Common Sense Health: Cardiovascular health 101
By Dr. Gifford-Jones and Diana Gifford-Jones on May 10, 2024.
Heart attacks are common and deadly. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control acknowledges that one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. The Government of Canada reports about 14 adults aged 20 and over with diagnosed heart disease die every hour. But how many of these deaths are premature and preventable, and why don’t people take simple steps to save their lives? Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, is a leading cause of heart disease. What doctors don’t do enough is educate patients on natural alternatives to prescription drugs. Why? Because most doctors aren’t trained in natural approaches to disease prevention. Vitamin C and lysine can help prevent this condition by inhibiting the formation of arterial plaque. Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, studied how high doses of vitamin C protect against heart disease, particularly in arteries closest to the heart where pressure is greatest. Vitamin C and lysine work synergistically to strengthen blood vessels, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and promote overall heart function. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, protects the delicate lining of blood vessels from oxidative damage. Lysine, when present in sufficient quantities, aids in the removal of excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Together, they reduce the risk of plaque formation and maintain clear and healthy arteries. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that provides strength and flexibility to blood vessel walls. Lysine, in turn, contributes to collagen production and the repair of vascular tissues. This combined action strengthens blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of vessel wall weakness or rupture. The cardiovascular benefits of high-dose vitamin C and lysine extend to improving overall heart function. By reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and maintaining vascular integrity, they support optimal blood flow, contributing to a healthier and more efficient heart. Moreover, Vitamin C has been shown to lower blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease. It acts as a natural vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and helping to regulate blood pressure levels. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Elevated Lp(a) levels are often linked to a higher likelihood of atherosclerosis. High-dose vitamin C has been found to help reduce Lp(a) levels. A study published in the journal Biochemistry and Cell Biology found that a combination of vitamin C and lysine reduced oxidative stress and improved the function of endothelial cells which line the interior of blood vessels. Additionally, research published in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin C and lysine improved markers of cardiovascular health in individuals with high cholesterol levels. What to do if you have already suffered a coronary attack and lived through it? Your doctor likely has you on cholesterol lowering drugs. You’ve probably been told that statins are the only choice you have. The list of side effects of these drugs – muscle pain, kidney and liver damage, and elevated blood sugar among them – can be managed, you’re told. Why cardiologists are so close-minded to the alternative of high dose vitamin C and lysine is a frustrating problem. There are too many rich pharmaceutical companies influencing the practice of medicine. No one gets rich from a natural therapy that can’t be patented. There is an alternative to taking statins after a heart attack. And there is a powerful rationale for preventing cardiovascular disease with daily high doses of vitamin C and lysine. Your health is at stake. Take this article to your doctor and have a discussion. A naturopathic doctor is a good move for a second opinion. Sign-up at http://www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones. 16-15
