Heart Disease is Preventable and Can Be Reversible - NL-006
Heart disease is the top killer of both genders. Despite there being genetic components that affect your chance of heart disease, it can be stopped and even reversed. This is because the predominant cause of heart disease, atherosclerosis, is due to factors we are able to influence.
The accumulation of fatty material in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, isn't the only factor to consider. Numerous studies have demonstrated that a low-fat diet does not in fact decrease the danger of cardiovascular disease.
Saturated fat does not lead to Atherosclerosis. Rather, Atherosclerosis is actually a response to the damage done by oxidized LDL cholesterol.
Known as the "bad cholesterol", LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is an essential part of our lives. It is like a superhero with a short fuse. LDL is responsible for ferrying critical substances, like cholesterol and vitamins, to our cells, rescuing them from dangerous free radicals. However, when the LDL and free radicals meet in the bloodstream, the LDL oxidizes.
The LDL, now oxidized, can damage the endothelial cells along the inner lining of the blood vessels. This elicits a response from the macrophages, which are part of the immune system, in order to keep the oxidized LDL from causing any more harm.
The macrophage requests the oxidized LDL to surrender its superhero garments and become a harmless, non-poisonous cholesterol plaque that lodges between the walls of the blood vessel. Our body forms this plaque to protect additional cells from the oxidized LDL, thus demonstrating why atherosclerosis is a part of the answer.
It is quite alluring to take action to reduce our cholesterol when we learn of the association between LDL cholesterol and heart disease, which explains why statins, medicines that are intended to reduce cholesterol, are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. Statins are widely used because of their effectiveness. Clinical studies have confirmed that their usage leads to a decrease in plasma LDL levels of 25-35% and a decline in the rate of heart attacks by 25-30%. This is remarkable; however, it is important to understand the actual effects of statins.
The action of statins is to block the enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase. The result of this is that cholesterol production by the liver is halted, which in turn lowers LDL levels in the blood. Unfortunately, when this enzyme is blocked, our body's creation of coenzyme Q10 is also hindered, and this molecule is necessary for the maintenance of healthy cells and the proper functioning of mitochondria.
Low levels of Coenzyme Q10 can lead to muscle pain and inflammation, a frequently-reported side effect of taking statins. Additionally, there is a decrease in cognitive function and potential liver damage connected to a lack of Coenzyme Q10 when taking statins. Mitochondria need Coenzyme Q10 in order to produce energy efficiently, allowing our cells to remain healthy and strong.
It should not be overlooked that there are potential drawbacks to having a low cholesterol level. These could include hormonal imbalances such as a decrease in testosterone, increased levels of exhaustion, a greater likelihood of getting ill and a decrease in the capacity to process fats. This is because cholesterol is essential for the production of sexual hormones, cortisol, and bile salts which are required for survival.
Though statins come with a number of potential issues, they may be beneficial to those who have a hereditary predisposition to heart disease. But even if your family has a history of this illness, there are other ways to address it, such as naturally enhancing your LDL receptors.
There are a large number of LDL receptors located in our liver. When these receptors are functional, they bring back any additional LDL cholesterol to the liver, thereby reducing the possibility of oxidation and any resulting issues.
We can increase LDL receptor activity in 4 ways:
- If you suffer from heart disease, it is advised to lower the amount of cholesterol in the liver by decreasing intake of all polyunsaturated fats.
- Lower your inflammation - try cutting out toxins from food and your environment, bettering your sleep, cutting back on stressful emotions, and doing more low-key activities such as walking or yoga. You can keep track of your inflammation by having your C-reactive protein levels tested with a blood test.
- Enhance Thyroid Performance - diminish inflammation, consume nourishing foods that make you feel full and strive for a solid sleep on a regular basis.
- Enhance Insulin Sensitivity - To up your receptiveness to insulin, it is necessary to increase physical activity and reduce the amount of processed foods in your dietary intake. Doing body weight exercises, lifting weights, and interval training will significantly improve your insulin sensitivity. Substituting refined foods with fruits and vegetables will increase your intake of vitamins and fibre, which can help advance insulin sensitivity and drop cholesterol levels.
The gist of it is this: take heed of your diet, schedule regular check-ups (especially after you reach 50 years old) and make sure to take quality Liposomal and herbal supplements.