Do you have any of the following problems that cause high blood pressure?

• Atherosclerosis that builds up cholesterol and calcium plaque in your arteries
• Enzyme imbalances that thicken blood and require blood thinners
• Mineral imbalances of too much sodium and too little potassium
• Hormone imbalances caused by stress and poor diet
• Sleep disturbances due to sleep apnea

Your medical doctor may be treating some of these problems already and that is good.  All of the aforementioned categories are the primary drivers for high blood pressure and are serious health risks.  Besides treatment by your medical doctor you yourself can help with several simple, no cost measures that are doctor recommended.

Nattokinase: Cardiologist, nutritionist, author and researcher, Stephen Sinatra, M.D. reports this in his June 2009 newsletter:  “Thick blood contributes to the calcification of blood vessels and increases the risk of clots.  Nattokinase helps prevent abnormal thickening.  I have seen this supplement reduce diastolic pressure by 5 -10 points.  Start with 50mg a day and increase the dose to 100 mg after a week.” It is available in most health food stores.

Dr. Sinatra is not alone in his recommendation for a non-drug treatment available to the public. Martin Milner, M.D., professor of cardiology and pulmonary medicine in Portland, Oregon says this:  “In all my years of research as a professor of cardiology and pulmonary medicine, Natto and Nattokinase represent the most exciting development in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular related problems.  We’ve finally found a potent natural agent that can help thin and dissolve clots effectively, with relative safety and without side effects.”

The Japanese have used Nattokinase for over 1000 years and effectively reduced a clot forming enzyme, fibrin, which can become over abundant. You should be under the supervision of a medical doctor using this drug alternative because there are many reasons for high blood pressure other than thick blood. Also Nattokinase is contra indicated along with other blood thinners unless closely monitored.

Most people are aware that too much salt is a driver in hypertension.  Sometimes it is more a lack of potassium and your doctor can monitor mineral levels with lab tests. Good diet and supplements help provide the needed vitamins and nutrients like calcium, potassium and magnesium that are frequently deficient. All the drugs in the world do not help if your body is not getting the needed nutrients.

Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra and Robert J. Rowan, M.D. concur in the benefit of reducing blood pressure by grounding. What is grounding?  This is a very new discovery that going barefoot on cement or the ground helps balance the electrical charges on the red blood cells called zeta.  Normally red blood cells carry a negative charge that causes the RBC’s to repel each other.  This prevents their sticking together and decreases the resistance to blood flow. Free flowing red blood cells naturally reduces your blood pressure.

Yet another proven remedy for some with hypertension is to give blood regularly. Amazingly, regular donation of blood can reduce blood pressure by up to 88%. Normal red blood cells are flexible, biconcave disks that must become more round in order to pass through the terminal capillaries. Old red blood cells are stiff and less flexible; they produce friction, raising viscosity and increasing blood pressure.

Why does viscosity reduction reduce blood pressure and heart attacks? Quite simply since the old red blood cells are less flexible, they create significant resistance to the flow-through end capillaries.  It is believed that terminal capillaries need to squeeze the red blood cell discs to as much as one fourth of their diameter to pass them through.

Since new red blood cells are more flexible, they pass through the capillaries easily. You might ask why is friction produced by the old red blood cells so significant.  Friction at the bifurcation of the blood vessels causes injury and accumulation of LDL cholesterol plaque there.  Plaque accumulates in response to inflammation of the blood vessels, due to injury. This can cause blood clots that produce heart attack or stroke.

Another simple, yet amazingly effective blood thinner, can be water.  If you drink too little water and are basically dehydrated your blood is thick and resists flow. A simple, no cost remedy for some, is drinking 8 glasses of water a day. When the body does not get enough water to hydrate the body tissues, water is drawn from the blood.  When too much water is removed from the blood, the blood pressure goes up because of thick blood.

High blood pressure needs to be monitored by a medical doctor, but you can also help reduce blood pressure by some simple, inexpensive measures…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, hypertension

The increased viscosity raises blood pressure and the incidence of heart attack, stroke, as well as clots in the brain, legs and lungs.  Good scientific studies prove its efficacy and safety.  The biggest negative I find is taste; it is a fermented soy product.

For centuries the Japanese have eaten Nattokinase and have enjoyed reduced hypertension and cardiovascular problems associated with it.

Some comparison studies show the Japanese as number one in worldwide life spans.  Our own U.S. Census list us as 42nd in longevity, worldwide.  Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S.A. High blood pressure,  atherosclerosis  and cardiovascular problems are major contributors to our poor longevity record.

Mainstream medical treatment for thick blood, hypertension, is a drug like Coumadin.  Coumadin likewise reduces clots but can be dangerous if not carefully regulated.  It can cause internal and unstoppable bleeding.  It was originally developed as a rat poison.  Rats would consume it and then bleed to death.

What do scientific studies reveal about Nattokinase? The True Health Bulletin, 2010, reports a message from Michael Cutler, M.D. on Nattokinase.  He cites numerous studies that clearly demonstrate the enormous benefits from Nattokinase.  Here are some of them:
1.    A study of healthy males and females were given 200 grams of Natto food before breakfast.  Upon examination of the blood plasma, it was found the supplementation with Nattokinase reduced the dissolution of blood clot time by 48%.
2.    Plasmin is the natural enzyme that balances the level of fibrin in the blood.  Unfortunately as you age the plasmin decreases.  In a comparative test of plasmin against Nattokinase, Nattokinase was found to be 292% more effective in reducing the fibrin causing high blood pressure.
3.    Patricia Kane, PhD reported a study she conducted on 25 patients taking Nattokinase. She said this: “…patients are reporting more energy, less pain, and clearing of mental confusion in the few days of use.  We’ve already added Nattokinase into our protocol for detoxification of neurologic toxins.”
4.    Martin Milner, M.D., professor of cardiology and pulmonary medicine in Portland, Oregon says this:  “In all my years of research as a professor of cardiology and pulmonary medicine, Natto and Nattokinase represent the most exciting development in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular related problems. We’ve finally found a potent natural agent that can help thin and dissolve clots effectively, with relative safety and without side effects.”
5.    Jonathan Wright, M.D. says:  “The literature about Natto and Natttokinase is very impressive…the first patient I asked to try it had rapid and dramatic response…Nattokinase appears to be a true breakthrough.”
6.    Ralph Holsworth, D.O. is a leading researcher on Nattokinase and is very impressed with this supplement.  He says this:  “I have dedicated my life to the research of Nattokinase.  I’ve never seen an enzyme that has allowed me to assist my patients this significantly.  Taking Nattokinase is, literally, a life changing event for them.  I feel honored to have that piece of information and I just want to spread the word.”
7.    Betty Kamen, PhD says this:  “Because of our deep involvement in the nutritional field, my husband and I are more aware of the long list of helpful, natural, and safe modalities for recovering from illness—regardless of the disease category.  Many of these substances worked well for my husband’s recent problems, but nothing seemed as magical as Nattokinase!  In terms of his energy and well being, it was as though a switch was turned on when he started taking this amazing supplement.  The positive effects of Nattokinase are swift and dramatic.”

In a separate report, Cardiologist, nutritionist, author and researcher, Stephen Sinatra, M.D. reports this in his June 2009 newsletter:  “Thick blood contributes to the calcification of blood vessels and increases the risk of clots.  Nattokinase helps prevent abnormal thickening.  I have seen this supplement reduce diastolic pressure by 5-10 points.  Start with 50 mg a day and increase the dose to 100 mg after a week.”

Note: I am not advising you to self medicate.  You should be under the supervision of a medical doctor.  It is definitely not advised when a blood thinner like aspirin, ginkgo biloba or Coumadin are also taken unless very carefully monitored by your doctor…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: high blood pressure, hypertension, nattokinase

Increased viscosity raises blood pressure and the incidence of heart attack, stroke, as well as clots in the brain, legs and lungs. Good scientific studies prove its efficacy and safety.  The biggest negative I find is taste; it is a fermented soy product.

For centuries the Japanese have eaten Nattokinase and have enjoyed reduced hypertension and the cardiovascular problems associated with it.

Some comparison studies show the Japanese as number one in worldwide life spans.  Our own U.S. Census list us as 42nd in longevity, worldwide. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S.A.  High blood pressure,  atherosclerosis  and cardiovascular problems are major contributors to our poor longevity record.

Mainstream medical treatment for thick blood, hypertension, is a drug like Coumadin.  Coumadin likewise reduces clots but can be dangerous if not carefully regulated. It can cause internal and unstoppable bleeding.  It was originally developed as a rat poison.  Rats would consume it and then bleed to death.

What do scientific studies reveal about Nattokinase?  The True Health Bulletin, 2010, reports a message from Michael Cutler, M.D. on Nattokinase.  He cites numerous studies that clearly demonstrate the enormous benefits from Nattokinase.  Here are some of them:
1.    A study of 200 healthy males and females were given Nattokinase before breakfast.  Upon examination of the blood plasma, it was found the supplementation with Nattokinase reduced the dissolution of blood clot time by 48%.
2.    Plasmin is the natural enzyme that balances the level of fibrin in the blood.  Unfortunately as you age the plasmin decreases.  In a comparative test of plasmin against Nattokinase, Nattokinase was found to be 292% more effective in reducing the fibrin causing high blood pressure.

3.    Patricia Kane, PhD reported a study she conducted on 25 patients taking Nattokinase. She said this: “…patients are reporting more energy, less pain, and clearing of mental confusion in the few days of use.  We’ve already added Nattokinase into our protocol for detoxification of neurologic toxins.”
4.    Martin Milner, M.D., professor of cardiology and pulmonary medicine in Portland, Oregon says this:  “In all my years of research as a professor of cardiology and pulmonary medicine, Natto and Nattokinase represent the most exciting development in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular related problems. We’ve finally found a potent natural agent that can help thin and dissolve clots effectively, with relative safety and without side effects.”

5. Jonathan Wright, M.D. says: “The literature about Natto and Natttokinase is very impressive…the first patient I asked to try it had rapid and dramatic response…Nattokinase appears to be a true breakthrough.”

6. Ralph Holsworth, D.O. is a leading researcher on Nattokinase and is very impressed with this supplement.  He says this: “I have dedicated my life to the research of Nattokinase.  I’ve never seen an enzyme that has allowed me to assist my patients this significantly.  Taking Nattokinase is, literally, a life changing event for them.  I  feel honored to have that piece of information and I just want to spread the word.”

7.    Betty Kamen, PhD says this:  “Because of our deep involvement in the nutritional field, my husband and I are more aware of the long list of helpful, natural, and safe modalities for recovering from illness—regardless of the disease category.  Many of these substances worked well for my husband’s recent problems, but nothing seemed as magical as Nattokinase!  In terms of his energy and well being, it was as though a switch was turned on when he started taking this amazing supplement.  The positive effects of Nattokinase are swift and dramatic.”

In a separate report, Cardiologist, nutritionist, author and researcher, Stephen Sinatra, M.D. reports this in his June 2009 newsletter: “Thick blood contributes to the calcification of blood vessels and increases the risk of clots.  Nattokinase helps prevent abnormal thickening.  I have seen this supplement reduce diastolic pressure by 5-10 points.  Start with 50 mg a day and increase the dose to 100 mg after a week.”

Nattokinase is easily obtained at most health food stores.

Note: I am not advising you to self medicate.  You should be under the supervision of a medical doctor. It is definitely not advised when a blood thinner like aspirin or Coumadin are also taken unless very carefully monitored by your doctor…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: cardiovascular disease, Coumadin, high blood pressure, hypertension, nattokinase

Cardiologist Thomas E. Levy, M.D. says this:  “Even though traditional medications can control the symptomatic expression of many heart conditions, most do not lessen the oxidative stress that usually accompanies these conditions.  As a result, long term damage and consequences can occur even though symptoms are controlled.”

In other words, the underlying inflammation produced by oxidative stress is still  problematic even with reduced symptoms provided by drugs. The usual effects of electron thievery occurs in oxidative stress.  This causes damage to the mitochondria and chromosomes they contain, increasing risk of permanent damage to the DNA or genetics of the cells.  The ensuing inflammation also invites atherosclerotic plaque accumulation and further damage.

LDL cholesterol and plaque formation attach to inflamed arteries and cause atherosclerosis. This can still proceed in spite of reduced symptoms of high blood pressure, because inflammation is a necessary pre-requisite of atherosclerosis.

Another proof of reduced oxidative damage, relating to high blood pressure, comes when antioxidants like glutathione and vitamins C and E are at optimal levels.  The inflammation is greatly reduced and blood pressure drops.

Glutathione is arguably the most potent resident antioxidant in your body. It defends against toxins and strengthens the immune system against germs that cause disease.  In addition it re-supplies electrons to antioxidant vitamins C and E, the donors for hungry free radicals that cause oxidative damage.  It disarms toxins, fights infection, degenerative diseases and neutralizes foreign substances.

Laboratory studies, providing supplementation with these antioxidants (glutathione raw materials and vitamins C & E) in animals, find a reduction of inflammation and blood pressure.  The same can be said for human subjects.

The bottom line take away is this: If you have high blood pressure…you need to reduce oxidative stress, such as smoking, bad fats and lack of exercise.  Increase good nutrients, especially antioxidants and follow a heart healthy diet like the Mediterranean one.  Especially important for glutathione production are the cruciform vegetables that furnish organic sulfur (broccoli, Brussels’s sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower) …Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: free radical damage, glutathione, high blood pressure, oxidative damage

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

While high blood pressure is considered a risk factor in cardiovascular disease, it does not always co-relate to increased heart attacks. Drug treatment is often ineffective in hypertension cases.

The underlying risk problem when hypertension exists is really inflammation. Many causes of inflammation exist.  Diet, aging, stress and toxic substances are listed as the big culprits in inflammation.  Viruses also emerge as a very significant cause of inflammation and hypertension.

Here is the study. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital researchers have discovered that a primary cause of hypertension is CMV (cytomegalovirus).  CMV is a common virus, affecting 60% to 99% of adults worldwide. (according to Robert Rowan, M.D.)

When present in the blood, the virus affects endothelial linings of the arteries and causes inflammation. Blood inflammation in the human is the most reliable risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease…heart attack and stroke.  It is also true in animals.

The Beth Israel research used 4 groups of laboratory mice to discover the link of CMV with hypertension. One group received a high cholesterol diet, a second group a standard diet.  Groups 3 and 4 each received the same respective diets but were injected with the CMV.  The CMV (viral) groups has significant blood pressure increases.  Their markers for inflammation received an upward spike in the laboratory tests.  Not surprisingly the high cholesterol diet group with the CMV also developed arteriosclerotic plaque in the arteries.  Groups 1 and 2 were control groups that were considered normal and  used to measures against  the CMV groups.

ACE is an enzyme that produces hypertension. It is produced by the kidneys to increase flow through them.  ACE inhibitor drugs are often used, in attempt to reduce blood pressure.  The problem is ACE inhibitor drugs don’t necessarily reduce cardiovascular disease… usually because  inflammation is the culprit rather than just hypertension.  Strokes, because of thin artery walls in the brain, with increased pressure, sometimes rupture and cause strokes.  Heart attacks are another story.

It is well known that viruses are not much affected by drugs. However, oxygen is lethal to most viruses.  European doctors are ahead of the curve there; they successfully use oxidation therapies to treat vascular disease.

Strangely enough, in spite of research that shows oxidative therapy is successful against various viruses, it is little used in the U.S.A. Could it be the drug companies?  Drug companies pay for the majority of research now, they influence medical journals and reports, they give medical doctors perks, pay for medical educations, and effectively market drugs.  ( The U.S. is 5% of the world’s population yet consumes 50% of the world’s prescription drugs.)

Robert Jay Rowan, M.D. has successfully used oxidative therapy for 23 years and found it very effective against hypertension and vascular disease when other “mainstream” methods failed...Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: CMV, cytomegalovirus, high blood pressure, hypertension

Why viscosity is a factor  is because thick blood causes more friction, especially at the junctions of arteries. This causes irritation and inflammation there.  With inflammation LDL cholesterol plaque forms to cover the injured area.  This plaque can chip off or send a blood clot down line.

Heart attacks are obstructions in the coronary arteries caused by this plug of plaque or by a blood clot.  Viscosity is a dangerous and sometimes a silent… but fatal risk factor.

High viscosity means greater resistance to blood flow. It make the heart work harder to circulate the thick blood.  Aside from taxing the heart muscle and pushing up blood pressure, its greatest danger is that of heart attack.

You might ask what causes the increased viscosity.  There are several factors and most have to do with inflammation in the blood.

Smoking produces inflammation.  This tends to thicken the fibrin, which is the matrix for clots.

A second risk factor producing thick blood is old red blood cells. With age, red blood cells tend to become more inflexible and do easily pass through the capillaries.  Diabetes tends to make red blood cells stiff.  With regular transfusion or menstruation the old cells are replaced by fresh new ones.

When old red blood cells are still in circulation they sometimes need to pass through capillaries that are one fourth their diameter. Red blood cells are bi-concave discs that need to flex in order to easily pass through the end capillaries.  Old cells creates more resistance, thicker blood, raising viscosity and risk of heart attack.

A third factor causing viscosity is obesity. The toxins and triglycerides also increase the fibrin, raising resistance and risk of heart attack.

A fourth cause is LDL cholesterol, especially the Lp2 form which is more irritating and inflammatory.

Alternative heart doctors often recommend supplements like Nattokinase. It is a fermented soy product that is a proteolytic enzyme. It breaks down the protein fibrin and reduces LDL cholesterol.  (Other proteolytic enzymes are also helpful)

Nattokinase has proven in some studies to even better the the cholesterol drugs and without the side effect of lowering the necessary CoQ-10.

A little knowledge is dangerous, and you should not risk a heart attack by self therapy.  You should seek out a medical doctor who is knowledgeable of alternatives and is willing to use them...Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: blood viscosity, fibrinogin, heart attack, high blood pressure

Inflammation is the major pre-requisite for atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is often implicated as the culprit but it needs inflammation in order to attach and line the inside of your arteries. Another definition of atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries due to the plaque containing calcium. It is sometimes called arteriosclerosis.

The consequences of atherosclerosis are compromised general health, increased heart attack or stroke and high blood pressure. Let’s examine  these resultant, evil consequences.

Because atherosclerosis impedes the circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the entire body, optimal health is lost. The body has to work harder to be healthy. As the plaque thickens, it is a time bomb waiting to go off. The ultimate end extreme  is death.

Heart attack and stroke occur because the thickened plaque lining your arteries can cause clots or “chips” of plaque to break off and obstruct a coronary or cerebral artery. When this occurs, blood supply is blocked and death results to the tissue in that area;  hence, a heart attack or stroke has occurred.

Besides the atherosclerotic plaque itself producing high blood pressure, another reason for hypertension is due to increases of fibrin, which is the clot matrix in your blood. Age and poor diet accelerate the thickening of your blood with fibrin. Often medical doctors will place you on a blood thinner drug. Alternative medical doctors will recommend a proteolytic enzyme like that found in pineapple or Nattokinase (fermented Japanese soy). Studies show the proteolytic enzyme therapy is quite effective.

High blood pressure occurs for two reasons. The first is due to decreased lumen size that increases the resistance to blood flow. This makes the heart work harder and increases the blood pressure.

The second reason for increased pressure is the increased viscosity of the blood… due to fibrin. Plasmin is a natural balancer of fibrin levels; unfortunately it decreases faster than the fibrin. This results in more fibrin and thick blood that produces hypertension or high blood pressure.

A leading enzyme researcher, Dr. Anthony Chichoke, reports that enzyme therapy like bromelain (in pineapple) or serratiopeptidase, can effectively reduce the thickened blood caused by too much fibrin. Aside from the stress and strain on the cardiovascular system there is serious danger of clots forming in the lungs, brain, heart and other important organs.

Inflammation can come from many sources but there are basically 4: Diet, air, toxins and hormone imbalances.

Diet or food intake is probably the most important because it can involve all inflammatory as well as healthy sources…nutrients, supplements and raw materials for hormones. It is a vehicle for the detrimental toxins that come from pesticide laced food and poor water. The body is amazing, if given the raw materials in a healthy diet, it can conquer disease and thwart a lot of toxins and insults in the form of pollutants, bacteria and viruses. But there is a limit to what it can handle.

Diet is an enormous factor in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Too much red meat causes excess homocysteine; it  is an amino acid that becomes an inflammatory  when excessive.   Sugar is overconsumed…from 136 pounds to 156 pounds are reported per person per year. It is inflammatory and contributes to diabetes 2 problems.  Trans fats (man made adulterations) are formed when all the reactive molecular handles are filled with hydrogen. Trans fats are inert and inflammatory.

Finally, toxins, pesticides and polluting chemicals contaminate your food and water.  The air is polluted by industrial and combustion end products.  All of the above cause inflammation and contribute to atherosclerosis, a major cause of high blood pressure,  heart disease and stroke.…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, sugar, toxins, trans fats