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From the desk of Dr Nandita Shah...
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When we have a cold, cough, or fever we are often prescribed antibiotics. But we all know that we don’t feel so good after taking the antibiotic.
Antibiotics not only kill the bad invading bacteria, they also kill good bacteria in our gut. This is why an antibiotic course can cause loss of appetite, indigestion and sometimes even diarrhoea. Now our body must recover not just from the infection, but also from the antibiotics.
Antibiotics are wonder drugs when used judiciously, but unfortunately they have been abused and we are suffering the consequences. Antibiotic resistance has become common now. It is best to try to understand the cause of the infection and heal naturally, leaving the antibiotics for life threatening illnesses.
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Highlights
If health & well-being form a part of your New Year’s Resolution, then please do check out our upcoming events this January. They have been designed to heal you both physically & mentally. This is truly an investment which brings in invaluable returns. Click here for more details.
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Lucky for me that I have been following SHARAN astutely
Hyderabad based 64 year old Amita Desai shares how she wants to live a chemical free life…
I have been a vegan for over 12 years but I have known Dr. Nandita Shah for over 35 years, when she was practicing homeopathy. Luckily I was able to bring up my children, who are both in their 30s now, with homeopathy. We only resorted to allopathy in cases where we thought there was no other choice. I don’t think I have taken antibiotics in the last 12 years other than after two minor surgeries for falls!
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 20 years ago. For osteoporosis I was advised to take strong injections and they made me feel worse! I stopped after two days and decided to heal with yoga, swimming and the right diet. I have not taken anything against my spondylosis, fibromyalgia or other problems in the last 10 years and I must say I am feeling much better now.
I have realized that the body has this immense capacity to heal, especially since I have started working according to the SHARAN philosophy. Lucky for me that I have been following SHARAN more and more astutely over the years.
The SHARAN 21-Day Health Retreat that I did in June 2024 was a complete game changer. It was an eye opener, putting all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle, that I had, together. I am now also trying to be chemical-free by avoiding preservatives and chemicals in my diet and personal care products, both at home and in the office. I aim to join the movement towards prioritizing health through diet and lifestyle changes. By doing so, I hope to make a positive impact on my own health and the health of others.
Peanut Curd Buttermilk
Curd is a good source of prebiotic and this buttermilk not only tastes like the dairy version, it is great for your health. Did you know that peanut curd lasts for ten days in your fridge and can be used in raitas, curries, dahi-wadas, salads etc. Try it, it’s absolutely worth it.
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut curd
- 1 cup water
- 3-4 curry leaves
- ¼ tbsp mustard (rai) seeds
- ⅛ tsp asafoetida (hing)
- Unrefined salt to taste
Method
In a blender, blend the peanut curd and water. Temper curry leaves, mustard seeds and asafoetida in a heavy bottomed pan without oil and add it to the buttermilk. Season with salt.
Variations
Buttermilk can be made with other plant-based yoghurts.
The flavourings could vary according to your preference – for example: roasted cumin powder, ginger-chilli paste, mint and coriander leaves, roasted whole cumin and asafoetida.
Serves 2
Food For The Mind
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP
If you love Facebook, then join us to be supported on your plant-based journey. We offer 2 possibilities.
1. SHARAN India is SHARAN’s main Facebook page which you can like and follow for getting useful daily updates and news from the plant based health world. You will also get news about the latest SHARAN events, see testimonials, and more.
2. SHARAN’s Vegan Support Group is an open support group to know more about vegan/plant-based lifestyle. Here you can ask questions and share inspiring stories, tips, recipes, etc.
All our doctors and presenters will be here to answer your questions and give you tips. If you have attended our events join this group to be a part of our family.
Please like the main SHARAN page and join the group(s) applicable to you.
Other platforms to be connected and know more…
- WhatsApp
- Instagram
- YouTube – English & Hindi
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Antibiotic resistance and its causes, consequences, and solutions
These days antibiotic resistance is rampant and there are fewer new antibiotics to compensate for this. Let’s learn more about this and what we can do about it.
Antibiotics are often prescribed without doing a sensitivity test. This means that the antibiotic that you are taking may not actually work against the infection that you have because the bacteria may already be resistant to it. The result? The antibiotic will not have the intended results, but will still have the unintended side effects. Avoid taking antibiotics until a culture and sensitivity test is done.
80% of the antibiotics produced in the world are fed to animals in our food chain. These animals are kept in close confinement and often get infections from each other. To avoid this, animal feed is supplemented with antibiotics. This means when you consume meat or dairy you are inadvertently consuming the antibiotics that the animal had been given. This constant dose of antibiotics in the human population through the food that they eat is one of the biggest causes of antibiotic resistance. Avoid all animal products to avoid inadvertently taking antibiotics with your meals.
When you are prescribed an antibiotic, the duration of the prescription ensures that the bacteria for which it has been prescribed are completely eliminated. But because the antibiotics have so many side effects, patients stop taking them as soon as they begin to feel better. This allows the bacteria that are still present, to develop resistance to that particular antibiotic. If you start a course of antibiotics, you should complete the course even if you already feel better.
Antibiotics are often prescribed for viral infections. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses so this is a misuse of antibiotics. Get a diagnosis before you start the antibiotic.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent a possible infection. This is misuse. An antibiotic should never be prescribed unless absolutely required.
Hospitals harbour germs. This is why most patients admitted in the hospital are routinely given antibiotics. Take charge of your health, minimise hospitalisation.
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All Events
Most of our events are online now, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Click to know more…
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What is SHARAN? |
Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals
and Nature (SHARAN) is a social enterprise with
the goal of spreading awareness about holistic
health and an ecologically sustainable
compassionate lifestyle.
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Compiled & Edited by: |
This newsletter is compiled by SHARAN Head of Mumbai, Reyna K Rupani. She facilitates the Six Weeks to Health Gain & Weight Loss program and also conducts health talks for schools, groups, corporates and more.
Dec 2024 | Issue: 233
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