The Heart of the Matter
The Heart of the Matter
It’s a sobering reality that nearly half of adults in the United States have heart or blood vessel disease. The American Heart Association reported that in 2016 more than 121-million adults had cardiovascular disease. Even more sobering is the fact that many of those episodes could have been prevented or improved with some simple wellness solutions.
Since February is National Heart Health Awareness Month, I want to share a few heart-healthy tips to help you keep your heart in excellent health. The heart has been called the power plant of your body. It transports oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body––day and night. Let’s look at a few areas we can support cardio care and love our heart:
• Poor nutrition (sugar laden foods, processed/refined fake foods, hydrogenated oils) puts a strain on your heart, eventually weakening it. Sugary beverages contribute to a risk of heart disease. Medications may also reduce the absorption of quality nutrients.
• Optimum circulation is critical to heart health and the best way to improve circulation is to MOVE! Walking as few as 12 miles a week can lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol significantly. Activity also supports heart function with less strain and less arterial inflammation. Blood pressure, cholesterol and fat levels are also improved with even minimal––but consistent––exercise.
• Our emotional health strongly affects heart health. If we’ve harbored resentment, unforgiveness, poor self-esteem, deceit or a host of other negative emotions, we run the risk of reducing optimal heart function. Heart health is more than a mechanical matter. Feelings and beliefs contribute to our health and well-being just as much as body-fat percentages and glucose levels.
Nurturing a Healthy and Happy Heart
The good news is that heart disease is one of the most preventable of chronic conditions! Science now proves that the human DNA is adaptable––we can improve (or worsen) the condition. Here are a few ways to begin loving your heart:
Include or increase:
• Omega-3 Fats (walnuts, flaxseed, cold-water fish and fish oils)
• *Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Selenium, CoQ10, Vit-E are excellent heart supplements
• B-vitamins: B6, B12 and Folic Acid (B9), found in dark leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, oranges, avocados, or a full-spectrum B-complex supplement with all 11-B vitamins
• Eat plenty of fresh high fiber fruits and vegetables; include garlic and cayenne for their circulatory benefits
• Watch those extra pounds; a slight increase in weight puts a burden on your heart
• Stop smoking; reduce/avoid second-hand smoke; check your exposure to other chemical toxins
• MOVE! A simple, daily fitness program will improve numerous aspects of your health
*Magnesium is considered the most important mineral for the heart. It acts as a smooth muscle relaxant and supports the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure and dilating the heart blood vessels.
Modern technology offers some exciting wellness tools to improve overall blood flow. A new device you may find interesting stimulates blood flow in the micro-vessels. You’ll find more details here: www.BMRuniversity.com/whatisbemer
The amazing human body was not designed to self destruct. It innately strives for wellness and balance (homeostasis). Your heart was designed to last a lifetime––make that a long, healthy lifetime.
Happy Heart Day!