Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, along with cancer and respiratory diseases. This disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that flow away from the heart, causing blockage.
It also occurs when smaller blood vessels narrow and harden, making blood and oxygen transportation slow, and sometimes stop entirely. This results in rupturing of the vessels, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular problems.
Unfortunately, by the time many people realize the extent of the degradation, critical care is often essential. However, it is never too early to make lifestyle changes that will help prevent further deterioration, or to support any necessary medical treatment.
Natural Ways to Support Heart Health
Many natural treatments are at your disposal if you either suffer from coronary heart disease or another heart-related affliction, or if you want to take cautionary steps in order to prevent a heart condition.
The best natural treatment for cardiovascular health is diet! You can take control and have a healthy heart starting today! There are also natural supplements to assist if your diet is not the best.
Adjusting your diet, exercising regularly, and doing all you can to reduce levels of stress can lower inflammation in the heart. Getting enough sleep is very important, as well as quitting health-damaging habits such as smoking.
A healthy diet can vastly improve coronary heart disease. Many foods that are high in fiber are also abundant in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, all of which helps improve the overall response and abilities of the body’s immune system.
Vegetables, fruits, beans, and even red wine (in moderation) can help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Fish is also popular when it comes to heart health as it is abundant in omega-3s. Choose wild-caught fish whenever possible.
Cholesterol Doubts
Just as there are foods that help improve the condition of coronary heart disease, there are also foods that worsen the condition. We have been told for many years that foods which are high in fat and cholesterol and fried foods are to be avoided when looking out for your heart health.
However, several studies over the past 20 years have questioned the validity of this belief, for the most part. Don’t assume that all fats are bad for heart health. Simple carbs, such as processed sugar, are now viewed as a much bigger threat.
Foods that contain fats, like dairy products, organ meats, grass-fed beef, eggs, butter and lard, have been a part of diets of many people who have made healthy decisions that lead to a long life.
A study conducted in 2009 that was published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice reported that the perceived relation between the intake of cholesterol and coronary heart disease may have several flaws.
There is increasingly prevalent view that elevated blood cholesterol may not be a cause of heart disease, but rather a symptom.
Cholesterol is something the body needs. It is an essential part in making healthy cells and organisms, and the body needs to maintain a certain level of the substance in order to live.
Inflammation a Major Cause
For many people, a proven cause of heart disease is inflammation, often promoted by the food in their diets. Corn, pasteurized dairy products, refined carbs and processed meats, sugars and trans fat all cause inflammation of the heart.
To prevent or heal coronary heart disease, limit or eliminate processed and sugary foods, as well as the harmful food listed above. Replace them with foods that promote general heart health, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish. This will pay off in improved all-round health, but particularly cardiovascular health, plus a longer life to enjoy it with.
