Skip to main content

Ayurveda For Detox : An Ancient Approach !

The concept of  detoxifying  the body has become popular in the modern era. But if we take a closer look, we’ll find that Ayurvedic vaidyas have been touting the benefits detoxification for thousands of years. Unlike modern detoxification goals, however, when using Ayurveda for  detox , you are not limited to the digestive system and body — to function smoothly, effectively, and without impairment, the body, mind, and spirit must all be in harmony. Ama ,  Agni  and  Detoxification If we look at digestion through an Ayurvedic lens, we would understand that finding balance through the right kinds of foods, a centered lifestyle, and de-stressing techniques would all contribute to good health. The Sanskrit word for this harmonious state is  Agni , the first word written in the Vedas. Its antithesis is  Ama , which points to a toxic buildup. Ama results not only from dietary issues, but also from emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Fortunately, Ayurveda has a prescription that has

Seasonal Affective Disorder: 8 Ways to Stay Mentally Strong this Season

Do you feel anxious, sad, and tired every fall and winter? You might have seasonal affective disorder. Learn how to spot the signs.
For many people, the autumn season represents the start of school, football games, and pumpkin-spiced lattes. For some, it can mark the beginning of a series of unpleasant symptoms associated with seasonal change.
People can experience varying seasonal symptoms, including the “winter blues,” which can begin in the fall, and a clinical disorder known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression. SAD is similar to non-seasonal depression, except it follows a seasonal pattern—typically starting in the fall, worsening in winter, and ending in spring. While less common, some people experience the opposite seasonal pattern with symptoms beginning in spring or summer and ending in fall.
About 500,000 Americans suffer from SAD, 75 percent of whom are women, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Young people and those with a family history of SAD are also at risk. Symptoms of SAD are more common in individuals living far north or south of the equator, possibly due to decreased sunlight during the winter. For those who suffer from clinical depression year-round, symptoms may worsen in fall and winter (or in some cases spring and summer).   
While the exact cause of SAD remains unknown, theories exist as to what causes the disruption. One theory is that the body’s internal biological clock, which regulates sleep and mood, shifts due to a lack of sunlight exposure. Another theory is that sunlight reduction can cause a drop in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that can influence sleep, mood, and behavior. Experts also believe sunlight reduction may disrupt the body’s levels of the sleep hormone melatonin.
So what’s the difference between SAD and the “winter blues?” According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms of the “winter blues” are mild to moderate, fairly common, shorter-lasting than SAD, and typically go away on their own. SAD is a clinical diagnosis that follows a regular pattern year after year. Symptoms impair daily functioning and can last for months.
Symptoms of fall and winter SAD include:
  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Tired/low energy
  • Cravings for carbohydrates
  • Weight gain
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Withdrawing socially
  • Loss of interest
  • Sleeping more than usual
Symptoms of spring and summer SAD include:
  • Insomnia
  • Weight loss
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Restlessness
For those who are suffering, it’s important that you don’t try to diagnose yourself. Instead, seek help from a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment. 
Fortunately, there are ways to help combat and even help prevent disruptive seasonal symptoms, including maintaining social connections, a healthy diet, and a regular sleep schedule. Here are some tips:

Go Outside

Natural daylight, even when it’s cloudy, can help to maintain the body’s circadian rhythm, which is responsible for regulating sleep patterns, hormones, and other physiological processes. Exposure, particularly in the morning, tells your body that it is no longer nighttime, signaling it to stop the release of melatonin. Outdoor exposure can also boost serotonin and reduce stress. 
Sunlight also provides the body with vitamin D, a vital nutrient for mental health. In a study conducted by Clinical Rheumatology, researchers found depression was higher in fibromyalgia patients with a vitamin D deficiency, compared to patients with inadequate or normal levels.
Take an early morning walk or perform another outdoor activity that you enjoy.

Get Some Exercise

Exercise can improve mood, increase self-esteem, and alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, and perhaps even severe depression, according to Harvard Medical School. A study conducted at Duke University Medical Center found that patients with major depressive disorder who performed aerobic exercise were significantly less likely to have relapse symptoms compared to those who only took medication.
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine—try doing something you enjoy, as you’ll be more likely to stick to it. And when possible, take your workout outside to reap the combined benefits of exercise and sunlight exposure.

Connect With Others

When you feel depressed, a Netflix marathon on your couch may sound more appealing than attending a social gathering. While hibernating may make you feel better in the short term, it can worsen symptoms in the long run. Social connections relieve stress, provide support, and build resilience to life’s challenges, according to the Mayo Clinic. Simply meeting a friend for a cup of coffee can induce feelings of connectedness.

Eat Clean

SAD sufferers may find themselves turning to food as a source of comfort when serotonin levels are low. While simple carbohydrates temporarily spike serotonin levels, offering temporary relief, eating poorly is an unhealthy and ineffective solution to manage symptoms in the long run (not to mention the high probably of weight gain it carries).
Whole foods, however, provide your brain with the nutrients and minerals it needs for mental strength. Maintain a healthy diet and weight by consuming a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid overloading on simple carbohydrates such as sugary treats and soda.

Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule

Both insomnia and oversleeping can occur when you’re feeling depressed. Put yourself on a regular sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up at the same time. Everyone differs in how much sleep they need. Experiment to find out how many hours your body requires to function at an optimal level.

Do Something Different

Breaking away from your normal routine now and then by developing a new hobby can keep the mind active and stimulated. Luckily, you don’t have to go to extremes and take up skydiving for this to be effective. Begin journaling, try a new machine at the gym, or cook a new recipe you haven’t made before. Give yourself something novel to look forward to, even if it seems small and insignificant.

Give Yourself a Break

It’s important to be gentle with yourself when experiencing symptoms of SAD. Sufferers may beat themselves up for feeling so poorly, which can exacerbate symptoms. Remind yourself that what you’re feeling is not your own fault and you’re doing everything within your control to feel better. Celebrate small victories such as getting out of the house for a walk or simply pulling yourself out of bed.

Try Light Therapy

A common therapy for SAD sufferers involves a light box, which is designed to mimic natural sunlight. Sitting near a light box for 15 to 30 minutes a day provides stimulation to retina cells, activating the hypothalamus and resetting circadian rhythms. For those lacking natural sunlight, a light box can provide 10,000 lux of light intensity and is 100 times brighter than light typically found indoors. While generally safe, light boxes can cause side effects such as headache and eye strain.

Increase Vitamin D Intake

As previously mentioned, vitamin D deficiency is associated with seasonal affective disorder. If you think you may have low levels of vitamin D, have your doctor perform a blood test. In addition to sun exposure, you increase your intake with a high-quality vitamin D supplement and by eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and milk.   
Get vitamin D from iHerb https://fas.st/XlEX57  

Seek Professional Help

There’s no shame in seeking professional help. In fact, a proper assessment and diagnosis is crucial to effectively treating symptoms. A mental health professional can equip you with the proper tools to effectively manage symptoms, while lending much needed support. Remember that if left untreated, symptoms of SAD can worsen.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

11 Calming Herbs to keep your Mind Balanced 💆

          Life is hard. Every day it seems like a new challenge appears to test your patience. You may not realize that chronic stress can also lead to long-term health complications. Living in a constant state of fight-or-flight tells your body to produce too much cortisol which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, mood swings, fatigue, and many other conditions. ( 1 ) While it’s important to take steps to manage stress, certain calming herbs can help strengthen your body’s stress response. Adaptogens are some of the best calming herbs because studies show they might make your body and mind more resilient to external stress. Keep in mind that adaptogens don’t work like prescription drugs for anxiety in that they kick in instantly. Instead, they need a few weeks to build up in your system before you notice the effects. When you need something in a pinch, however, other herbs and  essential oils  – like lavender oil – can ease symptoms almost instantly. 1.  LEMON BALM Lemon balm , also kn

Natural Home Remedies For Minor Burns 🔥

Natural Home remedies for Burns The use of natural remedies given below can be highly effective in managing such minor burns. These remedies are aimed at promoting healing of the damaged skin tissues and minimizing pain. Raw Potato Raw potato can be used to treat minor skin burns. It possesses soothing properties, which help in providing relief from the burning sensation caused by burns. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces redness and inflammation of the skin. It can also reduce the chances of having blisters. Research has proved the beneficial effect of raw potato in the management of minor burns. The histological examination of the burnt area and clinical studies made on the comparable burn wounds treated with either peel of boiled potato affixed to gauze bandages or just gauze dressings showed that the patients treated with raw potato had a faster rate of recovery from the symptoms. It was found that the usage of the potato peel dressing eliminated or reduced desi

Spring Detox Smoothie

When spring arrives, I can't help but think about cleaning up my eating habits. After all, spring detox is a thing (along with spring cleaning, which technically is a detox for your home). That's why I’m sharing with you a smoothie packed with nutrients your body will love. Drink it in the morning and you'll give your body a much-needed boost of energy to get you through the day. Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters  Before I get to the actual recipe, I'd like to shine the spotlight on each individual ingredient used in this smoothie. You'll quickly see why this is a great spring detox smoothie worth drinking. Green Tea Not only is  green tea tasty to drink on its own, but it's also full of health benefits. It's high in antioxidants and contains a large amount of catechins, polyphenolic compounds that are thought to exert numerous protective effects, especially for your heart. Green tea is great for your cardiovascular system and