A balanced and regular lifestyle can make us healthy. In a recent research done in India, it has been found that people who are physically active, exercise daily and eat home cooked food start visiting doctors frequently only after the age of 40, but people who are not physically very active or do desk job and eat out need to frequently visit the doctor by the age of 32. This suggests that our daily life style has a lot to contribute to our health and can decide how frequently we need to go to the doctor. In an estimate it has been found that an average Indian family spend around 10- 15 % of their monthly income on healthcare & medicines. These are some general healthcare tips that can keep the doctors away.
- Never drink water/soft drinks along with your food. It is good to drink water(or other drinks) only after 30 minutes of having your food. Water during meals can dilute the digestive enzymes in the stomach which help in digestion of food.
- Drink water everytime you pass urine, This practice helps to avoid dehydration.
- In case you have constipation, drink lemon/lime water,fruit juices, lentils and vegetable soup, three to four times a day.
- Avoid Alcohol, Cigarette, Tea and Coffee.
- Avoid spicy food, red chilli, Aachar(Pickles) and refined flour.
- Try to use a little amount of salt and sugar in your food.
- Try to have seasonal fruits and vegetables. They have more vitamins, enzymes and minerals than hybrid ones.
- Try to keep fast for at least one day in a week.
- Whatever you eat, eat healthy, do not eat food for its taste, eat food for the nutrition they provide.
- Always enjoy your food. Do not think about problems in your home or life while eating.
- Get up early & go for a short walk. This habit can do miracles.It will not only refresh your mind and body but will give you that extra energy.
- Try to eat vegetables and fruits with their peel. The peels/skins are nutritious. Often they are the only portion of the fruit or vegetable that contain useful vitamins( Eg. potatoes) Eat un-sieved flour, sprouted beans and lentils.
- Eat something after every four hour.
- Eat more raw & green vegetables. Avoid consuming excessive portions of carbohydrates rich food. Also avoid eating stale food or food kept in the refrigerator for long.
- Eat Bengal gram, jaggery, potato and banana regularly.
- Never overeat. Eat in small potions.
- Keep your house clean and the windows open for air & light to come.
- Try to cook food in iron/Aluminium/Steel utensils. Avoid Non-stick coated utensils.