Redmond, WA (August 3, 2011) – Take heart with the following suggestions for a healthy cardiovascular system, based on Ayurveda, the healing side of yoga and a 5,000-year-old system of holistic medicine from India. Dr. Virender Sodhi, a preeminent Ayurvedic medical doctor and naturopathic physician and CEO of R-U-VED Herbs, based near Seattle, Washington, explains that Ayurveda views the heart as the seat of one’s soul, and a reflection of our state of balance, or imbalance.

Stay on beat naturally with the following tips:

Manage Your Stress. Certain constitutional types, in Ayurveda known as “pitta” and secondarily “vata,” are more prone to stress and high blood pressure. “Pitta types tend to focus on perfection and pushing their limits, leading to sleepless nights, the ‘fight-or-flight response’ and high blood pressure,” Sodhi explains. Outside factors, such as a demanding career, can also cause stress. He says to reduce stress by knowing your limits, and setting boundaries for yourself.  “Releasing judgment on yourself and others also goes a long way on reducing stress,” he added.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Emotions such as joy and sorrow are held in the heart. Become lighthearted with an upbeat outlook, and healthy relationships. “Participate in balanced, fun activities and focus on a positive attitude. Dwelling on past mistakes won’t change them. Change your thinking now to take charge of your future,” says Sodhi. He also suggests spending time with family and friends, including the four-legged kind. “Studies show that pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety in their owners.” Other easy ways to relax include using calming aromatherapy, such as lavender and rose, listening to light music and laughing.

Eat Heart-Healthy Foods. “You are what you eat,” explains Sodhi. Focus on whole foods, preferably organic, instead of processed or canned foods, which can contribute to weight gain and toxicity. “Shop the outer aisles of your supermarket, or better yet, the farmer’s market for the freshest foods.”  

According to Sodhi, many individuals with a propensity for heart health issues have “pitta” constitutions, running on the fiery side. Keep cool and balanced by avoiding foods that are considered heating, such as salsa, peppers, garlic, hot spices, red meat, coffee, alcohol and refined starches. Instead, opt for green leafy veggies, fruits, beans, organic chicken and turkey and fresh fish. Fish high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and halibut, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Also, be aware of how much you eat. Follow the Ayurvedic suggestion of eating only what you can hold in two cupped hands at your three daily meals.

Just Breathe. Specific “pranayama,” or yogic breathing techniques, along with meditation, calm the system. “Many of my patients have learned to reduce their blood pressure simply through breathing exercises,” says Sodhi. “For a simple pranayama technique, inhale for six counts and exhale for eight counts for 10 minutes, while relaxing in a cool, dark room. Follow with 10 to 15 minutes of meditation for a heart-healthy day.”

Get it Pumping. “An inactive lifestyle can lead to heart disease, so keep your body moving with enjoyable activities, especially in the outdoors, at least five days a week,” explains Sodhi. He cites yoga, walking and cycling among many heart-healthy choices. Ayurveda also suggests exercising to only half of one’s maximum capacity. “While ptta types may adhere to the adage ‘no pain, no gain,’ over-exercising can put strain on the body, and subsequently the heart. “

Drink Up. Hydration is important to help prevent clogging of the arteries. Sodhi says to drink half of your ideal body weight in ounces of water every day. For example, a 150-pound person should drink 75 ounces of pure water–this doesn’t include coffee, tea, juice or other beverages.

Get Some Shut Eye. Poor sleep has been linked with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attack and stroke, diabetes and obesity, so get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly.

Take Your Herbs. R-U-VED Herbs, one of the premier Ayurvedic Herbal companies in the U.S., offers Arjuna, a formulation of herbs, vitamins and minerals that support good heart health. Ingredients include arjuna, vitamin B-6, folic acid, magnesium, coenzyme Q-10, pushkarmool and coral powder. MSRP: $25 for a bottle of 60 vegetarian capsules.

Use the Right Salt. A healthy replacement for table salt that provides nutritional support for cardiovascular health, Wright Salt contains a proprietary blend of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate, lysine hydrochloride, silicon dioxide, zinc chloride, copper glycinate, selenium and potassium iodine. It comes in a 3-ounce shaker for $7.60 or an 8.4-ounce  shaker for $13.70.

R-U-VED Products can be found at natural food stores nationwide or at www.ruved.net/. Founded in 1988, R-U-VED is the only Ayurvedic herb company in the U.S. owned and operated by practicing Ayurvedic physicians, who also cultivate the medicinal herbs offered to ensure the utmost in quality and safety standards. Wildcrafted and/or organic, all R-U-VED herbs are manufactured in an ISO and GMP approved facility. R-U-VED is a division of Ayush Herbs, and is located at 2239 152nd Avenue NE; Redmond, WA 98052. Contact the company at (800) 925-1371.