Health
Surviving and Thriving After Heart Disease
By
Feb 4, 2009, 21:27

Today many people are surviving and thriving heart disease. Find out the secret to staying healthly even after this devastating diagnosis.



Keys to Recovery and Maintenance

(NC)-Being diagnosed with heart disease can be devastating for both a patient and his or her loved ones. Although the road to recovery might be full of ups and downs, knowing what to expect along the way will help you manage and minimize future risks and challenges.

Prior to being discharged, heart disease sufferers are often referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program, which typically includes exercise, education and counseling for a healthier lifestyle. Once home, it is critical to allow your body to heal through adequate rest, so you will need to take time away from your regular activities and ask family and friends to help out. In time, a combination of rest, dietary changes and physical activity will set you firmly on the road to recovery and even vitality.

Research has shown that eating well is a smart lifestyle choice that can aid in the recovery of heart disease and other health conditions. Increasing your intake of heart-healthy nutrients by eating nutritious, balanced meals can aid the healing process and assist with weight management and the regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. However, getting the right amount of nutrients from food alone can be difficult for some which is why it's important to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. The approach of overcoming nutritional deficiencies using diet and supplements natural to the body is called orthomolecular medicine.

"Research has proven that repairing and maintaining the body depends on all the essential nutrients," says Dr. Jonathan Prousky, naturopathic doctor and expert advisor to Orthomolecular Health. "Some of the key vitamins and minerals lacking in modern diets include vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B12. As an orthomolecular practitioner, I will often prescribe these and other vitamins and minerals to patients fighting the battle against heart disease."

Prousky also says physical activity is another critical component to heart health. Thirty to 60 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week will help prevent and control risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Adding more activity to your daily life may also reduce stress levels, increase energy and improve sleep and digestion.

An orthomolecular practitioner can prescribe a diet and dietary supplements customized to your health needs. For more information about how to balance your body and get you on the road to recovery, and for a list of practitioners, visit http://orthomolecularhealth.com/~orth9777/high-cholesterol.htm.

© Copyright by EveningsNews.com