Six: Take Care of Your Heart
Heart disease and cardiovascular disease do not have to be part
of the aging process and can be successfully avoided through the use of
natural medicine and preventative measures. It is very important
to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to properly feed your active
heart. A well-balanced diet includes the following:
· Plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.
· Proteins that are low in fat, such as skinless chicken, skinless turkey, and broiled fish.
· Food high in essential fatty acids, including tuna, salmon, herring, mackerel, and trout.
·
A reduction in the consumption of alcohol, chocolate, butter, red
meats, refined sugars, soft drinks, fried foods, and refined grain
products.
· At least 8 glasses of water each day.
·
A reduction in the consumption of sodium, including baking soda,
preservatives, MSG, tenderizers, and table salt.
Try to maintain
a healthy weight and have a regular exercise program of some
kind. If you find that you are constantly worried and under
stress you should consider practicing some relaxation techniques and
methods that include yoga, meditation, visualization, or Tai Chi.
Adding
supplements and herbs to your diet is recommended in the treatment and
prevention of heart disease. The following natural remedies are a
partial list of the many natural supplements that are proven to help in
the cure, treatment, and management of the heart:
·
Garlic. Garlic is proven to lower blood pressure by
reducing the cholesterol levels in your body.
·
Vitamin C. This vitamin is one of the important
antioxidants that help with the regulation of blood pressure.
·
Ginkgo Biloba. Studies show that ginkgo biloba may help to
prevent the formation of free-radicals in your system.
·
Niacin, Chromium Picolinate, and Selenium. The combination
of these three elements may help to lower the cholesterol in your body
that is considered bad (LDL cholesterol).
·
Calcium and magnesium complex. The combination of these two
minerals helps in the cardiac muscle function of your body as well as
has an effect on the way certain enzymes in your body behave.
·
Essential fatty acids. These essential fatty acids include
fish oil, primrose oil, and flaxseed oil. All of these oils have
proven to help in preventing the hardening of your arteries.
·
Mineral complexes and multivitamins. Vitamin and mineral
supplements are important in ensuring that you get the full daily
allowance of certain elements.
Taking care of
your heart means being conscious of what it takes to keep your heart
healthy. Beginning a regular exercise program can’t be
stressed enough. Exercise, in combination with a healthy diet and
the use of herbal and mineral supplements will reduce your chance of
heart disease significantly. Your exercise program doesn’t
have to be strenuous or complicated. You can start out with
gentle walking or swimming and then advance to different types of
fitness and exercise. Be sure to check with your health care
provider before you start any type of fitness program to ensure that
there are no complications that you should be aware of.
The truth about
heart disease is that you have more control than you thought you
did. You are the one that is charge of your health, your fitness,
and your heart.