These days you might have heard about so many cases where people die due to heart attacks and heart-related issues. Earlier age was the defining factor but these days, even people in their mid-30s or 40s are having stroke. It is all because of the diet we take and the lifestyle we practice. Let’s know-how with Ayurveda it can be prevented and managed.
So, what is high cholesterol? What is the cause?
High cholesterol is the condition in which the cholesterol in the blood is increased and it makes you more susceptible to heart-related issues as it hampers the functioning of the heart. Cholesterol is the waxy substance required by the body to build healthy cells, Vitamin D, and hormones. The fatty acid deposits in the blood vessels will block the arteries which will hamper the proper functioning of the heart. The heart will not be able to pump the blood in the adequate amount hence causing heart attack.
As such there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, heart disorders are only the indication. Blood tests are the way by which you can know if the cholesterol levels are in the optimum range or not. But there are certain ill habits, lifestyle practices, and dietary habits which pave the path for this serious health issue.
As per Ayurveda, it occurs due to an imbalance in Kapha and Vata Dosha. So, to balance the respective Dosha and save yourself from severe health complications Ayurvedic approach is the best choice. This approach will work to eliminate the root cause of the disease providing you no side effects and also helping with the irreversibility of the disease. Naturally aided treatment will be beneficial to you and will give you desired and successful results.
So, without further ado go through this blog as it will help you immensely in managing the condition and will also help balancing the Kapha Dosha and eventually the high cholesterol.
Ayurvedic Herbs for controlling high cholesterol
- Garlic: Garlic decreases cholesterol levels. Chewing garlic cloves helps in the significant reduction in the range.
- Flaxseed: The seeds help in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, making a healthy effect on the arteries. Mixing the powdered form with water or milk will be beneficial.
- Ginger: It can be consumed in the form of herbal tea or can be chewed dry. It is also known to reduce cholesterol levels and maintain the optimum value.
- Arjuna: It works best for the heart. The bark can be consumed by mixing the powdered form with milk.
- Guggul: It helps in reducing triglyceride levels and cholesterol. Consume it daily in a moderate amount to see the results.
- Turmeric: Adding turmeric to your diet will reduce the plaque deposits on the walls of arteries, eventually reducing the cholesterol levels in the body.
- Amla: As the most potent source of Vitamin C, it protects against heart diseases. Moreover, it also reduces bad cholesterol levels. Daily consumption of amla in the form of juice or candy or raw form can provide numerous benefits.
- Green Tea: Green tea is abundantly rich in antioxidants which immensely help in providing health benefits. With the regular consumption of green tea, one can reduce the increased cholesterol levels present in the blood.
- Coriander seeds: Along with the property to reduce cholesterol levels, coriander seeds possess folic acid, vitamin A, and beta carotene properties which help in keeping heart diseases at bay.
- Fenugreek: The fenugreek seeds help in lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising high cholesterol levels. Additionally, it has various properties like anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
- Cumin seeds: They help in controlling the cholesterol levels of the body.
- Fennel: The fibers present in the seeds help in preventing reabsorption of cholesterol.
Healthy diet for controlling high cholesterol
- Avocados: It is rich in nutrients. It helps in reducing the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol in the body.
- Fruits: Fresh fruits are the reservoir of various nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. The consumption of fresh fruits in the diet will encourage the liver not to produce excess cholesterol. Fruits like apples, grapes, pears, and citrus fruits contain Pectin which reduces the cholesterol in the body.
A majority of fruits contain numerous antioxidants that help in the prevention of heart-related diseases.
- Berries: Blueberries and strawberries play a great role in lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing the good cholesterol content in the body.
- Green leafy vegetables: Dark green leafy vegetables are good for the heart. Spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain carotenoids which lower the risk of heart-related disorders.
Moreover, they also help in the removal of excess cholesterol from the body.
- Do not consume processed food, canned food, and instant cook foods as they will only lead to an increase in the cholesterol levels in the body.
- Rather than consuming food that is cooked in saturated fats go for healthy oils like sunflower oil or olive oil.
- Stop the usage of processed sugar and salt.
- Do not consume caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
- Prefer a vegetarian diet.
- Keep the body well hydrated with water and other drinks like coconut milk and coconut water.
- Make sure to drink an ample amount of juices as they will provide you with enough nutrition and at the same time the skin will glow benefitting you externally and internally.
Lifestyle changes for controlling high cholesterol
- Lose weight: Shed out those extra kilos. Being obese will only increase the risk for heart-related problems. So burn-out the excess fat present in the body.
- Quit a sedentary lifestyle: Everybody around us is bound to a desk these days, leaving no time for stepping out from the desk. Forget about the thought about physical fitness. The sedentary lifestyle is only paving the way for numerous diseases. So, do not sit for a longer duration and get your body moving.
- Plan a workout routine: To keep the bones moving one must plan a workout routine that will help to keep the body flexible and at the same time aid in the mobility of the body.
- In the beginning, start with low impact workout, but with time and endurance, one can go for the workout routine which suits them best.
- Perform various physical activities: The various other activities the person can adopt which will enhance their way of living are Dance, Zumba, and Aerobics.
- Walk/Jog: If you are unable to perform strenuous physical activities, you can go out for a walk or mild jog but prefer to do brisk walking as it is more effective than normal walking.
- Say no more to substance abuse: Drugs can be the best coping mechanism for stress and anxiety but smoking and alcohol triggers the symptoms of the disorder. They harm the body and make you susceptible to various diseases by causing the malfunctioning of organs present in the body.
Yoga Asanas for controlling high cholesterol:
Some of the yoga poses for controlling cholesterol are:
Kapalbhati Pranayama: The breathing exercise present in this asana eliminates the toxins present in the body. It Increases the metabolic rate and also aids in proper digestive tract functioning.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama: It helps in clearing out the blocked energy channels present in the body. Moreover, it reduces stress and helps in regulating cholesterol levels.
Chakrasana: It is beneficial in getting rid of excess fat and also improves the functioning of various abdominal organs. It further helps in regulating the levels of cholesterol in the body by flushing out the excess from the body.
Shalabhasana: It strengthens the back, shoulders, and arms, and stretches the belly which helps in improving digestion. Further, it helps to overcome constipation.
Paschimottanasana: This pose provides relief from obesity and stimulates liver and kidney function. It also helps in reducing excessive weight which worsens the situation.
Ardha Matsyendrasana: This pose helps in overall health as it strengthens the spine and at the same time helps with indigestion and also stimulates the liver functioning.
Meditation for controlling high cholesterol
Meditation is the process of rejuvenating the body, mind, and soul. It is performed to reduce stress physically and mentally. Some people may find meditation a difficult task as you have to stay in a single position for a longer duration of time but it is not like that.
You don’t need to be hard on yourself, sit in a comfortable position and feel the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. It is okay if your mind wanders let it come back after some time to the position where you were sensing your breath. When you feel like opening your eyes, just open them. That’s all, this is meditation.
Even if it is for five minutes it is fine as at least for five minutes your body and mind was calm. After regular practice, you will be able to achieve the desired goal. Moreover, you will be able to keep the negative thoughts away and provide a soothing effect to the body and mind.
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