Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when blood leaks backward in the heart. Mitral valve prolapse or floppy leaflets are the most common cause of this condition in which the valve does not close properly. It affects two to five percent of the population in America.
In general, mitral regurgitation and MVP does not require specific treatments because it does not show significant symptoms. But people with this heart condition can take natural remedies to maintain excellent heart health.
A wide variety of natural medications can help reduce the risk of serious complications from mitral regurgitation. We have put together the best options to prevent the floppy leaflets from getting worse. Take a look at the following list.
Best Natural Remedies for Mitral Regurgitation
Nature provides a plethora of herbs and natural medications to treat any diseases, including mitral valve regurgitation. Most of these remedies contain beneficial substances that help improve heart health and prevent serious symptoms.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular herb that has been enjoyed for centuries. Research showed that green tea helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the level of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. It is also responsible for the reduced risk of death from stroke and heart disease.
Green tea is a good source of antioxidants. Consuming this kind of tea 3 times a week shows significant improvement in overall heart health. Not to mention it can help break up plaques that may lead to blockage and blood clots.
Garlic
Some studies showed that garlic is one of the effective natural remedies for mitral valve prolapse and other heart diseases. Garlic has positive effects on the heart as it helps regulate cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent cell damage.
Other research proved that garlic supplements reduce plaque buildup in the arteries that may lead to coronary artery diseases or atherosclerosis. You can take around 4 cloves per day to get the positive effect. Garlic consumption in your healthy diet can also impact overall heart health.
Honey
Individuals with mitral valve prolapse can consider honey as a natural treatment to stay healthy. This powerful medicine contains antioxidant compounds that help lower blood pressure which reduces the risk factor for heart diseases.
Furthermore, honey shows a positive effect on the levels of cholesterol in your body. It reduces LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) while raising HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) which helps with weight loss. It makes a great substitute for sugar in your regular diet.
Berries
Berries do not straightly affect mitral valve regurgitation but it prevents heart diseases that potentially weaken the muscle. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with nutrients that play a great role in heart health.
Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants that protects against inflammation and oxidative stress, lowering the risk factor for heart diseases. Studies showed that consuming plenty of berries also helps improve insulin resistance.
Another study showed that berries work effectively to improve the function of cells in the blood vessels. This helps prevent blood clotting and control blood pressure.
Fish Oil
When it comes to natural remedies for mitral regurgitation, fish oil should be on the list. Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel contain loads of omega-3 fatty acids which have health benefits for the heart.
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart disease and arrhythmias. Studies showed that consuming fish in the long term can lower the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. It also has an association with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have powerful antioxidant properties known as lycopene. It fights against free radicals and prevents inflammations and oxidative damage that can lead to heart disease. A higher level of lycopene also helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Consuming tomatoes in your regular diet gives positive effects on endothelial function, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Some studies also showed that consuming raw tomatoes 4 times per week can increase the levels of good cholesterol.
With a higher level of HDL in your blood, it helps remove plaque and excess cholesterol from the arteries. This allows your heart to stay healthy and keeps stroke at bay.
Olive Oil
People with mitral valve prolapse can add olive oil to their diets. The health benefits of olive oil have been documented, thanks to loads of antioxidants which contribute to lowering the risk of chronic disease and relieving inflammation.
It is also packed with monounsaturated fatty acids that help improve heart health. Research showed that it can also lower the risk of heart disease as well as prevent and treat hypertension. You can drizzle olive oil over the cooked dish to get the health benefits.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate does not sound like a natural remedy but it contains flavonoids that help boost heart health. Several studies found that consuming chocolate can lower the risk of heart disease. Chocolate consumption in moderation can also reduce the risk of stroke and diabetes.
However, it is crucial to pick dark chocolate that contains at least 70% of cocoa content to get the health benefits at its best. Be careful with the calories and sugar in your chocolate products.
Almonds
Almonds contain incredible nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals that are essential to keep your heart healthy. They are also a decent source of monounsaturated fats and fibers which help protect against heart disease.
Eating almonds has a positive effect to lower your cholesterol. Individuals with high cholesterol can consume about 1.5 ounces of almonds per day to reduce bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol. Plus, it helps reduce plaque and keeps the arteries clean.
Seeds
Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds are excellent natural remedies for heart conditions. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that reduces inflammation, lowers the levels of triglycerides and blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation are typically harmless and do not need treatment. Natural remedies do not directly affect these heart conditions, but it helps prevent your condition from getting worse. From garlic to seeds, you can consume these natural medications to maintain heart health.
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