Questions Everybody Should Ask Them Selves About Disease

1.    Where was American heart disease 100 years ago?
2.    What are doctors saying about magnesium?
3.    Why is 80% of the American population deficient in magnesium?
4.    What is the most important mineral?
5.    Can’t we just eat better?

Reading all the above questions may lead you to wonder what exactly is going on with today’s American diets.  What can I do to fix this mineral deficiency in my own diet?  The answer is adding magnesium an inexpensive mineral to ones diet can solve a lot of health problems.

1.    As magnesium intake levels have dropped over the last 100 years, heart disease has skyrocketed.  In the year 1900, heart disease was virtually unheard of and few doctors specialized in the field.  Back then, food and drinking water contained much higher levels of magnesium – levels which are not available today.  This is why most American experience some sort of magnesium related disease as they age.

2.    The author of “The magnesium factor: Dr. Mildred S seelig, MD said: “Most modern heart disease is caused by magnesium deficiency.”
Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD, one of America’s best known doctors of integrative medicine. Said: “Research has overwhelmingly demonstrated the critical relationship between low levels of magnesium and cardiovascular disease.”

Hundreds of studies confirm that magnesium deficiency is linked to heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, what’s worse studies also show that 4 out of 5 people are magnesium deficient – and even a small deficiency can lead to serious health problems. 

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are as follows:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Asthma
• Anxiety and Panic attacks
• Nervous disorders
• Migraines
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Osteoporosis
• Hypoglycemia
• Kidney disease

Many researchers believe that magnesium is the single most important mineral in our bodies – even more important than calcium.  In fact, when we get low on magnesium, our cells can not and does not use calcium properly, leading to over calcified heart muscles, hardening of arteries, and brittle bones.  Additionally, low cell magnesium leads to insulin resistance, the primary cause of type II diabetes. 

Studies show that 90 percent of the individuals with type II diabetes have low levels of free intercellular red blood cell magnesium.  When admitted to the hospital for heart trouble, the first thing you are hooked up to in the ER is a magnesium drip.  Magnesium is essential to those suffering from a heart attack.

You might be asking your self, can I just eat better?  Magnesium is unlike other minerals in the body.  Our body does not store magnesium so we need to constant daily supply.  Even fruits and vegetables don’t have much magnesium anymore, due to modern farming techniques.  Another primary source of magnesium was drinking water, but with modern filtration eliminates minerals like magnesium from the water.

Fortunately, mineral magnesium is one of the least expensive minerals found in your local health food store or grocery store.  Magnesium comes in many forms, amino acid chelate, aspartate, citrate, oxide, and carbonate.  No matter what form of magnesium you decide to purchase, it is important to get at least 400mg each day minimum.  If you are currently taking a calcium supplement, consider switching to one that is blended with magnesium.  For best results take your 400mgs before bedtime which will help you relax and get to sleep faster.

Get The Truth About The connection Between Salt And High Blood Pressure

Salt is a very valuable part of our diet and has been used for many thousands of years as a preservative and to add taste to our food. Indeed, although many people in the West simply take it for granted, in very many countries it is a very important economic commodity and people of a certain age will undoubtedly remember the role played by salt in bringing British rule in India to and end in the middle of the last century.

Regrettably however salt can also be a key contributory factor when it comes to the problem of high blood pressure.

Salt is a compound of sodium and chloride and when it comes to high blood pressure it is the amount of sodium which we consume which we need to watch.

It might seem that controlling your intake of salt is simply a matter of limiting the quantity of salt which you add to food when cooking or at the table. However, the real problem is the fact that the majority of the salt which we eat is contained in the processed foods which many of us buy and consume each day.

To ensure that you minimize your risk of hypertension you need to keep your intake of salt below the recommended daily sodium intake level of 2,400 milligrams and here are a few tips to assist you to do just that:

Remove salt from the dining table. If you diet is correctly balanced your food will already contain sufficient salt without any need to add more while eating, so simply remove the salt from your table.

Learn how to read food labeling. Food labeling laws have been greatly improved in recent years and the majority of foods now carry nutritional information which includes the quantity of sodium that the food in question contains. You need to read the labels carefully though as sometimes the sodium figure will apply to the whole tin or pack and sometimes it applies to an individual serving.

Buy low sodium or sodium free foods. A lot of foods today come in low sodium and sodium free options and, wherever possible, you should pick these rather than the regular product.

Eat low salt snacks. Most people enjoy snacking but try to choose such things as fruit and vegetables and, if you cannot live without your crisps then choose varieties which are salt free or low in sodium.

Watching your salt intake is of course merely one element of building a diet that is good for your blood pressure and you should also look at selecting items from the wide range of foods that lower high blood pressure.

Good Health Means Low Cholesterol Levels

good cholesterol

If you are an adult over twenty years old it is important to have your cholesterol level checked about every five years to make sure you have what is considered to be a healthy low cholesterol level. High cholesterol levels is the primary factor for hardening of the arteries that create heart attacks, and can cause heart disease. It is very common these days for people to have their cholesterol levels checked. Doctors usually have their patients take a lipid profile test which checks the LDL (bad cholesterol), the HDL (good cholesterol) and the triglyceride level.

Healthy Cholesterol Level

Experts believe that if your overall cholesterol level is below 200mg/dl than you have a healthy cholesterol level and are considered to be at low risk for acquiring heart disease. It is difficult for people to achieve a healthy cholesterol level or keep an acceptable  cholesterol level if they eat an unhealthy diet loaded with saturated fats or if they do not get enough exercise.

If your cholesterol test reveals a cholesterol level between 200 and 240 mg/dl you are placed in the category of people who are considered to have a moderate risk of getting heart disease. A high risk category number is considered 240 mg/dl. People in the high risk category are thought to have about twice the risk of acquiring heart disease than those that have a healthy cholesterol level which is under 200 mg/dl.

If due to your high cholesterol level you are considered a high risk patient you should have an exercise plan created for you by an expert, reduce the saturated fat in your diet, eat healthy foods and if you still have a high cholesterol level your doctor might recommend drugs designed to lower cholesterol such as statins.

HDL the Good Cholesterol

Increasing your good cholesterol level (HDL), get plenty of exercise, avoid smoking, and eat a health diet. For an average sized woman, the HDL cholesterol lever can be anywhere from 50 to 60 mg/dl, compared to a male where the level should be 40 and 50 mg/dl.

Your LDL (bad cholesterol) level is the best source for determining your risk of having a heart attack or having a stroke. It provides a better indication of your risk for heart disease than a total cholesterol level can provide. A LDL level under 100 mg/dl is preferred. A level of 130 to 159 is considered borderline high and 160 to 189 mg/dl is considered to be a high LDL level. A level at 190 or higher is considered by experts to be very high. In order to avoid heart disease, heart attacks and strokes you should have your bad cholesterol checked to find out if you have a healthy cholesterol level.

What Types Of Medication For High Cholesterol Are There

Have your tried everything to try and reduce your cholesterol with little to no achievement then it could be time to explore the option of medication for high cholesterol. Medications for high cholesterol are used when a patient has not responded well to lifestyle and dietary changes. You will find that there is a large variety of medications and they all do different things. All the medications have different probable side effects. 

Your doctor can decide what the best medication for you is. They will look at your family history and other factors such as developing heart disease. But remember that medication alone should not be used to reduce your cholesterol levels also make sure that you change your life style habits.

Statins

 Statins are very accepted medication for high cholesterol. They work to lessen your body’s capability to create LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, in addition to triglycerides. This medication may in addition help to increase good cholesterol somewhat. Unfortunately there are side effects to taking the drug. You may experience diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, muscle soreness and it is not advisable to take this medication with grape fruit juice. Some people take this drug with no complaints but you should discuss any side effects you experience with your doctor right away. 

Bile Acid Binding Resins 

This is one of the medication for high cholesterol that work to reduce LDL levels but a side effect may be that you experience an increase in triglycerides. Other side effects associated with this drug are bloating, gas, nausea and constipation. 

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors 

This medicine does precisely what the name says. It inhibits your body’s capability to soak up cholesterol from the food you eat. This will decrease LDL levels as well as slightly decrease triglyceride levels. Your HDL levels may also increase somewhat though continued exercise and consumption of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats is advised to keep increasing HDL levels. 

Fibrates 

These drugs do not decrease the level of LDL cholesterol in your body. Instead it will lower the level of triglycerides and increase the level of HDL cholesterol in your body. There is a risk of developing gallstones, nausea and stomach pain in terms of side effects. 

Niacin 

Niacin is one of the uncommon medications for high cholesterol that are available over the counter. It is however desirable to seek prescription niacin to obtain the correct dosage. The benefits of this medication are that you will be able to up your HDL cholesterol while decreasing your LDL and triglyceride levels. Some of the more serious side effects include high blood sugar, peptic ulcers and gout.

 

Low Cholesterol Food Plan – Not As Hard As You Many Think

A low cholesterol food plan is not difficult to come by. The foods in the plans have low levels of cholesterol which are required in a diet for those who need to reduce their cholesterol levels. The reason why people need to change to a low cholesterol food plan is because their health is in danger due to high levels of cholesterol represent. People who have high cholesterol levels are more at risk at having heart disease, liver disease and many other illnesses that come with high cholesterol numbers. 

a blood chemistry test that shows how much cholesterol is present in the blood and that is how your cholesterol levels are determined . A low cholesterol food plan is great for maintaining the cholesterol numbers for each person. Depending on how susceptible you are to having heart disease and other sicknesses, medication to aid the reduction of you cholesterol levels could be prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend that you go on a low cholesterol diet and exercise. 

Vegetables and Fruits 

 Fruit and vegetable could be the two of the healthiest food groups available for people who have high cholesterol. Not only are these low cholesterol food plan but they also contain high levels of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber necessary for a well functioning body and overall well being. We need several servings of these kinds of low cholesterol food plan in order to reach the recommended daily allowance we need to function well and be healthy. 

Another thing that makes fruits and vegetable favorable low cholesterol food plan is due to their low calorie content as well. This means that there is a reduce risk of calories turning into useless fat when not used. 

Lean Meats 

Lean meats are those meats that have no fats or marbling. These low cholesterol food plan have high protein content as well as minerals and micronutrients that help the body manage and control high levels of bad cholesterol. Included in these kinds of meats are turkey, chicken fish and some pork. These low cholesterol food plan are also an excellent aid to our metabolism and helps to build muscles. 

Seeds and Nuts 

These kinds of low cholesterol food plan are often rich n Omega 3 which makes them very good for managing bad cholesterol. Seeds and nuts are also high fiber which makes them great for flushing out and cleaning the digestive tract from any deposits that may have accumulated. Beware though that you many need to do some research regarding which are good for you and which are not as not all seeds and nuts are low cholesterol food plan. A low cholesterol food plan will actually help individuals make themselves healthier as well as become less prone to diseases associated to high levels of cholesterol.

Cholesterol 101

In the pages of lifestyle magazines, cholesterol is often portrayed as a potential demon ruthlessly affecting the quality of your life. The rises in the cardio vascular diseases have made the people aware of the harmful effects of cholesterol. But not many people are aware of the fact that cholesterol can both be good and bad.

 

Good and Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is good?! Yes of course; this soft, waxy substance found in the lipid fats in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells is an essential part of a healthy body; it helps in manufacturing cell membranes and in the production of some types of hormones.

 

So when does this apparently helpful substance actually pose a threat to your health?  When the level of the cholesterol is too high in the blood —a condition known as hypercholesterolemia — it becomes a risk factor for your heart health. A high level of cholesterol in your body is the precursor for the coronary heart disease that ultimately culminates into heart attack.

 

Types of cholesterol

Depending on the types of lipoprotein--- special carriers that help cholesterols to be transported to and from the cells---the cholesterol can be of two major types:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 

HDL

Now HDL cholesterol is regarded as the good variety, while the LDL acts as the chief villain. The HDL is good because it drives cholesterol away from the arteries and transport them back to the liver that helps it eliminate from the body. In a nutshell a high level of HDL cholesterol acts as a shield against heart attack. So be careful if you find HDL level in your blood is less than 40 mg/dL. (In case of women the amount is 50 mg/dL.

 

LDL

When the level of LDL cholesterol is too high in your blood, it ends in being accumulated in the walls of the arteries carrying blood to two important organs of heart and brain. The net result is clogging of those arteries by hard plaques made of cholesterol and other substances. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. When the plaque tends to block blood flow to your heart, the result is a heart attack. When the clog disrupts blood flow to the brain, a stroke is the final outcome.

 

Dealing with Cholesterol

• A regular cholesterol checking will ensure that you never face these consequences. So go for a cholesterol check right away and if you happen to find the level of LDL cholesterol is 160 mg/dL or above, there are enough reason to raise alarm. Make sure that LDL cholesterol level in your blood never exceeds the mark of 100 mg/dL.
• Cholesterol is produced in our own body. The additional source of cholesterol is the foods rich in both saturated fat and Trans fat. For a cholesterol free life, restrict your cholesterol intake to 300 milligrams per day.
• Shake off the sedentary lifestyle and make physical activity a compulsory part of your daily routine.
• Try to give up smoking and cut back on alcohol consumption.

Most of the people fall prey of the harmful effects of the cholesterol because of their lack of awareness. But now that you know the basic facts about cholesterol, don’t let this menace mess up your health and your life. Take necessary precautions and enjoy your life to the fullest.

 

Keeping Your Cholesterol Under Control

You would have all heard about cholesterol and the recommendations of changes in diets and prescribe medication associated with it. But the truth is that many people don’t understand cholesterol and its purpose in our body. Understanding how cholesterol works within you is the first step of managing your cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a lipid (fatty acid) that resides in the cell membranes of the human body.  Most cholesterol is actually synthesized in the body, but a good proportion of it is ingested as a section of food.

You have good cholesterol and bad cholesterol and the two kinds need to be differentiated between: Bad cholesterol, or LDL, has been associated to cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke if consumed at unhealthy levels.  Good cholesterol, HDL, on the other hand, is accountable for significant bodily functions.  HDL cholesterol helps to construct and maintain cell walls and performs other cell maintenance.

Controlling Cholesterol Through Diet: What Can You Do About It?

There are quite a few ways you can control your blood cholesterol levels.  Cholesterol is not dissolvable in blood, so it now and again needs a helping hand.  Most of these are basic routine changes that can have an enormous and helpful result on your cholesterol levels. The first is to look at controlling cholesterol through diet.

The most apparent ways are to select your diet carefully.  Foods that are high in fat have an inclination to lift cholesterol.  Do not cut out fats totally from your diets.  Look at selecting specific foods that are low in saturated fat but have a good amount of unsaturated fat.  The body physically requires a small amount of fat for key body functions.

Lean red meat and fish are both good choices and should be incorporated liberally into your diet.  They are high in protein, which helps to build muscle, and relatively low in fat content.Choose dairy procts that are low in fat, it can be as easy as that to lower your cholesterol.

If after changing your diet or your cholesterol levels are often too high then it is advisable to consult your doctor. There are many drugs that can know control cholesterol avaiable.  And remember that with any new drug, it’s important to notify your healthcare professional about any additional medications that you are taking at the time.

The side effects of controlling cholesterol through drugs tend to be relatively mild, and will generally cease after your body adjusts to the new medication.

Dealing With High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

blood pressure readings

For controlling your symptoms of high blood pressure, there are two effective yoga exercises that helps lower the blood pressure:

Inverted Yoga

The gravity on the body is reversed with Inverted yoga. The biggest changes when performing Inverted Yoga is due to the circulation. The abdomen and legs are raised higher than the heart with Inverted poses.

Lengthening up through the legs and keep them very active so your spine opens and the entire body actively involved in the pose.

The cause is simply due to the force of gravity when reversed and venous return is much greater.

Normally, the muscles of the calf and other skeletal muscles in the lower extremities must contract in order to pump unoxygenated blood and waste back to the heart through the veins.

In inverted poses, gravity causes the blood to flow easily back through the veins and this brings the low heart rate high blood pressure in the feet to a minimum. This in effect gives skeletal muscles a chance to rest.

In Inverted poses, drainage of blood and waste from the lower body back to the heart is increased and disorders such as varicose veins and swollen ankles are relieved.

Rhythmic Breathing

We must learn about breathing techniques, as exhaling and inhaing calms the mind and nourishes the body.

Not just any old breathing will do. If you're like most people, you take shallow breaths, pull in your stomach when you inhale and never empty your lungs of carbon dioxide when you exhale.

Here's the physiological explanation: Long, slow breaths are more efficient than short, fast ones.

To take in a good breath, your lungs must first be basically empty. Thus the key to efficient breathing lies in exhaling completely. The upper chest begins with a full exhale, then goes to the mid chest area, and leaves off with tightening of the abs.

After exhaling expect to draw in a deep breath of rich oxygen to nourish your cells.

Exercise May Prevent Heart Disease

Exercise To Prevent Heart Disease

You Tube Video Code Embedded – 10-04-08 Joaquin 9.2720 Normal 0 Exercise And Heart Disease – The Link

Health studies indicates that there is proof that exercising your heart is a very healthy thing to do. Regular exercise for your heart will keep the heart and it's muscles healthy and strong. By exercising consistently you diminish by about fifty percent the probability of you ever having a heart attack. Excellent news indeed about heart disease and exercise... the relationship between the two. Naturally if you have any concerns about your heart's capacity to tolerate exercising, perhaps because of ill health or age... discuss with your doctor first before beginning an exercise program.

You Tube Video Code Embedded – 10-04-08 Joaquin 9.2720 Normal 0  

HDL And LDL

Exercise has the inclination to increase your HDL (high density liproteins – good cholesterol.) HDL is able to pick up cholesterol from inside arteries and remove it from the body. On the other hand LDL (low density lipoproteins – bad cholesterol) tends to stickto blood cell walls. This can obstruct the flow of blood and cause one to have a stroke or heart attack. The resulting condition is well known as arteriosclerosis.

Benefits Of Exercise To Minimize Heart Disease Risk

Just as any other muscle in our body, your heart gets stronger by stimulation of it with exercise. Your heart's power to drive blood as needed throughout the body, is directly dependent on the power of the muscles of the heart. Exercising moderately just three to five times a week for approximately 30 minutes will unquestionably strengthen the heart and it's muscles. Other benefits from regular exercise are: overall body endurance and strength which will also assist avoid damage to the body from strains such as falls; stress reduction which will relax you; increase the strength of your bones and thus diminish the chances you will develop osteoporosis.

Moderate to vigorous activity not only helps to avoid heart disease but also has a helpful affect to your brain and how good you feel. Walking quickly increases blood flow and oxygen levels throughout the body. Memory skills in the elderly, research have shown, were improved, by going for walks as part of their habitual lifestyle.

Endorphins

Chemicals in the brain called endorphins are created by just 20 to 30 minutes of intermediate exercise. Endorphins are the body's natural pain reliever. To attain metabolic results from exercise, you need a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes of constant physical activity. Most everyone has heard of the runner's high... that is the effect of the creation of endorphins. Should you experience any heart pains because of exercise that is an warning you are making your heart work to hard.

Maybe you did not know that heart disease and exercise, lack of exercise that is, have such a association as is shown in this article. If you are what they call label a "couch potato" it may be time you became a bit more active... A lack of regular exercise, greatly your chance of stroke, heart attack. The point is... a bit of activity on a frequent basis is better for your heart and your body than none at all. If you have any doubts about your heart's health, check with your doctor, before going forward with an exercise program to prevent heart disease.

Put A Stop To Heart Disease With Natural Vitamin Supplements

High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and ever increasing stress are all factors related to the leading cause of death for both men and women, heart disease.  Luckily, heart disease is a problem you can do something about.  By taking nutritional supplements, making changes in the food we eat, exercising most days of the week, drinking in moderation, and eliminating tobacco use, we can prevent or lessen the effects of heart disease. 

After choosing to live a healthier life, it may seem very overwhelming.  However, lots of people feel this way.  As a result the American Heart Association is urging people to prevent heart disease by identifying their individual risk factors.  Each risk factor indicates whether or not you may develop a certain health condition.  In heart disease prevention, there are two types of risk factors, those you can control, and those that you can’t control.  Risk factors that you can control include: diet, exercise, and the supplements that you take, whereas risk factors that you can’t control consist of age, race, gender, and your family’s history of heart disease. 

There are a few, specific supplements that should be taken to increase your health and lower your chances of developing heart disease.  You should take a quality heart formula multivitamin, garlic, and a fish oil supplement that provides Omega-3 fatty acids.  CoQ10 is also a good way to give complete heart health support.  The heart formula multivitamin will provide your heart with the exact nutrients needed to prevent heart disease. 

Since the human heart cannot function without adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, it is logical that a multivitamin specifically formulated for heart health would work best.  The cells and tissues that make up the heart must have vitamins C, A, and E, and also B1, B6, B12, and folic acid in order to function.  These B vitamins are very important because they help to lower homocysteine levels, which is a potential cardiac risk factor.  Healthy hearts also need a daily amount of magnesium in order to function correctly.  They also need alpha lipoic acid, which is a fatty acid that provides protection against high cholesterol and blood pressure.  Along with magnesium and alpha lipoic acid, lutein and lycopene keep our arteries free from buildup, which can later lead to heart attacks or strokes.  Unlike other multivitamins, which contain herbs and other nutrients that can interfere with prescription medications, a heart formula consisting of the above vitamins, minerals, and nutrients will work with medications to treat heart disease and provide the nutrition that our hearts need.

Garlic supplements have a very long and successful history of preventing premature death from heart attacks. Garlic can also help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, naturally and effectively.  The best garlic supplements contain allicin, which is a compound that lowers harmfully high cholesterol levels.  Since allicin is very stable when dry, a properly prepared garlic supplement preserves allicins health producing action until the garlic mixes with the fluids of the intestinal tract.  A supplement prepared with enteric coating can also help prevent against garlic breath.  In order for a garlic supplement to be the most effective, it must be made from fresh garlic, enterically coated, and provide a daily dose of at least 4,000 mcg allicin.  By taking this once daily supplement that delivers 4,000 mcg of allicin, you can significantly and effectively lower your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Not all fish oil supplements are made the same, some can be harmful, but rest assured there are companies out there who supply fish oil supplements which are naturally loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and certified free of harmful contaminants and heavy metals.  This Omega-3 is a powerful nutrient that is known to prevent heart disease and protect the heart.  Research has proven that Omega-3 can reduce the risk of arrhythmias, lower the levels of triglycerides, slow atherosclerosis, and keep blood pressure levels low.  With just 600-1800 mg of fish oil, you can get all of the above heart disease prevention.  However, you must make sure the fish oil supplement that you take is free from contaminants and is guaranteed fresh.  The manufacturer of the fish oil supplement should be able to provide documentation of purity in their product.  The supplement should contain no detectable dioxin, which is a widely used toxic preservative, DDT (a toxic insecticide), PCBs, or heavy metals such as mercury or lead.  Before you buy any fish oil supplement, ask the clerk if you can open the bottle and smell the contents.  A fishy smelling fish oil supplement means it may contain heavy metals and could be rancid, which is not going to help your heart at all.  It may actually hurt it. 

CoQ10 is part of our energy producing system by working directly with our mitochondria in each cell.  The mitochondria generate 95% of the energy that the body requires and are more abundant in places that require more energy.  Because of this fact, the heart has a large number of mitochondria in its cells, each needing CoQ10 to help them produce the most energy that they can.  Because CoQ10 levels can become dangerously depleted by medications for high cholesterol levels, it is important to take at least 100 mg - 400 mg of CoQ10 each day.  Otherwise, the good that the medications are doing to lower cholesterol levels will be negated by the lack of CoQ10 levels.  Even if you have already been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), CoQ10 can still help you by slowing down the destruction that occurs.  CoQ10 is also known for healing the heart muscles damaged by heart attacks. 

There are some types of CoQ10 products that are better than others.  The quality of manufacturing has a lot do with which CoQ10 product is best.  Make sure to take a CoQ10 supplement that has been used in research conducted by a prestigious university, which the supplement will tell you right on its label.  The main requirements for a good CoQ10 are: it must be easily absorbed during digestion, it must reach the mitochondria in the cell, it must be proven effective in studies, and it must be safe and free of impurities.

Although CoQ10 is recommended for people with moderate or high risk factors of heart disease, people with low risk factors can take CoQ10 ever day to reduce their risk of cancer, prevent gum disease, and help certain nerve cells work more effectively.  By following all of the above recommendations, you can help to keep your heart healthy and strong.  All the supplements suggested in this article can be found at your local vitamin store or Internet health food store.

Heart disease has its own risk factors

6 Top Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Heart disease is a killer that does not discriminate between men and women or even the various cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, it has been called a universal killer because more people die from heart disease each year than other illnesses – several million a year worldwide! With some people, heart disease is not even a blip on their radar because they don't even know they have it! Others have a variety of health problems and know they are at greater risk than the average person for heart disease because of those problems.

Knowing what the risk factors are can greatly help in reducing your chances of developing heart disease. While there are likely dozens of contributing causes, there are six top risk factors for heart disease – with several that you can do something about. Here they are:

1.  Hypertension – Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is one of the leading contributors to heart disease. Why? Blood pressure basically is a measure of the force of the blood flow. The greater that force is, the more likely it is to cause problems, especially when other factors exist. The longer hypertension goes unchecked the more likely you are to develop hardening of the arteries, thickening of the heart muscle and much more. Exercise and diet can lower hypertension but sometimes medications are necessary to help.

2.Smoking – A nicotine habit can be life controlling. Smoking can promote the collection of fatty deposits in the blood which can lead to arterial blockage and heart disease. It also promotes narrowing of the arteries which requires the heart to pump harder to push oxygen through the body and results in hypertension.

3.  Diabetes – This metabolic disease affects how insulin is produced and absorbed in the body. People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing several conditions that lead to heart disease such as narrowing of the arteries, arterial damage and hardening of the arteries. This can also affect the muscles, of which the heart is one of the most important ones.

4.  High cholesterol – Cholesterol is important to the body as it is a necessary component for the healthy lining of body cells and blood vessels. You get cholesterol from foods as well as normal liver function. Even if you eat virtually no cholesterol, your body should be able to produce enough to adequately sustain healthy cells and blood vessels. Therefore, adding more cholesterol via the diet can boost cholesterol beyond normal limits in the blood. When this happens, plaque can build up along the arterial walls causing not only hardening of the arteries but also narrowing as well. This can contribute to heart problems by placing more burdens on the heart to get oxygen and nutrients to the body.

5. Obesity – Being hugely overweight contributes to a variety of other factors which in turn can develop into heart disease. Obesity means that you are likely to have higher cholesterol levels, problems with insulin production and absorption (diabetes issues) and more. When you lose the weight, less poundage removes some of the burden on your body and reduces heart disease risk.

6.  Family genetics – Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about family history and propensity towards heart disease. What you can change is how you live your life. A good diet low in fats and cholesterol and high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other heart healthy substances can go a long way towards preventing the development of heart disease in you. Add clean living (no smoking or alcohol) and exercise and you have a winning trifecta against heart disease.

Could Chronic Heartburn Be Associated With Other Problems?

For heartburn symptoms to be deemed chronic, it would have to occur more than three times a week for a period of two or three weeks. If you are suffering from continual heartburn it is important to check if there have been any alterations in diet, excessive consumption of alcohol,increased stress or the taking of strong medications on a regular basis.

For chronic heartburn to be confirmed a substantial change must have occured, if the person’s diet or other aspects of their lifestyle have not changed, it could be a sign of other medical problems. It is important to be aware of the circumstances as anybody using self-treatment to combat chronic heartburn may be disguising the symptoms of these more serious problems

Usually, heartburn is caused by the contents in the stomach being forced back into the esophagus, causing the acid in the stomach to irritate its sensitive lining. There are many causes of this such as:
-  gastrointestinal reflux,
- a hiatal hernia
- or a blockage in the stomach.
When a patient suffers from chronic heartburn it is necessary to check with a doctor to rule out any of these major problems.

Usually, when a person suffers from heartburn, it is quite normal if there has been a dietary change causing inconsistency or they eat or drink something that is high in acidic content, thus causing the digestive system to work overtime producing excessive acid. In these cases and over the counter medication will usually work quelling the burning sensation, which will disappear once the substance has been processed. However, if the heart burn continues for several days at a time over a week or two, it is likely that chronic heartburn may be diagnosed and treated with prescription medications.

Quenching The Fire In The Belly

For sufferers of chronic heartburn, they are also at risk for developing ulcers in the oesophagus as well as in the stomach. Quite often it is the result of the stomach being tricked into thinking more acid is needed to help with the digestive process that exacerbates the situation. Many believe falsely that drinking milk as a diluting substance can calm an acid stomach when in reality milk may actually promote the stomach’s acid pumps to produce more owing to the added content in the stomach.

Anybody suffering from chronic heartburn will need to change their lifestyle to help eliminate the problem. This usually requires a change of diet (ie. staying away from rich fatty foods that require a lot of digestion and sticking to more fresh fruit and vegetables that are much easier to digest). If it is determined the heartburn is being caused by prescription medication, the doctor may alter the dosage of the medication or change to another type if one is available. The patient may also be prescribed anti-acid medication  until the offending medication is accepted by the patients body and the side effects disappear.

Acid indigestion, as it is often called, can be an extremely uncomfortable feeling. Unfortunately, It can also induce similar symptoms to a heart attack and therefore should never be ignored. When you are suffering from chronic heartburn, getting help from a doctor or other medical professional is important to prevent any additional damage to the oesophagus or to learn if it is hiding another, potentially more dangerous, condition.

As with most other bodily functions, it is important to act swiftly to determine what the problem is, what causes the problem and what needs to be done to cure the problem before it gets worse, but more importantly why suffer at all when with a little thought and preventative action this discomfort can be completely avoided and other complications associated with it will never arise..

Why You Need to Discuss Heart Disease With Your Physician

When you learn how to discuss your concerns and questions with your physician, you are taking an important first step. You are not the only person who has problems communicating their concerns to the health care provider who performs your check-ups. But when it comes to heart disease no question should be left unanswered.

Sometimes people hope that the answers to their questions will come out in the process of being examined instead of asking them point blank. HMOs and the busy schedules of doctors with waiting rooms full of patients sometimes do not allow the doctor to spend as much time with each patient as they would like. Women particularly need to speak up, because even though they suffer half the deaths from heart disease, doctors hesitate to discuss this subject with them.

Questions that you should ask your doctor include what your blood pressure is recorded as and what is normal for you. You need to know what your blood cholesterol and glucose levels are and if they are considered normal. Find out from your physician what tests are recommended for your age group presently and in the years to come.

If medication has been prescribed, do not hesitate to ask if there are side effects, what the drug is supposed to do, and should you take other medication, even over the counter, with your prescribed medicine. Also find out if this is a long term medication or temporary. Tests to monitor the effect of the medication you are taking should be conducted at a later date if it is recommended by your doctor. The liver is one organ that most doctors consider testing when a patient is on certain medicines.

If you always get home and remember something that you forgot to ask the doctor, make a "need to know" list and take it with you on your next visit. Do not forget to bring with you the medications that you are presently on as well. If you have more than one health care provider, this is a must.

Add to your list any surgeries or relevant illness that you have had and been treated for in the past few years. This should be in your medical chart so that the doctor can be aware of anything that might cause a problem.

In conclusion, if you think that you may forget what you physician has told you, you can always write it down or record the appointment for later referral. Do not be afraid to check around for a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the treatment that your doctor recommends or if you do not feel that he or she listened to your worries or questions.