Bypass Heart Disease...

Making better choices is key to improvement.

I thought I understood disease prevention until two people I love faced the challenges of high blood pressure and  cholesterol.  An advocate of "heal thyself" and "the power of alternative medicine", I researched the facts and myths,  and spent hours gathering some interesting information. Some came as no surprise :

Type A personalities run a higher risk than B personalities for cardiovascular disease.  Stress is linked to cardiovascular disease - the old "fight or flight" response that protected our ancestors from the  saber tooth tiger is still with us today, and can drive our adrenaline and cortisol levels out of control.  Studies inducing psychological stress show increased damage to the lining of the large arteries.  Stress causes a rapid rise in homocysteine levels, which can destroy the lining of the arteries, causing cholesterol  and fat to stick to the walls to produce hardening of the arteries. In addition, high stress leads to bad choices like smoking, excessive drinking, overeating and unhealthy foods.  Our health spirals downward.  Okay, enough of the bad stuff...

Here's an action plan :

1. Increase dietary folic acid. Vitamins B6 and B12 are key to maintaining normal homocysteine levels. The best supply is found in animal protein (liver is highest), animal fat and dairy.
2. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of good sleep. A study report in 2006 suggested that long-term sleep deprivation (less than 6 hours each night) increased the risk of high blood pressure.
3. Add good fat to your diet. Experts recommend olive and coconut oil. These oils improve the cholesterol balance in the blood. They lower your appetite, and if eaten first, slow down the absorption of alcohol.
4. Practice stress management! Especially if you're an A personality. Set up regular appointments for stress reducing services.

Beyond Beauté can help reduce the stress of a busy life. Schedule your reoccurring appointment for regular one-hour and/or all-day rejuvenation time. Call now! Don't wait for the doctor's report. Relax... decompress... ahhhh...

Endless Health & Joy,

Shirley Terry-Lopez