Category: Blog

Recent research conducted by the University of Hyderabad has shed light on the increasing prevalence of Fatty Liver Disease among working professionals, particularly in the IT industry. Fatty Liver occurs when more than 5% of fat accumulates in the liver due to various behavioral and metabolic factors. Previously referred to as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), further research has demonstrated that alcohol is not the sole contributor to this condition. Instead, metabolic dysfunction plays a crucial role in its development.

Health Siren, a wellness initiative based in Pune, has been actively addressing this issue and has successfully helped many individuals recover from Fatty Liver. It is now essential to explore the root causes, pathophysiology, and the role of Yoga and Yogic diet in managing and reversing MAFLD.

Understanding Metabolic Dysfunction

Metabolic dysfunction disrupts the body’s ability to efficiently convert food into energy, leading to excessive fat storage in organs or under the skin. This condition results from long-term hyperacidity or insulin resistance, which inhibits glycolysis (the process that breaks down glucose for energy). Increased stomach acidity contributes to higher fatty acid levels in the body, further impairing insulin-stimulated glucose transport.

Studies have found that individuals with high insulin resistance (even if not diabetic), high total body fat percentage (even if not overweight or obese), and chronic hyperacidity exhibit decreased mitochondrial function. While some mitochondrial abnormalities may have genetic roots, many cases stem from the deregulation of lipid metabolism.

An essential enzyme in this process is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates mitochondrial and cellular functions. AMPK is activated during exercise and caloric deprivation, helping to inhibit enzymes involved in insulin resistance. However, during inflammation, oxidative stress reduces AMPK activity, further worsening metabolic dysfunction.

Pathophysiology of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty Liver Disease is a progressive condition that ranges from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to severe liver fibrosis. Insulin resistance leads to increased plasma insulin and glucose levels, triggering de novo lipogenesis (fat synthesis) in the liver. This process results in elevated free fatty acid levels. When these fatty acids are esterified, triglycerides accumulate in the liver, leading to steatosis.

Excessive dietary fat intake also contributes to this condition, further accelerating liver triglyceride buildup. Studies show that 33% of individuals with NAFLD exhibit all components of metabolic syndrome, while 90% have at least one component. Additionally, steatosis is 3.4 times more prevalent in obese individuals than in those with normal body weight.

Health Conditions Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction

Metabolic dysfunction is linked to various serious health issues, including:

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
2. Cancer
3. Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy
4. Alzheimer’s Disease
5. Erectile Dysfunction
6. Cushing’s Syndrome

Common Factors Contributing to MAFLD

Several lifestyle and dietary habits contribute to the development of MAFLD, including:

• Prolonged sitting hours at work
• High work-related stress
• Inadequate sleep
• Shift work disrupting circadian rhythm
• Consumption of acidic, high-calorie, and unhealthy foods
• Emotional eating and poor eating habits
• Excessive intake of sugar and sweetened beverages
• Lack of physical activity

The Role of Yoga in Managing MAFLD

Scientific studies have demonstrated that practicing Yoga increases AMPK levels in skeletal muscles, improving overall metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Yoga, which includes Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), and Dhyana (meditation), provides a holistic approach to managing metabolic disorders. Regular Yoga practice can help:

• Enhance metabolism
• Improve insulin resistance
• Regulate emotional balance
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Promote overall well-being

The Significance of Yogic Diet in MAFLD Management

A well-balanced Yogic diet plays a critical role in preventing and managing MAFLD. The focus is on consuming alkaline foods, nutrient-dense meals with fewer calories, and adopting mindful eating habits. Key aspects of the Yogic diet include:

• Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoiding processed and high-fat foods
• Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Eating at the right times and chewing food properly to aid digestion

Conclusion

Metabolic dysfunction and Fatty Liver Disease are growing health concerns, particularly among professionals with sedentary lifestyles. Understanding the root causes and pathophysiology of MAFLD allows for better prevention and management strategies. Yoga and a well-planned Yogic diet offer a natural, holistic approach to reversing metabolic dysfunction, restoring liver health, and promoting overall wellness. By incorporating Yoga and mindful dietary choices into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of developing MAFLD and enhance their quality of life.

Health Siren

Pic Credit: freepik.com

#fattyliver #metabolicdysfunction #liverfunction #alcoholrelateddisease

Lung cancer is supposed to be big risk for people who smoke, work in hot places like furnaces, working with dust, coal, etc. not everything leads to lung cancer – but these are some of risk factors weakening your lungs. Overall body health matters and we can generate better health using pranayam and practice complete breathing.
Complete breathing is an exercise where every breath can be practised for a duration of 60-120 seconds . this practise should continue for at least 20 minutes every day to ensure lungs are maintained in good condition and perform at their best.
Any cancer is a major illness which requires immediate and detailed action. Natural therapies that can assist are :
1. Complete breathing 30 minutes x twice/day
2. Some regular walks in fresh air/sunshine and beach walks
3. Exposure to the sun for 30-60 minutes every day
4. Shivambu practise under an expert to ensure dosage and correct guidance is provided during
the treatment program
5. Healthy light easily digestible food
6. Good regular sleep
7. Meditation if one is happy and trained to do so.
We wish every cancer sufferer good luck in their health and recovery. Weare available for advice and support.

Arthritis is a broad term encompassing various joint-related issues, including osteoarthritis from wear and tear, septic arthritis from infection, systemic conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and even mysterious cases known as idiopathic arthritis. Regardless of the specific type, arthritis causes pain, stiffness, reduced strength, limited mobility, and disrupts various aspects of one’s life, from sports and work to family time and independence.

 

In essence, arthritis can be incredibly frustrating and disabling, affecting one’s overall quality of life. But what can be done to address it, and how can natural therapies assist in the journey to rejuvenation? From the perspectives of Ayurveda and acupuncture, arthritis is seen as a result of cold, wind, or damp energies becoming trapped within the body, leading to internal disturbances and chemical imbalances affecting the whole system.

 

So, what does Health Siren have to offer in this context?

Health Siren provides professional services in the realms of Yog, Pranayam (breathing exercises), dietary guidance, and lifestyle management. Gentle yog practices address physical and spiritual aspects, bringing harmony to the body’s energy flow. Pranayam offers an essential energy boost that may be lacking in arthritis sufferers. Lifestyle changes are implemented to ease discomfort, reduce stress on affected joints, and adopt a preventative approach to managing the condition. These changes aim to slow down the progression of arthritis and enhance the individual’s quality of life.

Ultimately, a positive shift in health can lead to body rejuvenation, offering a fighting chance for the body to cope with arthritis and improve overall well-being and adaptability in living with this condition.

This holistic approach is presented by Kapil & Vaishali Budhawat.

The health field has been and even today is a quagmire of pathies and symptoms based solutions which appear to give temporary relief – but very rarely a cure to most of our ills. Vaishali & Kapil being Pharmacists and understood the pharma lobby from within. They witnessed it’s implementation in real life disease prolonging problems – worse in chronic and lifestyle diseases & felt intuitively and passionately about offering a solution to peoples suffering and ills. In their quest for such options, they happened to hit and connect with Anand Bapat, who they felt was a multi- faceted personality who offered clarity and vision for their cause – besides an inherent ability to guide, mentor and ensure their growth in this completely new field for their liking. Thus Health Siren was modelled on some basic instinctive parameters of good health, preventive health, curative health using any modality that is scientifically acceptable and provable and started their quest & work in earnest with great desire and passion. The rest as will be described is history today.

Health Siren was a concept in the minds of Vaishali Khade & Kapil Budhawat, decided to review their life plans and focus on health, rejuvenation and working towards the betterment of health & ease the suffering of humanity. This took shape a few months before inception and fully condensed into reality as part of their growth process at personal and institutional level. They took the trouble to venture into untapped areas of philosophy, career guidance, work ethic & systematic documentation and systems of evidence based practice.

They slowly and steadily upgraded themselves and moulded themselves as required for the rigorous path ahead. They studied Scientific Suryanamaskar and that started a new connection in their life where they found mentorship under one roof for all their needs. Their career became more structured and a clear methodology, with path to sow but guaranteed progress was outlined and successfully implemented to achieve the desired results you see today.

Over the next 2+ years of hard work, commitment and learning skills and knowledge, both graduated to Scientific Suryanamaskar shikshaks. Vaishali commenced and completed her MA (Yogashastra) successfully while both studied yog under guidance looking at ancient literature and understanding in depth the ancient values and details outlined in each sutra. Today Vaishali and Kapil can recite and wrote more than 65  Patanjali yog sutras. During this period ‘True Yog’ was born and its concept and philosophy was thoroughly understood. It’s implementation brought about the required therapeutic change in every person practicing these ancient techniques. Kapil has also enrolled for MA(Yogashastra) this year.

While working with yog & Suryanamaskar, both of them were busy with handling clients for weight loss, obesity, PCOD, Thyroid issues, personal fitness and other health problems. These clients were handled successfully with outstanding results for their clients. During this phase they became adept at Shivambu teaching and guidance for their clients, again with outstanding results. They ventured into Meditation learning & practice and understanding Mantak Chia & Kama Shastra for preserving & enriching sexual energy for health and better progeny. They learnt, studied and implemented proper documentation, which lead them to present a joint paper earlier this year on – ‘Yog and Yogic Diet as Holistic Remedy for Fat Loss’.

Parallelly, while all this was going on, they ventured into making videos for the benefit of the community at large to educate the world on health, fitness, true yog, scientific Suryanamaskar & Shivambu – again with glowing results and great benefit to garner 2000+ subscribers. No mean feat in the field of natural therapies which are overlooked by most people. The average time required to create a 15 minute video is about 8+ hours – from inception, script, editing of ppt, camera work, editing of video, dubbing as required and then final editing to ensure a great product, viewed by all. They have managed to release close to 220+ videos over a 2.5 year period – again a very great achievement indeed. This is on top of all the classes, commitments to clients, social life, getting married, planning a child, having a child in this hectic life of the modern era. They continued to ensure and foster close to perfect health for themselves and child through sattvic lifestyle, diet and regime.

The future planned direction is as follows:

• Videos on you tube covering :
  • How to prepare for a healthy conception & pregnancy
  • Care during the pregnancy term of 9 months
  • Care of child and mother post delivery
  • Return to normality as best as possible
  • Womanhood series covering a massive area of topics – ranging from birth to death.
• Teaching programs
  • True yog philosophy and practice
  • True yog for instructors
  • Yog Instructors workshop
  • Yog accreditation course for practitioners
  • Internship program for Health Siren
  • A truly herculean / super human effort.