Suffer From Body Pain? Apply Pressure to These Points

If you're not feeling well, there are a lot of things you can do. Try get up and take a walk, drink some water, take a deep breath. Alternatively, you could try acupressure, a technique from traditional Chinese medicine which helps prevent and treat discomfort. Acupressure can be done on your own, anywhere, anytime, and all you have to do is apply pressure to certain parts of the body. Acupressure encourages energy flow through natural pathways in the body, sending it to our internal organs and limbs. It also helps restore a natural energetic flow, returning the body to a state of well-being. 

 

1. For upper body pain

If you have pain or stiffness in the head, neck, throat or face - this includes a headache, neck and jaw tension, toothache, sinus pain or a sore throat - gently massage the fleshy web between the thumb and the index finger. This acupressure point is known as Large Intestine 4 (He Gu). 

2. For stomach discomfort

 

 

 Whether it be nausea, dizziness, anxiety or motion sickness, put pressure on the inside of the wrist to alleviate the symptoms. Apply pressure about three finger widths down from where your wrist meets your hand. Pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness can also apply pressure to this point. This acupressure spot is called Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan).

 

 

3. When you're exhausted

If you are feeling tired, have low immunity or poor digestion, or simply want to promote overall vitality, apply pressure to this spot located four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. You should feel tenderness when applying pressure here. It is said that if you are tired and can no longer walk, stimulating this point will allow you to walk another three miles. This point is known as the Stomach 36 (Zu San Li).

4. Indigestion

 

 

If you are feeling bloated, have indigestion, intestinal gas or a lack of appetite, gently massage the space between the sternum and the belly button. Either massage this point gently or simply rest your hand over the area. This point is known as the Ren 12 (Zhong Wan). 

 

 

5. For period cramps

If you suffer from menstrual cramps or back pain during menstruation, apply pressure or gently massage the tender point four finger widths below the groove where the inner leg curves. This acupressure spot is known as Spleen 8 (Diji).

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Irritable bowel syndrome: Causes, symptoms, treatment or tips to cure IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder and is a chronic condition of the lower gastrointestinal tract that is a growing cause of concern among Indians today. Here's all you need to know about its causes, symptoms, treatment and tips to cure

Irritable bowel syndrome: Health experts share causes, symptoms, tips to cure 

A very common health condition in India that affects the digestive system, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a mix of belly discomfort or pain and trouble with bowel habits: either going more or less often than normal (diarrhoea or constipation) or having a different kind of stool (thin, hard, or soft and liquid). It's not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and it has nothing to do with other bowel problems but has been noticed that women suffer through this condition more than men and some have only minor discomfort while for others it may end up disrupting daily routine.

Types of IBS

The type of IBS you have depends on the abnormal bowel movements you experience:

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): Most of your poop is hard and lumpy. IBS with constipation is a condition where people experience belly pain or discomfort due to constipation.

• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Most of your poop is loose and watery. IBS with diarrhoea is usually characterised by chronic and recurrent episodes of diarrhoea.

• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day. Mixed IBS where the person experiences alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhoea.

Causes of IBS

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Madhavi Karmokar Sharma who is a Functional Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Founder of Informed Health, said that IBS is generally concluded by exclusion, after ruling out other health issues that cause similar symptoms like lactose intolerance, thyroid problems, celiac disease and parasitic infection. Though it is tough to know the precise causes of IBS, she listed the factors that trigger it:

1. Muscle contractions in the intestine - (i) Changes in the Nervous System - The nerves of digestive system lead to symptoms ranging from bloating to stools. Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can cause the body to overreact to changes that normally occur in the digestive process, resulting in pain, diarrhea or constipation.

(ii) Severe infection: IBS can develop after gastroenteritis caused by bacteria or a virus. IBS might also be associated with a surplus of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth).

2. Early life stress: People exposed to stressful events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS.

3. Changes in gut microbes: Research indicates that the microbes in people with IBS might differ from those in healthy people.

4. Food triggers: Food related sensitivities to wheat, milk, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, aerated drinks may trigger IBS. Sugary/oily/spicy food aggravate IBS.

5. Stress: IBS symptoms get aggravated in the presence of stress.

As per Aman Puri, Founder of Steadfast Nutrition, “IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of uncomfortable symptoms of the digestive system. IBS is a form of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that may occur due to an impaired gut-brain interaction, severe infection, or stress in early life.”

Symptoms of IBS

According to Nutritionist Madhavi Karmokar Sharma, “Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is a chronic condition of the lower gastrointestinal tract that is a growing cause of concern among Indians today. Its hallmark symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort along with change in consistency and /or frequency of bowel movements. Many also complain about a constant feeling of incomplete evacuation. It is often referred to as spastic, nervous or irritable colon.”

Aman Puri revealed, “People with IBS may experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain/cramps, excessive gas, bloating, harder or looser stools than normal, the appearance of mucus in their stool, certain food intolerances, tiredness, loss of appetite, anxiety, heartburn and indigestion.”

Treatment or tips to cure IBS

Asserting that when it comes to treating IBS, no specific diet or therapy works for everyone, Aman Puri highlighted that since people with IBS can have different symptoms, one needs to see what works best for them. However, adhering to general dietary and lifestyle changes may help improve IBS symptoms. He advised, “Gradually increase the fibre content in your diet by including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Stay hydrated by consuming at least 7-8 glasses of water daily. Have small and frequent meals rather than consuming large portions at once. Make probiotics a part of your daily diet as they increase the growth of good gut bacteria, thereby improving digestion and relieving the symptoms of bloating.”

He added, “Restrict the consumption of tea, coffee, aerated beverages, and sodas. Consume dairy products only in moderation or eliminate them from the diet as lactose intolerance is common in people with IBS. Ensure that you get enough calcium from alternate food sources such as sesame seeds, soybean, almonds, and spinach. Exercise regularly as a sedentary lifestyle can worsen the problem of IBS. Quit smoking and drinking, and manage stress by practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques to help resolve IBS effectively.”

Nutritionist Madhavi Karmokar Sharma pointed out that treatment of IBS focuses on relieving symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible. A basic understanding of triggers helps in preventing and reducing the intensity of experienced symptoms. She suggested:

1. Avoid foods that trigger symptoms. These include physical, thermal and chemical irritants like spicy, oily, hot foods.

2. Based on the type of IBS eat low FODMAP foods or include high fiber foods.

3. Stay Hydrated. Dehydration is known to cause cramps and increase abdominal pain. It is also the leading cause of constipation.

4. Engage in Stress Management activities like deep breathing, pranayama. This helps to calm the nervous system and, in turn, the gut through the Gut Brain Axis.

5. Build a regular exercise routine. Exercise has both positive physiological and psychological affects that prove beneficial in management of IBS.

6. Follow circadian Rhythm eating. Eating in sync with the sun clock assists the body in improving digestion.

7. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, where sleeping and waking up times, meal timings are well structured helps in orienting the body better to rest, digest and recovery.

8. Regulating intake of alcohol and smoking also goes a long way towards managing symptoms of IBS.

9. Avoiding off the counter medication. Unprescribed and frequent medication is known to disrupt the gut microbiome. Frequent courses of antibiotics eliminate not just the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in the body, thereby causing dysbiosi.

 

 This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Sweet potatoes side-effects: Who should not eat sweet potatoes in excess

Here are some people who need to pay attention

Without a doubt, sweet potatoes are healthy. Even though it is starchy and high in carbs and calories, the root vegetable is brimming with nutrients. Protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, just adding this one food to your diet can provide you with all these macro and micronutrients. Owing to its amazing nutrient profile, it is recommended for those trying to shed kilos, suffering from respiratory problems, fighting arthritis and dealing with a stomach ulcer. Although sweet potato is safe for consumption for all, some people may need to pay a little extra attention when consuming it due to the presence of vitamin A. Here are some people who need to pay attention:

Kidney stone

The root vegetable, which has many nutrients, is also high in oxalate, which is a type of organic acid. Adding too many sweet potatoes to the diet when suffering from kidney stones can be problematic for those already suffering from a kidney stone. The oxalate starts depositing on the already existing stone, increasing symptoms and pain. As per Delhi-based Nutritionist Seema Khanna, "Sweet potatoes have high oxalate content hence should be avoided or eaten occasionally by those people who may be at the risk of forming renal calculi (stones)." She added that it is also rich in potassium and having more than 50gms of sweet potatoes in a day may not be suitable for renal patients.

​Stomach discomfort

This root vegetable also contains mannitol, a type of carbohydrate called sugar alcohol, or polyol. Although there is no harm in taking this carbohydrate, excess intake may be troublesome for those suffering from stomach discomfort. Having excessive sweet potatoes when suffering from stomach discomfort may lead to diarrhea, stomach aches, and bloating. So, when suffering from stomach discomfort it is best to avoid them.

​Diabetes

As compared to potatoes, sweet potatoes have a moderate glycemic index and are considered healthier. Studies also suggest that having sweet potatoes may help to improve insulin sensitivity. Being high in dietary fiber and low glycemic index content, sweet potatoes can help to manage blood sugar in the body. But one should not take it in excess, else it can lead to a spike in the blood sugar level.

​Heart issue

Being a good source of potassium, sweet potatoes can help you manage your blood sugar level, reducing the risk of heart problems. But when consumed in excess may not be a good idea. Excess potassium intake may lead to hyperkalemia or potassium toxicity and can be a reason for heart attack.

​Other side-effects

This root vegetable is high in vitamin A content and taking too much of this vitamin may lead to vitamin A toxicity. The symptoms of the condition may include headache and rash. Consuming too much vitamin A over a long period can also be a reason for coarse hair, partial hair loss (including the eyebrows), cracked lips, and dry, rough skin. Prolonged large doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage.

The bottom line

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A is 700 micrograms for women and 900 micrograms for men. If you take more than this consult your doctor. Besides, if you are suffering from kidney issues, diabetes and heart issues, consult your doctor before having sweet potatoes.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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