5 Tips for a Healthy Heart
Dr. Bradley Shepherd is a chiropractor practicing in Las Cruces, NM. Dr. Shepherd specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system while improving each patient's functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis... more
Happy Heart Health Month! Yes, it is February, and, among other things, it is National Heart Health Month. Today, I want to share five tips that will help you improve and maintain a good healthy heart.
The first thing you want to do, of course, is making sure that you're getting to see your primary care doctor or another healthcare professional, or your cardiologist on a regular basis. That way, they can identify early signs that you may have some heart trouble. Prevention is key, and early detection is part of that, so having your regular visits to your doctor or cardiologist will certainly help that.
Tip number two. There are a few tests that you can do that can help measure the heart health of any individual. One of those tests is called the Omega-3 Index Test. The neat thing about the Omega-3 Index Test is that it isn't just about heart health; it is also about brain health and vascular health (and there's a whole slew of other applications). Specifically for your heart health, the Omega-3 Index is a very good predictor of health, and so I would encourage you to take that test. I do that test in my office and it is amazing what it can tell you about your health.
There is another test that is a little bit more extensive. It is called the Cardio ION Test and through Genova Labs. It is a specialty test and it is much more comprehensive than the Omega-3 Index, but it is a very, very good test. If you really want to narrow down what underlying or hidden heart health issues you may have, it is a very good test to do. Again, you can contact me for more information.
The third tip: I would recommend taking specific whole food supplements. Not just any supplements- it has to have specific nutrients that are good for your heart. The supplement that I like to use is called Cardio-Plus, and I can help you get that supplement. It is a good source of foods that we should be eating, but don't necessarily eat. It is a good source of B vitamins. Also, a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and there's a cellular extract that is specific to the heart that is also in this supplement.
Another supplement that I would recommend is cod liver oil or any sort of good fish oil. A good omega-3 and essential fatty acids supplement. Cod liver oil is a great source of that. The third supplement that I would recommend is turmeric. Turmeric is great for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It has a host of other benefits. So those three supplements are what I would recommend for good heart health.
The fourth tip is probably something that you've heard before, exercise. I'm not talking about running three miles a day or five miles a day. I am talking about short bursts of high-intensity exercises. We call that high-intensity training, and that's what I would recommend for heart health. You can get a very good workout in about 20 or 30 minutes (maybe 40 minutes if you're an overachiever) but within about 30 minutes you should be able to get a good workout using high-intensity training. You only have to do that type of workout two or three times a week to see the benefits.
The last tip is getting good sleep. Good sleep is so important for every aspect of health, but especially for the heart. You've got to get the proper rest. I would recommend that you set a nightly routine before going to bed. Maybe do some light reading, something that doesn't engage your mind a whole lot, and you let your mind rest before you go to sleep. Try mediation or yoga.
If you're still having trouble sleeping, even with routine, then you might consider Valerian Complex or Ashwagandha Complex. I supply both of those as well, and they are just wonderful herb complexes that really help calm and relax you and get you ready for a good night's sleep.
I hope these five tips have helped you. Please call me or contact the office if you're interested in learning more about any of this. If you'd like to get a check-up, give me a call. I'd be happy to get you in and get you a full workup to identify the underlying causes of any of your health problems.
