American Heart Month: A Functional Medicine Approach to Heart Health
February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. While conventional medicine often focuses on cholesterol numbers and medications, functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to heart health, looking at inflammation, blood sugar balance, nutrient status, gut health, and lifestyle factors that truly drive cardiovascular risk.
Let’s break down how to support heart health naturally, holistically, and sustainably.
Why Heart Disease Is More Than Just Cholesterol
For decades, heart health has been reduced to one number: cholesterol. But research now shows that heart disease is far more complex.
Functional medicine evaluates:
Chronic inflammation
Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation
Oxidative stress
Gut and microbiome imbalances
Hormone and stress load
Nutrient deficiencies
Environmental toxin exposure
High cholesterol alone does not cause heart disease—inflammation and metabolic dysfunction do.
Functional Root Causes of Poor Heart Health
1. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup. It’s often driven by:
Processed foods
Sugar and refined carbohydrates
Food sensitivities
Gut dysfunction
Chronic stress
2. Blood Sugar Imbalance
Insulin resistance is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease, even in people with “normal” cholesterol.
Signs include:
Elevated fasting glucose or A1c
Belly fat
Fatigue after meals
Triglyceride elevation
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Key nutrients for heart health include:
Magnesium
Omega-3 fatty acids
Potassium
CoQ10
B vitamins (especially folate and B12)
Deficiencies are common—even in people eating “healthy.”
4. Gut Health & the Microbiome
An unhealthy gut can increase inflammation and produce compounds that negatively impact arteries and blood pressure.
Functional medicine always asks:
“Is the gut contributing to cardiovascular risk?”
The Functional Medicine Heart-Healthy Plate
A heart-supportive diet is not about restriction—it’s about nutrient density and balance.
Focus on:
Colorful vegetables (especially leafy greens)
High-quality proteins (wild fish, pasture-raised meats)
Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds)
Fiber-rich foods to support cholesterol elimination
Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices (turmeric, garlic, ginger)
Limit:
Refined sugars
Processed seed oils
Ultra-processed foods
Excess alcohol
Lifestyle Medicine for Heart Health
Stress Management
Chronic stress raises cortisol, blood pressure, and inflammation.
Heart-healthy practices include:
Daily movement
Breathwork
Prayer or meditation
Adequate sleep (7–9 hours)
Movement That Supports the Heart
You don’t need extreme workouts.
Functional medicine recommends:
Walking
Strength training
Zone-2 cardio
Consistent, enjoyable movement
Advanced Functional Testing for Heart Health
Functional medicine may assess:
Advanced lipid markers (particle size, ApoB)
Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP)
Blood sugar and insulin levels
Nutrient deficiencies
Gut health testing
Hormone balance
This allows for personalized prevention, not one-size-fits-all care.
A New Way to Think About Heart Health
Heart health is not about fear, restriction, or chasing numbers. It’s about:
Reducing inflammation
Supporting metabolism
Nourishing the body
Managing stress
Addressing root causes early
This American Heart Month, consider a functional medicine approach that supports your heart for the long term—not just your next lab result.
Ready to Support Your Heart Naturally?
A personalized functional medicine plan can help identify your unique cardiovascular risk factors and create a sustainable strategy for lifelong heart health. Book with Seed Wellness Co. for advanced testing and health support. A healthy heart is everything!