John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

In 2004, Time Magazine rated cardiac researcher Paul Ridker as one of the most influential people in heart research.

Dr Paul Ridker is Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and directs the Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. Like so many researchers, he was concerned about the very large group of people with normal or low cholesterol who develop coronary artery disease. He found the real driver of coronary artery blockages is immune system generated inflammation and he pioneered a blood test (hsCRP which measures C-reactive protein) which measures the low background levels of inflammation in the body. To read more visit www.crphealth.com. Ideally your hsCRP should be one or less.

The problem with the huge focus on cholesterol as the cause of heart disease, is it ignores the fact that many people with low cholesterol end up with blocked coronary arteries and many with high cholesterol do not. According to Ridker, the common factor is high inflammation as measured by CRP. Those with low levels of CRP have a low risk of heart disease, regardless of their cholesterol. Those at highest risk are those with both high cholesterol and high CRP. The science is simple. Inflammation is needed to block arteries and if you reduce inflammation this lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. The real question is whether there are non-invasive, naturally occurring compounds, that can help lower inflammation. The answer is absolutely and your life and health depends on them.

The first are a series of fatty acids especially EPA and DHA from oily fish. The second are a wide group of biologically-active compounds which exert strong anti-inflammatory functions. These are mostly potent antioxidants and range from compounds on grape skins and seeds to the circumin in the spice turmeric. Well formulated supplements can of course target specific amounts of these nutrients. When creating a Heart Health programme, I first look at diet and try to target foods which are either anti-inflammatory or antioxidant, as both play a huge role. We then look at supplements and target the compounds which restrict immune system generated inflammation, while helping both blood vessels and blood flow. Typically, I like to use a more intensive programme for a few months before we move to a maintenance programme.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or would like a free health plan phone 07 578 9051 or 0800 423 559 or email [email protected] For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz
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