Hello February! This is the month that everyone goes gaga for chocolate and Valentine’s Day. But, I wanted to chat about ways to keep your heart healthy!
Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem and financial burden costing the United States approximately 444 billion dollars a year. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common form of cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to other health problems such as congestive heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and death.
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Alarming statistics show that over the past 50 years, cardiovascular disease has been the number one cause of mortality in the United States, but 100 years ago it was not even ranked in the top ten causes of death. In other countries that have diets lower in salt, cholesterol and fat, people have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Most high blood pressure has no identifiable or secondary cause and is considered essential hypertension.
Some causes of essential hypertension include obesity, congestion of the liver, kidneys, or gall bladder, stress, and adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, high alcohol consumption, food allergies, and unbalanced essential fatty acids. Only a qualified healthcare professional can test for the causes of high blood pressure and put you on a specific protocol that would best suit your needs, but the following are tests and recommendations to consider with your healthcare provider.
RELATED: Reduce Your Stress to Live Healthier and Happier
TESTS TO CHECK FOR HYPERTENSION
- Lipid profile: Many people with high blood pressure and cholesterol have been linked with thyroid problems as well
- Complete thyroid profile
- Liver enzyme profile
- Fatty acid blood profile: breaks down the ratio of omega 3-6-9 and determines what specific nutrient(s) you are lacking
STEPS TO NATURALLY CONTROL HYPERTENSION
- Aerobic exercise: at least 30-60 minutes 3-7 days per week.
- Detox programs: These can help with clearing out the kidneys, liver, and gastro-intestinal system of any congestion and aid in weight loss (only do with the permission and guidance of a qualified healthcare professional).
- Replace regular table salt with a sea salt.
- Increase intake of calcium, potassium, antioxidants, CoQ10, and essential fatty acids but make sure that you receive these nutrients in a food based formula, not from synthetic supplements.
- Learn relaxation and stress management techniques like MEDITATION.
- Herbs that are heart helpers include Hawthorne, Coleus, and Garlic.
RETHINKING STATINS
Already taking a prescribed Statin drug? Recent research has shown that they upset the omega 3-6-9 ratios and they rob the body of CoQ10, which can then lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. These individuals need to make sure that they are replacing the CoQ10 with food based supplements and making sure that their omega 3-6-9 ratios are balanced. It is never too late to begin the journey of eating your way to a healthy heart.
YOU CAN HAVE A HEALTHY HEART AND EAT YOUR CHOCOLATE TOO!
- YEP! Those rumors you’ve heard are true! Dark chocolate – especially organic high-cacao percentage chocolates are good for you in small doses!
- Try Valrhona’s 70% Guanaja dark chocolate bars OR for a fun flavor pack, DeVillier’s vegan, gluten and GMO-free assortment pack!
If you are struggling with hypertension and need some personal support to get it under control, reach out! I’m happy to help! Just visit my website to see the different ways we can work together – online or in-person!
Cheers!
Dr Z
Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen – a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, is the director of Lime and Lotus Healing Arts Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She is also an author and leading expert in women’s hormones and health. Her private practice is centered on functional endocrinology, lifestyle modification and whole food supplementation. Her expertise includes functionally evaluating thyroid, adrenals, male and female hormone imbalances, and digestion. Her mission is to empower women to transform their lives naturally to balance their weight, energy and get their sexy back! She has written for national publications such as Chiropractic Economics, Natural Awakenings and Nutrition Perspectives and has shared the stage at events with Elizabeth Gilbert and Marianne Williamson. For more information on Dr Z and her programs and services visit –
