Sudhir Ahluwalia's Blog, page 38

How can the microbiome altered by antiobiotics be corrected naturally?

Misbalances in the gut microbiota can lead to diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel, and other gut ailments. Even diabetes and allergies have been connected to the state of the gut microbiome, according to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). These misbalances could be an outcome of antibiotic treatment. Probiotics can reverse misbalances in the gut.

According to Robert Hutkins, professor of food science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, our gut microbiota contains tens of trillions of microorganisms from more than 1,000 different species having a cumulative genetic base of more than 3 million genes. He also stated the gut microbiota could weigh up to 2 kg (4.4 pounds). The microorganisms are found in the stomach and small and large intestines.

Probiotics are a group of beneficial microorganisms found in the gut. The World Health Organization (WHO) said probiotics confer a health benefit to the host when taken in adequate quantities. The most common probiotic bacteria belong to two genera—Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other genera included in this group are Enterococcus and Streptococcus, to name a few.

The protective role of probiotics in digestion is now well established. A 2012 meta-analysis of 74 studies, 84 trials, and 10,351 patients showed that probiotics are beneficial adjuncts in treating and preventing gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.(PLOS ONE 2012; 7(11):E48221)

Dietary supplements, pharmaceutical products, medical foods, infant formula, fermented foods such as fresh yogurt, fermented milk, aged cheese, kimchi, craft beer, miso, fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or pickles, sourdough bread, etc., contain probiotic bacteria.

Probably there is hope and not despair.

Additional reading:

Nutrition Facts – a guide to good health Similar Posts:

How to I introduce healthy bacteria into the gut?Can the bacteria in yogurt reduce the risk of bowel cancer?Why are probiotics supposed to be good for us?

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Why do we need to know about herbal medicine?

Modern medicine stands on the shoulders of herbal medicine. Many modern medicine practitioners do not realize this fact, though.
Herbal medicine was the prevailing form of treatment right up to the 18th century. As scientists understood the understanding of healing molecules, the use of healing with individual molecules began.
Aspirin is regarded as one of the first drugs. Willow was used as a medicine by ancient Sumerians and Egyptians. The Ebers papyrus c1500 BC refers to willow as an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever for non-specific aches and pains. The willow bark continued to be used as medicine right up to 1828 when Joseph Buchner, Professor of Pharmacy in Munich, isolated the chemical responsible for anti-inflammatory properties. He named it salicin. In time, plant origin salicin was replaced by chemical manufacturing.
This story has played itself out again and again in modern medicine. The chemotherapy drug vincristine came from Catharanthus roseus, the Madagascar periwinkle plant. It is now being manufactured from chemicals. Most modern drugs are of plant origin too.
Herbal medicine literature is the starting point of much of the pharmaceutical research across the world. Herbal medicine is largely multi-herb based while modern medicine is still single-molecule-focused. It is only a matter of time that science will unravel the power of multi-molecule drugs following the herbal formulae models. Multi-molecule combinations are already extensively used in cancer treatment.
This note is especially for modern medicine practitioners who decry the roots of the science they practice out of ignorance.

Additional reading:

Link to my six book titles on herbs and natural solutions. Similar Posts:

What are the few unexplored medicinal plants?What are the best natural medicines for cancer?How effective is herbal medicine?

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Will neem protect my plants from aphids and other insects?

Aphids are sap-sucking organisms. Neem (Azadirachta indica), a systemic insecticide, should help protect your crop.

Neem oil is not an instantly effective insecticide. Spraying it on crops does not result in the immediate elimination of harmful insects and pests. The oil’s action on the pests and insects is through their hormone system, affecting their metabolism. On ingesting the oil, Insects stop eating and cannot breed, propagate, and proliferate, breaking their lifecycle. In time, the pests die, and the entire colony disappears. Pest eggs are also not able to hatch, and the larvae are not able to molt.

Chewing and sucking insects only get impacted by neem oil. The action of neem is selective, with destruction restricted to only this variety of pests. Neem oil acts slowly, unlike fast-acting chemical insecticides, but the action is long-lasting. The quantities of neem oil required are also much smaller, and the insecticide action takes place at deficient concentrations.

Neem oil is a very powerful antifeedant and insect repellent. The oil is especially susceptible to ultraviolet light. The oil, in the diluted form, can be applied to the soil. The insecticide travels into the plant body with water and nutrients, providing long-lasting insecticidal properties to the crop. The insecticidal action takes place in situ. An insect may take a bite or two of such plants but then stop due to systemic impact.

Azadirachtin forms 90% of neem oil insecticide. Salannin, another substance obtained from neem, is a powerful repellent deterring pest from biting on plants that otherwise they would love to feed upon. The deterrent action is more powerful than the synthetic chemical called “Deet” (N N Diethyl meta toluamide). Deet is an ingredient in most of the insect repellents commonly found in the market.

The biopesticide action of neem commences when an insect larva feeds on the plant. The active molecules in neem—azadirachtin, salanin, and melandriol—cause an anti-peristaltic wave in the alimentary canal in the insect, causing a vomiting sensation that forces them to stop feeding.

Additional reading:
Asian Herbs and their wondrous health-giving propertiesSimilar Posts:

What are the basics of organic farming?Is cardamom tea good for health?Does consuming Chinese herbal tea leads to weight loss?

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Is ginger good for osteoporosis?

The study of the pharmacological actions of ginger and compounds isolated therefrom found it a safe herbal medicine with only a few side effects. The action of the ginger compounds was immune-modulatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-lipidemic, and anti-emetic. They state that further studies are required to understand the effect of consumption over long periods of time.

Altman et al. (2011) conducted trials with highly purified ginger extract on patients with osteoarthritis pain caused by standing for extended periods of time. The relief observed was moderate, with mild gastrointestinal side effects.

Another randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted to study the impact of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in patients suffering from the pain of osteoarthritis. It was observed that there was not much variation between the control and active groups during the first three months of the study. However, at the end of six months, the active group showed significantly superior results over the placebo group (Bliddal et al., 2000)., These studies appear to validate the beneficial impact of ginger on osteoarthritis patients, as mentioned in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal medicine practices. Ginger and turmeric are used as herbal remedies for osteoarthritis. (Wigler et al., 2003)

Caution:

Ginger oil’s medicinal properties are like that of the ginger rhizome. However, ginger and its oil may increase the risk in people susceptible to bleeding disorders. This could be due to the anti-coagulant property of the spice (Srivastava et al., 1984).

Additional reading:

Asian Herbs and their wondrous health-giving propertiesHoly Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants

Similar Posts:

Does ginger possess blood sugar lowering property?Medicinal properties of turmericDoes ginger possess medicine properties to heal dementia?

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Scientific evidence in support of positive role of yoga in diabetes patients

There are scientific studies that support the positive role of yoga in diabetes.

A systematic review of articles and studies on the health impact of Yoga shows that its’ practice helps in weight control, reduction of blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. (Yang, K., 2007; Youngwanichsetha, S. et al., 2014)

Yoga and standard physical training exercises both have a positive impact on individuals who have diabetes. It helps reduce oxidative stress and bring about improvements in antioxidant profiles. (Gordon, L.A., et al., 2008)

Diabetic individuals who performed pranayama felt a sense of well-being in 7 to 10 days of practice. Demand for insulin, other diabetes control medicine dropped. In this trial, four types of pranayama were practiced for 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of resting yoga posture called Shavasana (a dead person pose posture). (Sahay, B.K., 2007)

Even though I have quoted the above studies supporting yoga in diabetes management, I would like to caution that these studies are not well cited. Still, it is well accepted that exercise, in general, does help diabetes patients. Claims of miraculous cures by yoga, to my mind, are dangerous.

Additional reading:
Natural Solutions for Diabetes, cancer, and obesity – a tri-seriesSimilar Posts:

Is tai chi and qigong help reverse diabetes?How can I prevent or reverse Type 2 diabetes?Which yogasana is good to control blood sugar?

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Plant-based protein rich food for cancer patients

Ayurveda practitioners and nutritionists in oncology hospitals recommend a diet rich in nuts, nut butter, beans, peas, lentils, fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy products, etc. Vegetarians can focus on beans, lentils, peas, and nuts for their protein requirements.

Some protein sources, like soybean, are low in sulfur-containing amino acids. Cottonseed, peanut, sesame flour, and cereal grains are good protein sources in general but lack lysine. Diet, therefore, is best not restricted to a single protein source (Young et al., 1994).

Heat treatment of soy flakes (while it inactivates nearly all biologically active components) retains most of its functionality (Wu et al., 1974).

Soy products are particularly beneficial for cardiovascular and overall health. These are rich in polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and low in saturated fat (Sacks et al., 2006). Grain legumes, in general, are valuable sources of protein (Duranti, 2006).

Saturated fats are to be avoided. These can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Foods to avoid include meat, poultry, milk, cheese, butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and palm oil.

The focus is on fruit and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. Cancer patients are advised to avoid refined sugars and foods containing additives. Organic food is recommended; it is free from pesticides and insecticides. Patients should avoid overeating.

Vitamins and minerals are critical to building the immune system, which helps the body fight infections and disease.

Additional reading:

Natural Solutions tri-series on cancer, diabetes, and obesity Similar Posts:

Foods for cancer patientsFoods for cancer patients?Diet for cancer patients – An Ayurveda, TCM perspective

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Do we have natural remedies for weight loss?

Obesity is a complex disease. It appears as a polygenic condition. But environmental factors also called epigenetic influences have a major influence on obesity and obesity management.

Food, lifestyle changes, and exercise need to work upon simultaneously to bring about weight loss. Let me briefly describe Ayurveda-based solutions for your benefit.

Food and diet:

Ayurveda recommends regular hydration with warm water. It helps remove impurities and enhances metabolic rate. Warm water relaxes muscles and dilates blood vessels allowing the assimilation and absorption of the nutrients in food efficiently. Sipping water during a meal helps the digestion process.

Ayurveda does not recommend drinking water before a meal. It dilutes the digestive fire hindering digestion. Water is also not recommended to be consumed after the meal as this, too, will lead to weight gain. Water is best drunk after waking up in the morning or one hour before and after a meal.

A drink of water, honey, and a few drops of lime juice when hungry is a good substitute for eating. When eating, the focus should be on the food rather than other things like watching television, reading, talking, or doing other things. The focus should be on eating. It helps the optimal release of digestive enzymes and improved digestion.

It takes six hours or more to digest food. Food should be eaten fresh, cold water and cold foods should be discouraged, and diet should be according to the individual body constitution.

Ayurveda diet is customized for an individual. There will be variations in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha’s personalities. An obesity control diet in Ayurveda will contain trimming foods like barley, red variety of rice, green gram, and puffed corn. Fruits recommended are banana, white gourd, pomegranate, mango, raisin, and citrus fruits. Garlic, onion, and dry ginger are the spices recommended in cases of obesity. Other foods include buttermilk, jaggery, and meat soup. (Bhat et al., 2005)

Herbal combinations based on Ayurveda:

The body’s malfunction, according to Charaka, is attributed to imbalances created in the three humors of the body – Vata, pitta, and Kapha. These together are called tridosha.

A herbal combination containing the following herbs – Cyperus rotundus, Saussurea lappa, Curcuma longa, Berberis aristata, Acorus calamus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Picorrhiza kursoa, Plumbago zeylanica, Holoptelea integrifolia, and Iris ensata is a formulation prescribed to control obesity. (Kumar and Bhandari 2015) A small trial with 70 obese individuals claims a reduction in obesity. (Paranjpe et al., 1990)

Ayurveda anti-obesity formulation – lekhana basti contains Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, Embilica officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, Holoptelea integrifolia, Berberis aristata, Curcuma longa, Embelia ribes, mustard oil, honey, cows urine, a formulation made from barley (Hordeum vulgare), and rock salt.

A trial on 40 obese individuals prescribed Lekhaniya vati and Lekhana basti formulations for 30 days. Better results accrue when the formulations are used in combination than singularly. (Payal et al., 2017)

Before you start picking up any of these combinations, please be aware that the clinical trial-based evidence for these herbs is inadequate and the impact of these herbs maybe be limited.

The most suitable time to eat is dawn and dusk. Diet variations vary for each of the three personality types- Vata, pitta, and Kapha. Age and gender are also considerations in recommending an Ayurveda diet.

You should eat when you are calm and no overpowering emotions such as stress, anger, grief, etc., in play. Emotions impact both the sensory and digestive processes.

Exercise:

Yoga, pranayama, and meditation help in weight loss and weight management. Traditional yoga that is done slowly with the focus of the mind to the body part being exercised and your breath is the recommendation in literature.

Lifestyle modification:

Discipline is an integral part of the Ayurveda-based lifestyle. A life of moderation is the key recommendation.

Additional reading:
Natural Solutions for ObesitySimilar Posts:

Diet for cancer patients – An Ayurveda, TCM perspectiveMy 12 year old daughter is obese. How can I politely tell her that we are going to put her on a diet?Can obesity be really genetic?

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Diet for cancer patients

Weight loss, fatigue, and low immunity are common problems faced by people who have cancer. It is the selection of foods with the appropriate quantity and type of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients that lie at the heart of nutrition management of cancer patients.
Foods are known to build and maintain a strong and healthy immune system. Foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, squashes, and tomato are rich in carotenoids, converted to Vitamin A by the body.
Bananas, baked potatoes, chickpeas, certain types of fish (e.g., tuna), and lean chicken are rich in Vitamin B6. Citrus fruits, strawberries, guava, leafy vegetables, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, and spinach are a source of Vitamin C.
Cereals, milk, and fatty fish have high levels of Vitamin D. At the same time, almonds, broccoli, hazelnuts, spinach, and sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E. Beans, peas, and leafy green vegetables are rich in folic acid. In contrast, poultry, seafood, beans, broccoli, and kale are good sources of iron.
Selenium is found in barley, broccoli, garlic, sardines, tuna, and zinc in chickpeas, baked beans, lean meat, poultry, yogurt, and crabs. Vitamins and minerals are critical to building the immune system, which helps the body fight infections and disease.
Modern-day dietitians look at diet and nutrition for cancer patients and survivors in not too dissimilar terms as ancient medicine systems.
The demand for energy in cancer patients is particularly high. Cancer patients lose a lot of weight due to the loss of muscle and stored body fat. Patients must choose foods that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. These are found in vegetable oils (such as olive, peanut, canola, safflower, sunflower, corn, flaxseed) and seafood.
Saturated fats are to be avoided. These can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Foods to avoid include meat, poultry, milk, cheese, butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and palm oil. Trans-fat-containing foods such as margarine, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and animal products are not recommended. Trans fats increase the bad cholesterol and lower the good cholesterol.
Carbohydrates meet the immediate need for energy. The best source of carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These also contain vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients. Foods containing insoluble fiber are highly recommended. These help in easy stool evacuation, a problem often faced by cancer patients.
Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine systems are more personalized. The diet described above is from modern cancer diet literature. At the end of the day, if you keep the basic principles of diet for cancer patients in view and stick to what works best for you, then you are good.

Additional reading:

Natural Solutions for CancerNatural Solutions for DiabetesNatural Solutions for Obesity

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Foods for cancer patients?Foods for cancer patientsDiet for cancer patients – An Ayurveda, TCM perspective

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How harmful is palm oil to our health?

Oils contain saturated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are the healthiest. These are cardio-protective, regulate blood sugar, and could also aid a weight loss process.

Saturated fatty acids are mostly solid at room temperature. In contrast, fats that stay liquid at room temperature are full of unsaturated fatty acids. Common examples of cooking fats rich in saturated fatty acids are butter, cheese, dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat content milk, cream, beef fat, fatty beef, etc.

Vegetable oil examples of saturated fat-rich oil are coconut oil, palm oil. Olive oil, on the other hand, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids.

Eating foods that contain saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in your blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that an individual’s diet get 5 to 6% of calories from saturated fat.

Eating foods that contain saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in your blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that an individual’s diet get 5 to 6% of calories from saturated fat.

In palm oil- saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are nearly evenly divided. The oil contains unsaturated fatty acids, 40 percent – oleic acid, and 10 percent linoleic acid. The saturated fatty acids in palm oil are palmitic acid (45%) and stearic acid (5%). Palm oil, being a vegetable oil, is cholesterol-free. The oil is rich in carotenoids and vitamin E.

Palm oil has zero trans content, which is an advantage. Nutritionists recommend this oil in the diet in combination with other oils and fats. (Sundram et al., 2003).

A good diet should decrease the consumption of saturated fat and reduce blood cholesterol by consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grain, fish, and poultry and less red meat. This diet will protect the body from cardiovascular diseases (Krish-Etherton et al., 2001; Hu., 2003).

The best health benefit will accrue when a combination of oils is used rather than consuming a single oil. Each cooking oil has health benefits, and a mixture works best.

Additional reading:

Nutrition Facts- a guide to good healthNatural Solutions for Obesity

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What is the best oil for weight loss?Foods for cancer patients?How much oil is healthy for a person to take daily and start a no oil diet?

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Weight loss herbal formulas – scientific review.

I have undertaken a literature survey for major Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine weight loss supplements. The intent was to discover scientific studies supporting the weight loss properties of any of the herbs mentioned therein. Here is the overview from this research:

Traditional Chinese Medicine weight loss formulations:

A significant decrease in body fat occurs by treating with xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang, bofu-tsusho-san, RCM -104, Ling gui zhu gan decoction (compound of Poria, Macrocephalae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Ramulus Cinnamomi and Radix atractylodis), Pu’er tea, pistachio, or Monoselect Camelia; (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017)

Inch loss around the waist took place from the following herbal medicine: xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang, Pu’er tea, Satiereal (a trade medicine), catechin enriched green tea, Irvingia gabonensis, Cissus quadrangularis. (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017).

Ayurveda weightloss formulations:

A herbal combination containing the following herbs – Cyperus rotundus, Saussurea lappa, Curcuma longa, Berberis aristata, Acorus calamus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Picorrhiza kursoa, Plumbago zeylanica, Holoptelea integrifolia, and Iris ensata is a formulation prescribed to control obesity. (Kumar and Bhandari 2015) A small trial with 70 obese individuals claims a reduction in obesity. (Paranjpe et al., 1990)

Ayurveda anti-obesity formulation – lekhana basti contains Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, Embilica officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, Holoptelea integrifolia, Berberis aristata, Curcuma longa, Embelia ribes, mustard oil, honey, cows urine, a formulation made from barley (Hordeum vulgare), and rock salt.

A trial on 40 obese individuals prescribed Lekhaniya vati and Lekhana basti formulations for 30 days. Better results accrue when the formulations are used in combination than singularly. (Payal et al., 2017)

Independent studies, unfortunately, have not been conducted to support or negate the claims of TCM and Ayurveda formulations. I would therefore caution before using any of these formulations.

Additional reading:
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Herbs for weight lossWhat is the best weightloss product?What are some weight loss tips for severely obese individuals?

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