Some home remedies don’t bring rapid relief of heart pain, but work to improve your heart health over the long term. Lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and not smoking are well-known remedies for improving heart health.
Several supplements can also help keep your heart healthy and strong. The quality of supplements varies, so only buy them from reputable manufacturers. Follow dosage instructions on the bottle to limit your risk of side effects. Supplements include the following:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids may help:
- reduce your risk of deadly heart arrhythmias
- reduce your triglyceride levels
- reduce the progression of atherosclerosis
- lower your blood pressure
Omega-3s are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna. If you’re unable to eat two servings of fish per week, you can take fish oil supplements high in omega-3s.
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Pomegranate juice
Adding pomegranate juice to your diet may be beneficial to your heart. Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, which can help keep cholesterol in check and keep your arteries healthy.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, research shows pomegranate juice may help decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in your blood. It may also help prevent or reduce plaque build-up in your arteries, which can cause reduced blood flow to your heart.
At least one study has found that drinking pomegranate juice helps lower blood pressure.
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Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for giving peppers their spicy kick.
According to a 2015 study, capsaicin may have a wide range of benefits that help protect the heart by:
- increasing exercise time in people with angina (when applied topically)
- slowing the development of atherosclerosis
- reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome
- lowering blood pressure
- controlling blood sugar
- reducing the risk of heart muscle thickening
- supporting weight loss
Many studies on capsaicin were done on rodents. More human trials are needed.
In the meantime, current research suggests taking around 20 milligrams (mg) of capsaicin capsules daily and supplementing your diet with spicy foods and hot sauce. Keep in mind that for some people, eating spicy foods may cause digestive problems.
Garlic
Both fresh garlic and garlic supplements have been used for years to battle heart problems. Research has shown garlic extract may help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries and even reverse heart disease.
The downside? Like fresh garlic, some garlic supplements leave your breath smelling less than fresh. If you can’t get past the smell, look for odor-free garlic capsules.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance your body makes naturally and is critical to heart health. As you age, your body makes less CoQ10. Low levels of CoQ10 in the body have been linked to chronic heart failure. CoQ10 may also help lower blood pressure and prevent exercise-induced chest pain.
Ginger
Spicy ginger is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities.
It may help:
- lower blood pressure
- reduce cholesterol
- reduce triglycerides
- prevent blood clotting
Ginger is known for soothing your tummy and reducing gas. It’s also a natural blood thinner, so avoid using it if you take prescription blood thinners.
Curcumin
According to a 2013 review of clinical trials, curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its golden color, may help reduce inflammation that leads to heart disease. It may also reduce total cholesterol and bad cholesterol in the body while increasing good cholesterol. This can help prevent atherosclerosis.
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Alfalfa
Alfalfa sprouts aren’t well-studied for heart health. Still, many people claim alfalfa is a magic bullet for lowering cholesterol. One study found the saponins in alfalfa extract reduced cholesterol and prevented the leaking of liver enzymes in diabetic rats.
Holy basil
Holy basil is a popular Ayurvedic herb. It’s mainly used to battle stress and to prevent stress-related illnesses. It’s also used to reduce cholesterol. Chronic stress may increase cholesterol and blood pressure. Stress may also increase the risk of heart disease if you cope with stress in unhealthy ways, such as overeating or smoking.
