Diet

Dietary habits of population in different regions of the world have been determined mainly by the availability of foods and local practices. We need a wide range of nutrients to perform various functions in the body and to lead a healthy life. Most of the ailments, we suffer from, are the result of improper ways of living and improper diet. These diseases are cured with proper diet and regular yoga practice. A diet chart recommends balanced diet of do’s and don’ts according to patient’s body condition and the nature of the disease. Experts from Indian Institute of Yoga found that diseases like diabetes, obesity, depression, paralysis, parkinsonism, ulcers, digestive disorders, female problems are cured through regular practice of yoga and proper diet intake. One should practice specific asanas for curing specific diseases. The essentials of yoga practice are time, place and dress. One should select a convenient time and should try to do yoga at the same time everyday for at least 30-40 minutes at least five days a week. 

A balanced diet includes salads, fresh vegetables, fruits and raw nuts, wheat bread and pulses, cereals, fish and liver, eggs (yolkless). For sustaining healthy and active life, diets should be planned on sound nutritional principles. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are oxidized in the body to yield energy. Vitamins and minerals do not supply energy but they play an important role in the regulation of the metabolic activity in the body and help in the utilization of the proximate principles. Minerals are also used for the formations of body structure and skeleton. Water is highly important for the lubricating system of the body. A lack of water may slow circulation and thicken the blood stream, thus increasing the work of the heart. It may even result in the formation of kidney and bladder stones and other serious complications. To be healthy, one must take plenty of pure water: at least 6 to 8 glasses every day. It is better to avoid foods like fries, roasts, seasoning, spices, fats, cool drinks, junk food, excess salt, chilli and pepper in our diet, which are not good for the health.

Lifestyle – Arthritis

Lifestyle plays a vital role in leading a healthy and happy life. Most of the diseases develop as a result of faulty lifestyle, wrong food intake, negative emotions and everyday stress and strain. I am sure that if we can change our lifestyles, we can alleviate our pains and sufferings. This I can say for sure because, my aunt, even after being a Rheumatoid Arthritis patient, is living a normal life without any oral medication since after changing her food habits.

Once, she could not even lie on the bed as each joint in her body, even the spine and the shoulder blades, was inflamed. She tried every possible system of medicine – Allopathy, Ayurveda and Homeopathy. All gave her only a temporary relief. Her hands, toes and knees were getting deformed. Finally, taking a hint from Naturopathy and Ayurveda, she changed her eating habits to suit her body needs.

She started on a low protein diet, low fat diet, low start diet rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. She gave up all pulses, milk and milk products and started on fibrous food like unpeeled fruits and vegetable juices. The supplement of vitamins acted as anti-oxidants and improved her immunity. With a strong will to overcome this agony, she started breathing exercises, meditation and yoga asanas. These, I explained step-by-step in the later topics. Besides all these, she prepared a herbal oil using various herbs of therapeutic value and used for massaging the affected areas. It started working wonderfully. She gradually recovered from the pains after two years of treatment. Now, she wants to assure all those suffering from arthritis that they can live normal life. All you need is will power, patience and a desire to get better by changing your lifestyle as per your need.

Suggested diet:

• Vegetable juice: Prepare a glass of juice by mixing equal parts of carrots, cucumber, beetroots, amaranth and cabbage. Mix 2 table spoons of honey to the juice and take regularly.
• Salads
• Coconut water
• Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin
• Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt.

Things not suggested:

• Eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, wind forming foods like cabbage, Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes.
• Too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa.
• Sleeping during the day
• Mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.
• Use of painkillers, steroids
• Smoking