First of all, what is in elimination diet? An elimination diet is a diet in which you remove all potentially allergenic foods. The top eight allergenic foods are dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc), fish (bass, cod, flounder, etc), shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp, etc), soy, and gluten. For an elimination diet, you remove all of these foods plus any others that you feel may be causing you health problems. You basically strip your diet down to the bare minimum of soups with fresh vegetables (non-nightshades, such as eggplants and tomatoes) and eat that for a few days. Then, you introduce one item at a time back into your diet and eat only that for three to four days and see how you feel. One by one, you add each food item back into your diet and notice any physical symptoms you may have.

The problem with the western approach to the elimination diet is that there is no consideration given to improving digestion. The process seems simple. For example, you strip your diet down for three days and then you introduce yourself to dairy for example. Well, dairy is hard to digest, so after having a liquid and easy to digest foods, you are bound to naturally have a tough time digesting dairy. It will be natural to feel an upset stomach after drinking a glass of milk or eating some cheese. The same applies to all of the potential allergenic foods because they are all heavy and hard to digest.

Here is my recommendation for doing an elimination diet:

1) Start by having a light diet for three days. Have only soups along with warm and cooked foods only. Nothing raw except for ripened fruits. Avoid all cold foods and drinks. Avoid leftovers, processed foods, fast foods, trans and saturated fats, and all foods with artificial ingredients or additives. If possible, have a vegetarian diet and eat your largest meal at lunchtime. Follow this diet for about 3 days at minimum.

2) While having a light diet, work on improving digestion. Drink hot water and use digestive spices in your cooking and in your teas. Some spices that improve digestion are ginger, cumin, black pepper, fennel, turmeric, and coriander. Lemon juice and honey in warm water is also a good tonic for cleansing the digestive tract.

3) During this time, it is important to eat at least three meals a day, so do not starve yourself. Staying hungry will not help with improving digestion.

4) Then, on day four, introduce your first food back into your diet. Whatever you do, do not over eat or stuff yourself. This will not help you when figuring out how you feel after consuming the food. Overeating will lead to all sorts of different symptoms that mimic the signs of food allergies, including constipation and nausea.
I suggest starting with dairy. Now, keep in mind that dairy is hard to digest. So, be sure to have some fresh ginger before your consumption of dairy to aid with digestion. Start with fresh cheeses or boiled milk. And then see how you feel for the next few days.

5) And then slowly, one by one, add everything back into your diet and consume all vegetarian foods before testing any meats. It is important to keep an eye on your digestion during this time, as your digestion is very sensitive. Continue to use spices, drink hot water, and have some fresh ginger before every meal.

6) Pay attention to how you feel and your digestion. If you are having a reaction, you will feel it within 72 hours and that is why you add only one food at a time every three days. Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, headaches, and fevers are just some of the symptoms of potential food allergies. And of course, during this time, if you feel that you need to seek medical attention and see your doctor, please do so. Important thing is to monitor how you feel before and after consuming each of the different foods.

Best of luck with your elimination diet!

- Varsha

The nurse, herself does not get the flu shot and the team lead was encouraging all those that came in for the health screening to get one. Some of the things he would say were that if you get it one year, you must get it every year, and how it’s great to get vaccinated for the prevention of the flu.

Where am I going with this? Well, this simple observation reaffirmed what I have been reading and seeing lately about the fear-based approach to health care. If you don’t want this to happen, you must take this pill. Or if you don’t want to get sick, you must wear a mask and take this antibiotic or vaccination.

I personally haven’t had a flu shot since my teen years and I still have an internal debate about vaccinations. Are they really as great as they are said to be? Getting the flu shot does not mean that you are totally protected and by not getting it, that also does not mean that your immune system is weaker than anyone who has had the flu shot.

For the future of healthcare, I find myself doubting if fear is the appropriate approach for prevention. Prevention is key in maintaining health, but fear itself is not healthy for you. Fear in itself suppresses the functioning of the immune system. So in our healthcare system, we really need to stop scaring everyone. There is no such thing as a magical prevention pill just like there is no such thing as a miracle cure all.

Rather than scaring society, a more rational approach is needed in which people are positively motivated to make the changes they need to stay healthy. Another factor that I have noticed is that out of fear, many people surrender themselves and their health to their doctors or health care practitioners, thinking that doctor knows best. Reality is that in order to overcome the fear, healthcare practitioners, pharmaceutical companies, and politicians need to stop scaring the people. My advice to you will be to take your health into your own hands and realize that fear does not accomplish anything. Be resourceful and be smart about health and never be afraid to question anything that is presented to you!

With that said, you have nothing to fear but fear itself and even then, there is not point in having fear in fear. Fear is just in the mind…so look the world, life, and health in the eyes and move forward.

Health and happiness,

Varsha

This was all six years ago. The point here is that there is a paradigm shift happening. In the last six years, a lot has changed, especially in the field of health. A few months ago, I went with a friend for moral support to see a neurologist who specializes in ALS. My friend was told that he did not have ALS, but I was surprised to hear the neurologist tell him that alternative medicine is worth a shot because its natural. And if you are only working with diet, it should not make things worse at the least. I also know a neurologist who recommends her patients with Multiple Sclerosis to try Ayurveda and refers them to an Ayurvedic Health Clinic. An Endocrinologist does the same. Using the principles of Ayurveda and yoga, I have worked with many complex cases, especially neurological.

Everyday, I find myself interacting with more and more people who are beginning to or already understand the value of prevention of disease, and see the need for health promotion and education for a healthy future. More and more people spend out of pocket for seeing their alternative health care practitioners and majority of the time, it is due to their lack of satisfaction from the current medical model. People are realizing that there is more to health than popping in a pill. A paradigm shift is occurring in which even medical doctors are aware of the fact that they also cannot deny the presence and importance of natural health in today’s modern health care. The change is happening as we speak. Welcome aboard!

Health and happiness,

Varsha

There are times in life, where modern medicine can come to the rescue and regardless of how strongly you believe in the natural approach, sometimes you must resort to taking prescription medication. A few months ago, one of my close friends had her appendix rupture. As common as it is, it took the doctors two days to finally diagnose her and then rushed her into emergency surgery. When she first started feeling seriously ill, she was in search of seeing a naturopath rather than a physician. In this case, she was fortunate enough not to find a naturopath that was available to see her and she ended up having to see a medical doctor. Long story short, if she had not seen the first doctor at a local clinic, she would not have ended up in the ER and lets not get into what could have happened if we hadn’t gone there.

For her, surgery and drugs saved her life. There are countless numbers of other cases out there in which drugs do save their lives. I feel that allopathic or modern medicine does wonders for trauma and other life-threatening illnesses, but at the same time, there is plenty of room for integration. For an effective medical model, integration of modern medicine and natural medicine must take place. Headaches for example are not curable by taking an Advil. The Advil will only suppress the headache and it will be back in a few hours. In the world of natural healthcare, the naturopath, Ayurvedic physician, or other natural health practitioners will examine the root cause of the headache and will aim to eliminate the root cause and thereby healing the headache all together.

It is not fair to only favor one medical model over another. There is a lot of attention placed upon the health care system these days. If effective and efficient healing is to take place, all forms of healing must unite and come together. All healthcare practitioners must work together and only then will holistic medicine really become holistic. Holistic is not only natural medicine, but holistic medicine refers to all forms of medicine coming together as a whole, as a collective unit to work together to heal.

Health and happiness,

Varsha

Optimism is another critical key to perfect health. Studies show that optimistic people are healthier in general and have fewer doctor visits as well as lower risk for developing chronic illnesses. Being optimist does not mean that you become arrogant in terms of your body and health, but its more realizing the value that your health lies in your hands and your perspective on it.

I am currently reading a book titled, “The Spirit and Science of Holistic Health,” by Jon Robison and Karen Carrier, in which they discuss the optimism and pessimism and how it affects health. This is probably one of the simplest, yet profound books on holistic health that I have read thus far. What I love most about this book is that it is filled with common sense and is an easy read.

When it comes to your health, whether the glass is half full or half empty does make a difference. An optimist will look at their illness as a temporary factor in their quality of life. Illness for them is a time to get some rest and they know that they will heal and move forward. Pessimists see an illness as the end of the world and will wonder if they will ever get out of it. And as I mentioned earlier, optimists have a quicker recovery time just because they have a positive attitude and positivity brings about greater healing power.

Attitude makes all the difference. Positive energy is what is needed for effective healing and maintaining health. Negative energy is dark and heavy and will wear you down. That is why those who are “negative” by nature have a more difficult time in healing and maintaining health. Besides, how many times have you heard me speak about the importance of happiness for health?

Ask yourself…are you an optimist or pessimist? And do you feel that being an optimist/pessimist affects or your health and how do you feel about health in general? I would love to hear any thoughts or experiences you have in terms of interactions with optimistic and pessimistic people…especially in terms of health.

Health and happiness,

Varsha

The winter season is the Vata time of the year. Remember that Vata is comprised of air and space and hence tends to be cool, windy, dry and rough. So, if you have a Vata imbalance, you are more likely to be affected by the Vata season. Dry skin is typically a result of a Vata imbalance.

So what is the best way to prevent and heal dry skin? By countering the dryness. First and foremost, avoid all cold foods and drinks, as well as all dry foods. By consuming anything cold, you will be increasing the dryness in your body and of course, eating dry foods will also take away any moisture that is there.

Next, rather than resorting to moisturizers and chemically filled lotions, doing a daily self-massage with natural oils is recommended. If you must use lotions, use natural, organic moisturizers. In Ayurveda, an oil massage is known as Abhyanga. In the mornings about 20 minutes before you shower, give yourself an oil massage. For Vata and Kapha body types, sesame oil is recommended. For Vata, another option is almond oil and for Pitta types, coconut oil is recommended. How do you know which oil to use? Well, if you tend to have a cool and irregular digestion and if you have a tendency to be sensitive to the cold and often feel cold, then its best to use sesame oil. If you tend to have a strong digestion and are feeling hot more often, then to provide some coolness to the body, it is best to use coconut oil. Olive oil can also be used for all body types. Feel free to contact me if you would like more specifics as to which oil to use.

It is ideal if you can leave the oil on for 20 minutes and either meditate or do some other light activity so that your body has the opportunity to absorb the oil and nourish your skin, joints, and tissues. Be sure to massage all areas of your body, and paying especially close attention to your scalp and soles of your feet. Abhyanga is contraindicated for those who are ill, especially with fevers, and during menstruation. You will begin to notice within the first week that your skin is softer, smooth, and nourished. Your skin will also look healthier and daily abhyanga is a great way to keep the skin looking young and vibrant. It’s also a great way to release stress and relax! Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a nice massage?

Health and happiness,

Varsha

It is actually quite simple. Allergies, whether indoor or outdoor, arise due to a weak digestion and diminished Ojas. As you know, Ojas not only represents the finest product of your digestion, but it is also your immune system. Therefore, the key to preventing allergies is keeping your digestion strong and not compromising your immune system.

I haven’t come up with a name for this special mixture of mine…so if any of you come up with name suggestions, please do let me know. The remedy is quite simple. The ingredients are water, lime, lemon, and orange. Take one slice of each of the lime, lemon, and orange and squeeze them into one glass of water. Everything has to be fresh…packaged juices and such will not be as effective. Water should be at least room temperature and the warmer the water is, the better it is for your digestion and for Ojas. Have at least three glasses of this water a day until your preliminary symptoms go away and then continue for at least another three days afterwards.

And of course, on top of that, be sure to get plenty of sleep and maintain a balanced diet and routine. Exercise and happiness, as always, are also key in prevention.

Enjoy the beauty of nature!

Health and happiness,

Varsha

As we all know, plants in general purify the air, so in that sense, its always good to have plants around. Tulsi radiates positive energy and purifies the environment from any negativity that may be around. Beyond that, I love Tulsi because of all of its healing properties.

First of all, one of the easiest home remedies for a cough is Tulsi. For any kind of cough, drink Tulsi tea. Boil one cup of water with about 3 to 4 fresh Tulsi leaves and drink the tea at least 4 times a day and it will cure the worst of coughs. Fresh leaves work best, but dry leaves are fine as well.

Tulsi is pungent and bitter in taste; therefore, it decreases Vata and Kapha and slightly increases Pitta. However, because the quality of Tulsi is light and dry, it can actually balance Pitta as well. Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It can be applied topically for skin lesions and fungal infections. It decreases pain and swelling and is recommended for fevers. It is excellent for all respiratory related imbalances, such as coughing, asthma, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Tulsi improves digestion and is especially good for the colon. It is also an excellent herb for the nervous system and all autoimmune diseases, as Tulsi promotes and enhances the functioning of Ojas. And the list continues. Depending on the condition, the leaf, root, or seeds are used. Tulsi is one of the most potent, sattwic (pure) herbs.

If I ever feel a cough or cold coming on, and even for family and friends, I simply boil a cup of water with Tulsi and fresh ginger and I am able to prevent an illness from coming forth. Doesn’t that sound rather simple? I would also like to add that drinking Tulsi tea with ginger will also prevent your chances of catching the swine flu, as it does increase Ojas, your immunity.

The entire science and knowledge of Ayurveda is actually quite simple with a simple approach to health. There is a science behind the combination of spices and when you combine various spices and herbs, you can heal just about any imbalance.

Health and happiness,

Varsha

And here are the answers:
1) Almost all forms of nature stop drinking mother’s milk after infancy. So the question here is why do we, as humans, continue to drink milk? We continue to drink milk for its nourishment on all levels…from mental to physical to emotional to spiritual. Milk alone has countless benefits and a strong healing power. Milk promotes Ojas, your strength, immunity, and intellect. Ultimately, milk provides us with those benefits and nutrition that is pretty much hard to find anywhere else. To simply phrase it, we are supposed to drink milk throughout our lives for its nutritional values that nourishes and enhances our quality of life by increasing the strength within our inner core and supports our immunity.

2) From birth till about two years of age, human’s milk is best. As we all know, babies, especially newborns, are very delicate and require a lot of nutrition and nurturing. Human’s milk is light and easy to digest. It is a blood purifier and contains all the nutrition that a baby needs to grow and develop…especially in the most critical years. The first two years pave the way for the rest of your life.

Human’s milk only has nutritional value up until about the age of 2. After that, mother’s milk will be Kapha aggravating, which means that both Kapha and Ojas will become imbalanced. Mother’s milk is easy to digest for a delicate newborn and best for newborns and infants to build strong immune systems. But as you get older, you require more fat and more nutrition and that is why most people typically switch to cow’s milk.

3) There are many types of milk, but I am going to cover the most common ones that can be found in most grocery stores. They are cow’s milk, goat’s milk and soy milk.

First of all, I do not consider soy milk to be real milk. For those that are lactose intolerant, its fine to drink, but personally, I do not advocate soy milk as being the same nutritionally or healthier than cow’s or goat’s milk. Real milk comes from the mammary glands and soy milk is processed through machines and various chemicals and therefore isn’t naturally produced milk.

With that said, goat’s milk is more suitable for those who are weak and ill. It helps with nourishing the Dhatus, or tissues that have become weak. It is easily digestible and is excellent for fevers, bleeding disorders, and diarrhea. Goat’s milk is more recommended when there is an imbalance and the digestion is weak.

Cow’s milk is what majority of the population drinks. As mentioned earlier, cow’s milk promotes Ojas, promotes a longer life span, increases intelligences, improves strength, and the list continues. There are only benefits after benefits from drinking milk. If you pay close attention, those children who grow up drinking lots of milk, have a tendency to be healthier and have stronger immune systems. Milk is an excellent source for calcium, phosphorous, iron, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins A, B12, and C.

Also, intuitively, for centuries, the human race has been drinking milk. Just like we eat our vegetables, we should drink our milk. Our ancestors drank their milk and it’s pretty much a tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next.

Health and happiness,

Varsha

I often get asked, “What is health?” or “What is my definition of health?” There is the common expression, “health is wealth.” That is true because as long as you have your health, you have everything. If you have your health, you can overcome any obstacle without any barriers. But here is where I differ. Health does not mean an absence of illness, disease, or imbalance. Health is flexibility. Health is the ability to cope with the imbalance you may have.

I would say that over 99% of the world has some sort of an imbalance. Some may have symptoms, but majority of the people do not have any obvious signs or symptoms. Of course we all want to feel good and feel healthy. But have you ever looked at those who are fighting against their illness, or optimistic cancer survivors? Or how about those who have some sort of disability, such as blindness? Have you seen how happy they are? Why are they so happy? Because they have accepted their imbalances and are happy with what they do have. They have a strong willpower to be able to effectively cope with their imbalance and still enjoy life. Many people begin to feel sorry for themselves when they “get sick,” and begin to say, “why me?” or “poor me.” Truth is that just because you catch a cold, have a headache, or even have cancer, does not mean that you are not healthy.

Health is how you feel. You may have a cold, or you may have cancer, but it is how you look at it. How do you treat yourself or what do you think of yourself? Health is how well you cope with your imbalance. You can be sick, but are you going to let it interfere with your life? No. Whatever imbalance you may have, face it with a smile and always be happy. Majority of the cure lies with how happy you are. It is your health and it is all about your perception. Do not let your weaknesses bring you down. Rather, show yourself how strong you are. Your health is in your hands.

Health and happiness,

Varsha