5 Things My Dad Failed To Do When He Suffered From High Blood Pressure

I've been thinking a lot about heart disease and how it's greatly affected so many families including my own. Everyone is connected to someone who's suffered from heart disease.

My dad suffered from high blood pressure and it was problematic on a daily basis.  I am thankful that he was able to reverse his high blood pressure and get off the medication for good.

Here is a list of the top five things that DID NOT help my dad when he had hypertension.  I thought that this list could help those who are currently suffering.

5 Things My Dad Failed To Do When He Suffered From High Blood Pressure 

1. He didn't quit coffee and caffeine. He easily drank more than a pot of coffee a day. At the time he wasn't aware that caffeine was affecting his heart condition. 

2. He refused to give up the junk. My dad loved Krispy Kreme Donuts, cream and sugar in his coffee, cereal, and all kinds of frozen novelties and coffee cakes. Fast food was easy to grab at McDonald's, KFC, Wendy's, etc. especially when my mom and dad owned a beauty salon. And table salt (including Morton's salt), the chemicalized crap with no minerals, was used in all the home cooking. All the crap and junk were addictions that he thought he couldn't live without.

3. Regular exercise was not a priority after my dad retired from the Navy. My dad enjoyed a relaxed, slow paced lifestyle like some retirees but he did not exert himself physically. He knew something was the matter when he was in NYC visiting family and had trouble catching his breath. Like everyone in his shoes he saw the doctor. What was the result? The dosage of his HBP medication increased. End of story and no questions asked. 

4. My dad never read the side effects of his HBP medication, Losartan. My dad just shrugged off the visible bruising that suddenly appeared all over his body. He never noticed it until my mom mentioned it. He had tightness in the chest area, anxiety, problems urinating, fatigue, and other issues. All of these are current side effects of the drug Losartan. 

5. My dad took everything too seriously. He always kept checking his blood pressure. He was quite stern, hardly smiled or laughed. How could he when he was scared and anxious all the time? 

We make things way too complicated. There is an easier way. People keep taking their meds hoping that these things are the cure and miracle to make them get better. That's fine and all if you want to live the hard way and continue to struggle.

The good news is that I've got something really cool cooking!  I'm hoping to launch it very soon.  If you or someone you know would be interested in reversing their high blood pressure, heart disease and/or high cholesterol, you'll want to stay tuned.

This is a picture of my dear dad when he was in active duty more than three decades ago. He wasn't on HBP medication then but it was to come and he ended up being on medication for ten years. My dad chose better and greater for himself. And that's truly awesome! How does it get any better than that?! 

Set The World On Fire

In fall of 1994 I was among the students of the incoming freshmen class at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  The freshmen class was gathered at William and Mary Hall for the convocation.  One of the speakers told us to look at the person on our left and then on our right.  The speaker went on to say that our class was among the brightest incoming classes ever.  I forget the percentage but it was something like 90 percent of my class were either salutatorians or valedictorians of their graduating high school class.  More importantly, the speaker passed on some very smart advice to us young men and women that every college student should take to heart.  He said, "Take classes that interest you.  If you've never taken a kinesiology class or a philosophy class take it.  Major in what you want to major in.  Not what your parents or your brother or sister want.  Major in what you want."

I did graduate from The College of William and Mary in four years and I'm very proud of that.  But I did not major in what my parents had planned for me.  They had hoped that I would choose a career path just like my late paternal grandfather, Pastor Fabunan, who was an accountant.  The truth was that the economics and business courses were not meant for me.  Yeah, they definitely were NOT meant for me!  I struggled and I humbly withdrew from or failed a couple of those classes.  Instead I majored in Spanish.  Why?  In my junior year I took a hard look at my grades and immediately noticed that my best grades were from my modern language classes.  At the time I loved immersing myself in the romance languages and I excelled in them especially Spanish.  There was also pressure from my mom to complete my studies in four years so a BA in Spanish it was! 

And this is true for much of life.  By pretending to be something that we are not we can never be happy or be true to ourselves.  Life will always be an upward struggle.  I love this quotation by Saint Catherine of Siena:  "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."  Life is so short.  Why pretend or delve into misery, right?  

For about 12 years of my young professional life I was a banker for large and small banks and I did pretty well for myself.  The problem was that I pushed myself at work and I never really loved it.  I pushed myself to the limit working extremely late hours and even on the weekends.  I liked certain aspects of bank management like leading, coaching, and encouraging my team members but deep down inside I was never completely happy or satisfied.   

What changed for me?  I got married to a wonderful man and we had a beautiful baby boy.  But then my health spiraled downward and I hit rock bottom to the point of being bedridden.

Eventually I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and in a year I became a certified integrative nutrition health coach.  I utilized the knowledge that I learned from IIN and thankfully I started to heal my condition.  I was so intrigued with the use of food as medicine that I continued my education taking an alternative healing course.  I then used that education to help myself completely heal and my own family heal their conditions ranging from eczema, food sensitivities, high blood pressure, and heart burn.  I continue to take holistic health courses because of my passion in helping others heal their own conditions.  And, yes, since I've found my calling I want to set the world on fire!

I believe that any disease or ailment can be reversed.  Anyone can heal with the right foods, mindset, and proper rest.  That's the beauty of working with a health coach especially an integrative nutrition health coach.  We health coaches are trained to really listen to our clients and help them heal on a deep physical, emotional, and spiritual level.  

I love the flexibility that I am allowed.  I am able to be the kind of wife, homeschooling mom, blogger, and integrative nutrition health coach that I want to be.  Thanks be to God, my faith and family will always come first but I have found a wondrous joy in health coaching and there is nothing else I'd rather be doing.  Find your truth, your voice, and your purpose, and you will set the world on fire.  And after that there is no going back!

For A Healthy And Happy 2018

Sign up for one of my programs!

My 1 Month Health Coaching Program

““Take classes that interest you.  If you’ve never taken a kinesiology class or a philosophy class take it.  Major in what you want to major in.  Not what your parents or your brother or sister want.  Major in what you want.””

“I love this quotation by Saint Catherine of Siena:  ’Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.’”

---

The Heart

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world.  It has affected my own family -- heart disease was the cause of death for my maternal grandparents who died at relatively young ages, as well as my paternal grandfather.  

My maternal grandparents had eleven children but only three are still  living.  My mom and her two younger sisters have surpassed their parents' age at their deaths.  Most of my maternal aunts and uncles died from heart complications including heart attack and stroke, and passed away in their 40s and 50s.  

And earlier this month actor Alan Thicke passed away from a heart related issue.  This sad news reminded me of how important heart health is and how important it is to care for your heart as well as the other major organs in the body.

My Health For The Holidays series is all about taking steps now to nurture and strengthen these organs in order to enjoy a fruitful, healthy life.  I am starting with the heart because heart disease is such a common health problem.

What Are The Leading Triggers For Heart Disease?

1. Inflammation
2. Infection (viruses, parasites, bacterial) which leads to inflammation
3. Poor immunity which leads to infection which leads to inflammation
4. Overeating (excessively heavy meals)
5. Stress

Foods That Support The Heart

As with many other health issues, there are certain foods that can help people with heart disease and there are foods that should be avoided.  People with high blood pressure should consume less red meat, eggs and spicy food.  They should eat more fish, chicken, turkey, fruits, and vegetables.  Fried foods are harmful because they congest the heart.  Coffee should be avoided.  Water should be the beverage of choice when supporting the heart.  Herbal teas are also an excellent choice.     

Health For The Holidays Tea Collection

As part of my Health For The Holidays series, a sample blend of delicious herbal teas will be offered to anyone who signs up for my 6 month program (sample teas are available to US residents only at this time).  My Health For The Holidays Tea Collection includes Heart Tea I, Heart Tea II,  Kidney Tea, Gut Tea, and Wellness Tea.  Each tea is specifically mixed with just the right amount of medicinal herbs that target good heart, kidney, and gut health, as well as good bodily function.  All teas in my collection are made with organic, high quality herbs that have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine.  This is food that is truly medicine that will help heal the heart.    

Who Can Drink Heart Tea I and Heart Tea II?

Heart Tea I can be taken by anyone who wants to support heart health even those who do not have heart problems.  Anyone who has suffered from a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, carditis, aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, venous thrombosis, and any other heart problem will benefit greatly from Heart Tea I.

Heart Tea II is specially mixed for those of you who have high blood pressure.  

Men, women, and children can have Heart Tea I and Heart Tea II.  I would recommend smaller amounts for children since they are still growing and don't need as much as adults.  The teas are also safe to drink during pregnancy.  For adults who really need the heart support, I would replace a cup of coffee with this delicious heart tea daily.  

Consult With Me For A Healthy Heart

Want more ways to support the heart?  I am available for a free hour long consult to discuss your health history.  And of course, you can also decide to sign up for my 6 month program. 

My 6 Month Program (which can be extended) includes:

• 1-hour scheduled coaching sessions twice a month
• Unlimited email and phone support throughout the program
• A pantry makeover
• Delicious recipes and natural food recommendations
• Guidance in making lifestyle adjustments 
• Health For The Holidays Tea Collection gift set (for a limited time only)

You can work with me in person, virtually (Skype or FaceTime), or by telephone through one-on-one or group sessions.  To schedule an appointment, I may be reached at info@elainejavier.com or here.  

The Good News

There are studies that show that most disease can be reversed given the proper foods and timing.  My tea collection and other suggestions are not an immediate cure all for heart disease but with patience and consistent effort, you will see positive results, and in time your body will heal with the right nourishment and support.

If you would like the opportunity to try my Health For The Holidays Tea Collection, please like and comment below.  One participant will win a gift set to try out the teas at the end of my Health For The Holidays series.  

Cheers to a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy heart!  I'm giving you a huge virtual hug but give yourself a hug and your loved ones as well.  Your heart will thank you!

“All teas in my collection are made with organic, high quality herbs that have been used for thousands of years. This is food that is truly medicine that will help heal the heart. ”

---