artherosclerosis_02.20.2013This February I have been researching cardiovascular disease. Did you know that in 2011, Cardiovascular Disease, according to the Center for Disease Control’s website, was the #1 leading killer in the U.S?  Not only that, but that it accounted for one-quarter of all deaths in 2011?  And since 1935, “heart disease, cancer, and stroke were among the five leading causes [of death]” up to 2010?  Sadly, in watching all of the food commercials and seeing the menus at most of the restaurants in our country, I am not surprised by these statistics.  It saddens me that people don’t realize the extra work they are placing on their heart.  But at the same time, I understand.

You see, when the body is constantly being fed excess sugar, fat, carcinogens, chemicals, and toxins regularly – it almost expects and depends on these types of foods.  The problem is… it is a horrible vicious cycle of the taste buds and stomach feeling happy for a moment.  But then later, fatigue and a general feeling of sluggishness sets in.  Which leads to weight gain.  Which leads to a more prone to illness, unhappy, you.  Today I want to talk about why the fatigue starts and how it affects your heart.

In his book The Nutrition Guarantee, Dr. Bruce Miller states that the overwhelming majority of cardiovascular disease is a result of Artherosclerosis.  It might seem like a word that makes your tongue tie up.  But it basically means that there is a blockage in the arteries.  In short, this sludge is a buildup of pulpy fat materials that become like a plugged drain in a sink with plaque.  As the arteries, or “pipes” get more narrow, less blood is able to flow to the heart muscle.  Eventually, this leads up to a heart attack, which often means death or severe handicap.  Fatigue could be one of these handicaps debilitating your body.

Today, everyone wants to know a magic pill or cure for Artherosclerosis.   A better question is why it occurs.  The reason is the development of oxidized LDL  Otherwise known as the “bad” cholesterol, this bad boy is full of free radicals and is even more dangerous for your arteries when oxidation occurs.  If we really take a hard look at it, there are some easy ways to counteract it and prevent it, period.

#1 Eat more 75% vegetables and 25% protein

It’s not about eating less (for most).  It’s about eating smart.  In fact, in 2005, the USDA decided that the old Food Pyramid wasn’t a good visual for Americans to understand what is healthy to eat.  So instead, they created a new visual of your plate and what should be put on it.  There is even a game for youngsters to play to learn what to put on your plate.  It is not perfect, but it is a great way to show kids a diet requires a variety of nutrition.  I enjoy the visual, but am not sure I agree with the visual of milk as the beverage (a topic for another day).  The good news is that when you start eating healthy, your body expects to eat healthy and will tell you immediately when it recognizes an invader that is hurting it.

my-plate1-copy

#2 Exercise

You don’t have time for exercise?  How about 10 minutes?  Whether you are at a healthy weight or not, exercise is important to jumpstart the heart.  You can join me in a B.U.R.S.T.  (Body’s Ultimate Response System Training).  Learn more here.

#3 Antioxidants

Vitamins E, C, and Beta Carotene are all important components that work together to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.  As if that weren’t great enough news, these vitamins all work together to combat the aging process and protect our immune systems.  In the past, I have taken these vitamins and never felt a difference.  After taking the Vitalizer pack, however, I could tell instantly a difference.  So much so, that my doctor could too in my bloodwork.  This formulation is specially designed to be absorbed and time-released efficiently.

#4 Plant Stenols and Sterols

Plant sterols and stanols have been clinically proven by more than 80 studies to lower LDL cholesterol.   Cholesterol Reduction Complex delivers the daily 100% of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) recommendation for plant sterols and stanols.

What have you done for your heart lately?

Next Post:  Effects of Protein on the Heart