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.

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!

April 24, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 7 Comments

Vitamin B12: The Energy Nutrient many of you should be thinking about!

As a medical practitioner, I am appalled by the number of patients suffering from B₁₂ deficiency. Patients complain about fatigue, vague pains, tingling, numbness, loss of concentration. Many tests are conducted with no results and the one missed is the test for vitamin B_12.Vitamin B₁₂ is the only vitamin that contains a trace element – cobalt – which gives this vitamin its chemical name – cobalamin – which is at the centre of its molecular structure.

B₁₂ is required

For the manufacture of red blood cells; deficiency leads to a characteristic kind of anemia
To support the normal function of nerve cells, and to manufacture myelin, the insulating material that surrounds some of our nerve cells and speeds neural transmission. B₁₂ deficiency impairs brain function. Advanced B₁₂ deficiency causes dementia resembling Alzheimer’s.
The deficiency leads to difficulty in regeneration of new healthy cells- mimics all of the effects of aging.
B₁₂ is involved in the metabolismof every cell of the human body, especially affecting DNA synthesis, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism.

Vitamin B₁₂ is produced by some species of bacteria in colon. (The colon is followed by the small intestine & is a part of large intestine and hence the B₁₂ produced there is not absorbed which results in the need of supplementation.

Who should be concerned about B₁₂deficiency?

If you are or were a vegetarians/ a vegan- get yourself tested
Babies born to mothers who are vegetarians
Risk of B₁₂ deficiency increases with age. So test yourself and fortify your meals
Pernicious anaemia- is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. In your stomach, vitamin B₁₂is combined with a protein called intrinsic factor. This mix of vitamin B₁₂ and intrinsic factor is then absorbed into the body in part of the gut called the distal ileum. Pernicious anaemia causes your immune system to attack the cells in your stomach that produce the intrinsic factor, which means your body is unable to absorb vitamin B₁₂.
Conditions affecting your intestines-E.g. Crohn’s disease (a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system)
Some types of medicine- E.g. proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) –a medication sometimes used to treat indigestion – can make a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency worse.
People suffering from Atrophic Gastritis (the stomach line becomes thin)
Surgery where a part of the stomach is removed, including weight loss surgery like bariatric surgery.
Smoking, drinking & stress increases the requirement of B₁₂
Few autoimmune disorders
Chronic illnesses leads to a deficiency of this diseases

Move towards a B₁₂ rich diet if you have the following symptoms

Weakness, tiredness, dizziness or lightheadedness
Smooth tongue
Palpitations and dyspnea
Pale skin
Constipation, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, or dyspepsia
Nerve problems- numbness or tingling, muscle weakness,
Loss of weight
Mental problems- memory loss, or behavioral changes, confusions
Glove & stocking neuropathy (tingling of palms & forearms, feet till knees)- in this scenario B₁₂ deficiency is the majorly deficient apart from other nutrients

Sources of B12

Sources of B₁₂are animal products (meat, fish, and dairy products), fortified foods.Ensure sufficient quantities of these foods to maintain your B₁₂ levels. If your count is low, consider oral or injectable forms of the vitamin. But why reach that stage?!

Have the above mentioned foods in your routine. The best part of this Energy Nutrient is that the excess is excreted by the body or stored in the liver for use when supplies are scarce. Stores of B₁₂ can last for up to a year. Unfortunately sometimes catching the B₁₂deficiency late can result in permanent damage. Any neurological damage due to B₁₂ deficiency cannot be reversed. Ensure that your B₁₂ levels are maintained at levels 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).