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Energise your life, with a healthy Heart!

I am in the middle of doing some training at the moment, which involves taking a pinprick of blood from a patient and analyzing that blood sample under a microscope!

It’s amazing!

There are lots of different thoughts on this process and how effective it really is, but if I am honest the things I have seen over the last few weeks have blown me away. For me it’s a confirmation tool to see exactly where the client is with their health and the areas and deficiencies that need improving. One gentleman we tested showed that he had an alarming amount of bad cholesterol in his blood. It was so clear that I even saw a bit floating in his blood in the shape of an artery as it had just broken away from the wall! Wow! What I wanted to acknowledge now is that looking after our hearts and making sure we are giving our body the correct nutrients to support this system is crucial. Cardio-vascular disease is not an exclusive club, don’t be fooled as this disease can affect the young, the old, male and/or female and it might be the small changes that you make TODAY that potentially save you from having a stroke, heart attack or even a fatality. 


Cardio-Vascular disease is the build up of fatty streaks and cholesterol in the blood vessels. Over time there is a natural wear and tear to the blood vessels, which makes it easier for fatty cholesterol to leak in and get stuck in the artery walls. That is exactly what I saw in my volunteer man on my training. Naturally he was pretty alarmed by what he saw, but once you know you are able to make dietary corrections, then the repair/healing process can begin.


The build up in the arteries causes them to narrow, which reduces the hearts ability to pump through the body. The first warning signal is tiredness and shortness of breath. If the arteries get completely blocked a heart attack or stroke is imminent.  However, not all cholesterol is bad, we have two types in our blood stream, LDLS creates a build up in the arteries and HDLS, which if levels are good it’s a great sign that you are not at risk of cardio vascular disease. Risk factors that we can positively change are smoking, being over weight, having a larger waistline than chest, high blood pressure, inactivity and diabetes.


Transfatty acids are a particular kind of fat occurring naturally in meat and dairy, but they are also produced when plant based oils are hydrogenated to produce solid spreads such a margarines. It is also found in confectionary and processed foods such as pastry, biscuits, cakes, crisps and processed meats. They have been proven to have an effect on the bad cholesterol and should be avoided as much as possible in your diet. Check labels for hydrogenated fats, you will be surprised how many unexpected foods contain it, and be warned that it’s very damaging to your health. When reducing your fat intake make sure you are not cutting out the healthy fats. You need these for a healthy, strong heart. They are found in oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados etc., and they actually reduce your risk of Cardio-vascular disease by lowering blood triglycerides, reducing clotting and regulating heart rhythm. If you are a meat eater, choose lean, organic cuts and grill, bake or steam, do not fry! Fresh fruit and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C and E which repair damaged tissue in the body (essential for strong artery walls). Whole grain foods such as oats, beans, pulses, helps to lower the bad cholesterol so make sure you are getting them in abundance!


Eat your way to a healthy heart!


Denise Kelly is a BANT (British association of Nutritional therapists) registered Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist. 
She writes Nutrition Programs for a variety of organisations and has a private practise in Chichester, West Sussex and is the founder of K4 Fit Kidz. Tel: 01243 528040 www.denisekelly.co.uk