Heart health.  First before considering any change of diet or supplementation consult your health care practioner or doctor. Dr Daniel Cobb DOM, is a doctor of oriental medicine in Santa Fe NM. You can contact him at The Integrative Holistic Center in  Santa Fe or at his page on experts at Self Growth. In his book, Dr Cobb DOM gives detailed discussion on each supplement and how it function to support healthy cardiovascular function. Once every month Dr Cobb also offers a free lecture at the Integrative Holistic Healing Center in Santa Fe, NM.

In recent heart articles several less traditional modalities have been discussed about increasing heart health.  Although supplementation for the heart is almost mainstream now, a review of a few basics may be helpful. Please note that everyone's body and health issues are unique and although a guide is provided, it is imperative to consult with your physician or healthcare provider first. In Dr Cobb's list you also may note and emphasis on amino acids and the absence of red yeast rice.  There are always many routes to improving your body's health.  Feel free to schedule a consultation if you have specific questions.  The Vitamin C Foundation offers more information and a good article on arginine.

Nourishing the heart includes keeping tissues healthy, and repairing the system. Cholesterol is essential in repairing tissue, including veins and arteries. However, often these cells need moe assistance. Collagen fibers are necessary for arteries flexibility and strength. Vitamin C is required to produce collagen fibers.

A collagen fiber looks like a 3 strand rope. 3 amino acids help compose each strand. They are  L-glyciene, L-proline, and L-lysine. Amino acids work in similar manner throughout our bodies.  You can learn more by attending one of Dr Cobb's lectures. Here's a quick summary of what he suggests. Also, these these nutrients can be used to support heart health before issues develop. Consult with Dr Cobb for suggested doses.

A Generic Heart Disease Treatment Formula from Daniel Cobb's Reversing Heart Disease book.

Here is a generic formula designed to treat someone with advanced and serious arterial blockages:

Vitamin C - 6 to 12 grams in divided doses throughout the day
L-Lysine - 6+ grams per day
L-Proline - 1+ gram per day
Or
Cardio-C - 2 to 3 scoops spread throughout the day
And you may have to add vitamin C separately as 3 scoops will total about 7.5 grams ascorbic acid.

Vitamin E Complex (all 8 kinds) - Between 400 and 800 IU / day
Co-Q10 - 100 mg per day (take with oil consumption)
Magnesium Malate - 200-400 mg total magnesium per day
Copper - 2 mg per day
B-Complex - Follow dosage on bottle
Rutin / bioflavonoids - 2 grams in divided doses throughout the day
Flaxseed oil or fish oil - 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per day

The cost of this level of supplementation would usually be under $80/month.

Here is a generic formula designed for prevention

Vitamin C - 3 grams per day
L-Lysine - 3 grams per day
L-Proline - 500 mg per day
Or
Cardio-C - 1 scoop per day

Vitamin E Complex (all 8 kinds) - Between 400 and 800 IU / day
Co-Q10 - 30 mg per day (take with oil consumption)
Magnesium Malate - 200 mg total magnesium per day
Copper - 1 mg per day
B-Complex - Follow dosage on bottle
Rutin / bioflavonoids - 1 gram per day
Flaxseed oil or fish oil - 1 teaspoon per day

The cost of this level of supplementation would usually be less than $50/month.

Read the whole article to get the rest of the story. Scroll down the page to find 2 of Daniel Cobb's article.

Most of these supplements are available at your local healthfood store including Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Whole Foods, and Sunflower stores.