Inflammation is the process by which the body responds to infection or injury. But studies have shown that inflammation is also a key factor in the onset of atherosclerosis, the process in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries of the heart, leading to possible blockages and other cardio-related issues.
The following are some helpful habits to alleviate the effects of inflammation.
Get Tested
You won't see this test on the normal checkup menu, but you can request your doctor to administer a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test. Just think how impressed he or she will be that you even know what that means.
A CRP level of 1 mg/L or greater indicates a risk for heart disease. A CRP level in excess of 3mg/L puts an individual in the high risk category.
Take the test at least twice over a period of 2-3 months to ensure accurate and consistent results.
Go Fish
Experts recommend the intake of a 4:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s. The truth is, the typical American diet, with the usual high concentrations of saturated fats (soy, canola, sunflower, and corn oils), supplies 12-25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. To achieve a healthy balance, try to eat 2-3 servings of fatty fish, such as salmon or trout, per week.
Eat Mor Chikin - Maybe Not
Gotta love those crazy cows in the Chick Filet commercials, but maybe they have it all wrong. Chicken has a high concentration of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that encourages the body's production of inflammation causing chemicals. Lean beef contains half as much arachidonic acid and also provides high levels of the inflammation fighters selenium and zinc.
And when it comes to beef, grass-fed is always better due to the healthier omega acids balance.
Lose That Gut
It has been proven that the most effective way to reduce CRP levels, is to reduce excessive abdominal fat.
The Rainbow Is Your Friend
Flavonoids found in brightly colored vegetables and fruits not only provide healthy antioxidants, but also serve to reduce inflammation in body tissue. Choose from peppers, blueberries, sweet potatoes, oranges, grapes, and other colorful raw foods to enhance your daily diet.
A Little Spice'll Do You
A diet that includes 3-5 grams of ginger or tumeric a day has been shown to suppress production of inflammation causing chemicals in the body. Studies have indicated that these spicy treats interact at the DNA level to prevent particular genes from sending the signals that generate the inflammation processes.
Pass The Beans
A high fiber diet (30+ grams/day) can reduce CRP levels by 12-15 percent. A diet rich in whole grains and beans will ensure that you meet the required levels. Black beans, lentils, Buckwheat, and amaranth are excellent choices.
It's also critical to remember that recent studies have shown that as fitness levels go down, CRP levels go up.
Researchers are not sure if poor fitness leads to an increase in CRP or vice versa, but exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy heart either way.
Dont Go Breaking My Heart
Heart failure is the leading cause and killer in the industrialized countries. At least 4000,000 new cases are reported every year of a very common medical diagnosis, known as CHF (chronic heart failure). One of the first lines of defense against Cardiovascular Disease and recurrence is the Powerhouse of your cells CoQ10. This is one of the original and most important Heart Helpers. There is published research on this since the 1980's. It nurtures the inner membranes of the Heart Cells and Mitochondria, also helps prolong the life of heart cells being at risk for Heart Disease. Not aware that a virus can also attack your heart? "How Come", What Happened? It seems viruses can attack anywhere. One jazzy virus called the Coxsackie B, attempts to invade the Heart when exposed to it. It was discovered that a lack of Selenium and Vitamin E deficiency, caused an inflammation of the Heart Muscles, setting the stage for Heart failure, says Melinda Beck PHD, from University of North Carolina. Researches on these 2 nutrients are now doing clinical trials for Parkinson's. Prescription drugs only mask the symptoms of this disease, Did you know that an Herbalist assisted by a physician in the 16th century were discovering plants that helped with heart failure. Heart Response by Source Naturals is known to increase the stabilization of heart functions, keeping it together with all those amazing Heart Helpers, geared for maintenance. However for more amazing Helpers and more support Source Naturals has Heart Science, you get the whole show, such as Arginine (the body's oxidative stress balance) Carnitine (metabolism of fats), Bromelain, Grapeseed, Tumeric, all Anti-inflammatories. Beta-Blockers (you've heard of them.. some of you may have intimate knowledge too) are prescribed to help maintain the hearts pumping action. Cardio Comfort by Planetary Formulas, an Action Packed Ayurvedic Herb known for strengthening the Heart Beat for 3 centuries, has other helpers too. Using this with Hawthorne Heart by Planetary, it's old and reliable, most popular in Europe, and a combo of North American and Asian Herbs. You could be cutting down on your meds, or possibly you won't need them in the future, if you take control. Always check with your Health Provider.
What does the Cardiovascular System Do? It transports Oxygen, Waste, Antibodies, Hormones and other nutrients through its system, Your Heart pumps 2000 gallons of blood thru 60,000 miles of blood vessels every day. Healthy Heart Tonic by Herb Pharm and Ashwagandha help with the stress and strain of this. The build up of Plaque causing Atherosclerosis (horrible stuff causing narrowing of the arteries), decreases blood flow and Circulation. An Edta Formula, by Oxylife Products called Orachel-Cardio, which is Oral Chelation or Circu-Flow by Kroger Herbs should help those starved vessels get their nutrients. Electrical Balance is also needed for specialized wiring, Try Ionic Minerals by Now Foods, or Rainbow Light has Advanced Minerals. A nasty amino acid called Homocysteine, could cause blockages and Coronary Disease. Jarrow Formulas has the answer with Homocysteine Factors. Get your engines going with more ATP by Now Foods for up starting those energies. Fish Oils & Phytosterols by Health From The Sun is essential for fuel to the Heart, lowering fat levels, triglycerides, and blood pressure. Organic Flax Lignans Gold is helpful for thinning the blood and certain hormones called Prostaglandins. You Ladies have to listen to your Heart too. It's a greater risk than breast cancer. This is just a small round up of Cardiac Natural Disease Fighters. Taking this as Therapeutic Supplementation just might mean NO MORE BREAKING Hearts!
Both Jd Bell & Suma G Nathan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jd Bell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness Program, Fitness and Keyboard Synthesizer. The author, JD Bell, is a former health and fitness consultant, and first time father at age 45. Visit for more health, fitness, and lifestyle arti. Jd Bell's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Suma G Nathan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Medicine, Blood Pressure and Medicine. Click Here for more products for Written exclusively for. Suma G Nathan's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
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