According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer of people in the US. This is likely due to the standard American diet, increasing sedentary behaviors, and more time spent indoors in front of artificial lights. Together these factors create the perfect storm for chronic inflammation and different aspects of heart disease. It is imperative that we learn how to prevent heart disease by using our lifestyle choices.
You will find the following two nutrients you can take to support your heart health. The heart is a high energy muscle that needs certain nutrients in order to function optimally. Unfortunately, most people are either not consuming enough of these key nutrients or they are not absorbing these nutrients properly.
In addition to an antioxidant-rich, ketogenic diet, there are specific nutrient strategies that can help improve your heart health.
These nutrients are the most common things Dr. Jockers finds deficient in individuals who develop heart disease. However, it is very important to note that these nutrients are not at this time FDA approved to prevent, mitigate, treat or cure heart disease and should not be confused as such. With that said, these nutrients can help to support a healthy inflammatory process, improve blood vessel strength and tone and optimize circulation.
Vitamin D and Heart Health
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic disease (8). Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium distribution throughout the body, especially when combined with Vitamin K. Additionally, Vitamin D has beneficial effects over inflammation and blood sugar control, both critical for heart health.
Typically, adequate Vitamin D levels can be achieved through bare skin exposure to sunlight. As a society we have become scared of the sun and either cover up or tend to stay inside most of the time. Others simply do not live in a location where the sun’s UV rays are strong enough to generate adequate Vitamin D. This is when supplementation is critical.
To Boost D3/K2 Levels: 2,000 IU and 40 mcg for every 25 lbs. of body weight
This typically will add 15-20 IU to your blood D3 levels each month. If your levels are 20 – do this for 3 months to get you to 80 (be sure to test to make sure)
For D3 Maintenance: 1,000 IU and 20 mcg for every 25 lbs. of body weight
To determine your Vitamin D needs, Dr. Jockers recommends getting a Comprehensive Blood Analysis done.
Vitamin K2 and Heart Health
Vitamin K goes hand-in-hand with Vitamin D. Animal studies have shown that Vitamin K2 not only has the potential to prevent heart disease, but may actually be able to help remove built up calcium within the arterial lining. However, it is important to remember that this is an animal study and that vitamin K2 supplementation is not FDA approved to prevent, mitigate, treat or cure heart disease and shouldn’t be confused as such.
While K2 can be supplemented, and guidelines for that are shown just above, it is also produced by the healthy bacteria within your gut. To support a healthy microbiome, Dr. Jockers recommends cycling a lactic-acid based and soil-based probiotic every 3–6 months.
Adapted from Dr. Jockers