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The Positive Impact of Exercise on Mental Well-Being

Published On: Apr 14, 2023

Last Updated: Dec 26, 2024

The Positive Impact of Exercise on Mental Well-Being

When we think about the benefits of working out, physical health benefits such as weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and increased muscle strength may come to mind. However, regular exercise can also significantly impact our mental health. Studies have shown that working out can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and improve our overall mood and cognitive function. In Ayurveda, physical and mental health are considered interdependent. An imbalance in the body can lead to an imbalance in the mind and vice versa.

In this article, we'll explore the scientific reasons why exercise enhances mental health and provide tips for incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.

Exercise Enhances Mental Health

1. Balances doshas

In Ayurveda, mental health is believed to be closely related to the balance of the body's three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha -. When these doshas become imbalanced, it can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Regular exercise is an excellent way to help balance the doshas and promote mental well-being.

For example, Vata imbalance can cause anxiety, fear, and restlessness. Engaging in grounding exercises such as yoga, walking, or strength training can help balance Vata and promote a sense of calm and stability. Similarly, Pitta imbalance can cause anger, frustration, and irritability. Cooling exercises such as swimming or leisurely walks in nature can help soothe Pitta and promote relaxation.

2. Decreases Ama

Ama is a toxic substance that accumulates in the body due to poor digestion and lifestyle habits. Ama build-up in the body can result in physical and mental health issues. Regular exercise is an effective way to decrease Ama levels in the body. It helps to stimulate digestion and metabolism, helping the body eliminate toxins and waste more efficiently. Sweating during exercise is also a natural way to detoxify the body and remove Ama. Additionally, exercise promotes circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the cells and tissues, improving overall health and reducing the risk of illness.

Contact a toxicologist with online consultation if you're having digestive issues or unable to catch up with the surroundings due to health issues.

Beneficial Foods To Lift the Mood And Improve Mental Health

Fatty fish: Fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They are essential for brain health and can help of reducing the symptoms of depression.
Dark chocolate: Flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to elevate mood and lessen depressive symptoms.
Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds are high in healthy fats, fibre, and protein. These nuts and seeds help to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve mood.
Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, millet, and amarnath are great sources of nutrition and can provide numerous benefits for mental health. They are a high source of protein, rich in fibre, and a good source of vitamin B
Fermented foods: Yogurt, idli-dosa, and chutneys are fermented foods that are created by the process of lacto-fermentation, which involves the breakdown of sugars and carbohydrates by beneficial bacteria. This process creates probiotics, which can improve digestion and boost the immune system, as well as beneficial enzymes and nutrients.

Conclusion

According to National Health Mission, 6-7 % of the population suffers from mental disorders. In Ayurveda, mental health is closely linked to physical health, and imbalances in one can affect the other. Incorporating regular exercise and nutrient-dense, mood-boosting foods into your diet can help to balance the doshas and promote overall health and well-being. If you're dealing with poor eating habits and have a chronic illness that affects your mental health, connect with Healthy Bazar's Ayurvedachrayas through online consultation.

This article is written/approved by:

Sonal Rani

Sonal Rani has 3 years of experience in research and content writing. A health enthusiast, she has a keen interest in writing health-related articles. Leveraging her knowledge and expertise, Sonal has created numerous informative and valuable articles that guide readers towards better health and wellness.

Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea

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Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the condition described by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. Diarrhea is a problem of the digestive system in which the patient has to clear the bowels repeatedly. The characteristics of this disease are liquid stool, bloating, gas, and cramping. If the bowel movements do not become regular in a few days, it is necessary to consult a doctor to stop severe dehydration.

As per WHO, “More than 2.3 million annual deaths were reported among children in India, and about 3,34,000 are attributable to diarrhoeal diseases. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe Diarrhea in children in developed and developing countries.

Ayurveda And Diarrhoea

According to Ayurveda, the causes of Diarrhea are weakened digestive fire, usually caused by excess Pitta. Ayurvedic remedies pacify Pitta and kindle the digestive fire gently. There are various strategies specifically to counter Pitta’s hot, sharp, and liquid qualities. Also, it supports the return of regular bowel movements. It is also related to Jatharagni Mandya (low digestive fire).

According to the Ayurvedic treatment for Diarrhea, weak digestive fire, improper food, impure water, toxins, and mental stress usually cause Diarrhea. Aggravated Vata pulls down the fluid part from various tissues of the body and brings it into the intestine. This fluid mixes with the stool, which then leads to loose, watery motions. Depending upon which particular Dosha is vitiated, Atisaar (Diarrhea) has been classified into Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, Sannipatik,

Also Read: Home Remedies For Diabetes Treatment

Symptoms Of Diarrhea

Having at least three loose motions in 24 hours is considered to be Diarrhea in modern science, which affects all age groups at one time or another. It can range in severity from slightly watery feces and a brief upset stomach to longer-term to extremely liquid wastes and cramping tummy pains. The following are the symptoms of Diarrhea:

Increased defecation frequency
Watery motions
Abdomen cramps
Reduced urine quantity
Mucous with stools
Dehydration, thirst, and bad-smelling from the mouth

Ayurvedic Symptoms

As per Ayurveda, Diarrhea can be caused due to bad dietary and lifestyle habits. Here are symptoms of Diarrhea according to classical Ayurvedic texts:

1. Amatisara: The stool in this kind of Diarrhea is Picchila (slimy) with a foul smell that sinks in water, known as Amatisara.

2. Pakvatisara: Diarrhea with the feeling of lightness in the body and stool that does not sink in water is known as Pakvatisara.

Causes Of Diarrhea

The primary cause of Diarrhea is gastrointestinal tract infections. It can also occur due to various other issues that vary from one person to another. Here are some common causes of Diarrhea:

Consumption of contaminated foods or water
Low immune response and poor hygienic conditions
Consumption of spicy or heavy food; difficult to digest
The adverse effect of antibiotics
Lactose intolerance
Diarrhea can occur with other diseases like; ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, and Antibiotic reaction
Excessive alcohol consumption
Viral infection, Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Adenovirus

Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea

In most cases, Diarrhea can be managed at home. A patient in a severe case has lost a lot of water due to loose motion, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. In simple cases, when the patient has 4-5 bouts of loose activity, he or she can be given electrolytes. A straightforward electrolyte form mixes 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt in a glass of boiled, cooled & filtered water. Similarly, the patient may need Intravenous (I.V) electrolytes which is also sometimes known as ‘Saline Water’ in India.

Home Remedies

You can treat Diarrhea with home remedies. Some home remedies include simple kitchen ingredients, and for some, you need some herbs. These herbs are readily available in the market. Here are some simple kitchen and herb-based home remedies for Diarrhea:

Simple Kitchen Based Recipes

Take 5 gms powder of dry roast cumin (Bhrishta Jiraka) or root of Motha (Mustaka) or fruit of Pippali (long pepper) or Shunthi (dried ginger) and mix with 1 liter of Takra (buttermilk) and divide into four droughts; take doses at the interval of six hours.
1 to 3 gm(s) of dried ginger (Shunthī) powder with an equal part of Sharkara (raw sugar) two times a day as it helps to relieve the symptoms of Ama.
Add a pinch of finely grated ginger with honey and eat. Do not drink water immediately afterward; wait for 10 minutes.
Blend 1/2 cup of fresh plain yogurt (ideally homemade), 1/2 cup of water, and ⅛ teaspoon fresh grated ginger, and drink. This probiotic drink is easy to digest, and it gently kindles Agni.
Take 50 gms of fresh pomegranate skin. Soak it in 800 ml of water for one hour. Boil until a quarter of the volume remains (200 ml). Store this mixture in a clean dry bottle. Take a couple of tablespoons several times a day. If there is blood in the stools, add half a teaspoon of honey to the decoction.

Simple Preparations With Ayurvedic Herbs For Diarrhea

1. Take the powder of Indrayava (kurchi seed), Tvak-Dalachini (cinnamon bark), the root of Ushira (Khas), the seed of Jambu (Jamun), and fruit pulp of Bilva (bael) in the same quantity. Consume 3 to 6 gms after mixing with Takra (buttermilk) three times a day.

2. Mix powder of Purana Laja (pop of old paddy), the fruit of Dhanyaka (coriander), and Mocharasa (silk-cotton tree resin) in the same quantity. Add fruit of Śatapuṣpā (fennel) powder to the mixture. Consume 3 to 6 g. of this powder with warm water two times a day.

3. Take Powder of Jatiphala or Jaiphala (nutmeg), the fruit of Jiraka (cumin), and the fruit pulp of Bilva (bael) in equal quantities. Add grounded Churṇodaka (lime water) in the mixture and make pills of 800 mg. Take one pill in the morning with Taṇḍulodaka (water obtained from the washing of raw rice) in the case of Pitta Pradhana Atisara, and with Karpura-Ambu (camphorated water) in case of Kapha Pradhana Atisara.

Ayurvedic Medicines For Diarrhea

Along with the home remedies, various Ayurvedic formulations help to treat Diarrhea and its related issues. These Ayurvedic formulations will also help to keep you hydrated and remove stomach infections. Here are the Ayurvedic medicines for Diarrhea:

Himalaya Diarex Tablet

Diarex Tablet is an Ayurvedic medicine preparation of herbs like Kutaja and Bilwa, which have astringent and antimicrobial properties. It ensures the normal functioning of gastrointestinal health.

This medicine eliminates common microorganisms responsible for acute and chronic infectious Diarrhea. Also, it helps to treat colic, bloating, fungal infections, microbial infections, oxidative stress, fungal infection, diabetes, and other conditions.

Dose – 2 tablets twice a day with plain water.

Maharishi Ayurveda Ambimap Tablets

Ambimap is a unique combination of Ayurvedic herbs in treating Diarrhea, dysentery, and parasitic intestinal disease. It possesses a multi-directional approach to control Diarrhea and Dysentery.

Ambimap is very beneficial in controlling and curing loose stools caused by harmful viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It counteracts parasitic infection and helps to balance the metabolic fire (Agni) and digestion. It effectively controls spasmodic episodes, and the patient gets relief very quickly.

Dose – 1 tablet thrice a day with plain water

Diet And Lifestyle Modifications

As per Ayurveda, a healthy diet and lifestyle help to treat various diseases and disorders. Diarrhea is related to the stomach infection that at some point causes due to unhealthy food and lifestyle. Also, to maintain your digestive health and treat Diarrhea, you should consider these modifications in your diet and lifestyle:

Consume water and liquid foods in sufficient amounts.
Consume light, easy-to-digest food, for example, liquid rice, porridge.
Soups made from lentils are also suitable for Diarrhea. Additionally, you can consume fruits like sweet lime, Oranges, Apples, and Melons.
Avoid Non-veg items, eggs are also not allowed.
Also, consume boiled water.
Include cow milk and goat milk in your diet
Avoid food that produces gas formation, for example, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, meat, fish, etc.
Avoid sweets, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, fermented food items, and caffeinated foods.
Stress, restlessness, and late-night awakening should be avoided.
The timing of the meal should not vary, and specifically, one should consume dinner two-three hours before bedtime.
Try to stay out of the sun to prevent fluid loss through sweat.

Infographic

Please find below the infographic on “Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea”. Feel free to use this infographic but make sure to cite us at www.healthybazar.com.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea works on an individual according to the body’s constitution and diet follow-up. Every patient should observe precautions in diet, the time of usage of the medicine, and home remedies to obtain speedy results. Accordingly, the improvement in Agni, electrolytes, administration of antibiotics, and diet management are some Ayurvedic approaches that offer beneficial effects in managing Diarrhea.

This article is written/approved by:

Dr. Shivani (FREE Consultation)

Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

Is Itchy and Dry Skin Treatment in Ayurveda Effective?

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Winter is perhaps the most pleasant weather; no sultry heat, no humidity. But when it comes to skin health, the cold season spells trouble for many. During this time, experiencing dry and itchy skin is quite common, which occurs due to a fall in temperature and humidity. This causes your skin to lose moisture and natural oils, making it appear dull and flaky. In general, weather is one of the major variable factors contributing to dry skin. Since the cold air drastically affects your usually smooth skin, it is crucial to re-evaluate your skincare regimen to ensure your skin gets the care it deserves. Without proper care routine, dry and itchy skin can become a severe problem.

Dryness can leave your skin feeling tight, rough, and itchy which may appear unpleasant and discomforting. In severe cases, dry skin tends to crack up too. Besides, there is a possibility of different skin diseases occurring as well like eczema, psoriasis, and conditions like acne that can cause irritation.

Many people prefer cosmetic creams and other products for treating such issues. Since creams that contain steroids can further trigger side effects, you can consider products that are gentle on the skin. For instance, in Ayurveda,there are several at-home dry skin treatment options available to help maintain flawless, healthy skin all year long. Want to know more about them? Keep reading!

What are the Symptoms Of Itchy Skin?

Itching may occur in a specific location of the body, such as legs, arms, scalp, or in the whole body. It may happen without any specific changes on your skin. Otherwise, itching may be accompanied by a few noticeable changes such as:

Scaly or leathery patches
Cracked, and dry skin
Blisters, spots, or bumps
Scratch marks
Redness
Swelling

In a few cases, the itchy sensation could last for an extended time period with varying intensities. After you scratch or rub the affected space, it can trigger a loop of itching, redness, and restlessness. For some people, it can be difficult to interrupt this response.

Dry And Itchy Skin Causes

Skin is the first line of defense for the body. This is why it is more susceptible to diseases, infections, and other problems. Usually, dry skin happens due to various factors in the environment.Here are some causes of dry and itchy skin:

Harsh detergents or soaps: Soaps, shampoos, and detergents are designed to remove oil from your skin but they can also strip away moisture, leaving your skin dry and dehydrated.

Heat: Any heat supply, from area heaters and heating plants to fireplaces and wood stoves, will lower the moisture in the space and turn your skin dry.

Hot showers or baths: Taking long, hot showers or soaking in a hot bath could cause dry skin.

Swimming in pools: Chlorine, a chemical that keeps pools clean, can make your skin dry.

Weather: During the winter, humidity and temperature usually drop. This can make your skin drier.

Age: If you’re 40 or older, your chances of having dry skin are higher. Over 50% of older adults have dry skin.

Geographical location People living in cold or dry climates without much humidity also suffer from dry skin.

Your job: If your skin gets wet often during your job, it’s more likely to dry out. Swimming instructors and hairstylists often face this issue as their skin is regularly in water.

Genes: Some people may inherit certain health conditions from their parents that cause dry skin like thyroid, eczema, diabetes, kidney disease, and other hormone disorders.

Ayurveda And Skin

According to Ayurveda, Pitta is responsible for the color, texture, and temperature of your skin, along with its luster and glow. It helps to govern the sweating function, absorb everything that we apply externally to the skin, and digests anything that contacts the skin (like chemicals, dust, irritants, and allergens). It’s also important to highlight the fact that excess heat and redness are almost always a sign of aggravated Pitta.

Skin is one of the primary places where Pitta resides in the body. This not only makes it vulnerable to Pitta imbalance but also an active outlet for it. So, you may need to go a long way to maintain Pitta’s balance in your body. Dry skin treatment in Ayurveda consists of herbal formulations and dry skin natural remedy that helps to maintain your skin health as well.

Effective Ways to Soothe and Manage Itchy Skin

Moisturizing your skin on a daily basis and maintaining a healthy diet to nourish your skin from the inside are crucial. Most skin experts recommend the following tips and suggestions to prevent itchy and dry skin:

1. It is advisable to take a bath with lukewarm or cold water since hot water aggravates itching if you have dry skin. Along with that, you should try to limit your bathing time to 10 minutes.

2. Avoid using any “fragrance-based” detergents, soaps, lotions, and creams if you’re experiencing skin irritation. Be careful while choosing products labeled as ‘unscented’ as most of them contain harsh chemicals which may further irritate your skin condition.

3. Always use a herbal, natural, and light moisturizer on your skin. Try to use a gentle moisturizer that suits your skin. Also, avoid going out in direct sunlight.

4. It is recommended to wear stretchable, light, and comfortable clothes made with cotton and other natural fabrics. You should avoid rough textiles and fabrics as they may irritate your aggravated skin and lead to severe itching.

5. You are recommended to wear stretchable, light, and comfortable clothes made with cotton and other natural fabrics. You should avoid rough textiles and fabrics because they may irritate your aggravated skin, and lead to severe itching.

6. Extreme stress is also known to worsen skin itching. To manage your stress levels, you can meditate, exercise, and cultivate a hobby besides practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Ayurvedic and Home Remedies for Dry and Itchy Skin

As per Ayurvedic practice, excess vata is a primary reason behind dry skin. Vata dosha is characterized by attributes like coldness, roughness, dryness, and clarity. Elevated vata dosha may show symptoms like dry and rough skin, thinner blood, electrolyte imbalance, insomnia, chapped lips, and more. To manage dryness caused due to vata dominance, you must practice remedies that display the contrasting qualities like softness, warmth, or thickness. Here are a few easy Ayurvedic and at-home remedies to ease dry and itchy skin naturally:

1. Home Remedies For Dry Skin

There are various home remedies that will help you to relieve itching and the burning sensation of the skin.

A. Cold Applications

One of the effective methods to reduce itching is applying ice on the affected area. You can either choose a damp cloth, cool showers, or cold compress to bring instant relief. It will slow down the advancement of a skin rash, prevent swelling, and ease itching sensation.

When you apply cold water or ice to your skin rash, it also helps in reducing the inflammation and swelling immediately. You can go for a cold water shower to relieve body itching.

B. Apple Cider Vinegar

The primary constituent of apple cider vinegar is Acetic acid, which has been used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. You can apply it to the affected region directly with a washcloth. Along with that, you can add 2-3 cups of vinegar to the bathwater and soak your body in it for about half an hour to relieve body itching.

C. Baking Soda Or Oatmeal Baths

Baking soda is popularly used in many medicated powders and ointments because it has antifungal properties. Studies have found its effectiveness in treating and managing different kinds of flora diseases that sometimes cause itchiness.

D. Ayurvedic Lepa

Lepas are Ayurvedic medical dressing that is prepared from various herbs such as Vacha, Kushtha, Amalaki, and Barley. Lepas have a semisolid or paste-like consistency that is externally applied to the affected skin. As per the ancient Ayurvedic texts, the three classes of Lepas are Varanya Mukhalepa (beautifying), Doshaghna (minimizing Doshas), and Vishaghna (removal of poison).

A Lepa made from Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki), Haridra, Sarsapa Taila, Manjishtha, Tulsi, and Aaragvadha is recommended for minimizing itching caused by Dadru. Jeevantyadi Yamaka Lepa, Mahamarichyadi or Jatyadi oil, Tuvaraka, and Karanja are externally applied to help reduce symptoms of psoriasis-like itching.

E. Opt for Abhyanga

Abhyanga refers to an effective self-massaging technique using the appropriate vata-balancing oils like sandalwood, rosewood, almond, orange, lemon, and ylang-ylang, among others. It provides relief by smoothening skin, tissues, or bones that may be experiencing dryness due to vata imbalance.

2. Ayurvedic Solutions For Dry Skin

Along with home remedies you can also consider Ayurvedic solutions for healing dry and itchy skin.

A. Gandhak Rasayana

Gandhak Rasayana is made with iron, Shuddha Gandhaka (pure brimstone), Cinnamon barks and leaves, Amalaki, Ela, Honey, Trikatu, Maricha, Shunthi, Pippali, and Jaggery.

All these herbs help in purifying the bloodstream which enables it to effectively treat leprosy, boils, and various other severe skin diseases. The Ayurvedic formulation is also helpful in the treatment of eczema and alleviating itching associated with the skin condition.

B. Arogyavardhini Vati

Arogyavardhini Vati only helps in treating various skin disorders but also helps in improving the overall health of an individual. It is beneficial in treating and managing skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm. Along with that, it minimizes the excess doshas, thereby improving the efficacy of panchakarma therapies.

C. Mahamanjisthadi Kwatha

Mahamanjisthadi Kwath is a mixture of ten powerful herbs that are administered to treat diabetes, arthritis, and chilblains (skin sores and bumps). Other than that, it is also considered in the treatment of various skin disorders such as eczema and its related issues.

Infographic

Please find below the infographic on “Is Itchy and Dry Skin Treatment in Ayurveda Effective?”. Feel free to use this infographic but make sure to cite us at www.healthybazar.com.

Conclusion

Ayurveda is the most popular well-being system, known for delivering efficacy in alleviating skin disorders and diseases. By adopting a holistic approach, Ayurvedic remedies and solutions can assist with managing a variety of skin issues. Made using the finest natural ingredients, Ayurvedic supplements harness the power of herbs to facilitate healthy, smooth, and flawless skin throughout the year.

Ayurvedic treatment for dry skin will be helpful for people who suffer from allergic symptoms of the skin. There may be different causes of having skin issues, but it is very important to maintain doshas balance for healthy and beautiful skin. Ayurvedic medicines and home remedies for dry and itchy skin help treat the condition and help maintain the doshas balance. You can also consult with an expert Ayurvedic practitioner for detailed and customized treatment for your skin issues. Healthybazar stands out for offering a wide variety of targeted Ayurvedic medicines for complete skin health. Explore natural skin supplements from top-rated brands and get free shipping on orders above Rs. 499.