Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today. More than 800,000 people will die from heart disease this year. With these numbers in mind, it behooves us to consider things we can do to lessen the odds of becoming a statistic. Disclaimer – before simply taking my advice, it would be wise to do your own research and consult your doctor, especially if you have heart issues.
First, we need to remember that good nutrition, regular exercise, and deep sleep provide the foundation for good health. Also, it is best to avoid smoking and excessive drinking. Cannabis use (smoking, eating, or vaping) is another factor that has been linked to cardiovascular problems. In 2022, Danish researchers found that even the use of medical marijuana was associated with a 64 percent higher risk of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Besides avoiding the bad stuff and eating well, what can we do to foster good heart health and ward off disease? Consider adding the following to your regular routine. Your heart will thank you.
Nattokinase (NATTO) is a fermented soybean dish that is considered a Japanese super food. Available in supplement form, natto breaks down unwanted blood clots by digesting fibrin. Fibrin is a protein needed for blood clotting. It is needed when you have a wound to repair. But when your body is inflamed, clumps of fibrin can form, contributing to atherosclerosis. Natto is a potent blood clot dissolving protein used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Natto is often taken along with ginseng.
Garlic offers tremendous benefits for heart health. Garlic contains the compound y-glutamyl cysteines which can lower blood pressure. Garlic contains allicin which can prevent LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidizing. Garlic has also been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots (thrombosis).
To protect against the buildup of plaque, include tocotrienols on your list of good things to take. Tocotrienols are a type of vitamin E that provide super powerful antioxidant protection for the heart and are especially beneficial if you suffer from angina. Tocotrienols are available in supplement form and can be taken along with vitamin K2, vitamin D3, and vitamin C. K2 prevents calcium buildup in the arteries by directing calcium into the bone and is usually taken along with D3. Vitamin C also helps protect the inside of your arteries. Note – when taking vitamin C, be sure that it is whole food vitamin C, not just synthetic ascorbic acid.
Berberine is a Chinese super berry (also available in supplement form) that regulates blood sugar levels, supports your immune system, improves cardiovascular health, and can give you increased energy.
Another fruit (or capsule) to add to your diet is the lime-like citrus bergamot from Italy. It promotes heart health, manages blood lipids, and is anti-inflammatory.
Next we have niacin (a B3 vitamin – be sure to get the straight niacin, not the non-flush kind) and TUDCA (a bile acid). Both are very good for cholesterol problems.
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is an especially beneficial antioxidant for the heart. It is good to take if there is any damage to the heart, or if you are simply aging. CoQ10 provides energy for the heart muscle, and that’s a very good thing.
Potassium and magnesium are also beneficial for the heart, especially if you have an arrhythmia.
A ll of the B vitamins are vital for heart health. A good source of vitamin B is nutritional yeast (this is not the same as brewer’s yeast).
If you have an enlarged heart, be sure to take B12 along with TUDCA, previously mentioned.
Other things to include in your diet to maximize your heart health include: pomegranate juice (very good for your blood), beets and all red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables – full of carotenoids and flavonoids), onions (super healthy and full of organic sulfur compounds), Omega 3 fatty acids – found in fish (try canned sardines).
If all these possibilities are too much to consider, let me leave you with two simple, easy to make, quick drink options for heart health.
The first is a simple shot to help keep your blood pumping and your arteries clear. Fill a small glass with 1-2 oz. of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), add a small amount of chia seeds and a dash of cayenne pepper. Drink it fast.The other is cinnamon coffee. If you do nothing else, simply add a dash of cinnamon to your coffee each morning. Cinnamon coffee is amazingly good for your heart. Drink it and live!
© 2024 Jody Dyer typewriterweekly.com
