Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition
Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition
Newsletter #96
--- Maintain a healthy Coronary Artery
The number one killer disease of the industrialized nations is coronary artery disease.
There are many underlying etiologies and pathologies perpetuating coronary artery disease, among them are abnormal lipids, platelet aggregation, stress, insufficient antioxidants, overactive sympathetic tone, abnormal heart contractility and rhythm, elevated homocysteine, vasoconstriction and or spasm, insulin resistance, inflammation, infection, hormonal deficiency, and heavy metals. We can maintain a healthy Coronary Artery with the best available natural products under each category.
Lipid Control
Many natural products can effectively maintain healthy lipid levels without harmfulside effects.
Maintain a healthy cholesterol and triglyceride level with Cardio-Edge, Omega 3 fatty acids, L-carnitine and Garlic.
Cardio-Edge combines Sytrinol, plant sterols, and pomegranate extract resulting in a formula that embodies the most recent science to help maintain cardiovascular health and support healthy lipid levels. Average reductions for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides of 27, 25, and 30%, respectively. LDL/HDL ratio was significantly improved.
L-carnitine 1000-3000mg/day decreases total cholesterol and triglyceride level. It also increases good HDL-cholesterol.
The role of Omega 3 fatty acids are several but recent studies report that their most profound effects may be on arrhythmogenesis (Irregular heart beat) as well as inflammation. The GISSI study reported a substantial decrease in cardiovascular events as a result of fish oil supplementation. Take Omega 3 fatty acids 3000 - 4000mg daily.
Garlic has been shown to decrease total cholesterol levels while increasing levels of good HDL-cholesterol. Studies have shown that dosage of 900 mg daily significantly slowed the development of atherosclerosis and significantly reduced second heart attacks and a 50% reduction in death rate among those taking garlic daily.
Lipoprotein a (Lpa) is an apolipoprotein, i.e. an LDL particle, to which an additional protein is attached. Lpa speeds up blood clot formation further obstructing the coronary arteries. Coenzyme q-10 200-400mg/day, Buffered Vitamin C2000mg/day, L-Lysine 2000mg/day can inhibit the Lpa receptor expression and the clotting process.
Anticoagulants
Aging process itself increases coagulability which leads to clot formation and subsequent coronary artery occlusion.
Increase in blood viscosity can create ischemia (low blood flow) which leads to apoptosis, inflammation and platelet aggregation. Acute phase reaction, particularly a high c-reactive protein, is related to vascular inflammation and or infection. Coumadin affect prothrombin/thrombin activation. Natural products like Vitamin E complex with mixed Tocopherols 400-1600IU/day and Magnesium 1000-1500mg/day have similar properties. Platelet hyperactivity is minimized by aspirin and similarly by natural products like Ginkgo Biloba 60-120mg/day. Natural substances that have similar reaction to heparin is Omega 3 5000mg/day, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) 500-2000mg/day and arginine 2000-6000mg/day (ArginMax).
Stress Reduction
Stress increases the level of cortisol production in your body which accelerates the aging process and adversely affects the coronary artery.
Mental activities for stress reduction include music, reading, meditation, singing, praying etc. Physical activities include exercise and sports, Yoga, Tai kwon do, bicycling, walking, swimming etc. Functional style activities include massage, Qi Gong and hydro-therapy. Research has shown that maintaining healthy cortisol levels can reduce stress, relieve sleeplessness and fatigue, optimize immune system and neurological function. Cortisol Manager decreased salivary cortisol levels in relation to baseline study. (Please read Newsletter #128 --- Update on stress and Cortisol control). Cortisol Manager is a safe and natural formula to increase the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, while also providing all-day stress reduction.
Antioxidants
Many studies have supported the importance of adequate antioxidant levels and the occurrence of coronary artery disease. In several instances, it has been postulated that antioxidant use is more important than the control of lipid levels. It is well known that cholesterol in itself is not problematic, but the exposure of cholesterol to the oxidation process certainly can generate plaque. Grape seed extract, Selenium 200-1000mcg/day, Vitamin E complex with mixed Tocopherols 800-1600IU/day, vitamin A 5000-10000 IU/day (Clinical Nutrients for Men or Clinical Nutrients For Women) and Buffered Vitamin C 2000-4000mg/day are important components of antioxidant therapy. Grape seed extract alone has been shown to reduce plaque size.
Control of Sympathetic Activity
The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in coronary arterial disease (C.A.D). Conventional medicine uses Beta Blocker for this condition.
Increased sympathetic activity has often been demonstrated in patients with C.A.D. Abnormally high sympathetic tone will increase heart rate and blood pressure. Increased levels of adrenal hormones (Norepinephrine and epinephrine) damage the arterial lining, increase platelet aggregation and increase oxidized cholesterol. All of this leads to a faster generation of plagues (artherogenesis) in the coronary arteries as well as irregular heart rhythm.
Researchers have demonstrated that patients with C.A.D. have nighttime melatonin levels that are 1/5 lower than healthy controls. This is due to increased nighttime sympathetic discharge and subsequent increase in epinephrine/norepinephrine. Melatonin levels could possibly explain why the majority of heart attacks occur in the early morning hours. Melatonin has also been found to inhibit platelet aggregation.
Calcium stimulates sympathetic discharge, whereas, magnesium has antagonistic properties. Recent clinical studies have uncovered structural changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) linked to dietary magnesium intake. Low magnesium is linked to elevated CRP level. CRP is a marker of risk of ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of death in developed countries. Among those who consumed less than 309mg of magnesium/day, more than 55 % will have elevated CRP levels. Adequate magnesium daily intake will reduce heart disease risk significantly.
Appropriate levels of Magnesium 1000-1500mg/day and Melatonin 3 -10mg/night will help to control an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Augmentation of heart contractility and Regulation of heart rhythm
Conventional medications such as digitalis and antiarrythmics have been used to augment heart contractility (Inotropic) or stabilizing heart rhythm (chronotropic).
Several studies have shown Magnesium 1500-3000mg/day to be an excellent preventative of dysrythmias (Irregular heart beat). Its use can prevent the serious rhythm disturbances that often accompany heart attack. Long-term use is very helpful since most patients are magnesium deficient.
Omega 3 fatty acids 2.4 - 4.8 gram/day are strongly associated with a reduced risk of sudden death. Long chain omega fatty acids are responsible for the inverse association between fish consumption and sudden death. Possible mechanisms -Antiarrhythmic and inhibition of thromboxane production. 4 oz serving of Atlantic Salmon provides approximately 2.1 gram of Long chain omega 3. However, there are increasing reports of organic contamination (PCBs, dioxins, dieldrin and toxaphene) in addition to mercury in fish including farm raised salmons, researchers involved in these studies recommend limiting consumption of farmed salmon to one-half to one meal total per month. Dr. Andrew Weil also strongly recommends the general public stick to wild Alaskan salmon, sardines or distilled pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements
Studies have shown that CoQ10 300 mg/day used one week prior to cardiac surgery improves three-fold the serum levels and tissue levels of COQ10 in the heart. This improvement seems to reduce the heart failure associated with low coenzyme Q10. Another study in clinical cardiology also demonstrated that taking large doses of coenzyme Q10 over time will reduce overall cardiac medication requirements significantly. Recommended dosage of CoQ10 is 200-400mg/day.
Cardiac arrhythmia, a term for irregular heart beat that can range from harmless to life-threatening, is another disorder for which L-carnitine may be useful. Take 500-1,000 mg twice a day. Combined with Magnesium and CoQ10, it is very effective for irregular heart beat such as PVCs (Premature Ventricular contractions)
Hawthorn 250-500mg/day has been used for years by western herbologists as a good natural agent for augmentation of heart contractility.
Reduction of Homocysteine
Many published studies have identified elevated homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. Homocysteine has also been considered a good marker for B6, B12 and folic acid deficiency. Daily supplementation with two Tri-B-100 (Vitamin B complex) will control a great majority of elevated homocysteine levels. Blood level of homocysteine should be performed annually. A level of less than 10 is ideal and less than 7 is optimal.
Vasodilation
Vasodilation is an important treatment in coronary artery disease. Vasodilation improves blood flow and increase in tissue oxygenation. The object of nitrate therapy, a mainstay of both acute and chronic coronary arterial disease care is to increase blood flow to constricted blood vessels, whether this stricture is created by plaque or by vasospasm.
Supplement daily with L-Arginine 3000-6000mg/day (ArginMax) increases nitric oxide, part of a compound known as endothelial releasing factor, EDRF that functions as a vasodilator. Nitric oxide can also reduce the damage created by homocysteine. ArginMax contains 3000mg of L-Arginine, 50mg of Ginkgo Biloba, 100 mg of American Ginseng and Korean Ginseng plus multiple vitamins and minerals. Take Garlic 400-600mg/day, Hawthorn 160-250mg of the flower standardized/day, Horsechestnut 600-700mg standardized/day. Cayenne pepper has excellent effects on blood lipids, platelet activity, and vasodilatory action.
Reduction of Insulin Resistance
"Insulin resistance" occurs when the receptor sensitivity for insulin decreases and the body compensates by secreting increased amounts of insulin. Increased insulin levels promote lipogenesis, increase thrombosis and decrease HDL while increasing triglyceride production. One of the most devastating effects is the glycosylation process, whereby circulating glucose attaches to proteins. Eventually this leads to advanced glycosylation end products (AGE) which can be a precursor to microvascular disease. The abnormal glucose/insulin metabolism augments formation of free radicals. Oxidative stress is often responsible for many of the factors contributing to coronary artery disease.
Caloric restriction is an excellent way to decrease free radical formation and improve insulin sensitivity. Equally as important is a regular exercise program given that insulin receptors are located within muscle tissue. Repletion with antioxidants is imperative.
Reduction of Insulin Resistance can be achieved with daily supplementation with Fiber-Plex, Chromium -GTF 200-1000mg/day, Alpha Lipoic Acid 200- 800mg/day, Omega-3 1-3gm/day, Magnesium 1000-1500mg/day.
Control Inflammation and Infection
Human herpes virus 6, nanobacteria, chlamydia and cytomegalo virus all have been implicated as part of the epigenesis of CAD and heart disease. Studies have shown that 89% of patients have chlamydia in their hearts at the time of bypass surgery. Although these organisms may not be the primary cause of heart disease, they significantly contribute to a hypercoagulable state. The use of low-dose broad-spectrum antibiotics such as tetracycline has been suggested.
To reduce inflammation, take Buffered Vitamin C 1000-4000mg/day and Omega 3 5000-10000mg/day,
Hormonal Replacement
Recently, much has been written about hormones and their inverse relationship with coronary artery disease. A saliva profile may prove efficacious in determining DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels before natural hormonal administration.
Elimination of Heavy metals
Heavy metals do play a role in plague formation. Further studies may help support the use of Chelation therapy with EDTA which may have a significant place in the treatment of coronary artery disease along side the natural products described above.
Remember to drink enough water
Water itself may improve the outcome of coronary events. Simply drinking 4 or more glasses of pure water everyday, can decrease myocardial infarction (Heart attack) by more than 50%.
References
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Rosenfeldt, Franklin, et al. Experience with Coenzyme-Q-10 in Cardiac Surgery Patients. 2nd Conference of the International Co-Q-10 Association. Frankfurt, Germany, December 1-3, 2000.
Weiss, Decker. Part One: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Fundamental Nutrition. Applied Nutritional Science Reports, Feb 2000, pp. 1-6.
Weiss, Decker. Part Two: Cardiovascular Disease Nutrtional Management of Clinical Markers. Applied Nutritional Science Reports, Feb 2000, pp. 1-6.
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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.