Supplements to build heart strength
AGE supports many aspects of heart health, but several other herbs and nutrients can also help. Remember that it’s best to work with your doctor in selecting appropriate heart supplements and doses, especially if you’re also taking medications that could cause interactions. Your doctor can also do repeat blood testing for things such as cholesterol and triglycerides and adjust the dose or type of supplements as needed.
Kyolic recommended heart supplements
LECITHIN
This compound, derived from soybeans, may help support healthy cholesterol levels. In a small study of people with high cholesterol, taking 500 milligrams (mg) of soy lecithin daily resulted in lowering total cholesterol by 42 percent and LDL cholesterol by 56 percent after two months, while people taking a placebo pill had no significant changes in these cholesterol values.
Lecithin may help lower blood cholesterol by decreasing absorption of cholesterol in your gut and/or by promoting secretion (and eventual excretion) of cholesterol-containing bile.
VITAMIN E
This fat-soluble vitamin, which the vast majority of us fall short on, helps support healthy circulation. It does this by helping thin your blood. At the same time, you shouldn’t go overboard on vitamin E. More is not better. Patrick Fratellone, MD, recommends limiting supplemental vitamin E to 800 IU per day. And if you’re already taking blood-thinning medication, consult your doctor first.
When selecting a vitamin E supplement, look for the natural form, which is d-alpha-tocopherol. Avoid the synthetic form, which is dl-alpha-tocopherol. (Hint: Think about the “dl” in the name as standing for “don’t like.”)
CAYENNE PEPPER
This herb contains capsaicin, which is what makes it hot and spicy. This compound may also contribute health benefits, including supporting overall heart health and metabolism (calorie burning). Capsaicin also helps support healthy circulation because it has anti-clotting actions and helps dilate arteries.
GAMMA-AMINO BUTYRIC ACID (GABA)
GABA is a nerve messenger that has a calming effect, helping you cope with stress and anxiety. PharmaGABA is a natural form of GABA produced with the help of beneficial bacteria and can be purchased as a supplement. Getting enough vitamin B6 can help your body produce GABA.
HAWTHORN BERRY
This herb helps support healthy blood pressure and heart rate, as well as supporting healthy pumping function of the heart and circulation. “This is a key herb for heart health, but it should really be taken under the guidance of a doctor knowledgeable about it,” Fratellone says.
“It can interact with other blood pressure medications, including beta blockers. That could result in lowering your blood pressure too much.”
B VITAMINS
Three B vitamins—vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate—help promote
a healthy homocysteine level. “Homocysteine is a harmful amino acid derived from methionine in foods like eggs, meat and nuts,” Fratellone says. “To convert homocysteine into harmless products, you need enough vitamin B6, B12 and folate. If you’re deficient in any of those vitamins, your homocysteine level will be too high. Homocysteine can cause premature damage to arteries, especially the carotid arteries of the neck. That can increase stroke risk.” Fortunately, you can ask your doctor to check your homocysteine level with a simple blood test.
COENZYME Q10 (COQ10)
CoQ10 is a natural compound made by your body and has antioxidant actions. That’s not all. “CoQ10 is an energy generator that enhances your heart’s pumping ability,” Fratellone says. Your body naturally makes some CoQ10, but it makes a limited amount.
CoQ10 is especially important to take if you’re on a statin drug. “It’s been known since the 1970s that when you take a statin drug to lower cholesterol, you deplete CoQ10,” Fratellone says. Still, some doctors may not be aware of this or don’t address this with a supplement.
RED YEAST RICE
This is a fermented rice supplement produced by growing red yeast (Monascus purpureus) on white rice. “Red yeast rice contains a small amount of a naturally occurring statin that lowers cholesterol,” Fratellone says. “So, it works like a statin drug by blocking an enzyme that is involved in making cholesterol.”
Fratellone cautions that if you’ve had side effects from taking a statin drug, such as muscle aches and weakness, you should be cautious with red yeast rice, especially high doses (such as 2,400mg), as you may experience side effects from the supplement, too. He encourages people to ask their doctor for a genetic test to determine their tendency for statin-induced myopathy. This will tell you if you’re more likely to have side effects from statins and red yeast rice. If you do take red yeast rice, it’s a good idea to also take CoQ10 because statins lower this important compound.
Sponsored post by Kyolic Brand and Purity Life of Canada.