“Businessman and former national rugby boss Louis Luyt had struggled with cardiac problems before his death,” his family told
Sports24 on Friday.
Apparently, he’d been admitted to hospital numerous times in the past year for dysrhythmia, a condition causing an irregular heartbeat, before he developed the unco-ordinated contraction of the heart muscle that ended his life last week.
Luyt’s death is a stark reminder of why protecting your heart is so important.
Heart health 101
When it comes to protecting yourself from developing
heart disease, “there’s no substitute for a diet that’s low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and grains,” says William L. Fischer, author behind How to Fight
Heart Disease and Win.
“For many people, though, that’s not enough to fight
heart disease, and they require what one nutritionist calls a little more ‘insurance’,” he adds.
There are several natural forms this ‘insurance’ can take, including supplements of vitamins, minerals and herbs. But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
“Natural” doesn’t always means it’s risk-free
Although vitamins and minerals produce fewer side effects than do prescription drugs, there are still a few things to remember about them, warns Fischer.
That’s why, if you’re taking natural remedies for any illness – especially
heart disease – you need to remember the following rules:
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Do your homework: If you’re taking any prescription drugs, especially for your heart, and want to add a natural remedy like a supplement, find out about its side-effects. “Always check with your doctor before using supplements because some can interact with other drugs you take,” warns webmd.com.
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Don’t go overboard: Most of us forget that even these natural products can be harmful if you take too much. Read the label and consult a natural health expert before taking supplements.
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Go natural: When buying vitamins, you’ll have a choice between natural or synthetic versions (organic or inorganic). Only use those from natural sources, they’re more potent and easier for your body to digest.
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Make sure you know how to get the best results: Some vitamins and minerals work better when taken together – make sure you know if this is true for the natural remedy you’re taking.
Take these vitamins to protect your heart
Here are some of the supplements you can use to protect your heart:
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Fish oil
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Plant sterols
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Niacin
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Fibere (psyllium)
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B-Complex vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid)
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Coenzyme Q10
Take care of your heart today – if you have high cholesterol or if you’re at high risk for heart disease and heart attack, taking natural heart health protectors just might help you.
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