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According to medical scientists, BMI, which stands for Body Mass Index, is a possible indicator of developing a series of conditions such as excessive cholesterol levels, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. The Body Mass Index calculates the ratio between one’s height (and physical constitution) and weight, also taking in consideration one’s gender and age. An abnormally high BMI (characteristic to overweight and obese people) points to serious health risks at a certain stage in life. While some persons with abnormally high BMI develop cholesterol problems and heart disease at more advanced ages (usually over the age of 40), others may be confronted with serious health problems by the age of 25 or even earlier.

At present, two out of three Americans are rendered overweight or obese by BMI criteria. By contrast, several studies conducted in the late 60’s indicate that only one in four persons were defined as such by BMI criteria at that time. Today’s increasingly larger number of people confronted with excessive weight comes as a very disturbing fact, considering that persons with serious weight problems are very susceptible to developing an entire series of interrelated disorders. According to statistic studies, obesity and elevated cholesterol are responsible for causing more than 280,000 annual deaths among the population of the United States. Obesity and high cholesterol levels have even surpassed smoking as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and many European countries.

Medical scientists inform that a normal BMI ranges anywhere from 18 to 24, with several exceptions registered among persons with handicap and persons with other special conditions. Persons who have a BMI over the value of 24 are exposed to a serious risk of increased blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and congestive heart failure due to elevated blood cholesterol (cholesterol levels are considerably higher in overweight and obese persons than in persons with normal weight). Having a BMI over 24 also renders one more susceptible of developing diabetes mellitus due to impaired glucose tolerance and an entire series of disorders associated with diabetes: decreased vision, impairments of the nervous system, kidney failure and so on.

Persons who are classified as overweight or obese by BMI criteria are advised to take special measures for controlling their weight. Healthy diet and regular physical exercise are the best methods of losing weight without the aid of doctor-prescribed medications. Persons who can’t lose weight by only with the means of diet and exercise should ask for support from their doctor or nutritionist. Persons with abnormally high BMI should realize the risks involved and make efforts to efficiently control their weight before it is too late.

Tags: Cancer, Illness

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Research teams hailing from various countries, such as Switzerland, have concluded that chocolate may aid in the prevention of diseases that are known to attack the heart. Through numerous studies, it has been stated that the best kind of chocolate to ingest for your health is the dark bitter variety. A group of Swiss researchers implied that eating this type of chocolate on an everyday basis is most beneficial.

Conclusions were made regarding the health benefits of chocolate after conducting a series of tests on a group of about 30 volunteers. The test group consisted of people who smoked, but did not appear to have any health ailments to deal with. The test subjects had to abide by a few guidelines in order for researchers to obtain the results they needed.

For starters, the volunteers were not allowed to eat any foods that contained any antioxidants. Some of these edible items included cabbage, onions and apples. This was a requirement to be followed after they were given doses of different kinds of chocolate. About 40 grams of the sweet stuff was given to them.

After two hours passed from the consumption of the chocolate, the findings appeared on an echograph. One of the points that were revealed involved the consumption of dark chocolate, which consist of at least 75% cocoa. The echograph showed that the test subjects enjoyed an improvement with the flow of their blood. Additional tests revealed that a decrease in blood incidents, as well as blockages was seen from the initial observations. The risk for these occurrences had significantly decreased. It was also shown that white chocolate did not possess the same characteristics or results as darker versions.

This is probably because dark chocolate has a high level of antioxidants per one gram of substance. These levels are higher that other popular food items, including green tea, some fruits and red wine.

There is no doubt about the amount of helpful and healthy antioxidants contained within a piece of chocolate. The reason that it is often viewed as an undesirable food item is due to the large amounts of fats that chocolate possesses. The levels of glucose are also seen as an unhealthy characteristic. If this type of sweet is consumed at a high rate, numerous other problems may arise, including obesity and diabetes.

If you are interested in the incorporation of chocolate into your daily diet to accompany your efforts towards a healthier lifestyle, keep in mind that moderation is the key. You should focus on fixing the amount of chocolate you consume to match your weight and how much exercise you complete throughout the day. If you are a person that is constantly on the move, then consuming chocolate shouldn’t pose any threat of weight gain. For those who are confined to working in an office all day or spend most of their time in a chair, you may face a brick wall. Without much exercise or participation in sports, you run the risk of adding a few extra pounds to your frame with increased amounts of chocolate consumption.

Tags: Aging, Health

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Quitting smoking is of utmost importance to reduce the risks of heart disease.

As a former two and a half packs a day smoker, I am well aware of the great difficulties we face in quitting smoking.

Starting to smoke as a teenager, the cigarette was my crutch, my friend and my aide in my formative years, which increased my reliability and dependability on my nicotine habit, defining my identity as a smoker.

Quitting smoking wasn’t an option, fearing failure, fearing loss of identity I convinced myself that mortality rates that were directly linked to cigarette smoking, didn’t apply to me.

They did.

Having a massive heart attack at age 37 surely convinced me that I am no different then anyone else.

If we smoke, we get heart disease, when we get heart disease; we get heart attacks, when we get heart attacks we die.

I quit smoking.

How can you do the same, before you get heart disease, before you get a heart attack?

Starting the process

Although it may be a difficult process, it can be done. It all begins in the mind following these two steps

1. We must train our minds to associate smoking with pain, sickness, disease, and suffering, through educating ourselves of the disastrous consequences smoking causes.

2. We must train our minds to associate quitting smoking, living smoke free with health, joy, satisfaction and pleasure.

No one really wants to hurt himself. It is just that we trained our minds and bodies over the years to believe that cigarettes causes us joy and pleasure, and not smoking causes us pain and anxiety.

We can begin by reading material from the Center of Disease Control, from the American heart association from the American cancer society and from the American lung association. They describe in great detail the truly devastating consequences of heart disease.

We must change our belief and attitude towards smoking

When we are able to change our belief, we are able to change our attitude, when we change our attitude, our behavior begins to change, we begin the process of really desiring to quit.

When we really desire something we tend to pursue it, we tend to stay the course, we don’t give up.

Quitting smoking follows the same pattern, we must truly desire to stop, if we have that burning desire, we will succeed, and we will enjoy a healthy active life.

Deciding that we really want to live a healthy active lifestyle and quit

When we truly begin to desire something, we start thinking about ways of getting it. We don’t think I don’t want not to have something; we start thinking I want something.

Generally when we think about the things that we want, we day dream about it we fantasize about it and we visualize ourselves as having it.

It becomes real to us. When it does, the potential of it occurring increases. Our attitude towards it does, and our behavior toward it does.

When we begin thinking, I want to be healthy. I want to be active. I want to look good. I want to exercise. I want to live a long life. We create those images in our mind. The more we think about them the more these images grow in our minds.

The clearer they become the more we want them. When we truly desire them, we begin to take action, we decide that we will quit.

It can work like this:

I want to:

Be healthy, be strong, be fit

I don’t want to:

Be sick, be weak, be unhealthy

I want to:

Smell good, smell fresh, smell clean

I don’t want to:

Stink, reek, smell bad

I want to:

Have clean fingers

I don’t want to:

Have yellow fingers

I want to:

Have control over our lives

I don’t want to:

Be dependent on our addictions

I want to:

Be active

I don’t want to:

Be sedentary

I want to:

Be accepted socially by all not only by 28% of smokers

I don’t want to:

Be socially unaccepted by 72% of the non smoking population

I want to:

Enjoy a meal in a restaurant without having to run out for a cigarette

I don’t want to:

Have to avoid going to social settings because we fear we wont be able to smoke

I don’t want to:

I want to:

Be able to swim, run, hike, play and enjoy our vacations and leisure time

I don’t want to:

Be forced to sit in one place not being able to participate in any activities

I want to:

Spend my cigarette money on better things

I don’t want to:

Waste my money on cigarettes which has become such an expensive habit

I want to:

Use your imagination and enter anything else you really want to do but you are inhibited because of smoking

I don’t want to:

Use your imagination and enter anything else you really don’t want to do but you are inhibited because of your smoking habit

Once we make a clear decision and resolution that we will quit

We must select a method that we are comfortable with, let us not kid ourselves nicotine is a drug and an addictive one.

At times we may need aides to overcome the cravings. The aides alone won’t cause us to stop. They are called aides, because, that is what they are, helpers. Really quitting smoking, must come with a burning desire, as written earlier.

Once we have the desire, it is easier for us to overcome the withdrawal symptoms which are our difficulties in the beginning of the process.

Especially when we know that they are only temporary and are replaced by a satisfying active lifestyle.

The withdrawal symptoms are:

• Cravings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating

These can, and have been overcome, by all of us that have stopped smoking, using these two methods

• Cold Turkey, deciding to quit, and then actively replacing the cigarette with other enjoyable activities
• Nicotine replacement therapy, which release low dosages of nicotine into the blood stream that include

• Nicotine gum
• Nicotine patches
• Nicotine inhalers
Tip! Richard Helfant, MD, is a Harvard-trained cardiologist and developer of cardiac technologies. His book Courageous Confrontations, is about how the mind-body relationship can combat heart disease.
• Nicotine nasal sprays

We must then make a clear decision and resolution that we will exercise and enjoy life

Once we begin the process, we must start doing all those things we really wanted to.

We must start becoming active. We must start walking, exercising, hiking, playing sports or any other enjoyable activities that we weren’t able to do when we were smokers.

I have given this advice to several of my friends after my heart attack. I am happy to say, that the ones who followed this advice have stopped smoking, they are now my exercise buddies. It works, try it, and you will succeed.

Tags: Health, Medical

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Heart burn is not a disease. It’s not even an illness. Heartburn is a symptom of other problems.

Many people think if you have heartburn, you have IBS and need to take a little purple for the rest of your life. This is not true. Did you ever watch those commercials? They tell you the pill will make you feel better but you will probably still have other problems that may be getting worse as time goes on.

There is no “probably” about it! If you just take the “pill” to make yourself feel better but don’t get at the actual cause of the problem, you are just asking for more trouble. The damage that caused the problem in the first place is still going on. You will have to get at the root of the problem to end the heartburn for good.

What is the actual problem? You have clogged intestines. An overgrowth of yeast, parasites and other gunk caked onto the walls of your intestines. All of this “extra” stuff in your intestines is causing your intestines to back up into your stomach. There is no place for the food to go. It comes back into your stomach and back into your esophagus and, mixed with the stomach acid, it burns your esophagus.

This is causing real damage! That pill is not fixing the problem. Your body is still being damaged from this over growth, you just don’t feel it anymore.

Parasites:

OK, before we go any further, lets talk about those parasites. You are probably thinking I am crazy to suggest such a thing. There is no way you have parasites, right? Well you are wrong. Almost every person that eats meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables or drinks un-distilled water has some type of parasite. Probably many more than you really want to know about.
Sorry to give you this bad news. Don’t be scared, they won’t kill you. These little intruders are not meant to kill you, they are living off you. They want you to stay alive so they have someplace to live. And trust me, they are very happy where they are.

The problem is, they are taking up valuable space and nutrients that your body needs to function properly. You will have to do an annual cleansing to get rid of them and keep them out. This is no joke. As gross as it sounds, it is a real problem.

Yeast:

Now let’s talk about the yeast. Most people think yeast is something that women get. This is not true. Yeast is a plant that grows in your intestines in small amounts. If you have ever taken antibiotics in your life or if you eat meat, it is likely you have an overgrowth of yeast. Birth control pills and estrogen treatments also contribute to yeast overgrowth.

If your intestines don’t have enough beneficial bacteria, intestinal flora, the yeast will grow out of control. This causes many problems, one of which is heartburn. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also a symptom of yeast overgrowth. That’s right, a symptom, not a disease. IBS and heartburn are the same thing. They are caused by the same problems. There is one cure for both these problems and a purple pill is not the answer.

Gunk (for lack of a better word):

Your intestines were not made to digest refined foods. White sugar, white flour, prepackaged convenience foods, etc. Your intestines were made to digest real food. Stuff that grows in the ground and on trees. All this extra, refined food that you put into your body gets stuck on the walls of your intestines and eventually creates a tar-like gunk that can’t be digested. This tarry gunk keeps your body from absorbing the nutrition from the foods you eat. More and more gunk builds up until there is no more room and it comes back. This is heartburn.

Gross!

I know this is all very gross stuff to think about. No one wants to think they have bugs, plants and tar in their body. It is very unpleasant to consider this is possible. The truth is, it’s not only possible, it is very probable. I can almost guarantee you, this is the case with your body. If you have IBS or heartburn, you have all the above situations in your body right now. If you don’t have IBS or heartburn, you probably still have all the above situations in your body, it’s just not causing a problem yet.

What do you do?

Now that I have totally grossed you out, sorry about that, I will tell you what you can do to fix this problem.

You, and every single person who eats meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, drinks un-distilled water, has ever taken an antibiotic, takes birth control pills, eats bread or donuts or candy, etc., should do an annual intestinal cleansing. The only alternative to the annual cleansing is to avoid all the afore mentioned items after your initial cleansing.

If you don’t take this seriously, you will end up with much greater problems than heart burn. Ever hear of colon cancer? What do you think causes that? You guessed it, and colon cancer is only one of many health problems your dirty intestines are causing right now. Yeast will become systemic, get into your blood and eventually attack your internal organs. The parasites are multiplying and causing all that gas and bloating you feel all the time. I know that sounds sick but it is true.

Clean you intestines:

There are many ways to clean your intestines. Some people prefer to use the recipe below other folks like to buy kits for their cleansing. You decide what is best for you.

No matter what you decide to use, you should drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water or similar beverage everyday. If you weigh 100 pounds, half of that is 50 pounds. You should drink 50 oz of water each day. Don’t like water? Add a little lemon or lime juice. Make herbal tea. Avoid caffeine please. Do not include your morning coffee in this count.

Take papaya before and after each meal. This will help with digestion while you are waiting for the cleansing to take effect. You can stop taking papaya after week two.

The Recipe:

This set of instructions is for 30 days.

Every morning and every night drink the following on an empty stomach:
Mix
1 teaspoon of psyllium
one teaspoon of wheat germ
one tablespoon of liquid caprylic acid
5 drops of Black Walnut and Wormwood
in 8 ounces of orange juice, apple juice or water.

The juice makes this taste better than just plain water. Drink it fast after you mix it or the psyllium will start to gel up. (caution: some people are sensitive to psyllium dust, use with care).

Drink at least 8 ounce of water immediately after drinking this mix. The more water you drink, the better this will work.
The psyllium will scrape the gunk from your intestinal walls while the caprylic acid kills the yeast and parasite eggs that have not hatched yet. The black walnut and wormwood kill live parasites. The wheat germ will add essential nutrients and fats to your system.

Take one bifidus and one acidophilus capsule 4 times a day each. This will build intestinal flora which will sooth your sore gut keep your intestines healthy.

What to expect during cleansing:

When you start using this recipe, you can expect some startling occurrences within a few days. The fiber goes to work immediately by loosening the hardened feces on the walls of the large intestine and gradually sweeping it out of the body. If you are not repulsed to look at what’s leaving our body, you’ll be surprised to see a lot of mucus and all the different colors of debris. It’s hard to believe that all these things could actually be inside you. What’s even more shocking is that among the different colors and shapes you will notice various forms of parasites.

Weight Loss Is Almost Guaranteed with Internal Cleansing.

With a sluggish, toxic digestive system, metabolism slows down, the energy level drops and we’re simply not strong enough to start burning off stored fat through exercise or other means. An internal cleansing program can help restore balance in the body and increase the metabolism, reactivating the body’s fat-burning mechanism.

You will also have much more energy than you have had in a long time. Your system will not have to try so hard to fight off toxins that no longer exist in your body. You will feel and look much younger. Acne will disappear and you will probably notice a lot of other little annoying health problems no longer bother you.

You will be healthier than you have been in years. The common cold will not be so common for you anymore. Your body now has the energy to build a strong immune system so you won’t get sick every time you come in contact with someone else’s illness.

When you are done with this recipe or any other program, take echinacea daily for a week then take a week off and repeat. Then take it for a week once each month to stay healthy.

Now, go wash an apple and eat it.

Tags: Medical, Health

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Learn more about the American Heart Association’s (AHA) effort to reduce death by cardiovascular disease by visiting the AHA’s website, Americanheart.org. This is a comprehensive website with a wealth of information on cardiovascular disease risk and prevention.

Assessment tools
The assessment tool is particularly interesting because it can estimate your “risk of having a heart attack or dying of coronary heart disease in the next 10 years.” All you have to do is honestly answer a few questions. It’s quick and easy.

Health reports
The AHA’s website also offers you free customized reports to give you a better idea of your current health risks and an idea about how to “take charge of your health”.

Investigating family
The AHA is committed to reducing the risk of heart disease. The association encourages everyone to get to know themselves and their family better. “The more you know about your family’s health history,” says the AHA, “the more you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease.”

Heart trackers
The AHA provides online tools for helping you track important information such as your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. The more control you exercise over your health, the better equipped you will be on your next visit to the doctor.

Information downloads
The key to reducing cardiovascular disease is in your access to information. The more information that is shared the better you can kick-start your healthier lifestyle. The AHA’s website provides countless of information sheets that offer answers to all the questions you may have about cardiovascular disease, getting treatments, reducing risks, and living better.

The American Health Association is committed to reducing cardiovascular disease. It’s up to you to seek out the information that can save your life.

Tags: Disease, Illness

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

There are a variety of ailments related to the heart and providing information on all the types of cardio vascular disease could be quite a task. Yet a look at conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels can give you a broad view of cardiovascular disease.

You hear many terms like coronary heart disease , atherosclerosis or some other term and are left wondering as to what exactly all these terms mean. Medical information could confuse you. Triglyceride is simpler when mentioned as fat in your body. It is essential that you read and stay informed on some basic terminology. You could watch a few programs related to the heart and its working before going to your doctor. The word give the meaning as well; ‘Cardio’ is related to the heart and ‘vascular’ is related to the blood vessels.

Diseases of the heart are many. Some specific types are

Coronary artery disease

Arteries supply the heart muscle with blood. Obstructions in the artery is a condition called atherosclerosis, is a leading cause of coronary heart disease. Coronary artery disease causes angia (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a more comprehensive term. It collectively refers to coronary artery disease and its disease that are a result of the coronary artery disease like angia and myocardial infarction. Women and heart attack is another important aspect with the onset of menopause.

Cardiomyopathy

This refers to all diseases of the heart muscle. It deals with loss of heart muscle (ischemic), enlargement of heart muscle (dilated) and thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic). Another type of cardiomyopathy is an enlarged heart without a known cause (idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy).

Valvular heart disease

The heart consists of valves that direct the flow of blood into and out of the heart. Diseases of the heart valves are due to conditions like narrowing of heart valves (stenosis), leaking of a heart valve (regurgitation) and if the closing of the valve is not proper (prolapse).

Heart valves can also be damaged by other conditions. Rheumatic fever, connective tissue disorders, medications or treatments for cancer and even infections (infectious endocarditis).

Pericardial disease

Pericardium is a sac that encases the heart. This can get inflamed (pericarditis), stiff (constrictive pericarditis) or accumulated with fluid ( pericardial effusion). These may occur together after a heart attack or may vary due to conditions.

Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease develops in the womb of the mother, before the birth of the baby. Narrowing of the aorta (coarctation), holes in the heart atrial or ventricular septal defect are some congenital diseases. Detection may be at the time of birth or later in life.

Heart failure

Heart failure may occur as a result of other cardiovascular conditions. It is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the organs and tissues in the body. Due to this other vital organs do not get enough blood; causing shortness of breath, fluid retention and fatigue. Congestive heart failure is used if the heart failure as led to a ‘fluid build up’ in the body.

Blood Vessels

These are essentially hollow tubes that carry blood to the organs and tissues. The types of blood vessels are Arteries, Veins, Capillaries and Lymphatic cells. Disorders related to blood vessels that affect the heart are Atherosclerosis, Arteriosclerosis, Hypertension, Stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), Aneurysm, Claudication with peripheral arterial disease, Vasculitis, Venous incompetence, Venous thrombosis, varicose veins and Lymph edema.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a series of tests. Simple procedures are listening (stethoscope) to your heart, measuring the heart rate and the blood pressure.

• The systolic and diastolic blood pressures are measured and are around 120 and 80 respectively for a normal heart.

• Blood test to check for high cholesterol levels

• Other tests are CPR testing which gives the state of inflammation of arteries.

• ECG and EKG tests are where the electrical activity of the heart is tested to assess blood flow and heart rhythm. It is also done under stress at times to find out related Cardiac Arrhythmia ailments.

• X-Rays are used to look at the structures of the chest (lungs and heart) to evaluate proper functioning.

• Head- up tilt test is used to evaluate the causes of fainting spells.

• Ultrasound/Echocardiograms give pictures of the heart chambers and its valves.

A few other test methods are Cardiac Catheterization/coronary angiogram, Electrophysiology, Electron Beam (ultrafast) CT or EBCT, Cardiac biopsy (Myocardial biopsy), MRI scan and Pericardiocentesis. It is also important to take a look at high triglycerides as well as this often accompanies high cholesterol.

Tags: Medical, Health

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

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Your dental health may be more important that you know and what you don’t know could kill you. You have known since you were a kid in elementary school that brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist regularly for checkups are all important for your dental health so that you will not get cavities. But, now scientists and the medical health field have given you at least one more reason to make sure that you pay attention to your dental hygiene. Poor dental health can lead to gum disease which in turn can lead to a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke. If you are avoiding the dentist out of fear, lack of time or cost, you should try to find a way to get into the dentist so that you can keep your teeth and your dental health for many years to come.

Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease. The symptoms can include red, swollen and possibly bleeding gums as well as bad breath. It is very easily treated and can be reversed if it is caught early. Your dentist can give you tips on how to treat gingivitis and restore you to good dental health.

Periodontitis is the late stages of gum disease. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, the gum line recedes, the teeth or dentures become loose, and the teeth may even fall out.

Here are some factors which can lead to poor dental health and gum disease:

Diabetes
Smoking
Pregnancy
Taking birth control pills
Poor dental hygiene
Loose fillings
Crooked teeth

You can avoid getting gum disease by doing all of those things that you learned in elementary school to keep your teeth healthy. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for a check up and cleaning at least once a year. If you have any problems with your teeth or gums you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

If your oral health has not been a priority before now, you need to make it one today.

Tags: Aging, Cancer

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

There are two different types of Heart Disease, the disease of the flesh and the disease of the spirit. For a moment I would like to talk to you about the Heart Disease of the flesh. In 1999 I had a massive heart attack, in fact I had three. On the first one I was pronounced dead by a Doctor from a prestigious Hospital. God in His mercy raised me up to continue my ministry, but He also allowed my body to maintain the Disease.

I understand what many go thru when their hearts fail them. I know the pain and sometimes the despair that follows the attack. Fear wasn’t with me but was rebuked. I was ready to leave this world and be with my Saviour. Living with this disease is sometimes difficult because the symptoms don’t show outwardly. Have you ever heard people say, ” I don’t see a thing wrong with you.?” I have.

Heart disease is a silent killer that gives little or no warning just as Cancer. There sometimes is no outward sign that a person has the disease. I have experienced, nights without sleep, pains that come and go and depression that I have to rebuke. Yes, ministers also are attacked by Satan. I know how it affects family and friends. Many friends walk away from you, because they don’t want to deal with it.

The best friend I have is my wife Juanita. She is always there with words of incouragment and comfort. This reminds me of the times Jesus sent out the disciples by twos, one would be able to lean on the other and help each other. Thats how I feel about my wife, she is my best friend.

To be able to live with this dibilitateing Disease, I turned to the Bible for my answers, the first question I had for God was,

1. Why Me? The answer I received was, 1Pe 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. But the most surprising of His answers was, “Why Not You, My Son also had to suffer.” I accepted these answers and went on.

2. How will I continue on with my ministry? 1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 2Co 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. The key word here was grace. His Grace would be sufficient for me to continue in His path. Unlike the Scientologist, I accepted the help of my doctors, took my medication, blessed each pill by the grace of God and trusted in Him. I don’t think about dieing, for its up to the Lord. I learned one thing real fast, I have no controll over my time to die, so why worry about it. The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

The best example that God showed me was the life of Job. Job 1:6-12 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

So I put myself in Jobs shoes. Satan have you considered my servant Anthony? So put yourself in Jobs shoes. Satan have you considered my servant ………………?

To live with Heart disease,

1. Live. Don’t let the disease rule you.

2. Grace. Let Gods grace fill you with understanding of why you. For God Grace is sufficient.

3. Faith. Let your faith in God deliver you thru all the pain and suffering that you go thru.

4. Believe. Believe that God has a reason that you are allowed to be inflicted.

5. Show. Show the world what your God can do.

6. Witness. Be a witness to His majesty and Power.

7. Rebuke. Rebuke the spirit of infirmity.

8. Stand. Stand, and when you’ve done all, stand on Gods word.

9. Don’t Fear. Don’t fear or fret about the body but consider the soul and the one who has power over body and soul.

10. Read. Read Gods word daily, it comforts the Body, Mind and Soul. Remember this one thing, Prayer isnt automatic. Many Christians believe that God will answer all prayers because of the statment by Christ. Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. This statment has a condition that goes along with it, “If it be Gods Will !”

Mat 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Praying in the will of God is important,” not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Luke 21:25-26 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Now to the Spirit.Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Mans heart is a complex thing not just in the flesh but especially in the spirit. Man has come from the creation of God in His image to a creature that is being killed in spirit by the cancer that has taken over this world. I just want to share with you a letter that I received today from a good friend of mine.

“Dear Brother Smith, It has been a long time you never heard from me, an incident occurred that completely took me off my feet. My wife was shot by armed robbers on september 10th, over $30,000 collected from her as she was working on her new clinic site, 8 bullets has so far been removed from her head, the rib’s were broken by bullets and the right leg. She will be injected for 28days and no one is permitted to see her during these period. Brother it’s a tormenting period for me, help me in prayers please. Bishop Dr.Joseph Rankin”

This world is dieing. Many are calling for peace, but peace is unattainable in this life. Prostitution, Homo-sexuality, Rape, Murder, Theft, Unrighteousness, war, rumors of war, Earthquakes, Floods, Fires, And man still fails to repent or to see the signs of the times. There are many that say that they belong to God, but which god do they belong to. John 8:44-47, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

The cancer of mans spirit is growing each and every day. Many worldwide are calling for an alliance of Christian, Judaism and Islam, to bring about world peace and prosperity. They want to join all three under one universal name. But there can only be two that can align themselves together, Judaism and Christianity, for the Jews and Christians are brothers. All other, so called religions that denigh the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not of God but of that spiritual cancer. You cannot make an alliance with the Devil. His promises to you are worthless and misleading. Death and destruction are in the paths of man, for he knows not the God of our fathers.

Rejection has become the norm around the world. Many are ignoring the signs of the times, many are being cautious stating that the things that have are are going to happen are fulfillment of prophecy. The cancer in man has blinded him from the truth. He no longer sees the suffering of others, he no longer sees the signs of the times, the signs in the heavens, the signs in the earth and the signs on the earth. Hell enlarges its boarders daily and is never full. Man is on a course that puts him in the number that will have not only one death but will die a second time.

Heb 3:10-12, Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 1Jo 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

Apostasy; An abandonment of what one has professed; a total desertion, or departure from one’s faith or religion. Rev 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 2Pe 2:14-22; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Apostasy; An abandonment of God for the lust of the flesh, power, coruption,instability, hipocrits all. Lost and dieing without hope of a resurection in Glory.

Falling as a tree in the woods with no sound to be heard, falling with cancer without any truth within them. False teachers, flase preachers, false prophets, without understanding, without knowledge, without wisdom. As a tree falls, so shall it be raised. My words are nothing compared to the words of God.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Tags: Disease, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Do you have a heart problem and your pregnant? Cardiovascular diseases complicate approximately one percent of all pregnancies. Usually, a pregnant woman with a heart problem would entail the care of a health care team that would include an internist, an obstetrician and a nurse.

During pregnancy, the heart exerts more effort because both blood volume and cardiac output increases. This generally occurs in the first 28 weeks of pregnancy and is sustained throughout the pregnancy. These changes result in detections of abnormal heart sounds, such as murmurs, and heart palpitations during pregnancy. Both of which are just the body’s response to the increased demand due to the presence of the infant.

The pregnant woman is in danger because of this increase in circulatory volume. The pregnant woman’s heart may become overwhelmed that it may not delivery blood properly. When this happens, oxygen and nutrients (both of which are carried by the blood) are not delivered to the cells and the fetus adequately. This condition may endanger the life of both the mother and the infant.

The type and extent of the heart disease determines if the woman can successfully undergo a complete pregnancy. This could be roughly classified as uncompromised, slightly compromised, markedly compromised and severely compromised.

o Women who are uncompromised are those who have no limitations in physical activity, no cardiac insufficiency and no anginal pain.

o Women who are slightly compromised are those who have slight limitation in physical activity and who experience palpitations, shortness of breath and anginal pain during physical activity.

o Women who are markedly compromised are those who have a marked limitation of physical activity and experience palpitations, shortness of breath and anginal pain during less than an ordinary physical activity.

o Women who are severely compromised are those who are unable to carry out physical activity.

Women who are uncompromised and slightly compromised usually undergo normal pregnancy. Women who are markedly compromised are advised to maintain bed rest during pregnancy. While, women who are severely compromised are described to be poor candidates of pregnancy.

The pregnant woman with a heart problem, be it mild or severe, should visit her obstetrician or family physician once she finds out that she is pregnant. The doctor would evaluate the client’s condition and establish baseline data of the client. The doctor and the other members of the health care team can also advise steps to attain a successful pregnancy. Prenatal care should be stressed and close assessment of the pregnant mother should be instated to monitor both the mother’s health and the growth and development of the fetus.

The following steps could help the pregnant woman with a heart problem:

1. Get enough rest
A woman with cardiac disease needs more rest than the average pregnant woman. Rest lessens the strain of the increased burden of the pregnant woman’s heart. Promotion of rest can include discontinuation of work and reduction of heavy physical activity like certain household work.

2. Eat healthy.
Nutrition is essential even to the average pregnant woman. Weight gain should be watched carefully because additional cells entail additional demand from the heart. It is also essential to monitor for anemia.

3. Be informed.
Like any condition, the pregnant woman should be informed regarding her specific heart condition. She can help herself be searching other alternatives that may help her during her pregnancy.

Heart problems are nothing to be lax about especially during pregnancy. Although a lot of new technologies have been established in dealing with heart problems, the woman with the heart problem should be extra careful during pregnancy. The essential course of action is of course through prevention and early detection of possible problems. These can be achieved through regular visits to the doctor and religiously following the doctor’s orders.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

For up to date links and information about Pregnancy, please go to http://www.PregnancyClue.com.

Tags: Cancer, Disease

Congenital heart disease is not that common disease which we find in dogs. We may find it in 1 percent of the dogs. Congenital heart disease or heart disorder may be caused due to several reasons including calorie deposition in the heart. In all congenital heart diseases, congenital aortic stenosis is probably the most common heart defect seen in large breed dogs.

The symptoms of congenital heart diseases in dogs include weight loss poor intake of food coughing and difficulty in breathing. A variety of congenital heart and acquired heart diseases of dogs finally may result in heart failure. Dogs may even born with congenital heart disease. But it may not necessarily be a hereditary reason.

Congenital heart diseases rate in dogs are malformations of the heart or great vessels. The lesions characterizing congenital heart defects are present at birth and may develop more fully Veterinary diseases and conditions of dogs; organized by body system.

Congenital heart diseases may lead to secondary disease diseases such as pneumonia, accumulation of fluid in body cavities, labored breathing and edema.

However 60% of the congenital heart disease cases are due to inherited tendency. But, in other cases it can be prevented through vaccinations and good calorie content food.

There are some medicinal ways to cure congenital heart disease, but the chance of success is very less. So in the case of congenital heart disease, if its not the case of inherited thing then, prevention is better than cure; as the chances of curing is very less.

Srinivas is a prolific author with more than 5 years of expereince in writing on various subjects. He did MBA from SYMBIOSIS, INDIA. He can be reached at srinivas.nudurupati@gmail.com

Tags: Illness, Disease

Heart Disease or Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common forms of birth defects and there is often no known cause. Heart problems develop during the first 8 weeks of a baby’s development, and this is often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Because of this, many women sometimes feel that they are responsible in some way for their baby’s heart problem, but this is usually not the case at all.

Heart problems can be very severe as one would expect requiring surgery and/or medication, but they can also be so minor that the defect will heal on its own in time. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) or Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) are examples of heart diseases that can close up on their own without any medical interference. In a premature baby these types of problems can be life-threatening depending on severity, and may require serious medical intervention.

PDA is the most common heart disease among premature babies. Before a baby is born there is an opening between two blood vessels, the pulmonary artery and the aorta, allowing the blood to mix. This opening closes soon after the baby is born keeping the blood from returning to the lungs. However, this opening does not have the chance to close when the baby is not mature at birth, and this hole closes usually on its own as a premature baby matures.

PDA is diagnosed using several different methods. A complete medical history, complete physical, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, x-ray, or cardiac catheterization are the most common methods used to determine PDA. Medicine is often used to correct PDA, but if a premature baby does not respond favorably to the medication, surgery may be needed to close the opening.

Premature baby girls are more likely to develop PDA than boys, and some of the symptoms of this disease are tachypnea (rapid breathing), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), enlarged heart, diaphoresis (perspiration), cyanosis (bluish skin & mucous membranes), heart sounds (rumble, murmur, thrill, or a second heart beat), and an erratic pulse and/or pressure.

Sjona Lindquist is a mom of 6 (1 angel) and she owns and operates BabyLinq.com ~ Preemie Store. BabyLinq.com ~ Preemie Store is a resource site and specialty shop for parents of premature babies. Lindquist’s daughter was stillborn from a Strep B infection due to PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes). In honor of her daughter, Michaela, she offers preemie support, bereavement support, and preemie clothes. Some of the products include micro preemie clothes, preemie bereavement gowns, and Preemie dresses. If a new preemie has entered your life or someone you love, drop by and visit us! BabyLinq.com Preemie Store

Tags: Cancer, Health

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

It is well known that about two-thirds of the U.S. population is either overweight or obese. The U.S. Surgeon General has stated that approximately 75% of Western diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, gout, arthritis, excess weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, some cancers, impotence, biventricular disease, constipation, heartburn, and gallbladder disease, are “lifestyle-related.” They are directly correlated with our high fat diet, inadequate amounts of exercise, smoking, high intake of caffeine, and high amounts of stress coupled with insufficient support.

Hoping to address this alarming situation, more than 20 years ago, cardiovascular epidemiologist Hans A. Diehl, DrHSc, MPH, created the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP). Since then, this 40-hour community-based lifestyle intervention program has helped more than 40,000 people rediscover their health by preventing, arresting and reversing their diseases. It has been conducted in more than 150 North American cities as well as in Bangalore, India, Australia and Switzerland. Depending upon the needs of the group, the meetings are held either “live” with Dr. Diehl delivering the program personally (usually meeting four times per week for four weeks) or as a “video-based” program with certified CHIP facilitators (normally two times per week for eight weeks). In addition, Dr. Diehl is a best-selling author – To Your Health, Dynamic Living, and Health Power (co-authored with Aileen Ludington, M.D.) — as well as the executive editor of a 24-page quarterly Lifeline Health Letter; he has produced scores of health videos. CHIP empowers people through its scientifically-documented, educational and inspirational program that addresses common western diseases — those that used to be seen primarily later in life.

Today, these diseases increasingly appear at far younger ages. CHIP may make all the difference in one’s life — even the difference between life and death.

In 1999, CHIP launched a “community health transformation template” in Rockford, Illinois, a city with a population of 130,000. The intention was to transform Rockford into the healthiest city in American, thereby enabling it to serve as a model and template for cultural transformation on a community-wide level. Recently, CHIP was recognized as just such a model by HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and was “approved” under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a “STEPS to a HealthierUS” applicant. In addition to “live” CHIP, a series of CHIP videos are offered through schools, churches, corporations, and hospitals. In Rockford, CHIP is sponsored by the Swedish American Health System’s Center for Complementary Medicine.

Who is the typical CHIP participant? Generally, CHIP participants are over the age of 40. Most are between the ages of 50 and 59. There are twice as many women as men, and almost 90% are married. Clinical research, published in peer review journals, has found that they have the following lifestyle diseases:

• 10% report having heart disease

• 27% have elevated blood sugar

• 42% are overweight

• 49% show evidence of hypertension

• 60% are obese

• 89% are cholesterol above 160mg%

Over the course of the program, strict adherents are likely to experience significant clinical improvements such as the following:

• Serum cholesterol reduction average 15 – 20%

• Average weight loss of six pounds

• In about half of the participants with type 11 diabetes, a dramatic reduction in need for insulin and hypoglycemic agents

• Lowering of high blood pressure levels

• Diminishing of angina

• Reduced levels of depression and increase in self-esteem

Class & Video Lecture Schedule

Week 1

Modern Medicine: Miracles, Medicines, & Mirages

The limitations of high-tech medical approaches in dealing with lifestyle related diseases

Portrait of a Killer: Onslaught from Within

Atherosclerosis, the culprit in many lifestyle diseases

Stalking the Killer

Reviewing the risk factors for coronary heart disease

Eat More and Weigh Less

Basic guidelines for healthy, sustained weight loss

Week 2

Going Up in Smoke

Smoking – the most controllable risk factor for coronary heart disease

The Magic of Fiber

The role of fiber in preventing and reversing lifestyle diseases

Reversing Hypertension

Changing the major risk factors for high blood pressure

Disarming Diabetes

Lifestyle factors that can arrest or reverse diabetes

Effective Cholesterol Control

Dietary factors that prominently affect blood levels of cholesterol

Fats in the Fire

The role of excessive fat intake in lifestyle diseases

Week 3

Fit at Any Age

Benefits of regular exercise in preventing and arresting disease

Boning Up on Osteoporosis

Cause and prevention of this so-called “disease of aging”

Lifestyle and Health

Clinical studies that demonstrate how lifestyle choices are related to health

The Optimal Diet

Positive dietary guidelines for the prevention and reversal of Western diseases

Week 4

Diet and Cancer

Dietary factors in the development and prevention of common cancers

Atherosclerosis of the Mind

The importance of adaptability in achieving and maintaining optimal health

The Gift of Forgiveness

How a spirit of forgiveness enhances emotional and overall health

Building Self-Worth

The development, preservation and role of self worth in a healthy person

Sidebar

Connie Thebarge’s Story

At the age of 59, Connie Thebarge, a patient at the Ottawa Heart Institute in British Columbia, Canada, was told that her doctors could no longer help her. After all, in addition to suffering from hypertension, she had diabetes and painful diabetic neuropathy. She had two heart attacks followed by a triple coronary bypass surgery and an unsuccessful angioplasty. Every day, she had to take 27 pills. Not surprisingly, she was also depressed.

Yet, today, more than a decade later, Thebarge walks three miles a day, swims twice a week, dances, and travels to Florida and Europe. No longer depressed, she also requires far fewer pills. How was this accomplished? Thebarge participated in CHIP and transformed her life.

Written by the Editors at Weight Loss Buddy Press in collaboration with Hans A. Diehl, DrHSc, MPH, FACN, CNS

About The Author

Copyright © 2004, by Weight Loss Buddy Press

May be reproduced and distributed as is.

Joey Dweck – your Weight Loss Buddy

http://weightlossbuddy.com

PO Box 488 Tenafly NJ 07670

Tel. 877-BuddyUp

Tags: Medical, Disease

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Since its discovery in the late 1950″€™s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has received much attention as a necessary compound for proper cellular function. It is the essential coenzyme necessary for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) upon which all cellular functions depend. Without ATP our bodies cannot function properly. Without CoQ10, ATP cannot function. This connection has made CoQ10 a very important object of study in relation to chronic disease.

In many cases the presence of chronic disease is associated with inadequate levels of CoQ10. But no area of study has received more attention than the relation between CoQ10 and heart disease. That is because CoQ10 is believed to be of fundamental importance in cells with high metabolic demands such as cardiac cells. A further reason the connection of heart disease and CoQ10 has gained so much attention is because heart conditions of many kinds are associated with chronically low CoQ10 levels.

CoQ10 is highly concentrated in heart muscle cells because of their high energy requirements. Add this to the fact that heart disease is the number one killer in developed and developing countries and one can see why the bulk of scientific research on CoQ10 has been concerned with heart disease. Specifically, studies on congestive heart failure have demonstrated a strong correlation between the severity of heart failure and the degree of CoQ10 deficiency. The lower the levels of CoQ10 in the heart muscles the more severe the heart failure. If indeed CoQ10 deficiency is a primary cause of congestive heart failure then, in such cases, the remedy is simple and cost effective; CoQ10 supplementation.

Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump effectively resulting in an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing when lying flat and leg or ankle swelling. Causes include chronic hypertension, cardiomyopathy (primary heart disease) and myocardial infarction (irreversible injury to heart muscles). Heart muscle strength is measure by the ejection fraction which is a measure of the fraction of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. A low ejection fraction indicates a weak heart.

Several trials have been conducted involving patients with enlarged weak heart muscles of unknown causes. For those of you who like difficult phrases this condition (or variety of conditions) is known as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. In these trials CoQ10 supplementation was compared to placebo effects. Standard treatments for heart failure were not discontinued. The results were measured by echocardiography (a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures).

The overall results of CoQ10 supplementation demonstrated a steady and continued improvement in heart function as well as steady and continued reduction in patient symptoms including fatigue, chest pains, palpitations and breathing difficulty. Patients with more establish and long-term cases showed gradual improvement but did not gain normal heart function. Patients with newer cases of heart failure demonstrated much more rapid improvement often returning to normal heart function.

Papers numbering in the hundreds from eight different symposia have been written and presented on the effects of CoQ10 on heart disease. International clinical studies have also been conducted in the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and Sweden. Together these studies and the papers that have been derived from them demonstrate significant improvement in heart muscle function while causing no adverse effects.

One particular area of study involves diastolic dysfunction which is one of the earliest signs of myocardial failure. Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart is filled with returning blood. Because this phase requires more cellular energy than the systolic phase (when the blood is pushed out of the heart) it is more dependent on CoQ10. Diastolic dysfunction is a stiffening of the heart muscle which naturally restricts the heart”€™s ability to pump. This condition is associated with many cardiac disorders. Hypertension is among these disorders. As the heart muscles become stiff there is often a corresponding rise in blood pressure. When the diastolic dysfunction is reversed, blood pressure tends to lower as well.

In one study involving 109 patients with hypertension, CoQ10 supplementation was added to normal hypertension treatments. In an average of 4.4 months 51% of the patients were able stop using at least one blood pressure lowering medication. Some were able to stop using up to three medications. Another study produced similar results. In that study 43% of 424 patients were able to stop using between one and three cardiovascular drugs because of CoQ10 supplementation.

These examples are just a drop in the bucket. Diastolic dysfunction (and by proxy, hypertension) includes only a small sampling of heart conditions that respond favorably to CoQ10 supplementation. Other areas of research show great promise for CoQ10 treatments. Among these are cancer and AIDS. But such conditions are beyond the scope of this essay. CoQ10 is essential to the proper functioning of all cell types. It is not surprising, therefore, to find a diverse number of diseases that respond favorably to CoQ10 supplementation. Since all metabolically active tissues are highly sensitive to CoQ10 deficiency, we can expect to see CoQ10 research expand to many other areas of chronic diseases.

Greg holds degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/coq10.html

Tags: Medical, Illness

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Shockingly, it is estimated that 22 million of the world’s children under 5 are overweight or obese and approximately one in four American children are overweight. The problem this presents is that these children are more susceptible to pediatric hypertension, type II diabetes, greater risk of heart disease, the extra burden of weight on joints, not to mention, the social effects with peers. The medical community has already indicated a surge in childhood diabetes and of the children diagnosed with Type II diabetes, 85% are obese.

Childhood obesity can be caused by a combination of many factors, but certainly two of the biggest contributors are lack of exercise and poor dietary habits.

Today’s youth spend several hours a day in front of televisions and computers. These activities, along with the lack of physical exercise programs at school, are not providing the energy the body requires to burn off calorie intake. Plus, energy levels continue to decline as additional weight is gained, inhibiting the desire to spend the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise (in addition to what the child may receive during school). The benefits to physical exercise are extremely important though as it will reduce the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, along with reducing or maintaining body weight. Additional benefits include, building healthy muscles, bones and joints and improving depression and over all psychological well-being.

Dietary habits contribute to obesity as well and have changed greatly over time. Due to the busy lifestyles of two income households, the demand for quick and easy microwaveable food, fast food and snack foods have increased drastically. Also, many children are substituting soda and vending machine snacks for school lunches.

Bottom line, children look for role models. If they see the adults around them exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, they will be more apt to do those things as well. Fun family activities could include a walk, a bike ride, playing at the playground and shooting hoops on the basketball court.

A final note, if your child is overweight, consult your doctor. Rare hormonal disorders and/or other medical conditions can be diagnosed with blood tests and medical exams.

Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Find out more about symptoms of heart disease at Risk Factors for Heart Disease or http://www.free-online-health.com

Tags: Illness, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in the body, required for all metabolic processes. It is particularly important in the production of nerve tissue, bile and certain hormones. On average, our body produces about half of a gram to one gram of cholesterol per day, depending on how much of it the body needs at the time. By and large, our body is able to produce 400 times more cholesterol per day than what we would obtain from eating 3,5 ounces (100 grams) of butter. The main cholesterol producers are the liver and the small intestine, in that order. Normally, they are able to release cholesterol directly into the blood stream, where it is instantly tied to blood proteins. These proteins, which are called lipoproteins, are in charge of transporting the cholesterol to its numerous destinations. There are three main types of lipoproteins in charge of transporting cholesterol: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).

In comparison to HDL, which has been privileged with the name ‘good’ cholesterol, LDL and VLDL are relatively large cholesterol molecules; in fact, they are the richest in cholesterol. There is good reason for their large size. Unlike their smaller cousin, which easily passes through blood vessel walls, the LDL and VLDL versions of cholesterol are meant to take a different pathway; they leave the blood stream in the liver.

The blood vessels supplying the liver have a very different structure from the ones supplying other parts of the body. They are known as sinusoids. Their unique, grid-like structure permits the liver cells to receive the entire blood content, including the large cholesterol molecules. The liver cells rebuild the cholesterol and excrete it along with bile into the intestines. Once the cholesterol enters the intestines, it combines with fats, is absorbed by the lymph and enters the blood, in that order. Gallstones in the bile ducts of the liver inhibit the bile flow and partially, or even fully, block the cholesterol’s escape route. Due to back-up pressure on the liver cells, bile production drops. Typically, a healthy liver produces over a quart of bile per day. When the major bile ducts are blocked, barely a cup of bile, or even less, will find its way to the intestines. This prevents much of the VLDL and LDL cholesterol from being excreted with the bile.

Gallstones in the liver bile ducts distort the structural framework of the liver lobules, which damages and congests the sinusoids. Deposits of excessive protein also close the grid holes of these blood vessels (see the discussion of this subject in the previous section). Whereas the ‘good’ cholesterol HDL has small enough molecules to leave the bloodstream through ordinary capillaries, the larger LDL and VLDL molecules are more or less trapped in the blood. The result is that LDL and VLDL concentrations begin to rise in the blood to levels that seem potentially harmful to the body. Yet even this scenario is merely part of the body’s survival attempts. It needs the extra cholesterol to patch up the increasing number of cracks and wounds that are formed as a result of the accumulation of excessive protein in the blood vessel walls. Eventually, though, the life-saving cholesterol begins to occlude the blood vessels and cut off the oxygen supply to the heart.

In addition to this complication, reduced bile flow impairs the digestion of food, particularly fats. Therefore, there is not enough cholesterol made available to the cells of the body and their basic metabolic processes. Since the liver cells no longer receive sufficient amounts of LDL and VLDL molecules, they (the liver cells) assume that the blood is deficient in these types of cholesterol. This stimulates the liver cells to increase the production of cholesterol, further raising the levels of LDL and VLDL cholesterol in the blood.

The ‘bad’ cholesterol is trapped in the circulatory system because its escape routes, the bile ducts and the liver sinusoids, are blocked or damaged. The capillary network and arteries attach as much of the ‘bad’ cholesterol to their walls as they possibly can. Consequently, the arteries become rigid and hard.

Coronary heart disease, regardless of whether it is caused by smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, overeating protein foods, stress, or any other factor, usually does not occur unless gallstones have impacted the bile ducts of the liver. Removing gallstones from the liver and gallbladder can not only prevent a heart attack or stroke, but also reverse coronary heart disease and heart muscle damage. The body’s response to stressful situations becomes less damaging, and cholesterol levels begin to normalize as the distorted and damaged liver lobules are regenerated. Cholesterol-lowering drugs don’t do that. They artificially reduce blood cholesterol, which coerces the liver to produce even more cholesterol. But when extra cholesterol is passed into the bile ducts, it remains in its crystalline state (versus soluble state) and, thereby, turns into gallstones. People who regularly use cholesterol-lowering drugs usually develop an excessively large number of gallstones. This sets them up for major side effects, including cancer and heart disease.

Cholesterol is essential for normal functioning of the immune system, particularly for the body’s response to the millions of cancer cells that every person makes in his body each day. For all the health problems associated with cholesterol, this important substance is not something we should try to eliminate from our bodies. Cholesterol does far more good than harm. The harm is generally symptomatic of other problems. I wish to emphasize, once again, that ‘bad’ cholesterol only attaches itself to the walls of arteries to avert immediate heart trouble, not to create it.
This is confirmed by the fact that cholesterol never attaches itself to the walls of veins. When a doctor tests your cholesterol levels, he takes the blood sample from a vein, not from an artery. Although blood flow is much slower in veins than in arteries, cholesterol should obstruct veins much more readily than arteries, but it never does. There simply is no need for that. Why? Because there are no abrasions and tears in the lining of the vein that require patching up. Cholesterol only affixes itself to arteries in order to coat and cover up the abrasions and protect the underlying tissue like a waterproof bandage. Veins do not absorb proteins in their basements membranes like capillaries and arteries do and, therefore, are not prone to this type of injury.

‘Bad’ cholesterol saves lives; it does not take lives. LDL allows the blood to flow through injured blood vessels without causing a life-endangering situation. The theory of high LDL being a principal cause of coronary heart disease is not only unproved and unscientific. It has misled the population to believe that cholesterol is an enemy that has to be fought and destroyed at all costs. Human studies have not shown a cause-and-effect relationship between cholesterol and heart disease. The hundreds of studies so far conducted on such a relationship have only shown that there is a statistical correlation between the two. And there should be, because if there were no ‘bad’ cholesterol molecules attaching themselves to injured arteries we would have millions of more deaths from heart attack than we already have. On the other hand, dozens of conclusive studies have shown that risk of heart disease increases significantly in people whose HDL levels decrease. Elevated LDL cholesterol is not a cause of heart disease; rather, it is a consequence of an unbalanced liver and congested, dehydrated circulatory system.

If your doctor has told you that lowering your cholesterol with medical drugs protects you against heart attacks, you have been grossly misled. The #1 prescribed cholesterol-lowering medicine is Lipitor. I suggest that you read the following warning statement, issued on the official Lipitor web site:

“LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets is a prescription drug used with diet to lower cholesterol. LIPITOR is not for everyone, including those with liver disease or possible liver problems, and women who are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant. LIPITOR has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.

“If you take LIPITOR, tell your doctor about any unusual muscle pain or weakness. This could be a sign of serious side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking to avoid possible serious drug interactions…”

My question is, “Why risk a person’s health or life by giving him/her a drug that has no effect, whatsoever, in preventing the problem for which it is being prescribed?” The reason why the lowering of cholesterol levels cannot prevent heart disease is because cholesterol does not cause heart disease.

The most important issue is how efficiently a person’s body uses cholesterol and other fats. The body’s ability to digest, process and utilize these fats depends on how clear and unobstructed the bile ducts of the liver are. When bile flow is unrestricted and balanced, both the LDL and HDL levels are balanced as well. Therefore, keeping the bile ducts open is the best prevention of coronary heart disease.

[Excerpt from the new edition of The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush, by Andreas Moritz]

Andreas Moritz is a medical intuitive; a practitioner of Ayurveda, Iridology, Shiatsu and Vibrational Medicine; a writer and an artist. He has authored four books on health and healing: “The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush”, “Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation,” “Lifting the Veil of Duality,” and “It’s Time to Come Alive” (all books are available through http://www.ener-chi.com or http://www.amazon.com). Andreas also is the artist who created the oil paintings for a new innovative approach to healing through energized art, called Ener-Chi Art.

His latest healing tool for clearing emotional blocks and fear is called “Sacred Santèmony – Divine Chanting for Every Occasion.” Andreas runs a free forum “Ask Andreas Moritz” on the popular health website Curezone.com (5 million readers and increasing). For more information contact Andreas Moritz, visit his Web site http://www.ener-chi.com or contact him at tel. 1-864-848-6410, Greer, South Carolina, USA, E-mail andmor@ener-chi.com.

Tags: Cancer, Aging

What if there was a combination of foods that were as effective at lowering LDL cholesterol as prescription drugs? Would it be worth adding some new foods to what you eat each day to avoid medication?

This is what the latest in a series of research studies Dr. Jenkins from the University of Toronto shows. Studies have previously shown that various foods, such as nuts, soy protein, oat bran, and plant sterols all can have a cholesterol-lowering effect. But what if you combined all these foods together? Dr. Jenkins’ latest research shows that combining all these foods together is as effective as taking a statin drug. The results showed a 30.9% decrease in LDL cholesterol from the statin and a decrease of 28.2% from the portfolio combination of all these foods.

Dr. Jenkins is calling this a dietary portfolio, but it’s becoming known as ‘The Portfolio Diet’. The concept is to add all of these foods, in a type of portfolio plan, like investments, to cover all possibilities for better heart health. This is not a weight loss diet, however, although the concepts for weight loss and lowered cholesterol could certainly be combined, with proper education and guidance by a qualified nutrition expert.

What is the Portfolio Diet?

Just follow these guidelines:

1. Substitute soy foods for meat. Drink soy milk instead of milk and substitute soy protein foods for other meats.

2. Eat as much ‘sticky’ fiber as possible. People in the study took three daily servings of natural psyllium supplements. Oats and barley replace other grains and preferred vegetables include eggplant and okra.

3. Include plant sterol-enriched margarines, such as benecol and Take Control. Plant sterols are also available in capsule form as dietary supplements.

4. A handful of nuts every day. In the study, almonds were eaten and the Almond Board of California offers portfolio diet recipes on its website (look at recipes on http://www.almondboard.com/), but any tree nut will reduce cholesterol.

Here are some examples of a typical day:

Breakfast - Include soy milk, oat bran cereal with chopped fruit and almonds, oatmeal bread with sterol-enriched margarine, and some jam.

Lunch – Soy lunchmeats, oat bran bread, bean soup, fruit.

Dinner – Stir fry with vegetables, tofu, fruit and almonds.

Snacks - Include nuts, yogurt, and soy milk thickened with a psyllium supplement such as Metamucil.

Has this diet shown to be effective?

Jenkins et al were curious how this diet would work in the real world, so they signed people up who said they wanted to lower their cholesterol levels. They told them what to eat and gave them sample menus — but they didn’t provide any prepared foods.

Dr. Jenkins said that about 30% of the people had a 20% reduction in their LDL cholesterol levels after six months. Another 30% had a 15% reduction in LDL levels, and another third failed to lower their cholesterol levels, believed to be because they were unable to follow the diet as strictly as those with good results. What seemed to be the biggest obstacle for people was eating soy food products. Dr. Jenkins said that most people could eat almonds and substitute plant sterol products for margarine.

Is the diet for you?

Many people are concerned about heart disease and stroke, especially if they are struggling with weight control and high blood cholesterol levels. However, many people are not comfortable going on prescription medications. Since this is an eating plan that does not eliminate food groups or follow some type of fad, there is no risk to going on this ‘diet’. In fact, it’s not really a ‘diet’ at all, but a way of eating. And no one has to do anything but substitute some of the recommended foods for foods they normally eat today.

So, let’s say you would like to try the diet, but, like many other Americans, are concerned about adding soy foods to your diet. You have never eaten them and don’t even know where to find them! Well, they are actually in your favorite supermarket already! It may be time to experiment, though, because not everyone is going to like all the soy foods that are available. For more on soyfoods, check out the Soyfoods Association of American at http://www.soyfoods.org/. Here is a list of foods to consider:

Soy milk. There are multiple brands and different fat levels. You can buy whole fat, low fat and non fat. You can buy ‘regular’ (no flavoring), or any number of flavors. I have personally found one brand that I like over others and you may have to experiment to find one you like, as well.

Edemame. These are frozen whole soybeans that are harvested when still green. They can be found in most health food stores, such as Trader Joes or Whole Foods Market, in the frozen food section, usually next to the lima beans. These can be found shelled or in the shell. You can add them to soups or stews or eat them by themselves. I like to eat them as my protein for breakfast.

Tofu. Also known as ‘bean curd’, tofu is a soft, cheese-like food made my curdling soymilk. The curds are then pressed into a solid block. There are different levels of firmness; silken, soft and firm. Silken is a creamy, custard-like product that works well with pureed or blended dishes. Soft tofu is best used in recipes that call for blended tofu, or in soups. The firm tofu is more dense and solid and holds up well in stir fry dishes, even on the grill. The firm tofu is higher in protein, fat and calcium than the other forms, but since this is a plant fat, this should not be an issue. For recipe ideas, see this link from the Indiana Soybean Board; http://www.soyfoods.com/soyfoodsdescriptions/tofu.html

Textured Vegetable (or Soy) Protein Products. This is the soyfood product that many soy burgers and other ‘meat substitute’ products contain. The best way to determine if these foods are for you are to experiment with a few options.

Miso. Miso is a rich, salty paste condiment that characterizes the essence of Japanese cooking. Traditionally, miso is made by combining with a grain, salt, and a mold culture and then aged in cedar vats for one to three years. Readers may recognize the name because this is a popular soup.

Soy nuts. Soy nuts are whole soybeans that have been soaked then baked. They can be found in snack isles and manufacturers now include soynuts in any number of coatings, including chocolate.

Tempeh. This is a traditional Indonesian food that is most commonly found in Asian stores. It is a chunky, tender soybean cake. It can be marinated and grilled or added to soups, casseroles, or even chili.

It can be very easy for some people to add nuts to their diet. In fact, it may be harder to not add too MANY nuts! It may also be ‘doable’ to add more sticky fiber to your diet, also, with a little planning. However, it may be a greater challenge to find soy foods that can be enjoyably substituted for meats you are used to eating. However, if your health depends on it, and you refuse medications, this may be a great thing to try, especially since there are no risks involved with adding these foods to your diet. Just remember that these are foods to be substituted, not added, to the diet. Since calories do also still count, adding extras to your current diet could result in weight gain, leading to new concerns.

Marjorie Geiser helps people overcome their confusion and distress they may feel when trying to add healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. She offers a free, weekly teleclass phone series to subscribers of her Health Focus teleclass series, which covers all aspects of health each week. She is a Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer and Life Coach. To learn more about her services, go to her website at http://www.megfit.com or email her at margie@megfit.com.

Tags: Aging, Disease

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.

1.1 million Americans will experience a serious heart event this year.

One in four Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. Every 34 seconds one American will die as a result of cardiovascular disease.

No other disease claims as many women’s lives as cardiovascular disease. One American woman dies each minute as a result of cardiovascular disease.

Around 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this years. That’s one stroke every 45 seconds.

HEART DISEASE IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST KILLER OF AMERICANS. IT KILLS AS MANY AMERICANS AS THE NEXT 5 LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH.

One important step in reducing your risk of heart disease is to change your diet.

These are what you should consume less of:

1. Solid margarines, commercial white bread, high-fat baked items like doughnuts or cakes, any product saying “partially hydrogenated vegetable oils”, french fries, potato chips, corn chips and many crackers, and commercially fried foods.

These foods contain trans fatty acids. These badly affect cholesterol levels and hence your risk of heart disease. They increase the levels of bad cholesterol and decrease the levels of good cholesterol.

Trans fatty acids are dangerous for the heart and may be worse than saturated fats. They also harm the linings of the arteries and may even increase your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

2. Meat and dairy products.

These foods contain saturated fatty acids. These are bad for the heart.

The amount of trans fat and saturated fat in your diet should be less than 10 percent of your total calorie intake. In fact, you should try to eliminate them out of your diet altogether.

3. Salt.

You should have no more than one teaspoon of salt each day.

Kevin Davies is webmaster of preventingheartfailure.com and author of “Preventing Heart Failure” eBook. In this eBook you’ll learn how to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. To buy “Preventing Heart Failure” please visit http://www.preventingheartfailure.com

Tags: Disease, Cancer

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.

1.1 million Americans will experience a serious heart event this year.

One in four Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. Every 34 seconds one American will die as a result of cardiovascular disease.

No other disease claims as many women’s lives as cardiovascular disease. One American woman dies each minute as a result of cardiovascular disease.

Around 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this years. That’s one stroke every 45 seconds.

HEART DISEASE IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST KILLER OF AMERICANS. IT KILLS AS MANY AMERICANS AS THE NEXT 5 LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH.

One important step in reducing your risk of heart disease is to change your diet.

These are what you should consume more of:

1. Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and fish.

These foods contain monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are good for the heart.

Monounsaturated fatty acids help increase the level of good cholesterol.

There are three chemical subgroups of unsaturated fatty acids called essential fatty acids. These are omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaneoic acids), plants and seeds (alpha-linolenic acid) and have significant benefits. For example they improve your good cholesterol levels, reduce your overall heart disease risk and may reduce your chances of developing an irregular heart rhythm.

The American Heart Association and other experts recommend that you should get most of your unsaturated fats from omega-3 fatty acids

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in corn, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oil. However a high consumption of omega-6 fatty acids will result in weight gain and will give you a higher risk of getting certain cancers and some chronic diseases.

Omega-9 fatty acids are found in canola and olive oil. They may also contain chemicals that block the harmful affects of omega-6 fatty acids.

Eating fish twice a week will improve your good cholesterol, lower your chance of dying from heart disease, and improve your blood pressure. Choose oil fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines as they are the most healthy and are high in omega-3. Avoid fish that are high in mercury like shark, king mackerel, tilefish or swordfish. Fish is the best source of protein and is better for your cardiac health than chicken or lean meat.

The amount of polyunsaturated fat that you eat should be up to 10 percent of your daily calorie intake. The amount of monounsaturated fat that you eat should be up to 15 percent of your daily calorie intake.

2. Oats, lentils, potatoes, apples, pinto beans, citrus, black beans and barley.

These foods contain soluble fiber that helps increase your levels of good cholesterol. Soluble fiber may also reduce blood pressure.

When you increase the amount of soluble fiber in your diet you should also increase the amount of water that you drink.

3. Wheat bran, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fruit and vegetable peels

These foods contain insoluble fiber. Eating insoluble fiber may help with weight lost and lower your risk of heart disease.

4. Soy products (not soy sauce).

Soy products are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as providing all essential proteins.

5. Green tea.

Green tea is rich in chemicals that protect against bad cholesterol.

6. Coffee.

Coffee contains phenol, a chemical that helps stop oxidation of bad cholesterol.

7. Potassium-rich food like bananas, oranges, pears, prunes, cantaloupes, tomatoes, dried peas and beans, nuts, potatoes, and avocados.

A potassium-rich diet can help you achieve healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of you having a stroke by 22 to 40%. However too much potassium can cause stomach pain, muscle weakness and in rare cases, dangerous heart events.

8. Water

Many heart risk factors are made worse by dehydration. In a 2002 study it was found that if you drank five or more glasses of water a day you had lower risk of a fatal heart event than if you drunk two or fewer glasses a day.

9. Alcohol.

One or two glasses of alcohol a day will help protect your heart. However heavy drinking will harm your heart.

The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

The DASH diet is a diet that is clinically proven to significantly reduce blood pressure. It emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. It recommends:

- Avoiding saturated fat and choosing monounsaturated oils such as olive or canola.

- Choosing whole grains over white flour or pasta.

- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

- Eat nuts, seeds, or legumes daily.

- Eat modest amounts of protein, preferably from fish, poultry or soy products.

To get the DASH diet click here or point your web browser to :

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

You can also find information on lowering your blood pressure here or by pointing your web browser to:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_low/hbp_low.pdf

Kevin Davies is webmaster of preventingheartfailure.com and author of “Preventing Heart Failure” eBook. In this eBook you’ll learn how to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. To buy “Preventing Heart Failure” please visit http://www.preventingheartfailure.com

Tags: Medical, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

There are many natural agents widely available that can improve your health. Here are 10 natural agents proven to help protect against Heart and Lung Disease.

Vitamin C

Study after study has shown how taking a daily dose of Vitamin C
(1g a day) really can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
This nutrient also protects the lungs, especially in smokers.
Smoking increases your need for Vitamin C and smokers are
recommended to take an extra 35mg a day to compensate.

The richest food source of vitamin C is acerola berries and
Viridian (http://www.viridian.com) has launched a new vitamin
C made from this fruit.

Hawthorn

Roman physicians used hawthorn as a cardio tonic in the first
century AD and clinical studies now show that its healing
action is thanks to the presence of proanthocyanidins -
red and purple pigments (sometimes called anthocyanins)
found in plants which help prevent degenerative disease
of the heart, blood vessels and lungs, and are thought to
help reverse arthesosclerotic plaque deposits.

Cleverly hawthorn can re-regulate both high and low blood
pressure and works to dilate both peripheral and coronary
blood vessels, making it a useful aid in the management of
angina.

Garlic

With the advent of more cutting-edge remedies, such as red
yeast, it seems almost old fashioned now to recommend garlic
as a cardiocascular tonic, but it does still merit a mention
as a broad-spectrum treatment for arterial disease.

The active agent is an odourless chemical called alliin.
When you cut or crush raw garlic, this is immediately
converted to allicin, which is the substance that gives
garlic its powerful smell.

Allicin then rapidly breaks down into various components
and unless herbal remedy manufacturers who want to offer
odourless capsules, find a way to stop this process, no
active agents will be left. This is the reason there is so
much controversy about the different brands and forms of
garlic.

Apples

An apple a day may help keep lung cancer at bay, according to
preliminary evidence that suggests a very positive relationship
between eating five or more apples a week and healthy lung
function. Researchers admit they cannot explain why eating
apples can offset normal age-related deterioration in lung
functioning but suggest it may be thanks to the presence of
two active agents quercetin and pectin.

Dandelion

This humble backyard weed is a powerhouse of nutrients that
work together to promote healthy heart and lung functioning.
Although better known as a digestive tonic it can also work
to promote good cholesterol and has a diuretic effect in the
body, which then works to regulate blood pressure, when you
use the leaves.

Dandelion provides more membrane and lung supporting vitamin
A than carrots, is an excellent source of heart-protecting
potassium and can help maintain good iron levels to prevent
anaemia. The young leaves are delicious tossed into a summer
salad.

Guggul

This is a mixture of gum resin substances taken from the plant
Commiphora Mukul, which is approved for use as a cholesterol
lowering agent in India. Guggul which can also play a role
in the treatment of Acne has also been shown to exert protective
properties against drug-induced myocardial necrosis and is
thought to have useful anti-inflammatory properties.

Taurine

A sulphur-containing amino acid present in high levels in meats
and fish, taurine, taken as a supplement has been shown to
lower blood pressure and plasma epinephrine (adrenaline) levels.
People with high blood pressure and heart problems have higher
levels of this hormone circulating in the blood – since
it helps the heart work harder to increase its output of blood
and thus compensate for any pumping problems – but lower levels
in the heart muscle itself, which usually has more taurine
present than any other amino acid.

Arginine

Sold in supplement form as L-arginine, the body uses this amino
acid as a precursor to nitric oxide, which, in turn, dilates blood
vessels and lowers blood pressure. It has been successfully used
to help support stable angina patients and in clinical trials,
high dosages (17g a day) have been shown to lower bad cholesterol
without affecting levels of good choloesterol.

Arginine is found naturally in meats, diary products, poultry
and fish.

Homocysteine Modulators

Homocysteine is known to be 40 times a more accurate predictor
of the risk of heart disease than cholesterol levels.
Homocysteine itself is not a natural protector against heart
disease, but the agents usd to regulate its levels are.

Magnesium

Many unexpected adult deaths are thought to occur as a result
of fatal hearts rhythm disturbances. We know that magnesium
defeciency, which is common in men and women, predisposes to
higher risk of these kind of disturbances, so taking a
therapeutic daily dose of a magnesium supplement would seem
sensible along with increasing your dietary intake of this
nutrient.

Potassium

We know that potassium works with sodium to regulate the
body’s water balance and normalise heart rythms (potassium
works inside the cells; sodium works outside them) and
documented research proves that a low-potassium, high-sodium
(salt) diet is linked with high blood pressure.

You can receive a free 5 part ecourse on this subject at http://www.be-prepared.naturalremedies4u.com.

You can also submit your own articles for free at http://www.thearticlelibrary.com

Tags: Medical, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

When is the last time you ate cranberries? Was it with a turkey dinner? With all the research pointing to the amazing health benefits of this simple berry, shouldn’t cranberries be more than a once a year side dish?

How Cranberries Are Proving Their Strength:

The Cranberry Institute provides the results of studies and research that highlight the fantastic health benefits of the humble cranberry.

Cranberries have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans as a source of food and to extend the shelf life of dried meats. Colonial sailors also made use of the natural preservatives in cranberries (from benzoic acid) which allowed them to last through long sea voyages, and the high Vitamin C content which prevented scurvy.

Perhaps they were on to something since new research suggests that cranberries may prevent the adhesion of the e.coli bacteria – a common cause of food poisoning from contaminated meat – to the urinary tract. This ‘anti-adhesion’ effect may also help in preventing bacteria from causing stomach ulcers and gum disease.

Vitamin C is also a known powerful antioxidant and is being widely accepted as a means of combating the effects of free radicals in the body which can cause cancer, heart disease and other health problems. Antioxidants from cranberries are being researched for prevention of kidney stones and lowering cholesterol.

While many fruits contain antioxidants, according to research cranberries have more antioxidants than 19 commonly eaten fruits. With this news it makes sense to include cranberries into a balanced diet throughout the year.

How Can You Include Cranberries Into Your Diet?

Fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries can be eaten anytime of the year.

Adding dried cranberries to baking (such as scones, breads and cookies) is an easy way to enjoy their tart sweetness. Adding frozen cranberries to smoothies or soups can lend a mild tang to your creations. Fresh cranberries make excellent garnishes and dressings.

The easiest way to add cranberries to your diet is to drink cranberry juice. While sweetened juices have less antioxidants than unsweetened, the benefits of adding cranberry to your diet are still there. If you add unsweetened juice to sparkling water you can enjoy a refreshing spritzer.

While studies are still being conducted on the health benefits of cranberries there is no doubt that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables in your diet will lead to a healthier body. Choosing to use a variety of berries, citrus and other fruits will ensure you are giving your body everything it needs for optimum health.

Travis Waack is the webmaster of http://health.online-006.com/cancer_fighting_foods.html If you would like more information on the health benefits or cranberries, this is where you will want to start.

Tags: Disease, Illness

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

What diet promotes a healthy heart?

Health-heart.org asks “if an apple a day keeps a doctor away then what does it take to keep a heart surgeon away?” Their answer; Vitamins, Minerals and some omega-3 oil. Vitamins can be found in just about any cupboard or medicine cabinet. The minerals are hard to miss due to the fact that most multivitamins contain every mineral that can be put into a pill. The omega-3 fatty acid? That is simple. It is abundant in flax seed. Flax seed is about the size of two sesame seeds and contains fiber, protein and omega-3 oils.

How do you use flax seed?

Flax seed is a simple product to add to your diet and use every day. The seeds are ground up usually with a small grinder that can be purchased cheaply in any flax seed starter kit. The ground flax seed is then sprinkled over virtually any food. It has a smooth nutty flavor that will enrich any salad or dairy food. Just do this once a day and you are adding flax seed to your diet. This is quite an easy way to fight heart disease. The great thing is that you will be fighting breast and prostate cancer also. Flax seed health benefits go way beyond cancer and heart disease. It also helps regulate digestion and aids in weight loss. These are great side effects for someone that is trying to add years to their heart. Many users of flax seed try to add only flax seed oil to their diet and in the process miss out on the fiber and protein content. In the flax seed shell are valuable lignans that are responsible for fighting cancer. For this reason freshly ground is the healthiest way to consume flax seed.

Where can you get flax seed?

Flax seed is readily available on the internet and can be shipped conveniently to your home. The nature of the flax seed is so that if kept in a cool dry environment it will last a very long time. All the which makes buying and storing that much easier. Flax seed is an easy way to protect your heart.

Click here for more information and to buy discount Flax Seed.

Tags: Illness, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

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There is a Chinese proverb – A daily cup of tea or more, keeps you out of the pharmacy. As you will shortly see, there is a lot of truth in this proverb. So, what is oolong tea? It is related to green tea and black tea — they are all produced from the same plant. Green tea is made from the dried leaves, whereas black tea is made by fermentation of the leaves. Oolong tea is made by partly fermenting the leaves prior to drying.

Triglycerides and cholesterol are two important fatty substances in the bloodstream. These are essential for many things in your body but cholesterol also builds up on the wall of the arteries, causing them to narrow and restrict blood flow. This can lead to several problems including coronary thrombosis (a heart attack) and strokes, so high cholesterol levels are not a good thing. Studies in several countries have found many kinds of tea have some effect in reducing cholesterol in blood fats, though oolong seems to get the best results. It is thought that the polyphenols in tea inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract, thus decreasing the cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. There is also evidence that they may decrease the blood’s tendency to form thrombi, or unwanted blood clots.

Obesity is an increasing problem these days, it is well documented that overweight people are more likely to suffer heart problems. In the hustle-bustle of modern living, it is easy to resort to a junk diet. This is bad news for your body because it hangs on to the extra fat and lacks many of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are vital for your well-being. The Chinese claim that tea can actually help reduce the amount of fat in the tissues. Oolong tea seems to get the most publicity here, although any tea probably has some benefits. Chinese sources cite numerous cases of people who have lost weight while regularly drinking two or three cups of oolong a day. Oolong mixed with other herbal ingredients is the basis for a number of teas marketed especially for slimming. A Chinese ad for Slimming Tea claims that drinking it for three months can help you drop up to 15 pounds off your weight. I am not convinced that tea alone can achieve this but it seems that it can contribute as tactic in your weight-loss strategy.

Much research is being carried out on the role of tea drinking in preventing cancer. For example, out of 25 papers related to health presented at the Hangzhou Symposium, almost one third reported on cancer research. Research has found that oolong has some effect against cancer because it inhibits the formation or action of cancer-causing substances. It seems to be the epigallo catechin gallate (EGCC) that reduces the occurrence of uncontrolled DNA replication. Vitamin E is regarded as an excellent antioxidant; EGCC is supposedly 200 times more effective for neutralizing free radicals in the body. Another way oolong tea may help fight cancer is through preventing cell mutation. The antioxidant properties of the polyphenols in oolong tea may inhibit mutation of the DNA in healthy cells, which can cause them to become cancer cells.

Cured meats often contain nitrates which can be converted to nitrosamines in the digestive process. Nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic. Tea may block the action of nitrosamines which can cause cancer, said Dr. Han Chi, an associate professor at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene under the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine. In a test of 145 types of tea, she and her colleagues rated green tea highest, with a blocking rate of 90 percent. Oolong and black tea followed in that order as the fermentation process destroys the EGCC. The partial fermentation of the leaves during the production of oolong tea reduces the EGCC level by approximately fifteen percent.

Long ago in China, tea was an ingredient in immortality potions favored by the Taoists. Still today, perhaps as an echo of those beliefs, claims are made that tea drinking helps one to live to a ripe old age. While it is no magic fountain of youth, some of its benefits can be said to contribute to longevity (stimulation of bodily functions, strengthening the immune system, reducing the chance of heart disease and improving stomach functions). The fluoride in tea can strengthen bones and help ward off osteoporosis in the same way that it strengthens dental enamel.

When pregnant or nursing only small amounts of oolong tea should be used, it can also interfere with MAO inhibitors and blood thinning medication. Also the consumption of oolong tea may interfere with the absorption of medicines. This article is intended to be for information about the nutritional benefits of oolong tea only and should not be regarded as medical advice in its own right. You should seek the assistance of a qualified physician if you require medical advice on any condition mentioned in this article.

Kevin Woodward looks after the In Nature web site at http://www.in-nature.com/teas/ which offers top quality Chinese teas and herbs for sale securely online. Memberships are available which entitles you to discounts on the products and a free health consultation, the latter is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Tags: Disease, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

For years we’ve heard that to protect yourself from heart disease you should follow a “low fat” diet. Even many hospitals and health professionals still stick to this rule of low fat diets at the risk of omitting heart healthy foods. New research from the Women’s Health Initiative dietary modification trial published in the February 8th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported their findings of an 8-year follow up study. One of the reports showed that postmenopausal women who followed a low fat (20% of calories from fat) diet did not have a lower risk of heart disease. This makes things confusing since we have been taught for years that low fat equals better heart health. The two go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. Before we all ditch the low fat model and rush to eat our favorite high fat fare there are a few more pieces to this puzzle to know.

This study did have some limitations. First of all, they were depending on self-reporting from the participants for an 8 year process. This of course leads room for discrepancies since we all eat on auto pilot most of the time. It would be hard to say you followed a strict low fat diet for 8 years without writing down what you ate every day. Also they didn’t take into account other lifestyle factors such as exercise or stress management. All can contribute to the risk level of heart disease. Not only that, some of the authors disclosed they had their hands in the pharmaceutical cookie jar…another article for another time.

Limitations or no limitations the study still shows that postmenopausal women who likely were following a fairly low fat diet still were shown not to improve their heart health. This actually doesn’t surprise me in the least. The old general low fat diet is no longer the most effective heart healthy diet. A matter of fact, some fats are shown to protect our heart.

So let’s get down to the details. There are fats that are protective and fats that are shown to increase risk. Decreasing certain fats is still a good rule of thumb. These fats are saturated fats which are found in animal products, coconut and palm kernel oil. So sticking with lean meats such as poultry and fish, and choosing low fat dairy products is still a good choice. The second fat to decrease is Trans Fats which are found in many packaged convenience foods including certain margarines, crackers, and chips. Trans Fats are now located on the nutrition label under “Fats”.

Now, just because a food is high in fat or all fat doesn’t mean it will put us at risk of heart disease. For example fats found in nuts, olive oil, canola oil, avocados, flax seeds, and fish oils have been found to be protective for the heart by helping to lower cholesterol and decrease inflammation. This wouldn’t go along with the old rule of the low fat diet. In fact, just last year one of the hospitals in my local area was still telling people they couldn’t have natural peanut butter or avocados on their heart healthy diet. It’s time to update those handouts with new research. This doesn’t mean more is better either. There is a proper balance of adding healthy fats to the diet, around 30% of calories from fat.

A Heart Healthy diet is not just about the fats. There are all kinds of foods that you can add that help lower cholesterol and protect your heart by providing powerful antioxidants. For example, blueberries are one power player for heart health by providing antioxidants and research supports that it can lower cholesterol. All from a tiny, little, round fruit. Simply adding oatmeal every day or adding a little honey to your tea can help lower cholesterol. There are many foods we can add for heart health and they pack a serious punch.

The last thing to note on this study is that we are looking at a very general look into low fat diets. Unfortunately, one size doesn’t fit all. One person may have family history of heart disease which may put them at greater risk. Another person may want to lose some weight along with lowering cholesterol. This person may need to follow a little lower fat than the other since fat does carry a lot of calories. Everyone is different and while general health guidelines are important, if you are someone who needs more detailed information then seek some help from a professional that can give you an individualized plan.

(c) 2006 Meri Raffetto

Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She specializes in weight management and offers online programs to help people reach their weight loss and health goals. Sign up for her free e-newsletter at http://www.reallivingnutrition.com

Tags: Medical, Illness

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

The condition of your heart is definitely linked to a heart healthy diet.

A heart healthy diet begins with the types of food on your plate and the ability you have to maintain an ideal body weight.

In addition to weight loss, the following heart healthy diet ideas are important for the maintenance of heart health and for reversing heart disease:

1)Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Red meat is high in artery-clogging saturated fat. It is best to stick to a red meat free diet which includes healthier protein options like chicken, fish, egg whites, tofu and beans.

2)Steer clear of all trans fatty acid products. Trans fatty acid is found in certain margarines, salad dressings and processed floury goods such as crackers and cookies. Read the label and avoid products containing partially hydrogenated fat.

3)Serve up a colorful plate. Each meal you eat should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain elements called phytochemicals which help to prevent and even reverse disease processes like heart disease and cancer.

4)Fill your diet with lots of high fiber foods. This heart healthy diet tip includes slow-cooking oats, bran, beans, fruits and vegetables.

5)Pass on refined flours and sugars that rank high on the glycemic index. Keep to lower glycemic, more wholesome foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

6)Include omega-3 fatty acids in your heart healthy diet. Omega-3 fats can be found in oily cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, omega-3 eggs and in fish oil supplements.

To learn more about trans fatty acid products visit: http://hearthealthydietideas.blogspot.com

Sherrie Le Masurier is a freelance writer and former personal coach who writes extensively on nutrition, fitness and family health. For more heart healthy diet tips visit http://www.hearthealthydietideas.blogspot.com and http://www.healthandwellnessmatters.blogspot.com – Copyright.

Tags: Cancer, Aging

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Results of a new study comparing the effectiveness of Pfizer Inc.,’s Lipitor with Pravachol, made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, was recently published in the New York Times. The study details the clinical observation that Lipitor was significantly more effective than Pravachol in lowering patient’s LDL cholesterol levels. However, the study did not comment on the overall effect that Statin drugs have on patient health, or the research that indicates Statins may actually increase your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Statin drugs have been proven effective in the reduction of LDL cholesterol in most patients. However, the bio-chemical reactions that the drugs use to decease cholesterol also inhibit the production of an important nutrient that is essential for good heart health; specifically CoQ10.

Lipitor and Pravachol work by inhibiting the body’s ability to make an enzyme called HMG-CoA. This enzyme is the precursor to two compounds, cholesterol and CoQ10. Because the intent of Statin drugs is to inhibit cholesterol production, this method of suppression is very effective in reducing cholesterol levels. However, by suppressing the manufacture of HMG-CoA, and subsequently CoQ10, the body actually becomes more susceptible to heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure, and many other pulmonary-related diseases.

CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body and is necessary for proper energy utilization, resistance to disease, and cardiac health. The compound is so necessary that it’s chemical name is actually ubiquinone, because of its ubiquitous presence in the body. By suppressing the mechanism that makes CoQ10, Statin drugs such as Lipitor and Pravachol put patients at significant risk of heart disease, as well as reduce overall resistance to cancer and other diseases.

CoQ10 is used by the heart and other muscles to facilitate contraction as blood is pumped through the body. If the body’s source of CoQ10, is lowered, either through Statin drugs or environmental factors, the hearts ability to contract is greatly diminished. This subsequently results in significant cardiac complications; including angina, heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia and heart attack.

In addition to its contribution to proper heart function, CoQ10 is also a significant ant-oxidant. When our ability to product CoQ10 is reduced, our body’s immunity to cancer, pollution and disease can be greatly diminished. This has been documented in a number of studies where CoQ10 levels have been measured in people with specific cancers, degenerative diseases, or HIV.

The relation between HMG-CoA, cholesterol, and CoQ10 has been well documented and is freely available. Subsequently, the solution to reduced CoQ10 levels has been made extremely simple. The solution is simply dietary supplementation with CoQ10 if you are taking a Statin drug. Much of the diminished CoQ10 supply can be made up through dietary supplementation. In fact, CoQ10 supplements can be purchased in the supplement section of your local health food store.

CoQ10 is essential to proper heart health and resistance to disease. Statin drugs such as Lipitor and Pravachol inhibit the body’s ability to product CoQ10. If not addressed, this can increase a patient’s risk of heart disease and other cardiac conditions. However, supplementation of CoQ10 by the use of a dietary supplement can balance the effects of Statin drugs and ensure that the patient’s risk of overall heart disease does not increase while his/her cholesterol levels decrease. If you are currently taking a Statin drug to reduce your cholesterol, talk to your doctor about supplementation with CoQ10 to ensure your continued good health.

About The Author

Barrett Niehus is a principal for IP Ware software http://www.freetrainer.com as well as a technical specialist for Compound Solutions, http:///www.compoundsolutions.com in Escondido, California.

Tags: Health, Medical

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

What is a coronary heart attack?

Are you at the risk of a coronary heart attack?

Here are some insights to help you…

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle itself (the myocardium) is severely reduced or even stopped entirely.

The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.

The reduction or stoppage of blood supply happens when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked.

This may be caused by the buildup of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances), also known as atherosclerosis.

The plaque may eventually burst, tear or rupture, creating a “situation” where a blood clot forms and blocks the artery.

This may lead to a heart attack.

A heart attack is also sometimes known as a coronary thrombosis or coronary occlusion.

It is a medical fact that heart disease is among the most dangerous health hazards facing people 50 yrs and older in America.

Clinical studies, laboratory investigations and a number of surveys show that certain personal characteristics and lifestyles can lead to increased dangers of a heart attack (coronary heart disease).

These danger signs are called “risk factors”. The well established risk factors are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus.

Other risk factors that may increase or lead to the risk of having a heart attack are obesity, a sedentary life-style, an aggressive response to stress, and certain drugs.

In the past two decades, millions of Americans have learned about these risk factors and have tried to decrease them by seeking medical attention and by changing their lifestyles.

Many adults have stopped smoking. The medical control of high blood pressure has greatly improved.

The average cholesterol level of the population has decreased continually over the last two decades, probably due to changes in dietary habits and increased exercise.

This attempt to modify risk factors almost certainly has contributed to the declining death rate from heart disease in the United States.

Overall, heart-related problems have declined about 25 percent in the last decade.

Some of this decrease undoubtedly is due to better medical care of heart attack victims, but it is likely that a sizable percentage is related to modification of risk factors.

The entire population has become more aware of the seriousness of heart disease and coronary heart problems.

CPR training is offered in schools, places of business, and church and community functions, and everyone seems to recognize that prevention of coronary heart disease is a partnership between the public and the medical community.

There are a number of factors implicated in coronary heart disease. Some of these may raise coronary risk by accentuating the major risk factors already discussed.

Others may act in ways not understood. Still others may be linked mistakenly to coronary risk.

Obesity predisposes individuals to coronary heart disease. Some of the reasons for this are known, but others are not.

The major causes of obesity in Americans are excessive intake of calories and inadequate exercise.

When caloric intake is excessive, some of the excess frequently is saturated fat, which further raises the blood cholesterol. Thus, obesity contributes to higher coronary risk in a variety of ways.

Most of the major risk factors are silent. They must be sought actively, and much of the responsibility for their detection lies with each of us as individuals.

Regular checkups are particularly necessary if there is a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or diabetes.

May these health insights into heart disease help you to live a healthier and happier life.

Warmly,

I-key Benney, CEO

I-key, a Millionaire CEO from New York City is the creator of “Mscsrrr: Millionaire Secret Cash System”, (online forex trading), program which has helped thousands of ordinary people from all over the world to attain financial security and shining success during the past 2 yrs.

Mscsrrr Millionaire Secret Cash System helps you to generate $1,500+/Week for life, from home or office, part time or full time. No large investment or hassles. Win $1000-$2000 free “cash”…

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are still the number one health problem in the United States. Approximately 35% of all heart attacks occur in people with normal total cholesterol levels.

Research has shown that high levels of an amino acid called Homocysteine contributes to the progression of heart disease. Many researchers believe that the connection between Homocysteine and atherosclerosis is even stronger than the case against cholesterol. Some studies have shown that for each 5 micromoles per liter increase in homocysteine level, your risk for heart disease can increase by as much as 60 to 80%. The American Heart Association has indicated that a reasonable therapeutic goal for homocysteine levels should be less than 10 micromoles per liter.

How Homocysteine causes damage

Homocysteine injures the walls of arteries. Injured artery cells absorb LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Homocysteine promotes the growth of smooth muscle cells in the artery which in turn narrows the lumen of the artery. As levels increase, you are at increased risk for the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Risk factors for increased Homocysteine levels include :

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Post-Heart Attack or Stroke
• Kidney Failure
• Advanced Age
• Post menopause
• Chronic, excessive alcohol consumption

How Homocysteine levels become elevated

Homocysteine levels rise when your body does not have the necessary co-factors to breakdown Homocysteine.

The necessary co-factors to breakdown homocysteine to Cysteine and Methionine are Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6.

How to protect yourself against high levels of Homocysteine

• Have your doctor check your Homocysteine level
• Take adequate amounts of Folate. Natural Folate obtained from food is only 50% absorbed by the body when taken orally. Folic Acid, the synthetic form of Folate, is 100% absorbed after oral administration. Liquids are better absorbed than pills.
• Take adequate amounts of Vitamin B12. The average diet supplies 5 to 15mcg per day in a form that is available after normal digestion. Recent studies have shown that at least 800mcg to 1mg of B12 given orally is necessary for proper gastrointestinal absorption.Liquids are better absorbed than pills.
• Take adequate amounts of Vitamin B6. The need for B6 increases when the amount of protein increases in the diet. Liquids are better absorbed than pills.

Increased doses of Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6 have been shown to reduce elevated Homocysteine levels by up to 72%.

Prescription formulations of these vitamins with levels as high as 2.5mg of Folic acid, 1mg of B12, and 25mg of B6 have been shown to normalize plasma Homocysteine levels in patients at risk for coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and stoke.

It is reasonable to assume that judicious dietary supplementation with these vitamins may aid in preventing these illnesses.

Dr. Messina became a Board Certified Family Practitioner in 1985. He had a solo practice until 1994. At that time he helped form a group Family Practice in which he was Vice President. He left group practice in 1997 and became Medical Director of a Wellness Center. He was responsible for coordinating the efforts of nutritionists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, and Chinese medicine practitioners into patient care plans.

He became Medical Director of an independent clinical research facility in 2000. He has been the Principal Investigator in over 50 clinical trials involving osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, dry eye, migraine, and diabetes prevention.

He has served as consultant to a nutritional company, and has formulated nutritional supplements.

Visit Dr. Messina’s website at =>http://Physicianformulated.com/

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Current statistics state that as many as 65 million Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension). The current main stay for treating hypertension is the use of medications. The most common types of medications used include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers. Though these medications can be helpful in the reduction of blood pressure, their long term use can cause a disruption of the vitamin and mineral balance in the body. Research is now showing that a disruption of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to elevations in blood pressure or an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Below is a list of vitamins and minerals which have been shown to be depleted by blood pressure lowering medications and their potential effects of deficiency:

Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium:
Recent research reveals that low levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium can lead to elevations in blood pressure. In addition, magnesium deficiency is a contributing factor to elevations in cholesterol.

Zinc:

Zinc deficiencies have been shown to lower an individual’s antioxidant status. Low antioxidant levels have been associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Coenzyme Q10:

Low levels of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to both high blood pressure as well as congestive heart failure. In addition, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant.

Folate & Vitamin B6:

These essential B-vitamins reduce the risk of heart disease by converting the toxic chemical homocysteine into harmless byproducts. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood are as great a risk factor for heart disease as having high cholesterol.

Vitamin B1:

A deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause congestive heart failure as well as muscle soreness, and exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance could potentially inhibit a person’s ability to exercise. This in turn could lead to sedentary activity. Lack of adequate exercise is also a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is vital to healthy collagen production (blood vessel linings). Vitamin C deficiency has been related to elevated cholesterol levels and is necessary to maintain adrenal function through the production of hormones such as corticosteroid and aldosterone.

In summary, there are a number of published scientific studies that illustrate the effects of blood pressure lowering medications on nutritional status in humans. Based on these studies and the functions of the effected nutrients in the body we can logically conclude that taking blood pressure medications over long periods of time may actually increase the risk for heart disease, or at the very least, reduce the benefit from the medication. Because supplementation with these nutrients is safe and cost effective, it would seem prudent for physicians to monitor these nutrient levels with appropriate lab tests and to administer appropriate doses of these vitamins and minerals when deficiencies are identified.

If you are taking a blood pressure lowering medication and would like to learn more about how it may affect your nutritional health Visit: www.essential-nutrients.net/high-blood-pressure.htm

Dr. Peter Osborne, D.C., D.A.C.B.N. is the clinical director of Town Center Wellness in Sugar Land, TX. His practice focuses on integrative holistic care to include chiropractic, decompression, lifestyle coaching, as well as treating complex medical problems by identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies through the use of specialized laboratory testing. He is a professor of nutrition for Houston Community College’s nursing programs. He has designed several formulations for different supplement companies including The “Ath-Elite” Protocol, a product customized for professional athletes. He is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition, the American Association for Health Freedom, a Diplomate with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, and a co-founder of Nutra/MD, a supplement company with products designed to diminish the side effects of commonly prescribed medications. He has recently been elected to the Examining Committee for the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. He can be reached at 281-240-2229 or on the web at http://www.essental-nutrients.net

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

If you want a cure for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer, or diabetes, don’t count on the academia, the National Institute of Health (NIH), or the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. With all the money they have spent on researching these diseases, they have very little to show for it.

In 1971, during the State of the Union address, President Nixon declared the war on cancer proposing “an intensive campaign to find a cure for cancer.” Since 1971, Americans spent, through taxes, donations, and private R&D, about $200 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars. This money produced 1.56 million papers on cancer. Yet, today we are no closer to a cure than we were in 1971. Why?

Consider what Dr. Almog said in his paper: Drug Industry in “depression” (Almog, D. Drug industry in “depression”. Med Sci Monit. 2005 Jan;11(1):SR1-4, I would urge you to read his paper, it’s an eye opener on relationship between academic research and commercial drug discovery): “When the basic science/biology of disease is not available, no new drugs come to market.” With the billion of dollars spent by the NIH on basic science, and the millions of papers published on the topic, the question is, “Why isn’t the basic science/biology of disease available? Individual discoveries in the biology of human disease are cornerstone in new treatments. However, in drug discovery, these basic science/biology discoveries are seemingly unrelated dots. To connect the dots you need a theory. The Blind Men and the Elephant is a famous story about six blind men encountering an elephant for the first time. Each man, seizing on the single feature of the animal, which he appeared to have touched first, and being incapable of seeing it whole, loudly maintained his limited opinion on the nature of the beast. The elephant was considered a wall, a spear, a snake, a tree, a fan or a rope, depending on whether the blind men had first grasped the creature’s side, tusk, trunk, knee, ear or tail. The story epitomizes the problem of the reductionist approach in biology. A recent book Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease, by Hanan Polansky [11], presents an alternative. The book identifies the disruption that causes atherosclerosis, cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, alopecia, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, graft versus host disease, and other chronic diseases, and describes the sequence of events that leads from the disruption to the molecular, cellular, and clinical effects.“

What are the implications of the NIH failure? A decline in the number of new drugs introduced by pharmaceutical companies. Consider what professor Taylor says in his paper: Fewer new drugs from the pharmaceutical industry (Taylor D. Fewer new drugs from the pharmaceutical industry. BMJ. 2003 Feb 22;326(7386):408-9): “In 2002 spending on medicines exceeded $400bn (£248bn; 377bn) worldwide. Optimists in the pharmaceutical industry believe that the global market for their products will go on expanding by around 10% a year, with the United States continuing to lead towards higher per capita outlays. Expenditure on research by the pharmaceutical industry is also increasing worldwide. It is now over $45bn a year—twice the sum recorded at the start of the 1990s—and projected to rise to $55bn by 2005-6. Concerns are growing, however, about the productivity of research being funded by the major pharmaceutical companies. … Empirical evidence indicates a crisis in productivity in pharmaceutical research. The number of medicines introduced worldwide that contain new active ingredients dropped from an average of over 60 a year in the late 1980s to 52 in 1991 and only 31 in 2001. The overall number of new active substances undergoing regulatory review is still falling.”

On the one hand, the expenditure on research is increasing. On the other, the number of new drugs is decreasing. The professionals call this situation the productivity crisis in drug discovery.

The NIH failed to produce the so much needed biology of chronic disease because it is caught in the reductionist mentality. Dr. Hanan Polansky offers an alternative. If we want a cure for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer, or diabetes, we need to seriously consider his alternative.

John S. Boyd, Ph.D.
The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease, and causeofcancer.org, Rochester, NY

We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that specializes in researching the biology of chronic disease. By “the biology of chronic disease” we mean the original disruption that causes the disease, and the sequence of events that lead from the original disruption to the development of clinical symptoms. We specialize in researching this biology. We hope that once the biology is clear, pharmaceutical and biotech companies will be able to formulate drugs that reverse the effects of the disruption, and therefore cure the disease, or even block the original disruption, and therefore prevent the disease from developing in healthy individuals.

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention

Did you know that if you have diabetes you have a greater chance of dying from heart disease or stroke and it doesn’t make any difference if you are a woman or a man? One reason is high blood levels of sugar make the walls of your blood vessels thicker and cause them to lose their elasticity, which in turn makes it harder for blood to pass through.

Type 1 diabetes is know as juvenile-onset diabetes and usually affects children and young adults and is genetically-linked. The following are some conditions that are typically found in people with type 2 diabetes, which is know as adult-onset diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Depression: Depression doubles the risk of a person getting diabetes and after being diagnosed with diabetes a person will go through major lifestyle changes which will cause them to be more depressed. Diet changes and taking medicines are among the things that cause them to be more depressed.

Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and strongly associated with insulin resistance. Loosing weight has been shown to improve heart-health along with diabetes.

Inactivity: Lack of exercise is another major risk factor. Along with loosing weight, exercise has helped to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hypertension: High blood pressure has long been recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. If you have both high blood and diabetes your risk for heart disease doubles.

A symptom of diabetes is the skin of a diabetic person becomes very dry and flaky due to excessive loss of water, leading to dehydration which could result in a coma. Also it takes a long time for sores or cuts to heal. Diabetes is usually accompanied by sudden weight loss. There are many things that could be or may not be a symptom of diabetes. If you think you might have diabetes, go to your doctor right away to find out and it never hurts to have your heart checked out at the same time.

About the author – Rita Tate is the webmaster and editor for the website My Pal’s Place, http://www.mypalsplace.com/ [Re-print is permitted if a clickable link to http://www.mypalsplace.com/ is included with the article]

Tags: Heart+Disease, Disease, Medical, Illness, Coronary+Heart+Disease, Heart+Disease+Prevention