STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: In order to make masses aware of the cardio protective benefits of fasting Head of Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long Cardiac awareness cum health Check up camp at Village Bhatyari, Block Bishnah ,Jammu regarding the benefits of fasting in decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil Stated that India exhibits cultural and religious diversity practiced with great dedication and enthusiasm. One such auspicious festival is “Navratri,” celebrated by Hindus in India and worldwide. Navratri is observed twice a year at the onset of summers and winters, and according to religious beliefs, fasting during this period is auspicious as Goddess Durga bestows her blessings upon all. However, the scientific justification says that fasting during seasonal change helps in purification and the intake of Saatvik food imparts various health benefits. Obesity along with poor diet are important, modifiable contributors to the rise of cardiovascular disease with an estimated attributable risk of 13% to cardiovascular mortality. There are several dietary interventions that have been shown to improve cardiovascular risk including caloric restriction, which involves limiting calories consumed during a given period. Caloric restriction is linked to improvement in weight, blood pressure and insulin sensitivity in humans.
He elaborated that Fasting lowers the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Research studies evidenced that intermittent fasting improves blood cholesterol levels and alleviates the risk of associated conditions. While fasting is an ancient practice, research over the last decade has highlighted its potential as a method of obtaining weight loss and other cardio metabolic health benefits. Several different patterns of fasting have emerged, including alternate-day fasting , intermittent fasting (IF), time-restricted eating (TRE), and periodic fasting. Subsequent data in humans have been steadily accumulating and show beneficial effects in populations at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including patients with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and also patients at a normal weight.
He added that fasting is a dietary intervention similar to caloric restriction, as it utilizes the principle of restricting food intake. There are several proposed mechanisms for how fasting could lead to better cardiovascular outcomes . The Oxidative Stress Hypothesis supports decreased oxidative insult. A second theory, the circadian rhythm hypothesis, is associated more with intermittent fasting than caloric restriction, indicating a mechanism unique to intermittent fasting. A third theory involves intermittent fasting inducing a ketogenic state, which has been linked to decreases in cardiovascular risk factors, He Said.
While summarising the benefits of fasting Dr Sushil Sharma told that Fasting during Navratri helps to boost our overall well-being in all four dimensions of health, namely, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. The food choices during fasting help to improve our digestive system and eliminate various gastric issues like bloating and gastritis. A self-disciplined lifestyle and prayers provide inner peace and boost an individual’s mental and emotional aspects. Although the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated, fasting appears to positively impact multiple cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. However people with diabetes, heart Diseases and hypertension should be careful about the fasting and its effect.
Prominent members of the area Archana Jamwal ( Sarpanch) , Surjit Singh ( Ex- Sarpanch), Chanchal Sharma ( Panch), Sushil Kumar ( Panch), Ganesh Dutt ( Panch) , Master Ramesh Chander and Mukesh Sharma appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health Check up in their village .
Others who were part of this camp included Dr Yashwant Sharma and Dr Dhaneshwer kapoor. Paramedics and Volunteers include Nirvair Singh Bali, Rajkumar, Ranjeet Singh ,Raghav Rajput , Maninder Singh, Rajinder Singh , Amnish Dutta , Jatin Bhasin, Paramveer Singh, Arun Singh , Rohit Nayyar, Akshay Singh, Jamshed Ali, Gourav Sharma, Rahul Sharma and Vikas Kumar.