Archives for Sep 10, 2021

Muscle Cramps and Spasms

What are Muscle Cramps and Spasms?

Muscle cramps are the condition that generally occurs during any physical activity that puts stress on the muscles of any part of the body. Some instances where muscle cramps are conducive are activities like running, cycling, playing many sports, or just standing for too long. The cause of this condition can be several, but it mainly triggers when there is a low or excess supply of blood in the muscles. Few cramps like “writer’s cramp” the muscle spasm can be triggered by the low level of calcium in your diet.

What are the Symptoms of Muscle Cramps and Spasms?

  • The symptoms of muscle cramps are very common. Usually, people who have muscle cramps experience the following symptoms.
  • Pain is the most common symptom of this condition. A person should experience moderate to high pain in the affected muscles.
  • The muscles can also become weak, and you may feel numbness or a pin and needles sensation in the skin of that muscle.
  • In some severe cases, a person may become temporarily paralysed since the movement of the muscle will be restricted due to the injury.

What are the Causes of Muscle Cramps and Spasms?

The causes of muscle cramps are widespread. Some of the most common causes are as follows,
  • Dehydration due to lack of water intake is one of the most common causes of muscle cramps. Particularly when you are working out in the heat and sweating a lot that causes reduction of electrolytes and may lead to muscle spasm.
  • Muscle fatigue due to too much working out can also be a major cause of this condition. So giving your muscles enough rest is important.
  • Stress can also lead to this condition.
  • Restricted blood supply or excessive blood supply to the muscle also can cause muscle cramps and spasms.

When to see a Doctor?

A muscle spasm or cramps are usually not a cause for concern. This is a very normal condition, especially for sportsmen and athletes. However, there are some instances when they might occur due to some underlying condition, for example, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, or liver cirrhosis. So getting it checked by a doctor if you experience muscle cramps frequently and without heavy exercise may be important.

Lifestyle Prevention of Muscle Cramps and Spasms

  • Preventing muscle cramps is possible by following some simple preventive measures. Since the causes of muscle cramps are known, the prevention is also very straightforward.
  • As we all know the muscle cramps are mostly caused by dehydration, drinking plenty of water is important. If you have a tendency to get leg cramps at night, stretch prior to bedtime
  • Also warming up and stretching is very important before any strenuous activity which involves your muscles being stressed up.
  • Avoid over-exercise and try to give enough rest to your muscles.
  • Try to eat foods that are high in some nutrients, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. This may help neutralize muscle cramps.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Muscle Cramps and Spasms

There are some Ayurvedic therapies using some herbs that are really effective on muscle cramps. Also some Ayurvedic oil massage is time tested to treat muscle cramp faster. Herbs such as Ginger, Ashwagandha, Amla, Nirgundi, etc are very useful for this condition.
  • Ginger: Drinking dry ginger powder with honey is very effective for muscle cramps. Just add two tsp of ginger powder in a glass of hot water and then add a little bit of honey then drink it.
  • Snehana (Oil Therapy): This is an external therapy which uses oil massage to heal the cramp. Ashwgandha infused oil is used to massage the sore muscles to loosen the knots and lessen bruising.
  • Nirgundi (Five-Leaved Chaste Tree): Liquify one tsp of nirgundi powder or paste formulations in the water alongside some jaggery and drink this mixture 1 time every day.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Ginger | Amla | Ashwagandha | Nirgundi
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known

Morning Sickness (Hyperemesis gravidarum)

What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a pregnancy-related condition that occurs when a pregnant woman suffers from nausea and vomiting. Even though it is called morning sickness; it can happen any time of the day. This is more usual during the first trimester of the pregnancy but there are some cases where it could last throughout the pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms of Morning Sickness?

Usually, a pregnant woman with morning sickness suffers from nausea and vomiting and it is very common during the first trimester of pregnancy and generally starts by week nine after conceiving. The symptoms may be triggered by some factors, such as certain smells, heat, spicy foods, or maybe there won’t be any triggers.

What are the Causes of Morning Sickness?

  • The most common cause of this condition is increased hormone levels during the first trimester. It also may be caused by reduced blood sugar levels. However, other causes may also trigger this condition and the severity varies among women.
  • Those who have double or triple fetuses tend to experience morning sickness more often than those with single fetuses.
  • Excessive fatigue during pregnancy may also cause this condition.
  • Emotional stress can be another cause that triggers morning sickness.
  • Frequent traveling can be a cause of morning sickness as well.

When to see a Doctor?

  • In most cases, Morning Sickness is a minor medical condition that doesn’t need any medical intervention and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, there may be instances when a pregnant woman may experience more severe symptoms along with morning sickness. In that case, visiting a doctor is very important.
  • In case you are unable to keep the food down, it might be a cause for concern and immediate medical intervention is needed. Weight loss of more than 2 pounds is not normal and that needs to be diagnosed by the doctor. If you experience moderate to high fever along with morning sickness, then make an appointment with a doctor. Nausea and vomiting are normal but the dizziness and lightheadedness are not very usual and if you experience that, do not delay in seeing your doctor. In case you notice any blood in your vomit, then it must be something seriously wrong. Any pain in the abdominal region needs to be addressed immediately.

Lifestyle Prevention of Morning Sickness

  • It’s natural to experience morning sickness during pregnancy so nothing can stop you from getting that. However, by taking some preventive measures you can reduce the effect of morning sickness.
  • Drinking plenty of water is a very important safety measure and that reduces the frequency of Morning Sickness. Also drinking water particularly before and after the meal will be more effective. Taking enough rest is very important to keep yourself healthy during pregnancy.
  • Use room fresheners to remove the odor which makes you nauseous. Eating small meals and avoiding spicy and fatty food is important to prevent this condition. Try to eat clean and less in quantity.
  • Do not smoke or take vitamins at night.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Morning Sickness

During pregnancy you need to be extra cautious about taking any medications. So Ayurvedic remedies are best to treat any condition in a pregnant woman. There are some herbs and spices which help you with the Morning sickness symptoms. Herbs and spices such as, Ginger, Mint, Cardamom, Cumin, Chamomile, Cinnamon are very effective for this condition.
  • Cardamom: This is a very useful spice for treating nausea. Just roast and grind cardamom seeds and take a small pinch for the whole day whenever feeling nauseous will surely help.
  • Cumin: Cumin can also be a very effective spice in order to deal with vomiting and nausea. Drinking half a teaspoon of Cumin powder with one glass of hot water is a great home remedy to get rid of morning sickness.
  • Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is very useful for your digestive system and hence it helps in easing nausea and vomiting. To make this tea, soak a tablespoon of dried Chamomile in one glass of warm water for about 10 minutes and then drink.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known