cardiovascular disease Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Indicate a High Risk of Developing Cardiac Amyloidosis

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:45:22 +0000

University of Alabama at Birmingham via EurekAlert! – Presence of carpal tunnel syndrome may indicate a high risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis, according to study from All of Us Research Program Physician-scientists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine led a nationwide study to examine the role of carpal tunnel syndrome in predicting the risk of cardiac amyloidosis. In their study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, UAB researchers collaborated with researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University to show that carpal tunnel syndrome preceded the development of cardiac amyloidosis by 10-15 years and individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome were at a high risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis. “Cardiac amyloidosis is an underdiagnosed condition that may be responsible for up to one in 10 cases of heart failure,”said Naman S. Shetty, M.D., a research fellow in the UAB Division of Cardiovascular Disease and the first author of this manuscript. “At the time of diagnosis, individuals with cardiac amyloidosis have developed severe heart failure and are at a high risk of death. Early identification of cardiac amyloidosis may allow the initiation of disease-modifying therapeutic agents that halt the progression of disease and delay the development of heart failure. Therefore, early identification of cardiac amyloidosis is essential to prevent the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease.” Cardiac amyloidosis may be responsible for up to one in 10 cases of heart failure Shetty and his team utilized nationwide data from the All of Us Research Program to study approximately 150,000 individuals across the United States. The study unveiled a significant association between carpal tunnel syndrome and the risk of developing heart failure and amyloidosis. “We found that individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome exhibited a 13 percent higher risk of developing heart failure and a threefold higher risk of amyloidosis compared to those without carpal tunnel syndrome,” Shetty said. “Therefore, the findings of this study point toward carpal tunnel syndrome as a potential early indicator of cardiac amyloidosis.” Shetty says the development of carpal tunnel syndrome before developing cardiac amyloidosis may be attributed to the disease process in amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is characterized by the destabilization of the transthyretin protein, which leads to the breakdown of this protein into fragments. The deposition of these protein fragments in various tissues leads to the manifestations of amyloidosis. Shetty notes that the carpal tunnel is a tight space in the wrist and the deposition of even a small amount of protein fragments leads to the development of symptoms. However, a large amount of protein deposition in the heart is required for the alteration of the function of the heart and the development of cardiac symptoms. These differences may explain why carpal tunnel syndrome precedes cardiac amyloidosis by 10-15 years. Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome exhibited a 13% higher risk of developing heart failure Pankaj Arora, M.D., the senior author of the manuscript and an associate professor in the UAB Division of Cardiovascular Disease, explains that cardiac amyloidosis is broadly classified as wild-type, meaning it has no identifiable genetic mutation, or hereditary, meaning it is caused by a genetic mutation in the TTR gene. “The All of Us Research Program provided the unique opportunity to examine whether carrying a TTR mutation was associated with a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome,” Arora said. “The study found that carriers of a TTR mutation have a roughly 40 percent higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, with the risk increasing notably around the age of 50-60 years. Our previous work showed that the risk of heart failure in individuals carrying a TTR mutation increased at nearly 75 years of age. Putting these findings together, individuals with a genetic mutation for cardiac amyloidosis develop carpal tunnel syndrome about 10-15 years prior to the development of heart failure.” Arora, who also serves as the director of the UAB Cardiogenomics Clinic, is routinely involved in caring for patients with hereditary cardiac amyloidosis. “The findings of this study have several implications for the detection of cardiac amyloidosis,” Arora said. “Cardiac amyloidosis screening programs targeting individuals with CTS between the ages of 50 and 60 years may facilitate early identification of ATTR amyloidosis.” Arora notes that genetic testing for TTR variants may prove to be a feasible strategy for screening. Considering that about 3 percent to 4 percent of Black individuals carry a genetic variant, implementation of genetic testing in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may allow early identification of carriers of genetic mutation and permit preventive strategies. These efforts may ultimately contribute to decreasing racial disparities in cardiovascular disease. Journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.11.016 To read the original article click here.

The post Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Indicate a High Risk of Developing Cardiac Amyloidosis appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Fighting Inflammation with Flaxseeds

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:04:34 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory, aging-associated oxylipins can be normalized by eating ground flaxseed. I previously explored the “Potent Antihypertensive Effect of Dietary Flaxseed in Hypertensive Patients” study in my video Flaxseeds for Hypertension. That was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial where researchers disguised ground flaxseed in baked goods versus flax-free placebo muffins and saw an extraordinary drop in high blood pressure. As you can imagine, the flaxseed industry was overjoyed, praising the “impressive” findings, as was I. After all, high blood pressure is “the single largest risk factor” for death in the world. High blood pressure is “the single largest risk factor” for death in the world. Yes, we give people medications, lots and lots of medications, but most people don’t take them. Nine out of ten people take less than 80 percent of their prescribed blood pressure pills. It’s not difficult to understand why. “Patients are asked to follow an inconvenient and potentially costly regimen, which will likely have a detrimental effect on health-related quality of life, to treat a mostly asymptomatic condition that commonly does not cause problems for many years.” So, they may feel worse instead of better, due to the side effects. Then, some think the answer is to give them even more drugs to counteract the effects of the first drugs, like giving men Viagra to counteract the erectile dysfunction caused by their blood pressure pills. How about using a dietary strategy instead, especially if it can be just as effective? And, indeed, the drop in blood pressure the researchers saw in the flaxseed study “was greater than the average decrease observed with the standard dose of anti-hypertensive medications.” Flaxseeds are cheaper, too, compared to even single medications, and most patients are on multiple drugs. Plus, flaxseeds have good side effects beyond their anti-hypertensive actions. Taking tablespoons of flaxseed a day is a lot of fiber for people living off of cheeseburgers and milkshakes their whole lives, and your gut bacteria may need a little time to adjust to the new bounty. So, those who start with low-fiber diets may want to take it a little slow with the flaxseeds at first. Flaxseeds have good side effects beyond their anti-hypertensive actions Not all studies have shown significant blood pressure–lowering effects, though. There have been more than a dozen trials by now, involving more than a thousand subjects. And, yes, when you put them all together, overall, there were “significant reductions in both SBP and DBP”—systolic blood pressure (the upper number) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number)—“following supplementation with various flaxseed products.” But none was as dramatic as what the researchers had found in that six-month trial. The longer trials tended to show better results, and some of the trials just used flaxseed oil or some kind of flaxseed extract. We think this is because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. “Each of the components of interest within flaxseed, ALA, lignans, fiber, and peptides”—the omega-3s, the cancer-fighting lignans, all the soluble fiber, and the plant proteins, for instance—“all contribute towards BP reduction.” Okay, but how? Why? What is the mechanism? Some common blood-pressure medications like Norvasc or Procardia work in part by reducing the ability of the heart to contract or by slowing down the heart. So, might it be that’s how flaxseeds work, too? But, no. In my video Benefits of Flaxseeds for Inflammation, I profile the “Dietary Flaxseed Reduces Central Aortic Blood Pressure Without Cardiac Involvement but Through Changes in Plasma Oxylipins” study. What are oxylipins? “Oxylipins are a group of fatty acid metabolites” involved in inflammation and, as a result, have been implicated in many pro-inflammatory conditions, including aging and cardiovascular disease. “The best-characterized oxylipins about cardiovascular disease are derived from the w-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid,” a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid. These are found preformed in animal products, particularly chicken and eggs, and can be made inside the body from junky oils rich in omega-6, such as cottonseed oil, as noted below and at 3:49 in my video. But, as this study is titled, “Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory oxylipins in older subjects are normalized by flaxseed consumption.” That’s how we think flaxseed consumption reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension: by inhibiting the enzyme that makes these pro-inflammatory oxylipins. I’ll spare you from acronym overload, but eating flaxseeds inhibits the activity of the enzyme that makes these pro-inflammatory oxylipins, called leukotoxin diols, which in turn may lower blood pressure. “Identifying the biological mechanism adds confidence to the antihypertensive actions of dietary flaxseed,” but that’s not all oxylipins do. Oxylipins may also play a role in the aging process. As we get older, we’re more likely to be stricken with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. However, we may be able to “beneficially disrupt these biological changes associated with inflammation and aging” with a nutritional intervention like flaxseed. Older adults around age 50 have higher levels of this arachidonic acid–derived oxylipin compared to younger adults around age 20, as you can see in the graph below and at 4:56 in my video. “These elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory oxylipins in the older age group…may…explain the higher levels of inflammation in older versus younger individuals.” As we get older, we’re more likely to be stricken with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. So, this “elevation of pro-inflammatory oxylipins…may predispose individuals to chronic disease conditions.” What if you took those older adults and gave them muffins, like the ones with ground flaxseed? That’s just what a group of researchers did. Four weeks later, the subjects’ levels dropped down to like 20-year-olds’ levels, as seen in the graph below and at 5:32 in my video, “demonstrating that a potential therapeutic strategy to correct the deleterious pro-inflammatory oxylipin profile is via a dietary supplementation with flaxseed.” What about flax and cancer? See the related posts below. I also have a video on diabetes: Flaxseeds vs. Diabetes. If you’re interested in weight loss, see Benefits of Flaxseed Meal for Weight Loss. What about the cyanide content of flax? I answered that in Friday Favorites: How Well Does Cooking Destroy the Cyanide in Flaxseeds and Should We Be Concerned About It?. What else can help fight inflammation? Check out in related posts below. Key Takeaways A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that, compared to placebo, dietary flaxseed consumption resulted in an extraordinary drop in high blood pressure, which is “the single largest risk factor” for death globally. Nine out of ten people take less than 80 percent of their prescribed blood pressure pills, due in part to inconvenience, cost, and potential side effects “to treat a mostly asymptomatic condition that commonly does not cause problems for many years.” The drop in blood pressure seen in the flaxseed study exceeded the average drop observed with typical doses of anti-hypertensive drugs, and flaxseeds are cheaper, too, and have other good side effects, such as increased fiber intake, which may be beneficial for those transitioning from low-fiber diets. Although not all studies showed significant blood pressure–lowering effects, the overall analysis of more than a dozen trials with more than a thousand subjects found significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with flaxseed supplementation, and longer trials tend to show better results. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and every component of interest in flaxseed—including the omega-3s, cancer-fighting lignans, soluble fiber, and plant proteins—contributes to lowering blood pressure. Norvasc, Procardia, and some other common blood-pressure drugs work by slowing down the heart or reducing its ability to contract, but that’s not how flaxseeds work. It’s thought that consumption of flaxseeds reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients by inhibiting the enzyme that makes pro-inflammatory oxylipins, fatty acid metabolites that are involved in inflammation and, as a result, are implicated in aging, cardiovascular disease, and other pro-inflammatory conditions. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory oxylipins dropped after four weeks of flaxseed consumption, suggesting that supplementing with flaxseed is “a potential therapeutic strategy to correct the deleterious pro-inflammatory oxylipin profile.” To read the original article click here.

The post Fighting Inflammation with Flaxseeds appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Cancer, Early Death, Cognitive Decline

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – When you hear “ultra-processed foods,” you probably pictures things like soda, cereal, cookies and frozen dinners — and you’d be right. According to a study published in the medical journal BMJ Open, these are considered ultra-processed foods, or “formulations of several ingredients which, besides salt, sugar, oils and fats, include food substances not used in culinary preparations.” A large body of research suggests that there are many dangerous effects of eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods, and there’s no doubt about it, the amount that many Americans eat is alarming. A 2021 JAMA study, for example, found that ultra-processed foods now account for two-thirds (67 percent) of calories on average in the diets of American children and teens. The BMJ study mentioned above uncovered that 58 percent of the average American’s daily energy intake comes from unhealthy foods like cakes, white breads and diet sodas. That’s not all. Research published in 2022 shows ultra-processed foods are linked withcancer and early death — and could even raise the risk of cognitive decline. What types of health problems may this lead to? As explained more below, consumption of such unhealthy ingredients is linked to problems including: obesity diabetes heart disease inflammatory bowel disease depression even cancer What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Processed foods are those that have been changed in any way from their natural states, whether due to washing, canning, freezing or adding ingredients to them. Ultra–processed foods take things a step further: They are made mostly from substances extracted from foods, such as fats, starches, added sugars and hydrogenated fats, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Processed foods are definitely a tricky subject. Considering that many seemingly healthy foods come in packages today, it can be hard to tell the difference between “whole foods” and those that are processed. For example, is oatmeal an ultra-processed food? Are things like bagged trail mix or bottled fruit smoothies actually healthy choices? Breads and oatmeal are in fact “processed” even if they are healthy and homemade. You don’t just nibble on these grains — you process them into a loaf or rolled oats. Nut butters are processed, too, when they’re churned into a creamy spread. In fact, any food that hasn’t been directly pulled out of the ground and eaten is technically processed, like frozen fruits or canned veggies. The Processed Foods Spectrum: Not all processed foods are created equally, however. Chowing down on Twinkies is certainly not the same as adding frozen spinach to your smoothies, even though they’re technically both processed. What is the difference between processed and ultra-processed food? Check out the spectrum below: Avoid: Ultra-processed foods — This group includes things like frozen dinners (yes, that includes pizza), all sodas (even diet!), store-bought cakes and cookies (goodbye, Little Debbie), boxed cake mixes, etc. These are made with added fats, starches, added sugars, hydrogenated fat and other artificial ingredients. Not often: Processed foods — This includes ingredients like jarred pasta sauce, sausages, store-bought salad dressings and whole-grain bread. These aren’t terrible in moderation or when you’re short on time, but when possible, it’s best to make your own versions to limit added ingredients. When you do purchase these, look for those that have a limited amount (two to four) ingredients. Better: Minimally processed foods — This includes things like extra virgin olive oil, meats (naturally raised), plain yogurt, nut butters (where the only ingredients are the nut and salt), frozen vegetables and fruit that have been processed at their peak to lock in freshness and nutrition. Ideally these should be just one to two ingredients. Best: Unprocessed foods — Fresh fruit, wild-caught fish and veggies fall into this category. They’re delicious just as nature made them. Effects on Health What do ultra-processed foods do to your body? Research shows that diets high in processed foods are associated with: Weight gain and obesity, including among children and teens Heart disease and vascular diseases Diabetes Depression Cancer More A 2019 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism that compared the effects of an ultra-processed diet to those of an unprocessed diet found that people consumed about 500 more calories per day on the ultra-processed diet. The ultra-processed diet usually resulted in higher intake of carbohydrates and fat but not protein. Participants gained on average two pounds during the ultra-processed diet phase of the study, which lasted just 14 days. Another study found that over a five-year period, people who consumed more ultra-processed foods had higher risks of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. This remained true even after the researchers adjusted for the nutritional quality of the diet (considering factors such as the amount saturated fat, sodium, sugar and dietary fiber in the diets). A 2018 study linked high consumption of these types of foods to a greater risk of developing certain types of cancer. Researchers found that a 10 percent increase in ultra-processed foods in someone’s diet was correlated to about an 11 percent increase in developing breast cancer. A 2022 study backed up this data, finding a correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and colorectal cancer. Researchers concluded, “In the three large prospective cohorts, high consumption of total ultra-processed foods in men and certain subgroups of ultra-processed foods in men and women was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.” Then there is the effect on cognition, as noted by research published in JAMA Neurol: In a cohort study of 10,775 individuals, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher rate of global and executive function decline after a median follow-up of 8 years. … These findings suggest that limiting consumption of ultra-processed food could be associated with reduced cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults. Added sugar found in many packaged foods is also a big health concern. Today it’s estimated that about 90 percent of Americans’ “added sugar intake” comes from ultra-processed foods. In fact, sugar makes up about 21 percent of the calories found in ultra-processed foods. High consumption of sugar, as well as different types of artificial sweeteners, is associated with a variety of health conditions, from obesity to type 2 diabetes to migraines. Studies have shown that people who consume more than 21 percent of their daily calories from added sugar double their risk of death from heart disease compared to those who consume less than 10 percent of their calories from added sugars. It’s not an exaggeration to say that added sugars are killing us. Ultra-Processed Foods List What is considered ultra-processed food? These are the types of food products that are loaded with preservatives, additives and unrecognizable ingredients. Many are also artificially colored and flavored, often deep-fried, and contain next to no nutritional value. Many things offered at “fast food” restaurants fall into this category. Fast food is fast and cheap for a reason … the large majority of the time, it’s processed and pre-prepared. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, about 37 percent of American adults eat fast food on a given day. Data also showed eating fast food decreased with age, surprisingly increased with income, and was more popular among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. Some examples of ultra-processed foods to avoid include: Chips, many crackers and salty snacks, and French fries Frozen pizza and other frozen meals Many cheeses and processed meats, like hot dogs, bologna, etc. Cakes, cookies, brownies, donuts and frostings Candy Fast food Soda, many juices and energy drinks How to Eat Less Ultra-Processed Foods (Healthy Swaps) 1. Make Gradual Changes While it’s tempting to make drastic dietary changes, you and your family have a better chance of sticking to healthy habits if you decide on one change at a time. For example, if you usually serve soda or juice with meals, try replacing these with water instead. After a few days, remove another major source of sugar. Not only will this help ease you into changes mentally, but it’ll also help reduce any physical symptoms you might experience. 2. Shop with a Grocery List It’s a lot easier to make healthy choices and avoid ultra-processed foods when you have a list of the items you’re looking to add into your diet instead. Make a list of the meals you’re preparing for the week and all the ingredients required. If you’re thinking of heading to the store without eating, forget about it. Shopping on an empty stomach will make it harder to resist those foods you should avoid. 3. Shop the Store’s Perimeter You’ve probably heard it before, but there’s a reason it’s recommended that you shop the edge of the store and skip most of the middle aisles. Fresh produce, meats and dairy are nearly always around the store perimeter, while ultra-processed foods get stacked on the shelves in the middle of the store. By limiting the aisles you shop, you’ll resist temptation to purchase bad-for-you foods. Similarly, hit the healthier part of the grocery store first. One of the things I love about certain Whole Foods is that you enter the store in the vegetable and fruit area, so you start loading up on the best foods in the store well before you may start getting tempted by the naughty processed or ultra-processed foods. 4. Read the Ingredients List If there’s something on the ingredients list of a packaged food that you couldn’t buy to use in your own kitchen – or whose name you can’t even pronounce – it’s probably highly processed. Don’t forget that ingredients are listed in the order of how prevalent in a food they are. Beware of what’s listed as one of the first five ingredients, or better yet, avoid foods that have more than five ingredients in them. 5. Look Out for Added Sugars Food manufacturers have gotten cleverer about how sugars are listed by using different terms for the substance in the ingredients list. One rule of thumb is that ingredients ending with “ose” are sugars: Think sucrose, fructose and dextrose. Another is to use fancy or “natural” sounding sugars, such as: cane sugar beet sugar cane juice fruit juice 6. Try These Healthier Alternatives Instead of chips and fries— Make your own. You don’t have to stick to potatoes either. I’m a huge fan of spicy kale chips, zucchini chips and even sweet baked apple chips. Keep these on hand when you need a TV time snack or to nibble on while getting dinner ready. Instead of frozen pizzas — Try one of these easy homemade doughs, like this coconut crust pizza or cauliflower pizza crust with your favorite toppings, such as veggies. These are super tasty, come together quickly and you can customize them to your family’s tastes. In place of sugary drinks — Replace sugary sodas and store-bought juices with homemade drinks that taste great and are good for you, too. This anti-inflammatory green juice will boost your body’s natural defenses, while my orange carrot ginger juiceis a crowd-pleaser among kids. In place of cakes, cookies, muffins — Sweet treats don’t need to be eliminated entirely, but when there are alternatives that taste this good, there’s no need for ultra-processed versions. This chocolate frosting is fantastic atop homemade baked goods, maybe even on this gluten-free chocolate cake. Alternatives to fast food — You can steer clear of fast food by meal prepping and choosing healthier restaurant options. (Here are the restaurants I recommend.) Fast food’s ubiquity can be difficult to escape, but it can be done. Eliminating those foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives is one of the best things you can do for your family’s health. Conclusion What are ultra-processed foods? These are foods that are made with added ingredients, such as sugar, salt, fat, and artificial colors or preservatives. Examples include fast food, chips, frozen meals, soda, processed meats and cheeses, and desserts like cake and cookies. It’s been found that about 58 percent of the average American’s daily energy intake comes from unhealthy foods like cakes, white breads and diet sodas, while they make up up to two-thirds...

The post Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Cancer, Early Death, Cognitive Decline appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Yes, Coffee Can Help You Live Longer and Protect You From Cardiovascular Disease, With a Few Caveats

AHA Publisher — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 07:00:22 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Here in the United States and in 17 other countries, September 29th is celebrated as National Coffee Day. For the rest of the world, October 1st is International Coffee Day. It is all about celebrating a love of the caffeinated beverage made from the beans of the tropical evergreen coffee plant and paying respect to the world’s coffee farmers. The possible health benefits of coffee have been percolating in the news for years: Coffee can lower your risk for diabetes, coffee may protect against disease and even some cancers. More recently, headlines claim that coffee can extend your life or reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Good news, coffee lovers. The claim is mostly true. New research showed that people that drank two to three cups of coffee a day appear to live longer. The study also found that there was a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. All types of coffee, including ground, instant, and decaf, appeared to provide this health benefit. The research was published on September 27, 2022, in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Maya Vadivloo backs the claim that coffee is good for you, with some caveats. She is the Associate Professor and Director in Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Rhode Island. Vadivloo is an expert on nutrition, appearing often on such outlets as Today.com. “Based on existing evidence, I would say it is mostly true that coffee consumption appears to protect against cardiovascular and total mortality, with a few caveats. I believe evidence remains inconclusive about intake >5 cups/day and that the method of preparation may matter, with some question about whether compounds released when boiling coffee (vs. drip or similar methods) may be less favorable (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7524812/).” For those who don’t drink our coffee black, are the benefits still there after we add flavorings such as sugar or cream? “The addition of milk etc. to coffee does not eliminate all health benefits,” says Vadiveloo. “However, in line with other recommendations for a healthy dietary pattern, limiting forms of added sugar and replacing high-fat dairy with low-fat products would be better for health outcomes and energy balance.” Is coffee the magic bullet that will help us live longer, healthier lives? Not quite, says Vadiveloo. “While I love coffee, I am always cautious of media coverage that suggests there is some ‘magic bullet’ to improve mortality. While I believe there is compelling evidence that 2-3 cups (or even <5 cups of coffee) have cardioprotective and mortality benefits, it’s not a recommendation that exists in isolation. Regular coffee consumption when part of a heart-healthy diet rich in minimally processed fruits, vegetables, healthy sources of protein (mostly plant sources like nuts and legumes, seafood, and fish), whole grains, heart-healthy vegetable oils, and limited in added sugars, salt, and high fat meats as advocated by the recent American Heart Association dietary guidance (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001031) is the secret to improving overall health and mortality. (**disclaimer, I was a part of the AHA writing group) So I would say, if people enjoy coffee, they should continue to do so as part of a healthy dietary pattern, and to be mindful of what things they add to their coffee to maximize the health benefits. And further, if people want to replace less healthy beverages in their diet (e.g., sodas and fruit juices) with coffee, that would be a positive step.” To read the original article click here.

The post Yes, Coffee Can Help You Live Longer and Protect You From Cardiovascular Disease, With a Few Caveats appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Healthy People With High Cholesterol Don’t Stand to Benefit From Statins, Research Says

AHA Publisher — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

University of South Florida via News-Medical – About 40 million adults in the United States regularly take statins to lower their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke, according to American Heart Association data from 2020. However, many of them don’t stand to benefit from these drugs based on new research from David Diamond, a neuroscientist and cardiovascular disease researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida. Diamond and his co-authors reviewed literature from medical trials involving patients taking either a statin or placebo. They then narrowed their review to look at study participants with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL), the so-called “bad cholesterol,” which can be reduced with a statin. Some individuals with high LDL also had high triglycerides (fat in the blood) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good cholesterol,” which put them at the highest risk of having a heart attack. But others with high LDL were very different. They had low triglycerides and high HDL, which meant they were healthier. People with optimal triglycerides and HDL levels typically exercise, have low blood pressure and low blood sugar, and are at a low risk of a heart attack. Diamond and his co-authors asked two questions: If people are at a low risk of a heart attack based on having optimal triglycerides and HDL, but they also have high LDL, does that raise their risk? Further, would these people benefit from lowering their LDL with a statin? Their findings, published in the journal Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, showed LDL alone has “a very weak association” with heart disease and stroke. Their review went further, showing that when people with high LDL and optimal triglycerides and HDL were given a statin, there was no benefit. Diamond put the findings into a diet and lifestyle context. “People who are not overweight, have low blood sugar, exercise and are on a low-carb diet typically have optimal triglycerides and HDL, and sometimes they have high LDL. Our findings show that the people who have this healthy combination of diet and lifestyle, as well as high LDL, showed no benefit from taking a statin.” David Diamond, neuroscientist and cardiovascular disease researcher, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida The authors say their review also challenges the long-held contention that low-carb diets, which are often high in saturated (animal) fat, contribute to heart disease. That contention has persisted for nearly 50 years, dating to when cardiologist Robert Atkins was challenged about the potential dangers of his high-fat Atkins diet before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Nutrition and Human Needs in 1973. “High blood pressure, obesity, smoking and high blood sugar are the primary drivers of heart disease,” Diamond said. “Cholesterol is an innocent bystander, and saturated fat in the diet has been undeservedly demonized.” Diamond acknowledges that his research is controversial and has resulted in strong support, along with criticism from some within the medical community who have challenged his views on LDL and statins. He cautions that it is intended to raise awareness and should not be considered medical advice. Diamond’s interest in the association between LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and stroke is personal. About 25 years ago, he was overweight and diagnosed with high triglycerides and low HDL, a potentially lethal combination. His doctor told him he was at high risk of developing heart disease and prescribed a statin to lower his LDL cholesterol. Instead of taking the medication, Diamond began his study of diet and heart disease. “I learned my problem was that I ate too many carbs – bread, potatoes and sugar,” Diamond said. “I’ve been able to get my weight under control and reduce my risk of heart disease with a low-carb diet. In the process, I’ve become aware of the obsession with linking cholesterol to heart disease.” Diamond has since published more than a dozen papers on flaws in the consensus that cholesterol causes heart disease. His latest paper included a review of the medical literature linking statins to numerous adverse effects, including the development of diabetes, damage to muscles and kidneys and impaired brain functioning. “Certain statins have been linked to cognitive impairment because they interfere with the brain’s ability to produce cholesterol, which is essential for the creation of new brain connections and to form memories,” Diamond said. According to Diamond, people who are overweight and have diabetes may benefit from taking a statin because, in addition to lowering LDL, the drugs block excess clotting and inflammation, two known risk factors of heart disease. However, for those who prefer to take medication rather than make diet and lifestyle changes, Diamond has a message: “People who take a statin might not appreciate that they’re a little less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, but the adverse effects of the statin may cause them harm.” Co-authors for the study were Brigham Young University Professor Ben Bikman and Paul Mason, a physician in New South Wales, Australia. To read the original article click here.

The post Healthy People With High Cholesterol Don’t Stand to Benefit From Statins, Research Says appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

80% of Americans Have Less Than Optimal Cardiovascular Health, New Study Finds

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – It is shocking to discover that merely one in five Americans have optimal heart health. The American Heart Association recently published this startling finding. Researchers determined the country’s population lacks sufficient cardiovascular health in the context of the Life Essential 8 scoring system for cardiovascular health. The system’s calculations are based on information provided by more than 23,000 participants in nationwide surveys. The surveys, administered between 2013 and 2018, asked questions pertaining to health. The results revealed that more than three-quarters of the United States have less than optimal heart health. In addition, heart health scores changed based on mental health, household income, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Overwhelming Majority of Americans Suffer From Poor Heart Health Now that word is spreading about the country’s heart health crisis, the focus shifts to improving heart health. Healthy sleep that stretches out for seven to nine hours along with a nutrient and vitamin-packed diet are both essential to heart health. The little-known truth is that sufficient sleep is necessary for both brain and cardiovascular health. Exercise, blood lipids, body mass index, blood pressure, and even blood glucose also play a role in heart health. The Life Essential 8 score for heart health is determined by adding the scores for the metrics listed above and dividing that total by eight. Study Draws Startling Conclusions The fact that the Life Essential 8 heart health scoring system reveals that 80% of adults score at a moderate or low level is concerning. However, some critics question whether the researchers evaluated the health data of enough individuals. The data used in the study stems from United States National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys, including more than 13,000 adults between the ages of 20 and 79 and almost 10,000 kids, tweens, and teens. The results reveal kids, tweens and teens enrolled in the study scored 65.5 on the Life Essential 8 scale. The adults enrolled in the study had a disappointing 64.7 score on the same scale. However, it must be noted that the score for the younger participants in the age range of two to 19 factored in alterations in the context of age, including body mass index, physical activity, and dietary intake. Interestingly, a low 0.45% of American adults achieved a perfect score on the Life Essential 8 system. Nearly 20% of adults in the United States have elevated heart health, 62% have moderate, and 18% have low. Adult women scored better than men, with an average of 67 compared to the men’s average of 62.5. What Are the Causes of Heart Disease? There is plenty of discussion about whether the COVID-19 jab causes heart problems. Several jab-related health issues have arisen, including some pertaining to cardiovascular health. Heart inflammation, myocarditis, and pericarditis have increased in frequency after the vax was administered. Additional causes of heart problems include excessive consumption of alcohol, sedentary behavior, obesity, poor diet, and diabetes. Embrace the Challenge of Preventing Heart Disease If you are willing to change your lifestyle and diet, you will significantly reduce the chances of heart problems. Avoid any known toxins plus consume a wide variety of vegetables and fruit. Of course, as much as possible, choose organic varieties to avoid those unwanted toxins. In addition, reduce your alcohol intake, eliminate nicotine and engage in at least light to moderate physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes daily. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com To read the original article click here.

The post 80% of Americans Have Less Than Optimal Cardiovascular Health, New Study Finds appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Revolutionary Implant Could Ease Congestive Heart Failure

AHA Publisher — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 08:00:44 +0000

Brian Blum via Israel21c – Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of mortality – only 30 percent of patients survive 10 years, and less than half get even five years. Israeli startup Restore Medical has developed a new approach to treating CHF using an implantable device. CHF develops when the ventricles of the heart can’t pump enough blood volume. Eventually, blood and other fluids back up inside the lungs, abdomen, liver and lower body. Fluid in the lungs leads to shortness of breath and fatigue. CHF affects 6.2 million people in the United States and more than 64 million people globally. It affects nearly 10 out of every 1,000 people over the age of 65, in whom it is the most common diagnosis for hospitalized patients. Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working; rather, because the blood returns to the heart faster than it can be pumped out, the heart becomes congested. The body tries to compensate by signaling the heart to beat faster, to take less time for refilling after it contracts. But over the long run, less blood circulates and the extra effort can cause heart palpitations. CHF most commonly damages the left ventricle – that’s the part of the heart that pumps blood to the body. The right ventricle’s job is to push blood into the lungs. The damaged left ventricle becomes dilated, like a balloon, to make room for the extra blood. The only treatment for CHF is pharmaceuticals such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics and vasodilators. Reducing Hospitalizations Restore Medical developed an implant that is inserted into the pulmonary artery. It changes the pressure on the healthy right ventricle, enabling it to support the failed left ventricle, explains Gilad Marom, Restore Medical’s CEO. The implant is dubbed ContraBand. “Contra,” which means “in opposition to,” refers to this contrarian push of one ventricle onto the other. The ContraBand implant is delivered to the heart via catheter in much the same way that stents are introduced – through the femoral vein in the thigh. “The procedure is relatively simple and takes less than an hour,” Marom tells ISRAEL21c. “Patients can be discharged the next day.” ContraBand is not a cure for CHF. It would be an additional treatment option along with pharmaceuticals. “It won’t make the disease go away,” Marom says. “No one can do that. But it will reduce symptoms and it can reduce hospitalizations or trips to the doctor when fluid gets in the lungs.” That’s significant because CHF is responsible for 4% of all hospitalizations worldwide and is the leading cause of repeat hospitalizations, with 25% of patients returning a month after discharge. Starting Clinical Trials Restore Medical has conducted trials on animals with CHF and has treated three human patients – two in Belgium at ZNA Medical Center in Antwerp, and one in Israel at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot. The next step is to recruit another 15 patients and follow up for six months, in order to gather data to seek FDA (United States) and CE (European Union) regulatory approval. Marom hopes that a fully commercialized version of ContraBand will be available to help patients by 2026. He expects to start an initial conversation with the FDA this year. He emphasizes that the functionality of the ContraBand device is completely reversible, “which is very rare in the cardio implant world.” If a patient no longer needs an implant or cannot tolerate it, “with any other cardiac device, the only ‘bailout’ is surgery,” Maron says. ContraBand, however, can be “deactivated” rather than removed, he claims. A Blue Ocean Restore Medical was founded by medical director Dr. Elchanan Bruckheimer; VP Clinical Affairs Stephen Bellomo; and Aaron Feldman, today a board member. Marom was recruited in 2019 from Edwards Life Sciences, where he worked for 12 years in Israel and the United States. There, he focused on transcatheter heart valves, taking three cardiovascular implants from inception to clinical success. “When I joined Edwards, the majority of the clinical community said it was impossible to replace the heart value other than by surgery. We proved the opposite,” he tells ISRAEL21c. While heart valves can be “fixed,” CHF had no solution. That’s why he accepted the offer to lead Restore Medical. “I recognized the opportunity to be in a ‘blue ocean’ situation, to prove there is another way to treat patients,” he says. “This was a brand-new approach, so the decision to join was relatively easy.” The company is based in Or Yehuda and employs six people. The Crunchbase website says the company has raised $1 million; Marom hinted that it was substantially more than that. Marom notes that Covid-19 has been tough for CHF patients. “People were afraid to go to the hospital due to Covid. And hospitals might not be as accessible.” That creates an acute need for “a device like ContraBand which helps already sick patients from getting more complications.” For more information on Restore Medical, click here. To read the original article click here.

The post Revolutionary Implant Could Ease Congestive Heart Failure appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Damages the Brain Like Cocaine

AHA Publisher — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 08:00:25 +0000

Jonathan Landsman via NaturalHealth365 – The latest research shows that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is not only addictive but can cause behavioral reactions similar to those produced by drugs such as cocaine. The results of these studies were presented by addiction expert Francesco Leri, Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. These results clearly suggest that the current (global) obesity epidemic, violent crimes, and disease largely stem from poor quality food laced with HFCS, MSG, plus many other additive ingredients. Yet, the lame-stream media continues to focus on promoting greater governmental control over our lives to “save us.” How Does HFCS Alter (Damage) Brain Function? Did you know that drug addicts and high fructose corn syrup users – use the same (overused) brain circuits? There is significant activity in all areas of the brain, especially in the hippocampus, when consuming potent sweeteners. When addicted to powerful substances – you can literally burn out the brain from over-simulation. So, when you consider that a healthy brain is essential for learning, memory, and emotional wellbeing – it’s no wonder we have so many health problems from these unnatural sweeteners. Dr. Leri stated, “We have evidence in laboratory animals of a shared vulnerability to develop preferences for sweet foods and cocaine.” Dr. Leri investigated the behavioral, chemical, and neurobiological changes induced by the consumption of “addictive foods” in the body and brains of lab animals. Though we don’t always equate human studies with animal ones, there is one thing we surely have in common – humans (and animals) are being used experimentally. HFCS, aspartame, and GMOs do not have adequate safety testing – yet soulless politicians have approved them, and the health consequences are devastating. We Are What We Eat – Literally Our diet can modulate numerous pathways that can cause all types of inflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. And, let’s not forget, food significantly influences our moods and behavior. If you’re feeling a little depressed – clean up your diet! Food can switch critical genes off and on, modulate cell-signaling molecules and target different organs. When we consume unnatural (toxic) substances – we make it easy for the “wrong” message to get into our cells. What do you think – could all of this toxic food be causing the rise in autoimmune disorders? In a small human study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), scientists used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to track blood flow in the brain of young normal-weight individuals. The scans showed that drinking plain glucose “turns off the areas of the brain that are critical for reward and desire for food,” according to Dr. Robert Sherwin, Chief of Endocrinology at Yale University School of Medicine. According to Dr. Sherwin, it also showed that with fructose, “we don’t see those changes” and “as a result the desire to eat continues – it isn’t turned off.” The researchers saw these changes in the hypothalamus, insula, and striatum, which are regions in the brain that regulate appetite, motivation, and reward processing, in addition to increasing connections in certain brain pathways linked to satiety. Clearly, multinational food producers are profiting from metabolic “dis-ease.” More and more people (literally) don’t know how to stop eating. Millions of people (aimlessly) purchase billions of dollars in processed foods, and it’s slowly killing off humanity. Is HFCS Worse Than Sugar? Researchers found that fructose was more potent than glucose in bringing about changes within the central nervous system. We all know that excessive sugar intake can produce opiate-like effects similar to psycho-stimulants. Well, HFCS is no different – causing all kinds of food cravings, binging, and withdrawal issues. High fructose corn syrup may take longer to produce a cocaine-like reaction – but it’s real and quite harmful. In addition, HFCS will cause you to experience less focus and mental clarity, more drowsiness, and a higher level of anxiety. If you’re having difficulty concentrating or being productive – remove processed sugar (and artificial sweeteners) from your diet. We all want the same thing for ourselves and future generations – freedom, great health, and happiness. If we really want to improve our society by eliminating senseless violence and avoiding disease, we must improve humanity’s diet. Our future depends on it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post High Fructose Corn Syrup Damages the Brain Like Cocaine appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Powerful UPDATE: Improve Your Heart Function with These Simple Interventions

AHA Publisher — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Edit Lang via NaturalHealth365 – [Lately it seems] we give little to no consideration to the number one killer of American people – heart disease. It is incomprehensible how a disease claiming the lives of 659,000 Americans every year gets no real attention from mainstream media and health authorities. But we are here to change that. In another captivating interview, we bring you real, practical health information that you can use to take charge of your heart health. You will not want to miss this conversation between Jonathan Landsman of NaturalHealth365 and Dr. Robert DeMaria, America’s Drugless Doctor. A Healthy Heart Starts with a Healthy Liver, Here Is Why Few people are aware of the intricate connection that exists between the heart and the liver. As Dr. Bob explains, blood flows up through the legs through the liver to the heart. Therefore, it’s critical to consider what we put in and on our bodies when working to improve heart health because it affects the liver’s health. When the liver is compromised, the blood flowing back to the heart will become impeded. Watch the video (above) to hear his explanation and find out what you can do to improve the health of your liver and cardiovascular system. What You Eat Can Impact Heart Function We have all heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” It turns out, what you eat also has a drastic effect on your heart. For instance, most people don’t know that sugar removes B vitamins from the body. Why does that matter? Because B vitamins are necessary to protect the integrity of heart valves. Scientists have confirmed this in a recent study that found people who ate a diet rich in B-vitamins are less likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease. Heart WARNING About Dehydration, Toxins in Our Food and the Environment Eating the wrong foods, exposure to environmental toxins, and chronic dehydration also exacerbate heart issues. Dehydration is particularly damaging, yet, most do not make the connection between lack of hydration and heart function. Dr. Bob gives a simple yet often overlooked explanation, revealing how inadequate hydration causes red blood cells to stick together, resulting in reduced oxygen levels, causing oxygen deprivation in the heart. Conversely, drinking more water causes the blood cells to separate, carrying more oxygen, increasing energy. Listen to Dr. Bob’s tip on how to stay on top of your hydration using an Oximeter. What’s the Bottom Line? If you want to improve your heart health, you have no other choice but to take charge of your health. Be proactive and take the time to understand how your bodily systems work. Ultimately, in the body, everything is interconnected. By nourishing your liver, removing environmental toxins, eliminating toxic foods, and maintaining optimum blood circulation, you will be well on your way to a heart-healthy you. Share this video with your friends and family to help empower them to embark on this journey with you. Sources used for this article: CDC.gov Rumble.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Powerful UPDATE: Improve Your Heart Function with These Simple Interventions appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.