Summer season is best time of year for outdoor activities and fun but with increase in the temperature every day there is drop in energy and it also make person susceptible to rashes, skin itch, dehydration , fever, food poisoning etc. So to beat the heat and stay healthy in summer season precautions should be taken. As there is change in the season it calls for change in individuals routine, rebuilt of diet and change in exercise regime to suit the weather.

  TIPS TO SATY HEALTHY IN SUMMER :

Following simple tips and adjusting one’s diet and daily routine are very helpful to maintain the health of the body. Some of the tips includes :

• Stay Hydrated : High Temperature in summer season leads to continuous sweating and perspiration that causes dehydration in body. To overcome the dehydration and keep body nourished.
  • Increase intake of fresh fruit juices, butter milk, lemonade etc throughout the day to keep body hydrated.
  • Avoid consumption of fizzy drinks , alcohol beverages and coffee as they have tendency to cause dehydration that not only leads to nausea, fever, headache but also disturb the normal functions of body and weakens immunity of individual.
  • Water is essential during summers and individual is recommended to consume 2-3 liters of water daily during peak summer season. Water is the most underrated health tip for summer.
• Meals :
  • The food tend to get bad very fast during summers so to avoid the risk of contamination of food it is essential to store and refrigerate food properly to avoid eating bad or staled food and getting food poisoning.
  • It is advised to eat small quantity and light food rather than consuming huge portion in one sitting or eating food with high carbohydrates and fats content . This tends to generate heat in body and put stress on gut and hampering the digestive process.
  • Consumption of fibrous fruits and vegetables having high water contents like water melon, tomatoes, oranges etc are best to maintain the healthy digestive system.
• Maintain Good Hygiene : High Temperature causes excessive sweating which leads to development of body odor and provide favorable condition for growth of bacteria and other microbes. Regular showering, wearing clean clothes and maintaining personal hygiene not only relaxes the body and mind making individual feel relaxed but also safeguard against dust, bacteria and other harmful particles. Make a routine to start your day and end your day after hectic schedule with a quick shower to refresh and cool the body and mind.
• Take Care of Eyes: The UV Rays of sun have harmful effect on the eyes and leads to many eye conditions . Avoid direct sunlight exposure and wear sun-glasses to provide protection from UV rays .
• Watch Steps : Avoid exposure to scorching sun and heat waves which causes many problems . Prefer stepping outside before afternoon or in evening after sunset . Shift the exercise or physical routine to wee hours of the morning. Also indoor alternative for exercise should be explored for physical activities.
• Add Dietary Supplements : Added Vitamin-c and B-complex rich foods or supplements in diet to improve the immunity and boost overall health.

 RITUCHARYA OF GRISHMA RITU ( SUMMER)

In Ayurved there is detailed description of the seasonal regimen of lifestyle and diet according to changing seasons to maintain health and prevent development of seasonal diseases. The seasonal regime or ritucharya is based on the changes in bala ( strength), dosha and agin (digestive fire) according to different seasons.

The Grishma Ritu or Summer is said to be from Mid of May till Mid of July. It is the last season of Adana Kala and the body experience weakness in this period.

In this ritu there is excessive dryness in environment due to sun rays. Vata dosha slowly increase in this season due to excessive dryness and kapha dosha starts to naturally lower down during summer.

PATHYA AHAR IN GISHMA RITU :

• Cold and sweet churned curd
• Meat of wild birds and animals , milk and ghee with Shali rice
• Light to digest food having Madhur(sweet), sheeta(cool), snigdha(unctuous) and drava (fluid) properties.
• Drink plenty of water kept in earthen pots and different fluids like fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, mango juice, etc.
• Milk with sugar at bedtime.
• Water scanted with khaskhas grass, ushir etc .

PATHY VIHAR IN GRISHMA RITU :

• Sleep in cool shelter during day times
• Apply paste of chandana on body and sleep in airy terrace of house that is cooled by the rays of moon at night
• Go for a walk in evening time near beach, river or in garden full of scented flowers.
• Wear light , flowing and white cotton clothes.
• Sit on surface decorated with gems and pearls .
• Sprinkle of cold water scented with sandal wood and making use of fan made up of tala tree leaves or lily leaves .
• Bath with cold water twice daily

APATHYA AHAR-VIHAR IN GRISHMA RITU:

• Alcohol is contraindicated
• Intake of sour, salty, pungent and hot food is contraindicated
• Physical exercise should be avoided.
• Heavy to digest food should be avoided
• Leftover meat is contraindicated

Skin is the largest organ of the body that provide protection against germs and also maintain body temperature. It is made up of protein, water , fat and minerals. The nerves in skin enables touch sensations like cold and hot. It is a part of Integumentary system along with hairs, oil glands, nails and sweat glands. skin is made up of three layers :

• Epidermis : It is the top most layer of skin that individual can see and touch. Keratin protein along with other proteins sticks together to form epidermis layer.
  • Makes New Skin : It makes new skin cells and the new cells replace old skin cells that body sheds every day.
  • Acts as a protective barrier : It helps to keep germs from entering into your body and bloodstream which leads to infections. It also provide protection against sun, rain and other elements.
  • Provide skin color : It contain pigment called melanin which provide color to the skin, hair and eyes . Individual with high melanin content have dark skin tone and may tan more readily
  • Protects body: Epidermis have Langerhans cells that are crucial part of immune system and they helps to fight germs and infections in body.
• Dermis : This layer is  middle layer of the ski which makes upto 90% of skin’s thickness
  • Contain collagen and elastin : Protein collagen present in dermis makes skin cells resilient and strong. Another protein Elastin found in skin provide flexibility to it .
  • Grows Hair : Roots of hair follicles is attached with dermis layer of the skin.
  • Tactile sensations : The nerves present in dermis layer signals the brain if something is too hot to touch, super soft or itchy and also helps to feel any kind of pain.
  • Oil Glands : The oil glands are present in dermis layer that helps to keep skin smooth and soft. The oil also prevent excessive absorption of water in skin while swimming etc.
  • Sweat Glands : The sweat glands present in dermis release sweat through skin pores and also regulates the body temperature.
  • Supplies blood : The blood vessels present in dermis provides nutrients to epidermis layer thus keeps the skin layers healthy.
• Hypodermis : It is the bottom layer of skin also called as fatty layer.
  • Cushions bones and muscles : The fat present in this layer provides protection to muscles and bones from any kind injure or in accident.
  • Connective Tissue: The connective tissues present in hypodermis layer connects layers of skin to bones and muscles.
  • Nerves and blood vessels: the nerves and blood vessels present in dermis layer gets large in hypodermis and they branch out to connect hypodermis layer to rest of body.
  • Regulates body temperature : The fat present in hypodermis keeps the body from getting too hot or cold.

HARMFUL  DIETARY HABITS FOR SKIN

The food we consume reflects in the health of skin and skin tends to show first signs of poor health. Some of the food habits that cause harm to skin includes :

• Refined Carbohydrates : Food items like white bread , candy ,pasta etc are made from the refined carbohydrates. These items when consumed increase the blood sugar levels very quickly and also increase the chances of getting wrinkles early or acne breakouts. The high level of sugar in blood triggers the production of hormones that tends to promotes oil secretions from oil glands present in skin which clog’s the skin pores causing acne and pimples.
• Excessive Salt Intake : Salt tends to increase the retention of water in cells of skin causing puffiness and facial bloating. Intake of foods rich in sodium like chips, pickles, cured meats, sauces etc makes under eye skin puff which makes person look tired. Iodized salt is said to be a cause of acne breakouts in many individuals
• Excessive Intake of Alcohol : Alcohol tends to cause dehydration in skin cells that can lead to wrinkles and dry skin. It also have deteriorating affect on collagen fibers that causes sagging of the skin and it affects the skin complexion making it look dull. Alcohol interferes in Vitamin-A uptake which has new skin cell building ability. It can also lead to development of serious skin conditions like psoriasis, rashes, skin cancer, dermatitis
• Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar: The chemical present in artificial sweeteners gets accumulated in skin resulting in skin inflammation as it increase the possibility of histamine reactions. Refined sugar also cause premature aging as it damages collagen and elastin thus damaging skin cells.
• Coffee : Excessive intake of coffee in a day leads to increased production of Cortisol “Stress hormone” in the body. Excessive cortisol tends to accelerate aging process . It also causes dehydration of skin cells and make skin appear dull. It also cause skin thinning which leads to formation of fine lines and wrinkles
• Dairy Products : Intake of dairy products can cause whiteheads, pimples and blackheads in individuals with acne prone skin. The hormone found in milk tends to stimulate the production of excessive oil in skin leading to clog pores and acne formation.

DIETARY HABITS FOR GOOD SKIN:

• Drink plenty of water as it provide hydration to skin cells and flushes out harmful toxins from the body to provide plump and healthy skin.
• Incorporate fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin-A like sweet potato, carrots, papaya, mango etc as plays essential role in building skin cells and stimulates production of collagen in skin.
• Incorporate foods like salmon, walnuts , flaxseeds in diet as they contain essential fatty acids that helps to maintain the healthy cell membranes of skin cells thus making skin barrier strong and healthy.
• Include Whole wheat bread, cereals , tuna etc contain mineral called selenium which helps to minimize the skin damage caused by the sun and also lower the risk of skin cancer.
• Green tea have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that helps to reverse the damage caused by free radicals thus providing healthy and youthful skin.

WHAT ARE HORMONES?

Hormones are  body chemical messengers. They travel in blood stream to tissue or organs .  It is essential for   life and health . when glands do not produce the right amount of hormones diseases develop and aafect many life aspects of life

HORMONE THAT ARE SECREATED BY ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:

1. Hypothalamus : It can control the body temperature , emotions, thirst , sleep moods . It contain several types of neurons responsible for different hormones
2. thyrotropin releasing hormone
3. Gonadotropin releasing hormone

• Growth hormone

1. Corticotrophin releasing hormone
2. Somatostatin
3. Dopamine
4. Pineal: It is also called as thalamus . It produces serotonin derivatives of melatonin which affect sleep patterns .
5. Parathyroid: it helps in controlling the calcium present in body.it secreates parathyroid
6. Thyroid: It secretes tridothyronine and throxine.this hormone regulates weight, energy levels, internal temperature , metabolism , nail growth.
7. Adrenal: It secretes a hormone such as cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps in control your body use of fat, proteins, and carbohydrates.it also suppress inflammation and maintain blood pressure, sleep cycle and blood sugar. Aldosterone maintain pH of blood, level of sodium and potassium .
8. Pituitary : It secretes six hormone named as adrenocorticotrophic hormone, throid stimulating hormone, leutinizing hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Prolactin, Growth hormone, Melanocyte stimulating hormone. It is also called  master control gland .
9. Thymus: Thymosin and thymulin helps in production of T cells and keep immune system working properly
10. Pancreas : insulin and glucagon hormone are secreted by  pancreas .it plays an important role in maintaining blood sugar level.
11. Testes: in men testes secretes hormone named as testosterone and it produces a sperm .
12. Ovaries: In women ovaries release estrogen and progesterone. It plays an important role in reproductive development and menstruation.

COMMON ENDOCRINE HORMONE DISORDER :

• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Addison’s disease
• Cushing disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• prolactinoma

FUNCTION OF HORMONE:

1. Metabolism
2. Growth and development
3. Controlling thirst and hunger
4. Regulating mood and cognitive functioning.
5. Promoting cardiovascular health.

WHAT IS HORMONAL IMBALANCE :

A hormonal imbalance happens when you have too much or too little hormones . Hormones are powerful signals  if hormones are imbalance they will lead to certain  diseases .

CONDITION ARE CAUSED  BY HORMONAL IMBALANCE:

1. Irregular menstrual periods
2. Infertiliy
3. Acne
4. Diabetes
5. Thyroid disease

SYMPTOMS OF HORMONE IMBALANCE THAT AFFECT YOUR METABOLISM:

• Tachycardia
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss

SYMPTOMS OF IMBALANCE FEMALE  HORMONES:

• Acne
• Hair loss
• Heavy periods
• Infertility
• Vaginal dryness and atrophy.
• Night sweats.
• Hot flashes

SYMPTOMS OF  IMBALANCE MALE  HORMONES:

• Decrease or loss of body hair.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Infertility
• Gynecomastia
• Loss of muscle mass.
• Poor memory.

CAUSES OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE:

1. Unhealthy diet
2. Excessive stress.

• Pituitary tumors.

1. Extreme infection
2. Birth control medication
3. Hormonal replacement medication.

• Benign tumors or cyst .
• Anorexia .

1. Damage or injury to the glands .
2. Autoimmune conditions .

PREVENTION OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eating a balanced ,healthy diet.
• Daily exercise.
• Stress manage.
• Getting enough sleep quality.
• Manage chronic health condition.
• Quitting smoking or tobacco products.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE  MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE:

1. Women power plus tablet:

woman power plus tablet is a complete natural health supplement for women which is best for female health and vital energy. It helps to build up the immunity. This is a pure herbo mineral product of the best quality herbs. It works well in the reproductive system and other health-related disorders. This tablet contains ingredients like Rajah pravarthini vati, Femine care tablet, Shatavar extract, Ashoka chall extract   Ashwagandha extract, Giloy extract, Anantmool extract, Chandan Safed powder, Kukkutandwaka bhasam, Jeera extract, Safed musli extract, Shiviling extract, Dhatphool extract, Palash phool extract, Brahmi extract, Jatamansi extract, etc. These herbs have the potential to improve female health.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

2.  Shilajeet  Satva:

Shilajeet of 10gm packing is a herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. It balances all the three doshas of your body but mainly works on Kapha dosha.It is a blackish-brown powder or an exudate from mountain rocks found mainly in the Himalayas. It is an effective and safe supplement that has a positive effect on your overall health and well being. CAC Shilajit is available in the form of Shilajit Satva. It is a potent Immunity Booster and acts as an antioxidant, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It has a tremendous effect on Male Harmones, Anaemia, Alziehmers disease, improves brain functions, Fatigueness, various Tumours and Cysts like PCOD in females.

DOSAGE: As directed by physician.

3. Men Power Plus tablet:

Mostly at one age men may suffer from low self-esteem and become negative. This also occurs because they are facing problems in their sexual life. There might be early ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. A feeling of inferiority also occurs and they feel hesitate to visit a doctor or discuss this problem. It also affects their relationship and leads to fighting, divorce, loss of self-confidence, the stress in their personal life.

If a person has difficulty in having and keeping an erection more than 25% of the time, its a time for consultation. Ayurveda offers a great solution to this problem.

 Uses:

• Provide strength to the whole body and help to relieve erectile dysfunction naturally.
• All herbs are aphrodisiac, helps to increase stamina.
• The best source of male hormone precursors.
• Can be used by bodybuilders
• Relieve impotency
• Self-confidence and increase sperm count and sperm quality
• These herbs are antioxidant properties, the best supplement that works in anti-aging and provides strength.
• Reduce serum glucose levels
• Helps to relieve hypertension

Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily.

4. Thyroheal Tablets:

As the name suggests these tablets are herbal and proper solutions for your hyperthyroidism condition. These herbal tablets are prepared from the herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Kachnar (Bauhinia variegate), Gandir (Coleus forskohlii), & Shud Guggul (Commiphora mukul). All the herbs in combination maintain the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

4. Diabo care tablet:

These tablets are pure Ayurvedic formulation. It contains herbal ingredients such as Karela, Jamun, Ashwagandgha, Gurmur, Shuddha Shilajeet, Neem, Dalchini. It Maintains overall health and wellbeing, best for the liver detoxification and controls high blood pressure. It maintains the blood sugar level. Jamun is well known to be effective in the treatment of Diabetes, thus it reduces the level of glycosuria. It contains Polypeptide-p which has shown to control diabetes naturally.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

6. Rasayan vati: 

Rasayan vati is herbo-mineral ayurvedic formulation, which is 100% natural. Rasayan vati contains various herbs such as Aswagandha, Shilajeet, Amla, Kesar, Musali, Shatavar, Brahmi , Swarn Makshik Bhasam, Yashad Bhasam, Mukta pisti, Praval pisti, Jaiphal, Vang Bhasam, Dalchini, Javitri, Gokhru, Kaunch Beej, Saunth, Mirch, Pipli, Amla, Kesar, Manjith, Anant Mool, Brahmi, Musali, Swarn Vang, etc. These ingredients show antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, immuno-modulator properties.

Recommended Dosage:Take one tablet twice daily.