But too many of us end up in a very different scenario, thanks, in large part, to the heart and blood vessel diseases that run rampant in our country.

That’s why every little thing we can do to protect our health matters…

According to research from the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, there’s a simple way to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and increase not only your life expectancy but the quality of your health in those years — all with one drink.

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The magic of tea

Researchers studying a considerable population of nearly 101,000 people in China for over seven years found that tea drinkers live longer and are healthier as a result.

After creating two groups with very different tea habits — habitual tea drinkers (three or more times a week) and non-habitual tea drinkers (less than three times a week) — they found that those who enjoyed tea more often won, hands down.

Habitual tea consumption was not only associated with healthier years and longer life expectancy, but it also lowered:

• Risk of non-fatal heart disease and stroke by 20 percent;
• Risk of fatal heart disease and stroke by 22 percent;
• Risk of all-cause death by 15 percent.

And it gets even better…

The team followed a subset of participants (14,010 total) who maintained their regular tea-drinking habits for over 13 years, and saw that their benefits were amplified…

Those who continued to drink tea three or more times a week over the years benefited from a:

• 39 percent lower risk of non-fatal heart disease and stroke;
• 56 percent lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke;
• 29 percent decrease in the risk of all-cause death.

That’s right, simply drinking tea could cut your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke by almost 60 percent and your risk of dying from anything at all by close to 30 percent!

But if you want to reap those benefits, drinking should not be a habit you start and stop, but one that lasts a lifetime.

When asked why this is true, senior author Dr. Dongfeng Gu of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences gave this answer:

“Mechanism studies have suggested that the main bioactive compounds in tea, namely polyphenols, are not stored in the body long-term. Thus, frequent tea intake over an extended period may be necessary for the cardioprotective effect.”

In other words, you’ve got to drink those polyphenols regularly to keep that ticker ticking away.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

Give your Body the Optimal Alkalizing Nutrients you Need for Healthy pH Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Green tea for the win

But, there’s one more thing you should know…

The study also showed that one type of tea was more effective at promoting a longer, healthier life, specifically green tea.

They conducted a head-to-head analysis pitting green tea against black tea and found that while green tea conferred all of that protection against heart disease, stroke, and all-cause death, black tea simply did not.

As someone with a family history of heart disease, this doesn’t surprise me. I’ve come across multiple studies indicating that green tea contains many compounds with protective benefits for the heart and blood pressure.

The funny thing about green and black tea is that they all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. But they’re prepared using different methods.

So, let’s all raise a teacup to better heart health and longer life!

Source:

1. Tea drinkers live longer — EurekAlert

The post Drink this every day to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In the 1950s, cholesterol emerged as a chief player. Later, research revealed that LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, clung to artery walls, contributing to the formation of artery-clogging plaque.

But over the years, research has revealed that cholesterol is just one of many factors that can lead to a heart attack — including diabetes, adipose fat, kidney dysfunction, obesity and lack of exercise, to name just a few.

Then there’s research that uncovers a whole new pathway through which heart disease develops, such as bacteria from the mouth.

Keep that in mind as you read how bacteria, hidden for years in artery plaque, can trigger heart attack, and why this knowledge may make them easier to prevent…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Infectious processes can trigger heart attack cascade

Scientists from Finland and the United Kingdom have uncovered previously unknown evidence that heart attacks may be triggered by infectious processes, rather than just by cholesterol and other lifestyle factors.

Biofilms are sticky, protective layers that shield bacteria from immune responses and antibiotics. In this recent research, such biofilms have been discovered inside atherosclerotic plaque, where they likely formed over and protected bacteria for years, even decades.

These bacteria can remain dormant for years, but can be activated by external forces, such as a viral infection.

Scientists observed that when this happened, the person’s immune system responded, triggering inflammation, which ruptured arterial plaque and caused blockages that led to heart attack.

“Bacterial involvement in coronary artery disease has long been suspected, but direct and convincing evidence has been lacking. Our study demonstrated the presence of genetic material — DNA — from several oral bacteria inside atherosclerotic plaques,” explains Professor Pekka Karhunen, who led the study.

These findings pave the way for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat heart attacks — including, the researchers say, the possibility of preventing coronary artery disease and heart attack by vaccination.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

A missing step for heart protection

As odd as it seems, this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered research linking immune response and inflammation to heart attacks.

In 2020, researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) discovered that in approximately 25% of heart attack patients, the trigger was activated immune cells — specifically, T-lymphocytes (T cells).

According to that research, a “misguided adaptive immune response” activated T cells to accumulate on the inner lining of the artery wall, where they damaged the lining and contributed to the formation of a blood clot. Following an inflammation cascade, the plaques erode, resulting in debris in the bloodstream and artery-blocking clots that trigger a heart attack.

That research, like this newest one, was significant for demonstrating that heart attacks can have different pathophysiological origins — including an immune-mediated mechanism.

So, in addition to doing all the right things to promote heart health, it may be time to add “promoting a healthy and balanced immune system” to that long list.

 A balanced immune response activates T cells in a measured response to pathogens without creating so much inflammation that it harms the body’s own tissue.

The opposite of this is what we see in autoimmune conditions, where the immune response becomes overly active and goes rogue. Specific nutrients have been found effective at dialing it back, including one that strengthens the immune system and one that reduces inflammation: Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Plus, both of those are also known to support heart health. Are you starting to see how it all comes together?

Sources:

Heart attacks may actually be infectious — Science Daily

Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation and Rupture of Atherosclerotic Plaques — Journal of the American Heart Association

The post Newly discovered cause of heart attack hides in plaque appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In fact, if you’ve suffered from a myocardial infarction, your doctor has probably warned you that not taking these medications could increase your risk of a second heart attack.

There’s a problem, though…

Not only can taking beta-blockers lead to side effects like fatigue, low heart rate and sexual dysfunction, but study after study has demonstrated the medications may be both ineffective and dangerous.

A 2017 study found that taking beta-blockers following a heart attack, in which heart function was retained, made no statistical difference in the risk of a secondary heart attack.

Worse, additional research in 2020 determined that taking beta-blockers actually increased the risk of heart failure in women.

So what was done with those findings?

Not much. Beta-blockers continued to be recommended because skeptics believed the studies weren’t definitive enough!

But now, the jury is in, and the news is not good…

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Massive trial provides definitive answer on beta-blockers

This breakthrough discovery was made during the “REBOOT Trial,” a massive study that enrolled over 8,500 patients across 109 hospitals, and followed patients who either did or did not take beta blockers after a heart attack with regular heart function.

Sure enough, the results showed no significant differences between the two groups in rates of death, recurrent heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure.

But the most disturbing finding came from a substudy of the REBOOT Trial…

That data confirmed that women treated with beta blockers had a higher risk of death, heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure compared to women not receiving the drug.

In other words, not only did beta-blockers not prevent a second heart attack in women, they made the chances of another heart attack (or heart-related issue or death) more likely.

The results of the study were so significant that the investigators believe they will reshape the current treatment protocol for post-heart attack patients.

“REBOOT will change clinical practice worldwide. Currently, more than 80 percent of patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction are discharged on beta blockers. The REBOOT findings represent one of the most significant advances in heart attack treatment in decades,” says Principal Investigator Borja Ibáñez.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Helps flush harmful toxins from your body that interfere with vital functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Choosing what’s right for your heart

If you’re currently taking beta-blockers, don’t stop them cold turkey without talking to your doctor first.

But how can you avoid a second heart attack?

Maintaining healthy arteries is vital to avoiding a second heart attack — and choosing the right diet is one of the best things you can do on your own towards that goal.

Ditch the typical American diet, which sets you up for heart trouble. It’s an obesogenic diet — basically a high-fat diet with lots of omega-6 fatty acids, and according to previous research, it promotes an inflammatory environment that contributes to heart attack by:

• Damaging blood vessels
• Promoting the buildup and destabilization of plaque
• Triggering blood clots
• And reducing blood flow to the heart

An obesogenic diet also prevents cells known as leukocytes from performing a crucial function: repairing the heart after a heart attack and protecting it from future damage.

If you’ve suffered a heart attack and want to avoid another, your diet should contain lots more omega-3s and much fewer omega-6s. Here’s a link to four diets Harvard recommends to lower the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.

In addition to those four, spirulina is a supplement that promotes a healthier heart in three ways: reducing free radical damage that can lead to inflammation, and supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Don’t forget the importance of exercise. Following a heart attack, get your doctor’s permission, but even in heart failure, exercise can help turn the heart’s health around.

Sources:

Common heart drug taken by millions found useless, possibly risky — Science Daily

Heart attack survivors: 5 tips to support your heart health goals — American Heart Association

The post Common drug increases women’s risk for second heart attack appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But even worse, for some women, the transition can also mean that higher risks for heart attack and stroke are just around the corner.

Now, researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered just how menopause is linked to the number one killer of women.

The good news is that, by understanding the risks, women everywhere can have a better shot at a long, heart-healthy life.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Your heart on menopause

Many people still think of cardiovascular disease as “a man’s disease.” But in truth, it’s the biggest killer of women, responsible for approximately 40 percent of all deaths.

Research has already shown that the risk of heart disease in women rises sharply after menopause.  Though it’s not been clearly understood why. However, we do know that negative changes in blood fats (or lipids) may play a role since they tend to occur during the perimenopause period.

Sadly, scientists had only looked into the most basic lipid tests in women (think LDL, known as bad cholesterol, HDL or good cholesterol and triglycerides), so we haven’t had all the facts.

Luckily, that’s changed thanks to a Texas research team that delved into advanced lipid problems in menopausal women, including what are known as lipid subfractions and particle numbers, which have been shown to be far better at predicting cardiovascular disease.

Advanced tests reveal threat to menopausal hearts

The researchers performed these top-tier blood tests on over 1,240 pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women and another 1,340 plus men for comparison. They then followed up for approximately seven years.

What they discovered was this:

• A big increase in “bad cholesterol.” All three female groups had an increase in LDL-P (the number of bad cholesterol particles) compared to men, but the greatest percent change was found to be between peri and post groups at 8.3 percent. LDL-P is a hidden risk for cardiovascular disease.
• A loss of “good cholesterol.” Compared to men, postmenopausal women had the greatest percent change of HDL-P (the number of good cholesterol particles) with a negative change of 4.8%. When HDL-P count is low, you are trending towards insulin resistance and a greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Negative changes for blood vessels. Small-dense LDL had a greater percentage change in the peri-menopausal group compared to men, with a change of 213%. This percent change is ~15% higher than both pre- and post-menopause groups.  Smaller LDL-P size can more easily enter the blood vessel wall and cause heart disease. Worse, small dense LDL can more easily get into the artery wall, leading to arteriosclerosis.

“We found that menopause is associated with adverse changes in lipoprotein profiles, with the most pronounced changes found to be in increases in ‘bad’ LDL-particles and subfractions observed for peri-menopausal women,” said study author Dr. Stephanie Moreno. “When looked at together, these changes could help explain the increase of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women and help determine if earlier interventions are warranted.”

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Be proactive about your heart risks

One out of three U.S. adults has some form of heart disease. Yet, approximately 50% of people who experience a heart attack have “normal” cholesterol results.

If you’ve made the transition to menopause, or soon will, ask your doctor about these advanced blood tests. It makes sense to use the most accurate and predictive testing for risk assessment — especially now that we know the transition to menopause can drive your lipid values into the danger zone.

It also makes sense to stay on top of the latest developments about women’s heart health. For example, scientists have found that beets can give back some of the heart protection that menopause steals…

In experiments with postmenopausal women who drank beetroot juice, researchers saw such improvements in blood flow, and determined if the level of improved blood-vessel function could be maintained over the postmenopausal years — it could significantly reduce the risk to women’s heart health.

Why beetroot juice?

When a woman’s estrogen production tanks, so does the level of nitric oxide (NO) normally produced by her body. Beets help ramp it back up. NO is a signaling molecule in the endothelial cells that line the walls of our arteries. NO functions as a powerful vasodilator and an essential regulator of the cardiovascular system.

It’s important to know, though, that concentrated beet powder generally has much less sugar per serving than whole beets or beet juice.

Sources:

Menopause potentially linked to adverse cardiovascular health through blood fat profile changes — EurekAlert!

Associations Between High-Density Lipoprotein Particles and Ischemic Events by Vascular Domain, Sex, and Ethnicity: A Pooled Cohort Analysis — Circulation

The post The menopause link to 40% of deaths in women appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

According to cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, during sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure drop, reducing the workload on your cardiovascular system. This nightly “reset” allows your heart to recover and prepare for the next day. The body also regulates stress and hunger hormones during sleep.

So it’s no wonder poor sleep is linked to increased risks for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, depression, respiratory disease and more.

It can be tempting turn to sleep aids, but there are many reasons we shouldn’t…

For starters, they can keep the glymphatic system from doing an important job: Clearing waste from the brain while you sleep.

And for people over 65, who have slower metabolisms, both OTC and prescription sleep aids pose unique dangers, including upping their fall risk.

Luckily, there is a natural way to boost your sleep that researchers say rivals pills in effectiveness — yet comes with zero unwanted side effects.

Thanks to its benefits and its safety, they’re calling for it to be “the primary treatment strategy for poor sleep.”

Peak D3^™

When you step out into the sunlight, your body begins the process of making vitamin D. But getting the ideal amount can be difficult because some of us can’t effectively absorb it. That’s just one of many reasons the vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Taking an exercise-based approach

The findings of their research show that the use of certain exercises restores healthy sleep patterns by altering brain activity and hormonal levels, improving relaxation, curbing inflammation and more.

They say these exercises may not only work as well as pills, but also as effectively as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — which is considered a gold-standard insomnia treatment, but can be difficult for patients to access and pay for.

So which exercises can help you get the ZZZ’s you need to take back your life and your health?

Here’s the list, along with the sleep results they can offer:

1. Yoga – The results showed that practicing yoga could help boost your sleep time by nearly two hours and improve your sleep efficiency (the ratio between the time you spend asleep and the total time dedicated to sleep) by nearly 15%. Yoga has the added benefit of reducing the amount of time spent awake after falling asleep by nearly an hour, and shortening sleep latency (the time it takes to fully fall asleep) by around half an hour.
2. Walking or jogging – Engaging in physical activity, such as taking a walk or increasing it to a jog, was shown to reduce insomnia severity by nearly 10 points.
3. Tai Chi – The practice of Tai Chi was found to be especially powerful for sleep, reducing poor sleep quality scores by more than four points, increasing total sleep time by more than 50 minutes, and reducing time spent awake after falling asleep by over half an hour. It also shortened sleep latency by almost 25 minutes. Tai Chi was even shown to work better for sleep for all outcomes than existing treatments, including prescription sleep aids and cognitive behavioural therapy, for up to two full years!

I don’t know about you, but after reading those results, I’m already Googling Tai Chi YouTube videos.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The biology behind the benefits

So, how does exercise work to improve sleep? Here’s what the researchers say is the secret sauce…

For yoga, they say that it helps to alleviate the anxiety and depression that can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep by focusing your attention on body awareness and controlled breathing.

Walking or jogging offers benefits like increased calorie burn, lowered stress hormones and improved emotional regulation. It can also enhance the production of melatonin, your body’s natural sleep hormone. (Keep in mind your body requires adequate levels of vitamin D to produce melatonin.) All of this can mean more time spent in the deep sleep you need to feel truly rested.

Finally, like yoga, Tai Chi emphasizes breath control and relaxation. These actions calm sympathetic nervous system activity and the hyperarousal levels that can keep you tossing and turning in bed. Additionally, the gentle, low-impact exercise combines meditative movement and mindfulness to promote emotional regulation, deactivate ‘mental chatter’ and reduce anxiety.

And my favorite benefit of Tai Chi is how it can help to “curb the production of inflammatory chemicals over longer periods.”

That could benefit not only your sleep, but your overall health, since chronic inflammation is a known disease trigger.

Clearly, if you want to sleep better, choosing one of these exercises should be your #1 choice of “prescription.”

You might not notice improvements immediately, but keep at it. Anything worthwhile takes time and practice.

Sources:

Tai chi, yoga, and jogging rival pills for beating insomnia — ScienceDaily

Why you should take sleep as seriously as nutrition and exercise — Easy Health Options

The post The sleep solution that rivals pills to tackle insomnia appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

No matter what you call it, most of us have experienced those unsettling feelings of dread and anxiety in anticipation of the beginning of another long, busy, likely stressful week.

Even though the feelings may intensify Monday morning, we march on, able to dismiss them — until Sunday night rolls around again.

Unfortunately, it’s a cycle that evidence connects to dangerous physiological processes…

One meta-analysis of data from population statistics found a 19 percent increase in the incidence of confirmed heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths on Mondays.

Now, another study appears to validate the biological components associated with Monday-related stress…

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Mondays acts as a ‘stress amplifier’

Researchers led by Tarani Chandola of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) wanted to determine whether the association between anxiety and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — the body’s central stress response system — was greater on Mondays.

The HPA axis regulates stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can contribute to hypertension, insulin resistance, and immune system dysfunction if they’re chronically elevated.

The researchers took a look at 3,511 adults aged 50 and older living in England who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The participants submitted hair samples and were asked about their anxiety levels and on what days they experienced anxiety.

The results were striking. Participants who felt anxious on Mondays showed significantly higher long-term stress hormone levels up to two months later. Their hair samples showed a 23 percent higher level of cortisol compared to peers who were anxious on other days of the week.

What’s more, this “anxious Monday” effect was observed in both working and retired participants. This indicates a deep-seated link between the start of the week and dysregulation of the body’s stress response, one that lingers well after retirement.

Prior research has observed higher cortisol levels on weekdays versus weekends. But this is the first study to single out Mondays as particularly disruptive.

“Mondays act as a cultural ‘stress amplifier,’” Chandola says. “For some older adults, the week’s transition triggers a biological cascade that lingers for months. This isn’t about work — it’s about how deeply ingrained Mondays are in our stress physiology, even after careers end.”

About 75 percent of the Monday effect was due to the greater impact of feeling anxious on Mondays compared to other days.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Ways to battle ‘anxious Mondays’

The study emphasizes how the anxiety around Mondays can become biologically embedded in our bodies, with chronic stress hormone dysregulation posing long-term cardiovascular risks.

By addressing the stress specific to Mondays, the researchers hope to unlock new strategies to combat heart disease in aging populations.

“The cumulative life course effects of feeling anxious on Monday, to which people do not adapt, suggests the need to identify why some people do not adapt to the Monday effect, while others are more resilient,” the researchers write in the study.

One reason some people may handle their Monday stress better is that they have a system in place to address the beginning of the week. If you find yourself battling the “Sunday scaries,” here are some tips for starting the week off right (and lowering your stress levels in the process):

• Sleep: Make sure you stick to your usual sleep schedule over the weekend. Sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday can disrupt your usual sleep-wake cycle, and that in turn can raise your cardiovascular risk.
• Support your gut. Oscillations of gut microbes throughout the day are crucial for regulating the secretion of stress hormones. An imbalance in the gut microbiome leads to a hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
• Meditation: Try meditating on Sunday evening, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. Meditation can help reduce stress and support your cardiovascular health.
• Exercise: Get some exercise first thing Monday morning. It will help clear your mind, elevate your mood and reduce your stress levels. Plus, it’s great for your heart.
• Fun: Schedule something enjoyable on Monday, whether it’s time for reading your favorite book, having coffee with a friend before work or walking at lunch with office mates. This will help you look forward to Monday instead of dreading it.
• Natural stress-relieving adaptogenic herbs, like holy basil and ashwagandha, are effective at helping balance your system during stressful periods.

Sources:

New research shows Monday stress is etched into your biology — ScienceDaily

Are anxious Mondays associated with HPA-axis dysregulation? A longitudinal study of older adults in England — Journal of Affective Disorders

The post A biological reason to hate Mondays: It’s a stress amplifier appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Sometimes, an observational study is convincing enough to be considered a valid source of evidence.

And while it may not offer “cause and effect” proof, an observational study, when done well, gives us enough information to convince us that changing our behavior could benefit our health.

This is especially true when it comes to what we eat.

I’ve often said here that “food is medicine.” Well, here’s an observational study that has convinced me eating a little differently will add some years to my life…

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Women need more vitamin K1 to keep arteries flexible

A study at Australia’s Edith Cowan University has shown that eating just an extra cup of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables each day could save your life.

These vegetables, including spinach, kale, and broccoli, are rich in vitamin K1.

The researchers investigated whether eating more vitamin K1 was linked to better heart and blood vessel health in older women.

Older women were chosen as subjects because they have a unique risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD), a type of cardiovascular disease where plaque builds up inside your arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.

This is one reason that women are known to be at greater risk of heart attack and stroke than men. Hormonal factors also contribute to this increased risk level.

The study participants were 1,436 women, who averaged 75 years of age. A food questionnaire assessed their vitamin K1 levels at the start of the study.

Then, the researchers followed them for 14.5 years using hospital and death records.

In general, women who ate more vitamin K1 had thinner carotid artery walls, reflecting less early-stage atherosclerosis.

More specifically, women with the highest K1 intake (120mcg) had a 43% lower risk of dying from ASVD.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Supports Healthy Circulation to your Heart, Brain, Lungs, Eyes and Extremities!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Are you getting enough K1?

If you’re following the recommended daily guidelines, you’re probably not getting that 120mcg of K1 that lowered the risk of dying from ASVD.

The recommended daily intake of K1 in the U.S. is only 90mcg for adult females.

In Australia and New Zealand, it’s even lower: only 60mcg for females.

But you know what? It doesn’t take much to get to that 120mcg mark. Let me show you…

• A cup of raw kale provides 472mcg
• A cup of raw spinach offers 145mcg
• Just half a cup of cooked broccoli provides 110mcg
• A half-cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains 109mcg.
• A half-cup of cooked cabbage provides 82mcg.

The point is, you won’t have to try too hard to get to that goal of eating 120mcg of K1 per day.

The study authors noted they did not investigate the other vitamin K component — vitamin K2 — even though it may impact heart health, only because estimating intake and availability of vitamin K2 is difficult to determine, since intestinal bacteria are involved in the synthesis of K2.

But if you’d like to know more about this form of vitamin K (found in much different food sources than K1), check out how vitamin K2 fights a common contributor of unhealthy aging — calcification.

Sources:

An extra cup of leafy greens each day reduces heart disease death risk — New Atlas

Higher vitamin K1 intakes are associated with lower subclinical atherosclerosis and lower risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease-related outcomes in older women — European Journal of Nutrition

The post The vitamin to help women avoid a fatal arterial disease appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Those are concerns that cannabis smokers used to feel safe from. For decades, marijuana smoke was thought to be harmless, but research over the years has proven otherwise.

Marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, as well as the same fine particles that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

This similarity has motivated researchers to question the supposed “safety” of smoking marijuana and to dig deeper for more facts…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Marijuana wreaks havoc on our blood vessels

Earlier this year, a team of researchers at the University of Toulouse in France examined 24 prior studies that noted the potential dangers of smoking cannabis.

The studies were conducted between 2016 and 2023 and involved a considerable group of subjects — around 200 million people.

As they conducted a systematic review of these studies, it became clear that the risks were virtually the same as they were for cigarette smokers.

Overall, the increased risk to cannabis users was 29 percent for acute coronary syndrome (reduced blood flow to the heart leading to heart attack), 20 percent for stroke, and 100 percent for cardiovascular disease mortality.

In other words, just as many cannabis smokers as cigarette smokers were dying of heart disease.

Around the same time, a study at the University of California San Francisco determined the cause of this danger. They assessed the blood vessel function of participants by measuring their arterial flow-mediated dilation, or FMD.

FMD is a measure of how the arteries expand, or dilate, in response to increased blood flow after it has been temporarily restricted, say, by placing a blood pressure cuff on the arm.

A healthy artery will dilate more significantly, indicating that the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessel, is functioning well.

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Compared with non-users, FMD was significantly worse in marijuana smokers, as well as in people who use THC edibles (THC is the part of cannabis that gives a “high”).

The one difference between smokers and users of edibles was that cannabis smokers showed lower nitric oxide (NO) levels in the endothelial cells lining their blood vessels. In contrast, edible users showed no nitric oxide reduction.

Is it worth it?

NO is a signaling molecule that acts as a natural vasodilator. That means it relaxes the inner lining of blood vessels to encourage smooth, oxygen-rich blood flow.

It’s essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and may improve glucose tolerance and lower fasting insulin and leptin levels. There’s also evidence that low levels of NO drive cognitive decline and aging.

Whether smoking cannabis or consuming edibles, the research found that either causes artery damage, making them stiffer and less flexible, similar to the effects of smoking cigarettes. The only upside for edibles is that, though they caused artery damage in other ways, they did not impact NO levels.

There are many reasons that people use cannabis, including relief from various types of pain, cancer treatment side effects and stress. Those reasons may play a role in answering the question: Is it worth the artery damage and increased risk for stroke and heart disease?

Sources:

Edibles, smoking weed almost as bad for blood vessels as cigarettes — New Atlas

Association of Endothelial Dysfunction With Chronic Marijuana Smoking and THC-Edible Use — JAMA Cardiology

Cannabis Linked to 2x Risk of Heart Disease Death, Scientists Discover — Science Alert

Cardiovascular risk associated with the use of cannabis and cannabinoids: a systemic review and meta-analysis — Heart (BMJ Journals)

The post Why cannabis is as bad for your heart as cigarettes appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Even if its manufacture ends tomorrow, plastic waste can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose. As it does, it breaks down into tiny bits that make their way into our bodies.

That’s where we are today. We don’t feel or taste it in the food or water we consume, or in the personal care products that permeate our skin.

And we certainly don’t feel it coursing through our veins. But it’s there.

The truth is microplastics and even tinier nanoplastics have not only been building up in organs, like the brain, but are also turning up in blood clots. They are contributing to artery plaque and creating an environment ripe for heart attack and stroke…

Peak Blood Flow^™

Poor circulation can impact your eyesight, your ability to sleep and cause headaches, discomfort and swelling — among other more serious concerns. The tell-tale signs of a circulation problem are… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How much plastic is really in your arteries?

Dr. Ross Clark, a University of New Mexico medical researcher, presented findings of a study he led at a meeting of the American Heart Association. The study sought to connect the dots between microplastics, heart attacks, and stroke.

“There are some microplastics in normal, healthy arteries,” Clark says. “But the amount that’s there when they become diseased — and become diseased with symptoms — is really, really different.”

Previous research showed that people with microplastics in their arterial plaque were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke or die.

To find out why, Clark studied samples from 48 people’s carotid arteries, which channel blood to the brain. When fatty plaque builds up in these arteries, it can block blood flow and cause strokes or heart attacks.

By measuring the level of microplastics and nanoplastics present in the plaque from the samples, Clark and his team saw:

• In people who didn’t have symptoms, plaque buildup contained 16 times more plastic compared to the walls of healthy, plaque-free arteries.
• Even more terrifying, the plaque contained an astounding 51 times more plastic in people who had experienced stroke, mini-stroke or vision loss.

That’s not all the researchers found concerning…

Cells within the plaque that contained high levels of microplastics showed different gene activity than plaque with low amounts of plastic.  

One group of immune cells had switched off a gene associated with turning off inflammation. They also made changes to stem cells that normally help prevent heart attack and stroke by reducing inflammation and stabilizing plaque.

By influencing genes that regulate inflammation, the microplastics, in essence, promoted an environment ripe for heart attack and stroke.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Reducing plastic and the sticky plaque it binds to

Clark notes there’s much more research needed to determine whether “microplastics are somehow altering… gene expression.”

“We just don’t know,” he says, “Almost all of what we know about microplastics in the human body, no matter where you look, can be summed up as: It’s there, and we need to study further as to what it’s doing, if anything.”

The hard part about microplastics is that they’re almost impossible to avoid. You can take steps to minimize your exposure such as ditching plastic water bottles and cups, plates, utensils or food storage containers made from plastic. Swap them out for glass, metal or ceramic products. Above all, avoid heating foods in plastic, making it easier for more microplastics to leach into the food or drink.

But that’s only going to help so much. I’m sure you notice that when you bring fresh meat or a head of lettuce home from the grocery store, it’s wrapped in plastic. So are your favorite frozen vegetables, pizzas and fish fillets.

That means, besides cutting down on plastic, you must work on keeping your arteries as plaque-free as possible. Plaque is made up of fatty substances, including cholesterol, and binds with calcium, fibrin and cellular waste. The less of it there is, the less there is for microplastics to stick to.

Two or more servings daily of Brassica or cruciferous vegetables can reduce the amount of sticky plaque buildup in your arteries. One study found that women who ate a lot of cruciferous vegetables had thinner artery walls than women who didn’t.

Cruciferous vegetables may also bind to some of the chemicals in microplastics and remove them from the body in a process called chelation. Green leafy vegetables are also a staple in anti-inflammatory diets.

Plastic is everywhere, but if you can at least cut down on your exposure and make lifestyle changes to reduce the buildup of artery plaque, you could stay ahead of it.

Sources:

Study Reveals a Shocking Amount of Plastic in The Arteries of Stroke Patients — Science Alert

Microplastic Removal from Drinking Water Using Point-of-Use Devices — Polymers

Study: Plastic Baby Bottles Shed Microplastics When Heated. Should You Be Worried? — NPR

The post Microplastics in your artery plaque may be the final straw appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

This is old news, right?

But it’s not all about the heart.

Age also takes its toll on the flexibility of our blood vessels, particularly our arteries. And without arterial walls that are sufficiently elastic, you may as well be a sitting duck for heart disease and stroke.

Research has tried to tease out the most important factors for keeping arteries flexible, regardless of age.

And one such study has uncovered two factors that affect artery health the most — for women, at least…

Peak Bladder Support^™

Unique Formula Helps Reduce Urgency or the Immediate Urge to “Go” and Decreases Nighttime Bathroom Visits for More Restful Sleep!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Women, stiff arteries and what matters most

A study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland looked at four health markers in women ages 16 to 58 years: aerobic fitness, body fat percentage, muscle mass and blood pressure.

The researchers wanted to determine which of these four factors might be associated with arterial stiffening in various age groups, including even as early as adolescence.

To do this, they analyzed data from four separate studies among women of different age groups: adolescence, young adulthood, and middle adulthood. They also used data from the MIIA study (Monitoring Injury and Illness in Athletes).

Based on these analyses, it was clear that only two of the four factors — higher muscle mass and lower blood pressure — were associated with less arterial stiffness, regardless of age.

Better aerobic fitness and lower body fat percentage were also linked to better arterial flexibility — but age, too, seemed to explain these correlations.

“While age was the most important factor in explaining arterial stiffness, maintaining sufficient muscle mass and controlling blood pressure may protect against the adverse effects of aging on arterial health,” says Dr. Eero Haapala of the University of Jyväskylä.

Peak Thyroid Support^™

The thyroid’s main job is to make hormones that regulate the heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, muscles and every other organ and tissue. But to function properly, it needs an adequate supply of iodine — something that gets harder to metabolize with age. That’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Helping your arteries stay young

Clearly, there’s a connection here. Keeping your muscles strong as you age could protect you from a double whammy — stiff arteries and sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). And both will promote heart health.

To try and avoid that trap, increase your muscle mass:

• Feed your muscles protein, but spread your intake out throughout the day so you can better absorb it.
• Strength train and make omega-3 supplements part of your fitness routine. A study found taking an omega-3 supplement daily more than doubled the amount of strength women gained during strength training.

But, drum roll, please…omega-3s have direct benefits on arteries too…

They’ve been shown to improve endothelial function in the artery walls.

Inside our arteries is an endothelial lining. That lining contains a substance called elastin — and as the name indicates, its job is to promote “elastic” or flexible arteries — the opposite of stiff.

At the same time, having flexible arteries improves vasodilation — the natural process that increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure (the 2^nd factor).

So an omega-3 supplement makes perfect sense not only to aid in increasing muscle mass with exercise for healthier arteries — but also to support the endothelial lining, which in turn promotes normal blood pressure.

Get more omega-3s of course by eating fatty fish a couple of times a week or through supplementing. Fish oil was the only option for years, but krill oil has become popular for producing less stomach upset and fish burps.

Sources:

Maintaining muscle mass supports women’s arterial health from youth to middle age — Eureka Alert

Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood pressure with arterial stiffness in adolescent, young adult, and middle-aged women — Scientific Reports

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve endothelial function in humans at risk for atherosclerosis: A review — PubMed

The post 2 factors that protect women from stiff arteries at any age appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If your doctor tells you that your cholesterol is high, particularly your LDL  (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides — and you do nothing to address it — you could set yourself up for a heart attack or stroke.

The good news is that eating the right foods can significantly lower your cholesterol in as little as three to six months.

And while that may seem like a long time, it’s a drop in the bucket compared with the months and years of healthy life you’ll gain.

There are a lot of diet plans out there to lower cholesterol.

But one of my favorite foods is outdoing them all…

Peak BP Platinum^™

We eat right and exercise to help maintain our blood pressure levels within a normal range. Sometimes it still just isn’t enough. But there are clinically-tested nutritional ingredients that support arterial health to help keep blood pressure levels… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Pecans: The easier route to better cholesterol

The Step 1 Diet is a set of guidelines recommended by the American Heart Association to lower cholesterol and thus the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people.

In a 2001 study from the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University in California, subjects eating a pecan-enriched diet lowered their LDL cholesterol by a full 10% beyond those eating a Step 1 Diet.

Another study in 2023 compared consuming pecans to the cholesterol-lowering effects of exercise. Those results showed:

• An average drop of 5% in total cholesterol and between 6% and 9% in LDL among participants who consumed pecans;
• By contrast, a meta-analysis of exercise interventions designed to lower cholesterol reported an average reduction of 1% in total cholesterol and 5% in LDL.

Brand-new research is once again confirming the power of pecans to lower cholesterol…  

In the latest study at Penn State’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, 138 adults with one or more criteria for metabolic syndrome were assigned to one of two groups:

• In one group, participants ate two ounces of pecans per day in place of their regular snacks;
• In the other group, participants did not change their snacking habits.

After 12 weeks, the pecan snackers showed reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, compared to the non-pecan snackers.

Noteworthy was that pecan snackers showed a reduced ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

HDL is the “good” cholesterol that carries cholesterol back to the liver for removal from the body. Improving this ratio, along with reducing LDL, further reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Supports Healthy Circulation to your Heart, Brain, Lungs, Eyes and Extremities!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

More benefits of pecans and how to enjoy them

Pecans are my favorite nut — their smooth, buttery flavor is truly unique.

A one-ounce serving of pecans contains 17% of the recommended daily value of copper, a difficult mineral to come by.

And that same one-ounce serving of pecans offers a whopping 63% of your daily dose of manganese. In combination with other minerals, manganese is essential for bone health.

Besides controlling cholesterol, other health benefits you’ll get from eating pecans include:

• better digestion
• reduced inflammation
• improved memory
• clearer skin
• stronger bones

You don’t have to resort to pulling the pecans out of your pecan pie to enjoy this delicious and healthful nut.

One of the most delicious ways to eat pecans is to roast them. It’s easy to do…

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a 350° oven, spread the nuts and toast them for about five minutes. The key here is to watch them carefully since they are easily scorched. When you smell that aromatic pecan smell, they’re probably done.

Pecans add a delicious crunch to cereals, salads and yogurt. And there’s nothing wrong with eating them raw, with berries or dried fruit.

Sources:

Replacing other snacks with pecans may improve cholesterol, diet quality — Eureka Alert

A monounsaturated fatty acid-rich pecan-enriched diet favorably alters the serum lipid profile of healthy men and women — Journal of Nutrition

6 ways this forgotten health nut can improve your health — Easy Health Options

The post The snack swap that takes cholesterol down appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

VILPA stands for vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity. It’s a form of physical activity that involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise interspersed throughout the day.

It’s a great way to sneak exercise into your daily routine, and it’s different from traditional exercise in that it doesn’t require a dedicated workout session.

VILPA appeals to me because, instead of spending 30 minutes at the gym, I spend one to two minutes doing a full-on vigorous activity three or four times a day. These activities can include vigorously scrubbing the toilet or dishes, running up and down the stairs or sprinting while walking the dog.

It may not sound like much, but the benefits of VILPA can be profound. In fact, one study showed doing one-minute VILPA bursts three to four times a day resulted in a 40 percent reduction in all-cause and cancer-related mortality and up to a 49 percent reduction in death related to cardiovascular disease.

A new study has found even more heart benefits to these tiny, daily bursts of vigorous physical activity — particularly for women….

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

VILPA halved cardiovascular risks in women

Researchers at the University of Sydney examined data from 22,368 UK Biobank participants ages 40 to 79 who reported they did not engage in regular structured exercise. The participants wore physical activity trackers for almost 24 hours a day for 7 days between 2013 and 2015. Cardiovascular health was monitored using hospital and mortality records, and significant adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure were tracked until November 2022.

The study defined physical activity (that qualifies as VILPA) as incidental activities such as carrying shopping bags or briefly power walking, and exercise as a structured activity like going to the gym or playing sports.

After adjusting for factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic position, cardiovascular health, co-existing conditions and ethnicity, the researchers found the more VILPA women did, the lower their risk of a major cardiovascular event.

Women who averaged 3.4 minutes of VILPA daily slashed their risk of a major cardiovascular event by 45 percent. They also were 51 percent less likely to have a heart attack and 67 percent less likely to develop heart failure than women who did no VILPA.

Even when the women did less than 3.4 minutes of daily VILPA, they still saw benefits. A minimum of 1.2 to 1.6 minutes of VILPA each day was linked to a 30 percent lower risk of total major cardiovascular events, a 33 percent lower risk of heart attack and a 40 percent lower risk of heart failure.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Men didn’t benefit as much

Unfortunately, the news wasn’t nearly as good for men. Those who averaged 5.6 minutes of VILPA daily were only 16 percent less likely to experience a major cardiovascular event compared with men who did none. A minimum of 2.3 minutes a day showed only an 11 percent risk reduction.

Given that fewer than 20 percent of middle-aged or older adults engage in regular structured exercise, VILPA could be a good alternative.

“Making short bursts of vigorous physical activity a lifestyle habit could be a promising option for women who are not keen on structured exercise or are unable to do it for any reason,” says lead author Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor at the University of Sydney.

“As a starting point, it could be as simple as incorporating, throughout the day, a few minutes of activities like stair climbing, carrying shopping, uphill walking, playing tag with a child or pet or … power walking.” 

Stamatakis notes that more testing is needed to understand how VILPA may improve cardiovascular health.

“To date, it hasn’t been clear whether short bursts of VILPA lower the risk of specific types of cardiovascular events, like heart attack or stroke,” he says. “We aimed to identify minimum daily thresholds and feasible amounts for testing in community programs and future trials.”

Stamatakis emphasizes that the beneficial associations observed in the study were observed in women who committed to VILPA almost daily. “This highlights the importance of habit formation, which is not always easy,” he says.

“VILPA should not be seen as a quick fix — there are no magic bullets for health,” he adds. “But our results show that even a little bit higher intensity activity can help and might be just the thing to help people develop a regular physical activity — or even exercise — habit.”

Sources:

Tiny, daily bursts of vigorous incidental physical activity could almost halve cardiovascular risk in middle-aged women — ScienceDaily

Device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) and major adverse cardiovascular events: evidence of sex differences — British Journal of Sports Medicine

The post Got 4 minutes? Cut heart disease risk in half appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Nearly half of U.S. adults believe that the benefits of taking a low-dose aspirin every day outweigh the risks.

It’s not all that surprising, considering that for years, doctors recommended daily low-dose aspirin for people with heart problems. Anyone could, and still can, just walk into the pharmacy and grab a bottle of those little white tablets.

However, in 2019, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology advised against using aspirin as a preventative. After all, there was a downside, but it turns out that an awful lot of us don’t realize the true scope of aspirin’s dangers or benefits and for whom which is which.

Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks of taking aspirin, when those dangers may outweigh the risks — and when they don’t — and safer options that support heart and blood vessel health without those gastrointestinal bleeding risks…

Peak Blood Flow^™

Poor circulation can impact your eyesight, your ability to sleep and cause headaches, discomfort and swelling — among other more serious concerns. The tell-tale signs of a circulation problem are… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Risky aspirin use is rampant

The Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania set out to discover how many people still use aspirin prophylactically even though it’s been years since the alarm bells sounded on that practice.

The results of their health survey determined that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults who say they have no personal or family history of heart attack or stroke report routinely taking low-dose aspirin, yet:

• 10% reported they take it “basically every day.”
• 2% took aspirin “a few times a week.”
• 6% used low-dose aspirin “a few times a month.”

While the survey showed that 45% of respondents reported that they or someone in their family had suffered a heart attack or stroke, a whopping 49% had no family history of heart attack or stroke whatsoever, indicating a significant portion of the population may be using aspirin and putting themselves in unnecessary danger.

Unnecessary prevention for healthy adults

The reason doctors still utilize low-dose aspirin is thanks to its ability to act as a blood thinner to reduce clotting that can clog arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. However, it’s now only considered to be appropriate to prevent heart attacks in people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and who aren’t at risk of increased bleeding.

In other words, it’s no longer recommended for preventing heart disease, heart attack and stroke if you don’t already have a history of these events or signs of symptoms that would be considered worrisome.

That’s because the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to serious health issues such as ulcers and anemia, outweighs the benefits in healthy adults.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to take baby aspirin, you should start by talking to your doctor rather than taking aspirin without personal medical advice.

“Habits backed by conventional wisdom and the past advice of health care providers are hard to break,” noted Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the survey. “Knowing whether taking a low-dose aspirin daily is advisable or not for you is vital health information.”

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Natural support for healthy blood flow

It’s also important to note that some foods and supplements are natural blood thinners that can safely support heart and blood vessel health if your doctor doesn’t think aspirin is appropriate.

Six that have been highly researched include:

#1 – Turmeric

A 2019 review found that the Indian spice turmeric, which contains curcumin, may help reduce blood clotting. However, it is not recommended to use turmeric with blood-thinning medications.

#2 – Garlic

Already known as a powerful heart health supplement, a 2018 study demonstrated that it also possesses antithrombotic activity, meaning it could help prevent the development of blood clots.

#3 – Cinnamon

Cinnamon isn’t just great for maintaining healthy blood sugar. It also contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. Just be sure the cinnamon you choose is made in the U.S. High lead levels are found in some imported brands.

#4 – Grape seed extract

Grapes are known for their high levels of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory powers. It’s no wonder, then, that grape seeds have health benefits as well.

Grape seed extract (GSE) supports the endothelial lining of arteries, where specialized cells help keep blood vessels strong for smooth circulation and influence the release of nitric oxide. This signaling molecule controls the dilation of blood vessels and blood pressure needed to keep blood flowing. One study also found that GSE helps keep platelets from sticking together and forming clots.

#5 – Ginger

An anti-inflammatory spice, ginger reduces thromboxane, a hormone that elevates platelet aggregation and clot formation.

Additionally, ginger is high in salicylates, the same substance that provides blood-thinning properties to aspirin.

#6 – Natto

Natto, made from fermented soybeans, is a traditional food that has been a staple of Japanese dining for over a thousand years. Thanks to an enzyme in it that dissolves clots, it has a reputation as the Japanese secret for healthy circulation.

Sources:

Nearly half of adults mistakenly think benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risks — EurekAlert!

Blood-thinning foods, drinks, and supplements — MedicalNewsToday

The post Aspirin: A high-risk gamble or perfect prevention? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In fact, fewer than one in five middle-aged adults meet recommended physical activity guidelines. There are a host of reasons for this: cost, time commitment, health status, and access to facilities or areas to exercise — to name just a few.

That’s one reason why a team of international researchers decided to study what they term “incidental activity” to see if everyday movements can have health benefits…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Proof that every second of movement is beneficial

According to senior study author Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor at the University of Sydney, “From walking up the stairs to speedily mopping the floors; in recent years we’ve come to understand that it is not just structured exercise that is good for our health, but we know very little about how these short bouts of incidental activity translate to health benefits,” says the study’s

That’s changed thanks to a wrist-worn wearables study that tracked the incidental daily activities of more than 25,000 UK adults ages 42 to 78, who self-reported no participation in exercise or sports. Along with their data from the UK Biobank, researchers used machine learning to analyze seven days of incidental physical activity patterns for each person, down to 10-second windows of time.  

Then, they linked these patterns to their health records — for close to eight years — to identify the relationship between the length and intensity of these bouts of physical activity and health status.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

After accounting for factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, and time spent sedentary, and excluding those who had high frailty, poor self-rated health, or a cardiac event within five years of the wearables measurement — the team’s findings were quite encouraging:

• 97 percent of these bouts of incidental physical activity lasted less than 10 minutes.
• Short bouts of less than 10 minutes at a moderate to vigorous intensity were linked with a steep decline in major cardiac events like heart attack and stroke and death by any cause.
• Moving consistently for at least one to three minutes was associated with a 29 percent lower risk of major cardiac events than very short rounds of less than one minute.
• Longer bouts of incidental activity were better, regardless of total activity levels.
• The higher the percentage of vigorous activity in each round the better. Those who worked hardest for at least 15 percent of the bout (or roughly 10 seconds per minute) saw the greatest benefit.
• Bouts of less than one minute also had benefits if 15 percent of the bout involved vigorous activity.

According to the researchers, the results provide some of the first direct evidence to support the idea that movement doesn’t have to be done in continuous 10-minute bouts to be beneficial. This belief was widely held until 2020, when the World Health Organization removed this from their physical activity recommendation in favor of focusing on a philosophy of every move counting towards better health.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Using everyday tasks as exercise

Better heart health isn’t the only benefit of these micro-bouts of exercise. Research has shown that performing routine housework tasks is linked with better cognition and reduced frailty.

“The take-home message here is any type of activity is good for your health, but the more effort you put into those daily tasks and the longer you keep up that energy, the more benefits you are likely to reap,” Stamatakis says. “If you are huffing and puffing and unable to hold a conversation for some of that time you have hit the sweet spot.”

So next time you’re doing housework, or climbing the stairs, or working in the yard or garden, try to up the intensity of whatever task you’re doing to a level where you’re breathing hard and breaking a sweat for at least a few minutes. Remember that the harder and longer you’re working, the more health benefits you’re reaping.

Sources:

Study pinpoints the length of incidental activity linked to health benefits — ScienceDaily

Brief bouts of device-measured intermittent lifestyle physical activity and its association with major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in people who do not exercise: a prospective cohort study — The Lancet Public Health

The post Movements that reduce risk for heart attack and stroke in minutes appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But the risk is higher for most of us than we realize, and if just one sneaks past, the results can be swift and deadly.

Here’s a quick overview, and information on a new therapy you’ll want to know about, especially if your lifestyle, genetics or other factors make you among those who are vulnerable to blood clots…

The danger of blood clots

Blood clots help control bleeding, whether you’re bleeding from a paper cut, a serious injury or even after surgery. But they are not always the protective mechanism we need.

Blood clots are life-threatening if they block blood flow, especially to the brain, heart or lungs.

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in veins deep within your body, usually in your legs, but can travel almost anywhere in your body.

Pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot develops in or travels to the lungs.

Blood clots can also block blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke, or to the heart and cause a heart attack.

Many factors can lead to excessive blood clotting, which causes blood flow to vital organs to be blocked or limited, including atherosclerosis, or thickening of the arteries.

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The many risk factors for blood clots

The scary thing is that there are so many factors that can make you more vulnerable to a blood clot.

Lifestyle factors that increase your risk include being overweight, smoking, dehydration and sitting too much.

There are also genetic risk factors, like having a family history of clotting, or a personal history of repeated blood clots before age 40.

Finally, other diseases and conditions that can increase blood clot risk include atrial fibrillation, diabetes, heart failure and metabolic syndrome.

Red light’s impact on stroke risk

Recent research from the University of Pittsburgh opens the door to a non-invasive method for lowering blood clot risk.

In this study, lead author Dr. Elizabeth Andraska and her team explored the role of different kinds of light on blood clotting.

They exposed mice to red light for 12 hours a day over a three-day period and found that these mice developed nearly five times fewer clots than mice exposed to either blue or white light. This occurred independently of other factors like activity, sleep, and eating.

They then extended this research to humans, analyzing more than 10,000 cataract surgery patients who received either blue light-filtering lenses or conventional lenses. (A blue light filter allows more red light to come through).

Among them were cancer patients — a population with nine times the risk of blood clots. The cancer patients who received blue light-filtering lenses had a lower risk of blood clots compared to their counterparts with conventional lenses. 

Red light was associated with less inflammation and platelet activation, both well-known key drivers of blood clot formation.

The mice that were exposed to red light also showed increased fatty acid production, a factor that naturally reduces platelet activation and, consequently, clot formation.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to avoid blood clots

The effect of different kinds of light on human health has intrigued scientists for years. You may have read how red light therapy could help improve vision and treat skin conditions. Or how blue light may damage sight and accelerate aging.

“These results are unraveling a fascinating mystery about how the light to which we’re exposed on a daily basis influences our body’s response to injury,” says senior author Dr. Matthew Neal.

“We’re designing red light goggles to control the amount of light exposure in preparation for clinical trials,” said Dr. Neal. “Getting to the bottom of our discovery has the potential to massively reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.”

But there’s no need to wait before taking steps to lower your blood clot risk. First, be aware of symptoms of a blood clot and take notice of how to reduce your risks including:

• Moving is considered one of the most important ways to avoid a DVT. Incorporate movement, including walking, that works for you into your day, throughout the day.
• Maintaining a healthy weight,
• Don’t sit for long periods. Get up at least every half hour and move around. And wriggle your feet or legs when sitting.
• Elevating your feet, especially during sleep.
• Don’t smoke.
• Add olive oil to your plate. Researchers at the NYU School of Medicine used food frequency surveys to determine how often 63 participants ate olive oil and compared it to their platelet activation. They found that those who ate olive oil at least once a week had much lower platelet activation than participants who ate the oil less often.

Editor’s Note: You’re invited to join a tiny handful of Americans who enjoy rare, fresh-pressed olive oil all year long. Take my word for it, there’s a difference in taste, quality and benefit! Click here to learn more…

Sources:

Red light associated with lowered risk of blood clots — Integrative Practitioner

Red Light Therapy May Reduce Deadly Blood Clots — Neuroscience News

Alterations in visible light exposure modulate platelet function and regulate thrombus formation — Journal of Thrombosis and Homeostasi

Blood clots — Cleveland Clinic

The post How red light signals ‘stop’ to reduce blood clot risk appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Plaque buildup is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores have become a non-invasive way for doctors to easily judge how much plaque has built up inside a patient’s coronary arteries by getting a CT scan of the patient’s heart. The more calcium deposited in the arteries, the higher the score.

Calcium usually starts to accumulate way before significant blockages develop. So obtaining a CAC score can help detect coronary artery disease very early — way before a stress test would signal a problem.

Still, there has been some question as to how accurate a CAC score is in identifying individuals at high risk of heart attack or death. A new study by researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City sought to answer that question…

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Score zero is the goal

The researchers reviewed the electronic health records of 19,495 women and 20,523 men who had undergone PET/CT scans because their doctors suspected they were at risk of heart disease, but who hadn’t yet had a heart event such as a heart attack.

Of these patients, 7,967 had a CAC score of zero. This means they had no calcified plaque in their coronary arteries. Out of that group, women on average were older than men (60.5 years old versus 53.8 years old), which correlates to how women often develop heart disease later in life than men.

The study followed up on patients about two years later. They found a zero CAC score predicted a low risk for coronary death or nonfatal heart attacks in both men and women. Interestingly, CAC scores of zero were more often observed in women despite having an older average age.

The researchers also found those with a zero CAC had a three times lower risk of all-cause death or heart attack in both sexes.

“The coronary artery calcium score appears to be an excellent and accurate indicator of health and overall prognosis, even beyond heart disease,” says Jeffrey L. Anderson, principal investigator of the study and distinguished research physician at Intermountain Health.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Towards a good coronary artery calcium score

While zero is obviously an ideal CAC score, anything below a 10 has also been associated with very low cardiovascular risk in men over age 55 and women over age 60.

If you have had a coronary calcium test and your score is 10 or higher, there are several steps you can take to try to keep that number from climbing. It takes years for calcium to build up, so that gives you time to get serious about a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle.

Also focus on specific nutrients that support artery health:

Emerging evidence from animal and clinical studies has associated low vitamin K2 levels with calcification and an elevated risk of heart problems.

Ninety‐nine percent of bodily calcium is stored in bone, largely regulated by vitamin K2, with the remaining 1 percent circulating in the blood, muscle and other tissues.

But if vitamin K2 levels are low, it can disrupt the binding between calcium and osteocalcin (OC), a protein that helps with bone mineralization. This not only leads to the loss of calcium from bones, but it allows more rogue calcium to circulate to places where it can cause calcification.

In a study of 4807 subjects free from myocardial infarction at baseline and followed for 7 years, those with the highest tertile intake of menaquinone (vitamin K2) compared to the lowest, resulted in a significant risk reduction in coronary heart disease.

MK7, a bioavailable subtype of vitamin K2, can be found in foods such as cheese, beef liver, chicken, egg yolk and sauerkraut. A Japanese food called natto is the highest food source.

Increasing the amount of magnesium in your body lowers calcium levels. Foods rich in magnesium include almonds, cashews, chia seeds, peanuts and pumpkin seeds.

IP-6, or phytic acid, also inhibits calcification of the arteries by pulling calcium and other minerals out of places they should not be. A variety of seeds and nuts contain phytic acid, including almonds, cashews and sesame seeds.

Sources:

New study finds prognostic value of coronary calcium scores effective in predicting risk of heart attack and overall mortality in both women and men — EurekAlert!

How to Remove Calcium Deposits from Arteries Naturally — Preventative Diagnostic Center

The post The non-invasive test that’s the best heart attack predictor appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It’s a time of celebrations and social gatherings, time with friends and family, and, of course, enjoying good food and, yes, good drink.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is that it’s ok to enjoy treats that I normally keep to a bare minimum the rest of the year — and to “make merry and bright” and raise a glass with friends.

But while it is perfectly fine to enjoy these tasty indulgences, to a degree, over-indulging has the potential to make the happiest time of the year, the scariest.

In fact, the alcohol, sweets and salty savory treats could leave you with a permanent heart condition…

Holiday heart syndrome

Holiday heart syndrome — a condition that includes atrial fibrillation (AFib) or irregular heartbeat, is associated with “binge” drinking.

In other words, drinking just 4 to 5 alcoholic drinks in a short period of time can lead to AFib and increase the risk for blood clots, stroke, heart failure and even heart attacks.

According to Blake Smith, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Cardiovascular Institute, the syndrome was first recognized about 50 years ago.

“It was noted that multiple patients were being hospitalized with cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, after binge drinking alcohol. These events were noted to be more frequent around weekends and holidays when people are more prone to binge drinking,” explains Smith.

In other words, you may go weeks, even months without an alcoholic beverage, but spending several hours at a holiday party and having a few drinks can add up to trouble. Here’s why…

Increased alcohol consumption causes changes in the molecular signaling in the heart and abnormalities in the way the heart handles calcium which can trigger irregular heartbeat. It also leads to electrolyte disturbances, not to mention the direct toxic effects alcohol has on heart tissue.

It’s an unintended recipe for disaster, but the problem can be compounded…

Large meals that taste so good but are so bad

While drinking too much can trigger holiday heart syndrome, enjoying too much of those incredible holiday foods high in sodium and saturated fats can also set off AFib, as well as other heart conditions.

And here’s how: research has shown that consuming large meals can:

• Stimulate the vagal nerve, the nerve responsible for controlling your digestion, but also your heart rate.
• Boost levels of hormones in your blood that increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Elevate the risk of heart attack by almost four times within just two hours after eating.

Clearly, it’s not only the alcohol we need to take a moderate approach to during the holiday — but the food too.

Symptoms of holiday heart syndrome

If you’re suffering from AFib caused by holiday heart syndrome, you’re going to feel off and notice some definite symptoms…

This first is a sudden onset of palpitations. Your heart may feel like it’s racing in your chest or beating irregularly.  These fast or irregular beats can come and go or happen continuously.

Additional symptoms can include dizziness and shortness of breath. When you’re in AFib, you can also experience chest pain, especially if your heart rate is extremely high.

It’s important to note that doctors recommend that anyone who experiences severe symptoms or symptoms that last for more than a few minutes should seek medical attention.

While AFib caused by holiday heart syndrome often resolves within 12-24 hours after stopping alcohol, you should follow up with your doctor as soon as possible. Some people will require treatment with medications to slow their heart rate, a cardioversion procedure to restore normal rhythm, or blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke.

Having a heart-healthy holiday season

The good news is that you can have a heart-healthy and enjoyable holiday season…

“While enjoying the holidays is important, moderation is key to keeping it heart-healthy,” Smith said. “Staying hydrated and not neglecting regular physical activity will also help.”

Research has shown that people who averaged between 2.5 and 5 hours of exercise per week, the minimum amount recommended by the American Heart Association, had a 60 percent reduced risk of developing AFib. Those who averaged greater than 5 hours of exercise per week showed a slightly greater risk reduction of 65 percent.

Smith recommends limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men, not overeating and keeping fatty, sugary and salty foods to a minimum.

The post Sweet, salty and boozy: A recipe for holiday heart syndrome appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Conventional wisdom says that chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath are the classic signs of a heart attack.

And while this is true, there are other signs that aren’t talked about nearly as often, if at all.

They can be subtle, and they can differ from person to person.

When cardiologists were asked to share some weird symptoms that people often brush off, but that could be signs of a serious heart problem, here’s what they came up with…

Peak D3^™

When you step out into the sunlight, your body begins the process of making vitamin D. But getting the ideal amount can be difficult because some of us can’t effectively absorb it. That’s just one of many reasons the vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

9 symptoms you should never ignore

1. A sinking feeling in your chest. People describe this in many different ways — like a goldfish flipping around in their chest, for example, or that sinking feeling you get in an elevator when it starts to descend quickly.

Don’t brush off any new or strange chest sensations. Bring them to your doctor, who will do an EKG and possibly send you home with a heart monitor. You could have a heart rhythm disorder like atrial fibrillation.

Keeping a log of what’s happening when you experience this sensation is also a good idea.

2. Whooshing in the ear. “Sometimes there are peripheral symptoms that one wouldn’t think are cardiovascular at all that could be a manifestation of cardiovascular disease,” says cardiologist Dr. Heather Gornick, who’s also a professor in the school of medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

“And the one I see the most is patients who have a pulsating sound in the ear,” often in tune with their heartbeat. 

Known as pulsatile tinnitus, it can signal a narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood between heart and brain, as well as with arterial blockages, tears and aneurysms.

3. Pain or fatigue in the legs while walking. This could be a manifestation of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where the arteries carrying blood to the legs get clogged. It’s associated with a greater risk of heart attack, stroke and early death.

If this feeling persists for a week or two, see your doctor. They’ll do a physical exam and an ankle-brachial index test, which measures blood pressure in your legs and arms.

PAD is a serious condition that, left unaddressed, can lead to amputation.

4. Changes in your feet or legs. Peripheral edema (swollen feet, legs and ankles) can be a sign of congestive heart failure. If the swelling is in both feet rather than just one, and it comes back for a few days in a row, it’s time to see your doctor.

Also keep an eye out for abrupt color changes. Blood clots can turn your legs purple or, in some cases, totally pale and white. Blood clots are a medical emergency.

5. Jaw or neck pain with exertion. If it’s triggered by exertion and relieved by rest, get it checked out. Your doctor will do a stress test to see if you’re at heightened risk of a heart attack or stroke.

6. Indigestion and nausea. That chest discomfort and belching may not be the tacos you ate for dinner. It could signal ischemic heart disease. If it doesn’t go away, call your doctor.

Pay attention to nausea, too, especially if you’re also feeling jaw or back pain, lightheadedness or unusual fatigue.

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

7. Carpal tunnel discomfort paired with shortness of breath. Wrist pain after typing, pins and needles, or hand weakness when accompanied by shortness of breath, may be symptoms of cardiac amyloidosis, when proteins deposit in the heart and disrupt function. Nowadays, there are effective treatments for this condition.

8. Sudden stabbing chest pain. This could be caused by aortic dissection, a tear in one of the body’s major arteries. If not caught in time, half of those who experience this will die. This is a medical emergency that will probably require open-heart surgery.

9. A hard time with regular daily activities. Valvular disease indicates the heart’s valves are not working like they should be. That can make someone feel tired and not up to tasks they’d normally had no problem with. They may require frequent rest breaks.

It’s important to alert your doctor if you notice feeling this way when doing regular activities, like housework, grocery shopping, driving or taking a walk.

Sources:

9 Weird Symptoms Cardiologists Say You Should Never Ignore — Time

The post 9 strange symptoms of heart trouble you can’t ignore appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Much of it hinges on communication between different organs and systems that work together to maintain our health and protect us when we especially need it.

An example we’ve heard a lot about is the gut-brain axis and the vagus nerve that connects them and various organs along the way.

Now, we’re learning about another such crucial “conversation” that happens between the heart, the immune system and the brain to trigger healing when someone’s had a heart attack…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How and why your body regulates sleep after heart attack

After a heart attack, it makes sense that you’d want to sleep more. However the need for sleep is more than the physical exhaustion of going through a traumatic health event.

As part of the process to heal itself and reduce inflammation, the heart triggers the desire for more sleep through actual changes to the brain, as shown through mouse studies at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

After inducing heart attacks in mice, researchers found a three-fold increase in slow-wave sleep, a deep stage of sleep characterized by slow brain waves and reduced muscle activity. This increase in sleep occurred quickly after the heart attack and lasted one week.

And when they studied the brains of those mice, they discovered that immune cells called monocytes were recruited from the blood to the brain and used a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to activate neurons in an area of the brain called the thalamus, which caused the increase in sleep.

“This study is the first to demonstrate that the heart regulates sleep during cardiovascular injury by using the immune system to signal to the brain,” says senior author Cameron McAlpine, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), and Neuroscience, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Poor sleep increases risk of another heart attack

To further identify the function of increased sleep after a heart attack, the researchers also interrupted the sleep of some of the mice.

The mice with sleep disruption after a heart attack had an increase in heart sympathetic stress responses and inflammation, leading to slower recovery and healing when compared to mice with undisrupted sleep.

The Mt. Sinai researchers also performed human studies, and their findings confirmed what they’d seen in mice.

First, they studied the brains of people a couple of days following a heart attack. They saw an increase in monocytes compared to people without a heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases.

Then, they analyzed the sleep of more than 80 heart attack patients four weeks after heart attack and followed them for 2 years..

The patients were divided into two groups — good sleepers and poor sleepers. The patients who slept poorly in the weeks after their heart attack had twice the risk of another heart attack.

Those who slept well showed significant improvement in heart function. Poor sleepers showed little or no improvement.

Dr. McAlpine and the research team hope that the understanding of sleep in healing post-heart attack can be recognized in intensive care units, where sleep is frequently disrupted

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Helps flush harmful toxins from your body that interfere with vital functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Develop sleep habits to protect your heart

Well-rested cells can produce antioxidants that fight destructive free radicals. But in sleep-deprived cells, this response fails. The result: dysfunctional cells that easily succumb to cardiovascular disease.

This isn’t a new idea.

For example, a 2018 Duke University study found that people with irregular sleep patterns may be at higher risk for obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

So, how do you keep to a sleep schedule when life is busy? How do you ensure you get those 7-8 hours of good sleep you need?

Dr. Jessica Lunsford-Avery of the Duke study has some simple advice: set an alarm for the same time each day. And NO sleeping in on weekends!

This may sound hard to do, but if you stick to it for a few weeks, you may even find yourself waking up without the alarm.

That’s actually a good sign — your body is adjusting to the rhythm you’ve set for it.

Other studies have shown that poor sleep leads to clogged arteries.

Besides setting a regular sleep schedule, here are some other ways to get a better night’s sleep:

Don’t look at computers, smartphones or TV screens an hour before bed. The blue light they emit can hurt your circadian rhythm and your ability to fall asleep.

Get exercise during the day. If you’re physically exhausted, you’re more likely to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Expose yourself to natural light in the morning hours. This helps set your circadian rhythm, which controls your sleep.

Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol in the evening. Both interfere with sleep quality.

If you snore a lot or don’t feel rested when you wake up, get tested for sleep apnea. It can significantly hamper your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

If you have insomnia, talk to your doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI). It’s one of the more effective natural therapies for insomnia and can help you avoid the use of prescription sleep aids.

Sources:

After a heart attack, the heart signals to the brain to increase sleep to promote healing — Eureka Alert

Myocardial infarction augments sleep to limit cardiac inflammation and damage — Nature

It’s not just for kids — even adults appear to benefit from a regular bedtime — Science Daily

The post The sleep trigger that could prevent a 2nd heart attack appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But fortunately, it’s also a risk factor that can be controlled through simple lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, shedding a few pounds and managing your stress.

And while the medical establishment is known for pushing prescriptions, even your doctor will tell you that changing what you eat is one of the first steps to lowering your blood pressure.

In fact, the go-to recommendation for high blood pressure, known as the DASH diet, recommends upping your intake of fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds and of course, vegetables.

But the question is…

Are all vegetables created equal when it comes to bettering your blood pressure?

It turns out, the answer is no.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Eat these to lower blood pressure and heart attack and stroke risk

According to research by a team of scientists at Edith Cowan University, the best vegetables for reducing blood pressure are the ones in the cruciferous family.

This includes veggies like broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower, as well as Brussels sprouts, daikon, collard greens and more.

And in a head-to-head competition, they were shown to be capable of moving the needle when it came to blood pressure health.

In their study, the scientists pit cruciferous vegetables against root and squash vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin over a six-week period.

Participants ate cruciferous vegetable soups for two weeks, took a break and then ate root vegetable and squash-based soups for two more weeks. Their blood pressure was measured continuously for 24 hours before and after both 2-week intervention periods.

And there was no doubt that going the cruciferous route was much better for the heart and blood vessels.

According to the researchers, eating cruciferous vegetables resulted in a 2.5 mmHg reduction in blood pressure reduction compared to root and squash vegetables.

While that may not sound like much, it translated to a 5 percent lower risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke from that single change!

“Cruciferous vegetables are the lowest consumed group of vegetables. If people can increase their intake of this group of vegetables, they will receive more bang for their buck in terms of in lowering blood pressure and reducing the subsequent risk of developing heart disease later in life,” said Dr. Lauren Blekkenhorst.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Keeping your blood pressure in check

So how often do you need to add these veggies to your diet?

According to Dr. Blekkenhorst, you should ideally eat them most days of the week. This will help you maintain their benefits.

And if you want to really work on your blood pressure, other dietary changes can help, like:

• More fiber. A study from researchers at Monash University found that not eating enough prebiotic fiber causes high blood pressure in mice. Rich sources of this fiber can be found in onions, leeks, asparagus, flaxseed and Jerusalem artichokes.
• Adding beets to your diet. High blood pressure patients who drank 250ml of beetroot juice a day were found to have blood pressure levels back in the ‘normal’ range by the end of a study at Queen Mary University of London.
• Enjoying tomatoes. Scientists in Spain found eating the equivalent of one large 4-ounce tomato each day could slash the risk of high blood pressure by as much as 36 percent.

So don’t wait! Start eating right today for better blood pressure tomorrow.

Sources:

Broccoli and kale top the shopping list for lowering blood pressure — EurekAlert!

The most important nutrient for lower blood pressure — Easy Health Options

The vegetable that lowered blood pressure 36 percent — Easy Health Options

Eat this dairy daily to lower blood pressure by almost 7 points — Easy Health Options

The post Blood pressure-lowering vegetables that take down stroke risk appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But what most people don’t know is that it’s also associated with cardiovascular disease. Hep C can dramatically increase the odds of coronary artery disease, heart attack and even stroke.

It’s turning out, though, that there’s one thing common among people infected with Hep C that can tamp down that heightened risk of heart trouble…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Hepatitis C: a quick overview

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes chronic liver inflammation and long-term liver damage.

And, unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for Hep C. So, unless it clears on its own, which happens in less than 25 percent of cases, Hep C is typically chronic.

Baby Boomers — those born between 1945 and 1965 — are five times more likely to have hepatitis C.

That’s because boomers were born before tests that screened blood and medical equipment for infection were commonplace. Additionally, testing for Hep C infection was not available until 1990.

But what if you’re feeling healthy… should you still get tested?  Absolutely.

Many people living with the virus are asymptomatic — meaning they don’t exhibit obvious symptoms. But that doesn’t mean their health isn’t affected in other ways…

Anti-viral treatment reduces risk of heart disease

An international team of researchers looked at the results of multiple studies where cardiovascular disease accompanied Hep C, and in particular, outcomes such as stroke, heart attack, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and all-cause mortality.

Many of the subjects in these studies had received anti-viral treatment for Hep C, while more than twice as many had not.

The researchers found that anti-viral treatment was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. In particular, the risk of PAD and heart attacks was lower in the antiviral group, but the risk for stroke and heart failure was nearly the same in both groups.

However, the rate of death from any cause was much lower in the anti-viral treated group.

The researchers noted a few reasons Hep C carries an enhanced risk for heart trouble, including:

• Endothelial dysfunction, which is when cells that line blood vessels don’t function as they should.
• Metabolic problems,which can include diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol and weight.
• Oxidative stress
• Vascular injury
• and inflammation

Unfortunately, Hep C isn’t the only liver-related condition that’s worse on the heart.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The importance of getting tested

The Centers for Disease Control now recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis C. Even though the risk is greater for mature adults, Hep C can strike anyone.

If you do test positive for a chronic Hep C infection, your doctor will want to assess the extent of liver damage you may have suffered with further tests or procedures, including a liver biopsy.

All this may sound scary. But there are nearly 4 million people in the United States with Hep C, many of whom don’t know it. Finding out saves lives.

Symptoms of Hep C include fever, fatigue, body aches and loss of appetite, or they may resemble the symptoms of acute liver failure, including jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and dark-colored urine.

But Hep C can also go undetected for decades, leading to a constantly inflamed and swollen liver. The disease usually becomes known when the symptoms of cirrhosis show up.

These include swelling with fluid in the arms, legs, and abdomen, itchy skin, and easy bruising, as well as difficulty thinking, mood swings and motor problems (known as hepatic encephalopathy).

Treatment can decrease the elevated odds of heart disease from a Hep C infection and increase the odds for a healthier, longer life.

Sources:

Hepatitis C Treatment Lowers Heart Disease Risk — Hep

Cardioprotective effect of antiviral therapy among hepatitis C infected patients: A meta-analysis — IJC Heart & Vasculature

Too Few People Treated for Hepatitis C — CDC Vital Signs

Hepatitis C — Cleveland Clinic

The post The viral heart risk that’s greatest for boomers appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

This means that in just one year, 805,000 people will have a heart attack, with 605,000 of those being first-time heart attacks and the other 200,000 being repeat heart attacks.

It’s no wonder then that heart disease — the root cause behind heart attacks — is the leading cause of death in our country.

And it’s a clear warning that if you want to live a longer life, knowing whether or not you’re at risk for a heart attack is a must. That’s one reason regular checkups are important.

But understanding your heart risks may have just gotten simpler…

Swedish scientists have created a 14-question at-home test that takes 5 to 8 minutes — and they say it can identify up to two-thirds of people who could be in the sights of a heart attack.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Detailed questions plus advanced algorithm

The researchers based their study on data from 25,000 people aged 50–64 who underwent computed tomography, which can measure a person’s degree of atherosclerosis — the buildup of plaque on artery walls that can cause them to narrow and block critical blood flow.

When this happens it deprives your heart of oxygen-rich blood and can lead to a heart attack. It can also increase risk of stroke.

By comparing the images of the participants’ hearts with questionnaires they completed, the researchers were able to narrow in on which factors had the closest links with the degree of atherosclerosis, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Weight
• Waist circumference
• Smoking (If you smoke, work on quitting now)
• High blood pressure
• High blood fats (cholesterol)
• Diabetes
• Family history of cardiovascular disease

From there, answers are fed into a special algorithm, which the scientists say can detect 65% of individuals at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.

“A heart attack often comes out of the blue,” he says. “Many of those who suffer heart attacks are apparently healthy and asymptomatic, but have fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, known as atherosclerosis,” said lead researcher, Professor Göran Bergström.

“The results show that our home test is as accurate as a clinic examination using blood tests and blood pressure measurements. If we can make the test widely available within healthcare, it can save lives and prevent suffering by helping us to identify those who are at high risk of heart attack or who are currently undertreated.”

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Gauging and reducing your heart attack risk

Their test may not be available yet, but there’s an online test you can take right now to see where your risk falls when it comes to metabolic syndrome.

You may notice that several of the health concerns on their list — waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar — make up the cluster of conditions that define metabolic syndrome, a surefire precursor to heart attack or stroke.

But test or no test, consider metabolic syndrome as the one thing to avoid or reverse. There are a few ways to do that…

• Exercise: A study found that even light exercise can counteract the heightened heart disease risk caused by metabolic syndrome. If you can exercise a little harder, the lower your risk can go. Exercise can lower your risk even with a family history of heart problems.
• Diet: The good news is you have choices. Harvard has identified 4 eating patterns that can lower heart disease risk.
• Ditch ultraprocessed foods: They’re tied to metabolic syndrome. Nuff said.
• Support your arteries with vitamin K2: Emerging evidence from animal and clinical studies has associated low K2 levels with calcification and an elevated risk of heart problems.
• Take advantage of Mediterranean spices: If free radicals overwhelm the body, oxidative stress leads to diseases, like type 2 diabetes. A handful of spices were found to greatly improve glycemic index.

Sources:

Home test reveals the risk of heart attack in five minutes – EurekAlert!

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2022 Update – American Heart Association

Heart Disease Facts – CDC

The post The at-home test that determines heart attack risk in minutes appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Not much, you’d probably say. They’re two seemingly unrelated conditions, right?

Not so fast.

The human body is more complex than that, and conditions that appear to be unrelated can have connections just below the surface that might surprise you… and that you should be aware of.

Medical experts have known a connection exists between type 2 diabetes and increased risk for heart disease, but protecting yourself isn’t so cut and dry.

That’s because having diabetes makes you especially vulnerable to the most dangerous heart attack of all — one you may not even be aware of until the damage is done.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush these harmful toxins out of your body! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The story of a ‘silent’ heart attack

A man in his 50s woke early one morning sweating and with a sharp pain in his left wrist. He went back to sleep, and upon reawakening the symptoms were gone and did not return. He went on with his day.

When the man went to his doctor to report the incident, an electrocardiogram revealed that the man had indeed suffered a heart attack and had a partial blockage of one of his coronary arteries.

Roughly half of “silent” heart attacks occur without causing any symptoms whatsoever.

The other half, as in this case, cause symptoms other than the typical pain in the chest and left arm. Instead, you might experience sweating, heartburn, fatigue or lightheadedness.

By some estimates, roughly 1 in 4 heart attacks is “silent.” This is likely an undercount because many of these heart attacks go unreported.

Why diabetics are more vulnerable

One of the common complications of Type 2 diabetes is nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by elevated blood sugar levels.

Some diabetics may be familiar with neuropathy causing a burning tingling sensation in their feet.

But autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control our internal organs, including the heart.

Someone with cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD) could be having a “silent” heart attack and not feel the typical sensations of chest pain or tightness, but be suffering heart damage nonetheless. And if you don’t know you’re having a heart attack, you may not get the medical help you need to limit the damage.

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to protect yourself

There are warning signs of CAD that involve other organs:

• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lightheadedness upon standing)
• Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) where you feel full and bloated even hours after a meal
• Erectile dysfunction

If you have diabetes and suddenly start experiencing any of these, tell your doctor. It could save you from a heart attack.

Of course, managing diabetes well includes following the right diet. A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies reviewed the differences among various diets’ effects in preventing type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded the DASH & Mediterranean diets were associated with strong potential and a 20 percent decrease in type 2 diabetes risk.

These diets are also high in antioxidant-rich foods known to improve glucose metabolism, decrease insulin resistance and improve vascular functions.

The Dash diet also lowers cholesterol and helps reduce weight — and lowers blood pressure, which is what it was developed for originally.

Those benefits fall in line with what the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommend for managing your ABCs, which can keep your blood vessels healthy and substantially lower your chances of having a heart attack…

A is for the A1C test. This test shows your average blood glucose level over the past three months. High levels of blood glucose can harm your heart and blood vessels.

B is for blood pressure. If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. High blood pressure can cause a heart attack or stroke and damage your kidneys and eyes.

C is for cholesterol. A buildup of cholesterol in your blood can cause a heart attack or stroke. Ask your doctor what your cholesterol numbers should be for your age group.

S is for stop smoking. Quitting smoking is especially important for people with diabetes because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels and cause circulation trouble, so your heart has to work harder. E-cigarettes aren’t a safe option either.

Sources:

What to Know About Diabetes and the Risk of Silent Heart Attacks — Time

People With Diabetes Are More Vulnerable to Heart Disease. How to Reduce the Risk — Time

Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy: Overview and More — Very Well Health

Autonomic neuropathy — American Diabetes Association

Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Stroke — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The post The link between diabetes and silent heart attacks appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

I used to be that person who’d wait and wait and wait for a slow elevator to make it to the ground floor before I’d walk a single flight of stairs.

Not anymore…

In the long run, it may take me longer to climb three flights than hitch a ride, but once I learned how quickly I could increase my longevity by improving just about all of the factors that team up for metabolic syndrome, everything changed…

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Stair climbing can help you live longer

A few years ago, I wrote about how stair climbing blows all your “exercise excuses” out of the water:

• Stairs are already installed in many homes, or outside, ready and waiting.
• You don’t need any special workout gear.
• You don’t need to go outside in the heat, cold or rain.
• You can even work this exercise routine into your busy daily schedule.

Now, a large-scale meta-analysis (review of past research) has confirmed everything I said back then — and then some.

British researchers looked at study data from about 480,000 participants, ranging in age from mid-30s to mid-80s, about half of whom were women.  

They analyzed participants’ risk of heart disease based on factors that included blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking history, and family and genetic risk factors. Participants also reported on their lifestyle and exercise habits, including stair climbing, via questionnaire.

Over the course of 12 years, those who reported climbing stairs regularly had about a 39 percent lower likelihood of death from heart disease, compared to those who didn’t take the stairs. They also had a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.

And, it’s important to note that people who stopped climbing stairs during this time saw their risk of heart disease rise — a reminder that consistency is crucial if you’re going to benefit from exercise.

How much stair climbing is enough? Two studies in the meta-analysis pointed to the ideal number of flights a day: one found that climbing six to ten flights a day was linked to a reduced risk of premature death; the other found that climbing more than five flights a day lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20 percent.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Stair climbing’s benefits happen fast

The last thing you should know is that the benefits of stair climbing can kick in pretty quickly. A recent review found that your cardiometabolic risk can improve in as little as four to eight weeks.

This same study found that stair climbing can improve body composition, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity — all factors that if left to progress can result in metabolic syndrome.

Climbing stairs is classified as “moderate physical activity,” right along with playing tennis or badminton, walking at 4 miles per hour, or biking at 10 miles per hour.

But a really cool thing about stair climbing is that it’s a mix of aerobic exercise and resistance training — and that means it can build muscle.

According to Dr. Carlin Long, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, “You are building up those leg muscles by having to pull your weight up to the next stair.” 

This is a key benefit given that only 24 percent of adults in the U.S. meet the recommended targets for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise.

So why not get started now? Put on some music and start climbing!

Sources:

Elevator or stairs? Your choice could boost longevity, study finds —  NPR/Maine Public

Stair climbing and mortality: a prospective cohort study from the UK Biobank — Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle

Daily stair climbing, disease susceptibility, and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study —  Atherosclerosis

Stair-climbing interventions on cardio-metabolic outcomes in adults: A scoping review —  Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences

The post The fast health benefits of taking the stairs appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

And that’s just for a classic heart attack. There’s another type of heart attack that’s on the rise in women that is even harder to see coming…

This type of heart attack is called myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries, or MINOCA.

When diagnosing a heart attack, doctors usually examine the coronary arteries for blockages. But in MINOCA, those blockages don’t exist. Here’s what you need to know…

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The sinister specter of MINOCA

It used to be thought that MINOCA only represented 6 to 14 percent of heart attacks. But for women, MINOCA may actually account for 25 to 30 percent of all heart attacks.

The symptoms of MINOCA are the same as for a typical heart attack. But because it’s not caused by coronary artery blockage, the usual methods for treating heart attack — stents, angioplasty, bypass surgery — don’t work for MINOCA. That often leaves patients unsure about what caused their MINOCA or what to do to prevent another one.

A related condition, called INOCA, or ischemia with non-obstructed coronary arteries, has many of the same symptoms but without the actual heart attack.

A survey of 297 patients in an international INOCA patient support group found:

• 34 percent had been living with symptoms of chest pain, pressure or discomfort for more than three years before their INOCA diagnosis
• 78 percent were wrongly told their symptoms weren’t related to their heart
• 75 percent cut their work hours or stopped working altogether due to their condition
• 70 percent said their mental health and outlook on life had declined

What’s the cause?

In one 2021 study, researchers took a different approach in studying 301 women who had heart attacks.

Instead of using an angiogram, they used various forms of imaging with higher resolutions that allowed them to examine the vessels beyond the main coronary arteries. In 85 percent of the MINOCA patients in the study, the researchers were able to attribute their heart attacks to small plaques and clots in smaller blood vessels.

This is similar to a common cause of heart disease in women known as coronary microvascular syndrome. When this develops, plaque accumulates in very small arteries of the heart known as microvessels.

Cardiologist Dr. Harmony Reynolds of NYU Langone Health, who was one of the researchers in the study, describes the arterial system as a sort of tree, with large trucks and smaller branches. “If a clot forms in the trunk, it can get carried into a smaller branch,” Reynolds tells WebMD. “If the clot is big enough, it can knock out the entire branch and kill a small part of the heart muscle. That’s what we think happens in some MINOCA patients.”

MINOCA patients are often told they didn’t have a heart attack, and this misdiagnosis can be deadly. According to Reynolds, in the four years after someone has a MINOCA event, they have a 13 percent chance of death from any cause and a 7 percent chance of having another heart attack.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What to do about MINOCA

Investigators still aren’t sure why MINOCA is more common in women than men. Some researchers theorize it could be due to hormones, hormone therapy or the fact that women are physically smaller on average than men. That makes their hearts and blood vessels smaller, so arterial blockages and clots that may not show up on conventional imaging like an angiogram can do more damage.

Not all MINOCA is caused by plaque buildup in the heart’s small arteries. For example, there is spontaneous coronary artery dissection, where interior of an artery wall tears and causes a blockage that feels like a classic heart attack. Or blood vessels can spasm, interrupting normal blood flow and producing heart attack-like symptoms.

Other potential causes include myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, and stress cardiomyopathy, a reaction to a surge of adrenaline.

If you experience chest pain, pressure or discomfort, make sure your doctor examines all these potential causes so that they can prescribe the proper treatment. For instance, if it’s caused by artery spasms, there is medication that can be prescribed to manage the spasms.

Following a heart-healthy lifestyle may not offer 100 percent protection against MINOCA, but it can certainly help. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, and try to keep your stress levels under control.

Sources:

The Heart Attack You Didn’t See Coming — WebMD

Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA): A patient self-report quality of life survey from INOCA international — International Journal of Cardiology

Uncommon heart attack, found more often in women, needs a second look — American Heart Association

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women — American Heart Association

The post The heart attack that happens when coronary arteries are clear appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Negative moods, like sadness, have been shown to fuel chronic inflammation and the poor health that comes with it.

On the other hand, positive emotions have been proven to significantly improve health and even result in changes at the cellular level.

So what can one of the strongest of our emotions — anger — do to your body?

According to researchers at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, even brief bursts of anger could put you on the track to heart disease or stroke…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Anger impairs blood vessel function

Previous observational studies have linked feelings of negative emotions, such as anger, sadness and anxiety with having a heart attack or other cardiovascular disease events.

And since impaired vascular function has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the researchers focused on how negative emotions may impact blood vessel function.

To find out, they recruited 280 adults randomly assigned to one of four emotional tasks for eight minutes.

Participants had to either recall a personal memory that made them angry, remember a personal memory of anxiety, read a series of depressing sentences or repeatedly count to 100 to induce an emotionally neutral state.

And the researchers found that when it comes to your blood vessels, anger has a strong and definitive impact…

In just eight minutes of feeling angry, the normal function of cells lining the blood vessels was impaired to the point they were no longer able to relax the way they should — something that can significantly restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of developing atherosclerosis and raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Not only that, the effects of anger on the blood vessels lasted up to a full 40 minutes!

“This study adds nicely to the growing evidence base that mental well-being can affect cardiovascular health, and that intense acute emotional states, such as anger or stress, may lead to cardiovascular events,” said Glenn Levine, M.D., FAHA.

Peak Vitality^™

Peak Vitality^™ helps support and strengthen adrenal gland function for improved energy, hormone balance, mood and focus!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Reducing anger’s effects

So how can you lessen anger’s effects on your heart and blood vessels?

For thousands of years, nasal breathing techniques have been used to control the body’s reactions to stress, anxiety and anger. But before you assume this is “mindfulness” mumbo jumbo, there’s a scientific explanation as to why this works…

Anger sends us into “fight or flight” mode triggered by the adrenal-hypothalamus-pituitary network that starts secreting the stress hormone cortisol. Breathing becomes fast and shallow, the heart races and blood pressure goes up.

But most importantly, this stress response lowers your nitric oxide (NO) levels — a natural vasodilator responsible for signaling artery cells to relax and open for normal blood flow… which sounds like what went wrong during the anger exercise where those study participants experienced impaired blood vessel function.

A previous study on veterans with and without PTSD also demonstrated that when our body experiences fight or flight too often, cellular processes, including the production of NO, become dysfunctional.

So how does nasal breathing help?

NO is released in the nasal passages, so when we breathe in through the nose, it reaches the lungs and then finds its way into the bloodstream where it “signals” normal blood flow. Long deep breaths through the nose help us deliver more to our blood vessels in moments we need it most — like during feelings of anger — or during exercise.

So when you’re angry, take the time to realize your breathing has changed and control it with deep nasal breathing by inhaling from the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

NO levels also naturally decrease with age. In addition to focusing on nasal breathing (especially if you are a mouth breather), foods like beets and spinach contain natural precursors that help the body increase NO production.

Sources:

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function — EurekAlert!

The post The lasting damage anger does to your blood vessels appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

They’re an inexpensive medication and prevent future heart attacks. A no-brainer, right?

But, as with most things medical, time and research have proven this wisdom to be … well, not so wise after all.

Here’s why you might want to think twice and discuss with your doctor before taking beta-blockers…

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Beta-blockers may be unecessary

Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, block the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in certain parts of the body. This results in a slowing of the heart rate and reduces the force at which blood is pumped around your body.

They have been typically prescribed to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), heart failure and angina — and heart attack.

But a new study shows that about half of heart attack patients discharged from the hospital with a prescription for beta-blockers really don’t benefit from them at all. Considering the risks associated with the drug, this is good to know…

In 2017, researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, Lund University and Uppsala University began a study involving more than 5000 patients at 45 hospitals who had suffered a small heart attack and retained heart function.

At discharge, these patients were randomly assigned either to receive or not receive beta-blockers.

After six years, there was a statistically insignificant difference between the groups in terms of a second heart attack (7.9 percent for those taking beta-blockers vs. 8.3 percent for those not).

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Weigh the pros and cons

This study is only about the effect of starting beta-blocker treatment after a small heart attack.

Naturally, if you’ve suffered a more severe heart attack, or have ongoing issues with heart failure, medications may be necessary.

But if they’re really not going to make a difference, knowing the pros and cons could help you and your doctor decide if they’re right for you.

Here are just a few things we know:

• People using beta-blockers have been found to be 65 percent more vulnerable to heart attack during the hottest days of the year.
• In one study, taking beta-blockers raised the risk of heart failure almost five percent more in women than in men.
• Beta-blockers are one of many medications that lower levels of the essential antioxidant CoQ10. According to a lead researcher from another study from a few years ago, “… CoQ10, which is a natural and safe substance, corrects a deficiency in the body and blocks the vicious metabolic cycle in chronic heart failure called the energy-starved heart.”

And finally, beta-blockers can make you more likely to end up with a dangerous infection due to antibiotic resistance.

You should never stop taking beta-blockers, or any medication, without first speaking with your doctor.

But if your doctor is proposing a prescription for beta-blockers for a minor heart attack, it’s worth your while to discuss the pros and cons before beginning this course of medication.

Sources:

Unnecessary use of beta-blockers after a heart attack? — Science Daiyk

Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction and Preserved Ejection Fraction — New England Journal of Medicine

The post Think twice about beta-blockers after a heart attack appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

How can I be so sure? Because according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these remain the top two disease-related causes of death.

Given that sobering statistic, you should do whatever you can to lower your odds of contracting these illnesses. One good way to double up your efforts is to focus on reducing risk factors for both diseases, such as smoking, diabetes and obesity.

But there’s another newly discovered risk factor you’ll want to know about that shows just how connected heart health and cancer are in the body…

Cellular “bubbles” promote cancer

An international team of researchers identified a mechanism that occurs after a heart attack that can lead to a higher risk of developing cancer.

They found that small extracellular “bubbles” the heart releases to heal itself enter the bloodstream, where they can promote the growth of cancer cells throughout the body.

According to Tal Caller, a medical and research student at Tel Aviv University, research revealed the small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are secreted by all cells, but “Following an injury in the heart muscle and deterioration to heart failure, sEVs containing growth factors and small nucleic acid molecules that promote cell division are released.

“These sEVs contribute to the healing of the injured cardiac tissue. However, released from the injured heart, those vesicles move within the body’s circulatory system, eventually targeting cancerous growths.”

In other words, these small bubbles directly promote the growth of certain tumors.

When the researchers inhibited the formation of sEVs in animal models with heart disease, they found the risk of cancer decreased. However, they also found this inhibition caused severe undesired side effects.

“When you systemically inhibit the formation of sEVs, you get less cancer — but you cause collateral damage along the way,” says Jonathan Leor, a professor at Tel Aviv University and the Taman Institute at Sheba’s Leviev Center. “That is why we tried a different strategy: treat the patient’s heart to reduce the damage to the cardiac tissue so that it secretes fewer sEVs.”

Leor says the researchers used spironolactone, an established drug used to treat heart failure, to treat the animals at a very early stage of the disease. They found the heart secreted 30 percent fewer sEVs, and the cancerous tumors grew more slowly as a result.

“Our experiment shows that it is possible to intervene in heart disease in a way that reduces the risk of cancer among heart patients,” he adds.

Attack your heart disease risk to lower your cancer risk

“It may be necessary to adjust the existing treatments for the heart so that they also consider the risk of cancer,” Caller says. “In addition, it is possible to find biomarkers among heart patients that will indicate an increased risk of cancer since not all patients are at an increased risk. This is basic research, and much work is still required to unravel the connection between the two.”

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8^TM provides great advice on lifestyle factors that can decrease your risk of heart disease. It makes sense to start there, but don’t stop there…

I can’t express the importance of a diet rich in polyphenols — particularly a subgroup known as flavonoids.

One study which followed over 53,000 Danes for over 23 years, found that people who habitually consumed moderate to high amounts of flavonoid-rich foods were less likely to die from cancer or heart disease.

Those with the lowest risks consumed about 500 mg of flavonoids daily from a variety of sources, including one cup of tea, one apple, one orange, 100g of blueberries, and 100g of broccoli.

The researchers claimed the protective effect of flavonoids is so strong, it can even provide a level of protection for people at higher risk for chronic diseases due to risky behavior — meaning unhealthy lifestyle habits, like smoking and drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day.

That doesn’t mean you get a pass for bad habits. It’s just a testament to the power of the right foods.

If you’d like to know your risks right now for heart disease and cancer, find out what an echocardiogram — or this comparable at-home test — can tell you.

Sources:

Study reveals mechanism linking heart disease to cancer development — EurekAlert!

Small Extracellular Vesicles From Infarcted and Failing Heart Accelerate Tumor Growth — Circulation

Deaths: Leading Causes for 2020 — National Vital Statistics Reports

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent a Heart Attack — American Heart Association

The post How heart disease fuels cancer growth appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If you’ve been one of them, you might think that once you leave the hospital, the worst is over. After all, any heart attack survivor will have even more incentive to live healthier going forward. As long as that’s the plan, surely things can only get better.

Sadly, research out of the U.K. from the University of Leeds is proving that’s an uphill battle.

In fact, results of the study show that the danger caused by a heart attack is far from over when you get home. It could be just the beginning of working even harder to secure your health…

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

From depression to severe bleeding

The researchers analyzed the records of almost 146 million people who had a heart attack from January 2008 to January 2017, comparing their health outcomes to a control group of over two million people.

Overall, they found that after having a heart attack, you’re at much higher risk for a slew of serious health conditions and even early death.

The results showed that up to one-third of heart attack victims go on to develop heart or kidney failure, while seven percent will experience further heart attacks and a frightening 38 percent will die from any cause within nine years.

Other health conditions that are more frequent in people who have suffered a heart attack than in healthy people are:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Stroke
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Severe bleeding
• Hospitalization for type 2 diabetes

And to top it off, people who have a heart attack are more likely to live with depression — especially women. The study found that women were much more likely to develop depression after a heart attack than men, even more so if they had a heart attack below the age of 40.

The only good news from the study was it appears that your risk of dementia — other than vascular dementia, which slightly increases — doesn’t change whether you have a heart attack or not.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Coenzyme Q10 is essential for good health. Our cells use it to produce energy the body needs for basic functions, including cell growth and maintenance. The problem is, you can start seeing declines in your CoQ10 levels as early as your 20s plus… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Avoiding a first heart attack

Lead author of the study, Dr. Marlous Hall explained, “Our study highlights the need for individual care plans to be revised to take into account the higher demand for care caused by survivorship.” 

But I think it certainly drives home an even more important message: avoiding a first heart attack.

Unfortunately, medical care tends to put more focus on management of established disease. But if your doctor shared with you how your health could go downhill fast after a heart attack (which you’ve just read) and provided you with a guideline of how to avoid one in the first place — I bet more of us would work harder at it.

In fact, if you can follow a handful of recommendations, you can increase your odds of scoring low — and slowing risk progression — for a marker that may be a better predictor of future heart attack than cholesterol…

According to Viet Le, PA-C, a physician assistant and cardiovascular researcher at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, “High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking are all risks of heart disease, yet many people who have those risks never have the disease or suffer an event. Coronary artery calcium is the disease — and to an extent, it shows just how much of the disease is present.”

Calcium is also the reason most cardiologists don’t talk about chelation therapy.

A coronary calcium scan measures the amount of calcium in your arteries. Calcium buildup is your body’s misguided attempt to make plaque stable. But where there’s stable plaque, there’s also unstable plaque that can break away and cause a heart attack or stroke.

A 2013 study found that a combination of regular exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking and maintaining healthy weight was associated with a lower calcium score and slower calcium progression. The lower the score, the lower the risk of future heart attack.

Sources:

Heart attack significantly increases risk of other health conditions — EurekAlert!

Low-Risk Lifestyle, Coronary Calcium, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality: Results From MESA — American Journal of Epidemiology

The post The down-the-road dangers of heart attack appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

That’s because not only do heart attacks in women often go unnoticed until it’s too late, but they can be doubly deadly.

Of course, men and women share some similar cardiovascular risks, including unhealthy lifestyle practices, diet and obesity.

But there are two factors unique to women that may give us extra pause when considering our risks — and it may not seem that there’s much we can effectively do about either.

Does that mean we’re doomed?

No, not in the least.

The results of a pair of studies have shed new light on the heart health risks associated with menopause and migraines…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The menopause-migraine link: Compounded risks

A few years ago, the American Heart Association put forth a statement titled “Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing for Early Prevention.”

It addressed the fact that the menopause transition also mirrors a time of change in women’s cardiovascular health and named specific symptoms we likely feel powerless about that increase the danger level, including entering menopause at an earlier age or the severity of hot flashes or night sweats.

Women who suffer from migraines have also carried some concerns about their risk for cardiovascular events and stroke.

So researchers at Michigan Medicine decided to dig into both menopause symptoms and migraine to define the risk levels of these conditions better…

Their research included a pair of studies that followed more than 1,900 women from the time they were in their late teens to early 30s until their 50s and 60s, gathering health data from yearly exams, blood tests, questionnaires and more.

Just over 30% of the middle-aged women experienced persistent hot flashes and night sweats that began in their earlier years or before.

These are vasomotor symptoms, or VMS, because they happen due to changes in the diameter of blood vessels. Both VMS in menopause and migraines have to do with blood vessel contraction and dilation.

Within this same group of women, approximately 23% also suffered from migraines. This was the only group for whom the researchers found extra risk of stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular events that couldn’t be explained by other risk factors that have long been known to be linked to cardiovascular problems.

Other women who had migraine but only minimal VMS symptoms starting in their 50s and 60s (even escalating within those age ranges) had no excess cardiovascular risk from the combination of conditions, once other risk factors were taken into account.

Bottom line: A higher risk of heart issues and stroke was only seen in those with long-term hot flashes, night sweats and migraines.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Reducing the toll of hot flashes and migraine

Some of the most significant factors, gathered from the women’s early lives, in predicting who would go on to have persistent hot flashes and night sweats were having migraines, depression and smoking cigarettes. The risks were also higher for black women.

According to study leader Catherine Kim, M.D., M.P.H., “These two studies, taken together, underscore that not all women have the same experiences as they grow older, and that many can control the risk factors that might raise their chances of heart disease and stroke later in life.”

“For the subgroup with both migraines and early persistent hot flashes and night sweats, and for those currently experiencing migraines in their early adulthood, these findings point to an added need to control risks and address symptoms early,” she adds.

That’s where she feels the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 can help. And one reason may be its impact on aging…

Following the steps outlined in Life’s Essential 8 checklist has been found not only to improve heart health but also to slow the pace of biological aging.

The Michigan Medicine researchers did not imply as much, but poor lifestyle habits, including smoking or suffering from untreated conditions, like depression, may be linked to phenotypic age acceleration. Compared to chronological age, phenotypic age indicates faster biological aging.

One can’t help but wonder if that impacts the age at which menopausal VMS symptoms may start, which, when combined with migraine, certainly increases the risk for women in their 40s.

But even if you are well past your 40s, it’s never too late to begin practices that promote heart health — and indeed seek help for migraines. Treatments have come a long way, and some supplements have been shown to help.

Sources:

Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention — EurekAlert!

Life’s Essential 8 — American Heart Association

The post The menopause-migraine link to heart attack and stroke appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

They’re finding that biological age is a much more accurate measure of health than birthdate.

Biological age is based on the health and condition of your cells — and can leave you much younger or older on the inside than your chronological age indicates.

And research shows you don’t have just one biological age…

It turns out a person’s organs can age separately from one another.

A team of international researchers decided to dig deeper into this phenomenon, and what it means for us…

Peak Prostate Support^™

Men are less attentive to their health than they should be. Here are signs to be aware of:
    • Uncomfortable urgency
    • Weak urine stream
    • Burning sensation in your groin
    • MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

An age for every organ and what it means

“Numerous studies have come up with single numbers representing individuals’ biological age — the age implied by a sophisticated array of biomarkers — as opposed to their chronical age, the actual numbers of years that have passed since their birth,” says the study’s senior author Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray, a professor at Stanford University.

This study went a step further — by coming up with distinct ages for each of 11 key organs, organ systems or tissues including:

• The heart
• The lungs
• The kidneys
• The liver,
• The pancreas
• The brain
• Immune system
• Muscle
• Fat
• Vasculature
• And intestine.

They were also able to gauge not only an organ’s accelerated aging but also its susceptibility to disease and death.

To do so, the researchers identified nearly 900 organ-specific proteins from the blood work of just under 1,400 participants. Their ages spanned 20 to 90, but most were in the mid- to late stages of life.  

Then they compared the control groups’ organs’ biological age for each individual with its counterparts among a large group of people without obvious severe diseases and found that almost 20 percent of those aged 50 or older had at least one organ aging significantly more rapidly than the average.

That means about 1 in 5 reasonably healthy adults 50 or older has at least one organ that’s aging too fast, probably without knowing about it — and those individuals were at heightened risk for disease in that particular organ in the next 15 years.

Fortunately, only about 1 in 60 had two organs undergoing accelerated aging. But those unlucky few had 6.5 times the mortality risk of a person without any rapidly aging organs.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The risks for specific organs

Next, the researchers identified age gaps for 10 of the 11 organs studied that indicated a 15 to 50 percent higher future risk of death from all causes over 15 years of follow-up, depending on the organ affected.

When looking at specific organs, they found:

• People with accelerated heart aging who initially exhibited no active disease or abnormal biomarkers had a 2.5 times higher risk of heart failure than people with hearts aging at a normal rate.
• Those whose brains were aging faster had a 1.8 times higher risk of showing cognitive decline over five years than those with younger brains. Plus, either accelerated brain or vasculature aging predicted risk for Alzheimer’s disease progression just as accurately as currently used clinical biomarkers.
• Strong links between a fast-aging kidney score and both hypertension and diabetes,
• Strong associations between an extreme aging heart score and both atrial fibrillation and heart attack.

“If we can reproduce this finding in 50,000 or 100,000 individuals, it will mean that by monitoring the health of individual organs in apparently healthy people, we might be able to find organs that are undergoing accelerated aging in people’s bodies, and we might be able to treat people before they get sick,” Wyss-Coray says.

So what can we do to slow our organs’ aging?

Well, phenotypic age may be close to what the Standford researchers used to determine organ age. Phenotypic age is a measure of age based on the results of nine blood markers for metabolism, inflammation and organ function, including glucose, C-reactive protein, and creatinine.

The American Heart Association says following Lifes’s Essential 8 can reduce that kind of aging by six years.

Their list includes many of these healthy practices:

• Exercise to slow brain aging;
• Eating healthy. Avoid processed foods which shorten telomeres and trigger faster aging;
• And managing stress levels that can age DNA.

Lastly, don’t forget good nutrition. Vitamin deficiencies can reduce your longevity.

Sources:

Stanford Medicine-led study finds way to predict which of our organs will fail first — Stanford Medicine

Organ aging signatures in the plasma proteome track health and disease — Nature

The post Your organs may be aging faster: What it means for you appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Turns out, on average we don’t only carry around more clothing…

We also tend to carry more circulating cholesterol around.

At least that’s what researchers at Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease have shown.

Behavioral Influences

Their study highlighted that this seasonal shift in cholesterol is closely tied to our behaviors.

In the summer, when the weather is warmer, people are more inclined to be active and engage in healthier habits. Conversely, the colder months usher in a tendency to indulge in comfort foods rich in easily digested carbohydrates and fats, coupled with a decline in physical activity.

This all results in a lipid signature associated with higher heart disease risk.

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Study Insights

The study, based on data from 2.8 million U.S. adults, discovered that both LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol, were 3.5 percent higher in men and 1.7 percent higher in women during the winter. Additionally, triglyceride levels, linked to obesity and inactivity, saw a 2.5 percent increase in men during the colder season.

Given that there is a linear correlation between percentage shifts in LDL cholesterol and heart disease risk, these changes are not inconsequential. We know that there is some seasonal variation in heart attack rates.  Seasonal LDL variation could absolutely be a contributor. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Cardiovascular Health

Beyond dietary and activity changes, the researchers also considered the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) on cardiovascular health.

SAD, often associated with mood changes during winter, can lead to a desire for comfort foods and lethargy.  SAD is also associated with increased risk for heart disease.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Supports Healthy Circulation to your Heart, Brain, Lungs, Eyes and Extremities!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Winter and Cardiovascular Risks

All of this data aligns with prior research indicating that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks.

During winter, blood vessels tend to constrict, increasing the workload on the heart. Piling on less physical activity, less healthful eating habits, worse cholesterol profiles and SAD does not help. 

Key Insights for Heart-Healthy Living

It’s important to put all this in perspective. Especially as we’ve just gone through a polar vortex! Just because it’s winter, obsessive monitoring of cholesterol levels during winter is not necessary. Just try to do your best to maintain your healthy habits throughout the year. Acknowledging the seasonal impact on health behaviors should simply remind us to make better choices and prioritize cardiovascular wellness — perhaps even more intentionally during colder weather.

After all, heart health is always in season.

The post Why winter raises cholesterol levels appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In fact, one in 10 of us is already living with blood sugar problems. And rates are continuing to climb dramatically, despite well-known prevention options.

Sadly, while diabetes used to be considered a disease of middle age, multiple factors including obesity, poor diet and sedentary behavior are increasing the rate at which younger adults are diagnosed with the condition.

 It’s a problem that researchers say could steal years from the lives of millions of Americans since a diabetes diagnosis by 30 can mean dying 14 years before your time.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The dangers of diabetes

But before we jump into the research that proved just how risky blood sugar problems in young adulthood really are, let’s look at just how many ways diabetes negatively affects your health.

Type 2 diabetes has been directly linked to a multitude of health complications. It can lead to heart failure, heart attack, stroke and kidney problems.

The condition has been shown to drive Alzheimer’s. It puts you at high risk of hip and other debilitating fractures.

Diabetes can even lead to sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

And while previous research had estimated that the disease can decrease life expectancy by six years, a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has shown the danger to be much greater the younger diabetes hits.

3 ways diabetes decreases life expectancy

The research included a deep dive into data from two major international studies, including the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration and the U.K. Biobank. Together, these allowed the scientists to analyze the effects of diabetes on 1.5 million individuals.

And the results clearly showed that the earlier a patient is diagnosed with blood sugar problems, the more their life expectancy decreases.

Using data from people diagnosed with diabetes in the United States, the researchers were able to estimate that those diagnosed at age 30, 40, and 50 died on average 14, 10, and 6 years earlier, respectively.

And the U.K. Biobank data resulted in similar findings, which showed that at the same ages, 30, 40, and 50, patients died an average of 13, 9, and 5 years earlier.

According to the researchers, the majority of the reduction in life expectancy was due to these three adverse events:

• heart attacks;
• strokes ;
• and aneurysms.

Cancer factored into those early deaths as well, since diabetes has been found to drive cancer spread.

“Type 2 diabetes used to be seen as a disease that affected older adults, but we’re increasingly seeing people diagnosed earlier in life. As we’ve shown, this means they are at risk of a much shorter life expectancy than they would otherwise have,” said researcher, Emanuele Di Angelantonio, MD.

Peak Blood Flow^™

Poor circulation can impact your eyesight, your ability to sleep and cause headaches, discomfort and swelling — among other more serious concerns. The tell-tale signs of a circulation problem are… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Dialing back diabetes dangers

The good news is that according to study author, Stephen Kaptoge, MD, “Type 2 diabetes can be prevented if those at greatest risk can be identified and offered support — whether that’s to make changes to their behavior or to provide medication to lower their risk.”

So what steps can you take?

First, consider switching to a low-calorie diet to ditch your diabetes, since just eight weeks of eating low-cal can help you shed weight off your pancreas and get things in working order again.

Next, take up walking, especially after meals. This is vital since research has shown that getting in enough steps each day can slash your diabetes risk by 44 percent.

Finally, make sure you’re getting enough manganese in your diet. It’s a trace mineral that is heavily concentrated in the pancreas and is involved in the production of insulin.

Sources:

Type 2 diabetes — CDC

Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis by Age 30 Can Reduce Life Expectancy by 14 Years, Study Finds — Integrative Practitioner

The post 3 ways diabetes shortens lifespan up to 14 years appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If so, you probably already know that while the syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, it’s not really a disease.

Not so scary then, right?

Wrong!

In fact, according to Swedish researchers, metabolic syndrome could have you on the fast track to a heart attack.

And the only way to know the danger you’re headed is to count your warning signs…

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Feeling fine is no protection

 “Many people in their 40s and 50s have a bit of fat around the middle and marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose but feel generally well, are unaware of the risks and do not seek medical advice,” said study author Dr. Lena Lönnberg .

“This scenario, called metabolic syndrome, is a growing problem in Western populations where people are unknowingly storing up problems for later in life. This is a huge missed opportunity to intervene before heart attacks and strokes that could have been avoided occur.”

So the researchers set out to quantify the link between completely asymptomatic metabolic syndrome in midlife and heart disease and death up to three decades later.

All in all, the team followed over 34,000 people in their 40s and 50s at the time the study began. Every person went through the usual suspects of weighing, measuring, blood pressure and blood work, as well as questionnaires regarding lifestyle factors and disease history.

The researchers then classified who had metabolic syndrome based on whether or not they had three or more of the following signs:

1. Waist circumference of 40.2 inches or above for men and 34.6 inches or above for women
2. Total cholesterol 6.1 mmol/l or above
3.  130 mmHg or higher systolic blood pressure and/or 85 mm Hg or higher diastolic blood pressure
4. Fasting plasma glucose 5.6 mmol/l or higher

Then they matched each person living with metabolic syndrome with a healthy control subject to see who fared better over the next few decades.

And the results were clear…

Living with metabolic syndrome presents a real and present danger to your life, even if you feel perfectly healthy.

Heart attack, stroke and earlier death

The results showed that compared to the control group, people with asymptomatic metabolic syndrome:

• Had a 30 percent higher risk of death during the average 27-year follow-up period;
• Had a 35 percent increased chance of heart attack and stroke;
• And suffered heart attacks an average of 2.3 years earlier.

According to the researchers, blood pressure was the riskiest component, especially for women in their 40s.

When asked what advice she would give based on this research, Dr. Lönnberg concluded: “The results underline the importance of early detection of risk factors through health screening programs so that preventive actions can be taken to prevent heart attack, stroke and premature death. As a general rule of thumb, even if you feel well, check your blood pressure every year, avoid smoking, keep an eye on your waist circumference and last, but definitely not least, be physically active every day.” 

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Beating back metabolic syndrome

In addition to Dr. Lönnberg’s recommendations, studies have given us a few more promising ways to defeat metabolic syndrome.

These include:

• Switching up your sweetener – Stevia not only helps you avoid the dangers of sugar, but it has pharmacological and therapeutic activity that makes it an excellent natural alternative for treating disorders associated with metabolic syndrome.
• Time-restricted eating – Intermittent fasting, such as eating only in a 10-hour window, has been shown to reverse metabolic syndrome in mice.
• Eating blueberries –Research at the University of East Anglia shows that eating a cup of blueberries per day can help you master your metabolic syndrome and significantly reduce your heart disease risk.
• Taming with tea – Hibiscus tea is known to improve several biomarkers of metabolic syndrome and can be a tasty way to improve your health daily.
• Avoid a vitamin D deficiency – Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Sichuan University in China found that vitamin D deficiency sets off a chain reaction that leads to metabolic syndrome in mice. And they think it probably occurs in people too. Here’s what happens…

Sources:

Cluster of slightly unhealthy traits linked with earlier heart attack and stroke – EurekAlert!

The post 3+ signs you’re headed for an early heart attack appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Many people say the crushing, constricting pain of a heart attack is like an elephant sitting on their chest. Sometimes that pain spreads through the arm and up to the jaw.

Once the heart attack has been treated, the pain generally subsides. But what if pain lingers long after the heart attack has passed?

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Coenzyme Q10 is essential for good health. Our cells use it to produce energy the body needs for basic functions, including cell growth and maintenance. The problem is, you can start seeing declines in your CoQ10 levels as early as your 20s plus… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Don’t ignore post-heart attack pain

Unfortunately, some heart attack sufferers often report feeling moderate to extreme pain about a year after their heart attack. Even though this pain is commonly due to other health conditions and is usually not related to heart disease, it could be cause for serious concern…

“Pain causes significant loss of function and may lead to disability, all of which contribute to major, global public health issues,” says Dr. Linda Vixner, a professor at Dalarna University in Falun, Sweden.

“Research indicates that pain is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease and overall death; however, the impact of pain on death after a heart attack has not yet been examined in large studies,” Vixner adds.

To rectify that, Vixner and a team of researchers analyzed health data from more than 18,300 adults with an average age of 62 who had a heart attack, from the Swedish quality registry called SWEDEHEART. The data was obtained from a two-month follow-up visit and a participant questionnaire completed one year after their heart attack.

Researchers assessed the data to determine whether the participants had no pain, moderate pain or extreme pain. And their findings were alarming:

• Almost 45 percent of the participants reported moderate or extreme pain one year after their heart attack.
• An estimated 65 percent of participants experiencing pain at their two-month follow-up were still experiencing pain a year after their heart attack.
• During the study period of 8.5 years, heart attack survivors with moderate pain were 35 percent more likely than those with no pain to die from any cause.
• Heart attack survivors who reported extreme pain were more than twice as likely to die during the study period than those who had no pain.
• The ability of pain one year after heart attack to predict death risk was found to be more pronounced than that of smoking.

The survey didn’t specifically ask about the duration of pain experienced by the participants. But since a majority reported having pain both two months and one year after their heart attack, this indicates the pain lasted a long time.

Peak Longevity Platinum^™

Promotes Cellular Energy, Supports Heart & Brain Functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Communicate pain to your doctor

Vixner, an author of the study, says the results show it’s important for doctors to assess and recognize pain after a heart attack as an important risk factor of future death.

Many people don’t tell their doctor they’ve been experiencing pain after a heart attack, particularly if the pain seems unrelated to their heart. But in this case, any pain can be a sign more needs to be done for the patient to ensure their long-term survival.

If you have had a heart attack and are still experiencing pain long after the attack has been treated, you should tell your doctor immediately. And that includes all pain, not just chest pain.

Vixner notes it’s especially important for patients with pain after heart attack to reduce heart risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. If you’re not already taking steps to mitigate these issues, it’s a good idea to start now.

My colleague Joyce Hollman has some great tips for quitting smoking. And Dr. Adria Schmedthorst suggests adopting this healthy post-heart attack diet.

Sources:

Experiencing pain after a heart attack may predict long-term survival — American Heart Association

High Self‐Reported Levels of Pain 1 Year After a Myocardial Infarction Are Related to Long‐Term All‐Cause Mortality: A SWEDEHEART Study Including 18 376 Patients — Journal of the American Heart Association

The post The post-heart attack symptom you should never ignore appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, which is why doctors pay such close attention to warning signs like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

But it looks like there’s another important level they should be paying a lot more attention to…

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The heart-supporting vitamin

Vitamin D has been consistently linked with heart protection. In fact, it has been found in previous laboratory research to support cardiovascular health by:

• Stimulating nitric oxide (NO), which helps regulate blood flow and prevents clots in the cardiovascular system
• Reducing oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system
• Repairing the cardiovascular damage caused by many diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes
• Reducing the risk of a heart attack

And observational studies have consistently indicated a link between low vitamin D levels and cardiovascular risk. But so far, randomized controlled clinical trials have found inconclusive evidence that vitamin D supplements impact cardiovascular events like heart attacks.

But a team of researchers in Australia believes they know why…

They theorized the lack of evidence could be due to differences in trial designs. So, they decided to investigate what would happen when supplementing older adults with monthly doses of vitamin D — in a health trial considered to be the largest of its kind to date…

Their “D-Health Trial” took place from 2014 to 2020. It involved 21,315 Australians ages 60 to 84 who randomly received a monthly capsule of either 60,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D or placebo. The capsule was taken at the beginning of each month for up to 5 years.

The study excluded people with a history of high calcium levels, overactive thyroid, kidney stones, soft bones, sarcoidosis or an inflammatory disease. It also excluded anyone already taking more than 500 IU per day of vitamin D.

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Helps flush harmful toxins from your body that interfere with vital functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The researchers then used data on hospital admissions to identify major cardiovascular events that occurred during the trial. These events included heart attacks, strokes and coronary revascularization, a treatment to restore normal blood flow to the heart.

This is what the researchers found:

• The rate of major cardiovascular events was 9 percent lower among those taking the monthly vitamin D supplement compared with the placebo group.
• The heart attack rate was 19 percent lower in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group.
• The rate of coronary revascularization was 11 percent lower.
• There was no difference in stroke rate between the two groups.

In short, the results say it all!

The researchers emphasize this was a large trial with extremely high retention and adherence. As such, they say, any conclusions that vitamin D supplementation doesn’t affect CVD risk “are premature.”

They also noted that this protective effect could be stronger in those taking statins or other cardiovascular drugs at the start of the trial — but further investigation is needed to clarify this issue, and that the findings may not apply to other populations, particularly those with a higher number of people deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin D “101”

One interesting factor in the Australian study is the amount of vitamin D given to participants. A dose of 60,000 IU may seem gigantic, especially when compared to the recommended daily allowance (between 600 IU and 800 IU depending on age), which is the minimum recommendation for bone health.

But it’s important to remember the study participants received that high dosage just once a month — not daily — under the guidance of medical personnel. Unless administered by a doctor, it’s not advisable to take 60,000 IU.

More and more doctors are directing their patients to OTC vitamin D supplements that are available in dosages ranging from 400 to 10,000 IU, depending on their levels. And many health experts recommend a therapeutic daily dosage of 5,000 IU daily, which has been shown safe for adults.

When choosing a vitamin D supplement, pick one containing vitamin D3. It’s almost twice as effective as vitamin D2 at raising vitamin D levels. This is probably because vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D that’s already stored in the body.

And if you follow this commonsense rule about supplementing vitamins, you get all the benefits without any of the worries.

Sources:

Vitamin D Supplements May Reduce Risk of Heart Attacks and Major Cardiovascular Events — SciTechDaily

Vitamin D supplementation and major cardiovascular events: D-Health randomised controlled trial — The BMJ

Vitamin D — National Institutes of Health

The post Largest trial to date finds vitamin D reduces heart attacks appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Maybe some of us think of them as a fresh start to a new week.

But when that alarm goes off early Monday morning, it signals the end of a care-free attitude and hello to whatever business is at hand — whether that’s at the office or at home.

Part and parcel to that is a higher level of stress. And that may be just one of the reasons why researchers believe Mondays are the most dangerous day of the week for your heart.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Monday is the most common day for STEMI

Past studies have shown that Monday is the day people are most likely to suffer from stroke and heart attack. Now, new research confirms this link in the deadliest type of heart attack.

Investigators analyzed 10,528 patients in Ireland and Northern Ireland who were admitted to a hospital between 2013 and 2018 with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This type of severe heart attack occurs when one of the major coronary arteries is fully blocked.

With STEMI, an emergency procedure is usually required to reopen the blocked artery. Quick treatment is a must to increase survival odds.

Here’s what the study data showed:

• There was a 13 percent greater risk of a STEMI-type heart attack on a Monday compared with the average of the other days.
• Sunday admissions were also above average, while Thursday had the lowest admissions — though the differences in both these cases were too small to be statistically significant.

“We’ve found a strong statistical correlation between the start of the working week and the incidence of STEMI,” says cardiologist Jack Laffan from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. “This has been described before but remains a curiosity.”

Your body’s clock may play a role

The study didn’t look into what might be causing this Monday STEMI spike, but there are a few theories.

One is that the added stress of going back to work after the weekend may be a trigger. This theory was floated in a 2017 study showing a greater incidence of heart attacks on Mondays.

However, Laffan says the cause is likely a combination of a few factors, with one being circadian in nature. For example, blood pressure — a crucial factor in heart attack risk — follows a circadian rhythm. And disruptions to the sleep-wake circadian cycle can affect cardiovascular function.

Given that we may not follow the same sleep schedule on weekends as we do during the week, we’re more likely to short ourselves on sleep from Sunday night into Monday, thus disrupting our circadian rhythm.

Peak Prostate Support^™

Men are less attentive to their health than they should be. Here are signs to be aware of:
    • Uncomfortable urgency
    • Weak urine stream
    • Burning sensation in your groin
    • MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Relieving Monday’s pressures

While it’s important to take care of our heart health every day, the researchers say it’s worth remembering the extra pressures Mondays may put on your body.

The first thing we can do is keep to our regular sleep schedule on the weekends. It might feel good to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday, but the disruption it can cause to our sleep-wake cycle and our heart health isn’t worth it in the long run.

As for alleviating “Monday stress,” there are a few practices and supplements you can try:

• Journaling: Spend a few minutes writing out your anxieties about the week ahead, then come up with some actions you can take during the week to address them. Doing this will help put your fears in perspective.
• Meditation: Even a quick 5-minute meditation break is a great way to give yourself a mental break from your worried thoughts. Regular meditation has a host of health benefits — it can even support your cardiovascular health!
• Exercise: Getting some exercise first thing Monday morning can help clear your mind and elevate your mood. Studies show exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. And of course, it’s great for your heart.
• Do something fun: Even scheduling something as simple as a quick walk or a coffee break with a friend can help give you a reason to look forward to Monday instead of dreading it.

Following a good diet is especially important for a healthy heart and mind. If your’s isn’t optimal, follow my colleague Virginia Tims-Lawson’s advice and try adding these supplements to your daily routine:

• The B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folate have appeared in studies to be protective against heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. Plus, B12 gives some protection against stress.
• Vitamin K2, grape seed extract, and pterostilbene are all nutrients that promote healthy, pliable arteries.
• Calcium Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent, meaning it helps remove substances. Research has also shown that chelation therapy can help remove the kind of rogue calcium that makes its way to your arteries where it sticks to form plaque.

Sources:

Scientists Confirm The Worst Day of The Week For Severe Heart Attacks — ScienceAlert

68 Blue monday – association between incidence of STEMI and day of the week — Heart

If You’re Going To Have A Stroke Or STEMI, Here’s When It Might Happen! — Pulsara

Monday Blues: Is It a Real Thing? — PsychCentral

The post Why severe heart attacks occur most often on Mondays appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

For example, you’ve probably heard that getting in at least 10,000 steps a day can help with everything from slashing your risk of diabetes to adding years to your life.

Yet, for many of us, getting in 10,000 steps each and every day can seem like an impossible challenge.

Luckily, according to research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, it may take far fewer steps than we’ve been led to believe — at least when it comes to warding off cardiovascular problems, like heart attack and stroke, to live longer better…

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Fewer steps + small increases = big benefits

To come to their conclusion, the researchers analyzed the results of eight separate studies involving more than 20,000 people from the U.S. and 42 other countries, finding that it takes as little as 6,000 steps a day to save your heart.

In fact, the researchers determined that older adults who walked between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day had a 40-50 percent reduced risk of a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, compared to those who walked 2,000 steps per day.

“We found for adults over 60, there was a strikingly lower risk of a cardiovascular event or disease over an average follow-up of six years,” said lead researcher, Amanda Paluch. “When accumulating more steps per day, there was a progressively lower risk.”

This backs up earlier research in which Paluch and her colleagues found that waling between 6,000 and 8,000 steps per day was enough to lower the risk of death from all causes among older adults.

The overall message?

“People who are the least active have the most to gain,” says Paluch. “For those who are at 2,000 or 3,000 steps a day, doing a little bit more can mean a lot for their heart health. If you’re at 6,000 steps, getting to 7,000 and then to 8,000 also is beneficial, it’s just a smaller, incremental improvement.”

In other words, if you want to keep your ticker ticking, just get in a little bit more activity than you’re current level. Over time, you can work your way up to grab even more benefits.

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Does walking speed matter?

And there’s more…

The researchers also took a look at whether walking speed played a role in the heart health benefits achieved in the study.

And they say that intensity wasn’t a factor. Simply walking was enough.

There was no additional benefit with faster walking, beyond the total number of steps accumulated.

However, you might want to take this one with a grain of salt. At least one past study found that a faster pace showed beneficial associations for dementia, heart disease, cancer and death over and above total daily steps, and another linked slow walking to accelerated aging.

But whatever your speed, the message is clear. It’s time to step it up a bit for the health of your heart.

Sources:

Heart health tip for older adults in 2023: Step it up a bit – ScienceDaily

The post The secret to reducing stroke and heart attack with fewer steps appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Major metro areas, such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., are experiencing very unhealthy air quality advisories — while some of the smoke has drifted as far south as Georgia, but only affecting the Metro Atlanta Air Quality to a “moderate” degree.

Depending on where you live, you may be wondering how the poor air quality may affect you.

First of all, it’s important to understand the risks from air pollution, especially exposure to what’s known as fine particulate air matter, which includes pollution carried on the wind and can include dust and soil, both capable of containing various types of toxins.

However, it’s even more concerning when it relates to smoke from wildfires. The reason?

It’s been found to be among the most toxic to people compared to fine particle air matter exposure from other sources.

Peak Organic Fermented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Fine particulate air matter affects the cardiovascular system

There are different types of air pollution and they are categorized often by size. They are made up of particulates — atmospheric aerosol particles or particulate matter.

Sources of these particulates can be natural or man-made chemicals (in cases of fires, you often get a little of both). PM2.5 is so fine you never even know you’re inhaling it.

In previous research on non-smoking healthy individuals, researchers exposed them to concentrated ambient particulate matter for two hours. The result was a decrease in heart rate variability, along with increased lymphocyte and white blood cell levels.

Increases in white blood cell and lymphocyte levels are signs of increased inflammation in the body, which means the immune system is rapidly activated to fight the incoming stimulus. Decreased heart rate variability is a sign of autonomic nervous system dysfunction — the part of the nervous system that controls the cardiovascular system.

Quite surprisingly, these inhaled particles have acute effects on the cardiovascular system that could lead to a pollution-triggered heart attack.

According to a Journal of the American Heart Association Report, researchers examined cardiac arrests during 14 wildfire-affected counties in California between 2015 and 2017. They found that out-of-hospital cardiac arrests:

• increased on days rated as heavy smoke density and for several days afterward, with the highest risk (70% higher than on days with no smoke) on the second day after smoke exposure;
• increased among both men and women and in people aged 35 and older exposed to heavy smoke; and
• increased in communities with lower socioeconomic status (20% or more people living below the poverty line) with both medium and heavy smoke exposure.

According to Ana G. Rappold, Ph.D., a research scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment in the Office of Research and Development, “Particulate matter from smoke that is inhaled can penetrate deeply into the lungs, and very small particles may cross into the bloodstream. These particles can create an inflammatory reaction in the lungs and throughout the body. The body’s defense system may react to activate the fight-or-flight system, increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure. These changes can lead to disturbances in the heart’s normal rhythm, blockages in blood vessels and other effects creating conditions that could lead to cardiac arrest.”

Protection from particulate air matter

In areas hardest hit by the air pollution from the Canadian wildfires, public health officials are warning older people and those with heart or breathing problems to stay inside — or at the least wear a mask if they must venture out. N95 masks are the most effective.

Even if you live in areas, not as heavily affected and have heart or issues like asthma or COPD, it would be wise to stay inside till of this literally blows over.

But you should know, wildfires or none, living near low levels of air pollution for a handful of years makes serious structural changes to your heart… even if you’re relatively young and healthy.

If you have access to an air purifier or can have someone deliver one to you, strongly consider it as an option. It’s also a good idea to install an indoor HEPA air filter in your HVAC return to minimize the particulates in the air of your home — or add houseplants that can improve your indoor air.

Now would also be a good time to consider supplementing B vitamins…

Research by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, individuals who were exposed to the same amount of pollution but were given B vitamin supplements for four weeks afterward, were able to almost completely reverse the pollution damage caused to their immune and cardiovascular systems.

In fact, B vitamin supplementation appeared to show incredible opposition…

• A 150 percent reduction in the particulate matter’s effects on heart rate
• A 139 percent reduced effect on white blood cell count
• And a 106 percent reduced effect on lymphocyte count

The post What are your health risks from the Canadian wildfires? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Once in the ER, I saw a doctor right away, and she immediately ordered a battery of tests that showed I had not had a heart attack — but I spent a few hours in the cardiac monitoring unit just to be sure.

I was impressed with the prompt and thorough care I received because I know it’s not often that way for women. In fact, as women, we’re more likely to be put off and even ignored when it comes to serious symptoms.

All too often doctors may brush off the problems we’re experiencing as anxiety or depression. This attitude is especially risky when it comes to heart attack.

Previous research has shown women face a 20 percent higher risk than men of developing heart failure or dying within five years after their first severe heart attack.

And a new study out of Europe paints an even grimmer picture….

Peak Thyroid Support^™

Specially Formulated with Essential Nutrients to Support Healthy Thyroid Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Heart attack is deadlier for women

The study compared short- and long-term outcomes after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in women and men and examined whether age at the time of heart attack made any difference in the comparison. STEMI is a less common, more serious form of heart attack.

The study included 884 patients admitted with STEMI and treated with stents within 48 hours of symptom onset. Women tended to be older than men, with an average age of 67 versus 60, and had higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and prior stroke. Men were more likely to be smokers and have coronary artery disease.

Previous research has shown that women with STEMI have a worse prognosis during their hospital stay than men. The studies found the difference may be due to the women’s older age, higher number of pre-existing conditions and less use of stents to open their blocked arteries.

In this study, the amount of time between symptoms and stent treatment didn’t differ between women and men overall. However, women aged 55 and below had a significantly longer treatment delay after arriving at the hospital than their male peers, averaging out at 95 minutes versus 80 minutes for men.

The risk of adverse outcomes between women and men was compared after adjusting for factors that could influence the relationship, like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke and family history of coronary artery disease.

And it was grim:

• When looking at outcomes at 30 days, 11.8 percent of women had died compared to 4.6 percent of men.
• At five years, 32.1 percent of women had died versus 16.9 percent of men.
• Within five years, 34.2 percent of women experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) compared with 19.8 percent of men.

All told, the women in the study were more than twice as likely to die after a heart attack than the men.

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Coenzyme Q10 is essential for good health. Our cells use it to produce energy the body needs for basic functions, including cell growth and maintenance. The problem is, you can start seeing declines in your CoQ10 levels as early as your 20s plus… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

“Women of all ages who experience a myocardial infarction are at particularly high risk of a poor prognosis,” says study author Dr. Mariana Martinho of Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal. “These women need regular monitoring after their heart event, with strict control of blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes, and referral to cardiac rehabilitation.”

Martinho adds that the rising levels of smoking in young women need to be addressed, “along with promoting physical activity and healthy living.”

Know your symptoms

While the researchers did not examine the reasons for these differences, they say genetic predisposition and atypical symptoms of heart attack in women may play a role.

Some of these atypical heart attack symptoms in women include:

• Discomfort in your neck, back, arms or jaw
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Breaking out in a cold sweat

“The findings are another reminder of the need for greater awareness of the risks of heart disease in women,” Martinho says. “More research is required to understand why there is gender disparity in prognosis after myocardial infarction so that steps can be taken to close the gap in outcomes.”

If you’re a woman and experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, call 911. Be clear and specific when you describe your symptoms to medical personnel and don’t let them brush you off. It also helps if you can bring someone with you to give you support in advocating for care.

Sources:

Women more likely to die after heart attack than men — EurekAlert!

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women — American Heart Association

The post For women, heart attack can be doubly deadly appeared first on Easy Health Options®.