This is the fourth and final installment of the “Obesity and Insulin Resistance Series.” Please do read the three preceding posts to get the benefit of the complete series.
When it comes to your health, there is one factor that is more important than almost any other. If it is missing from your life, it causes or worsens 95 per to cent of all illness. It has been associated with dramatic reductions in disease and increased longevity. It is more important than cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, or any other risk factor in determining whether you will live a long and healthy life, but it doesn’t come in a pill, and it can’t be found in a hospital or in your doctor’s office.
Acne is one of the most common skin disorders. Adolescent acne typically begins at puberty, when there is a rise in testosterone combined with teenage angst. This time period is a major milestone, marking the end of the kapha stage of life, childhood, and the beginning of the pitta stage of life, adulthood. The hormonal changes and emotional energies of adolescence result in a rise in pitta dosha, creating pitta-type imbalances, such as acne. Acne can also happen later in adulthood and is typically caused by hormonal shifts, ama or toxins in the body, and/or emotional stress.
Since ancient times, men throughout the world have been searching for aphrodisiacs to enhance their virility. Sexual energy is very powerful. Aside from herbs, diet, lifestyle and yoga, using discrimination in choosing a sexual partner also plays a contributing role in good sexual health. Ayurveda teaches that conditions must be right and that mutual pleasure is necessary for both partners to have a satisfying sexual experience. In famed ancient Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, the author explains that one of the best aphrodisiacs for man is a partner who loves him. 
This week is part 3 of our 4 -part series on obesity, or as Dr. Mark Hyman calls it, “Diabesity.” I covered the fact that the primary cause of obesity in our society today is insulin resistance and began a list of things you can do to cut down on your risk for diabestiy. The #1 item on that list, which I covered over the last 2 weeks, was to optimize nutrition through cutting back sugar in all of its forms. Remember that carbohydrates are sugars and the body uses them first for energy. However, if your cells have become insulin resistant, the carbs that enter your body cannot be processed properly and get stored as fat immediately. So now, instead of becoming energized by eating pasta, grains, starchy veggies and fruits, you become fat and sluggish instead. 
