Alcohol Abuse Advice

Have a Healthy Heart

Treating heart problem or preventing heart disease is not only possible, but also within your reach. Here are some natural remedies you will find in your very own kitchen.

High Fibre Food: High-fiber food like barley, oats, whole grains such as brown rice and lentils, and beans, such as kidney beans and black beans, will help keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Olive oil: According to the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association, it is helpful to get most of your fat from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated sources. Use polyunsaturated oil (sunflower, safflower, corn and soybean oils) or monounsaturated fats (such as olive, canola and peanut oils) in place of other vegetable oils when cooking your veggies.

Whole-wheat bread and peanut butter: Some peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread is a good snack that’s good to your heart. One slice of whole-wheat bread has 11 mcg of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that works with vitamin E to protect your heart. Peanut butter is one best source of providing you with your daily intake of 1/3 of vitamin E.

Wine. Research studies have shown that drinking a glass of alcohol a day may help in the battle against heart disease. Moderate intake of alcohol is helpful-moderate as one glass a day for women and two glasses of alcohol a day for men. What’s in one drink? Twelve ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey.

Broccoli. Calcium is another heart-healthy nutrient. Milk isn’t the only calcium-rich food. In fact, there are lots of non-dairy foods that are rich in calcium, such as salmon, kale, broccoli, figs, pinto beans, and okra. One cup of broccoli can supply you with 90 mg of calcium.

Chicken. Three ounces of chicken will give you 1/3 of your daily requirement for vitamin B6, a necessary nutrient for maintaining heart health.

Fish. Adding fatty fish to your diet is also a good idea. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, three ounces of salmon meets your daily requirement for vitamin B12, a vitamin that helps keep your heart healthy. Fish intake lowers triglycerides and reduce blood clots that could potentially block arteries in the heart.

Fruits: Strawberries, Oranges, Amlas are Vitamin C rich fruits that act as an antioxidant vital to maintaining a happy heart. Daily use of lemon also prevents heart problems as it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Being a natural source of vitamin C, Amla (Emblica myrobalan ) prevents all heart problems. Fresh grape fruits are highly beneficial in the treatment of heart disease as they tone up the heart. Apples have heart-stimulating properties. Apple juice and apple jam can be taken in liberal amounts. Watermelon is another fruit which can reduce high blood pressure.

Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a smart choice for fending off heart disease.

Garlic. Garlic lessens plaque buildup, reduce the incidence of chest pain, and keep the heart generally healthy. It is also a mild anticoagulant, helping to thin the blood.

Honey. This is considered as one of the excellent home remedies for heart care. Mix a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water, before going to bed.

Beet juice. It is considered as the most effective for heart ailments.

Tulsi. Take a spoon of tulsi juice with a spoon of honey on empty stomach every day as this is very effective home remedy for heart care.

CLASSIC WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK

Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or pain in center of chest Pain that spreads to shoulders, jaw, neck or arms Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating or shortness of breath

OTHER WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK

Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain Nausea or dizziness Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing Unexplained anxiety, weakness or extreme fatigue Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS

A prolonged immersion bath at room temperature taken at bedtime on alternative days is also beneficial for the heart patients. Regular exercise, brisk walking are most important for healthy heart. Increase the intake of vitamin E as it improves the oxygenation of the cells. Stop smoking. Salt intake should be restricted. A well balanced diet for heart care containing fruits, vegetables and cereals with natural fibre is recommended. Excess intake of alcohol should be avoided. Regular check of high blood pressure and diabetes.

ADD ACTIVITY TO YOUR LIFE

Park your car in the back of the parking lot instead of near the entrance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk at a mall or gym. Go dancing. Play with children or grandchildren.

For more info on natural remedies, please visit Home Remedies