Monday 26 November 2018

Natural Remedies for Constipation


Myra - a pretty little angel enters my clinic with severe bloating and a complaint of stomach ache! When I asked her mom, Anita, here is what she had to say
Anita: I am really worried Doctor, Myra hasn’t passed motions for two days now. It has been a problem with Myra since her birth.
Dr Nidhi: Don’t worry Anita, constipation is a common problem all across the globe and can be a result of your lifestyle choices, medications, food you eat or avoid and also due to certain diseases.
Anita: But I have been very particular about her diet. Even if we eat outside, I make sure she eats healthy. Her older brother does not listen and eats whatever he wants but he never had such a problem. I am scared if Myra’s condition will worsen with time.
Dr Nidhi: As far as her brother is concerned, different bodies react differently to their surroundings. Talking about Myra’s condition I think it is not that bad. Less than three bowel movements per week is characterized as constipation. While sometimes it may be chronic, other times it can occur occasionally. I can understand it’s uncomfortable for her and it has disrupted her play routine. (Myra smiled)
After examining Myra I gave her constitutional homeopathic medicine for getting relief from her symptoms.
Dr Nidhi: Along with this medicine I would also suggest some healthy lifestyle changing tips so that Myra can live a medicine free life!
Anita: That would be great Doctor. Are there any natural remedies we can opt for?

A kid drinking water


Dr Nidhi: Yes, there are many natural remedies you can try if you don’t want to take over the counter medicines. Main concentration needs to be on drinking more water. Dehydration can make you constipated. Myra should have at-least two liters of water daily.
Anita: She doesn’t drink water, Doctor. Even after a meal she drinks a sip or two and that’s it.
Dr Nidhi: Try to hydrate her body every hour by making her drink one glass of water especially when she is in an air conditioned environment. The next thing you can do is give her lots of dietary fibre.

oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, lentils, prunes and raisins
Consider giving her oats, flax seeds, china seeds, lentils, prunes and raisins for relief.
Anita: She likes raisins. She won’t eat flax seed.
We both looked at Myra as she smiled back at us shyly.
Dr Nidhi: Ok, even soaked raisins overnight work wonders for stomach. Vegetables like broccoli and spinach are great sources of fiber too - give them in form of soup in this winter season to get the optimum result. And also it’s far better than eating broccoli as a vegetable.
 Anita: That could work.

Warm water with half lemon and honey


Dr Nidhi: The soups will keep her bowel movements on track. But just in case for occasional constipation problems you can give her warm water with half lemon and one teaspoon honey which can help in putting her system back on track. Lemon acts as a stimulant and flushes out toxins while honey works as a mild laxative.
Anita: That could come to our rescue on our trips and tours.


 A girl running with her mother


Dr Nidhi: Along with proper diet she must also exercise. It’s said that movement of the body is necessary for bowel movement. Try taking her for regular walks or outdoor activities to reduce the symptoms of constipation. Pranayama too has a great role in relaxing stomach muscles.
Anita: She hasn’t always been very athletic but I guess I can take her on morning walks with me. It will give me a reason to start walking again.


castor oil vs ghee with milk)


 Dr Nidhi:  Oils are good laxatives that help in cleaning the intestines and also promote bowel movements. You can give her one tea spoon of castor oil on an empty stomach and wait for 8 hours to see its magic!
I could see Anita’s face contorting; she knew her daughter would not like the smell of castor oil. Hence I gave them an alternative.
Dr Nidhi: If castor oil is unacceptable you can give her warm milk with one tablespoon ghee at bedtime to have a happy morning.
Anita: Thank you Doctor, I know I would have a pretty hard time giving her castor oil. She likes ghee that won’t be a problem for her.
Dr Nidhi: Does she like yogurt?
(Myra Nodded)
Dr Nidhi:  Make a proper balance between Prebiotic and Probiotic. Yogurts are an excellent Probiotic. They are full of good bacteria. Prebiotics are banana , artichokes , garlic , asparagus, barley, apples  etc . Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt. You must regularly consume prebiotics and probiotics for good bowel movements.
 Anita: She loves fruits and yogurt so I don’t think we will have problem over there.


cheese, pork, bread, fried food, spicy food


Dr Nidhi: These remedies along with medicines would do wonders for her. During constipation please avoid eating cheese, pork, bread, fried food and spicy food as it can further cause trouble for the bowel movements.
Anita: Thank you Doctor. I was worried about her but now with all the things that you have recommended I think she won’t have a problem with her stomach anymore.
Dr Nidhi: Having a healthy gut is the key to build a strong immune system. It also helps you focus on your life without having to worry about the symptoms and pain. If you’re seeking any help with your symptoms, opt for integrated healthcare in Pune for long-term benefits.
I hope this discussion was helpful for you. For more information about us please do visit our website.

Sunday 11 November 2018

Natural Remedies for Pharyngitis

Alifiya, an IT professional, entered my clinic with a complaint of severe pain in throat and wanted a respite ASAP. I calmed her down and began the conversation by taking her history. Here’s how our conversation proceeded.

Dr Nidhi: Have you eaten anything spicy or junk food or are you allergic to anything?

Alifiya: Yes, I’m allergic to dust and few food items such as milk and pineapple. Do you think it’s because of the allergy? I am really having a hard time dealing with it. Due to the pain, dryness, and irritation in my throat, I’m not able to swallow food.

Although at first it looked like an allergy, after a thorough examination I diagnosed that it was pharyngitis. This condition is quite common since winters are here and sitting in an AC environment does aggravate dryness in the throat. Besides giving her Homeopathic sweet pills I told her to use some home remedies as well to get a faster recovery.

Here are the things that I suggested her that are really effective in the case of pharyngitis.


1. Apple Cider Vinegar


Apple cider vinegar in warm water with honey


Mix one spoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of warm water, add some honey and drink it once a day on an empty stomach to give a protective layer to your throat. ACV works magical due to its anti-bacterial anti-fungal and anti-viral properties in this weather.

2. Salt Water


salt water for gargling

Gargling with hot or warm salt water is one of the first things that the elders suggest for the soreness and are right to do so. Salt water can help in treating your sore throat and kill the pharyngitis causing bacteria. Mix one tea spoon of salt or sea salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with this solution three times in a day.

3. Honey


honey in warm water, star anise

One of the most trusted remedies for pharyngitis, honey works better for upper respiratory infections compared to other over-the-counter medicines. Mix a teaspoon of honey in warm water, add some lemon pinch of star anise powder and drink it slowly. Keep drinking this throughout the day till your condition improves.

4. Turmeric


turmeric in milk

Turmeric being a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory doctor from our kitchen can be used with milk at bedtime for a quick recovery. The Golden latte, as the world calls it, works magically on throat problems.

5. Garlic

garlic oil in water

The active compound allicin in Garlic makes it work like an antibiotic. You can mix garlic oil in water and gargle for instant relief. You can also make tea with garlic, cinnamon and pepper. Consume fresh garlic pieces like a cough drop and crush the garlic between your teeth to release its allicin for best results.

 Alifiya was very happy to know that all these prescriptions can be made and consumed in the comfort of her home.

Alifiya: Thank you doctor, I already feel better and I am trying all of it the moment I reach home. This is great!

Dr Nidhi: Wonderful! But all these things would work if you follow a small set of instructions. They are as follows.

Things to Keep in Mind:

1. Chicken soup can also offer relief to a sore throat.
2. Make sure you drink water several times in a day to stay hydrated. You can drink warm water for some relief.
3. Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Also, ensure you’re not passive smoking.
4. Try to get ample of rest to recover quickly.
5. You can also drink chamomile tea and peppermint tea for better healing.

Alifiya: I will follow the instructions like a ritual doctor.

Dr Nidhi: (Chuckles) Very well.

Alifiya did follow all the instructions and got well very soon. The holistic health care has always aimed at a natural way of healing. Hence when you choose integrated healthcare in Pune over medicines, you can find relief for a long-term without any side-effects.

I hope this blog was helpful for you.
Stay Fit Stay Happy!


Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalized! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.