Herbs, Vitamins, And Minerals For The Heart

The average heart muscle contracts and relaxes about 70 to 80 times per minute. That adds up to more than 2.5 billion beats over the course of a normal lifespan, according to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. A healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a nutritious diet, and avoidance of tobacco and other harmful substances, can help keep it going. Herbs, vitamins and minerals may also be beneficial. Consult a qualified health care practitioner for more information on their use.

Herbs for the Heart

Hawthorn and astragalus are two heart-healthy herbs discussed in biochemist Holly Phaneuf's book, "Herbs Demystified." Hawthorn, a shrub found throughout the temperate northern hemisphere, was described as a heart tonic in the 16th century by Renaissance physician Paracelsus. Its action is similar to those of antiarrhythmic drugs used to suppress abnormal heart rhythms. Astragalus is an adaptogen, an herb that helps defend the body from biological, environmental and psychological stressors. According to Phaneuf, scientific studies indicate that astragalus may lower blood pressure, improve heart function and reduce incidents of chest pain in heart patients. Because these herbs have potent effects, they should only be used under the direction of a qualified health care practitioner.

Vitamins for the Heart

According to Mayo Clinic cardiologist Martha Grogan, vitamins C, D and E may be helpful in boosting heart health. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin made in the human body upon exposure to the rays of the sun. It may play a role in the health of the blood vessels. The Linus Pauling Institute states that studies on vitamin D have yielded mixed results, but that it may be effective in lowering blood pressure.

Minerals for the Heart

In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch recommends calcium, magnesium and selenium for heart health. She states that calcium and magnesium are important players in maintaining normal heart rhythms and blood pressure, and recommends the citrate or chelate forms when these minerals are taken as supplements. Selenium deficiency may play a role in heart disease, according to Balch, although this mineral can be toxic if overdoses are taken. Use calcium, magnesium and selenium according to package directions or as per the advice of your physician.

Considerations

"Buyer beware" is a good phrase to remember when shopping for herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers of these and dietary other supplements are not held to the same strict standards as pharmaceutical drug companies. Prescription drugs must be proven safe and effective to the Food and Drug Administration before going to market, whereas the FDA generally only gets involved with supplements after they receive complaints from consumers. Ask a qualified health care practitioner before adding herbs, vitamins and minerals to your regimen.