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Wellness expert Roopashree Sharma answers your health queries.
Dear Reader, Health is something we all take for granted. Until, one day, we get a rude wake-up call and find that we can no longer do so.
Are worried about your health?
Do you want to build your immunity?
Are you facing skin or hair issues?
Is your digestive system giving you trouble?
Or is belly fat your problem?
Mail your queries to wellness expert Roopashree Sharma at getahead@rediff.co.in (SUBJECTLINE: Roopashree, can you help?) for her advice.
Dear Roopashree
I keep hearing that flavoured water is healthier that regular water.
Is this just a style thing or is it real?
If it is real, how can we make it at home?
What is the best flavoured water and how does it help?
Is there any situation, or any kind of person, who should not have flavoured water?
Aruna Salyankar
Nothing beats the benefits of natural water -- when it comes to hydration, detox, replenishing and of course quenching your thirst.
Flavoured water -- only if NOT infused with preservatives, artificial flavours and sweeteners -- is also not harmful, but considering it as a replacement for normal water is not advisable.
Our good old recipes -- nimbu paani and jal jeera are the desi variations.
Here are a few more flavours you can try, especially with summer around the corner:
Just slice and soak the ingredients in drinking water for 2-3 hours and drink.
You can also refill once or twice and use chia seeds if you like for added crunch and cooling benefits.
Besides adding excitement to your daily water routine, you can also sip it for untimely hunger pangs.
Dear Roopashree
I have pimples on my cheeks and forehead.
What should I apply get a smooth face?
I am 20 years old.
Kanya Sharma
There are many reasons for pimples including digestion issues, change in hormones, etc.
A simple pack of fresh sandalwood is good for skin relief and to prevent pimple marks.
Keep for 10-15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
I prefer using a sandalwood stick instead of ready-made powders.
For detox and cooling, you can have mint-flavoured water for 20-21 days.
Soak 8-10 fresh mint leaves in 1 litre water; you can refill twice to complete the 3-litre water intake for the day.
In case of prolonged acne, meet an Ayurveda practitioner to understand the reason and cure.
Dear Roopashree Ma’am
For someone who has never exercised ever, or done much physical activity, what is the best way to start?
I am male, 46 years old and do a desk job.
At home, my family looks after me well.
I am 80 kgs and once I reach home, I only rest.
Now my children want me to start exercising.
I am not keen. What is an easy way to do exercises?
Asif Faizy
We think we are healthy until the diseases dawn upon us.
Nature has a very simple rule -- what is not put to use starts diminishing.
The same goes for our body. If all the joints and muscles are not exercised, the blood circulation in that area reduces leading to easy wear and tear, pain, etc.
A wellness regime is not a one-hour yoga class or a diet plan; it is a way of life. It is the journey, as well as the destination.
I recommend you start with basic walks -- maybe on your way back from the office or the nearest distance you can cover comfortably.
You can also add some breathing exercises (deep breathing, Anulom Vilom) to maintain your respiratory health and reduce stress levels.
After a month or two, you can start simple yoga stretches and asanas (Tada asana, Nauka asana, Paschimottan asana and Vajra asana) under the supervision of a trained professional.
Dear Roopashree
My skin tans and burns easily.
Sunscreens don’t suit me.
I am 30 and my work needs me to spend time in the sun.
Is there any natural way to save the skin from the sun?
Ajay Shah
A skin prone to suntan or sunburn could be the result of dehydration or high Pitta element.
These simple recipes can help soothe the skin, but you should visit an Ayurvedic doctor to cure the root cause.
For heat relief you can apply fresh (unboiled) milk after spending long hours in sun.
Keep a spray bottle with home-made cucumber and mint infused water (simply add slices to clean water; refrigerate to preserve and use over 1-2 days) and apply on skin before and during exposure to sun.
Most importantly, stay hydrated.
Hello Ms Roopashree
Do you have tips on how one can start to meditate?
I have tried in bits and pieces over the years but my mind is too active.
With all the stress and tension over the last year, I feel I must do this seriously.
Can you help?
Kasturi Paswan
The first thing you should do is to stop trying to relieve your mind of the thoughts, but to practise observing them.
Meditation is not a single state of being but a journey -- Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi -- as described in Yog Sutras.
As a beginner you should just start with simple relaxed breathing -- sitting in a comfortable position with your eyes closed.
If you practise yoga, Sukhasana, Padmasana and Vajrasana are recommended sitting positions for meditation. But if these are not comfortable, you can sit on a chair with your back straight.
To relieve stress, you can practice YogNidra as well.
Essential oils also help de-stress and aid the mind to relax. But you must only use natural oils. Avoid synthetic variants as they cause more harm than benefits.
Even during the day, stress often shortens our breath. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, just stop and take a long deep breath.
Roopashree Sharma, a qualified yoga trainer and naturopathy enthusiast, is the founder of Atharvanlife.
You can send in your health queries to Roopashree Sharma at getahead@rediff.co.in (SUBJECT LINE: Roopashree, can you help?). Do remember to include your age, height, weight, where you stay, health issues and any other details that will help. If you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know.
Please note: This is an advisory. Please consult your doctor as well. In case of any discomfort, please stop the regime and visit your doctor.
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Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.