How’s Your Heart?

This month, we’ll be focusing on heart health, looking at underlying factors and how you can support your cardiovascular system through optimal nutrition. According to the CDC, 1 in every 4 deaths in the U.S. are due to Heart Disease. Drugs and surgery are common approaches when it comes to treatment, but fail to address the root of the problem, while carrying a wide array of harmful effects. So what’s the alternative? First, let’s look at the potential underlying causes. 

Inflammation 

Chronic inflammation lies at the root of most diseases. Inflammation can be triggered by a variety of things, including poor diet and lifestyle, mold and chemical exposure, pathogens and stress. While acute, short-term inflammation, which happens when you get a cut or injury, is a healthy response, chronic inflammation is dangerous. It can be reduced drastically though, through a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. 

Free Radical Damage 

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause significant damage to our cells, tissues and DNA, through a process called “Oxidative Stress”. Free radicals are formed by eating a poor diet, high in sugar and processed foods, trans-fats and rancid fats, having poor lifestyle habits and are even generated through exercise. Therefore, it is imperative that we consume an antioxidant-rich diet to counter this free radical damage and its affects on the cardiovascular system. 

Cholesterol  

You’ve probably been told that you must avoid fatty foods to get your cholesterol levels down and prevent heart disease. Cholesterol is an essential component of our cells, released by the body to patch up the resulting damage to arteries due to oxidative stress. It is necessary for hormone production, neurological function and vitamin D synthesis. Additionally, only about 20-30% of cholesterol comes from our diet, with the rest being synthesized by the liver. That being said, keeping your cholesterol levels in check and having the right ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol is critical for optimal cardiovascular health. 

High Blood Pressure 

In addition to a poor diet, common pathogens, gut imbalances and allergies are underlying factors of high blood pressure, due to the vasoconstrictive and inflammatory effects of the toxins they produce. Addressing these primary issues and imbalances with a natural practitioner through diet and supplementation, is a much better option than long-term medication use. 

Diabetes 

High blood sugar levels or diabetes, caused primarily by an unhealthy diet, is a significant factor in heart disease. According to the NIH, the chances of dying from heart disease or stroke doubles for those with diabetes, compared to those without. Keeping your blood sugar stable and in a healthy range, is also extremely important in preventing excess free radical damage to arteries and blood vessels. Moreover, glucose (sugar) has the ability to inhibit the use of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by the cells, therefore, raising cholesterol levels.  

Stress and Sadness 

It’s common knowledge that stress contributes to poor heart health. Increased cortisol, the stress hormone, is linked to elevated levels of inflammation, high blood pressure and poor circulation. What may not be as commonly known, is that heart problems may be associated with a lack of joy in life. Doing things you enjoy and practicing gratitude are two easy ways to support your heart! 

Other Factors 

There are many other factors that play a role in the health of this system. Some of these include lack of movement, poor quality sleep and obesity. As well as poor spinal alignment affecting nerves leading to the heart, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and genetics. 

What’s next? Find the Best Foods and Nutrients for Cardiovascular Health!

Asher Kleiber 

Registered Holistic Nutritionist™