It has long been known that vitamin C is important to optimal heart function. Congestive heart failure was observed by the work of Taylor over 70 years ago in 1937.  Guinea pigs with scurvy were observed to have high rates of heart failure.

Of course the key cause of scurvy is a lack of vitamin C. This produces inflammation, fluid retention and swelling.  Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system; it facilitates better muscle function.

Singh and Chan, (1974) reported a remarkable reversal of an enlarged heart in a scurvy patient.  After 14 days of vitamin C therapy the heart size was normal, and heart failure symptoms reversed.

Congestive heart failure is accompanied by edema, which is fluid accumulation that causes swelling.  Vitamin C, because it is a good antioxidant, reduces irritation and inflammation that causes swelling.

The action of vitamin C is not only good to reduce edemic swelling, but also helps excrete the extra fluids by its diuretic effect. Abbasy (1937), Schaffer (1944).  The heart muscle benefits by excretion of the fluids that block optimal muscle activity.

Kahn et al (2001) found that low levels of vitamin C correlated to increased heart disease and increased mortality from all causes.

The study found those with the highest levels  of vitamin C  (top 20%) had half the mortality risk compared to those with the lowest vitamin C levels. This statistic was true regardless of other factors such as age, smoking, diabetes and hypertension.

The study by Kahn in 2001 was no small study it involved 30,466 subjects and clearly demonstrated that the risk of death from heart disease and other causes is reduced dramatically by good vitamin C levels.

The majority of alternative health care providers believe that the RDA of vitamin C is too low.  Many recommend 1000 mg or more of vitamin C daily…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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Cancer cells have an 800% increased rate of metabolism.  This greedy consumption of glucose produces huge amounts of lactic acid.  This is another problem with cancer metabolism.  It causes an unhealthy acid condition for most cells.  The acidic ph of most environments is bad for everything from aquatic insects to humans.

A German Nobel prize researcher Dr. Otto Warburg said: “Cancer has only one primary cause. It is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of the body’s cells by an anaerobic (no oxygen) cell respiration”. Normal cells need oxygen but cancer cells are killed by oxygen and they produce acidic conditions in your body.

When the body’s ph is too acidic, immunity breaks down.  Free radicals cause oxidative damage that weakens and makes cells sick.  Your health resistance is lowered and you become susceptible to infections, sickness, colds and CANCER.

This abnormal cell metabolism not only makes a sick environment for normal cells but it also rapidly gobbles up glucose and, when depleted, ultimately attacks proteins of the body.  It is estimated that 40% of cancer patients die from malnutrition.

Gluconogenesis is the name for the body’s process of converting amino acids (protein) into fuel in the form of glucose.  This takes place when the supply of sugar is inadequate.  This is a major cause of the wasting away process found in terminal cancer or starving humans.  Pure sugar is first used, then more complex carbohydrates and fats are used and finally muscle tissue is consumed.  Toxic wastes and lactic acid are produced.

The anaerobic (non-oxygen) metabolism of cancer cells produces only 5% of the available energy from the glucose. It is very inefficient.  Normal cells (with oxygen) can get most of the energy from the glucose molecule.  The energy produced is ATP…which is the fuel for every cell in your body.

So enormous is the appetite of cancer cells for sugar that in Europe a therapy uses this principle to advantage. Cancer patients are injected with glucose to accelerate the metabolism.  Glucose metabolism lowers the ph by increasing the lactic acid production.  This makes the cancer cells more vulnerable to the heat which is administered at 42 degrees Centigrade.

After heat treatment the patient is subjected to chemotherapy or radiation which kills the overactive cancer cells.  The procedure is called SCMT (Systemic Cancer Multistep Therapy).

What are some studies that validate the co-relationship of sugar to cancer proliferation?  One study compared the cancer rate of rats fed sugar to those with starches or more complex carbohydrates.  The rats on the sugar diet had significantly more cancers.

In another study on mice, 68 of them were injected with breast cancer cells.  Three groups were tested, one with high levels of glucose, one with medium levels of glucose and one with low levels of glucose.  After 70 days only 33% of the high sugar consumers survived.  Those on medium or normal diet survived 66% of the time.  In the case of the low sugar consumers only 1 out of 20 developed cancer.

Tests on animals cannot be relied upon to predict exactly what will happen with humans.  However, a 4 year study done in the Netherlands validates this theory that sugar fuels cancer. It tracked the status of cancer of the biliary tract on 111 cancer patients.  The control base was 480 patients.  The high intake of sugar doubled the incidence of those who developed cancer.

Another worldwide study involving 21 modern countries, from all parts of the world, found that sugar consumption was a strong risk factor for breast cancer.

Sugar fuels cancer and produces unhealthy toxins.  Sugar also depresses the immune system by its influence on neutrophil leukocytes. (White blood cells)  The phagocytic index (white blood cell killing ability) decreases with consumption of sugar.

At one time it was standard practice in hospitals after surgery or birth delivery to give a liter of glucose to patients.  When this was actually tested it was found that healing and resistance to infection got worse.  This is no longer recommended.  The body’s ability to fight cancer is no doubt compromised by sugar.

What then discourages the proliferation of cancer?  A number of large studies, like one conducted at Harvard University, find that high consumption of vegetables and low intake of sugar and sugar converting (starch) diets, reduce most cancers by up to 70%.

The most co-related cancer fighting vegetables are the cruciform vegetables…cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The intake of 3 to 5 servings of these per day is shown to be the most effective. Green, leafy vegetables are also beneficial because of their minerals, flavonoids and enzymes.

The body uses over 3000 enzymes.  Enzymes are triggers and often necessary links in a biochemical reaction.  Many are destroyed by heating as low as 118 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is why raw vegetables are an important source.  Likewise, the number of known flavonoids is over 4000.  These are responsible for the color in fruits and vegetables. Have you noticed when you cook vegetables, they often lose their color?

Flavonoids function as anti-oxidants.  What this means is they counteract oxidative damage caused by chemical reactions in the body.  Normal biochemistry as well as toxic substances rob electrons from substances in the process of body chemistry. This is called oxidative damage. Too much oxidative damage can weaken organ systems as well as degrade DNA.  When DNA is damaged, rogue cells develop and this can spawn cancer. Numerous good studies demonstrate that raw, natural (unpreserved) food can dramatically reduce cancers.

A two time winner of the Nobel prize was Dr. Linus Pauling.  His amazing research found that vitamin C (an anti-oxidant vitamin) has a similar molecular structure as glucose and could be used against cancer.  Oral consumption of vitamin C is limited in its ability to get inside cells.  Dr. Pauling was able, with IV injections, to get large amounts of vitamin C into cells.  As a result his good research, he found a 500% reduction of some cancers.

Unfortunately the arrogant medical community, no doubt propelled by drug company interests, rejected his research and discredited him with flawed research on vitamin C.  Recent research has validated his accurate, well conducted research.  Dr. Thomas Levy, a cardiologist has written a book, called “Stop America’s # 1 Killer” that verifies Dr. Pauling’s careful and creditable research. It is basically how vitamin C is so effective against heart disease as well as cancer…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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Cardiologist Thomas Levy cites current research (in his book, Stop America’s #1 Killer) that makes it clear infections are associated with increases in heart attacks.

Bacteria and viruses, especially viruses, increase the number of heart attacks. Dr. Levy cites a study that found a 300% increase of heart attacks associated with a respiratory infection of the past 10 days.

Another study he cites was done by Hume & Weyers (1973) that demonstrated acutely lowered levels of vitamin C after only 2 days of a cold.  They observed a 50% decrease of vitamin C in white blood cells following  2 days of a cold virus infection.

Yet another study, also cited by Dr. Levy, recorded 38% of those suffering a heart attack had herpes simplex viral DNA present.

Unstable angina (chest pain) 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.

Cardiologist Thomas Levy reports on the powerful effect of vitamin C on the number one killer in America, heart disease.  More specifically he addresses the issue of histamine, for decades, known to be associated with inflammation.

Cardiologist Levy documents his position with numerous research studies.  The conclusion he draws is: histamine levels are correlated to inflammation which is correlated to atherosclerosis which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease.

Histamine is well known to accompany inflammation that dilates or opens up the arteries and leaks out irritants and produces an inflammatory response. The result is an attraction of LDL cholesterol to plug the porous openings of the arteries.  It is accumulation of cholesterol and calcium plaque, called atherosclerosis that is associated with increased heart attack and stroke.

Dr. Levy quotes studies that show blood levels of histamine are inversely related to vitamin C levels. What this means is  higher inflammatory levels are associated with histamine and they occur when vitamin C levels are low.

It appears that vitamin C is also necessary for the metabolic breakdown of histamine. A deficiency of C results in histamine accumulation and associated inflammation.  Inflammation is the mother of nearly all heart disease, starting with atherosclerosis which produces the plaque of cholesterol and calcium that accumulates and lines you arteries.

Atherosclerosis, of course, is the major cause of heart attack and stroke due to obstructive blood clots.  Animal studies confirm that reduction of histamine  reduces atherosclerosis accumulation in the arteries.

With very few exceptions, humans cannot produce vitamin C. It must be obtained by fruits and vegetables or by supplementation.  Vitamin C is estimated to be deficient in 40% of the U.S. population.  It is an inexpensive supplement and like most supplements works best with whole foods...Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, cardiologist Levy, heart disease, histamine, vitamin C

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.

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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

Vitamin C deficiency is well known as the chief factor in scurvy.  It turns out it is very important in diabetes and coronary heart disease. In the case of diabetes, insulin helps the transport of vitamin C into the cell and insulin also is essential for the metabolism of glucose…the raw material for energy.  The heart, according to cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, needs at least 4 to 5 times the energy of any other organ.  Some would say it needs ten times the amount.

Another reason for needed vitamin C is the collagen factor, the breakdown of which causes scurvy. Muscle, especially the heart,  needs healthy collagen for partitions, valves and blood vessel walls.  It is the fiber throughout the body that is called “connective tissue”.   Not surprisingly with the breakdown of fiber in the blood vessels,  weak arteries are more succeptible to ruptures causing aneurysms, or blow outs that result in stroke or heart attack.

Bear in mind, there is a lot of junk science out there about vitamins. Vitamin C reporting is no exception.  Not only is vitamin C valuable in energy metabolism and collagen fiber formation but also as an antioxidant.   Numerous studies show its enhanced immunity and defense against disease.  It reduces inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and enhancing the white blood cells (the major assault army against disease). Inflammation is THE major factor in heart disease and diabetes.

Not all vitamin C is the same and natural sources, (fruits & vegetables)  should be included with supplements. (Human bodies normally do not manufacture the essential vitamin C and is obtained from your food or supplement supply.)  There are several forms of vitamin C and the full benefit and assimilation come with the aid of other nutrients found in the diet.  There are many phytonutrients, enzymes and minerals whose comprehensive function is not known in the body.  Supplements alone are seldom the answer, whole food is needed…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

P.S. Pass this information to an interested friend.  Tell him about this totally free blog:  http://naturalhealthsecrets.ws

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Insufficient levels of zinc compromises your immune system. This is shown in a number of studies which show a co-relationship of increased infectious disease and low zinc levels.  A study done in the Annual Review of Nutrition, published in 2004 found a 41% decrease of pneumonia with zinc supplementation.

Other studies have found that zinc enhanced immunity and decreased the incidence of tuberculosis, hepatitis C and even leprosy. People who use nasal sprays of zinc swear by its effectiveness in thwarting early stages of a cold. If my memory serves me correctly, one study showed a 40% decrease in the viral count with adequate amounts of topical zinc present in the respiratory track.

Probiotics, what are they?  They are the good bacteria that are present in the intestines and important to digestion and the immune system. You may ask how can bacteria be good for the immune system?  Certain bacteria are essential for digestion and breakdown of foods.

When these good bacteria are absent or deficient, proper breakdown of food stuffs is inadequate and leaky gut occurs. When this happens, large partially digested particles get into the blood supply and as antigens (foreign substances), they cause an allergic response.  When the body is heavily taxed in dealing with these invaders, the immune system is overloaded.  This means there is less resources in the immune system to deal with infections. Supplements of good bacteria… through unpasteurized yogurt, acidophiles milk, or enteric coated probiotic supplements are helpful in restoring the normal intestinal flora.

Two German studies validate the effectiveness of adequate levels of probiotics. In a placebo controlled study of 477 men and women, without the benefit of the flu vaccine, it was found that the group receiving a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement plus probiotics had a 25% reduced incidence of the flu over the control group.

Another German study was done on 479 individuals from age 18 to 67.  It found the duration of the common cold was diminished when both vitamins/minerals and probiotics versus just the vitamins/minerals were given. The researchers concluded that colds were shortened by 2 days and the severity of the cold was also reduced.

Antioxidant vitamins A, E and especially vitamin C help extinguish inflammatory responses that are characteristic of all diseases. A study published in 2002 by Advances in Therapy reported significantly fewer colds and a shorter duration of those colds that did occur.

Selenium is a mineral that is essential to a master immune builder and antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione also needs organic sulfur. It is best obtained from the cruciform vegetables…broccoli, Brussels’s sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and Kale.  Good levels of glutathione is well researched and its effectiveness in reducing most disease is well established.  (even cancer)

Since H1N1 flu is now mutating into strains that are resistant to the H1N1 flu vaccine, it behooves us to keep our immune systems as strong as possible. A good diet that includes zinc, vitamin C, probiotics and selenium is an excellent way to enhance the immune system…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant vitamin.  Glutathione is a most powerful master defender and anti oxidant that guards your health.  The two work together. As antioxidants, both vitamin C and glutathione give up electrons to greedy free radicals…the instigators of all degenerative diseases.

In the case of vitamin C, it needs to have electrons replaced to continue it’s efficacy as an antioxidant. Glutathione does this.  If  inflammatory free radicals  are not reduced, serious problems occur with the heart and coronary artery disease.

LDL cholesterol plaque and calcium build up in the arteries and cause atherosclerosis. This literally is  “hardening of the arteries”. There is less flexibility in the arteries and accompanying cardiovascular inflammation.  This results in coronary artery disease, increased blood pressure, increased blood clotting and ultimately more heart attacks and strokes.

Glutathione helps the arteries by producing nitric oxide  (NO), a vasodilator. This relaxes the smooth muscle in the coronary arteries and reduces the risk of spasm that further reduces blood flow to heart muscle.  (Research confirms that glutathione increases NO, relaxes vascular spasm and improves blood flow.)  Most importantly, as an anti oxidant it reduces inflammation and neutralizes toxins. Vitamin C is also a key issue here.

Cardiologist Dr. Levy says:  “The scientific evidence clearly indicates that a focal vitamin C deficiency (”arterial scurvy”) in the endothelial linings of the arteries is the common link between atherosclerosis and all important coronary heart disease risk factors.”

Dr. Levy goes on to say about current medical literature:  “Atherosclerosis cannot be initiated without this condition of arterial scurvy existing first.”

Cardiologist Dr. Levy reports on a 2007 study that concludes, after heart attack, large oxidative damage occurs.  With diminished cardiac antioxidants like vitamin C and glutathione, the damage is more severe.

The bottom line is this:  maintain good levels of glutathione that come from a heart healthy diet of fresh vegetables, fruit, essential amino acids and especially additional alpha lipoic acid, L-carnitine, vitamins C & E, selenium and the omega 3’s. ..Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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