Ten Ways to Love Your Heart

1. Take care of your teeth and don’t smoke! Oral health is related to heart health so be sure you are brushing, flossing and not smoking. If you find it impossible to quit smoking, at least try to cut back and smoke only additive-free cigarettes.
2. Exercise regularly but you needn’t overdo. A brisk daily walk, 10 minutes on the trampoline, dancing and sports are all appropriate.
3. Avoid overweight by eating nutrient-dense foods and keeping sweets to a minimum; avoid crash dieting.
4. Don’t work too hard. Counteract stress by doing something that you love to do everyday. During periods of unavoidable hardship or loss, increase consumption of foods rich in protective nutrients.
5. As much as possible, avoid exposure to fumes, chemicals, pollutants and pesticides.
6. Avoid all processed foods labeled “lowfat” or that contain polyunsaturated vegetable oils, hydrogenated fats, white flour, refined sugar and additives.
7. Consume high-quality animal products including a variety of seafood and milk, butter, cheese, eggs, meat, fats and organ meats from animals raised on green pasture.
8. Consume a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, preferably organically grown.
9. Ensure sufficient mineral intake by using whole dairy products; bone broths; and whole grains, legumes and nuts that have been properly prepared to reduce phytic acid and other factors that block mineral absorption.⁴¹
10. Supplement the diet with foods rich in protective factors including small amounts of cod liver oil (vitamins A and D); wheat germ oil (vitamin E); flax oil (omega-3 fatty acids); kelp (iodine); brewers yeast (B vitamins); desiccated liver (vitamin B12); rose hip or acerola powder (vitamin C); and coconut oil (antimicrobial fatty acids).

If you like what you’ve read and would like to make an appointment call 641-357-4499!

Yours in Health,
Dr. Kathleen Voortmann D.C.