Back pain symptoms aren’t due to a serious health issue such

as arthritis or a fracture. In fact, the culprit could be as innocent

as your posture, mattress or your favorite pair of shoes. Some of

the most uncommon reasons for a back pain are:

o Gadgets like smart phones, iPads, laptops: These days, most of us are either staring at our smart phone screens, laptops, iPads or some other gadget, but while this technology is extremely useful, it brings with it a host of ailments including back pain. The constant bending in an odd posture is a common cause for neck and back pain. Not only does the overuse of these gadgets cause eye strain, but it also causes repetitive stress on your back and neck causing pain.  

o Your office chair or sofas at home: You could suffer from back pain as a result of staying in one position for an extended period of time, whether it’s sitting in an office chair, a driver’s seat, or standing in one place as a part of your job. The more pressure you place on your vertebral discs in your spine, the more they will wear out. The human body was meant to move, so to relieve and avoid pain, get up from your computer at least once every hour to take a short walk. Another important change you must make is to pick seats (in public places like a theatre) is to choose an aisle seat so that you can stretch your feet once every hour. This will not only help improve blood flow to your legs and back, but will also help correct your posture and avoid constant pressure on your vertebral disks (or spine).  

o Stress and depression: For physical and emotional reasons, any type of stress and depression have been known to make back pain worse. Experts believe that it’s probably a combination of lifestyle and the fact that emotions can make pain feel worse. If exercise doesn’t bring help relieve stress, talk to your doctor about other approaches.

o Smoking:  Cigarettes hurt more than just your heart and lungs. In fact, smoking deprives cells all over your body of oxygen, including those that control the motion of your back. Studies show that smokers are more than twice as likely to develop lower back pain than those who have never smoked. But apart from your back, smoking can cause a lot more damage. 

o Poor footwear: We all know that stilettos are not the best shoes for your back. But even a sensible pair of shoes can change your gait and lead to back pain if the soles are worn, so be sure to replace old shoes. Keep in mind that fit is most important to keep your footwear from causing back pain as well as foot pain.

o A bad mattress: Your mattress is not only responsible for giving you a good night’s sleep but it can also be a leading cause for back pain. This is because when you lie down, your spine that is supposed to be well supported is strained on a mattress that is either too hard or very old. It is recommended that the mattress you choose should give you uniform support. You can gauge that by seeing to it that when you lie down there shouldn’t be any space between your body and the mattress. I recommend using a mattress that has medium firmness to avoid back pain. But probably the most important factor is the age of your mattress. If you’re sinking in when you lie down, it’s probably time to get a new one to help keep back pain away. 

o Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle and muscle weakness: Being sedentary can lead to weight gain and back pain symptoms. On the other hand, exercises gives you the muscle tone you need to support your back and keep it pain-free. Strengthening your back helps to reduce the stress on the spine and reduces chances of injury. 

o Poor posture or slouched sitting: When you sit, it is essential that you avoid slouching. This is basically keeping

your back straight and not curving it. Leaning your head forward or slumping your shoulders tends to strain the muscles in your back, exert immense pressure on the center of your vertebral coloum and your lower back, leading to back pain. Ideally, your ears should be over your shoulders.  Make a conscious effort to maintain good posture during the day to ease or help prevent back pain. 

o Carrying a heavy shoulder bag or hand bag:  Any time you have to balance the weight of a purse, shoulder bag, or even a heavy wallet in your back pocket, you change the curvature of your spine which can lead to back pain as they put additional load on the spine and could lead to lower back pain.

o Sitting for long hours: Sitting is the new smoking and doing it constantly for 6 to 8 hours in a day puts undue stress on your spine, leading to a lot of biomechanical changes in your back. To avoid this make sure while sitting, you move all the way behind on the chair  and support your back completely. Also during standing or in jobs that involve repetitive bending/ lifting, take frequent breaks to allow your back some much needed rest.

o Almond or Badam is one of the earliest cultivated trees, mainly

popular for their seeds. The seeds of almonds are enclosed within a hard, stony shell surrounded with succulent pulp, just like the peach fruit. But unlike peaches, you don’t have to wait for a specific season to reap the benefits of almonds. They are available throughout the year to add flavour to your dessert and spicy dishes. Almonds are nutrient dense super foods that offer some amazing benefits.

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o 1. Helps to control and lose weight: Although almonds are rich in carbohydrates and

total calories, they have proven to help weight loss and control. A

low-calorie diet containing almonds was more effective in reducing weight compared to a diet having complex carbohydrates.

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o 2. Lowers cholesterol and lipids: The high fat

containing almonds might be the reason you’re not having them too much but here’s something you should know. Almonds do not contain saturated fats or unhealthy fats. They contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids or good fats. Almonds consistently help in

lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or bad cholesterol.

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o 3. Reduces risk of heart disease: Naturally,

if your LDL levels reduce then your risk of heart disease also lowers. Patients with high lipid levels who had almonds as snacks had a significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The nonfat (protein and fiber) and the high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids help protect the heart.

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o 4. Has prebiotic properties: The high fibre

content of almonds helps proper functioning of the digestive system. But did you know that almonds possess prebiotic properties? The skin of almonds contains certain compounds that stimulate the

growth of good bacteria like Bifidobacterium in the

intestine. It suggests that changes in the intestinal microbes were associated with changes enzymes that improved digestion.

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o 5. Controls diabetes: If you’re a diabetic, you

should eat almonds. They fight and decrease the amount of the free radicals that damage cholesterol and increase blood sugar level. It especially prevents the rise in blood sugar after meals.

o 6. Stimulates hair growth: There’s a reason why

almond hair oil is recommended for hair growth. Almonds contain omega- 6 fatty acids that promote hair growth. They naturally moisturize hair and make them strong and healthy.

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o 7. Rejuvenates the skin: Because of their powerful

antioxidant activity due to Vitamin E, almonds prevent early ageing and wrinkling of skin. It rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin cells, keeping it fresh and glowing.

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o 8. Prevents gallstones: More and more people are

now suffering from gallstones or problems with the gall bladder. But prevent disease the gall bladder could be as simple as eating a fistful of nuts, including almonds.

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o 9. Keeps cancer away: Antioxidants have immense

power to protect the cells from becoming cancerous. But apart from antioxidants like vitamin E, almonds are loaded with other nutrients that individually prevent specific types of cancer. The high fibre content in them helps prevent colon cancer. The rich folic acid stores in almonds may reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Scientists have even found a link between almonds and reduction in the risk of lung cancers.  

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o 10. Improves brain function: ‘Eat

badam to sharpen your mind,’ an old adage used by your grandmother, actually has a scientific basis. Almonds contain nutrients like riboflavin and L-carnitine, which boosts neurological activity and brain power.  It also helps  reduce the risk

of Alzheimer’s disease. Even Ayurveda mentions that almonds increase intellectual level and longevity.

Benefits of curd  o Curd or dahi improves the digestive system as it contains a host of beneficial

bacteria in it.o It helps to cope with stomach problems. o Consuming curd or yoghurt regularly increases the capacity to absorb the nutrients

and minerals from other foods as well. o It proves beneficial for those who are lactose intolerant as they can gain all the

nutritive contents of milk through curd.o Consumption of curd provides relief from dysentery or diarrhea.o Consuming curd proves beneficial for those suffering from vaginal infection.o It helps strengthen bones and teeth as it is high in calcium. o Curd also helps minimise the risk of high blood pressure.o Persons who wants to gain weight, curd is an effective solution. Curd should be taken

along with jaggery. Curd should be discouraged by Obesity patients or Obese people as it acts like as an stimulant to add to weight.

o Curd is an effective remedy for person suffering from Piles and Diarrhoea. In these case, one should take curd with ginger and rice.

o Curd enhances digestion and also strengthens the digestive system. Being acidic in nature, it enhances salivation which ultimately helps in digestion.

o Yogurt keeps you away from bacterial oral problems. Tartar and Bacteria which are the reasons for many oral diseases are prevented by Curd.

o Curd is thrust quencher and also reduces the burning sensation when taken with sugar.o Curd along with little quantity of sugar and salt acts like as an appetizer.

o It works as an energy booster. It also hydrates your body and works as an antioxidant.

o Great for hair and skin – You can apply it directly, but consuming a cup a day shows results too.

o Best form of fat – curd has the same nutritional value as milk.o Stress buster and mood lifter – Curd is a great mood lifter.

Flavoured yoghurt especially helps deal with lows.o  Increases immunity and defence mechanism of the body.o Improves the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods

in your body.o Best comfort food for all seasons, swear curd-eating people in

South India – especially Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh!

Tips to keep in mindo People who feel they catch cold or cough frequently on having curds can

just prepare it fresh and consume it at room temperature without

refrigeration. 

o Those on a weight loss diet can also have it, they only need to ensure it is

prepared from skimmed milk and not full cream buffalo milk.

How can curd be a part of daily meals? 

o Curd is commonly had with a meal or simply consumed as it is. Here are

some interesting ways of making curd a part of your daily meals:  

o The easiest way to enjoy your curd is by adding some flavouring to it like a

pinch of salt and pepper or some chaat masala.o It can be had along with your daily breakfast/lunch or even dinner. You

could simply have it as a mid-meal snack as well. 

o One can throw in a bunch of chopped fruits to have it as a wholesome

meal. 

o You could blend curd for a healthy glass of namkeen buttermilk. It can also

be eaten with rice.  

o Curd is ideal to have in the form of delicious dips either used with salads

or even as sandwich dressing. You could try some hung curd dip which

could be had with raw salads like cucumber, carrot, etc. 

o Different types of raita preparations can be made from curd like mixed

vegetable, palak, doodhi or pineapple etc. 

Reasons You Should Start Eating Cucumber

Cucumbers are number four most cultivated vegetable in the world and known to be one of the best foods for your overall health, often referred to as a super food.

Cucumber rehydrates body

If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water lost.

Cucumber fights heat inside and out

Eating cucumber will get your body relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin and you will get relief from sunburn.

Cucumber eliminates toxins

All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your body. With regular eating, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

Cucumber replenishes daily vitamins

Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. A B and C, which boost your immune system keep you radiant and give you energy. Make it more powerful by juicing cucumber with spinach and carrot. Don’t forget to leave

the skin on because it contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 12 percent of the daily recommended allowance.

Cucumber supplies skin friendly minerals

Cucumber is high in potassium, magnesium and silicon. That is why spas abound cucumber based treatments.

Cucumber aids in digestion and weight loss

Due to its high water and low calorie content, cucumber is an ideal source for people who are looking for weight loss. Use cucumbers in your soups and salads. If it is not your favorite snack you can crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy low fat yogurt dip. Chewing cucumber gives your jaws a good workout and the fiber in it is great for digestion. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as an aid for chronic constipation.

Cucumber revives the eyes

Placing a chilled slice of cucumber over puffy eyes is a clichéd beauty visual but it really can help reduce under-eye bags and puffiness due to its anti inflammatory properties.

Cucumber fights cancers

Cucumber is known to contain secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol. The three lignans have a strong connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including ovarian, breast, prostate and uterine cancer.

Cucumber cures diabetes, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure

Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which is widely spread to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers have found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers can help decrease levels of cholesterol. Cucumbers contain a lot of fiber, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients work effectively for regulating blood pressure. That is why cucumber is good for treating both high blood pressure and low blood pressure.

Cucumber refreshes the mouth

Cucumber juice heals and refreshes diseased gums. Get a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for a half minute, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing unpleasant breath.

Cucumber smoothes hair and nails

The wonder mineral Silica in cucumber makes your hair and nails shinier and stronger. The sulfur and silica in cucumbers help to stimulate your hair growth.

Cucumber promotes joint health, relieves arthritis and gout pain

As cucumber is an excellent source of silica it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. When mixed with carrot juice, cucumber can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering levels of the uric acid.

Cucumber cures hangover

To avoid a morning headache or hangover you can eat a few cucumber slices before going to sleep. Cucumbers contain enough B vitamins, sugar and electrolytes to replenish many essential nutrients and reducing the severity of both hangover and headache.

Cucumber keeps kidneys in shape

Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your body and though keeping the kidneys healthy.