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Tips To Make Your Navratri Healthy: Precautions For Diabetic & BP Patients

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Tips To Make Your Navratri Healthy: Precautions For Diabetic & BP Patients

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Medically Reviewed By
Dr Sohini Sengupta

Written By Meenakshi
on Apr 10, 2024

Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Apr 10, 2024

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Tips To Make Your Navratri Healthy: Precautions For Diabetic & BP Patients
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Navratri is just around the corner!

Excited????

Of course, you will be, and why not? Almost every devotee waits for the time.

These nine days of devotion are very special for every devotee, and each has their way of showing it. Observing the fast is one of them.

But Wait, if you have Diabetes, a BP problem, or you are a heart patient, you need to be a little extra mindful while observing the fast to ensure that your health doesn’t get compromised.

But Why?

It is because, as per experts, fasting for longer periods or having some heavy navratri food can disrupt the health of patients with ongoing chronic conditions like BP, Diabetes, or Heart Disease.

So, does that mean that people with such conditions can’t observe fast?

No!

We are not saying no to the fast, and we are just saying to be mindful while observing the fast.

So, how to be mindful?

How, being a diabetic, BP, or heart patient, can I keep the fast without hurting my health?

What precautions should I take?

Yeah, we got it. It would be best if you had so many questions running through your mind. But fret not, as we are here to answer all your questions and give you the sure-shot solution to observe healthy fasting during Navratri.

Fasting Tips For Diabetics:

Eat In Short Intervals:

If you are observing the fast, whether you have diabetes or not, it is usually advised by the healthcare provider not to stay hungry for an extended period as it can anyways take a toll on your health. And if you have diabetes, it is a serious no-no for you. According to some studies, 1 in 10 people with diabetes experience low blood sugar levels while fasting, and 1 in 30 develop high blood sugar levels.

Therefore, first and foremost, always consult with your doctor before observing the fast and follow their advice. Secondly, eat what is suggested briefly to keep your blood sugar levels balanced.

Plan Your Diet Wisely:

Being a diabetic, you anyways have to be mindful of your dietary choices as one wrong food can up or down your blood sugar and hurt your health. And during Navratri, there are so many food items that can fluctuate your blood sugar levels. So, being mindful and taking expert advice is always essential.

In general, doctors often suggest diabetic patients observe the Navratri fast to eat a balanced diet with a mix of carbs and protein so they stay energized all day long. Also, it is recommended to avoid high-carb diets as they can spike up the blood sugar levels.

Important Note: Before making any adjustments to your diet, consult your doctor and take into consideration what is safe to have and in what proportion so that you can have a happy and healthy Navratri.

Stay Hydrated:

Hydration is important not just for people with diabetes but for everyone, irrespective of their health. Ensure to drink enough water throughout the day and incorporate some healthy fresh juices, coconut water and more to keep your hydration, health, and blood sugar levels in check.

Precaution: Stay away from caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee. Besides influencing your blood sugar levels, it can dehydrate your body easily, so keep a safe distance from them.

Also Read: If you have diabetes or anyone in your family has diabetes, you should read the essential guidelines before the Navratri fasting to ensure their health doesn’t get compromised. So, click on the link to take a quick look now.

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/diabetes-and-navratri-fasting-essential-guidelines/ 

Do Not Miss Your Medication:

Well, most people don’t take their medicine while observing the Navratri Fast. But if you have diabetes, it is a big no for you to do so, as each medicine has its role in keeping your blood sugar levels maintained. If you miss them, those levels can fluctuate, leading to several problems.

Important Information: While these are general tips, discuss your medication, diet, and plan of action with your doctor to observe Navratri fast without compromising your health.

Fasting Tips For BP & Heart Patients:

If you are the one whose Blood Pressure keeps up or down or you have some heart condition, it is essential to be cautious always, and the duty doubles if you are observing Navratri fasting.

So, let’s dig in to find a fruitful way for you to observe Navratri Fasting while maintaining your health.

Avoid Fried Foods:

During Navratri Fasting, one of the common mistakes that people often make is to consume too much-fried food like papads, Deep-fried Snacks, and more, thinking that it doesn’t hurt their health because they haven’t had anything all day long. But little do they know that it hurts.

The consumption of such fried food, especially if you have BP and heart problems, can negatively impact your health. High in calories, fried foods can lead to weight gain and elevated BP, which is not good for your heart and overall health anyway.

So, instead of eating them unthinkingly, strike a balance and try to avoid them as much as possible.

Monitor Salt Intake:

People with hypertension should be very careful of their salt intake. While the Sendha Namak is lower in sodium and considered safe for BP patients, monitoring the intake is important. Consuming sendha namak in a large amount can still affect your blood pressure.

Therefore, keep a tab on it and consult your healthcare provider to clear out doubts related to it.

Monitor Blood Pressure Levels:

Routine monitoring for a BP or heart patient is important to check abnormalities (if any) and take charge, but observing the Navratri fast becomes extra crucial. It is because observing fast and changes in the diet or hydration can influence your blood pressure levels.

Opt For A Balanced Diet:

Instead of having anything or everything in the name of fasting, it is essential and advisable to strike a balance so you don’t hurt your health. If you have a problem with high blood pressure or heart issues, you should better opt for a balanced diet, including nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and nuts allowed in the Navratri to maintain energy levels and keep your health in check.

Do Not Miss The Exercise:

During Navratri fasting, most people skip the workout session. But it is not right; being physically active is the best you can do for your body and health. However, while observing the fast and being a BP or heart patient, you should choose a light exercise that helps you maintain your fitness and energy levels.

However, you should consult your healthcare provider before adding any specific exercise to your routine, especially while observing the Navratri fasting.

In short, celebrating nine days of Navratri can be a delightful experience without compromising your health.

Remember, moderation and mindful choices are important to maintain good health and have a happy and healthy Navratri. It allows you to relish the festive season guilt-free while keeping your health at the forefront.

Additional Information That May Help You Observe Navratri In A Healthy Manner:

If you are going already, wait, as the blog has much more for you. If you are observing the Navratri Fast, here are a few food considerations you should keep in mind to maintain health.

Some of the healthy Navratri Food Choices are:

Fruits:

If you are observing Navratri fasting, instead of all the deep-fried and savory foods, you should eat more and more allowed fruits. This way, you can get the best of the festivities, detox your body and maintain health. While eating fresh food in its natural form is usually advisable, if you don’t want to have it, you can even make smoothies or juices to stay hydrated and healthy.

Note: If you have diabetes, BP, heart problem, or any other health issue, consult your doctor regarding a specific fruit choice so that it does not harm your health.

Fox Nuts:

Another healthy snack during Navratri Fasting is Fox Nuts, also called Makhana. These will not just satiate your taste buds but keep your weight and well-being in check. You can have them as they are after roasting them or by making delicious desserts such as makhana kheer or kulfi. However, diabetic, BP, or heart patients should consult with a doctor to discuss the way it is safe for them to consume and in what proportion.

Dry Fruits:

While observing the Navratri fast, you should make a handful of nuts and dry fruits a part of your routine. Besides providing the much-needed energy, it makes you feel fuller and boosts your body's goodness.

Buckwheat, Singhara or Rajgira Flour:

During Navratri fasting, you should consume kuttu, singhara, or rajgira flour. Each one is healthy in its way. However, being mindful of its quantity intake and how it should be indulged should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

So, these Navratri make your nine days of fasting pass like a breeze. Following such health advice will ensure that you remain energized and healthy and have the most of this beautiful time. However, if you have any health condition, consulting your healthcare provider before observing the fasting is advisable.

Besides, doctors often recommend routine testing, and if you are looking to get tested, book it with Redcliffe Labs.

Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab - Your One-Stop For Health Tests:

Whether you are looking for a simple blood test, blood sugar test, hypertension test, or heart test, Redcliffe Labs, the best Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider, is the one you can trust. Being a Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, we bring you a comprehensive range of preventive to specialized tests to your doorstep. We have a team of professionals to help you get tested comfortably from home.

So, for early diagnosis, routine monitoring, and early intervention, schedule your test as suggested by your healthcare provider today.

Be mindful and proactive to have a Healthy Navratri and good health all year!

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