Staying healthy
June 2009
Readers share their health secrets
If you eat like a baby or a small child, you will never fall ill. That is because you cannot force a baby to eat what it does not like. A child’s meals are well-balanced, consumed on time and easily digestible. If we follow the same guidelines, it can work wonders on our general health.
UMA GARIMELLA, HYDERABAD
One should be physically, emotionally and spiritually strong to stay healthy. The body needs regular exercise, pranayam, and meditation. One should experience joy, sorrow and all the emotions fully; otherwise, the residuals will eat into the neurological system, ultimately leading to biological degeneration. We should first know what is in our hands and what is not. A sense of compassion, contentment, love, gratitude, and oneness will keep the original designed programme in place, to keep you fit.
MURALIKRISHNA MAMIDI, PUNE
The secret of my good health ultimately boils down to the following three medicines, one dose of each I take daily without fail. The first is thankfulness to God for everything that happens to me. Secondly, positive thinking always, never allowing negative thoughts to enter my mind, and lastly to try and remain happy in all circumstances. These simple tips have dissolved all my fears and stress which invaded my mind and body a few years ago. Now at 60 I am enjoying good physical and mental health
SARITA VERMA, VIA EMAIL
I am 65 and blessed with good health. The secret is in being selective.
Without any conscious effort, I am able to restrict my food, both in quality and quantity. I always eat the same quantity of food but am selective about the items. The same goes for water. If the water is of good quality, I drink a lot of it, if I am doubtful of the source I keep consumption to a bare minimum. I try to avoid staying in polluted surroundings but when I have to, I regulate my breathing by moderating inhalation and exhalation. I avoid reading or watching anything negative in content except to the extent necessary. This self-imposed restraint has yielded great results.
M G WARRIER, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Yoga keeps all my aches and pains away. Stretching exercises have really helped me cope with my arthritic pains. Proper stretches align the spine and keeps the body supple and flexible. Daily pranayama is a must for me.
JEROO VAZIFDAR, MUMBAI
Your body is what you eat. I try to eat healthy food as far as possible. Lime juice and honey dissolved in warm water first thing in the morning keeps my organs fit. Lime juice is an excellent cleanser for the liver, a storage point for all the body’s emotional and physical stress. Honey is a nourishing food. We city dwellers often suffer from throat problems, so honey is a great soother. Cooking food in minimal oil helps me keep slim and fit.
SHARUKH VAZIFDAR, MUMBAI
Positive thoughts keep me up and going through the day. As soon as I get up in the morning I read aloud about 20 lines of my favourite positive affirmations that gives me a good feeling. I have been practising this since the last two years and have found a tremendous improvement in my attitude. Now, nothing gets me down. I accept bad news as calmly as I do good news.
ROHAN S, MUMBAI
My prayers and my implicit faith in the Almighty keep me healthy in mind, body and spirit.
DINAZ DASTUR, MUMBAI