Kayakalpa by Dr. Shruthi Thennati

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara You can’t see them, but they’re everywhere — in the air you breathe, the water you drink, and even the food on your plate. These tiny fragments, called microplastics , have silently entered our bodies and are now being linked to serious health risks. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They come from: Bottled water & plastic packaging Synthetic clothes (like polyester, nylon) shedding microfibers when washed Food containers & plastic wraps Cosmetics and personal care products (like scrubs and toothpaste) Degraded plastic waste in the environment How Do We Consume Microplastics? Water & Beverages  — Studies show bottled water can contain thousands of plastic particles per liter. Food  — Seafood, salt, fruits, and even vegetables may carry microplastics absorbed from soil and oceans. Air  — We inhale microplastic fibers from carpets, clothing, and dust. Cooking ...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Crystal clear water may look safe — but looks can deceive. Today, water pollution is one of the biggest silent threats to our health, often carrying invisible toxins, microbes, and even microplastics that affect our bodies over time. What’s in Contaminated Water? Polluted water may contain: Industrial chemicals & heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, mercury) Pesticides & fertilizers that seep into groundwater Microplastics from bottles, packaging, and textiles Bacteria, parasites & viruses causing infections Excess fluoride or nitrates affecting bones and metabolism How Water Pollution Impacts Health Every sip of unsafe water can leave long-term marks: Stomach & gut issues : diarrhea, gastritis, infections Kidney and liver strain : from filtering out toxins Hormonal imbalance : endocrine disruptors mimic or block hormones Metabolic effects : worsening of diabetes, thyroid, obesity Cancer risks : from pro...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara You can’t always see it. You can’t always smell it. But every breath you take in our cities carries a hidden risk —  air pollution. From traffic fumes and factory smoke to dust and burning waste, the air around us is often laced with invisible particles that slowly harm our bodies. What’s in Polluted Air? Air pollution isn’t just “dirty air.” It contains: PM2.5 and PM10 particles  — tiny dust that enters lungs and bloodstream Nitrogen dioxide & sulfur dioxide  — from vehicles and industries Ozone  — formed at ground level, irritating for lungs Carbon monoxide  — reducing oxygen supply in the body How Air Pollution Impacts Your Health Breathing polluted air is like smoking multiple cigarettes a day. Over time, it can cause: Respiratory issues: asthma, chronic cough, COPD Heart problems: high BP, heart attacks, strokes Brain effects: headaches, anxiety, reduced concentration Metabolic disorders: worsening of dia...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara You can see smoke in the air, dust on your table, and oil floating on water.  But what about something you can’t see  — yet it’s everywhere? That’s the reality of microplastics  — tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters wide. They come from bottles, packaging, clothes, cosmetics, even the air we breathe. Where Do Microplastics Hide? Food & Water: Bottled water, seafood, table salt, even fruits and vegetables absorb them. Air: Synthetic fabrics release plastic fibers we unknowingly inhale. Daily Use Products: Toothpaste, scrubs, cosmetics, and plastic containers all contribute. You may not notice them, but your body definitely does. How Microplastics Affect Your Health Microplastics don’t just “pass through.” Research shows they may: Carry toxic chemicals into your bloodstream. Trigger inflammation in tissues. Interfere with hormones → worsening thyroid, PCOS, and fertility issues. Affect gut microbi...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Most people think of obesity as just “extra weight.” But scientifically, it’s far more complex. Excess body fat doesn’t just sit there — it’s biologically active and can trigger chronic inflammation inside your body. What is Inflammation in Obesity? Fat cells (especially belly fat) release inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.  These don’t cause pain like a sore throat or swollen ankle — instead, they cause “silent inflammation.” Over time, this silent fire can: Disrupt insulin → leading to diabetes Affect blood vessels → raising heart disease risk Interfere with hormones → worsening PCOS, thyroid issues, and infertility Even affect your brain → leading to mood disorders Signs Your Weight is Causing Inflammation Constant fatigue despite rest Brain fog or low concentration Unexplained joint pains Frequent sugar cravings Stubborn belly fat that won’t budge Fighting Obesity-Driven Inflammation The good news? Lifestyle ch...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Do you judge your food by its color ?  Maybe you should — because every color on your plate tells a unique story about nutrients, antioxidants, and health benefits. Your plate is more than just a meal — it’s your first pharmacy. Let’s decode what each color brings to your body. ❤️ Red Foods: Heart & Skin Protectors Examples: Tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, beetroot Rich in lycopene and Vitamin C Support heart health Aid in skin repair and protection from sun damage 🧡💛 Orange & Yellow Foods: Eye & Immune Boosters Examples: Carrots, mangoes, pumpkin, papaya High in beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A) Strengthen eyesight Power up your immune system 💚 Green Foods: Detox & Hormone Helpers Examples: Spinach, broccoli, methi, peas Loaded with folate, iron, and fiber Aid in detoxification and digestion Balance hormones and support reproductive health 💙💜 Blue & Purple Foods: Brain ...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Most of us head to the market early in the morning, believing that “fresh is always healthier.” 🌿 But here’s a surprising truth: frozen vegetables can be just as healthy — and sometimes even more nutritious — than fresh ones. 🥦 The Science Behind Frozen Veggies Frozen vegetables are usually harvested at their peak ripeness  — the moment when they’re richest in vitamins and minerals. Within hours, they’re flash-frozen , locking in those nutrients. Now compare that to “fresh” vegetables: They’re often picked before full ripeness (so they survive transport). They spend days in transit and more time on store shelves. Finally, they sit in our refrigerators until we cook them. By the time they reach our plates, water-soluble nutrients like Vitamin C and B-complex may already have significantly declined. 📊 What Studies Show Research has found that frozen vegetables like spinach, peas, and broccoli can sometimes contain...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Do your hands and feet often feel cold, even when the weather isn’t chilly? 🧊 It’s easy to brush it off as “poor blood flow” or just wear thicker socks. But sometimes, your body is signaling something deeper  — and it shouldn’t be ignored. ❄️ Why Do Hands and Feet Feel Cold? The most common causes include: 🔹 Poor Circulation If your blood vessels aren’t delivering enough warm blood to your extremities, your hands and feet stay cold. This can happen with: Low blood pressure Heart conditions Peripheral artery disease (PAD) Sedentary lifestyle 🔹 Thyroid Dysfunction One of the most overlooked reasons for cold extremities is an underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism ). When your thyroid slows down: Your metabolism drops Less heat is produced Your body struggles to regulate temperature Result? Cold hands and feet all the time. Other Signs to Watch For If your cold hands and feet come with these symptoms, don’t ignore them...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Every few months, a new health trend takes over the internet. Right now, it’s turmeric water in the morning . 🌿 But the real question is —  should you actually follow this trend, or is it just another internet fad? Let’s break it down with science. The Power of Turmeric Turmeric has been part of Indian kitchens and Ayurveda for centuries. The credit goes to curcumin , its active compound. Research shows curcumin has: Anti-inflammatory properties → may ease joint pain and stiffness Antioxidant effects → protects your cells from damage Digestive benefits → may reduce bloating and support gut health Immune support → natural boost to fight infections Sounds great, right? But there’s a catch. The Absorption Problem Your body doesn’t absorb curcumin easily. That’s why, if you just sip plain turmeric water, most of it passes right through . Here’s where science comes in: Adding a pinch of black pepper makes all the differ...

  By Dr. Shruthi Thennati | Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Obesity is no longer just about appearance — it is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time . Defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more , obesity is now directly linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, PCOS, sleep apnea, and even certain cancers. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2023 , India is among the countries facing a steep rise in obesity, with both children and adults affected. This growing crisis demands urgent attention — not just for weight management, but for long-term health and disease prevention . Why Obesity Matters Carrying excess fat — especially around the abdomen — triggers a chain reaction in the body: Insulin resistance → leading to diabetes. High blood pressure & cholesterol → increasing heart disease risk. Sleep apnea → disrupted breathing during sleep. PCOS & hormonal imbalance → affecting fertility and menstrual health. Chronic inflammation → r...