Atherosclerosis disease, Atherosclerosis symptoms, causes of atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis diet - we will discuss the reason we call it

Public Enemy #1

Atherosclerosis disease, Atherosclerosis symptoms, causes of atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis diet

Risk factors that you can do something about include:atherosclerosis disease

• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking and using tobacco
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Living in the 21st Century

Do you want the most powerful tool available to REDUCE, or REVERSE your chances of developing this disease?  Click Here.

Do you want the most powerful tool available to REDUCE, or REVERSE your chances of developing this disease?  Click Here.

• Vitamin B6 cuts heart risk up to 80 percent: According to a 1996 article published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, patients with low Vitamin B6 levels were “five times more likely to have a cardiovascular event compared with those who had the highest amounts.”atherosclerosis disease

  PLUS, several studies reported in major medical journals show that Vitamin B6 can reduce your risk of blood clots in the lower leg and thigh. These clots can break off and travel through the blood stream, lodging in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area and cause severe damage to that organ.atherosclerosis disease

  And according to studies reported by Vitamin Research News, Vitamin B6 may help to avoid abnormal blood clotting that can lead to heart muscle damage and chest pain.atherosclerosis disease

• Folic Acid is critical: According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, “Folate supplements can reduce total homocysteine levels by approximately 25 percent.”atherosclerosis disease

  A landmark study published in Human Reproduction in 2004 showed that folic acid may help to avoid abnormal blood clotting by lowering elevated homocysteine levels.atherosclerosis disease

  In addition, Folic Acid also lowers the risk of a sudden and often fatal rupture of an artery, primarily by helping lower elevated homocysteine levels.atherosclerosis disease

  AND, according to a 2004 article published in the British Medical Journal, men who consume relatively large amounts of folic acid have a significantly reduced risk of developing a blood clot in the brain.atherosclerosis disease

  What’s more, according to a 2002 article in the American Journal of Epidemiology, “…studies have indicated that people with a low daily intake of Folic Acid have a 69 percent greater risk of a heart problem than people who consume 400 mcg or more of Folic Acid per day.atherosclerosis disease

  In a 1998 report, the Archives of Internal Medicine agreed: “A general increase in consumption of the vitamin folic acid [which reduces serum homocysteine levels] would, therefore, be expected to reduce mortality from devastating heart problems.”

• Vitamin B12 takes your anti-homocysteine into overdrive: Vitamin B12 (400– 1,000 micro grams per day) may help to protect you against many types of cardiovascular events by lowering elevated homocysteine levels. Excessive homocysteine is a risk factor for many serious heart problems.atherosclerosis disease

  Many studies have shown beyond the shadow of a doubt that Vitamin B12 may help fend off heart problems by lowering toxic levels of homocysteine… and protect against the after effects of a blockage of blood flow to the brain…atherosclerosis disease
  

  Any one of these powerful homocysteine-fighters could significantly lower your risk. And when you combine them—in a balanced, formula—they can actually work synergystically together to create an even better outcome.atherosclerosis disease

• Chocolate?  Small daily doses of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate eaten over a two-week period significantly improved blood vessel function, report US researchers this week, without increasing blood cholesterol levels.  atherosclerosis disease

  Standard manufacturing of chocolate destroys about a quarter to half of its flavonoids. Now, some companies are using processing methods with reduced heat and alkalization, which can preserve as much as 70 per cent to 95 per cent of the chocolate flavonoids.  "Even though we still have a long way to go before we understand all of chocolate's effects, for now, there's little doubt that in moderation and in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet and exercise we can enjoy - and even benefit from - moderate amounts of high-flavonoid dark chocolate."   - atherosclerosis disease

• Walnuts.  How do walnuts affect arteries?atherosclerosis disease

  Walnuts exert a number of positive effects on arteries, including decreasing inflammation and reducing levels of substances that promote clogged arteries.atherosclerosis disease

  All blood vessels in the human body are lined with endothelial cells. Endothelial cells play a crucial role in the development of heart disease, specifically hardening of the arteries. This process starts when endothelial cells are “injured” either by an abrasion or inflammation or a toxic “insult” from substances such as cigarette smoke. Once injured, the cells begin to accumulate cholesterol and white blood cells, forming a plaque in the artery. The plaque formations make the arteries stiff, hence the term “hardening” of the arteries. The plaques get larger over time, and can eventually block blood flow through the artery, which in coronary arteries can lead to a heart attack. This same process can cause blockages in arteries leading to the brain thereby causing a stroke.atherosclerosis disease

  Studies have shown that adding walnuts to a healthful diet can decrease CRP levels. CRP is a measure of inflammation. Inflammation damages arteries. Once an artery is damaged, scar tissue can build up and increase risk of a blocked artery.atherosclerosis disease

  Adding walnuts to the diet also reduces levels of VCAM-1, a substance that encourages white blood cells to stick to damaged artery walls.atherosclerosis disease

  An animal study conducted at the University of California at Davis has shown that walnuts can also decrease levels of endothelin, a substance that promotes arterial inflammation and plaque development. 

• Whole Grains.  Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost the EU economy about €169bn ($202bn) per year.
  
  The new study assessed the diet of the subjects (average age 55.2, 56 per cent female) using a semi-quantitative 114-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The thickness of the carotid artery was measured using carotid ultrasonography at the start of the study and after five years of follow-up.
  
  After adjusting the results for potential confounding nutrients like magnesium, thiamine, vitamin B-6, fiber, and vitamin E, the researchers found that whole-grain consumption was strongly correlated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis as defined by a lower common carotid artery intimal medial thickness (IMT).
  
  "These findings provide further support for the potential beneficial role of whole grains in reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease," they said.
• Garlic.  Numerous clinical trials have looked at the role and benefits of garlic supplements in heart disease. Many of these randomized studies showed positive benefits of garlic in heart disease: in particular, lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (Also Read: How to lower Triglycerides?). A few small randomized trials also suggested the benefits of garlic in the prevention of platelet aggregation and thrombosis (the formation of plaques in the blood). Another study also showed that aged garlic extracts lowered high blood pressure. Most of these studies are relatively short-term, therefore we do not know if the positive benefits of garlic will last more than 3 months.
• Ginger Oil.  

  Properties: Ginger is a multipurpose essential oil that is very useful for reducing inflammation. In a massage oil or liniment, its heating action relieves pain from arthritis or sore muscles, menstrual cramps, and headaches. Ginger stimulates both appetite and poor blood circulation and relieves nausea and motion sickness. It also acts as a sexual stimulant. Ginger reduces drowsiness and irritability and jump starts the brain to keep concentration and mental energy high.

• Reservatrol.  While present in other plants, such as eucalyptus, spruce, and lily, and in other foods such as mulberries and peanuts, resveratrol's most abundant natural sources are Vitis vinifera, labrusca, and muscadine grapes, which are used to make wines. It occurs in the vines, roots, seeds, and stalks, but its highest concentration is in the skin [1], which contains 50-100 micrograms (µg) per gram [4]. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a class of antibiotic compounds produced as a part of a plant's defense system against disease [1]. For example, in response to an invading fungus, resveratrol is synthesized from p-coumaroyl CoA and malonyl CoA [2]. Since fungal infections are more common in cooler climates, grapes grown in cooler climates have a higher concentration [3].

  The resveratrol content of wine is related to the length of time the grape skins are present during the fermentation process. Thus the concentration is significantly higher in red wine than in white wine, because the skins are removed earlier during white-wine production, lessening the amount that is extracted [3]. Grape juice, which is not a fermented beverage, is not a significant source of resveratrol. A fluid ounce of red wine averages 160 µg of resveratrol, compared to peanuts, which average 73 µg per ounce [6]. Since wine is the most notable dietary source, it is the object of much speculation and research.atherosclerosis disease

• Red Rice Yeast.  

  Red yeast rice is the product of yeast ( Monascus purpureus ) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. One of these, "Monacolin K" is a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, and is also known as Mevinolin or Lovastatin (Mevacor®, a drug produced by Merck & Co., Inc).atherosclerosis disease

  Red yeast rice extract has been sold as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent in over the counter supplements, such as Cholestin ^TM (Pharmanex, Inc). However, there has been legal and industrial dispute as to whether red yeast rice is a drug or dietary supplement, involving this manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the pharmaceutical industry (particularly producers of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor prescription drugs or "statins").

• Coenzyme Q10.  There is sound scientific rationale for an important role for coenzyme Q10 in the maintenance of cardiovascular health in general and in the management of heart disease and in particular heart failure. Review of published literature in peer-reviewed journals on the use of coenzyme Q10 as an adjunct to conventional therapy in patients with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy shows that there is strong evidence in favor of significant clinical improvement with coenzyme Q10 supplementation. As a naturally-occurring nutrient that is produced in the body, coenzyme Q10 has an excellent safety record and no side effects. Therefore, coenzyme Q10 supplementation as supportive therapy for patients with or at risk for congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy is justified and appropriate, since it can afford significant clinical benefit to the patients. Furthermore, by improving heart function and the quality of life in these patients, and by reducing the number of hospitalizations, coenzyme Q10 supplementation also has the potential to reduce overall health care costs. 

• Hawthorn.  Hawthorn and Heart Disease:
  The following observations were taken from the scientific journals Prostaglandins (U.S.), Planta. Med., Hospital Practice, and Fortschr. Med. and Arzneimittel. Forschung, both from Germany:

  "Hawthorn has been used since antiquity for medicinal purposes. More recent research suggests it to be useful in congestive heart failure. Rigorous clinical trials show benefit concerning objective signs and subjective symptoms.... No adverse drug reactions have been reported. It is therefore concluded that 'hawthorn] is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for this indication."

• Ginkgo biloba.  Promoting blood flowatherosclerosis disease

  Ginkgo biloba may act on the blood vessels to improve blood flow, which means the body can proceed with its natural way of fighting free radicals and healing itself of any damage. At the same time, the herb can possibly act as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging the body any further.  

  Ginkgo biloba has also been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of other ailments. By improving circulation, the herb can ease dizziness, migraine headaches and a perpetual ringing in the ears that doctors call tinnitus. Some people who take ginkgo biloba also experience an improvement in their breathing, which reduces the hardening of the arteries that arteriosclerosis causes. On top of that, many Americans use ginkgo, attempting to improve concentration and memory.

• Butchers Broom.  

  Chemicals in butcher's broom attach to and strengthen certain parts of blood vessels, notably collagen. As a result, butcher's broom tightens blood vessels, which helps to keep blood circulating throughout the body. It also acts to improve the flexibility of blood vessel walls. Therefore, less blood leaks out of weak, stretched vessels such as those that cause hemorrhoids. Both oral and topical butcher's broom may also lessen cramps, itching, swelling, and other symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged. The blood that may collect in the veins of the legs can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, or sores on the legs. Chronic venous insufficiency can have more serious effects, which may include blood clots in the legs. Although other anti-clotting drugs are more common in the United States, a preparation derived from butcher’s broom is used in European hospitals to prevent blood clots after surgery.

  Butcher’s broom has also been used as a mild diuretic, a chemical that promotes the loss of urine from the body. Because butcher’s broom helps to keep fluids from leaking out of blood vessels into surrounding tissue, more body fluid is filtered through the kidneys and eliminated in urine. This effect may lessen swelling. Currently, other drugs are more effective for relieving serious swelling, but products that include butcher’s broom are popular in European countries for the relief of less serious swelling associated with premenstrual syndrome, sprains, and some heart conditions. Butcher’s broom is also being investigated for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure after standing up. Dizziness, falling, or fainting may result. Advanced age, certain drugs, and medical conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson’s disease are often associated with orthostatic hypotension. Butcher’s broom may reduce orthostatic hypertension without raising blood pressure as some other treatments do.

• Potassium.  Making small changes in your eating habits is a great first step towards a healthy heart. For example, moving toward a diet low in sodium and high in potassium may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the significant risk factors for heart disease. Approximately 50 million individuals in the US, and 1 billion worldwide, have high blood pressure, and a third of them don't even know it!(1) So, have your blood pressure checked and increase the amount of potassium in your diet for a heart healthy start.

• Copper.  

  ..."The copper deficiency theory is offered as the simplest and most general explanation of the etiology (study of causes) and pathophysiology (study of changes) of ischemic (decrease in blood supply) heart disease. Some links between this theory and other explanations that have been proposed have been provided here and elsewhere. Copper deficiency has produced more characteristics of ischemic heart disease in animals than has any other nutritional insult. This production supports the belief that low copper concentrations and low activities of enzymes dependent on copper in people with cardiovascular disease are signs of poor copper nutriture. If copper deficiency is the leading nutritional deficiency, world wide, of agricultural animals, can people be far behind?" 

• Selenium.  What is selenium?  Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system. 

• Zink.  Low dietary zinc is associated with retarded growth, slow wound healing and a weakened immune system. Now, a study suggests that low zinc intake may also be associated with heart disease and diabetes. In this study of 3,500 individuals those consuming less than seven milligrams per day were more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, diabetes and glucose intolerance. There was also a higher incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure), high triglycerides, and lower HDL (the good cholesterol that you want).
• Magnesium.  

  New research may help explain why eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts helps protect the heart and prevent diabetes.

  The key may be the mineral magnesium.
  
  People in the study who ate magnesium-rich diets seemed to be protected against developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  
  These risk factors include elevated blood pressure, low levels of HDL "good" cholesterol, elevated triglycerides (blood fats), elevated fasting-glucose (blood sugar) levels, and abdominal obesity as determined by waistline measurement.
   
  Study participants who ate diets low in magnesium were more likely to develop the heart disease and diabetes risk factors.
  Whole grains, nuts, and many fruits and vegetables are excellent dietary sources of magnesium.

• Niacinamide - B Complex

  Niacinamide is one of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is also known as Vitamin B-3. When an amide molecule attaches itself to niacin, it becomes Niacinamide. One major difference is that in doses exceeding 50 mg, niacin typically produces flushing of the skin. Niacin and Niacinamide also have different applications. It its Niacinamide form, it is useful in arthritis and early-onset type I diabetes; niacin is an effective reducer of high cholesterol levels.

• Vitamin E in Heart Disease.

  Numerous preliminary and observational studies have looked at the role and benefits of Vitamin E supplements in heart disease. Some previous studies, such as the Nurse Study in 1993 involving 90,000 nurses, associated Vitamin E supplements to lower rate of coronary heart disease by 30 - 40%. Another observational study in Finland involving over 5000 people also suggested that Vitamin E supplements was associated with lower death rate from heart disease.  It is noteworthy to say that there have been mixed results in some of the tests, however overall this I find that as a preventative supplement it appears to have a good track record.  As a treatment the results have appeared to be mixed or non-conclusive.

• Vitamin C.  

  Since we do not produce, by virtue of some genetic change that happened a long time ago, any vitamin C ourselves, our diet is the only way to get the substance. Vitamin C happens to be a vital ingredient for the production of collagen, exactly the material that blood vessels are made of. When blood vessels degenerate, we have a repair mechanism kicking in - cholesterol - which forms plaque in the arteries to stop them from leaking. What our pharmaceutical medical paradigm tells us that cholesterol is high when people have heart attacks, therefore we have to take drugs to "lower the cholesterol". Never mind that the cholesterol is the repair crew sent in to fix up our leaky arteries. We do everything possible to down size the repair crew and of course heart attack statistics keep going up and up and up.

  If we had simply eaten our fruit (lots of it) or taken our vitamin C, as Pauling recommends, we would have eliminated the cause of heart attacks - degrading arterial walls - and on the way we would also have lowered our cholesterol. Naturally, cheaply and definitely. 
  
  ... cholesterol balance can be achieved without drugs, simply and safely by taking 3000-6000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, 1000-2000 mg per meal, for an adult, or about 500 mg per meal for a 50-lb. child, with sufficient water intake, 2 quarts per day for an adult, 1 quart per day for a 50-lb. child. Unfortunately, vitamin C was misclassified as a micronutrient in the 1930s and 1940s, rather than an essential nutrient involved in dozens of body processes, including continual repair of our arteries.

• Vitamin A.  

  Vitamin A is commonly known as the anti-infective vitamin, because it is required for normal functioning of the immune system. The skin and mucosal cells (cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract) function as a barrier and form the body's first line of defense against infection. Retinol and its metabolites are required to maintain the integrity and function of these cells. Vitamin A and retinoic acid (RA) play a central role in the development and differentiation of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which play critical roles in the immune response. Activation of T-lymphocytes, the major regulatory cells of the immune system, appears to require all-trans-RA binding of RAR.  Vitamin A could be very important in reducing infection causing inflammation in the arteries.

• Targeted Transfer Factor.  The targeted Transfer Factor Cardio is a supplement that both my wife and I take.  It has many of the above supplements already in it.  In addition it has targeted transfer factors designed to transfer critical information to the immune system on exactly how to destroy the types of infections common in atherosclerosis.   If you are like me and prefer a single, complete, and potent supplement instead of trying to mix and balance many of these I have mentioned take a good look at this one.   Click here for more information.