In addition to any other treatment,
doctors and therapists agree that
lifestyle and diet changes are of primary
importance in both preventing heart
disease and affecting the rate of its
development. Most cases of heart disease
can be helped by the following measures,
especially if cought early:
*Modify your diet to keep it low in fats
and salt, and high in unrefined foods (
grains, fruit and vegetables) and avoid
rich, heavy meals.
*Avoid stimulants such as caffeine (in
coffee, tea and cola drinks)
*Reduce your weight, if overweight.
*Control your blood pressure problems.
*Stop smoking
*Exercise regularly
*Relax and learn to deal with stress.
*Practise breathing exercises.
What else can be done in natural therapy
The Bach flower remedies holly, and willow
can be used for the long-term maintainance
of the heart. Dilute 2 drops each of the
remedies into a 25ml bottle of spring
water, then take 4 drops of this mixture
four times daily.
Herbalist often supplement medical
treatment with Hawthorn berries,
Motherwort,Lime blossom and Oats, which
are all effective in strengthening the
heart.
Vitamins and minerals that help the heart
include coenzyme Q10, Vitamin
E,Calcium,Magnesium, Phosphate, and
Potassium. Fish oil and garlic are also
recommended.
Some helpful foods are:
Oily fish such as sardines,salmon, and
mackerel, all contain omega 3 fatty acid
which discourages the clotting tendency of
blood.
Sunflower products, almonds, sweet
potatoes, and wheatgerm, are all rich in
vitamin E, which helps to lower the risk
of angina.
Green leafy vegetables, carrots, apricots,
and red peppers, all have high levels of
beta-carotene, which lower the risk of
stroke.
Blackcurrants, strawberries, citrus fruit,
and water cress are all rich in the
antioxidant vitamin c, and should be eaten
daily.
Red wine and apples contain the flavonoid
quercetin, which has recently been linked
to a lower risk of heart disease and
stroke.
Chilli, ginger and pineapple all
discourage blood clotting.
If you have had a heart attack or a stroke
please check with your gp first before
taking any of the above natural healing
foods, or herbs.
