Healthy Heart

Healthy HeartJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Even the healthiest among us realize that cardio-metabolic wellness is a top concern with aging. Cardiovascular fitness requires a multifactorial approach that includes a healthy diet and lifestyle. Conventional medicine often includes commonly prescribed life-long medications to treat or improve symptoms of cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, inadequate blood flow, chest pain and abnormal heart beat. Anticoagulants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics, vasodilators, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors will often produce desired results, frequently accompanied by side effects. As well, consumers are reaching out for clinically validated, high quality nutritional supplements to complement a holistic approach to cardiac wellness and long-term overall health.

A hard working muscle, the heart is tasked with pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood through the circulatory system to all areas of the body. As such, heart health depends upon a strong network of blood vessels. Factors that contribute to a high risk of cardiovascular disease include smoking, obesity, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyle and inadequate nutrition. Conditions associated with cardiovascular disease include: atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol-rich plaque builds up along arterial walls; insulin resistance, which plays a role in regulating inflammation and is a precursor to developing type 2 diabetes; high homocysteine levels, which can contribute to plaque formation and arterial wall damage; and angina pectoris, chest pain that can occur when there is a dramatic decrease of blood flow to the heart.

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, clinically validated supplements can support healthy heart and overall function.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is regarded as one of the most important nutrients for cardiovascular disease prevention. Health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes have been linked to low levels of CoQ10. Naturally produced by the body, CoQ10 aids the mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses involved in energy production that supports optimal overall and healthy muscle functioning. A powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 helps to prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation, as well as free radical cellular damage. With aging, the body’s production of this important compound declines. In studies, CoQ10, or its reduced form ubiquinol, may improve heart function, increase energy production and limit oxidative damage. CoQ10 may also increase insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids: Fatty fish and fish oil supplements have proven to be an effective preventive strategy against heart disease. Science supports omega-3 intake to help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Omega-3’s are healthy fats that may minimize inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, increase good HDL cholesterol and support blood vessel health.

B-complex vitamins: High levels of homocysteine are linked to early development of heart disease and arterial damage. Homocysteine is an amino acid that results from the breakdown of dietary protein. High homocysteine is linked to inadequate intake of vitamins B6 and B12, cofactors in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, necessary for cellular reactions. Stress can also increase the need for B6 and B12.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Manufactured by the body, ALA is sometimes referred to as the “universal antioxidant,” as it is both water and fat soluble. Found naturally in every cell, ALA affects every organ, including the heart. ALA converts glucose into the energy needed for bodily functions and may improve blood sugar control, as well as cellular insulin response. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may prevent DNA damage, as well as protect against oxidation of LDL cholesterol, plaque build-up and atherosclerosis.

Garlic: Used traditionally for centuries, modern science has confirmed beneficial health effects associated garlic. Highly nutritious, garlic may improve blood pressure and reduce total and LDL cholesterol, risk factors for heart disease. Its antioxidant properties help protect against cellular damage, a common cause of chronic disease. For those concerned about garlic’s pungent odor, garlic intake may be easily increased with odorless garlic supplements.

Magnesium: A natural calming nutrient, magnesium dilates the arteries, potentially lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. It serves as a cofactor for hundreds of enzymatic processes and is considered essential for proper cardiovascular function. Magnesium aids healthy sleep, which can help reduce stress, and supports healthy blood sugar levels, a major concern of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Inadequate magnesium intake is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and arrhythmias.

Ideally, cardio-metabolic wellness begins with a lifelong journey of healthy choices and an active lifestyle. For those in mid-life who are not physically fit, it’s not too late to improve future health and reverse the beginnings of heart damage, as becoming physically active has a high impact on heart health. A recent study published in the journal, Circulation, involving individual in their early 50s, found that high and moderate intensity exercise four to five times each week improved heart elasticity, as well as oxygen uptake. Regular exercise can help to lower blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar and maintain weight, all contributing factors for a healthy heart.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of cardiac and overall wellness:

CoQ10 100 mgCoQ10 100 mg by Professional Supplement Center®: ON SALE Each serving provides 100 mg of highly bioavailable CoQ10 as ubiquinone in support of cardiovascular, periodontal, immune and liver health. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid...Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: Alpha Lipoic Acid helps maintain healthy glucose metabolism, supports the nervous system and provides nutritional support for metabolic processes. Gluten free, Non-GMO, hypoallergenic vegan formulation.

Garlic 6000Garlic 6000 by Vital Nutrients: These enteric coated garlic caplets support the maintenance of  healthy cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as help sustain cholesterol levels already within the normal range. Gluten, dairy, soy, egg and sugar free formulation.

 

Chelated MagnesiumChelated Magnesium by Douglas Laboratories®: Each tablet provides 100 mg of elemental magnesium as magnesium amino acid chelate in support of cardiac health and skeletal muscle physiology. Yeast, wheat, gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch and  artificial ingredient free, vegan formulation.

Omega Pro-DOmega Pro-D by Professional Supplement Center®:  ON SALE Omega Pro-D provides 1000 IU of highly bioavailable vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol blended with pure, wild-sourced, molecularly distilled omega-3 essential fatty acids in support of immune and neurological function, as well as cardiovascular, joint and skin health. Gluten free and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Out of shape and middle-aged? It’s not too late to turn it around. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/09/27/out-of-shape-and-middle-aged-its-not-too-late-to-turn-it-around
Cardiac Medications. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-medications
9 Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coenzyme-q10
Magnesium for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. https://openheart.bmj.com/content/5/2/e000775
You Can Prevent Hardening of the Arteries. https://www.consumerreports.org/heart-disease/prevent-hardening-of-arteries/

 

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