| Wellness Wednesday With Dr. Cat | In Observance Of American Heart Month

The heart is a wonderful and unique organ. It beats about 2.5 billion times over the average lifetime, pushing millions of gallons of blood to every part of the body. This steady flow carries with it oxygen, hormones, essential cells and nutrients. It also takes away the waste products of metabolism. The heart is the first organ that grabs nutrients for itself from anything we eat or drink. When the heart stops, essential functions fail and that is why we must care to protect our heart. In observance of American Heart Month, we reflect on the fact that heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for BOTH men and women. Based on reports of Filipino American communities throughout the United States, specifically in higher population areas of Filipinos, "There is a history of a higher prevalence of hypertension exhibited among Filipino American men and women than in other ethnic communities within the United States. In addition, the prevalence of hypertension was greater within Filipino American communities than Filipinos living in the Philippines. There are behavior-related risk factors related with hypertension. These factors include reduced physical activity levels and excess dietary sodium intake from foods. In addition to hypertension, Filipino Americans have a history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes."

Fortunately we now know how we can prevent such an unnecessary disease that is affecting so many, and within our own Filipino American community. The following are the top 7 harmful items that can damage the heart: Processed Foods, Cured Meats, Salty Foods, High Fructose Corn Syrup, White Bread, Sugary treats/beverages and Margarine.

Now that you know what foods to avoid, here are the top 7 foods that help feed and promote heart health: Salmon, Blueberries, Grapefruits, Ketchup (low sodium and without HFCS), Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Green Tea, Pomegranates.

For nutritional guidance & access to organic whole food concentrates or specific herbs to help for heart health, Luib Health Center is your resource. We are happy to help, send your questions/concerns to Info@LuibHealthCenter.com.