The month of Karkkidakam is generally a bad time for all
and it can be more or less a ‘testing time’ for arthritis patients due to the
coldness of the air, rain and chilling wind due to climatic changes. Arthritis
is variously interpreted and classified according to their cause and symptoms,
but a general characteristic is that it is common among people who have crossed
40-50 years of age. The ailment makes its first appearance as a very mild swelling
on the joints of the fingers or toes. It can be painful and sometimes it can
affect one of the knees which can make walking somewhat difficult. These
conditions can reappear or can become worse during the month of Karkkidakam
(July/August).
A simple daily routine, if followed, strictly as per the
following directions, can help anybody with any kind of arthritis to pass the
month of Karkkidakam with health and happiness:
1. A
complete shifting towards vegetarian food is mandatory during this month. The
day must be started with juice made from any of the following which is to be
taken in empty stomach. The ‘stem’ of plantain (vazhappindi), ash-gourd
(Kumbalanga) or bottle-gourd (Churaykka) can be used for this.
Juice made from any one of these must be diluted with one glass of water and
has to be taken before sunrise.
2.
Carefully select vegetables and fruits that are less
acidic in nature and try to include them in the diet. For example, orange,
grapes and other fruits that taste sour must be avoided. Even in the case of
banana, avoid varieties like Palayankodan, Rasakadhali, Chenkadhali etc.,
and replace them with Monthanpazham, Pachachingan (‘green’-varieties like
‘Robusta’, ‘Morris’) etc.
3. Limit
grain-food for noon time only. The meals should contain those items that can
stimulate digestion and enhance movement of the bowels. For this fibre-rich
items such as ‘stem’ of plantain (vazhappindi), ‘fruit-tip’ of plantain
(vazhakkoombu), grains with bran can be used. Green gram (Cherupayar),
black gram (Uzhunnu), chickpea (Kadala) also can serve the same
purpose, if they are used with the ‘coat’.
4. Rice
which is not ‘whitened’, means with the bran not removed, must be preferred for
mid-day meal. It is better to use Champa rice. Chappathi made
using wheat can also be used instead of rice. Aviyal and Mangachammanthi
can be used as a side dish or if mango is not available tomato that is
half-ripe can be ground to make Chammanthi.
5.
Buttermilk mixed with the extract of Curry-leaf (Kariveppila)
is ideal for taking along with mid-day meal. Tea and coffee must be totally
avoided. These can be replaced with the traditional drink made using
palm-jaggery mixed with powdered coriander. Water mixed with honey can also be
taken and always ensure to drink plenty of water.
6.
Strictly follow the rule of not having any solid
food after sun-set. Avoid grains in the food for the evening. Fruit-diet must
be followed without fail. Fruits like apple, guava fruit, dates, pomegranate,
carrot, papaya, pineapple, salad cucumber can be used for preparing this. Any
two fruits from these will be enough which can be mixed with fresh coconut
pieces.
The above said fruit diet is
ideal for every person as it can keep the body to keep the balance between acid
and base. The accumulating acidity in the body will be reflecting as
indigestion, ‘gas’, chest congestion etc., initially. It is simply an
indication that it i the time to act. Shifting towards acidic nature is the
root cause of problems like arthritis. Also try to limit fatty food or reduce
the amount according to the daily activities of the body. Milk, milk products,
fish, meat, egg etc., if taken excessively can increase the chances of
arthritis. Sun-bath (Sooryasnanam), and enema using fresh water also be
beneficial for arthritis patents.
Dr.
R. Gopimani
Retd. Professor in
Agriculture
and Expert in
Naturopathy
Thiruvananthapuram.
Phone: 0471-2443394
