The size of one's heart is usually the size of one's own fist and it weighs about 350-400 gms. It starts beating even before birth and continues to work without rest as long as we live. It beats 72 times per minute. Oxygen is carried by the blood through the coronary arteries which are the blood vessels supplying the heart.
The oxygen demand of the heart and the oxygen supply by the coronary arteries is always kept in balance in health. As the oxygen demand of the heart increases with exercise, emotion, eating, etc., the supply also proportionately increases. When the oxygen demand and supply is not in balance, it results in heart attack. This is mainly due to the obstruction in the coronary arteries due to cholesterol which results in reduced blood supply to the heart.
In the initial stages, the heart trouble manifests as Angina Pectoris, that is severe central or left-sided chest pain. Later on, as the disease advances, it results in myocardial infarction – heart attack.
Such patients must avoid ghee, butter, cheese, coconut oil, egg yolk, nuts, cream, organ meat (liver, brain). They can take greens, vegetables, onion, garlic, lean fish, white of the egg. As much as possible they should take boiled or steamed foods rather than fried foods. For cooking gingelly (til) oil and sunflower oil can be used. Consume soya beans – they are excellent for the heart.
Symptoms of heart-attack
- Shortness of breath after slight exertion.
- Pain or tightness in the chest, often running down the left arm.
- Swelling in the ankles and abdomen.
- Dizziness, light-headedness, or vertigo.
- Seeing double (a particularly dangerous sign).
- Continuing indigestion.
- Persistent headache.
- Fatigue without valid reason.
RECOMMENDS
HEART PAIN
- Boil ½ teaspoon sandalwood powder in 1 cup water. Drink thrice daily.
HEART PALPITATION
- Boil ¼ teaspoon powdered cardamom (chhoti illaichi) seeds in thin tea water and drink.
HEART PROBLEM
- Eat ¼ teaspoon asafetida (hing) along with one large raisin (kishmish) every day.
- Eat or swallow with water 1 or 2 cloves of peeled chopped or crushed garlic (lasan) first thing in the morning.\
HEART WEAKNESS
- Regular intake of ripe bananas strengthens the heart.
- Apples are high in potassium and phosphorus content and very low (practically nil) in sodium. This fact is of great advantage in heart diseases.
- A weak heart benefits tremendously by the consumption of dates. Soak a few dates in water overnight. Crush them the next morning in the same water (remove seeds) and drink it at least 2-3 times a week for strengthening a weak heart.
- Grapes tone up the heart and are beneficial in cardiac pain and palpitations. The disease is controlled effectively if the patient goes on an exclusive grape diet for a few days.
- Orange juice sweetened with honey is a great nourishing and energy giving food. It is therefore recommended for heart patients particularly when one is on a liquid diet. It is also a good remedy against the thickening of arterial walls.
HEART BURN
Add 1 tablespoon mint (pudina) leaves to 1 cup water. Take twice or thrice a day.
