Diseases of the circulatory system. Coronary heart disease

The circulatory system is comprised of:

• The blood circulatory system. Including the heart, and the blood vessels through which the blood circulates
• The lymph system.  Consisting of lymph nodes and lymph vessels through which lymph flows. There is three times more lymph fluid than blood and this may be because lymph takes waste products from the cells, cellular debris, and removes them from the body

Under normal conditions, the liver filters more than one quart of blood per minute, leaving only the acidic carbon dioxide for elimination through the lungs. After it is purified in the liver, the blood passes through the hepatic vein into the inferior vena cava, which takes it directly into the right side of the heart. From there the venous blood is carried to the lungs where carbon dioxide is excreted and oxygen is absorbed. After leaving the lungs, the oxygenated blood passes into the left side of the heart, from where it is pumped into the aorta. This supplies all body tissues  with oxygenated blood. In this fashion, the liver thoroughly detoxifies and purifies the blood. (1)

Because the liver influences the entire circulatory system, including the heart, the liver could be considered the greatest protector of the heart. Proof of this is that long before the heart begins to malfunction, the liver loses much of its major vitality and efficiency. “A heart attack is actually the final stage of an insidious disorder that has been years in the making.” (1)

Gallstones affect the blood vessels supplying the liver, reducing internal blood supply. “A congested liver can obstruct the venous blood flow to the heart, leading to heart palpitations or even heart attacks.” It is obvious that toxins that are not neutralized by the liver end up damaging the heart and blood vessel network.

Another consequence of this is that proteins from dead cells and unused food protein are not sufficiently broken down, which raises protein concentrations in the blood. Ultimately the concentrations of hemoglobin in the blood begins to increase, giving rise to red complexion on the face or chest. As a result of all this red blood cells become enlarged and are unable to pass through the tiny vessels of the capillary network. This high concentration of protein in the blood causes the blood to become too thick and slow moving, increasing its tendency toward clotting, heart attacks or strokes.

This slow moving blood will also compromise delivery of nutrients and oxygen all through the body as well as elimination of waste, all of which can increase blood pressure and  damage the blood vessels. In the meantime, the excess proteins are stored in the blood vessel walls, where they are converted into collagen fiber. This in turn decreases the amount of oxygen, and essential nutrients to the cells including those of the heart. Heart muscle weakness and arteriosclerosis will be the end result.

Liver congestion can cause high cholesterol

We have seen how critical cholesterol is for health. The main producers of cholesterol are the liver and the small intestine, respectively. They release cholesterol right into the blood stream where cholesterol binds to the blood proteins called ‘lipoproteins’, whose job is to transport cholesterol through the body: High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL).

The difference among these three is that LDL and VLDL are larger cholesterol  molecules than HDL. Because of this size difference HDL can pass through blood vessel walls but LDL and VLDL have to use a different pathway, the liver’s blood vessels (sinusoids). Once they have passed through the liver they are rebuilt and excreted along with bile into the intestines. There it combines with fats, and it is absorbed by the lymph in order to enter the blood again. Gallstones in the liver inhibit bile production, blocking cholesterol’s escape route. Under these circumstances, bile production drops from a quart or more of bile per day to a cup or less. This prevents much of the cholesterol (VLDL and LDL) from being excreted with the bile, and causes it to be ‘trapped in the blood’ and its concentration to rise in the blood.

What is more, digestion is impaired, especially fats, which prevents cholesterol to be available for basic cell metabolism. The liver then starts producing more cholesterol, increasing LDL and VLDL even more in the blood.

Gallstones can cause poor circulation, enlargement of the heart and spleen, varicose veins, lymph congestion, and hormonal imbalances

When gallstones impede blood flow through the liver, venous blood pressure in the liver and in all of the organs of the body that drain used blood into the liver’s portal vein is increased: spleen, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestines. This can lead to enlargement of all these organs, a reduction of their ability to remove cellular waste and clogging of their respective veins.This can show up as ‘varicose veins’ in the legs and ‘hemorrhoids’. (1)

“Poor blood flow through the liver always affects the heart. When the organs of the digestive system become weakened by an increase in venous pressure, they become congested and begin to accumulate harmful waste, including debris from cells that have been broken down. The spleen becomes enlarged while it is dealing with the extra workload associated with removing damaged or worn-out blood cells. This further slows blood circulation to and from the organs of the digestive system, which stresses the heart, raises blood pressure and injures blood vessels. The right part of the heart, which receives venous blood via the inferior vena cava from the liver and all other parts below the lungs, becomes overloaded with toxic sometimes infections material. This eventually causes enlargement, and possibly infection, of the right side of the heart. Almost all types of heart disease have one thing in common: blood flow is being obstructed” (1)

The lymphatic system removes harmful waste products

Reduced blood flow through the liver affects blood flow in the entire body, which in turn has a detrimental effect on the lymphatic system.

“The lymphatic system, which is closely related to the immune system, helps clear the body of harmful metabolic waste products, foreign material and cell debris. All cells release metabolic waste products and take up nutrients from a surrounding solution called ‘extracellular fluid’ or ‘connective tissue’. The degree of nourishment and efficiency of the cells depends on how swiftly and completely waste material  is removed from the extracellular fluid. Since most waste products cannot pass directly into the blood for excretion, they accumulate in the extracellular fluid until they are removed and detoxified by the lymphatic system. The potentially harmful material is filtered and neutralized by lymph nodes that are strategically located  throughout the body. One of the key functions of the lymphatic system is to keep the extracellular fluid clear of toxic substances” (1)

“Poor circulation of blood in the body causes an overload of foreign, harmful waste matter in the extracellular tissues and in the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When lymph drainage slows down or becomes obstructed, the thymus gland, tonsils and spleen start to deteriorate rapidly. These organs form an important part of the body’s system of purification and immunity. In addition, microbes harbored in gallstones can be a constant source of recurring infection in the body, which may render the lymphatic and immune systems ineffective against more serious infections.” (1)

“Owing to the restricted bile flow in the liver and gallbladder, the small intestine is restricted in its capacity to digest food properly. This allows substantial amounts of waste matter and poisonous substances, such as cadaverines and putrescines (breakdown products of putrefied food) to seep into the lymphatic ducts. These toxins, along with fats and proteins enter the body’s largest lymph vessel, the thoracic duct. Toxins, antigents and undigested protein from animal sources as well as leaked plasma proteins, cause these lymph sacks to swell and become inflamed. Viruses, fungi and bacteria feed on the pooled wastes, in some cases allergic reactions occur. This results in lymph edema which can cause middle or low back pain and abdominal swelling, which is considered a ‘normal part of aging’ but it is nothing more than a lymphatic congestion.” (1)

“Some 80% of the lymphatic system is associated with the intestines, any lymph edema in this important part of the lymphatic system can lead to potentially serious complications elsewhere in the body. Whenever a lymph duct is obstructed the lymph nodes can no longer properly neutralize the following things: dead and live phagocytes and their ingested microbes, worn out tissue cells, cells damaged by disease, products of fermentation, pesticides in food, toxic antibodies contained in most plant foods, cells from malignant tumors, and the millions of cancer cells every healthy person generates each day. Incomplete destruction of these things can cause these lymph nodes to become inflamed, enlarged, and congested with blood. Infected material may enter the bloodstream, causing septic poisoning and acute illnesses. In most cases, the lymph blockage occurs slowly, without symptoms other than swelling of the abdomen, hands, arms, feet, ankles or puffiness in the face and eyes, this is referred to as ‘water retention’,  a major precursor of chronic illness. All this congestion can manifest in any part of the body, like in enlargement of the left half of the heart, and congestive heart failure. This can also cause these toxins to be passed into the heart and its arteries, stressing the heart and allowing these toxins to enter the general circulation.” (1)

We can prevent gallstones 

What can we do about this? One answer could be to change the way we eat: more fresh , unprocessed, organic, clean foods can take the load off our liver and gallbladder. Supplementing would be another way. Some of the nutrients required for detoxification via the liver detoxification pathways are:

• In phase 1: the B vitamins, folic acid, glutathione, vitamin E and C
• In phase 2: selenium, sulfur, and the amino acids taurine, cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. (2)

Taurine is a very interesting amino acid, it is not only used by our body for detoxification , according to Benjamin Fuchs, R Ph “It helps lower blood pressure and improves the excretion of excess fluid which takes pressure off of blood vessels. It strengthens heart muscle and helps maintain calcium balance in heart cells. (It is also) Critical in maintaining heart muscle contraction.” (3)

A great supplement we can use to help bile is lecithin. Lecithin is “an active ingredient in bile” (4)

The “Heart and Body Extract” can improve circulation, digestion and detoxification

We have seen how critical proper blood circulation and lymphatic flow are to heart healt. Each of the ingredients in the “Heart and Body Extract” can help with circulation and lymphatic congestion by themselves, but their properties are improved when they are combined  together. For example, cayenne has vascular dilation properties, improves circulation in the extremities and  stimulates lymph flow. Garlic is a great blood cleanser, it is antiseptic, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Garlic then can assist bile’s antibacterial activity, by stimulating the action of the liver and gallbladder. To this we can add that garlic stimulates digestive enzymes and improves the immune system. This is why many people find that taking the “Heart and Body Extract” helps their digestion. Ginger is also a great digestive aid, but it also helps with circulation and it is a catalyst for other herbs, meaning it improves the properties of other herbs it is combined with. Ginger is also great for nausea, increases lymph flow and aids elimination of mucus from upper respiratory areas, especially the lungs. It also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, prevents blood clotting and it is useful post strokes. (5)

Concluding…

In conclusion, bile flow is critical for overall health. Obstructive gallstones can become a major source of congestion and toxicity in the body. Luckily, there are many things we can do to prevent this. The “Heart and Body Extract” together with a clean diet can keep the detoxification pathways in our body clear.

Be pro-active and take your health in your own hands today. Thank you for reading.

References:

(1) Moritz, Andreas. The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse: An All-natural, At-home Flush to Purify and Rejuvenate Your Body. Berkeley, CA: Ulysses, 2007. Print.

(2) http://drjockers.com/sulfur-a-critical-nutrient-for-optimal-health/

(3) http://pharmacistben.com/nutrition/top-12-heart-nutrients-part-1/

(4) http://pharmacistben.com/health/lecithin-protective/

(5) Morse, Robert. The Detox Miracle Sourcebook: Raw Foods and Herbs for Complete Cellular Regeneration. Prescott, AZ: Hohm, 2004. Print.