AHC Diet and Exercise Plan

Complex carbohydrates: Whole grain flours or foods supply not only carbohydrates but also proteins, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes to some extent. These include unpolished rice, un-sieved wheat flour and millets: Jawar, finger millets, pearl millet and fox tail millet. All these digested slowly and do not require beta cells in pancreas in huge surges. The fiber content in these grains enable easy passage of food through the elementary canal and the prompt elimination of waste products.

 

Every meal should contain fresh vegetables and leafy vegetables. We identified the following leafy vegetables that supply a whole lot of nutrients. They are Alfalfa, Moringa, Cnidoscolus chayamansa, Souropus androgens, Portu laca oleracea (purslane), Malabar spinach, western common sorrel and sweet potato leaves. These can be grown even in a balcony. Among the vegetables, Bhendi is the most nutritious. Pulses, meats and fats of all kinds have to be eaten moderately. Fruits, fruit juices, about30 to 50 grams dry fruits and nuts  and not more than 3 grams of sea or rick salt per day are essential. Purslane, flax seeds and chia seeds are rich in Omega 3 essential acid. Jaggery is better than white sugar. Regular consumption of fermented foods maintains probiotics in the gut. Calcium by weight constitutes 50 per cent of all the minerals in human body. It participates in all biological functions of the human body up to the cell level. About half a teaspoon of hen’s egg shell powder would keep the body healthy. Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey in a glass of water maintains healthy pH levels in blood and urine to maintain the body healthy.

 

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates: These are the body's primary energy source, recommended to be 45-65% of daily calories. This translates to roughly 225-325 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet.

 

Proteins: Essential for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall health. Men need about 56-70 grams daily, while women need around 46-56 grams.

 

Fats: Healthy fats are crucial for various bodily functions. About 20-35% of daily calories should come from fats, or 44-77 grams in a 2,000-calorie diet. 

 

Fiber: While not a nutrient, fiber is important for digestion and disease prevention. The intake by women should be about 25 grams per day  while that for men should be about 38 grams per day. 

 

Micronutrients

Both men and women require a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes  which are essential for converting digested macronutrients into heat and energy by cells. If the ratios between different macro nutrients or between macro nutrients and micronutrients are not right the conversion of digested food into heat and energy is impaired. The un-metabolized digested food is converted into fat. This is how Obesity is gradually built up.

 

Those who maintain robust health and a high level of immunity to disease are not easily affected by bacteria, viruses, fungus. Even if they are affected by particular circumstances, they can easily recover from them with simple medications. That has been how humanity survived even during major epidemics.

 

Contrary to the assumptions of most people including the western medical professionals there are effective anti-bacterial, anti-viruses and anti-fungal herbs. Some herbs are effective in relation to more than one of these categories while there a few which are effective in relation to all these categories. Some of these have wide use for culinary purposes. Most of them are fragrant, smell great, aromatic, improve mood, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate physical ailments without pain or discomfort.

  The most important point is that synthetic anti-bacterial medicines cannot be used as preventive drugs. However, anti-bacterial herbs can be very effectively used as preventive medicines. These often also contain nutritional and adaptogenic properties. These herbs have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and even viruses. 

 

Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural treatments for various illnesses, including viral infections. Due to their concentration of potent  biochemical compounds, many herbs help fight bacteria or viruses and are favoured by practitioners of natural medicine. Oregano, garlic, Lemonbalm, peppermint, ginger, turmeric, Withania somnifera etc are anti-bacterial, as well as anti-viral herbs  that keep the body’s immunity to disease at a higher level.

 

Are macronutrients, micronutrients and fibre are enough for establishing and maintaining robust health? Regular physical activity or exercise, healthy lifestyle factors, peace of mind, stress management skills and harmonious physical and social environment are also very important.

 

Regular, Deep Breathing Exercises

AHC devised these deep breathing exercises to tone up all organs within the torso, to supply oxygen to every cell in the body, to cause peace of mind etc. These are intended to reduce fat on tummy, tighten up stomach muscles, expand and tighten up chest muscles, expand chest size, increase the capacity and efficiency of both lungs, supply oxygen to every cell in the body, clean up waste from cells all over the body; eliminate gas, acidity, stomach cramps, stomach and duodenal ulcers; improve the digestive power of intestines, improve the efficiency of colon; improve energy level and stamina; reduce the effect of aging; and increase longevity etc.

 

The deep breathing exercises that we devised are far more effective than ‘pranayama’. If one mentally counts the number of times that he/she is inhaling and exhaling, the mind is completely free of any stray thoughts intruding into your mind. As such, in addition to numerous physical benefits, the time that one spends in doing these exercises is quite equivalent to ‘Dhyana’ or ‘Transcendental Meditation’ in completely resting the mind. In ‘Dhyana’ or ‘Transcendental Meditation’ stray thoughts may intrude into your mind inadvertently. In consciously counting the number of times that you are inhaling and that is not possible. So, in resting your mind these exercises are far more effective than ‘Dhyana’ or Transcendental Meditation.

 

As these exercises take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete these are also equal to Ozone therapy that mainstream medical practitioners administer to cancer and other patients to supply oxygen to the whole body. Cancer cells survive and multiply only in anaerobic environment. Our deep breathing exercises supply oxygen to all cells in the body at optimum level. When all cells are healthy the whole body is healthy.

 

Dr G. Lakshmana Rao: Consultant Herbalist, Mobile: 98487 35889

Dr Maganti Sailaja: Aroma/Flower Essences Therapist, Mobile: 98485 24475

 

What to Eat and What Not to Eat

 1.Whole Grain Foods

It is better if rice eaters eat unpolished rice or brown rice or par-boiled rice. It is better if wheat eaters, eat foods made of un-sieved wheat flour. Multi grain flour is much more nutritious than un-sieved wheat flour. Foods made of mixed flour of wheat grains, finger millet, yellow jawar, pearl millet and foxtail millet is more nutritious than foods made of wheat flour alone.

 

Whole grain foods are known as complex carbohydrates. They supply not only carbohydrates but also protein, fat, and vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and fibre. There is not much difference between refined white rice, refined white wheat flour and refined white sugar. These have only calories but are devoid of a whole range of micronutrients.

 

It should be remembered that human body derives 50 per cent or more of its energy and heat from carbohydrates. The number of calories contained in carbohydrates and proteins are same, four calories per gram. Carbohydrates are metabolized without any unhealthy by-products where as proteins where as metabolization of proteins leaves unhealthy by products that cause aches and pains. Further, not many are aware that fat based on carbohyrates, proteins and fats are stored separately in the body. The body can convert the fat based on carbohydrates into heat and energy much faster than the fat based on proteins and fats.

 

2. Non-Vegetarian Foods

Non-vegetarian foods are not barred. Meat, eggs, sea food etc can be eaten in moderate quantities. It should, however be remembered that the gut of human digestive system evolved over centuries to extract most of the energy that it needs from complex carbohydrates. Protein is needed for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall health. Men need protein daily about 56-70 grams, while women need it around 46-56 grams.

 

3. Fresh Vegetables and Leafy Vegetables: Every meal should contain fresh vegetables and leafy vegetables. They, should not, however, be deep fried or over cooked. Alfalfa, moringa leaves, Cnidoscolus  chayamansa leaves, sauropus androgens leaves, purslane whole plant, common sorrel aerial parts, Aerva lanata whole plant could be easily grown even in a balcony. One or two of these should be part of every day’s diet.

 

4. Pulses

Proteins and fats from complex carbohydrates (whole grain foods) are better digested than concentrated proteins and fats by human beings. Eating cooked pulses, meats and fats of all kinds in large quantities is not good. They should be avoided as much as possible by persons suffering with indigestion, acidity, gas, bloating stomach, constipation, piles, haemorrhoids, IBS, IBD etc.

 

5. Fruits and Fruit Juices

Fruits and fruit juices supply a whole range of micronutrients: minerals, vitamins, and enzymes and fibre. Not many are aware that vitamins cannot be utilized by cells without minerals. A small glass of fruit juice soon after brushing teeth and one or two fruits between breakfast and lunch and between lunch and dinner will supply a whole range of micronutrients and fibre.

 

6. Chlorophyll, Bioflavonoids and Anthocyans

Chlorophyll, bioflavonoids and anthocyans are the most important and therapeutically most powerful pigments in plants. Leafy vegetables, fruits and roots of plants are important sources of these nutrients. These also supply fibre that keeps the digestive tract clean and efficient. So, these should be a regular part of our diet.

 

7. Essential Fats: 

For maintaining robust health fats also are essential. Among fats, Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fats. They cannot be made by the human body from carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. They have to be supplied from external sources. They also should be in the right ratio of 1 part of Omega 3 to 2 parts of Omega 6. Flax seeds, Chia seeds, purslane leafy vegetable are the major sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

 

8. Jaggery

Refined sugar is completely devoid of micronutrients. It only has calories. On the other hand, jaggery made with calcium hydroxide as the precipitator of impurities contains a whole range of nutrients. It is close to molasses in nutrients and pure unpasteurised honey. It can be used in tea as well as coffee.

 

9. Sea Salt or Rock Salt: 

In terms of chemical and mineral nutrients there is no difference between sea salt and rock salt. Sea salt contains 85 different minerals. Blood in our body also contains the same minerals and in the same ratios as sea salt. Sea salt or rock salt is essential for good health but not more than 3 grams per person per day.

 

10. Calcium The Superstar Nutrient 

By weight 95 per cent of the human body is made of gases. Almost half of the

remaining five per cent (2.5 per cent) is calcium. Calcium controls all biological

functions in the human body. No other mineral is capable of performing as many

biological functions as is calcium in the human body. In the 1950s,

Dr. Carl Reich M.D. discovered that his patients were able to ‘cure themselves’

of almost all degenerative diseases by consuming several times the recommended

daily allowance (RDA) of calcium, magnesium, vitamin-D and other nutrients. Egg shells contain 27 essential micro minerals. One teaspoon of egg shell powder

contains approximately 800 to1000 mg. of calcium. Consume by mixing in a

small amount of water with a meal. Consume one half to one teaspoon a day

divided into 3 servings with meals. Calcium does not accumulate in the body.

Calcium not utilized by the body is always automatically excreted. 

11. Fermented Foods

Fermentation is the process of bioconversion of organic substances by micro-organisms into pro-biotic foods. Fermented foods help maintain a proper micro-biotic balance in the intestinal tract. In addition to the balancing of bioflora in the intestinal tract, fermentation enhances the nutritional value of food through the biosynthesis of essential amino acids, vitamins, and protein. Yogurt (curd), buttermilk, kefir, and cheese are fermented milk products. Plant sources of fermented foods include kimchi, sauer kraut, miso, tempeh, kombucha etc. They increase the content and absorption of calcium and vitamins.

 

12. Apple Cider and Honey

One or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and one or two teaspoons of honey in a glass of water 15 minutes before or during every meal will keep the urine on slightly on the acid side and blood on slightly alkaline side. This will destroy bacteria in the urinary tract, and will improve the ability of blood to carry maximum oxygen from lungs to every cell in the body. Apple cider vinegar will dissolve heavy metals like calcium and prevent the formation of plaque and blockages in the arteries all over the body including the heart. It will keep kidneys and gallbladder clear of stones.

 

Dr D. C. Jarvis, M.D. in allopathic medicine cured a wide variety of diseases including digestive problems, heart problems, infertility etc with a combination apple cider vinegar, honey, kelp, and potassium iodine. His book titled ‘Folk Medicine’ first published in 1958 sold hundreds of thousands of copies and is still in print. So, regular use apple or multi-fruit vinegar is a good habit. This combination can also be used as a prophylactic medicine for seasonal ailments and pandemic communicable diseases. 

What Happens When a Patient Approaches a GP or a Specialist?

Cardiovascular blockages and plaque, varicose veins, hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, obesity, dandruff, hair fall, asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, allergy, hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, bursitis, gas, acidity, flatulence, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, obesity, under weight, undeveloped breasts, kidney stones, gallbladder stones,  high creatinine, hyper-pigmentation, fits, epilepsy, forgetfulness, loss of balance, poor analytical skills, menstrual irregularities, menstrual cramps, menopause problems, PCOD, infertility, Fibromyalgia, endometriosis etc are presently wide-spread chronic diseases. 

When a patient, with one or more of the above ailments, walks into a Western Medicine general practitioner’s clinic or a specialist’s consultation office he is very desirous of narrating to the doctor the origin, development, and duration of the disease, and the problems and difficulties that he/she has been facing. The doctor does not devote much time to listen to the patient about the context, background or the suffering that the patient has been going through. He immediately orders a series of diagnostic tests. He assumes that the results of diagnostic tests reveal more useful information about the disease than what the patient can tell about the ailment that he has been suffering with. .

The diagnostic tools and tests that Western Medicine uses now, however, can only indicate in which part of the body a disease exists and how serious a given disease is. The results of none of these tests can identify the root causes of the disease. No chronic disease can be permanently cured without treating and eliminating the root causes.

On the basis of the results of the diagnostic tests the doctor prescribes one or two medicines for each of the symptoms experienced by the patient. Almost always such medicines are maintenance medicines that need to be taken every day. They do not cure the disease. They only keep the disease within normal limits. Doctors often assert that there is no permanent cure for many of the non-communicable chronic diseases. If there is no curative medicine or medicines for a particular disease, Western Medicine practitioners declare it as incurable and assert that life-long maintenance medicines are the only option.  

Even angioplasty, stent, and bypass surgery for coronary artery blockages are temporary solutions. They cannot guarantee that plaque and blockages would not appear again. Five to eight maintenance medicines and periodical checkups are recommended. It becomes a lifelong treatment. Multiple angioplasts, multiple stents and repeat of bypass surgeries are not unheard of. 

The best the western medicine practitioners can do is to prescribe permutations and combinations of patented over-the counter or on-prescription medicines produced by pharmaceutical companies for mass marketing. Neither the general practitioner nor the specialist talks about the root causes of the disease. Until recently mainstream medicine argued vehemently that diet, life style factors etc are neither a cause nor an essential component of treatment for curing a non-communicable disease. Diet and life style factors etc are still not a part of the syllabus in most of the medical colleges all over the world. 

Nature of Modern Chronic Diseases

Most of the chronic diseases are not caused by bacteria or viruses. These are not communicable or contagious diseases. They cannot be passed on from one person to the other. These are also called civilization diseases or modern food and lifestyle diseases. Often, they are not hereditary diseases either. In case of some patients, imbalanced nutrition, lifestyle factors etc that cause chronic diseases are passed on from one generation to the other and they are often mistaken by general practitioners and specialists to be hereditary diseases. 

Root Causes of Chronic Diseases

The root causes of most of the chronic diseases are in improper nutrition; unhealthy life style factors; sedentary life; inadequate or lack of physical and breathing exercises; mental stress, anxieties, apprehensions and sense of insecurity caused by modern competitive life; polluted environment where one is living, travelling and working; and stressful social environment within in the family or work place.  

For most of the diseases, changing different brands of medicine and increasing or decreasing dose are the only options in Western Medicine. It does not even occur to most of the Western Medicine practitioners that imbalanced or poor nutrition, faulty lifestyle factors etc could be the root causes of these diseases. At the Australian Herbal  Clinic, Dr Rao and Dr Sailaja practise Holistic, Participatory, Customised, Curative and Pure Herbal Medicine, hereafter called ‘Holistic Herbal Medicine’. 

Holistic medicine means the whole background of patient is very important for identifying the root causes of diseases and for designing medicines and counselling. Every patient is unique in terms of the root causes of an ailment. Patient is empowered to participate in healing and curing the disease. So, it is a participatory medicine as well. As every patient is unique, he or she is offered customised medicine and counselling. Even when the medicine is the same for different patients, counselling regarding diet, lifestyle factors etc have to be individualised to eliminate the root causes. 

A vast majority of the modern chronic diseases are curable with Holistic Herbal Medicine. Every patient is treated only to cure not just manage the disease on a life-long basis. Only edible and pure herbs are used for formulating medicines and for curing most of the chronic diseases. As such there would not be any adverse side effects. 

Preventive medicine is an integral part of Holistic Herbal Medicine. Every patient is advised that if his family members, relatives, friends, acquaintances etc also adhere to wholesome nutrition, healthy lifestyle factors etc their health would be robust and their immunity to disease would be at the highest level. Even the most contagious and communicable diseases cannot touch them. 

A Holistic Herbal Medicine practitioner worth his salt would advise his patient that he should adhere to proper overall nutrition, healthy lifestyle factors, physically active life, maintain peace of mind, and healthy physical and social environments to maintain robust health and a high degree of immunity to disease. The doctor should also advise his cured patient that if all the members of his family adhere to these basic health principles, they can reduce their visits to doctors and hospitals to a bare minimum, if at all. 

Holistic Herbal Medicine

The concept of Holistic Participatory Customised Curative Pure Herbal Medicine was not a flash imagination. It was neither a revelation from a religious seer nor a divine boon. It was formulated by us in the process of administering a rational and logical pure whole herbal oral formula for significantly and substantially changing skin complexion and glow all over the body on a long term basis. This formula can, in fact, transform even people born dark into fair persons all over the body.  If you wish to know more about it, you can read Dr Rao’s book on Skin Complexion and Glow Improving Capsules.

 

The Digestive System

The digestive system is a network of organs that help digest and absorb nutrients from the food eaten. It includes the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the biliary system. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs that are all connected to each other from the mouth to the anus. The biliary system is a network of three organs: liver, gallbladder, pancreas and the bile ducts

that deliver bile and enzymes to the duodenum, the top part of small intestine.  The GI tract is made up of mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. The biliary system consists of liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts.

 

Macro and Micro Nutrients

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are our macro nutrients. The ratios of these vary from 45 to 65% carbohydrates, 10 to 35% proteins and 20 to 35% fat. The calorific value of these foods is 4 calories per gram of carbohydrates or proteins and 9 calories of fats. An ideal daily intake of calories varies depending on age, metabolism and levels of physical activity, among a few other things. Generally, the recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men.

 

Digestive Process

The food we eat is in large molecules. It has to be converted into small molecules for conversion into heat and energy by cells. Digestive enzymes convert the food into smaller molecules that cells, tissues, and organs utilize for many metabolic functions. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose, proteins into amino acids and fats into lipids by the small intestines.

 

In addition to macro nutrients cells also need vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and hormones for generating heat and energy. The digestive system extracts the vitamins in the digested food, absorbing them into the bloodstream. Minerals are absorbed across the epithelial cells that line any portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to enter the blood for use by the cells. These nutrients are delivered to the cells, which then absorb the ones they require. GI hormones are chemical messengers that are implicated in many aspects of physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract, including the regulation of secretion, absorption and digestion, and gut motility.

 

Pancreas, Liver and Gallbladder

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum that breaks down protein, fats and carbohydrates. The pancreas also makes insulin for metabolizing sugar and directly passes it into the bloodstream. Insulin is the chief hormone in human body. The liver is your body's chemical ‘factory’. It has many functions, but its primary task within the digestive system is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. Bile from the liver secreted into the small intestine also plays an important role in digesting fat and some vitamins. The liver also detoxifies potentially harmful chemicals and breaks down toxic drugs. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile from the liver, and then releases it into the duodenum in the small intestine to help absorb and digest fats.

 

The most important thing to remember is that if the macro nutrients that we eat are not supplemented with enough micro nutrients, the cells cannot metabolize the essence of macro nutrients into heat and energy. In such cases the essence of surplus macro nutrients into fat. That is how fat is accumulated in the body with imbalanced nutrition. Well balanced wholesome nutritious food, healthy lifestyle factors, physically active life, stoic peace of mind, physical and social environments where one is living, travelling and working result in robust health. Robust health maintains highest level of immunity to disease that can resist communicable as well as non-communicable diseases. Very long, healthy, happy and productive life is the ultimate reward that is heaven on earth.

 

Convincing Research

Here we have to remember, acknowledge, and highly appreciate the empirical work done by Jethro Klaus and the scientific research studies carried out by Dr Bernard D Siegal MD, Dr Joe D. Nicholls MD, Mr Nathan Pritkin, Mr Norman Cousins, and Dr Dean Ornish MD in the direction of holistic medicine. They proved beyond shard of doubt that modern diseases like coronary artery blockages, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes etc. can be successfully cured within a few months with natural, nutritious, and fibrous foods; moderate exercise; and peace of mind. There is a lot of information on the above doctors and researchers on the Web.

 

On our part we made correction of diet, lifestyle factors etc as per our counselling mandatory for patients to be treated with pure herbal medicine by us. Further, we earnestly request every patient to pass on our counselling on diet, lifestyle factors etc to pass on to their family members, relatives, friends, and acquaintances, to develop robust health and a high level of immunity to communicable as well as non-communicable diseases.

 

Dr Rao and Dr Sailaja practise Holistic, Participatory, Customised, Curative Pure Herbal Medicine, hereafter called Holistic Herbal Medicine defined as follows. Holistic medicine means the whole background of patient is very important for identifying the root causes of diseases and for designing medicines and counselling. Every patient is unique in terms of the root causes of an ailment. Patient is empowered to participate in healing and curing the disease. So, it is a participatory medicine as well. As every patient is unique, he or she is offered customised medicine and counselling. Even when the medicine is the same for different patients counselling regarding diet, lifestyle factors etc have to be individualised to eliminate the root causes. A vast majority of the modern chronic diseases are curable with Holistic Herbal Medicine every patient is treated only to cure not just manage the disease on a life-long basis. Only edible and pure herbs are used for formulating medicines and for curing most of the modern chronic diseases. As such there would not be any adverse side effects. Preventive medicine is an integral part of Holistic Herbal Medicine. Every holistic herbalist advises every one of his patients that if his family members, relatives, friends, and acquaintances etc also adhere to balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle factors etc their health would be robust and their immunity to disease would be at the highest level. Even the most contagious and communicable diseases cannot touch them. If you have any doubts or need clarifications, please ring Dr G. Lakshmana Rao on 98487 35889 or Dr M. Sailaja on 98485 24475.

Nutritionally Balanced Diet is Extremely Important

 The nutrients that a human being needs for heat, energy, tissue growth, and body’s immunity to disease fall into two major categories: (1) macronutrients and (2) micronutrients.

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are macronutrients. Fibre is not a nutrient but it provides grip for the gut to push the food and waste product from the mouth to the anus. So it is essential for the digestive and elimination processes. Macronutrients provide calories for heat, energy, and also material for tissue growth. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes are called micronutrients. Each of these micro-nutrient categories has a number of sub-categories. These do not contribute calories but help metabolize the digested macronutrients nutrients into heat, energy, and tissue growth. Human body needs macronutrients as well as micronutrients in appropriate ratios for efficient digestion and metabolism to occur.

 

There are many organs and organ systems in the human body. All the organs do not need the same nutrients. Different organs need different combinations and permutations of nutrients. Cell is the smallest organ in the human body. Not many people are aware that conversion of digested carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into heat and energy occurs at the cell level not in the stomach or in the small intestine only. For conversion of digested food into heat, energy, and tissue growth, cells need vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, water and oxygen via the blood stream. All glands require their particular nutrients to be able to produce secretions and hormones. Metabolism will be severely impaired if all these are not available to the cells.

 

In human digestion and absorption, metabolism encompasses both catabolism and anabolism. They both occur in the cells of the gut. Catabolism involves breaking down of complex molecules of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into simpler molecules: glucose, amino acids and lipids respectively so that they can be absorbed by the blood vessels. Anabolism, also at the cell level is the building phase of metabolism. It uses energy to synthesize different types of large molecules from small molecules. It utilizes the smaller molecules absorbed from digestion to build larger, more complex molecules needed for growth, repair, and energy storage in tissues by different organs. 

 

If one or two macronutrients are eaten in excessive quantities or if micronutrients are not eaten in adequate quantities to metabolize the digested primary nutrients then the diet is called ‘nutritionally imbalanced diet’. If digested food cannot be metabolized into heat, energy, and tissue growth factors, liver will convert it into fat and will deposit it in different parts of the body.

 

Most of the present prevalent chronic diseases are not caused by bacteria or viruses. The root causes of most of the present day chronic diseases are in imbalanced nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle factors, sedentary life, mental stress, and environmental pollution where one is living, working or travelling. The following are some such diseases: Obesity, coronary artery disease, blockages in arteries elsewhere, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma, sinusitis, allergy, hay fever,  gas, acidity, indigestion, constipation, piles, haemorrhoids, hair fall, acne, pimples, hyper-pigmentation, loss of skin complexion and glow, kidney and gall bladder stones etc. Western medicine does not have permanent cures for most of these diseases. It has only life-long daily maintenance medicines for most of these diseases. 

 

Eating macronutrients and micronutrients in the right ratios can significantly lessen the problems of acne, pimples, white heads, black heads, blemishes, and skin discolorations. Many skin problems that are attributed to UVA and UVB radiations are in fact the problems of very imbalanced nutrition, food adulteration, environmental pollution, and mental stress. Nutritious diet is extremely important for radiant and bright skin complexion and lively glow.

 

For maximum protection against aging and degenerative diseases, the recommended daily intake of protein for healthy adult men of any age is 56 grams and for women it is 46 grams. A diet which supplies more protein than the body needs, actually causes deficiencies of essential vitamins, including B-3 and B-6. It also leaches minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium. In addition, excessive consumption of protein can result in the accumulation of protein breakdown by-products in the body that cause degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, heart disease, cancer etc.

 

There are many pharmaceutically produced vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes in the market. They come in the form of capsules, tablets, pastes, granules, powders, syrups etc. Most of these include inorganic substances, sugar, salt, fat, refined carbohydrates, colouring substances, preservatives, taste enhancers etc. Our body can absorb only a small fraction of such manufactured nutritional products.

 

Our body can absorb natural organic foods far better than manufactured products. Eating natural foods that contain a wide variety of primary as well as micro nutrients and regular moderate physical and breathing exercises are the best way to maintain robust health and a high level of immunity to disease. Even communicable and contagious diseases cannot affect a person with a high level of immunity to disease. The most important thing to remember is that at present most of the micronutrients are stripped off from highly processed, manufactured, and over cooked foods.

 

How is Australian Herbal Clinic able to cure non-communicable diseases that others are unable to cure and prescribe only palliative medicines on a life-long basis? Dr Rao and Dr Sailaja practise ‘Holistic, Participatory, Customised, Curative and Pure Herbal Medicine, hereafter called ‘Holistic Herbal Medicine’. It is defined as follows: Holistic medicine means the whole background of patient is very important for identifying the root causes of diseases and for designing medicines and counselling. Every patient is unique in terms of the root causes of an ailment. Patient is empowered to participate in healing and curing the disease. So, it is a participatory medicine as well. As every patient is unique, he or she is offered customised medicine and counselling. Even when the medicine is the same for different patients, counselling regarding diet, lifestyle factors etc has to be individualised to eliminate the root causes. A vast majority of the present day chronic diseases are curable with Holistic Herbal Medicine. Every patient is treated only to cure not just to manage the disease on a life-long basis. Only edible and pure herbs are used for formulating medicines and for curing most of the present day chronic diseases. As such there would not be any adverse side effects.

 

Preventive medicine is an integral part of Holistic Herbal Medicine. Every patient is advised s that if his family members, relatives, friends, and acquaintances etc also adhere to balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle factors etc their health would be robust and their immunity to disease would be at the highest level. Even the most contagious and communicable diseases cannot touch them.

The Immune System

The immune system protects the body from infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Once encountered with pathogens or antigens, the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system trigger a strong immune response to eliminate them from the system and protect the body. Hence, high level of immunity is very important for maintaining robust health. An insufficient level of immune defence leads to infections diseases and tumours. Strong immunity requires adequate wholesome nutrition of macro as well as micro nutrients.  Sufficient intake of vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, and selenium is necessary. Intake of imbalanced macronutrients and micronutrients lead to obesity compromised immunity.

 

Several natural ingredients have potent immune enhancing, regulating and suppressing (immune modulatory) properties. The immune-enhancing properties of many plants and fungi are due to containing bioactive phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, terpenoids, vitamins, etc. Probiotics rich in fermented foods can be used as effective tools to reduce intestinal inflammation and reduce hypersensitivity reactions. Plant sources of melatonin, a multifunctional molecule with proven anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory properties, have been discovered recently.

 

Bioactive compounds support the immune response by directly increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells. Many phytoconstituents prevent cell damage due to their powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties

 

Human beings are constantly exposed to various external influences, such as environmental pollutants or harmful pathogens, that affect homeostasis. In recent decades, the rapid growth of the frequency of various infectious diseases, inflammatory conditions, allergies, cancers,  brought much suffering to human beings.

 

At the beginning of the 21st century, medical scientists concluded that an insufficient level of immune defence leads primarily to the occurrence of severe infections or/and tumors, while the abnormal functioning of the immune system causes the development of allergic diseases. So, well-balanced immunity is pivotal for maintaining good health. The importance of using natural substances with immune activating properties to prevent or support medical treatment of the above mentioned ailments is quite obvious.

 

The immune system comprises a wide range of immune cells, various cytokinines, and signaling pathways that protect the skin, intestinal tract, and respiratory tract from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The host immune system has two functions: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. While innate immunity lacks immunological memory, it is a hallmark of adaptive immunity.

 

Medicinal plants, beekeeping products, probiotics and prebiotics, melatonin, and other natural compounds with immune modifying properties could be utilized to enhance immunity against various diseases. Many vitamins and minerals are also very effective in supporting the proper functioning of immunity. The high cost of synthetic drugs, their known toxicity, and various adverse effects are undesirable for patients.

 

In contrast, herbal substances as health promoters have gained increasing attention of both medical researchers and among consumers. Some medicinal plants do exhibit immunity normalising effects. In addition to the significant growth of interest in so-called super foods, berries, nuts, green tea, sea products, and honey, among many others, in the era of the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 prompted a search for new effective natural remedies to prevent or cure it.

 

Natural medicinal substances are regarded as effective immunity boosters in the case of COVID-19 disease. Despite the progressive successes in developing various vaccines against COVID-19, the importance of natural substances as immunity enhancing agents cannot be underestimated. Recently, herbal medicines have been considered the drugs of choice to enhance immunity in pre- and post-COVID-19 patients.

 

Herbs promote health and help fight infections by boosting the immunity of the host. Some herbal substances increase the proportion of beneficial gut bacteria, which are crucial for maintaining immunity. Recently, Rondanelli et al. described the pivotal role of vitamins (C, D), zinc, and Echinacea preparations in self-care for the prevention or treatment of common colds. The natural biochemicals of garlic (Allium sativum) boost immunity by increasing the functions of innate immune system cells such as lymphocytes and natural killer cells, which kill invading pathogens. Some biochemical compounds in herbs modify innate and adaptive immune responses. The appropriate intake of some polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals helps boost immune functions and fight infections, including COVID-19. The immune-boosting properties of flavonoids help fight cancer, inflammation, and viral infections.

 

Micronutrients, such as vitamin C, also improve immune functions. Vitamin D increases the the cell response and suppresses unhealthy cell activation. Overall, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can lead to the weakening of the immune system. Propolis, a famous beekeeping product, is widely used for managing upper respiratory tract infections, which occur when the level of immunity decreases. Research in recent years revealed that appropriate administration of the hormone melatonin plays a significant role in improving immunity.

 

Botanical families comprise many plants with proven immune modulating properties. For example, the immune stimulating properties of Echinacea, ginger, and fresh citrus juice have been well-known worldwide for several decades. In recent years, an increasing number of herbs with immune stimulating properties have been researched and discovered for western medicine based on the study of plant species from different parts of the globe.

 

The molecular pharmacology of herbal drugs is a tremendous challenge, as medicinal herbs are multi component substances with multi level modes of action compared to single molecule synthetic pharmaceuticals.

 

Western medicine approaches to medicine in the 21st century, as a rule, require the isolation and purification of one or two active compounds from a given medicinal plant. However, the isolation of one or two active biochemical compounds from an herb could lead to the loss of its medicinal properties. For instance, the effectiveness of multi-component herbal prescriptions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda are highly appreciated by modern health care practitioners. It should be noted that individually, many of the ingredients in these combinations do not possess therapeutic activities but can assist other herbs in immune modulation.

Fermented Foods

Fermentation is the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat. The process of fermentation converts compounds, such as a carbohydrate, including vegetables and sugar, to carbon dioxide and alcohol to an organic acid.

 

How is yogurt fermented, and how are fermented veggies made?

Yogurt is made with a starter culture that ferments lactose (milk sugar) and turns it into lactic acid, which is partially responsible for yogurt’s tangy flavour. Lactic acid decreases pH of milk, causes it to clot and thicken and gives it a smooth texture. After fermentation, yogurt contains the characteristic bacterial cultures called Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. These two are the only cultures that are required by law to be present in yogurt.

 

Yogurt and Kefir are made in a similar way, but the two are a bit different because Kefir is made at room temperature with continuous use of kefir grains, which contain a variety of bacteria and yeast. Kefir contains a larger range of bacteria, in addition to containing yeasts and is more sour than yogurt.

Most fermented vegetables are cultured via the process of lactic acid fermentation, which occurs when veggies are chopped and salted. Fermented veggies contain high acidity and low pH that usually make them shelf-safe and safe to consume for longer time than fresh vegetables.

Many fermented vegetables are also made with additional ingredients like coriander, garlic, ginger and red pepper, which also offer various health benefits. The exact microbial counts found in fermented veggies depends on the nutrient status of the fresh produce used and varies with seasons, maturity stage, environmental humidity, temperature and the use of pesticides, among other factors.

Fermented Fruits

The juice of many fruits also can also be fermented into wine with some alcoholic content and wine also can be fermented into vinegar with nutritional as well as medicinal properties. When we think of wine, we typically think of grapes. Wine and vinegar can also be made with locally available fruits. It is easy to ferment fruits like mango, passion fruit, cashew apple etc. Fruit wine making is no more difficult than making wines from fresh grapes. The basic process is the same. Consideration is given to the same aspects as when preparing grape juice for home winemaking. Any tropical fruit can be converted into wine if it has at least 15 to 20 per cent sugar in its juice. If pure juice does not have as much sugar as needed in it, sugar, jiggery or honey can be added to pure juice as needed.

 

Tamarind Wine and Vinegar

The preparation method is simple in process; the prepared tamarind juice drink retains special aroma and nutritional ingredients of tamarind and is clear and transparent in colour, moderate in viscosity and good in both mouth feel and flavour.

 

Tamarind pulp is also full of antioxidants that fights cellular damage that can lead to oxidative stress, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, cataracts, cancer and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; beta-carotene which supports eye-health; magnesium which supports more than 300 essential processes including nerve and muscle function and maintaining blood pressure and strong bones.  Tamarind pulp is high in sugar content (25 to 45%) but low in glicemic index, so it does not cause spikes in blood sugar.

 

Indian Kanji

Kanji is a probiotic drink and is extremely good for the gut. It improves digestion. Traditionally Kanji recipe is made with black carrots and this drink has a dark purple colour. Red orange carrots also can be used. Kanji is spiced with ground mustard seeds, red chilli powder and salt. Carrots, spices, seasonings are mixed with some boiled cooled water and kept to ferment for a few days.

 

The entire drink with its ingredients is poured into a glass or ceramic jar. These jars are kept in the sunlight and the liquid is allowed to ferment for 2 to 4 days. The drink can be kept for 4 to 5 days if the sunlight is not enough.

 

The mustard in the kanji drink keeps the body warm during the cold winters of North India. The fermentation process changes the flavours of the drink and makes it probiotic. The taste is mild sweet and sour with that unique aroma of a fermented drink. Kanji is served as an appetizer drink. It has a sour, spicy and pungent taste. This taste is an acquired one, either you like it or do not like it, just like Kombucha.

 

The carrots and beets get pickled during the process of fermentation. They have a lovely fermented, pickled flavour and taste. So, they can be served as a side condiment with any Indian main course or added to salads, wraps, burgers.

 

The soft vada (black gram fritters) soaked in sour kanji drink tastes very good. If you like dahivada, You will like kanji vada as well.

 

Ingredients

1: Rinse, peel and chop the carrot into sticks with 1.5 to 2 inches length. Peel and chop the beets into 1.5 to 2 inches wedges or sticks. In a dry grinder, grind 2 tablespoons yellow mustard to a fine powder. If including black or brown mustard, use 1 tablespoon.

 

3: Boil water first. Let it cool at room temperature. In clean and dry ceramic or glass jar with a wide mouth, add the carrots, beets, ground yellow mustard powder, black salt or regular salt and red chili powder. Pour this boiled cooled water in the jars. If you prefer, you can filter the water using a fine mesh strainer while pouring it in the jar. Stir this mixture well with a clean dry spoon.

 

4: Cover loosely with a lid or secure and tie a muslin/cheese cloth on the mouth of the jars or bottles. Keep the jars or bottles in sunlight. Allow to ferment for 2 to 3 days until the drink becomes sour. Take care not to over ferment the drink. Stir the mixture every next day with a clean wooden spoon before placing in the sun.

 

5: When the drink starts tasting sour, it means the carrot kanji is ready. Keep the kanji drink in the refrigerator or serve straightway. You could add a few ice cubes while serving. Kanji keeps well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Drink the kanji before meals or anytime during the day. Serve the fermented carrot and beets sticks as a pickle with any Indian main course.

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down larger molecules like fats, proteins and carbs into smaller molecules that are easier to absorb across the small intestine. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, the body is unable to digest food particles properly, which may lead to food intolerances.Digestive enzymes can be obtained from supplements or naturally through foods. One can get sufficient amounts of enzymes by incorporating more raw foods into the diet. Raw foods are rich in enzymes that would otherwise be lost during the cooking process 

Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes include pineapples, papayas, ginger, mangoes, honey, bananas, avocados, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit etc. Adding any of these foods to diet may help promote digestion and better gut health.

 

Twelve Foods That Contain Natural Digestive Enzymes

Many organs work synergistically to make up the digestive system. These organs take the food and liquids one eats and break them down into smaller molecules, such as proteins, carbs, fats and vitamins. The nutrients are then transported across the small intestine and into the bloodstream and then to the individual cells which convert them into heat, energy, growth and repair. 

Digestive enzymes are necessary for this process, as they break down large molecules like fats, proteins and carbohydrates into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed.

 

There are three main types of digestive enzymes:

Proteases: Break down protein into small peptides and amino acids

Lipases: Break down fat into three fatty acids plus a glycerol molecule

Amylases: Break down carbohydrates like starch into simple sugars

Enzymes are also made in the small intestine, including lactase, maltase and sucrose.

 

If the body is unable to make enough digestive enzymes, food molecules cannot be digested properly. This can lead to digestive disorders like lactose intolerance. Thus, eating foods that are high in natural digestive enzymes can help improve digestion.  Here are 12 foods that contain natural digestive enzymes: 1. Pineapple, 2. Papaya, 3. Mango, 4. Honey, 5. Bananas, 6. Avocados, 7. Kefir, 10. Miso, 11. Kiwifruit, 12. Ginger.

 

Probiotics

Probiotics are bacterial organisms that live within the digestive system. Probiotics are essential for supporting immune health, because the majority of the immune system (up to 75%) is found within the digestive tract. If your digestive system is functioning optimally, it will be easier to maintain a healthy immune system as well. In addition, Probiotics are helpful in increasing immunity cells and maintaining the function of the immune system. Probiotics also help the body produce and absorb vitamins and minerals.  

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi are rich in probiotics, because the fermentation process gives probiotics the optimal environment to grow. Some other great probiotic foods include kombucha and tempeh.

 

Probiotic powerhouses to include in your diet:

·         Kefir: A probiotic cultured drink, kefir contains multiple strains of bacteria and yeast. Kefir is rich in minerals and vitamins, particularly the B vitamins and vitamin K

·         Sauerkraut:  Easy to make at home, this fermented cabbage dish has been around for centuries. It is high in fibre, as well as vitamins A, C, K and various B vitamins. It is also a good source of iron, manganese, copper, sodium, magnesium and calcium 

·         Miso: This traditional Japanese paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains consisting of millions of beneficial bacteria. It is rich in essential minerals and a good source of various B vitamins, vitamins E, K and folic acid 

·         Kimchi:  Spicier than sauerkraut, kimchi is also a form of fermented cabbage and other vegetables. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C and minerals such as iron, calcium and selenium

·         Lassi: Made from soured milk, lassi has been drunk as a pre-dinner yogurt drink for centuries. They are a popular way of achieving probiotic bacteria

·         Kombucha:  A fizzy, fermented black tea. Yeast turns sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and bacteria called acetobacter convert the alcohol into acetic acid, giving it a sour taste. Watch out for sugar in shop-bought kombucha, you’re better off making it at home

·         Tempeh:  another version of fermented soy beans, tempeh is a rich protein source, so a good choice for vegetarians

·         Bread:  Some breads, such as sourdough are made from dough that is fermented

·         Yogurt: Lactobacilli bacteria convert lactose sugar in milk into glucose and galactose, which break down further into lactic acid, giving yogurt its sour taste. Live bacteria remain in the yogurt and provide a valuable contribution to gut microflora

Enzymes and Probiotics

Enzymes and probiotics are both essential for digestive health and total body wellness. Enzymes and probiotics work well together to help alleviate occasional gas, bloating and discomfort. Look for a formula that blends together a variety of digestive enzymes and probiotics and is active across the pH levels of the digestive system.

 

Differences Between Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Enzymes are biologically active proteins while probiotics are living bacterial organisms.

Enzymes are present throughout the body while probiotics are concentrated in the digestive system.

Enzymes can be naturally produced in the body but probiotics cannot be.

Enzymes are the energy for all life functions

Enzymes can be produced by probiotics as their food source.

Both work in the digestive system and support immune health

Enzymes also work in the metabolic processes in the body.

Both can be incorporated into diet.

Look for raw foods rich in enzymes

Opt for fermented foods thriving with probiotics.

Both enzymes and probiotics can be added through natural supplements.

Digestion can take up to 80% of the body’s energy, leaving only 20% left for metabolic enzymes that support every other function, such as immune health. The more the body needs to work at digestion, the less the metabolic enzymes are produced.