Know Your Heart
Better Nutrition|November 2020
The heart is a complex muscle that pumps 60 or so beats per minute for 1,440 minutes per day, 365 days per year. That math gives us an astounding look at the number of oxygen-delivering contractions our hearts will perform over a lifetime. Unfortunately, cardiovascular “disease” is still the leading cause of premature death in the U.S., just above cancers and respiratory illnesses.
By Emily A. Kane, ND, LAC
Know Your Heart

One of the most common determinants of early death from heart disease is uncontrolled high blood pressure, which can result from clogged arteries, or, less likely, an adrenaline-secreting tumor.

Is Your High Blood Pressure a Sign of Stress or Heart Disease?

Blood pressure often reads high at the doctor’s office, so get a cuff for home use to get an idea of your baseline. Sit quietly for 3–5 minutes thinking pleasant thoughts before measuring. And consider measuring 3 times, with a few minutes of rest between each attempt. Then write down the lowest set of numbers.

* Upper number: Systolic, the upper blood pressure number, bounces around because it measures the vasoconstricting (blood vessel narrowing) effect of adrenaline, aka, the “fight or flight” stress hormone.

Unfortunately, the body reads stress as stress, whether it’s a life-threatening predator or a bill in the mail. Your body responds to both stimuli in much the same way, which creates a big jolt of heart-jittering anxiety.

If your upper number is variable and always higher than 120 (age up to 55–60) or 140 (age 60 or more), then you likely have adrenaline-induced blood pressure spikes, and the best remedy is stress management. Try meditation, forest bathing, hot-tubbing, chilling with friends, or spending time alone. These soothing activities need to be scheduled so you take this commitment seriously—and with joy!

Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Better Nutrition.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Better Nutrition.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE BETTER NUTRITIONVer todo
Strike A Healing Chord
Better Nutrition

Strike A Healing Chord

Soothe your mind, body, and spirit with three simple sound therapy techniques for self-care.

time-read
7 minutos  |
January 2022
Laura's Gourmet Granola
Better Nutrition

Laura's Gourmet Granola

If you’re tired of granola that’s more candy than health food, chef and entrepreneur Laura Briscoe’s offerings are just what you’ve been looking for.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
News Bites
Better Nutrition

News Bites

Caffeine, Peanuts, CoQ10, and Iron Deficiency.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder
Better Nutrition

The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder

Keep your bile thin and free-flowing by focusing on supportive foods, supplements, and physical activity.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January 2022
Go Nutty This Year
Better Nutrition

Go Nutty This Year

This über-healthy alternative to traditional lattes features homemadewalnut “mylk,” along with antioxidant-rich green tea and berries.

time-read
5 minutos  |
January 2022
The Three Stages of Infection
Better Nutrition

The Three Stages of Infection

What you need before, during and after an illness, and why you need different fixes for each stage.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January 2022
Better Nutrition

Taming the Flames

How to beat back chronic inflammation and protect yourself from related disease.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January 2022
Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet
Better Nutrition

Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet

How being a part-time vegan can make you healthier.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
Brain Regain
Better Nutrition

Brain Regain

How one senior used a leptin-focused diet (high-fat, no carbs) to recover from a cognitive injury, reconnect with his family, and reclaim his health.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2022
Healthy Aging— Head To Toe
Better Nutrition

Healthy Aging— Head To Toe

Science-backed supplements to protect all your parts.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2021