Are You Missing These Two Essential Vitamins? (Hint: They’re Not in Your Food)

Dr. Shaji Raj, Founder & Chief Physician, Punarjanis Life Sciences, Chennai

When we think of vitamins, we instantly recall A, B, C, D, or E—the

ones found in capsules, fruits, and vegetables. But did you know that there are two rare, life-changing vitamins your body craves every

single day—and they don’t come from your diet? I call them Vitamin L and Vitamin S.

You won’t find them in any medical store. Yet, they can drastically

impact your energy, immunity, mood, and even your lifespan. These forgotten “nutrients” are more vital in the 21st century than ever before—and chances are, you’ve been unknowingly deficient in them for years.

Curious to know what they are?

Read on as I reveal these two secret vitamins along with five simple morning habits that can transform your health—backed by Ayurveda and modern science.

For the past 33 years in my Ayurvedic clinical journey, I have realized one eternal truth: Good health is not built by medicines alone— it’s crafted by small daily habits that touch your body, mind, and soul. Sadly, in today’s fast-paced life, we ignore these simple rituals that nature designed to keep us vibrant, disease-free, and emotionally balanced.

Let’s rediscover five simple, science-backed, and Ayurveda-approved morning habits that can powerfully transform your health— naturally.

>1. Soak in the Morning Sun—Balance Your Inner Clock (Circadian Rhythm)

Our ancient Rishis and Ayurveda texts have always spoken about Suryanamaskara (Sun Salutation) and early morning walks—not without reason. Modern science now validates this. Just 10-15 minutes of exposure to gentle morning sunlight triggers the release of cortisol (the alert hormone), serotonin (the happiness hormone), and dopamine (the reward hormone). This trio not only energizes your mind but also sets the rhythm for:

Better sleep at night (via melatonin production)
Improved immunity
Stable metabolism
Positive mood and clear focus

At Punarjanis Life Sciences, we encourage patients to start their day with this simple practice—aligning your circadian rhythm is the first medicine.

>2. Gentle Movement (Priming the Body for the Day)

Do you feel groggy or tired in the first hour after waking up? Ayurveda explains this as the lingering influence of Tamas (inertia) from sleep. Scientific research calls it the adenosine hangover—the sleep chemical that still clouds your brain upon waking.

The cure? 5-10 minutes of basic stretching or gentle yoga postures—even while still in bed! This movement wakes up your muscles, resets the brain’s alertness, and improves circulation.

At Punarjanis, we call this the “Morning Agni Activation Ritual”, designed to kindle your body’s internal fire (Agni) and keep your energy high for the day.

>3. Hydrate—The Forgotten Medicine

In Ayurveda, Ushapanam (drinking water upon waking) is a daily purification ritual. After 6-8 hours of sleep, your body is mildly dehydrated. Drinking 200-300 ml of clean water in the morning— possibly with lemon, soaked herbs, or chia seeds—helps to:

Flush out overnight toxins (Ama)
Reactivate digestive fire (Jatharagni)
Rehydrate brain and muscle tissues

Many modern diseases like constipation, fatigue, and skin problems find relief when this simple habit is followed consistently.

>4. Daily Dose of ‘Vitamin L’—Self-Love & Purpose

Ayurveda teaches that mental well-being is the root of physical health. If your mind is unhappy, no herb or medicine can heal you fully.

Spend 5-10 minutes in self-connection daily:

Reflecting on life’s purpose (Dharma)
Practicing self-care or silent meditation
Writing a gratitude journal or affirming positive thoughts This is what I call Vitamin L—Love for the Self. It lowers stress

hormones, enhances emotional clarity, and aligns your thoughts with your body’s healing capacity.

>5. Connect—The Vital ‘Vitamin S’ for Longevity

Scientific studies (such as the Blue Zone research) confirm what Ayurveda has always said: A strong social bond improves lifespan, mental health, and disease resistance.

Make time every day to:

Speak to a loved one
Share a laugh with a friend
Engage in community or family bonding

This habit, which we term Vitamin S (Socializing), reduces harmful stress chemicals, boosts immunity, and protects against cognitive decline as you age.

The Ayurvedic Connection: A Holistic Blueprint for Life

These five habits are not mere routines—they are timeless principles rooted in Ayurveda’s understanding of human life:

Modern Habit	Ayurvedic Equivalent	Benefit
Morning sunlight exposure	Dina Charya (daily routine), Surya connection	Aligns body clock, boosts mood
Priming movement	Laghu Vyayama (gentle exercise)	Awakens energy, improves circulation
Morning hydration	Ushapanam	Detoxifies, kindles digestive fire
Self-care time (Vitamin L)	Swasthya Rakshanam (protecting self-health)	Mental peace, emotional balance
Social bonding (Vitamin S)	Satsanga (good company)	Emotional strength, immunity boost

At Punarjanis Life Sciences—We Heal the Whole You

At Punarjanis, we believe healing is not a tablet or a therapy—it’s a way of life. When our patients come for

treatment of chronic diseases—be it diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis—we gently guide them to restore these simple yet profound daily habits, alongside our unique Arka-based medicines, Pulse Diagnosis, and Panchakarma therapies.

Remember: No medicine can work fully if these five pillars of health are ignored.