L-Arginine and Men's Sexual Health

If you haven’t been getting the pleasure you deserve and desire from sex, it may be because you have a deficiency of the essential amino acid L-arginine.

L-arginine is found in protein meat, eggs, milk, cheese and so forth. And it’s critical to your sexual health, with deficiencies linked to decreased sexual desire and reduced sexual function.

Men who’ve tried it report that L-arginine dramatically increases their desire for sex, provides more pleasurable sexual experiences, promotes greater endurance, and helps them achieve longer and more intense orgasms.

L-arginine works by stimulating the production of a crucial compound in your body called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates your blood vessels, which promotes blood flow to your genital tissues and helps them become fully engorged. This dramatically increases your sensitivity and enjoyment.

According to a study conducted at Canada’s University of Alberta and published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, rising nitric oxide levels also help lower your blood pressure, something long associated with sexual dysfunction, by relaxing your arteries and helping restore their youthful elasticity.

The increased blood flow L-arginine releases can bring you harder, larger, longer-lasting and more frequent erections. And it’s especially helpful if you’ve ever suffered from erectile dysfunction or an incomplete erection caused by insufficient blood flow.

Better yet, studies also suggest that L-arginine can improve male fertility by increasing both sperm count and motility.

4 Yoga Asanas to Help You Burn Fat

1.Ushtra Asana
Kneel down with your heels facing the ceiling, toes turned outward and arms hanging loosely by the sides. Breathe in. Raise arms gently to shoulder level, then higher, and finally backwards such that your palms touch the heel of the corresponding foot. Stretch your neck letting your head fall backwards. You will feel the stretch in your spine. Gently push the pelvic region forward, improving upon the curve of the spine. Breathe normally. Breathe in and return to the starting position. Repeat two to three times. Each time try to hold the stretch as long as you comfortably can.
Why it works
This asana stretches your entire upper body — the neck, chest and stomach. These places house the lymph glands such as the thymus, tonsils and the spleen. They are primarily responsible for filtering out bacteria and other waste from the blood. Inefficient lymph glands lead to inefficient drainage and collection of fat. Ushtra Asana mobilises the lymph glands, hence preventing cellulite. The increased blood circulation and faster cell rejuvenation within these regions helps bust existing cellulite, slowly but surely.

2.Virya-stambhan Asana
Stand with feet spread wide apart, toes pointing straight ahead. Turn the right leg at a 90 degree angle. Then bend the right knee. Hold your right wrist with your left hand behind your back, bend to your right and gently attempt to touch your big toe with the tip of your nose. However ensure that as you bend, your right knee or right thigh doesn't come in way of your right shoulder. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds. Inhale and slowly return to the start. Repeat the exercise with your left leg. Repeat the asana two to three times.
Why it works
This asana really stretches the inside of your thighs. Rising back from the bend strengthens the thighs, exercising them is similar to working with weights in a gym. This helps burn fats in the thighs. It also exercises the lymph nodes present in the groin area and improves the blood circulation in lower region, thereby busting cellulite pockets.

3.Purna Shalbh Asana
Lie on your stomach. Make a fist. Position it under your thigh, elbows straight. Breathe in. With the support of your folded fists, lift up both legs without bending them at the knees. Tighten the back of thighs and buttocks, holding on to the final pose for as long as possible. Relax the tightened thighs and buttocks. Breathe in. Now, holding your breath, gradually lower the legs to the ground. As your legs touch the ground, release your breath and breathe normal. Repeat two to three times, each time trying to hold on to the final pose for as long as possible.
Why it works
Lifting the legs and trying to hold them for a long time requires strength. As you try harder, the fuel required to get that energy is generated by burning up the fat in thighs and buttocks.

4.Paschimottan Asana
Sit down with your legs outstretched in the front, touching each other, your arms to your sides. Keep your spine erect and raise both your hands above your head, while the inside of your arms touch your ears. Exhale and pull the stomach in and bend forward, stretching your hands towards your toes. Now try to hold your toes with your fingers and subsequently with practice, try to touch your forehead to your knees. Hold this final pose for as long as possible, after which you inhale and gradually come back to the starting position.
Why it works
As your body bends forward, your entire back area (considered your west side in yoga) is stretched. The bending movement affects every part from the heel's tip to the neck (inclusive of the hamstring muscles, buttocks, waist, back and the medulla oblongata).
This extreme stretch works the major muscles of the back, along with the skin. The stretch causes better blood circulation within the region and prevents build up of fat. The skin too is stretched leading to better elasticity and over time can aid in reducing the dimpled look that cellulite is characterised by.

Top Fifteen Beauty Foods

Natural foods containing healthy nutrients can help you achieve more radiant skin and hair. Natural ingredients tend to be absorbed well and contain actual antioxidants and enzymes in their purest, and most potent form.

To get the list of top 15 foods that can make you beautiful naturally, click here.

Ayurvedic Approach to Treat Infertility

According to Ayurveda, preparing for conception can be easily compared to the process of farming. Just like the health of a crop depends on the quality of soil, seed, timing of sowing, and amount of watering it gets, the health of a baby depends on the health of its parents. For a pregnancy to be healthy and successful, a couple needs to take care of the following four essential factors: Sperm/Ovum (Seeds), Uterus (Soil), Nourishment (Water), Time for Conception (Timing of Sowing). Reproductive health, in both men and women, depends on the health of the reproductive tissue or shukra dhatu. In women, shukra creates the ovum as part of the monthly cycle, and in men the semen is formed due to sexual stimulation. The shukra is created as part of a long chain of metabolic transformations. It starts with the digestion of food, then goes on to transformation of food to nutrient fluid, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow, and finally, to shukra tissue. Healthy shukra tissue, then, according to Ayurveda, depends on the health of all the other tissues in the body.

To read more click here...




Sushruta-The great Indian Ayurvedic Surgeon

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Top ten foods to help you remain slim!!!

Here is a list of ten foods that can help you control your weight:

1.Blueberries: Not only are they a rich source of antioxidants but also reduce ageing and help in keeping off abdominal fat.

2.Asparagus: Being a natural diuretic, it helps to shed water weight. Asparagus also contains phytochemical glutathione, which has antioxidants and cancer preventing properties.

3. Apples: Rich in fibre, they keep you satisfied for longer, which is the key to maintaining a healthy weight.

4. Eggs: High in proteins, eggs are good for long lustrous hair. Being a good source of Vitamin B12, they help break down fat too.

5. Yoghurt: A rich source of good bacteria, it strengthens and stabilises the immune system. These probiotics can also work to improve the functioning of our GI tract.

6. Green tea: Aids digestion, detoxifies the body, making the skin glow. It also helps burn calories.

7. Salmon: It is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids that help burn fat and add glow to the skin. 8.Cinnamon: Reduces cholesterol levels in the body and regulates blood sugar, making it extremely beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes.

8. Indian Gooseberry: Indian Gooseberry is a good source of chromium, which helps in boosting our body metabolism.

9. Almonds: High in alpha linoleic acid, they can speed up the metabolism of fat as they contain good fat.

10. Soya bean: Contains choline which breaks down fatty deposits and blocks fat absorption.

Food For The Brain.....

Like our body, our brain, too needs proper nourishment to perform at its optimum level. Here are some of the important foods that our brain requires to perform at its best:

1. Water: Each and every function of our brain is electric in nature. And water is a good conductor of electricity. So, a hydrated brain always performs better than a partially dehydrated brain. One should have about 8 glasses of water every day to enable the brain to perform at its maximum potential.
2. Oxygen: Generally, after a big meal, people feel sleepy, because the oxygen needed by the brain is being utilized by the body to digest the food. Hence, it is advisable to have smaller meals at frequent intervals. Also Deep Breathing Techniques and Yogic Breathing Techniques like Pranayama, help in improved oxygen utilization in the brain.
3. Protein: Protein is needed by the brain for making the neurotransmitters, which are responsible for transmitting the impulses within the brain, i.e. they are messengers that carry message from neuron to neuron.
4. Carbohydrate: Carbohydrate is required by our brain as it enhances the absorption of tryptophan, an essential amino acid.
5. Fat: Our brain cells are covered by myelin sheath, which is made up of fat and omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins such as B complex and minerals such as magnesium and manganese produce energy, vitamins A, C and E preserve memory, while sodium, potassium and calcium facilitate the thinking process of the brain.
The three neurotransmitters, vital for brain functioning, found in our food are:

1. Acetylcholine: Responsible for memory, found in egg yolk, peanuts, meat, milk, milk products, fish, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

2. Dopamine: It is responsible for movement, attention and learning. Dopamine-rich food includes fish, nuts and soy products.

3. Serotonin: A hormone of happiness. Lack of it can cause depression and an excess can induce sleep. Food sources are pasta, starchy vegetables, cereals and bread.

Healthy cooking tips for living long and healthy life!!!

A balanced diet comprising of healthy and diverse foods is key to promoting good health. Eating healthy food promotes good health and unhealthy food habits lead to a diseased body. Foods contain vital nutrients that aid our body’s metabolic function. However, a lack of consumption of these nutrients or feeding upon the wrong kinds of food leads to an accumulation of toxins within the body, resulting in chronic diseases in the long run. Based on experiences and traditions, our ancestors have used foods and plant materials to treat various kinds of illness. Obesity, high blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and many such health issues usually need medications. However, along with medicines, some dietary modifications are a must. These diet changes will help you in the long run, irrespective of whether you are suffering from any ailment or not. If you are looking for a website dealing with healthy cooking, you can check recipes right here.

Tips for healthy cooking:

1. Reduce consumption of fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose low-fat cheeses and milk or low-cholesterol dairy and egg substitutes whenever possible. Choose chicken, turkey, fish over red meat. Use low-fat, low cholesterol margarine instead of butter for cooking. Choose olive oil or polyunsaturated vegetable oils over tropical oils.

2. Choose a dietary pattern in which your caloric intake is consistent with energy expenditure. Keep your activity level high and limit intake of high-carbohydrate foods.

3. Increase consumption of complex carbohydrates and fiber by choosing whole-grain foods, cereals, green salads, vegetables and fruits.

4. Reduce intake of sodium by choosing foods low in sodium content and by limiting the amount of salt added in food preparation and at the table.

5. Avoid eating stale food even if it has been well preserved in the refrigerator, as it could be loaded with germs.

6. Vitamin C is good for the bones, skin, and blood. So, remember to eat a citrus fruit every day.

7. Iron deficiency is the commonest but not the only cause of anemia. Therefore, if you are anemic, consult a doctor for the diagnosis.

8. If you are vulnerable to dental cavities, then choose foods lower in sugar content and limit the frequency of consumption of foods high in sugars.

9. Women should increase consumption of foods high in calcium, including low fat dairy products, fishes like salmon, sardines and mackerel, spinach, oysters, etc.

10. Too little calories can slow down the bodys metabolism, thereby decreasing the absorption of vitamins and essential nutrients too.

11. If you tend to overeat always, eating salads before your main course will fill you up in advance, thereby making you eat less.

12. Breakfast cereals can provide just the right amounts of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals as we start the day.

ILL EFFECTS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin) deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies. Because the deficiency isn't recognized until it has progressed to anemia, it is important to incorporate it into your diet via food or supplement before it becomes a problem. A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, which is most common in older adults and in people with digestive disorders. A low serum vitamin B12 levels can lead to significant impairment of our immune system.

Vitamin B12 is linked to the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in impaired nerve function, which can cause numbness, "pins and needles" sensations, or a burning feeling in the feet, as well as impaired mental function, which in the elderly can mimic Alzheimer's disease. In addition to depression or mental confusion, vitamin B12 deficiency can present as anemia; a smooth, beefy red tongue; and diarrhea. One study has also found that women over 64 with low levels of vitamin B12 were far more susceptible to osteoporotic bone loss. A deficiency of vitamin B12, or folic acid, results in significantly reduced white blood cell production and abnormal white blood cell responses.

Many older people become deficient in vitamin B12 because they do not produce adequate amounts of stomach acid for proper digestion. This creates a perfect environment for the overgrowth of certain bacteria that steal whatever vitamin B12 is extracted from protein in the digestive tract. Other people do not produce enough of a substance called intrinsic factor, without which vitamin B12 cannot travel from the stomach to the rest of the body, even if nothing else is standing in its way. This vitamin deficiency often appears very gradually. Patients may describe complaints such as mental fuzziness, a sensation of burning on the tongue, or poor coordination for months or even years before a proper diagnosis is made. Vitamin B12 is made by microorganisms found in the soil and by microorganisms in the intestines of animals, including our own. The amount made in our intestines is not adequately absorbed, so it is recommended that we consume B12 in food. Research has convincingly shown that plants grown in healthy soil that has a a good concentration of vitamin B12 will readily absorb this nutrient.

Inoculation Schedule For Your Child..

Immunisation is the best way to ensure that your child is safe from diseases - it is a way to protect your child from serious illnesses. Immunisation can be done through vaccines either in form of injections or administered orally. Here is what you need to know about the inoculation schedule for your child.

1. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine (BCG): It is to be given at birth and protects against tuberculosis.

2. Oral Polio Vaccine(OPV): It is to be given at birth, at the age of 6 weeks, at 10 weeks, at 14 weeks, between 15 to 18 months and at 5 years. It protects against polio.

3. Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV): It is to be given at age of 6 weeks, at 10 weeks, at 14 weeks and between 15-18 months. It requires a total of four doses only and it protects from Polio.

4. Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus vaccine (DPT): It is to be given at age of 6 weeks, at 10 weeks, at 14 weeks, between 16-24 months and at 5 years. It protects against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. It may cause fever, pain and swelling at site and in rare cases irritability and convulsions.

5. Hemophilus Influenza B Vaccine (Hib): It is to be given at the age of 6 weeks, at 10 weeks, at 14 weeks and between 15-18 months. It protects against meningitis, pneumania and septicaemia caused by the bacteria Hemophilus influenza B. It may cause slight pain and fever upon administration.

6. Hepatitis B Vaccine (Hep B): It can be given in any one out of the three schedules- at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age / at birth, 6 and 14 weeks of age/ at birth, 1 and 6 months of age. It protects against liver disease and liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B virus. It sometimes causes mild fever or pain upon administration.

7. Measles Vaccine: It is given at the age of 9 months. It protects against measles. It may cause mild fever and rash may appear after one week, but will be cured by itself.

8. Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine (MMR): It is to be given at ageof 15 months. A second dose can be given at 5 years of age.It protects against measles, mumps and rubella. It may cause mild fever and rash may appear after one week, but will be cured by itself.

9. Typhoid Vaccine: It is to be given at age of 2 plus and repeated after every 3 years. It protects against Typhoid. It may cause mild fever upon administration.

10. Tetanus reduced dose diptheria (dT) / Tetanus toxoid (TT) Vaccine: It is to be given at age of 10 and 16 years. It protects against diphteria and tetanus. It may cause mild pain and fever.

Special Vaccines:

1. Chickenpox Vaccine: It is to be given at age of 1 year. This vaccine protects against chickenpox. It may cause mild rash and fever.

2. Pneumococcal Vaccine: It is to be given at age of 2, 4 and 6 months and 15-18 months. It protects against meningitis, pneumania and septicaemia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It may cause pain, redness and fever upon administration.

3. Hepatitis A Vaccine: It is to be given in two doses 6 months apart, with the first dose given at the age of 18 months. It protects against Hepatitis A virus which can cause acute jaundice.

4. Rotavirus Vaccine: It is to be given in 2-3 doses at 4-8 weeks interval, starting before 6 weeks of age. It protects against diarrhoea caused by Rotavirus. It may cause some stomach discomfort upon administration.

Other special vaccines include influenza vaccine, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, Japanese B encephalitis, Pneumoccocal 23 valent and Rabies vaccines which can be given after consultation with your Paediatrician.

Healing With YOGA....

Yoga is well known as a stress reducer, especially when combined with meditation and pranayama. Recent studies now show that Yoga can help in treating and preventing a number of ailments, ranging from back pain to Diabetes. Taking a single Yoga class can help you lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

The six well known benefits of Yoga include:

1.Heart health: Heart disease patients who did Yoga for six weeks showed significant increase in artery, resulting in lower blood pressure and increased heart output.

2.Chronic back pain: Chronic lower-back sufferers experienced less pain after practising Yoga twice a week for six months.

3. Asthma and other pulmonary disorders: Practising Yoga for 2-3 hours a week, for ten weeks, helps in reduced symptoms of asthma and other chronic pulmonary disorders.

4. Binge eating: Binge eaters who participated in 10-week Yoga therapy programme showed significant reduction of bingeing episode per month and were also able to manage stress more effectively.

5. Migraine and other headaches: Practising Yoga daily for about four months leads to significant reduction in incidences of headaches due to migraine and tension.

6. Metabolic disorders: People at high risk of developing diabetes, can lower their risk factor for the disease after doing Yoga for three months.

Vital Nutrients For Menopause.

A well balanced diet is important for every individual to maintain good health.But it does happen that a particular stage in life, needs some extra care so as to prevent health problems later. One such stage especially in woman is menopause.

Certain nurients play a very vital role during menopause and their absence or decreased levels in the body can cause some ill effects. Such nutrients include CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, VITAMIN E, VITAMIN D and PHYTOESTROGENS.

CALCIUM: A healthy premenopausal woman should have about 1,000 mgs of calcium per day. A balanced amount of calcium in the body prevents the development of osteoporosis. Foods high in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products; oysters, sardines and canned salmon with bones; and dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.

MAGNESIUM: Helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Besides this magnesium along with calcium work hand in hand together to maintain bone density which helps to prevent osteoporosis. It is found in wholegrains, milk and milk products, tofu, nuts seeds and legumes, green leafy vegetables like spinach.

VITAMIN D: Vitamin D is also very important for calcium absorption and bone formation. A 1992 study showed that women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who took vitamin D for 3 years significantly reduced the occurrence of new spinal fractures.
This absorption process is done by the skin when it is exposed to sun.
The dietary sources of this vitamin include fortified milk and margarine, eggs and fish oils. High doses of vitamin D can cause kidney stones, constipation, or abdominal pain, particularly in women with existing kidney problems.

VITAMIN E: Considered useful in alleviating hotflushes and thought to offer some heart protection. Although some foods, such as nuts and seeds, egg yolk and wheat germ contain Vitamin E, one need to take a supplement to get the therapeutic dose(400IU twice daily).

PHYTOESTROGENS: These are a group of compounds found in plants, structurally and functionally similar to steroidal estrogens produced by the body. They play a similar role like that of estrogen in the body especially when the is deficiency of this particular hormone. This helps to allevaite the menopausal symptoms and also helps in absorption of calcium in the body. It also protects against heart disease which is very common in women afer menopause.
Foods rich in phytoestrogens include soy foods, flaxseeds, chickpeas and other legumes.

NOTE:The above advice should be followed under strict medical supervision.

'Doctors have shorter lifespan than patients'- Stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle are taking a toll.

The men and women who help us stay fit and live longer are themselves succumbing to stress, sedentary lifestyles and dying of cardiac arrests.
An observation by the Indian Medical Association's (IMA) Pune chapter says that an Indian doctor's average lifespan is 55-59 years, almost 10 years lesser than that of the general population.

It was based on the analysis of the association's social security scheme (SSS) with 5,500 doctors from Maharashtra, India and over 11,000 from across the country registered.

IMA Pune chapter's president Dr Dilip Sarda told DNA that their data of the last five years indicated that doctors' lifespan was pointing to an alarming trend. "An average Indian lives up to 69-72 years whereas a doctor lives only up to 55 to 59 years which is shocking. It was noticed that most early deaths were due to cardiac arrest," he said.

According to Dr Sarda, every year, 12 to 15 doctors in Maharashtra and around 30 doctors across the country lose their lives in this age-group. Stress, sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise were the causes of early death, he said.

"They are becoming obese, stressed, hypertensive, diabetic or are undergoing angioplasty which reduces their chances of living longer and staying fit," he said.

Dr Sarda said the doctors themselves were responsible for their poor lifestyle, lack of exercise, stressful careers and an improper diet regime.

This was taking a toll of their health which has affected life expectancy to a great extent, the doctor said.

Ayurvedic approach to treat Gallstones!!!!

The gall bladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that the liver produces, until the fluid is required to help digest dietary fats in the small intestine. Normally, the acidic bile prevents cholesterol from becoming too concentrated. However, if too much cholesterol is present in the bile,it crystallizes in the gall bladder, forming gallstones. Gallstones that remain in the gall bladder typically produce no symptoms.Gallstones usually begin producing symptoms when they obstruct the duct that leads from the liver to the gall bladder or the duct that leads from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Once lodged in one of these ducts, the stones may produce painful spasms and inflammation at the site of the obstruction. To read more about Ayurvedic treatment for Gallstones, please check this article.