5 Exercises To Fight Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease. This particular chronic pain can lower your quality of life for years to come. People want a relief from this intense agony, but how? Can exercise help people with Fibromyalgia?

Speaking of origins, Fibromyalgia comes from the Greek word myos meaning “muscle”, algos meaning “pain” and New Latin fibro meaning “fibrous tissue”.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread, unexplained pain in the muscles and joints. Although a lot of people think of it as an arthritic condition due to the symptoms, it’s not a type of arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia may cause pain on the tender points of our body which are termed as “trigger points”. According to American College of Rheumatology, a person can be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia if pain and tenderness are present in at least 11 of the known 18 trigger points. The common trigger points include:

• The back of the head

• Shoulder tops

• Upper chest

• Hips

• Knees

• Outer elbows

A consistent ache through the entire body is also quite common. People with this disorder may face:

• Fatigue

• Sleeping disorders

• Headaches

• Anxiety

Studies indicate Fibromyalgia may be chronic and hereditary. The NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA) says that 90 % of the Fibromyalgia patients are women, though men and children may also be affected. Symptoms may be present at any time during a person’s life, though they are most likely to be reported when the patient reaches middle age. 

What should you do?

Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as osteoarthritis as its symptoms are somewhat subjective and the causes are not clearly known. This only makes the condition worse. Fibromyalgia like any other medical condition can be treated and looked upon with a slight improvement in one’s lifestyle. 

• Getting enough sleep 

• Exercising regularly

• Engaging in Daily activities

• De-stressing yourself.

Exercise: the vital thing

When Sapna Kapoor was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, she spent most of her time in bed. Her doctor suggested some exercises. She started real slow, as the muscular pain would prevent her most of the time. However she would do some stretching and daily warm ups for about half an hour and then take some rest. Gradually she increased her level and intensity of working out. Today she credits exercise for playing a significant role in improving her Fibromyalgia pain. Here’s some of those effective exercises which may also help you out like it did to Sapna:

1. Yoga: The age old practice of Yoga may prove to be of great help in fighting Fibromyalgia. The correct body postures with proper breathing techniques will improve your nervous system and blood circulation.

2. Walking: Research suggests walking to be one of the best forms of exercises for Fibromyalgia. It results in bringing oxygen to your muscles and thus decreases your pain and stiffness.

3. Water based aerobic exercises: Doing light exercises in the warm water can help to ease your pain of Fibromyalgia. In a major study, participants found an 8-month programme with 10 minutes of water aerobics to be extremely beneficial for Fibromyalgia than those who didn’t.

4. Stretching: Simple exercises like stretching, and even good body postures can mark a great difference in easing the pain. However overdoing it and stretching at the wrong time may cause health hazards. Hence, it is best to stretch stiff muscles after the completion of some light aerobic exercise, not before then, in order to avoid injury. Hold light stretches up for a minute to get the best benefit.

5. Household chores: While doctors recommend an exercise and a basic fitness programme as the first line of treatment for Fibromyalgia before any type of medication is even considered.Results also say that  small amounts of everyday activities like vacuuming or scrubbing for just 30 minutes a day will actually create a huge difference.

Reports suggest that working out can initially increase the pain of Fibromyalgia. But if you don’t give up and convert it slowly to a regular activity, you’ll soon see the difference and your symptoms will likely to decrease.

If you need help in getting started, doctors and medical professionals can recommend exercises and properly guide you through. The medical team at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution regularly faces patients suffering from such hazards. Most of the time, the problems faced by patients arise from doing wrong exercises or doing the exercises in an improper manner. The medical experts identify the areas of concern and advise the proper exercises and physiotherapy required.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoepathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The treatment  protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail of the services of Zilaxo, call at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or  message on WhatsApp at +91 9830426607.

www.zilaxo.org

Always Busy? Follow These Exercises to be Productive

In today’s time, the life of a modern man has become difficult. Deadlines and schedules have taken over the peace of mind, the rhythm of our heart and the crux of our soul. However, in spite of all the pressures of a busy life, who doesn’t want to be fit and healthy?

The excessive information which you get from the internet, the various different advices which you get from your friends and family add more fuel to our already existing confused mind! What will you do? Do not worry, here’s the ultimate solution on how to manage your busy life and change it into a most organised & productive one, in the simple and effective way.

The issues

The problems of a hectic life are many. Life is a balancing act; juggling everything together. This pressure to perform affects our health tremendously:

• The practice of staying up late till odd hours to complete the assignments affects our immune system.
•  Lifestyle factors like improper diet, travel, pollution, changing seasons and lack of proper sleep increase the level of stress, thus creating memory loss.
• ‘Me Time’-Absence of personal space in our daily lifestyle affects our relationships with our close ones as well.
•  It makes a person prone to worry. Problem arises on recognizing faces as well.
•  One of the chief problems of a busy and sedentary life is obesity. The lack of movement in individuals decreases their core strength and stamina.

Scottish researchers have invented a new malaise to describe this state: Busy Lifestyle Syndrome (BLS). It’s getting to be more common, affecting people at younger ages. As a result it is the drug companies that are creating a lucrative new business from creating “memory pills”.

The pressure on an individual increases day by day. Staying fit and healthy has become a necessity for all of us to be more productive in our work as well as personal life. One of the common observations in today’s time has been that a busy person may not necessarily end up being a productive person. Most of his time is spent figuring out his already existing daily problems. With time being restricted, it is extremely crucial for us to be productive individuals even in the middle of our busy schedules. Hence try to plan out your week in advance, and commit to it.

Fight it out with exercise 

The energy boost you get from exercising ends up making you fitter and productive for the days to come. Here are some easy and effective ways to exercise even in the middle of your busy schedule:

          ·          Around the house:

1. Power walk: Wake up a bit earlier and take a brisk 5-minute power walk up the street in one direction and return back in the other. The energy you’ll gain from this will make for those minutes of sleep that you lost.

2. Do Yoga: Try to do Yoga everyday by taking about 10 minute break from your daily household.

          ·             At work

1. Walk to work: If possible, avoid taking any transportation to reach the office. Try to walk instead.

2. Use stairs: Avoid using elevators to communicate around the office. Take the stairs.

3. Stretch break: Try stretching during periodical intervals.

4. Serve yourself: In case you want to use the office printer or any other equipment, make it a point to walk to that place instead of asking somebody to do it. This movement however minor will help you to break out of the physical stagnation of office work.

5. Short walk: Try to go for a short walk in the nearby area of your office during the lunch break. This will help burn some extra calories.

6. Warm up: While you are waiting for the meeting to start, stretch your hands and fingers a bit. This will temporarily increase blood circulation.

          ·        While travelling:

1. Take a halt: If you’re travelling by car, stop twice a day for short walks and some stretching.

2. Be your own Coolie: Try to carry your own luggage instead by making it carried by a porter. By doing this, your muscles and bones will become stronger and your blood circulation will increase.

3. Offer your seat: While in a bus, offer your seat to someone else. Probably an elder. This is not only ethical, but will also provide your body a scope for movement.

4. Walk in the train: Try to use the corridor spaces in a train for taking brisk walks and warm ups. Step out and walk around the platform while the train halts.

5. Travel stress release: While seated in a plane, place your palm on your forehead and push back as you flex your neck forward. Repeat this to release your stress around the neck muscles.

6. Be the moving carpet: During layovers at airports, avoid the mechanized “moving carpets” that transport travelers from one part of the airport to the other. If you are between flights, walk around as much as you can.

7. Plan your kit: Try to pack a jump rope in your travel kit. This will hardly require any space and also help you exercise, no matter where you are.

8. Try bicycling: When at a new place, try to walk around or you can even use a bicycle. This way, you will burn calories while exploring your surroundings.

Turn exercising into a regular habit. Create daily schedules in your weekly calendar. You can begin slowly by devoting just 15 minutes daily for exercise. Gradually, you can increase the time spent and the intensity of the exercise.

Lack of exercise in our busy life creates difficulties for us. When done in an improper manner, it adds more fuel to the fire. The medical professionals at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution regularly face patients suffering from these hazards. They identify the area of concern and advise the different exercises and physiotherapy required.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org  

Always Feeling Weak? 5 Tips For Complete Solution

Praveen Kumar, a young dynamic Corporate Executive wakes up in the morning feeling sleepless.  He reaches office every day feeling weak and tired. This has been happening for a couple of weeks now. The man was perplexed and scared of losing his job. Mr. Kumar felt helpless. Why was this happening to him? Is he suffering from weakness? Or is it some mental unrest he is going through? The man being unable to focus on his work, life, felt worried and sad. What could he do to find it out? What could he do to fight it out? 

Is there a Praveen in you as well? Are you confused too? Well, first take a deep breath. To simplify things for you, weakness can be classified as per some medical conditions, namely:

• Weakness:  A lack of physical strength which is caused as a result of  muscular pain particularly when a person tries to move the arms, legs, or any other muscle in the body.

• Fatigue:   Also referred to as tiredness or exhaustion, it is a need to rest because of lack of energy or strength. Fatigue may result from overwork, poor sleep, tension and lack of exercise. It may also result from allergy, anaemia or even depression.

• Sleepiness:  Somnolence or Sleepiness is usually a short term condition caused by the absence of proper sleep. Sleepiness can be a symptom of a medical condition where one suffers from the lack of motivation and energy to perform anything in particular.

Factors of Weakness

The signs and symptoms of weakness may be of a physical, mental or emotional nature. Here are some common symptoms of weakness to watch out for:

1.Mental stress: Considered as of the most common symptoms, a certain amount of stress caused mostly by grief, anxiety, boredom or even eating disorder may be a strong reason for the cause of weakness.

2.Metabolism:Eating disorder can often lead to the rise of weakness in a healthy individual. It even results in dysfunction in the kidney or even the liver which in turn disturbs the general state of the body and the mind. Eating junk food and not having enough of Omega-3 fatty acids (found mostly in oily fishes) can be causes of weakness as well.

3. Medications: Antidepressants are the most widely prescribed drugs to fight depression. However the recent research published by the University of California claims that all these medications actually lead to weakness and fatigue.

4.Alcohol: One of the common reasons of weakness, alcohol is claimed to cause damage to the nerves, thus leading to an over-powering feeling of weakness.

5.Various diseases: Diseases like Cancer, Arthritis, Obesity weaken the immune system. Studies suggest that Chemotherapy for breast cancer is most likely the cause of prolonged fatigue even after several years of the patient’s treatment.

6. Chronic pain: People suffering from chronic pain typically wake up weak and tired even after having slept for a long time. For many people, the pain disrupts their sleep which also makes them feel tired.

How to avoid weakness and boost your energy back

If not properly taken care of, weakness can take over your life and affect everything. However, these simple and effective tips are enough to deal with chronic weakness:

1. Sleep well:  Proper sleeping habit and even proper sleeping position can help to fight weakness in an individual. Try to go to bed and wake up at an appropriate time every day. Setting the bedroom temperature at a comfortable level helps you to fall asleep. Listen to some soothing music and have a warm bath before going to bed in order to help the mind relax. This will also help the body release any muscular tension.

2. Eat and drink properly: A well balanced diet consisting of three course regular meals each day, eaten at the appropriate time will help to improve one’s overall health. Intake of foods rich in calcium, magnesium, minerals, protein (like chicken, eggs, cheese) and particularly iron (like apple, spinach) can prevent anaemia, which is a common cause of weakness, particularly in women. Drinking plenty of water while avoiding caffeine and alcohol in one’s diet may also help a great deal to fight weakness and boost energy back. Research shows that use of herbs like Aswagandha, Gotu Kola and nutritional supplements like vitamin B complex helps to deal with stress and weakness in a much improved manner.

3.Get physical activity: It boosts one’s energy levels as it releases hormones which are good for the body and the mind. Daily walking for about 30 minutes, simple exercises and practice of Yoga helps a lot in fighting weakness. Thus not leading a sedentary life will definitely help in dealing with the weakness of an individual.

4.Have a proper lifestyle: A proper lifestyle is a combination of healthy habits (like eating proper food), avoiding alcohol and smoking, exercising and sleeping properly improves overall health, thus preventing weakness.

5. Reduce stress:  Weakness is considered to be a result of an ill health caused due to psychological factors as well.  Reduce stress by engaging in relaxing activities like listening to music, spending time with friends, doing meditation. This will help to increase your energy level. However if further needed, one can engage in taking therapies such as counseling or other psychological help.

Weakness, fatigue and tiredness are the most growing issues in today’s modern world. Unlike other health issues, this one needs proper care and observation for a prolonged period of time. Anyone leading a busy and complex lifestyle may fall prey to the issues of weakness.

The doctors and health experts at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution also hold the same opinion about the significance of a healthy lifestyle. The medical professionals at Zilaxo regularly face patients suffering from weakness as well and  even they also suggest the proper diet, sleeping habits, exercise are absolutely essential in regaining your energy level.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org  

Age Is Just A Number - Follow 5 Easy Tips For Better Bone Health

Mr. Gupta woke up one morning and felt a sharp pain in his right knee. Fresh sweat broke on his brow as he hazily wondered what could be the cause. Was it Osteoporosis? Or is it Arthritis? The 67-year-old man tried to sit up in bed but could not. He felt weak and vulnerable. Yesterday, he had tried to look up for information on bone health on the internet. The sheer volume of data made him even more confused and sad. Where could he find out authentic knowledge? He sighed and fell back into sleep.

Like him many people are either unaware of the importance of bone health or are in great difficulty even figuring it out. They honestly want good data, but are overwhelmed with information, much of which is just plain untrue.

Importance of Bone Health in Old Age

• They allow us to move our body, protect our brain, preserve our heart and other organs from injury.
• Minerals such as Calcium and Phosphorous keep our bones strong. These minerals are also needed to support other bodily processes.
• Bones create red blood cells which are vital for a healthy circulatory system.
• Bone cells boost the functioning of our immune system.
• Healthy bones prevent diseases like Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, both of which reduce bone density and weaken the skeletal structure.

If the problems faced by the bones are overlooked they can also lead to long-lasting health hazards. But the good news is that it is never too late to take care of your bones.

Peak Bone Mass and your age

Our maximum bone size and strength is called Peak Bone Mass. Genes play a large role in determining the amount of peak bone we have. Mostly people reach their peak bone mass between the ages of 25 and 30. It is the lifestyle factors (such as diet and exercise), that can influence whether we reach our full bone mass potential. As by the time we reach age 40, we slowly begin to lose our bone mass.

The Old Age risk factors for your bone health

1. Diet: Most people neglect it but the truth is that a proper healthy diet can determine the health of your bones. Taking too little calcium can increase your chances of getting Osteoporosis. Lack of Vitamin D can also increase your risk for the disease because this particular Vitamin helps the body to use Calcium in your diet.

2. Physical activity:  Not being active for long periods of time automatically increases your chances of getting Osteoporosis. Bones, like muscles, stay strong only with regular exercise and activity.

3. Body weight:  Good bone health depends on having adequate body weight.

4. Smoking: Smoking cigarettes keep your body from getting the required calcium in your diet. Also, women who smoke go through Menopause earlier than those who don’t. All these things automatically affect your bone health, increasing the risk for Osteoporosis.

5.Alcohol:  People who drink a lot are more likely to get Osteoporosis.

6. Medicines: Certain medicines for arthritis and asthma  may cause bone loss. Some medicines used against cancer and certain diseases of the uterus can also cause bone loss.

7. Age:  The chances of getting  Osteoporosis increase as you get older.

8. Gender: The risk of Osteoporosis is higher in women. Women have smaller bones than men and lose them faster than men do because of the hormonal changes after menopause.

9. Ethnicity:  White and Asian women are most likely to get Osteoporosis. Research shows that Hispanic and African American women are at lesser risk.

10. Family history:  Having a close family member who has Osteoporosis may also increase your risk of suffering from similar problems.

Maintaining bone health – what you can do

1.Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D:  Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products and fruit juices with added calcium. Egg yolks, saltwater fish and milk are rich sources of Vitamin D. Many fruits and vegetables also contribute other nutrients that are important for retaining your bone health.

2. Get plenty of physical activity: Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise. The best exercises for healthy bones are strength-building and weight-bearing, like walking, climbing the stairs, lifting weights, and dancing. It is highly advisable to get 30 minutes of exercise each day for improving your bone health.

3. Live a healthy lifestyle:The effect of smoking and drinking alcohol results in deterioration of bone health, hence leading a healthy lifestyle by avoiding these are highly advisable.

4. Talk to your doctor about your bone health: Go over your risk factors with your doctor and ask if you should get a bone density test. If you need it, your doctor can order medicine and help you to prevent bone loss and reduce your chances of breaking a bone.

5. Prevent falls: Falling down can cause a bone to break, especially in someone suffering from osteoporosis. Most falls can be prevented by checking your home for dangers like loose rugs or  poor lighting. Get your vision checked, increase your balance and strength by walking every day and taking classes involving physical activities like Yoga.

Role of medicines in bone health during Old age?

Thanks to scientific advancements and innovative treatments, medicines are being developed to prevent or slow down the onset of bone-related diseases like Osteoporosis. There are now several medicines for maintaining bone health. However, the importance of preventive measures is greater today than ever before. After all, prevention is better than cure!

The doctors and health experts at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution  also hold the same opinion about the significance of bone health. Hence they suggest that regular check-ups, proper diet, daily exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle are absolutely essential in maintaining bone health.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homeopathy Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org  

Bone Density - The Most Ignored Aspect Of Your Health

Our overall health and longevity depends on our bone health. The world around us is trapped in toxins & contaminants and we become a prey to them. The food and lifestyle that we choose each day actually make us susceptible to various kinds of pitfalls to complete health.  With the ever-present danger of junk food, foods with added preservatives and other kinds of hidden threats, our attention should be focused on the most basic aspect of our body: our bones. 

Bone density is something that is largely ignored by the common man. But do you know that 1 out of every 2 women and 1 out of every 4 men over the age of 50 face the risk of brittle bones, fractures and bone disorders like Osteoporosis due to the gradual decline of bone mass.

Low bone density - what does it cause to you

• Osteoporosis – It is a condition which leads to decreased bone density, strength and results in fragile bones. 
• Arthritis – It is the inflammation of the joints, causing pain and swelling along with stiffness. 
• Fractures – This can be completely debilitating and can lead to extended hospitalization. 
• Brittle bones – Even a minor injury or fall can cause bone fractures and even disability.
• Osteopenia – It is the stage prior to full-blown Osteoporosis.

Importance of bone density

To lead an active and healthy life, maintaining the right bone density plays a major role. It leads to

• Strong joints 
• Powerful bones 
• Active lifestyle 
• Healthy heart

Factors for bone-density loss

• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Overactive parathyroid gland 
• Hormone treatment 
• Some medicines used for seizure and epilepsy 
• Steroid treatment 
• Early menopause 
• Family history 
• Medical conditions like

                    Gastric bypass

                    Cystic fibrosis

                    Other intestinal problems

What to do

1. Balanced Diet

Food plays an important role in maintaining bone health. A balanced diet specially consisting of nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein is important for bone development. Vitamin D in the diet helps in calcium re-absorption in the body.

Carbonated drinks, alcohol, salt, caffeine etc are detrimental to bone health because they are responsible for loss of bone density.

2. Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is known to be responsible for several bone disorders like Osteoporosis. An active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and Yoga keeps the bones strong and healthy. It is seen that the people who exercise regularly have greater bone density than people who lead an inactive life.

Simple weight bearing exercises like running, walking, jumping rope, skiing etc and resistance training exercises significantly help in increasing and maintaining peak bone mass. Exercising would also help the elderly in maintaining balance that would prevent falls and subsequent fractures.

3. Lifestyle changes

Following a proper routine and staying away from habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can go a long away in keeping your bones healthy. Make sure you get adequate amount of vitamin D through regular exposure to sunlight.

Alcohol is known to interfere with the function of pancreas in the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.

The nicotine present in cigarettes upset the balance of hormones like oestrogen and cortisol that help to keep the bones strong.    Smoking increases the rate of bone loss thus spurring the process of bone degeneration.

4. Regular check-up

It is often seen that people realise the importance of bone health only when they face problems like Osteoporosis, brittle bones, fractures, etc. For instance, Osteoporosis is detected through the bone density test only after a bone is broken. Therefore it is advisable to go for regular checkups in order to gauge the condition of your bones, especially in the case of post menopausal women who are at increased risk of bone related disorders.

The doctors and health experts at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution also hold the same opinion about the significance of bone density and regular check up of bone health to maintain overall quality of life.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution
www.zilaxo.org  

Cow milk or buffalo milk - what should you prefer?

Milk: The pearly white elixir is synonymous with good health. Produced by mammals, this fluid is seen as the gift of life, health and happiness in most cultures around the world. In India, milk is consumed and revered for its high nutritional content. Milk is part of daily rituals as well as food. There is no doubt that this versatile fluid is one of the healthiest drinks you can have. In this matter, ancient wisdom and modern science are unanimous in approving the consumption of milk. 

  

Importance of milk

1. Bone health: Due to the abundance of calcium and phosphorus in milk, it is important for maintaining bone health. Our body stores 99% of calcium in the bones and teeth while the remaining 1% is found in blood and other tissues. The process of bone formation continues till the age of 30, after which they begin to degenerate. Excessive deterioration of bone density leads to formation of pores in the bones (Osteoporosis) or pain and stiffness in the joints (Osteoarthritis). Post - menopausal women are more vulnerable to these bone disorders. Taking adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus and maximising bone stores at an early stage would lay the foundation for better bone health in the later years.

2. Dental health: Calcium, phosphorus and the protein casein helps to repair and strengthen the enamel or outer covering of the teeth. This prevents tooth decay. Milk can also lower the acidic level inside the mouth. Therefore it is always a good idea to drink milk after having sugary food items.
  
3. Pregnancy and lactation: The first image that comes to mind with milk is a baby. It is the staple diet of an infant and continues being a major portion of a child’s diet. Calcium present in milk is essential, both during pregnancy and lactation, for proper formation of bones and teeth of the offspring, for secretion of breast-milk rich in calcium and to prevent Osteoporosis in the mother. Hence milk must be an important part of the diet.

4. Muscle building: As milk is a rich source of protein, it aids in muscle building.

5. Heart health: Consumption of milk is known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Milk components like vitamin D, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein and bioactive peptides, and dairy fatty acids maintain cardiovascular health. Calcium from the dairy sources is proved to reduce the risk of stroke by 9%.

6. Blood pressure regulation: The milk components like calcium, potassium and magnesium are known to regulate blood pressure. Most specifically, bioactive peptides in milk help in managing hypertension.

7. Healthy skin: The presence of Vitamin A in milk keeps the skin healthy and supple. 

8. Stronger immune system: The various nutrients present in milk like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals together take part in keeping the immune system strong.

 Types of milk available in India

The types of milk available in India include

• Cow milk: It is the most common variety available in the country and also consumed by the majority. It is low on fat and milk solids and is lighter on the stomach making it ideal for infants and the elderly.

• Buffalo milk: Buffalo milk is the next popular type of milk consumed in India. It is high on fat and milk solids and aids in weight gain.

• Soy milk: It is a dairy alternative for vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant. The protein content in soy milk is equal to that of cow milk. It is free of cholesterol and is low on saturated fat.

• Coconut milk: It is lactose free, but is high on calories and saturated fat. It is low on protein and thus not recommended much.

• Goat milk: Its composition is similar to that of cow milk. It is suitable for people having low digestive power. It is known to reduce inflammation.

• Camel milk: It is saltier in taste. It is rich in vitamin C and iron among other nutrients. Camel milk is known to be anti-microbial in nature.

In India, milk from cows and buffaloes are most commonly consumed.

Cow milk vs buffalo milk

Both cow milk and buffalo milk have numerous health benefits. Although both have their respective benefits, there are certain aspects that differentiate cow milk from buffalo milk.

Snapshot:

            Cow milk:

Calories 61kcal, Protein 3.2g, Fat 3.4g, Water 90%, Lactose 4.7g, Minerals 0.72g 

           Buffalo milk:

Calories 97kcal, Protein 3.7g, Fat 6.9g, Water 84%, Lactose 5.2g, Minerals 0.79g

 

1. Compositional differences

Cow milk has less fat, more cholesterol and fewer calories whereas buffalo milk has more fat, less cholesterol and more calories. Buffalo milk can be preserved for a longer time because of its higher fat content.

2. Nutritional differences 

Cow milk is rich in vitamins and proteins whereas buffalo milk is a good source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Both the types of milk are excellent sources of calcium.

3. General health benefit difference

Both cow milk and buffalo milk are beneficial for bone health, dental health and cardiovascular health. The difference here is that cow milk reduces obesity whereas buffalo milk aids in weight gain. As buffalo milk has more fat and proteins, it also has more calories than cow milk. Buffalo milk contains 100 kcals whereas cow milk has 70 kcals for every 100 ml. Hence buffalo milk is not advised to people who are trying to reduce their calorie intake or follow a calorie restricted diet.

4. Sleep inducing factor

Buffalo milk is known to be more beneficial in treating Insomnia in comparison to cow milk. It contains rich amounts of L-tryptophan, a type of amino acid which induces sleep.

5. Digestive ability

As buffalo milk is higher in fat content and heavier when compared to cow’s milk, it takes more time for digestion and absorption. It stays for a longer time in the stomach and gives the feeling of a heavy stomach.

Apart from fat, the protein content too is higher in buffalo milk than cow milk by 11%. Like fats, proteins too are difficult to digest for infants and the elderly.

Hence, cow milk is recommended over buffalo milk especially for infants and elders.

6. Hydration

The consistency of cow milk is low when compared to buffalo milk due to lesser quantity of milk solids in it. It is therefore sometimes denoted as watery milk. As 90% of the milk is water, cow milk helps in hydrating the body.

The verdict

Having noticed the comparison between these two types of milk, you may naturally wonder which one you should go for. Your choice will depend on your existing dietary requirements and the state of your body. It will depend on one’s individualistic needs, for example if a person has poor digestive ability, he might opt for cow milk whereas a person who needs more of protein might opt for buffalo milk. Thus the decision can be taken after carefully scrutinising your present condition, diet, nutritional needs and personal taste.

The doctors and health experts at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution also fully support the consumption of cow milk and buffalo milk on the basis of your individualistic needs.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org