Holistic Ways to a Healthy Heart
Welcome to February! As Valentine’s Day nears, hearts are everywhere you turn. But February is more than just the month we celebrate love, it is also National Heart Health Month. Let’s talk about how to holistically support your cardiovascular system, and fall in love with taking good care of your heart!
Chelation Therapy at the Natural Health Improvement Center
Let's start with one of our favorite integrative treatments—chelation therapy. Chelation, from the Greek word "chele," meaning “claw”, refers to a process by which a molecule binds to metals and minerals in the body. These chelating agents then allow the body to excrete those metals and minerals as waste. The therapy involves intravenous administration of a chelating agent, such as EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), which binds to heavy metals that contribute to heart disease such as lead, iron, and cadmium.
Especially for patients with a history of heart issues, significant exposure to heavy metals, or diabetes, chelation improves overall cardiovascular health outcomes. The TACT (Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy) study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, found that in certain individuals with heart disease, chelation therapy reduces the chances of death, heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization, and hospitalization. The NHIC and its providers have years of experience administering chelation therapy; consider making an appointment to see if you are a good candidate!
Supporting Your Heart with Supplements
Beyond therapies like chelation, research shows there are many supplemental ways to achieve heart-healthy benefits:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these have been shown to support healthy blood lipid levels and may help manage blood pressure.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant may benefit individuals with heart conditions, particularly those taking statins, which can deplete the body's natural CoQ10 levels.
Magnesium: An essential mineral that helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps your heartbeat steady, and supports a healthy immune system.
Remember, it's important to consult your NHIC provider before starting a new supplement, especially if you're on medication or have existing health conditions. Please contact us. We are here to help find the best options for YOU!
Lifestyle Choices for a Happy Heart
Your heart works tirelessly, beating about 100,000 times each day to circulate blood throughout your body to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and life. When it comes to such a vital organ, lifestyle choices are paramount. Regular physical activity, stress reduction practices such as meditation or yoga, smoking cessation with Dr. Greg Flynn, and a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats are the foundations of cardiovascular wellness.
The heart of the matter is…we love your heart! Show your heart some love, too, by letting us know how we can help. Happy National Heart Health Month!
