Natural Treatments for Heart Disease
February is Heart Disease Awareness Month and heart disease is still a prevalent problem in North America. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Thankfully, most cases of mild to moderate hypertension can be brought down to normal levels with proper diet and lifestyle changes. IAlternative treatments to reduce blood pressure have no effects other than a healthier and happier body.
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Besides cholesterol testing, you can request many other lab tests to determine your heart attack risk. There will likely be a charge to have these tests completed, but in the interest of your health, it’s worth it:
Homocysteine Testing: Homocysteine is a hormone and levels are elevated when one is at high risk for a heart attack.
C-Reactive Protein Testing: High levels indicate artery constriction. Fibrinogen Testing: High levels indicate plaque build up in the arteries. Lipoprotein A Testing: Lipoprotein is a sticky substance that deposits cholesterol and fats in artery walls to heal free radical damage. High levels indicate risk. Natural treatment begins with proper diet and regular exercise, taking vitamins and herbs, and receiving acupuncture and homeopathic medicine. Eating flaxseed oil and other raw essential fats can protect the arteries from inflammation and damage. To help improve cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure, try a herb called Hawthorn. Fresh ginger root tea helps to dissolve plaque in the arteries. Vitamin C helps to lower blood pressure. Raw garlic and Vitamin E thin the blood. Parsley (fresh or in tea) decreases fluid retention, which in turn also helps to lower blood pressure. Ground flax seeds attach to cholesterol and take it out of the body, naturally. Antioxidants in blueberries and other dark berries are important to repair any free radical damage in the artery walls.
Vegetarians have lower blood pressure and are generally healthier than meat eaters; therefore, a more vegetarian diet is strongly advised. In order to maintain normal blood pressure levels, a whole foods diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish oil is recommended. |
For those who feel that a vegetarian diet is beyond their means and willpower, there are still ways to help your body out. Stop eating saturated fats like butter, margarine, fatty meat, fried food, ice cream, and cheese. Instead try olive oil, fish, gelato, and goat cheese. Carbohydrates, like sugar, corn, potatoes, bread, and pasta, can be replaced as well. Switch to eating yams, squash, brown rice, quinoa, and millet. Try using stevia, a herbal sugar substitute. Eliminate coffee and alcohol, which stress the body and increase blood pressure.
Of course, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Anger, worry, and fear are emotions that are often associated with hypertension and can be managed with the aid of a naturopathic doctor. Don't forget daily exercise including walking, swimming, cycling, and gentle weight lifting. Other exercises that lower blood pressure include: deep breathing, meditation, yoga, Tai chi, and stretching. Like most diseases afflicting western societies, hypertension and heart disease are caused by improper diet, lifestyle and thinking patterns. Follow these suggestions and you'll be well on your way to a happier heart and a healthier life. This article was submitted to Island TImes Magazine courtesy of Dr. Terrie Van Alstyne, N.D.Naturopathic Doctor
Qualicum Naturopathic Clinic Suite 4 – 177 West 2nd Ave. Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC Tel: 250-752-3267 info@qualicumnaturopathy.com www.qualicumnaturopathy.com |
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