Cardiovascular disease is one of the pre-eminent health issues and causes of death in the United States. Fortunately, your lifestyle and your long-term diet & nutrition can help you significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Following are six supplements that can help, and being that February is American Heart Month, this is a good a time as any to discuss the subject and talk prevention.
Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease, or
heart disease, is one of the leading causes of illness, and the foremost cause of death in the United States. Per these statistics, about 1 in 5 U.S. deaths in 2020 were on account of heart disease, with the total being about 697,000.
Cardiovascular disease refers to a
group of distinct diseases that cause issues in the heart or blood vessels. These diseases have different causes, physiological effects, and symptoms. There is a range of identified, substantiated risk factors for heart disease; These include high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco use, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, family history, and more.
The confluence of health and lifestyle factors that contribute to heart disease mean that heart disease is, in large part, preventable. There are
lifestyle decisions you can make today and every day, to both prevent and help treat heart disease. Regular physical activity, as well as a natural, plant-based diet, are two primary ways to mitigate heart disease. There are other recommendations to follow as well, including 7-8 hours of sleep a night consistently, getting your blood levels monitored (e.g., blood glucose, cholesterol, coronary calcium & vitamin D), and cessation of smoking.
Supplements to Support Your Cardiovascular System
Your diet and nutrition are critical components in sustaining good cardiovascular health. The following list of herbs, vitamins, and nutrients could have a positive effect on your cardiovascular health. Keep these in mind as parts of a healthy diet, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. These do not replace, or make you, healthy. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking a supplement or supplements for your heart health, before doing so.
Grape seed extract can help
mitigate high blood pressure when taken in high amounts. ​ Grape seed extract has prominent antioxidant qualities.
D-ribose is a substance that contributes to the
formation of ATP, which is the primary energy source for your body's cells. It is a substance that is stored compartmentally throughout the organs, so the heart needs its own store of d-ribose. A heart that is stressed could greatly benefit from supplementing with d-ribose.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to contribute to reduced bodily production of
triglycerides (fats). Having a high triglyceride level is a contributing factor to coronary heart disease, heart disease, and stroke. Omega-3s best help when taken alongside a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Folic acid is a B-vitamin that could be helpful for individuals who have high blood pressure, in that it could lower your
risk of heart disease and stroke. Folic acid can interact with some medications for some types of disease. Talk to your healthcare provider about supplementing with folic acid.
Coenzyme Q10 is a
vitamin-like substance found in the body. It contributes to the energy-use process of your body's muscles, including the heart. It is believed that supplementing with CoQ10 can help prevent heart failure, support energy levels, and more. CoQ10 can interact with some medications, so talk to your doctor about using CoQ10 before doing so.
Magnesium deficiency is present in up to 50% of Americans. It is linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and arterial plaque build-up, which are all contributing factors to heart disease. Taking a magnesium supplement could help make up for a deficiency, and it could assist in reducing levels of cortisol, which is linked to inflammation and heart disease.
Preventing heart disease means taking a holistic approach to living healthy, and avoiding the factors that could lead to high blood pressure and other issues, which cause heart disease. The above supplements could play a worthwhile role in the prevention of heart disease for you or your family members.
