Heart Health Questions and Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Lisa Nelson, who is our resident heart health and weight loss expert and who is available to answer questions about heart health and weight loss.
Lisa has a private practice and is available for distance consultation, via telephone or email, as well as consultation at her practice.
Lisa answers all your heart health and weight loss questions below:
Q: Last year I was diagnosed with a moderately blocked bicuspid aortic valve and the aorta tube is swollen to 5.2cm.
I am supposed to have surgery but in the meantime I wondered what herbal-vitamin supplements may help my condition?
Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks for this service
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A: I’d encourage you to increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids either through foods, such as fish, or a supplement.
The American Heart Association recommends that individuals without heart disease eat a variety of fish twice a week, use heart healthy oils (flaxseed, canola, soybean oils), and consume flaxseed and walnuts.
For individuals with heart disease, the AHA recommends 1 g of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily, preferably from fatty fish.
The AHA recommends 2 to 4 g of EPA + DHA daily, under physician’s care only, for individuals that need to lower triglycerides. High doses, > 3 grams/day, can result in excessive bleeding. (Do not self medicate! Talk to your MD before supplementing greater than 2 grams.)
The omega-3 content of common some foods:
- Wild Salmon, 4 oz. 1700 mg (DHA 700 mg, EPA 400 mg)
- Tuna canned in water, 4 oz. 300 mg (DHA 200 mg, EPA 50 mg)
- Cod, 4 oz. 600 mg (DHA 160 mg, EPA 50 mg)
- Flaxseed, 1 Tbsp. 1000 mg (ALA – alpha–linolenic acid – 1000 mg)
- Soybeans, dried, cooked ½ cup 500 mg (DHA/EPA 250 mg, ALA 250 mg)
- Walnuts, 1 oz. 2570 mg (ALA 2570 mg)
- Pecans, 1 oz. 280 mg (ALA 280 mg)
- Wheat germ, ¼ cup 210 mg (ALA 210 mg)
- Canola oil, 1 Tbsp 1300 mg (ALA 1300 mg
- Olive oil, 1 Tbsp 100 mg (ALA 100 mg)
As far as a supplement it’s important to look at the nutrition label.
You want to find a supplement with a high level of DHA + EPA per 1 gram of fish oil. The ideal is 850 mg of DHA + EPA per 1 gram fish oil, which can be difficult to find. I've been able to find a Spring Valley product at Walmart that provides 684 mg DHA + EPA per 1 gram. A highly recommended brand you may want to consider is Nordic Naturals.
Discuss all supplements with your physician.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
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Enjoy better health!
