3 Types of supplements for heart health
It may not be something you think about often, if ever, but this organ that weighs less than one pound is more profound than words can say.
Alongside the breath, the heart is what gives us life…which means keeping it healthy and happy should be top priority.
But how can we take good care of it?
Mindful choices (such as a healthy diet, good sleep, and proper daily movement) can make a big impact on the health and longevity of our heart and should always be first and foremost, but in addition, certain herbs can increase our support.
Adaptogens
Stress. Even though it’s common in everyday life, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously.
When it comes to the heart, stress can lead to high blood pressure, poor circulation, stroke, heart attack, and even death – which is why managing it can be key.
In addition to healthy lifestyle choices, adaptogens (herbs that help balance the body’s response to stress and maintain homeostasis in the nervous system) can offer extra support in managing stress for heart health.
Adaptogens such as:
- ashwagandha
- rhodiola
- holy basil
- valerian root
- kava
- passionflower
- chamomile
- lavender
- CBD
can have calming affects on the mind and body and are available in a variety of forms such as tablet, capsule, tincture, balm, powder, and tea.
If life is brimming with chronic stress, consider daily consumption of adaptogens and/or add them in when acute stress is present.
Anti-inflammatories
Right up there with stress is chronic inflammation when it comes to heart disease contributing factors.
Much in thanks to poor diet, stagnant lifestyle, drugs, alcohol, smoking, stress, and even chronic illness, sustained inflammation throughout the body can inflame the heart’s muscle, tissue, valves, arteries, and vessels – increasing the risk of heart disease.
For herbal support in decreasing inflammation, consider:
- omega 3 fatty acids
- turmeric
- garlic
- matcha
- cinnamon
- ginger
These can be included in daily diets or many may be taken as a supplement.
Electrolytes
These natural substances send electrical impulses to the heart, triggering it to beat correctly.
If electrolytes are too high or too low (due to such things as stress, excessive sweating, dehydration or too much liquid intake, illness, vomiting, diarrhea, and medications) abnormal heart rhythms can appear and consequences can be dangerous.
Electrolytes such as:
- magnesium
- potassium3
- calcium
- sodium
are crucial to heart health. Opt for foods with appropriate amounts of these as well as enhanced waters or low-sugar drinks and supplements when triggers such as exercise, sickness, or stress may create imbalance.
Whether we think about it or not, our heart is vital to life. How we take care of it can influence how strong and long we live. Paired with smart lifestyle choices, herbal supplements can support our heart and may increase our chances of giving it the good life it deserves.
How will you choose to love it?
*Professional medical advice and oversight of all medications and herbal supplements should be sought out before using.
Do you suffer from heart disease or does it run in your family? Are you in need of management of symptoms or are you interested in disease prevention?
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care for the heart. If you live in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs or the greater Denver metro area, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to discuss your heart health more in-depth.
REFERENCES:
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/02/04/chronic-stress-can-cause-heart-trouble
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