atherosclerosis Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Keep Your Arteries Free of Plaque by Eating a Handful of THIS Food Daily

AHA Publisher — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:11 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, affects an estimated 1 in 58 Americans and is one of the main drivers of morbidity and mortality. Considered a chronic inflammatory disease, it leads to a build-up of plaque inside the arteries, impairs healthy blood flow, and drives the formation of blood clots. Not surprisingly, keeping our arteries pliable and free of plaque can have enormous implications for our longevity and quality of life since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. And new research suggests that sprinkling a handful of this popular nut into your daily diet can have a promising impact. Want Better Cholesterol? New Clinical Trial Suggests a Simple Food Choice Can Help In 2017, the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel concluded that current evidence “unequivocally establishes” that LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol causes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, making it a clear modifiable risk factor to focus on in disease prevention. Of course, LDL cholesterol is not the only risk … other factors for atherosclerosis include oxidative stress from toxic exposures, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Having said that, could something as simple as snacking on walnuts every day really be an effective way to lower LDL cholesterol and, in time, help you avoid the hardening of the arteries? A recently published randomized controlled trial with two years worth of data says yes. The trial, published in the Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, found that eating 1 to 2 servings of walnuts per day (about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup, or 30 to 60 grams), which is roughly equivalent to about 15% of a person’s daily intake, can lead to a mean reduction in LDL cholesterol by 4.3 mg/dL among people with “normal” lipid profiles. An even greater improvement in LDL levels has been observed in people with high total cholesterol. 90% of the 708 trial participants completed the study. The authors add that frequent nut consumption has been associated overall with a 15% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a 23% reduced risk of lower CVD-related deaths. This study does come with one red flag: it was funded by the California Walnut Commission (CWC) and therefore had a potential conflict of interest. That said, walnuts are generally considered a safe and healthy food for anyone without a nut allergy and are an excellent plant-based source of various fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In Addition to Eating More Walnuts, Here Are Other Things You Can Do to Help Your Arteries Stay Healthier as You Age Walnuts and other nuts and seeds are healthy when consumed in moderation – but they do tend to be high in calories, so it’s essential to monitor your intake, especially if you’re trying to keep your arteries healthy. Why? Because being overweight or obese increases your risk of high LDL cholesterol, according to Mayo Clinic. Conversely, getting to a healthy weight can improve cardiovascular health and prevent atherosclerosis. You can also protect your heart and arteries by: Avoiding toxins in your food, water, personal care / household products and immediate air space. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Managing stress levels and improving sleep habits. Eating lots of chemical-free (organic vegetables and fruit) – rich in antioxidants. Exploring natural supplements that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, such as alpha-linolenic acid, fish oil, garlic, green tea, oat bran and barley. And, of course, staying well hydrated with clean water. Sources for this article include: AHAjournals.org Omicsonline.org MayoClinic.org CDC.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Aged Garlic Banishes Arterial Plague and Stops Heart Disease, Study Claims

AHA Publisher — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:00:19 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, affecting over 18 million Americans. CAD is a condition in which arteries leading to the heart become constricted and narrowed by cholesterol-laden plaque (atherosclerosis). A complete blockage in an artery can cause blood clot formation, leading to a potentially life-threatening heart attack or stroke. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese healers turned to garlic to treat a variety of ills. Now, research shows that extracts from these pungent little cloves can play a role in modern-day therapies to combat heart disease. In study after study, aged garlic extract is impressing researchers with its ability to vanquish atherosclerotic plaque. Let’s take a look at some of the evidence. Is it Possible to Reverse Heart Disease? Study Makes Bold Claim About Aged Garlic Extract Garlic, botanically known as Allium sativum, gets its therapeutic powers from its supply of allicin – an enzyme formed when garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed. Allicin’s powers are further unleashed when it breaks down into disease-fighting organosulfur compounds known as L-cysteine sulfoxides. (In fact, cysteine is a “building block” of glutathione, the body’s most indispensable antioxidant). In a placebo-controlled study published in 2016 in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers examined the effect of garlic extracts on patients with metabolic syndrome or MS. Metabolic syndrome – a linked cluster of unhealthy conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and obesity – creates a sort of “perfect storm” for heart disease to develop. The remarkable results showed that garlic not only reduced cholesterol and lowered blood pressure but reduced plaque in coronary arteries. And, it excelled at dissolving a particular type of deposit known as “soft plaque.” Some experts believe that this softer, more waxy plaque is more likely to rupture – and cause a life-threatening blood clot – than the denser variety. Significantly, the researchers found the results so compelling that they used the “R” word (reverse) to describe the effects. “Aged garlic extract can help slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reverse the early stages of heart disease,” the team unequivocally stated. The scientists added that “safe, highly tolerable” aged garlic extract could be used as either a stand-alone therapy or as an adjunct to standard medical treatment. Aged Garlic Extract Offers Help for High Blood Pressure, Outperforms Prescription Drug High blood pressure, which occurs in roughly 25 percent of the adult population in developed nations, poses a particular risk to heart health. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure makes blood vessels more prone to rupture and more prone to the accumulation of artery-clogging cholesterol. Once again, garlic can come to the rescue. In a 2019 review of studies published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, the authors reported that aged garlic extract had a favorable effect on blood pressure, dropping it by 7 to 16 mmHg in the systolic and 5 to 9 mmHg in the diastolic. In one study, researchers noted that garlic supplementation even outperformed atenolol, a popular pharmaceutical blood pressure medication. In addition to lowering blood pressure, garlic extract caused mild to moderate decreases in total cholesterol and reduced arterial stiffness and the “stickiness” of blood platelets – meaning the tendency of blood to form into clots. The investigators pointed out that blood pressure reduction, along with other interventions, has been shown to slash the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke by a stunning 40 percent. More Good News: Garlic Influences the Ratio of Healthy to Unhealthy Fats, Supports Friendly Bacteria in the Gut When it comes to reducing risk factors for heart disease, it turns out that garlic extracts can provide valuable “pieces” of the interlocking puzzle. As researchers have learned, adipose (fat) tissue of overweight individuals acts almost like a separate organ of the body, capable of influencing rates of inflammation and driving the progression of atherosclerosis. But, not all fats are created equal. “Brown” fat is linked to a lower risk of heart disease (and doesn’t promote the development of atherosclerosis), while “white” fat is much more problematic. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology, researchers found 250 mg of aged garlic extract a day improved brown-to-white adipose tissue ratio – definitely good news for those battling obesity and heart disease. Another “plus” for garlic is that it is a prebiotic food, meaning that it provides nourishment for the community of bacteria in the gut. In this way, garlic improves the richness and diversity of the gut microbiome, which is linked with anti-obesity effects, immune system health – even mood and cognition. In one study, three months of garlic supplementation increased the number of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria in the intestines. Get More Garlic in Your Life Garlic – whether raw, sauteed, or roasted – is such a beloved part of many cuisines that it’s hard to imagine certain dishes without it. Of course, shrimp scampi, garlic bread, pizza, and pasta are all foods enhanced by using garlic. But, healthier ways to use garlic include: hummus, mashed sweet potatoes, or “intensified” marinades and dressings. Some garlic lovers advise nibbling on mint leaves, sucking on cloves, or chewing fennel seeds after a meal to reduce objectionable garlic breath. Others swear by diluted apple cider vinegar. Or, you can bypass the problem by using aged garlic extract, an odor-free alternative. (Another advantage of aged garlic extract is that it reduces the chances of gastrointestinal upset that can accompany garlic supplementation). Natural health experts typically advise 300 mg to 1,000 mg of aged garlic extract a day but check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. Research continues to demonstrate that aged garlic extract can benefit heart health. When you consider that garlic also boosts immune system function, reduces the risk of infection, and helps to remove heavy metals from the body, it’s clear that the humble garlic clove deserves a place of honor in your health regimen. Sources for this article include: SpandidosPublications.com CDC.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Reduce the Risk of Plaque Buildup in the Arteries With These 2 Plant Extracts

AHA Publisher — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:00:29 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is a major driver of heart disease. In fact, heart disease claims over 647,000 lives a year in the United States, making it the Number One cause of death in the nation. Clearly, atherosclerosis is a major health threat. And, while Western medicine attempts to “treat” the condition with stents and cholesterol-lowering drugs, these therapies often feature a wide range of unwanted side effects. Fortunately, natural solutions exist! Scientific research (including a clinical study published just this year) has demonstrated that two plant extracts – French maritime pine bark and Centella asiatica – can fight atherosclerosis naturally and safely. Great NEWS: You Can Fight Atherosclerosis Naturally With Appropriate Supplementation, Proper Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Choices Atherosclerosis – in which cholesterol-laden plaque constricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood – affects the medium and large-sized arteries. Atherosclerosis in the coronary artery can cause shortness of breath and angina (chest pain due to insufficient oxygen). If a complete blockage occurs, a deadly heart attack can result. When atherosclerosis affects the carotid artery supplying blood to the brain and neck, blockages can cause a catastrophic stroke. A growing number of integrative doctors – including world-renowned holistic cardiologist Joel Kahn, M.D. – believe that atherosclerosis is not only treatable but reversible. Dr. Kahn maintains that a routine of supplementation, nutrition and exercise can help reverse the artery-clogging effects of atherosclerosis and prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events. Dr. Kahn has stated that he is “particularly impressed” by studies that highlight the effects of pine bark and Centella asiatica on atherosclerosis. Study Reveals: Pine Bark and Centella Asiatica Significantly Reduced Atherosclerotic Plaque While Improving Stabilization In a 2016 Italian study of 50 patients with high oxidative stress and plaque in the carotid arteries, participants received either a placebo or a combination of pine bark extract and Centella asiatica daily for three months. The researchers used ultrasound imaging to determine that the extract group had less oxidative stress and arterial plaque when compared to the control group. In addition, the stability of their plaque increased. In other words, the atherosclerotic plaques became smaller, denser and less likely to rupture – thereby reducing the chance of a blood clot and subsequent stroke or heart attack. A pretty major pay-off for simply taking two natural plant-based substances! A year later, these encouraging results were reinforced by a larger study of longer duration. In a four-year trial of 391 patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid or femoral arteries, one group was treated with a combination of pine bark extract and Centella asiatica and one was treated with pine bark extract alone. A third group received a placebo. All participants received diet, exercise and lifestyle counseling as well. While the pine bark extract group showed some reductions in markers of atherosclerosis, it was the “combination” group that enjoyed the strongest benefits. The scientists found that this group had the greatest reductions in plaque size and length – and that their incidence of angina was slashed in half. In addition, they experienced a lower rate of heart attacks. Researchers knew they were on to something. But, the most compelling research was yet to come. Bombshell Study: Pine Bark extracts and Centella Asiatica Reduce Risk of Severe Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Atherosclerosis In a three-year trial published in Minerva Cardioangiologica, men with progressive atherosclerosis were randomly divided into three groups. This time, researchers added aspirin (which has been shown to lessen the inflammation associated with atherosclerosis) to the mix. One group received standard counseling on diet, exercise and lifestyle, while a second group received counseling and 100 mg of aspirin a day. A third group received a pine bark/Centella/aspirin combination along with standard counseling. After three years, 22 percent of the patients in the counseling-only group experienced cardiovascular events requiring hospitalization. Those in the aspirin group fared better, with a rate of 12 percent. The real standout, however, was the outcome for the “extracts plus aspirin” group: a miniscule 3.5 percent hospitalization rate. The impressed team concluded that combined supplementation with pine bark and Centella asiatica appears to control both the progression of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiological events. Better Together: Potent Pair of Extracts delivers a “One-Two” Punch Against Atherosclerosis It’s not surprising that these two plant-based therapies can help fight atherosclerosis naturally. Both are rich in antioxidant constituents (such as procyanidins, asiaticosides, phenolic acids and triterpenoids), allowing them to combat the inflammation and oxidative stress that trigger arterial plaque formation. Centella asiatica, known in Ayurveda as “gotu kola,” is available as an extract. Experts advise a formulation standardized to contain 40 percent asiaticosides and 30 percent asiatic acid, with typical amounts of 150 to 450 mg a day. French maritime pine bark extracts are often sold under the brand name Pcynogenol, and are normally advised at levels around 200 mg a day. As an added “bonus:” Pycnogenol has been shown to increase intracellular levels of glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant. Of course, don’t use these plant extracts to treat atherosclerosis, or any other medical condition, without first consulting your skilled integrative doctor. You can also fight atherosclerosis naturally by quitting smoking, getting moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a plant-based diet high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and healthy monounsaturated fats. Dr. Kahn declares that he has witnessed powerful results after recommending pine bark and gotu kola to thousands of patients – including arterial age that drops by “decades, after only a year or two of therapy.” Obviously, this plant-based treatment is too important to ignore. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com, MayoClinic.org, MSKCC.org, NIH.gov, MerckManuals.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Scientists Develop Peptides that Restore Balance in Gut Bacteria and Reverse Atherosclerosis

AHA Publisher — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:00:56 +0000

Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo, BSN via News-Medical Net – Researchers continue to explore the role of gut bacteria on health, including its link to depression, autoimmune diseases, mental health, and obesity. Now, a team of scientists at Scripps Research has developed new molecules that can restore the balance in gut bacteria in the intestines and as a result, lowers cholesterol levels and reverses the narrowing of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. What Is Atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the arteries, preventing blood flow. It is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, which are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. It also delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. Plaque contains cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When the plaque takes over the arterial wall, it limits blood flow, which can lead to serious problems, including stroke, heart attack, and even death. Novel Molecules The findings of the study, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, show that the molecules, called peptides, can slow the growth of bad gut bacteria. The team wanted to explore how some conditions can be prevented through remodeling or reshaping the communities of bacteria in the gut. The gut microbiome is a dense population, containing trillions of bacteria that co-exist with other human cells to help with digestion, metabolism, brain health, and immune function. The researchers also wanted to investigate how a typical Western diet rich in fats, sugar, and carbohydrates can impact the gut bacteria in ways that lead to the development of high cholesterol levels and eventually, atherosclerosis. The Study Findings To arrive at the findings, the study involved mice that were bred to be vulnerable to high cholesterol, and the team fed them with a Western-style diet that bought on atherosclerosis and changes in their gut microbiome. The team then created a set of molecules that slowed the growth of less-desirable species of gut bacteria. The results of the study show that the peptides effectively shifted the balance of species in the gut microbiome in mice who had high cholesterol levels. In turn, the reshaped gut microbiome has led to lowered cholesterol levels. Further, it helped slow down the buildup of plaques or fatty deposits in the arteries. “It was surprising to us that simply remodeling the gut microbiome can have such an extensive effect,” Dr. Reza Ghadiri, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Scripps Research, said. Gut Microbiome and Human Health The gut microbiome has been tied to various conditions and diseases. Many scientists believe that controlling and reshaping gut bacteria can have many health benefits. Symbiosis, the balance of the species in the gut, is essential in promoting overall health and well-being in humans. Over the past decades, the gut microbiome of symbiotic bacteria has become the focus of studies across the globe. Scientists believe that symbiosis can also alter human health, especially when people misuse antibiotics and consume high fat, sugar, and carbohydrate foods, just like Western-style diets. Hence, gut microbiome imbalance has been tied to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis, which all contribute to life-threatening and chronic diseases. The study authors believe that using the novel molecules can help prevent atherosclerosis, and eventually, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. “Our approach, using small molecules called cyclic peptides, is inspired by nature. Our cells naturally use a diverse collection of molecules, including antimicrobial peptides to regulate our gut microbe populations,” Dr. Luke Leman, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Scripps Research, and co-author of the study said. The team suggests that the study findings can help in developing therapeutics in reversing atherosclerosis and preventing chronic diseases. “Directed chemical manipulation provides an additional tool for deciphering the chemical biology of the gut microbiome and might advance microbiome-targeted therapeutics,” the researchers wrote in the paper. To read the original article click here.

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Nanoparticle Chomps Away Plaques that Cause Heart Attacks

AHA Publisher — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:00:26 +0000

Michigan State University via Science Daily – Scientists have invented a nanoparticle that eats away — from the inside out — portions of plaques that cause heart attacks. To read the original article click here.

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