Consuming supplements is not reserved only for bodybuilders who need more vitamins or for sick people who have a certain deficiency. Even perfectly healthy people can get some sort of benefits from supplements, especially for their long-term health.
This is even more true for taking care of your heart. Heart health supplements are quite common, and they can have tremendous effects on your short and long-term health. Here, we will discuss why these supplements are so critical and why everyone should take these supplements to ensure their heart remains in good condition.
How Supplements Affect Your Health
The effects of supplements on health can vary depending on the type of supplement, the dosage, and the individual's overall health status. Some supplements can provide health benefits when taken in appropriate doses and in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle. In fact, there is a misconception that supplements offer an alternative to regular food consumption when nothing could be further from the truth.
Supplements supply your body with nutrients, vitamins, and other minerals. They do not provide better sleep or bodily functions on their own but have the necessary ingredients to help you get to that point more easily and conveniently.
That does not mean more supplements can exponentially increase their effects. Just like with everything else, any kind of excess can be bad for you, and in supplements, it is even more so. While doctors can recommend certain supplements, they will only recommend certain doses that are safe for consumption. Supplements can negatively affect health when taken in excessive amounts or when used as a permanent replacement for a balanced diet.
They Provide Nutrients for an Alternative Lifestyle
Certain supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, are necessary for the body to function properly. In some cases, people may not get enough of these nutrients through their diet alone and may benefit from supplements to meet their daily requirements. For example, people who follow a vegan diet may need to supplement with vitamin B12 since it is primarily found in animal-based foods. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be considered in moderation or on a temporary basis.
Supplements Require Only Moderate Consumption
As mentioned, some supplements can be harmful when taken in excessive amounts or in combination with certain medications. For example, high doses of vitamin A can be toxic and may cause liver damage, while excessive iron supplements can lead to iron overload, which can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.
Supplements aren’t regulated, at least not by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it is always best to research and contact your doctor before taking any supplement regimen.
What to Avoid for Heart Health
When talking about taking precautions, here is one very important nutrient to avoid if you have heart conditions: Choline.
It is a nutrient plentiful in meat, eggs, and even milk, but the one thing you should do in your regular diet is switch to a largely plant-based diet. It is not to say you cannot eat meat, but red meat consumption often has been found to be common among people with chronic heart conditions.
Of course, this is only if the diet consists of excess choline in the first place, so eating meats and drinking milk is not strictly prohibited so that you can enjoy those occasional stakes and cakes without a problem. However, too much of it can lead to problems, which is important to know because those problems might not arise until many years later.
What Supplements are Beneficial to the Heart?
The heart is the most crucial organ of our body, so naturally, we want to keep it as healthy as possible. For that, several supplements provide benefits to the heart, such as:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are a type of healthy fat found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They have been shown to help lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease. Diabetes and other causes of it can increase the risk of heart conditions as well, and Omega-3 acids are essential in weight loss and muscle build-up, making this the perfect vitamins for heart health.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Co Q10 is a nutrient that helps the body produce energy and is an antioxidant. It may help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart function. Taking supplements of this particular nutrient can often be recommended because the primary source of the nutrient is organ meats. As mentioned above, excessive meat consumption can lead to heart disease, so taking supplements and avoiding the choline that comes with regular meat is best.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in muscle and nerve function, including the heart muscle. Magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Taking magnesium supplements may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
However, one should consult a doctor beforehand as too much magnesium can be an issue for bone density. Patients with kidney disease should also refrain from excessive consumption of its supplement.
- Garlic
Garlic is a natural food shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Garlic can be eaten with regular foods, but if you want to avoid taking risky nutrients and substances, taking regular garlic can be a viable method as well.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for bone health and may also play a role in heart health. Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of heart disease, and supplementing with vitamin D may help improve heart health.
Conclusion
Keeping your heart health up through supplements can be beneficial if you don’t have the proper food items available or simply for temporary convenience. However, it's important to note that while these supplements may offer benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Here we have pointed out what to take and what to avoid, especially to keep your heart going healthy for longer.
