Heart Health
Let’s re-cap! Tuesday, we talked about our liver and all the functionality our largest internal organ possesses. We also learned a little bit about Glutathione, a natural occurring product of the liver that can deteriorate over time. Have no fear, you can get glutathione from Elite Health Online asap and start get your liver working like a champ again. We are basically taking a few of the major organs in our body and discussing the signs our body parts can give us regarding a particular organ.
5-Amino
We gave a little teaser in our last blog about 2 of our products that can assist in helping our liver regenerate. Now, that you know about glutathione, we want to let you in on the 5-Amino secret. Fortunately, 5-Amino not only assists your liver, but your heart loves the stuff too.
But First, We Listen to Our Hearts
Obviously, we all know that our heart is the center of it all. If the beats get off, we better get ON IT fast. Our hearts must remain healthy for us to live our best lives. Unfortunately, the heart does not regenerate itself like the liver can, so keeping it in tip top shape is even more important.
Signs of a Broken Heart
Tears, ice cream, old mixed tapes, Rom Coms…..Not that kind of broken heart!
Heart disease symptoms depend on what type of heart disease you have. (Mayo Clinic)
Symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels
A buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries, or atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis) can damage your blood vessels and heart. Plaque buildup causes narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.
Coronary artery disease symptoms may be different for men and women. For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain. Women are more likely to have other signs and symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and extreme fatigue.
Signs and symptoms can include:
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
Heart disease symptoms caused by abnormal heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)
Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Heart arrhythmia signs and symptoms can include:
- Fluttering in your chest
- Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
Heart disease symptoms caused by heart defects.
Serious heart defects that you’re born with (congenital heart defects) usually are noticed soon after birth. Heart defect signs and symptoms in children could include:
- Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis)
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes
- In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain.
Less serious congenital heart defects are often not diagnosed until later in childhood or during adulthood. Signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects that usually aren’t immediately life-threatening include:
- Easily getting short of breath during exercise or activity
- Easily tiring during exercise or activity
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Heart disease symptoms caused by diseased heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
In early stages of cardiomyopathy, you may have no symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include:
- Breathlessness with activity or at rest
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting
Heart disease symptoms caused by heart infection.
Endocarditis is an infection that affects the inner lining of your heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). Heart infection signs and symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Swelling in your legs or abdomen
- Changes in your heart rhythm
- Dry or persistent cough
- Skin rashes or unusual spots
Heart disease symptoms caused by heart valve problems (valvular heart disease)
The heart has four valves — the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves — that open and close to direct blood flow through your heart. Many things can damage your heart valves, leading to narrowing (stenosis), leaking (regurgitation or insufficiency) or improper closing (prolapse).
Depending on which valve isn’t working properly, valvular heart disease signs and symptoms generally include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Chest pain
- Fainting (syncope)
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical care if you have these heart disease signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
Always call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack.
What’s Wrong with Me?
Several of the symptoms listed had to do with our arms, legs, or feet. Swelling and/or coldness are major signs that rarely get much attention.
We recently had a patient come in complaining about her water retention and was sure it had to do with a hormone imbalance. She was taking water pills daily and exercising harder than ever to no avail. After checking her lab work, we did notice a slight elevation in her progesterone, but low estrogen. This combination would cause the opposite effect on her body. Therefore, we knew there was more to the situation. After being referred to a heart specialist, she learned she had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both cause swelling in the hands, feet and even the face. After starting a new diet and exercise program provided by Elite, she also started on a hard-core vitamin and peptide regimen via Elite. After 6 months, her hands and feet look normal again and her cholesterol is down.
A simple visit to our lab for water retention most likely saved her life and her heart.
How to Heal a Broken Heart
Top 15 Heart Happy Foods according to healthline.com
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Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens are well-known for their wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They’re a great source of vitamin K, which helps protect your arteries and promote proper blood clot.
They’re also high in dietary nitrates, which have been shown to reduce blood pressure, decrease arterial stiffness and improve the function of cells lining the blood vessels.
Some studies have also found a link between increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables and a lower risk of heart disease.
One analysis of eight studies found that increasing leafy green vegetable intake was associated with up to a 16% lower incidence of heart disease.
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Whole Grains
Whole grains include all three nutrient-rich parts of the grain: germ, endosperm, and bran.
Common types of whole grains include whole wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, and quinoa.
Compared to refined grains, whole grains are higher in fiber, which may help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Multiple studies have found that including more whole grains in your diet can benefit your heart health.
One analysis of 45 studies concluded that eating three more servings of whole grains daily was associated with a 22% lower risk of heart disease.
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are jam-packed with important nutrients that play a central role in heart health.
Berries are also rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect against the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to the development of heart disease.
Studies show that eating lots of berries can reduce several risk factors for heart disease.
For example, one study in 27 adults with metabolic syndrome showed that drinking a beverage made of freeze-dried strawberries for eight weeks decreased “bad” LDL cholesterol by 11%.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
Another study found that eating blueberries daily improved the function of cells that line the blood vessels, which help control blood pressure and blood clotting.
Avocados are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to reduced levels of cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease.
One study looked at the effects of three cholesterol-lowering diets in 45 overweight and obese people, with one of the test groups consuming one avocado per day.
The avocado group experienced reductions in “bad” LDL cholesterol, including lower levels of small, dense LDL cholesterol, which are believed to significantly raise the risk of heart disease.
Another study including 17,567 people showed that those who ate avocados regularly were half as likely to have metabolic syndrome.
Avocados are also rich in potassium, a nutrient that’s essential to heart health. In fact, just one avocado supply 975 milligrams of potassium, or about 28% of the amount that you need in a day.
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been studied extensively for their heart-health benefits.
In one study in 324 people, eating salmon three times a week for eight weeks significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure.
If you don’t eat much seafood, fish oil is another option for getting your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts are a great source of fiber and micronutrients like magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Research shows that incorporating a few servings of walnuts in your diet can help protect against heart disease.
According to one review, eating walnuts can reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by up to 16%, lower diastolic blood pressure by 2–3 mm Hg and decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.
Another study in 365 participants showed that diets supplemented with walnuts led to greater decreases in LDL and total cholesterol.
Interestingly, some studies have also found that regularly eating nuts such as walnuts is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
According to some animal studies, resistant starch can improve heart health by decreasing blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.
Multiple studies have also found that eating beans can reduce certain risk factors for heart disease.
In one study in 16 people, eating pinto beans reduced levels of blood triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help boost heart health.
Interestingly, several studies have associated eating chocolate with a lower risk of heart disease.
One large study showed that those who ate chocolate at least five times per week had a 57% lower risk of coronary heart disease than non-chocolate eaters.
Keep in mind that these studies show an association but don’t necessarily account for other factors that may be involved.
Additionally, chocolate can be high in sugar and calories, which can negate many of its health-promoting properties.
Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing oxidative damage and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease.
Higher levels of HDL cholesterol can help remove excess cholesterol and plaque from the arteries to keep your heart healthy and protect against heart disease and stroke.
Almonds are incredibly nutrient-dense, boasting a long list of vitamins and minerals that are crucial to heart health.
They’re also a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, two important nutrients that can help protect against heart disease.
Research suggests that eating almonds can have a powerful effect on your cholesterol levels, too.
One study in 48 people with high cholesterol showed that eating 1.5 ounces (43 grams) of almonds daily for six weeks reduced belly fat and levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, two risk factors for heart disease.
Remember that while almonds are very high in nutrients, they’re also high in calories. Measure your portions and moderate your intake if you’re trying to lose weight.
Chia seeds, flaxseeds and hemp seeds are all great sources of heart-healthy nutrients, including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Numerous studies have found that adding these types of seeds to your diet can improve many heart disease risk factors, including inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
For example, hemp seeds are high in arginine, an amino acid that has been associated with reduced blood levels of certain inflammatory markers.
Furthermore, flaxseed may help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
One study in people with high blood pressure showed that eating 30 grams of flax.
For centuries, garlic has been used as a natural remedy to treat a variety of ailments.
In recent years, research has confirmed its potent medicinal properties and found that garlic can even help improve heart health.
In one study, taking garlic extract in doses of 600–1,500 mg daily for 24 weeks was as effective as a common prescription drug at reducing blood pressure.
One review compiled the results of 39 studies and found that garlic can reduce total cholesterol by an average of 17 mg/dL and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 9 mg/dL in those with high cholesterol.
Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, which can relieve inflammation and decrease the risk of chronic disease.
It’s also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and many studies have associated it with improvements in heart health.
In fact, one study in 7,216 adults at high risk for heart disease showed that those who consumed the most olive oil had a 35% lower risk of developing heart disease.
Edamame is an immature soybean frequently found in Asian cuisine.
Like other soy products, edamame is rich in soy isoflavones, a type of flavonoid that may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
One analysis of 11 studies showed that soy isoflavones reduced total cholesterol by 3.9 mg/dL and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 5 mg/dL.
Another analysis showed that 50 grams of soy protein per day decreased LDL cholesterol by an average of 3%.
If combined with other changes to diet and lifestyle, even slightly reducing your cholesterol levels can have a big impact on your risk of heart disease.
Green tea has been associated with several health benefits, from increased fat burning to improved insulin sensitivity.
It’s also brimming with polyphenols and catechins, which can act as antioxidants to prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and protect the health of your heart.
According to one review of 20 studies, a higher intake of green tea catechins was associated with significantly lower levels of LDL and total cholesterol.
Tip of the Day
Today’s tip is to go study up on glutathione and 5-Amino. Both products are wonderful for your entire body, including your skin. They also assist in anti-aging when maximized with other products that can enhance the way your body uses them. Of course, we’ll be back tomorrow to keep on trucking through our oraganomics. We will also discuss several more of our products that can do nothing but increase your life span and your daily WOW FACTOR! Cheers to showing your heart some love today!
