Since I got my stents, I have been keeping an eye on research pertaining to coronary artery disease, artherioclerosis, and heart health in general.

The problem, is that many studies are inconclusive, and it can be unclear what steps are important to take, and which will just make your life a drag without really affecting the health of your ticker.

When I hear a new piece of information, I try to do some research on it, and make my own decision. That said, even though I try to follow all of the guidelines sometimes you just need to relax in the sun and eat ice cream. Or whatever.

I know I should be eating a plant based diet, that I should keep my good cholesterol up and my bad cholesterol down. I know fish is good for me, that I should take vitamin C and vitamin E. I know that I should exercise regularly…heck, I am just going to make a list of all the things I have to keep track of, just on the sidelines, to keep this heart of mine going.

1) Eat a plant based diet. As Micheal Pollan puts it in his book In Defense of Food, “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” And those are words to live by. Avoid processed foods. Avoid sugar. Avoid processed and animal fats. In my research, I discovered that the jury is out on such things as dairy, yogurt, fats, fish, but when I put it all together, the pattern was quite clear. A mostly vegan diet that consists primarily of whole grains, fruits and veggies is without argument the best diet. I allow some fish as well, wine, and occasional grass-fed dairy. If you make this 80-90% of your diet, the occasional steak or birthday cake won’t kill you. I promise.

2) Avoid Iron. This is the new one. Apparently, men and post-menaupausal women are at highest risk for heart disease, because, it is thought, they have an abundance of iron. Giving blood regularly is actually one way to address this. I don’t take iron supplements, and, sadly, I am going to stop cooking with an iron skillet in favor of a Le Creuset stainless steel. Stainless steel is the best, least reactive cookware.

3) Drink purified water. Chlorine has an oxidizing effect. The amount deemed safe in city tap water may actually be a danger, over the long term, for those prone to coronary artery disease.  But don’t avoid swimming pools, they are just too fun. You gotta live, people! But don’t drink the water when you’re in there.

4) Exercise. Walking is enough. Doing something you just find to be active and fun is better.

5) Meditate. Did you ever stop to think about how your heart is tasked with pumping blood to your entire body? Its grand central station. We know that stress is a huge factor in the cause of heart disease. Exercise helps with stress and anxiety. So can medication. And meditating, even sitting quietly for five minutes and noticing your breath, can affect your whole day.

6) Visualize. Pray. Imagine your heart as a soft, strong muscle, beating solidly and calmly. Imagine your coronary arteries filled with blue or purple light, radiation and glowing. Imagine your arteries clear and smooth, the blood coursing through them swiftly and effortlessly. Imagine your entire cardiovascular system  as radiating this healing light. If you are a religious person, or even if you aren’t don’t underestimate the power of others praying over you, sending positive thoughts and energy in your direction. It works!

7)Take Vitamin C and Vitamin E. C with Rosehips is best. At least 500C and 400iu. Take fish oil, 1200mg. Take CQ10. They come in gummies and taste delicious. Take 81mg of aspirin a day. Im sure your doctor has covered this.

8)Drink green tea, or a cup of hot lemon water when you wake up in the morning. Instead of coffee if you can. “Coffee is an afternoon drink,” my granddad always said.

9) Avoid sugar. Fat doesn’t make you fat. Sugar makes you fat. Honey and maple syrup are the way to go.  Agave and brown rice syrup is just as processed as cane sugar. Don’t go there.

10) Love. Yourself. Your lover. Your life. Love the little things. Remember your heart’s real job isn’t just pumping blood around.

Well, that is what I have got for now! But I will update the list as I go. Enjoy keeping care of that healthy, happy heart of yours.