Surprising Heart Health Tips

by Ellen Syversen, MPH, CHES, NTP

February is Heart Health month. As the nutritionist for Radiant Health Center, I wanted to share 5 heart health tips that go beyond the standard fare.

1. New research shows a strong relationship between heart disease and Vitamin D deficiency. Get your Vitamin D levels tested.

2. The heart needs energy, and the mineral magnesium is essential for energy producing reactions in the body. Eighty percent of Americans are magnesium deficient so we need to supplement with this mineral or eat more magnesium rich foods like brown rice, leafy greens and lentils.

3. Dehydration causes the vascular system to selectively close some of its vessels which can lead to high blood pressure. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day and cut back on caffeine and sugary drinks as they are dehydrating.

4. We all need to manage our blood sugar with a balanced diet. High insulin and blood sugar are damaging to our heart. A balanced, whole foods diet containing healthy fats, protein and lots of vegetables is a great way to keep your blood sugar stable and protect your heart.

5. The nutrient CoQ10 is needed for heart health and is depleted by statin drugs. If you are taking this medication, please consider supplementing with this important nutrient.

Contact Ellen Syversen for more information and to schedule a free, hour long, no obligation initial consultation. I can be reached at 541-912-8624 or pathwaysforhealth@gmail.com. You can also come visit me at www.pathwaysforhealth.net.

Interested in Infra-red Sauna?  Wondering what it is?

Infra-red Sauna is an excellent way to relax and detoxify your body.  These saunas are unique and may be different than others you have experienced in the past.  Infra-red heat works much like the sun, heating objects or bodies in its direct path and has a lesser effect on surrounding air.  So the air inside will not feel stifling, but your core will heat up and your skin will still sweat.  Infra-red heat is not Ultra-violet radiation but a narrow band of energy between 5.6 to 15 microns, which is the most therapeutic to the human body.   It mimics the spectrum of sunlight, but without harmful solar radiation.  As your body increases sweat production to cool itself, your heart works harder pumping more blood, achieving the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise. By widening your blood vessels and enriching your blood with oxygen you feel more energetic and your skin gets a beautiful, youthful glow.  We also have provided a cold outdoor shower, to rinse toxins and sweat from your skin and send all the warmth deeper into your core.

Welcome to our new blog from the Radiant Health Center in Eugene, Oregon!  Stay tuned for articles about posture, alignment and self care.  We are also working on some exciting instructional videos with wood and foam rollers!