Insights from the Journal of a Renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon
The heart is not only the most vital organ in the human body, but also one of the most vulnerable. It works non-stop, beating approximately 100,000 times a day to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Given the increasing rates of cardiovascular disease worldwide, it’s no wonder that many people live in fear of experiencing a heart attack. But what if that fear could be reduced — or even eliminated — through a proactive approach to heart health?
Today, we’ll share insights derived from the notes of a respected cardiothoracic surgeon. These are not just dry medical instructions — they are practical lifestyle recommendations, many of which involve accessible natural remedies, food choices, and traditional wellness techniques. If followed diligently, these methods can help ease anxiety, boost cardiovascular function, and foster a longer, healthier life.
Plums: A Natural Ally for the Heart — But in Moderation
Let’s start with a humble fruit: the plum. According to the doctor’s notes, plums are incredibly beneficial for heart health. They can be:
Stewed and served with lean meats
Eaten raw alongside cottage cheese
Soaked in water and consumed as a naturally fermented “live compote”
Plums are high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that help reduce inflammation and support proper digestion — both crucial for cardiovascular health. They’re also known for regulating blood sugar levels and reducing cholesterol, both of which contribute to a healthier heart.
However, moderation is key.
Due to their content of hydrocyanic acid, excessive consumption of plums may lead to a drop in red blood cell count, potentially triggering or worsening anemia.
That’s why the recommendation is to consume no more than 3 to 5 plums per day, and to limit daily intake to one continuous month, followed by a 2–3 week break.
Foods to Avoid for a Stronger Heart
One of the first steps to protecting the heart is eliminating certain foods from the daily diet. According to the doctor, these items should be strictly avoided:
Animal fats like butter and sour cream
Sugary compotes and store-bought fruit juices with high sugar content
While these items might seem harmless or even healthy to some, they can significantly raise cholesterol levels and blood pressure, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Bananas: Beneficial or Harmful? A Balanced Perspective
Bananas often show up on lists of “heart-healthy” foods — and for good reason. They are rich in potassium, a mineral essential for regulating heart rhythm and maintaining electrolyte balance. However, they are also high in carbohydrates, particularly natural sugars.
So what’s the solution?
Bake the bananas.
Baking bananas — either in the oven or microwave — can reduce their sugar content slightly and make them easier to digest. You can even wrap them in foil for a slow-bake effect.
In East Asian traditions, a hot banana porridge is considered a healing food, although its taste may be unfamiliar to European or Western palates. If you can get used to the flavor, it may become one of your most heart-friendly breakfast choices.
Herbal Infusions and Spices That Support Heart Function
Saffron Water
One of the lesser-known but powerful natural remedies recommended by the surgeon is a simple saffron infusion:
Add 1–2 grams of saffron to 1.5 liters of boiled and cooled water
Let it infuse
Drink 100 ml after meals, once per day, for 15 days
Saffron contains crocin and safranal, compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They help regulate blood pressure, relax the arteries, and improve overall blood circulation.
Black Pepper and Honey
For cases of fluid retention or early-stage heart issues, try this natural remedy:
Mix 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper with 1 cup of pure, raw honey
Consume 1 teaspoon 3 to 4 times a day
This mixture combines the anti-inflammatory effects of pepper with the cardioprotective properties of honey, making it a powerful tonic for daily heart support.
Clay Water Baths for Vascular Health
Another unique technique included in the surgeon’s notes is the use of clay water baths to strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. These therapeutic baths are made using:
200 grams of natural clay
Dissolved into a standard household bathtub filled with water at either 38°C (for general treatment) or 30°C (for patients with heat sensitivity)
Soak in the bath for up to 2 hours, depending on tolerance.
Additionally, clay water can be applied topically using soaked sheets or applied as compresses to localized areas — such as swollen legs or varicose veins.
Clay is known for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and mineral-rich properties. It absorbs toxins through the skin and helps to calm the nervous system, a major factor in heart rhythm regulation.
Optimize Your Diet: Prioritize Amino Acids and Trace Elements
Diet plays a crucial role in heart health, not just in avoiding harmful foods but in adding the right ones. The notes recommend increasing the intake of:
Amino acids (building blocks for healthy tissue)
Trace minerals such as vanadium, manganese, and chromium
These elements are especially beneficial for:
Strengthening the arterial walls
Regulating blood sugar
Supporting proper blood vessel function
Examples of Ideal Dishes:
Eggplant with walnuts and garlic
Seaweed salad (rich in iodine and chromium)
Various fish-based dishes
These meals are both nourishing and help balance cardiovascular function, making them ideal for long-term prevention.
Bonus Tip: Avoid dinner altogether.
Instead, drink 1 cup of 1% low-fat yogurt before bed. This helps with digestion, avoids nighttime heart strain, and supports metabolic regulation.
Juice Blends That Heal the Heart
Freshly pressed juices, particularly when blended in specific proportions, can provide powerful healing benefits to the cardiovascular system. Here is a recommended mixture:
Carrot juice – 230 g
Garlic juice – 60 g
Beetroot juice – 170 g
Combine all three and dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio. Drink one-third of a cup twice daily after meals.
These ingredients:
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants
Beets are known to lower blood pressure
Garlic supports blood thinning and prevents plaque buildup in the arteries
Together, they form a natural elixir for heart health, capable of reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and lowering cholesterol.
Final Thoughts: From Fear to Empowerment
Fear of a heart attack is understandable. With so many cases occurring suddenly and with devastating consequences, it’s no wonder this concern weighs heavily on many minds. But fear alone doesn’t save lives — action does.
By adopting daily habits, natural remedies, and a thoughtful diet, you can empower yourself and reduce the fear that lingers in the background.
Your heart is not your enemy. It’s your ally — your partner in life.
All it asks for is support: through mindful nutrition, reduced stress, and natural approaches that have been used for generations.
Let this guide — based on expert insight — be your starting point. You don’t have to wait until symptoms arise. You can start protecting your heart today.
