HT Cafe

How to avoid getting sick

- Anjali Mukerjee

It is not a secret, what you eat affects your health. I firmly believe that eating patterns are linked to the developmen­t of health problems. If you’re the type who reaches out for a dessert in search of solace, a chocolate bar for a mental boost or a couple of cigarettes to manage your stress, I’m afraid you’re laying out a brittle foundation for your health. If you are middle-aged, you need to be more cautious, as this is a period when many people stop exercising and lose lean muscle mass and bone density due to a sedentary lifestyle.

Chronic illnesses are the outcome of a lifetime of poor eating habits. But it’s never too late. You can prevent disease or reduce the ill effects or duration of illnesses through proper food management.

Healing the body through natural means requires patience and perseveran­ce.

Start by eliminatin­g processed and canned foods. Substitute junk with foods that are closest to their natural forms. Beet juice is rich in vitamins and minerals and helps ease constipati­on due to its laxative properties. Similarly, watermelon juice is a great kidney cleanser, promotes diuresis and prevents water retention. Cabbage juice contains cancer fighting properties and helps reduce acidity, and celery sticks help reduce uric acid levels and symptoms of gout. Flaxseeds are friends of your heart, and pineapple, thanks to its bromelain content, aids digestion. Here are some dos and dont’s that will help you stay healthy

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Drink fresh fruits and vegetable juices

Eat at least two calcium rich foods such as beans, ragi or fenugreek

Take antioxidan­t supplement­s every day

Detoxify every six months

Avoid artificial sweeteners

Avoid white flour and white sugar

Don’t eat late. Avoid eating anything after 7pm Exercise regularly Get sunlight for at least 30 minutes

Fill your house with plants and flowers

An understand­ing of body chemistry and food therapy can help reduce your dependency on drugs in case of an illness. Proper food habits should not be cultivated only for good health; rather, it should be a way of life.

 ?? PHOTO: ISTOCK; FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSES ONLY ??
PHOTO: ISTOCK; FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

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