Heart disease is the biggest killer in North America. It manifests itself in a
number of ways: atherosclerosis (blocked arteries), angina (pain from insufficient oxygen reaching
the heart), arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat rhythms), aneurysms (swelling of the arterial wall with
risk of rupture), high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Cold hands and feet and varicose
veins are also circulatory problems.
Lifestyle is a major factor in heart disease. A diet high in fats and low in
fiber, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking all contribute to making heart disease an epidemic
in North America. Other risk factors include stress, high homocysteine levels (resulting from
vitamin B deficiency), high cholesterol levels, and deficiencies in antioxidant vitamins and
minerals.
Many cardiovascular problems can be eliminated or managed through lifestyle, and this takes us back
to the
Healthy Cell Concept™. More specifically, try to eat foods containing vitamins B6 and B12 and
folic acid (to reduce homocysteine levels); calcium, magnesium, and potassium; the antioxidant
vitamins A, C, and E, and beta carotene. Helpful supplements include ginkgo biloba, green tea,
coenzyme Q10, fish oil, tocotrienols, and garlic.
