About Hepatitis A and E

A few diseases can wreak havoc in adult life, and Hepatitis E is one of them. It is the leading cause of acute (short-lived) viral in the world.Most commonly found in people of 15-40 years of age, Hepatitis E is even more infectious than Hepatitis A.

Understanding Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is the most innocuous of all the Acute Viral Hepatitis (most common cause of Jaundice). It is caused by Hepatitis A virus and leads to live inflamation. It is generally caught from infected food and water (feco oral route ), so the best way to prevent it is to use fresh cooked food and drink clean water.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A:
1.Appetite loss
2.Nausea, vomiting, fever
3.Pain in liver, especially on the right side of the abdomen just under the rib cage
4.Tiredness
5.Jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes
6.Urine is dark brownish in colour, like strong tea.

Treatment of Hepatitis A: Wait for symptoms to relieve. However, if your sickness doesn’t get better, the vaccine for Hepatitis A is available. The vaccine can be taken by anyone who is above the age of 1 yrs. The second dose is given after six month of the first dose.

Understanding Hepatitis E: The Hepatitis E virus is also transmitted through the faecal-oral route. Hepatitis E is a more serious problem compared to Hepatitis A in terms of clinical course, complications and outcome. This disease can turn dangerous in pregnant women, hence nutritional hygiene is important.

Symptoms of Hepatitis E:
1.Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, fever
2.Upper abdominal pain
3.Pain in liver, especially on the right side of the abdomen just under the rib cage
4.Tiredness
5.Jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes
5.Urine is dark brownish in colour, like strong tea.

Treatment for Hepatitis E: There are no specific medicines that can cure Hepatitis E. Therefore, treatment of hepatitis E is focused on supportive care i.e. when your symptoms get cured. Must- do things in order to keep away from hepatitis E is take plenty of fluids, rest, avoid alcohol and make sure you exercise regularly.

10 Steps to Glowing your Skin

Tips to get closer to radiant glowing skin:

The acne, dark circles, tanned skin, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, freckles and more... 


1. Diet : What you eat decides how you look. This statement shows the importance of good healthy food in our diet. Antioxidants are present in berries, blueberries, cranberries and in aloe vera that can help fight bacteria and keep your skin vibrant. Vitamin E is another important nutrient that helps to keep our skin supple and wrinkle-free. Avoiding caffeine is a great idea because it hastens skin darkening and ageing. Opt for green tea instead.

2. Sunscreen : This is a must for all skin types, advise skin specialists. Using a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 25 should be applied at least twenty minutes prior to going out. And it is a must even when you are indoors all day, because your computer screen and your cooking flame emits UV rays that damage skin. A good sunscreen can counter this effect.

3. Good skin care routine : A regular and good skin care routine is the basic essential when you are aiming for healthy radiant skin. Removing makeup is important. Never mistake a cleanser for a make-up remover. You should begin by removing eye make-up, then go to the cheek and lips. Daily toning and moisturising is also important.

4. Detoxification : This removes the toxins and other waste from the body that make our skin look dull and lifeless. Drinking at least 2.5 litres of water helps flush out toxins.

5. Deworming : No matter what your age is, it is important to deworm for good health.

6. Avoid getting tanned : The sun not only makes your skin pigmented, it also causes early aging and premature wrinkles. Regular clean-ups and facials can help your skin look healthy and glowing.

7. Men too : Not just women, skin care is just as important for men. Use a skin soothener like aloe vera gel or a calamine lotion in case of a shaving rash.

8. Take care of dry, dark and scaly hands and feet : Hands and feet are the first to show signs of neglect. Begin by exfoliating and scrubbing your hands and then apply moisturiser meant for your hands and feet. Before going off to sleep, apply a creamy and nourishing cream and then, wear socks. A good manicure and pedicure at least once every month is essential.

9. Hair and nail care : Caring for your hair and nails are important too. Dry frizzy, unhealthy hair and nails maybe a sign that you have some sort of malnutrition or deficiency. Consult a doctor. A healthy diet, at least once a month manicure and pedicure is essential for well-groomed nails.

10. Consult the experts : When none of the above work, it's time to see a specialist. 

Fruity Delight for your Skin

Fruits are the best medicine is a well known fact. A cup of fruit juice a day is sure to guarantee a clear complexion.


A massage with a fruit pulp or a fruit facial? Fruit facials have been there for at least a decade now. But with people getting more wary of effect of chemicals on the skin, majority of them are now resorting to using something from their own kitchen. What better way to pamper your skin than with pure stuff which is free of toxins and not in the least harmful to your skin? Besides the fact that they hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, the very smell of a fruit on your face is quite de-stressing. Unlike the chemical beauty treatments, fruits are cost-effective, natural and also bring a visible difference. A few fruits and their properties, choose what suits you best!


Banana: This is one fruit that's abundantly available in India all through the year. We know it's a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium and helps reduce menstrual cramps. The effect of banana on skin too is not something that can be ignored. Banana is rich in vitamin A, B and E and hence works as an anti-aging agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can do wonders to your skin.


Lemon: Lemon juice is an important ingredient in most Indian recipes. This is also a fruit of all seasons and almost always finds place on your kitchen shelf or refrigerator. With its vitamin C content, its juice will keep your skin beautiful. A glass of warm water with a tsp of honey and a dash of lemon juice on an empty stomach every morning is a great skin cleanser. With its astringent properties, it can be used to lighten the skin tone and also diminish acne scars. Rub the inside of a lemon peel on your elbow remove dark spots. Mix lemon and honey and use it as a natural bleach on your skin.


Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away is cliched, but its health benefits are undisputable. Apple's antioxidant property prevents cell and tissue damage. Studies by nutritionists have shown that apples contain abundant amounts of elastin and collagen that help keep the skin young. Applying a mixture of mashed apple, honey, rose water and oatmeal can act as a great exfoliating mask on your skin.


Orange: Rich in vitamin C that improves skin texture. Like apple, orange too contains collagen that slows skin aging process. Rub the insides of orange on your skin to tighten the skin. Oranges can be dried and powdered and used as a natural scrub. Like lemon, oranges too help clear skin blemishes.


Papaya: The benefits of this fruit on skin have perhaps been talked about since the time of our ancestors. Papaya is rich in anti-oxidants and contain a special enzyme called papain that can kill dead cells and cure skin impurities. A glass of papaya milk or just applying the flesh of papaya on your skin can do wonders to your skin.


Mangoes: Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and antioxidants, it fights skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.

Oral Hygiene

Eyes are the windows to your soul and the mouth is the window to your body's well being. Observing and maintaining necessary oral hygiene not only keeps oral infections, diseases and cavities at bay. It also has quite an impact on artery and heart disease. In order to make sure that you have a healthy set of pearly whites.

Tip 1: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 3-5 minutes. Make sure you do not put too much pressure as this can hurt your gums.

Tip 2: Place the bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back and forth motion. Clean outer, inner and biting surfaces of teeth with scrubbing motion.

Tip 3: Essential oil based mouthwash reduces plaque by 70% and gum problems by 36% over brushing alone. Use an anti-microbial mouthwash to get complete protection from germs..

Tip 4: Recommended dosage for mouthwash is 20ml undiluted for 30 seconds morning and night. Make sure you keep the mouthwash at a visible spot in the bathroom so you remember to use it every day

Tip 5: Floss your teeth. Ease the floss gently between your teeth, pull the floss smoothly back and front. Additionally, using a dental floss will help remove food debris that’s stuck in your teeth.

Tip 6: Clean and brush the surface of your tongue daily because there is bacteria present particularly on the rougher top surface of the tongue. These can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) and negatively affect your dental health.

Tip 7: Quit smoking and chewing tobacco since this can cause tooth decay, bad breath, tooth discoloration and even oral cancer. If you smoke a cigarette, you may use candies, tea or coffee to mask the smoky breath and odor. This doubles the amount of damage caused. 

Tip 8: Avoid sticky, sugary and starchy foods as this can lead to tooth decay, instead consume foods rich in fiber, calcium and vitamin C. 

Tip 9: Too much consumption of tea, coffee and red wine should be avoided since this can stain your teeth. 

Tip 10: Go for dental check-ups every 6 months since this will help diagnose any problems that might otherwise go undetected.

Exercises to Enhance Memory

Memory is a tricky thing, It has a way of bailing on us when we need it the most. And as we get older, it only gets worse! But did you know that exercise could change that? Some yoga asanas that will help stimulate your brain and nervous system and in turn improve your memory.

Meditation

Meditation improves your concentration and helps you remember things better. Sit quietly in a comfortable position and count backwards from 50. You can start counting from 100 and even 200 with practice.

Another form of meditation is Dharana. Dharana helps you de-clutter your mind. This form of meditation involves focusing your attention and not letting it wander. It can be done by either concentrating on your breathing or by concentrating on the centre of your head.

Pranayam also helps you think better and improves your ability to remember better as it increases the supply of oxygen to your brain. Pranaym is a kind of breathing technique practised in yoga.

You could also try yogamudra or padmasana for better memory. For this, place your hands on your knees with your palms facing upwards and join your index finger to your thumb. Just close your eyes and focus on your breathing.

Upavitha Konasana (wide legged forward bend)

1) Stand with your feet three feet apart and your heels pointing outwards.

2) Now bend forward with a straight back to touch your palm to the ground. If it is your first time, go as far as you can and hold the position.

3) Now get your torso closer to yourself with your palms on your knees and your elbows jutting out. Hold for about five to 10 seconds and slowly return to your original position.

Sirshasana
To get to sirshasana, you need to assume balasana or the child’s pose. 

Balasana

1) Sit in vajrasana or on your feet with your knees pointing forward.
2) Part your legs slightly and bend your torso forward with your hands outstretched or on your sides, to touch the ground. This is balasana.
3) Now hold your elbows with your hands. Place the top of your head on the ground with the back of your head resting against your arms.
4) Slowly straighten your knees, raise your hips and your legs to form a ‘V’ in the air.
5) Now slowly bend your knees close to your chest so that your feet are near your buttocks and balance yourself using your hips.
6) Now raise your legs. When you are in the headstand position, try and relax.

Sirshasana

Make sure 90 per cent of your weight is supported by your arms and elbows and just 10 per cent by your head.


Viparit Karni Asana

This is a variation of the sarvangasana. In this asana, instead of raising your legs to form a 90-degree angle, you make a 60-degree angle with or without the support of a wall.

1) Lie down on your back.
2) Slowly raise your legs and your hips off the ground to form a 60-degree angle with the ground. Support your hips with your hands as you do this.
3) Hold for up to ten seconds and return to original position.

Benefits of Grapes

Grapes are instant source of energy and keeps you looking younger. 

Some of the health benefits of this fruit are:
Found in clusters, this fruit is not just a rich source of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate but also has essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. 


Grapes contains flavanoids - powerful antioxidants that can help slacken the ageing process - that reduce the damage caused by free radicals. 


Grapes have high nutritive value, this fruit can be used treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, muscle degeneration and can prevent cataract. Grapes are a good blood and body builder, and a quick source of energy. 


Dried grapes or raisins are nutritious and help in many disorders including constipation, acidosis, anaemia, fever, sexual weakness and help in gaining weight and eye care. 
 
Grapes are crimson, black, dark blue, yellow, green, orange, and pink. 

White grapes are actually green in colour and are evolutionarily derived from the purple grape. 

Combat these diseases 
Asthma: Grapes have high assimilatory power and can increase the moisture present in lungs. 

Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and can protect you from infections. 

Alzheimer's disease: There have been studies that suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and stall the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer's disease. 

Breast cancer: Studies on laboratory rats have shown that juice of purple coloured juice helps in preventing breast cancer by significantly reducing mammary tumour mass. 

Constipation: Grapes contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose and are considered to be laxative food. They relieve chronic constipation by toning up the intestine and stomach. 

Fatigue: Grape juice provides instant energy. Juice of white grapes is rich in iron and pevents fatigue.

Heart diseases: The nitric oxide levels in the blood increase when you eat grapes, and that prevent clots and reduces the chances of heart attacks. Antioxidants in them stop oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels. 

Indigestion: Grapes are preferred when one suffers from indigestion, as they constitute a light food. This fruit relieves heat and cures indigestion and irritation of the stomach. 

Migraine: Ripe grape juice when taken early in the morning, without mixing additional water helps in curing migraine. 

Kidney disorders: Grapes can help in the elimination of the acid from the system, thereby reducing the work pressure of kidneys.