Ayurveda is an ancient practice that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Its main goal is to restore balance in the body, mind, and consciousness to prevent and treat illness.
When it comes to cardiovascular health, Ayurveda emphasises the importance of maintaining harmony within the body to support heart function. It involves a balanced lifestyle that includes a wholesome diet, regular exercise, and stress management and can significantly improve heart health. To get a deeper and more detailed look at the same, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, who sheds light on various Ayurvedic practices and therapies that can help ensure a heart-healthy routine.
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Ayurvedic Practices For Cardiovascular Health![]()
As is understood and for those who don't know, the heart functions as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body via arteries. To perform to their maximum abilities, these arteries need to remain flexible, capable of expanding and contracting seamlessly. This flexibility is largely maintained by the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels.
However, over time, typically spanning about 15 years, the accumulation of toxins in the arteries can lead to reduced flexibility and diminished endothelial function, explains Dr Naram.
Therefore, in addition to regular exercise, she brings in the Ayurvedic approach, which includes incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your daily diet to prevent toxin buildup in the arteries.
According to her, one of the standout ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine is curcumin, found in turmeric (haldi). This powerful compound not only possesses exceptional anti-inflammatory properties but also acts as a strong antioxidant, contributing to improved endothelial function and arterial flexibility.
Interestingly, curcumin can be as effective as exercise in enhancing arterial health and reducing the risk of heart attacks when consumed consistently over the years.
A 2022 study published in the journal Cells also suggests that curcumin may be beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to have positive effects on various factors associated with heart disease, such as ageing, obesity, and diabetes. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and to determine the optimal dosage and administration for its use as a nutritional supplement.
To support heart health, Dr Naram recommends starting this simple home remedy daily from the age of 35:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) powder
- A pinch of black pepper powder
Mix these ingredients well in half a glass of water and consume twice daily. This remedy not only promotes cardiovascular health but also helps lower cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of arthritis. By adopting these Ayurvedic practices, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy heart for years to come.
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What Ayurveda Says About The Role Of Diet In Maintaining Heart Health![]()
Dr Naram says that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart. To promote good heart function and avoid potential problems, consider adopting an Ayurvedic perspective by avoiding these five foods:
Wheat and gluten: Causes inflammation and circulation issues. Skip pizza, pasta, and bread. Opt for Kamut, oats, chickpea, sorghum, or Ragi flours.
Red and processed meats: Hard to digest and linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol. Avoid entirely after age 35. Lean meats like chicken are okay in moderation.
Dairy products: High in unhealthy fats, leading to cholesterol and arterial plaque. Use almond, soy, or coconut milk instead.
Deep-fried foods: High in saturated fats, raising risks of heart disease and diabetes. Eliminate them from your diet.
Sugar and salt: Excess intake increases heart attack risks. Limit sour and fermented foods, which can cause inflammation.
“For a healthier heart, aim for a diet of 60% vegetables, 30% proteins, and 10% carbs,” says Dr Naram, emphasising that one should focus on fibre-rich vegetables, legumes like chickpeas and mung beans, and heart-healthy fruits like papaya and berries.
Ayurveda Therapies For Cardiovascular Health![]()
There are various therapeutic options that can help benefit your overall health. In fact, when it comes to your cardiovascular health, Dr Naram shares, “Ayushakti Ayurveda teaches that a healthy heart is rooted in balanced digestion and metabolism (Agni). Imbalances lead to the accumulation of toxins (AAMA) and excess doshas, which can obstruct vital channels and compromise heart function. To restore harmony, we employ ancient Ayurvedic therapies that promote holistic well-being.
Ayusahkti’s “Heartox” program treats the root causes of your heart problems for lifelong health. Experience improved heart function, reduced risk of blockages, and relief from high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
One of the best ayurvedic therapies for the heart is Shirodhara, an ancient therapy to relax heart muscles and improve heart health.
Role Of Lifestyle Changes
For a person who leads a sedentary lifestyle, moving and becoming physically active is of utmost importance. Dr Naram recommends 30 minutes of brisk walking and meditation on a regular basis, in addition to yoga, which can help you to calm down the stress.
Moreover, aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow the body to repair and rejuvenate.