logo
5 yoga asanas to build immunity and reduce fatigue during malaria: Expert shares tips

5 yoga asanas to build immunity and reduce fatigue during malaria: Expert shares tips

Hindustan Times28-04-2025

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that becomes more rampant during the summer season. Fever, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue are some of the common symptoms of malaria. However, to start the process of healing from it, it is essential to build immunity and reduce muscle fatigue. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa said, 'Practicing yoga during malaria helps in recovery by reducing stress, improving blood circulation and boosting immunity. As the body becomes very weak, all the asanas must be performed in a gentle manner and any pose that causes strain should be avoided.' Also read | World Malaria Day 2025: Know how malaria can affect your heart
Here are five yoga asanas to boost immunity and reduce fatigue:
Formation: Sit down with your legs stretched forward. Fold your right leg and drop your right knee to the right side. Fold the other leg and cross your calf muscles. Straighten your back, breathe normally. Raise your arms upwards, shoulder distance, palms facing each other. Hold this for 10 secs.
Benefits: This asana works on the immune system and blood circulation. It makes the neck active and enhances brain function which is favorable and positive.
Formation: Begin by standing straight with your arms by the side. Lean forward, bend your knees and gently place them on the floor. Place your pelvis on heels and point your toes outward. Place your palms facing upwards on your knees. Straighten your back and move forward. Hold this asana for 10 secs.
Benefits: This asana aids digestion and helps to build immunity.
Formation: Begin with Dandasana. Extend your arms upwards and keep your spine erect. Exhale and empty your stomach, bend forward, lower your arms and grip your big toes with your fingers. Try to touch your knees with your nose. Hold for 5 secs.
Benefits: It should be practiced in Shant Gati(slowly), it calms the mind and acts as a stress reliever.
Formation: Sit down with your legs forward. Bend your knees and bring soles of feet together, knees dropping outwards. Hold feet with hands. Exhale and gently bend forward. Hold it for 5 secs.
Benefits: This asana relieves fatigue and stimulates abdominal organs.
Formation: Walk in 8 shape, first from south to north and then from north to south. You can practice for 1 min into 3 sets, morning, afternoon and evening. Also read | New to yoga? Expert shares beginner-friendly asanas and how to build a routine
Benefits: This is a powerful ancient practice from the Himalayas, blending movement, breath and awareness.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Salman Khan reveals struggle with brain aneurysm: Know about the medical condition, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment
Salman Khan reveals struggle with brain aneurysm: Know about the medical condition, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Salman Khan reveals struggle with brain aneurysm: Know about the medical condition, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment

During his appearance on the first episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3, Salman Khan dropped a bomb as he casually revealed to his fans the medical issues that he is currently battling. The superstar shared that he has a brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia, and AV malformation. Salman Khan shared on The Great Indian Kapil Show that he has a brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia, and AV malformation. While trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition which causes intense pain, like an electric shock, on one side of the face, AV malformation is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that causes problems with the connections between your arteries and veins. It most often occurs in the spinal cord and in the brain, but can develop elsewhere in the body as well. per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Meanwhile, brain aneurysms are a severe medical condition that, if not treated, can be disastrous. Even though a brain aneurysm is common, if it ruptures, it can become life-threatening. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anil Venkitachalam, consultant neurologist, KJ Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, explained what this medical condition is, the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. What is an aneurysm? According to Dr Venkitachalam, an aneurysm is an enlargement or ballooning of a brain artery, which can rupture and cause a brain haemorrhage. 'Awareness of risk factors, warning symptoms, and advantages of early screening and diagnosis will prevent rupture and enhance patient outcomes,' he stressed. The risk factors: Women and adults are at danger Per the neurologist, there are many important risk factors that make the development of a brain aneurysm more likely. Here are some important risk factors: First-degree relatives with brain aneurysms Genetic predisposition Smoking Hypertension Age and sex 'Aneurysms occur more often in women and in adults, and some genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, are risk factors. Smoking is one of the important risk factors for aneurysm development and rupture, and high blood pressure can make blood vessel walls weaker and more susceptible to aneurysm formation,' the neurologist explained. Headaches are linked to brain aneurysm. (Pexels) Warning symptoms Here are some warning signs of a brain aneurysm that you should look out for, per the neurologist: Severe headache Nausea and vomiting Changes in vision Seizures and visual disturbance Weakness or numbness Prevention Dr Venkitachalam stressed that early detection and screening are indeed important in preventing rupture and enhancing patient outcomes. 'Early diagnosis facilitates preventive treatment, which prevents rupture and its catastrophic outcomes. Early diagnosis can also enable less invasive procedures, including endovascular coiling or clipping, which can greatly enhance patient outcomes and minimise morbidity and mortality,' he explained. Treatment Per Dr Venkitachalam, surgical clipping, endovascular coiling, or flow diversion are some of the treatments based on the size and location of the aneurysm. 'Based on the size and location of the aneurysm, aneurysm shape and morphology, and the patient's health, neurosurgeons and neurologists evaluate the risk of rupture. Treatment or observation depends on the patient's risk factor profile, aneurysm characteristics, and overall health,' the neurologist explained. 'An unruptured brain aneurysm can be a source of great anxiety and distress. Supportive treatment like counselling and therapy, support groups, education and awareness can assist an individual in dealing with anxiety and emotional distress,' he added. Lastly, Dr Venkitachalam suggested educating oneself about the condition and treatments to assist in making informed choices. 'Patients with an unruptured aneurysm need to work closely with their treatment team to create an individualised treatment plan and discuss concerns about psychological and quality-of-life issues,' he advised. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Gastroenterologist explains disorder of gut-brain interaction; shares 5 ways stress impacts gut health
Gastroenterologist explains disorder of gut-brain interaction; shares 5 ways stress impacts gut health

Hindustan Times

time5 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Gastroenterologist explains disorder of gut-brain interaction; shares 5 ways stress impacts gut health

Before an exam, job interview, major client presentation, or any big day, it feels like there's a full-blown mental storm brewing, with racing thoughts making you spiral. Amid all this, the stomach feels to be at the frontline, bracing for the day and even before the mind catches up entirely. It's not just nerves causing the frequent washroom trips or the tightening knot in the gut. There is a very real, biological and direct effect the brain has on the gut. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. Stress silently shapes your gut health.(Shutterstock) Dr Bhavesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist at Bhailal Amin General, Vadodara, Gujarat, shared with HT Lifestyle how closely the gut and brain are connected. Emotional states aren't completely 'mental' as they frequently manifest physically, especially through digestive symptoms. There's a special name for gut issues which are triggered by stress. Dr Bhavesh shared its disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Explaining more about the biological mechanisms of how stress affects the gut, he said, 'Emotional stress and anxiety lead to the release of different hormones and neurotransmitters such as histamine, serotonin, and cortisol that influence gut motility, gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and balance of gut microbiota. Indeed, excess stress and anxiety can produce a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Such a constellation of disorders was once known as functional gastrointestinal disorder and is now rightly termed disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). There is a strong relationship between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gut.' Moreover, stress doesn't influence the gut in just one way, following a particular framework. Dr Bhavesh reminded that there are more ways than one it shows up. He said, 'DGBI encompasses several disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD), functional diarrhoea, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other than these conditions, gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also conditions that experience variability in symptoms due to stress.' Dr Bhavesh shared a brief guide with us, outlining the various disorders, DGBI symptoms and when to visit a doctor: Digestive disorders triggered by stress 1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. 2. Functional Dyspepsia (FD): Includes upper abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. 3. Functional Constipation: Ongoing issue of bowel movement without a structural cause. 4. Functional Diarrhoea: Chronic loose stools in the absence of a recognisable infection or pathology. 5. GERD (Gastro-Oesophagal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux, heartburn, and chest pain. Symptoms of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) DGBI symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux.(Shutterstock) Abdominal pain and bloating Bloating and burping Reflux acid Constipation and diarrhoea Risk factors other than stress: Disturbed sleep Poor food habits Smoking Tobacco Alcohol How to manage stress-induced digestive problems? Calming the mind to de-stress helps keep DGBI at bay.(Shutterstock) 1. Stress management strategies: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises regulate the gut-brain axis. 2. Dietary management: Management of trigger foods, use of a low FODMAP diet, and hydration. 3. Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication or laxatives as advised for symptomatic relief. 4. Changes in lifestyle: Adequate sleep, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and inclusion of regular exercise. When to see a doctor? Recurrent vomiting Weight loss Loss of appetite Anemia Jaundice ALSO READ: Gastroenterologist shares 3 risks of eating too much fibre, recommends 5 tips for safe consumption Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

The secret to healthy life is hiding in our kitchens: Expert shares 5 superfoods for daily diet
The secret to healthy life is hiding in our kitchens: Expert shares 5 superfoods for daily diet

Hindustan Times

time20 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

The secret to healthy life is hiding in our kitchens: Expert shares 5 superfoods for daily diet

Before getting swept away by the latest wellness trends circulating on the Internet, it's worth revisiting the traditional superfoods that have always been a part of our Indian kitchens. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Nikhil Kapur, sports nutritionist, founder-director, Atmantan Wellness Centre said, 'Long before global wellness trends introduced exotic ingredients like sea moss and açaí, Indian households, run by generational wisdom, relied on humble superfoods found in our grandmothers' kitchens.' Also read | 5 superfoods that you must include in your diet today: Kanji to sweet potato, wellness coach reveals Know the health benefits of consuming turmeric and bananas every day.(Freepik, Pexels) Nikhil Kapur further shared a list of 5 superfoods that are easily available in our kitchens, and how they can boost overall wellbeing: It's interesting how a pinch of turmeric, something we add to nearly every meal in our Indian households, continues to hold its place in modern wellness. Curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, does more than just reduce inflammation. It helps regulate mood-related neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, while also supporting brain adaptability and gut microbial balance. The way we use it in Indian cooking isn't incidental; it's an age-old method of increasing its absorption and therapeutic value. 2. Ghee Ghee has often been overlooked in conversations about healthy fats, but it remains one of the most nourishing foods we can incorporate into our diets. It supports gut repair, improves the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, and provides a clean, steady source of energy. What is also overlooked is ghee's role in muscle recovery. Thanks to its butyric acid content and anti-inflammatory properties, ghee can support tissue repair, especially after physical exertion or during periods of healing. Ghee is loaded with healthy fats. 3. Moringa This is one of the most generous plants we have access to. Moringa supports various aspects of health, including blood sugar regulation, liver health, and mental clarity. It's what you could call an 'intelligent green' offering, with adaptogenic benefits that reduce inflammation in the body and brain. We have always used moringa leaves in dals and broths, and science now confirms how effective that simple inclusion can be for everyday resilience. 4. Amla Amla has been used for centuries to build immunity, but its benefits go far deeper. It helps regulate digestion, supports the gut microbiota, and reduces oxidative stress in the brain, all key pillars of the gut-brain axis. Whether raw, juiced, or in traditional formulations like chyawanprash, its regular use builds a kind of quiet inner strength that you begin to notice over time, in your energy, focus, and immunity. Also read | Doctor recommends 10 superfoods to boost immunity and stay healthy 5. Banana It's easy to forget how powerful the most common foods can be. The banana has always been a reliable source of energy, but it also feeds the gut with prebiotic fibre and supports nervous system function with its B6 and potassium content. It's the kind of food that needs to be seen for what it is… functional, accessible, and aligned with our body's needs. The less ripe, green banana is exceptionally high in resistant starch, a potent prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports metabolic health. As it ripens, the sugar content increases, making the yellow banana a quick source of energy. Both forms have their place—green bananas for gut support and glycaemic balance, and ripe ones for easily digestible fuel. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store