Want good health? Follow this lunar diet

BENGALURU: In November last year, Satyabhama Ramasamy was diagnosed with high levels of sugar. But instead of letting that deter her health further, the 63-yearold decided to follow a wellness pattern based on lunar or moon movements. Three cycles later, she is not only feeling great, even her sugar levels have significantly dropped.

Moon, which is known to affect water bodies because of its gravitational pull, also affects human body that is 75% water. A diet based on its different cycles helps to cleanse the body and lose weight, if followed with due diligence. City-based wellness coach Shiva Kumar Bharathi has been organising what he calls as lunar games for the past 21 months, with two cycles -one during full moon and the other during new moon. "I have developed a six-day cycle called game period, where the focus is to alkalise the blood streams for short periods," Bharathi says. According to him, when someone's diet is 80% alkaline, the body is able to take care of its metabolism. Diets are typically plant-based foods, lightly cooked or raw vegetables and nondiary.

Maya Seshagiri, who has completed five lunar cycles, says besides losing weight, the diet has helped her to say no to processed foods. "After signing up for this, my interest in the right kinds of nutrition has improved -something I never paid attention to earlier," she adds.


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In some cases, weight loss is not the only outcome. Venkatraman Rangiah, an organic farmer who is on his second cycle, has never had any issues with managing his weight. However, taking up a water and fruit fasting diet com bined with traditionally cooked meals has helped him tackle a nagging back pain. "Though I am getting used to this, following this diet has also helped me raise my energy levels," he says.

While lunar diets may have acquired a name now, the system of fasting based on the moon's patterns has always been there in Hindu mythology. However, following something just because it's new is never advisable, says nutritionist Shalini Manglani.


(Image: BCCL)

The right way to do this is to understand one's capacity to fast and take a doctor's advice, especially for illness like diabetics and the likes, where long fasting periods can affect a person's health adversely. "Intermittent fasting is good for the body . But people should do so under proper guidance," Manglani adds.