Diapering dilemmas...

Hi all,

    Today, I want to address a most important decision which most of us have to make at some point in our life, if we choose to have children. What should we use for diapers? A few decades back, it was a no-brainer. Use cloth. Our ancestors have always done that. So, what is the big deal? 

   With the several options currently available and the wellbeing of the baby in our mind and our eco-consciousness, it is a difficult decision these days. Not long back, when my first baby was born, I was stubborn that I will not use disposable diapers and settled for cloth torn from old cotton saris. With a judicious mix of disposable (yes) nappy pads and cloth, I managed. But, it required a lot of energy and it affected the baby's and my sleep.

   Now, with my second child, my energy fails me and I don't want my child to wake up due to a wet nappy. I resorted to disposable diapers for a few days. Here I have to mention that it was not a conscious decision from my part. It so happened that we were provided with a few packs of disposable diapers in the hospital and we continued to use them. (I remember how my first baby was wrapped in a cloth and given us, but my second baby was wrapped in a disposable wrap and handed. It is sad to note that hospitals do not think twice about generating bio-medical waste). After about a month, my eco-consciousness got the better of me and I decided to go for cloth diapers. It serves the purpose well and appeases my conscience as well. In India, currently, we have BumGenius and Flip (of the same company marketed by smartbaby in India) imported from the US. They have all-in-ones which can be used upto an age of 3. They look bulky, but perform well. We also have our own Indian brands BumChums and SmartKid's Play Garden. I tried BumChums and Flip. They function as good as disposable diapers in keeping the baby's bottom dry. So, I appeal to all those parents with diaper-needing children to go for cloth diapers.

   Using cloth diapers when the baby sleeps and using cloth nappies when the baby is awake is sensible and manageable. Washing these is not a big issue. They are machine-washable in hot-water setting.By doing so, you will save a lot of money (as opposed to disposable diapers), the baby will be safe and lastly and most importantly, you will help save the planet.

    It is sad to note that most shops retailing baby products do not stock cloth diapers because they say that these are not fast-moving. I bought them online.

   In this context, I need to mention that with the availability of disposable diapers, increasing numbers of parents are following the western trend of diapering a baby upto 3 years. But, to be very frank, we have forgotten our basics. For my first child, I took up the toilet-training challenge when the baby was 2 months and succeeded (Thanks to my lamaze trainer who said that it is possible as early as two weeks). It was easy. But I missed out on the potty-training till the eighth month and it was slightly difficult. With the second baby, I potty-trained the baby by 3 months. And it is so convenient. I believe now that with regards to toilet-training, the earlier the better and easier. Just imagine the amount of bio-medical waste we shall avoid generating (or) the amount of electric energy we would be saving in washing cloth diapers by this simple effort! Initially, it requires a lot of energy, though. But that energy would be well-spent.

  

   So, please please please reduce waste and conserve energy by toilet-training your baby early and by using cloth diapers. It serves our baby (yes, disposable diapers are not good for the baby) and serves our environment.

Have a great day and do consider cloth-diapering!

The index finger shows the way....

Hi all,

  In the past week, I have been doing lots of experiments in my Project GreenLiving. After trying the neem stick for a couple of days, I gave up. Reason? It is too harsh and deters me from using it. It requires a lot of time to chew and create the brush. I feel slightly unsure about keeping the stick in the wash area (the same issue that I had with the brush) thinking of the millions of germs in the air inside the bathroom. 

   So, I decided to try the index finger and it worked. Yes, in our country, people have used the index finger for cleaning the teeth for years. Why is it convenient? Here are some points. You can add your own advantages.

1. It does a good job.
2. You can carry it around anywhere you travel (rather, you can never forget to carry it).
3. You don't have to change it every few months.
4. It can access really hard-to-reach crevices.
5. No need to worry about where to store it between each brushing (cleaning).
6. No worry about adding to the plastic waste. It never goes to the garbage.

   But, make sure you give enough pressure to clean well. Use a mirror to ensure that you've cleaned all areas.  

  So, it is the index finger and Dasanakantichurnam (see previous post) for cleaning my teeth. 

I have been working on other things as well. Updates on these will come soon.

Until then,

The mantram

Dear all,

   I had mentioned about passage meditation and Eknath Eswaran in a previous post. Well, one of the common sense directions that he advocates is the repeating of a mantram. So, what is the mantram?

   Each of us is free to choose a mantram which has some special meaning to us. And then what? Repeat it. Repeat it as many times as possible. Repeat whenever possible. Repeat when you're happy. Repeat when you're sad. Repeat when you're anxious. Repeat when you're scared. Repeat when you're waiting. He says that one should treat it like a bank account. The more you repeat it, the more you have in your account. 

  I tried this personally, and I find that it is of great value. It helped me go through many tough times. It is not some magic wand which finds solution for all problems. But, there have been times when repeating it has given me the courage to pass through a problem. Waiting has been easier while repeating it. Sometimes, I've found help coming from unforeseen quarters. Of course, I've not yet learnt to repeat it when I'm happy!!!

  Don't wonder how this works. Don't go into the logic of why this should work at all. It works and it works because you believe in it. Yes. Try it for yourself. The longer you're at it, the better it gets. Probably, it goes deep into the subconscious that this mantram will help you tide over issues. Anyway, I suggest to surrender all reasoning and try it for atleast a month before deciding whether it works. And don't fail to let me know.

Happy repeating the mantram!

Project GreenLiving - Week 1 and the Dental Decisions

Dear readers,

   I have been waiting to give an update on my pet project GreenLiving. The first week has thrown a lot of questions. As I closely monitor my garbage, I see all kinds of things which I've been mindlessly throwing - toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, aluminium foils (from packings), plastic covers that are used for package of food grains, broken rubber bands, gift wrappers, tetrapaks, milk covers, disposable diapers and etc. and etc. And then, the question of water that is wasted. So, how can I go about setting up a zero waste apartment?

  I decided to go about implementing the already solved questions first. So, here are the changes that I intend to make in the next few days/weeks.

 GL1: Set up a compost bin to handle the wet waste in the kitchen.

 GL2: Switch over to cloth diapers/nappy pads for AM. (I have already ordered some cloth diapers).

  Apart from these two major ideas that I plan to implement, I shall continue to monitor what goes into my garbage.

  I have been suffering from a decay in my tooth for the last 2 weeks. So, I switched over completely to Dasanakantichurnam, which has given me good relief. Some history first.

  

  After years of suffering toothache, in spite of brushing twice a day regularly, I was at my wit’s end. I tried a myriad range of toothpastes, in vain. My sinusitis was linked to the oral problems. To set them right, I’ve had about 5 root canal treatments. It was at this point in time that I started turning towards natural alternatives for a range of chemicals that we normally use at home without questioning. One fine day, I happened to read an article which suggested the use of Dasanakantichurnam, an ayurvedic powder made by Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala which can be used as a substitute for toothpastes. Initially, I was sceptical, but decided to try it out anyway. I have not regretted that decision. I was also happy that the chemicals in toothpastes can be avoided. Some of the chemicals that out tooth pastes contain (yes, even the kids’ tooth pastes) are very toxic. When I started my research on the chemicals that we use in day-today life, I was shocked to find that the sodium fluoride (that which the marketing wizards sell to us) in toothpastes is a potential toxic drug. Some contain parabens. And the horror is that our children sometime swallow them unknowingly.

  

  Dasanakantichurnam is an Ayurvedic Tooth powder. I bought the famous and authentic Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala’s boxed version. It is reddish brown tooth powder with a stinging (clove-like taste). It is messy to use if you’re not used to brushing with a tooth powder. It stains the brush, wash basin, but fortunately not the teeth. Ideally use your index finger to brush (yes, so that you don't find a tooth brush in your garbage - two in one). I'm also planning to try out "neem sticks".  

  I decided to call this goal of good health through natural means as Project GoodHealth. Here are my goals in the next few weeks for this project.
 GH1: Replace chemical-based cleaners  with harmless stuff, not compromising on the quality of cleanliness.
 GH2: Find a solution for purifying water without losing out on the essential minerals.
  
  Currently, we have a RO (Reverse Osmosis) purification system. I want to replace this because, RO removes most of the essential salts in water and hence long-term usage of this system affects the immunity/resistance. I am experiencing this. So, what are the alternatives?

Happy thinking about alternatives!

 

Project GreenLiving!

Hi all,

   At times, I wonder if I'm doing justice to my blog name and purpose when I talk about recycling and reuse. So, I'm tempted to give an explanation without anyone having asked for it. This blog rests on two goals of mine - 

1. good health through largely natural means, home remedies and lifestyle changes

2. greener, eco-friendly living that contributes to the health of our earth and our environment and indirectly to us.

The first goal is a narrow one focusing on home. The second one is a larger one which encompasses the whole world and how I can contribute to the world.

   Having said that, I'll move on to the next idea I have in mind. The last few months have been really chaotic with the birth of my second child AM and I've kind of wavered from my goals and compromised for the sake of convenience at times. Yes, I used about 5 or 6 packs of diapers for AM and contributed to the landfill. After chiding ourselves over this lack of eco-consciousness, my hubby dear HD and I decided to go for cloth diapers. A few days back I came across a facebook group Re-use Sandhai (Here's my post on it). One lead to the other and I joined another group zerowastehome of the same Preethi Sukumaran and that set things rolling. With a renewed interest, I've decided to work on not only zero waste in my home but also zero toxins in my home. Having said that, it is not going to be easy because I live in an apartment. That will be the fun part of it. And I shall log all the changes that I'm make/decide to make/fail to implement  & the compromises that I make in the process. Let me call it "Project GreenLiving". Any updates or decision on Project GreenLiving will be posted here.

As a first step, I kept aside the remaining diapers and nappy pads of AM and put on the cloth diaper which we bought a few days back. I shall do a post on cloth diapers soon. I took out the cloth nappies. I decided to use the cloth nappies when AM is awake and the cloth diapers when he sleeps so that wetting it does not wake him up. 

Next in line is to set up a composting system for my plants so that  the organic waste can go into it.

Happy Green Living!

Meditation - the Eknath Eswaran way!

Hi all readers,
    We all know that meditation is good for us. We have all tried it at some point or the other. Some of us have had tremendous success and continue to meditate everyday; some of us had success, but do not find the time to meditate or dropped it along the way in the hustle bustle of daily life; some of us could not keep our eyes closed even for a few minutes. But, the fact remains that meditation is good for our health.
  
   If you're one of those people who would like to meditate, but find it difficult to do so, try the Eknath Eswaran way of meditating. Dear H bought his book on meditation couple of years back. You can see excerpts on passage meditation from his book and learn to meditate or choose to buy his book Meditation: Commonsense Directions for an Uncommon Life. A simple eight-point program guiding us to alter our way of life. The eight point program is as below.

1. Passage meditation
2. Repetition of a mantram
3. Slowing down
4. One-pointed attention
5. Training the senses
6. Putting others first
7. Spiritual fellowship
8. Spiritual reading

   Written in a very simple and lucid style, it is such a pleasure to read. Some books on meditation could be too heavy and leave us drained, but this is not so. I just love the third and fourth chapters. I keep going back to this book when I'm troubled. Do try it and let me know if it has made your spiritual learning better.

Happy meditating!

Reuse recycle ...or freecycle at Re-use Sandhai

Dear readers,

   After a hiatus due to the birth of my second child, I'm getting back to blogging. What best to write about than the recent facebook groups that I joined? After seeing a writeup in the newspaper, I looked up the facebook groups Re-use Sandhai. It is a great initiative and currently works largely in Chennai. A group dedicated to re-using, re-cycling and up-cycling goods to help spread awareness and encourage Sustainable Consumption.
   If you have some goods, say furniture/books/anything that is of not much use for you, but could be used by others, post them. Posting is simple. Put up photographs, write about the features, expected price, pick-up point etc... That's it. Love this group. Good job Preethi Sukumaran!

  Similar groups exist in other cities too. Do check them out! It is a wonderful way to promote recycling and reuse.

Happy recycling...

No No No to plastics.

Hi friends,

       Gone are the times when we used earthen pots and metal containers at our homes. In recent times, almost all households in India have moved over to plastics. Fair enough, considering that it is convenient, light-weight and easy to use. But, let us also be aware of the potential harm that these hold.
     Studies report that some plastic containers are hazardous to human health, because they contain chemicals which could cause health problems. Drinking out of water bottles made from PET plastic pose a human health risk.
     Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics. Polycarbonate plastic is commonly used to make plastic products like water bottles, spoons, containers and most important of all, toys and baby bottles. Bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disrupter (it causes hormone imbalance) and it could also cause cancers in humans. Mothers' exposure to BPA makes their children prone to a fertility defect. BPA in the plastics used to make baby bottles could cause behavioural changes in babies or contribute to early onset of puberty in girls.

     Another chemical of concern in plastic bottles is Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP or BIS in short), a chemical used in making single-use plastic containers. DEHP is also believed to have a potential for endocrine disruption, and it has been linked with obesity.
     The above chemicals present in plastic bottles can leach into their contents. Regular use of such plastic containers can result in leaching. Leaching can be caused by damage to the bottle, heat exposure (certainly yes, considering the Indian weather conditions), and cleaning chemicals. Anyone drinking from the bottle might ingest those chemicals. For people who use a lot of plastic bottles, long-term exposure through leaching could lead to health problems in the future.  When these foods and liquids are consumed, the chemicals get into the human system, disrupting communication between brain neurons which is vital in understanding and remembering.
     In India, where regulatory bodies may not impose any strict guidelines before the harm is done, it is better to become aware by staying informed.
     Having posed a problem, what is the solution?

• Never reuse the packaged water bottles that you buy. As far as possible, carry your own water and refill it when necessary.
• Try to look for non-plastic packaging in all products that you buy. If there is no alternative, it is fine. But, when there is a choice, go for the metal /glass packaging.
• Return to the good-old ways. Use  earthen or metal (preferably steel) containers and glass jars for food storage.
• If you find it very difficult to give up plastic (I do), Switch to BPA-free,  BIS-free bottles and containers. Look for the BPA-free certificate. Recently, I bought a water bottle for my little one to take to school. (Difficult to enforce the metal container blablablah... with children) I picked it at Lifestyle Home Centre, Mylapore for my little one. It has a mark of BPA-free and BIS-free. A word of caution to those die-hard Tupperware users. All Tupperware products are not BPA-free. The microwave containers, in particular, contain BPA. I remember seeing some comments and reviews, some time back. I'm not sure if the company has done something about it. Lock & Lock has BPA-free BIS-free water bottles. 
• Store water in ceramic containers or metal containers. At home we use this ceramic pot for storing boiled water. I picked it from Timber, Nungambakkkam. Have a look at their site online. Now they have really fancy designs. http://www.timberteak.in/cwc.htm It cost me Rs. 750 for the pot Rs. 350 for the lid (yes, really!) and Rs.50 for the tap. Those who buy 20-litre water cans can use this pot as a water dispenser. The plastic tap started leaking within a day and so picked a tap (can't seem to avoid plastic completely) from Aquaguard service centre for Rs.220.
• Alternatively, terracotta pots with metal taps are available with platform vendors all over Chennai. These cost about Rs.200. 
• Instead of plastic fridge bottles to store water, use metal ones. I picked this one from Ratna Stores, Pondy Bazaar for Rs. 220. But this one started rusting within a week. In addition, the neck is too short and so it is convenient to drink out of the bottle. It is heavy as well.
  
• I picked this other one from Lifestyle Home Centre, Mylapore.


It looks like a thermos, but it is not. It costs Rs.260. Light-weight, handy and very convenient, it is very useful. It is from SWANVAC. Check out these steel bottles at http://www.swanvac.net/ The above are locally available. I'm not sure where to buy these in other cities, though. You could also buy klean kanteen steel bottles from http://www.kleankanteen.com/ - colourful exteriors and wide range of sizes and models. The other company is Sigg http://www.sigg.com/ . This is again an international brand and so it is expensive.

       There might be better models and products available in other cities. It only takes some time to research and find out. That time would be well-spent. What do you think?

Have a plastic-free life!

A simple first cure for stomach ailments....

Hi readers,

     I spent the last week tending to my little one's cold, cough and fever followed by stomach pain (all without a single pill). 

     Most often, little children and sometimes even adults, suffer from indigestion or flatulence or some form of stomach upset. Let me share with you two simple traditional cures which have worked wonders for me and my family umpteen times.

     One of the little secrets is the castor oil. Applying castor oil on the stomach, around the navel and massaging a little will help in relieving the pain in about 10 minutes' time. If the pain is due  to gastric trouble  or indigestion, this certainly works. In fact, castor oil has the property of removing toxins from the system. Because of this, castor oil packs on the affected area help in relieving most pains, inflammations etc.  It is a good laxative, if taken orally. But be warned, make sure you have a good quality castor oil before you take it internally. Traditionally, in the yester years,  a holiday was set aside every month for castor oil intake for all children. This helped in keeping the children's digestive system trouble-free. My parents reminisce often of their 'castor oil treatment' days. This practice is almost forgotten these days.  The medicinal benefits of castor oil are many. It is a must-have item in every household. 

     The other little secret is a small piece of white chalk  called the "naamakkatti" in Tamil. This chalk is used for religious purposes. It is also used for medicinal purposes. Making a paste of it and applying it on the stomach helps in relieving the pain. Several times, after hours of complaining, I've seen my child (and other children) doze off to sleep within minutes of applying this paste. Those scientifically inclined out there who are already shrugging this off as a placebo effect, please take time off to explain how it works on children. Instead of shrugging it off, please find what this piece of chalk is made  of and   how it works. I say this, because IT WORKS!

 

Have a nice day!

Naturally....

Dear readers,

      Today, let's discuss on one of the alternative therapy systems - Naturopathy or nature cure. This system of medicine has been in existence for long  in various countries and in different forms. The basic premise in this system is that Your food shall be your medicine. Our body has the wonderful capacity to cure/heal itself. What it requires is the right stimulation in the form of the right diet to trigger the process.

     One of the fundamental principles of nature cure is that most diseases have the same basic underlying cause - the accumulation of waste material through several years of wrong food habits. By changing these wrong food habits and cleansing the system, the body   can be triggered to heal itself. Fasting is one of the primary methods through which a cure is triggered.

     Personally, I've had good  results for my sinusitis problem through nature cure. There are some good institutions in India where naturopathy treatment is provided. Some of these institutions have a holistic approach with other forms of therapies also included. Most of these  places require that you  take time off for at least 15  days and stay in the place. Though it might appear difficult to do so with our busy schedules, it is wise to take time off. This helps us to relax and rest and enjoy the treatment. Taking time off and getting treated in a relaxed manner hastens the healing process.

     Some of the treatment methods followed in these places are

1. Diet

2. Massage

3. Yoga

4. Warm water bath to a particular area like arm/foot/hip

5. Cold water bath to a particular area like arm/foot/hip

6. Alternate warm and cold water bath

7. Mud packs

8. Acupressure

9. Acupuncture

10. Sun bath

11. Steam bath

12. Magnetic therapy

      Here is a list (not comprehensive) of nature cure institutions in India. If you have  a personal experience at any of these places, do share it in the comments section.

• National Institute of naturopathy, (Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Dept. of AYUSH) Bapu Bhavan, Tadiwala Road, Pune – 411 001.
  Tel.: +91-020-26059682/ 26059683/ 26059684/26059685.
  E-mail: ninpune@vsnl.com
  Website: http://www.punenin.org
  
  
• When I contacted  NIN recently for an ailment, I  was directed to the following Chennai address. This place is also good. The treatment is free. It is not very commercialized(with packages and expensive treatment) like some of the other institutions
  Govt. Naturopathy & Yoga Medical College & Hospital, Anna Govt. Hospital of Indian Medicine, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600106.
  Tel.: 044-26281563, 26216244, 26214844
  
  
• Naturopathy & Yoga Research Center
  53/3, Dr. R S Bhandari Marg,
  Indore – 452 001 (MP) INDIA
  Tel.: +91-731-2533268, 2545492, 3944449
  Mobile: +91-9302103349, 98270-36542
  E-mail: info@naturopathy.co.in
  Website: http://www.naturopathy.co.in
       
  
• SOUKYA - Dr Mathai's International Holistic Health Centre
  Soukya Road, Samethanahalli, Whitefield, Bangalore - 560 067.
• Tel.: +91 80 2801 7000 - 08
  Mobile: +91 98453 74400
  Email: info@soukya.com
  Website: http://www.soukya.com
  
  
• Balaji Nirogdham
  A unit of Maharaja Agrasen Naturopathy & Yoga Sadhana Research Trust, Behind Ashiana Farm HouseMain Palla-Bakhtawarpur Road,
  Bakhtawarpur,New Delhi - 110036
  Tel.: +91-11-64532820/21
  E-mail: nirogdham@gmail.com
  Website: http://www.balajinirogdham.com
  
  
• Jindal Naturecure Institute Jindal Nagar,
  Tumkur Road,
  Bangalore - 560 073,
  Karnataka, India.
  Tel.: 91 - 80 - 23717777 (6 lines)
  Email:
  General Enquiry : info@jindalnaturecure.org
  Reservation Related : res@jindalnaturecure.org
  Website: http://www.jindalnaturecure.org/
  
  
• I had contacted this place and the response was good, though I couldn't go for treatment here.
  NISARGOPCHAR GRAMSUDHAR TRUST
  Uruli Kanchan - 412202
  District-Pune, Maharashtra (India)
  Tel.: +91-020-2692 6298/2692 6230
  E-Mail: nisargopchar@gmail.com, nisargopchar@live.com
  Website: http://www.nisargopcharashram.org/
  
  
• RAM SEWA SWAMY SATYANAND TRUST
  Jind Road, Gohana - 131 301 ( HARYANA )
  Tel.: +91-1263-257930 / 253740 / 256946
  Mobile: +91-94161-08672
  Email: info@sanjeevaniindia.org 

Try nature's path. It is the best path!

Waiting....

Dear readers,

     Today, I feel like discussing a topic not directly on health but related to health, nevertheless. The urge to write on this topic came about largely because of the way I've been spending the last few days: in waiting at hospital lobbies.

     Unfortunately, Chennai, which is becoming an internationally acclaimed city for medical treatment, does not have the appointment system in place in most of its hospitals. Some of the leading and well-known hospitals with multiple branches  across cities, have something 'like' an appointment system. You can fix an appointment for a particular day. But the time at which you get to see the doctor is not fixed. Crowding in the lobbies near the receptionist and waiting for several hours in unbelievably crowded waiting areas with scarcely enough seats is very common and considered 'normal'. Quite often, you can see people standing, waiting and fidgeting, nervously eyeing for a seat to be vacated. Patients check the list with the receptionist and their turn umpteen times before they get to see the doctor. Waiting periods of a few hours is very prevalent. 

     I do not know if there is any hospital in Chennai where this is not the case. Eight years back, when I had to go for my pre-natal check-ups in a leading hospital in Bangalore, I was impressed with the appointment system. Except for cases when there was an emergency, I'd get to see the doctor in about 15 minutes. But, in the last few years of visiting hospitals (branches of the same chain of hospitals as I went to in Bangalore) in Chennai, I am surprised that nobody really cares about timing here. A sad state of affairs where the patients' time is not valued!

      Okay, I have accepted my fate and I am now used to waiting indefinitely for the doctor. But, I am also appalled by the conditions in which one has to wait. Insufficient seating, seating very close to doors that are banged open every few seconds with a hit on your legs, a blaring TV with an awful Tamil serial or disgusting songs which you're forced  to watch because of the seating direction and a few outdated magazines of the past decade are the norms. Some hospitals have some area earmarked as children's play-area with totally uninspiring design. A few colourful balls and some plastic toys are thrown into the area which has the capacity for about 4 or 5 children whereas there would be at least 20 children waiting to see the paediatrician.

     In all, a  visit to a hospital is becoming a dreaded affair and invariably, I feel totally exhausted with a headache at the end of the day.

     Doctors and hospital managements out there! Will you please  take notice of this?

Avoid the White poison...

Hello readers,

     What is your favourite colour? Mine happens to be white. I love to wear white. I love pristine white clothes, pearls and of course diamonds. But, there is only one thing that I do not like in white - Food that is  white. There are two white ingredients which we consume commonly and quite often, in excess. Yes, I refer to white sugar and white salt. They are considered as slow poisons. Today, let's see why white table salt is considered so.

     Sodium chloride or white table salt is very dangerous to our health. Some of us know this, but still cannot reduce it, while others are not aware of this fact. We do need the natural sodium mineral, but from other sources. Most of the packed foods that we get contain excess of salt. Certain brands of potato chips and certain very popular brands of cornflakes and other cereals contain excess salt that they are detrimental to the health of our children. How about the salted popcorn(very expensive) popcorn which our children eat in the multiplexes and malls?

    We can actually model our eating habits from animals. Animals like cow or goat do not eat salt separately. They get the various salts(minerals) from the leaves and food that they eat. Similarly, we, humans, too need to get our salt requirements from the vegetables and other food that we eat and not by adding table salt.

    If you're overweight, do try to eliminate salt from your diet. You will lose a lot of weight and maintain your ideal weight.

    Salt causes damage to blood vessels. If you have high blood pressure, reduce salt in your diet. You will do your heart a favour.

    And the ladies out there, excess salt can cause osteoporosis!

   So, how do you actually cut down on your salt intake?

• Everytime you add salt to your food, reduce just a pinch of it in the first month. You will barely notice the difference. In the next month, reduce another pinch and keep doing this until you just cannot reduce it any further.
• You do not need salt to be added to your curd rice. Fresh curd and rice is palatable without the salt. It is a matter of conditioning your taste buds to it.
• Don't add salt to your salads. Infact, they taste better that way.
• Totally, yes TOTALLY AVOID the salted chips/wafers and other forms of the same junk food that we getting in packed form in the market. Substitute it with other healthy snacks. 
• Even, if you cannot reduce or avoid salt, you can train your children to. A 6-month old baby  can eat the mashed food that you give without salt. Do not add salt just because you find it tasty.
• If you must use salt, switch over to the crystal salt or sea salt, which are easily available. If possible, use natural mineral salt, if it is available in health stores you have access  to.

Have a poison-free day!

Alternatives...

Hi readers,

        Hope  you had a nice and healthy week-end! A week-end sans health issues! Okay, when you have a health issue, what do you do? Say, a cold or a head-ache! Do you pop in some medicines on your own? Do you immediately fix  an appointment with the doctor? 

     Well, I would advise neither. A cold or a head-ache usually doesn't last long. A head-ache is usually an indication of some other problem - indigestion or mounting tension or lack of sleep. So just take rest and relax.  Or opt for some home-remedies. 

     A cold can be countered with so many small home remedies. Take a steam inhalation twice a day. Take hot water with  honey a few times a day. Take lots of fluids and avoid  milk. And take lots of rest. The cold disappears in a day or two.

     Now, if the issue is of a larger magnitude, say, a chronic  illness and you're taking medications, do stop and check what medications you're taking. Sometimes, the medications  can be so strong (steroids, hormonal tablets etc.) that the side effects are harmful in the long  run. Try not to take any medicine for a long period of time. And what else can you do?

     This is the time when alternative medicines come to your aid. Some of you may not believe in alternative therapies. I've heard  people refer to alternative therapies as placebo effect. I don't blame them. I used to  hold the same opinion several years back. Our knowledge of science makes us distrust traditional wisdom.  Our knowledge is limited and what  is not obvious or what cannot be explained easily is very difficult to believe in. It takes a personal experience to start believing that alternative medicines can do wonders. Just like any field of healing, find a good practitioner and try out therapies like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Acupressure/Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy or Reiki. You never know who can produce a miracle. 

    I need  to personally vouch for Naturopathy and Homeopathy for the healing that they  caused in me in two different instances of two different illnesses spaced more than ten years apart. In fact, my recent experience with Homeopathy has caused a miraculous cure. I shall write a detailed post on it just for the benefit of our readers.

    What I want to say is that, you don't have to take in strong, potentially harmful medicine without exploring alternatives. If alternatives do not work for you, then you may resign yourself to these medicines. But, more often that not, something works. Do explore with an open mind! Usually, it is the mind that is resistant to healing by alternative therapy.

So, dear readers, explore and get rid  of your illnesses...

Can you crack a nut?

Today, let's focus on our minds. You are what you think ( I shall keep reiterating this point. Let's call it the Mantra 1). So, you have to control what you think. Do away with negative thoughts. Reinforce positive thoughts. 

     The first negative thought that we shall try to get rid of is lack of confidence. Substitute it with a sense of self-esteem. Have a good self-esteem of yourself. List out all your abilities and inabilities honestly and you'll see  that you, like any other person in this world, have a decent list of abilities and a similar list of inabilities. Never let a feeling of low self-esteem caused by some inability bog you for long. If you cannot do one thing well, you can do something else much better. And, if you put in sufficient time and energy into it, you can also do the first thing well. This poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson is for you to think about.

 The mountain and the squirrel

The mountain and the squirrel

Had a quarrel,

And the former called the latter "Little Prig";

Bun replied,

"You are doubtless very big;

But all sorts of things and weather

Must be taken in together,

To make up a year

And a sphere.

And I think it no disgrace

To occupy my place.

If I'm not so large as you,

You are not so small as I,

And not half so spry.

I'll not deny you make

A very pretty squirrel track;

Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;

If I cannot carry forests on my back,

Neither can you crack a nut."

      So, dear readers, are you the mountain or the squirrel? Whatever the case may be, you have a place in this world. So, build your self-worth and feel free from inferiority complexes and insecurities.

If you think you can, YOU CERTAINLY CAN. - Mantra 2

Have an insecurity-free day!

The six enemies of good health

Remember the six enemies of good health.

1. Poor Diet
2. Addiction to stimulants
3. Mental Stress
4. Pollution
5. Impure drinking water
6. Sedentary lifestyle

     If these enemies are encountered actively, and overpowered, then you're on the path to good health. 

Poor Diet: What can you do about it? Simple - Avoid all unhealthy food and eat healthy food only! Aaahaaa! Easier said that done. No change can be brought overnight. Set a timeline and make changes in baby steps. First start including good and healthy food in your diet. And slowly work towards eliminating junk food from your diet.

Addiction to stimulants: This is a more difficult demon to overpower. We shall see in future posts how to tackle these addictions.

Mental stress: Most of the lifestyle diseases that we come across today are largely attributed to mental stress. Do do doooooooo cut down on stress  by following relaxing techniques like meditation or yoga or listening to music. Stress is the greatest killer of recent times.

Pollution: Pollution in the environment cannot be totally avoided, particularly if we stay in an urban area. And it is not entirely in our hands to change it. If you have an option, move to an unpolluted area  or less polluted area. Make small changes by not contributing to the pollution. If we  cannot have a pollution-free environment, let us at least give our children a pollution-free environment.

Impure drinking water: Getting safe drinking water, again, especially in urban areas, has become a dream. We do get canned water, but it is not really pure. The safest drinking water would be filtered and boiled water. If your drinking water is far from safe and if you have an option, do make the decision to move out of the place to a better area. This is one of the most important decisions in your life. Or look for alternatives to get good drinking water.

Sedentary life style: Get active! Be on the move.!Exercise! Walk briskly! Or jog! Or Cycle! Or Cycle to work! Or swim! Or hit the gym! Or climb stairs! Or practise martial arts! Or do yoga! Or play with the neighbourhood children! Just don't sit there on the couch and vegetate! It also helps  to relieve stress!

So my dear readers! Remember these six enemies and beware of them!

Have an enemy-free day!

Hands on... Veggie Salad

     You are what you think. And you are what you eat. So, eat well. It is recommended that one eats about 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A tall order  in today's circumstances. Do try to eat a vegetable salad at least once a week. Here's a simple recipe for a vegetable salad.

Here  are the ingredients. Feel free to vary the amounts as you like it. You can add or drop an ingredient depending on your preference.

Finely chopped Big Onion - 1

Finely chopped Tomatoes - 1 or 2

Boiled, cooled (preferably refrigerated for a few hours) and cubed (small) Potatoes - 1 big

Finely chopped / Grated Cabbage - a small piece. (Here I've used purple cabbage)

Grated carrots - 1 or 2

Finely chopped coriander leaves - a few sprigs

F

One spoon each of Olive oil and Flaxseed oil. Do not skip the flaxseed oil because it is an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Add the juice of one lime to the oils. Pour over the other ingredients.

Add 1 teaspoon each of salt, red chilli powder and chat masala powder, if you like. Or you  can add any other spices according to your preference. Mix well.

Add some corn flakes just before serving.

A healthy veggie salad to relish. Anybody can make this. Whether you're a bachelor or stay in PG accommodation or in hostel, you can fix this up (plus or minus a couple of ingredients) in a matter of 15 minutes.

Tips:

• Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and  they are healthy (if they're not deep fried). So, do boil one or two potatoes in the morning so that you can use them in dishes through the day. 
• Any cabbage can be used, but use purple cabbage if you can get it. The more colourful your salad is, the healthier it is.
• I personally prefer to use more carrots because I like their taste. You can also add a beetroot. Both are good for your skin. 
• Adding sprouts to the salad will make it more nutritious.
• You can skip the olive oil if you don't want it, but try not to skip the flaxseed oil.
• Adding chat masala and corn flakes gives a taste similar to bhel puri. Do not substitute corn flakes with sev or puri. We do not want anything deep fried in our healthy salad. You could add puffed rice, if you like it.
• Try to use a wooden cutting board (more on this in a later post). Avoid plastic/fibre cutting boards.

 Happy Salad time! Have a healthy day!

As a man/woman thinketh...

     Today, I stress upon the most mosT moST mOST MOST important fact of good health. It is the ultimate way to good health. Think and believe that you're healthy. The timeless classic "As a man thinketh" by James Allen is worth reading. But, don't just read it. Think that you're hale and healthy.
    I am what I think I am. You are what you think you are.  Most illnesses have psychosomatic (originating in the mind) causes.
    So friends, please keep your mind free of all negative emotions - anger, jealousy, hatred, shame etc... 
    Think positive. That is the first step to good health. Make a big bundle of all negative emotions towards anyone and everyone, especially the near and dear ones and throw it into the ocean. Atleast imagine yourself doing so...

Let's start...

Let me start with the disclaimer: All ideas expressed in this blog are my opinions and beliefs as of the day of the post. It is subject to change as and when I update myself with new information. 

     This blog is primarily dedicated to information on ways to attain Good/Better Health. Apart from the aspect of nutrition and food, I shall also cover topics on leading toxin-free lives. Since I strive for an eco-friendly lifestyle in the urban surroundings in which I  live, "go-green" topics will also find a place here. Occassionally, I shall probably meander on peripheral topics, as and when the situation permits it. 

    So, what am I going to offer new amidst the numerous such blogs that already exist? Well, I hope to do all this in the Indian context. If we can make small changes in each of our homes, we can pave the way to big changes globally. Here we go.... Join me in my journey of exploration, experiments and findings!