Heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest cases are on rise across the country and even younger people leading apparently healthy lifestyles are found to have hidden cardiac issues that sometimes do not have any symptoms. Covid has played its own role in weakening our hearts while the cocktail of sedentary lifestyle and stress could prove to be deadly for cardiac health. People with diabetes are twice at risk of heart attack or stroke compared to people who are not suffering from the metabolic disorder. (Also read: Heart health: Lifestyle changes for kids to prevent heart attacks later in life)
As the diabetes progresses, the heart health deteriorates and one becomes susceptible to sudden cardiac events. High blood sugar over the time can damage blood vessels and the nerves of the heart. Diabetics have other complications too that often accompany the disease like high blood pressure which can further affect heart function. So, if you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled most of the times, your heart is likely to be affected and it is important for you to make appropriate lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, staying active and lowering stress levels can help people with diabetes in not only maintaining healthy blood sugar levels but also optimum heart health.
Herbs for diabetics that can prevent heart attack
“People with diabetes (especially senior citizens) are more prone to heart diseases (high cholesterol, hypertension which eventually leads to heart attacks) due to reduced metabolism and liver function over a period of time due to being on diabetes medications,” writes Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar in her recent Instagram post.
Dr Bhavsar also suggests 5 herbs that can help manage sugar levels effectively and even prevent heart diseases:
1. Punarnava
It is the best diuretic which helps reduce sugar levels, blood pressure and even cholesterol. It is also good for liver, kidneys and eyes and is useful in preventing diabetic retinopathy, and nephropathy. It also improves metabolism.
How to take
You can have 2-5 gm of punarnava on an empty stomach daily.
2. Shunthi
Freshly crushed dry ginger powder is best cardio-protective and wonderful for metabolism. It also reduces overall inflammation and is good for heart.
How to take
You can have half tsp of it before meals once a day with warm water.
3. Marich (black pepper)
This easily available herb can aid in improving insulin sensitivity, digestion and even reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides helping you prevent heart attacks especially in senior citizens.
How to take
You can take 1 black pepper daily in the morning.
4. Ela (Cardamom)
It is best for heart health and helps improve sugar levels by reducing cravings for sweet foods. Also relieves excess thirst – which is often experienced in diabetes patients.
How to take
It can be taken in tea, or powder of 1 elaichi can be taken 1 hour post meal with warm water.
5. Arjun-Chaal
It is the best herb for prevention of heart diseases as well as improving its function. Good for every kind of heart issue from blood pressure, cholesterol to tachycardia.
How to take
Every person with diabetes or heart disease in genes should consume it as a tea at bedtime.
“I request you all to incorporate these herbs in the routine for patients with diabetes, obesity (and high sugar levels), insulin resistance, heart diseases in genes. These herbs are best for senior citizens’ heart health,” says Dr Bhavsar.
