Oral Chelation Blog

“They invented hugs to let people know you love them, without saying anything.” Bill Keane, The Family Circus

Comic from One Big Happy by Rick Detorie

Sigh… you know that emotion you feel when you realize for the first time that you’re in love? It feels as if your heart has stopped completely. Your arms are wrapped around them and you can feel your heart beating so loudly you’re sure they can hear it too. Your heart strains with the emotion inside of you. You feel a shortness of breath, your heart is pumping wildly, and you feel tingly all over. Sounds like love right?

Love is in the air. It’s everywhere as the week marches on towards Valentines Day. But do you know what else is just as prevalent during this time of year? Snow shoveling, bad eating habits from the holidays, reduced exercise due to cold weather, and increased stress at work can all lead to the same types of feelings—a shortness of breath, tightness in your chest, and feeling tingly all over—but mean something much scarier than love… a heart attack.

In 2006, heart attacks accounted for 1 in 6 deaths in America and only around 34% of people who experience a heart attack die from it. On average, over 1.2 million heart attacks are recorded a year. These numbers shows a high number of people suffering the after effects of an attack.   From depression to decreased sexual libido and physical recuperation, the road back to normal can be long and difficult. However, if you do all you can to live a healthy life and invest yourself in your recovery, it will be much easier. Joining a cardiac rehabilitation program is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a heart attack survivor. Statistics show that those who attend cardiac rehab have a higher chance of survival and a decreased chance for a recurring heart attack than those who do not participate.

Coronary heart disease is the number one killer and heart attacks can stem from that. It’s important to know the signs of a heart attack; warning signs include:

• chest discomfort including pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain
• discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach, or shoulders
• shortness of breath
• nausea, dizziness, agitation, sweating

If you experience chest pain along with any of the other symptoms, it’s important to see a medical professional right away. By adhering to the following, you can reduce your chances of a heart attack:

• increasing your good cholesterol and lowering your bad cholesterol
• keeping your blood pressure in check
• managing diabetes if you have it
• exercising daily and eating a heart healthy diet
• quitting smoking if it is currently a habit
• avoiding excessive alcohol use (stick to 1-2 beverages a day if you drink)

Sudden death from cardiac arrest or Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) may be caused by a heart attack though they are different. However, the most common cause of SCD is a heart attack that leads to palpitations of the heart’s lower chambers (ventricular fibrillation or VF). This irregularity causes the heart to suddenly stop. The SCD survival rate is currently around 5%. Taking care of your body never sounded like such a good idea!

Liquid oral chelation is a way to help with your heart health. By removing the heavy metals and toxins from your blood stream, rich nutrients and oxygen are distributed freely. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body. Cardio Renew is the effective way to cleanse your veins and arteries. Take the next step forward in your heart health. Call us toll-free today at 800-578-1215 to find out how oral chelation therapy can work for you!

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

quote by Dr. Seuss

Too often, women ignore the idea or probability that they may be susceptible to heart disease or a heart attack. At least 60% of women, ages 21-39, have at least one risk factor and that is a frightening number. What female in her twenties considers themselves at risk? I would imagine that not very many young women even think about this as being a problem. Yet this goes to show that women of all ages need to consider their chances of a heart attack. Signs or tell-tale symptoms are ignored and risk factors are not considered. No woman should nix her potentiality for heart disease. With 315,000 women (that’s 1 in 4) dying of heart related issues in 2006, it’s time to take notice of where you stand. Women have just as much a chance as men to suffer a heart attack. In fact, they have a better chance of suffering a second attack due to not acknowledging the first one.

I recently read an article that said “many people assume that if you’re in good shape, you aren’t at risk for heart disease.” (continue reading) Regardless of gender, certain risk factors for heart disease are out of our control. Things like age, gender, race, ethnicity, and family history are aspects in life that we just have to live with. But there are five things you can control to reduce your chance of a heart attack: smoking habits, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight problems, and daily exercise.

Take control of your life in the ways you can. Even if you take steps to manage the five controllable factors, it’s important to still know and understand the symptoms of a heart attack. Women tend to feel sharp pain in their neck, jaw, shoulder, or abdomen. They may also experience nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, or excessive sweating. These symptoms are much less noticeable than the drama enhanced crushing chest pain you see in the movies. Women tend to experience blockage in smaller arteries that cycle blood through the heart, hence the subtlety of the heart attack signs.

Know your risk factors and the symptoms of heart disease or heart attacks. If you are currently experiencing blockage in your arteries, try oral chelation therapy from Cardio Renew. EDTA removes the heavy metals and toxins from your blood stream, resulting in rich nutrients and oxygen being evenly distributed throughout your body. Contact us for more information.

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.” -from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet

It’s February! Love is in the air. Is your heart healthy enough to handle the emotion? Every 34 seconds, someone in the United States dies from heart disease—this is a term used to describe a variety of diseases that affect the heart.

Today is the first day of February; the beginning of heart health month. American Heart Month was proclaimed in 1963 to bring awareness to heart disease—the number one killer in America. National Wear Red Day, set forth by Go Red For Women is this coming Friday, February 5, 2010. This holiday is a way for everyone to band together to promote heart health.

The scary thing about heart disease is that it can happen to anyone; though it’s generally thought that heart disease only occurs in those over 40, data is showing that it can really occur in men and women regardless of age. Symptoms associated with heart disease are now being documented in people under 35. This distressing illness has always occurred in both males and females of all ages yet it has not been considered a disease for younger people and therefore was not treated as such. In fact, there was a time when the medical world believed that women did not get heart attacks or heart disease.

There are 5 ways to promote heart health without taking medication unless necessary. The first steps to keeping up with your personal heart health are through 1) exercise and 2) a heart-healthy diet. By eating properly and moving your body everyday, you are doing your part to help ward off heart disease. 3) Don’t smoke as smoking is a leading preventable cause of heart disease as well. 4) Maintain a healthy weight. This is accomplished by living an active lifestyle that counterbalances the calories you consume. Also, 5) visit your healthcare provider to get regular physicals. Testing for high blood pressure and high cholesterol is important. By learning early on that cholesterol or blood pressure is becoming an issue, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent further issues.

This month, take time to reflect on your chances of heart disease. If you do not already do so, begin living a lifestyle that promotes a healthy heart. Celebrate American Heart Month! It is the perfect time to take action to decrease your chance of getting heart disease.

Another way to increase your heart health is by taking oral chelation therapy from Cardio Renew. EDTA removes the toxins and heavy metals from your blood stream, easing the transportation of rich nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. This way, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard, resulting in a reduced chance of a heart attack. For more information on how oral chelation therapy could work for you, contact us! We’ll answer any questions you may have.

You know the saying, “You learn something new everyday?” Well, I just learned my something new. I received an email today linking to an article that talked about drinking empty calories which contributes to weight gain as most of you already know. My increased knowledge of the day? — On average, one frozen 12 oz. margarita holds the same amount of calories as a Big Mac. That’s 540 total calories and many people consume them 2 or 3 in a night! Makes you rethink what you’re drinking, doesn’t it? And it made me happy I don’t drink margaritas.

Don’t Drink Empty Calories

Drinking empty calories is common for many people. You don’t really think about the fact that you’re consuming unnecessary calories every time you drink soda, sugary fruit juices, or iced tea. According to numerous studies, if you consume soda on a regular basis (at least a can a day), eliminating it from your diet can help you drop 15 pounds in a year! Though the research wavers on whether or not 100% juice is okay for you, the general consensus is, it’s okay in moderation; water and actual fruit should be supplemented in its place as often as possible.

Take your beverage from over 100 calories to 0 by switching from soda or ginger ale to water with a slice of lemon or lime in it. Spritzers, diluted 100% juices, skim or fat-free milk, coffee, unsweetened green herbal tea, and plain water are all great alternatives to the empty calories of many beverages. Why are they considered empty? Because they don’t fill you up and have little to no nutritional value; in fact many of them can make you more hungry and increase cravings. If the drink is too bitter (e.g. coffee, tea) add your own sweetener and control the amount of calories you put into your drink. The most important thing is to stay hydrated.

How Much Water is Enough?

Water makes up 60% of your body and every day we release some of it through sweating, urination, and bowel movements. The Mayo Clinic website states: “Even apart from the above approaches, if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) or more of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.” (continue reading)

How much water should you drink in a day? You’ve probably heard the 8×8oz rule. However, many nutritionists consider this to be inadequate information. Today, the rules have changed. One way to look at it is to drink in ounces, half your weight in pounds. Example: If you weigh 140 pounds, drink 70 ounces of water a day. If you exercise, drink an extra 20 ounces of water during your workout. Also, if you’re pregnant, in training for an athletic event, or recently recovering from an illness, your water intake should adjust as well. Basically, drink enough water so that you don’t ever feel thirsty. Your urine should be as close to clear or pale yellow as it can be. If it’s darker tinged, you are probably not getting enough fluids and should compensate in your diet.

Other Ways to Increase Your Water Intake

Depending on the food you are eating, it can provide around 20% of your daily intake of water everyday. Fruits and vegetables can have a high water amount in them so increase your daily dose of these two food groups. Plus, it’s good for you! Eating pasta, bread, or other grain based foods is good for you but too much greatly increases your calorie intake. Tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, broth based soups, yogurt, and oatmeal are all high in water content and low in calories! Plus many of them also contribute to your daily fiber intake as well. Other beverages also contribute to your daily water intake but remember to stay away from unnecessary calories if possible.

Benefits of Water

Regular hydration is so important for a number of reasons. Water helps you sleep better which in turn increases your energy levels. It also increases alertness levels in your brain. It helps you lose weight by decreasing your appetite. Water also softens your skin and strengthens your hair, giving both a natural glow. Stress is more easily manageable and normal body aches and pains are not as prevalent when water intake is at a healthy level.

As many as 80% of American adults are dehydrated on a daily basis and don’t recognize it. In fact, as you age, your body is less able to tell when you are dehydrated. So get in the habit of drinking water and drinking a lot of it. It’s the best and easiest way to control your weight!

Final Thoughts…

January is almost over. The New Years resolution blog posts will be put on hold as we move into heart health month for February. National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 5th this year. Valentine’s Day is February 14th. Is your heart ready? Help increase your heart health by continuing to exercise and eat healthy. It’s the simplest way to strengthen your heart.

Oral chelation therapy is another way to strengthen your heart. EDTA removes toxins and heavy metals from your blood stream, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. Find out more about the heart health benefits of Cardio Renew by contacting us! We’ll answer any questions you may have.

Final Recipe:

Yukon Gold & Sweet Potato Mash (So GOOD! It’s like a highly nutritious dessert)

6 servings, about 2/3 cup each
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Place potatoes and sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until very tender when pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes, then mash them in the pot to the desired consistency. Place milk and butter in a small bowl and microwave on High until the butter is mostly melted and the milk is warm, 30 to 40 seconds. (Alternatively, place in a small saucepan and heat over medium until the milk is warm.) Stir the milk mixture, sugar, salt and pepper into the mashed potatoes until combined.

Per serving: 151 calories; 4 g fat (3 g sat, 0 g mono); 11 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber; 321 mg sodium; 369 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (190% daily value), Vitamin C (20% dv).

“Lose 30 pounds in 30 days without diet and exercise!”
“Lose 10 pounds in one week!”

You see the commercials, hear the ads on the radio, and yet you have to wonder, is it too good to be true? If you hear a diet commercial promising you amazing results without  having to change your eating habits or adding exercise to your life, then yes, it’s too good to be true. Diet pills usually work for the twelve weeks, 30 days, or 6 months you’re on them, then once you finish the bottle, your weight starts increasing and you may end up gaining more than you lost. Your body may also adjust to the medication, making it not work at all after a few weeks. So is it worth it?

Diet pills also come with a realm of other problems including increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased headaches and dizziness, and stomach cramps. Plus, being on diet pills for an extended period of time can lead to very serious problems. The best way to go about losing weight and keeping it off is by eating healthy and exercising.

With modern technology being so advanced, we’ve come to demand results faster. We are constantly on the move so our eating habits have become an “eat and run” style of living. You can find a fast food drive-thru pretty much anywhere nowadays! You can even get car-side service at many chain restaurants. Portion sizes have increased astronomically. What is now a small fry at a major fast food chain used to be a large fry years ago. Supersizing a meal was common and is just now finally being phased out from many fast-food places. With so many temptations all around you, it’s much too easy to rely on diet pills to lose the weight for you.

But it doesn’t work that way with healthy dieting. A good diet should take time. You cannot expect to lose thirty pounds in a month without proper diet and exercise. In fact, losing 1-2 pounds a week is considered healthy and much more manageable by many health care professionals. A healthy weight loss should make you feel energized, alert, and healthier. So eating right and exercising is the only true way to obtain your goals.

When you deprive yourself of the foods you really like, it’s easy to corrupt your weight loss goals. Incorporating the foods you enjoy and eating them in moderation is the best way to go. Decrease your portion size to a healthy serving size. Another thing you can do is decrease your serving sizes and eat four to six mini-meals a day. This helps keep your metabolism going throughout the day more so than the three standard meals. It also helps you keep from grazing or indulging in sweets or high calorie foods during the day.

Eating healthy requires a balanced diet. Increase your fruit and vegetable servings and reduce your red meat intake. Stop eating before you are full and make sure you eat breakfast every morning! Those who eat a morning meal tend to weight less than those who skip it. Eating in the early hours of the day increases your metabolism while eating large meals at the end of the day increases your weight gain due to your body slowing down. Remember to eat a breakfast that is healthy for you, not one filled with calories and little to no nutritious value. Pair your diet with a solid exercise plan and you’re good to go.

Exercise while you watch your TV shows. If you have a desk job, stand up every 45-60 minutes and stretch or walk around the office for at least five minutes. Exercise during commercials that play during the big game; these exercises can be as simple as basic squats, lunges, jumping jacks, or running in place. When you’re home alone, play your music loudly and dance alone in your living room, or while relaxing with your family, grab your partner into an impromptu dance when your favorite song comes on the radio. Move your body in multiple ten minute bursts of activity throughout the day if you cannot work out for thirty-sixty minutes at a time. Every bit counts!

Remember, oral chelation therapy is a great way to increase your heart health. By removing heavy metals and toxins from your blood stream, Cardio Renew helps increase the nutrients and oxygen throughout your body; this increases the productivity of your heart. For more information, contact our customer service representatives.

Acorn Squash w/Apples (recipe from the Mayo Clinic Website)
Serves 2: Good source of Vitamins A & C, Potassium, and Fiber

Ingredients

• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 small acorn squash, about 6 inches in diameter
• 2 teaspoons trans-free margarine

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the apple and brown sugar. Set aside.
2. Pierce the squash several times with a sharp knife to let the steam escape during cooking. Microwave on high until tender, about 5 minutes. Turn the squash after 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
3. Place the squash on a cutting board and cut in half. Scrape the seeds out of the center of each half and discard the seeds. Fill the hollowed squash with the apple mixture.
4. Return the squash to the microwave and cook until the apples are softened, about 2 minutes.
5. Transfer the squash to a serving dish. Top each half with 1 teaspoon margarine and serve immediately.

Try as a main dish at meal time. Pair with a slice of cheese and a slice of whole grain bread to round out your food groups.