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From the desk of Dr Nandita Shah...
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In all my years of advocating food as medicine, the most surprising question I get is whether a consultation with me can resolve digestive issues. The truth is, a little self-introspection can do half the job. If you put diesel in a petrol car, it won’t run properly—our digestive system works the same way.
Like all animals, we thrive on foods suited to our species—those that instinctively appeal to us. When we see fruits and vegetables on a farm we are automatically attracted. But the same attraction does not hold true when we see a chicken or a goat or a cow or pig walk by.
Dairy is one of the biggest problems. No species in nature drinks the milk of another, and since most of us are lactose intolerant, cutting dairy alone brings noticeable relief. When we return to a diet that aligns with our biology, digestion improves dramatically—patients on a plant-based diet often report feeling lighter, free of acidity and constipation and other digestive issues.
Ultimately, nutrients are the building blocks of healing. High-quality food leads to high-quality health. Food, indisputably, is the best medicine.
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Highlights
Exciting News! – We are happy to share that we have recently opened a SHARAN centre in Mumbai. Based in Andheri West, we look forward to welcoming you to many of our events, potlucks, pop-ups, seminars, workshops, film screenings, consultations and more. Let’s get healthier together!
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Dr Nandita Shah's consultation & continuous support has helped me boost my confidence
49 year old Electrical Engineer Vinod Kumar Gohel shares how eating right has kickstarted his healing journey.
I have a problem with duodenum D1 ulcer. I have tried many healthier lifestyles like naturopathy, ayurveda etc. which are wonderful but they have many limitations. After watching Dr Nandita Shah’s videos on YouTube, I approached her about my condition and I am so glad I did!
Every food I ate had a different effect on my body. It took two years to find which foods are good for my digestive system. Fibrous foods like smoothies are very healthy and have a wonderful effect on my body. SHARAN lifestyle is very healthy as compared to other lifestyles and it is also sustainable. The five point plan is wonderful – whole-foods, plant-based, organic and checking of vitamin D and B12.
Dr Nandita Shah’s consultation and continuous support has helped me to boost my confidence. Also yoga and meditation helped me a lot. My health is not fully recovered yet. I am about 60% better now and it’s going to take time. I am always grateful to Dr Nandita and the SHARAN Team for providing knowledge and guidance for health.
Recipe - Saffron Lemon Herbal Drink
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp saffron (about 20 strands)
- 4 cups chilled water
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Juice of 6 lemons
- 1 tbsp minced fresh holy basil (tulsi)
- 1 tbsp date paste
Method
Blend all the ingredients together in a blender and serve chilled.
Serves 6
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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Thank Your Digestive System!
Our digestive system is such an integral part of our life and probably the most abused one as well. Because it usually compensates for our errors, we take our digestive system for granted, always confident that it will do its job as we over-indulge. We often wait till it screams for attention in the form of a stomach ache, acidity, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gas and more. And even then we may pop some pills instead of changing our ways.
A healthy, efficient digestive tract is really something that will go a long way to ensure not just our well-being, but also our happiness. Here are some tips –
1. Eat a high fibre diet
A high fibre diet helps to keep food moving through your digestive tract. It is also food for bacteria in your gut. Indulge in fruits, salads and whole foods as the fibre brooms and cleanses within.
2. Green smoothies
Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. Starting the day with a big glass of green smoothie is one of the best ways to start the day with the goodness of raw foods.
3. Stop the unhealthy fats
Meat and dairy products are full of fats that tend to slow down the digestion process. They also lack fibre to do the clean-up act. Good fats in the form of nuts, seeds, avocados can be had in moderation.
4. Incorporate natural probiotics
Fermented foods in your diet can ensure a good gut microbiome. Plant based curd (yogurt), pickled vegetables like kanji, sauerkraut or kimchee are ideal examples of fermented foods. Commercial probiotics should be avoided in general, and may be taken after a course of antibiotics.
5.Stay hydrated
Water, as well as fruits and vegetables with their high water content are essential for digestive health.
6. Say NO to processed foods
There is no place for chemicals in your digestive system. They are absolutely not welcome. This includes oil, too, as it is a processed food.
7. One grain at a time
Mixing grains adds unnecessary stress to your digestive system. Stick to having one whole grain in a meal – unpolished rice, whole wheat, or even better, any of the millets
8. Regular exercise
Exercise is good for both gut health and overall health as improves motility and increases blood flow.
9. Avoid acidic foods
Animal products, tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar and colas are acidic and can lead to acidity and hamper the digestive system.
10. Stress less
Anxiety and stress change the way the digestive system works. The digestive system performs best during rest or when we are relaxed
11. Eat when hungry
Learn to listen to your body. Eat only when hungry and drink when thirsty.
12. Fast
Give a break to your digestive system…it deserves it.
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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.
Feb 2024 | Issue: 238
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