About Dr. Viral Thakkar

Dr. Viral Thakkar, M.B.B.S is a general physician with extensive experience in community and preventive medicine. He also has a vast experience in emergency care. With years of experience in allopathy and understanding of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and Mind Empowerment, Dr. Thakkar is a firm believer that the body can cure itself with the right management. The human body is the best software designed by creation which guides every moment to keep one healthy. The body produces the disease and also has an innate ability to heal. Modern medicine is a quick fix to the disease (body) but, ignores the mind and soul which are an important aspect of human existence. Hence a holistic approach of healing of mind, body and soul is essential and modern medicine should be judiciously used. He practices what he preaches. Meditation and yoga along with a complete diet govern his lifestyle. As a mentor, Dr. Thakkar conducts individual sessions, group sessions with corporates and civil society groups on ideal lifestyle.

August 1, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 5 Comments

Household Chores, your way to health

I visited a village sometime back and was amazed at the physical strength of the women there. While I do not deny that the rural areas have their own set of health issues, but, it cannot be denied that women, due to the physical labour that they are involved in, are much stronger than many urban women.

The act of using a hand mill to grind wheat builds your hand muscles. Many women are farm labourers too and spend their early morning in the field which ensures that they are not Vitamin D deficient. Farm work itself provides exercise to upper and lower body, limbs. And guys, this is hard labour work.

Household chores are considered to be boring and financially worthless but we cannot deny that they are helpful in keeping many of us fit. You will not find many women with a bulging stomach in villages! This does not mean we all become farmers, but kick the laziness now to be healthy!

Dust with a lemon cleaner: Be happier

A citrusy scent is a potent mood booster, according to a 2014 Japanese study. Research shows that spending as little as ten minutes inhaling a citrus fruit can decrease the overall mood disturbance, a measure of tension, anxiety, depression, confusion, fatigue and anger. So carry a citrus flavored soap when you do your dishes. According to Ayurveda, you will be in touch with the water element of existence which is an instant mood elevator. This is also a great time to practice breathing exercises.

Clean up your garden!

People in the gardens are in touch with the energy of the earth and sun. According to Ayurveda, the energy from these two play a critical role in balancing one’s health. Apart from that, you breathe fresh & the vitamin D is critical for your health. In recent Swedish study it was found out that people with sedentary life style, spending most of their time indoors are likely to suffer from more cardiovascular diseases. Australian researchers discovered that a chemical released by freshly cut grass makes people feel more relaxed and more joyful.

Grow flowers and vegetables: Lower depression risk

Gardening is known to have reduced depression according to a study done in Norway. People diagnosed with depression spent six hours a week gardening; after a few months, they experienced a notable improvement in their depression symptoms, and their good moods continued for months after the study ended. Well, you might not be able to have gardens in cities, but get on with your small flower pots, indoor plants, or best, have a volunteer group, adopt a village and help the farmers!

Image Credit: http://christsoldiergirlfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chores.jpg

Chopping Vegetables

This extremely boring task is usually diverted to the maids in our houses in India. However, if you have the time, do it yourself with complete mindfulness. Ensure that every slice is of the same size and watch your breath. It is bound to increase your awareness and concentration.

A better sex life

According to a 2015 study from the University of Alberta. “If a partner isn’t pulling their weight in housework, either one will have to pick up the slack, or the chores will remain undone. This will develop tension and bitterness in the relationship, which will transfer into the bedroom,” according to Medical Daily. So all you orthodox men out there, share the chores for some awesome time in bed!

Every household chore is equivalent to an exercise in a gym or in a park. Did you know 30 minutes of ironing equals 11 minutes of step aerobics.Think of ironing as weight training for the upper body? Make sure that you stand up straight and work your arm muscles hard as you press down. And remember to change hands regularly, so that you don’t end up with one arm more muscular than the other.

For a complete work out, play with your children in your garden, run after them and trust me you won’t go fat! Be happy! Be healthy!

Track these yourself with your GOQii band!

June 14, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 12 Comments

Menstrual Pain: Every Woman’s Nightmare No more!!

I know of many women, especially adolescents who don’t like ‘being a woman’ because of the pain during menstruation. If you are one of those or you know of such women, this article is to stop by.

Primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) is a normal process of menstruation. It affects girls during adolescence and eases as they mature. It may be painful but is not harmful.

Prostaglandins (hormones that make your uterus contract during menstruation and childbirth) causes the pain. Its pain probably results from contractions of your uterus that occur when the blood supply to its lining (endometrium) is reduced. (But hey! It is a part of you and it is important, so blame it, but accept it and get on with it).

Other factors include- a uterus that tilts backward instead of forward, lack of exercise, psychological or social stress, smoking, drinking alcohol or being overweight.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is generally related to some kind of gynecological disorder. It is most likely to affect women during adulthood.

Causes

Fibroids that develop within the uterine wall or are attached to it cause inflammation leading to pain.
Adenomyosis – the tissue that lines the uterus (called the endometrium) begins to grow within its muscular walls. This makes the uterine walls grow thicker. It may lead to heavy or longer-than-usual menstrual bleeding, as well as pain during menstrual cycle or intercourse.
A sexually transmitted infection.
Endometriosis – fragments of the endometrial lining that are found on other pelvic organs.
Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is primarily an infection of the fallopian tubes, but can also affect the ovaries, uterus, and cervix. It is caused primarily by sexually transmitted infections that spread up from the opening of the uterus to these organs.
An ovarian cyst or tumoris a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside of an ovary causes pain.
The use of an intrauterine device (IUD), a birth control method leads to painful menstruation which decreases overtime.

‘Pain’ is the body telling us that something is not right. So listen to what your body is telling you. While you must seek medical advice for secondary dysmenorrhea, do consider the following as well.

Be comfortable with your body. The negative messaging at times can become a part of the sub-conscious mind which rejects the female body. So anything which reminds the body of being a ‘woman’ will hurt.

Have a balanced diet. Ensure your diet includes foods rich in Vitamin B12, D, omega-3 fatty acids and calcium. As an extra tip, ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps as it lowers the levels of pain-causing prostaglandins.

A hot water bag relaxes the contracting muscles in your uterus.

Make sure your hemoglobin level is within the normal range by including iron rich foods along with foods high in Vitamin C in your everyday diet.

An orgasm can help relieve all kinds of pains. Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and during climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps. The endorphins released after sex will make you feel better instantly.

Eat 2tbs of flaxseeds every day during periods reduces prostaglandin levels in the body.

Keep yourself hydrated during your period (and otherwise too!).

Exercise increases the blood flow which will calm the pain naturally.

Be happy and you will feel your body responding better and dealing better with pain during your period.

Yoga Postures to relieve menstrual pain

One Legged PigeonPose stretches the entire lower part of the body, stimulates the abdominal organs.

Matsyasana (Fish pose) is a back-bend that stretches and stimulates the belly muscles.

JanuShirasana (One-legged Forward bend) massages the abdominal organs.

Dhanurasana (Bow pose) strengthens the abdominal muscles and stimulates the reproductive organs.

Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) stretches and tones the abdomen.

Ustrasana (Camel pose) stretches and opens the front of the body.

Yoga is one of the means to reach your goal of painless menstruation. Don’t forget to respect your body and give it time to overcome the pain.

May 10, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 6 Comments

Tulsi or Basil: Queen of Herbs

I have always wondered as to why ‘Tulsi’ is given so much importance in India.I have known my aunts and great grand aunts telling me the story of Tulsi being the consort of Lord Vishnu. As an inquisitive child, I questioned this. “How can a plant be a consort? A plant is a plant! Period! It gives oxygen and takes in carbon dioxide.”

Today, as a doctor, I feel that the importance of many plants is hidden in folklore. Unfortunately, the folklore remained and the importance is now dying away.

In this article, I try to bring out the importance of “Tulsi”- The Holy Basil, which is also considered as the queen of herbs! Tulsi is grown in almost every household in India for religious purposes. But I suggest we all grow it for its medicinal purposes (at the cost of paying hefty fee to doctors for minor ailments!).

Tulsi is

Antibacterial
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antipyretic
Antioxidant
Antiseptic and
Anti-cancer.

Tulsi helps in cold & cough because of its antiviral&antibacterial properties. Juice of basil leaves along with ginger and betel leaf juice mixed in honey taken twice or thrice a day is beneficial. For extreme cough one should add a pinch of black pepper powder with little black salt in above mixture.

The antipyretic properties of tulsi work on Fever of any origin like malarial, fever due to influenza, cold or fever with pain in ribs. Take juice of 10 to 12 basil leaves with honey three times a day.

Tulsidetoxifies. Consumption of 10 Tulsileaves with jaggery regularly for 15 days controls formation of worms in abdomen. In case of ringworm, the juice mixed with camphor to be applied daily on the affected part twice daily. Tulsi consumed daily keeps the stomach clean because of its properties.

Regular intake of juice of 15 to 20 basil leaves mixed in aloe vera is beneficial in liver disorders.

The mixture of Tulsileaves and clove powder on teeth provides instant relief from pain. Leaves dried in the sun and powdered can be used for brushing the teeth. Leaves dried and mixed with mustard oil are used as toothpaste. This paste is very good for maintaining the overall dental health, countering bad breath and massaging the gums. The paste is also useful in treating pyorrhea (gum disease) and other tooth disorders.

The anti-inflammatory properties of tulsi helps to diminish swelling and pain.

The holy basil is a great diuretic and detoxifier for the kidneys. It reduces the uric acid levels in the blood (one of the main reasons for kidney stones), helps cleanse the kidneys. The presence of acetic acid and other components helps in breaking down kidney stones and its painkiller effect helps dull down the pain of kidney stones. To relieve kidney stones one must have the juice of tulsi leaves with honey, every day for six months to help wash out the stone from the kidney.

Holy basil is a purifier and will give you a glowing skin if eaten raw. It purifies the blood prevents the appearance of acne and blemishes. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties prevent breakouts on acne prone skin. The anti fungal properties reduce itchiness of the scalp and hair fall. Mix the powder in coconut oil and apply regularly to the scalp to prevent hair fall.

Consuming 10 – 12 leaves of Tulsi per day helps to reduce stress (Read on stress induced migraine).

According to Shyamkant Padoley, an eminent botanist, “Tulsi gives out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for four hours a day along with the formation of nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the environment”.

Ensure that tulsi becomes a part of your daily diet today! It is cheap, it is available at your doorstep & it has no side effects!

April 28, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 12 Comments

Make Love: It’s Fun & Beneficial!

It cannot be denied, sex if consensual can be a lot of fun and has numerous benefits. In this blog, I will refer to ‘sex’ as ‘making love’, since that is exactly what I mean. The article will take you through the benefits of “making love” and not “sex”! So if you have a partner who is not that much “into it”, get them to read this blog and be ready for some fun!

Psychological Effect:
Making love has numerous psychological benefits. I am not referring to people into extensive meditation and the ones who have been able to channelise this sexual energy. But, for us ‘mortals’, sex is healthy. There is a deep energetic connection that bonds two people when they make love and it is not just the intermingling of juices.

Kamasutra not only describes the different ways to physical intimacy but, also speaks about equally involving your partner and developing a synergy for greater fulfilment. The physical bond builds an emotional connect which eventually leads to a happy family life. If you want to feel more connected to your partner, consider the simple act of saying “yes” to your partner, and see the shift in dynamics. If you’re both honoring each other correctly, sex will most likely help you feel closer to your love. Not to mention suppression of this primal need can distract a person from his routine activities, so might as well just do it and be happy.

Physical Effect:
Making love releases endorphins and oxytocin, and these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation, keeping anxiety and depression at bay. You don’t have to climax for the effects but, there is a surge of soothing hormones if you have an orgasm.

The same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and body, and makes you sleep well. But, if you’re wild in the sack, highly active session can make you feel more energized than sleepy. Let it not be a snooze but, if you are sleeping thereafter, opt for a subdued session.

The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain. Have a migraine?? Even if your partner isn’t around, medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex!

Use your healthy days as sex days! People who have sex regularly were found to have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases, enhances immunity & keeps the body safe from colds and flu.

Making love decreases the risk of prostate cancer as well. What better reason than this to slip into sheets with your partner!

Apart from making you feel good, making love makes you young and vital due to release of testosterone and estrogen. Estrogen also promotes soft skin and shiny hair.

The uterus contracts during orgasms and in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds. The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster.

Sexual activity = modest workout on a treadmill. A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length of the session. Your abs, back muscles, butt & thighs get a good workout.

It is also a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you have an orgasm, it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.

Slipping into the sheets with the one you love lowers your blood pressure & is good for your heart, because you are naturally in a relaxed state. It lowers your cholesterol by tipping the high density lipoprotein (HDL)/ Lower density lipoprotein (LDL). It keeps your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance; unbalance increases risk of osteoporosis and even heart disease.

Remember, the benefits listed above is for “making love” which implies consensual physical intimacy. Ensure when you indulge, it is consensual and preferably with one partner. Multiple partners creates a havoc with the body apart from creating risk of STDs (Many Indian scriptures stress on having one sexual partner because the cells in our body remember every physical touch on a subconscious level. Too many physical interaction lead to psychological & physical issues.).
Be safe and have a good time!