Vtiamin Tid-bits - by Dr. Robert Nash

Emboli, Heart Attack and Stroke
Many heart attacks and strokes are caused by emboli. Emboli can be pieces of plaque, where the plaque is the solid substance narrowing the blood vessels. However, the majority of emboli are platelet clumps.

Platelets are minute fibers in the blood. They are used to repair damage to the inner wall of blood vessels. Sometimes mild irritative areas attract the platelets and they clump together trying to repair a minor problem. The flowing blood can dislodge these clumps and they're then called emboli. They can occlude a smaller vessel downstream, sometimes causing heart attack or stroke.

Aspirin and other medicines are used to prevent platelet aggregation or clumping. Fish, fish oil and garlic also help prevent emboli.

Vascular Disease Risk Factors
The three leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer and stroke.Most heart disease and strokes are caused by hardening of the arteries. Traditional vascular disease risk factors include smoking, increased blood pressure, increased lipids and family history. Obesity, stress, activity levels and concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, may also contribute.

New risk factors have been identified. Increased levels of ferritin, homocysteine, lipoprotein-a, bad free radicals and bone lead density are now known risk factors in vascular disease. Vitamins, chelation therapy, as well as medicines and life-style changes may be very helpful in treating all risk factors. Controlling risk factors decreases stroke and heart attack.

Vitamin E and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect cells from free radical damage. Studies have shown vitamin E slows the progression of Alzheimer's Disease, improves the immune system and decreases infections 30%. It also slows the progression of heart disease. One study showed a 47% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death and non-fatal heart attacks combined.

Lung cancer risk is decreased 45% and oral cancer risk by 50%. It's also useful for fibrocystic breasts, PMS and restless legs. More recently vitamin E reduced prostate cancer risk by a third and cut the death rate by 41%. Vitamin E is safe.

Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids are referred to as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. One component of Omega 6, Gamma Linoleic Acid or GLA, has anti-cancer properties. Two good sources of GLA are borage oil and primrose oil.

However, Omega 6 in general increases the inflammatory process, contributing to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. It may increase your cancer risk. Decrease Omega 6 by decreasing dairy, red meats and vegetable oils.

Omega 3 lowers blood pressure and decreases heart attack and stroke. Good sources of Omega 3 are flax seed and fish oils and fish such as salmon and tuna. High GLA, high Omega 3 and low Omega 6 may help prevent hardening of the arteries and cancer.