How Can We Help Understand and Reduce Heart Disease of Our Rochester  and area Patients?

Heart disease currently affects 26.8 million Americans.  We think of heart disease as having a “heart attack”, meaning loss of blood supply to an area of the heart muscle which then causes those muscle fibers to die.

 Our goal is to prevent heart disease from ever getting to that point.  When we look at what really causes “heart disease”, it gets down to inflammation of the blood vessels causing damage to the cells that line our blood vessels, or the “endothelium”. 

When we have an area of inflammation in our endothelium, the body tries to repair the damage by laying down cholesterol, thus starting a cholesterol streak or plaque.  This plaque continues to grow until part of it shears off and becomes a “clot”, traveling downstream until it lodges in an artery causing blockage and cell death.  Thus, we have a heart attack.

Inflammation and Heart Disease

The biggest way to prevent heart disease is to lower inflammation.  A reminder of the things that cause inflammation – cortisol being too high or too low, sex hormones being low or for women out of balance, genetics, low vitamin D, environmental toxins and food allergens.

 Lp(a) a Genetic Risk Factor

I would like to discuss one of the hidden risk factors for heart disease, Lipoprotein little (a), or Lp(a).  For some of us Lp(a) is a hidden genetic risk factor for heart disease, for others it is a protein that carries cholesterol throughout the body that increases during times of stress.  However, it acts as a clotting protein, so when our levels are high we are at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.  There is a reason why Lp(a) came on the scene.

 Here’s the story:

          A very long time ago (as in, millions of years), human beings lost their ability to make vitamin C from sugar molecules.  Not just humans, but the great apes, hedgehogs and guinea pigs also lost this ability.   Not having the ability to make vitamin C means that we must take it in through our diet.  One of the important roles vitamin C has in the body is to maintain the integrity of the endothelium. The ice age brought long stretches of time when fruits and vegetables were not readily available.  During these long stressful months, the arteries of our forefathers would start to crack and leak, and people would die of internal hemorrhage.

 Along came Lp(a) to the rescue!  Lp(a) would act to plug up the cracks so the people who had the Lp(a) genetic mutation survived the long cold winter better.  Once fruits and vegetables were available again, vitamin C would take over and the Lp(a) level would go down.

It takes a special cholesterol test called a VAP (vertical auto profile) test to find out if you have high amounts of Lp(a) or not.  Most traditional doctors are not using VAP testing, even though it has been around for over 20 years.  I find people fall into two categories: those that truly have the genetic risk for Lp(a) with very high levels, and the rest of us whose Lp(a) goes up during stress and back down when our stress is reduced. 

For both groups we can lower Lp(a) levels by using buffered vitamin C in doses of 2000-4000mg/day.  People with the genetic risk factor may need to add Lysine and L-Proline.  An interesting note is that statins (your current typical cholesterol medication) can actually increase Lp(a) in some people.

If you have a family history of heart disease and your cholesterol is slightly elevated, you should obtain a VAP test.  It’s just another way you can achieve your optimal health!

I thought I would start a post for those utilizing Hcg  to burn fat.  So Far, everyone that has used the Hcg is successful.  Very happy and excited to lose the unwanted fat from all those areas where it is disturbing,  The other great bonus is that blood work has improved for everyone accross the board.  Glucose levels, cholesterol levels, thyroid, etc. are lowering rapidly. 

One of the biggest exclamations is not only do they look great but they feel wonderful.  More energy, better sleep, less food consumption.  All thumbs up for less belly fat.

It is exciting to share and I want others to express themselves personally in the comment area below.

If you notice all waist lines are getting smaller, clothing is starting to hang and needs alteration or replacement.  To reach the goals to safely burn belly fat in a supervised environment is soooooooooooo helpful.  Seeing the self image and confidence levels in everyone is so rewarding for us at the Centre for Optimum Health.

I would like to encourage the use of spices and the MCT Oil (available at the office) when cooking.

Visual Portion Control

3 oz of fish, poultry = deck of playing cards or computer mouse

Yogurt – raw fruits or vegetables = tennis ball or large ice cream scoop

1 oz cheese = thumb size

1 oz nuts = golf ball\

1 medium fruit = baseball

1 teaspoon of oil = a quarter

We are so happy to be part of your Journey to the best health you can achieve in Anti-Aging.

Stop back to see shared stories and food preparation ideas.

Your partner in fat loss!

Marge

Stress is discussed in many different ways.  What it does to us physically, mentally, and emotionally should make it the number one crime of the century.  All I know is that it should be rightfully blamed for most ailments in our lives.

When we reach the end of our last nerve, our blood pressure gets too high.  Our faces turn red and normally everyone around us runs for cover.  In turn, our sugar levels change and our alternate personality (that we didn’t know we had or even know how to control) surfaces. We’re fast approaching the unhealthy danger zone.

Stress Treatment is necessary.

We make our way to our primary care doctor to access the damage and look for a quick way to return to what we consider is normal.  The problem is that the symptoms we discuss warrant us leaving the office with multiple prescriptions in hand.

This only proceeds to scare us and lead us down the road of multiple side effects. Did our doctor even listen to our problem or just access the symptoms?  Why do I feel worse taking these meds? Is there anything else I can do?  Am I doomed to feel like this for the rest of my life?  Now the stress seems worse!

What Stress Treatments can we do on our own?

We can put the brakes on once we have been accessed.  If there is nothing in immediate need of repair, we can take responsibility for our actions.  It’s time to re-assess what we are doing in our lives.

Take a sincere look at what we eat.  How much sleep are we getting and is it quality?  Are we getting sufficient exercise on a regular basis?  How much joy is in our lives?  What are you doing for fun?  Do you even like your choice of Career or is it just a job?  Are you happy with yourself?

If you can answer positively to any of the above immediately, you are headed on the right road.  No matter how many doctors you see, it is still up to you to alter your lifestyle to improve your health and reduce stress.

My Favorite Stress Treatments.

1. Yoga helps to balance my body and calm my mind on a daily basis.  I also do aerobics, strength training and balance exercises.
2. My supplemental program works to rebuild and support my weakest nutritional deficiencies.
3. I consume a higher protein, lower carbohydrate and (mostly) Gluten Free diet.
4. I use subliminal and meditation programs regularly.
5. I play affirmation CD’s in my car when ever I’m alone.
6. I work on my joy list often and I can name 100 plus things that I enjoy doing.  Can you even name five?
7. I have a great team to help keep tabs on my medical  and physical health numbers.   My Anti Aging Doctor is my number one along with  my PCP (Primary Care Doc), Cardiologist, Dentist, Massage Therapist and Energy Worker.
8. I also have the Physical and Mental help of those that keep my stress levels to a minimum such as an Accountant, Prosperity Coach, Banker, Hairdresser, Nail Tech and favorite restaurants with great service.
9. I utilize the Alpha LED and Spa Feng Shui beds for massage benefits, LED Light Therapy for muscle tension, stress relief and Natural Cleansing through heat and steam.  As well as Facials.
10. I spend time with family and friends that bring joy to my life…..especially my grandchildren!

Some of the best stress treatment advice I have ever received or given out is to try to stay in the present moment.  Let the past go and learn to live now.  Pay attention to what makes you happy because the happier you are the healthier you become.  It takes a little effort but it is well worth it.

Learn to make yourself your favorite hobby.  Pay attention to your likes, dislikes and what stirs your heart to beat at the right rhythm.  Enjoy life and become the healthy person you were meant to be.  Create your own stress treatments and make your health produce a quality life for many years to come.  Worry and Stress are not our friends, they produce no benefits in our lives.