In keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme, we will be discussing ways to keep your heart healthy by using natural alternatives and supplements. We all know how important it is to take care of your heart. There are many things that can go wrong with your body that either start with poor heart health or lead to poor heart health.

 

For example, with diabetes, one can develop heart disease, bad cholesterol levels, and even poor circulation much quicker than a healthy person could. Poor circulation leads to neuropathy, which is the deadening of nerves in the feet and legs. This can be a very dangerous situation, because a person wouldn’t be able to feel extreme heat or cold and damage their feet very quickly. It’s not uncommon for a diabetic to develop horrible burns or gangrene in a few days because they don’t know that their foot has been injured. They just can’t feel it.

 

Fortunately, heart disease can be controlled by healthy eating, regular exercise, and a daily supplement regimen (approved by your doctor, of course). I know, I know…you don’t want to hear about exercise, but a little walk around the block once in a while wouldn’t hurt. Your heart needs to exercise, too. It is, after all, a muscle.

 

As far as supplements go, there are quite a few to choose from, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor what works for you. There may be something that reacts badly with medication you are taking, especially with herbs, as most medication is created from some part of a plant to begin with. The rest are primarily synthetic and man-made.

 

Garlic is a great way to keep your circulatory system in good working order. (And it’s good for keeping the vampires away, too!) Scientists have discovered that garlic lowers bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raises good cholesterol levels, reduces the formation of plaque (fat) in the arteries, and provides anti-aging properties to the aorta (the part of your heart that regulates blood pressure and flow).

 

Clinical studies have also been done on the Hawthorn tree (crataegus oxyancantha). As you may have guessed by the botanical name, it is extremely helpful with the oxidation process. The fruit, leaves and flowers all contain antioxidants that help with the symptoms of atherosclerosis, prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the liver, and when used for long periods of time, will dilate the blood vessels, improving blood flow throughout the body.

 

Cayenne is also good for heart health. In addition to its metabolism-boosting qualities, it also contains capsaicin (yep, that’s where the drug comes from). Cayenne pepper is known to lower cholesterol, lessen blood clotting, and improve capillary strength. However, you should NOT use it if you have acid reflux or any other stomach-related problems. It will only make matters worse.

 

If you have anxiety-related heart issues, your doctor might suggest Valerian, a European herb. It has been used for centuries to calm nerves, ease hypertension, and calm hyperactivity. It is also used to treat symptoms associated with panic attack, tension headaches, and insomnia.

 

It never hurts to be eating a plant-based diet, either. There are many foods out there that contain high levels of antioxidants, and are perfect for maintaining good hearth health. Berries are among the top. Blueberries, their European cousin bilberries, strawberries, and several wild berries are all excellent.

 

After all this talk about eating healthy, I’m sure the last thing you would expect me to say is to eat more fat, right? Well, this is a good fat, and is highly recommended in the medical field. Omega-3 fatty acids are the superhero of heart health. Not only will they lower your cholesterol, but also your triglycerides will drop dramatically. I speak by personal experience on this one. In a year’s time, I went from being over 300 to below 100 points on my triglycerides. It works, and it’s fabulous.

 

You can find Omega-3 in liquid gel cap form, or by eating fish on a regular basis. If you are vegetarian, you may decide on freshly pressed flax oil, taken daily either by tablespoon or added to salads or cooked vegetables. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3’s. If you decide to go the way of the supplement to lower your triglycerides, be sure the supplement you are taking contains both EPA (eicosapent-aenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Your doctor will recommend the proper dosage for you, but it is recommended that you take six gel caps per day if good triglycerides are your ultimate goal. Also, you don’t want to take it right before bed, as the fish oil may come back up and cause heart burn all night (again, personal experience).

 

Now we get to talk about exercise (insert groans and whining here…). Just a few basics will be mentioned here, and it will be left up to the reader to decide what is best for them. As with all exercise, you should have a thorough warm up and cool down time to properly acclimate your body. This includes stretching, and perhaps even a massage from a licensed therapist. If you have a heart condition, you should avoid steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs. This could lead to hyperthermia or dehydration. On the same note, avoid exercises that will raise the thoracic, intracranial, or blood pressure, such as prolonged muscular contractions, tightly gripping dumbbells or handlebars, or excessive over-the-head arm work. Keep your breathing consistent, and stop if you feel yourself straining. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, and be sure to hydrate before, during, and after exercise. Aerobic and resistance training are excellent ways to strengthen your heart, but be careful not to overdo it. Movement is more important than bigger muscles, so if you are in pain, take it a little easier for a few days and give your body time to rest. If you are suspicious about your symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.