I think it’s safe to say that most people don’t want to keel over from heart disease any time soon.
But the problem is, many of us have habits that are rolling out the red carpet for heart problems to come knocking.
Note that I’m not even talking about (the obvious) smoking here!
Instead there are other habits that you might not link to increasing your risk of heart disease, but they are doing exactly that.
Here are 5 of the big ones, along with ways you can support the health of your ticker and its vessels.
Five habits that can cause heart disease
1- You don’t exercise
Exercise lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your heart and improves blood flow.
Plus, exercise helps your body eliminate dangerous heavy metals which can increase your blood pressure if left to accumulate (among other things).
On the flip side, it has also been shown that sitting too much can raise your risk of heart disease too! Just one hour of sitting causes negative changes to the fat and sugar levels in your blood and can make you more susceptible to atherosclerosis.
No more excuses—we’re talking about your health and your life here!
Get your doctor’s OK and get working up a sweat.
Also, if you have a desk job, make sure you get up and walk around periodically throughout the workday.
2- You don’t get enough sleep
Studies have shown that people who got fewer than than 6 hours a night had a 79 percent increased incidence of heart disease than those who slept 8 hours or more.
So, if you’re a Night Owl, being sleepy at your desk the next day is not the only price you’re paying.
Turn off the TV, get off Facebook, go to bed and get some decent rest.
If you have trouble sleeping, here are some tips to help:
- Avoid sugars and stimulants in the evening
- Don’t work out too close to bedtime
- Sip chamomile tea
- Try lavender essential oil on your pillow
- Try tryptophan or melatonin supplements
- Darken your room as much as possible
3- You’re a slacker when it comes to dental hygiene
Most of us don’t have any trouble brushing our teeth regularly, but flossing is another issue. However, being a flossing slacker can come back to bite you (pardon the pun).
Although you might not realize it, bacteria in your mouth can affect your cardiovascular health! Just like unwelcome microbes ANYWHERE in your body, harmful mouth bacteria can get into your bloodstream, stir up inflammation and trigger atherosclerosis.
So if Ronald Reagan was President last time you flossed your teeth, time to get going, my friend.
And while you’re at it, make sure you have a cleaning with a hygienist at least once a year.
4- You drink diet soda
Most people are aware that sugary beverages like soda (and other sweetened drinks) are not a good thing.
The sugar can feed harmful yeasts and bacteria in your gut, encourage cancer cells to form, raise your blood glucose level and in turn, trigger heart-harmful inflammation.
But don’t be fooled into thinking you’re home-free if you drink diet soda…because you couldn’t be more wrong.
In addition to all of the other health abominations associated with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, research shows that people who drink 2 or more diet sodas a day have a 23 percent higher risk of going into heart failure!
5- You don’t get enough essential heart nutrients
Nothing has a bigger impact on your state of health (or lack thereof) than nutrients.
Every single disease has its roots in one or more nutritional deficiencies, and heart disease is no exception!
But that can be so easily turned around! It’s just a matter of getting some more of the “good stuff,” staying away from the “bad stuff” and taking advantage of heart-supportive supplements!
Here’s how:
Get more of the good stuff
Concentrate on real foods like fresh vegetables, fresh fruit in moderation (1-2 servings a day), meats, poultry, fish, olive oil, coconut oil and real butter (never, EVER margarine).
And even more important is to avoid refined sugars and starchy carbs.
Sugars and starchy carbs such as breads, pasta, rice and crackers (even if they’re whole grain) can create surges of glucose in your bloodstream, signaling your pancreas to secrete insulin. Over time this can set the stage for insulin resistance, and high levels of glucose and insulin your blood, which stirs up inflammation.
Lastly, please get the old, tired idea out of your head that all saturated fats are bad for you. Your body NEEDS saturated fats, and that includes your heart and nervous system. As a matter of fact, the type of fat your heart draws upon in times of stress is saturated fat!
Moderation is the key, and that means a 3-4 oz. serving of meat (preferably organic)—not a 24-oz. porterhouse.
Supplement with heart healthy nutrients
Three key nutrients for cardiovascular support are vitamin D, Omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamin B12.
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract inflammation in your arteries. It’s also a common deficiency because so many people completely shun the sun, and your body needs sun exposure (and cholesterol!) to manufacture vitamin D.
To ensure you have proper levels of this heart-healthy nutrient, supplementation with a top-notch formula like Optimum D-K Formula with FruiteX-B® is the way to go.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been medically proven to help lower blood pressure, they can fight inflammation in your arteries and they help reduce the stickiness in your platelets and curb fibrinogens (which contribute to plaque).
VitalMega-3 is your ticket to getting a health-supporting dose of these crucial fats. VitalMega-3 provides 1,200 mg of Omega-3s in every daily 2-capsule serving, including the all-important EPA and DHA in the 3:2 ratio recommended by experts.
Vitamin B12 converts homocysteine to a harmless amino acid. If left unchecked, homocysteine can cause inflammation in your blood vessels and raise your heart disease risk.
Hydroxaden 2.5 is an easy, effective way to ensure your body has the B12 it needs for this vital task. Hydroxaden is sprayed under your tongue so that B12 can be effectively absorbed right into your bloodstream.
Now you are on the road to a healthier cardiovascular system…for life!
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
Hello Bonnie,
Thank you for reaching out to us! Your doctor can test your vitamin d levels to see where you are currently. It’s great that you’re taking VitalMega-3 and Optimum DK! These are therapeutic level supplements that can help support your needs.
How does one know if they are getting enough vit D.
I am taking VitalMega and Otimum D-K but am 82
with panic attacks/ anxiety and osteoporosis. I have HBP but under control with 20 mgs Diavon.