Atherosclerosis: Heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, vascular disease, angina and this is the leading cause of death in the US. Our endothelium is the inner lining of our blood vessels, arteries, veins and heart. A very complex and important organ in our body that communicates between our blood and the rest of the body and a major regulator of “homeostasis”, which means keeping balance in our organs and their functions. Aside from our diets there are other contributors in our environment that attacks the endothelium and these include man made chemicals. Our skin absorbs almost everything including personal care products (shampoo, lotions, deodorant, perfumes, toothpaste, make up, hair dyes) and household cleaning supplies, laundry and dishwashing detergents, or clothing and bedding. Also industrial pollution, agricultural chemicals in our food supply, contaminants in our water, smoking and even over the counter and prescription drugs are full of toxins harmful to us.
Animal protein and fat are high contributing factors, a recent study showed that people that are meat free decrease their risk of CVD by 55% and those that eliminate both meat and dairy from their diet decreased up to 75%. There is significant evidence that a plant based diet reduces CVD. You should also eliminate processed foods from your diet and regular daily exercise is recommended as well. There is strong evidence that tumeric, flax seed, oatmeal benefits and of course a high fiber diet (nuts, grains, seeds, fruits and vegies).
For more information, read the book “Put Your Heart in Your Mouth” by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD, MMedSci in both neurology and nutrition.
