Heart Health

You can boost heart health naturally by making some simple lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, like walking or cycling, helps strengthen your heart. Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats is also important. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques and getting enough sleep - about 7 to 9 hours each night - can make a big difference. Quitting smoking and staying away from secondhand smoke lowers your risk of heart disease. Finally, including foods like dark leafy greens, berries and garlic in your diet can help keep your heart healthy.

To support a healthy heart, several supplements can be beneficial. Fibre is essential, as it helps lower cholesterol absorption, while sterols and stanols, which are found in nuts and grains, can also help reduce cholesterol levels. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another noteworthy supplement, as it may aid in lowering blood pressure and support those taking statins by replenishing depleted levels in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can improve blood pressure and reduce unhealthy triglycerides. Other supplements like flaxseed oil, folic acid and magnesium have also shown promise in promoting heart health.

If you have heart palpitations, it's wise to avoid certain supplements. Bitter orange and ephedra can stimulate the heart and worsen symptoms, while ginseng may also trigger palpitations. Hawthorn, typically used for heart health, could have adverse effects on existing heart conditions. Valerian, usually for sleep and anxiety, might lead to irregular heartbeats, while creatine may provoke irregular heart rhythms.