Happy Navratri

 'Is it a coincidence that most religions have fasting as an integral part of the practices they promote? Happy Navratri!'

I had wished people around me with this line at the beginning of the Navratri season and was happy to note the responses which varied from a counter wish, distinction in Zoroastrianism, an exposition of the New Testament and neglect.
There were also responses extolling the virtues of fasting - how it detoxifies the body and misgivings on how it leads the body to a low-energy state!

Predictably, the emphasis for most was on the words religion and fasting. There were, however, some responses emphasizing the word practice, which suggested that given the advantages of fasting, especially during specifictimes of the year, 'religion' was made part of the communication plan by our forefathers and foremothers to convey a key message and ensure compliance in the salubrious practice.

There is so much when we look online for research backing regarding fasting (confirmation bias). But if you look at mainstream
medical advice, fasting does not seem to be considered more than a fad of some, as in intermittent fasting. This brings us to the question of why traditional practices like not having
food after dark and fasting are not part of what we consume as advice.

In the consumerist culture of the day, we tend to
consume what we are made to consume rather than what we need. Attention is our currency, and it is vied for by goods, services, and practices with some possible monetization behind it. Non-commercial messaging is a casualty.

Not just messaging;  non-commercial research is also a casualty. In India, if you look at what our research institutions are concerned about and what our medical institute are convinced that it is primarily curative than preventive, commercial than health-promoting. Fasting to fight viral infections is noted in reputed Ayurvedic texts. However, even during the peak of COVID-19, we were unable to make it part of our mainstream
advice. Giloi was in; fasting was not. Yoshinori Ohsumi has won a Nobel prize for his work on autophagy induced by fasting. But we do not get to learn about it as there is no commercial purpose served. 

How do I monetize it if you fast? It may be possible. But we find these messages as practices in religion and society as someone thought of solutions beyond commerce at some point.
This is not a call to follow all that is tradition just
because it is tradition. The suggestion is that we should not neglect something only because it is tradition. Observational research could be a technical term that associates some sanctity to the thought - for the scientifically inclined mind.

 We may not have the appropriate action point in time if we insist on a randomized control trial for anything and everything. One way may be to evaluate the possible downside of the traditional practices and afford them relaxed research criteria for acceptance. Another way could be consciously
channeling public funding to non-commercial research, as molecules that can be bought and sold will always find funding for research from commercial space.

Happy Navratri! Do look closer for messages from the past!

Irony of wellness talks

Title: The Ironic Twist: Tea and Biscuits Distract the Audience from Healthy Lifestyle Talk

In a world where individuals are increasingly conscious about their health and well-being, it is not surprising to find discussions and talks centered on promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, there are instances when the message conveyed conflicts with the setting, leading to an ironic situation. One such instance occurred during a talk on healthy living where I was listening in, where the event's main point emphasized avoiding frequent meals to prevent insulin spikes, while the audience indulged in tea and biscuits overtly, thereby diverting attention from the vital subject matter. This ironic turn of events exposed the comical contradiction between theory and practice.

Healthy lifestyle talks and seminars serve as  platforms to educate individuals about the significance of implementing healthy habits. Topics commonly discussed include physical exercise, well-balanced diets, mental well-being, and avoiding habits detrimental to one's health. These events aim to provide attendees with valuable insights, motivation, and practical strategies, ultimately leading to improved overall well-being.

The talk in question had focus on avoiding frequent meals to prevent insulin spikes, which can lead to weight gain and other health complications. Insulin spikes occur when blood sugar rises rapidly following a meal, resulting in an equivalent rise in insulin levels. To illustrate the importance of this point, the speaker highlighted how consuming snacks throughout the day can sabotage efforts to maintain stable insulin levels. Not unbeknownst to the speaker, however, the audience was overtly indulging in tea and biscuits, completely opposing the very message being conveyed.

As the attendees listened attentively, the presentation was occasionally disrupted by murmurs, the clinking of cups, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed tea lingering in the air. Observant eyes soon caught sight of attendees discreetly nibbling on biscuits, creating a stark contradiction to the message and causing ironic amusement among those who were aware of the contradiction.

The key takeaway from the talk was that individuals should avoid snacking throughout the day, opting instead for well-balanced meals with controlled carbohydrate intake. The reasoning behind this revolves around the fact that consuming food disrupts the stability of blood sugar levels, causing insulin spikes. By maintaining stable insulin levels, individuals can effectively manage their weight, reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, and maintain a healthier overall lifestyle.

In retrospect, it is inevitable that audiences attending health-related talks might indulge in distractions contrary to the message being delivered. Though this situation can be seen as humorous, it also points to the undeniable hurdles in implementing healthy habits. It reminds us that building and sustaining healthy habits require consistent effort, understanding, and self-control. It is essential to remember that embracing change and adapting healthy practices does not happen overnight.

In the ongoing pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, it is essential to appreciate the irony that occasionally arises. The incident whereby the audience at a talk on healthy living was distracted by tea and biscuits, while being advised to avoid frequent meals, serves as a reminder that even with the best intentions, staying on track can sometimes be challenging. Ultimately, the paradox highlights the ongoing struggle individuals face when reconciling theory and practice in their journey towards a healthier and happier life.