HEART HEALTH

from Your Time Magazine Sunshine Coast - May 2022

MOTORING

Advice from Australia’s leading Integrative Cardiologist

With one in six Australians affected by cardiovascular disease , heart health problems remain at the forefront of the national agenda. Within the Australian health sector almost 14% of Australia’s total burden of disease stems from heart disease .

Dr Ross Walker, Australia’s leading Integrative Cardiologist shares more around how the very cells of our bodies can affect our heart health.

What are the mitochondria?

The mitochondria, also known as the powerhouses of the cell, help generate most of the chemical energy we need to perform vital, daily functions, such as breathing, regulating metabolism, and maintaining the immune system .

The little ‘cell organs’, or organelles, that make up the mitochondria act like a second digestive system. They transform the food we eat into energy called ATP .

Why are the mitochondria important?

When the mitochondria are not functioning in their optimal state, fatigue and weakness may develop, and this may affect the function of all our organs, including the heart.

Since food is an essential component of our energy production, it is especially important to support our mitochondria with the right nutrients. Organelles are sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and oxidative damage . Although many nutriments are necessary for energy production, Ubiquinol, the active form of Coenzyme Q10, plays a vital role in this process . This antioxidant can be found throughout the whole body, including the mitochondria.

However, Ubiquinol levels decline once we reach age 30 . Therefore, it is important we adopt healthy lifestyle strategies that will help us support our heart health. 1) Consider Supplementation

Supplements may be useful when we are not following an ideal heart healthy diet. As we age, our heart health becomes even more important. During the aging process, our body begins to lose some of its natural ability to sustain the processes crucial to maintaining a healthy body. When your body is unable to sustain these functions, free radicals can attack your cells, which in turn can threaten a healthy heart, along with a strong immune system and normal energy levels .

One way of combating free radicals is ensuring that you have optimal Ubiquinol levels in your body. However, as we age our natural levels of Ubiquinol starts to decrease. Supporting your heart health by including more Ubiquinol into your diet or speaking to your healthcare practitioner about supplementation may help protect your cells from free radicals.

Other heart friendly supplements such as magnesium orotate, Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF99) and Vitamin K2 may also assist with maintaining a healthy heart . 1.) Quit All Addictions – especially smoking

Two to three cups of good quality coffee per day (caffeinated or decaffeinated) and had been shown to help protect cardiovascular cells from damage and also help them to repair . 3) Cultivate a good sleeping habit

Sleep is essential for a healthy heart. People who don’t achieve ideal sleep time & sleep hygiene are at higher risk of cardiovascular issues —regardless of age, 4) Nutrition – Load up on omegas and healthy fats

Omega 3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout and sardines are important for our heart health, with the added benefit of reducing inflammation in the body particularly around the joints . 5) Exercise daily

Exercise has major benefits not only for your weight and mental health, but specifically for your heart .

Cardio exercises may lower blood pressure and strengthen your heart, as you slowly increase your cardiovascular endurance . Find an exercise you enjoy, whether it be power-walking, swimming or even dancing, and aim to move and increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, every day.