The Heart's Enemy Hidden in your Plate

Lucknow : According to Dr. Tausif Alvi, Lucknow's cuisine, renowned for its Nawabi culture and delicious cuisine, is now posing a threat to heart health. Dishes like kebabs, biryani, chaat, and pickles are the city's pride, but the high levels of hidden salt and sodium in them are slowly making people sick.

This is why the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) is rapidly increasing in Lucknow, and this disease is no longer limited to the elderly; young and middle-aged people are also falling prey to it.

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it damages the body without any symptoms. Excess sodium retains water in the body, increases blood volume, and puts additional pressure on the arteries. This constant pressure has serious effects on the heart, kidneys, and brain.

Dr. Tausif Alvi, a physician at BCC Plaza, Tikaitganj Chowk, Lucknow, says: “Lucknow's cuisine is a cultural identity, but this identity is now taking a toll on our health. The use of salt in every meal has become so common that people don't realize the dangerous amount of sodium they are consuming daily. Excess salt in kebabs, the brine in pickles, bakery bread, and packaged snacks—all of these are gradually weakening our hearts. Today, high blood pressure is common not only among the elderly, but also among the young and working class. Now is the time to seriously understand the dangers of hidden salt, just as we have learned to be cautious with sugar.”

The problem isn't just with salt added to food. Hidden sodium in everyday items like papad, pickles, chutneys, namkeen, biscuits, bread, instant noodles, fried foods, and cold drinks increases people's intake many times over. Lucknow's plate is unknowingly adding far more salt than the WHO's recommended limit (5 grams per day).

The city's lifestyle is also exacerbating this risk. Heavy and oily meals late at night, lack of physical activity, stress, and a habit of eating out—all of these are contributing to the rise in the incidence of heart disease in Lucknow. Doctors say that cases of blood pressure and obesity have increased alarmingly among young patients in the last few years.

However, solutions are possible. Awareness and small changes can reduce this risk. Such as enhancing the flavor with lemon and spices, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting pickles and papads, and avoiding packaged snacks. Also, choosing low-salt options at restaurants.

Exercise is also crucial for keeping the heart safe. Morning and evening walks, cycling on the Gomti Riverfront, yoga and pranayama in parks, or simply a 30-minute brisk walk can help control blood pressure. Additionally, regular health checkups can help detect illness early and prevent major risks.

Lucknow's cuisine is its hallmark, but this identity shouldn't become a burden on health. By making dietary and lifestyle changes now, the city can preserve its rich culinary heritage while also protecting its people's heart health.