Heart Wellness Through Integrative Siddha Medicine and Modern Healthcare

Today's topic is fasting and heart health from an integrative approach. Dr. Anand clearly explained the topic in a very nice manner with clinical evidence. I’m going to discuss the Siddha approaches to curb food cravings, prevent heart disease, and address some other challenging conditions.

It is very difficult to give dietary advice to food addicts in hospitals. All physicians should know that over-restriction of food intake can lead to a relapse into overeating. Instead, eating more of the right foods can help reduce hunger and food cravings throughout the day. We are going to see some strategies for overcoming overeating, which, when done unconsciously or mechanically, leads to disease state. Eating consciously can reverse this.

Before exploring Siddha approaches, we need to understand the Thirukkural concepts of food:

Food Compatible with the Body: If the food is digested and assimilated by the body and eaten consciously, the body does not need medicine. This is an important primordial preventive method mentioned in the Thirukkural.

Eating in Moderation: Estimate the amount of food your body needs based on what you have previously eaten and how it was digested. Eating in moderation is key to sustaining the life of the body and soul.

Eating When Hungry: Eating food that suits our body when we are hungry paves the way for a disease-free life.

Knowing the Required Amount of Food: A person who knows the required amount of food and eats consciously does not lose pleasure, while a person who eats too much without knowing the quantity becomes ill.

We are promoting some conscious eating methods in our program. Conscious eating involves engaging all five senses—eating with your eyes and other senses, without distraction. No mobile phones, no TV, no work during meals. Don’t eat while driving or working at your desk. These are basic concepts of conscious eating.

Now, let's look at some Siddha ways to suppress appetite. Dr. Anand clearly explained the clinical background and research-based evidence. However, the Siddha methods for suppressing appetite are very important for this session.

Eat More Protein and Healthy Fats: Examples include peanut sundal (boiled peanuts with grated coconut), boiled nuts, sprouted green gram, ghee, buttermilk, and cold-pressed sesame oil. The background: The appetite suppression and GLP-1 stimulating effect of whey protein in obese subjects are associated with increased circulating levels of specific amino acids. These include isoleucine, leucine, and other amino acids involved in appetite suppression and GLP-1 stimulation, mediated by nutrient-sensing receptors expressed by the enteroendocrine cells within the gastrointestinal wall.

Fiber-rich Foods: Examples include greens, vegetables, black gram porridge, raw vegetable salads, and sprouts. Dietary fiber helps prevent obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. It may act via pathways involving GPRs, HDAC, and aromatase enzymes, ultimately contributing to improved glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

Medicinal Seeds: Examples include moringa seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cucumber seeds. Moringa seeds, shade-dried and powdered, mixed with honey, are very effective in suppressing appetite. The current science suggests that flax seeds, for example, may play a role in decreasing appetite and hunger.

Pranayama Before Food: Various types of pranayama are mentioned in ancient Siddha literature, especially in Nadi Suddhi Pranayama(alternate nostril breathing), Om Pranayama, Poorna Sudhi pranayamam . Pooraham - inhalation -6 seconds, Kumbakam -retention-1 second and resagam - exhalation-12 seconds. One study stated that controlled breathing exercises provide comfort in different circumstances, such as lack of regular meals, limited volume or caloric diet, and even during temporary complete absence of food in therapeutic fasting.

Ginger-based Remedies: Early morning fresh ginger elixir, dry ginger elixir before lunch, and chebulic Myrobalan elixir in the evening are recommended. Fresh ginger elixir enhances thermogenesis and promotes a feeling of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men.

Siddha has much to offer, but it's important to consult a Siddha physician to create a customized regimen. Regularly changing the herbs used in treatment is necessary, as prolonged use of the same herb can reduce its effectiveness.

Next, we will explore some Siddha superfoods to choose during fasting:

Pancha Mutti Kanji (Five-Grain Porridge): Ingredients include black gram, ragi, rice, green gram, and chickpeas. Take all these wrap them in cotton cloth. Add 1 litre of water, boil in low flame for 20 minutes. This porridge is very effective in overcoming many diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity with some heart ailments.

Annapodi: Ingredients include curry leaves, dry ginger, tymol, asafoetida, cumin seeds, pepper, and fennel seeds. This mixture, when combined with hot water, buttermilk, or rice with ghee, is very good for overcoming many diseases.

Arjuna Herbal Tea: Ingredients include Arjuna bark powder, rose flowers, dry ginger, black cumin seeds, pepper, and cardamom. Mix all ingredients in 400 ml of water and boil it down to 100ml. This herbal tea is very good for heart health.

White Lotus Heart Elixir: Ingredients include rose flowers, hibiscus flowers, white lotus flowers, palm jaggery, and honey. Shade dried flowers are mixed with honey. This elixir enhances heart function, cardiovascular system, brain functions, and reduces stress.

Finally, I would like to conclude with a quote from Siddha literature: "The shining testicles and ovaries due to abstinence from common sexual pleasure can lead to longevity." Since sperm is a fundamental biomarker of male health, excessive sperm loss leads to a shortened lifespan for men. Similarly, the physical body, or gross body, shrinks through yogic practices, regularizing the flow of life energy. Reducing food intake through yogic practices promotes superior energy levels and the prevention of diseases, ultimately leading to Divine status.

For more details please check the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1vGo4uorxM&t=814s