Meet the naturopathic doctor

I talk a lot about essential fatty acids (EFAs) and I have been asked recently what they are and what they do. These are great questions!! This post will look at the most common EFAs and fill you in on the latest research into what they do and how you can consume optimal amounts of them to improve your health.

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the US, approximately one in three adults has high blood pressure, totaling more than 72 million people. Additionally, more than half of Americans over the age of 60 have hypertension.¹

Blood pressure medications have helped a lot of people reduce a condition that can damage their cardiovascular systems. However, recent research has also shown that these medications can have serious health consequences. Here we will explore alternative, natural ways you can use to help lower your blood pressure and support your overall health.

Blood pressure medications, diabetes and cholesterol

Recent research indicates many high blood pressure medications may substantially increase your risk of diabetes as well as adversely affect your cholesterol levels.² Take thiazide diuretics (also known as ‘water pills’), for example. Often considered the first choice drug for hypertension, not only do they disturb the balance of key electrolytes – including potassium, sodium and magnesium – they increase your risk of dehydration (which has a myriad of health consequences), as well as increase your risk of diabetes – by as much as 45 percent!³

What’s worse, thiazide diuretics aren’t the only blood pressure drugs that studies have associated with this serious disease – calcium channel blockers (e.g.,  verapamil,  nifedipine, etc.) and ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, etc.) have also been shown to increase mean blood sugar levels within five years of use.⁴ Another long-term study showed that as many as 20.4 percent of patients treated with blood-pressure medications will develop diabetes – which in turn poses a greater risk of stroke, heart attack and death.⁵

In addition to diabetes, anti-hypertensive medications are associated with adversely impacting cholesterol (blood lipid) profiles. Studies have shown that beta-blockers reduced the ratio of beneficial HDL to total cholesterol by nearly 12 percent and increased serum triglyceride levels by nearly 26 percent.⁶ Diuretics can cause an increase in total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while beta-blockers can decrease HDL cholesterol and increase triglyceride levels.⁷ Some beta-blockers also have been found to decrease levels of CoQ10.⁸

Furthermore, it has been shown that death caused by coronary artery disease and sudden death is not significantly reduced by the use of antihypertensive medications in hypertensive patients, despite the evidence that hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks.² Some researchers suggest that this is due to the adverse metabolic effects caused by the drugs that counteract the benefits of lower blood pressure.²

Natural Approaches for Lowering Blood Pressure

Hypertension can have serious consequences and patients should never stop taking their blood-pressure lowering drugs without a doctor’s guidance. However, for individuals who want to explore other options, there are a number of natural approaches.

There are a number of simple dietary measures that have been shown to significantly decrease blood pressure. British researchers have discovered that drinking two  cups of beet juice daily can decrease blood pressure 10 points.⁹ That’s because beets are loaded with the nutrient nitrate. Spinach, lettuce, and other green, leafy vegetables also have high levels of nitrate, so eating and juicing these daily can provide significant blood lowering benefits.

Antioxidants have also shown significant benefits. A Finnish study has found that eating just ½ cup of berries twice daily can decrease blood pressure 7 points and increase HDL cholesterol.¹⁰ Berries contain particularly high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols; other polyphenol-rich foods include chocolate, tea, and red wine, which also have been linked to lower heart disease risk.

Vasotensin provides peptides from bonito fish (related to tuna and mackerel) that have demonstrated significant blood lowering effects due to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. In fact, the bonito peptides in Vasotensin are the strongest commercially available natural ACE inhibitors ever reported.¹¹ Clinical research suggests that bonito peptides are approximately 64% effective in reducing blood pressure (compared with approximately 50% for drug treatments) with no known side effects.¹²

Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from a fermented bean called natto, and has been shown to be effective in dissolving blood clots, preventing plaque build-up and lower blood pressure.¹³ Nattokinase helps dissolve fibrin, which is a protein in the blood that decreases blood flow and causes blood clots. In addition, researchers have confirmed the presence of ACE inhibitors in Nattokinase and demonstrated an approximate 10 percent reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular use.^14,15

High dose EPA and DHA fish oils have also demonstrated significant reductions in blood pressure.¹⁶ Orthomega is a great source of purified, high-potency fish oil, containing therapeutic amounts of EPA and DHA in 2 softgels 2-3x/day (with meals).

In addition, many lifestyle factors can significantly reduce blood pressure, including smoking cessation, increased exercise and weight reduction. If you would like assistance with weight reduction, our Optimal Body Balance program can help you uncover the reasons why weight loss or maintenance may be difficult for you and help you address these areas to help you attain and maintain your weight goals.

You can reduce your blood pressure and improve your overall health by following this simple plan. If we can be of further service, don’t hesitate to contact us.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Who is at Risk for High Blood Pressure? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhoIsAtRisk.html.
2. Morgan TO. Metabolic effects of various antihypertensive agents. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1990;15 Suppl 5:S39-45.
3. Shafi T, Appel LJ, Miller ER 3^rd, et al. Changes in serum potassium mediate thiazide-induced diabetes. Hypertension. 2008 Dec;52(6):1022-9.
4. Barzilay JI, Davis BR, Cutler JA, et al. Fasting glucose levels and incident diabetes mellitus in older nondiabetic adults randomized to receive 3 different classes of antihypertensive treatment: a report from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). Arch Intern Med. 2006 Nov 13;166(20):2191-201.
5. Almgren T, Wilhelmsen L, Samuelsson O, et al. Diabetes in treated hypertension is common and carries a high cardiovascular risk: results from a 28-year follow -up. J Hypertens. 2007 Jun;25(6):1311-7.
6. Leren P. Comparison of effects on lipid metabolism of antihypertensive drugs with alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonist properties. Am J Med. 1987 Jan 5;82(1A):31-5.
7. Hunninghake DB. Effects of celiprolol and other antihypertensive agents on serum lipids and lipoproteins. Am Heart J. 1991 Feb;121(2 Pt 2):696-701.
8. Kishi T, Watanabe T, Folkers K. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine XV. Inhibition of coenzyme Q10-enzymes by clinically used adrenergic blockers of beta-receptors. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1977 May;17(1):157-64.
9. http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20080208/beet-juice-lowers-blood-pressure.
10. http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20080215/berries-good-for-heart.
11. Fujita H, Yasumoto R, Hasegawa M, Ohshima K. Human volunteers study on antihypertensive effect of “Katsuobushi Oligopeptide” (I). Jpn Pharmacol Ther 1997;25(8):147-51.
12. Fujita H, Yasumoto R, Hasegawa M, Ohshima K. Human volunteers study on antihypertensive effect of “Katsuobushi Oligopeptide” (II) – a placebo-controlled study on the effect of “peptide soup” on blood pressure in borderline and hypertensive subjects. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 1997;25(8):153-7.
13. Barron J. Health Science Institute Members Alert. March 2002.
14. Maruyama M, Sumi H. Effect of natto diet on blood pressure. JTTAS, 1995.
15. Sumi H. Healthy Microbe “Bacillus natto”. Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co. Ltd.
16. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1990;322:795-801.

The American Heart Association and the FDA already warn people with heart disease to be careful with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) painkillers, but a recent Danish study has found that cardiovascular risk may increase even in healthy people without heart disease.

NSAIDs include but are not limited to: ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib and rofecoxib more commonly known by brand names Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Voltaren, Cataflam, Celebrex and Vioxx (taken off the market in 2004). The risks for the different types of NSAIDs varied in the Danish study. Here are the highlights:

• Participants in the study (average age of 39) who used ibuprofen had a 29% greater risk of stroke than those who didn’t use ibuprofen
• Diclofenac was found to increase risk of death from all types of cardiovascular disease by 91%
• Rofecoxib was found to increase risk of death from all types of cardiovascular disease by 66%
• In highest doses, diclofenac doubled the risk of a heart attack
• In highest does, rofecoxib tripled the risk of a heart attack
• Almost all NSAIDs increased the incidence of major bleeding events (except with celecoxib)

Why do these drugs cause such serious cardiovascular problems, even in healthy people? One reason is  because they elevate blood pressure; another is that they have an artery-blocking effect. Athletes and people who exercise on a regular basis should be extra careful about their NSAID use as they are one of the highest using groups.

Less Pain, More Gain

If you do take NSAIDs regularly, you should talk with your doctor about why the medication was recommended or prescribed, if you need to continue taking it and what dose is safe. Find out if there are any alternatives to the NSAID. If you take NSAIDs for minor aches and pains, switching to a natural alternative like Kaprex seems to be a wise move.

In addition, there are many dietary and supplement changes that can help reduce inflammation in the body, such as adding fish and fish oils daily (like Orthomega), increasing whole, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and reducing/eliminating soda, coffee, alcohol, sugar, peanuts and red meat from the diet. These little changes can add up to a whole lot less pain while reducing the need for pills of any time – natural or otherwise.

Source: Associated Press “Common Pain Relievers Raise Heart Risk for Healthy People” Ed Edelson 2010

Study finds that a little add weight can spell big problems down the road

Obesity is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. But new research shows that even a small amount of weight gain (as small as 9 pounds!) can cause changes in your body that increase your heart disease risk.

How A Little Weight Can Cause BIG Problems

The first step in the process of developing cardiovascular disease is endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is simply an abnormality in the lining of the blood vessels. When the lining is damaged, blood doesn’t flow as well through the vessel, and when blood doesn’t flow well, heart attacks and strokes are more likely to happen.

In a recent study of healthy people with the average age of 29, small weight gains were shown to cause endothelial dysfunction. The dysfunction was measured by blood flow through vessels in the arm. Those people in the study who gained weight over an eight week period with an average gain of 9 pounds had decreased blood flow through their arm vessels, meaning they had developed endothelial dysfunction and had a increased risk of heart disease.

Abdominal Fat Very Important

Interestingly, the area of weight gain seemed to influence the development of endothelial dysfunction. People who gained fat in the abdomen were more likely to develop endothelial dysfunction. Also of importance is endothelial dysfunction went away in those people who lost the weight they gained during the course of the study. Once they were back to their normal body weights, they had normal blood flow through their arm vessels again. If the weight wasn’t lost, the endothelial dysfunction continued the same.

Lose the Weight and Eliminate the Risk

What this means for you…

To keep your vessels healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease, you should take steps to avoid small weight gains. If you do put on some extra pounds, especially in the belly, definitely consider making changes in order to lose the new weight.

Did you know that the Optimal Body Balance program now as Online and Group options as well as One-on-One Coaching to help you reach your weight loss goals?! Check it out and finally achieve the body you are looking for!

Source: CP Medical “Weight Loss and Endothelial Dysfunction: Only 9 Pounds of Weight Gain in Lean Adults Increases Heart Disease Risk” May 2009

High cholesterol is a topic that gets a lot of press, whether it be about ways to lower it, the negative effects of many cholesterol lowering medications (like statins) or the dire need to optimize cholesterol and other blood fats to prevent disease. Luckily, cholesterol and other blood fats often respond very well to dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Eating to reduce cholesterol

Harvard Medical School recently released a list of 11 cholesterol lowering foods; what makes this list so intriguing is that the foods work via several different mechanisms to help you lower your cholesterol.

1.       Oats

2.       Barley and other whole grains

3.       Beans

4.       Eggplant and okra

5.       Nuts

6.       Vegetable oils

7.       Apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus fruits

8.       Foods fortified with sterols and stanols

9.       Soy

10.   Fatty fish

11.   Fiber supplements

Some of these foods deliver soluble fiber (like oats, whole grains, legumes and fruit), which binds cholesterol in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation. Others give you polyunsaturated fats (like nuts, vegetable oils, soy and fatty fish), which directly lower LDL. Still others contain plant sterols and stanols (like eggplant, okra, fruit and fortified foods) that block cholesterol absorption.

Specifically, eating 2 ounces of nuts/day (roughly 10 nuts) or eating 25 grams of soy protein (10 ounces of tofu and 2.5 cups of soy milk) can each reduce LDL by about 5 percent.

To further reduce LDL cholesterol, the Harvard Medical School recommends eating foods fortified with sterols and stanols – just 2 grams of plant sterols or stanols can lower LDL by about 10 percent. If you can’t find or don’t like these foods, you can use supplements, such as Cardioauxin or UltraMeal Plus 360.

More is Better

When it comes to deciding which foods to pick, the Harvard Medical School advised to eat as many as you can as often as possible. Just as investors should have a diverse portfolio to cut risks, people should eat a wide variety of cholesterol fighting foods to reduce the risk of heart disease.

References:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Harvard-names-11-cholesterol-cutting-foods

Image provided by:

Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

photo credit: FreePX

Some of the biggest fish in the marketplace might not be producing the best fish oil for consumers.

A lawsuit was recently filed in California against six manufacturers and two retailers that sell fish oil pills for failing to warn consumers that the product contained a cancer-causing chemical.  The suit was based on a study that indicated certain fish oils contained polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs), a cancer-causing chemical banned in 1979.

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photo credit: Patrick Hoesly

A recent study revealed that a daily supplement of zinc can reduce feelings of anger and depression in women.

For the study, researchers randomly assigned 30 women either a multivitamin or a multivitamin plus zinc for a period of 10 weeks.  At the conclusion of the study, the women who had received the zinc supplements show increases in their blood levels of zinc, and reductions in scores of depression and anger. Continue Reading »

photo credit: Mike Miley

This month’s podcast includes answers to the following questions:

• What can help with weak, chipping nails?
• What can help relieve ringing in the ear?
• Even with a good diet, I seem to be experiencing gas – especially after eating.  What can be causing it?
• Could you elaborate on why the new research on hot flashes is so important?

Click here to listen to this month’s podcast. Continue Reading »

photo credit: nicasaurusrex

The cases of asthma continue to rise in the United States at an alarming rate.  However, a recent study indicates that vitamin D and magnesium could play a role in helping asthmatic symptoms.

Over the past 15 years, the incidence rate of asthma has doubled in the United States.  Currently, 20 million people, or 7% of the population, suffer from the disease.

Common treatment involves inhaled corticosteroids and glucocorticoids.

Many patients don’t experience relief from those approaches and use alternative therapies.  Fortunately, a recent study indicates that Vitamin D and magnesium can play a role in helping asthmatic symptoms. Continue Reading »

photo credit: fugm10

It’s common for patients at risk for cardiovascular disease to take a low dose of aspirin.  Aspirin’s antiplatelet effects have been shown to help reduce cardiovascular events in many patient populations.

Unfortunately, not all patients respond to aspirin therapy, and are known to be “aspirin resistant.”  In fact, approximately 1-45% of patients can be resistant to the antiplatelet effects of aspirin.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology compared the effects of omega-3 fatty acids to increasing the dose of aspirin.  The goal was determine what effect either action would have on patients known to be aspirin resistant. Continue Reading »