Longevity and Optimum health

 Heart Disease does not lie in Cholesterol alone, as lowering cholesterol has failed to reduce the incidence of Cardiovascular Disease. There are other markers as well to help formulate a more complete picture of the health of one’s heart.Testing for Cardiovascular disease or heart disease should incorporate the following sensitive and easily obtainable indicators when testing for heart risk .They are presented in descending order of risk. The highest being first.1.    Lipoprotein (a) – indicator of endothelial wall integrity2.     Homocysteine – indicator of free radical activity3.     Fibrinogen – indicator of thrombus formation and blood viscosity 4.    Arterial Stiffness –indicator of wall flexibility and blood pressure health5.    Cellular Energy Generation – indicator of mitochondrial function6.    C Reactive Protein – indicator of inflammatory response7.    Triglyceride – leading cause of metabolic syndrome 8.    Total cholesterol / HDL cholesterol  ratio –key indicator in lipid metabolism9.    LDL cholesterol – indicator of the level of “bad” cholesterol10.  Total Cholesterol – overall indicator of total cholesterol in blood.As you can see Cholesterol is at the bottom of the list. However indicators have to be taken as a group to determine or predict the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke.1.Lipoprotein(a) is now considered to be a major risk for heart disease.Lpa,as it is known, resembles LDL but is worse than it as it possesses additional adhesive properties. In order to combat free radical damage the liver produces LDL and Lpa Some of the natural cholesterol produced by the liver in response to free radical damage is converted into LDL cholesterol and its relative Lp (a). Lp(a) fosters cholesterol deposition by enhancing oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. It is the oxidized form of cholesterol that penetrates the endothelium, leading to the build up of plaque and vascular disease. It should be noted that artery blockage (plaque) is composed mainly of Lp(a) and not of ordinary cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol is a free radical generator. Studies have also shown that Lp(a) holds fast to damaged blood vessel, attracting other Lp(a) molecules, and finally constituting the atherosclerotic plaques. In fact, a high Lp (a) level (more than 30 mg/dl) has been revealed to carry a 10 times greater risks for heart disease than LDL cholesterol level.Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel Laureate, said that Lp(a) may be the surrogate for ascorbate in the human. Low dietary intake of ascorbate leads to weaken blood vessels because ascorbate is required for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which strengthen the blood vessel wall. In the absence of ascorbate, Lp(a) is mobilized to repair these structural defects in arterial walls by being deposited to strengthen the tissue. However, if the plasma concentration of Lp(a) is too high, the process goes too far. Too much Lp(a) gets deposited in the arterial wall, and plaque formation is initiated.

Chronic depletion of these essential nutrients such as vitamin C, lysine, and proline in the endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells impairs their ability to function properly. Guinea pigs fed a diet low in ascorbate rapidly developed atherosclerotic plaques, similar to those found in humans. When large amounts of supplementary ascorbate were given to these guinea pigs, there was a regression in plaque formation. The most effective and natural way to normalize lp(a) is a nutritional cocktail consisting of high dose Vitamin C , L-lysine , and L-proline . Other synergistic amino acids such as glutamine, ornithine, and pine bark extract should also be included. Because high dose vitamin C can lead to diarrhea, it is very important to incorporate the fat-soluble form called ascobyl palmitate. Being fat soluble, this form of vitamin C stays in the body much longer than regular vitamin C and in effect extends the efficacy of vitamin C in the body while at the same time reduces the amount of vitamin C needed.

This mega vitamin cocktail therapy will increase blood concentrations of important substances and focuses on:

· Strengthening and healing damaged blood vessels
· Lowering LP(a) blood levels
· Inhibiting the binding of LP(a) molecules on the walls of blood vessels

2.Homocysteine is an amino acid by-product of food metabolism. It contributes to atherosclerosis, reduces the flexibility of blood vessels, and increases clotting by making platelets stickier and slows blood flow. Studies show a direct positive correlation between high serum homocysteine levels and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

A high homocysteine level is also associated with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as depression, multiple sclerosis, menopausal symptoms, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Homocysteine is formed naturally when protein is broken down. Too much of it causes oxidative damage to the endothelium
Homocysteine levels is about 4 to 6 in teenagers and it increases 1 to 2 points as we age.Lowering homocysteine levels is considered to be anti aging.Dropping the level by 5 points can lower the risk of heart attack by 50%. Researchers found that heart disease patients who took 5 milligrams (mg) of folic acid daily ( not microgram or mcg) for 12 weeks had slightly better functioning of their arterial inner lining, or endothelium, and a greater ability to widen their arteries appropriately, than those who took an inactive placebo.The main sources of folic acid is liver, kidney, broccoli, beef, kale, turnip greens, and beats. Cooking destroys as much as 90 percent of a food’s folic acid content.The RDA is 400 mcg a day. Its level is also depleted by chronic alcohol consumption and medications such as anticonvulsant. In fact, studies have shown that eating 400 mcg of folic acid from food alone does not raise the serum folic acid concentration anywhere close to that obtained by simple folic acid supplementation. You need more than what food can provide. 3.Fibrinogen  is a key indicator in heart disease risk. In one study of 116 men, it was found that people who have high LDL (bad) cholesterol but low fibrinogen level had only 1/6 the heart attack risk of men with high LDL level and high fibrinogen levels. High fibrinogen levels promote the spontaneous formation of fibrin clots and increase the risk of heart disease. Reducing the level of fibrinogen is therefore an important part of a heart disease prevention program.Natto is a fermented cheese like food and its use as a folk remedy for heart and cardio vascular disease has been well established.It is produced using a fermentation process by adding a beneficial bacterium known as bacillus-natto to boiled soybeans. The resulting nattokinase enzyme is then produced when the bacillus natto acts on the soybean. Nattokinase produces a prolonged action in two ways: it prevents the coagulation of blood and dissolves existing thrombus.4.Arterial StiffnessOne of the hallmarks of aging is the loss of collagen supporting structure throughout the body.  Our blood vessel is also structurally supported by collagen. As this collagen structure deteriorates, stiffening of the arteries occurs. Indeed, the fact that arteries stiffen with age, and that such changes are associated with an increased incidence of major cardiovascular events and increase in blood pressure, is now established beyond doubt.

As collagen is lost and elasticity reduced, stiffening of the arterial wall lead to increase in systolic and diastolic pressure.  Anyone over age 45 can practically assume that arterial stiffening is already in a progressive state. Unless active steps are taken, the stiffening will continue. Those who have elevated blood pressure should be specially concerned as it may indicate arterial stiffening. Unfortunately, there are no medications that can reduce the arterial stiffness at this time. Nitric Oxide is produced by the inner most layer of the arteries called the endothelium. Once produced, it rapidly spreads through the cell membrane to the underlying muscle cells, causing them to relax from its default-constricted state. This results in the dilation and widening of the artery lumen. Blood pressure drops as a result. Because NO is short lived, a constant supply of it is generated by the endothelial cells in response to the sheer stress of the blood flow on the artery walls. In arthrosclerosis, the endothelium has been damaged by free radical attacks as well as plaque formation and inflammatory response. The capacity to produce NO is reduced, and the vascular musculature constricts and blood pressure can be elevated. Too much NO can lead to  a fall in the blood pressure, while too little NO can lead to rise in blood pressure. As we age, the elasticity of our blood vessels declines due to collagen loss, free radical damage, as well as plaque accumulation. Poor diet, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, and genetic predisposition all contribute to a breakdown of collagen fibers that support the blood vessels. This results in the lack of elasticity. Blood vessels then become passive and stiff pipe-like structures which raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder. In addition to helping the blood vessels relax, NO also helps to prevent the clogging of arteries in several ways. First, it prevents the white blood cells from sticking to the arterial wall. It also helps to prevent damage to the arterial wall by reducing the production of free radicals. In other words, it acts like an antioxidant. Exercise alone has also been shown to increase the production of NO in the body. This may explain why exercises can reduce blood pressure. The effect of adding the amino acid arginine and vitamin C and E to an exercise program have been shown to synergistically increase NO production. Even without exercise these supplements will work on their own to increase NO. L-arginine supplementation has also been shown to significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. L-arginine has long been used in the enhancement of sports performance and cardiac function. Arginine, in high dose, promotes an increase in the body’s production of insulin like growth factor (a measure of human growth hormone). Its use, together with lysine, ornithine and glutamine, is one way to stimulate the body’s release of growth hormone.

5. Cellular Energy Metabolism

Mitochondria are the energy factories of the cell. The energy currency they produce is ATP. Generation of ATP is therefore vital to cellular process. Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is a vital component in the ATP-generating process. It acts as an electron acceptor/proton donor; hence its presence in the body is fundamental to the support of cellular life. It is omnipresent in body tissues.

The following are proven nutrients that promote cellular metabolism and should be taken by everyone concerned with heart health.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

The body’s production of CoQ10 begins to decline after age 20 to just 50% of levels by age 70. Because the function of the heart is so dependent on the energy produced with the help of CoQ10, CoQ10 is extremely important for heart health. It is also important as a powerful antioxidant and a membrane stabilizer. The range of heart conditions for which research has found CoQ10 beneficial include (1) congestive heart failure, (2) cardiomyopathies, (3) arrhythmias, (4) angina, when there is a lack of oxygen, and (5) muscular dystrophy.

CoQ10 also plays a vital role as an antioxidant in cellular membranes and plasma lipoproteins. You can get CoQ10 from your diet, although the amount of food intake is insubstantial. For example, one pound of sardines or 2.5 pounds of peanuts provide 30 mg of CoQ10.

Working synergistically with CoQ10 are two endogenous antioxidants that enhance mitochondrial function and reduce free radical damage - L-Carnitine and Lipoic Acid.

6. CRP
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein released into the bloodstream any time there is active inflammation in the body, such as infections and arthritis. Recent studies have shown,   that an elevated blood level of CRP is strongly predictive of future cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. In other words, CRP is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk, and may be a partial explanation for why some patients develop significant coronary artery disease despite normal cholesterol levels. There is suggestive evidence that both aspirin and statin drugs can reduce CRP levels to a certain degree. However, there are side effects accompanying the use of these drugs. Certain lifestyle changes can also lead to a reduction in CRP levels, such as smoking, metabolic syndrome (syndrome X),

A. Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fatty acids provide a range of benefits and protection for the heart and our body. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, they also help prevent blood clotting, heart attacks and irregular heartbeats that could lead to sudden cardiac death. They are anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is a key initiator of the atherosclerotic cascade leading to plaque formation and sudden death. Omega-3 also has anti-cancer functions. One cannot underestimate the benefits of omega3 fatty acids in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

B. CurcuminCurcumin comes from turmeric root and is an ancient spice within the ginger family that is widely used in cooking. Its use dates back to the time of Egyptian pharaohs more than 6,000 years ago. A tall, stemless, perennial plant cultivated throughout the tropics, turmeric is what gives curry its unique color and flavor.

In addition to its kitchen uses, curcumin has been used by traditional medicine for wide variety of ailments including liver disease indigestion, urinary tract diseases, inflamed joints, insect bites, and dermatological disorders Although the chemical structure of curcumin was discovered in 1910, it was only during the mid 1970s and that the potential uses of curcuminoids in medicine began to be extensively studied. It has been shown that curcumin has both strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s anti-inflammatory property help to bring curcumin into the forefront of heart disease prevention supplements.
Curcumin has a similar anti-inflammatory action to aspirin. However, unlike aspirin curcumin inhibits the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. It does not affect the synthesis of prostacyclin, an important factor in preventing vascular thrombosis. Compared to drugs, curcumin may therefore be preferable for patients who are prone to vascular thrombosis and require anti-inflammatory and/or anti-arthritic therapy.
 Since curcumin also lowers cholesterol levels by increasing the flow of bile out of the liver, those with biliary tract obstruction should not use curcumin. Always take curcumin with food.

7. Triglyceride
Of the four commonly measured lipid markers (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride), triglyceride is the most underappreciated and perhaps the most important. Reason – we don’t know enough about triglyceride metabolism within the body.

Triglycerides are etherified fatty oils Triglycerides and cholesterol both measure the total amount of lipoproteins in the serum. The associated cardiovascular disease risk prediction offered by triglycerides and cholesterol by themselves is 44%, but when coupled with low Vitamin A and E, looking at the ratio of (cholesterol + triglycerides)/ (Vitamin A & E), the risk predictive power goes to 85% accuracy.

A diet high in saturated fats, such as red meat and a diet high in simple carbohydrates and starchy food (such as sugar, rice, and wheat respectively) raise serum triglyceride drastically. Only 20% of the ingested sugar load can be burned or stored as glycogen at any one meal. The remainder 80% will be converted to triglyceride that can contribute to the build up of acidity, or stored as fat deposits. triglyceride elevation is almost universally related to dietary intake of sugar (inclu
. Medications are available to lower triglyceride level, but this is seldom necessary as long as a strict no grain diet is adhered to.

Start with eliminating all grain products from the evening meal. This includes wheat, rye, barley, potato, bread, and rice. It is usually difficult in the beginning and carbohydrate cravings may be experienced. Eat nuts like amonds if hungry. As the body slowly gets used to the reduced grains intake at dinner,  also reduce grains intake at lunch. Substitute with more above the ground vegetables, eggs (raw is best, and try not to cook the yolk too well), and unroasted nuts. Oils are acceptable as long they have not been exposed to high heat. Use virgin olive oil for salads and light stir fry, butter for high heat frying, and coconut oil for deep-frying (which should be kept to a minimum). As usual, no desserts after dinner, and reduce snacks before bedtime. All refined carbohydrates such as cookies, ice cream, and chips should be avoided. Follow the above, and the triglycerides level will come down drastically in a matter of weeks.  

For those unable to follow no grain diet, taking a natural compound called panthethine at 600-1200 mg a day will effectively lower triglyceride as well without any side effects. Other nutritional supplementation that can help lowering triglyceride includes L-carnitine (500-3,000mg), chromium polynicotinate (400 to 1,200 mcg), venadyl sulfate (15-30mg), EPA/DHA (500 –5,000 mg)

8. Total cholesterol / HDL Cholesterol ratio.
Cholesterol is a key macronutrient the body cannot do without. It is a precursor to all the steroid hormones in our body, including pregnenolone, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. Too low a total cholesterol level (under 150mg/dl) have been associated with cancer and brain function impairment. The ideal total cholesterol level should be around 200 mg/dl.

HDL is the “good” cholesterol. It is a carrier of “bad” LDL and oxidized-LDL cholesterol from the blood stream back to the liver. The higher the HDL level, the better.  Exercise has shown to increase HDL as well.The ideal Total cholesterol / HDL cholesterol ratio should be 3.5 or less, and preferably under 2.5.
9.LDL cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. If too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can get oxidized. It is the oxidized form of this that triggers a series of inflammatory reaction in the blood stream, providing a trigger for heart attack and stroke. It is therefore also called the “bad” cholesterol for a good reason. Oxidized LDL slowly builds up in the walls of the arteries feeding the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque.

A high level of LDL cholesterol  reflects an increased risk of heart disease.  

There are drugs on the market to reduce Cholesterol, but the have severe side effects.. For those requiring immediate normalization without drugs, the following should be considered: : panthethine , panthothenic acid , chromium polynicotinate , ascorbic acid , guccolipid  and polycosinol

 10.Total cholesterol

Thanks to mass-market commercialization, total cholesterol testing is now easily and widely available. A simple pinprick and a drop of blood on a test strip can offer almost instant results in a matter of minutes.

If the total cholesterol is high and is due to high HDL cholesterol, there is no cause for alarm. Any attempt to lower total cholesterol in such case is in fact unwarranted. HDL cholesterol should be as high as possible. If the total cholesterol level is high primarily due to a high LDL or triglyceride level, then a cholesterol-lowering program should be considered. However, the therapeutic pathway to lowering LDL (with statin drugs or nutritional supplementation) is different from that of triglyceride lowering (by diet, drugs, and nutritional supplements). It is imperative that a critical distinction be made to determine if the root cause of the high cholesterol is due to high LDL or high triglyceride prior to initiation to therapeutic measures.

Specifically, if the high total cholesterol is due to a high triglyceride level, then a no grain dietary approach is best, and using drugs to normalize triglyceride without dietary change is a band-aid approach. A no grain diet will be able to universally lower triglyceride level unless it is a familial condition. Patients are subjected to ever-higher doses of statin drugs unnecessarily when all it needs is simple dietary change if the main cause of high cholesterol is due to triglyceride overload.

Traditionally, a total cholesterol value of less than 200 mg/dl is considered desirable, while the value of over 240 mg/dl is considered high. By now it should be obvious that simply looking at the total cholesterol alone without considering HDL, LDL, or triglyceride will not give a true picture and is obviously incomplete. In this respect, it can be seen that the total cholesterol number on its own is of little significant clinical value. The use of natural nutritional supplementation to normalize these markers have been well studied and their effectiveness not in doubt. They should represent the first line defence for those who are at risk or have a damaged cardiovascular system. Optimization with a complete nutritional program focused on the heart will not only reduce risk, but in fact in many cases, can reverse existing damage without the side effects often seen by medications. CardioflexQ10 is a scientifically proven formula containing a unique cardio amino blend and Co Q10 .It is based on Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Linus Pauling’s research for lowering cholesterol, increasing energy, controlling blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure, alleviating chest pains, improving circulation and improving HLD cholesterol. It is a comprehensive nutritional cocktail, and should be considered and taken on a daily basis,in conjunction with Cardiomega3 Seal Oil, and Liquid Ionic Magnesium for a strong and healthy heart. http://www.nucellcanada.ca/store