Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Understanding the true essence of the disease is crucial to combating it. In the media and in medical offices, hype has been centered on cholesterol levels and the consumption of animal fats, two theories that face much scientific controversy.
Heart disease actually encompasses a number of straight forward factors that we should focus on:
1. Excess consumption of vegetable oils and hydrogenated fats (trans-fats).
2. Excess consumption of refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar and white flour.
3. Mineral deficiencies, in particular, magnesium and iodine.
4. Deficiencies of vitamins, in particular vitamins A, C and D. These are needed for the integrity of the blood vessel walls.
5. Deficiencies of antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E, which protect us from free radicals.
6. Disappearance of antimicrobial fats from our food supply, primarily, animal fats and tropical oils (coconut and palm oil). These protect us from us against both viruses and bacteria that have been associated with the onset of pathogenic plaque that can lead to heart disease.
The prevention of heart disease cannot be achieved with the current focus on lowering cholesterol. Despite its bad rap, cholesterol (like good fat) actually plays a vital role in our health and is an essential component for life and a multitude of normal body functions.
A much better approach for prevention includes:
1. Consuming a diet that provides animal foods (properly raised), rich in protective fats and vitamins B6 and B12.
2. Bolstering thyroid function through daily use of natural sea salt.
3. Avoiding vitamin and mineral deficiencies that make the artery walls more prone to ruptures and the build up of plaque. This can be accomplished by including antimicrobial fats in the diet and eliminating processed foods containing refined carbohydrates, oxidized cholesterol and free-radical-containing vegetable oils that cause the body to need constant repair.
Better tests for evaluating heart disease are available and should include:
1. Triglycerides — Elevated triglycerides in the blood have been linked to heart disease, but these triglycerides do not come directly from dietary fats; they are made in the liver and stem from foods containing unhealthy carbohydrates, particularly refined sugar and white flour.
2. Lp(a)
3. Homocysteine — Has been positively correlated with pathological build-up of plaque and the tendency to form clots.
Are you tired of just wishing for better health? Overwhelmed when thinking about what to do next? Ready to make positive changes and live a more vibrant life? Invest in yourself. Women’s Health Advantage is ready to help.
For more information, please contact Jill Redfern RN, enzyme and digestive health specialist at 661-310-7373 or womenshealthadvantage@msn.com.