Strange Daze Indeed

February is National Heart Health Month.

Did you know that more than 610,000 people die each year in the United States alone from heart disease. That’s one in every four deaths, making it the leading cause of death in both men and women. It’s no surprise that the American Heart Association recommends that we eat fish two times per week to try and support our overall cardiovascular function and reduce the incidence of heart disease. Thousands of clinical studies have shown that an increased intake of EPA and DHA – the omega-3 essential fatty acids which are naturally found in fish and fish oil – have many cardiovascular benefits.

Support for the heart-health benefits of Omega-3’s is so strong that health policy makers worldwide – including the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization – agree that EPA and DHA help maintain heart health and prevent heart disease.

Both of my parents have had heart disease and it has been difficult to see them suffer from the effects. I try to be as diligent and aware as possible and am always looking for ways to help promote heart health for myself and those I love.

Now for some good news! Heart disease can often be prevented and helped when we make healthier choices in diet and lifestyle.

As a holistic health therapist, I was always searching for the purest, highest quality products since what we take in is so crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. I began using Nordic Naturals over 8 years ago, especially the Omegas. I had gotten mono in college and later on chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. I really wanted something that would help my immune system and my joints, as well as be anti-inflammatory and helpful for heart and brain function. I’m a big proponent of Omega Oils to help maintain good health.

Omega-3’s are part of every cell in our body, including the brain. They help with attention, memory and a balanced nervous system. I personally buy Nordic Naturals Omega-3 supplements because I feel they are the purest and most effective. I love that they take such great care with their products and have wonderful options for both children and adults.

The #1 Fish Oil Company in the US, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. They understand the importance of combining fish oil supplementation with a heart-healthy diet rich in nutrient dense food, such as the Mediterranean diet along with an active lifestyle to support our heart health.

They are also very environmentally responsible using sustainable fishing practices and having great corporate social responsibility. Nordic Naturals also supports organizations that make our planet a healthier place.

For the past month, I’ve been taking Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X as well as their CoQ10 Ubiquinol and reading The Complete Mediterranean Diet by Dr Michael Ozner.

The Omega 2X features Nordic Naturals highest concentration triglyceride form omega-3 oil in a soft gel that delivers 1000mg EPA+DHA which provides wonderful heart, brain and immune health support.

I can tell you that I notice a strong difference when I take them and when I forget to take them. If the body is like a machine, then the Omegas are the oil that helps it run smoothly. It has helped me personally with focus, energy, joint pain, and even stomach issues. I do highly recommend them.

The COQ10 Ubiquinol provides antioxidant support, supports cellular energy production, helps neutralize free radicals, and promotes cardiovascular health as well.

The Complete Mediterranean Diet by Dr Michael Ozner

 

A quick anecdote. After college, I traveled quite a bit and I lived on the Greek Island, Alonissos, for over a month. I would have loved to have stayed longer! I felt so whole in body, mind, and spirit. A lot of this had to do with diet and lifestyle. And, I noticed that the residents there lived their lives differently than many of my American compatriots.

They laughed more; they spent more time in the moment. Instead of rushing from one place to another, instead of grabbing a burger and fries and eating it on the way to a meeting, they took a long lunch break. Workers sat together at tables with large bowls of cucumber and tomato salads topped with feta, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Often there was red wine. To me, they didn’t seem too concerned with the ‘small stuff’.

In The Complete Mediterranean Diet, Dr Ozner, a top cardiologist talks about this type of lifestyle versus the classic American one and how you can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of other diseases as well. The book is easy to read and ‘digest’. The diet is absolutely delicious, not a ‘deprivation’ diet by any means and is simple to follow. There are over 500 easy to make classic and delightul Mediterranean recipes. I am working my way through!

Some examples are: Grilled Citrus Salmon with Garlic Greens, Pizza Margherita, Roasted Baby Artichokes with Parmesan Cheese, Toasted Crepe Cups with Fresh Berries in a Lemon Yogurt Sauce. Sign me up!

So, you see, the road to a healthier lifestyle does not have to be painful. There are a lot of wonderful tips in the book that will get you started on a common sense path.

With the Mediterranean Diet and my Nordic Naturals, I’m feeling supported, especially regarding my heart. I worry sometimes about my future health, but, taking the steps to wellness not only makes me feel healthy in body, but also calms my fears.

If you would like to win a wonderful wellness package featuring the products mentioned in this post, just enter via Giveaway Tools below.

SPECIAL CODE FOR MY READERS: Get a 15% discount on all phone and web orders and free shipping on all orders over $25 at Nordic Naturals – Use HEART16 (expires 5/01/16).

Cheers! Here’s to your heart health!

One lucky reader will receive:  1 bottle of Ultimate Omega 2X (60-count), 1 bottle of CoQ10 Ubiquinol (60-count), the book The Complete Mediterranean Diet by Dr Michael Ozner and a Swag Bag ($135 value)