NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE HEART HEALTH

Nutritional strategies to improve heart health

Posted by: Natalie Robins, staff writer in Reverse Heart Disease December 22, 2014 0


heart in hands(NaturalHealth365) Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and stroke – which is a type of heart disease – is fourth. Of course, this means big business for conventional medicine with an annual cost of about $300 billion and growing.

With frequently strong ties to drug companies and easy access to medications, conventionally-trained physicians are quick to prescribe drugs to treat heart disease and its symptoms. However, besides being costly, these drugs have unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Thankfully, these toxic drugs are NOT your only option, since many nutritional supplements can improve heart health – at a fraction of the cost in pain and dollars.
Some of the best ways to nutritionally treat heart disease

Doctors are likely to fall back on prescription drugs when they notice hypertension or elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels. What they don’t always tell you is that poor nutrition is one of the biggest causes of heart disease. And, of course, their schooling leaves them with little knowledge as to how to cure any chronic disease condition.

For example, does your doctor understand that omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides, moderate blood pressure, and lower LDL cholesterol?  You can get omega-3s from wild-caught fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and from plant-based sources such as flaxseed and walnuts.  To avoid cellular inflammation and damage to the circulatory system – keep your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio around 1 to 1.

Garlic is one of the most powerful herbs for heart health – thanks to its active compound called allicin. One study looked at the effects of garlic on blood pressure. Dr. Kurt M. Reinhart and colleagues at Hartford Hospital concluded that this “suggests that garlic is associated with blood pressure reductions in patients with an elevated systolic blood pressure.”

Vitamin C and D are widely known to help lower the risk of degenerative diseases – especially heart disease and cancer. In addition, the B vitamins – B6, B12, and folic acid – can lower the risk of a stroke.

And, finally, foods (or supplements) rich in flavonoids derived from chocolate, berries, and apples, plus DHEA, a hormone, can substantially improve heart health.  If you’re suffering with heart disease – find a trusted, (experienced) healthcare provider to help guide you through the healing process.
It’s time to take charge of your own heart health

If possible, try not to rely – completely – on doctors to care for your heart issues – day to day. If you do not take steps to care for yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally – you may find yourself, in the doctors office, with a high blood pressure reading or a ‘negative’ blood test result. And, generally speaking, that doctor will then try to push a prescription drug in your direction.

Instead, take the initiative and get on top of your heart health – before it’s too late. Build the foundation of a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, such as jogging, hiking, or any enjoyable physical activity, most days of the week. Enjoy a balanced diet filled with fresh (organic) food – including lots of vegetables and unprocessed foods.

Finally, consider taking nutritional supplements to eliminate certain nutritional deficiencies and protect yourself from excessive oxidative stress. Many nutrients are worth taking, in supplement form, especially if your current health status demands a little extra help.

Bottom line, do what you can – naturally – to minimize your exposure to toxins and nourish your body. Heart disease is an unnatural occurrence and CAN be avoided with simple changes to diet and lifestyle habits.

References:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124121545.htm
http://www.lef.org//Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07?source=search&key=flaxseed%20dha%20heart
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19017826
- See more at: http://www.naturalhealth365.com/heart-health-fatty-acids-alicin-1255.html#sthash.N7jnyOYG.dpuf