Nutrition and Weight Loss Ideas

Are you doing okay with taking care of your heart? If you have a moderate or high risk of heart disease — for instance, if you have high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease along with an LDL (the “bad cholesterol”) above 130 mg/dL, lifestyle modifications may not be enough to ensure cardiac health.

Of course, a good nutrition and weight loss program is always important for everyone, however, if you are one of those people at risk for heart disease, your doctor may also recommend medication to lower your risk.

Here’s a look at some commonly prescribed medications and supplements that reduce your risk of heart disease:

* Statin drugs: In the late 1980s, the class of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as the statins (medications such as Mevacor, Pravachol, Lescol, Zocor, and Lipitor) became available. Statins cut LDL cholesterol quite easily and dramatically with few side effects. Many clinical trials have shown that statins may help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

* Aspirin: Taking a low-dose aspirin every day thins the blood slightly and helps prevent heart attack and strokes in those at risk. Despite the fact that aspirin is sold over-the-counter and is inexpensive, some people forget that aspirin can be an important part of a heart-healthy regimen. Again. always check with your doctor first. Aspirin may not be the best solution with certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy, bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, and liver and kidney disease. Consult with your doctor about whether the benefits of daily aspirin therapy outweigh the risks.

* Fish-oil supplement: Eating fish such as salmon and sardines will give you some of the beneficial omega-3 oils, your doctor may also suggest fish-oil supplements in capsule form daily. They lower triglycerides and make the blood cells less sticky and, thus, less likely to clot and cause a heart attack or stroke. Omega 3s have also been found to prevent sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmia — the sudden, potentially fatal stoppage of the normal heartbeat.

* Nicotinic acid: This B vitamin, also known as niacin, is available both over-the-counter as a dietary supplement and in higher doses in prescription form. It is the most effective agent for increasing HDL, and it also lowers LDL as well as triglycerides. Nicotinic acid is associated with some bothersome side effects, particularly flushing of the face and dizziness, as well as some rare side effects.

* Testosterone gel: Studies indicate that men who have heart attacks are often found to have lower-than-normal testosterone levels. Diabetic men, too, tend to show low testosterone. Replacement of this hormone, when deficient, increases muscle and bone mass and decreases central obesity.

And a look at what doesn’t lower your risk:

* Vitamin E: For years there’s been talk about how vitamin E, an antioxidant, may help lower the risk of heart disease and prevent heart attacks. Recently, though, multiple studies have failed to support these hopes with science. It’s still a smart move to boost your body’s supply of vitamin E and other antioxidants by eating whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which are rich sources of these nutrients.

Even when medications are deemed necessary, the best approach to heart health combines drug therapy with a good nutrition and weight loss program. Your doctor will help you determine which medications and supplements are right for you.

Have a great and healthy day. I’ll be back soon with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

Shanti,

Ron
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