Heart Health
Have a Healthy Heart Naturally
Keeping a healthy heart is a problem we all struggle with. With all the different information, drugs and testing available, the decision on what is best can be very confusing. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in America and one of the most preventable. The pharmaceutical companies want us to believe that the best approach is medication. In addition to their harmful side effects, these medications are expensive and should only be used as a last resort in most cases. The guidelines for what classifies as high blood pressure and high cholesterol have decreased in recent years. The number of prospective patients on harmful medications greatly increased for the sole purpose of profit. What most people do not know or understand is that keeping a healthy heart is a lot simpler than you might think. For example, changing the food we eat to more natural healthy foods and avoiding fast food can make a huge difference. Exercise and the reduction of stress are also imperative for a healthy heart. Nutritional supplements made from whole foods such as the Standard process supplements sold in our office can also replace food deficiencies and support the body. Chiropractic adjustments create proper nerve supply to the heart which is important for maintaining proper rhythm.The Key to a Healthy Heart
Heart disease is the number one health problem for both men and women in the United States. It is a common, yet preventable problem we have struggled with since the early 1900's. Studies show that at least 250,000 people die each year of a heart attack before they even reach the hospital and almost six million hospitalizations in the US are due to cardiovascular disease. It is no secret or surprise that we have to do something about these astounding numbers. With all the different information, drugs and testing available, the decision on what is best can be very confusing and sometimes misleading. The pharmaceutical companies want us to believe that the best approach is the latest medication that will lower cholesterol or thin your blood. In addition to their harmful side effects, these medications are expensive and very rarely effective at reducing actual heart disease. In recent years, the guidelines for what is considered high blood pressure and high cholesterol have decreased. In turn, more people have been put on these harmful, unnecessary drugs for the sole purpose of profit.The key to a healthy heart is simple and very attainable. Start with fighting inflammation, which is caused by vitamin and mineral imbalances. Inflammation inside the blood vessels will cause irritation and damage. The body responds to this by depositing cholesterol whether your cholesterol is high or low. To do this, we need to change the food we eat. Avoiding fast foods and any food containing trans fat can make a huge difference. It is important to exercise on a regular basis. A good 30 minute workout where you mix intervals of high exertion with a slower paced exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy heart.
Reducing the amount of stress in your life can significantly reduce heart problems as well as other health issues. Set aside 30 minutes a day for yourself to relax. Read a book or find something to get your mind off life's daily stress.
Nutritional supplements made form whole foods such as the Standard Process supplements sold in our office can be a great alternative to the harmful medication choices out there. Cardiotrophin PMG, Vasculin, and Cardio-Plus are all designed to help maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular function. Omega 3 fatty acids like those found in Tuna Omega Oil can help support healthy cardiovascular function as well as Immune and nervous system health. Chiropractic adjustments can also help with heart health by generating proper nerve supply to the heart which is important for maintaining proper rhythm.
Cholesterol Myths
Cholesterol is a very alarming topic we are all familiar with. We have all either been told we have a cholesterol problem or know someone who has. What most people do not know is that cholesterol is not necessarily the high panic problem most pharmaceutical companies want us to believe it is. Recent studies have shown that cholesterol alone is not a sure indicator of heart disease. More accurate tests for heart disease are blood tests including Homocysteine, C-reactive protein and Fibrinogen.Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD is the author of The Cholesterol Myths. In his book Dr. Ravnskov explains the fallacy that saturated fat and cholesterol cause heart disease. The book goes into detail about nine myths that everyone should know about cholesterol.
Here is a brief summary of the most common myths.
Myth One: High Fat Foods Cause Heart Disease. There is and always has been a battle between good fats and bad fats. It is not HIGH fat foods that cause heart disease it is the foods that have BAD fats such as Trans-fats, Partially Hydrogenated oils, and Processed oils. Good Fats can be found in vegetable oils that are cold pressed, expeller pressed, or virgin oils. Some saturated fats can be good for you also, such as those that can be found in organic coconut, palm oil, grass fed animals or cold water fish.
Myth Two: High Cholesterol Causes Heart Disease. Half of heart attack patients have low cholesterol. The overall death rate is lower for people with levels between 222-261 than people with levels between 183-222. Studies are also showing that in elderly people high cholesterol can help them fight off certain diseases.
Myth Three: High Fat Foods Raise Cholesterol. Our bodies have internal mechanisms that control and regulate cholesterol levels. The specific needs of the body determine what your ultimate cholesterol level is, therefore the amount of cholesterol in our diets has very little effect on this. Each person will have a different need, so as a result, a different level.
Myth Four: Cholesterol Blocks Arteries. Simply lowering the cholesterol with diet or drugs does not reduce or prevent blockages. Blockage of the arteries is a common problem suffered by people with high and low cholesterol.
Myth Five: Lowering Your Cholesterol Will Lengthen Your Life. Not only do the drugs used to lower cholesterol cause harmful side effects that can lead to deaths from other diseases such as cancer, they do not prevent heart disease. Replacing things in your diet such as saturated fats with polyunsaturated oils will lower your cholesterol, but will not prevent heart attacks. People are having heart attacks with low cholesterol levels every day.
Myth Six: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Are Good For You. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in common unstable oils such as vegetable oil, corn oil soybean oil, cotton seed oil, etc. They can produce cancer and make you age faster when used in excess. They should only be used on a limited basis. A stable oil such as coconut oil is better to use.
With so many drugs on the market and different doctors telling you so many different things, it is easy to get overwhelmed. When all else fails, remember the basics: Eat as many unprocessed foods as you can with a variety of fruits and vegetables and exercise on a regular basis.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a very alarming topic we are all familiar with. We have all either been told we have a cholesterol problem or know someone who has. What most people do not know is that cholesterol is not necessarily the high panic problem most pharmaceutical companies want us to believe it is. Recent studies have shown that cholesterol alone is not a sure indicator of heart disease. More accurate tests for heart disease are blood tests including Homocysteine, C-reactive protein and Fibrinogen. Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD is the author of The Cholesterol Myths. In his book Dr. Ravnskov explains the fallacy that saturated fat and cholesterol cause heart disease. The book goes into detail about nine myths that everyone should know about cholesterol. Here is a brief summary of the most common myths. Myth One: High Fat Foods Cause Heart Disease. There is and always has been a battle between good fats and bad fats. It is not HIGH fat foods that cause heart disease it is the foods that have BAD fats such as Trans-fats, Partially Hydrogenated oils, and Processed oils. Good Fats can be found in vegetable oils that are cold pressed, expeller pressed, or virgin oils. Some saturated fats can be good for you also, such as those that can be found in organic coconut, palm oil, grass fed animals or cold water fish. Myth Two: High Cholesterol Causes Heart Disease. Half of heart attack patients have low cholesterol. The overall death rate is lower for people with levels between 222-261 than people with levels between 183-222. Studies are also showing that in elderly people high cholesterol can help them fight off certain diseases. Myth Three: High Fat Foods Raise Cholesterol. Our bodies have internal mechanisms that control and regulate cholesterol levels. The specific needs of the body determine what your ultimate cholesterol level is, therefore the amount of cholesterol in our diets has very little effect on this. Each person will have a different need, so as a result, a different level. Myth Four: Cholesterol Blocks Arteries. Simply lowering the cholesterol with diet or drugs does not reduce or prevent blockages. Blockage of the arteries is a common problem suffered by people with high and low cholesterol. Myth Five: Lowering Your Cholesterol Will Lengthen Your Life. Not only do the drugs used to lower cholesterol cause harmful side effects that can lead to deaths from other diseases such as cancer, they do not prevent heart disease. Replacing things in your diet such as saturated fats with polyunsaturated oils will lower your cholesterol, but will not prevent heart attacks. People are having heart attacks with low cholesterol levels every day. Myth Six: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Are Good For You. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in common unstable oils such as vegetable oil, corn oil soybean oil, cotton seed oil, etc. They can produce cancer and make you age faster when used in excess. They should only be used on a limited basis. A stable oil such as coconut oil is better to use. With so many drugs on the market and different doctors telling you so many different things, it is easy to get overwhelmed. When all else fails, remember the basics. Eat as many unprocessed foods as you can with a variety of fruits and vegetables and exercise on a regular basis.Understanding Stroke
Being the third leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of adult disability, Stroke is a growing problem many people have had to deal with. It is estimated that about 160,000 people die each year from stroke and 80% of all strokes are preventable.A stroke occurs when either a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel ruptures which interrupts the flow of blood in the brain. These problems usually occur from fatty build up in the arteries, injuries that can weaken blood vessels or being born with weak blood vessels. Some people have expressed concerns that the manipulation of a chiropractic adjustment can cause a stroke.
The chances of this happening are almost non-existent especially with the technique used in our office. In fact, a chiropractic adjustment can improve severe headaches which have been proven to increase the risk of strokes. A stroke, no matter how small, can cause serious damage. Depending on where the stroke happens in the brain it can affect speech, motor skills, memory, etc. Some common symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs especially on one side of the body, confusion, speech impairment, dizziness, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, and loss of balance and coordination.
A good way to identify the signs and symptoms of a stroke is to remember F.A.S.T. The F stands for face. Look at the smile, if one side of the face droops more than the other that could be an indication of stroke. The A stands for arms. Raise both arms and see if one begins to drift downward. The S stands for speech. Make sure a simple sentence can be repeated without difficulty or slurring. The T stands for time. Because a stroke kills so many brain cells so quickly, time is of the essence. If any of these symptoms occur, immediately go to the emergency room.
There are some things we can do to prevent strokes. Good nutrition is very important. Use only healthy salts such as Celtic sea salts and avoid heated, processed, and hydrogenated oils and fats. Natural fats such as real unsalted butter, cold pressed (or expeller pressed) vegetable oils and coconut oil are essential to a well balanced diet. As always eat a variety of colorful fruits and veggies. Exercise is also very important in the prevention of strokes. By having a routine exercise plan you can keep good circulation which can cut down on blood clotting. The designed clinical nutrition that we offer in our office can help you fight some of the underlying risks of clots, such as increased inflammation. Doing what we can to prevent a stroke can not only reduce the chance of permanent damage, but it can also save lives.
Five Heart Healthy Foods to Add to Your Diet
Eating healthy is always a challenge especially when you are trying to focus on food that is healthy for your heart. Here are five foods that can help.Blueberries contain antioxidants, fiber, and natural Vitamin C that are important in heart health. Because they are available all year, they make a great choice. Try adding them to a salad or just eat them by themselves for a great snack.
Wild Salmon has essential proteins and omega 3 fatty acids. You can grill it, smoke it and put it in a tortilla for a great fish taco.
Spinach is a great veggie for heart health. It has multiple vitamins and minerals that help prevent heart disease and maintain eyesight. Add it to your soup or stew for great flavor and benefit.
Raw almonds make a great snack. They contain omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin E, fiber, and fats essential to heart health such as mono and poly saturated fats.
Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to regular potatoes. They are filled with
beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and fiber.
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