Yoga - Yoga for kid | bikram yoga | Health | Meditation

Why do we fall sick or develop disease?

Most of us find answers in a physical cause, as in a bacterial infection or wrong food, late nights, lack of exercise, genetics etc. But these explanations seem inadequate when we see people, who follow every rule in the book and yet fall prey to disease. Numerous studies indicate that at least 25 per cent of the people who “can’t cope” with the stressors in their lives tend to develop disease more than others. Such people are usually discontented with their lives. Ordinary day to day events, both at home and at work seem to be more stressful to them than to others.

Stress is omnipresent. It is an unavoidable part of life. It is how we react to it that makes a difference to our state of health. Some people handle stress well. They remain calm and collected in most situations and it has little impact on their physical or emotional health. There are others who are very negatively influenced by it. Such people generally experience chronic fatigue, joint pain, migraine, high blood pressure, heart disease etc. It is said that heart disease enters from the mind.

Physical implications of a disturbed mind

Researchers estimate that about 80 per cent of all major illnesses including cancer, skin disorders, cardiovascular disease and even backache are related to the mind and behaviour. Stress is perceived as a psychological problem but it has very real physical effects. When your body is emotionally overloaded and you further contaminate it with chemicals and strange foods, a series of physiological changes take place. There may be increased secretion of adrenaline, acceleration of heart beat, greater tension in the muscles, slower or improper digestion. Blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels may rise, the blood thickens and is more prone to clot formation. This in turn increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Dietary Support

Limit your intake of coffee as caffeine contributes to panic attacks and nervousness.

Increase your intake of raw vegetables and fresh fruits. These are rich in flavonoids, which help to neutralise dangerous free radicals.

Physical inactivity is also a form of stress to the body. So get moving. Exercise can help keep stress under control.

Avoid carbonated drinks, fried foods, refined foods made from white flour, sugar, foods containing colour, additives processed foods etc as they chemicalise your body and add to the toxic overload.

Chamomile tea (herb tea) has a calming effect on the nerves and is also soothing to the digestive tract. Take one or two cups at bed-time. It will also help you to sleep better.

Kava Kava tea also helps to relax the body and has a calming effect on the mind. Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that helps to offset the effects of stress and act as a nerve tonic.