Angina – Nutrition to Help

G’day folks!

Angina is a commonly suffered condition by many in western society and whilst as a serious medical condition, it is best treated by a qualified doctor, naturopathy has some role to play in prevention and management.

People’s diets who are habitually deficient in certain nutrients tend to be more prone to heart diseases. In addition to overhauling your own eating habits, you may want to consider consultiing with a naturopath, nutritionsit or dietician about supplementing your diet with some braod spectrum vitamins. Meanwhile, supplementing your diet with the following three nutrients can help if you experience angina.

Bromelain

Made from certain enzymes in pineapple, bromelain has anti-inflammatory effects, stops platelets form sticking together and has been shown in studies to break down arterial plaques and ease angina. Typical dosage is 250-500mg three times daily on an empty stomach just before eating. Caution though as it can very occassionally cause an upset stomach- just like eating too much pineapple can!

L-Carnitine

This amino-acid is involved with energy production at the cellular level. It increases the efficiency of oxygen use within the heart muscle; it also lowers cholesterol. In clinical studies, angina patients who took L-Carnitine could exercise more and when they exercised as much as they could, their ECG readings were improved. Typical dosage is 750-1500 mg per day in divided doses.

Coenzyme Q10

Like L-Carnitine, this vitamin like substance is involved with energy production in the cells. In one small study, patients with stable angina reduced their episodes of chest pain by more than half and the amount of time they could spend on the treadmill before experiencing chest pain increased by a full minute. Typical dosage is 150mg per day in divided doses.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has tried these and their experiences as well as any other that have worked for you so please feel free to leave a comment.

Have a great day!

Craig Hitchens. B.HSc.