Angina refers to chest pain or discomfort that occurs when blood flow to your heart is reduced. Angina may worsen during emotional stress or strenuous activity and usually derives from coronary artery disease -- a condition in which the arteries directed toward your heart become narrow or blocked. Since chest pain may have numerous causes, some serious, seek medical guidance when unexplained symptoms arise. Numerous food remedies may help reduce your symptoms. Utilize natural remedies under your doctor's supervision for best results.
Garlic
Garlic has been used as a natural remedy, food and seasoning for centuries. Due its potent antioxidant effects, garlic can help strengthen your immune system. It may also help slow the progression of heart disease by easing blood flow through your arteries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Since blocked or narrowed arteries may trigger angina, consuming garlic regularly may help prevent or minimize your symptoms. Garlic may also help reduce high cholesterol -- a significant risk factor for heart disease. Garlic is available in whole clove, chopped, minced, powder, oil and extract form. You can also create garlic "butter" by roasting whole cloves in your oven until soft.
Cayenne
Cayenne is a hot pepper used in food and natural medicine for thousands of years. Capsaicin -- the substance that give cayenne is spicy flavor capsaicin -- is believed to promote pain relief, healthy digestion and circulation. Natural health care practitioner and author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Natural Remedies for 150 Ailments" Earl Mindell recommends consuming cayenne daily for improved angina symptoms. Cayenne is available in whole food form -- cooked and raw or in capsule and powder form. Incorporate dried or fresh chopped cayenne pepper into dishes routinely for maximum potential benefits. If you dislike the spicy flavor, discuss with your doctor the possibility of incorporating cayenne dietary supplements into your lifestyle.
Soy
Soy is a protein-rich bean known for its usefulness in reducing menopausal symptoms and lowering the risk for certain types of cancer. Soy is also used in many vegetarian and vegan-style dishes and in Asian foods in the form of tofu -- soybean curd. Mindell recommends supplementing your diet with 40 to 60 milligrams of soy isoflavanoids daily for reduced chest pain. In addition to tofu, soy is available in whole bean, powder, capsule and protein powder form. Numerous dairy product alternatives, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, are also based upon soy. In addition to potentially reducing angina symptoms, tofu and other soy-based foods and dishes provide alternatives to protein sources high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as fatty red meat, processed meats and whole milk.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Angina
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Natural Remedies for 150 Ailments"; Earl Mindell; 2004
