Gay Marriages and Christianity

Gay Marriage and Christian Volatility

Let's reflect on why this issue is so explosive.

Agitated.

Agitated is the word that comes to mind when I think of the current debate about Gay Marriage. Agitation is everywhere, and it takes on a particularly volatile form within many church circles.

There is a lot being written right now about gay marriage. The vast majority of that writing is about which side of the issue has the moral high ground. What is not being written about is why this particular issue has induced such an explosive, emotional response.

On one hand, the church is an activist organization. This is true from its beginning: from building hospitals to big-tent revivals, from overthrowing dictators to nailing 95 Theses, from Billy Graham crusades to, well … theCrusades. The church is an organism with an activist's heart desperately looking for the next war to wage.

Is gay marriage simply the issue du jour?

Partly. But I believe the emotional drama indicates it is more than just the most available issue of the day. It is explosive. Why is that so? One important piece of this incongruent agitation is that it takes two emotionally charged issues—homosexuality and the institution of marriage, each volatile in its own right—and …

Let me see if I can paint a picture.

Have you ever heard of a binary chemical weapon? In the movies, a binary chemical weapon is a complicated bomb that houses two separate cylinders, each containing a volatile compound. It is an effective movie plotline because when the compounds mix, the resulting mixture is exponentially more powerful than either compound alone. For the audience, the expectation of these two compounds mixing creates a uniquely anxious experience.

Homosexuality and marriage are, at least for the church, two such volatile compounds. We fear what will happen when the chemicals mix.

Volatile compound #1: Homosexuality

If we rank moral and theological issues on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being highest, homosexuality is valued as a "10 issue" by the church. (Award-winning filmmaker Dan Merchant humorously expressed this fact in this YouTube short.)

But is homosexuality really a "10"? And why has it reached such a charged status recently? Well, I think it's because of how it relates to the Bible and to our church life.

Bible

Christians take great pride (as they should) in taking their beliefs and moral priorities from the pages of the Bible. The problem is, as far as the Bible is concerned, homosexuality is valued as a "3 issue," not a "10."

When looking at the moral teachings of Jesus in the gospels, homosexuality receives zero airtime. Zero. Jesus is silent on the issue. Either Jesus never felt it was a great enough priority to discuss, or his followers, who wrote the gospels, never felt it was important enough to quote. Either way, the gospels give it the same priority as Egyptian Interior Decoration: no comment.

Beyond the gospels the Bible is tepid at best as far as prioritizing homosexuality. (I am not talking about interpretation here, only the objective volume of writing.) There are a couple of verses about it in Leviticus. Paul makes brief comments in Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Timothy. A handful of verses. Some people add a few other passages as anecdotal or illustrative, but even so, the total actual passages covering the topic represent a minuscule amount of the moral teaching of the Bible.

This total volume is far less than biblical hot-issues like paying taxes, how to treat a slave, or the proper construction of a tabernacle. More significantly, homosexuality is buried in obscurity under the hundreds, if not thousands, of verses dedicated to the indisputable "level 10 issues" of the Bible: prayer, caring for the poor, loving your neighbor, or proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Again, I want to be very clear. I am not talking about the application of these passages: for instance do they refer to sexual orientation? Homosexual relationships? Specific erotic acts? I am also not making a moral commentary one way or another; I am only commenting on how much the Bible talks about it.

Church life

And yet, in so many religious circles today, this "3 issue" (according to the Bible) is treated like a "10." Why is that?

At this point, I am only talking about homosexuality broadly, not gay marriage. However, sexual orientation, left to itself, is a very emotionally charged issue. I want to explore some of the emotions behind it.

Disassociating: There is something in us that wants to keep distance from certain human expressions. It is a strong and repulsing sort of disassociation. It happens in many realms. My friend David wants nothing to do with the Los Angeles Lakers. There is literally nothing good that can come from that NBA team. To suggest otherwise ("they are a shrewdly run organization," "Kobe Bryant is a talented athlete") will receive nothing but the most charged counter-argument from David. A similar thing can be said about Linda and her feelings about Barack Obama. Nothing good can be said. Or my friend Andrew and his feelings about the "1 percent" (he was a demonstrator with the "99 percent" during the Occupy Wall Street campaign).

All of these are a form of dissociating. It is ironic that we disassociate from certain things as a way of defining ourselves. The stronger the disassociation, the more it means to our self-identity.

I am learning to be attentive to these charged disassociations in my own life.

As groups, we also build these disassociation dynamics. Homosexuality has been judged particularly harshly by the church in recent years. It is a "we are not them" validation issue. Just like the Los Angeles Lakers, Barack Obama, and the "1 percent," homosexuals have been identified as the "other." And just like the examples above, its rejection is powerful because it provides a validating form of self-identification: "We are not them."

This is only possible because of the illusion that homosexuality exists "out there" and not inside the church's walls. Which explains why we would never use the same rhetorically charged language for other issues. We certainly would not want to call religious arrogance a "perversion," gossip an "abomination," or consumerism the "western plague" (the way we called AIDS "the gay plague"). Those stones would fall too often back inside our sacred house. So we have built an illusion that homosexuality only exists "out there" and is thus a defilement that helps maintain our false validation. This also explains why the social punishment is so severe when a conservative Christian hero is discovered to be gay.

Valuation Incongruence: In addition to this "us versus them" dynamic, the church is also haunted by the fact that this dissociative relationship is incongruent with the biblical witness, "10 value" versus a "3 value." When a person or an organization is required to protect this incongruent position it creates profound anxiety. Deep down, we feel the precariousness of our situation. The church is working to protect the perception that a kitty cat is a lion, when it is actually only a kitty cat.

Volatile compound #2: Marriage

Marriage is also a high-priority issue among us religious folk. We have conferences, sermons, whole ministries about it, and more books on the topic than we could read in a lifetime. For many, it is also a "10 issue," because of the same two reasons that homosexuality is so explosive: the Bible and church life.

Bible

Does the Bible agree that "marriage" is a "near-10 issue"?

This time, Jesus did provide some teaching on the topic. Mostly his comments were about divorce (Matt. 5,19, Mark 10, Luke 16). His most impactful teaching about marriage was to declare it non-normative to the human experience. Jesus taught that there is no marriage in heaven (Matt. 22,Mark 12, Luke 17). If we believe in the afterlife, which I do, then according to Jesus, marriage is a temporary reality for us. It will only be experienced in this brief life "under the sun," and it is not a lasting part of our eternal story. I am not stating that marriage is not important. But we need to remember the ways that Jesus spoke about it.

The Bible is filled with married people, to be sure. They are everywhere: Old Testament, New Testament, all over. However, we need to acknowledge the fact that the Bible may only be stating that marriage is a ubiquitous human reality, much like eating food regularly or sleeping in shelters, two human realities that we desire for all humans. It is also important to note that the Bible often treats marriage with a moral whimsy. People got married for almost any reason (without moral commentary): they get married because of winning a beauty contest (Esther), because the woman watered camels (Isaac), and because the first 699 wives were not enough (Solomon).

Okay, let's bring some balance to this. I have focused on some contrasting themes in the biblical narrative, simply to counter the absolutist status that we often award marriage. The truth is, marriage is very important in Scripture. There is no more defining argument that can be made than the fact that Jesus utilizes the metaphor of the wedding feast to define the beginning of our eternal celebration (Rev. 19, Matt. 22, and Luke 14).

I have no desire to marginalize marriage. Not at all, only to state plainly that the Bible treats marriage both with profundity and, at times, with temperance and whimsy.

Church life

We, the church, treat marriage as an issue of utmost importance. Marriage is as emotionally charged as any issue in the church.

Ironically, it is very similar to homosexuality, in regards to identity. It is the opposite side of the same coin. As opposed to being a disassociating issue, it is an associative issue.

"Marriage is our issue," declares the church.

I am not sure when this was decided, but it is clear that the church believes it is the gatekeeper for marriage. When it comes to weddings, we borrow divine authority ("in the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you …"), we host the ceremonies in our buildings, and we even pass judgment on who is "ready" to get married and who is not. That is an awful lot of power to wield.

We call it the "institution of marriage" as if it is a large stone building, a place where we, the church, get to guard the front door. But is it really our building to control? Marriage is practiced by every culture of the world and is revered in most every belief system. In reality, a couple can be wed by a pastor, a Mullah, or a rabbi; for that matter it can also be officiated by a judge, a court clerk, or if you are far enough off-shore, a ship's captain. The church is not the only doorway into the institution of marriage; it has more entrances than a shopping mall.

Yet we treat marriage like it is "ours." Be it illusion or reality, it is very intoxicating to be a gatekeeper, and that is a power structure that is not easy to give up.

The explosive: Gay marriage

So this brings us to our issue of the day: gay marriage. I'm not trying to make a judgment on whether gay marriage should be supported or rejected by Christians. I just want to share why I think this issue is so emotionally charged.

Let's imagine the issue of gay marriage as a chemical experiment. Two powerful and agitated "chemicals" have been poured together. We are the first generation to face this chemical mixture (at least in its modern form). Both of these two elements are volatile enough by themselves, but when mixed together they result in an exponentially powerful compound. Two "10-issues" mixed together. Two issues of incongruent valuation mixed together. A dissociative issue and an associative issue mixed together.

You can see why such a concoction would have the potential to explode. Now add to this mixture a pinch of ignorance (since we are the first generation to really have to deal with this issue in its modern form), a dash of political polarization, and bake the whole thing in a 24-hour news cycle. We can expect fireworks.

But what would happen if we responded differently?

In the late 70s and early 80s, I was just a boy. It was at this time that the AIDS epidemic began to spread in America. I remember the fear. I remember the agitation.

At that time the church community chose to use its extensive power, platform, and influence to condemn the outbreak. We called it the gay-plague. We separated ourselves from it and judged—when we could have loved.

I believe that most of us Christians wish we could go back 30-plus years and use that same power and platform as an influence to love. We could have started hospices, given to medical research, and fought to stand with the infected—"for I was sick and you visited me" (Matt. 25:36). Regardless of our moral beliefs, we could have embraced that moment to stand with the homosexual community in love. We missed it. That was a God-opportunity that we can never get back.

Today we have another chance.

I don't claim to know the course for these uncharted waters, but can we restrain the rhetoric? Can we temper the judgment? Can we assuage the agitation? While we maintain our moral positions, wherever that line may be drawn for each of us, and take thismoment, this unique moment, to tell the nation and the world, in whatever way we can: "We love you."

Summertime tips for care of your ears

5 Summertime Tips for Healthy Ears

Experts explain how to avoid ear problems that are triggered by everything from swimming to loud music.

Everyone has heard of swimmer's ear -- but there are other "ears" you don't want this summer, such as "music-lover's ear" and "unpressurized ear." Experts gave WebMD five tips for keeping your ears healthy -- over the summer and year-round.

No. 1: Don't Blast Your Inner Ear With Music

According to a Zogby International poll reported in March by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 28% of high-schoolers say they have to turn up the volume to hear the television. A similar number (29%) report saying "huh" or "what" a lot during conversations. A smaller, but significant number (17%) say they have experienced tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.

Other symptoms of hearing damage from personal entertainment devices include thinking that other people are speaking in a "muffled" way.

These are symptoms older people get, not kids. Until now.

The earbuds on MP3 players funnel the sound waves directly into the ear.

Long-term exposure to high volume levels can gradually wear out the tiny hair cells of the inner ear that convert sound into nerve signals that go to the brain.

Hearing loss can also be caused by age, disease, infections, drugs, trauma, and genetics. Or it can occur with sudden exposure -- or a very few exposures -- to severely loud sounds (like an explosion).

Occasionally music slamming into the ear from earbuds can be 100 decibels. "The rule of thumb," Bruce R. Maddern, MD, chair of the otolaryngology section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, tells WebMD, "is if an observer can hear the device, it's too loud."

"If it's that loud," Maddern adds, "you also can't hear a car coming at you."

Hearing loss from noise usually accumulates over time and does not happen all at once.

Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, professor of otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., offers the following advice:

• Take breaks if you must listen to music through earbuds. "An iPod at 60 is safe for an hour a day," he says.
• Check out noise-reducing headphones. That way, you don't have to crank up the music volume to cancel out party noise or beach shouts.
• Don't stand or sit right next to a speaker at a party or concert.
• Parents should note: Do not let your child fall asleep with earbuds in. Make sure their devices are set at 60 or lower.

Incidentally, 60 decibels is the level of normal conversation. A power lawn mower can generate 90 decibels, a chainsaw or rock concert 110-140, and a 12-gauge shotgun 165 decibels.

No. 2: Don't Go Overboard Cleaning Your Ears

Earwax may look unsightly, but it is designed to protect the ear. When it migrates to the outside, you can clean it off with a washcloth.

"Every package of [swabs] says not to insert into the ear!" cautions Rosenfeld. "Sticking something in your ear canal to get out wax can push the wax farther in and compact it."

If your ear is impacted with ear wax, see your doctor who can safely clear it out for you.

No. 3: How to Treat Swimmer's Ear

Maddern says you might want to make sure your child's ears are not packed with wax and debris before the summer-long pool dunking starts. "If there is a lot of stuff down there and it is not addressed and warmth and bacteria-filled water is added," he says, "swimmer's ear can result."

Swimmer's ear is caused by any number of common bacteria found in lakes, hot tubs, and pools. In many cases, the infection gets going from a trauma in the ear canal – possibly a nick or scratch.

Swimmer's ear starts out as itching and maybe some soreness inside the ear but soon becomes severely painful and swollen, especially if you press on the little flap next to the ear opening.

"The doctor," Rosenfeld says, "may clean everything out. If the ear is swollen shut at this point, he or she may also put in a wick, which is a cellulose sponge that will carry the prescription drops to the infection."

Rosenfeld does not recommend that you use earplugs in the pool, however. "These can also cause trauma in the ear canal," he points out.

People who wear hearing aids are especially prone to swimmer's ear, according to Rosenfeld. "If you get a case, leave out the hearing aids for awhile," he advises.

No. 4: Pierce Only in the Lobe

Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, is co-director of laser surgery at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, and teaches at Johns Hopkins University.

No. 4: Pierce Only in the Lobe continued...

Tanzi says she sees a fair amount of skin cancer on the top of the ear. It starts out as a red, flaky patch and can bleed easily if scratched. Consult a doctor if this occurs.

As for insect repellent, it's OK to put it on the outer ear. Never spray inside.

As for piercing, Tanzi recommends sticking with the lobe area, which has a good blood supply to fight infection. Piercing up the curve goes into cartilage, which has a shortage of blood and where a serious infection can get going and not leave. "It can be very difficult to clear those," Tanzi says.

Take care of newly pierced ears as instructed. Wash your hands before handling the area. Then soak a cotton ball in alcohol and smoosh it around over the earring and post several times a day. If the lobe starts to get hot or itchy (hours or days after the piercing), you may have an infection. If this cannot be stopped with antibiotic cream, you may need to let the hole close.

As for earrings, if you have a contact allergy to nickel, which is common, stick with gold or stainless steel posts or hooks. Tanzi says that commercial coatings for ear wires designed to keep the nickel away from the skin don't work well for the severely allergic.

No. 5: Plane-Proof Your Ears

The next time you start to deplane, and babies and toddlersstart screaming, this is a good thing! "Not equalizing pressure in the ears on planes is called barotitis," explains Rosenfeld. "This is not a problem when taking off, but it is when landing. Such a severe vacuum situation may be set up in the ears that a traveler may have severe pain, bleeding, or even perforation [of the eardrum].

"You want to chew, yawn, swallow -- anything to move the pressure around when landing," he adds. "If you have problems with this you can even take an oral decongestant before leaving."

Children can be especially susceptible. "Don't let your child remain asleep during landings," Rosenfeld says. "If they cry at the landing -- that is a good thing. It is equalizing pressure."

"A pacifier can also help kids with this," Maddern says. "Or give them some water to sip." Chewing gum is not recommended fortoddlers, much less infants.She tells WebMD that she worries about people neglecting to put sunblock on their ears. "The ears are very sensitive to sun," she exclaims. "Don't forget them."Next

Read this post if you are a Gay Man

Health issues for gay men and men who have sex with men

Understand important health issues for gay men and men who have sex with men — from sexually transmitted infections to depression — and get tips for taking charge of your health.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

All men face certain health risks. However, gay men and men who have sex with men have some specific health concerns.

Although your individual risks are shaped by many factors beyond your sexual orientation and practices — including family history and age — it's important to understand common health issues for gay men and steps you can take to stay healthy.

Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections

Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

To protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections:

• Use a condom or other protection. Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex, especially during anal sex but ideally during oral sex as well.
  Use only water-based lubricants, not petroleum jelly, hand lotion, cold cream or oils. Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms and cause them to break. Don't share sex toys, and keep them safe by protecting them with a condom and cleaning them before and after every use.
• Be monogamous. Another reliable way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who isn't infected.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and don't use drugs. If you're under the influence, you're more likely to take sexual risks. If you choose to use injectable drugs, don't share needles.
• Know the risks associated with sexual venues. Sexual venues such as bathhouses, sex parties and the Internet can facilitate multiple sexual partnerships and anonymous sexual encounters, as well as higher risk sexual behaviors.
• Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect you from hepatitis A and hepatitis B, serious liver infections that can spread through sexual contact.
  Not all sexually transmitted infections are prevented by vaccines, however. Hepatitis C is not covered by any vaccine and can lead to liver failure, liver cancer and death. The HPV vaccine is available to men up to age 26. HPV is associated with anal cancer in men who have sex with men.
• Get tested and have your partner tested. Don't have unprotected sex unless you're certain you and your partner aren't infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
  Testing is important because many people don't know they're infected, and others might not be honest about their health.
  Different types of tests have a different "window period," the period of time between HIV infection and when signs of the infection show up on a test. Being tested during this time might result in a false negative. It is possible to transmit the HIV infection to someone during this period.
• Consider the drug Truvada. In July 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the drug emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection in those who are at high risk. Truvada is also used as an HIV treatment along with other medications.
  When used to help prevent HIV infection, Truvada is only appropriate if your doctor is certain you don't already have an HIV or hepatitis B infection. The drug must also be taken daily exactly as prescribed. And it should only be used along with other prevention strategies such as condom use every time you have sex.

Tackle depression

Gay men and men who have sex with men might be at higher risk of depression and anxiety. In addition, youth who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender might have a higher risk of depression and attempted suicide.

Contributing factors could include social alienation, discrimination, rejection by loved ones, abuse and violence. The problem might be more severe for men who try to hide their sexual orientation and those who lack social support.

Left untreated, depression can lead to risky sexual behavior and a downward spiral of emotional, behavioral, health, and even legal and financial problems. If you think you might be depressed, talk to your doctor or seek help from a mental health provider.

If you're reluctant to seek treatment, confide in a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your feelings might be the first step toward getting treatment.

Address body image concerns

Gay men are more likely to experience body image problems and eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, than are their straight counterparts.

One potential explanation is that gay men identify with the cultural value placed on an ideal — yet often unattainable — body image. Gay men might also be more likely to view their bodies as sexual objects, which can lead to dissatisfaction and poor body image.

If you're struggling with body image concerns or an eating disorder, get help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health provider about treatment options.

Seek help for substance abuse

Gay and bisexual men might face unique risk factors for substance abuse, such as:

• Relying on bars and clubs for socializing and peer support
• Stress related to passing as a heterosexual or coming out
• Trauma due to bullying, violence, abuse or self-abuse
• Impact of discrimination

If you have a substance abuse concern, remember that help is available. Local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health, mental health or community centers often provide substance abuse treatment. Organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association also may provide referrals.

Recognize domestic violence

Domestic violence can affect anyone in an intimate relationship. Warning signs specific to gay men might include a partner who:

• Threatens to tell friends, loved ones, colleagues or community members your sexual orientation
• Tells you that authorities won't help a sexual minority person
• Tells you that leaving the relationship means you're admitting that same-sex relationships are deviant
• Tells you that domestic violence is a normal part of same-sex relationships or that men are naturally violent

Staying in an abusive relationship might leave you depressed, anxious or hopeless. If you don't want to disclose your sexual orientation, you might be less likely to seek help after an assault. Still, the only way to break the cycle of domestic violence is to take action — the sooner the better.

If you're a target of domestic violence, tell someone about the abuse, whether it's a friend, loved one, health care provider or other close contact. Consider calling a domestic violence hotline and creating a plan to leave your abuser.

Make routine health care a priority

Don't let fear of homophobia or the stigma associated with homosexuality prevent you from seeking routine health care. Instead, take charge of your health.

Look for a doctor who puts you at ease. Identify yourself as gay or bisexual, and ask about routine screenings recommended for men in your age group — such as blood pressure and cholesterol measurements and screenings for prostate, testicular and colon cancer.

If you're not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship, schedule regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections. Share any other health concerns you might have with your doctor as well. Early diagnosis and treatment help promote long-term health.

Advice on Water Therapy

Dr. Sucharitra Picasso

Homeopath

Water therapy: 

Water Therapy is the consumption of a gutful of water upon waking in order to "cleanse the bowel". A litre to a litre-and-a-half is the common amount ingested,also known as Indian, Chinese, or Japanese Water 

Therapy, is claimed to have a wide range of health benefits, or at least no adverse effects. Advocates of water therapy claim that application of water therapy at first will cause multiple bowel movements until the body adjusts to the increased amount of fluid. Do not eat or drink anything else for 1 hour prior to and after drinking the water. 

Do not consume any alcoholic beverages the night before. When starting out, you may want to make it easier by modifying the protocol slightly, as follows: Drink 4 glasses, then pause for 2 minutes, then drink the last 2 glasses.

While ingesting about a litre-and-a-half of water is generally considered harmless, excessive consumption of water can lead to water intoxication, an urgent and dangerous medical condition.
Yes, it's not only beneficial for skin, digestive system, kidney, etc.

Motion problem? Worry not.

Dr. Raghubansh Singh

MD - Ayurveda, Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), PG Diploma in YOGA · Ayurveda · 

Natural Ways To Avoid Motion Sickness

It’s onset of festive season and also a heavy travelling time in India. Very often many people feel unwell while travelling. This problem is called Motion Sickness. Many of us, irrespective of age, feel sick while on road trips. 

This does extend to other modes of transports as well. Some common symptoms of motion sickness are fatigue, nausea, pale skin, headache, vomiting, increased salivation, sweating and dizziness. 

They usually occur when the motion begins and stop with the motion. Some ways to combat motion sickness with natural remedies are:

1. Ginger: Ginger is well known for its effectiveness in motion sickness. Ginger's primary active chemical component is Gingerol has been scientifically proven to be a valuable anti-motion sickness agent.
You can have ginger in tea, or as juice mixed with lemon juice, or just swallowing half a teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger with or without honey, before you travel. Ginger 500mg capsules are available in the market that also can be taken. It has antiemetic properties which reduce motion sickness and also aids digestion which in turn helps avoid nausea. Ginger is safe for even pregnant women and children.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar - It is helpful in many health conditions, motion sickness being one of them. It has alkaline and pH balancing effect on our bodies, this helping cure motion sickness. In a cup of lukewarm water, add a tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Drink this about half an hour before you are due to travel and give it some time to settle. If already suffering from motion sickness, then rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in half a cup of water.

3. Peppermint - Drinking peppermint tea before travelling is an effective way to combat motion sickness. You can also keep peppermint candy with you and suck on to it slowly when you start feeling uneasy. Alternatively, drop a few drops of peppermint oil on your handkerchief and smell it whenever you don't feel good.

Foods that cleanse the arteries naturally

Dr. Jyoti Gupta

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) · Ayurveda · 

Foods that cleanse the arteries naturally

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen to various parts of the body. Proper functioning of the arteries is directly related to well functioning organs as without oxygen, no organ can work well. There are many reasons due to which blockages and waste materials are stuck in these blood vessels. It is essential to clean them on regular basis, there are several food items available easily that cleanse the arteries naturally!

1. Tea- green tea is known popularly as an antioxidant that keeps your health and weight in check. But it is also a very strong cleanser of your arteries as well. Black tea too, one that has flavonoids in good proportions is also considered as an excellent cleanser of the artery.

2. Sesame seeds- sesame seeds have natural cardioprotective substances that are not only good for the artery but are very beneficial for absolute heart health. Sesame is majorly known for preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Apart from that, sesame helps in cleaning all blood vessels.

3. Turmeric- any blockage or damage to the artery is immediately addressed by the turmeric that we consume regularly. It cures the damages almost immediately, preventing any aggravation or infection. Including turmeric in good proportions in daily diet is considered as a complete option to tackle any problems to the arteries.

4. Fruits- fruits are extremely beneficial both for the cardiovascular and blood health. Fibrous fruits especially are related to the arteries. Researchers suggest that having fibrous fruits first up in the morning, on an empty stomach ensures that all the arteries are cleaned and its functions are proceeding in the right manner.

5. Olive oil- fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 present in olive oil are excellent plaque removers. Consuming olive oil increases the omega substances in the body, so when something is about to harm the artery, they intervene and cleanse it completely.

You may not be knowing that apple cider vinegar has limitless benefits

Dt. Bina Chheda

Certified Diabetes Educator , Sports Nutritionist, Registered Clinical Dietician · Dietitian/Nutritionist ·

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has unparalleled health and beauty benefits although it is mostly viewed as a salad dressing or a preservative that can be used in pickles/sauces. In reality, it is a very useful ingredient for most of our health needs. In a medical perspective, apple cider vinegar is as essential as any medicine that is kept at home.

Checkout handful of its countless health benefits.

1. Prevents indigestion- having a spoonful of apple cider vinegar with a bit of honey just before a meal ensures that your digestion process is carried out quite easily. Having a bit of it in the morning decreases the chances of indigestion as well.
2. Reduces dandruff- a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar applied on your scalp prevents and reduces dandruff. Apple cider vinegar changes the ph level of your scalp causing it to harden and not allow dandruff to recur.
3. Reduces pimples/acne- apple cider vinegar is a natural skin toner and anti bacterial substance that changes the ph level of your skin reducing and preventing the occurrence of pimples and acne.
4. Treats bad breath- gargle your mouth with some apple cider vinegar to instantly kick out bad breath. Mixing the vinegar with water and gargling everyday effectively cures any chronic bad breath problems very quickly.
5. Treats hiccups- when water, candies and ginger fail in stopping your hiccups, gulp down a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water in equal quantities. Apple cider vinegar is said to soothe the nerves causing an instant halt in recurring hiccups.
6. Lowers cholesterol levels- several researches claim that the consumption of apple cider vinegar reduces the level of cholesterol. A person can continue the same diet but the mere inclusion of two tablespoons of this vinegar can help tacking high cholesterol effectively. It is highly recommended for heart patients.