The heart is the most incredible muscle in the body. As the center of the circulatory system, it is the core of physical well-being. Each day, it pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood through our body. The heart beats (contracts and relaxes) over 100,000 times every day, 35 million times each year, and more than 2.5 billion times over the course of a lifetime. This continuous action circulates the blood and keeps the human body alive by delivering oxygen and nutrients to every tissue and organ, allowing them to function optimally.

The importance of the heart goes beyond its physical pumping mechanism. This organ is also the center of our emotional well-being. It allows us to feel love, joy and affection. A well-nourished heart leads to a sense of optimism and vitality. The heart is also linked to experiences of apathy and depression.

Caring for the heart is a key component of living a heart-centered life. In a world where medications related to heart conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol are the most frequently prescribed, it is common knowledge that we must protect this organ. Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding processed foods, reducing toxic exposure, staying active, and managing stress levels are all key to ensuring the entire circulatory system thrives.

For those who want to determine if their current habits are supporting optimum heart health, consider the following:  Instead of waiting until conditions like high blood pressure, heart palpitations or cardiovascular disease arise, seek a practitioner who utilizes the Heart Sound Recorder (HSR). This general wellness cardiac stress monitor uses a specialized microphone to translate the sounds of the four valves of the heart into a graph.

The HSR graph displays a wealth of information, including the ability to assess three key health indicators without having to rely on the quality of the practitioner's hearing or stethoscope. These include the heart’s:

• Rate - the speed at which the heart beats. 

• Rhythm - the regularity of the heartbeat and the heart's work-to-rest ratio. 

• Tone - the strength and efficiency of the heart.

Each of these measures are influenced by the nutrient and stress status of the body. The heart absorbs nutrients quickly and is the first organ to respond to nutrition. Analysis of the HSR graph allows practitioners to determine which nutritional deficiencies should be addressed, and what dietary or supplemental interventions are priority. This may include B vitamins or specific minerals. Additionally, the graph provides a wealth of insights into the functioning of the cardiovascular system, the impact of stress on the heart, and the balance of the body’s chemistry. For the body and the heart to function correctly, proper nutrition is vital. The phrase “you are what you eat” takes on a whole new meaning with the addition of “and the heart eats first.”

 Chelsea Kazmierczak-Goethel, MSACN, is a holistic practitioner at MetroEast Natural Healing Center, in Oakdale. She is advanced clinically trained in Nutrition Response Testing, holds a bachelor degree in Human Physiology, and a master of science in Applied Clinical Nutrition. Her own health issues brought her into the natural health care world, but the return of joy and optimum health to her patients happily fuels her every day. She is grateful to have been a part of the healing journey of so many patients over the past five years. For more information, visit NutritionChiropractic.com.

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