WHAT YOUR DOCTOR IS
NOT TELLING YOU
ABOUT YOUR
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
About the Factors Causing Heart Diseases and How to Avoid Them ......................................................... 13
High Blood Pressure ................................................................................................................................ 13
How to Combat High Blood Pressure ...................................................................................................... 16
Excessive Insulin ...................................................................................................................................... 23
How to Combat Excessive Insulin ............................................................................................................ 26
Emotional Stress ...................................................................................................................................... 30
How to Combat Emotional Stress ............................................................................................................ 32
Oxidative Stress ....................................................................................................................................... 45
How to Combat Oxidative Stress ............................................................................................................. 47
LDL Cholesterol ....................................................................................................................................... 69
How to combat LDL cholesterol .............................................................................................................. 72
Micro-organisms (viruses): Periodontal disease ...................................................................................... 76
How to Combat Gum Disease Infection .................................................................................................. 77
Menopause Hormones ............................................................................................................................ 79
How to combat menopause hormones and protect your heart.............................................................. 80
Trans fatty acids ...................................................................................................................................... 83
How to Combat Trans Fatty Acids ........................................................................................................... 86
Genetics .................................................................................................................................................. 89
How to detect and combat your genetic predisposition to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.. 92
Alternative healing practices: Grounding Techniques ................................................................................ 95
Final words ................................................................................................................................................ 102
2
Introduction
Heart Disease is one of the world’s largest health problems
today. It not only affects the wealthier nations, but it is also
affecting the poorer ones. Heart Disease covers a wide range of
health ailments relating specifically to the heart.
The term Cardiovascular Disease includes a large number of
diseases, which directly affect the heart and the blood vessel
system. It especially affects the veins and arteries that lead to
and from the heart. There are different types of heart diseases,
including:
 Rheumatic heart disease
Rheumatic fever is a condition that is a complication of
untreated strep throat. Strep throat is caused by a group A
streptococcal infection found in the throat.
3
Rheumatic fever can damage body tissues by causing them to
swell, but its greatest danger lies in the damage it can do to
your heart. More than half of the time, rheumatic fever leads
to scarring of the heart’s valves. This scarring can narrow the
valve and make it harder for the valve to open properly or to
close completely. In turn, your heart has to work harder to
pump blood to the rest of your body. This valve damage can
lead to a condition called rheumatic heart disease, which, in
time, can lead to congestive heart failure.
Rheumatic fever is not an infection itself, rather the result of
an untreated strep infection. When the body senses the strep
infection, it sends antibodies to fight it. Sometimes, these
antibodies attack the tissues of joints or the heart instead. If
the antibodies attack the heart they can cause the heart valves
to swell, which can lead to scarring of the valve “doors.” (The
doors are called leaflets.) The scarred leaflets make it harder
for the valve to either open or close properly, or both.
4
The symptoms of rheumatic fever usually begin 1 to 6 weeks
after a strep infection. The symptoms are fever, joint pain or
swelling in your wrists, elbows, knees, or ankles. Small bumps
under the skin over elbows or knees (called nodules). Maybe
a small raised red rash on the chest, back, or stomach,
experience stomach pain or feeling less hungry.
 Hypertensive heart diseases
As suggested by the name, the hypertensive heart diseases
are caused by hypertension (or high blood pressure), which, in
turn, may have been caused by various infections or other
diseases. It is important to prevent the hypertensive heart
disease, as it may and will damage the heart and the relating
blood vessels.
Common hypertensive heart diseases include:
- aneurysm (protuberance affecting most often the aorta
and preventing the blood flow properly to and from
heart);
5
- atherosclerosis, characterized by deposits of fats, also
known as plaques, thickening the arteries, and thus
preventing blood from circulating properly and leading to
strokes; Sometimes, the clot is called coronary
thrombosis or coronary occlusion, since is often caused
by rupturing or tearing of plaque in an artery. As a result,
the damaged muscle cells die, leading to disability or
death depending on the extent of the damage to the
muscle.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), affecting more than
12 million people in the United States alone, with severe
consequences (amputation of the extremities, rupture of
an aortic aneurysm, severe hypertension, kidney failure,
but also heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death),
in which the arteries supply blood to the arteries outside
the heart;
6
 Ischemic heart disease
Ischemia is a condition in which the blood flow (and thus
oxygen) is restricted to a part of the body. Cardiac ischemia is
the name for lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart
muscle.
What is ischemic heart disease? It is the term given to heart
problems caused by narrowed heart arteries. When arteries
are narrowed, less blood and oxygen reach the heart muscle.
This is also called coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary
heart disease. This can ultimately lead to heart attack.
Ischemia often causes chest pain or discomfort known as
angina pectoris and atherosclerosis.
What is silent ischemia?
People who experience ischemia without pain have a heart
condition known as silent ischemia. They may have a heart
attack with no prior warning. People with angina also may
7
have undiagnosed episodes of silent ischemia. An exercise test
or 24-hour portable monitors of the electrocardiogram
(Holter monitor) are two tests often used to diagnose this
problem. Other tests also may be use
Cardiac ischemia refers to lack of blood flow and oxygen to the
heart muscle. Cardiac ischemia happens when an artery
becomes narrowed or blocked for a short time, preventing
oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart. If ischemia is
severe or lasts too long, it can cause a heart attack (myocardial
infarction) and can lead to heart tissue death. In most cases, a
temporary blood shortage to the heart causes the pain of
angina pectoris.
Silent ischemia may also disturb the heart's rhythm. Abnormal
rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular
fibrillation may interfere with the heart's pumping ability and
can even cause fainting or sudden cardiac death.
8
Silent ischemia has no symptoms. Researchers have found
that if you have episodes of noticeable chest pain, you may
also have episodes of silent ischemia.
 Cerebrovascular disease
It can be caused by obesity, smoking, diabetes and sustained
hypertension, which narrow the blood vessels leading to and
from the heart to the brain. Thus, these thinned blood vessels
are prone to ruptures and cause intracranial hemorrhage in
the process. Usually, blood vessels tear and cause hemorrhage
when the patient experiences sudden rising levels of his blood
pressure.
Cardiovascular diseases lead to atherosclerosis and strokes
(impeding our sight, speech and even cause paralysis).
 Inflammatory heart disease
Examples include:
- atherosclerosis,
9
- cardiomyopathy: i.e., heart muscle diseases, caused as a
result of the heart muscle being dilated or thickened;
- pericardial disease: diseases affecting the pericardium,
which represents the sac enclosing the heart. The
pericardium can inflame, accumulate liquid or become
stiff.
- valvular heart disease, caused by the valves not closing
properly, thinning or leaking. Any of these conditions can
be congenital or acquired during our lifetime, due to
radiation exposure, rheumatic fever, or any other
infections.
 Heart failure
Conducted research has suggested that women who suffer with
cardiovascular disease usually suffer from forms that affect the
blood vessels. While men usually suffer from forms that affect
the heart muscle itself. Other known or associated causes of
10
cardiovascular disease include diabetes mellitus, hypertension
and hypercholesterolemia.
Heart diseases affect over five million people in the United
States alone, and out of those five million, two and a half million
people die within a few years after being diagnosed with heart
disease. This leads to the conclusion that patients find out too
late about their condition, and that is when the disease is at an
advanced stage. Therefore, knowing exactly what can damage
your heart and how you can prevent any heart condition is vital.
11
Today heart disease does not have to be a death sentence. There
are healthy lifestyle choices that can be made and science has
come a long way in the early detection of heart disease.
People have always blamed and attributed high cholesterol
levels to various heart diseases, but this is plain wrong. In the
next chapter you will see that cholesterol is not the main lead,
but in fact, it represents only one factor that damages the
cardiovascular health.
12
About the Factors Causing Heart Diseases and
How to Avoid Them
High Blood Pressure
As previously discussed, a higher, sustained level of blood
pressure can cause hypertensive heart diseases, such as
aneurisms, atherosclerosis or PAD, among others.
High blood pressure is a serious disease because it forces the
heart to work much harder than it is used to, to pump harder. If
the heart has to work harder for extended periods, it will become
13
larger. If the heart is slightly enlarged, it can and should still work
alright, but if it becomes greatly enlarged it will not work alright.
High blood pressure can also cause damage to the arteries,
which can lead to arterial disease. The higher the blood pressure,
the bigger the risk of acquiring either a heart disease or a stroke.
This means somebody with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is
at much greater risk than someone with a blood pressure of
120/70 mmHg. For this reason, it is important for all to lead a
healthy lifestyle to make sure their blood pressure levels are
contained within the normal values and do not jeopardize their
health.
A new study is shedding light on ways to help older Americans
keep healthier longer. According to the study, thousands of
heart attacks, strokes and deaths could be prevented if patients
maintain their elevated blood pressure levels under control.
14
The study, “Reducing the Human Impact of High Blood
Pressure,” looked at the number of strokes, heart attacks, deaths
and nursing facility placements that could be avoided every year
if all seniors were to actively treat their high blood pressure. For
instance, it was discovered that proper treatment of high blood
pressure could prevent almost 7,000 deaths in Los Angeles
alone.
“Currently,
two-thirds
of
Medicare
beneficiaries
have
hypertension, which puts millions of seniors at risk annually,”
according to Dr. Paul Antony, chief medical officer for
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. “Yet,
for most people, high blood pressure can be controlled.”
High blood pressure has no symptoms. If you’re at risk, you
should be tested regularly by your doctor. Self-tests at
pharmacies and convenience stores are useful, but may not be
totally reliable. Get tested if you’re over 60, if you smoke, if you
15
eat a lot of salt, if you lead a high-stress lifestyle or if you suffer
from diabetes.
Nationwide, the study found that about a quarter of senior
citizens with hypertension can easily manage their condition
with proper treatment. Active treatment includes proper diet,
exercise, lifestyle changes and taking prescription medications in
consultation with a doctor.
The study also demonstrates that diseases often associated with
age are not simply inevitable consequences of getting older.
With the help of a physician, these diseases can actually be
sometimes treated, controlled and prevented.
How to Combat High Blood Pressure
 A healthy lifestyle can help people with various disorders
and diseases better control them, gaining a better quality
of life. High blood pressure is one of the diseases that can
be better controlled with a healthy lifestyle. In some
16
people, a healthy lifestyle can prevent high blood pressure
from developing blood pressure.
 Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat
dairy products, and lean protein.
 High blood pressure and a high weight are closely related.
Being overweight significantly raises a person’s risk of
developing high blood pressure. An overweight person
raises their risk by as much as six times. But, as a person
17
starts to take the extra pounds off, their blood pressure
typically goes down too.
 Exercise is another important factor in preventing and
controlling high blood pressure. Exercising makes the heart
stronger and enables it to pump blood throughout the body
with less effort. The easier it is for the heart to pump blood,
the easier it is on the arteries.
18
 Regular physical activity helps a person reach and maintain
a healthy weight. The latest federal guidelines suggest a
person engage in moderate physical activity 30-60 minutes
a day, 5-7 days a week. Walking is a good physical activity,
especially for people just starting an exercise routine.
Swimming, biking, and jogging are also great forms of
exercise. In addition, federal guidelines suggest a person
engage in vigorous physical activities, such as strength
training, three times a week for at least 20 minutes each
time. Many of us have heard over and over to “lose weight
and get more exercise” because it will help a person to
maintain better health. Maintaining a healthy weight and
exercising regularly can do a lot to help prevent and control
high.
 Smoking is hard on the heart and nicotine cases the blood
vessels to constrict, narrowing the blood vessels and
making the heart work harder to pump blood through the
body. Smoking also interferes with some blood pressure
medications, making them much less effective. Quitting
19
smoking reduces the risk for high blood pressure, will help
to control existing high blood pressure, and will also reduce
a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and
having a stroke. Quitting smoking is very difficult, possibly
the hardest thing a person will ever do, but doing so goes a
long way towards improving a person’s health.
 Avoiding excessive sodium is suggested to help control and
prevent high blood pressure, although there has been
controversy in recent years about whether or not reducing
sodium intake will have much of an effect on blood
20
pressure. It may not have a big impact, but even a small
reduction in sodium can have a positive effect on a person’s
health.
 Take any prescribed high blood pressure medications as
directed – don’t skip doses or quit taking it entirely. If, after
being on medication for a period of time blood pressure
returns to normal levels, it does not mean that person’s
blood pressure has become normal. It means the
medication is doing its job and is controlling the blood
pressure. Blood pressure medication needs to be taking
indefinitely, often for life.
21
 Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Not only can it cause
high blood pressure, it’s also bad for the liver and kidneys.
 Although studies have not proven whether or not caffeine
affects high blood pressure, some studies have shown that
people who regularly consume caffeine each day have
higher blood pressure than people who don’t. On the other
hand, some studies have shown that people eventually
22
develop a tolerance to caffeine and that it then no longer
affects their blood pressure. As a precautionary measure,
physicians will usually advice patients with high blood
pressure to limit their caffeine intake.
Excessive Insulin
Excessive insulin indirectly affects the heart. How so? Well, if
your body were to produce insulin in excess, then you would
become unable to lose weight, your triglycerides (fats carried in
the blood), as well as your levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) would
increase and your levels of good cholesterol (HDL) would
decrease, which would lead cause coronary damage.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that is necessary for
the transport of sugar from the blood stream into the cells for
use as energy. Type 2 diabetes results when our bodies become
insensitive to insulin and cause our blood sugar go out of
balance. For this reason, we want to do everything we can to
23
remain insulin sensitive. When we are insulin sensitive, our
bodies do a much better job of moving glucose from the blood
and into cells.
One of the food groups which the body needs to survive are
carbohydrates. Carbohydrates also referred to as carbs come in
two types – sugars and starches. Sugars are simple carbs usually
sweet tasting like biscuits and sweets and easily digested.
Whereas, starches are complex carbs found in bread, pasta,
noodles and rice and take longer to digest.
24
The body transforms all these digestible carbs into glucose, the
sugar that our cells use as fuel or energy. When glucose
molecules pass from the intestine into the bloodstream, the
pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that mobilises cells to
absorb it. Muscle, fat and other cells then absorb the excess
glucose from the blood and insulin levels return to normal.
After a meal high in glycemic index (ranking of foods according
to how fast their sugars are released into the bloodstream),
blood-sugar levels rise higher and rapidly. The insulin needed to
fill all that sugar into muscles and fat cells also weaken the
activity of glucagon, a hormone that signals the body to burn
stored fuel when blood-sugar levels fall below a certain point.
Glucose level drops so low leaving the body starved for energy.
The brain and intestine then send out hunger signals. New
cravings are created requiring more carb intake. We, then
overeat that leads to more fat, rise in blood insulin level, more
hunger, and more weight gain and the cycle goes on. On the
25
contrary, adhering to a low carb diet puts an end to this cycle.
Reduced carbohydrates would mean decreased insulin level,
increased glucagon level, weight loss, improved triglycerides
decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol), increase in HDL (good
cholesterol).
How to Combat Excessive Insulin
 Various herbs, foods, vitamins, and minerals have been
shown to promote insulin sensitivity and help maintain
proper blood sugar levels. Vanadyl sulfate increases the
body’s insulin sensitivity. Gymnema sylvestre is a wellknown herb helpful in blood sugar control by controlling
sugar cravings and nourishing the pancreas.
 Exercise also increases insulin sensitivity. People involved in
athletics are known to require less insulin. Besides
improving insulin sensitivity, exercise helps us to control
our weight and reduce body fat. Weight control is a very
important aspect in maintaining insulin sensitivity.
26
 Another important factor in maintaining proper blood sugar
levels and insulin sensitivity is a healthful diet. Complex
carbohydrates found in most vegetables, apples, grains,
and nuts are slow to digest. Slowing the process of digestion
promotes healthy blood sugar levels and avoids the highs
and lows associated with the intake of refined sugars. We
should also avoid saturated fats. The healthy fats contained
27
in fish, olive oil, and flaxseed help us to maintain insulin
sensitivity. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of
diabetes and results from insulin resistance. The above
methods have been shown to be extremely helpful in
maintaining insulin sensitivity, promoting lower blood sugar
levels, and avoiding the complications associated with
diabetes.
28
Cardiovascular Disease- They are many types of cardiovascular diseases that can be linked to a
lack of Magnesium in the body. These include atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and vasospasm.
Magnesium can be found in different types of nuts such as almonds and peanuts.
Manganese – Manganese is vital in the production of natural insulin and therefore important in the
treatment of diabetes. It is found in citrus fruits, in the outer covering of nuts, grains and in the green
leaves of edible plants.
The loss of magnesium in diabetic ketosis has been known for many years. About 37 percent of
infants born to diabetic mothers have been found to be lacking in this mineral. It has also been found
that children aged five to 18 years with well-controlled type-1 diabetes have lows serum magnesium
values.
Magnesium – Magnesium also decreases the need for vitamin B6 and if it is increased in the diet,
the amount of xanthurenic acid in the blood is reduced, even without vitamin B6 supplement.
Moreover, magnesium is also necessary to active enzymes containing vitamin B6. Blood magnesium
being particularly low in diabetic, it may be reasonably inferred that diabetes can result from a
combined deficiency of vitamin B6 and magnesium. It may therefore, be advisable for any person
with diabetes or a family history of the disease to take the at least 500 mg of magnesium and 10 mg
of B6 daily.
Magnesium is widely distributed in foods. It forms part of the chlorophyll in green leaves. Other good
sources of this mineral are nuts, Soya bean, alfalfa, apple, fig, lemon, peach, almond, whole grains,
brown rice, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
Chromium – According to Dr. Richard A. Anderson, at the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Human
Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, whatever the blood sugar problem, chromium
tends to normalize it. Dr. Anderson believes that increased prevalence of type-2 diabetes is partly
due to a deficiency of chromium in the diet.
Chromium has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Columbia
University scientists, in a study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition established
29
chromium’s benefits for type-2 diabetes. They confirmed that chromium enhances insulin production
in the body. Some other researchers have also confirmed that chromium helps stabilize blood sugar
and increases energy.
Studies have also revealed that chromium supplements control total cholesterol and triglyceride
levels and raise the good or HDL cholesterol. In some patients with impaired glucose tolerance,
especially children with protein malnutrition, glucose tolerance showed improvement after they were
given chromium supplements.
The recommended daily allowance of chromium is 50 to 100 micrograms. Some foods rich in
chromium, besides broccoli, are whole grain cereals, nuts, mushrooms, rhubarb, Bengal gram,
kidney beans, Soya beans, black gram, betel leaves, bottle gourd, corn oil, brewer’s yeast,
pomegranate and pineapple.
Emotional Stress
Nothing beats the pain of having your heart broken by someone
you are truly, madly, deeply in love with. It is true that ending a
relationship is probably the most hurtful scenario in a romantic
relationship. Nobody wants their hearts to be broken, and no
one can really tell what it feels like unless they are or have been
in that situation already.
30
Yes, going through a bad relationship is tough, and lucky and
brave are those who survive it. Unlucky, however, are those who
suffer from heart attacks because of a broken heart.
According to a recent study in Europe, it has been observed
among thousands of British civilians that it is possible for an
individual to have a series of heart attacks due to a painful and
traumatic breakup experience. Experts who conducted the study
claimed that stress and anxiety brought by a painful and
traumatic end of a relationship can significantly increase a
person’s risk in having or developing heart diseases.
31
Results of the study showed that an individual’s heart condition
is not just determined by means of physical condition. It can also
be influenced by the emotional stability or condition of a person.
Therefore, an individual who has a happy and fulfilling
relationship is less likely to develop coronary heart disease
compared to the ones who are unlucky in love.
As a main reason for heart disease and heart attacks, stress has
a strong connection with all of the expressions of heart pain, high
blood pressure, palpitations (heart beats fast) or irregular heart
beat, pain in the chest, pressure on the chest, inability to breath,
sweaty palms, cold or hot waves.
To spare your already bruised heart from added pain and
trauma, the following are some ways on how to avoid developing
heart diseases due to emotional heart issues.
How to Combat Emotional Stress
1. Talk to someone about your feelings.
32
When a relationship ends, the women are usually the most
emotional ones. They tend to relay the whole breakup episode to
their girlfriends or relatives. The men, however, are less vocal
about their emotions. With this, doctors often recommend male
patients to find someone whom they can share their feelings
with. Support from people who can understand what you’re
going through can surely ease your emotions and heart pains.
33
2. Slowly acknowledge the fact that the relationship is over.
It is normal to feel hurt and betrayed once a relationship ends.
However, the world will not stop and grieve at your lose. Move
on. Accept the fact that the relationship is over and get on living
your life. Although the process of moving on is hard, acceptance
helps in keeping the mind and emotions calm after a hard and
painful experience.
3. Go see a doctor when the pain progresses from emotional to
physical instability.
Based on the recent study mentioned above, a person who is
extremely heartbroken can die because of heart attack. So, if you
feel that the emotional pain and stress are too much for you to
bear any longer that it comes to the point when your health also
suffers, go see your doctor to confirm your condition.
34
Although having an emotional breakdown is not just the only
factor for developing heart diseases, it is better to let your doctor
know and check your condition once heartaches turn to “literal
heart pains”.
4. Make the most of the massage therapy
Massage therapy is a manipulation of muscles, ligaments,
tendons, skin, fascia, and joints in the body. It is a practice that
has been around since the beginning of peopledom. In fact,
ancient techniques are still employed in today’s modern world.
35
The benefits of massage are extensive. Not only can it help
alleviate pain and aid in physical maladies and day-to-day
functioning, but it impacts mental and emotional wellbeing.
Relaxation, awareness, anxiety, and depression can all be aided
and eased with massage therapy.
Massage boosts the immune system, relaxes and reduces anxiety,
alleviates pain, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates
lesser used muscles, increases endorphins, aids physical
rehabilitation, and improves circulation (blood and lymph).
There are many different techniques and therapies in the field of
massage. Some of these may be familiar to you already, even if
you do not know specifically what they entail:
36
 Swedish: Probably the most well-known technique, and for
good reason; it’s quite popular.
 Acupressure is like acupuncture without the needles.
Specific points are targeted and pressure applied to create a
therapeutic effect.
37
 Aroma Therapy is often used in tandem with other
techniques. It consists of using fragrant oils for healing
benefits. These oils can be applied to the skin or simply
allowed to perfume the air thus allowing those nearby to
receive benefits nasally.
 Canadian Deep Tissue Massage: A technique that focuses on
a muscle group working with the fibers of the muscle tissue
to rejuvenate each level of muscle including deep tissue.
 Deep Tissue Massage works to invigorate and stimulate the
muscle issue on a deep level. It involves more intense
38
manipulation and can provide tremendous benefits on many
levels. Not only does it help release toxins from the body, it
helps
 Hot Stone Massage: Warm stones are used on the body with
gentle pressure to provide a soothing, therapeutic
sensation.
Other techniques include Chi Nei Tsang, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai
Massage,
Amma
Therapy,
Alexander
Technique,
Aston
Patterning, Bioenergetics, Bowen Technique, and Craniosacral
Therapy.
39
Massage therapists are required to pass standardized tests in
order to receive a license and become a registered massage
therapist. Training is often completed at a trade, vocational, or
career college and is usually completed in 2 years or less
depending on the school and the program.
Massage therapy is considered a health field and massage
therapy is often covered under many health plans because of its
proven healing and beneficial results.
Massage is private and safe. Depending on the type of massage
you receive, partial body, full body, 30 minute or longer, you may
have to undress completely or not at all. The room should be
warm and comfortable and there may be light music playing. If
the environment makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to inform
your therapist; a massage should be a relaxing and pleasant
experience. This is true if you feel pain during any part of your
massage experience. Some techniques are more intensive and
40
may be a bit uncomfortable at times, but if you feel anything that
makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to speak up.
Whether you are considering a career in massage therapy or if
you are just interested in finding out more information about
what it is and how it can benefit you cannot deny the value of a
good massage.
5. Practice Yoga. This is another useful method through which you
can unwind and let all your problems go away.
41
Yoga, and the benefit of yoga, is generically defined as a Hindu
discipline that helps unite the body and mind. Aimed at achieving
a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility, it is practiced in
the West most commonly as physical exercise practiced as part
of the discipline.
The benefit of yoga practice is nothing new. It has been
recognized for many years as the perfect discipline to help one
achieve tranquility, better health, and longer life.
Many people view the benefit of yoga as some weird discipline
that involves yogi’s contorted in unnatural positions, doing
strange acts of the body, and living on a mountaintop somewhere
in India. I personally remember a television documentary many
years ago featuring a yogi that had his tongue split, using it to
clean his sinus cavities! Anyone interested in yoga has probably
also seen images of yogi’s supporting great weight with their
genitals.
42
In this modern age, much has been learned about the benefit of
yoga. Yoga practitioners achieve greater mobility, longer life, and
internal happiness through their practice of the art. Yoga as we
know it today is aimed at uniting the mind, body,and spirit. The
mysticism of the Hindu discipline is no longer a myth, and is
reachable by all willing to learn.
Yoga practice is roughly grouped into three categories – the Yoga
Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) and Meditation.
These categories embrace physiological, psychological, and
biochemical effects. In addition, clinicians have compared these
results against the Western practices of jogging, aerobic exercise,
and weight training, and find results comparable.
The most popular style of Yoga in the West today is Hatha Yoga.
It is designed to focuses on the physical well-being of a person
and believers in the practice consider the body as the vehicle of
the spirit.
43
Ananda Yoga, a classical style of Hatha Yoga, uses Asana and
Pranayama to awaken, experience, and take control of the subtle
energies within the body, and focuses on the energies of the
seven Chakras.
Anusara (a-nu-SAR-a)yoga is defined as “stepping into the current
of Divine Will”, “following your heart”, and “moving with the
current of divine will.” This new style, which was developed by
John Friend, is defined as “yoga positions that flow from the
heart.” It is heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, and is based on a
deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment. It is based on
the principles of Hatha Yoga and biochemical practices. Students
of this discipline base their practice on attitude, action, and
alignment.
Ashtanga yoga could possibly be the perfect Yoga for those
looking for a serious workout. Ashtanga was developed by K.
Pattabhi Jois, and is very physically demanding. A series of flows,
44
moving quickly from one posture to another, is utilized to build
strength, flexibility and stamina. This style is not good for the
beginning practitioner, as it requires 6 series of difficulty. The
physical demands of Ashtanga are not for the casual practitioner
beginning the journey of yoga fitness.
Bikram Yoga, named for its founder Bikram Choudhury, is
practiced in a room with a temperature of up to 100 degrees.
Twenty six Asanas are performed in a typical session, and focus is
on warming and stretching muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Each pose is accompanied by Kapalabhati Breath, the “breath of
fire.” Practice of this style promotes cleansing of the body, the
release of toxins, and ultimate flexibility.
Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are known as “reactive oxygen species”, or ROS.
They are produced when your body uses oxygen for energy. Just
as fire emits smoke as a by-product, ROS are emitted from the
conversion of oxygen to energy in the human body, eventually
45
causing oxidative damage to body systems. Free radicals are also
created when the body is exposed to pollution, cigarette smoke,
car exhaust and other harmful environmental toxins.
The unstable molecules in your body, or the free radicals cause
oxidative stress, which is associated with more than 100
diseases, according to published studies. Each of the millions of
cells in your body is assaulted by free radicals more than 10,000
times each day, causing cell damage and cellular aging.
46
New research is helping ordinary Americans take control of their
health. It’s easier than you think to live healthy as you age.
Changing your diet alone is not enough. Free radicals are a
natural product of your body’s normal metabolism of food to
create energy. Additionally, while conventional antioxidants
such as vitamins C and E are important for many nutritional
reasons, studies show they do not eliminate age-related stress
when consumed in the generally recommended quantities.
Oxidative stress is made worse by exposure to such things as
tobacco smoke, alcohol, insecticides, chlorine and even
excessive sunlight. Elevated oxidative stress is associated with
heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and cancer, among others,
according to published research. The human body produces its
own antioxidant enzymes to fight free radicals and support
cellular health.
How to Combat Oxidative Stress
47
It has become clear that free-radicals cannot be avoided; they are
in air and water pollution, junk foods we eat, and in medications
we take; in medications these free-radicals are called side effects.
Side effects can lead to disaster inside your body and in some
cases death. The only thing that stops free-radicals are
antioxidants; they are molecules that have a spare electron. The
only place to find antioxidants is in natural sources.
There is evidence that pomegranate juice offers protection
against oxidative cardiovascular diseases. While pomegranates
(punica granatum) have been around for thousands of years, not
much research had been done until recently. Most of the
research was first conducted in Israel and has been ongoing. One
of the first studies to gain attention showed that pomegranate
juice had potent antiatherogenic (biologically active substance
that prevents atherogenesis, the accumulation of lipid containing
plaques on the innermost layers of the arteries) effects in healthy
humans and in atherosclerotic mice that may be attributable to
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its anti-oxidative properties. A few months later, the results of a
study conducted at the University of California showed an
antioxidant activity three times higher than those of red wine and
green tea..
Then, another study in Israel showed that pomegranate juice
reduced the development of atherosclerosis in mice that already
had advanced atherosclerosis. The next month, results of another
study showed a 36% decrease in serum ACE activity and a 5%
reduction in systolic blood pressure in patients who drank
pomegranate juice. The study concluded that pomegranate juice
can offer a wide protection against cardiovascular diseases which
could be related to its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and on
serum ACE activity.
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In the past 5 years, 150+ more studies and publications involving
the pomegranate have been indexed at U.S. National Library of
Medicine’s PubMed database, with findings that suggest many
healthy benefits of this fruit. Probably the most significant is in
the reduction of cardiovascular disease.
Another exciting study in March, 2005 tested the effects of
pomegranate juice on samples of cultured human coronary
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artery cells exposed to extreme stress in vitro (as they would be
in someone with high blood pressure), and also on
hypercholesterolemic
mice.
The
study
showed
that
administration of pomegranate juice significantly reduced the
progression of atherosclerosis, and that the proatherogenic
effects induced by perturbed shear stress can be reversed by
chronic administration of pomegranate juice. Implications of this
is that chronic administration of pomegranate juice may be
effective in both prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
The results of another 3-year study suggest that pomegranate
juice decreases carotid intima-media thickness and systolic blood
pressure in patients with carotid artery stenosis.
In the most recent article about pomegranates, posted at
PubMed on January 17, 2007, the authors stated, “The last 7
years have seen over seven times as many publications indexed
by Medline dealing with pomegranate and Punica granatum than
in all the years preceding them.” They noted that the seed, juice,
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peel, leaf, flower, bark and roots each have pharmacologic
activity. They concluded that “the phytochemistry and
pharmacological actions of all Punica granatum components
suggest a wide range of clinical applications for the treatment and
prevention of cancer, as well as other diseases where chronic
inflammation is believed to play an essential etiologic role.”
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Passion Flower has also shown promise of lowering high blood
produce by regulating nervous system neurotransmitters that
reduce anxiety. (Passiflora incarnata) is accepted for medicinal
use in Germany, France, and other European countries for the
treatment of nervous anxiety, and was at one time approved as a
sedative and sleep aid over-the-counter drug in the U.S. After a
review of night-time sleep aids by the FDA in 1978, it was no
longer recognized as effective by the FDA since no American
company submitted data on safety and efficacy as required by the
FDA, so it was dropped as an over-the-counter drug.
Although passion flower is a native American plant, it has been
more widely researched and used in Europe than in the United
States. In Germany, France, and other European countries, it is
accepted for the treatment of nervous anxiety. Standardized
passion flower products contain flavonoids as the primary
chemical marker. While flavonoids are generally considered
among the most active components of the plant, scientists have
53
not been able to pinpoint the single chemical compound or group
of compounds responsible for its sedative action.
Passion flower increases levels of a neurotransmitter known as
gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which decreases the activity
of nerve cells in the brain, causing relaxation and relieving
anxiety. It contains chemicals known as harmala alkaloids, which
are thought to block an enzyme involved in depression.
A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of
Passiflora extract to the drug Oxazepam in the treatment of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) showed that Passiflora
extract is effective for the management of GAD, with no
significant difference between the efficacy of it and Oxazepam.
An advantage seen with the Passiflora extract was that fewer
problems relating to impairment of job performance were
encountered.
54
Everyone experiences anxiety. It is the body’s normal reaction to
uncertainty, trouble, feeling unprepared, or a perceived,
anticipated or imagined danger or threatening situation. Normal
anxiety can be a good thing. It helps motivate a person who works
well under pressure, resulting in an increase in productivity. But
when anxiety and worry are exaggerated without cause, it is a
sign of anxiety disorder such as GAD.
People with GAD, like those participating in the trial above,
experience pathological anxiety, which is excessive, chronic, and
typically interferes with their ability to function in normal daily
activities, and is not triggered by any specific object or situation.
Passion Flower appears to be helpful in relieving stress not only
in individuals with normal anxiety, but in those with GAD as well.
Eating natural foods that are high in antioxidants is critical. Most
plants have around 1,000 to 1,500 antioxidants each, which does
not seem like a lot compared to the amount of free-radicals you
are taking into your body every single day; about a billion.
55
Vitamins and minerals also contain antioxidants. With the
discovery of a fruit from South East Asia called the Mangosteen,
scientists have been in a buzz about the amount of antioxidants
this fruit contains.
The Mangosteen fruit contains over 25,000 antioxidants. This
fruit has been studied in Universities and by scientists for the past
20 years, but they have proved that this fruit has the most
56
powerful and the largest number of antioxidants in nature that
we know of.
The Mangosteen fruit has been providing thousands of people
with medicinal benefits, due to super charged antioxidants called
Xanthones. Two hundred Xanthones have been identified in
nature, 41 are in the Mangosteen fruit alone and you can
compare that to the Aloe Vera plant that contains only one
Xanthone. One thing about Xanthones you need to know is that
they must be consumed in their natural form. Xanthones can
destroy more than one free-radical at a time, unlike normal
antioxidants, due to carbon bonds that produce biological actions
in the body. Xanthones are stable, super charged anti-oxidants.
In the event you do not have access to the Mangosteen, do not
worry. You can use a combination of D-Ribose, Magnesium, Q10
coenzyme, and L-carnitine to obtain your recommended dose of
antioxidants.
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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a rich
source of anti-oxidants. CoQ10 has an important role in lowering
the bad cholesterol and creating an optimum environment for
the cells to create energy. Other strong anti-oxidant qualities
include: the reduction in risk of heart disease and regulation of
blood pressure.
58
CoQ10 has also been shown to be an important component in the
function of the immune system. It inhibits bacteria, while
boosting the immune function. It also increases white blood cell
production. In many cases when the body is deficient in CoQ10
(which becomes more common as we age) the immune system
becomes compromised. Supplementation can often counteract
this.
Studies also suggest there is possible anti-aging effects in CoQ10.
It has been shown to slow the aging process through its
antioxidant qualities. Anti-oxidants, as we know, prevent “free
radical” damage – the instability of cells which causes them to
mutate unnecessarily creating everything from sun damage to
cancer. CoQ10 has also been noted to increase endurance during
exercise and is currently being used as a therapy and reversal for
Alzheimer’s.
CoQ10 depletion has also been linked to hypertension. Therefore
supplementation of CoQ10 is currently being used as a natural
59
remedy to decrease blood pressure. It is also recommended in
reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
and for prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which
causes plaque.
CoQ10 also promotes oral health (prevents against the
periodontal disease), protects the gums and heals damage from
gingivitis as well as protects teeth from cavities.
How much CoQ10 is enough to reap the benefits? Scientists
advise that 30-60mg ingested three times per day is a safe dosage
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when taken with meals. When choosing a supplement, it is
important to be sure the capsule is in CoQ10’s natural form which
is dark bright yellow in color.
The L Carnitine occurs naturally in the body and is said to be
essential in converting fatty acids into energy that is necessary for
a healthy heart. L-carnitine supplementation may contribute to
optimal fat oxidation especially when coupled with healthy diets
and regular exercise. Because weight-loss characteristics, lcarnitine is the main ingredient in many diet pills and
supplements.
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Methionine and lysine amino acids are the primary sources of lcarnitine. This substance is manufactured in the kidneys and liver
and are transported to other tissues of the body. Medical studies
say that high concentration in tissues of these acids help prevent
the formation of potentially harmful fatty acids. Small amounts of
l-carnitine are produced by the body on a daily basis. Additional
supplementation may prevent the build-up of fatty acids in the
liver and the heart. Dietary l-carnitine can be easily obtained from
many food sources. The best sources of this substance is red meat
like beef, sheep, and lamb. Milk, cheese, and poultry products
contain some carnitine, while vegetables and fruit contain
negligible amounts or none at all.
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Because of this, individuals ought to realize that adequate
consumption of essential amino acids may provide the necessary
building blocks for the body to synthesize sufficient quantities of
l-carnitine.
L-Carnitine deficiency can be caused by a genetic default, damage
to the kidneys, liver, or brain, or through improper dietary intake.
L-Carnitine is naturally produced in the kidneys, liver and brain,
yet if there is a genetic default, then the body is inclined to
produce less than what is required by the body.
If the kidneys, liver, or brain is damaged during birth, or through
some kind of medical difficulty, or accident, then they may not be
capable of functioning normally and therefore may not be
capable of producing adequate amounts of L-Carnitine in order
to support the body’s normal functions.
When a person damages their kidneys, liver, or brain, L-Carnitine
production is interrupted and the result leads to slow production
63
of fatty acid, which in turn leads to a slowing of the energy
distribution throughout the body. You will often find people with
kidney, liver, or brain damage are slow and put on weight easily.
The reason that people with kidney, liver, or brain damage are
slow and put on weight easily, is that the fatty acids are not being
transformed into energy and therefore build up to unhealthy
levels. People with serious kidney, liver, or brain damage are
often confined to bed, or a wheelchair.
Although L-Carnitine is naturally produced in our kidneys, liver
and brain, we still require some extra L-Carnitine to support our
growth when we are children, our systems in times of illness and
to provide supplementation when there is a L-Carnitine
deficiency from genetic, or medical problems.
A person who is already suffering from a serious health condition
may require long-term L-Carnitine supplementation in order to
aid them in their recovery, combined with healthy dietary
64
changes. L-Carnitine supplementation is often used for people
suffering from Cancer, or other serious illnesses.
Although a person who has a genetic L-Carnitine deficiency can
benefit from the implementation of a diet full of L-Carnitine rich
foods, they may benefit from taking L-Carnitine supplements
throughout their life.
The RDA of La-carnitine is 2 grams/day.
Magnesium is a mineral that serves a vital role in the human body.
Magnesium is found in both plants and animals. It helps plants
with photosynthesis and acts as a metabolic reaction in animals.
The human body has over three hundred biochemical processes
in the body that requires Magnesium. How does the body use it?
Magnesium is used by the bones in the human body.
Approximately, half of the Magnesium in the body is found in the
bones. Magnesium helps in the production of the hormone
65
calcitonin. This is used to produce calcium in the bones. It also
helps to control the acidity in the blood, which helps the bones as
high levels of acid can weaken the bone structure. Children and
adults cannot live without the daily doses of Magnesium. The
lower levels of Magnesium in a person’s body the more likely you
are to develop certain illnesses and diseases.
Magnesium also helps to control neuromuscular activities of the
heart and helps to keep the heart beating regularly. It can also
help to keep the person’s blood pressure level normal for a period
of time.
How much Magnesium does a body need? According to the
National Research Council individuals need between three to four
hundred milligrams of Magnesium daily to get the recommended
allowances. Adult males need about three hundred and fifty
milligrams per day, with adult women needing about two
hundred and eighty milligrams that should increase to about four
hundred and twenty for pregnant women and during
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breastfeeding. Children depending on their size and weight need
about one hundred and thirty milligrams a day. Statistics show
that many individuals do not take the recommended dosages of
Magnesium.
Magnesium can also be found in the following food items:
D-Ribose
is
an
organic
compound
that
supports
the
cardiovascular rejuvenation, while playing an important role in
treating the ischemic heart disorders. 16 gr daily is the
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recommended dosage for healthy people and, whereas those
with a cardiovascular history should take 15 grams for four
times/day. D-Ribose can also be found in poultry, dairy products,
and almonds.
Although there are many available blood pressure medications
and natural therapy (such as Melaleuca’s Prostolic) are both
helpful in reducing and maintaining healthy blood pressure, your
body’s best defense against high blood pressure and the risk of
cardiovascular disease begins with a change in lifestyle. The time
to change is now, no matter what your age is.
Begin by eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lowfat dairy products, whole grains, and other heart healthy foods.
Lower your salt intake, and avoid processed foods that destroy
potassium and generally have high levels of salt added that
further robs your body of this vital nutrient. Get plenty of
exercise, limit alcohol intake and do not smoke.
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LDL Cholesterol
Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what you eat
but also by how quickly your body makes LDL-cholesterol and
disposes of it. In fact, your body makes all the cholesterol it needs,
and it is not necessary to take in any additional cholesterol from
the foods you eat.
People with heart disease or those who are at high risk for
developing it typically have too much LDL-cholesterol in their
blood. Many factors help determine whether your LDLcholesterol level is high or low.
Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what you eat
but also by how quickly your body makes LDL-cholesterol and
disposes of it. In fact, your body makes all the cholesterol it needs,
and it is not necessary to take in any additional cholesterol from
the foods you eat. Patients with heart disease or those who are
at high risk for developing it typically have too much LDLcholesterol in their blood. Many factors help determine whether
69
your LDL-cholesterol level is high or low. The following factors are
the most important:
 Heredity: Your genes influence how high your LDLcholesterol is by affecting how fast LDL is made and removed
from the blood. One specific form of inherited high
cholesterol that affects 1 in 500 people is familial
hypercholesterolemia, which often leads to early heart
disease. But even if you do not have a specific genetic form
of high cholesterol, genes play a role in influencing your LDLcholesterol level.
 What you eat: Two main nutrients in the foods you eat make
your LDL-cholesterol level go up: saturated fat, a type of fat
found mostly in foods that come from animals; and
cholesterol, which comes only from animal products.
Saturated fat raises your LDL-cholesterol level more than
anything else in the diet. Eating too much saturated fat and
cholesterol is the main reason for high levels of cholesterol
and a high rate of heart attacks in the United States.
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Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you
eat is a very important step in reducing your blood
cholesterol levels.
 Weight: Excess weight tends to increase your LDLcholesterol level. If you are overweight and have a high LDLcholesterol level, losing weight may help you lower it.
Weight loss also helps to lower triglycerides and raise HDL.
 Physical activity/exercise: Regular physical activity may lower
LDL-cholesterol and raise HDL-cholesterol levels.
 Age and gender: Before menopause, women usually have
total cholesterol levels that are lower than those of men the
same age. As women and men get older, their blood
cholesterol levels rise until about 60 to 65 years of age. In
women, menopause often causes an increase in their LDLcholesterol and a decrease in their HDL- cholesterol level,
and after the age of 50, women often have higher total
cholesterol levels than men of the same age.
 Alcohol: Alcohol intake increases HDL-cholesterol but does
not lower LDL-cholesterol. Doctors don’t know for certain
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whether alcohol also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart
muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglycerides.
Because of the risks, alcoholic beverages should not be used
as a way to prevent heart disease.
 Stress: On the long term, blood cholesterol levels has been
shown to raise. One way that stress may do this is by
affecting your habits. For example, when some people are
under stress, they console themselves by eating fatty foods.
The saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods contribute
to higher levels of blood cholesterol.
How to combat LDL cholesterol
As with anything health related, diet and exercise are the two
crucial components. One thing you should know is the difference
between LDL and HDL cholesterol. Simply think of HDL as
“healthy” and LDL as “lousy.” HDL can actually help carry
cholesterol out of your blood vessels while LDL allows it to deposit
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inside your artery walls. The good news is that you can change
your cholesterol for the better. Here is how to do just that:
 Have a nice sandwich on whole wheat bread or a pita with
some lean turkey and lots of fresh veggies. Skip the hot dogs,
bologna, and salami, and hold the Mayo. All of those are
highly processed and filled with fat and cholesterol.
 Fish, like salmon, is good. Look for wild red salmon varieties,
which are very high in Omega-3 fatty acids (good fat.) Also,
flax seed is a good source of Omega-3s.
 Avoid Trans fats! Not only do they raise the lousy LDL
cholesterol, they can also lower your HDL levels! Stay away
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from foods like margarine, shortening, and processed foods
containing partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
 Go ahead, go nuts! Look for walnuts mainly but also try
almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, and pecans. Nuts are
high in fat, but it’s the good kind. (Also, use natural peanut
butter instead of the normal kind which contains unhealthy
Trans fats.)
 Limit desserts and try to eat only the healthier ones like
angel food cake, graham crackers, Jell-O, and fat-free frozen
yogurt.
 Eat foods that are high in fiber. Examples include whole
wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans, and some
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cereals. (Look for the boxes that say “may help lower
cholesterol.”)
 Use the grill. If you’re going to have steak or burgers, grill
them at home and use lean meat. This practice avoids the
grease, is fun, and the meat tastes great.
 Find a new salad dressing. Most of them are full of Trans fats
and cholesterol. Olive oil is good, and maybe add vinegar or
lemon juice. Also, skip the bacon bits, croutons, and egg
yolks.
 Go overboard on fruits and vegetables. They contain no
cholesterol and they have lots of nutrients like antioxidants.
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Here are some examples: green peas, broccoli, cauliflower,
apples, oranges, mangos, papaya, pineapple, tomato, garlic,
onions, spinach, water chestnuts, bananas, apricots,
blueberries, and kiwi.
 Avoid fast food like french fries and anything else from the
deep fryer. Those foods will raise your cholesterol like crazy,
so stay away from the burger joints if you can.
 Use spices like pepper and oregano to add flavor to your
dishes. They are a healthy alternative to other toppings like
Mayo.
Micro-organisms (viruses): Periodontal disease
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A lack of good dental hygiene can cause you to lose more than
your teeth. It can be life-threatening.
Recent studies show that gum disease, an infection of the tissues
that support your teeth, is linked to three main killers: heart
disease, diabetes and respiratory disease. Unfortunately, gum
disease is quite common, affecting three in four adults over 35 in
the U.S., according to the American Dental Association.
Gum disease is caused by not sufficiently removing plaque, a film
of bacteria that constantly forms on the tooth’s surface.
Symptoms of the disease vary from red, tender gums to loose
teeth that have to be extracted.
How to Combat Gum Disease Infection
Here are some tried-and-true strategies for gum disease
prevention:
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 Make healthy choices. Eat a balanced diet and quit tobacco
use. Research shows that smokers are up to six times more
likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers.
 Brush properly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. For the
most effective brushing, the ADA suggests brushing your
teeth at a 45-degree angle against the gums, moving the
brush in short strokes and brushing all surfaces of your
teeth. To do this without error, some dentists suggest using
the HydraBrush Express.
 Don’t forget to floss. Clean between your teeth at least once
a day with floss or interdental cleaners. Doing so will remove
bacteria and food particles from areas that a toothbrush
can’t reach.
78
 Visit the dentist regularly. Get your teeth professionally
cleaned every six months. At this time, report any questions
or concerns you have regarding oral care.
Menopause Hormones
79
The main problem with menopause is that there is a drastic
reduction in production of the female hormones. This is what
causes all the physical discomfort and hot flushes in menopause.
How to combat menopause hormones and protect your heart
The popular line of treatment is to take menopause hormones
externally. Substitution of menopause hormones can be in the
form of oral medication or it can be local application in the form
of topical ointments.
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It is important to take these menopause hormones strictly under
a doctor’s guidance. A doctor studies the patient’s symptoms and
entire family history and then recommends the correct dose and
combination of menopause hormones. This ensures that the
patient is not at risk and is taking the right menopause hormone.
Women can take either one or both menopause hormones
depending on their physical condition and age. Women who have
undergone a hysterectomy must take both estrogen and
progesterone. Such women have a greater risk of heart disease,
blood clots and breast cancer. Women taking estrogen alone
have a chance of suffering a stroke.
Women with early menopause greatly benefit from a short
course of menopause hormones. Older women who take
menopause hormones have a greater risk of developing breast
cancer or tumors.
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Younger women do reduce their chance of heart disease by
taking menopause hormones. A comprehensive study to
determine the benefits and risks of menopause hormones in
younger women is underway. The results of this study can
provide vital clues for improving the health and quality of life of
menopausal women in the years to come.
There is a need to regulate the duration of menopause hormones.
One must take estrogen daily and progesterone about twice a
week. The exact dosage varies with the patient’s symptoms and
medical condition. However, it is worth taking menopause
hormones for a short time and not on a continuous basis.
A woman must regularly review the dosage of menopause
hormones with her doctor. If the hot flushes have ceased, she
must stop taking menopause hormones gradually. She can also
shift to other localized medication like creams and patches.
Menopause hormones are not a cure for age related problems
like osteoporosis and heart disease. They are the last step in
82
therapy when other medications have failed for these medical
conditions. Thus, a doctor must prescribe menopause hormones
only after a detailed study of the patient’s medical record.
Trans fatty acids
Trans fats, or Trans Fatty Acids, are a vegetable-based fat that is
made when vegetable oils are hardened for use in margarine.
Trans fats are found in baked and fried foods, such as cookies,
fried fish or chicken and donuts, which are prepared using the
hardened vegetable oil.
83
The problem with eating Trans fats is that it contributes to
clogging of the arteries, increases the presence of low density
lipoprotein (LDL), which is the “bad” cholesterol, reduces the
presence of high density lipoprotein (HDL), “good” cholesterol
and also contributes to other serious health conditions including
heart disease and Type II diabetes. Trans fatty acids (trans-fats)
are also linked to sudden cardiac death and obesity.
Vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated so they can be added to
many foods since they become a source of cheap fat and increase
the shelf life of the food product.
What do hydrogenated oils do? When healthy oils are processed
through bubbling hydrogen at temperatures up to 210 C, unnatural fatty acids are created that are called trans-fatty acids.
Your body is unable to use this un-natural fatty acids so the liver
see them as toxic waste and proceeds to detoxify and eliminate
them. Trans-fatty acids are one of the most toxic wastes that can
84
be inside your body. Trans fatty acids, also, can block your body’s
use of the essential fatty acids.
Hydrogenated oils also have all of their nutrients removed during
their processing. This forces removal of vitamins and minerals
from your body to help digest the stripped hydrogenated oil.
Hydrogenated oils are used by a food processor because they are
cheap fats, which increase the size and shelf life of their product.
Trans-fats are formed as a result of chemical hydrogenation.
Depending upon the brand you buy, margarine may contain up to
45 percent trans-fats.
This is where you find hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated
oils:
 40% of all foods in a grocery store
 95% of all cookies
 75% of chips and crackers
 70% of all cold cereals and cake mixes
 80% of all frozen breakfast foods
 In most microwave popcorn
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 in many salted peanuts and other nuts
 in most candies
 in most restaurants that fry foods including donut shops
 Shortenings, etc.
How to Combat Trans Fatty Acids
 Instead of Butter: Use top quality, cold pressed, extra virgin
olive oil, from the first pressing, or flaxseed oil. The taste of
virgin olive oil is appealing to millions of people around the
world, so why not adopt it to your taste?
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 Flaxseed oil is prized for health reasons and not for its taste.
You can always compensate for that by adding spices to the
appropriate dish. Let’s say you want to add a little flaxseed
oil to mashed potatoes, instead of butter. You could add
basil, oregano, rosemary, curry, garlic, or any other spice
that agrees with your palate.
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 You can use a little virgin olive oil on mashed potatoes with
basil and roasted garlic, but it’s up to the individual’s own
taste. At home, we use a little olive oil on toast, instead of
butter. Again, you could spice it, but try to avoid salting.
 Depending on whose study you read, flaxseed oil contains
Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 Oils. Olive oil has some
Omega-6 value, but it tastes great.
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Genetics
Living a healthy lifestyle can go a long way to reducing the
chances of developing hypertensive and cardiac problems, but
there is unfortunately an element of inherited risk, a default
predisposition to high blood pressure and cardiovascular
diseases, so even those with excellent overall health may find that
they are genetically programmed towards hypertension and
heart disease in later life. Thankfully, the greatest influence
genetics has on heart disease is that of making us more
89
susceptible to certain causes, and with careful adjustments of our
lifestyles we can greatly improve our prospects of avoiding it.
The two most deadly contributors to cardiac problems are
smoking and obesity. Both of these can raise blood pressure to
dangerous levels, putting extra strain on the heart. Smoking
causes the build-up of fatty deposits within the arteries, also
causing circulation problems. Being overweight also tends to
mean that a healthy diet is not being followed, and so the body
may well be short of essential minerals and nutriments that the
heart needs to keep on functioning healthily.
Stopping smoking and other unhealthy practices such as
excessive drinking, along with improving diet and taking up
exercise to reduce weight can go a long way towards averting
problems.
The symptoms of a developing heart problem can be both subtle
and dramatic. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms can also
90
signify other less dangerous conditions, and so a diagnosis of
heart disease is often made later than it could have been. If you
come across more than one of the symptoms below, then a trip
to your doctor is highly advisable.
Breathlessness when engaged in physical exercise is normal to
some extent for almost everyone, but if you find you’re becoming
breathless more and more easily then this is a clear sign that your
general fitness levels aren’t all they could be, and that your heart
may be struggling under the pressure.
Palpitations, that is a heavily or unevenly beating heart, can be a
sign of anxiety or can come on after extreme exercise, but if
neither of these situations apply then heart problems could well
be the culprit.
A tingling feeling in bodily extremities such as fingers, toes or lips
is often a sign that your circulation system is not delivering
enough oxygen, again a sign of possible heart problems. Should
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your extremities go on to develop a blueish colour then this is
certainly not a good sign, and medical attention should be sought
at once.
The final and most obvious sign of cardiac problems is a feeling of
tightness or pain in the chest, a condition known as angina. If you
feel chest pain with any regularity, even if not particularly
severely, a medical check-up is advisable to make sure you catch
any problems as early as possible. Angina can be controlled very
well by medication in many cases, and doesn’t necessarily have
to develop into full-blown heart disease.
How to detect and combat your genetic predisposition to
hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
 Wearing a 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM),
which could detects any abnormalities that you doctors
might miss during check-up
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 Advanced lipid testing: Doctors reveal the old tests aiming to
detect irregular levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) are
obsolete. The most effective way is by detecting the levels
of the blood lipid. For instance, the VAP test components
will separate the cholesterol compounds into smaller
fractions. If the density of good as well as of the bad
cholesterol levels are balanced, then you have nothing to
worry about. Regular tests will not be able to tell you that
though, as they detect the cardiovascular predisposition in
only 40% of the cases. The VAT test also measures the
triglycerides and total cholesterol.
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 Genetic testing takes a look at your DNA (Deoxyribonucleic
acid), by analysing the DNA strand and discovering illness
patterns. The research and analysis aimed at this particular
goal have, so far, found genetic links to diseases such as
cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. There is potential, according
to various researchers, for even more genetic links to human
illnesses to be found somewhere in human DNA.
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Alternative healing practices: Grounding
Techniques
You can use the grounding techniques to cut loose from your
emotional pain, as most people see it as a "healthy detachment".
Lisa Najavitas, PHD, states that "grounding 'anchors’ you to the
present and to reality".
Are you at a place in your life where you aren’t attracting the love
you want? Has your current relationship lost its sizzle? What
prevents you from being ‘in love’? How much energy do you exert
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NOT to love yourself or others? It takes more effort NOT to love,
than to love.
Want More Love and Joy?
In order to make room for what you do want, you have to release
and let go of the things you don’t want. To attract what you want,
you will want to let go of everything that keeps you away from
Love. Like attracts like.
Unless you want to continue on your current path, you are
probably overdue of letting go of emotional pain of a break-up,
past failures or the need for approval. Maybe you continuously
seek recognition at work or have unrealistic expectations for
yourself. Thoughts like, “I’m not attractive” or “I will never have a
loving relationship” need to be purged.
Are you resisting painful experiences from your past? Are you
doing everything you can to forget the past? Maybe you think
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that the more you put your past behind you, the less effect it will
have on you.
Do you spend hours contemplating problems? When you focus
on your problems, they persist. Your contempt for your problems
fuels and strengthens them. The more energy you direct to your
problems and pain, you create ‘stress’ and ‘dis-ease’.
Do you find yourself watching endless hours of TV? Are you trying
to escape emotional and spiritual pain by taking drugs or alcohol?
Do you overeat to escape the pain? Do you use your computer
for hours on end to escape? What distractions take you out of
being present with what you are feeling? Stored up pain such as
hatred, anger, fear, frustration, apathy, depression etc. become
scattered in your body and energetic space.
Releasing Stuck Pain or Resistance
If you have ever been light-headed from hunger and then felt a
sigh of contentment as you fed your body the perfect meal,
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you’ve experienced grounding. If you’ve ever melted into the
back rub you got from a trusted person at the end of a stressful
day, you’ve experienced being grounded.
Grounding is a simple process of connecting to the Earth that
many people do naturally throughout the course of a day.
Anything that brings you to the sense of pleasure and release is
grounding. When you are grounded, you feel centered focused,
and present.
People connect with their bodies and the Earth in many ways:
through touch and body work, through eating, through being out
in nature or in water, through contact with animals and through
healthy sex. Visualizing, an imaginary grounding cord, is a way to
release foreign energy from your body so that it can experience
love and joy.
Create a Path for Releasing to Feel Safe and Happy. A grounding
cord provides a way to flush out pent up energy and emotion so
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you can feel good about yourself. It is a way to move energy as it
comes towards you, rather than letting it get stuck in the body.
When foreign energy gets stuck in the body, it stops the natural
flow of energy and might manifest as depression, a migraine
headache, aches, pain, or eventually illness.
Effortless Release Every Day for More Love
Grounding works much like a drain or waterfall. When you pour
water down the drain you probably never wonder ….:”where did
it go?” Be patient with yourself and have fun with your new toy.
Grounding becomes as natural like breathing or smiling with
practice.
Consider releasing other people’s problems, your worries and
anxiety that are weighing you down… Keep it simple and stay
amused with yourself. Tune into being in harmony with this
process of grounding and letting everything go effortlessly.
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Grounding is such an invaluable tool in healing yourself that it’s
worth taking the time to be sure you can do it easily and
comfortably. With practice, you can train yourself to be
connected with the earth all of the time. Don’t create any limits
for yourself on how much you can release without effort.
Steps:
Grounding can be performed anywhere, whenever you feel you
need a moment to get rid of drug cravings or emotional pain,
relax and regain your true self.
In order to get started you need to clear your mind. Remain
neutral, whilst focusing on natural elements, such as the sun, or
the sky.
Imagine you are in a safe place. Distract yourself by playing
different games, such as ‘categories’, or focus on describing an
activity you enjoy, cooking, painting, etc. Think of your favorite
soap opera, while unravelling the course of action in your head.
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Plan relaxing activities to do in the near future (going to the spa,
go see a movie, etc).
While you do that, try to feel the water underneath you (if you
decide to do grounding near the shore), feel the sand between
your fingers. Alternatively if you are grounding at your office, then
grab a pen, your chair, anything, you can even press your feet
against the floor to remember that you are connected to the
ground, to the surrounding environment.
Whenever you feel you are tense, practice grounding as often as
you need, and for at least a half hour.
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Final words
As you can see, there are many factors that you might have been
unaware of the fact that they pose a real threat to your overall
well-being, especially to your cardiovascular health. In order to
prevent any inflammatory heart diseases, it is also recommended
to follow a diet, containing the food items listed below:
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By avoiding stress and relaxing, exercising, and maintaining your
overall levels of blood pressure and cholesterol, among others,
within normal parameters, you will surely be able to prevent any
cardiovascular disorders.
In addition, it is also recommended to follow these next few
recommendations:
 Fill up on fiber. Not only does fiber help lower levels of LDL
(“bad”) cholesterol, it can aid weight management. Being
overweight raises your risk of heart failure by a third, while
being obese doubles it. While two-thirds of Americans are
too heavy, only half get enough fiber. Top sources include
oats, beans, raspberries, blackberries, oranges and green
peas.
 Go bananas. 99 percent of women and 90 percent of men
do not get enough potassium in their diet. Responsible for
regulating the fluid balance in our cells, potassium also
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blunts the effects of excess sodium. Too much sodium and
too little potassium is a recipe for high blood pressure.
Strike a healthier balance by cutting back on salt and
increasing potassium intake with bananas, potatoes,
broccoli and kiwi.
 Say “no” to that extra cup of joe. Four or more cups of daily
brew could elevate blood levels of homocysteine, an
amino acid associated with increased risk of cardiovascular
disease. Drinking more than two cups of coffee a day can
harden the arteries and contribute to arteriosclerosis.
Switch to tea; its heart-healthy benefits include lower
blood pressure and reduced inflammation.
 “Beet” heart disease. Beets contain the antioxidant
betanin, which can help keep LDL cholesterol from
clogging your arteries, according to a study published in
the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Moreover,
this root vegetable is a good source of folic acid, which
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helps to break down that heart-hurtin’ homocysteine. Top
sources of folic acid include spinach, broccoli, romaine
lettuce and papaya.
 Become a calmer, better listener. University of Baltimore
researchers
found
that
people
with
“dominant
personalities” had a 47 percent higher risk of heart disease
when compared to their more patient, passive peers. So
how do you know if you’re “dominant”? Another study
identified several markers – including the tendency to
interrupt!
 The “L” word your heart truly longs for: lycopene. This
heart-healthy phytonutrient -; found in tomatoes,
watermelon and pink grapefruit – may lower cholesterol
levels and reduce inflammation. Harvard researchers
found that eating seven or more servings of tomatoes a
week might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30
percent.
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 Choose healthy fats. Monounsaturated fats (think olive oil,
avocado, nuts) – when used in place of saturated fats
(think butter, bacon, beef) - help lower cholesterol.
Another healthy fat – omega 3 – helps reduce
inflammation. Omega 3 sources include wild salmon,
walnuts and flaxseed.
 Ode to soy. Twenty-five grams of soy protein per day can
help lower cholesterol, according to the American Heart
Association. Soy’s other heart-healthy nutrients include
folic acid and magnesium (which helps maintain normal
blood pressure). Soymilk, edamame, tofu and soynuts are
just some of the many ways to enjoy soy.
 Go for a raise. In HDL cholesterol, that is. Higher levels of
this “good” cholesterol can be almost as important as low
levels of LDL cholesterol at keeping cardiovascular disease
at bay. In addition to exercise, quitting smoking and
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limiting trans-fats, a University of Scranton study found
that drinking cranberry juice could help boost HDL levels.
In summary, living a healthy lifestyle while keeping an eye out for
the symptoms will greatly reduce the risk of your life being
devastated by heart disease.
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