This episode is about: Dietary considerations as well as how stress affects the body and what can be done to minimize affect. Alright, welcome back! Today, we have a special guest with us, Dr. Susan Smith Jones. She’s here to talk with us about healthy eating for a strong heart and better health. But before we dive in, I want to mention a few quick things and share some recent listener questions. First off, thanks to those who’ve sent in messages saying they enjoy the show – I really appreciate hearing that! Because this is a new show, your feedback helps a lot. And feel free to let me know what topics you’d like to hear about in the future. One listener asked me to explain the "negative feedback system" because I might’ve rushed through it last time. So, here’s a quick breakdown. The negative feedback system helps regulate things in your body, like blood pressure. For example, when pressure in your arteries goes up, nerve endings there send a message to your brain. The brain responds by sending signals to your heart and blood vessels to relax, which brings your blood pressure down. Similar processes happen with your digestive system and thyroid too. It’s all about your body adjusting to keep things balanced. Another listener asked if stress can ever be a good thing. Turns out, it can! There’s something called "eustress," which is a positive kind of stress that can motivate us or help us grow. But remember, even if stress feels positive, it can still impact your body. That’s why managing stress is important for health. Lastly, I often talk about "symbols" on this show – these can be objects or images that represent deeper meanings in our lives. Someone reminded me that I used to say, "Don’t overthink it." Often, our first impression of a symbol is what resonates most, so try not to get too caught up in analyzing every detail. Alright, now let’s get to today’s topic. Dr. Susan Smith Jones is with us, and she’s an expert in nutrition. Susan, thank you for being here. Could you start by sharing some diet tips for a healthy heart? Susan: Absolutely! A few top heart-healthy foods are oatmeal, salmon (for those who eat fish), avocados, olive oil, nuts like walnuts and almonds, leafy greens like spinach, and even berries. Green tea and hibiscus tea are also fantastic – especially hibiscus, which can help lower blood pressure. Small choices like adding these foods to your meals can make a big difference! Host: That sounds great. I actually have oatmeal almost every morning! Now, let’s talk about stress. How can our listeners manage it better? Susan: Managing stress is so important. Here are my top tips: exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and consider adding a few minutes of meditation each day. Deep breathing is another quick way to calm your mind and body. And remember to enjoy some laughs! Laughter truly is the best medicine. Host: Fantastic advice, Susan. Also, I know some people struggle with sleep. Are there specific nutrients that help? Susan: Definitely. Look for calcium and magnesium – these are natural relaxants and can help you sleep better. Herbs like valerian and hops are also known for their calming effects. Host: Great tips, Susan! And for those interested in more, check out Susan’s website, susan smithjones.com, where she shares monthly health tips.
