Heart Health

by D.M. Murdock

The health of the heart is widely emphasized, with good reason, as heart disease is the number one killer in the industrialized world. Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks and cardiac arrest, kills over 3 million people each year in the "First World." Although many may seem healthy, it is estimated that approximately 70% of Americans have atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries. A major cause of heart disease is smoking: "The risk of cardiac arrest is 10 times greater for male smokers and 5 times greater for female smokers as it is for nonsmokers."1

We know what many of the causes of heart disease are, so what can we do about it? Taking preventive measures against heart disease is a very good step in ensuring that our most important muscle lasts as long as is possible. While smoking is unquestionably a "bad habit," it should be kept in mind that the world's oldest documented person, Jeanne Calment, smoked harsh, filterless cigarettes until she was 120. What that means is not that we should take up smoking but that we should take heart that our bad habits can be mitigated - and that it is almost never too late so long as we are alive!

CoQ10: Heart-Healthy Nutrient

One nutrient we can take is the enzyme CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, which is found in significant quantities in the heart. In order to protect the heart muscle, it is widely recommended that we supplement with CoQ10. Studies have repeatedly shown the necessity of CoQ10 for healthy heart tissue, without which our hearts would stop functioning. It appears that the matter of CoQ10's essentialness to life is settled. The question is is whether or not it should be supplemented. Some individuals claim that is highly wise to supplement, so long as the supplement itself is effective. Not all CoQ10 supplements are created equal. The work of Stephen Sinatra, MD, appears to prove this claim. Sinatra asserts that the product he endorses and sells is the most effective form of CoQ10. Naturally, there are other contenders, but it is clear that, as is the case with most supplements, there are some that are better than others. As is also the case with many supplements, such as the hormone melatonin, there is a debate as to whether or not supplementation decreases the body's natural ability to create CoQ10. It may be a good idea to take CoQ10 not on a daily basis but when you are under increased stress.

EPA and DHA

Another beneficial supplement for the heart is cod liver oil, which contains the polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DHA and ALA. These fatty acids are beneficial for the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, brain, nerves, eyes, bones, joints and immune system. Cod liver oil is so impressive in its ability to fight disease and promote health that it is the only supplement that is considered "mandatory" for Norwegians to ingest. The best cod liver oil seems to be Carlson, especially its innocuous lemon-flavored version. Carlson cod liver oil contains substantially lower amounts of vitamin A, which is in fact helpful in that liver sources of vitamin A tend to be allergenic and toxic. It is best to get vitamin A in the form of carotenes from vegetables, rather than from liver sources. While flaxseed oil is a good source of alpha linolenic acid or ALA, it does not produce or contain significant amounts of the important fatty acid DHA. The omega-3 fatty acids have also recently been found to ameliorate breathing and lung problems, such as bronchitis and emphysema.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has long been known to be beneficial to the heart and circulatory system. The recent brouhaha over its efficacy seems to be based on dosage and extraordinary claims made for high doses, which in fact may not only not be helpful but also harmful. Vitamin E is such a potent bloodthinner that excessive doses of it can cause systemic bruising, which may be more than merely unsightly but may lead to an underlying medical condition. Many people cannot even take the standard 400 IU per day without such adverse effects. Even 200 IU a day is too much for people whose blood is already thin enough. Also, there have been so many new types of vitamin E discovered over the decades, called tocopherols and tocotrienols, it is wise to assume that there are more. For this reason, it is best to receive nutrients in their whole-food form. In other words, take minimal nutritional supplements but eat a good, wide-ranging organic whole-foods diet. Vitamin E complex is found mainly in whole grains, especially in the germ of wheat, and in nuts.

Assorted Other Heart-Healthy Supplements

For sufferers of non-specific heart pain, possibly a mild, non-life-threatening type of "angina," the extract of hawthorne berry may provide quick and effective relief. Hawthorne provides a sensation of "aspirin for the heart," when heart soreness is a problem. Obviously, any such pain should be checked out by a physician as it may be life threatening. L-carnitine, an amino acid, is another supplement that has been found to be helpful for the heart. As is the case with all single, supplemental amino acids, carnitine should be ingested on an empty stomach, so that it will not react with other amino acids but will be utilized properly. L-carnitine appears to strengthen the heart tissue.

Another herb widely used for heart problems is carotenoid-containing cayenne pepper, which has been utilized to "stop heart attacks in minutes." The recommended procedure for a heart attack is to place a teaspoon or so of cayenne powder in hot water and then place some of the mixture into the mouth of the victim. Obviously, emergency medical technicians should be called immediately and procedures implemented as quickly as possible. However, in cases where no such emergency treatment is immediately forthcoming, cayenne may be helpful, and it is unlikely to hurt - especially during a fatal heart attack. Aspirin has been recommended for the same purposes and reasons. Cayenne is of interest for its apparent tonic effect on the digestive system, and it may be used topically for wounds as well.

Another natural remedy useful for heart health is garlic, which apparently thins the blood and keeps arteries clear. Garlic is less risky than aspirin therapy. Lecithin has also been found effective in removing the crud clogging your arteries. D-ribose is another interesting player on the scene deserving of investigation.