I am convinced that both prevention and management of the disease can be obtained without drugs. Especially conditions like diabetes, obesity, low energy, frequent infections, menstrual problems, high cholesterol, gastrointestinal problems, menopausal problems etc.

People come to me for dietary reform usually because they realize, as they go through life, that food has something to do with their disorders and symptoms. So they will follow the dietary advice as they want to experience better health by using food as medicine. These are people who are health aware and therefore conscious. Naturally, that makes it easier for me to treat them, but I am addressing the average person who is completely disinclined to change his diet that he has followed all his life, even if it is causing him a lot of discomforts. Dietary modification to such a person does not mean `healthy living’ but an interference with the pleasures of life. But unless a person realizes that vibrant health, mental clarity and high energy can be attained by improving his selection of food, he is likely to lack the motivation to change his old food habits for new. Nonetheless, when such a person needs quick relief, he can try out some of the foods listed below:

Soup for sinus: When the nasal passages get blocked due to a cold or an infection this soup can be of some help to you. Although only a small fraction of colds progress to sinusitis in susceptible people, anything can turn into a sinus infection. Make soup (2 serving) by sautéing 2 tsp of crushed garlic, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 onions, 1 tomato and salt to taste. Add water and boil for 5 minutes. Strain if required. Throw in diced capsicum and cauliflower, bring to a boil. Garnish with 2 tbsp of raw raddish cut into thin strips. Squeeze lime juice if desired. Drink it hot two to three times a day.

Antacid soup: Late nights and overeating are common during a festive season. This may lead to nausea, vomiting, gas and acidity in those individuals having a weak liver. You should know that your liver needs help when you get frequent headaches, sugar cravings, poor digestion, low energy, abdominal bloat, mood swings, food allergies etc. This soup will help reduce heartburn and acidity. In two cups of low-fat curd, add one grated cucumber, lots of (at least 10) ice cubes, black salt and blend. Chill in refrigerator and serve in soup bowls garnished with mint leaves.

Gas fighting salad: Flatus (gas) is produced in the intestine by undigested food. Excessive eating, too much non-veg, insufficient water intake, alcohol all contribute to indigestion and gas formation. Constipation also results in flatulence. Dozens of herbs help reduce gas e.g saunf (fennel), cardamom (elaichi), peppermint etc. This gas fighting salad can be used when you want to eat lightly and digest last nights greasy meal. Combine pomegranate (2 whole), black raisins (10 nos), fresh amla finely chopped (1 large) in a salad bowl on a bed of lettuce leaves. Dress with few drops of vinegar and black salt. Besides taking herbs to reduce gas, it also helps if you eat slowly. Eat food in a relaxed manner and chew it thoroughly. When you gobble your food down, you tend to swallow large lumps, which are more likely to be undigested and produce more flatus. Herb teas like chamomile and peppermint help improve digestion, reduce gas and have a calming effect on your nerves. Take 2-3 cups at bedtime to enjoy its soothing effect

ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist, Founder Director-Health Total, having health centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune -manages obesity & other health related disorders.
Contact numbers: 1-800-843-0206/+91 86575 61727
For further information, Visit www.health-total.com