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Coronary Heart disease is the number 1 killer in this country. I was shocked to discover that I was at high risk when I was 48 years old. I had been a vegetarian for many years, had low cholesterol, low blood pressure, and was an herbalist and naturopathic doctor for many years, already taking great care of my health. I didn't believe it at first, but when my second test confirmed it, I had to know more. Why did this happen? (besides the genetic influence)
It became a passion for me to learn all I could to reverse my risk. I ended up purchasing an expensive Digital Pulsewave Analyzer (a smaller version of what cardiologists use) and went through the training so I could perform the test for myself as well as my clients. I ended up reversing my risk dramatically over the next 8 months. I then spent many years teaching and traveling to health expo's giving talks, doing tests, and showing people how they can reverse their risks naturally as well.
Now in my 60's I am constantly hearing about many friends, family members, and people I know either suffering, having surgery, getting stents, or worse, suddenly dying! This does not have to happen. What I found was that in a large number of cases, like 95% or so, it was NOT the heart that was creating the problem, but the ARTERIES. Rarely was it a problem with the heart itself, then I would refer them to a cardiologist. For myself, I continue to this day to keep reducing my risk with natural preventive care.
Here are a few signs that you might be at high risk:
~ Do you get easily winded walking up stairs or hills?
~ Poor sexual function or drive? (the body will reduce circulation to reproductive organs first as they are not vital to life! Affects both men and women.)
~ Smoking and regular alcohol consumption?
~ Eating fast or processed foods, inflammatory diet?
~ High blood pressure?
~ Family history?
~ Anxiety and stress leading to oxidative stress damage?
~ Lack of cardiovascular exercise?
~ Exposure to toxins, chemicals in your environment?
~ Obesity or excess weight?
~ Reduced cerebral and peripheral circulation?
~ Sleep deprivation?
We have about 100,000 miles of arteries in our body! There is a very thin lining called the endothelium, which is one cell thick, and should be as smooth and as strong as teflon. Over the years we get 'stress tears' in that lining. Our body is designed beautifully to help us, so it comes along and patches it up with plaque, cholesterol, white blood cells, platelets, and anything it can find.
The challenge comes when we do not correct that problem. All it takes is another stress tear where there is plaque build-up. If a piece of it breaks off and travels, you could end up with blockage, a heart attack, or a stroke. Plus any inflammation will constrict the arteries making it more difficult for the blood to flow through and easier for the plaque to get caught and block things.
Oxidative stress and inflammation play a significant role. Almost everyone I see in my practice is overstressed. I know I was years ago, going through a major move, selling my company, getting divorced, and relocating to a new state and starting over.
So what can we do? Doctors will tell you to quit smoking, eat a healthier diet, get adequate exercise, reduce stress and reduce inflammatory foods. These are all good things, but often not enough when we are in a high risk state. There are a few natural remedies that prove to be VERY helpful in reversing this difficult yet common challenge.
L-Citruline is essential, and now they are finding, much like with many other nutrients, that we need higher doses of it for effectiveness, and a longer lasting nitric oxide effect.
It can increase blood flow, increase exercise capacity, reduce blood pressure, improve cardiac function, improve erectile dysfunction, enhance cognitive and brain performance, improve immunity, and improve stamina.
L-Arginine Complete was formulate by following Nobel Prize winning research, which doctors and scientists claim to be one of the greatest advancements in the last 50 years in the battle to naturally reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease including, Heart Attack, High Blood Pressure, Stroke, High Cholesterol and Neuropathy.
Science has discovered that by taking the correct amounts of the amino acids L-Arginine (5000 mg) and L-Citrulline (2000 mg.), one can easily reverse this lack of Nitric Oxide and reduce the risk of suffering from the painful and sometimes deadly effects of heart disease, namely heart attack and stroke. L-Arginine Complete has made the process easy for you to get this Miracle Molecule SIMPLE, PAIN FREE, and VERY AFFORDABLE. Includes methylated B Complex Vitamins, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and Chromium for blood sugar balance. (This continues to be my daily 'go to' supplement)
Vitamin K2 is associated with lower risks of severe aortic calcification, cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease mortality. There are many hidden benefits to K2. It also improves bone health, brain health, kidney health, helps prevent cancer, and improves insulin sensitivity. Foods that are rich in vitamin K2 include:
Natto, fermented soy, Goose liver, Cheese, Egg yolks, Dark chicken meat, and Butter.
Nattokinase and Serratiopeptidase are two enzymes you need to know about. Together they are designed to support healthy blood flow and circulation. Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme produced from Natto, a Japanese fermented soy food. The Nattokinase in this formula has high enzyme activating 20, 000 fibrin units (FU) per gram. Another fibrinolytic enzyme, Serratiopeptidase with Rutin, is a flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger to support capillary strength and vascular health.
Natural Chelation reduces the plaque accumulation in the arteries. Oral chelation with EDTA helps prevent hardening of the arteries; helps rejuvenate your cardiovascular system; improves circulation; helps remove lead, mercury, plus 20 other metals; reduces toxic lead and metal deposits and abnormal calcium deposits; improves liver function and kidney function; helps relieve symptoms of memory loss by increasing circulation of the brain; and, helps dissolve fats in plaque lined arteries.
Essential Fatty acids, know as Omega Oils, are also essential. Studies have shown that the health benefits of fish oil include its ability to support various heart conditions and support cholesterol management within a normal range. Fish oil also supports a positive mood, strengthens the immune system and supports healthy muscles and joints. It also supports healthy weight loss and overall skin care. It is mainly Omega 3 oils you want from pristine sources.
It is essential to avoid inflammatory foods:
~ Processed foods, fast foods, all GMO foods
~ Vegetable oils, corn and soybean oils,
~ Pasteurized conventional dairy,
~ Refined carbohydrates, including wheat,
~ Conventionally raised, as well as cured meat, (no nitrites or nitrates!)
~ Sugars of all kinds, even artificial sweeteners
~ Trans fats and hydrogenated oils.
Lifestyle changes will also be highly beneficial. Learning to meditate regularly can be very stress reducing and help us function better, as well as sleep better. Regular exercise is important to keep the blood flowing. Reduce and eliminate toxins in your life, and in your body.
In my practice I provide the Vital Scan Heart Rate Variability test to determine the effects of stress on the body, how it affects the major body systems, including cardiovascular, your hormone and mineral balances, neurotransmitters, meridians, biological aging, and much more. I would rather see people invest some time, money and energy now to include just a few specific supplements, change a few eating habits, and improve overall health than find out later you had to endure a difficult heart surgery, or even sudden death or stroke! It is certainly well worth it. I know I always have to keep working on maintaining good arterial health!
Jane Smolnik is a Naturopathic Doctor, Iridologist, and Intuitive Healer with a practice in Asheville, NC. You may visit her website at www.UltimateHealing.com for more info. You can contact her at 828-777-JANE (5263) as well.