How to prevent and treat heart disease naturally

In heart disease are included many issues such as heart valve problems, heart failure, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), congenital heart disease, and coronary artery disease. The causes and symptoms of this condition can vary which depends on the type of heart disease.  The most common symptoms are fainting, fatigue, lightheadedness, slow or racing heartbeat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The risk factors which are increasing the risk of developing and worsening of heart disease are next: family history of heart disease, aging, a sedentary lifestyle, drug abuse, stress, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart defects. When you suffer from some kind of heart disease, then it is very important to talk with your doctor about the proper treatment and diagnosis [1,2]. Also, you can use some of the mentioned home remedies and make healthy lifestyle changes to improve the health of your heart. Some of the mentioned home remedies may interfere with some prescription drugs or they are not suitable for some cases. You need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the mentioned home remedies.

10 Prevent heart disease naturally

Cayenne pepper

This natural cure has a component which is known as capsaicin, and it is very beneficial for treating circulatory problems and heart problems. Also, it can lower cholesterol levels, and it can reduce the risk of irregular heart rhythms [3]. This spice has phytochemicals which purify your blood and enhance the immunity. In a cup of hot water you should add ½ to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You should stir it well and then drink this home remedy. You should repeat this natural treatment 2 or 3 times per day in a period of few weeks. Also, you can follow this home remedy with one cup of hibiscus tea to heal the burning sensation, and this can promote heart health. Also, there is another option, and that is to take cayenne supplements. You need to talk with your doctor if they are suitability for your case and about the recommended amount.

Turmeric

There are some studies in which is said that this natural cure can help in the prevention of atherosclerosis [4]. Curcumin is an active ingredient in this natural cure which can help to maintain heart health by reducing clot formation, plaque buildup, and cholesterol oxidation. Also, it can help to lower the low–density lipoprotein, and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is a potent antioxidant, and it can neutralize free radicals which can contribute to aging and several chronic diseases. You should use turmeric regularly in your cooking. Also, you can boil one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk or water. You should drink this natural cure once or twice per day in a period of several weeks to a few months. Also, there is another option, and that is to take turmeric in supplement form. The general dosage is 400 – 600 mg of standardized curcumin powder supplements, 3 times per day. You should talk with your doctor about the proper dosage and suitability for your heart disease. [5]

Chinese hibiscus

There was one study in Taiwan in which is found that an extract of hibiscus had anti-atherosclerosis activity. In this study was said that Chinese hibiscus has antioxidant compounds which can help to prevent the oxidation of LDL (low–density lipoprotein) which is also known as bad cholesterol. The bad cholesterol can contribute to heart disease and atherosclerosis. Also, it is believed that an infusion prepared from this herb can regulate high blood pressure. You should boil 2 petals of the Chinese hibiscus flower in one cup of water. You should strain it, and then you should add one teaspoon of raw honey in it. You should drink this natural cure once per day in a period of a few weeks.

Arjuna

One of the most important Ayurvedic herbs for treating heart conditions is the Terminalia Arjuna. This natural cure is considered a cardiac restorative and natural cardio–tonic. It can strengthen the cardiac muscle, lower blood pressure and reduce arterial congestion. There was one study which was done at Kasturba Medical College in India in which is shown that this herb can reduce angina attacks by 30% [6]. Also, the prolonged use of this herb did not have any side effects. You should add ½ teaspoon of Arjuna tree bark powder and a small amount of honey in a glass of warm water. You should drink this natural cure 3 times per day in a period of a few months. Also, you can take this herb in supplement form in doses of 500 mg every eight hours daily. You should continue using this natural cure for 3 months.

Hawthorn

In western herbalism, this natural cure is well known for treating heart conditions because it is excellent for your cardiovascular system [7]. It can help to increase the blood flow to your heart, and also it improves cardiac muscle contractions which can also lead to stronger pumping action. Also, it can help to increase cardiac performance and output, and it reduces the workload of your heart. Also, it has antiarrhythmic effects which can help steady the heartbeat. You can take this natural cure in supplement form by way of an extract standardized to contain two to three percent flavonoids. The general dosage is 300 – 600 mg, 3 times per day. You should follow this natural treatment for several weeks in a period of a few months. This herb is safe for usage, but you need to talk with your doctor before you take it or other herbal remedies.

Garlic

There are many studies in which is found that garlic is beneficial for conditions such as coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Also, it can slow the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of your arteries. This natural cure improves circulation, and it has antithrombotic and antiplatelet aggregatory effects [8]. You should eat one or two freshly crushed garlic cloves every day. If you think that it tastes too strong, then you should drink a glass of milk after you have eaten the garlic. Also, you can take garlic supplements. The general recommendation is 600 – 1200 mg of garlic extract which should be divided into 3 equal doses per day. Garlic has blood–thinning properties which means it can interfere with certain medications. Talk with your doctor before you add garlic in your diet.

Green tea

This home remedy has powerful antioxidants which can improve the health of cells which form the innermost lining of the heart and blood vessels. It can reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Also, it can boost metabolism, and it can help control blood sugar. There was study done in 2008 in Japan in which that drinking more than 5 cups of green tea per day can lower the risk of death from strokes and heart attacks by 26% [9]. You should drink 3 – 4 cups of green tea per day. It is preferred to drink caffeine–free green tea. Also, you can take 100 – 750 mg of standardized green tea extract per day.

Fenugreek

This natural cure has cardioprotective and antioxidant properties. It can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis because it has strong modulating effect on blood lipid levels. Also, it can reduce the platelet aggregation [10]. It is decreasing your risk of abnormal blood clotting which is associated with strokes and heart attacks. Also, it can lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and fat. You should soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The next morning, you should eat the soaked seeds on an empty stomach. You should do this natural treatment on a daily basis in a period of few months.

Exercise

Regular exercise and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help you to prevent and manage heart disease. Aerobic exercises such as cardio exercises, aerobics, jumping rope, bicycling, jogging, and walking are particularly beneficial for strengthening your heart and cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation.

Alfalfa

This natural cure can help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases because it can reduce cholesterol levels and plaque buildup. There was one study which was published in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in which is said that this natural cure has the potential to limit the progression and development of atherosclerosis. You should drink alfalfa tea or extract the juice from its leaves a few times per day in a period of a few months. Also, you can take supplements prepared from alfalfa leaves. You should seek your doctor’s advice before you take this herb for proper dosage.

References:

[1] O’Donnell CJ, Elosua R. Cardiovascular risk factors: Insights from Framingham Heart Study. Revista Española de Cardiología. 2008;61(3):225-341.

[2] Havranek EP, Mujahid MS, Barr DA, et al. Social determinants of risk and outcomes for cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2015;132(9):873-98.

[3] McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health. Open Heart. 2015;2(1):e000262.

[4] Gupta SC, Patchva S, Aggarwal BB. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: Lessons learned from clinical trials. The AAPS Journal. 2013;15(1):195-218.

[5] Vyas K. The cure is in the roots: Turmeric. Journal of Nutrition Disorders & Therapy. 2015;5(3).

[6] Collins D. Herbal treatment for heart disease more effective than prescriptions. Healthier Talk. 2011. Retrieved from https://healthiertalk.com/herbal-treatment-heart-disease-more-effective-prescriptions-4282/.

[7] Tassell MC, Kingston R, Gilroy D, et al. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacognosy Review. 2010;4(7):32-41.

[8] Rahman K, Lowe GM. Garlic and cardiovascular disease: A critical review. The Journal of Nutrition. 2006;136(3):736S-740S.

[9] Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-65.

[10] Ranade M, Mudgalkar N. A simple dietary addition of fenugreek seed leads to the reduction in blood glucose levels: A parallel group, randomized single-blind trial. Ayu: An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda. 2017;38(1-2):24-27.