‘Yatha Annam… tatha mannam’

Covid-19 took away a lot from us. But it provided one thing! And that is the mindfulness towards holistic wellbeing.

So true! Jaisa ann…waisa mann!

Covid-19 took away a lot from us. But it provided one thing! And that is the mindfulness towards holistic wellbeing. While all the science failed, civilisations turned to psychological resilience to fight one of the worst pandemics of modern times. For once, the human race learned the value of a healthy body, one that is ruled by a healthier mind!

No wonder, that PM Modi, announced the month of September as ‘poshan maah’ or the National Month of Nutrition! With special stress on achieving mental health through the right nutrition.

Six months back, a piece of simple news from China, became a global pandemic, and left everyone puzzled. Neither science nor logic has been of any help, in finding a solution to eliminate this deadly virus.

Amidst all this frenzy, one realised the importance of a strong body and an even stronger mind.

We Indians are blessed with the unique knowledge of Ayurveda. It is an age-old science, which blends lifestyle, nutrition, and wellbeing in a beautiful manner.

Ayurveda says, only a healthy mind can bring an equipoise required for the body to work efficiently.

Indeed, numerous people, who got contracted and recovered from this crazy virus, too validated the importance of a healthy body, but more importantly a healthy mind.

I was curious to understand this unique symphony between mental resilience and immunity in fight against COVID. And my search for an answer got me to talk to a lady, who I respect immensely for her knowledge in diet & nutrition.

Meet Dr. Usha Kiran Sisodiya, head Nutrition & Diet at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital.

She has been working relentlessly for the last six months to help her patients fight COVID. I asked her how? “One has to stay positive! That is the first and foremost mantra to live through this pandemic.” She added, “if one starts fearing this virus, then toh yeh honney hi wala hai. Stay positive. Eat right. Sorted.”

And this is the beauty of Dr. Usha’s wisdom – simple and straight from the kitchen. “The international universities may be printing journals about the benefits of turmeric or how magical can Guduchi/Giloy could be, while we Indians  have been practicing the science behind food since ages.” “Meditation and spiritual connect is an essential aspect of our upbringing. We are brought up with a certain faith in our system. And this positivity helps our body to function in a more efficient manner. Our grannies and moms knew the power of eating local and seasonal food. Indians have the strongest digestion system, we can digest strong spices like Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, and Saunth, these spices are the most effective cleansers. Our staple diet is so full of anti-oxidants.”

Talking about mental health, Dr. Usha said, “nutrients like Vitamin B12, VitA, VitC, Zinc, and Selenium are guardians of mental health. Our Buttermilk, Sprouts, Carrot & Beet soups and juices are a powerhouse of these essential nutrients. And then the king of all spices – Turmeric. A glass of milk, simmered with Turmeric and a pinch of black pepper is good to keep any evil away.”

Dr. Usha said the secret to mental health lies in the way we take care of ourselves and our family. “Every Indian kitchen has all the ingredients required for a balanced diet, which can effectively nourish both body and mind.”   

“I have even cured chronic constipation with just three ingredients – Anjeer, Saunth, Kaali Munakka. Even the lemon water which is offered in restaurants to wash hands, if sipped with food instead, can help in intestinal cleansing. All these ingredients are very effective in relieving constipation, which keeps the digestive system healthy. Until the processed food is out of our system, the body cannot absorb nutrients from fresh food. Our body is like home. And only a clean home can welcome guests and keep them happy. Barobar na!,” she said.

I asked Dr. Usha to share a tip or two for keeping ourselves safe… now that the process of unlock has begun. “Slice a ring of lemon in hot water and keep sipping this water throughout the day. Keep a pinch of dry ginger on your tongue and let this concoction go down your throat. One can also keep some black pepper in mouth and not chew it. Make sure you wear a mask and take a bath immediately once you return home,” she suggested.

“See all this is very simple, but we are adamant to make it complicated,” Keep it simple, and enjoy the local food.” She said. 

After talking to her, I introspected everything she suggested. I realised that it actually happens that we tend to complicate life, while there’s a simple way to deal with it.

Eat well. Sleep well. Smile a lot. Repeat this all.

 

– Princy Jain