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Cardi-Rite, made by Carlson Labs contains
vitamin C and E, along with the amino
acids lysine and proline, and extra magnesium. These nutrients appear
to prevent the
build-up of lipoprotein(a), a powerful repair molecule which when overproduced - primarily
due to chronic ascorbic acid deficiency - becomes the first sticky building-block of
arterial plaques. Lipoprotein(a) is a much better predictor of heart disease than serum
cholesterol.
L-Carnitine, by facilitating the
transportation of fat in and out of the cells, can reduce fat and triglyceride levels in
the blood. It also increases oxygen uptake and allows better adaptation to stress.
Co-enzyme-Q10, or Co-Q10, helps the body
to utilize oxygen. Produced in every cell of the body, it is especially important for the
heart. Much research has gone into this nutrient, especially in Japan, which of course
also manufactures it for the world-wide market. Researchers estimate that about 30% of the
adult population of Japan take Co-Q10 on a regular basis. Especially as we age, this
nutrient can make a big difference in our energy levels.
The energy from Co-Q10 is not at all stimulatory. As oxygen utilization is increased,
people simply find they can climb those four flights of stairs without getting winded, or
they can keep going after a long day without a hitch; things of this nature. Co-Q10 is
also being researched for its possible role in helping to heal cancer, chronic fatigue,
and other illnesses, and has been shown to prevent recurrence of heart attack, because of
its oxygenating effect on the heart.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, proline and lysine
are four important nutrients that help prevent damage to the cardiovascular system and the occurrence of heart
disease.
DMG (n,n-Dimethylglycine) is the active
nutrient behind what was called B-15, calcium pangamate, or pangamic acid. It is an
intermediary metabolite that is useful in the production of neurotransmitters, hormones,
DNA, choline, and methionine. It enhances the immune response system, and helps normalize
blood glucose levels and reduce high blood pressure levels. It enhances oxygen
utilization, reduces lactic acid formation, and aids detoxification- improving liver,
pancreas, and adrenal function. In 1960 Russia reported DMG benefited people
suffering from diabetes, alcoholism, mental disorders, and cardiovascular ailments.
Also, DMG enhanced athletic performance, as demonstrated by the Olympics. I have found it
to have excellent results for increasing my endurance when exercising, sharpening my
vision, stopping allergy reactions, and even stopping headaches in the early stages.
Essential Fatty Acids can help prevent
arteriosclerosis. These include borage, black current, and evening primrose oils (sources
of GLA), flax seed oil, and fish oil (source of DHA and EPA).
Garlic lowers blood pressure, thins the
blood, and helps circulation, all of which benefit the heart. In addition it detoxifies
the body, protects against and fights infection, and promotes digestion.
Hawthorne berries are gathered from the
small tree Crataegus laevigata of the family Rosaceae. Also known as Mayblossom and
Whitehorn, Hawthorne was known to Dioscorides in the first century A.D., but was not
widely used until recent times. The edible berries are often made into marmalade, and
herbal preparations made from the flowers, fruits, and leaves are very prominent in
contemporary European medicine. Currently about three dozen different preparations
containing extracts of Hawthorne are marketed in Germany.
Hawthorne is described in most modern herbals as a valuable treatment
for various heart ailments and circulatory disorders, as well acting as a mild astringent
to be used for treating sore throats. Hawthorne is most often used to protect against the
beginning stages of heart disease, for mild heart muscle weakness, for pressure and
tightness of the chest, and for mild arrhythmia. It is also used as a tonic for an aging
heart.
Standardized extracts improve myocardial and coronary circulation,
raising the myocardial tolerance for oxygen deficiency. Hawthorne is also used for
hypertension, nervous disorders and insomnia. It may potentiate the action of digitalis,
and does potentiate cardiotonic glycosides. Hawthorne should not be used as a substitute
for medical care when an "organic cause" for one of the conditions listed is
present, so cause should be diagnosed prior to use.
Modern researchers have revealed some interesting properties of
hawthorne and confirmed that hawthorne contains compounds which support the heart and
circulatory system. Hawthorne works to dilate the blood vessels, especially the coronary
vessels, reducing peripheral resistance and thus lowering blood pressure and reducing the
tendency to angina attacks. Though hawthorne's action is not immediate, but develops very
slowly, apparently it has a direct effect on the heart itself, especially in cases of
heart damage. Its toxicity is low as well, becoming evident only in large doses. It's
therefore a relatively harmless heart tonic which apparently yields good results in many
conditions where this kind of therapy is required.
Hawthorne contains leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids,
hyperoside, vitexin
2-rhamnoside, glycosylflavones, amines, catechols, phenolcarboxylic acids, triterpene
acids, sterols, inositol, PABA, saponins and purines. The main activity of hawthorne is
derived from the potent mixture of pigment bioflavonoids, as well as oligomeric
procyanidins (dehydrocatechins) that seem to be particularly active. Some of the flavonoid
glycosides are thought to work in a similar way to digitoxin, having a vasodilating effect
that could be helpful in the treatment of angina. They also produce marked sedative
effects which indicate an action on the central nervous system.
Calcium, magnesium, potassium are all
important for the proper functioning of the cardiac muscle and for electrolyte balance.
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