ASK
BONNIE for July 2002
Question #1:
How do you prevent an occurrence such as the one that took the life of Darryl
Kile?
Answer #1:
The tragic death of Darryl Kile reinforces the need for prevention. For anyone with
a family history of early heart attacks (in which Darryl's father died of his
40's), it is imperative to make routine appointments with a cardiologist for
tests such as electrocardiogram, stress test, lipid panel, and other markers
not normally screened such as homocysteine, fibrinogen, lipoprotein (a), and
C-reactive protein. If your homocysteine level is high, for instance, it is
completely treatable with daily intake of three important B-vitamins (folic
acid, B-6, and B-12). If a heart arrythmia is an additional symptom, adding
300-400mg. of highly absorbable magnesium daily can make a world of difference.
Additionally, seeking the advice of a nutritionally-oriented practitioner to recommend a diet for your genetic needs, daily exercise, managing your environment and lifestyle are all imperative for individuals with a strong family history of heart disease.
We all inherit genetic defects. Yet, unless it is a terminal genetic disease like sickle cell anemia, genes do not cause disease. Gene defects must be triggered to cause disease. How we treat our body, our lifestyle, and environment warrants whether these triggers will be expressed.
Question #2:
Can you discuss foods and supplements for lowering cholesterol?
Answer #2:
Despite all the negative spin about cholesterol, it's absolutely essential for health. Cholesterol is a component of every cell membrane in your body. It is essential for digestion, processing fat soluble vitamins, and is the basic building block of hormones. Stress, medications, and saturated fats in diet contribute to high cholesterol. Although, high cholesterol is not an automatic indicator for heart disease. It is excess LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol which oxidizes and begins to form plaque that promotes heart disease. Whereas people with high HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, are at lower risk. Supplements for lowering cholesterol include antioxidants such as Co-enzyme Q10, vitamin E with tocotrienols and mixed tocopherols, Lipoic Acid, Silymarin/Milk Thistle, Plant Sterols, Policosanol, and Omega-3 fatty acids are instrumental in managing LDL cholesterol. Foods for lowering cholesterol would include any that contains the supplements aforementioned. Of course, minimizing saturated fats will help.
Question #3:
What causes salicylate sensitivity? What counteracts salicylates?
Answer #3:
To develop a salicylate sensitivity, often, there is a genetic predisposition such as poor B6, B12, and/or folate conversion problems, causing the amino acid
cysteine to build up. Acid cannot be properly metabolized by the digestive tract, especially the liver.
To counteract salicylates, liver detoxifiers, using specific types of B6, B12, and folic acid supplements that can assist with conversion, and avoiding high salicylate foods for a minimum of three months, then keeping the intake to a minimum can help.
Have a happy, healthy day.
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