Cardiovascular System, circulation, cholesterol

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of blood in the circulation, often measured for diagnosis since it's closely related to the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls. If the blood cannot flow smoothly through the arteries—the aorta being the biggest one—this results in high blood pressure, causing heart conditions.

Blood circulation affects nervous system

Heart rate is measured in beats per minute. Slower rates at rest and during activity are indications of healthy hearts. Also, the quicker your heart rate returns to stable levels after extreme exercise, the healthier. When the Nervous System is out of balance toward the Sympathetic, the heart rate naturally goes up so the heart's health is more than just its exercising capabilities.

My son has a heart condition (coarctation of the aorta). It was not discovered until he was 10 years old. The small opening in his aorta was not flowing easily so his body—amazing as this is—adapted and created several more giant blood vessels around it so that the blood could make its way down to his lower extremities. Still, this adaptation, or rather evolution, resulted in low blood pressure in his lower half (which required surgery, and later a stent that needs to be ballooned open a few times in his lifetime).

The heart and the blood have a will to survive. The Cardiovascular System is a fascinating system. But optimal blood flow is the key to optimal cardiovascular health.

Keep blood flowing optimally

Blood thinners are anticoagulants, which increase blood flow when the blood is thickened and "clotted," contributing to proper circulation in a continuous flow throughout the body. Yoga techniques aid the blood naturally as it helps it flow and circulate more optimally.

Cholesterol can build up in arteries and cause circulation issues or even heart attacks, because the clog is too great. Cholesterol has two parts: good and bad. The bad, clogging type comes from ingesting animals (it's different from fat). Bypass heart surgeries reroute clogged arteries for the purpose of restoring vital circulation.

Red meat (contributing to cholesterol), however, also provides more iron in blood. When my own Nervous System is heightened or Lymphatic System engages after a massage, I personally crave red meat. I listen to my body's innate cues to replenish my blood.

Red wine adds a beneficial quality to the blood. It may increase testosterone—increase muscle mass, boost stamina and speed up recovery. Resveratrol (found in the skin of red grapes) in red wine is known to slow the body's aging process, while also lowering cholesterol. Resveratrol is even sold as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant & cardiovascular support, and healthy aging support. Organic red wine contains 10x more Resveratrol than non-organic because the naturally grown grapes have to create anti-fungal, anti-bacterial compounds to survive. This message from the plant helps the human who drinks the wine survive longer.