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Most people and even physicians will have the knee-jerk response that the plaque found in the coronary and carotid arteries is filled with cholesterol.
If you have read my past articles we now understand that cholesterol is laid down as a Band-Aid to repair damaged blood vessels. Contrary to what many people have been led to believe, cholesterol is “not” the villain. We have been chasing the wrong suspect! The real culprit leading to damage to blood vessels are the environmental pollutants that we silently tank up on from the time we are first conceived and are still in the uterus until the day we die. Pathologists have proven that at the core of coronary and carotid plaque are pesticides, plasticizers, heavy metals, volatile organic hydrocarbons and the many other pollutants that we are all unavoidably exposed to every day. In fact, thousands of researchers have proven that environmental pollutants may be at the root of every disease from high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancers, Alzheimer's, lipidemia, heart attacks, arthritis, to glandular failures, colitis, depression, bizarre neurologic and auto-immune diseases, and much more. This is a bold statement to make. However, it is quite accurate. If you are suffering with a chronic health issue that has been resistant to conventional medicine treatment you should seriously consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner and have your toxic environmental load evaluated. I have personally witnessed the amazing health improvements when we lower the toxic environmental loads on my sickest patients. To find a healthcare professional certified in functional medicine, go to www.FunctionalMedicineDoctors.com.These are clinicians who have been trained at Functional Medicine University (www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com) References: Dr. Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., MS Lind PM, et al, Circulating levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly, Environ Health Persp 120; 1:38-43, 2012 Lind PM, et al, Circulating levels of bisphenol A and phthalates are related to carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly, Atherosclerosis 218; 1:207-13, 2011 Sergeev AV, et al, Residential proximity to environmental sources of persistent organic pollutants and first time hospitalizations for myocardial infarction with co-morbid diabetes: a 12-year population-based study, Internat J Occupat Med Health 23;1:5-13, 2010 The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine.
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Blueberries could strengthen blood vessels against oxidative stress that may lead to heart disease, says new research.
The results of the new study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (Vol 17, pp 109-116), add to the other reports in the literature linking the berry to lowering cholesterol, and protecting against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The scientists, led by Dorothy Klimis-Zacas from the University of Maine, investigated the effects of blueberries on functional and structural molecules in the walls of the rats' aortas. Over a 13-week period a control group was fed a standard diet, while an intervention group received the standard diet supplemented with eight per cent powdered wild blueberry. The scientists focused on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), carbohydrate molecules in the blood vessel walls that are directly or indirectly involved in a variety of functions, including lipoprotein metabolism, blood coagulation, and organization of the extracellular matrix. “In this study we document for the first time that diets enriched with wild blueberries significantly alter the composition and structure of rat aorta at the glycosaminoglycan level,” wrote lead author Anastasia Kalea. Klimis-Zacas and her research team also found an increased level of a specific GAG called galactosaminoglycans (GalAGs). “It seems that the increased GalAG content in the blueberry-fed group (plus 67 per cent compared to control) may well be a protective factor,” they said. By maintaining higher levels of GalAGs the blood vessel walls are more resistant to oxidative stress that could lead to cardiovascular disease. “Our investigation of the potential of natural antioxidants like those found in wild blueberries to combat the precursors to cardiovascular disease is part of a broader research movement to gain a better understanding of the role of diet in disease prevention,” said Klimis-Zacas. The researchers said that identification of the bioactive compounds in the fruit that cause the structural GAG changes is needed to elucidate the specific mechanism of action. The study has been welcomed by the blueberry industry. Susan Davis, nutrition advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America said that the work expands on the importance of wild blueberries in helping fend off diseases of aging, like cardiovascular disease. “Dr Klimis-Zacas' work helps build the case for including phytonutrient-rich foods in the diet for good nutrition and disease prevention. Colorful foods like Wild Blueberries should be the cornerstone of a healthy diet,” she said. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. |
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4012 Postal Way
Suite A
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Copyright © 2014-2023. MyChiroClub. All Rights Reserved. "MyChiroClub" is a registered trademark owned by Neal Lange.