New Revolutionary Plaque Busting Supplement Shocks Investigators! According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, each year about 700,000 people suffer a stroke, the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. The American Heart Association estimates that over1 million Americans suffer a heart attack each year. About 700,000 of these will be first-time heart attack sufferers. Traditional Medicine’s War on Heart Disease Continues to Fall Short Despite spending billions of dollars and having the most sophisticated health care system the world has ever known, one American dies every 33 seconds from heart disease! We have lipid-lowering drugs (Lipitor, Crestor, etc.) to reduce cholesterol. Aspirin and Warfarin (Cumadin), to thin the blood. Anti-hypertension medications for reducing high blood pressure. Bypass surgery, and angioplasty to help clear blocked arteries. However, there is a price to pay for covering up symptoms with potentially dangerous drugs and risky surgical procedures. Certain blood pressure drugs are known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 5 fold and others have side effects, which include congestive heart failure. ( The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that only 10% of bypass heart surgeries are needed. And up to 10% of those having bypass surgery die from the procedure. According to an article in the Jan. 9 issue of Neurology, the blood thinner Warfarin- also known as Cumadin – causes brain bleeding and is serious and growing concern. Warfarin (Cumadin), the main ingredient in rat poisoning, is often prescribed to prevent blood clotting and help combat the most common type of stroke, known as ischemic stroke. However, warfarin itself has been linked to brain hemorrhage and stroke caused by ruptured blood vessels and subsequent bleeding in the brain. All of these medical therapies are designed to alleviate the symptoms of arteriosclerosis, plaque filled arteries and poor blood flow. Unfortunately, while they do reduce the symptoms, they don’t correct the cause of heart disease, plaque build-up and clot formation. And they’re also associated with potential, sometimes life threatening, side effects. Cardiovascular disease risk can be greatly reduced by modifying lifestyle and adding nutritional supplements proven to support cardiovascular health (vitamin E, a good multivitamin/mineral formula, fish oil, and CoQ10). Most of us are aware that eating a healthier, more balanced diet, not smoking, and exercising regularly are big steps in reducing heart disease. But, sometimes even a healthy life style isn’t enough. It’s Really Scary When We Learn That- Forty percent of all heart attacks occur in people with no known risk factors; they have normal cholesterol and blood pressure, aren’t over weight, don’t smoke, and try to eat healthy. A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (3/6/2002) indicates that exposure to air pollution can cause some 10,000 fatal heart attacks a year in the U.S.! There’s no getting away from arteriosclerosis, plaque build-up, and heart disease risk. Ever hear about the marathon runner, aerobics teacher, or general “health nut” who collapsed with a heart attack while exercising? Life isn’t fair sometimes; even folks who try to be healthy are no-match for the ravages of arteriosclerosis. The body contains some 60 miles of arteries and veins, yet one blocked vessel and BAM, you’re on your back from a heart attack or stroke! Yes, you should eat a balanced diet, exercise on a regular basis, manage your stress, take a good optimal daily multivitamin/mineral formula with vitamin E, and fish oil; and perhaps some CoQ10 (if you have high blood pressure or heart disease or it runs in your family). But is this enough? It’s a good start, but you may need to do more. How do blood clots form? Blood clotting is a natural process that allows the blood to thicken and form a clot or thrombus of blood cells. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets clump together and strands of the blood protein fibrin glue them together in order to stop the bleeding. Eventually the clot helps form a protective scab over a healing wound. If our bodies did not have the ability to clot blood, we would bleed to death after even a minor cut, which was often the case with hemophiliacs. But sometimes blood clots form even when a person has not been wounded or cut. A thrombus (blood clot/plaque build-up) can form in an artery. It could then block the flow of blood and cut off oxygen supply. This can trigger a heart attack. In the brain, blood clots also block blood and oxygen from reaching necessary areas, which can result in senility and/or stroke. A piece of the blood clot could form in one of the heart’s chambers and then travel through the bloodstream, lodging in either an organ or an artery and cutting off the blood supply from that point, causing an embolism. An embolism is especially dangerous when it ends up in a lung. The chances of developing thrombi or blood clot increase as we age. Although the human body produces more than 20 enzymes for making blood clots, it produces only one enzyme—plasmin—for dissolving them. The problem is, as we age the production of plasmin slows down, making the blood more prone to coagulation (clotting). To make matters worse, fibrinogen levels rise as we age. And high levels of fibrinogen levels usually lead to increased platelet aggregation, blood clots, and eventually heart attack or stroke. In fact, high fibrinogen levels are considered a more dangerous risk factor for heart attack and stroke than high cholesterol. A study of 2,116 men found that those with high LDL (bad) cholesterol but low fibrinogen levels had only one sixth the risk for heart attack than the men with low LDL and high fibrinogen. The Good News Dr. Martin Milner, from the Center for Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, “In all my years of research as a professor of cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, natto and nattokinase represents the most exciting new development in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular related diseases,” Dr. Milner said. “We have finally found a potent natural agent that can thin and dissolve clots effectively, with relative safety and without side effects. In some ways, Milner says, nattokinase is actually superior to conventional clot-dissolving drugs. T-PAs (tissue plasminogen activators) like urokinase (the drug), are only effective when taken intravenously and often fail simply because a stroke or heart attack victim’s arteries have hardened beyond the point where they can be treated by any other clot-dissolving agent. Nattokinase, however, can help prevent that hardening with an oral dose of as little as 100 mg a day.Doctors and researchers around the world are hailing the plaque busting affects of nattokinase as nothing short of shocking.” For those with cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure, past heart attack, or stroke or elevated cholesterol levels) or a family history of heart related deaths please consider adding the all-natural supplement known as nattokinase. A new clot-busting supplement known as nattokinase is proving to be extremely safe and effective in reversing and preventing blood clots. Nattokinase is a potent fibrinolytic (anti-clotting) enzyme complex extracted and highly purified from a traditional Japanese food called Natto. Natto is a fermented cheese-like food that has been used in Japanese culture for more than 1000 years for its popular taste, and as a folk remedy for heart and vascular diseases. Research has shown that Nattokinase supports the body in breaking up and dissolving the unhealthy coagulation of blood. In fact, it has been shown to have four times greater fibrinolytic activity than plasmin. How was Nattokinase discovered? Japanese researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi had spent many years searching for a natural thrombolytic, anti-clot agent that could successfully dissolve blood clots associated with heart attacks and stroke. Finally in 1980, after testing more than 173 natural foods, Sumi found what he was looking for. Natto, a traditional Japanese soy cheese, was dropped onto an artificial thrombus (fibrin) in a Petri dish and allowed to stand at 37ºC (approximately body temperature). Over the next 18 hours, the thrombus around the natto completely dissolved! Sumi named the newly discovered enzyme Nattokinase, which means “enzyme in natto.” Dr. Sumi remarked that Nattokinase showed “a potency matched by no other enzyme.” Researchers have found that Nattokinase is four times more potent than plasmin (in dissolving blood clots), and works even more effectively than Warfarin drugs because it continues to work for long periods of time, and it doesn’t produce any side effects. Research Shows nattokinase Reverses dissolves Blood Clots And Lowers Blood Pressure Research Animal %26 Human Studies Nattokinase has been the subject of 17 studies, including two small human trials. Dr. Sumi and his colleagues induced blood clots in male dogs, and then orally administered either four capsules of nattokinase (250 mg per capsule) or four placebo capsules to each dog. Angiograms (X-rays of blood vessels) revealed that the dogs that received nattokinase regained normal blood circulation (free of the clot) within five hours of treatment. Blood clots in the dogs who received only placebo showed no sign of dissolving in the 18 hours following treatment. Researchers from Biotechnology Research Laboratories and JCR Pharmaceuticals Co. of Kobe, Japan, tested nattokinase’s ability to dissolve a thrombus (blood clotting plaque) in the carotid arteries of rats. Animals treated with nattokinase regained 62 percent of blood flow, whereas those treated with the usual drug, plasmin regained just 15.8 percent of blood flow. Researchers from JCR Pharmaceuticals, Oklahoma State University, and Miyazaki Medical College tested nattokinase on 12 healthy Japanese volunteers (6 men and 6 women, between the ages of 21 and 55). They gave the volunteers nattokinase before breakfast, then tracked fibrinolytic activity through a series of blood plasma tests. The tests indicated that the natto generated a heightened ability to dissolve blood clots: On average, the volunteers’ ELT (a measure of how long it takes to dissolve a blood clot) dropped by 48 percent within two hours of treatment, and volunteers retained an enhanced ability to dissolve blood clots for up to 8 hours. As a control, researchers later fed the same amount of boiled soybeans to the same volunteers and tracked their fibrinolytic activity. The tests showed no significant change. The Benefits of Nattokinase on Blood Pressure Human Studies Nattokinase extract was tested on human volunteers with high blood pressure. Blood pressure levels were measured after the test subjects took Nattokinase, which was administered orally for 4 consecutive days. In 4 out of 5 volunteers, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased on average from 173.8mmHg to 154.8mmHg: A 19-point drop in systolic blood pressure! Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased on average from 101.0mmHg to 91.2 mmHg; Almost a 10-point reduction in diastolic blood pressure! How safe is Nattokinase? It is very safe when used according to the recommended dosage. However, people with ulcers, recent or pending surgery, or recent major trauma should not take Nattokinase. Anyone who has ever had neurosurgery or ischemic stroke in the previous six months should not take Nattokinase, as well as those who have had intracranial bleeding. Because this supplement is so potent in its anti-clotting abilities it shouldn’t be used with other blood thinning drugs (Cumadin), unless monitored by a doctor. Otherwise anyone not on blood thinning drugs or having upcoming surgery and wants to reverse the formation of blood clots (plaque) can add nattokinase to their daily supplement regiment. Conclusion The traditional Japanese food Natto has been used safely for over 1000 years. The potent fibrinolytic enzyme nattokinase appears to be safe based upon the long-term traditional use of this food as well as numerous scientific clinical studies. Nattokinase has many benefits including convenience of oral administration, confirmed efficacy, prolonged effects, cost effectiveness, and can be used preventatively. It is a naturally occurring, food based dietary supplement that has demonstrated stability in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as to changes in pH and temperature. Nattokinase: Supports normal blood pressure Helps reduce elevated blood pressure Prevents blood clots from forming Dissolves existing blood clots Dissolves fibrin and reduces fibrinogen levels Enhances the body’s production of plasmin and other clot-dissolving agents, including urokinase thus reducing risk of heart attack and stroke. for more information about heart disease and Dr. Muphree visit treatingandbeating.com About Dr. Murphree Dr. Murphree is a board certified nutritional specialist and chiropractic physician who has been in private practice since 1990. He is the founder and past clinic director for a large integrated medical practice located on the campus of Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham Alabama. The clinic was staffed with medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, and massage therapists. The clinic combined prescription and natural medicines for acute and chronic illnesses. He is the author of 5 books for patients and doctors, including “Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” “Heart Disease What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You,” and “Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine.” In 2002 Dr. Murphree sold his medical practice and now maintains a busy solo practice specializing in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, mood disorders, and other chronic illnesses. for more information about heart disease and Dr. Muphree visit treatingandbeating.com He can be reached toll free 1-888-884-9577 or at 205-879-2383 References: 1.Soy intake shown to reduce mortality rate from cancer and CVD. Nagata C. Ecological study of the association between soy product intake and mortality from cancer and heart disease in Japan. Int J Epidemiol. 2000 Oct;29(5):832-6. 2.Fujita M, Nomura K, Hong K, Ito Y, Asada A, Nishimuro S. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1993 Dec 30;197(3):1340-7 Biotechnology Research Laboratories, JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan. 3.Clinical trials.gov. Epidemiology of Coronary Heart Disease in Men Aged 40 and Over. August 2004. National Institutes of Health. Sept. 13, 2004. 4.Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Ichise H, Tsukamoto Y, Urano T, Umemura K. Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening. Nutrition. 2003 Mar;19(3):261-4. 5.Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke with Potent Enzyme that Dissolves Deadly Blood Clots in Hours. Health Sciences Institute, March 2002. Hager, K. et al. Fibrinogen and Aging. Aging (Milano) 1994, 6:133-38. Heinrich, J. et al. Fibrinogen and factor VII in the prediction of coronary risk. Arterioscler Thromb 1994, 14:54-59. 6. Sumi H. Interview With Doctor of Medicine Hiroyuki Sumi. Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co. Ltd. Sumi, H. et al. “Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase.” Acta haematol 1990, 84: 139-43. 7.Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Matsumoto Y, Zhao BQ, Otsuguro K, Maeda T, Tsukamoto Y, Urano T, Umemura K. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci. 2003 Jul 25;73(10):1289-98. 8.Maruyama M, Sumi H. Effect of Natto Diet on Blood Pressure. JTTAS, 1995. _ Nishimura, K. et al. Natto diet was apparently effective in a case of incipient central retinal vein occlusion. Japan Rev Clin Ophthalmol 1994, 88:1381-85.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, reducing recent research sodium intake has a limited effect in lowering high blood pressure and a minimal effect on people with normal blood pressure. However, in the United States is finding out that a moderate sodium intake combined with a higher intake of potassium, calcium and magnesium, minerals that are found in fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, offers more significant benefits for reducing high blood pressure than just restricting sodium intake. These four minerals, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium work together to regulate blood pressure.

And now, researchers from USDA Agricultural Research Service, Texas A%26M University, University of Nevada, and Oklahoma State University, have reported that the levels of arginine in the blood increased by 22 per cent after three weeks of drinking watermelon juice with every meal. Arginine is a substance needed to produce nitric oxide, which has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting and protect against myocardial infarction and strokes.

The study included 23 volunteers who received 1560 grams of watermelon juice per day. Julie Collins, the lead author of the study, reports that the volunteers showed that fasting blood levels of arginine had increased by 22 per cent in three weeks. “Because the watermelon juice intervention was not continued longer than three weeks, it is not known if arginine levels will have remained stable at three weeks or if there would have been further increases with prolonged administration,” stated the researchers.

Additional benefits of watermelons

The name of this fruit, watermelon, gives us a clear idea of what it is made of. Watermelon is, of all fruits, the one that contains the largest percentage of water, 93%. In fact, two large slices of watermelon are equivalent to one glass of water. Its refreshing and moisturizing qualities, along with its low contribution of energy ‘barely 20 calories in 100 grams- make watermelon, without a doubt, the queen of fruits during summer time.

Choosing a watermelon at the market

Watermelons that are grown in the open mature between the end of spring and the beginning of summer, reaching their peak during summer time. To know if a watermelon is just ripe, “knock” on the peel; if it sounds hollow it means the fruit is full of water, ripe, and ready for the whole family to enjoy its sweet flavor. Buy pieces that their peal is not damaged with bruises or dents.

If you buy a whole watermelon you can keep it outside the refrigerator for about two weeks since its thick peal protects the inside fruit. But once you start it, keep it in the refrigerator, well rapped so that it does not lose its water content.

Watermelons are excellent diuretics: they stimulate kidney activity and increase the production of urine which favors the elimination of toxins. It is low in fiber and its fat content is almost non existent.

Noteworthy is its content of the carotenoids lutein and lycopene. Lycopene, the responsible pigment for the red color in certain fruits, has antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy” - this is a common saying and it is very unlikely if you have not heard it in your lifetime. Every one of us wants to stay healthy. To maintain a healthy life, we need healthy diet too. Without having a healthy diet, we may not even survive too long. But healthy eating style does not necessarily mean a boring diet. On the contrary, you can add a great variety in your healthy diet and enjoy its delicious flavor.

Practically, there is no secret about healthy eating. This should be a perfect blend of variety, balance and regulation. Additionally, you need to promote healthy lifestyle in terms of maintaining few useful strategies such as not smoking, minimum level of alcohol consumption, and stress management. In this article, we will explore few great healthy eating tips that can keep you healthy without compromising your taste-buds.

Add fish meals at least twice a week

Typically fish is a ‘must-have’ inclusion in healthy eating tips. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. If you take at least 2 fish meals in a week, it offers you a great health benefits such as lowering high blood pressure, cardiac problems, and lowering cholesterol level.

Omega-3 fatty acids can not be produced by our body. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in decreasing cardiac problems, reducing high blood pressure, reducing the risk of arthritis, regulating abnormal heart rhythms, and promoting healthy brain function.

Add varied lean red meat meals several times a week

While considering healthy eating tips, a special emphasis must be given on lean red meat meals. You may have this meal several times a week. If you are a vegetarian, you must have legume or nuts daily in your diet. If you do not have it or its alternatives in your daily diet, it means you are lacking the required supply of iron and zinc. These are the essential minerals that can keep your brain healthy and active.

Add vegetables and fruits in daily diet

Vegetables and fruits are great source of dietary fiber. We need dietary fiber in our daily diet. It helps us not getting constipated. Additionally, it has other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol level, regulating glucose level and reducing the risk of cardiac problems. Remember it as an important ingredient of healthy eating tips.

Avoid eating in heavy volume

This is one of the important healthy eating tips that you probably should not avoid. Different scientific studies confirm that if you take your food in frequent segments rather than having it in bulk at a given time, it promotes healthy metabolism. That means, if you supply low amount of foods in different periods of time in a day, you actually help you metabolic system to function more efficiently. Hence, it lowers the risk of accumulated fat in the body and allows you to stay fat-free and healthy.

Drink plenty amount of water

‘Water is life’ and possibly there is no one on the face of earth who can deny the fact. Every one knows the health benefits of water. This is an essential part of healthy eating tips.

Almost 2/3rds part of our body is made up of water. Our blood contains 83% water, our muscles contain 75% water, our brain consists of 74% water and bone contains 22% water. Literally, the benefits we receive from drinking water are countless. Water is essential to absorb vitamins and nutrients in the blood stream. It also promotes the detoxification process by carrying out the bodily wastages from the body. Apart from that, it helps keep skin glowing and healthy. You should drink 5-6 liters of water daily to keep your system clean and healthy.

Exercise, Exercise and More Exercise

Although not directly belongs to the area of healthy eating tips, but if you wish to maintain a life in a healthy fashion, doing regular exercise has no other alternatives. You need to follow a daily schedule for exercise along with healthy diets to keep yourself fit and steady.