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7 Reasons Water is Good for Your Heart

What makes up around 70 percent of your brain and heart and is critical for human survival? If you answered water, you are correct. Water supports brain function, helps you digest foods, aids in nutrient absorption, and, above all, protects your heart.

Before we go any further, think about the last time you had a glass of cool, pure, restorative H2O. If you can’t remember, you’ll want to get one now. 

Trust us. 

After you hear what this humble drink does to grease the cogs of your circulatory system, you’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated. Here’s how water fortifies your hardworking cardiovascular system and a few simple tricks to drink more. 

Why water is good for your heart

Flushes toxins from the body

Adequate water intake allows the kidneys to work effectively, removing waste from your blood and processing it out of the body through urine. Harmful toxins in the body can impact heart function and lead to cardiovascular disease. 

When your kidneys aren’t hydrated, harmful toxins build up and remain in the body, leading to cardiac toxicity. Give your kidneys a boost by drinking water, and you’ll also help your heart.

Keeps salts balanced

Too much salt in the blood and not enough water is a recipe for disaster. When your body is in this state, it begins the water conservation process, contributing to heart failure. Without the corresponding water consumption, high sodium levels can lead to high blood pressure, another factor for heart disease.

Increases effectiveness of the heart

Your heart pumps around 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body every day. 

A recent study suggests that staying hydrated can increase the effectiveness of your ticker and prevent changes within the heart that lead to heart failure. The opposite is also true, according to the study’s authors. When you are dehydrated over long periods, your risk of heart failure increases. 

It’s simple.

A hydrated heart is a happy heart. 

Helps regulate temperature

Your heart does a lot to keep you cool. When your core temperature rises, your heart has to beat faster, putting more pressure on this hard-working muscle. Help support it by drinking water to cool yourself down and regulate your body temperature. 

Prevents dehydration

Most people have become accustomed to a certain level of dehydration due to a chronic lack of water consumption. When dehydrated, your heart beats faster to compensate for decreased blood volume and thicker blood from sodium buildup. 

According to research, even mild dehydration can impair vascular function nearly as much as smoking a cigarette. Stay hydrated to give your heart a break.

Aids in weight loss

Carrying extra pounds can increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Water is a great weight-loss tool

Enjoy a glass of water before meals to help reduce your appetite and drink water between meals instead of snacking. Replace sugary drinks with water to help shed belly weight.

Reduces the effects of caffeine 

Though moderate levels of caffeine aren’t detrimental to the heart, if you drink too much, you could experience jitters or an increased heart rate. Water can prevent dehydration that contributes to a caffeine-induced heart rate increase. 

How much water is good for your heart?

This question is surprisingly weighted. 

For years, we’ve heard “drink eight cups of water (64 oz) per day to meet your daily recommended water intake.” However, this recommendation is outdated and has turned into a culture-driven myth that many accept as scientific fact.

Other sources say to double this suggestion and drink one gallon (128 oz) of water per day, while further guidelines say half of your body weight in ounces will suffice. 

Experts argue that these suggestions are either too high or too low, yet they provide no clear answers about what you should aim to consume each day. 

The truth is, there is no clear answer. 

The amount of water you should drink depends on your age, weight, location, activity level, and temperature. The more you sweat, the more water you will need to replenish. While it is possible to drink too much water, diluting the salt in your blood to unhealthy levels, this is unlikely for someone drinking a normal amount of water. 

It is estimated that 75 percent of adult Americans are chronically dehydrated. 

After learning what water does for your heart, do you want to be part of this statistic? Drink water regularly throughout the day, more if exercising or sweating, and remain conscious of your water intake. 

If you haven’t had a lot of water and start to feel faint, dizzy, thirsty, have dark urine, get a headache, or haven’t used the bathroom in a while, you are likely dehydrated and need to drink water as soon as possible. 

Check with your doctor if you are unsure of your specific water needs. 

How to drink more water for your heart

It’s good to say, “drink more water to support your heart health,” but it isn’t always straightforward. Creating new habits takes time, a fact that is true with water consumption as well. 

However, becoming mindful about your water intake and prioritizing hydration is well worth the effort. Your heart (and your whole body) will thank you.

Try these simple tricks to help you incorporate more water into your day:

Eat your water

Roughly 20 percent of our water intake comes from food. Cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini are just a few of the water-rich veggies included in the 100 Year Heart Diet

Eat plenty of fresh, whole, organic produce to help stave off dehydration and keep your body functioning optimally. 

Drink before every meal

Though you should sip water throughout the day, it can be hard to remember if you get busy or don’t have your water bottle on hand. To help you stay on top of your water goals, try to drink at least one glass before every meal. 

Drinking water before meals helps prevent overeating and curtails sugar cravings, as many people reach for food or snacks when thirsty. 

Try infusing your water

We won’t lie; water can get boring sometimes. To help mix it up and keep you coming back for more, infuse your water with fruit and herbs for a delicious twist on this essential beverage. 

Simply add your desired ingredients to a glass pitcher full of fresh water, leave it in the fridge overnight, and strain the water through a mesh sieve in the morning.

The remaining water will have a delightful, subtle flavor that satisfies sugar cravings, helps you eat less, and keeps you sipping on your water all day long. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

Basil, Blueberry, and Lemon Water

  • 5 cups filtered water
  • 6 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 pint blueberries
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced

Lemon, Cucumber, Blackberries, and Ginger Water

  • 5 cups filtered water
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
  • A small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

Strawberry and Thyme Water

  • 5 cups filtered water
  • 6 chopped strawberries (or berries of your choice)
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

Cucumber, Lemon, Ginger, and Mint Water

  • 5 cups filtered water
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 small piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves

Watermelon, Mint, and Lime Water

  • 5 cups filtered water
  • ½ cup of fresh watermelon cut into chunks
  • ¼ of fresh mint leaves
  • One lime, thinly sliced

Enjoy tea

Yes, plain water is excellent and essential, but sometimes you just want to cuddle up with a good book and a glass of warm tea. Choose a tea such as green or herbal with potent antioxidants to help fight off free radicals and support your hydration.

Keep your water bottle full

Choose a high-quality, toxin-free reusable water bottle and keep it full and close by. Bring it to work, in the car, on errands, and even use it around the house. Over time, your water bottle will start to feel like an extension of your body, and you’ll never be far from it. 

Having clean water on hand is the best way to ensure that you drink enough to protect your heart.

Try mineral water

Soda is loaded with dyes, sugar, preservatives, and chemicals and has no place in a healthy lifestyle. Unflavored sparkling water is an excellent substitute when you need that carbonation fix yet still want to quench your thirst and support your water intake. Always choose pure mineral water in a glass bottle.

Set water goals

Are you a goal-oriented type of person? If so, set water goals and stick to them. 

Decide on a number of ounces or bottles that supports your lifestyle and activity level and keeps you hydrated. 

Set up alerts on your phone, use a water-tracking app, or make tally marks on a piece of paper. Do whatever you need to do to keep track of your water consumption and motivate yourself. If you are reward-driven, give yourself a small gift after a week or month of reaching your water goals. 

Drink the right kind of water

Remember, even if you drink an adequate amount of water every day, it won’t matter if you’re not drinking the right kind. Stay far away from bottled and tap water, as these contain toxins and heavy metals that can be detrimental to your health. 

Instead, invest in a high-quality water filter that purifies using reverse osmosis and restores essential, heart-healthy minerals after the purification process. 

Water: The elixir of life

The next time you down a cool glass of water after a hard workout, stop and think about what it is doing for your body. More than just quenching your thirst, this unassuming beverage cools you down, flushes toxins out of your system, and helps you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

Next steps

Incorporate water into your daily routine and find ways to increase your intake. The quality of your hydration is only as good as the quality of the water you’re drinking. Avoid toxic water from untrustworthy sources and purchase a quality home water filter.

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

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Discover how we can help you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.