Cardiovascular Wellness

I like the term cardiovascular wellness better than cardiovascular disease. I believe that it is beneficial to the patient to look at this as a way to be well not adding the stress of pronouncing yourself with a dreaded disease. That being said there are many things you can do to improve and/or protect your cardiovascular wellness. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in this country and there is a lot than can be done to prevent it and move into a wellness scenario.

Diet and lifestyle are the first things you will want to address. Yes the same old advice exercise, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet avoiding fast food and junk food. Decrees stress, eat your vegetables, but you already know all that! Did you know that most heart attacks happen on Monday’s? The stress of being overworked at a job you hate can cause this. Finding a job that you love or a career that you are passionate about and feeling as though you are helping others can cut this unnecessary stress. If finances are a consideration in your lifestyle decisions try disconnecting the cable television and spend that money on a massage or chiropractic adjustment. Save up for a vacation, or visit the public library. I love to go for a nice walk after dinner and curl up with a good book before bed. Buy some hiking boots and go for relaxing walk each morning or evening instead of watching the depressing news. Just being out in nature (which is free) can lower your stress levels significantly. Here is another “did you know” question, did you know that eating garlic can lower cholesterol? There are many natural ways to take care of your heart health.

There are some supplements that can be beneficial to cardiovascular wellness:

CoQ10 is naturally orange and found in nearly every cell of the body. CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound needed to generate cellular energy in the mitochondria, and it’s found in the high concentrations in the heart, immune system, liver and kidneys. Containing antioxidant properties, CoQ10 helps protects cell membranes by defending them against free radical damage, and is a beneficial nutrient for supporting heart function.

Omega-3’s (found in fish oils) are critical to human health and provide the structural integrity for all your cells. ALA, EPA and DHA are incorporated into cell membranes and are necessary for effective cell function, normal growth and proper development. When it comes to your health, the omega-3s—especially EPA and DHA—are most notably studied and recommended for the beneficial role they play in heart health. Supportive but not conclusive research show that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3s fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Vitamin D deficiencies can be detrimental to the heart and you can get that free from the sun. A Harvard study found that people with low vitamin D levels had twice the risk of developing a heart attack compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels.

Arginine Some evidence shows that arginine may help improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart. That may improve symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pain or angina, and coronary artery disease.

Submitted by Tricia @ Nutrition by Tricia