Heart and circulatory diseases are particularly responsive to proper nutritional therapy. In numerous cases, an individually tailored treatment program is required. However, there are many nutritional and other holistic treatment plans that are beneficial for nearly all heart and circulatory patients. Here are some healthy hints:

• Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of purified water.
• Eliminate table salt and replace it with sea salt.
• Many reports have shown that between 30 to 90 milligrams of Coenzyme Q-10 can be beneficial to heart and angina sufferers.
• The primary nutrient used to strengthen the blood vessels and prevent stroke is bioflavonoids. This can be found in citrus fruits and using bioflavonoid supplements.

Diet also plays a huge factor in heart health. The best “diets” to follow for heart health would be the “Mediterranean diet” and the “paleodiet.” The basic principles of these diets can be found on the Internet and in any bookstore. The basic premise: if God didn’t make it, don’t eat it.

When considering any diet, you must realize that not everyone is created equal. What you want to eat is real food. The problem with low-fat diets is that you miss all the good fat (omega 3 fatty acids) that actually reduce your risk for heart disease. The trans or hydrogenated fats found in low-fat foods are actually the ones linked to heart disease. They cause the bad cholesterol to go up and the good cholesterol to go down.

Essentially every diet you try will fail unless you make a lifestyle choice of eating healthy. Many diseases—including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer—are completely preventable with the right lifestyle choices. But a lot of people don’t have the real facts. Always look at the cause. There are many professionals trained in nutrition, healthy eating, and lifestyle habits; it’s just up to you to choose one who can help coach you on your way to changing your life based on your specific needs.

Each person should be evaluated and treated based on her particular health concerns, history, diet, and lifestyle factors. Food-based supplements are healthy, they work, and when taken properly, can be taken with medications. Don’t play doctor; we’re out here waiting to help you. TPW