How to Heal Heart Disease with Basic Nutrition

This website provides general educational information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. Use of the information here is at your own discretion and risk.

We all want to have a long, healthy, productive life. We want to be productive, feel energized, and do good work. However, it’s difficult to be healthy in today’s world filled with toxins in our air, depleted soils, food products, and water supply. Oftentimes, disease sneaks up on even the most health-conscious person.

Consider the case of a woman — in her 60’s — who recently experienced a heart attack. Her doctor prescribed Warfarin (aka Coumadin) as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots. She began taking magnesium before bedtime, because she was experiencing bone pain in her tibias (shin bones), and she thought magnesium might help, but the magnesium didn’t ameliorate the symptoms. The woman was taking 1000 mgs of Calcium daily. She was not taking D3 or K2. She professed to be an avid dark chocolate consumer.

Given this information, this article explores:

• how calcium can contribute to heart disease.
• the necessity of D3 and K2 for proper calcium absorption.
• how the absence of D3 and K2 can contribute to heart disease and bone decay.
• how cadmium and lead (found in dark chocolate) consumption can contribute to heart disease and bone decay.

The Pros and Cons of Calcium

Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. Calcium combined with phosphorus creates the hydroxyapatite material that comprises human bones and teeth. However, calcium can pose a significant threat to human health when it is consumed in high doses without the accompanying nutrients to assist with absorption. Without its companion nutrients, calcium will be absorbed into soft tissue such as the arteries, kidneys, and pineal gland. 

To be clear, calcium is important to the human body, so you should not fear calcium. Calcium is important for:

• Bone and teeth formation.
• Muscle contractions (including the heart muscle).
• Neural signaling.
• Blood vessel expansion/contraction.
• Blood clot formation.
• Protein function.
• Hormone regulation (Maresz, 2015).

However, without its companion nutrients (needed for absorption), calcium will cause trouble for the human body.

Have you heard the phrase ‘hardening of the arteries’? 

This phenomenon occurs when calcium is absorbed into the arteries. According to NIH, “Calcium deposition in the vasculature is a consistent feature of vascular disease and is predictive of adverse cardiovascular events” (Reid, et al, 2017).

Have you heard of ‘kidney stones’? 

This phenomenon occurs when calcium absorbs into the kidneys. According to NIH, “As 80-90% of kidney stones are composed of calcium in the form of either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, excess calcium excretion in the urine has been a primary focus in preventing stone recurrence” (Sorensen, 2014).

Have you heard of ‘pineal gland calcification’? 

This phenomenon occurs when the pineal tissue absorbs calcium. According to NIH, “An intact and functional pineal gland is necessary for preserving optimal human health. Unfortunately, this gland has the highest calcification rate among all organs and tissues of the human body” (Tan, et al, 2018). Therefore, those of you with sleep issues may consider calcium malabsorption as a potential issue for correction.

Two important companion nutrients for calcium are D3 and K2.

The Importance of Magnesium, D3, and K2 in Calcium Absorption

Calcium needs to be taken in balance with magnesium, D3, and K2 for proper absorption.

Calcium and magnesium must be balanced. 

Calcium imbalanced with Magnesium can cause: 

• Muscle cramps or spasms.
• Kidney stones.
• Soft tissue calcification.
• Stiff joints.
• Osteoarthritis.
• High blood pressure.
• Arterial hardening.
• Bone pain.

Magnesium imbalanced with Calcium can cause:

•  Weak bones or teeth.
• Muscle weakness.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Finger tingling or numbness.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort (gas, cramping).
• Sleep disturbances/restlessness. (drberg.com)

Of course, there are other factors — such as heavy metals and parasites — that can contribute to these symptoms, but for this section of the article the focus is on mineral balance.

 Also, D3 (cholecalciferol) and K2 must be balanced.

D3 increases calcium absorption via the intestines (Khazai, et al, 2008). Without D3, calcium absorption is around 10% as opposed to 40% with D3. Also, as women age, a calcium absorption channel (via the intestinal endocyte, which is the absorption site) called “TRPV6” decreases which means less calcium can be absorbed; therefore, D3 is paramount to proper calcium absorption. D3 can be produced by sunlight and consumed via nutraceutical supplementation. Most humans are D3 deficient.

K2 directs calcium where it is needed. K2 directs calcium away from soft tissues (ie., kidneys, arteries, pineal gland) and toward hard tissues (i.e., bones, teeth). According to Maresz (2015), vitamin K2 is associated with the inhibition of arterial calcification and arterial stiffening.” K2 is found concentrated in fermented cheeses, yogurt, eggs, and natto, a fermented Japanese soybean, and nutraceutical supplementation. Most humans are K2 deficient.

Warfarin and K2 Conundrum

Every human needs K2 for proper calcium absorption. However, K2 is counterproductive to the pharmaceutical drug “Warfarin”, because K2 will promote blood clotting when taken with Warfarin. If a human isn’t taking Warfarin, then K2 poses no threat. Therefore, a possible solution is to stop taking Warfarin, so that K2 can be consumed safely. Also, there are other pharmaceutical-related blood thinners that do not experience a contraindication with the vitamin K2. Therefore, switching blood thinner medication is another possible solution to discuss with a medical doctor.

Do not fear K2. It is the K2 deficiency that assists heart disease via calcification in the first place. Support heart and bone health by taking K2 (and D3) with calcium, so that the arterial calcification problem is remedied. According to NIH, “Health-conscious consumers seek to meet the optimal intake of vitamin K2 to avoid calcium plaque buildup of atherosclerosis, thus keeping the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible…Arterial calcification is considered an unfortunate result of aging, but fortunately, we can actively regulate this process by providing our body with adequate amounts of vitamin K2” (Maresz, 2021). The NIH article goes on to site a study of 243 participants who were challenged with heart disease. The participants were between the ages of 40 and 70, both male and female. They were given K2 in the form of MK–7 (which is the most absorbable form of K2). After one year of K2 treatment, the entire group experienced arterial benefits, while the placebo group continued to deteriorate.

K2 benefits are not limited to only bone and heart health. K2 benefits also brain health, joint health, neuropathy, and vision (Maresz, 2021).

Thin Your Blood and Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

It is a natural fear to stop taking doctor-prescribed, chemical-based blood thinners. However, when the human body is gifted with a diverse, plant-based diet, then equilibrium is restored. Many humans have stated that they were able to stop taking prescribed medications after consuming a diverse, plant-based diet.

When considering how to prevent or reverse heart disease, also focus on consuming foods that decrease blood pressure, because hypertension is a precursor to blood clots. 

There are many foods that naturally thin the blood and/or reduce blood pressure. 

Some of these foods are:

• Cayenne Pepper
• Ceylon Cinnamon
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginko biloba
• Grape seed extract
• Lumbrokinase
• Nattokinase
• Resveratrol
• Turmeric
• Vinpocetine
• Vitamin E (suzycohen.com)
• Cumin (effierecipes.com)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (American Heart Association)

Dark Chocolate, Cadmium, and Lead Complications on Bone and Heart Health

Dark chocolate is known to contain excessive amounts of cadmium (and lead), even for the organic brands. Cadmium toxicity is correlated with thrombogenicity (blood clots) and osteolysis (bone deterioration). Regarding adverse cardio-related events, the NIH states, “Following cadmium intoxication, endothelial dysfunction at starting of cardiovascular disease (CVD), loss of endothelial cell structure causing cell death, and thrombogenic events may occur” and “Exposure to cadmium caused skeletal demineralization, whereby it may directly interact with bone cells, diminish mineralization, also inhibit procollagen C-proteinases and collagen production” (Rafati, et al, 2017).

Cadmium replaces calcium in bone tissue and contributes to “osteoporosis and osteomalacia, ureter and kidney stones, lower back pain, leg pain, excessive calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria), rheumatoid arthritis and decreased production of active vitamin D” (www.humanitas.net, 2025). Cadmium is never beneficial to the human body. The NIH states that even low levels of cadmium exposure have detrimental effects on bone deterioration, especially on menopausal women (Akesson, et al., 2006). Besides cadmium, lead also replaces calcium, which means that the skeleton system is burdened with deterioration when subjected to either lead or cadmium. Both lead and cadmium are overrepresented in dark chocolate, cacao, and cocoa powder, even in organic brands.

When lead and cadmium displace calcium, then the calcium leaves the bone tissue and it will find its way into the soft tissues of kidneys, arteries, and the pineal gland. Therefore, this is a two-prong problem of ensuring that the body is free from cadmium and lead toxicity, and that the body is also getting the accompanying supportive nutrients of D3 and K2 for proper calcium absorption.

To summarize, I’ve included a ‘Cliff Notes’ version along with a few additional ideas.

---

Cliff Notes Version

To improve bone/teeth formation and to prevent arterial hardening and blood clotting, consider the following solution:

1. In balance, consume calcium, D3, K2 supplements together (morning and afternoon).
2. Take magnesium (before bedtime).
3. Consider eating natural blood thinning and blood pressure reduction foods such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, Vitamin E, cayenne pepper, Ceylon cinnamon, Ginko biloba, omega 3 fatty acids, and cumin.
4. Consume a diverse plant-based diet to ensure your body absorbs maximum nutrition.
5. Exercise to promote proper lymphatic drainage and other detoxification processes.
6. Consult a nutritionist on conducting a proper heavy metal detoxification process.
7. Enlist the help from a triage of health providers, which include a medical doctor, a naturopathic doctor, and a nutritionist.

When considering changes to your health-related lifestyle, consult with your medical doctor regarding disease-related testing and pharmaceutical drug-related contraindications; consult with your naturopathic doctor to assist you in obtaining and understanding nutrient-related blood work and restorative medicines such as bioidentical hormones; and consult with your nutritionist to create and collaborate on your holistic health plan which includes nourishing foods, nutraceuticals, and naturopathic therapies. Last, but not least, always empower the optimization of your life and purpose via self-education.

Wishing you a long and prosperous life with Zen and Vigor,

Heather Blackwell – certified holistic nutritionist & health researcher

Heather Blackwell is a Certified CBT Mental Health Coach and Certified Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to bringing holistic health insights to the self-help community. She studied two master’s degrees in the areas of Behavioral Psychology (forensics) and Marriage and Family Therapy. She has 20+ years’ holistic health experience to serve men and women of all ages. Her discussion topics include, but are not inclusive to: 

•  Andropause
• Auto immune disease
• Behavior reconstruction
• Chronic disease
• Correcting nutritional deficiencies
• Gentle exercise
• Gut health restoration
• Heavy metal detox
• Holistic detox
• Hormone balance
• Menopause
• Mental health
• Organ systems healing
• Parasite detox
• Perimenopause
• Relationship management
• Self-identity development
• Skin rashes
• Thyroid health
• Weight management

 View Heather’s credentials at www.newzenvigor.com.

 References

Akesson A, Bjellerup P, Lundh T, Lidfeldt J, Nerbrand C, Samsioe G, Skerfving S, Vahter M. Cadmium-induced effects on bone in a population-based study of women. Environ Health Perspect. 2006 Jun;114(6):830-4. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8763. PMID: 16759980; PMCID: PMC1480481.

American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/06/01/consuming-about-3-grams-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-a-day-may-lower-blood-pressure. Article sourced on April 10, 2025.

Cadmium. Humanitas Research Hospital. https://www.humanitas.net/wiki/mineral-salts/cadmium/ Article sourced April 10, 2025.

Effies Recipes. https://effierecipes.com/cumin-blood-thinner-natural-benefits-explored/ Article source on April 10, 2025.

Khazai N, Judd SE, Tangpricha V. Calcium and vitamin D: skeletal and extraskeletal health. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008 Apr;10(2):110-7. doi: 10.1007/s11926-008-0020-y. PMID: 18460265; PMCID: PMC2669834.

Maresz K. Growing Evidence of a Proven Mechanism Shows Vitamin K2 Can Impact Health Conditions Beyond Bone and Cardiovascular. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2021 Aug;20(4):34-38. PMID: 34602875; PMCID: PMC8483258.

Maresz K. Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Feb;14(1):34-9. PMID: 26770129; PMCID: PMC4566462.

Rafati Rahimzadeh M, Rafati Rahimzadeh M, Kazemi S, Moghadamnia AA. Cadmium toxicity and treatment: An update. Caspian J Intern Med. 2017 Summer;8(3):135-145. doi: 10.22088/cjim.8.3.135. PMID: 28932363; PMCID: PMC5596182.

Reid IR, Birstow SM, Bolland MJ. Calcium and Cardiovascular Disease. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2017 Sep;32(3):339-349. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2017.32.3.339. PMID: 28956363; PMCID: PMC5620030.

Sorensen MD. Calcium intake and urinary stone disease. Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Sep;3(3):235-40. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2014.06.05. PMID: 26816771; PMCID: PMC4708574.

Suzy Cohen – America’s Most Trusted Pharmacist. https://suzycohen.com/articles/natural-blood-thinning-foods/ Article sourced April 10, 2025.

Tan DX, Xu B, Zhou X, Reiter RJ. Pineal Calcification, Melatonin Production, Aging, Associated Health Consequences and Rejuvenation of the Pineal Gland. Molecules. 2018 Jan 31;23(2):301. doi: 10.3390/molecules23020301. PMID: 29385085; PMCID: PMC6017004.