Cardiologist warns that traditional Navratri fasting foods can strain heart health

Vrat Food Risks

Many people assume that cutting out grains, onion, and garlic during Navratri automatically makes meals healthier. However, a cardiologist warns that popular fasting snacks can quietly strain the heart. Dr Sunil Kumar Mandal, senior consultant interventional cardiologist at Kailash Hospital in Greater Noida, points out that items like kuttu puri, singhara puris, sabudana vada, aloo chaat, fried makhana, and banana chips contain large amounts of refined carbs, salt, and oil. Sabudana is pure starch with very low protein and fiber content. Deep-fried potatoes also add a heavy burden when eaten in large quantities. Festive sweets like halwa, barfi, and milk-based drinks sweetened with kheer add high levels of sugar and fat. Consuming high amounts of sugar and fat for nine days can raise blood sugar and triglyceride levels, especially for people with diabetes or those at risk.

Health Precautions

Infrequent meals paired with heavy, deep-fried dishes create an irregular routine. A lack of hydration makes this worse. Thicker blood and lower blood pressure can cause lightheadedness and blackouts, particularly for people taking high blood pressure medications or water pills. Dr Mandal advises anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney issues to talk to a doctor before fasting. Pregnant women and older adults should also check with a doctor first. Fasting can mean changing medication schedules, but patients should never stop or skip pills without medical advice. Anyone who feels dizzy, has chest pain, notices a racing heart, or has trouble breathing during a fast must seek medical help right away.

Context

Dietary habits during cultural and religious festivals often shift toward rich, fried, and sugary foods that can temporarily disrupt routine metabolic health. Medical experts routinely remind the public to balance traditional festive practices with proper hydration and individual health needs.