I finished my studies at PSG College in 1990. From 1992 to 1997 I was at university in Madurai for my PhD, and for the first time I lived away from home and ate hostel food. It did not suit me. My mother was practical. She did not ask me to come home. She said, "You should know how to cope with this," and gave me a herbal remedy that helped.
She also told me never to be stingy about spending on health: "Spend a hundred rupees on your health every month." So every month I bought carrots and lemons, and every day I ate three almonds, one carrot and drank one lemon juice. She often made sesame laddu for me too. Looking back, the vitamins were all there: vitamin C from lemon, vitamin E from sesame and almonds, vitamin A from carrots.
Even breakfast was not only idli and dosa. She rotated barley, wheat, green gram and ragi. Nobody talked about millets in those days, yet she made everything delicious.
Her enquiring nature rubbed off on me. In Madurai I read many books, and in one I found the story of a man in Delhi who stayed fit by drinking plenty of water. From 1993 onwards I began water therapy. I also learned yoga and meditation in Madurai.
A personal story shared for inspiration. It is not medical advice; please consult your doctor before changing your diet, cleansing or exercise routine.