Chronic inflammation can settle anywhere in the body – including your heart and cardiovascular system. During the pandemic, there has been an ever-growing link between COVID and cardiovascular disease. Pre-existing heart conditions such as damaged muscle in the heart or blockages in arteries threatens the body’s ability to survive the virus. A compromised heart is susceptible to lower blood oxygen levels, blood pressure dysfunction and blood clotting disorders. The best defense against viral infection is a healthy body. It’s important now more than ever to support heart health naturally and reverse inflammation in its tracks.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I assess labwork based on optimal ranges, not normal ranges. This plays a major role in feeling your best. There is a cardiac marker that I have been following since before COVID and the clinical findings during the pandemic are quite astounding. The marker is hs-CRP which stands for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. It measures the risk for a cardiovascular event for an individual even if they have no history of cardiovascular issues nor current symptoms.
By assessing hs-CRP, I provide preventative care so that a cardiac event may be avoided. Prior to the pandemic, this value was typically in optimal range for most of my patients which indicates low risk for a cardiovascular event. However, since the pandemic, hs-CRP values have been elevated. I have also connected a trend with the value of the marker decreasing as the chronic COVID antibodies (IgG) decrease. My patients feel better as these two lab values go down with the aid of Naturopathic Medicine.
There are many natural ways to decrease full body inflammation, support heart health and reverse long COVID symptoms. Naturopathic Care is always specific to the individual, so make sure to get your own health properly evaluated. Nutrition, lifestyle habits to decrease stress and quality supplementation are very effective at helping someone achieve wellness and get their life back. Minerals and vitamins that may contribute to heart health include magnesium, taurine, and ubiquinol to name a few. Vitamin D & K are best absorbed when taken together. Supplements can also decrease bad cholesterol such as, red yeast rice or plant sterols. Make sure your doctor is correctly evaluating your cholesterol panel as not all cholesterol needs to be lowered. Remember – cholesterol is brain food. High blood pressure can also be lowered with herbs, stress relief, exercise specific to your blood type and daily breathing techniques. Eat plant-based foods rich in omega 3s such as ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, winter squash and beans. Foods rich in antioxidants are a superb way to fight inflammation – think bright colors – beets, kale, and brussel sprouts. Plus, avoid inflammatory foods such as red meat and dairy which are a quick ticket to heart attack city.
Take your heart health into your own hands today. Ask your doctor to run inflammatory markers, especially hs-CRP. Make sure your labwork falls into optimal ranges. Choose habits to benefit your mind and body. Eat foods rich in fiber and nutrients – and you should be on the path to wellness!
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