Optimal Heart Health Supplement Guide

Transcription

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2 Optimal Heart Health Supplement Guide The epidemic of obesity and heart disease in many countries throughout the world is primarily due to climate changes. Not climate in the sense of weather but the climate of our fast paced lives. We are getting fatter and less healthy because of the way we choose to live. We are not getting enough exercise. And the way we eat is killing us. We are consuming far too much of the things we shouldn t. And we are getting far too little of the things we should. If there is going to be a turn-around in health in general and heart health in particular we have got to make some serious changes. Most of us know this already. It is the same with other habits in our lives. We know we should. Or we know we shouldn t. But we don t change. Taking dietary supplements is one of those habits. In the current climate in which we live supplementing with the right dietary additions should be considered an essential part of daily living. Simply put we absolutely should be taking dietary supplements. Many people do this. Unfortunately many people take supplements to satisfy their conscience and convince themselves they are doing something to promote their health. But buying the popularly advertised daily vitamin because of images of happy healthy people on the television does little to promote health. It is important to take the right supplements and to take high quality supplements that actually provide what the advertisers claim. This special heart health supplement guide is an attempt to satisfy the first requirement. The pages that follow provide a short list of the supplements that have been shown to promote heart health. It is not an exhaustive list. There are many nutritional supplements that strongly promote heart health as well as other areas of health. For example everyone should take a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement rich in phytonutrients. But that is not discussed in these Page 2 of 19

3 pages. What follows is a discussion of a few of the most effective supplements for the fight against heart disease and the support of a healthy heart. There is another special report that attempts to satisfy the second requirement. That is it answers the questions concerning what we should look for in a supplement company. What farming and manufacturing practices should we demand of the company from which we buy our supplements? At the end of this report you have an opportunity to download this second report. But for the moment take your time and study this short list of some of the most effective heart health supplements we all should be taking. Let s begin with the one most of us know something about Omega-3 Omega-3 receives a lot of attention. It provides health benefits far beyond our current discussion. For now we need to content ourselves with the benefits of omega-3 supplementation that apply to heart health. Omega-3 and Atherosclerosis It all began in the 1970s when two Danish researchers noticed that Eskimos eating an abundance of fatty foods actually had a very low incidence of heart disease. Further study revealed that the omega-3 fatty acids derived from oily fish causes blood platelets to be less sticky much like statin drugs do. Through the years since this discovery omega-3 consumption has become a synonym for heart health. Simply put, people who frequently eat oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel have a much lower risk of heart disease than those who don t. Why is this true? Well we have already suggested one reason. Omega-3 fatty acids (especially those found in fish) decrease stickiness between blood platelets. The leading cause of death for both men and women in the US and other developed countries is atherosclerosis, or what we commonly call hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is caused by the build-up of plaque in the inner lining of the arteries. Plaque is composed of a variety of fatty substances, cholesterol, and cellular waste. As plaque is deposited Page 3 of 19

4 on the artery walls, the arteries themselves become thicker and less elastic or harder. This build-up also contributes to the blood platelets sticking together. When coronary arteries become blocked blood flow to the heart is restricted. The heart becomes starved for oxygen resulting in muscle damage. Continued stress on the heart can result in heart attack, sudden cardiac death and congestive heart failure. When a section of blockage breaks free the result is often a stroke. How can Omega-3 help? Studies have shown that omega-3 supplementing can reduce the risk of death caused by atherosclerosis. For example combined studies including 35 trials on statins 17 trials on fibrates 8 trials on resin 2 trials on niacin 14 trials on omega-3 fatty acids 17 trials on other dietary interventions were pulled together in a single analysis. The trials included 137,140 participants in treatments groups and 138,976 participants in control groups. The final analysis demonstrated that treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced overall risk of death by 23%. The same analysis demonstrated that treatment with statin drugs reduced risk of death by only 13%. Omega-3 and Triglycerides Another hot topic for heart health is triglycerides. Triglycerides are increasingly becoming more important as an overall factor in heart health. One reason (among others) for this is that high triglyceride levels contribute to atherosclerosis. There is very little question today concerning the heart health risks of high triglycerides. Nor is there any question that omega-3 supplementation significantly lowers triglycerides. This is why Page 4 of 19

5 The American Heart Association recommends that people with high triglycerides consume between 2 and 4 grams of omega-3 (EPA and DHA) per day. Human studies have shown that consuming 4 grams of omega-3 per day can reduces triglyceride levels by 25-30%. Studies involving treatments with omega-3 and statins (simvastatin) compared to treatment with statins only showed a 20-30% greater triglyceride reduction in the omega-3 group. There was also a 30-40% greater reduction in VLDL (the worst cholesterol). Many people know that taking fish oils can help reduce atherosclerosis and triglycerides. But there are other positive heart health effects of supplementing with omega-3 that are a little less known to the general public. For example Omega-3, Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Death Perhaps some of the public knows this. One story reported by the BBC carried the headline Oily Fish Prevents Heart Attacks Many doctors believe that omega-3 from fish helps prevent the massive arrhythmias that accompany the majority of fatal heart attacks. Studies have shown that men with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have an 80% lower risk of sudden cardiac death than men with the lowest blood levels of omega-3. Another BBC article was entitled Fish Test for Heart Attack Risk The BBC article went on to say If blood levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids form less than 4% of the fatty acids in red blood cells, risk of death from a heart attack is at its greatest compared with a level of 8% when risk is at its least. Similar results in the prevention of sudden cardiac death are also well founded. Sudden cardiac death is not actually the same as a heart attack. It is a sudden massive interruption of heart rhythm resulting in quick death. It is believed that omega-3 helps regulate heart rhythm. An analysis of studies concerning sudden cardiac death indicates that patients receiving omega-3 supplements following a heart Page 5 of 19

6 attack had a 42% less incidence of sudden cardiac death within the 3 months following the heart attack. Sudden cardiac death is responsible for many thousands of instantaneous deaths every year. The research implies that a healthy intake of omega-3s might prevent many of these deaths. Another serious condition which can be lessened by consuming omega-3 fatty acids is congestive heart failure. Omega-3 and Congestive Heart Failure Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart is unable to fill with blood or pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It does not come upon a person suddenly like a heart attack. It results over time because of one or more underlying factors. Generally speaking CHF is the physiological result of damage to the heart caused by some underlying condition. The result is an enlarged heart or a heart that is unable to pump effectively enough to supply the body with necessary oxygen. The heart keeps pumping, sometimes overworking itself, while other major organs, and often the heart itself, suffer blood deprivation. Myocardial infarction (irreversible injury to heart muscle such as during a heart attack) is one of the leading causes of CHF. Myocardial infarction is most often caused by progressive atherosclerosis (blockage of the arteries). We have already seen the benefits of omega-3 consumption in relation to atherosclerosis. By preventing or reducing plaque build-up, omega-3 functions as a preventative for CHF. Omega-3 and Blood Pressure An analysis of 17 controlled clinical trials indicates that omega-3 supplementation results in significantly lower blood pressure. To quote the study directly Our analyses indicate that diet supplementation with a relatively high dose of omega- 3 PUFA, generally more than 3 g/d, can lead to clinically relevant BP reductions in individuals with untreated hypertension. Other research has indicated that high blood pressure following a heart transplant can be beneficially affected by omega-3 consumption. Studying transplant patients for 12 years has shown an 8 mmhg rise in systolic pressure and a 3 mmhg rise in diastolic pressure in patients that did not supplement with omega-3. Patients receiving omega-3 supplements showed no rise in blood pressure. The study concluded Treatment with omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the long-term continuous rise in blood pressure after heart transplantation and may offer a direct or indirect renoprotective Page 6 of 19

7 effect, making these fatty acids a potentially attractive treatment for post-transplant hypertension. Most people today know that fish is good for us and taking fish oils is good for heart health. Research not only supports this belief but strengthens it. As a general rule, if you were to take one supplement to increase heart health it should be omega-3 (EPA and DHA) preferably in a 2:1 ratio. Do your research. Purchase omega-3 supplements from a company that you trust one that is highly respected in the scientific community one that has taken every precaution to prevent contamination from pollutants and metals so common in our waters today. Next to omega-3 a lesser known supplement is our second subject of study. That is CoQ10 Everybody seems to know something about fish oils. At least most people know that eating fish is good for you. CoQ10 is a different story. CoQ10 seems to be one of those well-kept health secrets. We cannot turn on our televisions without seeing a commercial about statin drugs or some other drug that affects heart health. But mention CoQ10 and most people will look at you as if you had lobsters coming out of your ears. COQ10 is an abbreviation for Coenzyme Q-10. And as its name implies it is a coenzyme, meaning that it is essential for the production of enzymes. But what is it and what does it do? The good news is that CoQ10 is naturally produced by our bodies. The bad news is our ability to produce CoQ10 decreases with age. And as CoQ10 deficiency increases our hearts are the most seriously affected. This is true for several reasons. CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. That simply means it is found everywhere (in every cell) of our bodies. This fact alone should give us a feel for how important it is to our survival and proper health. Every cell in our bodies is dependent upon sufficient levels of CoQ10 to function properly. Page 7 of 19

8 Cellular Energy CoQ10 is an essential link in the production of cellular energy. That is, all cellular functions depend upon the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a high-energy phosphate which exists in all our cells. It is the primary energy source for many metabolic processes. CoQ10 is absolutely essential to the ATP production process. When CoQ10 levels are insufficient cellular energy production suffers. This of course has many health implications. However one very pertinent application is heart function. The high metabolic demands of the heart make sufficient CoQ10 levels a must. This is one reason that a majority of patients with congestive heart failure also have low levels of CoQ10. Membrane Stabilization As part of the energy production process CoQ10 must exist in the inner mitochondrial membrane as part of the electron transport chain. In short CoQ10 transports the electrons and protons through the membranes to make the energy production process possible. But other cell membranes require CoQ10 to function as well. The lysosomal membranes that separate digestive enzymes from the rest of the cell contain relatively high concentrations of coenzyme Q. Recent research suggests that coenzyme Q plays an important role in the transport of protons across lysosomal membranes to maintain the optimal ph for cellular recycling. Co Q10 also protects our cell membranes from oxidation damage. And perhaps even more importantly CoQ10 is a very strong agent in the Prevention of LDL Oxidation In addition to CoQ10 acting as a coenzyme it also functions as one of the strongest antioxidants available. The function of an antioxidant is to break the free radical chain that is so destructive to all of our cells. Of course strong antioxidants have important functions in relation to many health issues. However this antioxidant has a very important role in cardiovascular health. CoQ10 has been shown to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It is no secret that high levels of LDL are associated with the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). But it is not as commonly known that it is actually Page 8 of 19

9 The oxidation of LDL that promotes atherosclerosis. So much for claims. What does the research say? CoQ10 and Congestive Heart Failure As mentioned above CHF is a long-term chronic condition characterized by the heart s inability to pump enough blood. In many CHF cases the heart suffers from a lack of cellular energy. The combination of long-term heart damage and inadequate energy deep in the heart s muscle tissues results in a heart that simply cannot keep the patient alive. It is this lack of cellular energy that has led many to study Co Q10 as a possible treatment for congestive heart failure. One early Japanese trial (1972) involved 197 patients with varying levels of severity of cardiac failure. The study reported significant improvement of cardiac function supplementing with 30 mg per day of CoQ10. Another Japanese study demonstrated similar results with 38 patients also supplementing with 30 mg. In 1985 CoQ10 benefit and CHF became the subject of a U.S. clinical study. Participates of this study were prescribed daily supplementation with 100 mg of coenzyme Q-10 for treatment periods of three months for patients with low ejection fraction measurements. (Ejection fraction is the measure of the heart s ability to pump blood.) A low ejection fraction is a classic symptom of congestive heart failure. Again, significant improvements in heart function were reported. Other clinical trials followed demonstrating the same CoQ10 benefit for CHF by prescribing the same level of supplementation. Long-term studies demonstrate the same CoQ10 benefit with no adverse side-effects. In 1990 observations were published concerning 126 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Unlike previously noted studies this one followed the patients progress for six years. Long-term Co Q10 benefit was noticed with no harmful side effects. Similar observations were made in a trial involving 2,664 patients treated with CoQ10 at levels up to 150 mg per day. Page 9 of 19

10 A study was conducted in 1994 involving 424 patients with a variety of myocardial diseases. (These are conditions involving a weakening of the heart muscle mass.) Among these conditions were the following: Valvular Heart Disease - pertaining to dysfunction of heart valves Hypertension Diastolic Dysfunction - failure of the heart to properly refill itself with blood Dilated Cardiomyopathy - group of disorders where the heart muscle is weakened and enlarged and cannot pump effectively Ischemic Cardiomyopathy - low oxygen state usually due to obstruction of the arterial blood supply Patients received an average of 240 mg of CoQ10 daily during their treatment period. They were then followed-up for up to eight years with an average follow-up period of 18 months. Overall results demonstrated measurable cardiac improvements in one month with maximum improvements at about six months. With continued treatment the CoQ10 benefit was sustained in most patients. However, discontinuing the treatment usually resulted in a decline of cardiac function with eventual return to pre-treatment conditions. CoQ10 and Diastolic Dysfunction Of the conditions mentioned above diastolic dysfunction has gained a high degree of attention. Diastolic dysfunction is one of the earliest signs of myocardial (heart muscle mass) failure. Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart is filled with returning blood. Because this phase requires more cellular energy than the systolic phase (when the blood is pushed out of the heart) it is more dependent on CoQ10. Diastolic dysfunction is a stiffening of the heart muscle which naturally restricts the heart s ability to pump. This condition is associated with many cardiac disorders. Hypertension is among these disorders. As the heart muscles become stiff there is often a corresponding rise in blood pressure. When the diastolic dysfunction is reversed, blood pressure tends to lower as well. In one study involving 109 patients with hypertension, CoQ10 supplementation was added to normal hypertension treatments. In an average of 4.4 months 51% of the patients were able to Page 10 of 19

11 stop using at least one blood pressure lowering medication. Some were able to stop using up to three medications. Another study produced a similar CoQ10 benefit. In that study 43% of 424 patients were able to stop using between one and three cardiovascular drugs because of the addition of CoQ10 supplementation. Abundant research shows significant improvements in heart function by supplementing with CoQ10. For this reason CoQ10 should be considered an essential supplement for heart health. A third important though perhaps little known supplement very important to heart health is Peptides It is not news to any of us that high blood pressure is a chronic problem in many parts of the world. Consequently there is a whole host of medications to combat the problem. Why so many? Because hypertension can have a number of causes. One popular medication for treating high blood pressure is a group of compounds known as ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors get their name from the fact that they inhibit the formation of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Why is this so important? Because angiotensin converting enzyme is essential in converting angiotensin to its activated form called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor meaning that it causes the blood vessels to constrict making blood flow more difficult. The result is increased blood pressure. Angiotensin II also causes thrombosis which is an aggregation of blood platelets. It is similar to clotting. The result is often an obstruction in the blood vessels. Other effects of angiotensin II include: increased thirst sensation increased desire for salt increased aldosterone release (a steroid hormone that controls salt and water balance in the kidney) Page 11 of 19

12 Ace inhibitors are becoming a preferred treatment for hypertension because they are effective in improving heart function as well as increasing blood flow to the heart, liver and kidneys. But ACE inhibitors do have their dark side. They can produce dry cough dizziness light-headedness headache potassium buildup kidney problems Consequently a good bit of research has been done and is being done on the effects of certain peptides to inhibit the production of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Peptides are naturally occurring compounds composed of two or more amino acids. Many studies have indicated that peptides can inhibit the production of ACE without the side-effects that often accompany ACE inhibiting drugs. One such study was conducted on 63 subjects utilizing a vegetable drink containing a peptide from sardines. The subjects were divided into groups described as having mild hypertension high-normal blood pressure normal blood pressure Half of the subjects were randomly selected to be in the test group with the rest remaining in the control group. Each person in the test group received the vegetable drink containing the fish peptide. The folks in the control group received the vegetable drink without the fish peptide. During the first week of the test 40 subjects classified as having mild hypertension or high blood pressure experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Specifically the average SBP dropped from mmhg to mmhg in just the first week. The rest of the 13 week test period continued to show improvement. Average diastolic blood pressure (DBP) also fell among those in the test group from 88.0 mmhg to 83.5 after 13 weeks. Page 12 of 19

13 At the start of the test period average SBP was mmhg and DBP was 90.5 among those in the control group those not receiving the fish peptide. There was no change to either reading during the 13 week test period. Further testing was conducted using 25 subjects for a period of 14 days. Each participant received 3 times the normal dosage of the vegetable drink including the fish peptides. Significant decreases in blood pressure were observed among those with hypertension, mild hypertension and high-normal blood pressure. Those with normal blood pressure did not experience any change. Nor were there any observable side-effects or excessive decline in blood pressure among any of the subjects. Treatments with peptides for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) have also been suggested. Primary pulmonary hypertension is a fatal disease resulting in right heart failure within a very few years of diagnosis. Commonly PPH is treated with prostacyclin which has the effect of relaxing the blood vessels and inhibiting platelet aggregation (similar to clotting). However prostacyclin is unstable limiting its efficacy. A study conducted at the University of Vienna Medical School demonstrated positive results in treating PPH with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Each patient in the study was given daily inhalations of VIP for three months. The results included mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 59 mmhg to 46 mmhg mean systematic arterial pressure decreased from 86 mmhg to 84 mmhg cardiac output increased from 4.7 l/min to 6.4 l/min pulmonary vascular resistance decreased approximately 50% oxygen saturation increased from 58% to 63% If you struggle to maintain a healthy blood pressure then peptides might be a great alternative for you (especially if ACE inhibitors have helped). Peptides are most commonly derived from fish such as bonito. So when purchasing peptide supplements make sure you buy from a trusted company that takes every precaution against marine pollutants. Also you want to make sure you are getting what is described on the label. Page 13 of 19

14 Now we turn our attention to tea time. Many of us know drinking tea is a good heart healthy choice. Why? Because of Catechins and Theaflavins Catechins and theaflavins may not be a part of normal household conversation but most of us know something about them. These are the active compounds found in green and black teas that are so good for promoting heart health. Everything in nature needs protection from the elements. Plants contain coloring agents called flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants which are very effective in attacking free radicals. In fact they are many times more powerful than vitamin-c. They protect the plants from the elements. When we consume the plants we benefits from their protective power as well. As you have probably guessed the particular flavonoids found in teas are catechins and theaflavins. In fact catechins constitute about 25% of the dry weight of fresh tea leaf. The health benefits of catechins have been studied extensively. The antioxidant strength of catechins has been demonstrated to suppress the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which, as noted above, is a primary factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Though a bit beyond this study it is helpful to note the research of Norman Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. According to him epicatechin can reduce the risk of four of the major health problems: stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. In studying the Kuna people in Panama, who drink up to 40 cups of cocoa a week (catechins are also found in cocoa) Hollenberg found that the prevalence of these four major ailments is less than 10%. Theaflavins, which mainly consist of four compounds, is a group of polyphenol pigment formed during the fermentation of black tea. In the human body theaflavins function as a strong antioxidant, fight pathogens, and suppress cancer by protecting DNA from oxidation and preventing carcinogenesis. Furthermore, theaflavins have been used to prevent coronary heart disease and to treat diabetes in clinical trials. More particular for heart health Page 14 of 19

15 Theaflavins have been widely used to prevent coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis through regulating the level of blood fat, preventing lipid oxidation, clearing out oxygen free radical, anti-coagulin and promoting dissolution of fibre, restricting cell hyperplasia in the smooth muscle of human aorta and inhibiting the formation of lipid cake (Hiroshi et al., 1999; Jonathan et al., 1999). The 2005 review entitled, Research Progress on Property and Application of Theaflavins Chunxia Wang and Yongquan Li of the College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310027, P. R. China concluded this way Theaflavins as an important component of tea have the ability of anti-cancer as well as other properties which will determine its future in the field of medicine Moreover, based on the promising pharmacological activities of theaflavins, the manufacture of natural and high-powered medicine using purified theaflavins or theaflavins derivatives, would be another further research focus and hotspot in future. So which are better catechins or theaflavins? There was a study conducted in China where else would you research tea? To determine if green teas are more effective than black teas in preventing LDL oxidation. Remember catechins are primarily found in green teas and theaflavins are found primarily in black teas. The major catechins and theaflavins in tea are listed below. Catechins: (-)-epicatechin (EC) (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) Theaflavins: theaflavin (TF1) theaflavin-3-gallate (TF2A) theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF2B) theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3) The results of the study showed that some catechins are more powerful in their antioxidant power than some theaflavins. The reverse is also true. The antioxidants are listed below in order Page 15 of 19

16 of their antioxidant strength. Number one has the most antioxidant power in relation to LDL cholesterol and so on down the list. 1. TF3 2. ECG 3. EGCG 4. TF2B 5. TF2A 6. TF1 7. EC 8. EGC So which should we drink?.. green or black?.. We should drink both. In addition to the benefits listed above catechins and theaflavins together have the ability to bind cholesterol in the system preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. That is neither catechins nor theaflavins alone possess the same cholesterol binding characteristic as they do together. There have been many studies with green teas and black teas as the subject. The studies have usually shown that we have to drink a whole lot of tea and drink it several times per day to keep up our levels of catechins and theaflavins. But science does more than just report findings. There are good supplements which blend optimal amounts of catechins and theaflavins in a concentrated form to help us maintain high levels of these antioxidants in our systems. This in turn helps reduce cholesterol risk by reducing LDL oxidation (as well as cholesterol absorption). If our LDL does not oxidize we are at lower risk for developing coronary heart disease. Page 16 of 19

17 Let s turn our attention to more familiar territory. B-Complex B-vitamins are commonly taken in supplement form for a number of health issues as well as for promoting general health. In addition to this there are some very good reasons for supplementing with a B-complex for the promotion of heart health. B-Vitamins and Homocysteine Homocysteine is a chemical in the blood that is produced when an amino acid (a building block of protein) called methionine is broken down in the body. We all have some homocysteine in our blood. Elevated homocysteine levels (also called hyperhomocysteinemia) may cause irritation of the blood vessels. Elevated levels of homocysteine show an increased risk for (1) atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which often leads to heart attack and/or stroke, and (2) venous thrombosis (blood clots in the veins). In 1962, it was discovered that people with a genetic condition known as homocystinuria are prone to develop severe cardiovascular disease as early as their teens and 20s. In the case of homocystinuria a defective enzyme causes homocysteine to accumulate in the blood. Further studies led to the conclusion mentioned above that elevated homocysteine levels are a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and blood clots in the arteries and veins. Beyond the rare occurrence of homocystinuria there are a number of other causes of elevated homocysteine levels. These include deficiency of B-vitamins and folate kidney disease low levels of thyroid hormones psoriasis certain medications (such as antiepileptic drugs and methotrexate). The causal relationship between elevated homocysteine levels and thrombosis and atherosclerosis is unclear. But what is clear is that an elevated homocysteine level is associated with an increased risk for developing atherosclerosis, which can in turn lead to coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, and stroke. Page 17 of 19

18 Generally, it seems that people with an elevated homocysteine level may have about twice the risk of CAD compared with those without a high homocysteine level. Further is seems that the risk is dependent on the homocysteine level. For example, in one study, researchers found that for every 10% elevation in homocysteine, there was nearly the same rise in the risk of CAD. High homocysteine levels also increase one s likelihood for developing blood clots in veins. Clots not only restrict blood flow but they can also break loose leading to a potentially fatal complication called pulmonary embolism. Elevated homocysteine roughly doubles the risk of developing clotting (venous thrombosis). Though the relationship between high homocysteine and cardiovascular disease is not clearly understood many medical practitioners recommend treating elevated homocysteine levels because it is possible that an elevated homocysteine level contributes to the risk for thrombosis and atherosclerosis and that lowering its levels is beneficial. We know that folic acid, vitamin-b6, and vitamin-b12 are all involved in breaking down homocysteine in the blood. Therefore, increasing your intake of folic acid and B-vitamins can lower your homocysteine level. For a study summary of the effect of vitamin-b supplementation on homocysteine levels please click the link below. B-Vitamins and Cholesterol Niacin, a B-vitamin, has long been used to raise HDL (the good cholesterol). Niacin can raise HDL by 15 to 35 percent. This makes niacin a very effective treatment for raising HDL. In addition to this niacin also decreases LDL (the bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. High levels of LDL and triglycerides are significant risk factors for heart disease. Taking 3 grams of nonprescription immediate-release niacin per day can reduce LDL-C levels by an average of 20 to 25%. At doses as low as 1 gram daily, niacin raises HDL-C levels by 15 to 30% as well as reducing triglyceride levels. Niacin is a very potent cholesterol reducing agent. But to be effective it must normally be taken in large dosages. Such treatment should be monitored by a doctor. B-vitamins are popularly taken for a host of health reasons. A full study of the health benefits of B-vitamins is far beyond the current study. But the heart health benefits alone make supplementing with a good B-complex a wise addition to your heart health regimen. Page 18 of 19

19 Concentrate on the Short List This short list of heart health supplements is a great place to start for promoting optimal heart health. One addition should be a top quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement one full of phytonutrients. A good multi-vitamin can help fill the nutritional gaps left by our diets. But where does one get top quality supplements? The answer is not as simple as going to a store which only sells health products or by reading the percentages on the label. You should know something about the company that produces the supplements you buy. What farming techniques are used? What about marine pollutants? How are the final products produced? Is the company respected in the scientific community? Such questions are beyond the current report s scope. But I have prepared another special report to help you answer the important questions about which supplements to buy. The report is absolutely free and can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. This short report looks at the questions of farming, production, quality control, and scientific research that goes into the production of the purest dietary supplements. It is a short read but a very valuable resource in the promotion of your heart health. If you haven t read How The Best Supplements Are Made then you will not want to spend another penny on dietary supplements until you have read it. This ebook is only available to Optimal Health Newsletter subscribers. Please use the link below to get your free copy. Page 19 of 19