Staying Heart-Healthy Can Reduce Cancer Risk

Taking care of your heart is important for so many reasons. A healthy heart, after all, is vital for your overall health. Needless to say, maintaining your cardiac heart can lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. But there's one more reason to keep your heart in good shape, and it may surprise you. According to recent research, heart health is capable of reducing the risk of cancer.

The study, published Journal of the American College of Cardiologyexternal, found that maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can help keep cancer at bay.

“We found an association between a heart-healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of cancer, and the opposite is true: that a less heart-healthy lifestyle is also associated with a higher risk of cancer,” according to Emily Lau, a researcher who participated in the study.

The findings also indicate that the risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease can also result in cancer. Hence, adopting a heart-healthy way of living is doubly important.

A Healthy Heart = reduced risk of cancer

The researchers studied 20,305 middle-aged adults for about 15 years. The participants had no history of cancer at the beginning of the study. During those 15 years, 2,548 of the participants developed cancer. The team found that age, sex, and a history of smoking provided clues for cancer risk.

Furthermore, it was also found that participants with the most natriuretic peptides - substances made by the heart that can suggest stress on the heart - had a 40 percent higher chance of developing cancer. Meanwhile, the participants who followed a heart-healthy lifestyle had a lower risk of developing cancer. Another key point the researchers pointed out was that some risk factors for both cardiovascular disease and cancer - such as old age - were beyond people’s control.

In general, these findings suggest that while there might not be a direct link between cardiovascular heart disease and cancer, the risks or habits that lead to heart disease can also cause cancer.

Another key point raised in the study was that one possible link at the root of both conditions can be inflammation. This isn’t surprising because research has previously found a connection between inflammation and colorectal cancer. Moreover, chronic inflammation resulting from obesity and smoking cigarettes - two big causes of cardiovascular disease - can also increase cancer risk, according to health experts.

If there is a lot of inflammation in the body, it gets harder for it to fight off various diseases, including different cancers. Therefore, try and include fruits and vegetables that are loaded with antioxidants and other vital nutrients in your diet as that can help fight inflammation.

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can have a huge effect on your overall health

 

While the findings of this new study are important to take note of, it doesn’t mean that simply adhering to a heart-healthy lifestyle can nullify one's risks of getting cancer or heart disease. These diseases are, of course, complicated and depend on a variety of factors. 

One last noteworthy observation made in the study is that people with cardiovascular disease tend to have worse issues if they get cancer. People with this disease generally have poor sleeping habits and a sedentary lifestyle, which puts them at a greater risk of getting cancer. So, you can see why keeping your heart in good shape is so essential.

Some expert-recommended ways to manage a heart-healthy lifestyle include: 

* Eating good foods and keeping a balanced diet. This will help manage your cholesterol levels. 

* Exercising regularly. At least, make sure that you do 20 minutes of moderate activity a day, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling. 

* Getting adequate sleep to tackle the day’s stress. 

* Doing activities that help reduce your stress. This should keep your blood pressure in check. 

* Quitting smoking.

Following these heart-healthy lifestyle habits will certainly help reduce your risk of heart disease. At the same time, as the new study suggests, they can also lower your chances of developing cancer. So you have everything to gain by changing your lifestyle today.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

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4 Supplements to Consider If You Have High Blood Pressure

 Key Points

Magnesium, omega-3s, CoQ10 and garlic may modestly support healthy blood pressure.

Supplements are not replacements for diet, exercise or prescribed medications.

Always consult a health care provider before starting any supplement.

 

Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, making it a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. While high blood pressure doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, the long-term effects can be serious. 

A balanced diet, regular physical activity and prescribed medications are the cornerstones of managing blood pressure, but some supplements may also play a supportive role.

That said, not all products live up to their claims. We spoke with a pharmacist to break down which supplements may help support healthy blood pressure—and what to consider before adding them to your routine.

A Word on Supplements

If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to talk with your health care provider before starting any supplement, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medications or have other health conditions. 

That also goes for supplements marketed as “natural.” “I remind patients that ‘natural’ does not automatically mean risk-free,” says Beal-Stahl. “Some supplements can interact with blood pressure medications, increase bleeding risk or cause unexpected side effects.”

Magnesium

If you’re looking for a supplement backed by solid research, magnesium is a good place to start. A recent review of 38 clinical trials found that magnesium supplements can lead to modest reductions in blood pressure, especially in people who already have hypertension (high blood pressure) or low magnesium levels.

“Magnesium may influence blood pressure through several mechanisms, including regulating cardiac rhythm, reducing vascular tone, supporting nitric oxide release and modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system,” explains Beal-Stahl. Simply put, magnesium helps keep your heart rhythm steady and your blood vessels relaxed, both of which support healthy blood pressure.

When choosing a supplement, Beal-Stahl says the form matters. Magnesium glycinate, citrate and taurate are generally better absorbed and tolerated than magnesium oxide. 

While magnesium may be helpful as part of an overall plan, it’s not suitable for everyone—particularly those with kidney disease or those who take certain medications.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s—particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil—have strong evidence supporting their role in heart health, including their ability to lower blood pressure. A 2023 meta-analysis in people with metabolic syndrome found that omega-3 supplementation reduced both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure.

These healthy fats may help improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation, supporting better blood flow. Research suggests that doses of about 2 to 3 grams per day of combined EPA and DHA may help lower blood pressure.

Despite their potential benefits, omega-3 supplements may not be appropriate for everyone. “While not approved by the FDA to treat hypertension, they may support cardiovascular health as part of an overall lifestyle approach,” says Beal-Stahl. She adds that people taking blood thinners, those with bleeding disorders or anyone preparing for surgery should consult their health care provider before using higher doses.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps your cells produce energy and may support heart health. “Some research suggests CoQ10 may help support healthy blood pressure by improving endothelial function, increasing nitric oxide availability and reducing oxidative stress,” says Beal-Stahl.

A recent study found that CoQ10 supplements were linked with modest reductions in systolic blood pressure, especially when taken for more than eight weeks and at doses under 200 milligrams per day.

As with other supplements, CoQ10 isn’t right for everyone. “People taking blood thinners, blood pressure medications or those who are pregnant or undergoing surgery should speak with a health care professional before starting a CoQ10 supplement,” Beal-Stahl says.

 Garlic

Garlic is often used for its potential heart-health benefits, including supporting healthy blood pressure. Recent studies suggest that garlic supplements may lead to modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in people with mild to moderate hypertension.

“Garlic’s sulfur-containing compounds—allicin and S-allylcysteine—appear to improve endothelial function, enhance nitric oxide signaling and promote vasodilation, which can help relax blood vessels and lower vascular resistance,” says Beal-Stahl. This keeps blood vessels strong and healthy for better blood flow.

However, garlic supplements aren’t suitable for everyone. People taking blood thinners or blood pressure medications should consult a health care provider before use.

Tips for Choosing a Safe Supplement

Before buying a supplement, consider these tips:

• Look for Independent Testing. Choose products with seals such as NSF Certification, USP Verified or ConsumerLab to help ensure quality and purity.
• Consider Your Own Needs. Check labels for allergens and make sure the supplement aligns with your diet, nutrient needs and preferences.
• Look for Transparency. Avoid companies that use “proprietary blends,” which can make it difficult to know the exact dose of each ingredient.
• Avoid Misleading Labels. Skip supplements that make bold or unrealistic health claims. 
• Pick a Form You Prefer. Capsules, powders or liquids can all work—choose what fits your routine.

Our Expert Take

Some supplements may support healthy blood pressure, but they’re not a substitute for the basics. “The safest approach is to view supplements as potential adjuncts to lifestyle changes and prescribed therapy, not replacements,” says Beal-Stahl.

Magnesium is the most strongly supported by research, while omega-3s, CoQ10 and garlic may offer additional benefits. Still, results tend to be modest, and not every supplement is right for everyone. Focus first on a balanced diet, regular physical activity and any medications your health care provider recommends. Finally, always check with a health professional before adding a supplement to your routine.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs