8 Important Tips for Diabetes, Heart Patients, and Elderly During Navratri Fasting

If you have Diabetes, Heart conditions, or are elderly, keep these 8 important points in mind while fasting during Navratri:

1. Medication + fasting can cause Hypoglycemia or Blood Pressure drop! Always eat something after taking medicines as some medicines can be harmful on an empty stomach. Keep Sugar strips and BP monitor nearby.

2. Avoid only potato and sabudana; choose nutritious alternatives. High GI foods cause blood sugar spikes and fatigue. Smart options include rajgira poha with light ghee and curd, millet rice with peanut curry and buttermilk, milk with dry dates and fruits like apple, guava, papaya.

3. Consume peanuts and dry fruits in limited quantity. Excess intake can cause acidity, bloating, and weight gain. Recommended amounts: 1 handful of peanuts, 2 walnuts, 4 almonds per day.

4. Fried foods may bring one-day pleasure but cause problems for 3 days. Sabudana vada and chips are bad for heart, weight, and digestion. Healthy swaps: thalipeeth, baked fasting vada, curd.

5. Do not forget to drink water. Thirst may reduce but body suffers dehydration. Buttermilk, lemon water, coconut water, and light soup are beneficial. Target 2.5 liters of fluids per day.

6. Continue light exercise and pranayama. Fasting and food restrictions reduce energy. Walking 10-15 minutes and gentle yoga improve digestion and mood.

7. Be cautious with late-night events, stage programs, and garba. Elderly and heart patients should avoid combining fatigue and fasting. Lack of proper sleep can cause irregular sugar and BP levels.

8. Do not stop medicines without doctor’s advice. Taking Metformin, insulin, or BP medicines on empty stomach can cause side effects. Changing medicines alone is not enough; food intake is also important.

Faith is important, but a strong body is essential to stay strong.

Change the type of food during fasting but never compromise on health.

Dr. Ravindra L. Kulkarni, MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts