Latest news with #ApolloAyurVAIDHospitals
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sensitive skin? Doctor shares skincare and lifestyle tips based on Ayurveda: ‘Gut health directly affects skin health'
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Zankhana M Buch, chief medical officer of Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, said skin issues and allergies — whether they appear as rashes, dryness, itching, or repeated flare-ups — are often more than just surface-level concerns. In Ayurveda, these conditions are viewed as signals of deeper imbalance and inflammation in digestion pathways, metabolism, and the immune complex, she said. Also read | Are traditional Indian skincare products like kumkumadi tailam actually good for you? Dermatologist reveals Dr Buch said that many plants and plant-based formulations used in Ayurveda skin care are being studied for their rich phytochemical content offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. (Freepik) What causes skin issues and can Ayurveda help? 'Rather than suppressing symptoms, Ayurveda works to correct the internal environment that is making those abnormal and unexpected manifestations and ensures the restoration of skin integrity. Ayurveda sees skin as a reflection of the body's inner state — especially the strength of digestion (agni), the accumulation of toxins (ama), and the presence of imbalance (vikriti) in the doshas — vata, pitta, and kapha,' she said. Dr Buch added, 'Ayurveda has long emphasised that gut health directly affects skin health. When digestion is weak or irregular, it leads to accumulation of ama (toxic residue), which spreads through the bloodstream and can trigger skin eruptions, sensitivities, and inflammation. Modern science mirrors this as the gut–skin axis/biome, where poor digestion, microbiome imbalance, and inflammation in the gut are linked to eczema, acne, hives, and even rosacea.' According to Dr Buch, skin allergy and ailment are mainly cause due to: ⦿ Excessively spicy, fried, fermented, or incompatible foods ⦿ Irregular routines — eating late, skipping meals, erratic sleep cycles ⦿ Emotional stress, suppressed anger, or overexertion ⦿ Seasonal changes, pollution, or use of harsh synthetic products ⦿ Sudden exposure to sharply contrasting temperatures 'Depending on the pattern of disturbance, the skin may show dryness, sensitivity, inflammation, oiliness, or itchiness. In Ayurveda, treatment is not random or purely subjective — it follows a systematic assessment of the individual's current imbalance (vikriti), digestion (agni), and disease stage (avastha). As a result, while two patients may have the same biomedical diagnosis — such as eczema or urticaria — their Ayurveda formulations, diet plans, and therapies may differ, based on standardised principles of dosha involvement, toxin load (ama), tissue status (dhatu), and elimination channels (srotas). This approach ensures that care is personalised and protocol-driven,' she added. The doctor shared that Ayurveda doesn't treat the skin as separate from the rest of the body. It sees skin health as an outcome of balanced digestion, clear toxin elimination, well-regulated immunity, and a calm, steady lifestyle.(Shutterstock) Plants used for reducing skin inflammation Dr Buch said that many plants and plant-based formulations used in Ayurveda skin care are being studied for their rich phytochemical content offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. 'Plants used for reducing skin inflammation contain compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that help stabilise mast cells, reduce cytokine activity, and modulate immune response. These mechanisms are now being explored in the context of allergic skin conditions, autoimmune responses, and barrier repair,' she said. Dr Buch added that Ayurveda uses these plants in whole-plant form or in synergistic combinations — where supportive ingredients enhance absorption and reduce toxicity — 'making the medicine both effective and gentle'. 'These plants are infused into oils, decoctions, pastes, or internal formulations based on the person's imbalance and stage of disease. It emolliates not just outside but also inside. They are not given in isolation, but as part of a broader system that also includes food, lifestyle, and cleansing / Panchakarma support,' she said. Dr Buch shared that in moderate to chronic skin conditions, Panchakarma is administered to deeply cleanse the system, restore digestive and metabolic function, and prepare the body to respond better to therapeutic inputs. 'Following Panchakarma, Twak Rasayana — formulations aimed at improving skin tone, texture, and skin integrity — is selectively introduced. These rasayanas are known for immune-regulating and inflammation-modulating properties and used to promote deeper tissue repair, support immune balance, and reduce recurrence. Their administration is guided by clinical context — taking into account the patient's post-cleansing status, digestion, and disease chronicity.' 'Ayurveda recognises that the mind directly influences skin health. Stress, anxiety, and emotional unrest can disturb doshas, weaken digestion, and trigger toxin buildup (ama), leading to flare-ups and sensitivity. Modern research also links stress to impaired skin barrier and inflammation. Ayurveda approach addresses this by calming the mind through breath regulation, supportive herbs, and lifestyle adjustments, helping restore both mental and skin balance,' she said. Lifestyle as medicine Dr Buch said Ayurveda treats skin care as a way of life: daily habits, emotional hygiene, seasonal adjustments, and rest are equally important as medicines. According to her, skin health is supported through: ⦿ Adequate sleep and circadian rhythm regulation. Research has shown that previous ultraviolet light exposure can continue to damage the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the skin, even in the dark, and has demonstrated that repair of these skin cells peaks at night. ⦿ Avoidance of excessive heat, screen exposure, or irritant skin products especially ultra processed cosmetics. ⦿ Self-care practices like oil application (abhyanga), natural face packs, and cleansing routines ⦿ Gentle mind-body practices such as pranayama According to Dr Buch: these small but consistent practices create the right conditions for internal balance and external clarity to return. 'Ayurveda doesn't treat the skin as separate from the rest of the body. It sees skin health as an outcome of balanced digestion, clear toxin elimination, well-regulated immunity, and a calm, steady lifestyle. In a time when many people are looking for natural, whole-person solutions to chronic skin issues and allergies, Ayurveda stands as both timeless and timely, rooted in tradition, aligned with emerging science, and deeply connected to the individual's healing journey,' she said. 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.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
12 traditional Indian ways to approach food as per Ayurveda: Have slightly oily foods but don't eat too fast or slow
Are you looking for more traditional ways of approaching health and wellness? Specifically, are you interested in ancient practices like Ayurveda, one of the world's oldest medical systems, which originated in India thousands of years ago? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Zankhana M Buch, chief medical officer of Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, shared how you can incorporate Ayurveda into your diet and meals. Also read | Simple Indian khichdi can be ultimate detox meal for everyone Dr Buch said that Ayurveda doesn't simply prescribe what to eat; it reshapes how you eat — and why. According to her, the buffet serves as a living metaphor for modern food habits — 'mindless nibbling, incompatible pairings, and disruptive drinking patterns'. She said, 'Too many of us fill our plates with conflicting combinations — hot dishes paired with cold, dairy with citrus, heavy mains followed by rich sweets — creating digestive confusion. Meanwhile, cold, fizzy beverages shock the digestive fire (Agni), dilute enzymes, and throw off microbial balance. Even a single night of binge drinking can wreak havoc on gut flora and weaken immunity for weeks. Ayurveda doesn't moralise; it metabolises. Its guidance revolves around protecting or disrupting Agni, the metabolic intelligence at the heart of digestion and health.' Dr Buch added: 'Ayurveda does not cast judgment. Instead, it sensitises us to the profound intelligence inherent in every bite. It reminds us that each meal is an opportunity to heal — and each bite a choice to nourish body, mind, and spirit. So the next time you stand in front of an overflowing buffet, or reach for a hurried snack, remember: you have the power to eat with intelligence. Allow your food nourish not just your body, but your being.' 'Codified in classical texts and validated through centuries of practice', Ayurveda's eating principles offer an intelligent, preventive approach to nutrition, according to Dr Buch: 1. Eat warm, fresh food (Ushna): Stimulates digestion; avoid cold or reheated meals. 2. Include slightly oily foods (Snigdha): Aids nutrient absorption and balances dryness. 3. Portion wisely (Matra): Fill half your stomach with food, a quarter with water, and leave a quarter empty. 4. Wait until previous meal digests (Jirne): Avoid overlapping meals and snacks. 5. Avoid incompatible combinations (Viruddha Ahara): Like milk and citrus, or dessert right after a heavy meal. 6. Eat in a calm, clean space (Ishta Deshe): Your surroundings influence your digestion. 7. Don't eat too fast (Na Ati Drutam): Savour, chew, be mindful. 8. Don't eat too slowly (Na Ati Vilambitam): Finish before the food cools. 9. Avoid talking while eating (Ajalpan): Reduces air ingestion and distractions. 10. Avoid emotional disturbance while eating (Ahasan): Keep laughter and emotional upset away from the table. 11. Eat mindfully (Tan Manabhunjita): Focus fully on the act of eating. 12. Eat what suits you (Atma-Anukul): Based on age, season, digestion, disease, and constitution. According to Dr Buch, food isn't just fuel. It's code. It programs your immunity, metabolism, cognition, and emotional state. When you eat with intelligence, every meal becomes an opportunity to heal, to align, to live more fully. Dr Buch said that when it comes to food, timing plays a crucial role in guiding good health: 'Eat your main meal when your digestive fire is strongest; rest gently afterward rather than dozing off or rushing back to work. Make dinner a light, early affair. Sip water between meals, not during them, to avoid diluting digestive enzymes. Limit screen time and emotional upheaval at the table so that each bite remains a conscious act. Tune your food to your individual needs — your age, activity level, digestion, and even mood.' Here's what to keep in mind according to Dr Buch: 'Breakfast should be warm, fresh, sattvic, and seasonal. The early morning hours (6-10 am) fall under Kapha kala, when the body feels heavy and sluggish. Ayurveda recommends starting the day with warm, light, easily digestible foods to gently awaken the Agni. Unlike contemporary cold or processed breakfast fads that disrupt Agni, Ayurveda suggests real, wholesome, home-cooked meals using local staples. Avoid bathing after breakfast, as it can disturb digestion and cause Ama — the root of many imbalances. Instead, a warm bath before breakfast supports circulation and primes Agni,' Dr Buch said. She added, 'Midday, between 12 pm and 2 pm, marks the zenith of Agni. This is when your digestive fire burns strongest — your body is primed to extract maximum nourishment.' According to her, make lunch your largest and most balanced meal. 'Aim to include all six tastes — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent — to satisfy both body and mind. Freshly cooked, warm dishes that balance the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) will fuel you for the afternoon ahead. Post lunch, practise a brief, power pause - sit in Vajrasana (kneeling posture), or upright with a relaxed spine. Close your eyes, breathing slowly and evenly. This short ritual helps digestion, calms the mind, and stabilizes blood sugar,' she said. Dr Buch concluded, 'Come evening, your digestive fire has begun to wane. Aim to finish dinner by 7 or 8 pm so that at least two hours remain before bedtime. Choose light, warm, and easy-to-digest meals. Repeat the post-meal ritual immediately afterward to encourage restful sleep and overnight recovery.' 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.
