Category: Low Immunity

January 15, 2021

How To Handle High CPK Levels With Ayurveda?

Abstract

CPK or creatine phosphokinase test determines muscle disease in specific. CPK is usually elevated in the conditions where the muscles of heart or brain are damaged resulting in various health hazards. When a particular group of muscles are damaged and leaking, it increases the level of CPK in blood. This article describes the significance of CPK, i.e. disease conditions in which it is increased and Ayurvedic management of this condition with the help of various herbo-mineral remedies.

CPK TEST

Introduction

Creatine phosphokinase is an enzyme that is majorly found in the heart, brain and skeletal muscles. When any of these parts are damaged, there occurs leaking of CPK resulting in high CPK levels. Destruction of the muscles of the heart or brain causes high CPK. Creatine phosphokinase is of three types which is measured and evaluated, i.e. CPK located in the brain (CK-BB), located in the heart (CK-MB) and located in the skeletal muscles (CK-MM). Hence, with the presence of these specific CPK, one can determine the exact damaged part or tissue from three of them. More specific tests can be done accordingly and treatment for the condition is given. For example, in case of a heart attack, the CKP specifically the CK-MB gets elevated within a few hours of the attack. This raised level does not go down immediately and can be detected after 18-24 hours of the incidence as well. After the mentioned time, the level slowly starts to get down and attain the normal level. Hence, after finding the elevated level of CK-MB, troponin, more specific tests to confirm the diagnosis can be done.

Similarly, the other two levels CK-BB and CK-MM can be done in case of any trauma causing damage to skeletal muscles, other forms of muscle damage, stroke or other conditions damaging brain muscles or skeletal muscles.

Signs and Symptoms

Elevated levels of CPK can cause various signs and symptoms as per the underlying condition and it is usually raised in emergency conditions like stroke and heart attack, thus, must not be overlooked.

Symptoms involving cardiac system along with the increased level of creatine phosphokinase:

  • Pain in chest
  • Feeling of pressure on chest
  • Breathing is heavy and difficult
  • Radiating pain in the arm or sometimes jaw
  • Feeling of dizziness
  • Profuse perspiration
  • Heart rate is increased which is also known as tachycardia

Symptoms linked to other systems in the body along with the elevated CPK:

  • Changes in vision or may be complete vision loss (temporary)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Speech is slurred
  • Pain and stiffness in muscles
  • Numbness or weakness especially on one side of body
  • General weakness

Causes

As we have already learned that damage to skeletal muscles, muscles of heart or brain results in high CPK. Now, let us see the specific disease condition which can cause it and the marker can help in their diagnosis:

  • Myocarditis
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Stroke
  • Polymyositis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Alcohol withdrawal resulting in delirium tremens
  • Injury to the brain tissue
  • Trauma

Treatment

First of all, it is necessary to know the exact cause of the raised CPK level (found out in the CPK test) and then the treatment should be started. If it is a case of any of the mentioned emergency conditions, then the patient should be stabilized first after that the treatment for the underlying cause is to be given.

Ayurveda can play a vital role in this condition as there are several herbs that work wonderfully on the heart, skeletal and brain muscles and helps in recovery from the damages caused as well as prevent the damage itself. Ayurveda has been used to treat various ailments since ages through natural modes of treatment and also have taught us all to live more naturally to maintain a general health.

Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well-known name in the field of herbal pharmaceuticals which deals in the herbal medicines and products that are used to treat various chronic and acute ailments. For high CPK, there are specific medicines which help to regain the normal level and mend the damage as well. All of these herbal remedies are free from any sort of chemicals, additives, colors, and yeast, etc. Each remedy is purely vegetarian, herbal and natural. Following are the Herbal Supplements recommended for this case:

Product list

  1. Arjuna Capsule
  2. Boswellia Curcumin
  3. Neurogin Capsule
  4. Kaishore Guggul
  5. Navkarshik Churna

Herbal Supplements for CPK Test

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Product Description

1. Arjuna Capsule

Terminalia arjuna is the herb used in standardized extract form to prepare these amazing cardioprotective herbal capsules. This herb is widely known for its therapeutic action on the heart, hence Arjuna capsules help in rejuvenating the healthy muscles of the heart and also strengthen them against any future risk.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

These herbal capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of two wonderful medicinal herbs, i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa- Curcumin is the active component of this herb). Boswellia curcumin capsules help in relieving the pain and weakness of muscles, numbness, and treat the damage caused to the muscles, naturally.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Neurogin Capsule

As the name suggests Neurogin capsules strengthen the nerves and relieves their weakness. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are used in the standardized form in the formulation of these therapeutic capsules. Neurogin capsules help in treating paralysis, and work well on weakness and numbness, also strengthens the overall body.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Kaishore Guggul

Herbs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. are used for the preparation of Kaishore guggul herbal tablets. These tablets help in eliminating the toxins and harmful substances from the blood, relieves inflammation, regulates proper metabolism and have many more benefits. Also, in high CPK, it relieves the symptoms and prevents excessive damage to the muscles.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

5. Navkarshik Churna

The basic root cause of the elevated CPK can be treated with this churna. Navkarshik churna helps in maintaining healthy metabolism of the body and hence prevent the abnormal accumulation of toxins inside the body, which when not controlled can damage the heart muscles, the brain muscles or the skeletal muscles. This herbal churna complements the action of other remedies like Kaishore guggul and helps to treat the ailment. Various herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica ), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. are used in this formulation.

Dosage– Take 1 teaspoon in evening after meals with plain water.

Conclusion

High CPK can be life threatening in many conditions, hence there should be proper treatment for it. All the details discussed about the test, its significance and Ayurvedic management will help in proper evaluation of the condition and management. So, stay connected to the Nature, prevent yourself and get rid of such diseases without any adverse effects.

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January 14, 2021

How to Balance your Health through Ayurveda

Ayurveda literally means the science or the knowledge of life. But, in practical terms, it has a meaning much beyond words. It is the glory of Ayurveda that an ancient science that flourished over thousands of years ago still holds a crucial part in governing the health of even the most modern generations. Ayurveda gives primary importance to diet, lifestyle, moral values etc along with natural medicines. More than being a health-care system, it shows us a way of life and urges to follow a middle path by avoiding the extremes. The core of Ayurveda emphasizes a customised approach due to the unique constitution of each individual. However, the fundamental rules for a healthy life are mentioned in general to be followed by everyone. Acharya Susrutha holds the view that you are considered to be healthy if the doshas (vata, pitta and kapha), agni (digestive fire), dhatus (tissues) and malas (waste products) are in the balanced state along with spiritual, mental and sensory well-being. So, to keep these in order, we need to follow a certain age-appropriate food regimen and routine daily and seasonally. Let us go for some general rules to balance our health.
Balance-Your-Health-Through-Ayurveda,

For healthy living, food and water have to be taken only when hunger and thirst strike. That is, listen to nature’s call. Frequent eating habits are not at all to be encouraged. It hampers the digestive process and eventually leads to diseases. A minimum of 3 hours and maximum of 6 hours is necessary to be kept in between the meals for proper balance. Digestive fire (Agni) is given utmost importance in Ayurveda and once it is on the right track, rest everything gets corrected automatically. Each one of us would be possessing a different range of digesting capacity and should learn to eat and drink accordingly. For that, the golden rule of “50% solid, 25% liquid and 25% empty space” has to be followed during the meal times. Moreover, eatables should be chewed well before swallowing which initiates proper digestion from the mouth itself. For a well- balanced diet, all tastes should be included regularly, as single taste usage disturbs the dosha balance in the long run. As per Ayurveda, the order of consumption of tastes in a particular meal should be in the order of sweet, sour, salt, bitter and astringent successively. This helps in stabilizing the Doshas and easing the digestion. Moreover, seasonal variations have also been explained in terms of taste predominance, say, for example, excess salt, sour and pungent tastes should be avoided in summer and intake of sweet taste should predominate. Similarly, season-specific changes should be made in the diet.

Food items like red rice, green gram, pomegranate, raisins, rock salt, cow ghee, ginger etc can be used regularly in the right amount whereas black gram, mustard, curd, beef etc are not meant for regular use. A list of incompatible food items (Viruddhahara) has been mentioned clearly by various scholars whose regular intake may act as a slow poison and destroy their health gradually. Some among them are milk and jaggery, milk and fruits, chicken and curd, plantain and buttermilk, wheat preparations in sesame oil etc.

There are so many misconceptions revolving around drinking water while having food. The fact is, Ayurveda advises obese people to drink some water before food and for lean persons, it is suggested after food. Although, little amount of water, buttermilk or rice gruel can also be taken along with food for aiding proper digestion.

Apart from these, filling the tummies just before taking bath hinders the digestion which in turn affects the body balance. Hence, better to enjoy the food after the shower, with a calm mind leaving behind all hurry buries.

Balance-Your-Health-Through-Ayurveda,

Talking about sleep habits, even though ‘brahma muhurtha’ (one and a half hours before sunrise) is suggested to be the best time to wake up, it would be beneficial to be awake at least by sunrise or as early as possible. This routine upgrades the health of healthy people and is for those who sleep on time (by around 9 or 10 pm), as 7-8 hours of sleep is mandatory. Those people can deviate from this, who are debilitated from any disease or who need to be awake at night (though not advisable). For them, day-sleep is advocated for almost half the duration of deprived sleep at night. Except for those exhausted from illness, extremely tired, old-age people and children, day-sleep has been contraindicated for all others as it may result in obesity and diseases due to over-nourishment.

Don’t ever think that following the rules of food is enough for health. Any kind of physical activity or exercise should be executed according to one’s strength. Since over-exercise and no exercise are equally harmful, following a mild exercise would be adequate for proper blood circulation and maintaining the equilibrium.

Further to this, Ayurveda mentions about the suppressible and non – suppressible urges whose violation leads to disturbances in body functions. Urges of flatus, urine, stools, sneeze, thirst, yawning, hunger, sleep, cough, panting, tears, vomit and semen should never be suppressed. Similarly, forceful action of un-manifested urges too results in diseases. Meanwhile, it directs us to overcome the urges of anger, ego, greed, fear, grief, jealousy, over-exertion, violence, stealing, speaking harsh words, lying etc for physical as well as mental well being.

Different varieties of herbs can be made use in our day-to-day life for supporting our health. Twigs from Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Madhuka (Glycyrriza globra) and Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) can be used for brushing the teeth which should be changed after every use. It helps in pacifying the kapha dosha and clears the mouth. Similarly, Gandusha and Kavala can be done with suitable liquids like milk, honey, water, rice gruel etc which gives nourishment and strength to the facial muscles and teeth. It also enhances taste, prevents throat dryness and cracking of lips. Herbs like Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Khadira (Acacia catechu), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Ela (Elettaria cardomomum), coriander etc can be used wisely, according to seasons and diseases, in boiling water for drinking.

Ayurveda is a treasure trove of many such preventive as well as curative remedies that need to be followed by each and every one of us. From that ocean of knowledge, some simple yet effective rules and techniques have been covered here, in order to live in balance.

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