Cardiovascular Health - February 2013 - Volume 4 Issue 9

Introduction

Once again, it’s February – heart month.  I hope you had a happy Valentine ’s Day.  Last year I introduced you to the heart-health effects of arginine.  This year, I want to explore this topic in more detail.  You may be aware that cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death in both men and women in Canada and the US.  The good news is that it’s largely preventable and even reversible.  Arginine is a key ingredient in the prevention and reversal of cardiovascular disease, and many other conditions.

Nitric Oxide Research Leads to Nobel Prize

Nitric oxide was identified and its primary role in cardiovascular health explained in research that won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1998 by Dr. Louis Ignarro and 2 other American scientists.  A substantial body of new research has been conducted since then to validate the incredible potential benefits of nitric oxide.

About Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is involved in nearly every cellular response in the body through its interactions with the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, and it is directly or indirectly related to almost every major disease.  Nitric oxide production decreases with age.  It also decreases as a result of medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and can be negatively affected by taking certain prescription drugs, including antidepressants and blood pressure medications, as well as alcohol and tobacco intake. Nitric oxide is produced by the body in the endothelial cell (lining of the blood vessels).  It helps blood vessels maintain their elasticity, which reduces strain on the heart. Although arginine is available in dietary sources like fish and nuts, the primary dietary source for most North Americans is in high-fat, high-cholesterol red meat.  If you are looking to improve your cardiovascular health and fight disease while following a healthy diet low in saturated fat, the best way to improve your nitric oxide profile may be in taking an arginine supplement.

Arginine at the Heart of Cardiovascular Health

Nitric oxide cannot be taken directly because of its instability – it is a gas.  Instead, production needs to be stimulated through the consumption of certain amino acids such as arginine and citrulline, which the body then converts to nitric oxide. A study of 36 patients, all suffering from some form of advanced cardiovascular dysfunction, has shown the benefits of arginine.  Researchers administered a regimen of a high-quality arginine supplement plus other ingredients that support cardiovascular activity (citrulline, resveratrol) over a 90 day period.  The subjects experienced improvement in every area, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels (both HDL and LDL), inflammatory response and blood sugar levels. Thus, arginine is important not just for prevention of cardiovascular and other disease, but also in the treatment and reversal of several cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.  Its potential for managing existing heart conditions makes it perhaps one of the most versatile supplements for cardiovascular health, especially when combined with other healthy habits such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

22 Reasons to Try Nature’s Sunshine’s Arginine Plus

The nitric oxide derived from arginine is directly or indirectly implicated in practically every cellular response and health condition imaginable, from the cardiovascular system to the immune system, and hormone function to nerve function.  Although the following list of possible applications is not exhaustive, they include the primary scientifically backed reasons that anyone – even healthy people – should consider adding arginine to their health and wellness regimen. It is 1000 times more powerful than any naturally occurring antioxidant in the body.  Arginine’s antioxidant properties support various body systems and may protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, as well as slowing premature aging. It offers wide-ranging cardiovascular support, including controlling blood pressure and plaque formation.  Nitric oxide keeps arteries relaxed and pliable for normal blood pressure, preventing hypertension and angina. t enhances memory, particularly long-term memory, and may help to reverse the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It boosts human growth factor (HGH) production, which has proven anti-aging properties. It enhances communication of messenger cells between nerves and the brain. It may help improve immune function and fight bacterial infections. It may help in the treatment and prevention of diabetes since many disease complications, including poor circulation and blindness, are vascular in nature.  Arginine is also found to regulate insulin secretion in the pancreas. It may inhibit the division and proliferation of cancer cells. It helps with cholesterol control by lowering serum and LDL cholesterol levels. It enhances male sexual performance by treating vascular erectile dysfunction. Its anticoagulant abilities reduce clotting to lower heart attack and stroke risk. It reduces pregnancy-related hypertension, a risk factor for both the expecting mother and the unborn child. It is useful in the treatment of asthma by opening pulmonary pathways for easier breathing and the treatment of lung disorders. It relaxes hypertonic sphincter muscles, preventing and healing hemorrhoids. It boosts lean muscle mass and preserves bone density by encouraging HGH production, which also leads to a reduction in fatty tissue.  Because of these properties, it may be useful in weight management and strength training. It can help offset cardiovascular and lung damage caused by tobacco use, since nitric oxide levels in smokers are less than half of those found in non-smokers. It helps to accelerate wound healing and post-surgery recovery.  Research has shown it is useful in treating burn wounds and stimulates wound healing in the elderly. It may be useful in enhancing athletic performance due to its ability to boost exercise tolerance, its beneficial effect on the lungs, and its effect on HGH levels, which helps with building lean muscle tissue. It may be useful to improve the function of the prostate. It may prevent and possibly reverse the effects of osteoporosis by positively affecting bone mass. It has been used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and to reduce the occurrence of ulcers – especially stress-related – without affecting gastric acid production. It may improve renal function and slow the progression of renal disease and age-related chronic renal failure.  Arginine’s protective effect on the kidneys may also benefit those with diabetes.

Testimonials

Looking forward to a long life – Ted G. My kidney function was down to 25 percent.  My next choice was dialysis, kidney transplant or death.  Three months after starting to take arginine, I went back to my renal specialists, who were very surprised to see me.  At that time we found that my kidney function had improved to 45 percent!  The first improvement I noticed was my stamina during a diving trip to Fiji a few weeks after the beginning of the product.  I was able to do more dives for longer periods of time than I had previously.  My blood pressure has gone from 190/100 to 130/72 and I have gone from not being able to ride my bike even a mile to 15 miles a day with no problem.  All this and I have had Type 1 diabetes for 30 years!  I am very excited to say I am now looking forward to a long life! Arginine helps with exercise and weight loss – Christine C. After taking arginine I recover much better from my workouts; I have less pain and soreness.  I have lost about 10 pounds but the best is that I actually fit into clothes that I had not been able to wear for a long time.  My shape is changing.  I love it. Sleeping and breathing easy – Jim M. I started taking arginine and in 2 days I was off of 3 very high dosage asthma steroids and have not had to use them since.  At the same time I was taking medication to sleep 3 to 4 hours a night.  Within a couple of days I no longer needed the sleep meds and I now consistently sleep 8 to 9 hours a night.

Supplements

Please see our website (www.ramilas.com) for descriptions of the heart-healthy products listed below at the links supplied. Arginine Plus Mixed Berry - see /store/#!/~/product/category=1546925&id=8132592 CoQ-10 - see /store/#!/~/product/category=1546918&id=6402632 MC - see /store/#!/~/product/category=1546918&id=6402626 Garlic, High Potency - see /store/#!/~/product/category=1546918&id=6402623 Gingko/Hawthorn - see /store/#!/~/product/category=1546918&id=6402624 Super Oil - see /store/#!/~/product/category=1546918&id=6402628 For additional information, please email ramila@ramilas.com; or call Ramilas Healing Arts Clinic at 613.829.0427 for an appointment. Please continue letting friends and family know about this newsletter. Also on our website, please see back issues of this newsletter, additional information about products, order products, and see information about our Clinic.

Reference

Interview of Dr. Louis Ignarro http://no-more-heart-disease.com/dr-louis-ignarro-%E2%80%93-nobel-prize-laureate/ Accessed February 1, 2013. 22 reasons you should try arginine. Sound Concepts Information: 2007. (pamphlet; for copies, contact 1-888-225-6601) L-arginine provides cardiovascular health answers. Health Watch 2011;1(1):1-2

Disclaimer

The suggestions and recommendations in this newsletter are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic. The information is accurate and up to date to our knowledge, but we are not responsible for any errors in our sources of information.

Closing

These newsletters will help you make better choices for better health. The choices that you make today can either have a positive or negative impact on your overall health. Begin by choosing better. It is a step toward longevity. Sincerely, Ramila Padiachy Ramila's Healing Arts Clinic