mvp help

Exercise--Mitral valve prolapse is not at all the sort of "heart condition" that should make anyone apprehensive about engaging in exercise. In fact, exercise is one of the best therapies we have for deconditioning learned sensitivities and relieving neurological symptoms. Studies have shown that people who engage in regular aerobic exercise report a decline in symptoms of chest pain, fatigue, dizziness and mood swings, and panic attacks.

Diet--Proper diet is essential to stabilization of MVP symptoms. Avoidance of stimulants, sugar, and artificial flavoring agents like Mono-Sodium-Glutamat (Natrium Glutamat) and Nutrasweet are mandatory. The effects of hypoglycemia must be blunted with frequent small meals and interval snacks; complex carbohydrates may be combined with protein to avoid precipitous rises and falls of blood sugar. Adequate hydration with plenty of liquids maintains blood volume to counteract low blood pressure and "wooziness." Moderate salt intake is usually encouraged to stimulate adrenal function.

Nutritional therapy--There are several key nutrients that can affect the underlying causes of mitral valve prolapse symptoms.

Magnesium is probably the most significant of these. Magnesium deficiencies are associated with migraine headaches, and are common in people with epilepsy and mitral valve prolapse. Magnesium seems to affect everything from breathing patterns to reflex muscle tension. Oral dosage: magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate, 150-200 mg. two-three times daily. Diarrhea is a possible side effect.

L-carnitine is an amino acid that acts as a shuttle for fat that is required for cellular metabolism. It can be used as a "cellular equalizer" and also acts to strengthen the heart. Dosage: 500-1,000 mg. two-three times daily.

Acetyl-l-carnitine is a related nutrient that may be more bio-available. Dosage: 120 mg. three times daily.

Co-enzyme Q10 appears to improve disturbed bioenergetic function at the molecular level. Co-enzyme Q-10 enhances pumping action of the heart, output of blood, speed of heart muscle contraction and general cardiac efficiency. It may also prove helpful for patients suffering from profound fatigue. Dosage: 60-120 mg/day.

Several of the B vitamins can help with symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. Among other things, they can reduce high levels of lactic acid in the blood that are associated with anxiety and panic attack. Alcohol, caffeine and Sugar all contribute to higher lactic acid levels, and the B vitamins niacin and thiamin can help reduce them. Dosage: Vitamins B1 (thiamine) 100 mg./day; vitamin B3 (niacin) 50 mg./day.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can favor the production of higher levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which are relaxing and sedating. (Prozac and Prozac-like drugs are prescribed to achieve the same effect.) Dosage: 50 mg./day.

Inositol is another B vitamin that acts as a calming agent. Dosage: 3-6 grams/day.

additionaly the herb angelica is useful in increasing blood volume and licorise is useful for increasing blood pressure.