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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 25, 2017 By Dr Kumud S Wangnue 18 Comments

Health benefits of Blowing a conch

When I was growing up, I used to frequently visit my maternal grandparents’ in Chandigarh. My grandfather would begin his day daily with a prayer and this also included blowing the conch (Big Shell) with full strength thus generating a loud noise. According to Indian spiritual beliefs, the Conch is a very auspicious object which is blown before the commencement of any auspicious work.

Apart from its spiritual significance, did you know it’s useful for maintaining good health? Well, this is one of the reasons I learnt to blow the conch from my grandfather. It is also believed that when a Conch is blown, it radiates positive vibes and wards off negative energy in the environment.

I still remember that day when at the age of 70, my grandfather underwent a lung test at a medical institute, where he goes for his general he used to go for a general check-up. The doctor was amazed to find that his lungs were functioning at full capacity. The observations of the doctor had not only made grandpa go gaga but, the family felt proud of him too.

Blowing the conch is beneficial in many ways to our health. Mentioned in the Indian scriptures as a shell, it is used in medicines in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Many diseases like jaundice, skin ailments, bones, teeth, stomach issues get resolved by drinking the water kept overnight in the conch. It has Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Sulphur.

The scalar sound waves that are generated by blowing the conch balance the chakras in the body-(https://goqii.com/blog/the-seven-chakras-in-human-body-and-kundalini/). The vibrations it produces purify the air and is believed to destroy the disease-causing germs in the atmosphere.

When the Conch is blown, energy is emitted from it, which reduces the strength of distressing frequencies. The other benefit is that it helps to develop good lung capacity. It is one of my favourite breathing exercises after Pranayama.

It not only enables us to inhale a lot of air but also helps in contracting the muscles from the face to the foot. Blood gushes and improves circulation supplying oxygen to each cell of our body.

The blowing of the Conch works on the thyroid, muscles of the neck and the vocal cords too. Not only this. It helps children and adults with problems with speech.

However, there is a word of caution, before starting on this, make sure you get in touch with someone who is in practice. Lastly, check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure, Hernia, Glaucoma as this process can cause extra pressure on the organs.

March 22, 2017 By Trishala Chopra 32 Comments

All you need to know about whey protein!

The more people are getting concerned about their health, more brands of whey proteins are being introduced in the market.

Being a consumer, you have the right to know about what is going inside your body. You might have heard a lot about whey protein, but are you aware about what exactly it is?

Everybody who talks about whey protein have mixed reactions. When I tell my players about whey protein, I get a list of questions!

Why do I need whey protein?

What is the other option for whey protein?

Is taking supplement good for health?

Will whey protein affect my kidney?

I am okay with all these questions because there are many healthcare sites having mixed opinions about whey protein.

Let’s not be judgemental about anything.

It’s not even correct to call ‘whey protein’ as a supplement because it does occur in natural food sources as well!

This blog will help you clear your doubts about whey protein!

What is whey and where do we get it from?

Whey is derived from animal milk.
Milk protein is divided into 2- Whey (20% of the protein in milk) and casein (80% of the protein in milk)
Whey protein is said to be a complete source of protein as it contains all essential amino acids (These amino acids are not produced by the human body so it must be supplemented through diet) which are required by the human body.
Whey protein is water soluble while casein protein is insoluble in water.

What are the natural food sources in which whey protein is present?

Ricotta cheese
Milk
Yogurt

There are different supplements available in the market which has different brand names and components in it. Let’s understand what are those types of whey proteins listed on the supplements?

1. Whey protein concentrate

Whey protein concentrate is also labelled as WPC.
WPC label is only given to those supplements which has 90% or less than 90% of protein by weight.

How to read the label of the protein supplement to understand if it is WPC or something else?

Check the protein % on the label. If it is less than 90% then it is WPC.
The ingredients which are listed on the top of the label are in more quantities as compared to the ones which are mentioned at the bottom of the nutritional label.
For example, if a supplement box has 40% WPC84 written on it, this means that the supplement has 84% of the WPC and rest all the ingredients is a combination of lactose, milk derivatives, minerals and fats.

Advantages of choosing WPC: –

It is cheaper as compared to the other types of whey protein and fits in the budgets of fitness freaks.

Disadvantages of choosing WPC: –

It has low bioavailability.
Supplements with WPC contains lactose or milk derivatives in it which cannot be used by lactose intolerant people.

2. Whey protein isolate

Whey protein isolate is also labelled as WPI.
It is the purest form of protein which eliminates all the lactose and fats present.
WPI label is only given to those supplements which has 90% or more than 90% of protein by weight.

Advantages of choosing WPI: –

Its high-end techniques are used to eliminate the lactose and fats which makes WPI the purest form of protein.
As there is no lactose in it, lactose intolerant people can choose this supplement.

Disadvantages of choosing WPI: –

It is expensive.
As it has no carbohydrates and fats, the taste often becomes an issue for the people.

3. Whey protein hydrolysate or blends

They are the blend of WPC and WPI which mostly commonly available in the market.
The cost for these blends are neutral. It depends on the ratio of WPC and WPI.

Advantage of choosing whey protein hydrolysate or blends: –

Neutral cost. Neither too expensive nor too cheap.

Disadvantage of choosing whey protein hydrolysate or blends: –

WPC: WPI ratios can be misleading so as explained above, which ingredient comes first is more in the supplement as compared to the one which comes at the bottom.

How does whey protein work in the body?

Whey protein is a complete source of protein having all essential amino acids including leucine. Leucine is a very important amino acid when it comes to muscle building and toning of the body. Thus, whey becomes the most popular source of protein!
Bioavailability (Ability of animal to utilize that protein in the body) of whey is very high as compared to other protein sources!

Let’s have a look: –

Protein sources	Bioavailability
WPI	159
WPC	104
Whole egg	100
Milk	91
Cheese	84
Fish	82
Chicken	79
Soya	74
Casein	71
Yogurt	68
Egg white	88
Oatmeal	58

The above table shows that whey protein has the highest bioavailability, which becomes the most favourite protein of all times!

How much whey protein you need every day?

A healthy adult requires 0.8-1g per kg body weight protein in a day depending on the physical activity. If you are into intense working out like athletes and sports person, the protein intake can go up to 1.5 g to 2g/per kg of body weight in a day.
For example, an average man with sedentary lifestyle whose weight is 60kgs requires 0.8 g per kg body weight per day.

So, it is calculated as,

Weight x requirement of protein as per physical activity= Ideal protein intake per day.

As per the above example,

60 x 0.8= 48g per day.

Protein can be obtained from natural sources as well. If the person can get the ideal protein intake through natural foods, then he might not require a supplement for the same.
But if the person is a vegetarian, he might need to add up a supplement because vegetarian sources have low bioavailability as compared to non-vegetarian sources.
Fitting his/her ideal protein requirement, 1-2 scoops per day can be taken to complete the requirement.
If a person does heavy workout, he might need to alter his intake of whey protein depending upon the meal pattern he follows.

“Keep a check on your protein intake, overdoing anything won’t help!”

What are the benefits of whey protein?

There is a myth that whey protein leads to weight gain but that is not true. On the contrary, whey protein helps in weight loss (It has fat loss enhancing property).
It helps in muscle building.
It helps in faster recovery post workout.
It promotes growth of lean tissue mass.
It improves muscle protein synthesis.
It boosts immune function.
It helps in controlling sugar cravings.
It has high bioavailability as explained above.

What are the side effects of whey protein?

Like a coin, everything has 2 sides. With benefits, whey protein also has some side effects.
Bloating, upset stomach, increased bowel movements are some side effects of whey protein.
You need to check yourself for allergies before starting off with whey protein.
Check your total protein requirement before including whey protein in your list!

PS: – Whey protein is soluble in water so if in case it doesn’t dissolve in water, that protein supplement is not a right choice then! Read the label before choosing any supplement for you.

March 20, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 8 Comments

All you wanted to know about Premature ejaculation

It is a pity that the rate of separation amongst couples has increased due to sexual dissatisfaction. I recently got a call from a friend whose wife asked for separation on the basis of the husband’s inability of physical love.

Unfortunately, the stress of ‘sexual performance’ is mostly on men. And one of the common issues faced by men is pre-mature ejaculation. This common problem has a common solution- in one’s mind itself! Before we delve into that-

Pre mature ejaculation mostly happens due to the psychological factors. But, I am describing biological factors also for the readers benefit.

Psychological Factors

Anxiety about intercourse,
Being in a situation in which you hurry towards a climax,
Cultural guilt related to sexual pleasure,
Erectile dysfunction,
New partner,
Problems or lack of understanding between you and your partner,
Long time since last ejaculation.
Injury or trauma.
Sexual abuse
Guilt
Depression Image 1
One or combination of factors

Biological Factors

Long standing illness
Hormonal problems with the thyroid gland or abnormal levels of sexual hormones in the body,
Problems with neurotransmitters in the brain, which therefore fail to carry right signals to the pleasure centers of the brain,
Problems with the reflex mechanism of your ejaculatory system,
Infection in the urethra or prostate,
Damage to the nervous or sensory system due to either surgery or trauma.
Side effects of some drugs.
One or combination of factors

There are no physical or biological complications of premature ejaculation. However, it could strain your relationships. Many men also find it humiliating due to our social construct. Occasionally, premature ejaculation may cause fertility problems. If you have been ejaculating too often or too prematurely, your sperm count may be low. Ejaculating prematurely may also prevent fertilization from taking place.

What can you do?

Enjoy..it is sex not a race!Pre-mature ejaculation gets better on its own with time and experience.Relax! Look at intercourse as something pleasurable and not a trophy to be won!

Talk it out- Talk to your partner about your anxieties if it helps. It is ok to be not comfortable and feel stressed. Talking might help you feel ‘lighter’.

You might wish to take therapy from a sex therapist who will undertake a physical examination, talk to you and your partner about your sexual life to understand the root of your sexual problems. You could be prescribed medications along with techniques to delay orgasms. While the therapy ensures that your sexual encounters are stress free, medications ensure that your hormonal levels are in check and that you are healthy enough to have normal, pleasurable intercourse. While antidepressants and topical anesthetics are used, none of these drugs are medically approved for specifically treating premature ejaculation.

Kick the stress out: One of the best ways is to be happy and stress free. Keep your “mind” in check. Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing relieves stress and gradually it settles down anxiety of intercourse.

If you have a lot of stress or if you are depressed as well, your doctor may advise cognitive behavior therapy. This is a psychological treatment for you to be more open and less anxious about sex. Counseling and cognitive therapy is usually used in conjunction with drugs like antidepressants or mood enhancers.

Try the “Start-Stop” Technique. This is by far the simplest technique and can be done alone or with a partner.The technique involves stimulating the penis and stopping just before you feel you are about to ejaculate. Stop the stimulation for 30-60 seconds and start again once you feel that you have regained control. Repeat this process 4-5 times, stopping and “resting” every time you feel that you are about to have an orgasm. Finally, let the ejaculation occur, so that you can identify the “point of no-return”

“Squeeze” Technique- works by squeezing the penis in the area between the shaft and the glans (for about 30 seconds), just before you are about to ejaculate. This stops the ejaculation, but may affect your erection, at least until you are stimulated again. You should then repeat this process 4-5 times until you decide not to delay orgasm anymore.To be effective, this method has to be used for several months and it requires great perseverance from the man and his partner.The idea behind the “squeeze” technique is that, after a while, you are able to recognize the “point of no return” and may be able to delay future ejaculations.

Ayurveda prescribes gentle message of the penis with 1 ounce of sesame oil, 5 to 10 drops of mustard oil 1 hour before intercourse. Wash it off thoroughly before intercourse. You can also use medicated ghees like brahmi ghee, shatavari or ashwagandha ghee to message the pubic bone and the glans penis before making love.

Yoga Asanasas answers!

Matsayasan- Fish pose Helps improve posture, strengthens the upper back and back of the neck muscles, stimulates and stretches belly and front of the neck muscles.

Vajrasan relieves stress and tones the body.

Bow Pose stimulates the spine, expands the shoulders and chest, and strengthens the lower back, hip’s gluteus, hip flexors and hamstrings. It helps strengthen the low back musculature which plays an important role during intercourse. This pose can stimulate organs of the neck and tone the abdominal organs.

Ustrasana- Camel Pose helps improve the posture, strengthens the back muscles and stretches the hip, groins, ankles, chest, abdomen and the entire front body.

For optimal results take deep 5 breaths in each asana. These asanas are not only effective in premature ejaculation but are also known to increase the libido.

So friends, it will be great if you recognized that there are numerous reasons for premature ejaculation and the most common of these being the cluttered mind. The issue is over once you gain confidence. Hopefully the above given techniques will of help all those trying to find a solution to this problem.

Make Love: It’s Fun & Beneficial!

Health benefits of Blowing a conch

All you need to know about whey protein!

All you wanted to know about Premature ejaculation

What can you do?

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