Posts Tagged ‘Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease’

Heart Disease and Women-Good Gum Heath Linked to Lower Risk for Heart Disease

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Could there really be a link between the health of teeth and gums and heart health? As early as the 1800s some doctors believed there was a common thread between oral health and the functioning of the heart and other internal organs, but the theory went out of favor until recent studies once again have rediscovered the link between the two.

So, what exactly do gum disease and cardiovascular health have to do with each other? Disease in either is accompanied by inflammation, red swollen gums signaling the beginning of periodontal disease, and arteries hardening, swollen closed during atherosclerosis. And now, researchers in England have established a solid connection between good gum health habits and a lower rate of heart related disease.

The research, conducted by Richard Watt of the University College London, found that there is a 70 percent increase in risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in those with bad oral hygiene as compared to those who brush and floss twice per day. The research study involved nearly 12,000 participants, their oral hygiene habits and their heart health. The results were published May 27, 2010 in the British Medical Journal.

Daily brushing prevented gum disease and at the same time helped to prevent heart and vascular disease. Of the participants, those that reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day had only a 4 percent incidence of developing heart disease over the eight year study. Those that brushed less than once per day had an 11 percent risk.

What does this all mean for you? Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States and throughout much of the developed world. If there is a chance that risk for cardiovascular disease can be reduced by simply brushing your teeth it is certainly worth giving a try!

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

Heart Disease Treatments-How To Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

There are many natural heart disease treatments for you to consider if you have heart disease or if you are seeking to avoid it. One important issue to consider is lowering your cholesterol in a natural way.

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can greatly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. What makes cholesterol so important? It gives your body the ability to repair cell membranes, creates vitamin D and helps to produce necessary hormones. When cholesterol levels become too high they interfere with these critical body functions and put you at risk for heart complications.

What do the numbers mean? Total cholesterol is the sum of three main factors. Theses are LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol (bad kind), HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol (good kind) and blood triglycerides. Healthy total cholesterol is under 200mg/dL with 180 mg/dL being optimal. LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL, HDL should be over 40 mg/dL and blood triglyceride levels under 150 mg/dL. When is cholesterol considered too high? When total cholesterol is over 240mg/dL with LDL levels over 160 mg/dL, HDL levels under 40 mg/dL and blood triglycerides 200 mg/dL you are at risk.

There are plenty of ways to help reduce cholesterol levels naturally. Medications are widely available but have been known to cause muscle pains and inflict damage on the liver. Lowering levels naturally is a much safer alternative. Natural remedies can also save you money on your prescriptions.

It is important to note that roughly 20% of cholesterol comes from your diet while nearly 80% comes from your liver. So changes in your diet may need to be taken further by adding nutritional supplements to your daily regimen. Cholesterol levels should be checked at least once every five years for people aged 20 or older. Use the following tips to help maintain healthy levels.

- Cut back on consuming sugar, white flower, rich desserts and fried foods.
- Switch to using healthy oils such as olive or walnut oil.
- Eat baked or poached fish a few nights a week.
- Consume more soluble fiber such as apples, barley, oats, psyllium, kidney beans and pears.
- Eat more nuts such as pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios and walnuts.
- Load up on leafy and green vegetables during mealtimes. These include lettuce, broccoli, spinach and green beans.
- Switch to eating whole grain foods instead of starchy white bread and pastas.
- Eat more fruits and berries. These are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients.
- Soy can lower bad cholesterol by three percent.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.

When an altered diet is not enough to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, you may want to consider taking some nutritional supplements. Always follow directions specified on labels and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Below are some natural supplements that can help you achieve your goals.

- Octacosanol is derived from wheat germ oil. It is proven to reduce total cholesterol levels.

- Omega 3 Fatty Acids come from fish oil and flax seed oil. These not only help lower cholesterol but also reduce inflammation, a common risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease.

- Garlic can lower total levels.

- Niacin is a B vitamin that can help decrease cholesterol when used in larger doses. It lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol.

- Chromium (GTF) which aids in metabolizing sugars can help lower overall cholesterol.

- Guggul which is made from herbs is a medicine to help rid the body of bad cholesterol.

Always follow your doctors advice before starting any natural supplement regimen.

I hope these tips help!

Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve to Have A Healthy Heart” newsletter.

To Your Success,
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
SKype: Monique371
mentormonique@gmail.com