Science of Heart Health

Science of Heart Health

Metabolic Syndrome

٭ The reduced ability of insulin to get glucose (sugar) into our cells is often the underlying cause of high blood pressure, central obesity, diabetes (Type II), low HDL (the "good" cholesterol), high triglycerides and cardiovascular changes that lead to heart attacks and stroke. A waist larger than 35 inches in a women or 40 inches in a man is a visual indication of the need to get checked by your doctor for metabolic syndrome.

٭ Exercise, regulating the glycemic load of each meal, getting adequate nutrition and reducing stress, all have been shown in countless studies to improve and often reverse all of the above conditions.

Inflammation

٭ Evidence is mounting at the inflammation that accompanies most disease states may be a major contributing cause. Inflammation can be the result of poor diet, infections, smoking, allergens, injury or hormone imbalances .

٭ Stopping smoking, flossing teeth daily, increasing Omega 3 fats from fish and leafy green vegetables, lowering saturated and trans fats, and eating a rainbow of colors from fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health.

Sleep Disturbances

٭ Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

٭ Studies show that people who temporarily stop breathing in their sleep go into fight or flight mode, which continues during and day and can lead to hypertension, heart failure and stroke. If someone tells you that you snore, get evaluated for Sleep Apnea.

٭ Give yourself the gift of 7-8 hours of sleep a day for optimum health, energy and peak mental and physical performance