All posts by Sumana Rao

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Remedies for stomach worms

Home Remedies For Stomach Worms

Intestinal worms are a common problem from which thousands of people suffer. Having parasites in stomach could lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting and constant tiredness. These worms live as parasites in intestinal wall and interfere in our health causing many discomfort.

Reasons for worms’ infestation in our systems are

  • Eating raw meat
  • Eating unwashed soiled vegetables
  • Unhygienic environment,
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Improper sanitation
  • Weakened immune system

Presence of intestinal worms can lead to weight loss, abdominal pain, bloating, gas stomach ache,  fatigue etc. These worms are common both in children and adults. Intestinal worms can cause serious health issues in pregnant women.  Many over the counter top medicines are available to get rid of the worms. It is highly recommended to take at least once a year one of these medicines to get rid of  parasites from the system. Sometimes home remedies can also help without causing any side effects and help to take out tapeworms, pinworms, whipworm, fluke worms from the intestine. These simple home remedies are listed below.

  • Neem leaves: Biting and chewing fresh neem leaves helps to get rid of worms. Neems are generally known for their antimicrobial properties. Healthy neem leaves can be chewed or paste made of the leaves can be consumed morning in empty stomach.
  • Garlic: Garlic has pungent odor. Eating raw garlic in empty stomach followed by drinking glass of water acts on stomach worms.  Drinking garlic tea also helpful.
  • Other herbs: Herbs like anise, curled mint, black walnuts, barberry are good remedies to stop growth of the worms in stomach. Tincture extracts of these herbs with alcohol or glycerin, powdered form – all are helpful remedies.
  • Pumpkin seeds: Presence of a chemical called cucurbitacin in pumpkin seeds has a different effect on worms. This chemical paralyses the works. Grind few pumpkin seeds with coconut and water. Drink this liquid in empty stomach before morning coffee/tea for about a week.
  • Papaya and seeds of papaya: Unripen papaya is highly recommended for treating intestinal worms. Cut raw papaya, add a tsp of honey and glass of warm milk and blend like smoothie and drink in empty stomach. Likewise, consuming a mixture of papaya seeds and honey clears stool with parasites. To flush the system drink warm water.
  • Beets, carrots, and pomegranate: including beets and carrots in daily diet is good for removing intestine worms. You can make beet juice, carrot juice, carrot salad to include in your daily diet.
  • Pomegranate: Drinking pomegranate juice without sugar or eating pomegranate is good for this condition. Prepare paste of pomegranate skin, add little honey, and consume.
  • Probiotics: Probiotics like yogurt help keep digestive tract health. It keeps stomach flora in balance.
  • Turmeric: Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of buttermilk and mix well. Drinking this daily will hep to get rid of worms.
  • Healthy immune system: Include foods rich in vitamin D, Vitamin C, and zinc in your diet. Take Vitamin supplements to fulfill your daily needs. Compromised immune system will invite sickness. It will become difficult to get rid of parasites if you have weakened immune system. Learn to strengthen immune system.
  • Diet: Go for simple carbohydrates and less fat foods. Avoid sugar and sweets. Such foods support growth of the worms.

It is recommended to take medicines to avoid growth of intestinal worms. If you have a weakened immune system due to surgery or age or stress and exposed to such conditions where parasites can get into your system, then chances of getting parasite infestation is high. In such cases avoid traveling, watch for poor sanitation and poor hygiene as these places harbor intestinal parasites. Practice washing fruits, vegetables, and your hands thoroughly before eating food.

Image credit: Image by Couleur from Pixabay (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 11, 2023
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Yoga mat care

Learn To Take Care Of Your Yoga Mat

Now a days yoga mats come in various types of materials, styles, and colors.  Keeping yoga mats clean is essential to avoid getting sick. Those who practice yoga must know what type of yoga mat they have and how to take care. Another reason to learn how to clean and store yoga mat is, most of the yoga mats are expensive.

The common mistakes we make with any types of yoga mats are

  1. Improper storage
  2. Tossing yoga mat on the floor or in the corner
  3. Improper folding
  4. Wearing shoe on the mat and not cleaning
  5. Using harsh chemicals for cleaning
  6. Not cleaning regularly
  7. Using cheap mats that need frequent replacement

To extend the lifespan of yoga mats it is essential to understand what material your yoga mat is made of. Generally, the manufacturing label will explain the material and give care instructions. The four common yoga mat types are:

  • PVC mats: these materials are durable and easy to clean. You can soak and wash them using soap. If it is a closed cell mat, which means it doesn’t contain polyurethane layer coating on PVC then you can use certain chemicals like alcohol to wipe the mat. Polyurethane absorbs certain chemicals and damages the mat. However, remember that some PVC mats if damaged, are not easy to dispose.
  • Natural rubber mats: These mats give more cushion for the body. It is easy to clean natural rubber material and have more demand. People who are allergic to latex should avoid using rubber mats.
  • TPE mats: TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomers. These mats have similar properties as PVC and silicone. These are durable and are recommended for yoga next to natural rubber mats.
  • Cork mats: Cork mats are known as anti-slippery mats.  These are sustainable. non-toxic, durable, and cushioned, perfect for all types of yoga poses. Cork mats are non-foldable and can be pricy too.

How to clean, wash and store the mats?

The more you practice yoga, you might need to wash mats more regularly. The more you soil the mat, washing thoroughly helps to keep you safe. If you are practicing yoga every day, then wipe the mat after practice and wash the mat once a week.

If you are hand washing:

  • Soak the mat in dish soap liquid or mild detergent for half an hour to one hour.
  • Use a soft cloth and brush the surface (do not use harsh brush).
  • Rinse in warm water
  • Hang the mat to drain excess water and dry off

If you are using machine:

  • Use light cycle, gentle wash, or quick wash option.
  • Use mild detergent.
  • Instead of using dryer to dry the mat, hand the mat outside in Sun.

Using white vinegar and water liquid wipe: After yoga session clean the surface to remove sweat and soil. If not the bacteria and other microorganism will cause issues. Use equal part of white vinegar and water spray and wipe with microfiber cloth. Wipe gently from top to bottom so that there is no damage to mat. Air dry after wiping the mat then role it.

Wipe your hands and feet before stepping on the mat: It is good to practice yoga in barefoot. Wearing shoe is not recommended for yoga practice as the poses are challenging and need balancing. Also, shoes can spoil the mat. Before stepping on mat, wipe your feet and clean hands. For those poses that you need to lay down on the mat, place a towel on the mat and then lay down.

Storing yoga mat: Use yoga mat hanger, basket, or bag to store the mat. Before storing make sure the mat is dry. Air out the mat regularly.  Some people immediately after the yoga practice role and store mat in the yoga bag. It is good to wipe the sweat and dirt and then store the mat in the bag. At home you can wipe the mat and hang it in rack or hanger. These precautions help to keep mat dry and clean.

Read manufacturing instructions to clean the material. General steps to clean the mats are:

Avoid sharing your mat with others. In case you must share, wipe or wash the mat before you use. Taking care of yoga mat makes it lost for long time and practicing on clean yoga mat gives a sense of happiness and energizes the body.

Image credit: Image by Ekaterina Ershova from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 10, 2023
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Millet sweet and spicy pongal recipe

Foxtail Millet Sweet And Spicy Pongal Recipe For #IMY2023 Pongal Day

This year is International Millet Year.  All varieties of millets that we come across are much nutritious than we think. One of the common millet Foxtail Millets (also called Kangni in India) tastes better with different types of recipes. This Pongal try foxtail millet pongal. Like other millets this also provides less glycemic index, good for diabetes, for heart and nervous system, boosts immunity and is rich in both zinc and magnesium along with fiber. The yellow color, oval shape foxtail millet is easy to cook!  

Spicy Foxtail Millet Pongal recipe

Ingredients:

  1. Foxtail Millet – 1.5 cup
  2. Moong dal – 2 cups
  3. Cumin – 1.5 tsp
  4. Pepper – 1 tsp
  5. Ghee – 3 Tbsp
  6. Asafetida – pinch
  7. Cashew – 10.12
  8. Cilantro – ½ cup (chopped)
  9. Curry leaves – few
  10. Ginger – 2 tsp (grated or finely chopped)
  11. Salt
  12. Green chili -2 (optional)

Preparation:

  1. Roast moong dal to golden brown color on low flame. Allow it to cool and rinse in water.
  2. Rinse foxtail millet in water
  3. Pressure cook both moong dal and millet together on medium heat for 4-5 whistles
  4. Allow pressure to release.
  5. Place a deep cooking vessel on medium heat. Add ghee. To heated ghee add cumin seeds, black pepper (crushed or whole),  cashew and roast. Add green chili, ginger and hing.
  6. Transfer the cooked millet-dal mix to the tampering and mix well. If the consistency is too thick add little more water. Add required amount of salt and continue mixing on low flame.
  7. Remove the Pongal from heat, sprinkle chopped cilantro.
  8. Serve hot Pongal with coconut chutney.

Sweet Foxtail Millet Pongal recipe

Ingredients:

  1. Foxtail millet – 1.5 cup
  2. Moong dal – 2 cups
  3. Ghee – 3 Tbsp
  4. Jaggery – 1.5 cups
  5. Clove – 2-3
  6. Cardamom – ½ tsp
  7. Raisin – few
  8. Cashew – few

Preparation:

  1. Roast moong dal to golden brown color on low flame. Allow it to cool and rinse in water.
  2. Rinse foxtail millet in water
  3. Pressure cook both moong dal and millet together on medium heat for 4-5 whistles
  4. Allow pressure to release.
  5. In a vessel dissolve jaggery in one cup water and place it on medium heat. As the jaggery water starts thickening,  add cardamom powder. Transfer millet -dal mix to jaggery water and slowly mix well. Keep it aside.
  6. Place a frying pan on medium heat, add ghee. To heated ghee add cashew and clove. Once cashew turns golden brown, add raisin. Transfer this content to millet-dal mix and heat it on low flame. If needed add one more tbsp of ghee.
  7. Serve hot sweet millet Pongal along with spicy millet Pongal.

Image credit:

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/854206254301928899/ (spicy Pongal)

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/155233518382173330/ (sweet Pongal)

Image by MYCCF from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 9, 2023
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International year of Millets

Millet Mindfulness- International Year Of Millets 2023  #IYM2023  #YearofMillets

United Nations declared Year 2023 as the year of Millets.  Millets are grown and used as daily foods in Asia, Africa, some parts of Europe, rest of the world not that familiar with millets. To introduce the nutrition value, food security and adoptability to various weather conditions this year declared as year of millets. This is the #YearofMillets.

How does millet benefit agriculture & food security?

  • These are climate-resilient crop
  • Tolerate dry weather conditions and reduces soil degradation
  • Can be vital in improving food & nutrition security

Millets are known as Nutri cereals. Compared to wheat, corn and rice millets exhibit much more nutrition value and considered to be best for health of both humans and animals. In fact, Millets are best choice for mother and young ones. Millets are the first plants that are domesticated on earth and are traditional staple foods of millions in Africa and Asia.  Millets are adoptable to adverse climate conditions and show resistant to many diseases and pests.

The diverse groups of Millets encompass pearl millet, finger millet, barnyard, little millet, kodo millet, proso, black & white falno, Job’s tears, teff, Raishan sorghum , little millet -more than 16 varieties.  India which is a major production of millets following millets are produced and exported –Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi) Minor Millets (Kangani), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki), Two Pseudo Millets (BuckWheat/Kuttu), Ameranthus (Chaulai) and Brown Top Millet.

Mindfulness Millets- India’s proposal to mark the International Year of Millets (IYM):

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, organized an opening ceremony for the International Year of Millets – 2023 (IYM2023) in Rome, Italy. An Indian delegation led by Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State, Agriculture & Farmers and other senior officials were present at the opening ceremony. During the event, India’s ceremonial message by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conveyed by Karandlaje. PM Modi complimented the United Nations for declaring the Year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. PM, through his message, thanked the global community for supporting India’s proposal to mark the International Year of Millets (IYM). It was mentioned that Millets are good for the consumer, cultivator, and climate.

 United Nation has put forth importance of millets in six points (From UN)

1. The sustainable cultivation of millets can support climate-resilient agriculture SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

• Millets are often referred to as climate-resilient crops because they can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and maintenance, are tolerant or resistant to diseases and pests and are more resilient to climate shocks than other cereals.

• Including and/or expanding the production of millets in national agricultural systems can support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.

2. The sustainable production of millets can fight hunger and contribute to food security and nutrition SDG 2 (End Hunger)

• In arid areas, millets are very often the only crops that can be harvested in the dry season and are a crucial part of the household food basket. Millets can help to overcome food scarcity in difficult periods, therefore contributing to the food security and nutrition of vulnerable populations.

• Millets can grow in very poor and fertile soils in dryland conditions and do not heavily deplete soil nutrients. By providing land cover in arid areas, they reduce further soil degradation and  help support biodiversity and sustainable land restoration.

3. Millets can be an important part of a healthy diet SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)

• Millets are good sources of minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants and protein. With a low glycemic index, they are a good option for people with high-blood sugar. Millets are also gluten-free and an excellent and cost-effective source of iron for iron-deficient diets.

• As whole grains, each variety of millets provide different amounts and types of fiber. Dietary fiber has a role in regulating bowel function, blood sugar and lipids, and satiation.

4. Greater consumption of millets can offer opportunities to smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

• The production of millets and the demand for them has declined as other cereals such as wheat, maize or rice became a dietary preference. By promoting millets and regaining market opportunities, additional sources of revenue can be created for smallholders and in the food sector, boosting economic growth.

• Millets were among the first plants to be domesticated and for centuries, they have been an important food for hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. They are deeply rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ culture and traditions and therefore a strategic crop to guarantee food security in areas where they are culturally relevant.

5. Proper handling of millets is key to maintaining their high quality and nutritional benefits SDG 2 (End Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)

• Timely harvesting ensures good grain quality followed by threshing to remove grains from the stalks. Controlled mechanized processes for the dehusking of millets, at any scale, are more efficient than manual dehusking, as they reduce losses from spillage and provide clean intact grains that are ready for market. Smallholders and supply chain holders benefit accordingly from better incomes and reduced drudgery.

• Innovative agro-processing, especially in the production of nutritious foods, could target both traditional and non-traditional markets such as youth, urban consumers, tourists etc. This value addition could lead to market expansion, and increased food and nutrition security and incomes for smallholder farmers.

6. Greater trade in millets can improve the diversity of the global food system SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production)

• Millets, including sorghum, account for less than 3% of the global grains trade. With the need to improve the resilience of global trade and its ability to respond to sudden changes in the food grain market, millets are a valuable option to increase output diversity and mitigate risks related to production shocks.

• Market structure and transparency, in relation to volumes and prices of millets, are key elements to ensure stability and sustainability. It is important to ensure that millet traders benefit from the same tools as other grain traders, such as digitalization, which could boost the added value of millet along the grains value chain and consequently provide more revenue opportunities for producers.

India is one of the leading producers of millets in the world with an estimated share of around 41 percent in the global production. India’s top five millet producing states are Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Share of export of millets is nearly 1% of the total millet production.

  • India’s major millet exporting countries : U.A.E, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, U.K and U.S.A. The varieties -Bajra, Ragi, Canary, Jawar, and Buckwheat.
  • The major millet importing countries in the world : Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Italy, the U.S.A, United Kingdom, Brazil and The Netherlands.
  • It is estimated that the millets market is set to grow from its current market value of more than USD 9 billion to over USD 12 billion by 2025.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Psoriasis chronic condition

Psoriasis chronic condition

Psoriasis is a chronic condition occurs in people due to several reasons including an overactive immune system. Sometimes chronic body inflammation might cause psoriasis symptoms like red plaques, itchiness, red skin spots on skin surface.

There is no cure psoriasis but there are different ways to control the condition. In psoriasis excess skin inflammation that happens due to overactive immune system, and it forces body to produce new skin cells in faster rate than normal skin cells. Accumulation or piling up of skin cells on surface makes it unable for shed quickly causing scaling and plaques. The inflammation that happens deep down in the body contributes to the appearance on skin surface. This will appear red, itchy, flaky, raised, silvery or inflamed.

Psoriasis can be triggered by consuming Nightshade plant vegetables like eggplant, chilis, it could be due to stress, infection, weather, injury to skin.

Treatment: Avoiding high calorie foods, gluten containing food, dairy and red meat, nightshade family fruits and vegetables, alcohol could help. Consuming turmeric, fresh fruits, including stomach friendly spices, omega 3 fats, Vitamins D, B12 are recommended for psoriasis. Reducing excess body weight is critical to stay away from psoriasis.

References: https://healthylife.werindia.com/health-tips/food-choice-for-psoriasis-condition

Image credit: Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 6, 2023
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that mostly affects joints and lost long. This condition causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues.

In women with aging hormonal level will go up and down causing imbalance. This imbalance in hormones play major role in onset of RA. With hormonal level going up and down RA symptoms waxes and wanes with periods of flare-ups along with periods of remission.

According to data, nearly 75% of those with RA are women, who typically develop the condition between ages 30 and 50, younger than when men typically get the disease.

Symptoms: RA affects the lining of the joints, which damages the tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. It occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand has the condition, the other hand or knee too. It affects the whole-body joints -wrist, hands, feet, spine, knees, and jaw. Condition can cause fatigue, occasional fevers, and a loss of appetite that results in weight loss. In addition, it can also affect other organs such as the heart, lungs, blood, nerves, eyes, and skin.

How to deal with Rheumatoid arthritis? Click here to learn more

References: www.healthylife.werindia.com

Image credit: Image by AndPan614 from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Myasthenia Gravis or Grave muscle weakness

Myasthenia Gravis or Grave muscle weakness

Another chronic autoimmune neuromuscular condition where the muscles get weaker causing severe fatigue. Myasthenia gravis is a Latin word means “grave muscle weakness”. The disease often goes undiagnosed. For every three people, two women will have this condition.

This condition affects skeletal muscles that are attached to bones. These muscles are responsible for skeletal movement. Like many other autoimmune diseases, this condition also does not have a cure at present. One can control severity of symptoms.

Symptoms: Muscle weakness and fatigue kicks in after physical activity and gets better after a period of rest. Muscles that control eye, eyelid movement, facial expressions, swallowing, chewing, lip movement makes it challenging. One will feel weakness in arms, fingers, legs, neck, eye muscles, drooping of eyelids, blurred vision, swallowing problem, shortness of breath, difficulty in speaking etc.

Stress, extreme heat, too much physical activity, certain medicines (some antibiotics, beta-blockers, quinine etc.), illness could enhance the symptoms.

Treatment: Ice pack test, blood test, repetitive nerve stimulation, CT, MRI, pulmonary function test will help to determine Myasthenia gravis. Based on age and severity of symptoms doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants, monoclonal antibody treatment or immune globulin injections.

Lifestyle changes – eating soft foods, eating small meals several times a day, supports system to hold, walk, using electrical appliances for daily activities to conserve body energy, planning on daily activities to reduce energy consumption and taking rest when it is needed – these lifestyle changes can help to deal with Myasthenia gravis.

References: https://www.everydayhealth.com/

Image credit: Image by Messan Edoh from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Thyroid diseases: Grave’s disease And Hashimoto thyroiditis

Thyroid diseases: Grave’s disease And Hashimoto thyroiditis

Thyroid hormones produced in thyroid glands control many of our activities in body, including how fast our heart beats or how fast one can burn calories.

Thyroid diseases mean thyroid cause it to make either too much or too little of the hormone. Depending on the amount of hormone one’s thyroid gland makes, one might feel restless or fatigue or one can lose of gain weight. Women are more likely than men to have this disease especially right after pregnancy or during or after menopause. The two types of thyroid diseases in women are Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Graves’ disease causes the thyroid to produce an excess of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). It usually occurs between ages 30 and 50 . It can also occur at any age. It appears seven to eight times more frequently in women then in men. Women who suffer from Grave’s conditions will have a Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which causes bulging, puffy or inflamed eyes and light sensitivity, double vision, and eye pain. If left untreated, Graves’ disease can cause serious problems, including thinning bones and osteoporosis and heart-related problems.

In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid. This results in less hormone production from the gland. Underactive thyroid gland called hypothyroidism causes fatigue, tired all the time for no visible reasons, dry skin, puffy face, constipation, feeling depressed, dry thinning hair, hoarse voice, muscle weakness, high LDL cholesterol, slowed metabolism etc.

Treatment: For hypothyroidism, generally hormone pills are given for ret of the life. For hyperthyroidism, blocking thyroid from making additional hormone, surgery to remove most or all the thyroid, beta-blockers treatment to reduce thyroid hormones level.

Reference: https://www.womenshealth.gov/

Image credit: Image by Gilian Deedee from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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