Reverse Heart Disease

Do poor lifestyle choices make you more susceptible to heart disease? Are you aware of heart disease risk factors? Some of the factors that are red flags for heart disease are smoking, obesity, too much stress and lack of exercise. If you suffer from one or more of these factors, there are a number of things you can do to reverse your heart disease by addressing stress and diet.

Believe it or not, our emotional stress level is a heart attack risk factor. Emotional stress, anger, sadness and other negative emotions can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Don't let stress take you down. Relax a little. Psychiatrists have developed a stress relief program called "Emotional Freedom Techniques" which have helped many overcome their stress, fears, phobias and anxieties. Search the internet to learn more about this self help therapy for dealing with stress.

Another huge heart disease risk factor is smoking. If you are a smoker, you really need to quit. Cigarette smokers have a high probability of developing Atherosclerosis, a fatty buildup in the arteries. Cigarette smoking is a contributing cause of coronary heart disease that can be avoided with a lifestyle change.

No matter how bad your current diet, changing it and eating healthy can help reverse heart disease. This is true even if you are a hamburger-and-french fry-everyday type. Research indicates that excess carbohydrates and sugars in our diets are making us fat and unhealthy. Foods high in carbs or sugar cause a rapid increase in blood sugar and then insulin raises to compensate for the higher blood sugar. The rise in insulin causes our bodies to store fat. This excess weight is a major contributor to heart disease.

An easy way to cut back on carbohydrates and sugars is to be sure to get 5 to 7 servings of vegetables and fruit. The more fruits and vegetables you eat, the less room you will have for foods loaded in carbohydrates and sugars. Vegetables also give you more of the vitamins and minerals you need everyday. Dark leafy greens provide a lot of the Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium that you need for a healthy heart.

Substituting fish for meat will help your heart health. Cold water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring and mackerel are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep your blood from being too sticky. Sticky blood causes the formation of blood clots more easily, which leads to heart attacks and strokes.

Nuts are great antioxidants that can help lessen the risk of heart disease. Several studies have shown that eating about 5 or so ounces of nuts a week can decrease risk of heart disease by an amazing 30 percent or more. Studies show that nuts help reduce the build up of plaque in the blood vessels by lowering bad cholesterol. Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats which help raise good cholesterol levels.

No matter how many heart disease risk factors you may currently have, you can start reversing heart disease today by making some changes to your diet and lifestyle. It will do no harm and may help to add years to your life.

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