Heart Herbs – Part 1

Before there were prescription medications, there were herbs and natural remedies.  There are a number of herbs and alternatives available today for almost every ailment such as high blood pressure, improving memory and joint function, and one’s immune system, for example. I personally use vitamins and herbs on a daily basis.  It is important to note, however, that use of any vitamins and herbs are not meant to replace living a healthy lifestyle of drinking water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low fat meats and dairy.  They are used to supplement a lifestyle that is devoted to maintaining a healthy body.  That includes exercise, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, and not smoking or abusing drugs.

Whenever you are taking any sort of herb or supplement, you should always let your doctor know as there are some herbs that should not be mixed with prescription medications.

When it comes to your heart, a few herbs or supplements that you want to consider are:

Fish Oil Supplements:  Fish Oil contains Omega 3’s, which is an important fatty acid that our bodies do not produce.  As a result, we need to get it from our diets.  Unfortunately, though many of us do not frequently eat the types of foods that supply these Omega 3’s.  These foods include fatty cold-water fish, flaxseed, canola oil, and walnuts.  Fish oil is not only good for your heart; it has also been found to be beneficial for your brain and joint health too.  So if you are suffering with depression or failing memory or arthritis, fish oil is something that you should look into taking.

Garlic – you can eat fresh garlic cloves (about 5-7/day), but if you do not want to lose all your friends because you smell like garlic, you may want to take a quality, odorless form of garlic supplement.  Garlic is known to help in decreasing blood pressure.

In the next post, I will continue on my discussion of herbs that you want to take for a healthy heart.  Until then….