Few people associate sugar with heart disease. But, in fact, sugar consumption (in the form of refined carbohydrates/simple sugars) is a leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
A condition we’re hearing more about these days is Syndrome X. The primary diagnostic indicator for this disease is insulin resistance. But that’s not the only one. Syndrome X is also characterized by high triglycerides, low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high blood pressure. And all three of these indicators are a result of insulin resistance. In other words, three of the most significant risks for heart disease can be caused by a high-carbohydrate/simple sugar diet.
Dr. Gerald Reaven of Stanford Medical School, and former chairman of the U.S. National Diabetes Institute, contends that Syndrome X is the cause of up to 50 percent of all heart attacks and strokes. His conclusion is supported by a Harvard School of Public Health study of middle-aged women, which concluded that higher quantities of refined carbohydrates increased heart disease risk by 40 percent.
The prevention of heart disease cannot be achieved with the current focus on lowering cholesterol, either by drugs or diet. A better approach would be:
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, sea vegetables, quality proteins (grass-fed beef, chicken, organic eggs, raw dairy, and nutritious fats (raw butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados).
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 the proper fats in the diet (listed above), eliminating processed foods containing refined carbohydrates, oxidized cholesterol and free-radical containing vegetable oils that cause the body to need constant repair.
4. Add nutrients that support an ailing heart: B-complex, Vit. E, Coenzyme Q10, fatty acids (GLA and EPA).
The message is clear: To reduce your risk of heart disease (as well as diabetes and cancer), manage your insulin levels by avoiding candy/sweets, fruit juices, soft drinks, and refined carbohydrates like bread, cereal, pasta, and cookies.
Have a heart this Valentine’s day and give your heart the gift of great health!
For more information, please contact Jill Redfern RN, enzyme and digestive health specialist at 661-310-7373 or womenshealthadvantage@msn.com .