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arrhythmias, angina, arteriosclerosis, impaired circulation, strokes and heart attacks. Tissue
mineral analysis and nutritional balancing provide insights about the causes and correction of
many of these symptoms.
Magnesium plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease. Magnesium is needed within the
cells for the production of energy. Magnesium is also required for muscle relaxation. Low
magnesium can result in symptoms ranging from tachycardia and fibrillation to constriction of the
arteries. Secondary effects include angina and embolism or thrombosis (heart attack).
Modern diets are low in magnesium. Refining and food processing removes magnesium from
grains and other food products. In addition, the alarm reaction in response to stress depletes
magnesium.
Many people with cardiovascular symptoms have low magnesium levels on their hair analyses,
or magnesium is low in relation to calcium, sodium and potassium. These people are usually fast
oxidizers.
Another group of people with cardiovascular symptoms have very high magnesium levels.
These are usually slow oxidizers. Their calcium/magnesium ratios may or may not be normal. The
high magnesium is often a loss of magnesium into the hair. The condition is called bio-unavailable
magnesium. These individuals need extra magnesium until they are able to utilize magnesium
properly. An especially well-utilized magnesium supplement is magnesium aspartate.
Dr. Klevay and other researchers proved that copper deficiency is associated with an
increased risk of arteriosclerosis. Fast oxidizers tend to be copper deficient. Slow oxidizers may
have bio-unavailable copper. An excessive intake of zinc or vitamin C can induce a copper
deficiency.
Zinc is required for the synthesis of protein structures. Adequate zinc helps to keep the artery
walls flexible. Zinc deficiency is associated with increased brittleness and hardening of the arteries.
Hardening increases blood pressure and increases the chances for strokes and aneurysms.
Low zinc allows the tissue sodium level to rise, which can contribute to high blood pressure
and fluid retention.
An important indicator for cardiovascular disease is a hair sodium/potassium ratio less than
2.5:1. This ratio indicates tissue breakdown. This can result in cardiomyopathy (destruction of the
heart muscle) or irritation of the arterial walls. The breakdown of arterial tissue causes weakening
of the arteries and an increased tendency for hemorrhage, aneurysms and strokes. Weakening or
irritation of the artery walls may cause the body to respond by coating the arterial walls with fatty
or calcium plaques. The results are arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
A sodium/potassium ratio less than 1:1 is considered a strong trend for a heart attack or other
serious cardiovascular disease.
Toxic levels of certain minerals are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Toxic metals harm the body by displacing vital minerals in enzyme binding sites. Cadmium
replaces zinc in the arterial walls, causing increased brittleness and hardening of the arteries.
Cadmium in the kidneys causes congestion that can raise blood pressure, placing extra stress on
the entire cardiovascular system.
Toxic levels of iron can infiltrate the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure. Mercury,
lead and other toxic metals can contribute to calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper deficiencies
and thereby increase blood pressure and increase the risk of other cardiovascular symptoms.
Studies indicate that anger turned inward is associated with increased blood pressure and
greater risk of heart attacks. Frustration, hostility and resentment in particular create this pattern.
Not all 'type A' personalities have more heart attacks. The angry and frustrated 'type A'
personalities have a greater risk of heart attacks.
Lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention and correction of heart disease. Exercise
has been shown to be very important. Adequate rest and sleep, sunshine, skin brushing, stress
reduction and other natural therapies are all helpful.
There is much emphasis on saturated fat intake and heart disease. This is undoubtedly
important for slow oxidizers who have difficulty with fat. Dr. Dean Ornish demonstrated reversal
of plaque formation with a combination of a low-fat, vegetarian diet, meditation and exercise.
Robert Atkins, M.D., a New York cardiologist, found that a low carbohydrate diet with some
fat is very helpful for certain cases of heart disease. These are most likely fast oxidizers. In these
individuals, some fats and oils balance body chemistry and lead to improved health.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, chromium, selenium, potassium, essential fatty acids, especially the
omega-3 and omega-6 family, bioflavinoids and many other nutrients influence the cardiovascular
system. Heart glandular substance and herbs such as cayenne pepper, hawthorn berry and others
may also be helpful. Enhancing energy production by balancing the oxidation rate helps many
cases.
For these reasons, a complete scientific nutrition program that addresses all the above is the
best approach for prevention and correction of cardiovascular disease.
Copyright © 1994
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
