Scoliosis

Someone with scoliosis may have a back that curves from side to side like an "S" or a "C." Small curves generally do not cause problems. If the curve gets severe, it can be visible and cause discomfort. If a curve gets really severe, it can even affect a person's breathing and heart. A very severe curve can lead to damage in the joints of the spine. This might get painful when the person is an adult.

Scoliosis is a bit of a medical mystery. No one knows for sure what causes the most common form of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis.

Doctors do know that scoliosis can run in families. So someone with scoliosis may have family members who also have it.

Most types of scoliosis are more common in girls than boys. Girls with scoliosis are more likely to need treatment than boys are.

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Sometimes scoliosis will be easy to see. A curved spine can cause someone's body to tilt to the left or right. Many teens with scoliosis have one shoulder blade that's higher than the other or an uneven waist with a tendency to lean to one side.

Because scoliosis can develop very gradually, it often isn't diagnosed until a person is between the ages of 10 and 14.

Doctors routinely check teens for scoliosis during regular physical exams. Some schools in the United States also test for scoliosis, but the most accurate way to diagnose it is to see a doctor.

What Do Doctors Do?

If a doctor thinks the curve isn't a problem, a person might not need any treatment, just regular checkups to make sure the curve doesn't become larger. To get a clearer view of the spine, doctors might order X-rays. If the exam or X-rays show a significant curvature, the person is referred to an orthopedist.

If you see an orthopedist, he or she will examine you and study X-rays of your spine. You may hear the orthopedist mention something called a Cobb angle. The Cobb angle is a measure of the curvature of the spine in degrees, and the number of degrees helps the doctor decide what type of treatment is necessary.

A scoliosis curve of 10 to 15 degrees usually means that nothing needs to be done except for regular checkups until the person has gone through puberty and finished growing (the curvature of the spine usually doesn't get worse after that point). If the curve is 20 to 40 degrees, the orthopedist will generally suggest a back brace. A Cobb angle of 40 or 50 degrees or more may mean that surgery is needed.

Treating Scoliosis

About 1 in 5 teenagers with scoliosis needs to wear a back brace. Back braces today are much lighter and more comfortable than they used to be — and researchers are developing even better ones all the time.

There are several different types of braces. Some braces are worn for 18 to 20 hours a day, others only at nighttime. Which one the orthopedist chooses depends on the person, where the curve is on his or her back, and how severe the curve is.

The brace acts as a holding device that keeps the spine from developing more of a curve. A brace won't ever make the spine straight. But if it does its job well, the curve won't increase more than 5 or 10 degrees and may prevent the need for surgery.

Sometimes, even with a brace, someone with severe scoliosis will need surgery to correct the curve. During the operation, the orthopedic surgeon does a procedure called a spinal fusion. This causes some of the separate bones in the spine to link or "fuse" together, so that the spine can no longer continue to curve. The surgeon also uses metal rods, hooks, screws, and wires to correct the curve and hold everything in line until the bones heal. The metal parts are placed deep under the spine muscles. In most cases they can't be felt and do not hurt.

An operation to correct scoliosis takes several hours, depending on how big the curve is and how many bones need to be fused. Normally, a patient doesn't need a brace or cast after surgery. A patient will be able to get out of bed the day after the operation and start to walk.

Most teens who get scoliosis surgery can leave the hospital in less than a week, usually go back to school about a month after surgery, then return to some activities in 3 or 4 months. Most should be able to go back to all normal activities after 6 to 12 months. But of course each patient's surgery and recovery might be different, depending on the type of surgery and the person's age.

After about a year, the bones should be fully fused. Although the metal rods are no longer needed, they are left in the patient's back because they aren't doing any harm and taking them out would involve another operation.

People with scoliosis can have active, normal lives. Doctors don't know of any activities (including things like sports or carrying a backpack) that make scoliosis worse. So people who have scoliosis should still be able to play their favorite sports and carry on as normal after they recover from surgery.

Muscular dystrophy

What Is Muscular Dystrophy?

In Muscular Dystrophy there is progressive weakness of muscles, so children, teens, and adults who have the disease will gradually lose their ability to do the things which other fellows can do without any problem. A fellow suffering from Muscular Dystrophy might start having muscle problems as a baby or their symptoms might start later. Some people even develop MD as adults. There is no fixed pattern of loss of muscles functioning. A fellow might have problem in walking and other movements of hands and feet while other might find difficulty in breathing as the first sign of loss of muscle working. With progressive muscular loss; there will be loss of functions also. Ayurveda considers this condition as Mamsa-vata-kshaya (MVK) related to Beeja dosha and impairments of Mamsagni (muscle enzyme). It involves deranged Vata and subsequent degeneration of muscles and structures related to it. Ayurvedic treatment might slow or stop the progression of muscle degeneration.

            According to modern science Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles that help the body move. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes, which prevents them from making the proteins they need for healthy muscles. Because MD is genetic, people are born with the problem — it's not contagious and you can't catch it from someone who has it.

                 Several major forms of muscular dystrophy can affect teens, each of which weakens different muscle groups in various ways:

·        Duchenne (pronounced: due-SHEN) muscular dystrophy(DMD), the most common type of the disease, is caused by a problem with the gene that makes a protein called dystrophin(pronounced: dis-TROH-fin). This protein helps muscle cells keep their shape and strength. Without it, muscles break down and a person gradually becomes weaker. DMD affects boys. Symptoms usually start between ages 2 and 6. By age 10 or 12, kids with DMD often need to use a wheelchair. The heart may also be affected, and people with DMD need to be followed closely by a lung and heart specialist. They also can develop scoliosis(curvature of the spine) and tightness in their joints. Over time, even the muscles that control breathing get weaker, and a person might need a ventilator to breathe.

·        Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), like DMD, affects boys. The disease is very similar to DMD, but its symptoms may start later and can be less severe. With BMD, symptoms like muscle breakdown and weakness sometimes don't begin until age 10 or even until adulthood. People with BMD can also have breathing, heart, bone, muscle, and joint problems. Many people with BMD can live long, active lives without using a wheelchair.

·        Emery-Dreifuss (pronounced: EM-uh-ree DRY-fuss) muscular dystrophy (EDMD) usually starts causing symptoms in late childhood to early teens and sometimes as late as age 25. EDMD is another form of muscular dystrophy that affects mostly boys. It involves muscles in the shoulders, upper arms, and shins, and it often causes joint problems (joints can become tighter in people with EDMD). The heart muscle may also be affected.

·        Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) affects boys and girls equally, weakening muscles in the shoulders and upper arms and around the hips and thighs. LGMD can begin as early as childhood or as late as mid-adulthood, and it often progresses slowly. Over time, a wheelchair might be necessary to get around. There are many different types of LGMD, each with its own specific features.

·        Facioscapulohumeral (pronounced: fay-she-oh-skap-you-lo-HYOO-meh-rul) muscular dystrophy (FSHD) can affect both guys and girls, and it usually begins during the teens or early adulthood. FSHD affects muscles in the face and shoulders and sometimes causes weakness in the lower legs. People with this type of MD might have trouble raising their arms, whistling, or tightly closing their eyes. This form of muscular dystrophy may be mild in some people and more severe in others.

·        Myotonic (pronounced: my-uh-TAH-nik) dystrophy (MMD) is a form of muscular dystrophy in which the muscles have difficulty relaxing. In teens, it can cause a number of problems, including muscle weakness and wasting (where the muscles shrink over time), cataracts, and heart problems.

·        Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is the term for all types of MD that show signs in babies and young children, although the MD isn't always diagnosed right away. Like other forms of MD, CMD involves muscle weakness and poor muscle tone. Occurring in both girls and boys, it can have different symptoms. It varies in how severely it affects people and how quickly or slowly it worsens. In rare cases, CMD can cause learning or intellectual disabilities.

The life expectancy (in other words, how long a person may live) for many of these forms of muscular dystrophy depends on the degree to which a person's muscles are weakened as well as how much the heart and lungs are affected.

How Do Doctors Diagnose MD?

In addition to doing a physical examination, the doctor will ask you about any concerns and symptoms you have, your past health, your family's health, any medications you're taking, any allergies you may have, and other issues. This is called the medical history.

Tests can help the doctor determine which type of MD a person has and rule out other diseases that affect the muscles or nerves. Some tests measure how nerves and muscles are working. Others check the blood for levels of certain enzymes, the proteins that cause chemical changes like converting food to energy.

A blood test can measure levels of serum creatine kinase, an enzyme that's released into the bloodstream when muscle fibers are breaking down. When serum creatine kinase levels are high, that indicates something is causing muscle damage.

Sometimes a muscle biopsy is needed. The doctor removes a small piece of muscle tissue and examines it under a microscope. If a person has MD, the muscle tissue will have some unusually large fibers, and some of the other fibers will show signs of breaking down. Finally, genetic testing can show if a person has Duchenne MD or certain other forms of muscular dystrophy.

How Is MD Treated?

There is no cure for MD, but doctors and scientists are working hard to find one. Some scientists are trying to fix the defective genes that lead to MD so they will make the right proteins. Others are trying to make chemicals that will act like these proteins in the body. They hope that this will help the muscles work properly in people with MD. Doctors are also dedicated to finding the best ways to treat the symptoms of MD so that kids, teens, and adults with the disease can live as comfortably and happily as possible.

Teens with MD can do some things to help their muscles. Certain exercises and physical therapy can help them avoid contractures, a stiffening of the muscles near the joints that can make it harder to move and can lock the joints in painful positions. Often, teens are fitted with special braces to help keep joints and tendons (the strong, rubber band-like tissues that attach muscles to bones) flexible. Surgery is sometimes used to reduce pain and increase movement from contractures.

Because we rely on certain muscles to breathe, some teens with MD need respiratory aids, such as a ventilator, to help them breathe. Teens with MD also might need to be treated for problems like scoliosis, which can be caused by weakened muscles or muscles that are contracting or pulling too tightly.

For some types of MD, medicines can help. Guys with Duchenne MD may be helped by a medicine called prednisone. Teens with myotonic MD might use medicines like mexilitine to relax muscles.

It's also important that people with heart problems caused by muscular dystrophy see a heart specialist regularly.

Persons have different experiences depending on the type of MD. One person might have weakened shoulder muscles and not be able to raise a hand in class. Someone might be unable to smile because of weak facial muscles. Another person might have weak muscles in the pelvis or legs, making it hard to walk from class to class. In some cases, you might not even be able to tell that a teen has MD.

HEALTH-MANAGEMENT (New Book)

There are three primary qualities or principles or mechanisms that govern every human body. These principles are called doshas (Pita, Vata, and Kapha), which are derived from the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and space. It is the doshas that regulate all actions of the body. When the doshas are balanced, we experience good health, vitality, ease, strength, flexibility and emotional well-being. When the doshas fall out of balance, and/or we accumulate Aam (toxins), then we experience energy loss, discomfort, pain, mental or emotional instability and, ultimately, dis-ease.

                  This book presents the knowledge of these ancient principles and a variety of remedies that create harmony in body, mind, emotions and spirit, thereby restoring optimal health. This approach is natural and preventative. It provides simple, effective means to increase energy, enthusiasm and tranquility.

May purchase "100 golden rules for health" and other health related important matter cost Rs 100/-.

those who are unable to pay may also get free of cost.

please mail : rkavishwamitra@gmail.com

Parkinson

In Parkinson’s disease, the neuronal cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine deteriorate. As a consequence, dopamine levels decline and symptoms appear. Treatment has traditionally involved dopamine’s chemical precursor, L-dopa. Although widely used, this treatment is accompanied by unpleasant toxic effects and causes only symptomatic relief while the disease progresses. The legume Mucuna pruriens (L) DC. (Fabaceae) has been used in Ayurveda as a naturopathic medicine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (then known as Kampavata). The results from more recent clinical studies suggest that this nutraceutical may be more effective than L-dopa against the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, may possess neuroprotective properties, and may even cure patients suffering from this condition.

            Parkinson’s disease was named after the English medical doctor, James Parkinson, who in 1817 was the  first person to describe the symptoms as “the shaking palsy.” These symptoms were supposedly caused by a deficiency in the neurotransmitter dopamine. A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger between nerve cells. Parkinson’s disease patients, as a result of dopamine deficiency, suffer from increased motor behavior impairment, usually at an older age. Based on the first symptoms, however, diagnosis can be difficult since at that point symptoms are often non-specific and can include weakness, tiredness, and fatigue. Consequently the disease may be unrecognized for some time. The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include: muscular rigidity, resting tremor, difficulty with movement initiation (bradykinesia), slowed voluntary movement, difficulty with balance, and difficulty with walking. Next to Parkinson’s disease’s primary symptoms mentioned above, a patient may also start to suffer from secondary symptoms which include: depression, senility, postural deformity, and difficulty in speaking. Regardless of these primary and secondary symptoms, impairment of hand functions during daily activities to be the most disabling symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.

             The objective for management of Parkinson’s disease is often to attempt to keep the individual functionally active and independent as long as possible. The role of exercise and relaxation (e.g. yoga) at all stages of the disease is emphasized, and patient and caregiver are educated about the conditions and options. When the need for pharmacologic therapy arises, the appropriate drug is selected, starting with a low dose and increasing it very slowly. L-dopa is the best available remedy currently known to ease the lives of Parkinson’s patients. However, it is not a cure, because this treatment aims to increase dopamine levels and not stop the further deterioration of dopaminergic cells, and hence it does not work well in the long term. Long term use of L-dopa frequently results in fading of the therapeutic effect and the development of serious side effects such as further motor impairment and psychiatric complications.

Side effects of L-dopa toxicity are such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, anorexia, skin lesions, orthostatic hypotension resulting in dizziness and in some cases staggering, and increased heart rate. Most side effects could be explained by the presence of the enzyme AADC, which converts L-dopa to dopamine, in the liver, kidney and many other places in the body. Thus, while the dopamine levels in the striatum (subcortical part of the forebrain) become more normal, the extra dopamine production disturbs chemical balances elsewhere in the body. To bypass the problem of the side effects of L-dopa treatment, researchers started to synthesize compounds that would directly act on dopamine receptors. These compounds, called receptor agonists, would take over the role of dopamine, so that no administration of L-dopa would be needed. This would counter side effects induced by large amounts of L-dopa. In reality, however, the dynamics are more complicated and require further investigation.

Traditional treatment of Parkinson’s disease

The shaking palsy has existed in different parts of the world since ancient times. The first clear description is found in the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda under the name Kampavata.  ), the ancient medical science being practiced in India from the Vedic times (1500–1000 BC), Ayurveda (“knowledge concerning longevity”), used plant tissues as medicine and the powder of Mucuna pruriens. M. pruriens is a climbing legume that originates in southern China and eastern India. The genus thrives under warm, moist conditions, below 1500m above sea level, and in areas with plentiful rainfall. It is currently widely available in most tropical regions of Asia, South and Central America, and Africa. The holistic approach of Ayurveda takes advantage of the known and unknown active biochemical ingredients of the plant tissue. The disadvantages are the bulkiness of the preparation and difficulty in its administration. Thus, extracts of such medicinal preparations need to be made available in a user friendly form. The clinical features and treatment of Kampavata (“kampa” = tremors) resembling Parkinson’s disease are also mentioned in Ayurveda. The various signs and symptoms of Kampavata are found in Caraka Samhita (written by Atreya in 2500 BC) and Madhavanidhani. These include rigidity, tremors of hands and feet, head tremor, drooling of saliva, love of solitude (depression), somnolence, reptilian stare, stammering, tremors of hands and feet, difficulty in body movements, disturbed sleep and dementia.  Ayurveda described several formulations for the treatment of Kampavata. Nearly 18 of these contain M. pruriens (known as Atmagupta in Sanskrit).  

Alzheimer

Alzheimer's Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline.

 It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss).As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues. As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the risk is believed to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other risk factors include a history of head injuries, depression, or hypertension. The disease process is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. A probable diagnosis is based on the history of the illness and cognitive testing with medical imaging and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. Initial symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis. Mental and physical exercise, and avoiding obesity may decrease the risk of AD. There are no medications or supplements that decrease risk.

No treatments stop or reverse its progression, though some may temporarily improve symptoms.

In 2010, there were between 21 and 35 million people worldwide with AD. It most often begins in people over 65 years of age, although 4% to 5% of cases are early-onset Alzheimer's which begin before this. It affects about 6% of people 65 years and older.

People who engage in intellectual activities such as reading, playing board games, completing crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, or regular social interaction show a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Since Alzheimer's has no cure and it gradually renders people incapable of tending for their own needs, caregiving essentially is the treatment and must be carefully managed over the course of the disease.

 If eating becomes problematic, food will need to be prepared in smaller pieces or even pureed. When swallowing difficulties arise, the use of feeding tubes may be required.

Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing. 

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age.  

Mulhehthi- Top 10 health benefits of Mulethi or Liquorice

 

Liquorice, commonly called as mulethi in India, is a popular condiment that not only acts as a good flavouring agent but is also widely used home remedy because of its widespread medical properties. It has been in use since ancient times in Indian Ayurveda as well as in Chinese medicine. This medicinal herb has wide reaching health benefits and thus, is of great value in naturally treating sore throat, chest congestion, strengthening of bones and muscles, kidney problems, bronchitis, mouth ulcers, hair loss, etc to name a few.
The medicinal property of mulethi is mainly because of the presence of powerful phytochemicals namely flavonoids, chalcones, saponins and xenoestrogens. Glycyrrhizin (salts of glycyrrhizic acid) is a popular saponin found in roots of mulethi that is responsible for the characteristic sweet taste (50 times more sweet than sugar) flavor. Liquiritin, licoflavonol, liquiritigenin, etc are the common chalcones that provide the distinct yellowish color to mulethi; while, the aroma of its root is mainly because of anethole. Here are the ten health benefits of mulethi:

Anti-microbial activity – Roots of mulethi are very effective in protecting against virus, bacteria and fungi due to the presence of Glycyrrhizin that blocks the microbial growth. The root extract possesses the power to control malaria (as per preliminary research), influenza and also helps in the treatment of herpes resulting in virus suppression and severity of sores.  
Anti-inflammatory activity – Liquorice has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity and can be used to treat chronic inflammation like rheumatic problems & arthritis, skin diseases and autoimmune diseases. It is also used for preventing any inflammatory conditions related to eye and also to treat conjunctivitis with the help of glycyrrhizin activity that counteracts negative effects caused by cortisol.
Improves immunity – Root extracts of mulethi aids in increasing the production of lymphocytes and macrophage thereby improving your defense mechanism & preventing microbial attack. It also helps in minimizing immune related allergic reactions and autoimmune complications.
Memory improvement – Roots of licorice exert supportive effect on the adrenal gland and thus indirectly aid in stimulating the brain. It not only decreases the effects of amnesia & improves learning but its antioxidant property (mulethi contains flavonoids) renders a shielding effect on the brain cells.
Anti-ulcer activity – The potent antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties of licorice makes it the best natural medicinal aid to treat ulcers of stomach, intestine and mouth. The compound carbenoxolone synthesized from glycyrrhizin plays key role in healing mouth and gastric ulcers along with reducing gastric secretions and promoting development of intestinal mucus lining.  
Liver protection – Licorice is one of the most common traditional remedy used to treat jaundice. Its antioxidant property is the key for preventing your liver from the action of free radicals and toxic materials. This herb is also reported to exhibit protection against diclofenac induced toxicity and also, in inhibiting damage of liver.
Digestive aid – Roots of licorice are also used to deal with stomach and digestion problems with the help of glycyrrhizin and its compound, carbenoxolone. It is one of the ancient home remedies for relieving constipation, acidity, heartburn, stomach discomfort, inflammation of digestive system and gastro esophageal acid reflux. As a mild laxative, it plays an effective role in bowel movements and also for treatment of allergic cough in addition to maintaining normal pH levels.
Hormonal regulation – The phytoestrogenic compounds present in mulethi roots exert valuable action against women hormonal imbalance problems, menopause symptoms like hot flashes & exhaustion, mood swings, etc. It is also found to help in cortisol production and relieving premenstrual issues like nausea and menstrual cramps. Licorice powder acts as the traditional medicine for nursing mothers to regulate body hormones and aid in milk secretion.
Heart healthy effects – Research studies have proved that licorice roots help in controlling cholesterol levels by increasing the body’s flow of bile and also reducing high blood cholesterol levels. The anti-oxidant property of licorice acts in increasing the blood capillary health, reducing inflammation, prevents blood vessel damage and block development of arterial plaque.
Other effects – Licorice roots work wonders in treatment of depression, diabetes and respiratory tract infection like sore throat (hoarseness of voice), cold and cough, etc in addition to rendering effective skin benefits, oral hygiene and weight loss. It is found to act as a cancer cure remedy, a potent aphrodisiac and a powerful analgesic agent.

LIVER HEALTH

	A healthy liver may be achieved through dietary and lifestyle changes. Your liver may not be functioning at its optimal level if you have constant fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and yellowing of skin and whites in the eyes. To improve the health of your liver, you need to give your diet and lifestyle an overhaul. A healthy liver keeps your body’s regulatory, detoxification and metabolic functions in tip top condition. Fortunately, most liver problems are reversible if discovered early. “The liver is an amazing organ which can rejuvenate itself. Liver failure develops over time. You can stop a fatty liver condition from deteriorating into more serious liver cirrhosis and liver cancer by making significant changes to your diet and lifestyle What does the liver do? The liver is the body’s major cleaning and clearing house. A healthy liver regulates blood glucose levels and removes bilirubin from the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a byproduct from the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In addition, the liver processes food, extracting nutrients, and produces bile to digest fatty foods. Any excess nutrients are stored in the liver. The liver also detoxifies. It removes toxins that are ingested through alcohol, medications and contaminated food, from the bloodstream. 8 tips for a healthy liver 1. Moderate your alcohol intakeThe liver can only process or break down a small amount of alcohol every hour. For this reason, men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks a day while women should only have one. A standard drink is equivalent to one ordinary beer or one small glass of wine. 2. Cut down on fatty foods Reduce the amount of saturated fats, trans fats and hydrogenated fats in your diet. Saturated fats are found in deep fried foods, red meats and dairy products. Trans and hydrogenated fats are found in processed foods. The liver stores excess dietary fat, and fat buildup can eventually bring on fatty liver disease. 3. Reduce body weight Obesity, particularly, abdominal or central obesity, is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. A fatty liver slows down the digestion of fats. Do aim for the ideal body mass index (BMI) target. The healthy cut-off values recommended by MOH and HPB Singapore are between 18.5 and 22.9. 4. Avoid over-supplementation with traditional medicines & remedies Over-supplementation may cause liver inflammation. As the liver detoxifies, supplementation with certain traditional medicines or remedies can lead to liver damage or even failure. This is because some of these remedies contain heavy metals. Taken in large quantities they can result in liver toxicity or they can affect the regular functioning of your liver. 5. Eat more fibre  Eat more high-fibre foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. For proteins, choose more fish, beans and nuts, and cut down on red meats. 6. Get vaccinated Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, both viral liver infections. Hepatitis A is contracted from contaminated food and water and hepatitis B, from sexual contact, contaminated blood and needles. 7. Get regular exerciseRegular exercise is key to a healthy liver. Exercise increases energy levels, decreases stress on the liver, and helps to prevent obesity – a high risk factor for liver disease. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking, per week. 8. Be careful of weight loss pillsOver-the-counter weight loss pills which are available without a prescription may contain ingredients such as Ephedra (ma huang in Chinese) which are harmful to the liver. Refined and processed carbohydrates such as foods made from white flour i.e. white bread, pasta, pastries, muffins and cakes etc. are best avoided. Avoid foods which you are allergic or sensitive to, as these weaken liver function and stress the immune system. Avoid eating when you feel stressed; at these times the body’s resources are focused on other areas, not the liver and digestion and we when you feel strung out you also tend to make the wrong food choices. Avoid over-eating, only eat when you’re hungry and find other ways to occupy your time when you’re just bored.  Now here are 12 useful tips on things you can do as part of your week to make your liver’s job easier and make your liver your best pal. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to a glass of filtered water and drink first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything else. This primes your liver and digestion for the day ahead. Drink at least 8 glasses or 2 litres of filtered water daily (spread throughout the day – not all in one go!). This helps to flush toxins out through the bladder and bowels preventing them from being recirculated in the bloodstream. Eat organic foods where possible, especially fresh produce, meats and dairy products.  Non-organic foods can be laden with pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics all of which are toxins the liver must tackle. Strive for a healthy digestive system. As the body’s filtration system, the liver filters out and destroys bacteria and viruses that enter the body with food. So a healthy digestive tract with a good balance of friendly bacteria protects the body from intruders and lessens the liver’s load. The liver is one busiest organs of the body. From producing bile for digestion to eliminating toxins from the body, the liver performs more than 500 different functions. Unfortunately, with modern-day lifestyle (increased junk food consumption, heavy drinking, incessant smoking, skyrocketing stress levels and self-medication), liver diseases are emerging rapidly. But there are ways you can reduce the effects of these ill habits on your liver and keep it healthy. Here are some natural remedies you can try. #1 Amla or Gooseberry: The Indian gooseberry or amla  is known as one of the richest sources of vitamin C. What is less well-known is its ability to keep the liver functioning at optimal levels. This herb has been used extensively in Ayurveda for the treatment of sluggish liver; now researchers are finding in laboratory studies that extracts from amla have liver-protective function. However, there is no clear indication of whether it is useful to treat  hepatitis B infection. Amla is one of the important components in Chyawanpraash that has immunity boosting, digestive and liver-protective action. Tip: Although, the best way to consume it is raw, you can add small pieces of it in your salad or making a raitha with grated amla and curd. #2 Jethimad or Licorice: Licorice has long been used in Ayurvedic remedies to cure liver ailments like  non- alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this condition, the blood level of transaminase enzymes called ALT and AST increase to harmful levels for the liver. Research suggests that licorice (Jethimad or Mulhati in Hindi) extracts reduce the concentration of these enzymes, indicating its beneficial effect on the liver. Here are top ten health benefits of Mulethi or Liquorice Tip: Powder Licorice roots at home. Add the powder to boiling water while making tea. Steep it for a few minutes and then strain the liquid. #3 Amrith or Guduchi: Amrith is yet another herb that Ayurveda considers to have rejuvenating properties and is commonly grown in many kitchen gardens. It is said to have the ability to clear toxins from the liver as well as strengthen its functioning. More importantly, Amrith does not cause any significant complications even when used for long-term. However, Ayurvedic physicians warn that using this herb can precipitate liver crisis if the patient has a large amount of toxins in the liver. Therefore, it is best to use this herb only under an Ayurvedic practitioner’s guidance. Haldi or Turmeric: Packed with valuable antioxidants, turmeric is an important herb that improves liver health. Some studies have shown that the antiviral action of turmeric is effective in preventing multiplication of the viruses causing hepatitis B and C. Liver and Emotions If the liver becomes toxic, it can cause emotional instability and leave one feeling irritable and agitated. The liver is a major filter for toxins, and when it is clogged or sluggish, symptoms might include diminished desires and zest for life, brain fog, moodiness, anger, poor digestion, weight gain and fatigue. To gain the most benefit from mental rejuvenative herbs, it helps to first cleanse impurities from the liver and blood. Many of these liver specific herbs are also great rejuvenators to the mind. One of my favorite nervines herbs for this is gotu kola, which has gentle blood purifying as well and nervine properties.. Others include bhringraj (eclipta alba), jatamansi, and skullcap. Stronger liver cleansers include neem, milk thistle, Oregon grape root, barberry, yellow dock and shanka pushpi can also be employed for a deeper cleansing action. Some herbs that assist liver energy are also nourishing tonics. I especially like these herbs for ongoing care. Herbs like shatavari and ashwagandha help to gently cleanse the liver and blood, while also acting as nutritive tonics to the bodily tissues. If someone is weak or deficient, but still needs some liver support, I often use herbs like shatavari, gotu kola, red clover, or burdock root. Licorice root is also sweet, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory.