tsp
  5. Red chili powder -1/4 tsp
  6. Cumin -1 tsp
  7. Asafetida – a pinch
  8. Lemon juice – 1 tsp
  9. Chopped cilantro – ¼ cup
  10. Salt – as per taste
  11. Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
  12. Oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Wash and peel outer skin of raw banana, cut into halves and pressure cook
  2. Smash cooked raw banana and keep it aside
  3. Heat little oil in a container on medium heat, add green chili, cumin seeds, grated ginger, asafetida and slightly sauté.
  4.  Turn off the heat and add chopped cilantro, smashed plantain, salt , garam masala, red chili powder and lemon juice.  Mix well.
  5. Take medium lemon size banana mix and prepare patties.
  6. On both sides of banana patties apply bread crumb.
  7. Place a deep frying pan on medium heat and transfer banana patties to heated oil and fry until both sides turn golden brown.
  8. Transfer hot cutlet on a paper towel to remove any excess oil and serve hot cutlet with green chutney or tamarind-date sauce.

Image credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/652459064756311354/


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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