The nitric oxide key to prevent heart attack

Ask anyone what causes a sudden coronary attack and they will say it’s the result of high blood cholesterol, lack of exercise, obesity or smoking. Now, a report in the publication “LifeExtension” says doctors must start thinking “endothelium.” I’d bet few readers could even spell this word. So why is it so vital? And what natural remedies make it healthy?

The endothelium is the ultra-thin, one cell thick, innermost lining of arteries. It produces nitric oxide. And it’s ironic that just this single layer of cells, if unhealthy, results in decreased blood circulation, hardening of arteries, and is a major cause of the big killers, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

During our early years, a youthful endothelium is due to nitric oxide (NO). But as we age, our body’s production of NO decreases, and any of the three big threats can prematurely end our lives.

Researchers report that the typical North American diet ingests daily 4 to 5 grams of arginine, an amino acid. These are broken down in the body by a number of enzymes, one being nitric oxide synthase eNOS, creating nitric oxide.

During this physiological process, endothelium is constantly exposed to oxygen-rich arterial blood. Without oxygen we would die, but oxygen also produces a metabolic reaction, called oxidation, that destroys some eNOS.

So how can we boost the production of NO as we age and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease? Until recently, this presented a challenge for doctors.

A good start is to eat dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, drink apple juice and eat small amounts of dark chocolate. If you enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner this also adds to the amount of nitric oxide. It’s also prudent to take a brisk walk daily as this has the same effect. There are also a couple of natural remedies.

Researchers at LifeExtension report that both laboratory and human studies show that pomegranate extracts can lower blood pressure, triglycerides and improve HDL, the good cholesterol.

Equally important, pomegranate has also been found to protect the eNos enzyme from the oxidative chemical stresses that damage it. This results in increased levels of nitric oxide which can shrink atherosclerotic plaques, increase blood flow and decrease hypertension.

Since I had a heart attack at 74 years of age, I’m always looking for ways to boost my level of nitric oxide. So I’ve added a small amount of pomegranate concentrate to my diet. I don’t have a weight problem but since pomegranate extracts contain sugar, this is the last ingredient many North Americans need if they’re fighting obesity. In addition, researchers do not yet know the exact dose of pomegranate needed for cardiovascular health.

So for several years I’ve also boosted nitric oxide by using a safe, easy, natural remedy, NEO40. Dr. Nathan S. Bryan at the University of Texas, a world authority on nitric oxide, says NEO40 is effective because it contains L-citrulline, vitamin C, beet root and hawthorne.

For years doctors have known that nitroglycerine eases coronary pain by dilating arteries. But the mystery was why arteries expanded. Three Nobel Prize winners have now proven it is due to the miracle molecule, NO.

Why a “miracle molecule”? Because NO also helps to decrease the risk of diabetes complications by increasing circulation, easing nerve and joint inflammation, Researchers at the University of Calgary also report that patients suffering from depression show significantly lower levels of Nitric Oxide.

Since NEO40 increases blood supply to all organs in nanoseconds, it’s also helpful for those suffering from erectile dysfunction. And, if you’re planning a trip to a high altitude region, you will be less likely to be affected by high altitude sickness if you start taking NEO40 before leaving.

For all problems, one tablet, slowly dissolved in the mouth in the morning and at bedtime for two weeks will help to establish a blood level of Nitric Oxide. Later, one tablet should be taken every morning. NEO40 is available at health food stores.

For more information see the website www.docgiff.com For comments info@docgiff.com

Dish cloths can be a breeding ground for 4 billion germs.

It is very hard to keep up with cleaning our homes and none of us have time to take cleaning routines to what they were in our grandparents’ day. However, it is good to be reminded of standards to strive for and cleaning some things that we don’t often think about.

Those cushions on your couch should be washed every three months, according to some experts in a recent report. If you’re groaning at the thought and the fabric is not washable, put the cushion in a plastic bag and place in the freezer for 24 hours to kill the dust mites.

Your phone and the remote control should be cleaned every day, according to a study at the University of Virginia. These items are ideal places to spread cold viruses and harbour bacteria. Use an antibacterial wipe on these items every day.

On to the kitchen and those dish cloths with 4 billion germs. They should apparently be switched for a clean one every day.

Rinse dish cloths every time you use them. Put the used ones in the dishwasher with a high temperature — it is a great way to kill germs. Alternatively put them in a plastic bag and once a week put them in a pot with water and boil for 10 minutes.

It is not a good idea to toss them in with the rest of your laundry that provides an environment for any bacteria to spread.

Keep the bathroom cleaning cloths strictly separate from those you use in the kitchen.

Your tea towels can easily become contaminated during food preparation and salmonella. Change them every day and wash in the washing machine on a hot cycle or else boil them like you do the dishcloths.

The kitchen sink should be cleaned with a bleach solution at least once a week. This will also help to stave off the bacteria in the drain.

You would think the washing machine, with all those loads of laundry, must be clean. Not so. If you always use it on a low temperature cycle it is likely carrying mould and bacteria. About once a month run it empty on the hottest setting with a detergent that includes bleach.

Experts advise we should be switching to fresh and clean bathtowels after using them three times.

Towels take some time to dry and a damp towel can help to spread bacteria, viruses such as herpes, and fungi that causes athletes foot. The key here is to avoid having a damp towel that hardly ever dries out. It really helps to have enough towel rails in your bathroom so that your bath towel dries out fairly quickly after use.

The hand towels by the basin should be changed every day and even more frequently if you have many people using them.

I know this will surprise you. The walls in your shower and the shower curtain should be cleaned every two days. It is not bacteria here but mould spores that can cause respiratory issues.

One more item you probably don’t think of cleaning very often — your child’s soft cuddly toy. Soft toys can hold dust mites — a source of allergies — and washing once a month will address this. Depending on the toy you could put it in the washing machine or dishwasher at 60 C or put it in the freezer overnight and then wash at a lower temperature.

To Your Health is a weekly column by Gillian Slade, health reporter for the News, bringing you news on health issues and research from around the world.You can reach her at gslade@medicinehatnews.com or 403-528-8635.