Healthy and Stress Free Heart by Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda literature, the heart is considered to be one of the most important "MARMA", that is, a very vital part of human body. It is so important according to Ayurveda that it gets a separate mention in "TRI-MARMIYA" chapter by Charaka achrya as - ASHRAYA of atma, soul, and feelings. According to Ayurveda philosophy, how we feel in our hearts is the measure of who we really are, where as, what we think in our mind is often no more than a superficial impression, passing momentarily through us via the senses. This way, heart is even considered to be above mind and hence, heart diseases reflect deep seated issues of identity, feelings, and consciousness.

Heart diseases, nowadays, are a major reason behind death due to illness around the world. This is largely because in today's fast and competitive life, emotions and feelings are denied and ignored. Today's life aims more towards personal achievements rather than communion with others. Many of us literally die of broken hearts or spiritual starvation. The saints of Ayurveda understood this fact and prescribed Satvajaya chikitsa or mental hygiene for this.

Heart, according to ayurvedic philosophy, is organ of emotions, and ayurvedic treatment for heart diseases emphasizes that emotional causes should always be considered first while treating heart ailments. Such causes include - difficulties in work or relationships, depression, low self-esteem etc.., which usually indicate that at inner level we are not in touch with our own hearts.

According to Ayurveda, heart is closely associated with Pranvah shrotas (Respiratory system), and Anavah shrotas (Digestive system). Ayurveda says that HRIDYA (Heart) has three functions - receiving, giving away and moving for continuous activity to execute two earlier functions.

 Circulation of blood and transportation of nutrients and oxygen through it are major functions of heart. If such vital organ is afflicted with disease pathology, naturally all life processes are also impaired to great extent.

Ayurveda has many herbs which are beneficial for different conditions of cardiovascular system. Amla - The Indian Gooseberry - is considered as the best rasyan or drink which mitigates all heart ailments or hriday-dosas. This edible fruit's tissue contains protein and ascorbic acid, having concentration much higher as compared to that present in apple. Many known antioxidants, Gallic acid, Catechol, Ellagic acid, Vitamin C, carotene, and superoxide-dismutase enzyme have also been reported to be present in this fruit. As Amla is also rich in natural flavonoids, thus it promotes health vigour and stamina too, thereby reducing cholesterol and blood sugar.

Arjuna Terminalia arjuna, according to Ayurveda, is another beneficial herb. It is good for heart, cures injury inside lungs, neutralizes toxins, effective in controlling fat, diabetes and wounds and mitigates kapha and pitta dosas. Arjuna active constituents include tannins, cardenolide, triterpenoid saponins (arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, arjunglycosides), flavonoids ellagic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Using of Arjuna bark in milk is highly recommended for heart pain.

Today, there are many organizations which harness the powers of these herbs and add to them the usability of modern world by creating ayurvedic products and medicines. The products of companies like Baidyanath, Himalaya and few others have a range of medicines which are not only easy to take but also are close to nature there by keeping negative effects to minimal. For heart issues, there exists a range of Arjuna, Amla, and Cardiwin tonics. In Ayurveda, it is a belief that cardiac aliments, hypertension and dyslipidemia never occur alone but are supplemented by stress, tension, and thus the herbal preparations like stresswin, brain tab, ashwagandha and sarswat churan in ayurveda aim towards not only the curing of heart issues but also act as a soothing agent for the patient, calming him from inside. This all leads to less of stress along with resolving of heart ailment - leading to long lasting solution.

For best Ayurvedic Prodcuts, please visit http://www.ayurvedant.com

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Good Health at Any Age

I get a lot of questions on food choices... "How can I avoid wrinkles, belly fat, loss of skin elasticity and reading glasses?" In short, folks want to know my anti-aging secrets. My first response is look at the up side----did you think about the alternative to aging? OK now that I've helped them get life in focus, here are a few of my anti-aging guidelines for good health at any age.

You'll need to eat well to look and be well. What you eat is essential to keeping a youthful glow. There is no magic food, just make sure you choose a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, good for you fats, lean protein, whole grains and water.

Fruits and vegetables will contain the nutrients that are needed for a healthy body. The more colorful the better. For example, red beets provide vitamins and minerals including vitamin C which promotes immunity and tissue repair. Folate which aids in red blood cell function and potassium, which helps regulate mineral and fluid balance; magnesium for strong bones and antioxidants.

Pomegranates, also are power-packed they're good sources of vitamins C and K. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and plays a role in building bone. Dark green leafy vegetables---spinach, kale, broccoli and collards are excellent sources of vitamins A, C and K. Additionally they are a good source of calcium, iron and fiber.

Fats in the diet carry flavor, but it is best to limit fats to polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats are most often found in plant-based foods and oils. Research studies have shown that these fats improve cholesterol levels and are beneficial for heart health.

Omega-3 fatty acids also a polyunsaturated fat is found in fish such as salmon and trout, walnuts and flaxseed. Monounsaturated fats are sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, and are found in olives, avocados, hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and olive, canola, and peanut oils.

Sleep is critical---the sleep-deprived will need to change their habits, adjusting their schedule to get six to eight hours each night. A good night's sleep goes a long way toward ensuring that people are rested, alert and able to manage stress.

Exercise is also a key; 30 to 45 minutes of exercise 3 to 4 days a week are a major factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you feel like you don't have time to squeeze in any exercise, get a pedometer and clip it onto your waistband to make sure you log 10,000 steps a day. To help get to this number, park further from the door when you head out for errands and consider taking the steps and not an elevator when you can.

Last but not least, stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water---8 to 10 glasses of water a day will help keep you alert, and hydrated, providing ample moisture to help maintain a healthy complexion. In addition to water, add a healthy smoothie to your weekly diet, and try this recipe for my favorite smoothie-I call it the Fountain of Youth!

Fountain of Youth Smoothie
Cherries, blueberries, and cranberries are all fantastic sources of vitamin C and anthocyanins, antioxidants that may protect against some types of cancer. Vitamin C supports the growth of strong collagen fiber. Collagen fiber is found in soft connective tissue and bone and may help prevent some of the affects of aging. Enjoyed on a regular basis, I'll claim this smoothie as just one of my secrets to staying young.

1 cup low-fat cherry yogurt
¼ cup cranberry juice
1 cup frozen pitted cherries
¾ cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
Combine the yogurt and cranberry juice in a blender. Add the cherries and berries. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Makes about 2 ½ cups; serves 2
Per serving: calories 230; calories from fat 2g, (8%); total fat 2g; saturated fat1g; cholesterol 8 mg; carbohydrate 49 g; fiber 3 g; protein 5 g.

The take-away: Make sure to plan daily meals to include a variety of foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and 8 to 10 glasses a water. Exercise and 8 hours of sleep along with healthy eating habits will go a long way toward keeping signs of ageing at bay.

Michelle J. Stewart MPH, RDLD/N, CDE is an experienced food and nutrition communication expert specializing in wellness with a holistic approach to living your best life. Michelle has been leading the way to a healthier you for more than 25 years. She is zealous when it comes to wellness from the inside out and empowering whomever she comes in contact with to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Her motto is "EAT LESS MOVE MORE" Sign up for her Free Report 10 Weight Loss Tips for Life when you visit http://thenutritionplanner.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_J_Stewart