tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70855490021402226942024-02-08T11:06:07.427-05:00Lisa Cohen AyurvedaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-10513983528987305262018-01-07T13:56:00.000-05:002018-01-07T13:56:27.882-05:00Why Canola Oil Is Not Recommended In AyurvedaAyurveda teaches that the food we eat should be natural and in its most wholesome, unprocessed state.<br />
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People who advocate canola oil do so because it is low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats. It is also inexpensive to produce and has a light flavor that makes it versatile in cooking. However, canola oil is not natural. It is manufactured from rapeseed plants, which contain high levels of erucic acid. The rapeseed plant is genetically engineered to reduce levels of erucic acid as it is toxic to humans. The oil is then processed through several chemical baths before being bleached and labeled as canola oil.<br />
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Ayurveda and modern science recommend healthy fats because they are needed for both brain and body health. Interestingly, the human brain is almost 60 percent fat, and the brain needs fatty acids to function optimally and maintain itself. Essential fatty acids (EFA) cannot be made by the body. Rather, they must be obtained from dietary sources. Healthy fats also promote the absorption of many vitamins and minerals.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.latimes.com/food/sns-dailymeal-1862108-healthy-eating-canola-oil-weight-gain-alzheimers-121117-20171211-story.html">recent study</a> found mice that were fed two tablespoons of canola oil a day had weight gain and severe progression of Alzheimer disease. <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/tuhs-tse061917.php">Another recent study</a> found that mice fed extra virgin olive oil performed significantly better on testing that evaluated the animals' working memory, spatial memory and ability to learn. Further, these mice had reduced levels of amyloid plaques and had an increased ability to clear out toxins that hinder brain function.<br />
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<a href="https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/the-inconvenient-truth-about-canola-oil">Historically</a>, the rapeseed plant was used as a lubricant for machinery in World War II. When it wasn't needed for war machinery anymore, it was creatively repackaged and reformulated as a cooking oil. Unfortunately, the new version of the rapeseed is not healthy and causes great harm to the body as recent scientific studies have found.<br />
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Ayurveda didn't need any studies. Rapeseed in it natural form has high levels of the toxic substance erucic, and changing it around with chemical processing does not hide its unhealthy roots. Eating pure and unprocessed is the best way (and the Ayurvedic way).<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-46207492764602332362017-12-28T16:02:00.000-05:002017-12-28T16:02:45.626-05:00How Ayurveda Views the Latest Food TrendI have always been a foodie. I love to eat and I love to hear about food. As I have been on a simultaneous journey of health, I also look for healthier food choices and experiment how I can make a food trend better for me to eat. Reading about the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-well-dine-in-2018-the-rise-of-the-all-day-menu-1513791219">latest food trend</a> in the Wall Street Journal is fun for me, plain and simple.<br />
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To fill you in, fixed meal times are out. People are too busy for long lunches and dinners. Food will be eaten more as a nosh or snack on the go. The options in restaurants will be flexible depending on the time of day. Morning having breakfast options like avocado toasts, fruit or muffins with the afternoons and evenings building in heavier fare like chicken, salad, sandwiches and wine. All the food will be served quickly and will be in small snack like portions. The decor will be more homey, sitting on couches or living room chairs to feel like a quick break rather than a formal meal. Restaurants will also expand take out options so food can be had any time and eaten any place.<br />
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While the latest food trend is focusing on convenience and nibbling, it is not a lifestyle recommended by Ayurveda. Ayurveda teaches that our lives should have a daily routine that syncs with our natural circadian body rhythm. Eating and sleeping should be done around the same time everyday. Additionally, digestion is a process that takes 4 to 6 hours. Ideally, there should be a heavy meal at midday, when digestion is strongest, and lighter meals in the morning and evening. Snacking is not recommended because it interferes with the digestive process. Meals should also be eaten in a calm, relaxed manner without distractions of electronic devices.<br />
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While the Ayurvedic eating recommendations seem stodgy or snail like, they give the benefit of strong digestion and health. The nutrients in food are more readily absorbed, optimizing body function. Good digestion means less gas, bloating and toxic build up. Metabolism is strong, helping one maintain a good body weight.<br />
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Trends come and go but classics are always in style.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
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<br />Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-72900449873214745792017-12-12T13:15:00.000-05:002017-12-12T13:15:38.289-05:00Weight Loss, Metabolism and Calories is Only Half the StoryWeight loss is always on people's minds. Sometimes it feels like an uphill battle with busy schedules not allowing for self care tools like exercise, healthy meal preparation and sleep. Everyone knows they need to eat less, exercise and get adequate sleep so they are not looking for sugary foods to give them quick energy boosts. Getting started and staying the course are the hardest parts.<br />
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Ayurveda advocates a holistic approach of bringing the body to balance with healthy lifestyle routines and allowing the natural intelligence of the body to maintain health. Babies are usually born healthy and perfect. It is the poor lifestyle choices that interfere with our health, making us think that aging means our health declines.<br />
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To promote weight loss, Ayurveda will begin with digestion. When the body is able to digest foods, assimilate nutrients and eliminate toxins, metabolism is strong and weight gain does not occur as easily. Further, we are feeling good, so it is easier to make the necessary choices to create good health.<br />
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Digestion begins in the mouth and occurs with taste. The taste of a food impacts our metabolism and the ability to digest. This is why <a href="https://news.yale.edu/2017/08/10/sweet-taste-not-just-calories-dictates-metabolic-response">current scientific research</a> is finding that the sweet taste of diet soda contributes to diabetes despite no actual sugar being consumed. The metabolic response of the body to sweet flavored diet soda produces the same body mechanisms that real sugar produces. Ayurveda recommends that people balance all six tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent) with their body type (<a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">dosha</a>) in mind.<br />
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Promoting good digestion also requires eating in a relaxed manner, eating until 75% full, eating food the body can recognize and many other simple lifestyle choices that an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner can help guide a person to.<br />
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While involving many aspects of our life into weight loss seems like a lot, the benefits of getting more than simple weight loss will make our whole life and health better.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
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<br />Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-82225540805199709812017-12-03T14:54:00.000-05:002017-12-03T14:54:37.379-05:00Does How Fast You Eat Matter?In our busy 24/7 society, the more we accomplish the better. Even more praiseworthy is the ability to do more quickly.<br />
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How many times do people use the expression, "I am just going to grab a quick bite." After all, taking time to eat seems a little self indulgent. Most people pick up your breakfast and lunch at the drive through and eat it fast in the car or on the train, trying to finish before the next task. This is considered efficiency and discipline.<br />
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Ayurveda teaches that one should eat meals slowly, taking time to chew and enjoy the meal. Meals should be eaten in a quiet, pleasant atmosphere as this promotes good digestion. When one digests food well, nutrients are absorbed and waste is eliminated. Poor digestion allows toxins (<i>ama</i>) to build up which causes illness and weight gain.<br />
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While it would seem that calories in is what causes weight gain, that is only part of the story. Digestion is an important body process that is essential for good health. Young people can get away with poor digestive habits for a awhile. Then as a person ages, poor health habits add up and cause illness and uncomfortable symptoms in the body. First, poor digestion manifests as gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation or food sensitivities. Next real illness sets in causing other diseases like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more.<br />
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A recent <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320056.php">scientific study</a> has found continuing the habit of fast eating was connected with greater weight gain, higher blood sugar, higher levels of low-density lipoprotein ('bad' cholesterol) and a larger waistline. The participants in the study were tracked over five years and those with fast eating habit were at a much higher risk for developing the listed problems or had begun experiencing them.<br />
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Eating fast is only a short cut to poor health and weight gain. Yes, how fast you eat does matter.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
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<br />Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-68868144132577485462017-11-09T12:59:00.000-05:002017-11-09T12:59:34.605-05:00Ayurveda Can Explain Why The Time Of Day Matters For Wound Healing<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/news/articles/2017-11-08/wounds-sustained-at-night-heal-twice-as-slowly-scientists-find">New research</a> has established that wounds sustained at night heal significantly slower than wounds received during the day. The accelerated daytime wound healing occurred because the skin cells moved more rapidly to repair the wound and there was also more collagen (the main structural protein in skin) deposited around the wound site. The study acknowledged that circadian rhythms regulate almost every cell in the body, and manage many processes such as sleeping, hormone secretion and metabolism in a 24 hour period, but the study heads thought our bodies have evolved to compensate to heal as we are likelier to become wounded during the day when we are typically more busy.<br />
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Ayurveda teaches the importance of our body's internal natural clock, also known as circadian rhythm. When we live in sync with nature's clock, we feel balanced and healthy. In Ayurveda, there are two 12 hour cycles that are each divided into three smaller cycles. Each 4 hour smaller cycle within each 12 hour cycle is governed by the three doshas (vata, pitta & kapha), which are also <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body types</a>. Establishing a routine that jives with the basic cycles is a powerful healing tool.<br />
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In Ayurveda, night is the time for sleep which gives our bodies and minds a time to regenerate, an essential component for health. Even modern <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/10/night-shifts-the-worst/504800/">science</a> has found shift workers that work the night shift have poorer health and are at a higher risk for many diseases.<br />
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The hypothalamus, a section of the brain that governs many functions such as thirst, hunger, mood, libido and more, is affected by the light received from the eye. Specifically, cells in the retina send information about light to the hypothalamus, which will then regulate the glands and their hormone secretions. Light received at night causes the body system to become active, which is really disrupting the body's sleep process. The surge in activity disturbs the beneficial processes that occur at night during sleep. Further, even if the body becomes 'awake' it is going against the natural sleep system, which will handicap the normal 'awake' state activities.<br />
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Wound sustained at night cannot heal as well because they were received at a time when the body would naturally be in a restful, inactive state. Ayurveda and science both agree. The body's natural circadian rhythm can be used in many other areas to promote happiness and well being.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
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<br />Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-615559835262082632017-10-26T15:42:00.002-04:002017-10-26T15:42:33.006-04:00Will Crying Help Stress?Crying is generally thought of as a sign of weakness and to be avoided in public at all costs. It is socially acceptable to cry at hearing good news. Yet, when someone cries at bad news or even difficulty, people comment, "Oh he/she is taking it really hard. I hope they will be okay."<br />
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Crying is really <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319631.php">beneficial</a>. It is thought of as self soothing behavior that causes the body to release hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. After a good cry, people feel less stressed and have a reduction of pain. There is a physiological benefit to crying.<br />
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Stifling the urge to cry hurts someone both emotionally and physically. They are denying the strong emotions that they feel. These emotions need to be released or processed. Otherwise, they remain as stress in the body and alter our body's ability to function well. High levels of cortisol (the body's stress hormone) in the body hurts digestion, the body's ability to sleep and causes inflammation and pain. A simple cry allows the emotions to process and releases hormones that stabilize the body's hormones and function.<br />
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Maybe if people focused on the benefits of crying, it wouldn't be judged as a weakness. In crying people are revealing how strongly they feel about a certain situation. Initially, these people appear weak. I think there is a certain courage in showing how one really feels. There is a benefit to dealing with the powerful emotion and looking to move forward. The crying begins the process.<br />
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It is also important to note that not everyone reacts the same emotionally. Some people do have a thicker skin so to speak and are less reactive in certain situations. In Ayurveda, there are three basic body types (doshas) and they have different emotional reactions. Kapha is more stoic. Vata will cry easier, and pitta can wait to cry longer than a vata type, but their tears will release a mix of anger, frustration and sadness. Pittas are the type that need to learn that crying is good for them.<br />
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So, yes, a good cry will help stress.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-998805689313311382017-10-03T18:22:00.000-04:002017-10-03T18:22:50.896-04:00Do You See It & Can You Feel It?There are things we know to exist without really having seen them. What do I mean. In the current age of technology we use things that we cannot see. Think of electricity running through wires allowing us to use televisions, toasters, charge our cell phones and more. We never see the electricity but we rely on it being there and use its service. Moreover, we never doubt its existence.<br />
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Clearly, there must be some other things that we do not see but can still benefit from. It is our power of visualization and positivity. People who <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/prepare-for-a-rocky-flu-season-1506954709">received a flu vaccine</a> and reported a positive mood on a questionnaire had an enhanced response to the vaccine and produced more antibodies to the flu virus.<br />
People with tumors who <a href="http://www.neuroscienze.net/?p=1940">meditate</a> had a better outcome on their tumor growth than those who did not. Further, think of the placebo effect, which has been a common phenomenon. A beneficial effect is produced by a placebo drug or treatment, that cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and is, therefore, related to the patient's belief in that treatment.<br />
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In our age of science and proofs, we should never discount the power of the human spirit to imagine something and make it a reality or the power of feeling in a good mood and how it impacts one's health.<br />
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Only you can make it happen for yourself. To get a little help, surround yourself with positive people, uplifting reading material and some time with nature.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-71473309569451587442017-09-26T18:16:00.003-04:002017-09-26T18:16:49.698-04:00Preparing Our Bodies For FallAccording to a <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/falling-in-love-with-autumn-1503745204">Wall Street Journal article</a> I read, there are two types of people in this country, and their differences have nothing to do with politics. There are those who love fall and those who hate it. I am in the fall haters category. Maybe because I have too much <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">vata</a> (a body type or <i>dosha</i>) or maybe because I associate fall with the beginning of school, but I do know that I need to ease into fall.<br />
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In Ayurveda, transitioning into the next season is a big deal. It is taught that the change of season is hard on the body and that little changes can help us and improve our overall health.<br />
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Summer is pitta season which was warm and promoted much agricultural growth. Too much warmth can leave one feeling dried out, dehydrated. In summer there is moisture with the heat but as fall comes, there is wind and a feeling of dryness. Notice how the leaves are drying out and falling off or how flowers seem to wilt. <br />
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Normally when treating vata, one uses warming heat. However, this heat needs to be balanced for two reasons. One, the pitta heat needs to gently release as nature is letting it and the season go. Two, vata is very sensitive and erratic. Too much heat will aggravate vata causing symptoms like sleeplessness, anxiety, poor digestion, constipation and low immunity.<br />
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A cleanse is the best way to balance the transition to fall. Fasting is generally not done in Ayurveda as it is considered depleting. However, switching to a bland, simple natural diet and using a few medicinal herbs will create the perfect cleanse. Foods like brown rice, lentils and mung beans are good choices. Vegetables like zucchini, asparagus and carrots are nice to use as well. Using energetically cooling spices like cilantro, coconut, peppermint, coriander, fennel, and mint is helpful. Healthy fats are important in any diet, but the fats should be used sparingly and the types recommended are ghee and coconut oil. Drinks should be at room temperature and should be water or unsweetened herbal teas. Taking aloe vera juice (1/4 cup) for two to three morning will also aid elimination and cool the digestive tract. Amalaki is a rejuvenating herb that has the ability to gently cleanse as well.<br />
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Doing this routine for 3 days will help reset the body for fall in a gentle way. Add vata pacifying activities like meditation, regular meals,, sufficient sleep and warm foods like soups to complete the fall transition.<br />
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I am not sure I can say that I will like fall or be able to let go of summer any easier, but at least my body will be up for the new season.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
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<br />Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-59003235649568316102017-09-17T19:43:00.000-04:002017-09-17T19:43:13.964-04:00Making Procrastination Work For YouProcrastination is generally considered a negative trait as it involves the practice of carrying out less urgent tasks in preference to more urgent ones, or doing more pleasurable things in place of less pleasurable ones, and thus putting off impending or important tasks to a later time.<br />
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What if you could use procrastination to help you ditch bad habits? It almost sounds irrational to think the power of two bad things (procrastination and a bad habit) can be positive.<br />
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Let's put it to the test. Suppose someone really loves eating creamy, gelato (and who doesn't?). But this gelato habit is causing weight gain and it needs to stop. Yet, every night after dinner, the gelato is irresistible. Instead of saying no gelato which makes someone feel loss or deprivation, think instead, "I will have the gelato <i>later</i>." Isn't this what we do when we put off exercising, working on a report or cleaning the house? We say we will do it later. It makes us feel good like we are taking care of the valuable and necessary task. Treat the gelato habit the same way. Push it off for an hour, a day or even a week. You will eat the gelato but just not <i>now</i>.<br />
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Some might argue that comparing exercising or menial drudge work to gelato or some other indulgence makes this procrastination tactic unrealistic. It will be unrealistic if one chooses to believe that. Our beliefs shape our choices and actions. However, deep down inside us there is a pure part of us that wishes we could give up the gelato and take care of the stuff that will be beneficial for us. Believing that you cannot make better choices is letting that pure part of us down. The pure part is our inner child that needs the nurturing and caring that you would give to a small child.<br />
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Play the procrastination game to your advantage and become the person you would like to be.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-3315244800428705502017-09-08T18:24:00.001-04:002017-09-08T18:24:06.354-04:00Are You a Dreamer?A dreamer can be defined as one who lives in a world of fancy and imagination. On a more positive side a dreamer could be called a visionary. Yet, dreaming is something we do in both our wakened and unawakened state. Dreams are crucial to our lives in both states. Really they are both connected and necessary for the other one to exist.<br />
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Ayurveda seeks to balance health on a both a physical and emotional level. To feel emotionally healthy, people like to feel happy and live a life of meaning and purpose. Discovering what these things are varies with each individual (as it should!). To think and determine such important concepts requires a strong, healthy mind. People who are feeling fatigue, stress or confusion will not be very successful at it. Moreover, people who are experiencing mental difficulty like dementia or Alzheimer’s will lose this ability to dream a vision for their lives.<br />
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Ironically, our sleep dreaming can help us maintain our mind despite fatigue or stress and even prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. The random series of thoughts, images, or emotions in our sleep state occur during the REM stage of sleep. <a href="http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20170823/do-fewer-dreams-mean-higher-dementia#1">Studies</a> show that a lack of REM sleep and the dreaming in that state are associated with an increased risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s.<br />
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Ayurveda and modern medicine teach that sleep is necessary for body rejuvenation and detoxification. Diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s are associated with the buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain. Proper sleep keeps us healthy in our mind and body.<br />
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Go ahead be a dreamer in both your conscious and unconscious state. It will make you happy and healthy, which is what we all dream of.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-41586018109499502362017-07-10T18:10:00.001-04:002017-07-10T18:10:18.386-04:00Ayurveda Explains Why Coconut Oil Helps Crohn's SufferersCrohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the symptoms of the condition include intestinal swelling, cramping, and diarrhea. Once diagnosed, Crohn's disease is considered a chronic, long term condition where symptoms need to be managed to maintain optimum health.<br />
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Modern medicine treats Crohn's with medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants to slow the progression of disease. Crohn's is a serious condition and I would never recommend forgoing medical treatment. However, many of these medications have difficult and potentially harmful side effects. It is best to use as little of them as possible to keep the condition under control. From an Ayurvedic perspective Crohn's would be addressed by trying to reduce inflammation using food, herbs and lifestyle. The goal is to reduce overall inflammation through gentle, natural means so the body will have less uncomfortable symptoms.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/820550/crohns-disease-bowel-symptoms-diet-gut-bacteria-food-inflammatory">recent study</a> found coconut oil and other good fats (like avocado, cocoa butter, etc.) can bring about positive changes in one's gut bacteria thereby decreasing the symptoms of this debilitating, long-term condition.<br />
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Coconut oil in Ayurveda is recommended for people prone to or having inflammation. It has cooling properties that soothes the inflammation. It can be used for cooking and is wonderful for sauteing vegetables for side dishes, soups and stews. It can be used externally for massage and skin conditions. Ayurveda teaches that it also has anti fungal and anti viral properties as well.<br />
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It really is no surprise that coconut oil has been shown to help people with Crohn's disease. Coconut oil is wonderful for anyone with inflammatory conditions.<br />
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Yes, the <a href="http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2017/06/15/CIR.0000000000000510">American Heart Association</a> has condemned coconut oil as a bad saturated fat and recommend not eating it. Ayurveda does not recommend eating and slathering coconut oil by the cupfuls. All diets need some fats. And some people need to eat more fats and some people need to eat less fats (depending on their <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body type</a>). Coconut oil is a good fat option for people with inflammatory conditions. Advice from an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner on your body and common sense will help guide people to the right amount of coconut oil.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-53928567745011208392017-06-22T17:23:00.001-04:002017-06-22T17:23:14.340-04:00Relationships To Yourself And OthersRelationship is the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. If we exist, we are in relationship, whether it be to ourselves or others. The body needs life force (prana) to exist. Our existence is a relationship between matter (our body) and spirit (our soul), and the prana (life force) connects these two entities.<br />
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People with a low prana tend to be weak, lack energy and are in poor health either physically or mentally. Maintaining a good physical routine and doing meaningful work and activities help cultivate prana. Sometimes it is difficult to do the 'good' things needed to build prana because of the relationship we have with our self. We may neglect our physical and mental health by over doing work and/or indulgences, not listening to what our body/mind really need.<br />
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In our interpersonal relationships with others we may also neglect to listen or understand what another person needs. It is easy to become myopic and only focus on our needs. When we are able to understand what are our needs and another's needs, we can interact better in relationships. We are less prone to miscommunication and grudges. <br />
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Having the ability to introspect and assess our personal point of view and another's point of view, allows us to manage conflict and become closer through understanding each other. This ability needs to be cultivated because it is easy to simply react to conflict or discomfort rather than choosing to act more caring to ourselves and others.<br />
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Recently I read a wonderful book that teaches this skill through stories and examples. The stories model situations in an enjoyable and subtle way. The insight gained comes through compassion for others but it is very effective. I highly recommend the book for people of all ages to improve on all of their relationships. Ellen Gendelman is a licensed psychotherapist and she wrote this special book, "When Ice Cream Is Not Enough" and it is available on Amazon.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-37573559499163447492017-06-15T16:46:00.001-04:002017-06-15T16:46:59.032-04:00Chocolate and Atrial fibrillation What a crazy combination!? Heart issues and yummy indulgent food?<br />
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Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. The <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Who-is-at-Risk-for-Atrial-Fibrillation-AF-or-AFib_UCM_423773_Article.jsp#.WULqg2jyvIV">risk factors</a> for Afib generally are related to having other medical issues that can be risk factors for many illnesses. Specifically, things like high blood pressure, heart disease, drinking excessive alcohol, sleep apnea, advanced age, diabetes, asthma and hyperthyroidism increase the risk.<br />
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The risk factors above are related to inflammation in the body. The tissues in the body become inflamed and swollen, leading to decreased function and health debility. Reducing inflammation will produce improvement in general health as well as reducing specific issues like high blood pressure or heart disease.<br />
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Determining whether a food is healthy in Ayurveda depends on who is asking the question. Pure cocoa, the bean that chocolate is made from, is very bitter (just try eating plain cocoa!).<br />
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Bitter is one of six tastes in Ayurveda (along with sweet, sour, salty, pungent, and astringent). Like each of the tastes, bitter has very specific actions in the body. Bitter brings about the cool, light, and dry qualities in the body, which translates into actions that are anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory and fever reducing.<br />
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This bitter quality of pure chocolate (lightly sweetened or unsweetened) is what gives the health benefits of reducing oxidation and inflammation. A <a href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/05/24/chocolate-study-irregular-heartbeat/">recent study</a> found eating 2 to 6 one ounce portions of chocolate a week does reduce the risk of developing Afib. Ayurveda is not surprised by this result because the bitterness of the chocolate will provide the anti inflammatory action needed for this type of result. Ayurveda teaches that food and herbs can be medicine for our body.<br />
<br />
The connection between chocolate and atrial fibrillation is not so crazy.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-86062495863319642592017-06-04T14:48:00.000-04:002017-06-04T14:48:50.133-04:00Ashoka - Not Just a Women's HerbAyurveda as an ancient healing system of medicine uses food and herbs for healing and balance. These herbal remedies have been used for hundreds of years. Some of the remedies have a story. The ashoka tree, for example, was named for the reincarnation of a man who in his previous life was depressed and committed robberies in his broken mental state. After overcoming his grief and making amends, his soul came back as the ashoka tree, so he could help others overcome grief and sadness.<br />
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While the story is not verifiable, the healing attributes of ashoka are known to be a powerful grief-reliever and bliss-giver. It also has properties, such as analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory,<br />
anti-menorrhagic and an antioxidant. Traditionally, ashoka is used as a uterine tonic to help with excess bleeding and cramping, and is an overall tonic to strengthen the female system. Yet, this bitter tasting herb that is bright red in color also helps with complexion problems, digestion and purification.<br />
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The emotional aspect of ashoka targets the emotional heart, known as sadhaka pitta. Sadhaka pitta is<br />
the fuel that the heart runs on to process emotions and grief. The thought process of the brain gets affected by what it receives from the heart. If the heart cannot process its emotions, the mind is impacted and thoughts can become negative and defeated. Constant negative thoughts and stress affect the body by releasing cortisol and other stress hormones. If these hormones stay chronically high, the physiology of the body becomes altered, leading to inflammatory states. Depression and body inflammation generally go hand in hand. An unhealthy cycle of inflammation and negative emotions keep harming the body. <br />
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If, however, the heart clearly processes and digests emotionally charged experiences and events, the messages to the brain are positive. The brain can think and function optimally and support the physiology with balanced amounts of hormones. Inflammation and negative emotions are minimized. Ayurveda targets the sadhaka pitta with herbs, diet and lifestyle, because a healthy person has the necessary strength to process experiences rather than becoming defeated. All the recommendations are tailored to be anti-inflammatory to stop the cycle of negative emotions and harmful physiological changes and symptoms. Ashoka is a bitter herb that by its nutritional effect is anti-inflammatory. It is also known to uplift the spirit. <br />
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Ashoka is more than just a female tonic because of its strengthening of the emotional heart and benefit to many other inflammatory conditions.<br />
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While an herb is a wonderful way to ignite healing, the whole lifestyle has to support the herb. Otherwise, relief will be temporary and the body will continue to become imbalanced. A holistic approach for body and mind will help us be the happy, healthy person we really are.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
<br />
Please note: There are times when people are clinically depressed or have had severe grief, trauma or abuse, and people should seek help from a professional. Ayurveda can support the healing process and can be a tool to manage stress to bolster professional treatment.Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-48555945184747237922017-05-28T18:17:00.000-04:002017-05-28T18:17:56.181-04:00How Breathing Helps Lower Blood PressureIn Ayurveda it is taught that the life force (<i>prana</i>) within us is our breath. One of the many natural healing modalities in Ayurveda is <i>pranayama</i>, which means the regulation of the breath through certain techniques and exercises. Ayurveda uses the breath to help heal people both physically and mentally. Incorporating breathing techniques into one's daily routine is easy, inexpensive and provides many positive benefits.<br />
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Modern medicine and science have been studying the effect of breathing on health, and the findings have been very promising. One of the leading causes of death in western civilization is cardiovascular disease. Generally, hypertension, which is also known as high blood pressure, is one of the biggest risk factors for developing cardiovascular or heart disease. High blood pressure occurs when the force of a person's blood against the artery walls is too high. The heart is working too hard and the body becomes weakened from this high stress state. Doctors usually treat this condition with prescription medication and instruct the patient to exercise more, reduce sodium intake and try to slow down (have less stress).<br />
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However, a new form of treatment has been found helpful - breathing exercises. The breathing exercises have been shown to <a href="https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-04-high-blood-pressure.html">lower blood pressure</a>. While breathing exercises can lower blood pressure in the moment, it seems to only be a temporary fix for adults. The authors of the study felt to prevent and eliminate high blood pressure, the breathing exercises needed to be practiced in one's youth. As one ages, the neurons become set and the synaptic interactions have become more fixed. <br />
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Adults can still benefit from breathing exercises and move their high blood pressure in a positive direction. Controlled, purposeful breathing is calming because it doesn’t activate specific neurons in the brain that communicate with the body's arousal center. The reason rapid, shallow breathing is so stress-inducing is because it activates neurons that trigger arousal, which typically translates into worry and anxiety. The deep breathing slows down the heart rate and digestion while promoting a state of calm. Further, the body learns how to adapt to stress more positively, which keeps the heart healthier, stronger and more resilient.<br />
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Having a way to lessen and possibly eliminate high blood pressure and stress that is natural, free and practiced for hundreds of years is a good thing. Ayurveda has always known this. Go ahead, take a deep breath and feel your mood shift instantaneously.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-55678123431667323602017-05-18T12:20:00.001-04:002017-05-18T12:20:16.749-04:00How an Ayurvedic Herbal Staple Helps DepressionFor better or for worse depression is on the rise today. Depression has become the leading psychological disorder in the western world. It affects all age groups, but it is especially prevalent among teenagers. At the rate depression is increasing, it will be the second <a href="http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/dlp/depression-information/major-depression-facts/">most disabling condition</a> in the world by 2020.<br />
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While depression is personal and individual, a common element is some cases of depression is inflammation, specifically <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21893478">gut inflammation</a>. Further, even low grade <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23639523">chronic inflammation</a> is being linked to depression. Researchers at this point are not sure what came first the chicken or the egg. Meaning, depression and mood disorders can cause inflammation in the body. Conversely, body inflammation can be a risk factor or cause of depression.<br />
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Inflammation is clearly not something we want and is bad for both the body and the mind. Curcumin, the active ingredient in the Aurvedic and Indian spice turmeric, is a polyphenol with an amazing amount of therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28236605">Studies</a> are finding the use of curcumin to help alleviate inflammation and depression. One <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5025/abstract;jsessionid=C47E4CE22986ED49AD66B1AFF7068607.d03t02">study</a> even used curcumin with anti-depressant drugs and found curcurmin to be an effective choice for treatment of depression.<br />
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Ayurveda uses turmeric in food spice blends and herbal supplements because of its incredible healing properties. Eating real food in its natural state helps with nutrient assimilation. If one wants to use curcumin in supplement form, make sure it has been optimized for maximum absorption. Many supplement companies submit themselves to third party testing and clinical trials to prove their quality and effectiveness. When using curcumin, it is a good idea to use a reputable product.<br />
<br />
While supplements are and can be helpful in treating our ailments, lifestyle changes are necessary too. A supplement can jump start recovery, but our bodies need balancing. Otherwise, the root cause of the inflammation or other illness will continue to weaken our health. An Ayurvedic health practitioner or Holistic Health Coach can help with making lifestyle changes.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-29507919141348590782017-05-05T15:27:00.000-04:002017-05-05T15:27:34.233-04:00Kapha Season - Time to Clear Out Our Sinuses and LungsIn the northern part of the United States, we are getting excited for spring and summer. Until spring arrives, the earth and our bodies prepare. There is water everywhere nourishing the earth for the growth season. Our bodies are draining the fat we needed in the winter to stay warm and moist. Many people tend to get colds this time of year or have allergies. The congestion in our sinuses and lungs can be uncomfortable and make us feel stuck.<br />
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Usually to counteract kapha (one of the ayurvedic <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body types</a>), extra movement is recommended. Eating the right food for kapha is helpful too. Foods with the tastes of pungent, bitter and astringent counteract the heaviness of kapha.<br />
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Horseradish is perfect to break up the congestion because of its pungent and heating character. Modern <a href="http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/use-horseradish-sinus-infections-uti-cold-flu-bronchitis/">science also confirms its healing properties</a> of relieving sinus and respiratory congestion, but horseradish additionally has anti viral and anti infection properties.<br />
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Horseradish works by helping your body get rid of the mucus, when stagnant, can become a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause serious infections. Horseradish thins the mucus, making it easier to cough out. Sometimes at first the mucus production might increase, but it is the body's way of signaling that it is getting ready to cleanse. Therefore, it may take a couple days for the body to get relief. If horseradish can be taken at the first sign of a cold or at the start of the season, relief can come faster and prevent the need for commercial medicines.<br />
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Horseradish should be eaten when freshly grated to get the highest potency of its medicinal qualities. The recommended amount is a half to whole teaspoon grated horseradish three times a day. Some people need to build up slowly because the sharpness can be difficult to tolerate. <br />
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Ayurveda teaches how nature can work to our health and well being.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-44037093881970783642017-04-30T13:39:00.000-04:002017-04-30T13:39:01.432-04:00Getting The Benefits of Meditating Without MeditatingAyurveda teaches the importance of meditation for its effect on both the body and mind. True health can never be achieved unless the body and mind are balanced and cared for. As an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, I am not suggesting to replace meditation with these short cuts, but life is hectic and unpredictable. Having a short cut for meditation can be a life saver for the extra busy times in our lives when we are struggling with the time, consistency, focus and technique required to get meditation right.<br />
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One doesn't actually need to sit down and close their eyes to go into a meditative state for hours a day, because there are other easier ways to get the mind into this state and enjoy the benefits of this ancient practice.<br />
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There are many mundane activities that are important and need our attention but we can use these times to go into a meditative state. The goal is to go into a mindful state where one pays attention to their surroundings and lets go of our monkey mind that is worrying about our to do list or annoying things we tolerate on a daily basis.<br />
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Here are few examples of everyday activities that can be turned into a meditative, mindful state. <br />
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<ul>
<li>When we <i>take a shower</i>, we can let our mind concentrate on the physical sensations of the water hitting our body, the temperature of the water, the smell of the shampoo and soap and the relative quiet from the usual background noise. This mental break where we focus on the moment of the shower is a perfect opportunity for mindfulness.</li>
<li>When we <i>walk a pet or push a stroller</i>, think about the things around you. Pay attention to the sounds, the people, the weather. Do you smell anything or see anything unusual close by or in the distance? How does the body feel? By taking a mindful walk, endorphins are being released for a good, happy feeling. </li>
<li>When you <i>make your morning coffee or tea</i>, make this ritual more meaningful and meditative. Focus your attention on your movements, like when you start to sip the warm drink, close your eyes and savor the sensations of taste, smell and warmth. Notice your breathing. Simply paying attention to these details will let you begin your day with deeper focus, clarity and peace. Much better than perusing your email or the daily news. This is also a good thing to do with any meal or food preparation. </li>
<li>When you do <i>simple chores like sweeping or the dishes</i>, notice how your body feels as you do these movements. Think about your breath and how your home will feel after getting this care and attention. Being in the moment and taking time for appreciation instantly creates a meditative state.</li>
</ul>
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Life can get busy but making some of our to do list do double duty in the form of mindfulness is a win win. Things are getting done but we are caring for our mind and body too.</div>
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Stay healthy & well,</div>
<div>
Lisa</div>
Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-67502604853433214272017-03-19T13:07:00.003-04:002017-03-19T13:07:58.079-04:00Your Sense of Smell, Pollution & Weight Gain - Are They Connected?The sense of smell is a vital sense of perception that tends to be underrated in our lives. On a physical level smell can alert us to a dangerous situation like a gas leak or spoiled food. It also triggers our sense of taste, making food less or more appealing (imagine the odors of raw cabbage or cinnamon) On a mental level level smell is associated with the part of the brain that processes emotions and memory. Certain smells can trigger memories and emotions in us (think of Grandma's chicken soup or homemade cookies).<br />
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The sense of smell in Ayurveda is known as the gateway to the brain. Using aromas can affect a person's physiology immediately and they can affect a person in an unconscious, subtle manner. Ayurveda and aromatherapy use smell as a healing modality.<br />
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If our ability to smell is impaired, life becomes less enjoyable. Food tastes bland, we can't enjoy the aroma of flowers or a favorite perfume and the emotional high from smelling things we have grown to love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/02/22/modern-living-killing-sense-smell-says-leading-scientist/">Science </a>has recently found pollution and other environmental factors in our modern age are ruining mankind's ability to smell. Further, the researchers associated with the study are finding that people with weakened smell ability can no longer detect the more subtle nuances of food fragrances. Flavors become less distinct, making them crave foods with stronger, more pronounced flavors, particularly salty and sweet tastes. These increased cravings cause people to eat more compulsively and put on extra weight.<br />
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The sensation of taste is intrinsic to out eating experience. Enjoying the smell and taste of a food enhances our enjoyment and thus our satiety. People eat more when they are not feeling satisfied.<br />
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So, how can we maintain our sense of smell despite pollution? The healthier and stronger we are, the less likely we are to lose our sense of smell. It all comes down to good maintenance; a healthy diet, exercise (a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24135745">scientific study</a> has shown exercise lessens the the loss of smell in older adults) and adequate sleep. It is also helpful to "exercise" your sense of smell. Try concentrating on the smell of your food before you eat it. Also, take the opportunity everyday to smell different smells like coffee, fruit, flowers and herbs to use the smell receptors in your brain.<br />
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Yes, your sense of smell, pollution and weight gain are connected....<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-55859485402315198492017-03-10T12:23:00.001-05:002017-03-10T12:23:52.017-05:00What Makes You Sweat More?Socially no one wants to be seen sweating. It seems dirty and it looks like someone is nervous or overexerting themselves. In the gym it is somewhat okay but people rush to shower after the workout.<br />
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Sweat is essential to human survival because it serves as the body's coolant, getting rid of excess body heat (produced by the body's metabolism and working muscles) and protecting the body from overheating. It is also a way for the body to detox from toxins. However, certain types of people and certain situations will trigger the body to sweat more.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316071.php">recent study</a> found that the larger a person's body mass is, the more likely they are to sweat more often. Overweight people tend to sweat more than those who are a healthy weight. Beyond the physical characteristic of the body, levels of stress and anxiety also influence sweating. Strong emotions like anger, embarrassment and fear will bring on the sweat. The actions of drinking alcohol, smoking and excessive caffeine can cause a person to sweat more too.<br />
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It is difficult to label what is the proper amount of sweating a person should have because it is individual. In reality, people should be taking advantage of opportunities to sweat more instead of trying to sweat less. Exercise and saunas are good for us, and we can shower when we are done.<br />
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Recently, I tried using plain baking soda as an antiperspirant/deodorant after I shower. Strange sounding but it really works to keep me dry and get rid of that sweat odor. Try it and let me know if it works for you too...<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-15348601500506229972017-03-05T12:43:00.000-05:002017-03-05T12:43:16.003-05:00Does Season Transition Mean More Colds?In Ayurveda there are three seasons, vata, kapha and pitta. Pitta season is June through October. Vata is from November through February, and Kapha begins in March and lasts through June. The transitioning of seasons is hard on the body. When the body is stressed or working harder, our immunity naturally lowers. This means we need extra care. <br />
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Currently we are in Kapha season, which lasts from the second half of winter through spring, and in many areas that means plenty of wet weather. Along with the cold in the earlier parts of the season, it is this theme of wetness that defines Kapha season. No matter what your <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body (dosha) type</a> is, you will be influenced by Kapha’s prevailing qualities at this time of year. Extra movement to flush out some of the toxins that have accumulated during the cold winter from heavier foods and less activity is the best way to begin adjusting as well as tongue scraping and possibly neti pot to move extra mucous from the system. Plus incorporate more pungent and bitter tastes like greens and turmeric. Yet, each type should balance the focus in the right way for them. Vata and Kapha types both need to stay warm, but Vata needs to center and ground while Kapha needs to get moving and lighten their diet. Pitta types like this cool weather and they are encouraged to spend time in nature to calm their competitive and goal oriented personality.<br />
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Herbal and supplement support helps our immunity. First and foremost make sure vitamin D levels are adequate. <a href="http://time.com/4672626/vitamin-d-cold-flu/">Research </a>shows people with healthy levels of vitamin D suffer less from colds and flu. Vitamin C is very important, and it is found in one of Ayurveda's most popular herb of amalaki.<br />
Zinc, oregano oil, propolis, olive leaf extract and garlic are also linked to strengthening immunity and shortening the duration of colds and flu.<br />
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By becoming stronger from within we become more resilient and less affected by the things around us. There will always be germs. Good self care makes us stronger and healthier.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-25801791040777496072017-02-26T13:58:00.001-05:002017-02-26T13:58:10.318-05:00Why I Eat Flax SeedsEating habits and food preferences are obviously personal. Moreover, in Ayurveda, whether a food is healthy is determined by a person's <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body type</a>. Flax seeds in Ayurveda have a light and hot quality as a fiber, making them a good choice for vata and kapha but not as good for pitta.<br />
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Nutritionally flax seeds are a source of fat, carbohydrate and protein, specifically 42 percent fat, 29 percent carbohydrates and 18 percent protein. They are rated as a super-food because they are a superb source of fiber, omega-3 fats and lignans. Plus there are other compounds in flax seed like polyphenols, which pack the benefit of being a potent antioxidant and fight inflammation. This translates to improved digestion, lowering the risk of diseases and slowing down the aging process.<br />
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As a woman in perimenopause, the flax seeds give me fiber to keep me regular. This means there is less of a chance of toxins building up in my body. More importantly to ease my transition, the lignans in flax seed help to get rid of the bad estrogens (estradiol) that are associated with breast cancer risk, hot flashes, mood swings, bloating and weight gain, and these same lignans help to make the good estrogen (estrone types) that actually prevent these uncomfortable conditions. Men can also be high in the bad estrogen from certain environmental sources. Please do not think flax seeds are a gender based food :). I also like the high healthy fat content of flax seeds because it makes me feel full longer and nourishes my hormones and tissues.<br />
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Flax seeds can be hard to digest so take them in divided doses and be sure to drink plenty of liquid which helps to digest fiber. Buy flax seeds in small quantities because they can get rancid very quickly. Store the flax seeds in the fridge or freezer to maintain shelf life. Remember flax seeds must be ground to get the most nutritional value. Flax seeds can be purchased ground but grinding them yourself will give them a higher nutritional profile.<br />
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While I may like flax seeds, they may not be a favorite for someone else. But like I told my children when they were little, try it a few times before making a final judgment.<br />
<br />
Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-48206143260734637622017-02-19T12:40:00.000-05:002017-02-19T12:40:53.631-05:00Ayurveda Explains Why We Need To Eat Less As We AgeSome people might be thinking that they didn't hear about this eating less thing as they age. And they may not be too happy about it. Grey hair and wrinkles aren't bad enough...now we have to eat less?<br />
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Our bodies are made up of cells. All living things, large or small, plant or animal, are made up of cells. Cells are very small usually only being able to be seen through a microscope. Cells are the smallest living units that are capable of reproducing themselves, and each cell in the body was made from an already existing cell. All parts of the body are made up of cells, which can vary depending on their location and function. Like all living things, cells die, but they can be replaced by new cells. As we age, this process of replicating slows down. No single process can explain all the changes in a cell due to aging but we can minimize the aging process with lifestyle habits.<br />
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The activity of proteins within a cell is a key factor in the health and lifespan of cells and therefore living creatures. Ribosomes are structures in the cells that synthesize proteins. As we age ribosomes slow down thereby allowing protein synthesis to slow as well. This is actually a mechanism to help slow down aging, as it allows time for cellular repair and processes that recycle old or dead cells. <br />
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If protein synthesis is slowing down, this means cells can get overwhelmed and stressed if there is too much protein and nutrition going in the cell. It becomes a burden to process, which then interrupts this special time allowing for cellular repair. Instead the ribosomes are forced to rev up which contradicts the natural process. Recent scientific <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170213151306.htm">research</a> has shown calorie restriction to slow down the ribosomes and allow more time for cellular regeneration.<br />
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In Ayurveda, the older years, which start in our mid-fifties, begins vata time. Winter is also vata time. Think of winter when growth and greenery look like they are shut down. Yet, in winter, the vegetation is getting ready for a new time of growth by resting. There is little nourishment in terms of sunlight, but the inner workings of a tree or flower exist and will manifest at the appropriate time. In the vata time of aging, we can assist the process by eating less (calorie restriction like the research shows) and resting more. We don't have to starve, rather we choose nutrient dense foods that are warm and nourishing, choosing to eat less often.<br />
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Rather than being disappointed by the change in diet, we can look forward to some of the other benefits of the vata <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body type</a>. Things like communication, thinking, creativity and social activity are all awesome gifts of a balanced vata <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">type</a>. We can choose resiliency with the cycles of life as it changes, bringing us growth and happiness.<br />
<br />
Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-8536578830295543812017-02-14T14:22:00.001-05:002017-02-14T14:22:14.784-05:00Why Do Yogi's Have Healthy Habits?It seems like many of the people who practice spiritual enlightenment (like Eastern philosophy, religion, Buddhism, etc.) seem to be naturally drawn to simple lifestyles. They have a routine that emphasizes spiritual practice and learning but they seem to have a routine to take care of their bodies too. Generally, they eat lighter, have a basic exercise program, go to sleep early, rise early and make time for good deeds (like helping the needy, sick and lonely). There is a vibe of equanimity, which means mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.<br />
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What makes a yogi have these qualities? Is it the spiritual leaning or is it the physical lifestyle? I think it is a symbiotic cycle that begins with the intent to infuse their life with meaning. The mind and heart can desire something but it does not exist unless the body works in the physical world to create it. When the body takes action, the desirous thing exists. For example, one may want to help the poor. Until one gives money time or effort, the desire to help the poor remains a thought and never really comes into existence. Everyone gives on the level they are able. Some people give a few dollars because that is all they can do. Another person may organize a weekly event where care packages are made and delivered to homeless shelters. Planning the weekly event takes clarity.<br />
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When someone wants to succeed, they try to plan and figure out the best way. this takes mental clarity. A yogi wants to attain spiritual connection but they live in a body that needs tending. This body needs adequate, proper care to feel good. A body that feels good has a better chance of having a clear mind, loving emotions and an openness to learn. This is the root of the yogi's healthy habits. <br />
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Think how you feel when you wake up refreshed, have daily elimination, are a healthy weight and a working digestive system. Is it hard to remember the last time you felt like that? Maybe it is time to trade some outdated habits for new, innovative habits that will sky rocket your mental clarity and body health. Ayurveda has a great daily routine that will have you feeling like a yogi in no time. I am happy to introduce you to it anytime.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
Lisa<br />
<br />Lisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085549002140222694.post-79719227560752837742017-01-30T17:03:00.000-05:002017-01-30T17:03:16.938-05:00Coriander:The Herb That Can Prevent Metal Toxicity & MoreAyurveda teaches that a food is determined as healthy when it is in harmony with the person eating and the foods that a person is eating. Essentially there are six tastes (sweet, salty, bitter, sour, pungent and astringent), and certain <a href="http://www.lisacohenayurveda.com/yourdosha">body (dosha) types</a> do better with certain foods based on the energetics of the food itself. For example, kapha types should favor foods that are bitter, pungent and astringent to help balance the sometimes heavy, slow moving quality of kapha.<br />
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Historically and today many foods are classified as nutritious and healthy because they have been shown to heal and prevent certain health conditions and illnesses. For example, <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric/">turmeric </a>has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant among many of its other benefits. Ayurveda refines the process of using food and herbs as medicine by tailoring the quantity for each individual.<br />
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Coriander in Ayurveda is considered beneficial for all body types to a certain extent. It is especially helpful for digestion as it enkindles the digestive fire while simultaneously cooling and soothing the GI tract. This helps eliminate gas, spasms and promotes absorption of food. Coriander has also been shown to have antimicrobial substances that help fight disease and infection. It has been shown to <a href="http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume12/06June/June2015_FaM.html?ts=1460657713&signature=b52b328734a7be57def0049aeeab8205">prevent the absorption of heavy metals and toxins</a> that are found in many seafood and meats today. Coriander, when eaten at the same time as foods containing metals and toxins, prevents absorption of these pollutants in the body. The presence of metals in the body has been shown to increase the <a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/16/021816_Phytonutrient-Dense-Herb-Controls-Blood-Sugar-Cholesterol-Free-Radicals.shtml">likelihood of Alzheimer's and memory loss</a>. Using the coriander as a condiment or as a sauce with meals is practical way to benefit from its purifying qualities.<br />
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Coriander has been around for thousands of years and used for many ailments in ancient medical practices. Rediscover this healthy herb and enjoy its taste and health benefits.<br />
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Stay healthy & well,<br />
LisaLisa Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10870243763753869740noreply@blogger.com0