Heart Disease

Symptoms

The heart muscle contracts eighty times per minute, every hour of every day without resting. It is one of the body's most vital organs, ensuring that blood and oxygen are supplied to every cell. Heart attacks can occur with very little warning and yet they can end in sudden death. Arteriosclerosis affects the cardiovascular system in a painless, destructive process. If heart disease runs in the family, cholesterol and blood pressure will be high. Heart failure is a condition which develops if the heart muscle weakens, and it is most common in the elderly. Some warning signs of heart failure are excessive tiredness, breathlessness from climbing stairs, and edema.

Heart Disease Causes

Heart disease can be prevented even if there is a strong tendency for heart problems in the family. The main cause for most heart problems is improper diet, particularly eating too much meat and saturated fat, salt and sugar. Raw foods, fiber and wholesome, unrefined foods, as well as physical activity, are essential. Lack of exercise deprives the heart of a sufficient supply of oxygen, resulting in fatty deposits in the arteries. Coffee, alcohol and large meals are also bad for the heart, and the risks for heart disease increase with smoking and high blood pressure. Bacteria and viruses can afflict the heart and cause infection, in some cases unnoticed, leaving behind problems that resurface years later.

Constant stress is one of the most dangerous conditions for the heart. Heart palpitations are usually a reaction to anxiety and nervousness and are rarely serious, though they should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out more serious problems. A nervously beating heart can also be related to an overactive thyroid, for instance. Tension from hectic living causes a reaction in the body where the heart must pound faster and harder. We must learn to enjoy life by slowing down and learning coping mechanisms to better manage and counteract the damaging effects of stress.

Heart Disease Nutrition

Heart disease can be prevented by maintaining a high-fiber, predominantly vegetarian diet. Saturated fats from red meat and trans-fatty acids found in hydrogenated fats like shortening, margarine and all commercially processed foods must be eliminated from the diet. These harmful fats cause arteriosclerosis and heart disease because they raise cholesterol levels, thicken the blood and interfere with the metabolization of beneficial essential fatty acids. Use unrefined, cold-pressed nut and seed oils such as flax seed, walnut or pumpkin seed oils daily on salads and dishes which do not require heating. Heating destroys nutrients such as enzymes and many vitamins. These oils contain the beneficial fatty acids omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid, which are called essential because the body cannot manufacture them. The essential fatty acids actually help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow, thereby significantly lowering the risk for heart disease.

Eat fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible to preserve enzymes and other nutrients. Fresh fruits and green vegetables, including sea vegetables, provide the vitamins and minerals needed for a well-oxygenated, healthy heart muscle. Carrot, beet, celery and asparagus make good juices for the heart. Nutritional yeast contains lecithin, which prevents fats from depositing. Soy bean products such as tofu also contain lecithin, and are an excellent alternative protein source to meat. Fish are also a good source of protein, if they come from deep, uncontaminated water. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fats which act similarly to the essential fatty acid in flax seed oil to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease. Garlic reduces blood cholesterol and lowers blood-pressure. Eat wheat germ and avocados for vitamin E to increase oxygen supply to the heart and improve heart muscle function.

Magnesium contained in green chlorophyll-rich foods such as kelp as well as figs, almonds, tofu and wheat germ helps regulate heart muscle activity. Add figs, almonds or wheat germ to a breakfast oatmeal. Oats contain the B vitamins, which relieve stress and lower cholesterol levels. If milk is raw, unhomogenized and unpasteurized, it can be included in the diet as a valuable source of protein, minerals and fat-soluble vitamins. Homogenized milk, however, should be avoided. The decimated fat particles of homogenized milk cause an enzyme to be mobilized which damages artery walls. Avoid sugar, salt and coffee, which all put undue strain on the heart.

Heart Disease Nutritional Supplements

Supplementation should be used to complement and not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle, which are the main preventers of heart disease. Coenzyme Q10 is an excellent supplement for the heart. A substance normally found in the body, coenzyme Q10 is often deficient in those with heart disease, and those with irregular heartbeats. Coenzyme Q10 improves oxygen supply to the heart while supporting heart function and muscle strength.

The heart muscle requires adequate amounts of carnitine in order to function properly. (See Arteriosclerosis for more information.) L-Carnitine lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol and helps increase muscle strength and stamina. It is important as part of an enzyme system that lowers total fat in the body. In the body carnitine is manufactured from the amino acids lysine and methionine with the help of vitamins B3, B6 and C. Linus Pauling advocates the use of high doses of L-lysine and vitamin C in patients with angina. His studies indicate a significant improvement, possibly because of greater manufacture of carnitine in the body from lysine and vitamin C. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into cells so that they can be burned as fuel. In fact, some types of metabolic obesity are caused by a deficiency of carnitine. D-carnitine and D, L-carnitine can be toxic and should not be used. Use only the L-carnitine.

Proline is a nonessential amino acid highly concentrated in many tissues in the body and recommended for the reversal of heart disease. Proline helps strengthen the heart muscle and is an ingredient found in many natural commercial formulations marketed to the general public for reversing heart disease. Proline is synthesized in the body from other amino acids, namely ornithine and glutamic acid. The metabolism of proline is intimately connected to enzymes using niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin C as cofactors.

Knowledge of proline supplementation is limited. Excess levels of proline have been linked to convulsions, elevated blood calcium and osteoporosis. Amino acid analysis can be done by several laboratories in both Canada and the United States. If you are interested in long-term supplementation with proline, lysine, ornithine or any of two dozen other amino acids, ask your natural health care practitioner to order this blood test for you.

Magnesium supplementation should be considered for heart disease, as many heart patients have low magnesium levels in their blood. A magnesium deficiency often causes spasms in the coronary arteries that lead to angina attacks. Deficiencies are also responsible for irregular or quickened heartbeats. Supplements also exist with magnesium and the heart herb hawthorn combined together in one pill.

Vitamin C protects the artery walls from damage, and since blood clots have a tendency to form at these damaged areas, this vitamin hinders clotting. The need for vitamin C tends to increase during arteriosclerosis, as vitamin C lowers cholesterol levels. Bioflavonoids should be added to strengthen cell walls, lower cholesterol and improve absorption of vitamin C.

Vitamin E is often recommended as a supplement for heart disease, since it strengthens artery walls and improves muscle function. It also improves oxygen supply to the cells, thereby reducing the likelihood of a heart attack. Like vitamin C, it is an antioxidant, preventing free radicals from damaging cells. Because it can raise blood-pressure levels, supplementation should begin in low dosages and increase over time.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Coenzyme Q10, 50 mg three times daily

Helpful

Magnesium, 600 mg

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU daily

L-carnitine, 500 mg three times daily

Heart Disease Herbal Remedies

In conjunction with nutritional treatment, herbal remedies help lower cholesterol levels and repair heart damage.

Hawthorn berries regulate, heal, repair and soothe the heart. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of hawthorn blossoms, steep for five to ten minutes, strain and take 2-3 cups daily for a month or take 10 drops of extract in liquid twice daily.

Garlic is an excellent remedy for reducing blood-cholesterol levels, and helps prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. The capsules contain less odor than the raw clove. Take 3 capsules three times daily.

Mistletoe strengthens capillary walls, encourages repair and slows heart rate. Soak 1/2 tsp. of herb in 1 cup of water for twelve hours. Strain and drink 3 cups daily.

Violets strengthen capillary walls. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of blossoms, steep for five minutes and drink 3 cups daily.

Chinchona bark reduces the heart rate and improves irregular heart beats.

Heart Disease Homeopathy

Due to the serious nature of this condition, consultation with an experienced homeopath is recommended.

Heart Disease Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily for three weeks, then stop treatment.

Calc phos is indicated when new tissue is needed, especially in the elderly.

Ferr phos carries oxygen throughout the body, especially the arteries, and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Kali phos hinders the decay of tissues.

Nat sulph removes waste from the cells.

Heart Disease External/Physical Therapies

Moderate, regular exercise like brisk walking three times per week for thirty minutes will benefit general health. Walking daily, even for ten minutes, will greatly improve heart health. Over-exertion is not healthy and will not help you get in shape any faster. Everybody at any age can do some kind of regular exercise that suits his or her lifestyle and condition. It is not so much what kind of exercise you do, but rather how regularly you do it.

Outdoor exercise in fresh air is preferable to a gym or indoor pool. Do not walk along busy streets where you are exposed to the fumes from automobiles. Stroll through a park or along a beach, where there is plenty of fresh air. Deep breathe while you are walking (count to seven while inhaling and again to seven while exhaling).

Heart Disease Other Suggestions

Do not drink distilled water. Naturally hard water contains minerals, especially chromium, which are vital for heart health.

Do not eat after four or five PM. An early supper should consist mainly of fruit. The primary meal should be eaten at noon.

A child's whooping cough which is suppressed or inadequately remedied can develop into heart problems some time later.

Hardening of the arteries and its complications can be reversed with proper nutrition and changes in lifestyle.

Heart Disease Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Bio-Berry OPC-85 Grape Seed Extract plus (Flora)

Co-Q-Max (Flora)

Dr. Dunner E + Magnesium + Hawthorn (Flora)

Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg Capsules (Flora)

Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg Capsules (Flora)

Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 30 ml Liquid (Flora)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Formula FLW (Inno-Vite)

Cell Respirate (Klaire Laboratories)

Cool B3 (Klaire Laboratories)

Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine (Klaire Laboratories)

Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)

Beta Green (Natural Factors)

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate

(Natural Factors)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1,000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Grape Seed Extract (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Aloe Seltzer C (Nutraceutics Corp.)

Flax Oil (Omega Nutrition)

Natural Ratio Vitamin E (Quest Vitamins)

Super Stress(Quest Vitamins)

DHEA (Scandinavian Naturals)

CoQ10 30mg (Sisu)

Supreme O-Live (Sisu)

Herbal Remedies

Cayenne (Albi)

Coreplex Hawthorn Tonic (Flora)

Dr. Dunner Sambu Kit (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Flora)

Schoenenberger Hawthorn Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)

Green Magma (Green Foods)

Greens+ (Greens+)

Padma 28 (Inno-Vite)

HBC RC (Naka)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

Hawthorn Tincture (Natural Factors)

Garlic, Odorless (Nature's Herbs)

Ginkgo-Power (Nature's Herbs)

Ginseng-Power, Siberian (Nature's Herbs)

Hawthorn Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)

Mega Garlic 8000 (Platinum)

Ginkoba (Pharmaton)

Maximum Allicin Garlic (Quintessence)

Organic Garlic (Quintessence)

Pure-Gar (Quintessence)

Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (Wakunaga)