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Liquorice Root: The Magical, Medicinal Herb You Need Today

liquoriceSome spices and herbs from our grandmother’s stockpot are so precious that even today they are used in several households as home remedies. One such ayurvedic, age-old herb is Mulethi or Liquorice (also spelt as Licorice).

Liquorice is widely known for its exceptional flavor and is also used in several medicines as it claims to be anti-diabetic and antioxidant in nature, providing many health benefits.

Nutritional Value

Liquorice has an enticing scent, this comes from a variable and complex combination of compounds out of which anethole makes up 3% of the entire plant. Most of the sweetness comes from a substance called glycyrrhizin, it is generally 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar.

7 Health Benefits of Liquorice

  • Combats Digestive Issues: Mulethi is a magical root when it comes to curing digestive issues like acid reflux, stomach inflammation, ulcers, heartburn, acidity and constipation. It also acts as a mild laxative to regulate bowel movements.Dosage: Directly taken by mouth (chewing of the root) post meals, especially after dinner.
  • Keeps The Respiratory Tract Healthy: It aids in easing a sore throat, asthma, cold, cough and other respiratory issues. Chewing on Liquorice sticks is an age-old remedy for a sore throat. It thins and loosens the mucus inside the airways and eases coughing and congestion.Dosage:  If you want to avoid chewing on the sticks, you can also mix ginger juice to Liquorice tea. (Boiling Liquorice sticks in water)
  • Helps in Weight Reduction: Liquorice oil helps to reduce visceral fat and body fat to a great extent in overweight people. Infact, Liquorice supplements have proven to help people achieve lower BMI and Low Density Lipoprotein.
  • Improves Immunity: Regular use is helpful in boosting immunity due to the enzymes present in the root plant. It helps the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the body from microbes, pollutants, allergens. It is helpful to prevent microbial infections and also improve the defense mechanism of the body.Dosage: Directly taken by mouth (chewing of the root).
  • Protects the Liver: Liquorice roots help to treat certain disorders like Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis, Liver damage and Jaundice. It also has an anti-inflammatory property that soothes the liver.Dosage: Mixing Mulethi in a cup of warm tea twice a day for a couple of weeks can purify the liver and make it immune to diseases.
  • Improves Oral Health: Its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties also reduce the growth of bacteria which causes cavities. It also combats bad breath, reduces plaque and keeps the gums and teeth healthy and strong.Dosage: Dried Mulethi powder to be used for brushing teeth and mouthwash, or try gargling with the cooled mulethi tea.
  • Hormonal Regulation: The multipurpose herb also helps in correcting hormonal imbalances in the body and eases menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, depression, mood swings, and sweating, etc. It is also useful in relieving menstrual cramps, and regulating flow during menstruation.Dosage: Mulethi tea twice a day.

If you have been familiar with any of the issues listed above, you should definitely give Liquorice Root a try!

Was this article helpful? Want to know more about Liquorice Root? Type your queries down in the comments below!

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This GOQii Player Made the Impossible, Possible!

Avinash-user

“If there is a will, there is a way”, GOQii player Avinash is a living example of this quote. This is the story of how the impossible was made possible with nothing but sheer determination to succeed.

Avinash led a normal life post-retirement. He starts his day at around 6 am in the morning, has his cup of tea and goes for a morning walk without fail. After his breakfast and lunch, Avinash takes a nap for around 2-3 hours, has dinner and goes to sleep. Things started getting difficult after Avinash was diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes. His sugar levels were hovering around 160-175. Even though Avinash tried allopathy for a while, he wasn’t satisfied with the results and this forced him to consider other options. He decided to take a more holistic approach to his condition and considers it one of the best decisions of his life.

Avinash first came across GOQii through texts and email from a programme called Active Axis by Axis bank, which promoted health and fitness. He immediately liked what GOQii had to offer and joined the community. When we asked him about the changes that GOQii brought into his life, this is what he had to say:

“Already experimenting with Allopathy and Ayurveda, I was really disappointed with the results. I wasn’t really sure about GOQii in the beginning but today I’ve successfully reversed my diabetes and I’m no more a diabetic. The changes in my life were very basic but they made a drastic impact on my health and fitness. From my eating habits to the number of hours I slept, everything was closely monitored to bring out the best in me. The guidance and motivation provided by my coach is a big contributing factor to my achievement. I used to write a daily diary of physical activities, food intake and other activities, which I uploaded daily on the app. Based on the information, my coach guided and instructed me toward better fitness. I was determined to succeed and stuck to my goals with dedication. Due to this, I received a lot of appreciation from the coach regularly, which in fact was quite encouraging for me.

As far as food intake and nutrition was concerned, I increased the number of proteins, fruits, vegetables, salads and reduced the quantity of wheat and rice in my daily diet. The quantity of these items was decided in such a way that I should not consume more than 1000 to 1200 calories in a day. I started consuming dry fruits like almonds, walnuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and also started drinking Amla Juice every day in the morning. I detox my body regularly by drinking spinach, apple, mint and lemon juice twice or at least once a week. Spicy foods and junk are totally out of my diet and the results are marvellous.

My water intake has increased from 1 to 1.5 litres to 2 to 2.5 liters a day. I walk for two to two and a half hours twice, every day. I have been achieving my daily target of 10,000 steps a day and 70,000 steps a week consistently since I joined GOQii. On many occasions, I have exceeded 100,000 steps in a week as well. I have been monitoring this with the help of a tracker provided by GOQii. Yoga and Art of Living programs have also become a healthy part of my life.

Today, my sugar levels are back to normal and I’m very proud of what I have achieved, equally thankful to GOQii for helping me reach my goals.”

What did Coach Trisha have to say about her player Avinash?

“Since the time I started coaching Avinashji, I was sure that diabetes reversal with him was absolutely possible! He has always been extremely cooperative, irrespective of what the circumstances were.  He is a live example of how important it is to take care of yourself even while traveling. Even after reversing his diabetes, he has never gotten off plan! Kudos Avinashji!”

 

This is an excellent example of how you can turn your life around. If you feel like you are not at your best health, may this story encourage you to work towards fitness! It always seems impossible until it’s done.

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Link between Vitamin D Deficiency & Depression

Vitamin-D- deficiency

Depression has been called the world’s number one public health problem. The American psychological association states that it is the most commonly occurring mental disorder. In India statistics show a shocking rise in the number of depression cases every single year and it affects almost every age group irrespective of gender.

Most of us know depression is a heterogeneous illness and has many different triggers. Let’s try to identify if VITAMIN D deficiency is one among them.

Vitamin D also was known as the “Sunshine” vitamin is a steroid hormone precursor. It was originally thought to play a role in mineralization of bones for keeping them strong and healthy, but over time research has linked low levels of Vitamin D levels to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, anxiety and DEPRESSION!

Limited sun exposure, darker skin tone, higher altitudes, poor diet, liver and kidney diseases, age etc., are few risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency.

Diagnosis:  The most accurate way to measure how much Vitamin D is in your body is the 25- hydroxylated blood test (25(OH)D). In my practice, I have observed not many have enough or optimal Vitamin D levels which should be over 35 ng/ml

I personally feel that it’s the most underrated and undervalued vitamin of all

Symptomology:  If you have a Vit D deficiency you may experience following physical symptoms

  • Aching bones, joint pains
  • Poor muscle endurance
  • Muscle cramps and weakness
  • Fatigue and generalized weakness
  • DIFFICULTY LOSING WEIGHT
  • Low immunity
  • Decreased stamina and endurance

You may also experience symptoms of Depression that include:

  • Overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, feeling empty
  • Diminished interest or pleasure in activities
  • Loss of appetite
  • Significant weight loss(when not on diet) or weight gain
  • Insomnia or Hypersomnia(excessive sleep) nearly every day
  • Lethargy
  • Problems concentrating
  • Headaches, back and neck pains
  • Psychomotor agitation/retardation(restlessness or sluggishness)
  • Recurrent suicidal ideations.

A link between Vitamin D deficiency and Depression

Many research studies have concluded that Vitamin D receptors have been found in the areas of brain that are linked to the onset of depression, It has also been found that Vitamin D affects the number of chemicals called Monoamines such as serotonin, dopamine (also known as ‘happy hormones’) and how they work in brain. Many anti-depressants medications work by increasing the number of monoamines in the brain.

A review of an international research shows Over 31,000 people participated in 13 studies that efficiently studied this area and the results showed a significant relationship between low levels of Vitamin D and depression.

According to a study in the Netherlands involving 1,702 people found that significant low levels of Vitamin D cause the developing of depressive symptoms in individuals. A 2 year follow up suggested that Vitamin D could be a cost-effective part of prevention and treatment interventions for depression.

One type of depression that appears to be even more strongly associated with Vitamin D is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms during times of year when there is relatively less sunshine. It occurs majorly during winter seasons. Symptoms of SAD coincide with a reduction in Vitamin D which in turn effects serotonin levels in the brain, thereby causing depressive symptoms.

Food sources of Vitamin D:

  • Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring
  • Cod liver oil contains 450 IU of Vitamin D per teaspoon(5ml)
  • Oysters, shrimp
  • Egg yolks
  • Mushrooms: Like humans, mushrooms synthesize D when exposed to UV light
  • Vitamin D fortified cereals, milk, orange juice or soy milk.

Other helpful options are to get enough sun (at the least for around 15 mints daily) around midday which can be between 11 am to 1 pm. At this time sunlight is at its highest point and your body may manufacture it more efficiently in less time.

Also, get Vitamin D supplements if your D levels are at extremely low levels, recommended daily allowance (RDA) would be of 600 IU daily, plus a 60,000 IU Vitamin D sachet in milk/curd once every month for 4-6 months(see your physician for more information)

Of course, Vitamin D supplementation is only a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. A plan whether based on pharmaceuticals or natural methods should include psychotherapy. However, low levels of Vitamin D can impair and prolong recovery from depression. Hence, it’s always best to treat a problem holistically!

NOTE:

  • Healing properties of natural sunlight cannot penetrate glass, you cannot sit inside your home or car and reap its benefits
  • If you have darker skin, you will need about 25 times more exposure than a light-skinned individual to produce the same amount of D
  • You are looking at months of sunlight/supplements before levels return to normal
  • Kidneys and liver activates Vitamin D, having a kidney disease or damaged liver will hinder the activation of Vitamin D
  • SUNSCREENS- From strongest to weakest prohibit the body from making vitamin D by 95%. Your body needs sunlight without sunscreens to produce vitamin D. Even SPF 8 creams can prevent the production of vitamin D

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Know all about ‘Eating Disorders’

eating problms

DO YOU look in the mirror and pick yourself apart? Do you constantly worry about what and how you look?

Ask yourself, “What percentage of your time in a day you are preoccupied with thoughts regarding food, weight, and body image?”

If your answer is that you spend so much time with these concerns that it interferes with your happiness and daily functioning, then let me tell you that you may be having an Eating Disorder.!

What Is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders are illnesses that cause serious disturbances in a person’s everyday diet. They are characterized by irregular eating habits which include inadequate or excessive food intake which can damage individual’s well-being.

In addition to abnormal eating patterns, there are severe distress or concern about body weight and shape. An Eating Disorder also includes your beliefs about food and how they impact your body.

Who Suffers From Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders can develop during any stage in life but typically it appears during teen years or young adulthood but, may also develop in childhood. It can affect both men and women, however, it’s more common in women.

Eating disorder when manifested at a young age can cause severe impairment in growth development, and overall mental and social well- being.

Let’s move on to knowing three most common types of Eating Disorders

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

The Term Anorexia Nervosa literally means “Lack of Appetite induced by Nervousness”

This is perhaps the best- known eating disorder. It causes its sufferers to excessively fear to be overweight and restrict their eating habits in an unhealthy, dangerous way which leads to a significantly low body weight.

Male and female suffering from Anorexia show following hallmarks

  • Extremely limited food intake
  • Obsessive intense fear of weight gain
  • Problems with body image (Unrealistic perception of the body) and a low self-esteem
  • Denial of low body weight

Overtime, the following symptoms may develop as the body goes into starvation

Physical symptoms

  • Menstrual cessation
  • Osteopenia or osteoporosis(Thinning of bones)
  • Anaemia
  • Fatigue
  • Brittle nail and hair
  • Skin dries and can take on a yellowish cast
  • Severe constipation, Low BP

Emotional and behavioural symptoms

  • Excessive/Compulsive exercising
  • Frequently skipping a meal or refusing to eat
  • Denial of hunger
  • Frequent checking in the mirror for ‘perceived’ flaws
  • Flat mood(Lack of emotion)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Irritability
  • Low sex drive

BULIMIA NERVOSA

The Greek word for Bulimia is BOULIMIA which means extreme hunger. Patients with bulimia nervosa eat frequently in a discrete period of time (example within any 2 hour period) they also have a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode.

They often consume thousands of calories that are high in sugars, carbohydrates and fats. They can eat rapidly, sometimes gulping food without even tasting it.

After a binge, they PURGE their bodies of food and calories they FEAR by using laxatives, enemas, diuretics, vomiting or by excessive exercise. People with Bulimia can be underweight, overweight or even obese.

Many people don’t know when a family member or friend has Bulimia nervosa because they almost always hide their binges but Bulimia nervosa does have symptoms that should raise red flags:-

Physical Symptoms

  • Chronically inflamed or a sore throat
  • Salivary glands in the neck and below jaw bone swollen; cheeks and face often become puffy
  • Tooth enamel wears off and begins to decay from exposure to stomach acids
  • Constant vomiting causes GERD (Gastro oesophagal reflux disease)
  • Laxative and Diuretic abuse cause kidney and intestinal problems
  • Frequent Severe dehydration from purging of fluids

Emotional and Behavioural symptoms

  • Negative/distorted self- image
  • Hoarding or hiding food
  • Social withdrawal
  • Extreme guilt and sadness
  • Excessive worry about body weight and shape

binge eating

BINGE EATING DISORDER

It is a form of compulsive OVEREATING. Sufferers feel a compulsion to eat large amounts of food and as though they cannot stop and UNLIKE PEOPLE WITH BULIMIA, THEY DO NOT TRY TO PURGE OR GET RID OF FOOD BY INDUCING VOMITING AND BY USING OTHER UNSAFE PRACTICES.

Symptoms are more or less similar to Bulimia nervosa except for purging and laxative abuse.

Binge eaters eat a large amount of food when not feeling physically hungry, binge eating episodes typically take place in private and can last for hours or a whole day. It is common for sufferers to feel distressed or guilty about their lack of control, it is this shame and guilt that can prevent a person from talking and seeking help.

CAUSES

Eating disorders are complex thus are influenced by a facet of factors. Though the exact cause is unknown, it is generally believed that a combination of biological, psychological, and/or environmental abnormalities contribute to the development.

Certain psychological, biological/genetic, and personality traits may predispose people to develop eating disorders.

However specific traits are linked to each of the disorders. People with Anorexia tend to be perfectionists and with bulimia and binge eating disorder impulsive nature is common. Hormonal irregularities and nutritional deficiencies can be among causes. As discussed earlier in this blog, negative body image, dissatisfaction with one’s body and low self-esteem can help build tendency towards abnormal eating patterns.

Among Socio-cultural factors, the media has the largest influence on people especially teens and young adults. The media pushes body image, clothes, fast food and weight loss with unrealistic results, the combination of all these lead teens and young adults down the road to eating disorders and a confusing self- image.

And on another side of continuum popular social media pages and videos with a variety of recipes and restaurants tempt people to eat more and more.

Other causes include disruptive thinking patterns and an inability to understand the healthy relationship between food and hunger, family dysfunctions and major life stressors/changes, negative emotions or traumas such as rape, childhood sexual abuse or death of loved ones can also trigger eating disorders.

Even a happy event, such as giving birth can lead to an eating disorder because of the stressful impact of the event on an individual’s new role and body image.

IMPORTANCE OF TREATMENT

Eating disorder untreated can have serious consequences like Malnutrition, stunted growth, osteoporosis, reduced metabolic rate, critically low blood pressure, serious heart, kidney and liver damages, obesity, diabetes (TYPE 1 AND 2), depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance abuse, cardiac arrests and even death!

Remember, the sooner the treatment starts, the better it is. The longer abnormal eating patterns continue the more deeply ingrained they become and more difficult to treat.

EFFECTIVE TREATMENT METHODS

  • PSYCHOTHERAPY
    • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a therapy focussing on the beliefs, values, maladaptive cognitive processes and negative emotions which are associated with meaning of weight, shape and appearance, it aims at reducing destructive eating patterns and restoring a healthy relationship with food. Psychologists identify important issues associated with causes of destructive eating habits and develop CBT plan respectively.
    • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps to cope with painful emotions. The focus is on individuals who react to emotional circumstances with extreme behaviours. Weekly sessions help a person with Eating disorder practice mindful eating, distress tolerance and emotional regulation which focus on identifying barriers to changing emotions to constructive ones and to increase positive emotional events.
    • Incorporating Family, Group and Marital Therapy: This can be helpful in addressing the underlying causes of eating disorders and help prevent relapses by resolving interpersonal issues which are related to eating disorders.
  • Nutritional Counselling: This would involve a nutritionist’s guiding plan through weight restoration and stabilization, guidance for normal eating by keeping a food journal which includes type of food, amount, benefits, feelings thoughts associated with intake of food and drink, it also includes which binge foods are to be avoided. The inclusion of individualized meal plans for specific patients to improve nutritional intake is created.
  • Medication: Some patients with Bulimia Nervosa benefit from placebo or anti- depressants. But, medication should always be paired with psychotherapy and nutritional counselling.

A holistic approach involving all above methods/ways with an experienced team of caregivers and healthcare professionals can help patients suffering from eating disorder regain control of their eating behaviour and their lives!

Good Health is more than just being free from disease or injury. A healthy lifestyle helps you feel good, have a vibrant energy and maintain a positive outlook on life thereby contributing to your physical, mental, social well- being. Your mental health is as important as physical health and work hand-and-hand. Letting go of your eating disorder is one of many ways to move towards good health!

 

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