Living under the constant mental, physical and emotional pressures of life today coupled with pollution is causing disease in more people at an earlier age.

An increasing number of men in their early 40s are suffering from stress-related heart disease, hypertension or diabetes.

The first thing is to become aware of one's own way of life and the symptoms of stress. A constant feeling of tiredness is nature's way of telling us to stop and recharge our batteries.

Ayurveda describes a simple philosophy of maintaining positive health, while achieving personal growth and progress through hard work.

The three powerful factors to remember in our lives are Ahar (diet), Vihar (lifestyle) and Aushadh (herbs - medicine therapies). This simple trilogy summarises a complete healthy-living formula for us to follow in whatever situation we are living.

Ahar, our diet, is the key to prevention of illness: We are what we eat. In our desperation to make more money, we have become "workaholics" and our daily eating patterns and quality of food have deteriorated to an unhealthy level. We should, of course, allow ourselves the occasional indulgence but a habit of irregular, unhealthy eating habits is a cause of disease. Eating wholesome food at the right time, with lots of vegetables and fruits and less red meat and fat, is a simple, healthy rule.

Our lifestyle needs to be checked. Are we making enough time to relax and recharge our batteries? Are we over doing things?

One of the causes of illness according to Ayurveda is: "Asat-indriya-arthe-sanyodga", too much, too little or abnormal use of our senses, mind and body. Keeping the balance in life is the key message.

Because our bodies are laden with toxins which keep accumulating, we need to detox and rejuvenate ourselves regularly.

Unfortunately, there are many harmful and unbalanced detoxification therapies around so you need to be very careful about which one you choose.

One young lady came to see me suffering severe weight loss. Her symptoms were caused by a faulty detox programme unsuitable for her body type and condition. She had been taking too many strong acidic and laxative herbs without any rebalancing therapy.

After receiving Panchakarma detoxification and rejuvenation therapy from Dr Asmita Jani, a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic doctor, her weight loss became controlled and she felt better day by day.

Next week, I shall tell you more about my secret Rasayan, or rejuvenating, herbs.

For more information on proper Panchakarma rejuvenation and detoxification, contact us at the Ayurvedic Health Clinic on 01273 298286 or go to the website at pavilionhealth.co.uk