Natural Heart Health Supplements
beauty asked:
Grandma called it “roughage” and today we may call it Fiber, but it is the simple path to regularity, gastrointestinal health and so much more. It is now medically accepted that people who consume more Fiber have fewer weight problems, along with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and most cancers. And when it comes to heart health, Fiber is a real superstar.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Fiber?
Beyond the effects on regularity and your digestive system, consuming insufficient amounts of Fiber can impact heart health. Foods that are dense with Fiber can have a moderating effect on carbohydrate absorption, which in turn helps balance blood sugar levels. 6 Fluctuating blood sugar can cause the body to fall into a vicious cycle of cholesterol synthesis. And, when the body produces more cholesterol than it needs, the coronary arteries suffer damage, which can lead to heart disease.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
Omega 3 is probably the most researched nutritional supplement in the world. The astounding health benefits of omega-3 have been studied by some of the most prestigious institutions and their findings have been reported in literally thousands of the world’s best peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. The two most important omega 3 fatty acids that help support a healthy heart are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The American Heart Association (AHA) affirms that Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the hearts of:
•Healthy people
•those at high risk of cardiovascular disease
•those who have cardiovascular disease.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols are cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods, with highest concentrations found in vegetable oils especially sea buckthorn oil, corn oil and soybean oil. As a food ingredient or additive, Phytosterols can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 15% according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition (June 2003). The FDA and the American Heart Association have declared that there is evidence that phytosterols may block the absorption of bad cholesterol in the intestines and therefore prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
The healthy heart cabbage diet or the “cabbage soup diet” is one of the fad diets that the American Heart Association and other public health organizations warn against. There are many reasons for these warnings, depending on which diet one is attempting to follow. The healthy heart cabbage diet has many flaws.
Drawbacks of the Cabbage Diet
The guidelines for the healthy heart cabbage diet begin with a recipe for cabbage soup. The ingredients include green onions, green peppers, diced tomatoes, celery, onion soup mix, bouillon cubes and a head of cabbage. The heart healthy benefits of cabbage soup by itself are questionable, at best.
If you are overweight, you could probably go without the fat for one day, but extremely low-fat diets are not filling, not advisable for permanent weight control and many of the organs, including the brain, need dietary fat to function effectively.
Whole Food Supplements
Public health organizations recommend 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day in a variety of colors. Each different color provides different flavonoids, some of which may prevent cancer, most of which are antioxidants and some that can reduce unhealthy levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
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Grandma called it “roughage” and today we may call it Fiber, but it is the simple path to regularity, gastrointestinal health and so much more. It is now medically accepted that people who consume more Fiber have fewer weight problems, along with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and most cancers. And when it comes to heart health, Fiber is a real superstar.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Fiber?
Beyond the effects on regularity and your digestive system, consuming insufficient amounts of Fiber can impact heart health. Foods that are dense with Fiber can have a moderating effect on carbohydrate absorption, which in turn helps balance blood sugar levels. 6 Fluctuating blood sugar can cause the body to fall into a vicious cycle of cholesterol synthesis. And, when the body produces more cholesterol than it needs, the coronary arteries suffer damage, which can lead to heart disease.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
Omega 3 is probably the most researched nutritional supplement in the world. The astounding health benefits of omega-3 have been studied by some of the most prestigious institutions and their findings have been reported in literally thousands of the world’s best peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. The two most important omega 3 fatty acids that help support a healthy heart are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The American Heart Association (AHA) affirms that Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the hearts of:
•Healthy people
•those at high risk of cardiovascular disease
•those who have cardiovascular disease.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols are cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods, with highest concentrations found in vegetable oils especially sea buckthorn oil, corn oil and soybean oil. As a food ingredient or additive, Phytosterols can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 15% according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition (June 2003). The FDA and the American Heart Association have declared that there is evidence that phytosterols may block the absorption of bad cholesterol in the intestines and therefore prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
The healthy heart cabbage diet or the “cabbage soup diet” is one of the fad diets that the American Heart Association and other public health organizations warn against. There are many reasons for these warnings, depending on which diet one is attempting to follow. The healthy heart cabbage diet has many flaws.
Drawbacks of the Cabbage Diet
The guidelines for the healthy heart cabbage diet begin with a recipe for cabbage soup. The ingredients include green onions, green peppers, diced tomatoes, celery, onion soup mix, bouillon cubes and a head of cabbage. The heart healthy benefits of cabbage soup by itself are questionable, at best.
If you are overweight, you could probably go without the fat for one day, but extremely low-fat diets are not filling, not advisable for permanent weight control and many of the organs, including the brain, need dietary fat to function effectively.
Whole Food Supplements
Public health organizations recommend 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day in a variety of colors. Each different color provides different flavonoids, some of which may prevent cancer, most of which are antioxidants and some that can reduce unhealthy levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
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Improving Heart Health With Coq10 and Omega 3 Supplements
Dr. John Heinerman asked:
Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death among Americans and Britons alike. Heart disease also kills more women than men, accounting for one in five female deaths. Even more startling, however, is that it claims responsibility for more deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined.
And yet there is surprisingly good news. Heart disease is one of the most preventable health conditions. In fact, people have the power to reduce many of their risks by simply avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising often and taking certain supplements regularly.
Patients suffering from congestive heart failure exhibit impaired myocardial energy production and increased oxidative stress. One of the most important nutritional factors for myocardial energy production and the reduction of oxidative stress is CoQ10. It is found in virtually all cells of the human body, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles.
CoQ10 functions as a carrier to transfer electrons across the membrane of mitochondria (the energy generator in the body’s cells) to create the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel that energizes cells in our body. Heart muscle cells have the greatest concentration of mitochondria at 5000 per cell.
“Molecular Aspects of Medicine” (18:S137) reported that patients with elevated cholesterol levels, who were taking either Pravastatin or Lovastatin over a period of 18 weeks, lost close to 30% of their total serum levels of CoQ10. Therefore, anyone taking prescription statin drugs to lower their cholesterol levels will also experience dramatic decreases in their CoQ10 counts as well and will need to supplement to attain adequate amounts. Additionally, research in patients with hypertension indicates that treatment with CoQ10 decreases blood pressure by diminishing the oxidative stress associated with congestive heart failure.
A recent review on the effects of omega 3 fatty acids concerning cardiovascular disease revealed that increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements, reduced the rate of mortality, cardiac and sudden death — even strokes.
Although the success levels were not quite the same as reported with the omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and fish oil, similar studies on flaxseed and walnuts have also been conducted with positive results for the same indications.
Other substances such as policosanol, phytosterols, L-carnitine, D-ribose, beta-glucans and tocotrienols can affect the positive outcome of cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise. There are ample reports in the medical literature to justify their use in heart disease and stroke.
Personal heart health can be dramatically improved if an informed consumer is made aware of what is available in the market place. When paired together CoQ10 (www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0013.shtml)and essential fatty acids, i.e. omega 3 types (www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0016.shtml). go a long way toward achieving this.
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Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death among Americans and Britons alike. Heart disease also kills more women than men, accounting for one in five female deaths. Even more startling, however, is that it claims responsibility for more deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined.
And yet there is surprisingly good news. Heart disease is one of the most preventable health conditions. In fact, people have the power to reduce many of their risks by simply avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising often and taking certain supplements regularly.
Patients suffering from congestive heart failure exhibit impaired myocardial energy production and increased oxidative stress. One of the most important nutritional factors for myocardial energy production and the reduction of oxidative stress is CoQ10. It is found in virtually all cells of the human body, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles.
CoQ10 functions as a carrier to transfer electrons across the membrane of mitochondria (the energy generator in the body’s cells) to create the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel that energizes cells in our body. Heart muscle cells have the greatest concentration of mitochondria at 5000 per cell.
“Molecular Aspects of Medicine” (18:S137) reported that patients with elevated cholesterol levels, who were taking either Pravastatin or Lovastatin over a period of 18 weeks, lost close to 30% of their total serum levels of CoQ10. Therefore, anyone taking prescription statin drugs to lower their cholesterol levels will also experience dramatic decreases in their CoQ10 counts as well and will need to supplement to attain adequate amounts. Additionally, research in patients with hypertension indicates that treatment with CoQ10 decreases blood pressure by diminishing the oxidative stress associated with congestive heart failure.
A recent review on the effects of omega 3 fatty acids concerning cardiovascular disease revealed that increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements, reduced the rate of mortality, cardiac and sudden death — even strokes.
Although the success levels were not quite the same as reported with the omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and fish oil, similar studies on flaxseed and walnuts have also been conducted with positive results for the same indications.
Other substances such as policosanol, phytosterols, L-carnitine, D-ribose, beta-glucans and tocotrienols can affect the positive outcome of cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise. There are ample reports in the medical literature to justify their use in heart disease and stroke.
Personal heart health can be dramatically improved if an informed consumer is made aware of what is available in the market place. When paired together CoQ10 (www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0013.shtml)and essential fatty acids, i.e. omega 3 types (www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0016.shtml). go a long way toward achieving this.
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Maintaining Heart Health With Cholesterol Drugs
Michelle Bery asked:
Today’s health-conscious culture is one that is pointedly focused on keeping certain bodily systems in line; we know that by paying close attention to such important levels as blood pressure, sugars, and cholesterol, we can put certain protective measures in place to keep our hearts and our bodies healthy. One of the ways in which we can accomplish this is with the help of cholesterol drugs.
Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by our liver and found in our body’s cells and bloodstream. Its purpose – in moderate levels – is to help build cell membranes, produce hormones, and metabolize fats. The health risks associated with cholesterol stem from its overproduction. For cholesterol to be filtered through the liver and delivered to the appropriate cells it relies on carriers called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins – or HDLs – are considered to be our “good” cholesterol – that which filters cholesterol away from our arteries and back to our liver. LDLs – low-density lipoproteins – are considered to be our “bad” cholesterol. When our levels of LDLs are elevated, the cholesterol forms a type of plaque that builds up on artery walls – constricting arteries and setting us up for possible heart disease and stroke.
The ways in which we manage cholesterol levels – keeping HDLs high and LDLs low – is through a healthy diet that limits foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Red meat, for instance, is high in both, and when eaten on a regular basis can significantly impact the cholesterol levels in our body. While foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – such as fish and olive oils – raise HDLs and help our bodies eliminate bad cholesterol while strengthening our hearts.
But when diet isn’t enough to keep cholesterol levels in check, we often turn to cholesterol drugs to assist in the battle. Genetics can not be overlooked when it comes to cholesterol and sometimes it requires an extra measure or two to keep us at our healthiest.
It is estimated that over ten million people today take cholesterol drugs to help keep their levels in check. The type of cholesterol drugs ordinarily given to patients are known as statins – drugs that work to lower bad cholesterol. Among the most popularly used drugs today are Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and Crestor.
Research has shown that these cholesterol drugs administered appropriately – and in conjunction with proper diet and exercise – can lower cholesterol almost as much as sixty percent. This means, that for people whose genetic make-up requires more than diet to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, cholesterol drugs can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining heart health well into the future.
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Today’s health-conscious culture is one that is pointedly focused on keeping certain bodily systems in line; we know that by paying close attention to such important levels as blood pressure, sugars, and cholesterol, we can put certain protective measures in place to keep our hearts and our bodies healthy. One of the ways in which we can accomplish this is with the help of cholesterol drugs.
Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by our liver and found in our body’s cells and bloodstream. Its purpose – in moderate levels – is to help build cell membranes, produce hormones, and metabolize fats. The health risks associated with cholesterol stem from its overproduction. For cholesterol to be filtered through the liver and delivered to the appropriate cells it relies on carriers called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins – or HDLs – are considered to be our “good” cholesterol – that which filters cholesterol away from our arteries and back to our liver. LDLs – low-density lipoproteins – are considered to be our “bad” cholesterol. When our levels of LDLs are elevated, the cholesterol forms a type of plaque that builds up on artery walls – constricting arteries and setting us up for possible heart disease and stroke.
The ways in which we manage cholesterol levels – keeping HDLs high and LDLs low – is through a healthy diet that limits foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Red meat, for instance, is high in both, and when eaten on a regular basis can significantly impact the cholesterol levels in our body. While foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – such as fish and olive oils – raise HDLs and help our bodies eliminate bad cholesterol while strengthening our hearts.
But when diet isn’t enough to keep cholesterol levels in check, we often turn to cholesterol drugs to assist in the battle. Genetics can not be overlooked when it comes to cholesterol and sometimes it requires an extra measure or two to keep us at our healthiest.
It is estimated that over ten million people today take cholesterol drugs to help keep their levels in check. The type of cholesterol drugs ordinarily given to patients are known as statins – drugs that work to lower bad cholesterol. Among the most popularly used drugs today are Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and Crestor.
Research has shown that these cholesterol drugs administered appropriately – and in conjunction with proper diet and exercise – can lower cholesterol almost as much as sixty percent. This means, that for people whose genetic make-up requires more than diet to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, cholesterol drugs can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining heart health well into the future.
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Latest Discussion on Heart Health!
daveclark asked:
Hearth health has become the biggest concern among people around the world these days. Now people are better informed and have gained information through various researches and clinical trials, they are more conscious about their heart health and have better control over their heart than their predecessors thus reducing risks of hearth related ailments to a large extent.
Numerous researches have been conducted on heart health. The talk on ‘statins’ also figures prominently in discussion about the heart. Statins have been highly helpful in controlling cholesterol levels in the people suffering from heart disease. Statins act by effectively lowering the LDL (levels of bad cholesterol); though, they do slightly affect raising HDL (the levels of good cholesterol).
In the latest researches, it has been found that those who have had a heart attack or some other cardiac problem get more benefit by the immediate high-dose statin therapy.
Main advantages of statins are as follows:
Statin acts to reduce the risk of death, heart attack and it also minimizes the need for cardiac procedures.
Statin therapy proves beneficial for people with high levels of C – reactive protein (a substance in the liver, produced by the inflammation of arteries). It must be noted here that one can have low cholesterol but still s/he might be at the high risk of heart problem; if s/he has high levels of C-reactive protein.
It has been found that statins are not only safe but also a well-tolerated in the majority of patients using it.
In another research conducted in mice, it has been found that leafy greens can prove beneficial in reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke. It is due to the fact that nutrients in the veggies protect the heart from getting damaged. To reach at this conclusion, some mice were provided with the drinking water that contained nitrites or nitrates while others were given plain drinking water.
After a week’s time, the mice were given an induced heart attack to study their heart after the attack. It was found that the mice having nitrite or nitrate contained water had less heart attack damage compared to those mice that were drinking plain water. Diets comprising of cauliflower, spinach, collard greens, meat and broccoli are ideal.
In the ayurvedic approach to have good heart health, it has been pointed out that practicing transcendental meditation for 20 minutes twice in a day leaves a positive and considerable effect on the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. It plays a vital role in reducing pain in a number of patients if practiced regularly. However, the experts have added that meditation is used only as a supplement, so it must not be taken as a substitute to the existing heart problem therapy.
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Hearth health has become the biggest concern among people around the world these days. Now people are better informed and have gained information through various researches and clinical trials, they are more conscious about their heart health and have better control over their heart than their predecessors thus reducing risks of hearth related ailments to a large extent.
Numerous researches have been conducted on heart health. The talk on ‘statins’ also figures prominently in discussion about the heart. Statins have been highly helpful in controlling cholesterol levels in the people suffering from heart disease. Statins act by effectively lowering the LDL (levels of bad cholesterol); though, they do slightly affect raising HDL (the levels of good cholesterol).
In the latest researches, it has been found that those who have had a heart attack or some other cardiac problem get more benefit by the immediate high-dose statin therapy.
Main advantages of statins are as follows:
Statin acts to reduce the risk of death, heart attack and it also minimizes the need for cardiac procedures.
Statin therapy proves beneficial for people with high levels of C – reactive protein (a substance in the liver, produced by the inflammation of arteries). It must be noted here that one can have low cholesterol but still s/he might be at the high risk of heart problem; if s/he has high levels of C-reactive protein.
It has been found that statins are not only safe but also a well-tolerated in the majority of patients using it.
In another research conducted in mice, it has been found that leafy greens can prove beneficial in reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke. It is due to the fact that nutrients in the veggies protect the heart from getting damaged. To reach at this conclusion, some mice were provided with the drinking water that contained nitrites or nitrates while others were given plain drinking water.
After a week’s time, the mice were given an induced heart attack to study their heart after the attack. It was found that the mice having nitrite or nitrate contained water had less heart attack damage compared to those mice that were drinking plain water. Diets comprising of cauliflower, spinach, collard greens, meat and broccoli are ideal.
In the ayurvedic approach to have good heart health, it has been pointed out that practicing transcendental meditation for 20 minutes twice in a day leaves a positive and considerable effect on the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. It plays a vital role in reducing pain in a number of patients if practiced regularly. However, the experts have added that meditation is used only as a supplement, so it must not be taken as a substitute to the existing heart problem therapy.
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