Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1462604
Page 18 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com The cardiovascular system is complex and dynamic, composed of the body's hardest working organ, the heart, and a 60,000- mile matrix of blood vessels and arteries that link all our organs and transport blood carrying oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the entire body. Protecting your cardiovascular system is essential to your heart and vitality. From good eating habits and exercise to high-quality supplements and stress reduction, there are a lot of great strategies we can do to keep our hearts pumping strong and prospering! More Omega-3s, Please! One of the most clinically supported and researched supplements for promoting healthy cardiovascular function is omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and seed oils such as flaxseed. Omega-3s support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels already within the normal range and promote arterial health. Heart Action Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that is involved in highly energetic tissues, especially muscle, to create cellular energy. The heart is one of the most physically active organs; heart muscle pumps roughly 5 liters of blood per minute, which is equivalent to 300 liters per hour or 7,200 liters per day at rest. Although the human body can make CoQ10, this process requires at least eight vitamins, trace minerals, and the amino acid tyrosine. The amount of CoQ10 available from our food is only a tiny fraction of the quantity needed each day and because of the complexity of its production, CoQ10 deficiency is common. Several peer-reviewed studies have confirmed that the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 has superior absorption compared to the ubiquinone form. The amount of CoQ10 absorbed into the blood stream is of critical importance because studies conclusively show that higher CoQ10 blood levels provide greater health benefits, especially in terms of cardiovascular health. Pungent Power Garlic has been used for centuries as a culinary herb, as well as for its heart-supporting properties. In people with high blood pressure, garlic can reduce systolic blood pressure by 16 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 9.3 mmHg compared with placebo.[1] However, it does not lower blood pressure in those with normal levels. If you don't want everyone around you to know you've just taken a garlic supplement, look for a concentrated Enteripure coated odorless garlic supplement that contains the active ingredient allicin in stabilized form. Supporting Healthy Cholesterol and Homocysteine Levels Already Within Normal Range Cholesterol and homocysteine levels in the blood are two markers that can indicate cardiovascular status. Several natural supplements can support healthy cholesterol levels. When dietary changes do not show a positive effect on your cholesterol numbers, Sytrinol, a phytosterol formulation from natural citrus and palm fruit extracts, can be incorporated to help promote healthy cholesterol ratios. Homocysteine is a molecule that makes a person more prone to endothelial injury. Three B vitamins can encourage homocysteine's conversion to a non-damaging molecule: vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid. Taking these individually or in combination, or as part of a multi B-complex on a daily basis, can support healthy homocysteine levels already within the normal range. Even More Support New research findings in the field of cardiovascular health are being published daily. Other supplementation for a healthy heart includes vitamin K2, celery seed extract, fish peptides, and heavy metal chelation support. Managing stress is also a critical component to supporting heart health. Some great options for reducing symptoms and the negative effects of stress include rhodiola, L-theanine, and magnesium. Speak with a health professional about your own risk factors to help determine if you should consider one of these supplements. Dietary, lifestyle, and supplemental measures are key to supporting cardiovascular health. The options described here are just a few ways you can help keep your heart healthy and happy. References: Reinhart KM, Coleman CI, Teevan C, et al. (2008). Effects of garlic on blood pressure in patients with and without systolic hypertension: a meta- analysis. Ann Pharmacother. 42(12):1766-1771. Taking Cardiovascular Health to Heart By Natural Factors, Staff Writer