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Our bodies need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain, and since our bodies cannot make omega-3 fats, we must get them through food.

There are 3 main omega-3s in foods. The shortest is alpha-linolenic acid, with 18 carbons and 3 double bonds. It is the only omega-3 found in plants. The richest sources are the oils of flax seed, canola, and walnuts or seed oil capsules.

The other major omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are sometimes described as “long-chain” because they have 20 or more carbons. They are found mainly in fish – particularly deep water fish or fish oil capsules and some types of marine plankton.

In 2002, the American Heart Association released a scientific statement, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease,” on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart function (including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac mechanics) and arterial endothelial function. The link between omega-3 fatty acids and CVD risk reduction are still being studied, but research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can amongst a wealth of other benefits:

• Decrease risk of arrhythmias
• Decrease triglyceride levels
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
• Slightly lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol

What do documented medical epidemiological and observational studies show?

Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD incidence. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids.

The ideal amount to take isn’t clear. Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes.

The most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefit provided by omega-3 fatty acids comes from three large controlled trials of 32,000 participants randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing DHA and EPA or to act as controls.

These trials showed reductions in cardiovascular events of between 19% and 47%. Overall, these findings suggest that intake of omega-3 fatty acids, whether from dietary fish sources or fish oil supplements, should be increased, especially in people with or at risk for coronary artery disease.

The evidence that omega 3 short chain fatty acids had a beneficial effect was inconclusive. This may be attributed to the poor conversion of alpha-linolenic acid in the human body.

Now here comes the problem.

We know that it is always preferential, where possible, to gain our vitamins and minerals directly from our diet, and although with some vitamins and minerals it is not possible to get therapeutic amounts simply from our diet, this is not the case with omega 3.

It is relatively easy to consume enough “oily” fish from 3 or 4 servings per week, to get all of the health benefits associated with DHA and EPA.

So where is the problem!

Mercury poisoning

Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs in several forms, all of which can produce toxic effects.

Symptoms typically include impairment to vision, hearing and speech, disturbed sensory sensation and a lack of coordination.

The type and degree of symptoms exhibited will depend upon the individual toxin, the level of poisoning, and the duration of exposure.

The consumption of fish is by far the most significant source of ingestion-related mercury exposure in humans.

Nearly all fish contain some amounts of methylmercury.

How does this element get into our fish supply?

Mercury occurs both naturally and from man-made sources. Some of it can be traced to coal-burning power plants. Smokestacks release toxic mercury emissions which rain down into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Bacteria convert the mercury to a form that’s easily absorbed by insects and other small organisms. Mercury moves up the food chain as small fish eat the small organisms and big fish eat the smaller fish. The highest concentrations accumulate in large predators such as shark, swordfish and tuna.

In 1969, the FDA first set an action level for total mercury in fish; 0.5ppm (part-per-million) was considered the maximum safe limit. (Action levels represent the limit at or above which FDA will take legal action to remove a product from the market.)

In 1979, the action level was raised to 1ppm.

In 1984, there was another major change. The FDA stopped measuring on a basis of total mercury and instead started checking levels in terms of methylmercury only.

In 1998, the FDA stopped widely testing for mercury in fish. I wonder why!!!

If you think that mercury poisoning of humans rarely happens, or it never happened to anyone you heard of - read on:

In December 2008 Jeremy Piven, actor and star of the HBO series “Entourage,” unexpectedly pulled out of the Broadway revival of “Speed-the-Plow” due to high levels of mercury in his body following a high-fish diet.

According to Piven’s doctor, blood tests showed the actor had a Methylmercury level “six times the upper limit typically measured.”

What began as a health dietary regime caused extreme fatigue and exhaustion and could have ended with heart and cognitive problems, kidney failure and even death.

His recovery took over six months.

So what is the solution to getting enough of the correct omega 3 to maintain or improve your health without the risk of mercury poisoning?

Quite simply use a supplement, but not just any supplement. Make sure that the supplement that you use is certified pure by NSF International.

The link below will help you if you want to find an omega 3 supplier registered with NSF International.

cure blocked arteries

Did you know that Stress and heart disease are related !
Stress increases the risk of heart disease …FACT !

Stress is a normal part of life however, if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pains, or irregular heart beat and ultimately the need for heart bypass surgery.

The mechanisms of exactly how stress increases the risk of heart disease are not yet fully understood. Stress itself might be a risk factor, or it could be that high levels of stress make other risk factors (such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure) worse. For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure may go up, you may overeat, you may exercise less, and you may be more likely to smoke.

If stress itself is a risk factor for heart disease, it could be because chronic stress exposes your body to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Studies also link stress to changes in the way blood forms clots, which can in turn increases the risk of heart attack.

Stress can be caused by a physical or emotional change, or a change in your environment that requires you to adjust or respond. Things that make you feel stressed are called “stressors.”

Stressors can be minor hassles, major lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. Being able to identify stressors in your life and releasing the tension they cause are the keys to managing stress.

These are some common stressors that can affect people at all stages of life:

• Illness - personal or a family member or friend.
• The death of your friend or a loved one.
• Problems in a personal relationship.
• Work overload.
• Starting a new job.
• Unemployment.
• Retirement.
• Pregnancy.
• Crowd situations.
• Relocation of home or work.
• Daily irritations.
• Legal problems.
• Financial concerns.

There Are the Warning Signs.

When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives you warning signals that something is wrong.

These warning signs should not be ignored. They are telling you that you need to break the pattern.

If you continue to be stressed and you don’t give your body some relief from these tensions you are more likely to develop health problems which can include heart disease. You could also worsen any other existing illnesses.

Below are some common warning signs and symptoms of stress.

Physical signs mayinclude:

Dizziness - general aches and pains - grinding teeth - clenched jaws - headaches - indigestion - muscle tension - difficulty sleeping - racing heart - ringing in the ears - sweaty palms - constant tiredness or exhaustion - trembling unexplained weight gain or loss.

Mental signs may include:

Constant worrying - difficulty in making decisions – forgetfulness - inability to concentrate - lack of creativity - loss of sense of humor - poor memory.

Emotional signs may include:

Anger – anxiety – crying – depression - feeling powerless - frequent mood swings – irritability – loneliness - negative thinking - nervousness and sadness.

Behavioral signs may include:

Compulsive eating – excessively critical attitude towards others - explosive actions or reactions - increased use of alcohol or drugs - withdrawal from relationships or social situations.

Coping With Stress

If you have identified some causes of stress in your life, the next step is to learn some of the techniques that can help you cope. There are many techniques you can use to manage stress.

Some of these you can learn yourself, while other techniques may require the guidance of a trained therapist. If your stress level is severe, then it will usually be better to seek the help of a qualified health practitioner.

Some simple techniques for coping with stress include:
Eating and drinking sensibly at set regular times. Indulging or bingeing with alcohol and food may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.

Try to be more assertive. You do not have to meet others’ expectations or demands. It’s OK to say “NO!” Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs but you must remember to respect those of others.

If possible, quit smoking. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and increases stress levels.

Exercising regularly really does help. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude.)

Take time to relax every day. Most stressed people find it difficult to find enough time to carry out all that they need to do, but this is just a stress related illusion.

Make the time and gradually you will find that you really did have time after all. Learn to control what you can and accept what you cannot.

Make sure you get enough rest. Even with proper diet and exercise, you can’t fight stress effectively without rest.

You need time to recover from exercise and stressful events. The time you spend resting should be long enough to relax your mind as well as your body.

Some people find that taking a nap in the middle of the day helps them reduce stress, but this may not be ideal for everyone.

By making small but positive changes, a little at a time, you will find that it is possible to reduce stress and improve your overall health.

Much is talked about high blood pressure and the need to reduce it, but how high is “High” and what is the optimum?

Look at the four blood pressure categories below and then determine which category you fall into.

If your blood pressure reading is in two different categories where systolic pressure is in one category and diastolic pressure is in another, then your correct blood pressure category is the higher one. For example, if your blood pressure reading is 119/85 you have Pre-hypertension.

Below 120 and Below 80 is considered Normal blood pressure.
120-139 and 80-89 is considered Pre-hypertension.
140-159 and 90-99 is considered Stage 1 hypertension.
160 or more and 100 or more is considered Stage 2 hypertension.

The 1st Number represents Systolic pressure. This is the pressure generated when the heart contracts.
The 2nd Number represents Diastolic pressure. This is the blood pressure when the heart is relaxed.

It is not possible to determine what blood pressure category you are in by taking just one reading. Blood pressure readings should be taken at four or five equally spaced periods throughout the day whilst you are at rest and these readings should be taken over seven days. The numbers should then be averaged to give a representative reading

It is important to understand just how dangerous high blood pressure is.

High blood pressure is a very high risk factor for congestive heart failure. This is a serious condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the functional needs of your body. The result of your heart failing to pump enough blood can result in kidney damage and in extreme cases, even a stroke.

In relation to your kidneys, if high blood pressure remains untreated it can damage both the blood vessels feeding the kidneys and the kidney filtering membranes – called nephrons - as well.

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for a stroke as well as creating the ideal condition for “a bleed” in the brain which can be just as life threatening.

Many patients who need to undergo heart bypass surgery need to do so because of damage initially caused by high blood pressure.

Here is a summary of the effects of high blood pressure:

Damage to cerebral tissues or stoke, resulting in convulsions, impaired speech and impaired body function including partial or total paralysis.

Atherosclerosis which is hardening of the walls of the arteries. This raises the risk for heart disease and further increases the severity of high blood pressure in a “vicious circle” of cause and effect coronary heart disease of varying severity.

If you discover that you have high blood pressure, you need to find a suitable method to reduce it, and you should treat this as very urgent. Delay is to be avoided, especially since you may have been unknowingly suffering with high blood pressure for quite some time prior to discovery.

Undoubtedly you should consult with your doctor, but you may also wish to discuss with your doctor alternatives to prescription drugs that although are very effective, do have some very unpleasant side effects.

Some known non prescription drug methods for effectively lowering blood pressure include meditation, aerobic exercise, controlled breathing exercises, healthy diet and stress management.

If you are a tobacco smoker you should without question seek urgent help to quit as quickly as possible. You may also need to understand that nicotine replacement (patches, gum etc) may not be suitable to assist you as they may actually exacerbate the condition.

Cholesterol is BAD. Or is it?br /
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Let us take a look at cholesterol and see if we can separate the fact from the fiction.br /
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What we do know is that there are a lot of doctors and health care professionals who are advising us to reduce our cholesterol levels. The advertising companies seem to be onboard with a host of products that claim to do just that – reduce our cholesterol.br /
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And of course, let us not forget the pharmaceutical companies that have supplied many millions of dollars worth of statin drugs that very effectively reduce cholesterol.br /
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Cholesterol is a lipid, waxy steroid found in the cell membranes of all animals and is transported in blood plasma. It is an essential component of cell membranes, where it is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. In addition, cholesterol is an important precursor molecule for the biosynthesis of bile acids, steroid hormones, and several fat-soluble vitamins. Cholesterol is the principal sterol that is synthesized by all animals, including humans.br /
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About 25% of total daily cholesterol production occurs in the liver. Other sites of cholesterol synthesis include the intestines, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs.br /
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The view that a change in diet can lower blood cholesterol levels, and thereby reduce the likelihood of the development of coronary artery disease and the need for a href=http://www.heart-bypass.com target=_blankheart bypass/a surgery is now being increasingly challenged. br /
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An alternative view is that any reductions to dietary cholesterol intake are automatically counteracted by organs such as the liver, which will increase or decrease production of cholesterol to keep blood cholesterol levels constant. It is also being widely argued that in fact a reduction in cholesterol does not significantly reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease.br /
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Total cholesterol is defined as the sum of the lipids HDL often referred to as “Good Cholesterol”, plus LDL often referred to as “Bad Cholesterol” plus VLDL often referred to as “Very Bad Cholesterol”.br /
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The reality may of course be somewhat different as much of this is still theoretical. Biosynthesis of cholesterol is directly regulated by the cholesterol levels present in the blood plasma, though the homeostatic mechanisms involved are as yet only partly understood, as indeed are the full functions of HDL, LDL and VDL. br /
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This means that in declaring certain parts of the overall make up of cholesterol as “Good” or “Bad” certain - and as yet unproven - assumptions must be made.br /
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So this is how the theory goes: br /
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Abnormally high cholesterol levels with higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of HDL are associated with a href=http://www.heart-bypass.com target=_blankcoronary heart disease/a because these appear to promote atheroma development in the arteries. This leads to arterial diameter reduction which causes a href=http://www.heart-bypass.com target=_blankhigh blood pressure/a which in a “vicious circle” process may cause myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. br /
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Since it is believed that higher levels of LDL, especially higher LDL particle concentrations and smaller LDL particle size, contribute to this process more than the cholesterol content of the LDL particles, LDL particles are often termed bad cholesterol because they have been linked to atheroma formation. Alternately, high levels of HDL, which can remove cholesterol from cells and reduce atheroma, are often referred to as good cholesterol. These balances are largely genetically determined but can be altered by body build, medications, food choices, and some other factors.br /
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Once atheroma formation in the walls of arteries has begun, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is currently thought to be the principal cause of coronary heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular diseases begin to develop. br /
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Increased concentrations of HDL correlate with lower rates of atheroma progressions and even regression and thus the possibilty of reversing atherosclerosis appears to exist. br /
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Total cholesterol counts can be a very misleading indicator of risk. The total cholesterol can be within normal limits and yet be made up primarily of small LDL and small HDL particles, under which conditions atheroma growth rates would be high. In contrast, if the LDL particle number was low (mostly large particles) and a large percentage of the HDL particles were large, then atheroma growth rates could be low or even negative.br /
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There are some cardiac specialists who are beginning to doubt the wisdom of reducing cholesterol and they have instead been studying the effects of inflammation as the possible cause of increase in Cardiac Events.br /
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Even if cholesterol reduction is a desirable goal, many are now questioning the benefits versus the risks of taking cholesterol lowering drugs, which already are known to be associated with many adverse and serious side effects.br /
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In conclusion, it would seem to be the best policy to listen carefully to what all sides of the medical argument have to say and to try to make your own informed judgement.br /
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Some of the few proven facts are that calorific restriction whilst maintaining excellent nutritional value does reduce heart disease and does in general lead to longer life, but the mechanisms involved in this are not fully understood yet.br /
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Regular exercise and a diet rich in natural fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts has shown to improve the quality of life for the average person that is not yet displaying signs of coronary illness and may go some way towards preventing it.br /