Posts Tagged ‘family member’

• Heart Disease and Homocysteine

  Date: 2007.10.30 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Are you aware that one of the most important indicators of heart disease is homocysteine? -1

  A naturally occurring amino acid in your body, homocysteine can cause inflammation and damage to your blood vessels when levels become elevated because of a functional deficiency of B vitamins and Folic Acid. -2

  Every week we read or hear about heart disease being one of the biggest health concerns facing America today. Most people have experienced this problem because they know a friend or family member with one of these health problems.

  In many cases, they may be facing one of these conditions themselves.

  Would it be fair to say you really want to take control of and improve your health?

  All it takes is a special blood test (just like a test for cholesterol levels), to measure the level of homocysteine in your blood. It is NOT a routine test so do yourself a favor and ask your Doctor for the test.

  Also this test may not be covered by your insurance however, because it is so important to your health – get it anyway.

  So what is the normal range for homo- cysteine levels? Your level should be under 8, below 7 is even better for your health.

  How you can naturally and easily keep your homocysteine levels in the normal range? One can accomplish this with a few supplements and better eating habits for life.

  And guess what? You are going to feel better and gain more energy in the process!

  The first thing you may want to consider is taking a pharmaceutical grade natural multi-vitamin which contains B vitamins (B2,B6 and B12) and Folic acid 2-3 times a day. Why should I take a vitamin 2-3 times a day you ask? Because the body can only absorb so much nutrition at any one time.

  Most quality vitamins will only contain about as much of a certain vitamin and mineral which can be absorbed by your body at one time.

  Because the body needs nutrition throughout the day, this is one of the best ways to feed your body what it needs.

  Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. Research has shown and proven this to be effective in fighting heart disease: -3

  Slows the effects of LDL cholesterol to fight heart disease.

  Inhibits formation of free radicals

  Replaces natural CoQ10 levels depleted by statin drugs and poor diet.

  Next, here are some great natural food sources to keep your homocysteine levels in the normal range.

  Vegetable proteins do not raise levels like some meat proteins can so eat plenty of leafy dark green vegetables.

  Legumes (beans) of all kinds which are a great source of protein.

  Eggs are a great source of protein (the only protein with all 20 amino acids in the correct ratios for your body) and also a great source of Folic Acid, which helps to control your level of homocysteine.

  Great sources of Soy like tofu, soy beverages, soy nuts.

  Nuts – in particular – Brazil, walnuts, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts. As well as seeds like sunflower seeds and flaxseed, which is also high in Folic Acid.

  High quality grass fed organic beef, wild game, wild Alaskan salmon and sardines.

  Poor quality sources of meat protein can actually raise your level of homocysteine.

  So as you have learned, you can naturally and easily help your body avoid one of the factors which leads to heart disease with these proven, simple and low cost methods.

  And guess what? Just imagine how you are going to feel better and gain more energy in the process in a short period of time!

  1- Physicians Health Study, Milosevic-Tosic M. ,et al. Hyperhomocysteinemia a risk factor for development of occlusive vascular diseases Med pregl. 2002 Sep-Oct;55(9-10):385-91

  2- Hyman, Mark M.D., Liponis, Mark M.D. Ultra-Prevention, The 6-Week Plan that will Make you healthy for life, New York, Scribner, 2003, pgs 43, 50.

  3- http://www.smartbodyz.com/CoQ10Text.htm

  3- Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., The CoEnzyme Q10 Phenomenon, McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books,1998

  2004 © by Lee Cummings

  Please feel free to use this article in your newsletter or on your website(with resource box included and use an active link).

  This article may not be used in any e-mail promotions that do not conform with federal law.

  If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: leeman@lc-nutrition.com

  Lee Cummings has been studying natural proven nutrition for 9 years. Because he has shown people how to get the results they want with natural proven nutrition, he has helped dozens of people feel better and gain energy over the last 4 years. Lee is the publisher of the monthly LC Nutrition newsletter. For more information on how proven nutrition will help you, visit http://www.LC-Nutrition.com

  leeman@lc-nutrition.com

  Written By: Lee Cummings

• Keep Your Heart Healthy

  Date: 2007.03.09 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Heart disease is the number one killer today. Men and women are both likely to become victims. Men typically suffer more heart attacks, but women’s can be deadlier, so it is important for both genders to monitor their heart health by making a number of simple lifestyle adjustments.

  1. Eat smart. The American Heart Association and other health organizations, as well, publish guidelines for sensible diets that promote heart health. Get a copy at their website or ask your doctor to recommend a diet for you. Typically, you should try to limit your consumption of red meat to perhaps a few ounces once or twice a week. Cook chicken and fish in casserole dishes instead, and experiment with vegetable recipes to try new and exciting variations. Don’t forget the raw veggies with low-fat dip and fresh fruits for desserts or snacks.

  2. Watch your fluid intake. Most of us don’t drink enough water each day. Unless you have special medical restrictions, aim to have eight glasses (eight ounces each) of water daily. In addition, you can drink other beverages, but avoid sugary, nutrition-less products like pop or sweetened fruit juice. One or two cups of tea or coffee are probably all right, but keep in mind that caffeine can dehydrate you and make you jittery, so limit your intake.

  3. Get daily exercise. Your doctor can recommend a hobby, routine, or workout that will benefit your physique and health. Walking at a moderate pace for 30 to 60 minutes daily is a great way to incorporate aerobic activity in your lifestyle, tone muscles, and enhance your metabolism. Your circulation will thank you, too, as it becomes more efficient at pumping blood through your body and breaking up plaque buildup in your arteries, thus allowing your heart to pump more easily. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and don’t overdo it. Let your doctor know if you experience shortness of breath or painful limbs.

  4. Learn to manage stress. Everyone experiences stressful events throughout their day. From getting up late to missing the train or having an argument with a family member, stress is all around us. We just have to learn to keep conflict and disappointments in check by reminding ourselves of the blessings and joys that surround us, often unnoticed. You may want to keep a journal to write about negative feelings instead of keeping them bottled up inside, where they may eventually explode.

  In addition, cultivate a good support group of friends, family members, and social contacts. Get out and have fun. Meet new people and discover new ideas. Life will become more enjoyable, and your heart will benefit from your upbeat attitude. Consider volunteering in your community to make a difference in the lives of others. As you make new connections and continue to nurture old ones, you will feel healthier and benefit from a positive lifestyle.

  About the author:

  Get valuable information for your heart at The Heart Directory at http://www.heartdir.com

  Written By: Charles Kassotis