Love, Heart & Body

Heart full of Love A Close look at how love is generated and how it works on health and body

On Valentine’s Day, a close look at how love is generated and how it works on health and body. Valentine’s Day – a day when love is in the air, hearts and fluttering eyelids. It is a day when the young exchange gifts to express their love swelling in their heart. Why young? Even golden oldies have started joining the love band-wagon and rediscovering life. You must be wondering what has Health to do with love. Heart is understandable, fluttering eyelids, well – passable, but love? Well, scientists consider love as a drug that is good for your heart and brain. It might sound unfair to clinically dissect love and term it a function of a few naughty genes or chemicals with a few ‘college-going’ molecules or proteins that have mastered the art of sending a few lovelorn SMS to the brain. Probably Dr Spock of Star Treck would have loved to knit his brows and wonder why people go crazy over love. Studies have shown that falling in love physically is very similar to taking drugs. It has an effect on the heart, shows typical signs of withdrawal symptoms and a few may get addicted too! That later. Being attracted to someone is actually the result of a series of chemicals and hormones at work. The first spark comes from the brain that releases a neuro-transmitter chemical called dopamine. This results in a chain reaction leading to the heart pounding three times faster than normal. The extra gush of blood finds its way to the cheeks and sexual organs. This sudden diversion of blood makes your stomach feel a bit empty and this causes the feeling of butterflies in the stomach. Since the blood goes to specified areas, the hands and legs get a diminished supply of blood resulting in the palms getting cold and a slight shiver setting in. This is why many in love look a bit disoriented, nervous and they wear a new colour on their face. Did I hear you say ‘how unromantic’? Well there is more. How does the body benefit while in love? When in love, the body releases special chemicals that make you feel good, content and happy. This can spur creativity and that probably explains why most poets, artists, writers and people with extraordinary talents are also good at love. Love can result in sexual activity and this can affect the entire body – from head to toe. Doctors believe that love-making is a good aerobic exercise that improves the circulation and can do wonders to the heart. Studies have shown that sexually active people tend to suffer from fewer heart attacks may be due to their better fitness. But you need to attain the right age to do this so that it can benefit the body. It can also benefit in weight reduction. Intercourse can burn around 200 calories. And all this happens in just a few minutes work compared to a 15-minute workout on a treadmill at a gym. In love-making the body releases endorphins, which can mitigate chronic pain of back ache, arthritis and migraines. Since brain chemicals are involved, sexually active people are less vulnerable to depression and suicides. Love-making is also good to calm anxieties, ease fear and can break down inhibitions – all this because of special hormones released by the brain and body. Some research work has shown that frequent love-making can boost levels of key immune cells that can help fight colds and other infections. A small study has shown that oxytocin and DHEA hormone released during love-making may prevent breast cancer cells from developing into tumors. Frequent love-making has also been linked to longer life – may be due to the beneficial effects on the heart and immune system. But if love is just a chemical reaction, why is it that we do not fall head over heals over everyone. Why is that we get attracted to some and not to all? Well, again a bouquet of chemical is at work. Researchers say that the body releases special chemicals that the nose does not catch, but the brain does. And the brain selects the odour of somebody who has a very different immune system. That is why you seldom fall in love with a close relative. For survival, mankind needs as diverse a gene pool as possible. Otherwise one disease will wipe out the entire humanity. But if you thought that love involves a huge part of the brain, you are mistaken. In 2000, Andreas and Semir Zeki of University College, London, located the areas of the brain activated by romantic love. They took students who said they were madly in love, put them into a brain scanner, and looked at their patterns of brain activity. The results were rather surprising for such a wonderful emotion called love. The research showed that only a relatively small area of the human brain is active when a person is involved in deep love. But more parts of the brain are active and involved when the motion switches to ordinary friendship. “It is fascinating to reflect”, the pair conclude, “that the face that launched a thousand ships should have done so thorough such a limited expanse of cortex.” (As quoted in The Economist). The second surprise was that the brain areas active in love are different from the areas activated in other emotional states, such as fear and anger. Parts of the brain that are love-bitten include the one responsible for gut feelings, and the ones which generate the euphoria induced by drugs such as cocaine. So the brains of people deeply in love do not look like those of people experiencing strong emotions, but instead like those of people snoring coke. Love, in other words, uses the neural mechanisms and pathways that are activated during the process of addiction. “We are literally addicted to love,” Dr Young observes. When a person is in love, the special chemicals and hormones give the body an extra-ordinary feel-good envelope – an effect that is very similar to what cocaine or the drug Ecstasy does to the body and mind. Addiction experts say that attraction and lust are very similar to drugs – it leaves you wanting more. However, the ‘high’ is only temporary – just like in cocaine. Brain scans have also revealed that the different flavours of love come different spots in the brain. Researchers say that love primarily comes in three distinct flavours: lust, romantic love and long-term attachment. In many cases there can be an overlap, but in essence these are separate phenomena. Studies have proved that a dip in the chemicals and hormones involved in love result in a decrease in sexual activity. That is why people on drugs for certain ailments find themselves less active sexually because their chemical pool gets altered. Age will also do the same thing. But love is much more than just genes, chemicals and hormones. So forget all this and just celebrate the different hues of love on Valentine’s Day. You can always fool the body’s chemicals and as someone said: love is in the mind and heart. Life, they say, is like a game of tennis. You need to first serve and it all begins with LOVE ALL.

Tips for Good Health

Preventing communicable diseases

An infectious diseases is scientifically proven disease caused by microbes that are pathogens (called as pathogenic microbial agents). These are of multiple types. Pathogenic bacteria, causes diseases such as plague, anthrax and tuberculosis Protozoa,causing diseases like malaria, toxoplasmosis and sleeping sickness Fungi, causes infections like ringworm, candidiasis or toxoplasmosis Pathogenic viruses cause diseases like influenza, yellow fever or AIDS, which are basically not living organisms and are not microorganisms These agents can cause diseases in animals or plants or both. These are usually qualified as communicable diseases ( also called contageous diseases) as they have the capabilities of transmission from one person to many others. This transmission can happen in multiple ways. Air, physical contact, food, blood transfusion, body fluids or through contaminated objects Avian Influenza: Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Theses flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Dengue Fever - Prevention: Dengue fever is a flu kind of illness spread by mosquito bites. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family virus. Swine Flu H1N1 : Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus.

Infectious diseases

Preventing communicable diseases

An infectious diseases is scientifically proven disease caused by microbes that are pathogens (called as pathogenic microbial agents). These are of multiple types. Pathogenic bacteria, causes diseases such as plague, anthrax and tuberculosis Protozoa,causing diseases like malaria, toxoplasmosis and sleeping sickness Fungi, causes infections like ringworm, candidiasis or toxoplasmosis Pathogenic viruses cause diseases like influenza, yellow fever or AIDS, which are basically not living organisms and are not microorganisms These agents can cause diseases in animals or plants or both. These are usually qualified as communicable diseases ( also called contageous diseases) as they have the capabilities of transmission from one person to many others. This transmission can happen in multiple ways. Air, physical contact, food, blood transfusion, body fluids or through contaminated objects Avian Influenza: Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Theses flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Dengue Fever - Prevention: Dengue fever is a flu kind of illness spread by mosquito bites. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family virus. Swine Flu H1N1 : Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus.

Herbs & Spices for better health

Herbs & Spices

This section provides you with information about various herbs and spices. Thyme Thyme is an ancient herb majorly used for seasoning. Cloves for flavour and health Cloves are known for their exceptional aroma. It is an ancient spice which holds an important portfolio in every kitchen. Health benefits of SAGE: Sage is used to cure variety of conditions like sore throats, mouth inflammations, coughs, liver disorders, and upset stomach. Health benefits of Cumin:Cumin is a spice that is available in every kitchen.  It is an important ingredient in seasoning food.  It is also very well known for its curative properties. Health benefits of Rosemary:Rosemary is known for its culinary and curative properties from ancient times. It is a perenial herb which was primarily used for flavouring food. Oregano Uses Oregano is a perennial herb. It is mainly used for flavouring food. Ginger Ginger is an ancient spice which is an integral part of every kitchen. It is known for its curative properties and flavour. Health benefits of Ajwain : Ajwain popularly known as Bishop's weed is a very common spice found in the kitchen. Ajwain is known for its medicinal properties. There are numerous health benefits that are offered by Ajwain apart from being a very famous flavoring agent.

Stress relief & Head ache

Health Tips and Technics - Stress Management

This section provides you with various articles related Stress Management Stress.. This is caused due to heavy working hours, fatigue and strain. Stress leads to head ache and restlessness. Articles for stress relief and eye strain below gives you easy to follow tips and technics to overcome stress and also treat your eyes. These technics result in stress relief and treatment to your eyes. Good Night Sleep Tips: Are you getting enough sleep? Adults need at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night, to perform optimally. Treat Headaches by Breathing: Drive Headaches away by breathing deeply and also understanding the food that triggers headaches. Tips and Technics to Treat your eyes: Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow these ten tips to avoid them. Healthy food for Stress Free Life: STRESS cannot be done away unless the cause itself is removed.Good health and stress free life is all that one craves for. Tips to overcome sleeplessness: Ways on how you can get better sleep. You can try any of these methods to get some good sleep. A few tips to gain good sleep

General Health Care

This section provides you with informations about various herbs and spices.

Tummy troubles and treatment: Is that terrible tummy ache taking the wind out of your sails? Making you sleepless, stressed, and irritable? Well, it’s not just your mind that is irritated but something deep down in your belly your bowel! Get up and get cracking

Weaning the child from breast feeding: Weaning should be a very slow activity. It is a very difficult phase in the baby's growing stage.

A complex breakfast can keep kids mentally healthy: The child's breakfast should be nutrious so that they do not get into depression.

Keep a watch on your wasteline for a healthy living: Expanding wastelines could become hazardous.

Keep a watch on your cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels can be controlled but exercise and diet.

Eating healthy after Delivery: Read on to know about the diet after delivery.

Heart burn symptoms and treatments: HeartBurn is a condition that arises due to the malfunctioning of a muscle in the stomach.

Walking - Health Benefits: Walking is a good exercise. It provides flxibility to the entire body. It is boon for weight watchers.

Dietary Fiber is Essential: Dietary fiber is essentail for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Dietary fiber should be gradually introduced into our diet to achieve maximum benefits from them.

Importance of Deworming: Worm infestation is a common condition and  children are more prone to it. This basically happens due to lack of hygiene.

Eczema: A rash like itchy patch of skin is called Eczema.

Sweating: Sweating is a cooling condition for the body. Sweating may sometimes occur due to stress and anxiety also.

Fat Facts: Fat is essential for the human body. Dietary fats are as important as carbohydrates or proteins.

Advancement in Cataract Surgery: Cataract is one of the most commonly occuring vision defect in older population. The treatment is mainly surgical. The advanced procedures are painless and bloodless.

Reducing the Salt intake keeps hypertension at bay: Sodium Chloride or common salt is very fundamental to life.

Hemangioma Awareness: Hemangioma occurs usually in Premature Infants. These are active blood vessel tumors and usually superficial.

Natural Remedies and home treatment: Treatment for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, piles, gastritis, cough and cold

Cholesterol and Heart, how to control: An indulgent lifestyle and an inadequate diet are two major causes of heart disease. To stay fit here are a few measures of care and control.

Obesity Hazards: Obesity is a major health hazard. In fact its becoming a very common problem. The excessively high levels of fat in the body is a great risk to health.

Watching TV causes obesity, diabetes and sleeplessness: TV viewing is directly linked with mindless eating, causing obesity and sleeplessness

Avian Influenza, Bird flu - A complete story: - Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Theses flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.

Cholesterol - Anti Hero: - Once you hear the word ‘Cholesteral’ the first thing that comes to our minds is the clogged arteries and the ‘open heart surgeries’ and the ‘angiograms’

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an infection of one or more of the sinus cavities, often caused by bacteria or an allergy.

Yoga for good health

This section provides you with various articles related Yoga and other technics to manage your daily life.

This section provides you with informative articles on Yoga. Simple technics and tips to maintain good health. Before starting to work on Yoga, one has to understand yoga better. For attaining a healthy life, physical excercises, yoga technics need to be practiced with utmost care. These should however be practiced under the supervision of a trained person.

You can find Helpful articles on Yoga, easy to follow yoga Tips and Technics. Introduction to Yoga and its benefits to attain healthy life. Simple and easy to follow physical excercises help you in your daily routine.

Articles for stress relief and eye strain below gives you easy to follow tips and technics to overcome stress and also treat your eyes. These technics result in stress relief and treatment to your eyes.

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Inverted Asanas for longevity: Remove toxins and slow down ageing by learning inverted asanas

Benefits of Sarpasana: Reduce upper back pain and relieves muscular tension

Benefits of Samasthithi asana: Samasthithi asana helps you cultivate a balanced stance towards the world

Benefits of Vrikshasana: This yogic posture helps improve concentration and builds mind power

Benefits of Bharadwaj asana: This asana gives a good twist to the lower, mid and uppder back

Yoga Do's and Dont's: Yogic exercises have to be practiced with caution.

Benefits of Pranayama: Pranayama is a kind of meditation that creates awareness, controls the unsteady mind, refreshes the brain.

Introduction to Yoga: Yoga is a system of physical excercise and natural healing. Our ancient sages have suggested eight stages of Yoga to secure purity of body, mind and soul and final communion with God.

Health Tips and Technics - Fitness and Exercist Tips

Simple tips and technics to keep your body fit and healthy

Being healthy is something everybody wants. Was wondering if there is a magic wand.. whooosh, I am slim, fit and healthy. Well thats a nice imagination, but is there a way or maybe an easier way to turn healhty. This definitely takes time. Need some dedication, motivation, to meticulously follow a regimen.

You can follow certain simple and easy technics which will help you turn fit and healthy. Have you decided to go for it! then read on.

- Most people plan for tomorrow, next week or next month. I seriously suggest... start right now. Just stretch ur feet, stand up on your toes and lift your hands, stretch, stretch stretch. Yes, there you got it started now. if you have to do it, just do it now.

- Wake up a bit early, pull your pants up and start walking out. If not like an exercise, just take a stroll. Go where you like, spend sometime out in the morning. You can opt to buy milk, vegetables, newspaper or whatever... just go out. Slowly increase the speed of your walk, gradually to more distance. Go to a farther shop to buy things.

- Follow the Golden Rule - Breakfast like a KING, Lunch like a PRINCE and Dinner like a PAUPER. Keep your dinner very light, avoid cheese, butter, curd or any other fat products.

- Breathe in and breathe out deeply whenever your remember. Do simple stretching exercises.

- Last of all... Dont worry.. Be happy. Stress can cause lifestyle diseases. Be away from stress. Life is short, enjoy every moment of it.

Eat to lose weight : Eating right can help you knock off those extra pounds.

Sleep Right for healthy weight loss You hit the gym four times a week. You conciously watch what you eat. But your weight does not seem to be budging. The reason could be those late nights .

An easy guide to lose body fat quick and naturally: We can lose weight by consuming the body fatloss diet with recommended caloric value and regular exercise.

Treatment for low back pain: Low back pain is a common issue among computer surfers and bike riders. These are a few simple exercises which will help relieve low back pain.

Balance your spine - Stretch: Learn how to sit, stand, move and exercise in a balanced manner to reduce the neck and lower back pain to a great extent.

Daily Healthy Habits: Healthy habits that can be followed in daily routine life. These habits will improve blood circulation in the body and also increases the energy levels.

Workplace Workouts: Keep yourself fresh and energetic during work hours. These simple and easy methods can be followed for complete relaxation of the entire body.

Tips and Technics to Treat your eyes: Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow these ten tips to avoid them.

Keep a watch on your wasteline for a healthy living: Expanding wastelines could become hazardous.

Get rid of unwanted hair: Because the amount of body hair varies considerably from woman to woman and there is a wide range that is considered normal, someone may think she has excessive hair but not be considered hirsute

Treatment for eyes : Home remedies for puffed eyes and dark circles. Treat your eyes for a rejuvenated and refreshing appearance

Summer Care - Beat the heat with fruit juices: Juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple are essential during summer.

Summer Care - How to avoid Heat exhaustion: Avoid Heat Exhaustion by consuming lot of water and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Tips to treat tired eyes: Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow these ten tips to avoid them.

Seasonal Diet, Body and Skin Care

This section provides you with usefull information on Seasonal care and tips and technics to maintain a healthy body and a healthy skin. Skin care depends on various other factors of the body condition. Fruits and vegetables are having abundant sources of vitamins and minerals to keep your body fit and healthy. A good skin can be achieved by ensuring that all natural elements required for it are given accordingly. Sunlight, water, fruits, milk and many other such things provide lot of value to skin

Get rid of unwanted hair: Because the amount of body hair varies considerably from woman to woman and there is a wide range that is considered normal, someone may think she has excessive hair but not be considered hirsute   Treatment for eyes : Home remedies for puffed eyes and dark circles. Treat your eyes for a rejuvenated and refreshing appearance   Summer Care - Beat the heat with fruit juices: Juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple are essential during summer.   Summer Care - How to avoid Heat exhaustion: Avoid Heat Exhaustion by consuming lot of water and eating more fruits and vegetables.     Tips to treat tired eyes: Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow these ten tips to avoid them.

Nutritious and Healthy food

Healthy and nutritious food is very important for maintaining a good health. Healthy food involves, regular and timely food, juices, nuts, snacks and much more. A balanced diet, good food habits are essential for a healthy life. In the normal course of life, we forget to take necessary nutrition that is required for our body and hence we tend to get into many life style diseases. It is very essential for a person to know and understand the benefits of nature's creation like fruits, vegetables, nuts,etc. You can find useful articles on nutrition and health benefits of various fruits and vegetables. Read on and add these to your daily life. The value of food is more when it is taken in a systematic manner and also by understanding the benefits of every bite we take.

Custard Apple - Health Benefits: Custard Apple promotes digestion and cures diarrhoea Apples are rich in vitamins and helps to reduce risks of colon cancer, prostrate cancer and lung cancer. Radishes and their greens provide an excellent source of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory properties too.  Radish leaves are a good source of calcium.  Radishes contain cancer-protective properties.  Chives are known for their beneficial effect on the digestive system and blood pressure. Chives are said to reduce the risk of several types of cancers. Coconut is known for its antifungal, anti bacterial properties: Coconut oil forms the base of many Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. Cherries reduce pain and inflammation: Cherries are good source of many vitamins, minerals and are tasty to eat. Plums lowers age-related macular degeneration: Plums are sweet, juicy and are a good source of Vitamin c, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 and Potassium. Spinach when cooked is an excellent source of Iron and Calcium: It is recommended for pregnant women in the first 3 months for its folic acid contents.. Beetroots rich in potassium and fiber: Beetroots contains good amount of folate, potassium and manganese. They are less in calories and are effective in curing skin problems. Cauliflower is good for the heart and reduces the risk of cancer: Cauliflower is highly nutritious and is effective in curing many ailments. It is rich in folate and is good for pregnant woman. Mangoes are rich in Iron and Vitamins: Mangoes supply ample potassium, making them ideal for hypertensive patients or anyone looking to replenish energy after physical activity Tomatoes reduce the risk of heart attack: Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant. Musk Melon - Tropical Delight : Musk melon is a tropical fruit which is been cultivated for a very long time. It is a rich source of vitamin 'C' and is effective in reducing body heat. Cabbage helps cure ulcers and prevents colon cancer: Cabbage is a well known common vegetable. Its is low in calories and is long known for its healing properties. Bitter Gourd - Health Benefits: Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable. It is a well known cure for diabetes. Avocado - for fitness and health : Avocado is rich in pottasium content. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins. Papaya - A rich source of Minerals and Fibre : Papaya has high nutritional benefits. It is rich in Anti-oxidants, Minerals and Fibre. It also helps in Skin Treatments. Oats - Fibre food that cures constipation : Oats have some unique fatty acids and antioxidants which together with Vitamin E slow cell damage. Nutritional benefits of Watermelon : Watermelon is highly refreshing during summer. It does not contain cholesterol and helps in eye sight also. Nutritional benefits of Banana : Banana helps in the treatment of Depression, Anemia, Blood Pressure, Brain power, Constipation, etc. Almond: A highly Nutritious fruit : Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness Egg: A nutritious food : Egg is a healthy and nutritious food. Lecithin in eggs prevents the absorption of cholesterol of egg and other sources too Calcium: The bone builder: Calcium Builds Strong Bones. Get calcium from greens, beans, or fortified foods. Vitamin D controls your body's use of calcium. Healthy food for Stress Free Life: Nutritious and balanced diet is a must to free ourself from the physical and mental diseases and relieve stress Mushrooms - A highly nutritious food: Mushrooms are rich in minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dietary fibre as well as all the essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories. Gooseberry (Amla) : Rich in Vitamin C: Amla or Gooseberry has many nutritious benefits. The amla has been found to be the most abundant source of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom Health Benefits of Zucchini : Zucchini when consumed regularly helps maintain blood pressure at normal levels.