Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure Remedies

[Guest guest]

While researching heart disease in an effort to revise my book Bypassing Bypass, I ran across this:

 

 

Thyroid research over the past forty years has clearly shown a direct relationship between heart attacks and thyroid deficiency, according to Dr. Broda Barnes who wrote the book “Hypothyroidism The Unsuspected Illness.†The true culprit causing the increase in heart attacks is not necessarily how much cholesterol is consumed, but how the cholesterol is assimilated in the body. Studies have shown that low thyroid levels causes a glue-like substance called mucin to accumulate causing a cascade of biochemical changes leading to a degeneration of the arteries. Other studies have shown that the removal of the thyroid gland soon leads to atherosclerosis. Researchers have discovered that mucin can even develop in children who have insufficient thyroid function. They found out that as long as thyroid hormone is administered, the tissue would be normal. But if thyroid therapy was stopped, mucin rose rapidly. If thyroid therapy was begun again, the mucin content returned to normal. Therefore, one of the many preventive measures that can be done to prevent the possibility of heart attacks is to ensure the proper amount of thyroid is in the body. Research has shown that thyroid deficiency causes hardening of the arteries. Thyroid therapy helps reverse this and also reduces the risk of heart attacks. In his book, Dr. Barnes states that 40% of Americans suffer from an inadequate supply of thyroid hormone, an ingredient vital to health in the human body. Dr. Barnes noted that hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed because blood thyroid values are usually inaccurate. He recommends a simple test, called the “Basal Temperature Test,†which the patent can perform at home. The temperature test should be done upon awakening in the morning, but before leaving your bed. How to take the basal temperature test for determining low thyroid: 1) If you are a male or a non-menstruating female, take an oral mercury thermometer (which has been shaken down and placed at the bedside the previous evening) and place it in your armpit for 10 minutes immediately upon awakening while lying quietly in bed. Repeat the test three days in a row. Normal temperature is 97.8 to 98.2 degrees. If your temperature is low, your thyroid gland is probably under active. 2) If you are a female who menstruates, do the above test on the second and third day of your period in the same manner. 3) If you have a very young child and are unable to take his armpit temperature, you can take the rectal temperature for 2 minutes. Normal would be 1 degree higher than the above, which is 98.8 to 99.2 degrees. 4) Record the results and bring this record to your physician.

And, of course, my favorite iodine is the one created by Edgar Cayce which is called Magnascent by the maker.

One thing you should all know: Iodine is used in making Meth....and the FDA now forces anyone working with large quantities of iodine to buy a license costing a few thousand bux....so we have to support the little guys who are making these things. Here's one: Magnascent. http://www.mnwp.org/magnascent/index.html

Oh...and this guy is helping people in Africa make the stuff....it seems to work great on Malaria.

David

See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

[Guest guest]

From my book " Collected Home & Herbal Remedies " (http://www.rose-

laurel.com/RLBooks.htm)

 

Heart Disease

 

• Take two eight ounce glasses of cantaloupe juice a day.

Cantaloupe contains adenosine, which may help heart patients to thin

blood and prevent angina attacks.

• Green Tea - Popular in Asia for centuries, green tea helps to

keep blood pressure under control. It also may help keep cholesterol

from clogging arteries. The tea contains Epigallocatechin Gallate

(EGCG) and other substances that protect the body against the dangers

of oxidation, while helping to keep the harmful LDL cholesterol down

and the helpful HDL cholesterol up. They also assist in keeping blood

pressure under control.

• Garlic - prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, may prevent

the liver from producing excess fat and cholesterol. In one study,

adding as little as two ounces of garlic juice to a fatty, cholesterol-

laden meal was found to actually lower the cholesterol by up to 7

percent. Another study found that 600 mg of garlic powder a day could

push the total cholesterol down by some 10 percent. Other research has

corroborated these findings reporting that garlic can lower both total

and LDL cholesterol while raising the HDL ( " good " ) cholesterol. A 10-

month study found that eating three cloves of garlic a day keeps the

cholesterol down for extended periods. And because it contains ajoene

and other substances, garlic also helps to keep the blood " thin " and

free of potentially deadly blood clots

• Hawthorn (Crataegus) contains a combination of flavonoids that

can protect the heart against oxygen deprivation and the development of

abnormal rhythms. It dilates coronary blood vessels, improving the flow

of blood to the heart. It strengthens the heart muscle and works to

help the body rid itself of excess salt and water. It reduces blood

levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and brings down high blood

pressure. Choose a standardized extract containing 1.8 percent vitexin-

2 rhamnosides.

• Arjuna - Arjuna, an important Ayurvedic herb, is a coronary

vasodilator. It protects the heart, strengthens circulation, and helps

to maintain the tone and health of the heart muscle. It is also useful

in stopping bleeding and to promote healing after a heart attack.

• Ginger - Ginger is an important herb for a healthy heart.

Ayurvedic physicians suggest that eating a little bit of ginger every

day will help to prevent heart attack. It reduces cholesterol. It also

reduces blood pressure and prevents blood clots. Ginger's heart-

helping attributes are similar to that of garlic. Ginger interferes

with the long sequence of events necessary for blood clots to form.

This helps to prevent clots that can lodge in narrowed coronary

arteries and set off a heart attack.

• Turmeric lowers blood cholesterol levels by stimulating the

production of bile. It also prevents the formation of dangerous blood

clots that can lead to heart attack.

• Onions: Onions contain adenosine and other " blood thinners "

that help to prevent the formation of blood clots. In addition to

thinning the blood, onions can help keep the coronary arteries open and

clear by increasing the HDL. Eating half a raw onion every day can

increase HDL by 20 to 30 percent.

• Ginkgo biloba improves the flow of blood throughout the body.

It is also an antioxidant. Ginkgo biloba can benefit the cardiovascular

system by preventing the formation of free radicals. Take a ginkgo

extract containing 24-percent ginkgo flavone glycosides.

• Fo-ti (ho shou wu, Polygonum multiflorum), combats the symptoms

of heart disease, helping to reduce blood pressure and blood-

cholesterol levels.

• Alfalfa: Alfalfa leaves and sprouts help reduce the blood

cholesterol levels and plaque deposits on artery walls.

• Citrin - an extract from the plant Garcinia cambogia, inhibits

the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver. It helps to prevent the

accumulation of potentially dangerous fats in the body.

• Guggul - This ayurvedic herb is derived from a type of myrrh

tree. It has been shown to lower blood-fat levels while raising levels

of HDL, the so called " good cholesterol. " Note: Do not use this herb

if you have a thyroid disorder.

• Grape seed extract with oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCS) may

lower high blood pressure, which can cause heart disease.

• Fermented soy products such as tempeh and miso. When people

with high cholesterol are put on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, their

cholesterol levels usually drop. But if you replace the animal protein

in their diet with soy protein, their cholesterol levels are found to

drop significantly lower. One study has showed that soy protein could

cancel out the effect of 500 mg of cholesterol deliberately added to

the daily diet. Although soy can lower cholesterol levels in those

with normal levels, it works best in people with elevated cholesterol.

Note: Do not use unfermented soy products as they have been linked

strongly to breast, stomach and other cancers.

• Brewer's Yeast: Brewer's yeast can lower the total cholesterol

and LDL while raising the helpful HDL. (Brewer's yeast is not the same

as the yeast we use in the kitchen.) In one study with normal- and high-

cholesterol patients, 11 healthy volunteers were given brewer's yeast.

Eight weeks later, 10 of the 11 people with normal cholesterol levels

had even lower total cholesterol levels and increased HDL levels. Among

the 15 volunteers with high cholesterol, eight enjoyed the same

beneficial results.

• Cordyceps - Cordyceps is a Chinese herb. It can slow the heart

rate, increase blood supply to the arteries and heart, and lower blood

pressure.

• Artichoke leaf extract reduces blood cholesterol and protects

the liver. This herb has antioxidant activity and may inhibit the

oxidation of cholesterol, a factor in atherosclerosis.

• Cat's claw contains a variety of valuable phytochemicals that

inhibit the processes involved in the formation of blood clots. It

increases circulation and inhibits inappropriate clotting. Thus, it may

help to prevent stroke and reduce the risk of heart attack.

• Oat straw and kava kava are tonics for the nervous system.

• White willow bark contains salicin, an aspirin like compound.

It has been used for centuries much as aspirin is today. Aspirin is

often recommended for cardiovascular condition. This herb may provide

the same protection without stomach upsets associated with aspirin.

Note: Do not take this herb if you are allergic to aspirin.

• Other herbs that are beneficial for cardiovascular disorders

include barberry, black cohosh, butcher's broom, cayenne (capsicum),

dandelion, ginseng, and valerian root.

• The following herbs are heart friendly: alfalfa, astragalus,

garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, hawthorn berry, kelp, kola,

motherwort, myrrh, psyllium (Metamucil), passion flower, red pepper,

saffron, Siberian ginseng, skullcap, tarragon, turmeric, and valerian

Caution: Do not use barberry or black cohosh during pregnancy. Do not

use ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Also avoid the herbs

ephedra (ma huang) and licorice, as they cause a rise in blood pressure.

 

Diet and Nutrition Therapy for Heart Disease:

 

• Even modest changes in diet and lifestyle can significantly

reduce the risk of heart disease.

• In general, eat foods low in cholesterol, saturated fat and

salt. Take vitamins and supplements recommended or eat foods containing

the essential vitamins and minerals. Fatty acids in fish contain Omega

3 that was shown to be effective in preventing heart diseases.

Similarly, taking moderate quantities of red wine was also found to be

beneficial. (Caution: High intake of alcohol is unhealthy and should be

avoided.)

• Foods that can save arteries and prevent heart disease:

• Seafood, Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Grains, Legumes, onions,

garlic, olive oil, alcohol in moderation, foods high in Vitamin C, E

and Beta Carotene.

• Foods that can damage arteries and the heart: Meats and dairy

foods high in saturated fat, excessive alcohol

• Eat little or no meats, dairy and processed foods, which are

high in saturated fat. Eat more organically produced grains, legumes,

fruits, vegetables and seeds.

• If you are overweight, adopt a healthy weight-reduction diet

plan and stick to it. Obesity places a strain on the cardiovascular

system.

• Make sure that your diet is well balanced and contains plenty

of fiber. studies have shown that among the sources of dietary fiber-

cereal, vegetables, and fruits- that fiber from breakfast cereals

appears to be the most beneficial.

• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Emphasize foods that

are rich in the antioxidant substances (beta-carotene, vitamins C and

E, and selenium) that fight free radicals. Enjoy fruits, tomatoes,

carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, alfalfa sprouts, and whole-

grain products. Studies have shown that those who ate five or more

servings of fruits and vegetables each day had a 39-percent lower risk

of stroke than those who did not.

• Include grapes, eggplant, and red cabbage in your menu. Experts

believe that pigments called anthocyanidins in red wine grapes may

explain why moderate consumption of red wine can help lower the risk of

heart attack and stroke. (This is called French Paradox.) This

substance is known to dilate blood vessels, which helps keep blood

flowing freely. Anthocyanidins are found in blue and purple fruits and

vegetables.

• Take in no more than 25 to 30 percent of daily calories from

fat per day. The type of fat you consume is also very important.

Monounsaturated fats, found in olive oil, cause levels of low-density

lipoproteins (LDL, often known as the " bad cholesterol " ) to decline

without affecting levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, often known

as the " good cholesterol " ). Saturated fats, (type of fat found in

animal products such as meat and dairy foods, and trans- fatty acids

found in margarine, shortening, and hydrogenated and partially

hydrogenated oils, have the opposite effect. Avoid consumption of

saturated fats.

• Include raw nuts (except peanuts), olive oil, pink salmon,

trout, tuna, Atlantic herring, and mackerel in your diet. These foods

contain essential fatty acids that are important for cardiovascular

health.

• Include garlic and onions in your diet. They contain compounds

that help to reduce serum cholesterol levels.

• Avoid grilled and barbecued foods. Research has shown that

people who favor meat cooked over smoldering charcoal are increasing

their risk of cardiomyopathy. Carcinogens that form during the browning

process are believed to contribute to inflammation of the arteries and

the deterioration of the heart muscle.

• Avoid stimulants such as coffee and black tea that contain

caffeine. Coffee increases stress hormones in the body, putting coffee

drinkers at greater risk of heart disease. Also avoid tobacco, alcohol,

chocolate, sugar, butter, red meat, fats (particularly animal fats and

hydrogenated oils), fried foods, processed and refined foods, soft

drinks, spicy foods, and white flour products, such as white bread.

• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. If

possible, drink steam-distilled water only. One study found that men

who drank at least five glasses of water every day had a 51-percent

lower risk of heart disease than those who did not. For women, the risk

of heart disease was 35 percent lower.

• Eliminate all sources of sodium from your diet. Salt contains

sodium, which increases fluid retention and makes the heart work

harder. The American Heart Association advises heart patients to limit

their sodium intake from all sources to the equivalent of no more than

1 teaspoon of salt daily.

• If you take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin

(Coumadin) or heparin, or even aspirin, limit your intake of foods high

in vitamin K. Eating foods containing vitamin K increases the blood's

tendency to clot. Foods that are rich in vitamin K include alfalfa,

broccoli, cauliflower, egg yolks, liver, spinach, and all dark green

vegetables. To enhance the effect of anticoagulants, eat more of the

following: wheat germ, vitamin E, fermented soy products such as tempeh

and miso, and sunflower seeds.

• If you take aspirin regularly for a heart condition, avoid

alcohol and antacids, within an hour of taking the aspirin. The

combination of aspirin and alcohol can easily aggravate the stomach.

Blood-alcohol levels can become higher if aspirin is taken even an hour

before. Using antacids can reduce the amount of aspirin circulating in

the body.

 

Vitamin Therapy for Heart Disease

 

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. As the most

active muscle in the body, the heart requires proper nutrition. Poor

nourishment has a profound effect on the heart. Research has shown that

as people age, their eating habits get worse, thus increasing their

risk of cardiovascular disease. In this case supplementation has to be

resorted to provide the body with the proper nutrition.

 

Cautions:

• If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have

liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.

• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of

supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 international units daily.

• If you are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner), consult

your physician before taking supplemental vitamin E.

 

• Bioflavonoids: These are a group of compounds that provide

color to citrus fruits and vegetables. In conjunction with Vitamin C,

some bioflavonoids are potent antioxidants to improve the strength of

small blood vessels or capillaries. They prevent the oxidation of

cholesterol in the blood and prevent the clotting of the blood by

making the blood less thick.

• Beta carotene: Beta carotene is the plant form of vitamin A.

It can be converted into vitamin A by the body. Beta carotene, as an

antioxidant, protects against heart disease by inhibiting the

conversion of LDL into its more dangerous, oxidized form. One study

found that 50 mg of beta carotene taken every other day reduced the

incidence of major coronary and vascular events. Beta carotene is found

in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables (

• Vitamin C - Recent research has shown that taking plenty of

Vitamin C provides more protection against heart disease than either

maintaining a low blood cholesterol or eating a low fat diet. Good

sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries and sweet red

peppers. It is believed that the beneficial effect of Vitamin C is

from a variety of factors:

o Vitamin C plays a role in the conversion of cholesterol into

bile acids. If vitamin C is lacking, less cholesterol is converted.

Instead, the cholesterol may build up in the arteries, blood and liver.

o Vitamin C is needed for the normal metabolism of blood fats. It

builds the collagen that helps to keep artery walls strong.

o Vitamin C reduces the high blood pressure and reduces the

hardening of the arteries.

o Vitamin C affects the levels of glutathione in the blood.

Glutathione is a compound that helps guard against heart disease. Lower

levels of Vitamin C was found to result in lower levels of glutathione

in the blood stream.

o Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to control the free

radicals and other oxidants that can convert LDL into its more

dangerous, artery-clogging form.

o Vitamin C supplementation drives down cholesterol in people

with high cholesterol and low levels of vitamin C in the blood. Adding

pectin, or other agents that bind cholesterol, increases the effect.

The level of vitamin C in the blood has been found to be related to the

CHD-related angina pain. The higher the level of vitamin C, the less

pain.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is believed to prevent the oxidation of

LDL, the bad cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of coronary heart

disease. The vitamin may play a role in regulating the way that cells

lining the arteries proliferate and repair themselves, and may protect

them from the damaging oxidants. This helps to prevent the formation of

blockages on the artery walls. Vitamin E supplementation may increase

the protective HDL. The amount of vitamin E in the blood may be

inversely related to the death from heart attacks. In other words, a

greater level of vitamin E in the blood may translate to a lower risk

of death. Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and heart muscle,

improves circulation, and destroys free radicals.

Caution: Use this supplement only under the supervision of a physician

or medical professional, preferably one well versed in naturopathic

and/or integrative medicine.

• Recommended Dosage: Start with 100-200 IU daily and increase

slowly, adding 100 IU each week until daily dosage is 800-1,000 IU. If

you take an anticoagulant drug, do not exceed 400 IU daily. Use d-alpha-

tocopherol form.

• Selenium - The amount of selenium in the blood and red blood

cells may be related to the risk of CHD and heart attacks. The lower

the level of selenium, the more the risk. Selenium activates

glutathione proxidase, one of the most potent antioxidants, that

prevents the free radicals from attacking LDL cholesterol and prevent

its conversion into its more artery-damaging, oxidized form. Selenium

also helps to " thin " the blood. When the blood is " thin, " there is less

chance that unnecessary blood clots will form and trigger a heart

attack by lodging in an already-narrowed artery. Lower levels of

selenium has also been linked to higher levels of the incidence of

stroke. Selenium is provided by many foods including tomatoes,

poultry, shellfish, garlic, meat, and egg yolks.

o A 1982 study of 11,000 men and women in Finland found that

people with low blood selenium levels had an increased risk of

developing coronary artery disease. After accounting for other risk

factors, 22 percent of the heart attack deaths in this population were

attributed to low selenium levels. Another study of Finnish men in 1991

linked low selenium levels to atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries.

o A recent study has shown that those who had higher selenium

levels in the blood had 60 percent lower risk of heart disease than

people who had lower levels of this mineral. When patients who had

heart attacks were treated with selenium or selenium-rich yeast, they

had fewer second attacks than those who were given a placebo. Good

sources of selenium include barley, shrimp and whole grains.

o Recommended Dosage: RDA for selenium is 70 micrograms for men,

and 55 micrograms for women. If you are at high risk for heart disease,

you may take 200 mcg daily under professional supervision. However, it

you are pregnant, do not exceed 40 mcg daily.

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) - Recently, Niacin has received publicity

for reducing cholesterol. It has also been found effective in reducing

the incidence of second heart attack by 30 percent. Higher levels of

Niacin can lead to hot flushes and liver damage. So, be very careful

when taking therapeutical doses of this vitamin. Consult a qualified

person before starting this treatment.

Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high

blood pressure.

• Recommended Dosage: 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 200

mg daily if you have a history of rheumatic heart disease or other

valvular heart problem.

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - Pyridoxine deficiency has been linked

to heart disease. Extremely important for formation of red blood cells

and neurotransmitters. Animal studies have shown that diets deficient

in B6 can lead to hardened, narrowed arteries. This may be because B6

helps to prevent the unnecessary blood clots that can block arteries.

B6 is also necessary to control homocysteine that appears to damage

artery linings and encourage heart disease. Recommended Dosage: 50 mg

daily. B6 is found in whole grains, lentils and sweet potatoes.

• Folic Acid - Recent studies have shown that folic acid can ward

of heart attacks and strokes. A deficiency of folic acid can increase

the risk of heart disease 200 to 300 percent. Folic acid was shown to

break down homocysteine, an amino acid. Homocysteine was shown to

increase the risk of heart attack by 300 percent. Higher levels of

homocysteine were found to cause significant blockages in the carotid

arteries. (Carotid arteries are found in the neck. They deliver blood

to the brain.) Ten percent of all heart disease in the United States is

believed to be from high levels of homocysteine. Hence folic acid,

which breaks down homocysteine, is a very important deterrent to the

heart disease. It is found in foods such as navy beans, broccoli,

orange juice, green leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes. Recommended

Dosage: 400 mcg daily.

• Vitamin B12 - Shortage of Vitamin B-12 has been associated with

elevated levels of the dangerous homocysteine. Elevated levels of

homocysteine can damage the inner surface of arteries. This can be

treated and/or prevented with vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid.

Many cardiologists are now using B-vitamins to help prevent coronary

artery disease.

• Calcium and Magnesium

o Calcium: In the proper amounts, calcium may help to keep

cholesterol under control and may prevent dangerous blood clots. Too

much calcium may increase the risk of heart disease, especially if

there is too much calcium in relation to magnesium. Sources of calcium

include milk, sardines (with bones) and cheese.

o Magnesium: A lack of magnesium has been linked to an increased

risk of CHD, heart attacks and improper heartbeats. Many doctors report

using magnesium as a first-line treatment for treating irregular heart

rhythms.

o Magnesium supplementation may reduce the total cholesterol,

increase the beneficial HDL and prevent unnecessary " clumping " in the

blood that can trigger a heart attack. The mineral may also reduce the

symptoms of angina or may prevent future attacks.

o What is remarkable is that magnesium is beneficial even when a

heart attack is in progress. In a study involving 2,300 people, some

patients were given magnesium injections while they were having heart

attacks. The injections cut the death rate by 25 percent. Magnesium can

be found in almonds, parsley and spinach.

Caution: An excess of magnesium can cause diarrhea. If you develop

loose stools, reduce the dosage slightly until you arrive at the best

dosage for your body.

o Calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B-6 should be taken together for

proper absorption and effectiveness.

o Recommended Dosage: 1,500-2,000 mg calcium daily, in divided

doses, after meals and at bedtime. 750-1,000 mg magnesium daily, in

divided doses, after meals and at bedtime. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6.

• Chromium - Chromium is a trace metal that is vital to human

health. Nutritionists are not sure exactly what chromium does in the

body or how much is needed to maintain health. Chromium supplements

were found to help raise HDL cholesterol levels - an important benefit

in CHD. Chromium is important for normal metabolic functions,

particularly for carbohydrate metabolism. It plays a significant role

in regulating blood sugar. A Recommended Daily Allowance has not been

established for chromium. A daily intake of 50 to 200 micrograms is

often recommended. It is estimated that 50 to 90 percent of Americans

are not getting enough chromium in their diets. Trace amounts of

chromium are present in many foods. The best dietary source is brewers

yeast, which contains chromium in the form of GTF (glucose tolerance

factor). Other good sources of chromium include peanuts, legumes, and

whole grains,

o Chromium deficiency was found to increase the blood cholesterol

levels of rats. Chromium supplementation, on the other hand, was found

to bring the cholesterol values back down. More impressively, some rats

were found to actually develop fatty plaques of atherosclerosis in

their arteries as a result of chromium deficiency.

o Between 1968 and 1982 at least 6 independent trials

investigated the effects of chromium supplements on blood cholesterol

levels in healthy volunteers. Chromium supplements appeared to produce

small reductions in serum cholesterol levels. What was significant,

though, was that HDL levels rose by an average of 10 percent.

o A 1978 study checked blood chromium levels in patients

undergoing coronary angiograms and found that low chromium levels could

account for 17 percent of their atherosclerotic lesions, even after

considering cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors.

o In a 1991 study, 63 men in North Carolina suffering from

hypertension and taking beta-blockers were studied. (Beta blockers are

known to lower HDL and raise LDL cholesterol levels.) Half the

volunteers received chromium, while the others took a placebo. Complete

cholesterol profiles were obtained at the start of the trial and after

2 months of treatment. The results were significant: chromium

supplements boosted HDL cholesterol levels by an average of nearly 6

points, a 16 percent increase. No changes occurred in total

cholesterol, triglycerides, or body weight. No side effects were

observed.

o According to Harvey Simon, MD of Harvard Medical School, a 6-

point increase in HDL, which was achieved in the chromium trial, should

reduce the risk of heart attack by about 20 percent.

o HDL plays an important protective role in atherosclerosis.

Unfortunately, it is very hard to boost HDL levels in some people. So

chromium is a natural way to boost the HDL.

o Experts say that if your cardiac risk is rated moderate to

high, and if your HDL is below 40, you should try to raise it.

Exercise, maintenance of ideal body weight, and smoking cessation

should be part of everyone's plan. But if these critical changes don't

bring your HDL up to protective levels, consider chromium

supplementation.

o Recommended Dosage: Take 200 micrograms 3 times a day.

• Zinc - Zinc is an antioxidant that helps maintain proper immune

function. Note: Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. If you

take over 30 milligrams of zinc on a daily basis for more than one or

two months, you should also take 1 to 2 milligrams of copper each day

to maintain a proper mineral balance.

• Copper - Copper plays an important role in human metabolism and

in the formation of red blood cells. It only takes one and a half to 3

milligrams of copper per day to fulfill these needs. Most of us get

more than enough copper from cereals, barley, legumes, nuts, shellfish,

and meats.

Caution: It is possible that too much copper may be harmful. Studies

from 1991 and 1992 in Finland reported an association between high

blood copper levels and heart attacks. The association was strong; the

highest copper levels were linked to a 4-fold increase in heart

attacks. It is suggested that copper can promote oxidation of LDL

cholesterol.

• Iron - Iron is a vital nutrient; it's an essential component of

hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. Americans

are often low in iron. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of

anemia in the United States. Iron deficiency is particularly common in

women, who lose red blood cells with each menstrual period. The best

dietary source of iron is red meat. Iron is also present in deep green

vegetables, legumes, and certain fish. Even so, American women are

estimated to get only two-thirds of the iron they need from their diet.

Physicians often recommend iron tablets to women who are menstruating,

pregnant, or lactating.

Caution: It is postulated that too much iron may increase the risk of

heart attack by promoting the formation of free radicals, which can

oxidize LDL cholesterol, thus promoting atherosclerosis.

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, Alpha-lipotene) - Alpha-lipoic acid,

works with other antioxidants in the body to increase their

effectiveness against oxidative stress. It helps the body to recycle

other antioxidants. Instead of these vitamins being used up during the

metabolism, they're kept available and used again. Alpha-lipoic acid

can also help the body rid itself of toxic heavy metals, such as

mercury and cadmium. And as a strong antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid

helps to keep arteries clear by preventing the LDL ( " bad " ) cholesterol

from being incorporated into the artery walls. Since it is both fat and

water soluble, it can work inside and outside of the body cells.

• Bromelain - An enzyme found in pineapple, bromelain may 'thin "

the blood and help to clear away debris from artery walls. One study

has shown that bromelain can relieve the pain of angina, which is

associated with CHD.

• Coenzyme Q10 - Heart muscle biopsies in patients with various

cardiac diseases showed a CoQ10 deficiency in 50-75 percent of the

cases. On the corollary, all the well functioning hearts had an

adequate amount of CoQ10 in the tissue. To make it more interesting,

when supplemental CoQ10 was introduced into the ailing hearts, they

started getting signs of new life. The obvious conclusion is that

adequate levels of CoQ10 is necessary for a well functioning system.

When the levels of CoQ10 drops below optimum levels, disease takes over

or already had done so. CoQ10 increases oxygenation of heart tissue.

Recommended Dosage: 50-100 mg 3 times daily

• L-Carnitine - L-Carnitine is a non-protein amino acid that is

found in the heart and skeletal muscle. Carnitine has been shown to

lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, while at the same time

improving HDL levels. Since foods that are rich in L-Carnitine such as

red meat and dairy products are also high in saturated fat, it is

recommended that supplements of L-Carnitine be taken instead.

• Lecithin - An antioxidant found in eggs, corn and soybeans,

lecithin helps prevent the conversion of LDL into its more dangerous,

artery- damaging form. Lecithin may also lower the total cholesterol.

Note: use only fermented soy products such as tempeh and miso.

• Pycnogenol - Pycnogenol is found to be more effective than

aspirin in reducing buildup of platelets in the arteries, a major risk

factor in heart disease.

• Soy Protein - Eating soy protein is found to reduce moderate to

high concentration of blood cholesterol significantly (average of 10

percent drop in blood cholesterol was observed in a University of

Kentucky study.) Note: use only fermented soy products such as tempeh

and miso.

• Taurine - Taurine helps to stabilize the heart beat and correct

cardiac arrhythmias. An important antioxidant and immune regulator, it

is necessary for white blood cell activation and neurological function.

The sublingual form is recommended. Recommended Dosage: 1,000 mg

daily. Take with 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 100 mg of vitamin C for better

absorption.

• Essential Fatty Acids - Essential fatty acids help to prevent

unnecessary blood clotting, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood

pressure. They are found in black currant seed oil, borage oil, evening

primrose oil, fish oil, and flaxseed oil. Recommended Dosage: Take 500

to 1,000 milligrams of any of these oils twice daily.

• Activated charcoal - Activated charcoal is a special type of

capsulated charcoal that is used in hospital emergency rooms as an

antidote to many poisons. In one study, seven patients with elevated

cholesterol were given 8 grams of activated charcoal three times a day.

Prior to this treatment, these patients had not responded to 10 years

of treatment with cholesterol medicines. After four weeks of activated

charcoal therapy, their total cholesterol fell by 41 percent, and their

LDL (bad cholesterol) fell by 25 percent. Meanwhile, their HDL (good

cholesterol) rose by 8 percent. Recommended Dosage: Start with half a

gram. Gradually raise the dosage to a gram of activated charcoal twice

a day, with meals.

• Pectin - Pectin is a fiber found in grapefruit, apples and

other fruits and vegetables. Human and animal studies have verified the

effectiveness of pectin in lowering or counteracting the effect of

cholesterol. In one study, it was found that when patients were given

pectin supplementation, their total cholesterol went down by 7.6

percent, and the harmful LDL by 10.8 percent after 8 weeks. The power

of grapefruit pectin was studied in pigs, whose cardiovascular systems

are similar to humans. Even when the animals were deliberately fed a

high-cholesterol diet, the grapefruit pectin swept away fatty plaque

deposits away from the artery walls.

Recommendations:

 

• Take Vitamin B6, Vitamin C (1000 to 5000 milligrams), E(400 to

800 IU), Vitamin B complex, beta carotene (daily supplements of 15

milligrams or 25000 IU), copper, magnesium (400 - milligram supplement

per day) and lecithin. Selenium tablets (200 micrograms) may help.

Taking 400 micrograms of Chromium tablets daily may help prevent the

buildup of cholesterol in arteries.

• The following list summarizes the vitamin, mineral and herbal

regimen to help control or reverse the heart disease:

 

• 1,500-2,000 mg Calcium daily, in divided doses, after meals and

at bedtime.

• and 750-1,000 mg magnesium daily, in divided doses, after

meals and at bedtime. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6.

• 30-100 milligrams of coenzyme Q-10 three times a day

• 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C three times a day

• 400 IU of Vitamin E twice per day

• 200 micrograms of Selenium a day

• 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 a day

• 500 milligrams of carnitine three times a day

• one capsule of herb Ginkgo Biloba three times a day

 

 

High Blood Pressure

 

• Mix 1 to 2 onion juice and 1 to 2 honey. Take two tablespoons

once a day for one to two weeks.

• Eat one Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month. Do not

eat anything after for about two hours.

• Cayenne Pepper. Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with half a

cup of luke warm water and stir. Drink at temperature desired.

• Two Evening Primrose oil pills a day can drop blood pressure

about 10 points off of both the bottom and top numbers.

• Cutting out all caffeine can lower blood pressure by 10-15

points off the top and 8-10 points off the bottom.

• Eat lots of garlic, preferably raw minced garlic.

 

 

oleander soup , robert-blau wrote:

>

> What are Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure?

> According to the American Heart Association, nearly one in three

adults

> in the United States has high blood pressure. But nearly one-third of

> those people don't know they have high blood pressure, because it is a

> silent disease. People can have high blood pressure for years without

> experiencing symptoms or knowing they have it. Learn about the

symptoms

> of high blood pressure, and natural remedies that may help.

> http://glclk.about.com/?zi=8/4D0P

>

[Guest guest]

Hi David,

 

Well, I for one am not overjoyed by this post. As you may remember,

this is me. I take Synthroid 0.5 mg and was given my routine blood

test to check my levels in August. They were normal according to

doctor's standards.

 

I guess I'll do the test to see how I'm doing. If it is low, will my

mainstream doctor who already thinks I beat to a different drum pay

attention to me?

 

oleander soup , ahzoov wrote:

>

> While researching heart disease in an effort to revise my book

Bypassing

> Bypass, I ran across this:

>

>

> Thyroid research over the past forty years has clearly shown a

direct

> relationship between heart attacks and thyroid deficiency,

according to Dr. Broda

> Barnes who wrote the book “Hypothyroidism The Unsuspected Illness.â€

The true

> culprit causing the increase in heart attacks is not necessarily

how much

> cholesterol is consumed, but how the cholesterol is assimilated in

the body.

> Studies have shown that low thyroid levels causes a glue-like

substance called

> mucin to accumulate causing a cascade of biochemical changes

leading to a

> degeneration of the arteries. Other studies have shown that the

removal of the

> thyroid gland soon leads to atherosclerosis. Researchers have

discovered that

> mucin can even develop in children who have insufficient thyroid

function. They

> found out that as long as thyroid hormone is administered, the

tissue would

> be normal. But if thyroid therapy was stopped, mucin rose rapidly.

If thyroid

> therapy was begun again, the mucin content returned to normal.

Therefore,

> one of the many preventive measures that can be done to prevent

the possibility

> of heart attacks is to ensure the proper amount of thyroid is in

the body.

> Research has shown that thyroid deficiency causes hardening of the

arteries.

> Thyroid therapy helps reverse this and also reduces the risk of

heart attacks.

> In his book, Dr. Barnes states that 40% of Americans suffer from

an

> inadequate supply of thyroid hormone, an ingredient vital to

health in the human

> body. Dr. Barnes noted that hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed

because blood

> thyroid values are usually inaccurate. He recommends a simple

test, called the

> “Basal Temperature Test,†which the patent can perform at home.

The

> temperature test should be done upon awakening in the morning, but

before leaving

> your bed. How to take the basal temperature test for determining

low thyroid:

> 1) If you are a male or a non-menstruating female, take an oral

mercury

> thermometer (which has been shaken down and placed at the bedside

the previous

> evening) and place it in your armpit for 10 minutes immediately

upon awakening

> while lying quietly in bed. Repeat the test three days in a row.

Normal

> temperature is 97.8 to 98.2 degrees. If your temperature is low,

your thyroid gland

> is probably under active. 2) If you are a female who menstruates,

do the

> above test on the second and third day of your period in the same

manner. 3) If

> you have a very young child and are unable to take his armpit

temperature, you

> can take the rectal temperature for 2 minutes. Normal would be 1

degree

> higher than the above, which is 98.8 to 99.2 degrees. 4) Record

the results and

> bring this record to your physician.

> And, of course, my favorite iodine is the one created by Edgar

Cayce which is

> called Magnascent by the maker.

> One thing you should all know: Iodine is used in making Meth....and

the FDA

> now forces anyone working with large quantities of iodine to buy a

license

> costing a few thousand bux....so we have to support the little guys

who are

> making these things. Here's one: _Magnascent_

> (http://www.mnwp.org/magnascent/index.html) .

_http://www.mnwp.org/magnascent/index.html_

> (http://www.mnwp.org/magnascent/index.html)

> Oh...and this guy is helping people in Africa make the stuff....it

seems to

> work great on Malaria.

> David

>

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's new at

http://www.aol.com

>