Ayurvedic Solutions for Combating Toxins and Supporting Heart Health

Many factors contribute to the development of heart disease. Our heart is the most neglected organ. Poor food choices, inappropriate lifestyle changes and addictions are the reasons behind poor heart health. They damage the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, can be used to manage heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding the connection between toxins and heart health is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and preventing heart disease.  

Toxins are substances that can cause harm to the body, including the heart, by interfering with normal biological processes. In this blog post, we will discuss the impact of toxins on heart health and how Ayurveda can be used to manage this issue.  

Also read: Early Signs of Heart Disease in Indian Adults  

Impact of Toxins on Heart Health

Toxins can enter the body through various means, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use. They significantly impact heart health, as they can damage the heart muscle, disrupt its normal heart function, and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.   

Here are some reasons which are responsible for the accumulation of toxins in the body:

1. Environmental toxins such as air pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals can all contribute to the development of heart disease. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can also increase exposure to toxins and the risk of heart disease.  
2. Several medicines have pronounced side effects on the heart. They weaken heart muscles and can be cardiotoxic. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.  
3. Seafood is also a known cause of mercury poisoning due to its heavy metal deposits. High levels of mercury in the blood cause higher blood pressure and arrhythmia.  
4. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and damage to the heart muscle, which can increase the risk of heart failure. It is also a risk factor for liver diseases, peptic ulcers, arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. 
5. Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, can damage the heart muscle and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time and lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Blood Pressure and Cholesterol  

The top heart issue that is suffered by many is high blood pressure and cholesterol. According to World Health Organization, 220 million people are living with hypertension. And six in 10 people suffer from bad cholesterol.   

High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of developing heart disease like hypertension, leading to stroke and heart attack. While medication can effectively manage high cholesterol, there are also natural home remedies to control cholesterol levels. 

Here are some home remedies to consider:  

1. Garlic – It contains compounds that can help reduce cholesterol levels by preventing cholesterol from sticking to the walls of the arteries. According to Ayurveda, eating two to three cloves of garlic a day can help lower cholesterol levels. Including garlic in your diet can be as simple as adding it to dishes or taking a garlic supplement. It is one of the easiest home remedies for cholesterol.
2. Triphala- It is a combination of three fruits – amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. Triphala is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and supports cardiovascular health. Take Triphala powder with warm water before bed to help lower cholesterol levels. 
3. Punarnava – A rejuvenating herb- is key in burning excess fat. It is a natural diuretic that eases blood flow via renal passages and ensures a healthy blood supply to the kidneys. It also makes cardiac muscles more robust, controlling blood pressure fluctuations and decreasing the risk of acquiring cardiac ailments like CVD and arrhythmia. It can also be called Ayurvedic medicine for blood pressure, as it controls blood pressure fluctuation.
4. Sarpagandha – It is a powerful herb that aids the proper circulation of blood throughout the body. The roots of Sapargandha (Indian Snakeroot) are utilised in making herbal medicines to treat high blood pressure. It is an ayurvedic medicine that balances blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduces the formation of lipids (fat-like substances) formation in the blood vessels.
5. Amla- Indian Gooseberry or amla is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Ayurveda suggests eating one or two raw amla fruits daily or taking an amla supplement to help lower cholesterol levels.  

 Also read: 12 Reason to Add Amla in your Diet         

Ayurvedic Management of Toxins and Heart Health  

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between the body, mind, and spirit. The various strategies for managing toxins and promoting heart health are: 

1. Diet and Nutrition  

Ayurveda emphasises the importance of a healthy diet and nutrition for maintaining good health. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is recommended to help reduce exposure to toxins and support heart health. Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger can also be used to support heart health and reduce inflammation.  

2. Detoxification  

Detoxification removes toxins from the body. This can be achieved through Panchakarma, designed to remove toxins from the body and restore balance. This therapy includes massage, herbal steam baths, and cleansing procedures. 

3. Yoga and Meditation  

Yoga and meditation are powerful tools for managing stress and promoting heart health. Regular practising yoga posture, breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation and support overall heart health. 

4. Lifestyle Changes  

Ayurveda recommends making lifestyle changes to promote heart health. This includes avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough restful sleep. 

Conclusion  

Toxins can harm heart health, but Ayurveda offers natural ways to manage and prevent these effects. A balanced diet, incorporating cardio-protective herbs and lifestyle changes like exercise and stress management can promote heart health. Additionally, natural detoxification techniques like Panchakarma from Ayurvedacharya can help eliminate toxins from the body and support overall health. If the natural remedies for blood pressure and cholesterol are not helping out to keep heart issues in control, connect with a Healthy Bazars-qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for an appropriate course according to individual needs.