Gary Null, PhD

Heart disease is America’s number-one killer. Yet heart disease, which is primarily caused by inflammation and an accumulation of plaque in the coronary arteries, is one of the most preventable of all illnesses.

The key is to make lifestyle changes and take natural supplements. In fact, there is scientific evidence that people who already are suffering from heart problems can reverse the effects of the disease.
Here are three all-natural programs — one for general heart health, another for high cholesterol, a third for high blood pressure. Choose one, two or all three programs.
If you are doing more than one at a time, don’t double or triple up on supplements. Take no more than the highest amount called for in one program. All the supplements listed are available at most health-food stores.
Regular aerobic exercise is part of each of these programs, and I offer advice on getting the most out of exercise at the end of this article.
Important: Review these programs, including supplement dosages, with your doctor. Natural remedies are not a substitute for traditional treatment but are meant to be done in conjunction with whatever your primary doctor or cardiologist recommends.
GENERAL HEART HEALTH
Your body needs certain nutrients to counteract the effects of internal inflammation on the coronary arteries…
Coenzyme Q10, one of my favorites, is a superstar in protecting the heart. It increases oxygenation to the heart and helps prevent recurrences in people who have had a heart attack. Recommendation: 100 mg to 300 mg daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis, known as hardening of the arteries. Omega-3s also reduce the risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Recommendation: 3,000 mg daily.
L-carnitine helps transport long-chain fatty acids, which bring energy to the heart and aid in prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Recommendation: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Vitamin E, which has tocotrienols and gamma tocopherol, is an antioxidant that helps protect cells against damage. Recommendation: 200 international units (IU) to 400 IU daily.
Cayenne pepper contains the active ingredient capsaicin, a natural blood thinner that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. Dosage: Sprinkle regularly on food. Caution: Check with your doctor if you are on a blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Hawthorn berry relaxes blood vessels, enhances circulation and helps prevent arterial hardening. Recommendation: 100 mg twice daily.
REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
Elevated levels of cholesterol are a major marker for heart attacks. Cholesterol provides the raw material for plaque, a fatty substance that builds up inside arteries and clogs them. Optimal levels: A combined blood cholesterol count under 200 mg/dL, with LDL levels (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL and HDL levels (“good” cholesterol) over 40 mg/dL.
L-carnosine is an amino acid found naturally in the body. This antioxidant helps rejuvenate cells and protect them from premature aging. Recommendation: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Niacin/vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid, lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. Recommendation: 100 mg daily.
Shiitake mushrooms speed up the processing of cholesterol in the liver and stimulate the immune system. Recommendation: One-half to one cup of shiitake mushrooms daily. I like them lightly sautéed in olive oil.
Fruits and fruit juices are rich in phytonutrients, which are powerful antioxidants. Recommendation: Two to three servings daily. Look for juices that have no added sugar. Best: Tart cherry, pomegranate, wild blueberry.
LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Prolonged high blood pressure (hypertension) damages the lining of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to atherosclerosis. Optimal blood pressure levels: A systolic rate (the top number) under 120 mm/Hg and a diastolic rate (the bottom number) under 80 mm/Hg.
Calcium citrate and magnesium. This combination supplement promotes relaxation of the muscles, including the heart. Recommendation: 1,500 mg daily.
Garlic lowers blood pressure by thinning the blood, thus enhancing circulation. Recommendation: Two to three cloves daily. It is easiest to digest when sautéed until translucent (not brown). Or take a 1,000-mg garlic supplement, but check with your doctor if you are on a blood-thinning drug.
Potassium is needed for electrolyte balance, especially if you take blood pressure medication. Recommendation: 500 mg daily.
Green vegetable juices, especially those from spinach, broccoli and kale, help thin the blood, lowering blood pressure. You can buy them at health-food stores or make them yourself with a vegetable juicer (add a pear or an apple if you like a sweeter taste). Recommendation: Two to three six-ounce servings daily. Check with your doctor if you are on blood-thinning medication.
EXERCISE
Regular aerobic exercise, such as fast walking, reduces cholesterol, increases circulation and keeps arteries healthy. To get the most out of exercise…
Work up to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four times a week. This can take several months. Get a clean bill of health from your doctor before starting.
Take your pulse. Take it before you exercise, then immediately upon stopping, then every five minutes until your pulse has returned to its pre-exercise level. You know you are in shape if your pulse returns to its pre-exercise level in less than five minutes.
When you walk or jog, keep your feet as close to the ground as possible, almost as if you’re shuffling. The higher the knee comes off the ground, the greater the pressure and the risk of injury when your leg comes down.

Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Gary Null, PhD, consumer health advocate and educator for more than 30 years. He is a nationally syndicated talk show host and author of more than 70 books, including Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing and Bottom Line’s Power Aging (both available from Boardroom, Inc., 800-678-5835, http://www.BottomLineSecrets.com/store). He is adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey, and research director of Institute of Applied Biology, New York City. http://www.garynull.com

Irene, I’m not saying that I’m a master communicator but I did make it clear to the 2 men in Connecticut that I wanted to remain open bc I was a busy independent woman (had two jobs, one that made me money and one that got me plain old fun, a chance to chat with anyone I wanted to and to make some quick serious cash weekly). I actually had to tell these 2 after a few months bc it became increasingly hard to explain why they were on every other weekend rotation – this is where men have it easy, they can not call for a week or so and women will just take their call and say OK to a date (or not) and leave it at that.

These two became a titch pouty so I had to say something, it didn’t go over well but I left them the option to call an ‘early out’ and gave them time to think about it, within a few days they both chose not to end it, but I gave the caveat then: no pouting when I say I’m busy that day, no asking q’s about it either. The 3rd man had his parents’ mansion in Southport at his disposal but actually was a bils mans’ son who had a real job in Texas, he flew in every other/3rd weekend often taking Fri and/or Mon off so I could just claim I’d made weekend plans already and we’d hang on Fri/Mon. I didn’t tell him about the others bc I told him he was free to see others in TX and probably was but after one year he made it clear it was move to Texas and marry or end it, I ended it.

The other two hung in there for just under a year and a half, all were started within 6 weeks of each other, give or take…the one hairy moment – ack – Texas man flew in early and buff firefighter man who was supposed to be on duty both came to the gorgeous upscale nightclub I worked (I bartended 2/3 nights a week, made myself an extra 700-1000 a week there) and they sat next to each other, needless to say I said hi, got each a drink and hoped they didn’t start a chat up, it was a loudish disco time of night so I chose to not speak to either of them and then called upon my fellow ‘tenders to help me out of the predicament, turned out OK, firefighter was dog tired just wanted to stop by and say hi (hi – and ack, bye) and Tx wanted to load me in a limo after work and head to NYC, and I was totally in : ) during that couple of years, I often daydreamed about beds with me alone in them out of exhaustion but it was the best thing I ever did – the choosing.

Marriage is the monogamy factor for me, even though I never set out to ‘cheat’ I didn’t really call a random unplanned make out session with a wingman or an encounter with a sexy ex while being involved with another ‘cheating’ so I’m not as ‘monogamous’ as I previously thought. I guess men have a point when they want to take their women’s meat off the table, not their own, I complied…never would do that wingman/ex or cheating stuff while happily married…

That’s it I think, I hope that was helpful for overcoming the intimidation factor, Irene, it’s the leaving them an ‘out’ that matters – it is their choice as well.

Lisa, that’s a funny little marriage didley : )

Caio, Zen Lill

I have really been educated reading your article and the comments of Robert. I am surprised that only 50% of marriages end in divorce.

Here is a little ditty that reflects the situation.
—————————–
Before Marriage:

He: Yes. At last, it was so hard to wait.
She: Do you want me to leave?
He: NO! Don’t even think about it.
She: Do you love me?
He: Of course! Over and over!
She: Have you ever cheated on me?
He: NO! Why are you even asking?
She: Will you kiss me?
He: Every chance I get!
She: Will you hit me?
He: Are you crazy! I’m not that kind of person!
She: Can I trust you?
He: Yes.
She: Darling!

After Marriage:
Now read this from bottom to top.
———————————
Lisa

If you don’t mind me asking, how long did you maintain your 3 serious relationships? Did any of the men catch on? How much distance do you recommend there should be between the men to insure that I accidently run into one while on a date with the other?

I know that you can not be exact. I was just wondering. I have lived in only 3 MMs in by dating experiences.

Irene