Introduction to the cardiovascular system:
Cardiac from the Greek means to the heart. Cardio -vascular means heart and blood vessels
From poor lifestyle choices to nutrient-depleted diets to the stress of modern life and more, our hearts must work harder than ever to keep up. The more that we do to support them and overcome these strains will add health and vitality for years to come.
The cardiovascular system can be thought of as the transport system of the body. This system has three main components: the heart, the blood vessel and the blood itself. The heart is the system’s pump, and the blood vessels are like the delivery routes. Blood can be thought of as a fluid which contains the oxygen and nutrients the body needs and carries the wastes which need to be removed. The following information describes the structure and function of the heart and the cardiovascular system.
Function and Location of the Heart –
The heart’s job is to pump blood around the body. The heart is located in between the two lungs. It lies left of the middle of the chest.
Structure of the Heart –
The heart is a muscle about the size of a fist and is roughly cone shaped. It is about 12cm long, 9cm across the broadest point and about 6cm thick. The pericardium is a fibrous covering which wraps around the whole heart. It holds the heart in place but allows it to move as it beats. The wall of the heart itself is made up of a special type of muscle called a cardiac muscle.
When we view the body overall in a holistic way and treat any disease from a different perspective, we can acknowledge that all our body systems and organs are connected and influenced with each other. The heart vessels may involve will allow in any circumstances which must be assisted and aided in the healing process. The vitality and tone of the whole circulatory system is fundamental to life and to the integration of all aspects of the body parts. If there is any inherited weakness or congestion present, it will deep effects on the tissues and organs involved. If for any reason that blood supply to organs is not adequate, there will be issues associated with this with the body. In the same way if waste materials produced in the metabolic process are not effectively eliminated in a proper manner, it will create damage to tissue will quickly manifest itself.
Prevention of the circulatory issues can be solved easily, and treatment guidelines should be followed. When it becomes present that there are major heart problems existing care must be considered. Herbal medicine has a lot to offer in the process of healing of heart failure and cardiac conditions but must be under supervision of your doctor. If you undertake alternative treatment you need to advise your treating Doctor all herbal medicine, you are taking as some pharmaceutical medication can adversely effects.
Arteriosclerosis-
A degenerative change in arterial walls, affecting the middle and later the inner layers, and resulting in loss of elasticity and possible calcification. Commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis –
Degenerative change in the arterial walls which affects the larger arteries such as the aorta, coronary and cerebral vessels. Systemic changes in following arteries in they may occur. The basic lesion is plaque build up on the inner walls of the vessels. , causing narrowing and could create embolism meaning Blockage in the arterial (oxygen rich blood which flows from the heart to rest of the body) or venous (which carry deoxygenated blood from the organs to the heart) blood flow due to a blood clot. This occurs when the plague breaks loose into the circulation with disastrous results.
Angina –
Reoccurring
Substernal pain is discomfort occurring behind or below the sternum which the pain would last ½ to 1 minute, which may contributed by precipitated by stress, exertion, emotion, extreme cold or other factors. or even a large meal. Pain is distinctive by the sensation of a vicelike tight band drawn across the chest. Coronary atherosclerosis is the major cause.
Cardio /cardiac arrest –
Cardiac arrest – is an electrical disorder
Black out, chest pains loss of consciousness, extreme palpation
Dramatic failure of the heart to act as pump to propel blood into main arteries. Usual cause is a blockage of the coronary artery by a clot, fragments break in pieces in the blood stream or valvular disease (A pathological condition involving any of the heart valves or associated structures.)
Resulting in either asystole being (total absence of contraction) or ventricular fibrillation (ineffective uncoordinated contraction). Symptoms will be disappearance of the pulse, imperceptible activity of the heart and loss of consciousness.
Cardiac dropsy-
Dropsy of the heart origin is distinguished from renal dropsy by a greater increase inn oedema as the day progresses. When you wake up in the morning there may be no swelling but by the nights end legs may become swollen from the ankles upwards. Fluids will stagnate in the tissues from inability of the heart to pump efficiently. This condition is a symptom of heart failure with increasing your breathlessness (dyspnoea) which can lead into dropsy.
Aneurysm –
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery or vein usually caused by a weakening of the blood vessel wall.
Bradycardia-
Slow heart rate, less than 55 bets per min. Cause may be disease of the heart muscle or may lie in the CNS (central nervous system) . Can also be caused by a disorder of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) with dropsy -like swelling of the face and hands. Over recent times bradycardia has been linked with beta -blocker drugs any of a class of drugs which prevent the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased cardiac action, used to control heart rhythm, treat angina, and reduce high blood pressure and furthermore reserpine and digitalis alkaloids given in excess. In total heart block a rate of 36 or less is due to failure of conduction from atria to ventricles and will require artificial pacemaker.
Stroke- (Apoplexy) A brain disorder –
A sudden and severe attack in the cardiovascular system caused by the bursting of a blood vessel or by a blood clot in the brain. Brain damage follows escape of the blood into delicate nerve cells. High blood pressure may cause rupture of vessel, usually in the aged with hardening of the arteries. If no high blood pressure present it may be due to thrombosis.
Strokes may be sudden, with collapse and unconsciousness, or a slow developing paralysis while the person is still conscious this can also come about from a narrowing of the carotid artery in the neck due to atheroma which is described as a degeneration of the walls of the arteries caused by accumulated fatty deposits and scar tissue and leading to restriction of the circulation and a risk of thrombosis. Paralysis on one side of the body, with lack of sensation is more common. The face will be distorted downwards towards the side effected. Breathing may be violent snoring, in bed or on the floor
Disrupted speech, blurred vison, metal confusion, inability to walk, numbness, pins and needles, heaviness in the legs.
Heart attack- Circulation disorder
Chest pains, body aches, cold sweats, shortness of breath.
Myocarditis -cardiogenic shock –
Micro clotting-
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The inflammation can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood. Myocarditis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Infection with a virus is one cause of myocarditis. Sometimes a drug reaction or general inflammatory condition causes myocarditis.
Severe myocarditis weakens the heart so that the rest of the body doesn’t get enough blood. Clots can form in the heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack.
Common myocarditis symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- Shortness of breath, at rest or during activity
- Light-headedness or feeling like you might faint
- Flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, fever or sore throat
Rheumatic myocarditis –
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection such as strep throat or scarlet fever. An immune response causes an inflammatory condition in the body which can result in on-going valve damage.
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart, joints, skin, or brain. The heart valves can be inflamed and become scarred over time. This can result in narrowing or leaking of the heart valve making it harder for the heart to function normally. This may take years to develop and can result in heart failure.
Rheumatic fever can occur at any age, but usually occurs in children ages 5 to 15 years old. It’s rare in developed countries like the United States.
Pericarditis-
Inflammation or disease of the pericardium -a double membranous sac surrounding the heart, and which enables that organ to function with friction.
Causes- gout, myxoedema, (thyroid disorder), congestive heart failure, injury, radiation, inflammation of the kidneys, rheumatic and other eruptive fevers, sepsis, tuberculosis. May be dry due to deposits of the fibrin between two opposing surfaces (adherent pericarditis) revealed as friction scraping sound when investigated by stethoscope, or sac may fill with an effusion of fibrous exudate (serious pericarditis) when it becomes distended. If accumulation is excessive, it may constrict the heart, with serious consequences.
Symptoms- pain, center of the chest, sweating, fever with small rapid pulse, difficult breathing, restlessness, breathlessness, anxiety, and hacking cough. Although specific modern hospital treatment is necessary. much useful work can be supported by herbal medicine.
Contributing factors –
- Diet
Rancid oils in the diet, antioxidant deficiency, use of unsaturated vegetables oils in cooking, margarine , homogenised dairy, excess saturated fats, deficiency of fat emulsifiers, excess refined salt, excess refined carbohydrates and refined sugar and sugar replacements in commercial food products such as corn syrup, aspartame.
- (increases triglycerides ,platelets, adhesiveness ,uric acid levels and blood pressure) vitamin and mineral deficiency ,excess vitamin D 3000mg or more daily is atherogenic)
- Alcohol
- Coffee in excess
- Sedentary lifestyle -lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Obesity
Contributing factors secondary-
Emotional, heavy metal poisoning, contraceptive pill, diabetes, hyperinsulinism may cause atherosclerosis, family history ,gout, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and uric acid levels ,long term ox tail bile supplementation.
Therapy general-
Aerobic exercise – Aerobic exercises usually involve your whole body — and they get your heart pumping.
14 Examples of Aerobic Exercise: At Home, Classes, and at the Gym (greatist.com)
Any programme must be slowly introduced with care and under supervision
Skin brushing and salt glow stimulates circulation and lymphatic system. Encourages proper skin function and aids in elimination.
Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Each Day. – Cullulla Rd
Chelation therapy for arteriosclerosis –
Chelating agents are usually organic compounds (a compound that contains carbon). Specific chelating agents bind iron, lead, or copper in the blood and can be used to treat excessively high levels of these metals. Chelating agents may also be used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning.
Foods high in chelation –
Oranges, blueberries, spirulina, chlorella, coriander, barley grass, dulse, tomatoes, lemons. Grapefruit, guava, papaya, paw paw ,kale strawberries kiwi, mango, capsicums and Kakadu plum.
Daily mediation, prayer, Qigong and Tai chi –
Qigong regular practice brings about a deep strengthening effect for the whole body and its various systems (nervous, digestive, respiratory, skeleton-muscular, hormonal, gynecological, etc). Its ability to help in healing a large variety of chronic and acute injuries and illnesses.
About Qigong (Chi Kung) – What are the benefits of Qigong? (taichinews.com)
Meditation is the habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts.
The popularity of meditation is increasing as more people discover its many health benefits.
You can use it to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and develop concentration.
People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns, and even increased pain tolerance.
- Spinal manipulation lower cervical /upper thoracic as spinal subluxation/ lesions may be aggravating or causing angina due to imbalance in the deep versus superficial circulation.
- a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, regarded in chiropractic theory as the cause of many health problems.
16 Health Benefits of Daily Meditation According to Science (positivepsychology.com)
Herbal remedies-
There not one fix all system or remedies
Heart should be well sustained with Hawthorn, Lily of the valley, and if infection is present it can be treated with antibiotics (poke root, echinacea) .Echinacea increase powers of resistance ,Pleurisy root reduces inflammation of serious membranes and promotes absorption of effusion.
Butchers Broom –
It is to be considered as the primary heart diuretic
- Broom is a bitter narcotic herb that reduces the respiration and regulates heart action.
- It acts upon the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the impulses.
- Young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are cardio-tonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, and vasoconstrictor. Together with lily of the valley, the broom herb is employed internally for treating problems related to the heart.
- Plant is used internally in the treatment of heart complaints, sluggish circulation
Butchers Broom Natural loose blend 40 grams – Cullulla Rd
Lily of the valley-
- Increase the force of the heart
- Regulates the beat for distention of the ventricles
- Restores an irritable heart by increasing size and strength of the pulse, slows down a rapid feeble pulse, restores regular deep breathing.
- It also helps to treat valvular heart disease cardiac debility, dropsy and congestive heart failure. The flavonoids present in the herb stimulate the arteries and help in the dilation of blood. Its diuretic properties help in lowering the blood pressure level.
It is also useful in the treatment of arrhythmia as it increases the muscular action of the heart while at the same time slowing down and regulating the heartbeat rate
Mistle toe –
Used as a vasodilator reducing blood pressure after an initial use. Cardiac depressant. Used as an alternative to beta- block drugs when the produce sore eyes and skin rashes. Stimulates the vagus nerve which slows down pulse.
European mistletoe is also used for heart and blood vessel conditions including high blood pressure, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), internal bleeding, and hemorrhoids; epilepsy and infantile convulsions; gout; psychiatric conditions such as depression; sleep disorders; headache; absence of menstrual periods; symptoms of menopause; and for “blood purifying.”
Maritime pine –
Maritime Pine -Pycnogenol have been published on the following potential uses: thrombosis (blood clots), diabetes and its complications, hypertension and its complications, coronary artery disease, asthma, attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder, gynecology (endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, pregnancy associated pain and menopause transition), osteoarthritis, acute and postpartum hemorrhoids, and memory.
Motherwort-
This herb is a relaxing nervine and valuable emmenagogue. Its main properties are for the circulatory system and greatly strengthened the function of the heart. Excellent tonic for the heart, strengthen without putting any strain on the heart. It is very specific for over rapid heartbeat where it is brought on by anxiety.
Figwort-
Strengthens the heart contractions and stimulant caution should be taken with rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
Hawthorn –
Hawthorn berries adequate remedies for cardiovascular and circulatory system, as they act in normalizing the heart by either stimulating or depressing its activity depending upon what is required.
Long term treatment may be useful in heart failure or weakness. Hawthorn can be useful in palpitations and a great circulatory system tonic for principal treatment of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris.
Garlic –
Garlic is one of those few herbs that have universal usage. Garlic is beneficial in reduction in blood pressure. Prevents build-up of cholesterol and anticoagulant substance.
Diallyl trisulfide, a component of garlic oil, helps protect the heart during cardiac surgery and after a heart attack, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found. They also believe diallyl trisulfide could be used as a treatment for heart failure.
Hydrogen sulfide gas has been shown to protect the heart from damage.
Cayenne pepper-
Cayenne pepper is one of the most valuables systemic stimulants used in food or a herb. It regulates blood flow equal and strengthening the heart. Cayenne pepper is used specifically for circulatory mainly in the peripheral circulation.
Horse chestnut –
Horse chestnut is a vasodilator which assists and tones and protects the blood vessels, anti-oedema. Vitamin P action in regards the veinous system, properties are similar to rutin .Stimulates production of similar of prostaglandin F-alpha which contracts veins.
Grape seed –
The flavonoids that can be found in such high quantities within grape seed extract are responsible for lowering overall cholesterol levels and improving the balance between HDL and LDL cholesterol. This can reduce the dangers of plaque deposition in the arteries and blood vessels, which will lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, coronary heart diseases, and other cardiovascular issues.
White horehound-
White Horehound contains the bitter principal marrubiin (sometimes spelled marubin), a potent pain reliever, nervous system stimulant, and expectorant. Marrubiin and marrubinic acid also help stabilize heart rhythm.
Consuming white horehound. For example, extract of the herb, when taken regularly, may significantly reduce overall cholesterol levels by helping eliminate “bad” cholesterol and preventing the build-up of plaque in your heart.
Along with lower cholesterol levels, regular consumption of white horehound is associated with the reduction of blood sugar levels. Researchers claim that when horehound is introduced into the body, it can handle large amounts of glucose more efficiently, making it a potential solution for diabetics.
White Horehound Natural loose blend 50 grams (Australian grown) – Cullulla Rd
Sweet orange peels –
Sweet orange also contains large amounts of potassium. There is evidence that potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.
Globe Artichoke-
Medicinal Uses of Artichoke leaves Teas and extracts made from the leaves of the artichoke plant are a traditional tonic for the liver and gallbladder. Both laboratory and clinical studies strongly suggest artichoke leaf extract to be a good therapeutic option in dyspeptic syndrome. (Irritable stomach, nervous gastropathy, flatulence, irritable colon, functional biliary tract disease). In Europe the plant is widely used to treat arteriosclerosis and lower cholesterol. Several studies have hinted at the ability of artichoke extract to lower lipid levels. It works by affecting cholesterol synthesis in the liver at several points in the synthetic pathway and by increasing the elimination of cholesterol.
Linden –
Linden is a tree. The dried flower, leaves, and wood are used for medicine.
Herbal tea such as Linden Leaves and Flower Tea Bag is used for colds, stuffy nose, sore throat, breathing problems (bronchitis), headaches, fever, and to make it easier to bring up phlegm by coughing (as an expectorant). It is also used for rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), nervous tension, trouble sleeping (insomnia), problems with bladder control (incontinence), and muscle spasms. Linden leaf is also used to cause sweating and increase urine production.
Linden leaf Organic flower loose blend 50 Grams – Cullulla Rd
Gynostemma-
Gynostemma can do in terms of fighting cancer and diabetes, and how it can protect the brain, fight allergies, and help you lose weight. Additionally, gynostemma benefits the cardiovascular system. It helps maintain healthy blood flow and prevents the arteries from narrowing. Furthermore, it won’t widen arteries that are already open, which makes it less likely to cause flushing and nasal congestion compared to other drugs and supplements
Stinging Nettle –
It contains generous amounts of bone building magnesium, boron and zinc. Vitamin C and iron can help to strengthen and enhance circulation by maintaing a healthy cardiovascular system and is said to restore youthful flexibility to blood vessels.Vitamin C ensures that the iron is absorbed by the body by the liver.
High levels of bio-available calcium and magnesium help to balance the body and maintain the proper pH level in the blood as well as support bone growth.
Stinging Nettle leaf Natural loose blend 50 grams Australian grown. – Cullulla Rd
Rosemary –
Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and circulation making it beneficial for low blood pressure and sluggishness
Helps blood circulation and improves peripheral blood flow. Useful for varicose veins and arteriosclerosis
Organic Rosemary Powder 1kg – Cullulla Rd
Red clover-
Queen of blood cleaners, improving circulation of the blood, to help prevent osteoporosis, reduce the possibility of blood clots and arterial plaques and reducing high cholesterol.
High in potassium. Potassium his naturally occurring compound is important as a blood electrolyte, along with sodium and chloride. Potassium is a key mechanism removing Sodium (which has the chemical symbol “Na”) from cells in the body via a process known as the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. The body needs potassium in order to work this pump and remove sodium. Sodium is dangerous if it builds up in cells and this is why it is often advised to reduce sodium consumption and increase potassium, especially if one has high blood pressure and/or cardiac dysfunctions.
Red Clover -The Queen of blood cleaners – Cullulla Rd
Boswellia –
Powerful anti-inflammatory herb for chronic inflammatory diseases. Stimulates blood circulation
The four major boswellic acids found in frankincense are responsible for the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes
- β-boswellic acid (BA)
- acetyl-β-boswellic acid (ABA)
- 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA)
- 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)
Boswellia carteri exhibited mild cardioprotective effect and antioxidant activity in animals with a heart. β-boswellic acid (BA) prevented blood clotting and protected blood vessels from injury.
Burdock root –
King of blood cleaners has found that burdock root contains active ingredients in its root system that can remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Burdock root has been shown to contain multiple types of powerful anitioxidant including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids .
Antioxidants protect cells in the body from damage due to free radicals. They can help treat and prevent a number of different health conditions.
Antioxidants can also help to reduce inflammation. One study found that burdock root reduced inflammatory markers in the blood of patients with osteoarthritis.
Hibiscus-
Used to treat disorders of the circulatory system. hibiscus can fight against this oxidative stress to help promote heart health. It can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
Coleus Forskohlii-
Herbal actions:
- Hypotensive: Substance that reduces blood pressure
- Antiplatelet : Substance that reduces platelet aggregation (hence prolongs, bleeding time & may prevent thrombus formation)
- Broncho spasmolytic: Substance that reduces spasm in the lower respiratory tract
- Spasmolytic: Substance that reduces or relieves smooth muscle spasm (involuntary contractions)
- Cardiotonic: Substance that improves the force of contraction of the heart
- Digestive stimulant: Substance that stimulates the function of the gastrointestinal organs involved with digestion
- Aromatic digestive: Substance that is generally pleasant tasting, smelling, or both that assists digestion
Indications/prescribing :
Congestive heart disease
Asthma ,psoriasis
Topical treatment for glaucoma
Hypertension, ischemic heart disease ,thrombosis
Herbal tincture /liquid extract 50 ML Coleus – Cullulla Rd
Magnolia
Atherosclerosis, cardiovascular health
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood pushing against the walls of arteries. High blood pressure causes many serious health conditions including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and vision problems.
Feverfew –
Fever few healing properties protection against clot formation, anti-thrombotic (inhibits deposition of platelets) Vasodilator which promotes the dilation of blood vessels.
Fenugreek –
Fenugreek has been used in China as early as 1057 AD for protection against thrombosis embolism and angina. – Sprout seeds readily germinate as moistened surface to provident rich source of natural vitamins, lecithin and iron add to green salads.
Alternative remedies:
Beetroot –
The beet is one plant separated into two parts: the leafy green at the top and the beetroot below that is usually dark red. Health practitioners have long identified how a plant could help promote health based on its appearance. Because of the beet’s deep red colour, they long associated it with blood and heart health.
Science has allowed us to find out the real benefits behind beets, and we have mostly found them correct.
Beets are rich in a property called nitrates. Most of us have heard that nitrates are harmful to our health, specifically to our hearts. This is true of processed nitrates found in processed meats. the body converts natural nitrates into natural forming into nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a powerful compound for boosting heart and artery health. It signals the muscles in the arteries to relax, which improves overall blood flow and heart health. Nitric oxide’s ability to relax the muscles also leads to lower blood pressure, critical to long-term heart health.
Cod liver oil –
Cod liver oil can act as a blood thinner, slowing blood clotting and decreasing blood pressure.
The star ingredient in cod liver oil is omega-3 fatty acid, a polyunsaturated fat. It’s known as an essential fatty acid because the human body is unable to make it, so it’s vital that we get it from our diets. The omega-3 fatty acid from fish can be broken down into two different types – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – which offer many health benefits, together and individually. They are known to be heart-healthy, with studies reporting that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce triglycerides, increase healthier HDL cholesterol
Flaxseeds/ chia seeds –
These seeds are a rich plant-based source of omega 3 fatty acids, such as. Omega-3s have many beneficial effects, such as helping to lower levels of triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol. They also reduce blood pressure and minimize the build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries.
Omega-3s decrease the risk of disorders that can lead to heart attack such as thrombosis and arrythmias.
Nuts –
Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts are all heart-healthy nut options. These nuts are full of protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Like fish and flaxseeds, walnuts are also ripe with Omega 3 fatty acids making them a heart-healthy snack to have on the run.
Beef liver, Organ meats –
Of all the organ meats, liver is the most the nutritional packed In particular, liver is bulging with folic acid, iron, chromium, copper and naturally has COQ10 and zinc, which increase the blood’s haemoglobin level and help to keep our heart healthy.
Various types of beans, Legumes and Peas–
Beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils — otherwise known as pulses or legumes reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad cholesterol.” They are also packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants polyphenols, all of which have beneficial effects on the heart and general health.
Berries-
Berries are also full of antioxidant polyphenols, which help reduce the risk. Berries are a great source of fiber, folate, iron, calcium and vitamin a, and vitamin C, and they are low in fat.
Seafood –
Fish is good for the heart, especially fatty fish like salmon and sardines. What about shellfish? Shrimp, lobster, clams, scallops, crayfish, and the like deliver smaller amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fats than finfish. They also tend to be higher in cholesterol. A study from the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that shellfish certainly aren’t bad for the heart. But they may not offer the same protection against cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease as finfish.
Heart Beat: Shellfish for the heart? – Harvard Health
Evening primrose oil –
Improve Heart HealthEvening primrose oil is an anti-inflammatory agent, and it assists in reducing blood cholesterol. This oil reduces cholesterol and blood pressure which, in turn, maintains heart health. It additionally protects the body against stroke and heart diseases by decreasing the prevalence of blood clots. For this treatment, take around 10 to 30 ml of EPO for four months to improve heart health.
22 Unexpected Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil Capsules (effectiveremedies.com)
Eggs–
Eggs are high in HDL cholesterol, which is the “good cholesterol” that can help maintain the body’s cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease and strokes. health benefit of eggs is they provide omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in your heart, immune system, lungs, and blood vessels. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in every cell of your body and are essential to help you function, keeping your heart, eyes, and brain healthy. 2 eggs on average provide 180mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs contain lecithin which is a vitamin .Various studies indicate that lecithin may positively affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Lecithin is a fat emulsifier; it binds with cholesterol and other fats, forming fat-water emulsion, which is then excreted from the body, thus preventing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.in B complex group essential for proper use of fat and cholesterol in the body
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Eggs: Why Eggs Are Good For You (australianeggs.org.au)
Natures Brain Food Lecithin – Cullulla Rd
Lycopene –
Lycopene, a plant chemical called a carotenoid, is what naturally gives foods like tomatoes, watermelons, and sweet red peppers their pink/red colour. It is thought to be good for bone health and, as a potent antioxidant may help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer.
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Tomato purée
- Guava:
- Watermelon
- Fresh tomatoes
- Canned tomatoes
- Papaya
- Pink grapefruit
- Cooked sweet red peppers
Magnesium-
Magnesium will do what aspirin fails to do, it reduces abnormal platelet adhesiveness, it is a potent vasodilator and anti-coagulant it’s a natural calcium channel blocker and taken within dosage guild lines it has no side effects.
Magnesium relaxes both smooth and skeletal muscles. It is an important mineral for the heart, as it helps with preventing spasms of the coronary arteries (which can result in heart attacks). Magnesium is needed for the maintenance/repair/division of cells, hormone regulation and proper nerve transmission. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:
- loss of appetite
- irregular heartbeat
- personality changes
- impaired muscle skills
- tingling/numbness/cramping of the hands, arms, feet and legs
- seizures
Potassium-
Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte, meaning it conducts electricity. It is essential for all of the body’s functions. It helps nerves, muscles and the heart to function properly, as well as moving nutrients and waste around cells.
What does potassium do?
Potassium is essential for life. It allows the nerves to respond to stimulation and muscles to contract (tighten), including those in the heart. It also offsets the effect of sodium (present in table salt) in raising blood pressure, and moves nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells.
Food sources, White beans, bananas, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, parsnips, avocados, yoghurt, coconut water,clams , oranges and orange juice
The potential health benefits of potassium include:
- reducing blood pressure
- protecting against strokes
- protecting against osteoporosis
- preventing kidney stones
- reducing water retention
The kidneys control potassium levels in the body and remove excess potassium in urine. If the kidneys do not work properly, potassium may build up in the blood. This can be a very dangerous condition because it may cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop beating.
Low potassium
Low potassium (hypokalaemia) can lead to symptoms including weakness, tiredness, muscle cramps, constipation and abnormal heart rhythms.
Hypokalaemia can happen if you become dehydrated, for example due to vomiting or diarrhoea, or from sweating excessively. Diuretics (fluid tablets) can also cause low potassium. Sometimes, people may have low potassium because they are not eating enough foods high in potassium.
High potassium
A high potassium (hyperkalaemia) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It is usually discovered through blood tests ordered to explain or monitor another condition.
If you have unusually high levels of potassium, you can feel weak and tired, feel nauseous and have an abnormal heart rhythm.
Hyperkalaemia can be caused by kidney disease or taking medications that decrease the amount of potassium the body removes in the urine.
If you have these symptoms and believe your potassium levels might be high, contact your doctor immediately. They can check your potassium levels with a blood test.
Vitamin E –
Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E supplements were once thought to boost antioxidant levels and fight off disease.
Vitamin E may also have a role to play in maintaining heart health.
Vitamin E is found in animal products, vegetables and seeds that contain fats and oils. You can get vitamin E by including meat products, nuts and seeds, healthy oils (such as avocado) or unprocessed cereals and wholegrains in your diet.
Vitamin-E–replete endothelial cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels are better able to resist blood-cell components adhering to this surface. Vitamin E also increases the expression of two enzymes that suppress arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby increasing the release of prostacyclin from the endothelium, which, in turn, dilates blood vessels and inhibits platelet aggregation.
ttps://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine-healthprofessional/#:~:text=Evidence%20that%20vitamin%20E%20could%20help%20prevent%20or,be%20a%20crucial%20initiating%20step%20for%20atherosclerosis%20%5B6%5D.
Protein-
- Protein is an important part of a healthy diet.
- Proteins are made up of chemical ‘building blocks’ called amino acids.
- Your body uses amino acids to build and repair muscles (heart is a muscle) and bones and to make hormones and enzymes. They can also be used as an energy source.
Proteins are made up of amino acids that are linked together to form long chains of atoms and coagulate by heat. Think of a protein as a string of beads in which each bead is an amino acid. Proteins may be vegetable or animal: Major source of protein is animal foods such as fish, dairy, meat and eggs which are a complete protein. Vegetable proteins include food groups legumes, cereals, seeds, nuts .
Importance of Protein for our overall health. – Cullulla Rd
Balanced Diet –
It is vital that the whole systems that benefits.
Healthy eating plays a major role –
When it comes to the circulatory system is concerned is the factor of the intake of fat mainly saturated fats and high cholesterol in the blood, which leads to various cardiovascular problems. Consuming unsaturated fats instead of the dangerous ones. Healthy eating plays a crucial role in preventive medicine. A good diet must consist of useful nutritional to support the body and its systems rather than stagnate it up with unnecessary sugars and fats which after time will create disease. Food should not be used a tool just to fill your stomach but needs to planned and with consideration without it being a chore. Foods need feed your life force and vitally and should be a rainbow of foods.
Smoking and drinking –
Anyone with a concern about their health and mainly about the heart, should stop smoking and keep their intake of alcohol to a reasonable matter.
Exercise –
The only way to make sure that the heart and blood vessels are truly used to exercise so the heartbeat is speeded up and we become short of breath. Regular exercise should be enjoyable, and moderation is included.
Any information provided on the page is not taken as a replacement for medical advice Any person requiring medical attention should consult a medical doctor, qualified practioner.
References :
Better health through natural healing
Dr Ross Trattler N.D ,DO
Dr Adrian Jones N.D
Second edition 2001 by Hinkler books PTY LTD
Myocarditis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Rheumatic Heart Disease | Johns Hopkins Medicine
16 top foods for a healthy heart (medicalnewstoday.com)
Rosemarie
Naturopath, Herbalist, Iridologist , Equine Herbalist
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