Ayurvedic Management Of Atherosclerosis
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Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which there is a blockage in your arteries due to the deposition of fat. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout the body. They are lined by a thin layer of cells called Endothelium. Atherosclerosis begins with damage to this layer. Plaque deposited in the arteries is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood which limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your lungs and other parts of your body. Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic, but the walls of your arteries can harden due to the deposition of fibrin deposits within the arterial tissue. This condition is commonly called the hardening of the arteries.
Ayurveda classifies Atherosclerosis as "Sanga" which is a disorder of Kapha origin affecting Vyana Vayu in Raktavaha Srotas. In atherosclerosis, there is an increased Vata in blood vessels, causing degeneration and making them hard, thin, and rough. Deposits of lipids and calcium represent the increase in Kapha in the degenerated vessels, resulting in irregular thickening of the blood vessels. This results in a feature of high blood pressure and Kapha dusti. Ayurveda explains that an unhealthy diet, excessive exercise, excess stress, poor nutrition, and aging are the major reasons for increasing Vata Dosha in the body. It leads to diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Symptoms Of Atherosclerosis
Symptoms of moderate to severe atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected. The main symptoms are:
- Heart arteries cause symptoms such as chest pain or pressure (angina).
- The arteries connecting to the brain cause symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in arms or legs, slurred speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping muscles in the face.
- Arteries of arms and legs cause symptoms such as leg pain when walking.
- Arteries leading to kidneys cause symptoms such as high blood pressure or kidney failure.
Causes Of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is caused by the following reasons:
- High blood pressure.
- High triglycerides.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- High cholesterol.
- Inflammation from diseases (lupus, arthritis, infections, or inflammation of unknown cause).
Ayurvedic Management Of Atherosclerosis
Ayurvedic management of atherosclerosis involves preventing or reducing the formation of plaques in arteries. Various diet and lifestyle recommendations, along with herbs, can help manage this condition.
Diet Recommendations (Aahar)
- Consume a Kapha-pacifying diet, which includes bitter, astringent, and pungent foods, which increases fat metabolism. .
- Cook with small amounts of ghee or olive oil. .
- Always cook food and eat it warm to counteract the cool, earthy Kapha Dosha.
- Avoid sweet, salty, and sour foods.
- Include most pulses or dried beans, such as lentils and split mung dal. Avoid larger beans.
- Fruits and vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, apples, pears, are beneficial.
- A breakfast of cooked apples with cooked prunes and figs can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Bitter foods like spinach and mustard greens when cooked and seasoned with spices can help prevent the accumulation of the bad type of cholesterol.
Lifestyle Changes (Vihar)
A healthy lifestyle includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, quitting smoking, and keeping your blood cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels.
- Meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques can be beneficial.
- Yoga practice enhances cardiac health, lowers B.P, reduces chronic stress, boosts the immune system, and enhances cognitive ability.
- Yogic exercises give a good massage to the heart.
Prevention Of Atherosclerosis
Ayurveda recommends the following preventive tips to treat atherosclerosis include:
- Quitting smoking
Quitting smoking is the best way to keep your arteries healthy and prevent atherosclerosis complications.
- Eating healthy foods
Your diet is an important factor in atherosclerosis treatment and heart disease generally. A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and poultry, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes (dried beans and peas).
- Exercise regularly
Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces your risk of conditions that increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for health. It helps to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Herbal Remedies For Atherosclerosis
Various herbs that helps to restore the functioning of blood vessels are:
- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
It is an effective herb for the treatment of Atherosclerosis. The cardioprotective properties of this herb help to strengthen the heart muscles and also clear obstructions in blood vessels. Regular use of this herb helps to relieve heart problems.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is considered one of the most potent herbs in Ayurveda due to its overall health benefits. This herb is very useful to manage the problems of Atherosclerosis. Hence, the use of this herb is quite effective to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels in the body.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is also used as an effective herb to manage the symptoms of Atherosclerotic vascular disease and support good heart health.
- Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
Shankhpushpi is another herb for the treatment of Atherosclerotic vascular disease. It helps in the dilation of blood vessels and maintains a good blood supply throughout the body.
- Guggul (Commiphora wightii)
Guggul contains plant steroids that can lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Guggul is used to treat acne, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), weight loss, and other conditions.
- Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa)
The anti-anginal and anti-ischemic properties of Pushkarmool make it a potent herb for controlling atherosclerosis. It helps to manage high blood pressure levels in the body by reducing the cholesterol levels in the arteries and improving the blood circulation to the heart. To control the disease, we can take Pushkarmool in the form of powder.
Atherosclerosis, hardening, or thickening of the arteries can be managed using a specialized diet, lifestyle habits, and herbal formulations. The effective herbs for this condition are Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Guggul, and Pushkarmool.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned information related to Atherosclerosis is taken from various Ayurvedic resources. Always take the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before starting self-medication.
