Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • ‘Oil pulling’ with coconut oil ensures healthy gums and fresh breath all day long

    Brushing your teeth is a necessary step in maintaining oral hygiene. However, that is not the only way to ensure healthy teeth and good breath. The Ayurvedic process of ‘oil pulling’ is just as effective, if not more, in preserving the strength and texture of your teeth and gum, and coconut oil is the most recommended oil for this process.

    Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has used coconut oil as an antimicrobial for centuries to promote dental health through oil pulling. It can get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay and bad breath. The process of oil pulling is simple – take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, swish it around your mouth for 2-3 minutes, and then spit it out and rinse with warm water. 

    Coconut oil reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is particularly effective at killing the oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), which is a leading cause of tooth decay. Coconut oil contains 92% saturated acids, approximately 50% of which is lauric acid, which has proven anti-inflammatory effects and antimicrobial effects.

    Furthermore, coconut oil has a high saponification value. Alkalis in the saliva can react with the oil leading to saponification and the formation of a soap-like substance which can reduce the adhesion of plaque, which is the primary cause of gingival inflammation, thus ensuring gem protection. 

    Oil pulling every day, especially with coconut oil, will reduce bad breath, prevent the formation of cavities, reduce inflammation by improving gum health and also whiten teeth by removing stains. So, you can confidently go ahead and face the world with a fresh and healthy smile every day with oil pulling. 

     

    But that’s not all, regular oil pulling will bring about overall well-being in a person. According to Ayurveda, oil pulling can be used for the prevention and treatment of more than 30 different diseases, which vary from headaches, migraines, thrombosis, and eczema, to fatal diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

    Economically also, oil pulling presents a viable alternative in developing countries and rural communities where access to oral care is minimal, and the use of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash is still not accessible. Here, oil pulling can serve as an affordable option and improve oral health outcomes. Other than coconut oil, sesame oil is also recommended for oil pulling.

  • Six medicinal plants to have in your kitchen garden, as recommended by National Medicinal Plant Board CEO

    Staying healthy is not that strenuous a task. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), in his New Year message, has recommended every household to grow six plants in the kitchen garden or anywhere in the house to keep away ailments and ensure the good health of family members.

    Tulsi – Just by taking two Tulsi leaves daily, good health can be ensured as Tulsi has strong antibacterial properties that protect against various pathogens. It is a natural detoxifier that purifies the blood and promotes healthy skin. Tulsi also strengthens the immune system and combats infections as it is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

    Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera is a natural cosmetic. Its cooling and healing properties make it effective for treating burns, wounds, acne, eczema, and other skin issues. It promotes glowing, youthful skin by hydrating and nourishing tissues. Aloe Vera is known as “Kumari” due to its benefits for female reproductive health, as it regulates menstrual cycles, reduces cramps, and supports uterine health.

    Giloy – Giloy works as an immunity booster. It is known as an ‘Amrita’ for its rejuvenating and life-enhancing properties. It strengthens the immune system and enhances the body’s resistance to infections. It also acts as an antipyretic, effectively reducing chronic and recurrent fevers, including those caused by malaria, dengue, and typhoid.

    Ajwain Patta – Ajwain Patta is helpful to counter gas troubles. It acts as a natural digestive aid, relieving indigestion, gas, bloating, and acidity. It improves appetite and helps in managing constipation. Ajwain Patta also enhances milk production in lactating mothers and aids in relieving colic in babies through its carminative properties.

    Gulab (Rose) – Gulab or Rose helps you to do away with constipation. It treats constipation by acting as a mild laxative, especially when consumed as Gulkand (rose petal jam). Rose also improves digestion and stimulates the appetite.

    Kadi Patta (Curry leaves) – Kadi Patta or Curry leaves act as an immunity booster. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which strengthen the immune system. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties grant protection against infections. It also stimulates digestive enzymes and improves gut health.

    Just having these six plants in your household is enough to ensure life in good health and spirits. Along with this, the NMPB CEO recommends waking up during Brahma Muhurta and drinking water from copper vessels to ensure good health. Drink water even if you are not thirsty after waking up as this helps in the detoxification process, exercise for at least half an hour in the mornings, eat two times a day and if possible have your last evening meal before sunset, Mr Mahesh Kumar said. 

  • Amalaki Rasayana’s neuroprotective effect suggests benefit in Alzheimer’s, says research journal

    Amalaki Rasayana, derived from the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica, is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation renowned for its broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. A report published in the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JDRAS) of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), states that Amalaki Rasayana shows considerable promise as a therapeutic agent, particularly in managing chronic diseases and age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s.

    Findings suggest that Amalaki Rasayana may significantly reduce blood glucose levels, enhance immune function, protect cardiovascular health by modulating blood lipid profiles, improve cardiac function, and promote cognitive function. Its potent antioxidant properties are crucial in mitigating oxidative stress and providing cellular protection. 

    Amalaki Rasayana’s anti-ageing and neuroprotective effects suggest benefits in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s with an impact on telomerase activity, DNA repair, and cellular health. Additionally, Amalaki Rasayana’s cardioprotective properties, particularly for age-related cardiac dysfunction, position it as a potential treatment for cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart failure, the report says.

    Ayurveda perceives the physical structure as consisting of seven Dhatus: Rasa(nutritional fluid), Mamsa (soft tissues and muscles), Asthi (bones and cartilage), Medha (lipids), Majja (marrow), Rakta (blood cells), and Sukra (vital fluid). Rasayana serves as the means to cultivate superior dhatus by enhancing the quality of dhatus through proper metabolism and assimilation of micronutrients. When the quality of dhatus is improved, it leads to longevity, a robust immune system capable of combating diseases, sustained youthfulness, and optimal body development.

    Rasayana therapy, a key component of Ayurvedic medicine, has gained increasing attention for its holistic approach to health and longevity. The rising interest is driven by the global demand for natural health practices and a shift toward preventive healthcare. Modern research supports the effectiveness of Rasayana in reducing stress and oxidative damage and improving disease resistance. Herbs such as Ashwagandha, Satavari, and Amalaki, with their adaptogenic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, are being embraced for treating chronic diseases and age-related conditions and promoting overall wellness.

    Amalaki Rasayana is one of the most potent Ayurvedic herbal formulations with rejuvenating herbs. Amalaki is described as light and dry, which influences its interaction with the body’s tissues and functions. The nature of Amalaki is cold, which is particularly beneficial in conditions related to excess heat. Amalaki is regarded as a Tridoshashamak, meaning it can balance all three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The sweet post-digestive taste of Amalaki combined with its cold nature makes it particularly effective in balancing the Pitta Dosha. 

    The Amalaki Rasayana’s significant medicinal value also comes in its ability to modulate the immune system, enhance immunity, and provide essential nutrients for good health. This offers promise for treating immune-related disorders and chronic inflammation, with potential applications in autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy, the report says. 

  • Kapikacchu offers a potent way to overcome sexual infertility among men

    Impaired fertility and its related issues have been addressed in all systems of medicine for ages. It remains a significant clinical problem even today. Increasing cases of male infertility have been reported in the last 50 years where erectile dysfunction and suboptimal sperm parameters are found as the commonest conditions.
    Stress is a major contributor to male infertility. Other factors and conditions include ageing, sleep deprivation, depression, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and external factors like trauma or injury to the spinal cord, etc., as well as deficiency of certain cofactors and essential minerals.
    Mucuna pruriens, also known as Kapikachhu in Sanskrit, is a well-known medicinal plant, the seed of which is commonly used for treating male infertility and associated conditions. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, various formulations of Kapikacchu are explained in the Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac) context.
    It has been observed that Kapikacchu has an action on multiple aspects of infertility like ageing, depression, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson’s disease due to the presence of a complex mixture of alkaloids and its nutritional component, along with its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties.
    Bioactive constituents present in the seed of Kapikachhu play an important role in boosting the sexual drive. The major contents of Kapikachhu stimulate the hypothalamus and forebrain leading to the synthesis of testosterone which is responsible for increased sexual drive and improved performance.
    With ageing, there is a reduction in the antioxidant capacity of the tissues which has a deleterious effect on sperm count. Ethanolic extracts of Kapikachhu have been demonstrated to improve the antioxidant capacity of the tissues. 
    Nitric oxide (NO) secreted from endothelial cells is responsible for the initiation of penile erection. Ageing stimulates the production of Rho-kinase 2 (ROCK-II) which suppresses NO thus affecting erection. Kapikachhu is a known adaptogen, the aqueous extract of which showed good ROCK-II inhibition properties.
    Different studies show that insufficient sleep, disrupted sleep or sleep disorders may affect sexual activities in many ways. Supplements having the active ingredients of Kapikachhu are seen to improve sleep quality without impacting resting heart rate or blood pressure, different blood parameters, and metabolic or lipid panel in otherwise healthy subjects.
    The increase in platelets can adversely affect the blood flow through the small arteries of the genital tissues of men, affecting erection capability. Crude extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of Kapikachhu have been shown to significantly decrease platelet aggregation, thus improving erection capability.
    Ejaculatory dysfunction is the most common cause of infertility in diabetic men. The ethanolic seed extract of Kapikachhu has been shown to significantly improve sperm parameters and the level of sexual hormones, thus improving sexual behaviour, libido, and potency.
    Depression-induced symptoms like loss of interest, lowered self-esteem, irritability, inability to experience pleasure and social withdrawal produce difficulties in sexual relationships. Hydro-alcoholic extract of the seed of Kapikachhu has shown antidepressant action which can lead to improvement in sexual performance.
    In obesity, the increased body mass increases the frequency of erectile dysfunction in a person. The ethanolic seed extract of Kapikachhu has been shown to induce significant improvement in hormonal levels and sperm parameters among the obese.
    In patients with PD, sexual disorders usually begin after the onset of motor disorders. Aqueous extract of seeds of Kapikachhu improves motor behaviour among the PD affected by reducing oxidative stress.
    Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes impairment of sexual function, fertility, erection, and ejaculation, which has an intense effect on quality of life. Ethanolic extract of Kapikachhu seed extract has shown improvement in sexual behaviour, sperm parameters, and hormonal levels in SCI cases.
    Also, the levels of vitamins A, C, and E present in Kapikachhu contribute to the improvement in sperm concentration and motility among infertile men. 
    Infertility is a multifaceted disorder that involves a broad array of etiological factors. Although different treatment modalities have been tried to treat this condition, still it lacks specific therapies which can be achieved easily in an affordable way. Kapikachhu is one of the herbs having different useful components observed to have action on multiple aspects of infertility, thus opening a new horizon to combat this condition easily and cost-effectively. 

    (Inputs from Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences)

  • Nine Gems of Ayurveda for a healthy life: Gem No.2 – Delay your ageing by daily massage

    The human body is like a machine. Like all machines, it too needs its periodical services and tune-ups. But unlike machines, the human body senses and responds to gentleness in approach, and a well-meant massage of the body by self or by another person can rejuvenate not just the body, but also the mind and emotions of a person. 

    If carried out properly at proper times, daily massages can revitalize the body, delay ageing, and remove tiredness. It can prevent vata disorders (musculoskeletal and neurological disorders), improve vision, and nourish the whole body. This improves the quality of sleep and also enhances the skin’s health, making it soft and lustrous. Daily massage also provides strength to the body by removing stress and provides a pleasing effect on the mind, thus enhancing the longevity of life. 

    To ensure peak conditioning of the human body, Ayurveda advises daily massage for 15-20 minutes with oil, preferably coconut oil, sesame oil, or mustard oil. This massage or Abhyanga should be done especially on the head, ears and feet daily for the following results:

    • A good head massage using warm oil prevents headaches and other diseases of the head region. It prevents hair fall by strengthening the hair and also the premature greying of the hair. Head massages also provide lustre to the face skin 

    • Ear massages are carried out by instilling 2-3 drops of oil into the ears. Ear massages prevent ear disorders like reduced hearing, deafness and tinnitus. It also prevents the stiffness of the neck and the jaw region 

    • Foot massages are also highly recommended to ensure physical and mental well-being. Foot massage removes dryness, stiffness and numbness of feet. It provides strength and stability to feet and prevents vata disorders like pain in lower limbs

    So you see, it doesn’t take much to retain your youthful exuberance as the years pass by. A few minor tweaks into your daily routine and finding some time to gently massage your body is all it takes. Daily massages help you to always be positive, productive and energetic while carrying out your day-to-day tasks, both in the mind and in the body. 

    Ayurveda says live long, and live young! 


  • Five Ayurvedic regimens to ensure lasting health and enhanced productivity

    Ayurveda is a holistic science that offers a comprehensive approach towards preventive healthcare by emphasizing a balanced lifestyle with a sensible diet and good hygiene. To ensure lasting health and vitality, Ayurveda recommends the five-pronged approach of Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Ahara (healthy diet), Sadvritta (behavioural code), and Yoga. Let us see them one by one:

    Dinacharya –  Dinacharya involves the daily routine of self-care activities that promote health and balance. Dinacharya activities include waking up, eating, exercising, bathing, meditating, and sleeping. Dinacharya is based on two daily cycles, the sun cycle and the moon cycle. Following a consistent Dinacharya can help to regulate your body clock and digestion, and can reduce decision fatigue. 

    Ritucharya – Ritucharya refers to the seasonal regimen. Ayurveda identifies six seasons of two months namely Shishira (late winter), Vasanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn) and Hemanta (early winter). Each season affects the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) differently, so following Ritucharya and adapting lifestyle, diet, and habits according to the changing seasons helps prevent seasonal imbalances, improves digestion, boosts immunity and promotes physical and mental well-being.

    Ahara – Ahara refers to food and nutrition. In Ayurveda, food is not just a means of sustenance but also a form of medicine. A proper diet, tailored to one’s prakriti (body constitution), dosha balance, and seasonal variations, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease. Eating freshly prepared warm food in adequate quantity without distraction and during proper time ensures dosha balance and enhanced immunity and prevents lifestyle disorders while supporting seasonal adaptation. 

    Sadvritta – Sadvritta refers to righteous behaviour that guides an individual towards a healthy and balanced life. According to Ayurveda, health is not just determined by the body but also by the mind and behaviour. Moral discipline, social conduct, personal hygiene and lifestyle, mental discipline and spiritual practices come under Sadvritta. Following Sadvritta promotes mental balance, strengthens social relationships and enhances emotional resilience. It offers a holistic framework for individuals to lead a purposeful and balanced life.

    Yoga -Yoga is the union of the body, mind, and spirit, referring to the connection between individual consciousness and universal consciousness. Yoga incorporates physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and ethical principles to promote mental clarity, emotional stability, physical health, and spiritual growth. Yoga promotes physical health, boosts immunity, enhances emotional stability and enhances sleep quality. 

    By adhering to these five principles of Ayurveda, a person can ensure a productive life with a stable mind and sound body. Make them a part of your life without delay! 

  • Here is a list of Ayurveda-recommended exercises to correct eyesight and cure eye diseases

    Eyes are the window to the mind. It is one of the most attractive features of a person. In the present time, new eye diseases have become a major threat to humankind. Integration of concepts of Ayurvedic preventive ophthalmology, principles of Yoga and Naturopathy and traditional practices of eye exercises are essential to tackle this problem. For correction of refractive errors and the cure for other eye diseases, the following exercises are advisable:

    Sunning – The eye is exposed to the sun for 5 minutes daily. First, apply sundrops made from garlic juice and honey to the eye using a glass rod. After this, sit facing the sun with your eye closed and chin raised, then sway your body from side to side like a pendulum for 5 minutes 

    Eye wash – After sunning, come to the shade and rinse your eyes by blinking about 20 times into a weak solution of Triphala Kashaya in a pair of eye cups that are placed to cover the muscles and the surrounding tissues of your eyes. Prepare the Kashaya by boiling one cup of water with ¼ cup of Triphala powder added to it. Pour it into the eye cups when lukewarm. Use fresh Kashaya each time. 

    Palming – Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and covered by palms (the fingers being crossed on the forehead). Elbows should rest on a cushion to avoid pressure on the eyeball. While palming, take deep breaths with your mouth closed. The time for exhalation should be more than inhalation. Repeat this respiration process for 50 to 100 times. This improves eyesight and brings relaxation and relief from pain. This exercise can be practised many times during the day.

    Swinging/Shifting – Shifting is moving your eyes from one side to the other. Shifting can be practised with open or closed eyes. For swinging, stand one foot away from a board with vertical lines drawn on it. Then move your body from left to right and vice versa for 50 to 100 times. At this time, your eye should move along with the body and your sight should not be fixed on anything. Blink once when you reach the end of one side. 

    Candle flame – Sit facing a lighted candle about one foot away and move your body back and forth with respect to the flame in tune with your respiration. Repeat this for 50 to 100 times 

    Candlelight reading – Here, a printed book is held in front of the eye at a sufficient distance to see clearly in candlelight. Rather than reading the words, the eye should follow the white space between the lines. Move the head sideways a little and blink often. This exercise saves the eyes from cataracts, glaucoma and other old age diseases. 

    Playing with the ball – Toss the ball to the ground and observe the ball bouncing moving your sight and head at the same time. Repeat this 50 to 100 times. After this, toss the ball from one hand to the other, moving your head and sight with the ball, and blink when you catch the ball. Repeat this 50 to 100 times. 

    Vapourisation – Put two or three drops of eucalyptus oil or crystals of menthol in boiling water. Cover your head and allow the vapour to hit your face. Keep blinking for some time till you perspire. 

    Cold pads – Wipe out your perspiration, place cotton pads soaked in cold water over your eyes and squeeze. Relax for 10 minutes. 

  • Ayurveda music therapy can promote overall vitality and energy flow

    Music is an age-old part of Ayurveda. 

    Depending on its nature, music could induce or intensify joy or sorrow, anger or peace. This can be used to control doshas like Vata, Pitta, and Kapha effectively. By inducing a specific emotion in the minds of the listeners music can increase our energy levels and even reduce pain levels. 

    The promotion of healing with music is called music therapy. Here, music is used to vibrate the cells of the body through which the diseased person’s consciousness can be changed effectively to promote health. These vibrations can stimulate the pituitary gland whose secretion affects the flow of blood and the nervous system.

    The correct music can control negative emotions such as anger, worry, and envy, which reduces tension and stress, which in turn balances blood pressure. Different types of music will have different types of benefits for the well-being and health of a person according to the ayurvedic body type based on the dominant dosha. 

    Vata dosha types benefit from soft, mellow, and low tones, while for Kapha dosha types, the focus should be on energizing music with a solid bassline. The Pitta dosha types will benefit from soft rhythmic flute or clarinet music. 

    Music can be used to increase the blood flow to the brain and control emotions that create positivity and reduce negativity. Specific vibrations can reach the body’s energy centers or chakras to create balance and promote overall vitality and energy flow.

    Calming music helps the mind reach a peaceful state, which helps reduce blood pressure, slow the heart rate down, increase blood flow, and decrease stress. It can stimulate the release of endorphins which is the body’s natural chemical to relieve pain.

    Thus, when it comes to calming your mind, quietening your thoughts, and achieving relaxation, balance, and increased concentration and focus, ayurveda recommends music therapy as your pathway to reach your goal.

  • Following the Ayurveda clock helps to ensure a healthy and satisfied life, here is how

    Our lives are governed by schedules. These schedules are made according to the different times of the day. Your body, too, keeps a schedule, and it varies with the time of the day. Ayurveda describes these schedules with the Ayurveda clock. This clock reveals which dosha is dominant at any given time of the day, and what best to do at that given time to maintain optimal health and spirit. 

    According to the Ayurveda clock, each day and night is divided into three portions dominated by Kapha, Pitta and Vata. The day begins with sunrise, rounded at 6 am. From 6 am to 10 am, Kapha dosha dominates body functions. The qualities of Kapha lead to low digestive power, stagnation, heaviness, and dullness. This is why Ayurveda recommends waking up before sunrise, as any later time would mean you are waking up with the dull heaviness of Kapha weighing on your mind and body. 

    From 10 am to 2 pm, the Pitta dosha dominates the body. Pitta’s hot, sharp, and spreading qualities yield high digestive power and a greater sense of capacity to do your work, especially mental work. This is why Ayurveda encourages you to eat your primary meal in the middle of the day when the digestive fire of Pitta dominates. 

    From 2 pm to 6 pm, the Vata dosha dominates the body. This is the time when you get light and spacey, your digestive capacity is poor, and you desire movement and creativity. You can have a light snack at this time but avoid heavy meals. This is also the ideal time to take a walk or sit down and meditate. 

    After this, the cycle repeats. From 6 pm to 10 pm is the Kapha, at which time it is better to allow your mind and body to relax. Keep your supper light and easy on the stomach. Got to bed by 10 pm, when the Pitta dosha takes over. From 10 pm to 2 am, the Pitta dosha will ensure proper digestion of the food. From 2 am to 6 am, the Vata dosha takes over when you feel light and breezy, and you sleep the best. Wake up just as the Kapha energy begins to take over at 6 am and start the new day. 

    The Ayurvedic clock helps you to build a healthy relationship between your internal environment and that of the outside world. Developing and practising a schedule in accordance with the Ayurveda clock will regularize your circadian rhythm and aid in the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of vital nutrients. 

    It also enables optimum hormone production and immune function. Your mindset improves as you become more cheerful, confident and disciplined. This ensures you live a long, healthy and satisfied life complete with good experiences and happy memories. 

  • Managing kidney stones through Ayurveda

    A kidney stone is a solid mass composed of mineral and salt deposits inside the kidney. Kidney stones obstruct the outflow of toxins, leading to serious complications. Low water intake, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, too much consumption of aerated drinks, alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration, are some of the leading causes of kidney stones. 

    In Ayurveda, kidney stones are referred to as ‘Ashmari’, where Ashma means stone and Ari means enemy. Kidney stones occur when the kapha composition in the body comes down. So, the first and most direct way to deal with kidney stones is to drink a lot of water. This ensures that your body is hydrated and helps flush out wastes and toxins, which otherwise can accumulate to form kidney stones. 

    According to Ayurveda, smaller kidney stones can be eliminated by sticking to a suitable sattvic diet. This includes increased consumption of vegetables and fruits like carrots, potatoes, radishes, bananas, apples and lemons and reduced consumption of maida, oatmeal, kiwi and strawberries. 

    To flush out kidney stones, in addition to normal water, consuming adequate qualities of barley water, buttermilk, and coconut water, like juice and pumpkin soup, is recommended. Consuming sugarcane regularly can help get rid of smaller kidney stones. The watermelon fruit, with 92% water and nutrients and antioxidants, can also help in the natural removal of kidney stones if consumed at least once daily.

    Another Ayurvedic recommendation is Amla fruit which is high in vitamin C and antioxidant contents. Consuming amla as a fruit or as juice, or adding amla powder to the food can help in the body’s detox process and flush out small kidney stones while helping break larger ones.

    Then there are ayurvedic herbs which can help treat and manage kidney stones. Some of them are Shigru, Varuna, Bakul, Kantkari and Pashanabheda. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking them as only their suitable use can create the right results.

    Other than this, maintaining an Ayurvedic way of life is also essential to managing kidney stones. Avoid eating at odd hours. Do not hold urine for long hours. Start your day by drinking two glasses of warm water. Eat more fruits with high water content, and practice Yoga daily.