HEART HEALTH
Description
Body System
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1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 helps regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of heart disease. By supporting calcium metabolism and endothelial function, it plays a critical role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
2. Potassium: Potassium regulates the electrical signals in the myocardium, helping maintain a healthy heart rhythm. Its role in balancing electrolytes is essential for preventing irregular heartbeats and supporting overall heart function.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium helps regulate heartbeats by relaxing the myocardium and balancing calcium levels. It plays a key role in preventing irregular heart rhythms and supporting coordinated heart function.
4. Calcium: Calcium supports each heartbeat by aiding in the contraction of heart muscle cells. It helps transmit electrical signals, ensuring the heart pumps blood effectively and maintains proper rhythm.
5. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and improve heart function. Their ability to decrease the risk of heart disease makes them essential for long-term cardiovascular health.
6. Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]: Coenzyme Q10 acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and supporting energy production in heart cells. This helps improve heart function, especially in individuals with heart failure.
7. Vitamin C: Vitamin C’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help regulate blood pressure and improve endothelial function. By boosting nitric oxide production, it supports better blood flow and cardiovascular protection.
8. Probiotics: Probiotics help lower cardiovascular risks by reducing inflammation, lowering LDL cholesterol, and increasing HDL cholesterol. They also support blood vessel dilation, helping regulate blood pressure and improve heart health.
1. Garlic Extract: Garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting heart health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
2. Hawthorn Extract: Hawthorn improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the heart muscle. It supports overall heart health by promoting healthy circulation and reducing strain on the cardiovascular system.
3. Red Yeast Rice Extract: Red yeast rice contains monacolins that inhibit cholesterol synthesis, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. This action helps reduce the risk of heart disease and supports overall cardiovascular health.
4. Beta Glucan: Beta glucan forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, trapping cholesterol and preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. This action helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, promoting better cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husk forms a viscous gel in the digestive system, which binds to cholesterol and prevents it from being absorbed. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, psyllium husk supports heart health and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
6. Curcumin: Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting cardiovascular health. It also improves endothelial function by boosting nitric oxide production, which enhances blood flow.
7. Ginger Extract: Ginger lowers blood pressure and cholesterol while improving circulation. Its anti-inflammatory properties support overall heart function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
8. Sterols / Stanols: Plant sterols and stanols lower LDL cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestines. This action helps reduce heart disease risk and supports healthier cholesterol levels.
9. Bergamot Essential Oil: Bergamot essential oil promotes nitric oxide production, improving endothelial function and blood flow. Its vasodilatory effects support overall heart health and help maintain healthy blood pressure.
10. Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon essential oil helps lower blood pressure by calming the nervous system. It may also reduce LDL cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, supporting better heart health.
11. Milk Thistle Extract: Milk thistle’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, driven by silymarin, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. It also supports healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reducing heart disease risk.
12. Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract supports heart health by enhancing endothelial function and improving blood vessel dilation through increased nitric oxide production. it also reduces oxidative stress, which together help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar supports heart health by potentially reducing blood pressure, improving lipid profiles, and regulating blood sugar levels. Its acetic acid content helps inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and promotes satiety, contributing to cardiovascular wellness.
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture may reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, and alleviate cardiovascular symptoms like angina and arrhythmias. Key points, such as PC6 (Neiguan) near the wrist and ST36 (Zusanli) below the knee, help promote better blood flow and support heart health.
2. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy with essential oils like lemon and bergamot may help reduce stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure. By relieving stress, aromatherapy supports cardiovascular well-being and promotes heart health.
3. Ayurveda: Ayurveda's herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes, support heart health by reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting balance in the body. These holistic approaches enhance cardiovascular wellness.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Not Applicable
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
The dietary choices that support heart health include the following:
a whole-foods-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein.
foods containing anti-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids [fish, seafood, avocados, nuts, seeds], vitamin C [a range of vegetables and fruits], polyphenols [vegetables and fruits], curcumin [turmeric root], allicin [garlic], etc.
antioxidant-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits.
lean protein, such as white fish, poultry, lean beef, pork loin, beans, peas, and lentils.
healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
fresh and dried herbs and spices for flavoring.
drinking mineral water, herbal teas, and moderate amounts of coffee.
Other recommendations include:
intermittent fasting.
getting quality sleep.
stress reduction through meditation, mindfulness, or yoga practice.
spending time in nature and getting daily fresh air.
regular physical activity.
maintaining a healthy weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
spending time with family and friends.
take care of your dental health. The buildup of pathogenic bacteria and the development of inflammation in the oral cavity have been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Things To Avoid
Foods that do not promote heart health include:
processed, packaged, junk, and fast foods. They are high in trans fatty acids, added sugar, sodium, and a range of food additives.
sugar and products that contain it. Sugar is inflammatory and impacts lipid profiles and blood sugar levels. It contributes to all inflammatory health conditions.
refined carbohydrates, which greatly contribute to the development of metabolic disorders and impact cardiovascular functioning.
excessive alcohol consumption.
Furthermore, the following habits and practices also do not support heart health:
smoking.
sedentary lifestyle.
lack of physical activity.
overeating.
being overweight and obese.
social isolation.
unresolved mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, etc.
the use of certain prescription medications.