Stay Healthy in 2023
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Happy New Year, everyone. I was just on medical Twitter enjoying a thread in which doctors of different specialties posted their top health tips. It was intriguing to see the commonalities and how many of the tips were really commonsense. Here’s some Ayurvedic commentary on what I gleaned.
Resolve to eat more fiber in 2023. That came from both a colorectal surgeon and several cardiologists. Protect your heart health and your gut health, prevent colon cancer and lower your blood sugar by eating plenty of fiber. Refined foods are low in fiber, so limit your intake of them. Start your day off the right way with a warm cereal. It could be oatmeal, but if you prefer a savory breakfast, try buckwheat pilaf, quinoa or amaranth. Breakfast can also be a bowl of kichari with carrots in it. The mung beans and carrots provide good fiber.
Resolve to eat less meat and more vegetables in 2023. According to the CDC, one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the US. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women alike. So, prick up your ears when cardiologists suggest this resolution. Try Meatless Monday, Friday Fish, any strategy that will reduce the amount of red meat you consume. Make meat the side dish and vegetables and legumes the main items. And as I often say, eat a rainbow every day. To make it easy, you’ll find loads of great vegetarian recipes on our website.
Resolve to exercise moderately and consistently in 2023. Cardiologists emphasized moderate and consistent exercise for heart health, such as a daily brisk walk. Orthopedic surgeons pointed out that exercise is vital if you have osteoarthritis. Often people buy a gym membership in January, but by February they don’t go any more. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, walking is best, because it provides three essential aspects of self-care, vyayama or exercise, atapa seva or sunlight and maruta seva or fresh air. And especially if you have musculoskeletal problems, yoga or similar forms of stretching are essential. Exercise is not supposed to be torture. In fact, it should be fun. I really enjoy my walks and my dance class too!
Resolve to drink less alcohol in 2023. If you’re having more than two drinks a week, try Sober January for a reset. According to Ayurveda, alcohol can be beneficial if consumed very moderately and mindfully, accompanied by good food and in a cheerful sate of mind. But alcohol also has all the characteristics of a poison, so only drink a little and avoid strong liquor. And never, never drive when under the influence.
Resolve not to get COVID in 2023. Every time you get COVID, it weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to new COVID variants, as well as to other viruses, bacteria and fungi. Every time you get COVID, it increases your chances of heart attack, stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, erectile dysfunction, male infertility and many more chronic illnesses. With immune-evasive new sub-variants coming your way, wear an N95, ventilate and avoid crowds.
Resolve to have more fun in 2023. Sit down, relax and enjoy your meals. Sit down, relax and have a nice cup of tulsi tea or rooibos chai with the one you love. Listen to the birds. Play with your cat. Bask in the winter sun. Read a good book. Learn to play an instrument. Enjoy life’s simple pleasures, it’s good for your health!
Have a happy and healthy 2023!
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
