Mailbag! How to Conquer Heart Failure
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 31, 2022
My doctor told me today that I have heart failure. Is there a way to recover from such a grim diagnosis?
–Janice from Rocky Mount, NC
Janice,
While it’s hard to hear a diagnosis of heart failure, the good news is that it’s typically a slow-moving disease.
And thankfully, there’s a lot folks can do to stack the odds in their favor.
Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart progressively loses the ability to pump blood. Currently, 5 million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure.
Studies have shown that people with heart failure have significantly malnourished hearts. Specific deficiencies include:
- L-carnitine,
- CoQ10,
- creatine,
- thiamine,
- and taurine.
One of the first steps is to supplement with those nutrients to give your heart the nutrients it needs to function.
Here are some others to consider:
- Antioxidants. There are many antioxidants to choose from, like vitamins A, C, E, and others, but I prefer plant phytonutrients such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids for great antioxidant protection. Examples include green tea extract, red wine extract (resveratrol), Pycnogenol, olive leaf extract, and curcumin.
- Hawthorn. This is an herb that has long been used for heart health. It helps lower blood pressure while also strengthening the heart muscle. Whole hawthorn berries are full of flavonoids for extra antioxidant protection. Hawthorn extract been shown to enhance heart pumping efficiency.
- Magnesium. This mineral is essential for good heart function. It’s been shown to both improve ventricular dysfunction and increase exercise tolerance.
Talk with your doctor about developing a nutrition plan that’s right for you. Don’t be discouraged—there’s still a lot you can do to manage this disease.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...
Is There Really a Hidden Benefit to BROCCOLI?
Just when we thought broccoli’s resume couldn’t get any more impressive, new research proves us wrong. The phytonutrients in this tasty veggie can lower inflammation… balance blood sugar… and even boost your memory. And you likely already know of broccoli’s legendary prowess in preventing cancer. Now, a new study reveals that sulforaphane, the potent compound...