Why ‘Normal’ Thyroid Reports Aren’t the End of the Story”
TSH is Normal, But You Don’t Feel Normal? Here’s What Ayurveda Wants You to Know: Even if your reports say “normal,” if you’re feeling tired, heavy, low, or foggy — your inner vitality (ojas) might be depleted. And ojas isn’t found in blood tests — it’s felt in your energy, glow, and zest for life !!! Ayurveda looks at the digestive fire (agni) as the root of all hormonal harmony. Low agni = low metabolism = fatigue, weight gain, sluggish mood, and hair fall. Even with “normal” TSH, if your agni is dull, you’ll feel off. Your thyroid doesn’t work alone. A congested liver, toxic gut, or suppressed emotions can all mimic or trigger thyroid-like symptoms. Ayurveda treats the whole system, not just the gland. Late nights, irregular meals, skipping oil massages, not syncing with the seasons — these all imbalance vata, which plays a big role in hair fall, mood swings, dry skin, and tiredness even when your labs are fine. Your thyroid might look fine, but what about your prana (life force)? Your manas (mind)? Your sharira bala (physical strength)? Ayurveda checks the pulse beyond numbers — into your sleep, emotions, hunger, and skin tone. Many women are told “you’re fine” just because labs are okay. But you know your body. If you feel not fine, Ayurveda believes you. And we look for root causes, not just reference ranges. Whether it’s dry skin, bloating, low energy, or hair thinning — these are messages from your body. Ayurveda listens to them, interprets them, and brings your system back into balance — gently and deeply !!!
The Real Ayurvedic Journey : My daily Confession
Being a first-generation Ayurvedic doctor with no family legacy, no glamorous clinic, and no ancestral name to back me is hard. But you know what’s harder? → Watching someone with hypothyroidism take thyroid pills for 10 years straight without ever being told why their body stopped functioning naturally in the first place. → Seeing young women with severe hair fall invest in 10+ chemical shampoos and serums — But never address their gut health, sleep, or mental stress. → Getting tagged in posts that say “Take ashwagandha for thyroid” like it’s a magical fix — without any personalization, prakriti analysis, or food correction. → Hearing “My TSH is normal, but I still feel tired, bloated, and hair is falling like crazy” — and knowing they’re trapped in symptom management, not root healing. → Watching influencers do “hair care routines” with exotic oils, while skipping breakfast, sleeping past midnight, and surviving on coffee and salads. → People thinking a hair pack will solve chronic hair fall when the root issue is a sluggish liver, low iron, or unprocessed emotional stress. → Getting told “Ayurveda is slow” by someone who tried one herbal pill for a week and expected magic — While ignoring years of imbalance and lifestyle damage. → Being asked to “send a quick herb” for complex autoimmune issues or hormonal imbalances like thyroid — As if ancient wisdom is now a shortcut service. → Seeing women lose their hair, confidence, and energy after childbirth — And being told it’s “normal” and nothing can be done. (When Ayurveda has entire postpartum protocols for nourishment and repair.) → Fighting the image that real Ayurveda is only for retreats, detoxes, and pretty reels — When it’s actually deep, layered, and rooted in real life. Because today, being an Ayurvedic doctor isn’t just about healing. It’s about defending a science that’s been misused, misunderstood, and marketed into oblivion. We’re not selling overnight glow-ups. We’re restoring balance — one patient, one protocol, one honest conversation at a time.
“Acid Reflux and Ulcers in IT: A Modern Epidemic Explained Through Ayurveda”
78% of IT Professionals Are Living with Agnimandya and Amlapitta — A Silent Epidemic According to a recent study, 78% of IT employees are suffering from chronic digestive disorders resembling Agnimandya (weak digestion) and Amlapitta (acid reflux and ulcers). In Ayurveda, these arise from an imbalance in the Pitta dosha and vitiation of Agni (digestive fire), worsened by improper eating habits (Viruddha Ahara), excessive stress (Manasika Vega), and a sedentary (Alasya) lifestyle. Key findings: 78% suffer from some form of gastric ulcer (Amlapitta or Parinama Shoola). 64% experience recurring acid reflux due to chronic mental stress (Chinta, Bhaya, Shoka aggravating Pitta). 39% regularly consume painkillers or antacids, masking symptoms but further disturbing the delicate balance of Agni and leading to chronic gut issues. If you work in IT, you are at risk if you: 1. Skip meals or eat irregularly (Vishama Bhojana), disturbing your Agni. 2. Consume excessive caffeine, spicy, or processed foods (Tikshna, Katu, and Viruddha Ahara), which inflame Pitta. 3. Work late nights, which aggravates Vata and weakens Pitta Agni. 4. Frequently take painkillers, masking pain but causing deeper imbalances (Avarana of Doshas). If left untreated, ulcers (Amlapitta) can lead to: Internal bleeding (Raktapitta), leading to chronic fatigue (Klama) and anemia (Pandu Roga). Perforation (Pitta Dushti causing tissue rupture), which can become life-threatening. Gastrointestinal cancer (Gulma and long-term inflammation), where prolonged Agni disturbance leads to uncontrolled tissue growth. Ayurvedic Approach to Healing and Prevention: 1. Eat on Time: Follow Dinacharya (daily routine) — consuming meals at regular hours strengthens Agni. 2. Reduce Caffeine & Spicy Foods: Prefer Madhura (sweet), Sheeta (cooling) foods to pacify aggravated Pitta. 3. Manage Stress: Practice Dhyana (meditation), Pranayama, and mindful breaks to stabilize the mind (Manas). 4. Avoid Painkillers and Antacids: Focus on the root cause by healing Agni with herbal support like Shatavari, Amalaki, Yashtimadhu. 5. Undergo Periodic Health Check-ups: Rogi Pariksha (regular assessment) can catch imbalances before they manifest severely. Remember: Your career will not wait for you — but if your Agni collapses, your body will force you to stop. Protect your digestive fire, nurture your Pitta balance, and honor the ancient wisdom of your body. Most IT professionals realize the importance of gut health only when it’s too late. Don’t be one of them !!!
Eating Less, Living Less: The Ayurvedic Warning for Crash Dieters !!!”
Patient Story: When Dieting Went Wrong – An Ayurvedic Insight As an Ayurvedic physician, I recall the case of Megha, a 30-year-old software professional who came to me with complaints of persistent fatigue, disturbed sleep, hair fall, mood swings, and severe bloating. She had been following a strict low-calorie diet for the past 6 months in an attempt to lose weight. Initially, she noticed some weight loss, but soon after, her energy plummeted, her skin became dry, and she developed irregular periods. Upon detailed questioning, I found that Megha was skipping meals, eating very little, and avoiding nourishing foods in the name of “clean eating.” Her food lacked adequate fats, proteins, and warm, grounding meals necessary for her constitution. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Megha was suffering from vata imbalance caused by undernourishment and improper quantity of food. According to our classical understanding: Consuming less quantity of food: 🙄Does not increase strength. 😧Reduces Ojas, the essence of immunity and vitality. 😥Prevents proper nourishment of the body (dhatu poshana becomes weak). 😭Over time, leads to vata disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, dryness, and constipation. Megha’s condition was a classic case of langhana (lightening therapy) gone wrong. While langhana is a therapeutic approach used in Ayurveda to manage conditions of excess, it should always be done under supervision and suited to the individual’s prakriti (constitution), agni (digestive fire), and vikriti (imbalance). Moreover, Megha confessed that on weekends, she would overeat due to cravings—this led to periods of overeating, which further aggravated her doshas, especially kapha and pitta, leading to bloating and inflammation. Excessive food consumption: Is equally undesirable. Causes a quick increase in doshas, leading to imbalances like indigestion, weight gain, acne, and lethargy. Treatment Approach: For Megha, I initiated a Vata-pacifying regimen: Warm, unctuous, and freshly cooked meals. Regular mealtimes without skipping. Inclusion of ghee, soups, and nourishing herbs Early to bed and wake cycle. Gentle abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame oil to ground the vata. Pranayama and guided meditations to reduce anxiety. Use of classical formulations to restore ojas and strengthen digestion. Within 6 weeks, Megha began to regain her strength, her periods normalized, and she reported better sleep and clarity of mind. Conclusion: In Ayurveda, quantity of food is as important as its quality. Eating less or more than what your agni can handle disrupts the delicate balance of doshas. The goal should never be weight loss at the cost of health, but rather balanced nourishment, strong digestion, and vibrant ojas !!!
Why your fasting isn”t working : A message from an ayurvedic physician
I often hear this: “Doctor, I’ve been fasting the whole day. I don’t eat anything from morning to night. But still, my weight isn’t reducing. In fact, I feel more tired, bloated, and low.” Let me gently explain why this kind of fasting may be doing more harm than good. Sleeping All Day Isn’t Fasting. It’s Starving the System. Simply skipping food from sunrise to sunset, lying in bed all day, or sitting under the AC without movement—that’s not fasting. That’s called metabolic slowing. Your body is not burning fat. It’s going into energy preservation mode—slowing down digestion, reducing metabolic fire (agni), and increasing toxins (ama). Instead of weight loss, you might notice: Irritable moods Fasting Needs Movement. Energy Needs Circulation. Fasting is meant to reset the digestive system, not shut it down. Ayurveda encourages light movement, gentle stretches, and mindful walking during fasting to help kindle agni (digestive fire) and circulate prana (life force). Sleeping all day while fasting builds stagnation, not vitality. It’s like keeping firewood ready but not lighting the match. Ayurveda’s View: Fasting Must Be Aligned With Your Body Type and Season Not every person benefits from prolonged fasting. Especially if you: For such individuals, fasting aggravates Vata—leading to dryness, anxiety, poor sleep, and slower metabolism. Weight Loss Isn’t About Eating Less. It’s About Eating Right and Moving Right. If your goal is to reduce weight, just not eating is not enough. You need to: So What Should You Do Instead? If you feel fasting is not working for you, try this Ayurvedic routine: Ayurveda is not anti-fasting.Ayurveda is about intelligent fasting.Fasting that aligns with your body, your activity level, and your environment. Stop punishing your body with starvation.Start nourishing it with rhythm, warmth, and mindful movement. That’s the real way to reduce weight, balance hormones, and feel like yourself again !!!
Battery Low? Here’s Why Your Body Keeps Running Out of Energy”
Are you constantly feeling tired, mentally foggy, or physically drained no matter how much rest you get? When your body’s internal battery runs low, it’s a signal that your core energy systems are under strain. The top three systems responsible for your energy are: The thyroid gland governs how fast or slow your body converts food into energy. When it’s underactive—like in hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—you’ll notice symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and brain fog. The key player here is T3 (Triiodothyronine), the active thyroid hormone, which directly powers your mitochondria (your energy factories). Low T3 = sluggish mitochondria = low energy output. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, helping your body adapt to stress. Chronic stress or autoimmune conditions like Addison’s disease can lead to: Constant fatigue Low blood pressure Muscle weakness Poor appetite Skin pigmentation changesWhen your adrenals are overwhelmed, your energy reserves deplete rapidly. Your mitochondria convert nutrients—especially fats—into ATP (cellular energy).But factors like poor nutrition, toxins, inflammation, infections, or oxidative stress can damage them.Symptoms of weak mitochondria include: Energy crashes after meals Muscle pain Poor stamina Feeling exhausted even after rest Even if your thyroid, adrenals, and mitochondria are trying their best, they can’t function without proper nutrients.Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, magnesium, selenium, iodine, and CoQ10 can: Lower your metabolism Impair mitochondrial function Lead to fatigue, anxiety, and weakness Lack of deep, restorative sleep and excessive screen time can disturb your body’s natural energy rhythm. Sleep is when your adrenals and mitochondria repair. Staying up late or inconsistent sleep patterns can lead to energy debt over time. Bottom Line:If your energy feels like it’s running on 1%, it’s not just about sleep or caffeine. Look deeper—into your thyroid, adrenals, mitochondria, and overall lifestyle. Recharge naturally through balanced nutrition, stress management, deep sleep, and healing the root cause rather than just masking fatigue.
Why ayurveda warns against modern seed oils?
In Ayurveda, seed oils, especially highly processed and refined vegetable oils, are not considered ideal for health due to the following reasons: 1. Heaviness & Indigestion (Guru & Ama Formation) Many seed oils, especially refined ones, are heavy (guru) in nature, making them difficult to digest. Poor digestion (agni) leads to toxin (ama) buildup, which can cause metabolic disorders .2. Disturbance of DoshasVata Aggravation: Highly processed oils lack the grounding and nourishing qualities of natural fats, which can worsen Vata-related issues like dryness, anxiety, and joint pain. Pitta Aggravation: Oils from sunflower, safflower, and canola are heating in nature and can increase Pitta, leading to inflammation, acidity, and skin issues. Kapha Imbalance: Heavy and refined oils can clog channels (srotas), leading to weight gain, sluggishness, and cholesterol imbalance. 3. Loss of Prana (Vital Energy)Traditional Ayurvedic fats like ghee, sesame oil, and coconut oil are considered high in prana (life energy).Highly processed seed oils lose their prana due to industrial extraction methods, making them lifeless and tamasic (dull and low-energy food). 4. Toxicity & Oxidative StressModern seed oils (e.g., soybean, sunflower, corn) are extracted using high heat and chemicals, which degrade their quality. These oils are high in unstable polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which oxidize quickly and create free radicals, leading to inflammation and aging .5. Altered Agni (Digestive Fire) & Metabolic IssuesProcessed oils suppress digestive fire (agni), leading to poor metabolism, sluggish digestion, and accumulation of bad cholesterol. Ayurveda recommends natural fats like ghee to kindle agni rather than suppress it .6. Impact on Mind (Manas) & EmotionsAyurveda classifies foods based on their effect on the mind—sattvic (pure), rajasic (stimulating), and tamasic (dull). Processed seed oils are considered tamasic, leading to lethargy, mood swings, and a foggy mind. So what are the ayurvedic alternative for seed oil? Ghee (Clarified Butter) Properties: Satvic, nourishing, enhances agni, improves memory and digestion. Best for: All doshas, especially Vata and Pitta. Use in moderation for Kapha. Uses: Cooking, sautéing, adding to rice, lentils, or even using in desserts. 2. Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil Properties: Warming, grounding, antioxidant-rich. Best for: Vata disorders; also used in abhyanga (oil massage). Uses: Cooking, oil pulling, nasal drops (nasya), body massage. 3. Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil Properties: Cooling, nourishing, antibacterial. Best for: Pitta body types and summer season. Uses: Cooking (especially in South Indian cuisine), oil pulling, skin care. Mustard Oil (Cold-Pressed) Properties: Warming, stimulating, anti-inflammatory. Best for: Kapha and Vata types, winter season. Uses: Cooking in Northern India, massage oil, external use for aches and pains. Groundnut (Peanut) Oil – Cold-Pressed Properties: Heavy, slightly warming. Best for: Occasional use for Vata and Kapha, but not preferred in excess. Caution: Can be heavy for digestion; avoid in case of acne, sluggish digestion. 6. Gingelly Oil (Unrefined Black Sesame Oil) Properties: Rich in minerals, grounding, detoxifying. Uses: Especially used in Tamil and South Indian Ayurvedic traditions. Ayurvedic Tips for Oil Usage: Always prefer cold-pressed, organic, and native varieties. Avoid refined or hydrogenated oils, as they are tamasic (promote dullness/toxicity). Choose oils based on your dosha, climate, and health status. Don’t overuse oil—moderation is key in Ayurveda.
The #1 Reason Your Hair Products Aren’t Working – It’s Not What You Think!
Why do influencer hair remedies fail to work for everyone? Most influencers promote one-size-fits-all remedies without considering individual hair porosity. For example, rice water is great for high porosity hair but can make low porosity hair stiff and protein-overloaded. Using the wrong remedy can worsen dryness, breakage, and hair loss. Why does my hair feel greasy even after washing? Answer :If you have low porosity hair, your cuticles are tightly sealed, making it difficult for oils and products to penetrate. Instead of nourishing your hair, heavy oils sit on the surface, leading to build-up, limp hair, and scalp issues. Can too much protein damage my hair? Yes! High porosity hair needs protein to fill cuticle gaps, but low porosity hair already has a tight cuticle. Using too many protein-rich treatments (like egg masks, keratin products, or rice water) can make low porosity hair brittle, stiff, and prone to breakage. Why do deep conditioning treatments sometimes make my hair feel worse? If you have low porosity hair, using thick, heavy conditioners can sit on the hair without being absorbed, causing product buildup. Instead, use lightweight, water-based conditioners or apply heat (like a warm towel wrap) to help the moisture penetrate. What’s the biggest mistake people make when choosing hair oils? Using the wrong oil for your porosity! Low porosity hair needs lightweight oils like jojoba or argan to prevent buildup. High porosity hair needs heavier, sealing oils like castor or coconut to lock in moisture. Answer: If you apply oil to dry hair without hydrating it first, it just sits on top instead of moisturizing. Always spritz your hair with water or herbal infusions before applying oil to help it absorb properly. Using the wrong products can cause build-up, clogged follicles, protein overload, or moisture loss, leading to weak hair, excessive shedding, and slow growth. Understanding your porosity is key to choosing the right routine for strong, healthy hair. 🚨 STOP following random hair hacks! 🚨 Most viral influencer remedies damage hair if you don’t know your porosity! ❌ Rice water isn’t for everyone—it can make low porosity hair stiff. ❌ Heavy oils can cause buildup if your hair doesn’t absorb them. ❌ Too much protein can lead to breakage! 💡 Instead, understand your hair’s needs first—Ayurveda teaches how to balance moisture, oil, and strength naturally!
Why Curd Is Not an Everyday Food in Ayurveda?
Curd, though often promoted in modern nutrition as a gut-friendly and protein-rich food, holds a different place in Ayurveda. It is not considered an ideal daily food due to its “Abhishyandi” nature — a quality that leads to the obstruction of bodily channels (srotas), disturbing the balance of doshas and impairing digestion. While some nutritionists suggest curd to curb appetite or manage weight, the Ayurvedic perspective emphasizes its long-term impact on Agni (digestive fire) and dosha balance, especially Kapha and Pitta. Why Curd Is Cautioned in Ayurveda ? Curd is guru (heavy) in nature. It taxes the digestive system, especially if Agni is low or irregular. Its picchila (slimy) and snigdha (unctuous) properties make it prone to sticking to body channels, leading to srotorodha (blockage of channels). Ayurvedic Guidelines for Consuming Curd: Curd has ushna virya (hot potency). It can aggravate Pitta, leading to issues like nasal bleeding, skin rashes, excessive menstrual bleeding, and acidity. Avoid it completely during peak summer months and in any condition involving heat or bleeding. Nighttime is naturally dominated by Kapha. Eating curd then can trigger or worsen cold, cough, sinusitis, throat infections, or allergies due to increased mucus formation. If you are prone to respiratory issues, eliminating curd from dinner can bring great relief. Heating curd changes its molecular and energetic properties. It loses its probiotic value and becomes incompatible (viruddha ahara), which may lead to Ama formation (toxins) and poor digestion. Curd should not be consumed with fruits, fish, or meat. These combinations are considered viruddha ahara and can lead to long-term imbalances including skin disorders and digestive disturbances. So, When Can You Have Curd? Prefer Daytime Consumption — preferably before sunset and in moderate quantities. Do Not Make It a Daily Habit — restrict to 1-2 times a week if your digestion is strong. Always Add Spices — such as black pepper, cumin, or rock salt to aid digestion and reduce Kapha. Avoid During Illness or Weak Digestion — especially if suffering from cold, cough, allergies, fever, or inflammatory conditions. Buttermilk – The Safer Alternative If you love curd, switch to Takra (buttermilk) — a time-tested digestive nectar in Ayurveda. Made by churning curd with water and adding digestive spices like hing, jeera, black salt, it pacifies Kapha and Vata, aids in digestion, and does not aggravate Pitta. In Summary: Curd is not a villain, but like many things in Ayurveda, its benefit lies in how, when, and how much you consume it. Awareness of your dosha, season, time of day, and digestive strength are key to reaping any benefits while avoiding harm. If you experience frequent digestive issues, allergies, or skin problems—start by observing your curd habits. Sometimes, simple shifts can bring deep healing !!!
Prana-Rich Fruits vs Lifeless Juices: What’s Better for Your Health?
Fruit Juice vs Whole Fruits: What’s the Real Difference, Doctor? One of my patients recently asked me this very common question—“Aren’t fruit juices just as healthy as eating fruits?” That inspired me to write this article. So the next time someone insists that fruit juice is healthier than whole fruits, just show them this. Title: Why Fruits Are Better Than Fruit Juices – An Ayurvedic Perspective In our modern lifestyle, fruit juices are often marketed as healthy and convenient options for nutrition. But as an Ayurvedic physician, I often find myself guiding patients away from juices and gently redirecting them to whole fruits. Why? Because Ayurveda sees food not just as a collection of nutrients, but as prana – life force – that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. Let us decode this deeper 1. Fruit vs Fruit Juice – What’s the Difference? Whole Fruit contains fiber, natural sugars, water content, enzymes, and phytonutrients in perfect balance. It is slow to digest and provides sustained energy. Fruit Juice, especially when extracted, strained, or stored, loses most of its fiber and prana. It becomes a concentrated form of sugar and loses its natural intelligence. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, this is not just a nutritional loss – it’s a loss of harmony and vitality. 2. Ayurvedic View on Fruits: Fruits are considered sattvic – they purify the mind and nourish the tissues gently. They are: Madhura rasa pradhana (sweet-tasting) Sheeta virya (cooling in nature) Laghu (light for digestion) Pranavardhaka (enhance life force) They pacify vata and pitta, and when taken in moderation, even kapha. Fruits offer ojas, the subtle essence of all bodily tissues, which builds immunity, clarity, and emotional stability. 3. What Happens When You Juice a Fruit? From an Ayurvedic perspective: The fiber (prakriti-sahaja agni-balakara dravya) is removed. Fiber acts like a srotoshodhana (channel-cleanser) and supports healthy digestion. Juicing increases the glycemic index – leading to kapha vriddhi (kapha aggravation), weight gain, mucus production, and sluggishness. Juices, especially when taken cold or stored, diminish agni (digestive fire) and lead to ama utpatti (toxin formation). Drinking juice too often can also increase asatmya (incompatibility) in metabolism and weaken dhatu poshana (tissue nourishment). 4. Common Observations in Practice: Patients who consume fruit juices frequently complain of: Bloating or gas (vata vitiation) Sluggish digestion or heaviness (kapha aggravation) Blood sugar spikes Weak appetite Frequent colds or sinus congestion (kapha-vata imbalance) Dental sensitivity or decay (due to acidic, sugary nature of juices) 5. Ayurvedic Guidelines for Eating Fruits: Eat fruits whole and fresh, ideally seasonal and local. Avoid mixing fruits with milk, yogurt, or heavy meals – it becomes a viruddha ahara (incompatible food). Best time: Empty stomach, preferably in the morning or midday. Avoid fruits post-sunset, especially citrus or sour fruits, as they may aggravate vata. Fruits like bananas, mangoes, and grapes are nourishing; pomegranates, apples, and figs are balancing; citrus and watermelon are best during hot seasons in moderation. Conclusion: In Ayurveda, we do not just count calories – we observe qualities, energies, and effects. Fruits in their natural, whole form are rich in prana and bring balance, while juices – especially processed or taken at the wrong time – are devoid of vitality, disturb doshas, and weaken digestion. So next time you reach for a juice, pause. Choose a fruit instead. Let your body experience nature’s intelligence in its complete form.