8 Heart Health Supplements To Take – And One To Avoid
Confused or overwhelmed about supplements? Your doctor can help you find the right combination.
Our modern world can bring overwhelming amounts of information aimed at helping us get healthier through supplements.
Often, some people will see improvements, while others won’t.
Here are some supplements that can help boost the effects of healthy diet and exercise for your precious heart, and one supplement to avoid.
1. Multivitamin & mineral
Vitamins and minerals taken in appropriate doses may aid in lowering heart disease risk. Whole foods should be the main source of nutrients, and research shows that many people fall short of recommended intakes.
Numerous studies suggest positive association between taking vitamin and mineral supplements, and heart disease prevention.
2. Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10)
Coenzymes help enzymes work to help protect the heart and skeletal muscles.
CoQ10 is also said to help heart failure, as well as boost energy, and speed recovery from exercise. Some people take it to help reduce the effects certain medicines can have on the heart, muscles and other organs.
3. Fiber
The best way to get fiber is from food. However, if you don't include enough fiber-rich food in your diet and choose to use a fiber supplement, choose a product that has different types of fiber in it-both soluble and insoluble. When taking a fiber supplement, be sure to stay well hydrated.
Psyllium fiber may help lower cholesterol when used together with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in oil from certain types of fish, vegetables, and other plant sources. These fatty acids are not made by the body and must be consumed in the diet or through supplements, often “fish oil.”
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids work by lowering the body's production of triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can lead to coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids used together with diet and exercise help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
5. Magnesium
Low magnesium levels can be a predictor of heart disease, research has revealed. Low magnesium has been linked with cardiovascular risk factors such as: high blood pressure, arterial plaque build-up, calcification of soft tissues, cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.
6. L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is an amino acid needed to transport fats into the mitochondria (the place in the cell where fats are turned into energy). Adequate energy production is essential for normal heart function.
Taking L-carnitine may also help reduce damage and complications following a heart attack.
7. Green tea
Green tea has been enjoyed for centuries, and used as a likely effective aid in treating high cholesterol.
8. Garlic
Besides making food taste good for many people, garlic taken orally as a supplement has been used as a possibly effective aid in treating high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Garlic can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking garlic at least two weeks ahead of time.
Avoid excess choline
Humans consuming excess choline, an essential nutrient plentiful in meat, eggs and milk, raises levels of a bacteria-produced compound called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and the tendency of platelets to clump together and form clots.
Excessive blood clotting limits or blocks blood flow which can cause heart attack, stroke, damage to the body’s organs, or death.
Talk to your doctor, and keep in mind
- Not all supplements are safe.
- Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement
- Dietary supplements may cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with prescription and nonprescription medicines.
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