What is obesity?
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder of the modern age. With the evolution of civilization, man has become more and more physically inactive. Modernization, affluence, science and technological development lead to sedentary lifestyles. Lifestyle diseases are our own creation. It is characterized by excess accumulation of fat in the body. Indulgence in high fat, fried foods, along with a sedentary lifestyle results in excessive fat getting blocked in various body channels. Overweight, if not controlled, can lead to obesity. Obesity in turn causes a number of metabolic disturbances and can affect social life too. If symptoms are not adequately treated, various complications occur such as hypertension, increased cholesterol, cardiac disorders, heartburn, kidney infections, diabetes, arthritis, resulting in a decrease in longevity, premature ageing, depression etc.Find out are you obese or not?
Obesity is a condition when the BMI (Body Mass Index) of a person lies above 30. Just take the ratio of body weight (in kgs) and the square of the person’s height (in mts) to get the BMI. BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates that the person is overweight and it is better to exercise proper measures for weight loss and health maintenance at this stage. BMI of 30 and above indicates obesity.How can Ayurveda help us?
In Ayurveda, as written by Maharishi Charaka, obesity is seen as Medoroga, a disorder of Medo Dhatu described in classic texts such as Veda and Charak Samhita. In simpler terms, it is the increased volume of adipose tissue in the thighs, abdomen and chest, where the body vitality decreases and might result in deteriorated health.In Ayurveda, obesity is treated not only for weight loss or loss of centimetres but also in terms of adjusting metabolic processes by reducing Ama and the excess fat to regulate the function of Kapha without vitiating Vata. To correct metabolism as well as strengthen the digestive and tissue fire and clear body canals, it is important to improve dietary habits and reduce the impact of stress. Let’s find out how Ayurveda can help us.
- It works on the root-cause:
Ayurveda plans to address the root cause of the disease. It begins by detoxifying the body so that medicines can work better towards treating the actual root-cause of the disease.- Follow a Healthy lifestyle:
To support a healthy lifestyle, you can adopt a healthy diet, cut down on your salt intake, avoid rice, refined wheat flour, and fat-rich food including milk products such as paneer, cheese, butter. The natural way of weight loss is the best way to shed out the excess fat in the body.- Indulge in Kapha pacifying diet:
According to Ayurveda, we should have all the taste that balance the kapha doshas like pungent, bitter and astringent which is found in chillies, radish, ginger garlic, turmeric, etc and avoid salt, sweet and sour taste like yoghurt, savoury snack, milk, nuts, citrus fruits etc. In short the kapha diet should include foods that are warm, dry, rough, light and digestible. Choose freshly prepared home-cooked food and avoid frozen, stale or cold food.- Eating pattern:
Eat when hungry and learn to stop eating once the body indicates so. Avoid eating snacks in-between meals as most snacks are unhealthy and can lead to weight gain. When hungry, it is better to eat fruits or nuts like badam (almond), which are healthy.- Regular physical regime or routine:
Even though we’re confined to our homes, it is important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible. Every 20 minutes, move around for 3-5 minutes; walk or stretch-this will help reduce the strain on a muscle, relieve any form of mental tension and will help circulate blood to the body. Following a regular routine for waking up, going to sleep, having food (especially practising an early and light dinner), will help the body’s metabolism to be optimal.- Include yoga and meditation in your daily routine:
It improves the functioning of your organs, strengthens your immunity, uplifts your mood and brings a plethora of additional benefits. It is important to acknowledge the importance of the mind-body connection which we can receive through meditation. Meditation has been shown to lower our stress levels; and stress on the other hand, is a contributing factor causing many of us to overeat.- Good sleep pattern:
Modern research studies have found out that insufficient sleep may be a contributing factor in weight gain. A deep and sound sleep of 6 to 8 hours helps to refresh the body and allows for effective metabolism. According to the Ayurveda, the ideal time period should be 10 pm to 6 am.Also read: How to Get Great Night’s Sleep for Better Health
Herbs that might help in weight loss
Along with the tips mentioned, there are certain herbs that are beneficial for weight loss. Here is a list of natural herbs that could help you in your weight loss journey.- Triphala:
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- Garcinia:
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Garcinia cambogia contains compounds that has been shown to have anti-obesity effects because of the presence of hydroxy citric acid (HCA). The research has suggested that it may help reduce body weight and food intake, as well as increase the number of calories you burn.
This herb is again beneficial for weight loss as it curbs hunger pangs and increases metabolism because of the presence of flavonoids.
Punarnava is a traditional ayurvedic plant that is used to rejuvenate the whole body. This herb plays a key role in burning excess fat. The presence of potent bioactive constituents prevents weight gain and reduces the bad cholesterol in the blood. Being a mild laxative, it washes out the excess unwanted fluids and harmful toxins from the body and maintains body weight.
Turmeric the element common in every kitchen is known for its weight loss properties as well. It contains an active ingredient called “curcumin”. Curcumin has a positive influence on weight loss because it reduces inflammation, is great for detox and it improves a person’s health.
Punarnava is effective in the weight loss process. It has diuretic properties that help the kidney and urinary bladder to function better that further helps in flushing out toxins from the body. It helps to remove excess Kapha (water) dosha (humor) from the body.
Triphala is a herbal preparation containing equal proportions of the fruits Amla, Haritaki & Vibhitaki. It is believed to help achieve a balanced digestive system and promote overall well being.
Super Slim Garcinia Juice is a natural product formulated with 9 wonderful herbs that energising the body and makes us feel full. The HCA in Garcinia fruit also keeps us satisfied for longer, helping in eating less. It is commonly referred to as a fat killer and widely believed to help suppress fatty acids & induces weight loss.
Turmeric is an integral part of Indian and other cuisines of Asian countries. It is believed to have a positive effect in flushing out toxins.
- Liquorice:
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- Punarnava:
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- Turmeric:
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What Aryan Herbal have to offer
At Aryan Herbals we have a range of herbs that might help in weight loss. Some of them are as mentioned below.Bottom line
As we all know there are no shortcuts for weight loss, you have to be determined, positive and act accordingly for better health and a better you. Remember every new day is another chance to change your life.‘Weight loss is like driving: if you ever veer off the road, just make a U-turn and head back in the right direction’.
This article is originally published at Aryan Herbals Blog.
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