The Awesome Foursome: Four Nutrients for a Heart Health
Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra has labels four nutrients – magnesium, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and D-ribose – ‘the awesome foursome’ due to patient results linked to these nutrients.
These four nutrients are involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (i.e. cellular energy). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is produced in the mitochondria of every cell. An ATP deficiency is linked to numerous health conditions, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, cancer, heart failure, Alzheimer’s, and stroke.
These four nutrients can help boost the body’s production of ATP.
Dandelions to Lower Blood Pressure
Did you know dandelions can be used to lower blood pressure?
The Leaves – Diuretic & Potassium Source
The leaves of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plant act as a natural diuretic increasing urine production. They may be used to treat conditions that require a mild diuretic, such as high blood pressure, liver disorders, and digestive issues. The fact that dandelions are a source of potassium is another plus for promoting a lower blood pressure. The leaves of the dandelion are also used by health care providers to support kidney function.
The Flower – Antioxidant
A Smoke Free Father's Day
According to the American Heart Association, cigarette smoking accounts for more than 440,000 of the more than 2.4 million annual deaths. Several studies have produced evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart disease, which leads to heart attacks.
As a dad you lead your family by example. Studies have shown that children of parents who smoke are twice as likely to start smoking themselves. Nearly one in four men in the United States smoke cigarettes.
Here is some information put out by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to bring awareness to the dangers of smoking this Father’s Day.
Heart Disease & Antidepressants
According to the results of a recent study men using antidepressants may be at increased risk for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis increases risk for heart attack or stroke.
According to this small, preliminary study, antidepressants were associated with a 5 percent increase in thickness of the carotid artery. The carotid artery carries blood to the brain.
Study Participants
Researchers looked at 513 middle-aged male twins. Out of the 513 individuals, 16 percent were taking antidepressants. Of this 16 percent, 60% were using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro.
Muffin Tops & Heart Disease
Are you familiar with the apple versus pear body shape references?
If you carry excess weight around your waistline/belly you have an apple body shape. If extra fat stores tend to deposit around your hips and thighs you’re described as having a pear body shape.
A new study published in the May 10th issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that even a small ‘beer belly’ or ‘muffin top’ may put people with coronary artery disease risk at high mortality risk.
Salt Substitutes to Lower Blood Pressure
By reducing the sodium content of your diet you’ll promote a lower blood pressure.
What are salt substitutes?
Salt substitutes are foods low in sodium, but that still provide the flavor of salt. Salt substitutes frequently contain potassium chloride, which provides a flavor similar to sodium chloride (table salt).
Potassium Chloride
Salt substitutes containing potassium chloride not only allow you to reduce your daily sodium intake, the potassium itself promotes a lower blood pressure. A study published in the 2001 British Medical Journal found a high potassium diet linked to many health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney damage. Many studies showed an increase in potassium directly associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure in individuals with high and normal blood pressure levels.
Caution!
While potassium chloride as a salt substitute may be beneficial for many, it can be harmful for some. There are several medical conditions that predispose the development of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) by impairing the renal excretion of potassium. Some or the conditions that predispose you to hyperkalemia include renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and hypoaldosteronism. Before utilizing potassium chloride as a salt substitute consult with your physician to ensure it’s safe for your situation.
Spices and Herbs
You can make your own salt substitutes by combining dried spices and herbs. Mrs. Dash is a ready to purchase product that provides spice and herb mixes for you ready to use.
If you go this route, just remember these substitutes are not trying to mimic the flavor of salt. Instead you’ll be “retraining” your taste buds to enjoy a wide variety of new flavors so your need for the salt shaker decreases.
Salt Substitutes When Cooking
Spices and herbs or salt substitutes made with potassium chloride both have their place in food preparation. If you are baking foods it is likely potassium chloride products will yield a better result. However, if you are preparing meats, stews, and casseroles a mixture of spices and herbs will do the trick. Experiment to find the flavors you especially enjoy!
Be sure to sign up for the free e-course 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure at http://lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
https://lisanelsonrd.com
