#1: Gut Health
We’ve all heard diabetes, smoking, and family history are among the top contributors to heart problems, but new research has uncovered a lesser-known risk factor: gut health.
Your gut microbiome plays a much grander role in health than scientists ever anticipated. In fact, those microbes likely play a role in heart health. Could it be possible cardiovascular disease has less to do with what we eat and more to do with your microbiome?
German researchers discovered patients with heart failure had significantly fewer types of bacteria in their gut compared to healthy patients. Eating a diet rich in fiber and plant-based foods like veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds may help you maintain a healthier balance of gut bugs. Check out our favorite gut nourishers, part 1 of 3.
Top Probiotic Picks:
Seeking Health Probiota 12 Powder Maximum
This is a potent probiotic that contains 12 types of researched beneficial bacteria and has 200 billion bacteria per 1/2 teaspoon. It provides maximum support for your immune system.
Seeking Health Probiota Maximum Support capsules
This probiotic contains over 12 species of beneficial probiotics and 50+ billion BCFUs.
Healthy Goods Pro-Bifidus LGI 45B capsules
This probiotic contains 8 different strains of bifidus bacteria and 45 billion BCFUs (bacterial colony forming units). These bacteria promote healthy immune function, digestive function and vibrant brain function through healthy neurohormone balance.
#2: Mental Health Challenges
The head-heart connection should be on everyone’s radar. The biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues could also influence heart disease or stroke.
In one study, people with major depression or other severe mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, had a 78% higher risk of developing heart disease than healthy people.
Chronic stress exposes the heart to unhealthy levels of stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, which effects heart health.
Consider reducing stress via all-natural adaptogens. In particular, reishi mushroom has many benefits and has long been used to reduce stress and support the cardiovascular system.
Top Reishi Mushroom Picks:
Live Superfoods Reishi Mushroom Powder
Reishi mushrooms have long been revered in Chinese medicine for their many health benefits. Known as the Herb of Good Fortune, reishi has a long tradition of supporting the immune system, cardiovascular system, and for stress support.
Dragon Herbs Wild Red Reishi Drops
This is a full spectrum extract of true wild Red Reishi mushrooms found growing at high altitude in the Chiangbai Mountains of Northeast China (Manchuria).
Whole Formulas Reishi Mushroom
One of the oldest medicinal mushrooms on record, its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back over 2,000 years.
Adaptogens help to regulate hormones in the body. Reishi is a potent adaptogen and can help to support the endocrine system and promote hormone balance. This amazing botanical can help to combat stress and depression. Reishi has also been used to promote relaxation.
#3: A Sugary Diet
Besides sugar’s link to diabetes, eating sugar raises blood sugar levels, which causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation wreaks havoc on blood vessels and tissues, which increases heart disease risk. It turns out Saturated fat, such as the type of fat found in coconut, isn't the heart disease culprit it was pegged as. Sugar is actually the culprit!
Top Blood Sugar Control Picks:
Five specific ingredients support healthy glucose metabolism and may reduce the rate of harmful advanced glycation end products (AGES).
Targets pathogenic yeast overgrowth with a powerful mix of herbs, including pau d'arco, Oregon grape root and oregano oil.
#3: Air
In one recent study, people who live in more polluted areas have larger, and weaker, hearts than those who live in cleaner regions – a good reminder to limit time outdoors when air quality is bad and to plan running routes on less-trafficked streets.
Unfortunately, our air is full of contaminants. One reliable way to determine your exposure to toxins is a hair mineral analysis. It tests for aluminum, arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury, uranium.
Top Detoxifying Picks:
Supports detoxification and the elimination of toxins from the body’s tissues for a well functioning endocrine system and hormone balance. Diindolylmethane (DIM), Calcium D-Glucarate, and Turmeric promote the elimination of xenoestrogens from the tissues and support healthy hormone balance.
The Hair Mineral Analysis is an amazing tool that provides you deep insight into your mental and physical health. This analysis uses the mineral content of your hair to determine certain things about your health, such as your deficiencies in nutrients, how well you handle stress, and your sensitivity to certain foods.
In Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
References:
American Heart Association: Gut bacteria hold clues to heart health.
Mental illness linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke.
JAMA: Internal Medicine: Added Sugar Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality among US adults.
