Articles

Heart Health: What Can the Average Person Do...

To Increase the Odds of Maintaining a Health Heart?

By Tracey Shambach, CNHP, Health Food Center

The link between good nutrition and good health has long been established. Clinical studies have revealed that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good fats and fiber help to maintain a healthy heart. Special problems with the typical western diet are the high levels of fat and animal protein combined with large amounts of salt and sugar. These diet combinations lead to numerous health problems including hypertension and heart disease. While there are not substitutes for a healthy diet and regular exercise, the natural market does offer some help aimed maintaining and in some cases improving cardiovascular health.

There are many supplements on the market that offer such benefits as reduced blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and stronger arterial walls. The most popular supplements include Hawthorne, CoQ10, cayenne, garlic, fish oils, vitamin E, and magnesium. Hawthorne, a plant, has medical applications that date back to renaissance time. It acts to increase the heart’s ability to pump blood and move blood more effectively throughout the body. Hawthorne prevents hardening of the arteries and is excellent for vascular insufficiency and irregular pulse. Hawthorne can be taken on a long-term basis without any negative side effects.

CoQ10 is another cardiovascular supplement that has gained attention in recent years as a naturally occurring enzyme found in heart tissue. Although the body does produce some CoQ10, levels decline with age. CoQ10 is important for the cardiovascular system because it is responsible for supplying energy at a cellular level. Deficiency is common in cardio patients that take statin drugs. These cholesterol lowering drugs can deplete the bodies CoQ10 levels. CoQ10 is safe and effective for treating both hypertension and congestive heart failure and it has also been reported to help regenerate heart tissue.

Cayenne pepper is another cardiovascular supplement that acts as a stimulant to increase blood flow and heart action but not blood pressure. It is said to prevent strokes and heart attacks by equalizing blood circulation. Cayenne can improve the ratio of HDL cholesterol which has a protective effect on LDL cholesterol which can increase heart disease risk.

Garlic has often been recommended in place of aspirin for heart health because it inhibits the tendency of blood to clot and does not have side effects. Garlic has well researched benefits for lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and as a general tonic for the cardiovascular system.

Fish oils that contain omega 3 fatty acids have special properties that appear to reduce inflammatory changes in the body and can protect against abnormal blood clotting. Fish oils help open up blood vessels so blood can flow with less constriction, lowering blood pressure in some people.

Vitamin E is helpful in protecting against coronary heart disease by preventing the formation of plaque producing cells in artery walls. It improves circulation and helps dissolve and prevent blood clots. Current RDA for vitamin E is 400 IU.

It is also important to get adequate amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These three minerals are part of a group known as electrolytes that are known to normalize blood pressure. A deficiency of electrolytes, particularly magnesium, can contribute to irregular heart beat, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Along with these supplements and regular exercise, the mind/body connection plays an important role in health. It is important to take time for yourself, let go of anger and resentment, listen to your intuition, and find joy in your life.