Holistic Health Information A Holistic Approach to Heart Health

February is heart health month, and a month that we focus on love, because of Valentine’s Day. But, it’s also a good time to love yourself, and your let your heart chakra (energy center for the heart) be expanded by giving to yourself, and healing the heart physically and emotionally.

Heart disease is the number one killer in our society, yet, many of its causes are preventable.

High cholesterol is one of the primary epidemics in this country. We see commercials for drugs that are given to those that suffer from this condition bombarding the media daily. The propaganda that a high fat diet is the primary cause of cholesterol issues is simply not true. Cholesterol is a molecule that the liver produces to make our sex hormones and other hormonal products in the body. It also is manufactured to plug up inflammatory damage to the arteries – it is the way the body fills in the holes caused by inflammation in our vascular system and heart.

The cholesterol drugs just stop the liver from releasing the cholesterol it produces, eventually causing a fatty liver. That is why patients are told to have liver tests every 90 days, in order to monitor the health of their liver, when taking these drugs. Reducing inflammation in the body is primary in preventing many diseases, and eliminating or reducing high cholesterol production.

There are many nutritional nutrients and herbs that control and reduce inflammation, and keep our circulatory system healthy and free of damage. A great formula I use and prescribe in my practice is Cholestar. In addition, reducing or eliminating the intake of inflammatory foods (coffee, alcohol, sugar, trans fats, preservatives, & gluten) is a must in achieving a healthy heart.

Homocysteine is another harmful molecule that causes damage to the circulatory system, by injuring the lining of the arteries, and causing the body to create clots that lead to strokes. This molecule is produced because of exposure to pollution, food preservatives, toxins in the environment, and free radicals. There are also nutrients that neutralize this chemical, and keep our circulatory system functional and healthy. One nutrient formula I prescribe for this is called Methyl SP. This formula assists the liver in functioning optimally to neutralize homocysteine.

Reducing stress is also another necessity in maintaining heart health. The higher the stress, the more likely it is that inflammation and free radical damage will double or triple its detrimental effects on the heart and circulatory system. Massage, yoga, meditation, hot baths, the daily restorative pose, and exercise are some of the ways that we can contribute and implement preventative measures.

Contact me to learn more about holistic approaches to heart health.

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Holistic Health Information A Holistic Approach to Heart Health

Heart disease is still the number one killer in the nation. Preventative measures include a whole foods and varied diet, that consists of high fiber foods such as ground flax seeds, vegetables and fruits. There is also a need for Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce bad cholesterol.

Cholesterol is not the only factor that can causes heart disease Exposure to homocysteine, a molecule that is destructive to blood vessels and can cause blood clots and heart attacks, must be kept in check by consumption of Vitamin B12, B6, trimethylglycine, choline, folic acid, and minerals.

Aerobic exercise is also crucial for heart muscle health and strength, as well as reducing overall stress. Hardening of the arteries has long been associated with the production of damaging molecules, called iNOS- inducible nitric oxide, which our body produces when there is inflammation, autoimmune deregulation, or disease. We also produce a nitric oxide that is reparative to blood vessels, but we may not have the raw materials to produce enough. There is now a supplement called Nitric Balance, which provides these nutrients, and helps heal blood vessels, and soften arteries.

Chiropractic adjustments can also improve heart health, as they have been proven to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is another concern, which is a consequence of life stress and weight gain. Reducing stress and maintaining adrenal health go a long way to reducing blood pressure, and supporting heart health.

Contact me to learn more about holistic approaches to heart health.

More holistic health information.

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