Latest news with #Govindarajan
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Building biceps but burning out? Ayurveda tips for men to heal your gut-gym disconnect first
Modern fitness routines measure everything: sets, macros, sleep cycles — even hydration timing but one critical system is often ignored: the to experts, Ayurveda never made that mistake as for thousands of years, it has placed digestion at the core of strength and vitality because no matter how clean your diet or how intense your training, none of it matters if your body can't properly digest and absorb. From bloating to bench press: Here's how Ayurveda fixes the gut-gym disconnect in men.(Image by Pexels) Agni: The digestive fire behind every rep In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva, shared, 'In Ayurveda, Agni, your digestive fire, is more than metaphor. It's the engine that transforms food into usable energy, muscle tissue and mental clarity. Strong Agni means efficient nutrient absorption, smooth recovery, and sustained performance.' Ayurveda recommends eating light at night considering our digestive fire or agni is the lowest. Undigested food can lead to accumulation of toxins and cause health issues.(Image by Pixabay) Weak Agni? Dr Govindarajan revealed, 'That means bloating, fatigue and stalled progress—even on a 'perfect' diet. Herbs like cumin, ginger, and fennel aren't just flavor—each supports digestion at a cellular level. Triphala aids detox and nutrient uptake. A cleaner gut means faster recovery and a body that doesn't waste energy on damage control.' Herbs that work while you train, sleep and recover Dr Govindarajan said, 'Ayurveda doesn't use herbs to mask fatigue; it uses them to rebuild systems.' He highlighted four time-tested herbs that are showing up in new research and gym bags for good reason: Shilajit helps support healthy testosterone levels, boosting stamina and enhancing muscle strength. It improves overall gym performance by aiding energy production and reducing fatigue. Additionally, it supports immunity and speeds up recovery. helps support healthy testosterone levels, boosting stamina and enhancing muscle strength. It improves overall gym performance by aiding energy production and reducing fatigue. Additionally, it supports immunity and speeds up recovery. Black Musli supports faster muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and enhancing post-workout repair. supports faster muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and enhancing post-workout repair. Gokshura supports healthy metabolism and boosts energy by enhancing the body's natural ability to process and utilise nutrients efficiently. Gokshura: Gokshura helps strengthen bones and promote musculoskeletal health. It supports calcium absorption and improves bone density.(Pinterest) Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and promotes better sleep by calming the nervous system and balancing cortisol levels. helps reduce stress and promotes better sleep by calming the nervous system and balancing cortisol levels. Swarna Bhasma helps improve stamina by boosting cellular energy, enhancing physical endurance, and supporting overall vitality. Dr Govindarajan said, 'These aren't quick fixes. They work gradually, building the kind of baseline health that survives high-intensity weeks, plateaus and life's curveballs.' Train hard, recover smarter Ayurveda doesn't shy away from intensity but it calls out chaos. Dr Govindarajan gushed, 'It promotes training in alignment with the body's natural rhythms. Mornings, when Kapha energy is dominant, are best for strength training — grounded, stable and strong. Late-night workouts, on the other hand, disrupt circadian cycles and spike cortisol when your body should be recovering.' Poor gut health is not just about discomfort and digestive issues like bloating, acidity, and constipation, it also affects your entire wellbeing.(Shutterstock) He added, 'The Ayurvedic system of Dinacharya or daily routine isn't just tradition. It's performance science. Wake before sunrise. Hydrate with warm water. Eat meals at consistent times. Wind down without screens. These habits sharpen recovery, deepen sleep and stabilise mood. It's not boring, it's where discipline meets results.' Redefining strength, especially in men's health month Dr Govindarajan opined, 'Real strength isn't just about size or stats. It's about digestion that works invisibly, energy that doesn't crash, and a nervous system that stays resilient under pressure. Ayurveda isn't here to replace weights — it's what helps the work land. It restores what hustle culture erodes: gut health, recovery rhythm and hormone balance.' So if you are already training, already tracking your macros but still feeling depleted — the answer may not be more output. It may be a smarter input and that starts from the inside. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Top Ayurvedic herbs for men: Boost strength, stamina, mental wellness naturally
Between deadlines and dumbbells, family roles and fitness goals, Indian men today face an invisible tug-of-war: perform relentlessly but never pause. While the wellness conversation grows louder, much of it still overlooks what men are quietly struggling with be it chronic stress, low stamina, fatigue and dropping testosterone levels. Best Ayurvedic solutions for men's health: Natural remedies for energy, focus and hormonal balance.(Image by HowStuffWorks) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva, shared, 'In a time defined by fast food, faster timelines, and digital overload, we need more than protein shakes and energy shots. We need systems that sustain. Ayurveda, India's 5,000-year-old science of life, offers exactly that—a holistic, preventive approach to the evolving challenges of modern masculinity.' According to a 2021 survey, 46% of Indian men are classified as unhealthy, battling issues like heart disease, diabetes, and lifestyle-related disorders and this isn't just about ageing — male fertility is also taking a hit. Over the past four decades, global sperm counts have dropped by more than 50% and quality has declined too. Dr Govindarajan revealed, 'Stress, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and lack of restorative sleep are driving the decline. The impact is bigger than poor productivity—it's weakening long-term vitality.' Enter the Ayurvedic approach: Restore, don't just react Dr Govindarajan said, 'Ayurveda doesn't chase symptoms. It balances the entire system, the body, mind, and energy. And for men, this means building the foundations of resilience, strength, and stress recovery. Unlike synthetic stimulants, Ayurvedic herbs work with the body, not against it.' He highlighted two powerhouses leading that change - 1. Shilajit: The Ancient Power Source for Modern Energy Want to boost your immunity, strength and stamina? Try Shilajit, Ayurvedic elixir and ancient Himalayan treasure (Photo by Revered as a 'destroyer of weakness' in Ayurvedic texts, Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that oozes from Himalayan rocks. Backed by scientific research, it is known to support testosterone production, enhance energy, stamina, metabolism, and improve muscle strength. A study published in Andrologia found that men who consumed purified Shilajit over 90 days showed a 23.5 per cent increase in testosterone levels. In today's sedentary, stress-loaded routines, Shilajit acts as a potent adaptogen, improving stamina and reducing fatigue without overstimulating the body. 2. Ashwagandha: Ayurveda's leading adaptogen Ashwagandha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that offers numerous benefits for overall health and wellness. (Freepik) Modern stress isn't just emotional—it's hormonal. Ashwagandha, Ayurveda's leading adaptogen, helps reduce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. A 2021 clinical study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and improved sleep quality within eight weeks of daily use. More energy. Less anxiety. Deeper sleep. No crash. You can add ashwagandha powder to hot milk, tea or smoothies, or take capsules. (Freepik) A new model of strength: Built for the long game Dr Govindarajan said, 'Ayurveda teaches that true health is cultivated—not crisis-managed. With rising rates of early burnout, fatigue and hormonal imbalance in men, it's time to move from reaction to prevention.' He concluded, 'Today's man lives between ambition and anxiety but strength doesn't have to cost balance. With herbs like Shilajit and Ashwagandha, men can build clean, consistent energy—naturally. So the question isn't whether Ayurveda fits into your life. It is: Can you afford to ignore it any longer?' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Say goodbye to stress, hormonal chaos: 3 Ayurveda herbs, daily rituals to bring your thyroid back in sync
Why are an increasing number of women in their 20's and 30's experiencing unexpected thyroid issues like chronic fatigue, brain fog, low energy and mood swings? The answer may lie in a silent disruptor embedded into modern life: chronic stress. Try these 3 Ayurveda herbs and daily rituals to reboot your thyroid.(Image by Pixabay) According to the International Journal of Medical and Health Research, over 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders. While genetics, diet and environmental toxins play their part, emerging research now highlights stress as a major, yet often overlooked, trigger. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva, shared, 'This isn't just about a bad day or deadline pressure. It's the constant, low-grade stress from juggling careers, caregivers, digital overwhelm, and the pressure to 'have it all'. This kind of stress gradually disrupts the body's delicate hormone networks- especially the thyroid, which regulates metabolism, energy, mood and reproductive health.' Understanding the thyroid-stress link Dr Govindarajan explained, 'The thyroid works in close coordination with the brain and adrenal glands through a communication network called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When the brain senses stress, it signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. This hormone is meant to help the body respond to immediate challenges but when stress becomes long-term, cortisol levels remain elevated and start interfering with other hormone systems, including the thyroid.' Thyroid imbalances in men go unnoticed as men often put the symptoms down to stress and don't avail treatment. (Shutterstock) A 2024 cross-sectional study conducted at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences in Ballari, Karnataka, explored the relationship between perceived stress and thyroid function among apparently healthy women aged 20 to 49. The study found that higher perceived stress levels were associated with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, indicating a potential link between chronic stress and thyroid dysfunction. Ashwagandha to Brahmi: Here's what Ayurveda offers for hormonal balance According to Dr Govindarajan, while conventional medicine remains the cornerstone in managing thyroid conditions, Ayurveda offers supportive options- especially when it comes to stress reduction and hormonal support. At the heart of this approach are adaptogens: herbs that help the body regulate physical, mental, and emotional stress. Ashwagandha is one of the most researched adaptogens in this space. A 2023 NIH backed study reported significant improvements in T3 and T4 levels among individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism who took Ashwagandha root extract, pointing to its potential role in supporting natural thyroid function. Ashwagandha helps in reducing stress and anxiety(Shutterstock) Dr Govindarajan said, 'Shatavari and Brahmi, two other Ayurvedic staples, are also known for calming the nervous system and enhancing adrenal resilience — both supportive in maintaining hormonal stability over time. Together, these herbs form a holistic toolkit for those looking to care for their thyroid beyond medication alone.' Simple daily shifts that can make a difference Dr Govindarajan suggested, 'Small, intentional shifts make the biggest difference like prioritising sleep, reducing screen time, and nourishing your body with iodine, selenium, and zinc. Ayurvedic practices like yoga, pranayama, and mindful herb use like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari can help modulate the stress response and build hormonal resilience.' Shatavari: Phytoestrogen and other natural phytochemicals present in Shatavari are extremely beneficial. It helps rectify the hormonal imbalance. It has a powerful effect on insulin resistance.(Pixabay) He further recommended, 'Taking regular breaks from screens, practicing mindfulness or journaling and exploring adaptogenic herbs in the form of teas, tonics, or supplements can further support your system. When considering any new supplement or herb, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are on thyroid medication or managing other health conditions. The quality, sourcing, and dosage of these herbs matter, so informed choices are key.' Your wake-up call to slow down and recalibrate The earliest signs of thyroid dysfunction often whisper: low energy, brain fog, poor sleep or unexplained mood and weight changes. Dr Govindarajan advised, 'By tuning in and supporting your system with rest, nourishment and ancient herbal allies, it's possible to rebalance, before imbalance becomes illness. In a world where stress is constant, how we respond to it is where the power lies. That's where Ayurveda steps in: not as an alternative, but as an ally.' He concluded, 'With soothing herbs, restoring rituals and nourishing food, it not only manages thyroid but also helps the body find its own balance again. This isn't just healing; it's rebalancing from the inside out.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Puducherry accelerates its fight against TB; ranks number one in IRL for chest diseases
Puducherry's Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL)based at the Government Hospital for Chest Diseases has been ranked number one for overall performance of lab activities catering not just to catering not just to Tuberculosis (TB) patients in Puducherry but serves Tamil Nadu and beyond – with a capacity of conducting 1.2 lakhs tests annually, said S. Govindarajan, mission director, Puducherry State Health Society (PSHS). An IRL in the context of TB is a State-level laboratory within the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) which serves as a crucial link between peripheral labs and national reference labs, providing advanced diagnostic services and supporting the overall TB control efforts. 'We increased TB testing rate to 5,268 per lakh population in the first quarter of 2025 marking an 136% increase as compared to 2015,' he added. Speaking to The Hindu he explained that though Puducherry is battling a relatively high TB death rate of nearly 10 per cent (most deaths attributed to patients from neighbouring states) has now also emerged as a frontrunner in TB testing as it ramped up examinations of presumptive patients from 2,233 per lakh population in 2015 to 2,526 per lakh population in 2024. Presumptive TB refers to individuals exhibiting symptoms or signs suggestive of tuberculosis (TB). These individuals are then considered for further diagnostic confirmation to determine if they have active TB disease. The Union Territory in a bid to curb community transmission and bring down the incidence of TB, has been conducting door-to-door active case finding driver with special focus on vulnerable populations who might not display TB symptoms. 'In 2023, together with medical colleges, the State TB Cell screened 5.2 lakh individuals for TB – over 42,000 individuals using the ultraportable hand-held chest X-ray machines. Patients with abnormalities were further tested using the modern diagnostics – NAAT,' explained C. Venkatesh, State TB officer. He noted that recently the Union Territory, as part of Central Government's TB elimination programme, mapped 3,74,281 vulnerable people and screened 3.8 lakh people, covering 102% of the target. Over 24,000 individuals at a high risk of TB, who might not have displayed the typical symptoms of TB, were screened following which over 15,000 presumptive patients were tested using upfront NAAT – the gold standard of TB testing. 'This targeted approach by Puducherry is a game changer in early diagnosis of TB and is boosting the UT's chance at TB elimination goal,' said Dr. Venkatesh. According to experts India has shown progress in reducing the TB incidence rate, with a 17.7% decline from 2015 to 2023 but the absolute number of cases remains high 'India has strengthened its TB response with advanced diagnostics, innovative policies, private sector partnerships, and a patient-first approach,' said the Union Health Ministry.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Royal Enfield's Cheyyar plant set to become an all-women facility
Gender inclusivity is the new mantra which Royal Enfield wants to embrace fully as the motorcycle maker works towards making its Cheyyar plant in Tamil Nadu an all-women facility. Royal Enfield's CEO, B. Govindarajan, in his social media post, recently shared that the company is focusing on bringing diversity at its manufacturing facilities. "At Cheyyar, we've built our first all-women assembly line and the energy there is something else," Govindarajan wrote, and added that the company is working towards making Cheyyar Royal Enfield's first all-women plant, with a 100 per cent female workforce. Notably, the company's Vallam facility-- also in Tamil Nadu--has the highest number of women employees at any single Royal Enfield facility, accounting for 26 per cent of the workforce there. The two-wheeler maker's CEO and also the MD of Eicher Motors further stated in the post that the organisation's gender diversity ratio stood at around 5 per cent some years ago, and is presently close to 20 per cent. "In FY25 alone, 24 per cent of our new hires were women, surpassing our overall gender diversity target for the year," he noted. In the ongoing calendar year 2025, so far, about 3,90,171 Royal Enfield two-wheelers have been registered in India, according to the Vahan Portal . These figures last year stood at 8,16,741 units, while in 2023 the number was 7,85,342 units. Other vehicle makers, including Tata Motors and MG Motor India , have previously shared announcements around improving the diversity ratio across different functions. For instance, Tata Motors during 2023, had announced an all women assembly line at its Pune Plant. MG Motor India, on the other hand, has close to 40 per cent women in its workforce at its Halol, Gujarat plant.
