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Q&A: How do I avoid atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular health? What if I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse? Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

When it comes to heart health and subsequently cardiovascular health, nutrition is the key. Virtually all surgical procedures conducted for mitral valve prolapse are medically unnecessary. What the patient really needs is adequate hydration, a brand new approach to nutrition, and the avoidance of all dietary substances that are known to worsen cardiovascular health and deplete water soluble vitamins from the body. And of course, B vitamins are water soluble vitamins.

Another thing you can do from a nutritional standpoint to enhance your cardiovascular health is to be sure to take a plentiful supply of antioxidants. Of course you want to get those from natural sources, and some of the best sources of antioxidants are berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and so on. You can also get antioxidants from superfoods such as various sprouts, Spirulina, Chlorella, and seaweed. One of my favorite sources of antioxidants is a substance I'm calling Vitamin X. It is known as astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is just now emerging on the scene.

So this is one of those areas where, if you're taking the supplement, it's not necessarily proven for cardiovascular health but it probably will be down the road. And in the meantime, you're giving yourself worthy antioxidant protection by taking it. Moving on to heart health in general, one of the main points I want to get across to readers here is that many of the defects that are diagnosed in people's hearts are really not physical defects at all. There's a great tendency in conventional medicine to misdiagnose functional disorders as physical or structural disorders.

What the patient really needs is adequate hydration, a brand new approach to nutrition, and the avoidance of all dietary substances that are known to worsen cardiovascular health and deplete water soluble vitamins from the body. And of course, B vitamins are water soluble vitamins. Moving on in the herbs category, of course there are many, many healing herbs for heart health, including herbs like garlic, onions, and juniper berries.

REPPED: In the first part of this question on avoiding atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health, we talked about what to avoid so that you don't worsen your situation. Here in the second part, we'll talk about more proactive strategies that you can use for reversing the build up of plaque in your arteries. First off, one of the better-known therapies for eliminating the buildup of arterial plaque is called intravenous chelation. This is a therapy that can truly work miracles and help people avoid heart bypass surgery and other complications from atherosclerosis.

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

Unsweetened cranberry juice: Rich source of phytonutrients such as phenol-based antioxidants that are so helpful in supporting cardiovascular health and preventing urinary tract infections. Mix in a 1:2 ratio with water! 3. Lemons: High in limonene, they're an old-time remedy for thinning the bile and enhancing digestion. 4. Whey: Undenatured, unheated whey protein provides the aminos from which the body makes glutathione, the body's premier antioxidant. 5.

Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life-- and How YouCan Get Back on Track Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. with Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

McCrindle. "Cardiovascular Health Promotion in the Schools: A Statement for Health and Education Professionals and Child Health Advocates from the Committee on Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, and Obesity in Youth (AHOY) of the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, American Heart Association." Circulation 110, no. 15 (2004): 2266-75. Hypoglycemia Support Foundation website, http://www.hypoglyecemia.org. Luepker, R. V., C. L. Perry, S. M. McKinlay, P. R. Nader, G. S. Parcel, E. J. Stone, L. S. Webber, J. P. Elder, H. A. Feldman, C. C. Johnson, S. H. Kelder, and M. Wu.

The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

They've been studied for their effects on depression, cardiovascular health, skin, joints, and diabetes. Virtually every study of behavioral and mood problems (from aggression to depression) has demonstrated a correlation to extremely low levels of omega-3s. Large doses of these fatty acids are currently being studied at Harvard University for their role in combating some forms of depression. And a great deal of research has shown that omega-3 s are great for the heart. For all these reasons, omega-3 s are number one with a bullet on the list of Desert Island Supplements.

And it has a long and impressive resume when it comes to heart health largely for its role in managing blood lipid profiles, a key strategy for the maintenance of cardiovascular health. As of this writing, mainstream medicine still sees the cholesterol story this way: Excess amounts of LDL, or "bad cholesterol," cling to the walls of arteries. Over time, a buildup of these deposits, called plaque, will narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow to the heart. Heart disease and heart attacks are often a result of the restricted blood flow caused by the plaque.

Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life-- and How YouCan Get Back on Track Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. with Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

The Child and Adolescent Trial for cardiovascular health (CATCH): Intervention, Implementation, and Feasibility for Elementary Schools in the United States." Health Education and Behavior 24, no. 6 (1997): 716-35. Rapp, Doris. Allergies and the Hyperactive Child. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1980. -. Is This Your Child? Discovering and Treating Unrecognized Allergies. New York: William Morrow, 1991. -. Our Toxic World: A Wake-Up Call. Buffalo, New York: Environmental Medical Research Foundation, 2004. Ruggiero, Roberta.

Outcomes of a Field Trial to Improve Children's Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity: The Child and Adolescent Trial for cardiovascular health (CATCH)." JAMA 275, no. 10 (1996): 768-76. McGinnis, Marianne. "Hold the Sugar: Kids Are Consuming Way More Than Is Healthy." Prevention, January 2005. Nader, P. R., E. J. Stone, L. A. Lytle, C. L. Perry, S. K. Osganian, S. Kelder, L. S. Webber, J. P. Elder, D. Montgomery, H. A. Feldman, M. Wu, C. Johnson, G. S. Parcel, and R. V. Luepker. "Three-Year Maintenance of Improved Diet and Physical Activity: The CATCH Cohort.

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

Hemp Oil Lowers "Bad" Cholesterol and Blood Pressure So yes, hemp is more dominant in the polyunsaturated omega-6 series of fatty acids, but it is highly beneficial in maintaining cardiovascular health. A comprehensive review paper on the relationship of fats to coronary heart disease by Frank Hu, JoAnn Manson, and Walter Willett from Harvard—the folks who ran the Nurses' Health Study—points out that omega-6s do lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and also improve insulin sensitivity. As for the omega-3s, hundreds of studies have shown that they lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Garlic can also reduce plaque, making it a powerful agent for cardiovascular health. In one study, subjects receiving 900 mg of garlic powder for four years in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study had a regression in their plaque volume of 2.6 percent; a matched group of subjects given a placebo (an inert substance) saw their plaque increase over the same period of time by 15.6 percent. One of the active ingredients from garlic— allicin—also has significant antiplatelet activity. That means that it helps prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together.

And at least five other studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of pomegranate juice on cardiovascular health, including a study that showed 30 percent reduced arterial plaque. According to the Mayo Clinic Web site, preliminary evidence indicates it may lower cholesterol. Interestingly, the pomegranate has always been associated with love and erotica. The ancients connected the fruit with procreation and abundance. In Turkey, the bride throws the fruit to the ground, and it's believed that the number of seeds that pop out will predict how many kids she's going to have.

101 Foods That Could Save Your Life! David W. Grotto, RD, LDN See book keywords and concepts

We are what we eat: women and diet for cardiovascular health. / of Cardiovas Nurs. 2005;20(6):451-460. Betturer K. Better than a banana. Health. 1997 Apr;l 1(3):38. De Mejia EG, Prisecaru V. Lectins as bioactive plant proteins: a potential in cancer treatment. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition. 2005 Nov;45(6):425-445. Ruano-Ravina A, Figueiras A, Dosil-Diaz O, Barreiro-Carracedo A, Barros-Dios JM. A population-based case-control study on fruit and vegetable intake and lung cancer: a paradox effect? Nutrition and Cancer. 2002;43(1):47-51. Russo P, Barba G, Venezia A, Siani A.

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

Raspberries: Contain ellagic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, and other flavonoids that are great antioxidants with anticancer properties; plus, they support eye and cardiovascular health. 8. Cold-water fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, cod, herring): Their omega-3 fats offer cardiovascular protection and reduce heart attacks, sudden death, and cardiac arrhythmias. The omega-3S are anti-inflammatory and improve brain function, memory, skin health, and kidney function. Plus they lower blood pressure and reduce triglycerides, cancer risk, and stroke risk. 9.

Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutrition Hyla Cass, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Vitamin C plays a role in cardiovascular health. It helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing (or 'rusting') "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which makes that cholesterol less toxic to the arteries of the heart. Its role in maintaining strong, flexible blood vessel walls further supports heart health. • Good intake of vitamin C may help prevent varicose veins. • Vitamin C is a great helpmate for fighting off all kinds of infection. Treating a cold with vitamin C has been found to reduce its duration by 35 percent, and to substantially reduce the intensity of symptoms.

People who badly need to lose weight, reduce cholesterol counts, stop the downward spiral of diabetes, or improve cardiovascular health can take a more intense approach. The fastest shortcut to better health and reduced body fat is to eat a diet low in carbohydrates. A favorite of mine is the "Paleolithic" or "Stone Age" diet, developed by Loren Cordain, Ph.D. Like our caveman ancestors who were hunter-gatherers, you eat meat, chicken and fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables (especially root vegetables), nuts, and berries, and avoid grains, potatoes, sugar, dairy, and salt.

FOUR Prescriptions for Cardiovascular Health: Drugs for High Cholesterol and Hypertension At a recent business luncheon, I ended up seated next to Mark, a slightly overweight, greying, fifty-six-year-old accountant. He proudly ordered everything "low-fat and non-fat, oil on the side," along with a diet soda, and expounded to me at some length about his doctor's advice regarding weight loss and heart disease prevention. He told me that his medication, Lipitor, had lowered his total cholesterol to under 200.

It also acts as a coenzyme in several of the body's significant biochemical reactions, and is important for cardiovascular health. Deficiency symptoms include loss of color in hair and skin; low body temperature; fatigue; anemia; and lowered immune resistance to infection. High-dose zinc (much higher than 25 mg per day) can deplete copper. • Vitamin B12: 500-2,000 meg per day. Deficiency exists in about a third of people with AIDS. If you are having digestive issues, choose a sublingual B12 supplement or talk to your doctor about B12 injections.

Chapter 4: Prescriptions for cardiovascular health Books Challem, Jack. The Inflammation Syndrome: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, Allergies, and Asthma. (New York, NY: Wiley, 2003. Cohen, Jay, M.D. What You Must Know About Statin Drugs and Their Natural Altema-tives.New York, NY: Square One, 2004. Graveline, Duane, M.D. Statin Drugs: Side Effects and The Misguided War on Choles-terol.Duane Graveline, 2006. Websites International Coenzyme Q10 Association—www.coenzymeqlO.it/home.

You may need to add more of some nutrients to match the dosages listed here for replenishing depletions and improving overall cardiovascular health.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

Suppression of LDL oxidation by garlic compounds is a possible mechanism of cardiovascular health benefit. J Nutr; 36(3 Suppl):765S-768S. 2006. Lawson LD. Garlic: a review of its medicinal effects and indicated active compounds, in Lawson LD & Bauer R (eds): Phytomedicines of Europe: Their Chemistry and Biological Activity. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC: 176-209. 1998 Lawson LD, Ransom DK & Hughes BG. Inhibition of whole blood platelet-aggregation by compounds in Garlic clove extracts and commercial Garlic products. Thromb Res; 65(2):141-156. 1992 Lawson LD, Wang ZJ.

Cranberry flavonoids, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2002;42(3 Suppl):301-316. Saltzman JR, Kemp JA, Golner BB, et al. Effect of hypochlorhydria due to omeprazole treatment or atrophic gastritis on protein-bound vitamin B12 absorption. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13(6):584-591. Schlager TA, Anderson S, Trudell J, et al. Effect of cranberry juice on bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder receiving intermittent catheterization. J Pediatr 1999;135(6):698-702. Schmidt DR, Sobota AE.

Before You Take that Pill: Why the Drug Industry May Be Bad for Your Health J. Douglas Bremner See book keywords and concepts

The conclusion that women need to "replace" their female hormones after menopause has a long history driven by the idea that a decline in hormones leads to unnatural and unwanted effects on libido, memory, and cardiovascular health, none of which has any basis in fact. It all started forty years ago with a book called Feminine Forever, by Dr. Robert A. Wilson. It was a national best seller when it was published.

Indeed, the "side effects" of using exercise as an antidepressant are beneficial to general well-being: improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, and weight loss. Proper diet is also critical for preventing depression. Studies have shown that high-fat foods lead to changes in mood. You may have seen Morgan Spurlock wolf down multiple cheeseburgers in supersized portions at McDonald's in the Supersize Me documentary film and then complain about a feeling of depression that could be relieved only by going back to McDonald's.

Conscious Health: A Complete Guide to Wellness Through Natural Means Ron Garner See book keywords and concepts

The fact is that 999 out of every 1000 people (or 499 out of every 500, depending on which expert source you read) can control their cholesterol level and, more importantly, their cardiovascular health, by nutritional improvement. Medical professionals that are untrained in nutrition cannot help us reach this objective.38 The body manufactures cholesterol in the liver and in skin cells regardless of whether it is consumed in the diet or not. We do not need to obtain it from food. The body utilizes cholesterol to manufacture steroid hormones and vitamin D.

Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes to Treat Everything from Digestive Problems and Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis Tom Bohager See book keywords and concepts

Also supports cardiovascular health and enhances other proteases. Each serving should contain approximately: Serratiopeptidase 80,000 SU Protease blend 70,000 HUT Mineral blend 50 mg Supporting enzymes: Bromelain Papain PSORIASIS Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease marked by red, scaly patches. With psoriasis, skin cells form too quickly and are replaced by new cells before they can mature. No one knows why this skin cell turnover takes place at such a rapid rate.

Men are waking up to the enormous benefits of natural health and nutrition Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

Mineralization strategies (taking trace minerals, zinc, magnesium, and quality calcium supplements) to boost cardiovascular health, eliminate excess stress, accelerate tissue repair and recovery speeds and resist infectious disease. Planned sunlight exposure for enhanced creation of vitamin D which prevents gum disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, obesity and all kinds of cancers including prostate cancer.

Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness Tori Hudson, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

There are a number of diet recommendations that utilize nutritional benefits to improve and maintain cardiovascular health. The following are some of the most respected, well-known, and effective cardiovascular diers. The Step 1 and Step 2 Cholesterol-Lowering Diets. The Step 1 and Step 2 diets were created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Association's National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and have been endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA). These diets were designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by focusing on reducing elevated cholesterol levels.

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ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.