Two major organs in the body that we really do not want to get lose are the brains and the heart. The heart is perhaps the one which we really try to take care of because it is considered as the center of everything. Its function is to deliver oxygenated blood that carries not just nutrients, but also the most-essential oxygen into the tiniest cells of our body. If the heart is diseased, if it is unable to pump effectively the blood towards the farthest cells, some diseases might develop.

Taking care of the heart so it will not develop diseases entails several things. First, the blood vessels that carry blood towards and from the heart must be healthy. With diseased blood vessels, blood will pool inside the heart unable to be pumped out effectively, causing the heart to function irregularly, which, in time, will cause heart diseases. Second, the blood’s conduit must not be littered with debris, such as cholesterol and other substances that will have the tendency to clog up causing the main pump to become ineffective.

Stresses must be regulated too. Stress increases the amount of hormones released by the body that makes the heart pump faster. When there is increased pumping action, with blood volume to be delivered disproportionate to the number of times the heart pumps, there is a high chance that the heart will be injured. Eating the right nutrients, lifestyle modification are some of the things that can be done to prevent the heart from developing diseases. Below are some of the specific alternatives that may be considered, since they have been known to contribute a lot to the heart’s health.

1. Meditation

   There are two definitions of meditations. Meditation, according to the West, involves a state of mind that is focused and in thoughtful reflection. In the East, however, where medication practice is abundant, meditation does not involve thinking; rather, it is focusing on a spiritual ideal and becoming one with it. For some, it involves chanting; for the Catholics, it involves carrying rosary beads and being one with Mother Mary and Jesus. Whatever the definition is and however the meditation is being practiced, meditation is one of the activities that can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

   In a study made by Dr. Vernon A. Barnes of the Georgia Prevention Institute’s Medical College of Georgia, he was able to prove through a study of more than 150 black adolescents that meditation can lower the risk of getting high blood pressure compared to those who are not meditating. After eight months of meditation, the participants experience increase by 21 percent of their blood vessel’s ability to dilate. The result is achievable by using lipid-lowering medications, but meditation is a more natural practice.

   In another study, a type of meditation called transcendental meditation has decreased their risk of developing heart attacks by 50 percent and has also helped lower the blood pressure. In the meta-analysis conducted by the University of Kentucky, people who practice transcendental meditation lowered their systolic blood pressure by 4.7 mmHg and 3.2 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. With lowered blood pressure, the risk of developing heart diseases is also reduced.

2. Herbs

   1. Garlic

      Several studies were already conducted on the cardioprotective effects of garlic. Their summaries are focused on the ability of garlic to lower the triglyceride level as well as the total cholesterol. While the reduction may be moderate, ranging only from 5 to 15 percent, it is still significant. When triglycerides and cholesterol are reduced, blood vessels are protected from damages due to injury brought about by oxidative stress. The protagonist here is actually allicin, that substance giving garlic its pungent smell. Allicin is a phytochemical that works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; reducing all the conditions that will contribute to heart ailments.

   2. Ginger

      Gingerols is what makes ginger a potent and highly effective anti-inflammatory herb. For those with arthritis, ginger is found out to be helpful in reducing inflammation at the joints. For those whit heart ailments or who wants to prevent having heart diseases, ginger can be your ally. Increasing the amounts of ginger in your diet reduces the symptoms of inflammation in different parts of the body, particularly the blood vessels and the heart. With reduced tendency of inflammation due to gingerol, heart diseases are prevented.

   3. Ginkgo

      The research conducted on the relationship of Ginkgo biloba and cardiovascular system varies considerably. There are researches indicating that this herb is actually dangerous to those suffering from heart problems, especially among seniors. But there are also researches showing that Ginkgo biloba is able to improve the blood flow towards the heart. For those who already have heart ischemia, or lesions in the heart, that may result to angina or heart attack, ginkgo has lessened the damage to the heart with increased consumption of the herb; not only, that, recovery time is also improved. The phytonutrients available in Ginkgo biloba can actually assist in the dilation of the blood vessels and prevention of blood clots, which can improve the flow of blood towards the heart, preventing damage to the heart.

3. Essential Fatty Acids

   When talking about fats, other people become squeamish about it for having the notion that all fats are bad. But essential fatty acids (EFA) are different since they are considered as the good fats. Our body needs two important EFAs: alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. The first one is an omega-3 fatty acids, while the second is omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids protect the cell membranes, therefore reducing the leakage of substances that will have a damaging effect on the heart. It also reduces inflammation and prevents the blood from over-clotting, decreasing risk of having clogged arteries. Essential fatty acids may be derived from flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans, salmon, sardines, halibut and tuna.

4. Yoga

   Yoga is not just a type of exercise; it is a mind and body exercise. There are indications that yoga is good for the heart. In a research published in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, has proven that yoga can be a good contributor of healthy heart. Yoga involves posture, stretching, breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation. In the study, those who practice yoga were able to have greater control of their heart rate. Their parasympathetic control is strengthened, and they were able to respond well from the changes of the heart responses during sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulus. With yoga, heart rate is better controlled, heart becomes healthier.

Sources
tlc.howstuffworks.com
sciencedaily.com
sciencedaily.com
livestrong.com
sciencedaily.com