Dr. Thomas Levy cites a study done by Hume and Weyers (1993) that demonstrated acutely lowered levels of vitamin C after only 2 days of a cold. The study observed a 50% decrease of vitamin C in white blood cells after 2 days.  Another study, also cited by Dr. Levy recorded  38% of those suffering heart attack had herpes simplex viral DNA present.

Unstable angina (chest pains) that frequently is a precursor to a heart attack was found to also be associated with low blood levels of vitamin C. This reduced level of vitamin C due to viruses could explain the 3 fold increase of heart attack found after infections…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: cardiologist Thomas Levy, coronary heart disease, heart attack, Thomas Levy, vitamin C

Statistics on Heart Disease reveal unwanted soft tissue calcium deposits are associated with a 1,180% increase in coronary heart disease.  Dr. Thomas Levy, a cardiologist who follows the research and statistics on heart disease reports this finding.

Associated with high levels of calcium in coronary arteries was lower levels of vitamin C.

Studies done by Bourne, et al (1942) found severe vitamin C deficiencies, like those  found in scurvy, were associated with increased excretion of calcium, the most abundant mineral in your body.  The exodus of calcium was found to be re-deposited into the soft tissues like arteries and other organs.

The metabolism of calcium is a very complex phenomenon.  From the healthy levels of bacteria in the large intestine to various vitamins, types of organic calcium available, hormones and unknown factors, all these affect optimal calcium assimilation.

Numerous excellent studies show higher levels of calcium supplementation actually increase bone fractures and cause soft tissue deposition of unwanted calcium.

The deposition of calcium into the arteries is a major factor in development of atherosclerosis.  (Sometimes called hardening of the arteries). The condition of atherosclerosis is a major factor in coronary heart disease.

Much of this calcium problem stems from poor vitamin levels of vitamin D-3 and vitamin K-2. Both vitamins D and K-2 move calcium from the blood into bone.  Vitamin D is more often than not deficient in the residents of U.S.A.

Not surprisingly osteoporosis, with low bone levels of calcium and  increased coronary heart disease, is due to high levels of calcium in the arteries instead of the bone.

Calcium is typically one of the least soluble minerals of your body and vitamin C is known to be one of the best agents to cause dissolution of calcium into an absorb-able state.  Calcium usually needs to be in an organic form such as calcium ascorbate.

When calcium is in a dissolved state it is less inclined to be deposited into arteries and soft tissues. This makes vitamin C and the bone depositing vitamins D and K-2 especially important.  These means a reduction of atherosclerosis.  This in turn reduces coronary heart disease…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, calcium, coronary heart disease, statistics heart disease, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K-2

What is considered a good Mediterranean diet?  It consists of the following.

• Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Abundant olive oil
• Whole grains in breads and pasta
• Nuts in moderate or low amounts
• Less red meats, more fish
• Fish or seafood two times a week
• Regular red wine consumption in low to moderate amounts daily
• Regular exercise…like daily

What is the science behind the favorable results for the Mediterranean diet?  A good study of several thousand subjects was done at the University of Athens, Greece.  It found:

• More flexibility to arteries, believed due to increased nitric oxide and artery dilation.
• A high ratio of mono saturated to saturated lipids (this means more easily metabolized fats versus hard to metabolize trans fats.)
• Higher levels of essential minerals…magnesium, potassium and calcium.
• Natural antioxidants of fruits and vegetables…especially carotenes and specifically lycopene.
• Polyphenol (antioxidant) and omega 3 content  of olive oil.

While both meat and the cereal (probably wheat gluten) increased the oxidation and tendency for chronic inflammation, it was more than off set by the olive oil, nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables; these reduce oxidation and hence reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the mother of all heart disease and a major cause of hypertension.

Table salt (NaCl) is often implicated as a factor in high blood pressure; but the real issue is the ratio of potassium to sodium. Western diets are frequently deficient in potassium and magnesium.  Both of these minerals are extremely important to cardiovascular health.  The Mediterranean diet contains high levels of these two minerals as well as another important mineral to cardiovascular health, calcium.

Abundant fruits, vegetables and moderate amounts of nuts provide a good supply of these minerals. This would account for reducing the blood pressure, along with lowered arterial resistance due to the olive oil.  In addition, the abundance of polyphenols and antioxidants found in the Mediterranean diet quell  inflammation…the culprit in coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.

A Spanish study done on 9,408 male and female subjects from 1999 to 2005 found reduced blood pressure associated with the Mediterranean diet. The risk factors for increased blood pressure, especially the age factor, were adjusted so the net effect was reduced hypertension with the Mediterranean diet.

Another  little emphasized factor in the study at Athens and in Spain was that of the red wine connection. Typically these populations regularly drink red wine in the low amounts daily, even in childhood.  A flurry of recent research has shown the red wine contains resveratrol (available in supplement) which is a good antioxidant and dramatically improves longevity.

A study in Burgundy France was so startling it is called the “French paradox”. A study of the population there found a 46% increase in longevity, in spite of a lousy diet high in fats.  Subsequent studies  in lab animals have confirmed that indeed everything fed resveratrol lives longer in spite of a poor, high fat diet.  The red wine in Burgundy is especially high in resveratrol because of the harsh conditions there. The effectiveness  and power of resveratrol is emerging as being due to its anti-oxidative power and longevity gene stimulation of SIRT-1. (Note: Over indulgence in wine is counter-productive, supplemental resveratrol makes more sense.)

Resveratrol, and components of wine, demonstrated to Japanese researchers that laboratory rats fed wine compounds for 8 weeks were able to maintained healthy blood pressure…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, inflammation, Mediterranean diet, resveratrol

If there is an abundance of bio-compounds that have free electrons to give… like vitamins A, C & E, plus bio-flavenoids in fruits and vegetables… they are satisfied.  Free radicals won’t then rob weaker compounds that your body needs. Another important anti-inflammatory and proven aid in both coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s are the omega 3’s.  Let’s explore the omegas.

Exactly why omega’s are so powerful in preventing heart disease and Alzheimer’s is not fully clear but studies and statistics prove their efficacy. It is well accepted in mainstream medicine and in alternative medicine that abundant omega 3’s are huge in prevention of coronary heart disease.  Now Alzheimer’s prevention can be added. Omega 3’s are essential fatty acids that you body, and especially your brain, needs because the fat content of the brain is relatively high.

A recent study presented to the American Academy of Neurology found that high amounts of the omegas, along with vitamin E and folate,  greatly reduced Alzheimer’s… to the tune of 42%. Also in the equation was (surprisingly) increased vitamin B-12… without apparent benefit.  The study did not find a co-relationship of high B-12 levels alone with reduced Alzheimer’s.  Normally deficient vitamin B-12 is associated with compromised brain function in the form of dementia.  The explanation given was high levels of B-12 were present because of high meat consumption that also increased saturated fats.  Apparently the Omega 3’s were able to overcome the detrimental effects of the saturated fats, which are inflammatory, and the B-12 was irrelevant.

A prime example of omega 3’s overriding the negative effects of high fatty meat consumption and reducing coronary heart disease is found with the Eskimos.  They live almost exclusively on fish and fatty meat for months. Studies show that in spite of high consumption of fats they have almost no coronary heart disease.  The reason why clearly points to the high intakes of omega 3… that are found in fish and sea animals.

This validates the hue and cry of alternative doctors to “get your omega 3’s”.  They are most abundant in salmon and deep sea fish.  Also flax and hemp oil are good sources…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: alzheimer's, coronary heart disease, free radicals, inflammation, omega 3's

Stress tends to be minimized or denied, both by the victim and his/her physician.  Yet an estimated 75% to 90% of visits to primary care physicians are because of stress related problems.

What are the negative aspects of stress?  The following are 7 major ones.

1. Stress promotes chronic, silent inflammation.  This greatly contributes to coronary artery disease.  Inflammation is the mother of all heart disease. It attracts dangerous plaque deposits of LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of blood clots or coronary artery obstructions.  Inflammation can also be a cause of arrhythmias.
2. Stress weakens the immune system.  Colds, flu and sickness in general are facilitated and accelerated when levels of stress are higher. Toxic by-products interfere with “normal” biochemistry.  The immune system is heavily taxed to handle increased inflammation.
3. Increased clotting of blood can occur due to increased blood pressure and circulation of inflammatory by-products.
4. Blood pressure increases due to anxiety and tension.
5. Insulin resistance increases, impairing the needed uptake of insulin into cells.  Some estimate 1 in 6 people now suffer from diabetes 2.  Diabetes 2 is definitely a risk factor in heart disease.  The American Diabetes Association says more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
6. Heart rhythm disturbances occur when your biochemistry is flooded with inflammatory or toxic chemicals. Stress produces free radicals that are oxidative and destructive to homeostasis (body harmony and balance).  “Bad chemicals” of stress must be handled and eliminated.
7. Stress is known to cause heart attacks when there is no evidence of coronary artery blockage or disease. Disruption of heart rhythm is a sudden and fatal cause of these heart attacks.  The heart fails to beat and death occurs.
8. Depression is really a form of stress. It changes the body chemistry adversely.  It affects metabolism and normal body chemistry.  The perceived heaviness is real to your body.  Chemical changes occur that are destructive to your body.

What are 7 things you can do to reduce stress?

1. Stop over commitment to demands of time and work.
2. Take time for recreation and vacations.
3. Relax…take time to “notice and smell the flowers”.
4. Build family relationships by spending time with family members.
5. Get regular exercise…statistics clearly show you will live longer.
6. Be in right relationship with your Creator.
7. Employ the golden rule:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Whatever you sow that will you also reap!…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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Technorati Tags: arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, heart attack, inflammation, LDL cholesterol, stress, stroke

Research follower, Dr. Mark Stengler, reports that optimal vitamin D was associated with a reduction of 17 different kinds of cancer.   Julian Whitaker, M.D. says colon, breast, and lung cancer was reduced by 60% in a study with optimal levels of vitamin D.

I would like to focus primarily on the risk factor that low vitamin D produces in heart disease. “Circulation” (Journal of the American Heart Association) reports low levels of vitamin D-3 are associated with a 62% increased risk of heart failure.

Researcher Dr. Michal Melamed says this:  “There are studies that link low vitamin D levels to the development of heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and different cancers.” Dr. Malamed backs up this claim by citing a study of over 13,000 people.  Men and women were followed for 8 and 1/2 years.  There were 1806 people in that group that died from cardiovascular disease.  Over half of these were deficient in vitamin D.

Why is vitamin D so effective in reducing degenerative diseases and specifically heart disease? All degenerative diseases are caused by oxidative damage and inflammation.

In the case of heart disease, inflammation in arteries collects LDL cholesterol in a plaque with calcium and other undesirable ingredients. This results in hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.  This increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.  It also increases blood pressure, causing hypertension and strain on the heart.  Heart failure is shown to also be associated with inflamed coronary arteries.

Russell Blaylock, M.D. reports in his newsletter of July 2009, on the subject of heart failure.  In a study of 3,299 heart failure patients, followed approximately 8 years, found a 500% increased risk of sudden death in those with the lowest vitamin D levels.

Heart attack and stroke are produced in the presence of inflammation.  The best measure of  cardiovascular risk, out of 12 factors tested, was CRP. CRP (C-reactive protein) is a marker of blood inflammation.  High levels of CRP (and not cholesterol) are associated with heart attack and stroke.  Half of all heart attacks occur, proven in a large study, in the “normal” range of cholesterol…150 to 200.

Vitamin D-3 (that used by man) is produced by UVB rays of sunshine with the cholesterol molecule  under the skin. The medical doctors who follow current studies on vitamin D recommend plenty of sunshine and/or a supplement of vitamin D-3 to keep body level up to normal…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: cancer, coronary heart disease, degenerative disease, vitamin D

Billions and billions of dollars are spent every year in the United States on health care. (Actually over 2 trillion dollars now) The U.S.A. is arguably on the cutting edge of innovation  and health research; yet we have terrible longevity compared to the rest of the world. Cancer has increased in spite of 70 billion dollars spent on research since president Nixon. We are 5 % of the world’s population yet we consume approximately 50% of the world’s prescription drugs.

Multiple sources confirm this fact of poor health and longevity in the U.S.A.

The World Health Organization says that U.S. residents are 31st in the world in their lifespans.  The United Nations report says that we are only 38th in longevity.  The United States census itself says the very worst…we are only 42nd in lifespans.

The health care system is now dominated by huge drug companies that have influenced medical doctors, the senate and legislature as well as the public. There are proven alternatives for health care that get squashed.

Statistics accumulated by creditable research, in multiple studies, clearly demonstrate that cholesterol lowering alone does not significantly reduce heart disease. Two thirds of those on cholesterol lowering drugs (70% according to cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra) are in heart failure.  Statistics on heart failure demonstrate that within 5 years, inadequate cardiac output means death.

A large, well controlled study found half the people who had heart attacks had normal cholesterol. (150 to 200 levels). Inflammation in a Mayo Clinic study (and other studies) clearly demonstrated that inflammation in the blood highly co-related to the incidence of heart attack.  Cholesterol, in the LDL form, with inflammation, then attaches to the artery linings raising the incidence of heart attack and coronary heart disease.

Another study demonstrated that after age 75 life expectancy was higher with high cholesterol. This can be explained by the fact that lowering cholesterol reduces the production of vitamin D, takes out an essential coenzyme (CoQ-10) and reduces the steroidal hormones like testosterone, estrogens and cortisol.  All of the aforementioned naturally decline with age already…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: cholesterol lowering, coronary heart disease, statistics about heart disease

Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, PhD is an expert on the subject of curcumin, having researched it for over 3 decades. In his studies on the subject  he noted that his native country of India had much lower cancer and cardiovascular rates that many other countries that do not  use much curcumin.

Dr. Aggarwal says to date there are 35 studies that show diverse CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFIT to consumption of curcumin.  These include:

• Reduction of the bad LDL cholesterol (and its accumulation in arteries)
• Increased levels of the good HDL cholesterol (needed for steroidal hormones, vitamin D and cell membranes)
• Powerful reduction of inflammation…the mother of heart disease :

Reduces homocysteine activity

Reduces vascular ruptures (aortic aneurysms)

Reduces atherosclerosis (the accumulation of dangerous plaque causing increased heart attack & stroke)

Just how does curcumin work?

It reduces the TNF (tumor necrosing factor) activity, which is the cause of severe inflammation in the form of cytokines.  Heart disease needs inflammation to flourish.

In regards to cancer there is a supression of cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and tumor growth. This apparently occurs because there is a reduction of TNF (tumor necrosing factor) and a reduction of the activity of NFkB, a protein that accelerates cancer cell production and spread.

An interesting additional benefit was that studies demonstrated  patients taking curcumin has fewer undesirable side effect from chemo therapy…lack of sleep, loss of appetite, fatigue and pain.

In the studies followed by Dr. Agaarwal it was found that as much a 8 grams (8000 mg) per day was necessary to have a significant supressive effect for cancer patients.   No significant side effects were reported with this large amount of curcumin…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: cancer, coronary heart disease, curcumin

Coronary heart disease prevention, with good supplements, increases longevity dramatically better than mainstream coronary heart disease care does.

The Health Alert reported in their newsletter of Oct. 2008 (edited by Dr. Bruce West)  the reason that doctors don’t accept the new information is because of ignorance:
“a new generation of cardiologists are saying: ‘average M.D.’s, including cardiologists, are 10 to 20 years behind the times in the greatest, most effective, and safest advances in heart disease care!””

More recent statistics of heart disease and research explain why standard coronary heart disease treatment is worse than the alternative heart care.

1. Indoctrination from old, outdated information is ingrained into doctor’s minds.
2. Unlearning and change are typical resisted by human nature.
3. The money in “standard” treatment is huge.
(It is estimated that 100 billion dollars is done in elective surgeries that are useless or of questionable benefit in heart disease.)
4. There is enormous influence by drug companies, especially for the cholesterol lowering (statin) drugs.  It is a $20 billion revenue source for drug companies.  It is the largest selling drug category in the world.

Here are some statistics about heart disease cited by Dr. Bruce West, who treats heart patients:
1. 100 million in angioplasties…typically at a cost of $39,200 per case
2. 500,000 bypass surgeries at an average cost of $83,900

Angioplasties have proven themselves as only a brief help, if at all.  Statistics show no difference in survival rate with bypass surgery versus no treatment at all. Most bypasses are expected to “be good” for no more than 10 to 12 years. The real issue is treating the cause of heart disease.

According to Dr. West (and many other doctors) inflammation in the blood vessels is the real culprit causing the accumulation of the bad cholesterol that lines artery walls.  Blood inflammation increases heart attack and stroke risk.  Dr. West cites viruses, high levels of circulating insulin (type 2 diabetes) and bacteria as major causes of inflammation. Reliable studies also list excessive homocystine, triglycerides, obesity and smoking as a major contributors to blood vessel inflammation. Recent statistics of heart disease give compelling evidence that inflammation is much more important than LDL cholesterol levels.

Most alternative treatment doctors, including cardiologists, favor strengthening the heart and preventing the free radical damage from inflammation in the the cardiovascular system. How then can you do this? It is not  that difficult and there is an enormous difference in cost between the old, outdated, standard treatment and the new alternative way.

What are some of the prevention secrets that reduce coronary heart disease? There are three supplements that have profound effect in reducing coronary heart disease, especially with heart failure.  They are D-Ribose, L-Carnitine and CoQ-10.

D-Ribose is a dynamite energy compound, recently discovered, that cardiologist Dr. Steven Sinatra and many other alternative doctors highly recommend. What does D-Ribose do for you?  It gives instant energy to every cell in the body, especially muscle tissue of which the heart needs more of it than any other organ.

D-Ribose is found in every cell of the body because it is the primary ingredient for the fuel called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is needed by every cell of the body (70 trillion) in order to function.  The heart is an energy hog because of its relentless beating… 24 hours a day. When there is a deficiency of  D-Ribose the heart suffers.  D-Ribose gives an instant infusion of the mono-saccharide (good sugar) that ATP needs to create the energy fuel.

D-Ribose is proving to be an enormous health benefit to health, longevity and especially heart strength and health. According to Life & Health Research Group, Inc, supplementation with D-Ribose helps an energy weak heart to recover 85% of its ATP level within 24 hour.

Yet another important ingredient and supplement is L-Carnitine. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that boosts cellular energy. It provides long term energy burn because it is necessary in the metabolism of fats for energy.  Endurance is a notable enhancement that athletes find with acetyl-L-carnitine.

In a recent study reported by Dr. Mark Stengler, 472 heart attack patients were tested with the supplementation of  L-Carnitine. One half of the group was given L-Carnitine, the other half was used as a control group to measure against.  Amazingly, over a 12 month study,  the half who did not get L-Carnitine had a 60% higher death rate due to congestive heart failure as compared to the other half of the study that took L-Carnitine supplementation.

L-Carnitine is an amino acid produced by the liver and kidneys that transports long chain fatty acids into mitochondria where energy is formed in every cell. Exhaustion, muscle pain, liver and kidney problems are associated with a deficiency of L-Carnitine.  It is absolutely necessary in order to burn the fats which otherwise  easily go into fat beds.

Another extremely important substance is a co enzyme called CoQ-10. It is absolutely necessary for the function and utilization of ATP in the trillions of cells of your body. Age naturally depletes the production of CoQ-10 by your liver. Many drugs also reduce its levels. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation.   Sadly, an unnecessary depletion of CoQ-10 and loss of energy results in twice the heart failure rate that comes from the common practice of prescribing statins. (cholesterol lowering drugs)  A more comprehensive, free report on CoQ-10 and cholesterol is available on this site. Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: coronary heart disease, coronary heart disease prevention, D-Ribose, L-Carnitine, recent statistics of heart disease

Your may be wondering what causes beriberi in the heart. Beriberi is caused by a huge deficiency in the diet because the heart lacks certain vitamins, mineral and phytonutrients.  The B complex and specifically vitamin B-4 is the real culprit.  Vitamin B-4 is seldom mentioned as a vitamin and is conspicuously missing in most vitamin B supplements.

It comes mostly from natural sources like phytonutrients that contain the helper nutrients of minerals, enzymes and catalysts that allow B-4 to be best absorbed and assimilated by your body. Plant nutritionals (phytonutrients) contain even unknown ingredients that are helpful in the utilization of B-4 by your body.

The standard medical treatment for coronary heart disease is to give a drug for the symptoms that are manifested by the patient. This seldom addresses the root cause of the heart problem.  Surgery is another remedy that is arguably over utilized in our medical system.

Dr. Bruce West asserts, and is backed by good scientific studies, that “mechanically opening arteries with stents, bypasses or balloon angioplasty is virtually useless for most heart patients.” Reliable studies in prestigious medical research centers confirm this.  There is no good evidence that demonstrate these procedures produce any long lasting benefits to recipients.

Diets are also a source of negative (risk) factors in coronary heart disease. Diets that are heavy in trans fats, animal fats, sugar and too much red meat are inflammatory. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega 3’s and the B vitamins are good remedies for the reduction of inflammatory effects that propel heart disease to the dubious honor of number one killer in the United States…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: beriberi, coronary heart disease