Health Tips: May 2011

Control Inflammation with Cold

For controlling inflammation, use the cold compress.

This is a local application using a cloth that has been wrung out in cold water. The cloth should
be folded into a broad strip and dipped in cold water or ice water. The compress is generally
applied to the head, neck, chest, abdomen and back.

The cold compress is an effective means of controlling inflammatory conditions of the liver,
spleen, stomach, kidneys, intestines, lungs, brain, pelvic organs and so on. It is also
advantageous in cases of fever and heart disease. The cold compress soothes irritations of the
dermis and inflammations of external portions of the eye. When the eyeball is affected, the cold
compress should follow a short fomentation.

Get to Know Healthy Kitchen Practices

Example: Foods That Require Careful Cooking

Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause indigestion. Some people react
unfavourable to certain foods like beans, cabbage, onions, cucumber, radishes and seafood.
Fried foods as well as rich and spicy foods often cause abdominal discomfort and gas, and
aggravate the existing condition.

What are some other important considerations?

• Excessive smoking and intake of alcohol can also cause stomach upsets.
• Constipation may interfere with the normal flow of ingested matter through the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in gas and abdominal pain.
• Drinking too much water with meals, insomnia, emotions such as jealousy, fear and
anger and lack of exercise are among the other causes of indigestion.

How Fibre in the Diet Lowers Cholesterol in the Blood

Get to Know Basic Diet Concepts: The Example of How Fibre in the Diet Lowers
Cholesterol in the Blood
The amount of fibre in the diet also influences the cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol can
be
lowered by taking diets rich in fibres. The most significant sources of dietary fibre are
unprocessed wheat bran, whole cereals such as wheat, rice, barley, rye; legumes such as
potato, carrot, beet and turnips; fruits like mango and guava and green vegetables such as
cabbage, lady's finger, lettuce and celery.
Oat bran is especially beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol. Expect effects of 8 to 15 mg/dl
after consuming 30 g of oat bran each day for 30 days.

Basic Concepts of Human Nutrition

Getting to Know the Basic Concepts of Human Nutrition: The Example of
Potassium
Potassium deficiencies are associated with breathlessness, fatigue, insomnia and low blood
sugar. Potassium is essential for healthy heart muscles. Nuts and unrefined grains are good
sources of potassium. Calcium is a natural sedative. Deficiencies can cause fatigue,
nervousness and tension. Dairy products, eggs, almonds, and soyabeans are rich sources of
calcium. Magnesium is known as nature's tranquilliser and is associated with the prevention of
heart attack. Deficiencies may lead to excitability, irritability, apprehension and emotional
disorders. Magnesium is also necessary for absorption of calcium and potassium and is found
in
many fruits, vegetables, seeds, dates and prunes.

Anti-Aging Cures: The Example of Lecithin

To stay young, take lecithin.
Besides reducing the cholesterol level in the blood, there is mounting scientific evidence to
suggest several other benefits from lecithin. It has been suggested that its intake in sufficient
amounts can help rebuild those cells and organs which need it. Lecithin helps to maintain their
health once they are repaired. It may mean that a deficiency of lecithin in the diet may be one
of
the causes of ageing and that its use may be beneficial in retarding the ageing process.
Edward R. Hewith in his book, The Years Between 75 and 90 says," with older people the fats
remain high in the blood for from five to seven hours and in some cases as long as 20 hours,
thus giving the fats more time to become located in the tissues. If lecithin is given to older
people
before a fatty meal, it has been found that the fats in the blood return to normal in a short time,
in
the same way they do in younger people.