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How Yoga Can Affect Your Endocrine System

endocrine systemYoga not only plays an important role in maintaining our health but also has a very good effect on our endocrine system. Due to a hectic lifestyle and everyday stress, people are experiencing a lot of hormonal problems. Some of the health issues faced by both men and women are hormonal changes, underactive or overactive thyroid and hormonal imbalance. Increase in cortisol levels, insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, early puberty and early menopause are few hormonal disorders that women face. It’s therefore good to know more about the endocrine system. The Endocrine system is a collection of glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream to the targeted cells.

Why Is The Endocrine System Important For Us?

Endocrine system  helps maintain the body’s homeostasis (balance). Metabolism, growth, sexual development, mental growth, mineral balance, heart rate regulation, setting our sleep cycle, muscular and skeletal growth are the functions of endocrine gland.

Role of the Hypothalamus: Hypothalamus is a part of the brain that is responsible for the direct control of the endocrine system through the pituitary gland. Hypothalamus is also the center of emotions and is affected by strong emotions, odor, powerful thoughts, taste, stress, laughter, etc.

Pituitary gland is the master gland controlling the whole endocrine system including the pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, thymus gland,  adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and testes. The hypothalamus sends signals to pituitary gland, which then releases chemicals to stimulate the hormones from other endocrine glands. So this will work like Hypothalamus–pituitary-organ pathway.

The Role of Yoga in Controlling the Hormonal System

  • Pranayama: has a good effect on the endocrine system. Pranayama means stretching , modifying and lengthening the breath. Pranayama has dual benefits. In Pranayama, when you control your breath, it controls both your mind and your body. We supply more oxygen to the lungs which is transported to each and every cell of the body. The blood supply and the oxygen supply to the brain and hypothalamus increases, thereby, improving their functioning. One can control stress and emotions in a better way because stress can disturb the functioning of the hypothalamus. Pranayama improves the relationship between hypothalamus –pituitary and the other glands and thus, the entire endocrine system is balanced.
  • Yog Nidra or Yogic Sleep: is a great way to control stress and emotion. It is not about going to Shavasana and just sleeping but staying awake and controlling your thoughts and senses, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, relaxing and energizing your mind and body. Yog Nidra will improve the functioning of the brain, hypothalamus and the relationship between hypothalamus and pituitary and the other endocrine glands.
  • Yogic Poses: like Sirsasana, standing forward bend increases blood flow to brain and improves the functioning of the brain and hypothalamus along with improving the  functioning of pituitary and pineal gland. Halasana and shoulder stand improve the functioning of thyroid and parathyroid gland. Ardh Matsyendrasana and Balasana will stimulate pancreas for the release of insulin and glucagon from pancreas. Setubandhasana and Bhujangasana will stimulate testes and ovaries.

We hope this article helps you improve the functioning of your endocrine system and bring balance to your mind and body! Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on how yoga can help you, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

You can also practice yoga online with guidance from a certified expert by subscribing for GOQii Pro Classes within the GOQii App.

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Healthy Eating: Idli Sandwich

idili sandwichThe monsoons have begun and eating nutritious home cooked meals might be the best option for your health. As we understand that your regular food might get boring, adding a little twist would make things more interesting for you. So let’s begin by preparing this delicious and healthy Idli Sandwich. 

What You Will Need 

  • Idli Batter – 500 g
  • Boiled & crushed corn – 2 tbsp
  • Finely chopped capsicum – 2 tbsp  
  • Finely chopped onion – 2 tbsp
  • Grated carrot – 2 tbsp
  • Paneer – 50 gm
  • Finely chopped coriander – 1 tbsp
  • Green chilli paste – 1 tbsp
  • Salt as per taste
  • Oil – 2 tbsp
  • Chat masala – 1 tsp
  • Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper powder – 1 tsp
  • Sesame seeds – 1 tsp
  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  • Green chutney – ½ cup

How To Prepare     

  1. Add water in a steamer and put it to boil. Grease a plate with oil and pour 2 big spoons of batter on the plate and spread evenly. Sprinkle some red chilli powder and black pepper powder over it. Put the plate in the hot steamer and allow it to cook.
  2. Once done, remove the plate and allow it to cool. Cut the cooked idli batter in a round shape using a mold. Make all the idlis in similar fashion.
  3. Take a mixing bowl and add corn, capsicum, onion, carrot, paneer, coriander, green chilli paste, chat masala, salt and mix everything well.
  4. Now, let us start making the sandwich. Take two idlis, spread green chutney on one side of both the idlis and in-between place the prepared stuffing.
  5. On a pan, pour in some oil. After the oil heats up, add in the mustard seeds & sesame seeds. After they start crackling up, place the prepared sandwich on it. 
  6. After it is golden brown on one side, flip it over and cook the other side.
  7. Our hot idli sandwich is ready! Enjoy it with chutney.

Note: You can also use your left over idlis to make these. Just cut the idli from the middle, stuff and grill. 

Highlights of the Idli Sandwich recipe 

  • It’s a sandwich recipe without the processed bread – which means it is automatically healthier!  
  • Very rich in fiber & proteins – which make them super filling.
  • It makes the traditional idlis two times more nutritious with the addition of vegetables. 

We hope you try this Idli Sandwich recipe and share your experience with us. Do upload your pics on social media and tag us! For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads. To get more advice on recipes, nutrition and diet tips, ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Eat Healthy and #BeTheForce 

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Benefits Of Drinking Lukewarm Lemon Water Every Morning

What is your routine after you wake up in the morning? Do you reach out for a glass of water? Do you pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee? Maybe some tea? Well, you might be starting your mornings the wrong way then! Here’s why you should begin your day with a fresh glass of lukewarm lemon water.

lemon water

We hope this information helps you switch to a glass of lukewarm lemon water in the morning and make lasting changes to your lifestyle!

For more articles on living healthy, check out Healthy Reads or reach out to a GOQii Coach who will guide and motivate you towards achieving your goals in a healthy and sustainable manner. You can subscribe here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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5 Wonder Herbs To Help You Battle Diabetes Naturally

battle diabetesDiabetes has been listed as an epidemic and it seems to be on the rise, worldwide. Diabetes is a disorder which alters the blood sugar levels and production of insulin that can cause various complications if left untreated. It can be treated through lifestyle modifications and exercises. We do have few spices and herbs available in nature, along with dietary changes, to help control diabetes. These remedies are not only economic to the pockets but can also help in reducing medicines. There are so many herbs (leafy part of the plant) that have proven boon to regulate blood sugar. Here, I am mentioning the most common and effective herbs to control blood sugar levels effectively.

5 Herbs To Battle Diabetes 

  1. Oregano: due to it’s high content of glycosides, flavonoids and polyphenols, oregano helps in lowering blood sugar levels. It helps in increasing the level of insulin in the body too. In dry form, oregano can be added to salads, soups or other dishes. Fresh herbs can be added to boiling water, let it steep for 5 mins, strain and drink as tea in the morning. You can also chew 5-6 oregano leaves regularly.
  2. Curry leaves: are the aromatic leaves and widely used in culinary preparations. It helps in decreasing blood sugar levels and also promotes carbohydrate metabolism. They can be chewed every day on an empty stomach or can be used while preparing food. 
  3. Giloy: is an Ayurvedic, magical plant that can not only help in controlling blood sugar levels and other symptoms of diabetes but is potent enough to alleviate many issues arising from your head to toe. Giloy also gives a boost to immunity. Powered with Antioxidants, it protects  the body from any damage caused by free radicals. To consume it, take 1 tsp of Giloy powder or ½ an inch of fresh crushed Giloy stem, mix or soak it in a cup of water overnight. Drink it on an empty stomach the next morning. You can also boil ½ inch of Giloy stem in a cup of water till it reduces in half and drink it hot, twice a day.
  4. Sadabahar: is a common plant found in India. Its flowers are the main component to help reduce blood sugar levels. Sadabahar flowers can be boiled in water for a few minutes. You can strain and drink it in the morning as tea. 3-4 leaves can be chewed daily on an empty stomach as well. 
  5. Peppermint: contains natural antioxidants which are helpful in fighting diabetes, heart disease, aging and cancer. It also adds great flavor and aroma to teas. Peppermint is available both in fresh and dried leaves or tea bags in the market but it is better to go for fresh leaves. The leaves can be added to tea for good flavor and your daily dose of antioxidants. Alternatively you can add them to salads or chew 4-5 leaves on an empty stomach. Please Note: People with GERD or people prone to acidity should avoid it as it relaxes the muscle that closes the stomach from oesophagus causing acid reflux.

We hope this article helps you battle diabetes. Before you switch to using any of these wonder herbs to battle diabetes, please ensure that you check with your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian in case of any allergies or other medical conditions. For more on Diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii Diabetes Care program. It’s India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), reduce HbA1c levels and let you win gold! You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

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