Thanks and Cardiac Coherence

Kids are so funny. I once told my now grown son that I was going to an open house at his preschool.  A few years later in first grade, when he was more a man of the world, he laughed while telling me, “When I was in preschool I thought an open house meant they opened all the doors and windows at school, and I could never figure out why the parents would go to see that.”  Two people thinking different things about the same words…and then there are words that have two different meanings.  Like the chemist who told a waitress, “I think I’ll just have some H2O.  His companion followed suit with, “I think I’ll have some H2O too” Of course he died after drinking his because H2O2 is actually poisonous hydrochloride. You see, one statement can mean two things. 

Here’s another one for you, “Being thankful is good for your heart.” Will being thankful give me a happier heart? Yes, definitely.  Stopping to be thankful for what you have should make you a happier person. But did you know being thankful can not only improve the condition of your emotions and of your physical heart as well? (You should have seen it coming.)

HEART GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE
Our nervous system has what some have called a gas pedal and a brake, which together regulate the timing of our heart beat.  “The sympathetic part speeds the heart rate and raises blood pressure, allowing us to take quick action when needed (fight or flight). The parasympathetic part of the nervous system slows the heart rate and blood pressure and relaxes the glands.” (1)  Some studies have shown that an ongoing attitude of gratitude creates a more perfect balance between these two impulses.  This better cardiac coherence equals less stress hormones like cortisol in our system, and an overall healthier environment for the other hormones like estrogen, progesterone and androgen. In addition, people who practice gratitude have less headaches, muscle pains, weakened immune system, depression or poor sleep, and therefore enjoy better overall health. (2)

THANKFULNESS AFFECTS HEART RYTHM
Basically, being thankful causes a more perfect rhythm for my heart beat and maintains a healthy balance of hormones.  Pausing to take a very deep breath and then exhaling slowly when angry, stressed or frightened has the same effect.  That’s one technique I have long been familiar with, but now I have an even greater appreciation for what I can do to maintain a healthy heart… be more thankful!

This year I’m still thankful for that guy in the picture most of all, and for my little family.  Age clarifies the notion that life is fragile, and that each new morning is a gift. I’m thankful for what I have left to get it right. What are you most thankful for this year? Let’s benefit our hearts by being thankful now and all throughout the year.

Molly

Test Cook and Research Specialist for Orange Tree Lane

PS- (Menus 60- 62 side dishes are trimmings you might use in a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast:  Beet to the Thyme, Cheese & Corn pudding, Creamy Pumpkin Dip, Green Bean Casserole, Fall Salad with Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette and Sweet Potato Pie.  You can now remake your favorites for the holiday.)

Molly

(1)  http://www.healthy-heart-meditation.com/heart-coherence.html
(2)  http://www.drnorthrup.com/news/news_article.php