Cardiovascular Health - Natural Approach to CVD Flashcards
Q: What is the CNM Naturopathic Diet and its relation to CV health?
The CNM Naturopathic Diet promotes a plant-based, Mediterranean-style eating pattern. It reduces CVD risk by lowering inflammation, reducing oxidative stress (ROS/RNS), decreasing visceral fat, improving insulin sensitivity, boosting adiponectin, and enhancing endothelial function.
Q: How can a plant-based diet help reverse CVD?
Dean Ornish, an American cardiologist, advocates a plant-based diet along with lifestyle changes and stress management to reverse advanced CVD without the need for medication.
Q: What are key nutrients that promote cardiovascular health?
Vitamin C (500-1000 mg 3x/day): Reduces ROS, boosts endothelial NO synthase, and lowers platelet aggregation.
Vitamin E (400-800 IU/day): Protects the endothelium, reduces LDL oxidation, and supports blood viscosity.
Vitamin D (600-1000 IU/day): Modulates NO synthesis, regulates blood pressure, and supports heart health.
Omega-3 fatty acids (3-6 g/day): Improve lipids, support inflammation regulation, and reduce ROS.
Magnesium (500-800 mg/day): Modulates vascular tone, heart rhythm, and supports proper neuronal excitation.
Coenzyme Q10 (60-300 mg/day): Protects the endothelium, reduces LDL oxidation, and supports ATP production.
How much Vitamin C and for what reasons?
Vitamin C (500-1000 mg 3x/day): Reduces ROS, boosts endothelial NO synthase, and lowers platelet aggregation.
How much Vitamin E and for what reasons?
Vitamin E (400-800 IU/day): Protects the endothelium, reduces LDL oxidation, and supports blood viscosity.
How much Vitamin D and for what reasons?
Vitamin D (600-1000 IU/day): Modulates NO synthesis, regulates blood pressure, and supports heart health.
How much Omega-3 fatty acids and for what reasons?
Omega-3 fatty acids (3-6 g/day): Improve lipids, support inflammation regulation, and reduce ROS.
How much Magnesium and for what reasons?
Magnesium (500-800 mg/day): Modulates vascular tone, heart rhythm, and supports proper neuronal excitation.
How much Coenzyme Q10 and for what reasons?
Coenzyme Q10 (60-300 mg/day): Protects the endothelium, reduces LDL oxidation, and supports ATP production.
Q: What are the benefits of Hawthorn for cardiovascular health?
Hawthorn (1,000-1,500 mg) is a cardiac tonic that strengthens the heart, improves vascular elasticity, and has vasodilatory effects. It inhibits inflammation and enhances antioxidant activity.
Q: How does Garlic contribute to cardiovascular health?
Garlic (2-5 g/day) lowers homocysteine, improves blood flow by increasing NO production, reduces LDL cholesterol and oxidation, and protects against abnormal platelet aggregation.
Q: How does regular exercise reduce CVD risk?
Exercise improves lipoprotein profiles, reduces triglycerides, enhances insulin sensitivity, activates eNOS to boost NO synthesis, and reduces blood pressure over time. It also lowers all-cause mortality.
Q: How can stress management help reduce cardiovascular disease risk?
Stress management practices like diaphragmatic breathing, humming, singing, and herbal teas (e.g., chamomile, passionflower) can promote parasympathetic activity, which supports heart health.
Q: How do certain drugs deplete nutrients and affect cardiovascular health?
Statins: Block CoQ10 synthesis, affecting heart function.
Cholestyramine: Reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene.
Diuretics (loop and thiazide): Increase excretion of potassium, calcium, and thiamine.
ACE inhibitors: Interfere with zinc use.
Beta-blockers: Decrease melatonin production, impacting sleep and heart health.
