Malcolm Kendrick explains, the real culprits in heart disease are blood clots.
Kendrick emphasizes that the process, not structure or function, is what connects the risks for heart disease. He explains that heart attacks are caused by blood clots in the coronary artery, while strokes are caused by blood clots in the arteries leading to the brain.
The key to preventing harmful substances from entering the artery wall lies in the health of the endothelium and the glycocalyx. When the glycocalyx is damaged, it exposes the endothelium, leading to the formation of a temporary blood clot until the endothelial progenitor cells can repair it. If the damage occurs faster than the repair process, problems arise.
Dr. Kendrick delves into the various risk factors for heart disease and their connection to this scenario, citing scientific references to support his hypothesis. For example, a study from 2002 showed that blood clots alone can induce plaque formation.
One interesting point in the book is the role of steroid medications in damaging the glycocalyx, leading to increased risks for heart disease. The connection between stress, cortisol levels, and damage to blood vessel linings is also explored, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing heart disease.
To reduce the risks of heart disease, Dr. Kendrick recommends watching your diet, managing stress, addressing chronic infections, exercising regularly, getting sunlight exposure, staying hydrated, and using natural supplements when possible. These lifestyle changes can help prevent and reverse heart disease by addressing underlying mechanisms.
- There is also strong evidence that it has a similar beneficial action of repairing the endothelium and hence lowers the risk for heart disease.
- Magnesium is a critical mineral for the correct functioning of our heart and a common deficiency in the Western world. This has been highlighted in Israel where there is a high use of desalinated water. One study found an increased risk for ischemic heart disease for those who relied on desalinated drinking water with its absence of magnesium and other minerals. Another study found the risk of dying from a heart attack was higher in areas of the country using desalinated water.
- Nattokinase, a natural enzyme found in natto, a cheese-like food made from fermented soybeans, has been found to have significant fibrinolytic activity, essentially breaking down blood clots and enhancing blood flow.
Unsurprisingly, these remedies support all aspects of health. In short, the amazing human body can heal itself from damage if it is given the right support and nourishment. There is no quick fix or silver bullet and certainly no pill that can mend what is broken. Everyone is unique and only you can know the confluence of factors that might be damaging your body. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what those might be and understand that no doctor has all of the answers.
