Latest news with #Pitta
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Liver can heal naturally if you follow these 3 Ayurvedic habits recommended by doctor
Most of us rarely think about our liver, until it starts causing trouble. But in truth, this powerhouse organ is quietly doing some of the most important work in your body. From digesting food and processing everything you eat and drink, to clearing out toxins, your liver is your personal cleanup crew. In Ayurveda, though, the liver is more than just a filter, it's a vital part of your internal balance. It's linked to what's called the Rakta vaha srotas, a channel that carries blood and bile. And when this system is thrown out of balance, the damage doesn't stay local. It can ripple across your entire body, from your heart and lungs to your stomach. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Data Analytics others PGDM CXO Management MCA Leadership Artificial Intelligence Finance Data Science Data Science Technology Others Degree Project Management Public Policy MBA Product Management Operations Management Design Thinking Healthcare healthcare Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details As quoted by TOI, Dr Somit Kumar, M.D. (Ayu), PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at AVP Research Foundation, says it's all about making small, everyday changes. Let's break it down. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo In Ayurveda, liver health ties back to Pitta dosha, the energy responsible for heat and digestion. When you overdo it on spicy, salty, or sour food, or drink too much, Pitta can go off track. That's when trouble starts: inflammation, liver cell damage, and even signs of early ageing. Another key concept is Agni, the body's digestive fire. It transforms your food into Rasa dhatu, the vital nourishment that fuels every cell. Deep in the liver, five special flames (Bhuta Agnis) quietly work to detox, digest, and renew your body. Live Events Eat Simple, Eat Regular You don't need fancy diets or extreme cleanses to keep your liver happy. What Ayurveda suggests is simple: Eat at regular times Avoid odd food pairings (Viruddha Ahara) Include all six tastes (Shadrasa): sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent Hydration matters too: not just plain water, but herbal teas that help flush toxins. Liver-Friendly Foods Opt for food that's gentle on digestion. Ayurveda loves: Grains like rice, oats, wheat, millet, barley Legumes such as green gram and lentils (lighter than kidney beans) Fruits like apples, figs, papaya, and pomegranate (but go easy on citrus and mangoes) Vegetables such as carrots and beets (limit cabbage and chillies) Dairy, ghee and buttermilk get a thumbs up; curd and paneer, only now and then Herbs That Help Your Liver Shine Spices aren't just for flavour, they're your liver's best friends: Turmeric: Full of curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory Garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, black pepper: All excellent for digestion and detox Some top Ayurvedic herbs include: Guduchi: Supports immunity and clears toxins Bhumi Amla: Known to support liver cell renewal Licorice: Calms inflammation and protects the gut-liver link Andrographis, Katuki, Swertia: Lesser-known but powerful liver protectors It's Not Just Food, It's a Lifestyle Eating well is just one piece of the puzzle. Movement, even a daily walk or yoga session, supports liver function. And don't underestimate stress, it messes with your liver more than you think. Calm the chaos with mindfulness, meditation, or simply some quiet time. Sleep, too, is a major healer. Your liver does its best repair work while you're in deep sleep, so don't cut corners on rest. Ayurveda isn't about overnight miracles. It's about tuning into your body, building daily habits, and living in harmony. When you care for your liver with good food, movement, rest, and calm, it quietly rewards you with better digestion, clearer skin, stronger immunity, and more energy. After all, your liver does so much for you, it's only fair you return the favour.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Think ‘dahi' cools you? Ayurveda warns dahi can overheat your body if eaten wrong
Ayurveda warns dahi can overheat your body if eaten wrong In the scorching weather, to cool ourselves, we often consume dahi, or curd, as our staple food in the summer. We listen to our parents urging us to have a bowl of dahi to beat this summer heat and being nagged by them to avoid eating dahi at night so we don't catch a cold. In this way, we have been taught that curd has cooling properties. But according to Ayurveda, curd is sour in taste and hot in nature and is said to be heavy to digest. Ayurveda says no to curd or dahi consumption According to Ayurveda, curd, or dahi, is high in Kapha and Pitta dosha and low in Vata dosha, meaning having Kapha-Pitta dominance with low Vata means your body and mind are governed by the qualities of stability, strength, and focus. Kapha brings calmness, patience, and physical endurance, while Pitta adds sharp intellect, ambition, and strong digestion. Since Vata is low, you're less likely to experience anxiety, restlessness, or irregular routines. However, you may need to watch out for issues like weight gain and sluggishness (Kapha) or irritability and overheating (Pitta). Balancing both doshas involves staying active, avoiding heavy or spicy foods, and maintaining a cooling yet stimulating lifestyle to stay energised and mentally clear. So there are certain things to keep in mind while having curd in any season. This is the reason that when you consume curd in summer, it increases the body heat of some people. Also, if you consume it in excess, considering it to be healthy, then you can see pimples and many other important problems on the face. Guide to consuming dahi by Ayurveda According to the Arya Vaidya Chikkitsalayam and Research Institute , one should not consume curd at night because of the following reasons: The curd is heavy to digest; it is also hot in potency. Therefore, when consumed at night, it may interfere with your sleep, as extra energy is required for its digestion. It also triggers the secretion of mucus, making the condition adverse for individuals suffering from asthma, a condition that takes a longer period to manage according to Ayurveda. Curd should not be heated. If you heat the curd, it can alter its properties, which can lead to suffocation and swelling in your body. The daily consumption of curd is prohibited in Ayurveda. It is because curd is known to be heavy in nature and increases inflammation in the body. The Ayurvedic experts suggest that the only variation of curd that can be consumed regularly is churned buttermilk that has added spices such as rock salt, black pepper, and cumin. 5 cooling ayurvedic drinks to replace curd this summer Nimbu sharbat/lemon : One of the most extensively used remedies to beat the summer heat is a natural cooling drink. Lemon acts as a cooling agent and brings down body heat. So generously add the dash of lemon syrup into your salads, soups, and other dishes, which can taste great after adding this summer wonder. Mint : Another commonly used herb to combat the summer heat is mint. The mint has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best herbs to calm your nerves when you feel the heat dial up a notch during this season. Tender coconut water : Naturally sweet and full of electrolytes, coconut water is a natural body coolant. It helps maintain hydration, balances pitta dosha, and is ideal during hot afternoons. Amla-turmeric refresher : Amla's vitamin C boosts immunity, turmeric fights inflammation, and mint cools Pitta. This drink energises and detoxifies naturally. Cucumber-mint-tulsi cooler : This drink hydrates deeply, cools Pitta, and reduces stress. Cucumber's water content flushes toxins, while Tulsi boosts immunity—perfect for summer resilience. Also read | Apples vs pears: Which fruit is better for your health
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Mira Kapoor says she has been sleeping ‘like a baby' for six months, all thanks to this concoction
Mira Kapoor is an Ayurveda buff who prefers home remedies made with natural ingredients. The entrepreneur recently shared that she has been having an Ayurvedic drink for good sleep, which seems to have worked for her. 'I have been having this sleep drink every night for the last six weeks. I sleep like a baby, and it's really helped with regulating my pre-cycle zits,' Kapoor shared on Instagram Stories. According to her, the drink prepared with half a cup of warm milk, a pinch of jaggery, turmeric, and ghee has helped her 'mind relax' and tune out the noise. 'I wake up rested in the morning,' said Kapoor, who suggested people with a Vata constitution, like her, should try the recipe. Taking a cue from her admission, let's understand if this concoction is beneficial. According to Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator, warm milk contains tryptophan, which helps our bodies produce melatonin, the hormone that gently lulls us to sleep. 'Turmeric brings powerful anti-inflammatory and calming benefits, ghee nourishes our nervous system and aids digestion, and jaggery adds a touch of natural sweetness and essential minerals,' said Malhotra. Milk also provides magnesium and calcium, which aid muscle relaxation and calm the nervous system, said Dr Birali Swetha, chief dietician, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad. 'Adding a teaspoon of ghee provides healthy fats and helps in the absorption of turmeric's active compound, curcumin. Ghee also supports gut health and reduces inflammation,' said Dr Birali. Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric cleanses the body of toxins, supports joint health, and calms internal inflammation—all factors that can disrupt restful sleep. It also boosts immunity, making it ideal for seasonal transitions, said Danny Kumar Meena, founder and CEO, Girlyveda. Jaggery, in small amounts, offers natural sweetness along with iron and minerals. 'It helps stabilise blood sugar through the night and supports digestion—another key factor in uninterrupted sleep,' said Dr Birali. These ingredients create a comforting bedtime ritual that helps relax the mind, soothe the body, and promote deep, restful sleep. Malhotra said that if you have a Vata constitution, this drink's warmth and grounding effect can be beneficial. For Pitta types, a lighter version with fewer spices can keep things cool and balanced. And if you're Kapha, you might want to enjoy it earlier in the evening with some digestive spices or less dairy. ' By tuning into our bodies and adapting these ancient recipes, Malhotra shared that we can find simple, natural ways to support our daily health and wellbeing. 'Sometimes, the best medicine is a warm cup of golden milk and a moment of calm before bed,' said Malhotra. Dr Birali emphasised that it is best consumed warm, 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. 'When consumed 30–60 minutes before bedtime, this warm Ayurvedic drink not only promotes deep, restorative sleep but also supports digestion, joint health, skin hydration, and respiratory relief.,' said Danny. Those with diabetes or lactose intolerance should consult a physician before incorporating it regularly, stressed Dr Birali. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Ayurvedic Summer Tips: These Foods Will Keep You Cool
With the scorching summer heat taking a toll on our bodies, Ayurveda offers time-tested wisdom to stay balanced, hydrated, and healthy. According to Ayurveda, summer is dominated by the Pitta dosha, a combination of fire and water elements. When this dosha becomes aggravated due to excessive heat, it can lead to acidity, skin issues, irritability, and dehydration. To counter this, Ayurvedic principles recommend cooling, hydrating, and naturally sweet foods that pacify Pitta and support digestion. Let's explore Ayurvedic-approved summer foods that help regulate body temperature and keep your energy high while keeping heat-induced ailments at bay. Why cooling foods matter in summer In summer, the body's internal heat rises, which can disrupt digestion and lead to imbalances in mood and metabolism. Ayurveda suggests including foods that are naturally cooling, sweet, liquid, and slightly oily to soothe the Pitta dosha and protect internal equilibrium. Here are Ayurvedic foods and drinks that will keep your body cool and refreshed. 1. Coconut water Known as naariyal paani, coconut water is naturally sweet, hydrating, and rich in electrolytes. It helps prevent dehydration, soothes the stomach, and reduces body heat. It's also excellent for skin health during summers. 2. Buttermilk (chaas) Buttermilk is a probiotic-rich summer drink that cools the gut and aids digestion. Add a pinch of roasted cumin (jeera), mint, and black salt for extra cooling effects and digestive benefits. 3. Cucumber This water-rich vegetable is a classic Pitta-pacifying food. Cucumber hydrates, detoxifies, and provides dietary fibre. Ayurveda considers it ideal for salads, raitas, or mid-meal snacks in hot months. 4. Watermelon and muskmelon These fruits are sweet, hydrating, and cooling, perfect for balancing Pitta. However, Ayurveda recommends not combining melons with other foods and eating them on an empty stomach for optimal digestion. 5. Sabja seeds (basil seeds) Soaked sabja seeds (also called tukmaria) are excellent natural coolants. They swell in water and can be added to lemon water or milk-based drinks. They also support digestion and reduce acidity. 6. Mint leaves (pudina) Mint is a powerful herb in Ayurveda known for its cooling and calming properties. Use it to flavour chaas, chutneys, lemonades, or even fresh salads. It also freshens breath and aids digestion. 7. Aloe vera juice Aloe vera is a well-known Pitta-soothing herb. Consuming small amounts of fresh aloe vera juice early in the morning can help cool the body and support liver and skin health. However, moderation is key. 8. Gulkand (rose petal preserve) Gulkand is a traditional Ayurvedic tonic made from rose petals and sugar. It is cooling, aromatic, and helps relieve acidity, skin inflammation, and heat-related fatigue. Add a spoon to milk or eat it plain. 9. Fennel (saunf) water Soak fennel seeds overnight and drink the strained water in the morning. This refreshing Ayurvedic remedy cools the system and improves digestion. Fennel is also good for eye health during dry summer days. What to avoid in summer To keep Pitta in check, Ayurveda advises reducing intake of spicy, salty, sour, fried, and fermented foods. Minimise alcohol, caffeine, red meat, onions, garlic, and excess sun exposure to avoid aggravating body heat and digestive distress. Ayurveda teaches us to eat with the seasons and stay in tune with nature. In summer, cooling foods like coconut water, cucumber, and buttermilk act as natural shields against the heat. By making mindful food choices rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, you can stay energised, calm, and balanced, even when temperatures soar. Let food be your medicine this summer. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Ashwagandha and Ayurveda: Natural ways to manage stress and boost mental clarity
Ever feel like your mind has 20 tabs open, and the real problem isn't the noise, but the fact that you can't tell which one task deserves your attention first? The chaos of modern life doesn't just overwhelm your calendar; it clouds your thinking, drains your focus, and makes even simple decisions feel heavier than they May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, it's the perfect reminder that stress does not have to be the default setting for modern living. Long before therapy apps, trending hacks, or self-help podcasts entered the chat, Ayurveda had already laid out simple, time-tested ways to build calm and resilience. At the heart of this ancient wisdom lies Ashwagandha, a powerful herb that calms the mind and restores is more than just a natural supplement; in Ayurveda, it's classified as a Rasayana, a rejuvenator of both mind and body. This adaptogenic herb helps your system stay balanced, even when life doesn't. It's known for supporting your nervous system, managing cortisol levels, and improving emotional stability — all without the crash that comes from caffeine or energy drinks. What makes Ashwagandha special is its long-game effect: it strengthens your inner resilience, making you less reactive to daily stressors and more capable of handling emotional and physical demands with ease, with inputs from Dr Govind, Chief Innovation Officer, Rituals That Calm the ChaosIn Ayurveda, stress isn't seen as something that lives only in your head — it's a signal that your entire system is out of sync. Small daily rituals, paired with nature's support, can help realign the mind, body, and spirit:advertisement1. Herbal SupportAshwagandha is often the go-to herb for stress, but Ayurveda also leans on other plant allies. Jatamansi helps promote deep relaxation, Brahmi sharpens mental clarity, and Shankhpushpi offers emotional grounding. Together, these herbs create a natural cushion for the nervous system, allowing you to face life's curveballs with calm.2. Eat to Soothe, Not Stress Ayurveda teaches that food is fuel for both the body and the mind. Eating in sync with your dosha — whether Vata, Pitta, or Kapha — creates emotional balance from within. For Vata types, warm and grounding foods like stews, root vegetables, and hearty soups help stabilise the mind and body. Pitta types find relief with cooling options such as cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens. Meanwhile, Kapha types feel lighter and more energised with spiced, light meals like mung bean soup, steamed vegetables, and warming spices such as ginger and turmeric. Adding Ashwagandha to your diet, either as a supplement or mixed into warm milk, can enhance this balance even further.3. Move, Breathe, and ReleaseYoga and pranayama (breathwork) are more than fitness — they're stress detox tools. Flows like Surya Namaskar, grounding postures like forward bends, and calming techniques like alternate nostril breathing help clear emotional clutter. Ashwagandha can complement this by building endurance, supporting recovery, and promoting Make Friends with StillnessWhen your mind is racing, sitting quietly can feel impossible. Ashwagandha helps ease the nervous system into a calmer state, making it easier to practice meditation, mindfulness, or even just conscious breathing, helping you reconnect to your centre.5. Align with Nature's Clock Ayurveda's daily rhythm practice, known as Dinacharya, is a gentle antidote to the high-speed pace of modern life. Rising with the sun, eating at regular intervals, and winding down before 10 p.m. help your body and mind fall into harmony with natural cycles. Ashwagandha can support this routine by easing nighttime restlessness and promoting deep, restorative sleep.6. Create a Sleep SanctuaryOne of Ayurveda's most nurturing rituals is Abhyanga — a warm oil self-massage before bed. Combine this with dimmed lights, unplugged gadgets, and a calming nighttime routine to signal your body that it's time to switch off. Ashwagandha supports this transition by calming the mind and preparing the body for restful stress might be woven into the fabric of modern life, it doesn't have to define your days. Ayurveda offers more than quick fixes — it offers small, meaningful ways to steady yourself, even when the world around you isn't. When herbs like Ashwagandha meet mindful daily habits, the journey from feeling scattered to feeling centred becomes less about perfection and more about progress. One breath, one ritual, one moment at a time, you can choose calm.
