Remaining open about various types of treatments

 After working in a pharmacy for over a decade—reading lakhs of prescriptions and often accompanying friends to doctor visits—I've gained some insights that many physicians might not want you to hear.

Much of modern medicine is rooted in dogma. It's like a tribal belief system: intensely held convictions that certain treatments are absolute truths, even though most scientific evidence is actually quite grey and nuanced. Yet doctors—especially specialists—often present it as black-and-white fact, implying you're foolish for questioning it.

This has always struck me as odd. When did medicine become so political and dogmatic? Why are those practicing alternative approaches demonized for challenging standardized treatments?

I'm sharing this to empower you: Your doctor isn't God. They're human, susceptible to long-held biases, and the desire for their practices to be "right" after years of experience.

For instance, many physicians fail to adequately inform their patients about the potential side effects of certain medications. Moreover, they often do not fully recognize conditions such as anxiety, back pain, high cholesterol, chronic stress, constipation, fatty liver, hypertension, neck and shoulder pain, PCOS, postural issues, and Type 2 diabetes as primarily lifestyle-related disorders—many of which are largely preventable and reversible through improvements in diet, exercise, and daily habits, rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical pills.

This isn't limited to one group; most of the people in the medical community often treat complex biology as if it's straightforward and factual, when it's not.

Stay informed, learn how your body works, question the common narrative, and use your critical thinking. Physicians are humans too—just like us—and we all fall into these patterns sometimes.

How to Protect Yourself from Cancer by Supporting Mitochondrial Health

 Cancer development is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Healthy mitochondria regulate energy production, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and oxidative balance — all of which are critical in preventing uncontrolled cell growth. Below are scientifically supported ways to protect mitochondrial function and reduce cancer risk:

• Maintain optimal Vitamin D levels

  • Vitamin D regulates cell growth, differentiation, and immune response.

  • Studies show that sufficient Vitamin D helps reduce oxidative stress in mitochondria and lowers cancer risk in several populations.

• Incorporate intermittent fasting

  • Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy, a cellular “cleanup” process that removes damaged mitochondria (mitophagy).

  • It also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress, both protective against cancer.

• Limit processed foods

  • Processed foods are high in refined sugars, oils, trans-fats and additives that increase chronic inflammation and mitochondrial damage.

  • A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect cells.

• Consume cruciferous and sulfur-rich vegetables

  • Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, bok choy, cabbage, arugula, collard greens, garlic, and onions are rich in sulforaphane and organosulfur compounds.

  • Sulforaphane activates Nrf2, a transcription factor that enhances antioxidant defenses, detoxification enzymes, and mitochondrial resilience.

• Avoid excess iron intake

  • While iron is essential, too much iron promotes the Fenton reaction, generating free radicals that damage mitochondrial DNA and membranes.

  • Managing iron levels (through diet or blood donation if medically appropriate) helps reduce oxidative stress.

• Practice daily breathing exercises

• Deep breathing improves oxygen delivery and mitochondrial respiration.

• Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama also lower stress hormones (cortisol), which otherwise impair mitochondrial function.

By protecting your mitochondria through nutrition, lifestyle, and mindful practices, you strengthen your body’s natural defenses against cancer.

To overcome PCOD holistically

1. Eliminate Dietary Toxins & Endocrine Disruptors:

• Avoid processed, packaged, and fast foods, which often contain unhealthy fats, preservatives, and additives linked to inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
• Minimize use of plastic containers and bottles to reduce exposure to micro-plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
• Avoid foods containing added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt metabolic function.
• Refrain from cooking in aluminum vessels, as aluminum exposure has been associated with oxidative stress.

2. Adopt a Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet:

• Prioritize fruits rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients: apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, cherries, grapes, kiwis, lemons, mangoes, melons, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons.
• Increase intake of fiber- and micronutrient-rich vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, green peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
• Include raw salads with ingredients such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions for digestive enzymes and fiber.
• Avoid most grains; instead, use amaranth and quinoa, which are gluten-free, high-protein pseudo-grains with favourable nutrient profiles.

3. Therapeutic Spices:

Incorporate spices with clinically studied anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits:

• Cumin, coriander, and fennel for digestive support and mild detoxification.
• Black pepper (enhances nutrient absorption), ginger, garlic, turmeric (anti-inflammatory), green chili, and cinnamon (supports glucose metabolism).

4. Natural Detoxification Support:

Environmental pollutants and micro-plastics may contribute to thyroid dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.

• Prepare a herbal infusion by soaking coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds overnight. Boil in the morning and consume 3–4 glasses throughout the day. These seeds are known for diuretic, digestive, and mild detoxifying properties.

5. Correct Nutritional Deficiencies:

• Vitamin B12: Deficiency is common and can affect energy, cognition, and nerve function. Use methylcobalamin sublingual supplements for better absorption.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Critical for reducing inflammation and supporting thyroid and hormonal health. Obtain from soaked chia seeds, basil seeds, flaxseeds, or walnuts.
• Ensure Vitamin D levels are optimum.

6. Targeted Lifestyle Interventions:

• Practice Reclining Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) for 20 minutes daily to stimulate parasympathetic nervous system activity and improve pelvic circulation.
• Aim for 7–8 hours of deep sleep per night. Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, immune function, and tissue repair.
• Maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by aligning sleep-wake cycles with natural light patterns.

7. Evidence-Supported Herbal Interventions:

• Herbs such as Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress and thyroid), Shatavari (female reproductive tonic), and Safed Musli (general vitality) may support endocrine balance. These can be taken together in warm buffalo milk after dinner to enhance absorption.

• Limit saturated fat intake to less than 10 grams per day to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

• Topical application of sesame oil to the navel (per Ayurvedic tradition) is believed to aid digestive and reproductive health.

• Ayurvedic formulations such as Ashokarishta and Shatapushpadi Ghanavati may also be considered for reproductive health.

ISRO blasts Mangalyaan in its very first attempt

Today ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) successfully blasted a spacecraft named Mangalyaan into the orbit of Mars planet at 7:17 am (Indian Standard Time or 01:47 UTC). The space craft travelled for around 780 kilometres (486 million miles). Unlike developed nations ISRO belongs to a developing country India yet it achieved this feat in its very first attempt.

The cost of this project is estimated to be around Rs. 450 crores ($74 million or 58 million euros) this amount is lesser than the budget of movie Gravity which was around $100 million.

The aim of the spacecraft is to search for the presence of methane gas in Mar’s atmosphere.

References: -

1. India’s mission to Mars has smaller budget than hit film Gravity, says PM. July 2, 2014. http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/indias-mission-to-mars-has-smaller-budget-than-hit-film-gravity-says-pm/story-fnjwlcze-1226974452104 (accessed September 24, 2014).

2. India's Mangalyaan space probe enters Mars orbit. September 24, 2014. http://www.dw.de/indias-mangalyaan-space-probe-enters-mars-orbit/a-17949233 (accessed September 24, 2014).

Gabrielle Lichterman’s hormonal horoscope

Not many would disagree with my statement that women are the most complicated species amongst all species alive. In my personal humble opinion a man may spend his lifetime exploring the complexities of a woman but won’t be able to understand a woman completely.

Luckily I came across an article published in Mumbai Mirror dated 3^rd September 2014 by Gitanjali Chandrasekharan. She has mentioned about Gabrielle Lichterman’s hormonal horoscope. By studying it one can enhance his/her understanding about women’s complexities to some extent. For married men this can enhance their skills to deal with their wife in a better way.

Gabrielle Lichterman is an American Health Journalist. She spent nearly 2 decades researching hormones. She teaches women how to live their life in sync with their monthly hormone cycle. She intends to make women capitalize on hormonal strengths that occurs on certain days in their cycle—such as high energy, a sharper memory & an upbeat mood—& overcome hormonal challenges that crop up on other days of your cycle—such as fatigue, fogginess or the blues. She has devised a Hormone Horoscope calendar that syncs with a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Ms. Lichterman has mentioned about 3 main hormones oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone.   Oestrogen is a primary female sex hormone & Progesterone is involved in menstrual cycle.

Lichterman’s Hormone Horoscope is divided into 4 weeks.

Week 1: Day 1 (First day of period) to Day 7

This period begins with the beginning of menstrual cycle. During this period oestrogen level rises. Women may experience cramps & fatigue. Rising of oestrogen can boost brain’s ability, make women talk more, open to begin a conversation with anybody, make them eat a bit lesser. Best things that can be done during this time are to think about a new project, think about new ideas, planning a healthy diet as rise in oestrogen level can help quiet cravings, think about a new exercise regime, or increasing the intensity of new exercises.

WEEK TWO: Day 8 to Day 14 or ovulation

During this period oestrogen & testosterone rise till they peak. The rise in these hormones can make facial features slightly more symmetrical. It can even cause levels of dopamine to rise & thus women can crave for excitement. They may look more confident & optimistic. Memory gets sharper. High oestrogen can enhance ability to tolerate pain by triggering a greater output of pain masking endorphins in the brain. Thus it’s the best time for any dental procedure or any body piercing, using new shoes, etc. Women can become more audacious, bold, brave, competitive, courageous, daring, enterprising, fearless, gallant, etc. Their desire to spend quality time with their loved one increases. It’s considered the best time to make love as there’s a sharp rise in libido. This makes orgasms more intense & easier to achieve. The best things that can be done during this time are to enhance your relationship with your spouse, increase intensity of your work-out or exercises.

WEEK THREE: Begins day after ovulation and lasts 8 days

During this period Progesterone rises; oestrogen & testosterone drop for half the week, then oestrogen rises again. Progesterone is a sedating hormone thus it can make women lazy & decrease their enthusiasm, increase forgetfulness. Thus during this time women may have to work harder than normal to achieve their goals. They may get bored easily & find difficult to understand new & difficult topics, they can even find it difficult to begin new projects. They’ll become less social & find it difficult to begin a conversation. Libido will decrease & food cravings especially fatty foods can increase.

WEEK FOUR: Final 6 days of your cycle (Day 23 to 28 in a 28-day cycle)

During this time oestrogen & progesterone plunges. During this time women can become more cynical. Regarding health it can cause hamper mood, headache, fatigue, cause muscle cramps, insomnia. The libido returns as the nerve endings below get stimulated as the body prepares for menstruation.

References: -

1. Lichterman, Gabrielle. Hormone Horoscope. 2014. http://hormonehoroscope.com/ (accessed September 12, 2014).

2. Chandrasekharan, Gitanjali. Hormone helpdesk. September 3, 2014. http://www.mumbaimirror.com/others/you/Hormone-helpdesk/articleshow/41546071.cms (accessed September 12, 2014).