Congestive Heart Failure
Natural Remedies

Congestive Heart Failure - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Aug 11, 2025
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. While conventional medical care is essential, many people with CHF benefit from incorporating natural remedies and heart-supporting nutrients as part of a holistic approach to improving heart function and overall quality of life.

This guide explores powerful natural supplements—such as CoQ10, iodine, thiamin, selenium, magnesium, and potassium—that may support cardiovascular health when used alongside standard medical treatment.

1. CoQ10: Cellular Energy for the Heart

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a critical role in energy production within cells—especially in heart muscle cells. CoQ10 helps the heart contract efficiently and reduces oxidative stress. Research suggests it can lower hospitalization rates and improve exercise tolerance in CHF patients.

Suggested Use: CoQ10 is often supplemented in doses of 100–300 mg daily under medical supervision.

2. Iodine: Supporting Thyroid and Heart Function

Iodine is vital for proper thyroid function, which influences heart rate, metabolism, and blood pressure. In cases where iodine levels are deficient, supporting thyroid health with adequate iodine intake may improve cardiovascular balance and reduce CHF burden.

Note: Always consult a healthcare provider before using iodine supplements, especially if you have thyroid conditions.

3. Thiamin (Vitamin B1): Fuel for the Heart

Thiamin is essential for converting food into energy and supporting nerve and muscle function. Thiamin deficiency is common in CHF patients, particularly those on diuretics. Supplementation can improve left ventricular function and energy levels in individuals with heart failure.

Suggested Use: 100–300 mg of thiamin per day may be recommended, depending on the individual's deficiency status and symptoms.

4. Selenium: Antioxidant Support for the Heart

Selenium plays a key role in protecting heart tissue from oxidative stress. Low selenium levels have been linked to poor cardiac function and inflammation. Supplementing selenium may support stronger heart contractions and help reduce CHF progression.

Suggested Use: 100–200 mcg of selenium daily from diet or supplements.

5. Magnesium: Essential for Rhythm and Relaxation

Magnesium is crucial for maintaining a steady heartbeat and proper muscle function. It helps regulate electrical activity in the heart and supports blood pressure regulation. Magnesium deficiency is common in CHF and can worsen symptoms like arrhythmias or fatigue.

Best Forms: Magnesium glycinate or magnesium taurate are well-absorbed and gentle on the stomach.

6. Potassium: Vital for Heartbeat Regulation

Potassium helps balance sodium levels and maintain normal heart rhythm. Both high and low potassium levels can lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, especially in individuals on diuretics or certain heart medications. It is essential to monitor potassium levels regularly.

Food Sources: Avocados, leafy greens, bananas, and sweet potatoes.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-Inflammatory Heart Support

Omega-3s, found in fish oil, can reduce systemic inflammation and improve overall heart health. These healthy fats may lower triglyceride levels and improve heart rate variability in CHF patients.

Suggested Use: 1–3 grams of EPA/DHA per day, ideally from purified fish oil supplements.

8. Lifestyle Changes That Support CHF Management

In addition to supplementation, making specific lifestyle changes is critical for managing congestive heart failure. These include:

  • Low-sodium diet: Helps reduce fluid retention and blood pressure
  • Moderate physical activity: Gentle exercise can improve stamina and circulation (with doctor approval)
  • Stress management: Practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork reduce strain on the heart
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can improve heart efficiency
  • Sleep support: Adequate, high-quality rest supports cardiovascular recovery

Important Note on Safety

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, especially if you are on prescription medications or have kidney or thyroid conditions. Nutrient levels must be carefully balanced in CHF to avoid complications such as arrhythmia or fluid overload.

Conclusion

While there is no cure for CHF, combining natural remedies with conventional care may offer improved quality of life and heart function. Nutrients like CoQ10, magnesium, thiamin, iodine, selenium, potassium, and omega-3s can play valuable roles in heart health and symptom management. A holistic, medically supervised approach offers the best path forward for individuals living with congestive heart failure.


Have You Tried Natural Remedies for CHF?

Keep reading below to discover which natural remedies have helped our readers manage congestive heart failure—and don’t forget to share your story!


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Simple Breathing to Increase Oxygen

Posted by Bill (Philippines) on 11/09/2020

Editor's Choice

ORH,

I'm sorry to hear about your oxygen predicament. A while ago I also had problems with gunk in my lungs. I just followed Ted's advice of taking 1/2 tspn Sea Salt every day. Worked like a charm. No more gunk in my lungs. Nada. Taking sea salt reduces all mucus in the lungs, nose etc. And it gives your body many essential trace minerals as well. I'm also aware that many are afraid to take salt -- even the good sea salt -- because they insist that it's bad for the heart. You know where I stand there. I've been taking sea salt for over 10 years and my heart is always 70/110. So if you've got a healthy kidney and healthy intestines, sea salt should be OK as far as I'm concerned.

Some while ago I listened to a testimonial from Dr. Linus Pauling concerning just taking oral vitamin C and Lysine. A well known research scientist rang him up and asked Dr Pauling what he could do about the dangerous plaque build up in his arteries that was making him so breathless. The scientist also said that he had already had three heart bypass operations and so his options were rather limited. Pauling suggested that he just take 1 gram of vitamin C (as sodium ascorbate) together with 1 gram of Lysine (mixed together in a glass or half-glass of water) 6 times a day.

The scientist followed Pauling's suggestion and the change was quite remarkable -- after just a month on the oral dose he excitedly rang up Pauling again and said he was once again able to go for long walks and chop wood for hours without a problem. That Linus Pauling video testimonial is here:

https://youtu.be/PN8up1U6wNQ

To explain it simply, the vitamin C just removes the dangerous Lp(a) plaque arterial build up while the lysine prevents the Lp(a) forming on the artery walls. You have to take both vitamin C and lysine for rapid removal of arterial plaque.

You also mention that you have edema -- what are your edema symptoms? I ask because if you have edema in the heart then that means you might have congestive heart problems (swollen heart), which means that the heart pumps inefficiently leading to lack of oxygen in the blood. Certain things can cause heart edema -- such as low potassium or low Thiamine (see Dr Wallach's research) in the body. To confirm your problem perhaps it's best to get a hair analysis. Don't get a blood test, that just tells you what you ate that day. A hair analysis is more accurate over the long term.


Simple Breathing to Increase Oxygen
Posted by ORH (TEN MILE, TN) on 11/04/2020
★★★★☆

Editor's Choice

HI U OLE PATOOTS, ORH here, and my situation is going down fast. My latest injection fraction was 30-35, which is CHF. Switching to my integrative doctor to get better advice and direction. Oxygen is 95 until I bend over to tie my shoes or lay down to sleep and then it goes to below 92. Now use 3 or 4 pillows to keep my head and lungs raised while sleeping.

Used lots of complicated breathing techniques over the years, but found a simple one that is fail proof. Forget all the timing and holding of breathe..... I just quickly inhale through my nose and slowly release out my mouth. I keep a finger oximeter and watch the oxygen go up within minutes. Had my Tractor Driver do this and her start was 99 and then 100 within a few breathes. Naturally, that is the reason she drives my tractor. She is a tough hyde. Also reading that if I can massage my vagus nerve, it will help with my heart electrical problem. I have a CHF program on my PEMF device that I also use. It may just be time to go home, but ya'll would miss my stories.... so I'll drag this out .

===ORH===



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