Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Hidden Heart Disease Truth




Cholesterol does not cause heart disease, however, oxidized cholesterol does cause major problems within the body.  When inflammatory pathways are elevated, cholesterol molecules are oxidized, triglycerides are formed & blood vessels are damaged. 

Increasing evidence has revealed that the concentration and size of the LDL particles more powerfully relates to the degree of atherosclerosis progression than the concentration of cholesterol contained within all the LDL particles. 
Pattern A:  Large buoyant LDL particles.  These larger particles carry a high volume of the antioxidant Vitamin E, which helps to fend off free radicals.  They pose only a very small chance of being oxidized while traveling through the circulatory system.

Pattern A lab findings:                                                             LDL:                Anywhere from low-normal-high                      HDL:               Normal
Triglycerides:   Normal

Regardless of where the LDL value is this is a very healthy blood lipid panel.
Pattern B:  Small, dense LDL particles.  The particles carry less
 fat-soluble antioxidants such as Vitamin E.  This increases the likelihood of oxidation by free radicals  Due to their lesser size, they also pose a major threat of slipping into the endothelial wall and being oxidized, causing arterial damage.

Pattern B lab findings: 

LDL:                Anywhere from low-normal-high
HDL:                Low
Triglycerides:    High

Regardless of where the LDL value is this is a very dangerous blood lipid panel 
What Causes Pattern B:            From a nutritional perspective there are 2 major causes:
1  Fats that Kill:  Trans-fats common to processed foods and high omega 6 fats (vegetable oils and grain-fed meat) cause a rampant increase in prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory mediators that cause massive amounts of free radicals and tissue damage.

Fats that Heal:  Saturated fats common to coconut oil & grass-fed animal products have been shown to increase HDL and enhance Pattern A lipoprotein function.  Additionally, good fats such as EPA/DHA within fish/krill oil and Omega 9 fats common to olive oil, avocados, and almonds play a significant role in lipoprotein function.

2.  Sugar, Grains, & High Fructose Corn Syrup:
Sugar:  Causes a very quick increase in blood sugar.  When blood sugar rises qucikly; the pancreas pumps out massive amounts of insulin very quickly.  High circulating insulin increases triglyceride and cholesterol formation, while additionally promoting inflammatory pathways. 
 
Grains:  Cause a slower release of sugar into the blood stream.  This causes a slower but more prolonged increase in insulin.  The longer insulin remains elevated in our bloodstream, the longer our bodies "fat production and storage" pathways will be at work.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: (HFCS):  Immediately stimulates lipogenesis (fat generation) by turning into activated glycerol (G-3-P), which provides the backbone for triglyceride formation: 


            
          Triglyceride = 1 Glycerol + 3 Free Fatty Acids. 
Additionally, the fatty acids created during fructose metabolism accumulate as fat droplets in your liver and skeletal muscle tissues, causing insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Insulin resistance progresses to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.


The metabolism of fructose by your liver creates a long list of waste products, toxins, and free radicals.  These free radicals steal anti-oxidants from our system and damage tissues in a process called glycation.  Additionally, fructose metabolism creates large amount of uric acid, which inhibits endothelial nitric oxide synthase, inhibiting nitric oxide production and driving up blood pressure.  High uric acid is also the cause of gout.


HFCS = Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, & Gout.
Dr. David's Action Steps:1.       Minimize Grains & Sugars and avoid HFCS
2.       Load up on nutrient dense vegetables and good fats
3.       Eat grass-fed meat sources and free range eggs.
4.      Get regular exercise; Primarily high intensity, short time  period burst/surge style training.
5.       Come out to my Heart Disease Solutions workshop to learn the top 10 foods & 5 greatest supplements for stabilizing blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, & enhancing heart function.  

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Heart Disease Myths



 "The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, & relearn."       Alvin Toffler 
There are many common and accepted understandings within modern culture that have no true scientific basis.  Some theories have just merely been accepted as fact.  One of the major issues has to do with the pathogenesis of various common diseases including heart disease and cancer.
Heart Disease:  This was considered a very rare disease in the early 20th century.  However, as food processing began to take off so did the occurrence of heart disease.  By the 1950's, it was considered a major health threat.  
Over the last 50 years, a whole arsenal of drugs and surgeries has been developed to address this increasingly growing disorder.  Despite trillions of $ of research and the best medical equipment available the American Heart Association said in 2008 thatAmericans have a 48% chance of getting this deadly disease

The Lipid Hypothesis:  Developed by Ancel Keys in the 1950's, this theory states that there is a direct relationship between the amount of saturated fat andcholesterol in the diet and the incidence of coronary heart disease.  With questionable evidence, Keys' went about writing articles and promoting this hypothesis throughout the medical world.  Meanwhile, hundreds of subsequent studies testing this hypothesis have found differing conclusions.  Despite the lack of evidence, this notion took off throughout the healthcare world. It was fueled by the vegetable oil & food processing industries that sought to benefit the idea.


New Science of Heart Disease:  Close to 90% of all well-planned, properly documented studies investigating the lipid hypothesis do not support the claim that "artery-clogging" saturated fats and dietary cholesterol cause heart disease.  Within a clogged artery, only about 26% of the fat is saturated.  More than half of the fat is polyunsaturated.  Read all about this at:
http://www.healthreport.co.uk/saturated_fats_health_benefits.htm


According to Dr. Mary Enig, PhD, expert in lipidbiochemistry:


Saturated fatty acids and cholesterol constitute at least 50% of the cell membranes.They are what gives our cells necessary stiffness & integrity. 
They play a vital role in the health of our bones. For calcium to be effectively incorporated into the skeletal structure, at least 50% of the dietary fats should be saturated.   
Cholesterol is the precursor to Vitamin D & major hormones that regulate stress, energy & sex hormone (estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, etc) function. 
Saturated fat lowers Lp(a), a substance in the blood that indicates proneness to heart disease. They protect the liver from alcohol and other toxins, such as Tylenol.
 
Saturated fats enhance the immune system and act as an anti-depressant by enhancing serotonin receptor function.  Low cholesterol is highly associated with violent and aggressive behavior, depression, and suicidal tendencies
 
Saturated fat & cholesterol are needed for the proper utilization of essential fatty acids. Elongated omega-3 fatty acids are better retained in the tissues when the diet is rich in saturated fats.
 
Saturated 18-carbon stearic acid and 16-carbon palmitic acid are the preferred foods for the heart, which is why the fat around the heart muscle is highly saturated.  The heart draws on this reserve of fat in times of stress.
 
Short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids have important antimicrobial properties. They protect us against harmful microorganisms in the digestive tract.   Cholesterol plays a vital role in the repair and maintenance of the intestinal wall, preventing leaky gut syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and a host of other intestinal disorders. 

Cholesterol is now understood to be a vital anti-oxidant that protects us from free radical damage and helps to heal any arterial damage that may have occurred.  Higher levels of free radical damage from oxidative stress = higher levels of circulating cholesterol.
  
Cholesterol is extraordinarily important for babies & children as they develop their brain & nervous system. Over half of the brain is composed of saturated fats and cholesterol.  Interestingly, one of the richest sources of cholesterol is mother's milk, which also contains a special enzyme that helps the baby metabolize and use this nutrient.  

Get the Real Story:  Cholesterol is one of the most powerful healing foods and molecules your body can ingest and produce.  The problem lies in the oxidation of cholesterol from high levels of free radicals & inflammatory pathways.  The key to preventing & reversing heart disease is to reduce the inflammatory fire. 

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Anti-Aging Breakthrough



The anti-aging industry has seen incredible growth over the last 10 years.  According to several reports the industry is projected to exceed $115 billion in 2010.  The newest science behind anti-aging is focusing its attention on the speed of chromosome shortening and the affect of critical hormones.  It is now recognized that certain lifestyle behaviors do influence the key hormones and genetic components that allow us to age with grace and beauty.     
There are 75 trillion cells within the human body.  The function and aging process of each of these cells dictates the function and aging process of our body.  Each cell contains a nucleus with 2 chromosomal (arms) that contain your DNA.  Each chromosomal arm is made up of about 100 million protein bases.  At the very top of each end of the chromosome is the telomere.
The average telomere is about 15,000 bases long at conception.  As we develop in the womb, the process of cellular division begins.  As the cells divide the telomeres begin to shorten.  During the 9 month gestation period we lose 5,000 bases.  So by the time we are born we are already down to 10,000 bases.  According to the most cutting edge new theory on aging your telomere length will dictate your aging process and eventual death.  Once your telomeres reduce down to about 5,000 bases your DNA can no longer support life.  
Based on normal cellular division, the human lifespan should be approximately 120 years. If the cell divides at an abnormally high level, however, the telomere shortening process accelerates and we essentially age faster.    Several factors play a significant role in cell division and telomere shortening.  This process is about 30% related to the genetic foundation we have inherited and 70% is based upon our lifestyle habits.  
Lifestyle factors that increase free radicals accelerate the aging process.  Free radicals caused by oxidative stress cleave bases off of the telomeres.  This chemical reaction speeds up the telomere shortening process. Our modern culture is inundated with lifestyle toxins that create massive amounts of oxidative stress throughout our system.  We are also highly deficient in using resources and strategies that enhance our anti-oxidant defenses that fend off the free radicals.
Insulin and growth hormone are two key hormones that are associated with the aging process.  Elevated insulin levels increase cellular division and telomere shortening.  Researchers have estimated that over 80% of the US population has some level of insulin resistance.  When the cells are resistant to insulin our pancreas has to secrete more insulin in order to lower blood sugar.   This creates chronically elevated insulin and accelerated cellular division and telomere shortening.
Growth hormone (HGH) enhances the cellular repair processes that allow us to age with grace.  HGH regulates metabolism to burn fat, build muscle, and slow-down the negative effects of stress.  Another important characteristic of HGH is that it enhances collagen production and repair.  Healthy collagen creates softer skin, reduces wrinkles, and enhances one's complexion.  Additionally, this strengthens and supports our joints as they age.   Most people see their HGH levels decline with age, however, certain lifestyle modification help to maximize HGH secretion throughout life.  
Healthy Aging Tips:1.       Eat a diet low in carbs & high in nutrient-dense superfoods
2.       Drink your body weight in ounces of pure water daily.
3.       Do high-intensity exercise for short periods of time daily
4.       Get ample time outside soaking up the sun daily.5.       Be asleep by 11pm and get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
6.       Maintain good posture & get chiropractic care to maximize your nervous system's self-healing capabilities.7.       Reduce exposure to toxins - do a daily & quarterly detox
8.       Maximize the peace and relationships in your life.
9.       Take time each day to breathe deeply.

10.     Keep your mind focused on gratitude for everything.
11.     Live your life with a high level of integrity & humility.
12.     Ask God to show you the purpose He created you for and pursue that with everything you have. 

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Get Fit with Surge Training

A surge refers to an activity or event that is quick and of high intensity.  A glacier surge is a short-lived event where a glacier can move up to velocities 100 times faster than normal.  An electrical surge is a very short but intense spike in voltage. 
 
Surge training is a new form of exercise that refers to a high-intensity spike in energy output for a short period of time.  Research has shown that this form of exercise boosts metabolism and reverses aging more effectively than any other form of exercise or body movement.    

Surge training forces the body into an extreme anaerobic state where the vast majority of the energy being utilized is in the form of stored sugar or glycogen.  Fat metabolism depends on the presence of oxygen whereas sugar can be burned without oxygen.  High-intensity training puts the body into a state of "oxygen-debt," where fat cannot be burned and glycogen is the primary fuel source.  After a typical bout of surge training the body has utilized a majority of its glycogen and switches its metabolic preference over to burn fat.  Research has shown this "after-burn" can last anywhere from 24-36 hours after the bout of exercise.   
 
Surge training also impacts our hormones in a desirable way.  The oxygen debt and increase in lactic acid as a byproduct of anaerobic exercise signals the anterior pituitary gland to secrete human growth hormone (HGH).  HGH is considered the quintessential anti-aging hormone.  It is known to help build muscle & bone density, burn fat, and stimulate our immune system.  In addition, it also helps joint function by repairing cartilage, ligaments, & tendons.  It also helps prevent and reverse wrinkles by supporting the dermis in the formation of healthier skin.  A lifestyle consisting of regular bouts of surge training, a nutrient-dense diet, healthy neurological function, and good sleeping habits has been shown to maximize HGH secretion at any age. 
 

Surge training has been shown to enhance testosterone secretion as well.  Testosterone is a critical hormone for both men and women.  Both sexes often have reduced testosterone levels as they age.  Optimizing testosterone levels is critical for a healthy physique, libido, & cancer prevention.  New research has shown that optimal testosterone levels are essential for healthy memory and cognitive function.  High-intensity, anaerobic exercise that uses large muscle groups is the premier way to naturally enhance & optimize testosterone levels.
Other Benefits of Surge Training vs. Traditional Aerobic Exercise:
           Only takes 10-15 mins daily                          
           Gives you an INCREDIBLE pump
            Increases muscle strength
            Increases HDL, decreases LDL & triglycerides
            Stabilizes resting blood pressure      
            Revs up metabolism to burn more calories
            Burns fat while you sleep
            Increases heart & lung power

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

21st Century Weight Loss


New Concepts For A New Age of Understanding:
As time passes and new discoveries are made, older ideas and concepts wash by the wayside as new and more progressive understandings of how the body's systems are applied.  This is certainly true for the health, fitness, & weight loss industry. 

20th Century Weight Loss Myth:   Fat makes you Fat
This idea was sparked in large part due to the calorie model which stated that we needed to burn more calories than we consumed in order to effectively lose weight. Because fat contains 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories in carb/protein, fat was thought to be the easiest thing to remove from the diet. 

This false, yet widespread belief created a "Fat Phobia," where the health conscious looked to avoid fat at all costs.  Where fat was used; it was often the cheap, inferior vegetable oils rather than the rich, nutritious animal and plant fats. 

Result:  The low fat diet craze focused on a heavy carbohydrate based diet.  These carbohydrates all broke down into sugar and triggered certain hormonal reactions in our body that turned us into sugar burning, fat storing machines.  In addition, this reduction in healthy fat consumption created severe fatty acid deficiencies, and massive hormonal, cognitive, and mood altering problems (since the brain and hormones are primarily made up of fat).  
 
In response, the pharmaceutical demand for synthetic hormones, hormone replacements, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medications went through the roof. In addition, people did not effectively lose weight, in fact, they often got even heavier.

21st Century Weight Loss:  Hormones control weight gain/loss and the body's ability to burn fat.  If we want to be lean, trim, & strong then we need to be mindful of these hormones, their pervasiveness & influence on bodily tissues. 

Pro-Inflammatory, Fat Storage Hormones: Insulin & Cortisol    

Insulin:  The major storage hormone of the body.  Insulin triggers sugar to be stored in muscle and liver cells, once these cells are full, the rest of the sugar gets stored as fat. High circulating insulin levels also trigger inflammatory pathways in the body, increase cellular reproduction, and inhibit tumor destroying mechanisms.  These reactions allow cancerous cells to grow rapidly. 

Naturally, insulin should increase slowly during food consumption, taper and diminish 2 hours after the meal.  However, when we consume high glycemic foods, insulin levels spike rapidly to quickly remove blood sugar. This quickly causes a stress response in the body, initiating the inflammatory cascade.  High glycemic load foods such as whole grains are thought to be healthier, but they still cause a large increase in insulin that is slower than high glycemic index foods, but lasts for a longer duration.  The chronically heavy consumption of these carbohydrate rich foods will cause insulin levels to be elevated on a consistent basis.

Cortisol;  Released during times of stress, cortisol is designed, along with the catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), to give us an instant surge of energy.  It does so by releasing stored glucose within the liver and muscle cells for fuel utilization.  Naturally, cortisol should peak during the waking hours of the morning and taper as the day goes on.  However, when our body is under chronic physical, chemical, or emotional stress cortisol levels remain elevated during the course of the day, wreaking havoc on our body.  Elevated cortisol advances our aging process by promoting inflammation and breaking down proteins necessary for healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, & organs.     

Anti-Inflammatory, Fat Burning Hormones: Leptin, Testosterone & Growth Hormone

Leptin:  The antithesis to cortisol & insulin, leptin is released by the fat cells as they begin to enlarge and signals the hunger center in the hypothalamus to turn off, giving the individual a sense of satiety.  Leptin also stimulates a fat burning reaction in the body. The receptor sites in the hypothalamus are very sensitive to inflammatory mediators (cytokines) that when provoked will compete and alter the leptin receptors. 
  
The Modern Day Problem:  Our food guide pyramid emphasizes the consumption of cereals and grains, skim milk (lots of lactose sugars), and all kinds of supposedly healthy cereal bars, etc. that are loaded with high glycemic index/load foods that stimulate our body to burn sugar (glucose) as fuel. 

With elevated sugar comes the release of insulin to lower the blood sugar and fill up the liver, muscle, and fat cells.  High glycemic index (lots of glucose immediately) and load foods (lots of glucose released over a period of time), naturally stimulate the need for lots of insulin.  This causes a large burden on the pancreas to produce enough insulin.  Also, since insulin naturally stimulates the inflammatory pathway, cytokines interact with the leptin receptors in the hypothalamus causing a desensitivity in the leptin response of satiety and fat burning. 

This series of reactions swings our body into sugar burning mode.  Once insulin is finished lowering blood sugar, cortisol is released from the adrenal cortex to elevate blood sugar again (by metabolizing stores sugars in the muscle/liver and breaking down key proteins), which then releases more insulin causing blood sugar to dip and the pattern continues. 
 
This insulin/cortisol tag-team continues to dominate our body until either a healthy fat/moderate protein meal is eaten, physical nerve stress is removed, or appropriate burst training exercise is performed to lower stress, balance blood sugar levels, & stimulate growth hormone and testosterone.

Eventually the insulin/cortisol reaction will continue to wreak daily havoc until we teach our bodies through proper nutrition, detox, exercise, postural, & breathing patterns to burn fat more effectively.  For most this will take a period of time as the hypothalamus must undergo a period of healing to allow the leptin receptors to take their rightful place and the cellular insulin receptors to regain sensitivity.  . 

Cellular Healing Diet = Healing Leptin/Insulin Receptors

The healing diet is the advanced nutritional protocol for quieting down the inflammatory cascade and allowing the body to regain its natural sensitivity to these critical metabolic hormones.  The healing diet is highly beneficial for about 60% of the population, including anyone who has:
  High Triglycerides
  High Blood Pressure
  High Glucose/Insulin/Leptin
  Neurotoxicity
  Genetics/Blood Type:  Blood type O, & protein types
  Anyone who wants to lose a significant amount of weight

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Digestive Health


Whether you know it or not, like it or not, your body houses about 10 times the number of bacteria than it has cells in the body.   There are estimated to be close to a quadrillion bacteria compared to the 75 trillion cells that make up the body.  If you were to truly analyze the human body from a microscopic point of view, you would probably think we were just a large reservoir for microbial life.  We are in essence, 5 star microbial hotels, complete with room service, cable, swimming pool, & a fitness center.

The next time you get on the scale, you can rest assured that 2-3 pounds that are registering are not you...they are the bacteria you are hosting!  In fact, we host over 500 different species of bacteria with some of these being classified as good and others being bad.  In other terms, we have a symbiotic relationship (life enhancing for both parties) with some and a parasitic (life-stealing) relationship with others.  The correct ratio for health and wellness is considered to be about 85% good to 15% bad.
In utero, the fetus is completely devoid of microbes.  However, the child's first (and perhaps most important) meal comes as it heads down the birth canal, which is full of bacteria.  These microorganisms make their way onto the newborn's skin, eyes, & mouth as the baby pushes through the vaginal walls.  From that moment on, every mother's kiss, every swaddling blanket, carries on it more of these special critters, which are introduced into the baby's system.
By about the age of 2, most of a person's microbial community is established. Amazingly, just small differences in our microflora may have a big impact on the genetic expression of the individual.  Factors, such as maternal health, early childhood nutrition, nervous system function, and antibiotic usage play a gigantic role in the maturity of the gut flora.  Experts believe that the critical colonization period happens in the first few years, which explains why the microflora fingerprints of adult twins, who shared an intimate environment (and a mother) in childhood, more closely resemble each other than they do those of their spouses, with whom they became intimate later in life.
Most of the bacteria reside in our digestive system and play an enormous role in the digestive process, allowing nutrients to be easily assimilated into our systems. These probiotic organisms also help clean up toxic debris and contaminating food particles in our gastro-intestinal tract.  They produce vitamins, in particular thiamine, pyroxidine and vitamin K. These little friends of ours also create the enzymes necessary to metabolize cholesterol and bile acid. Finally, they are absolutely necessary for us to digest complex plant polysaccharides, the fiber found in grains, fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be indigestible. 

Our immune system is also very much dependent on these microbial beings to compete with the virulent strains of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, & fungus who would love to take control.  These parties fight over nutrition and attachment sites on various cells in the colon tissue.  If the pathogenic strains take over they steal nutrients, destroy cells, release toxins into the blood stream and create massive inflammatory responses from our immune system.  An improper microflora balance most often leads to disruptions in digestive, immune, & neurological function leading to a variety of pathological processes. 

The gut bacteria live within the mucus membrane that surrounds the epithelial tissue of the intestine.  This layer of mucus is called "biofilm."  Within the biofilm, the bacteria produce certain vibrations which communicate with the intestinal epithelium and throughout the body.  These vibrations stimulate a healthy immune response that affects all of the major tissues and regions.  This is the reason for the ingestion of probiotic bacteria to affect nasal, & vaginal health. 
Our diet & lifestyle have a powerful affect on the microbial balance in our gut. Throughout the ages, every traditional culture has fermented foods to add "life" and longevity to the dish.  Ancient Rome used sauerkraut at nearly every big meal.   In India, they enjoy a pre-dinner drink called a lassi, which is basically a raw, fully cultured yogurt drink. At the end of the meal, they'd have a small serving of raw, cultured curd.
These Indian traditions were based on the principle of using sour milk as a probiotic delivery system to the body.  Other examples are all around us. Bulgarians are known both for their longevity and their high consumption of fermented milk and kefir. In Asian cultures, pickled fermentations of cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash and carrots still exist today.        

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Doctor, Why Is My Blood Pressure High?


The Quality of Your Life Comes Down to the Questions You Ask Yourself.

Most people and doctors fail to ask the right questions when it comes to health and disease.  They run a myriad of tests and if they see a certain  up or down, they prescribe a drug/supplement or cut out an organ to raise or lower the #.  The key question that must be asked is why is that # up or down? 

The body was created with an incredible healing & life forming power that took us from 2 half cells to nearly 75 trillion cells.  This same power runs every system and function in our body. 
 
The body has certain natural needs and requirements that when met create an inner peace, harmony, & homeostasis.  This is health.  When there is a dangerous level of toxicity or deficiency in any of these necessary requirements, a state of disharmony occurs causing decreased function and disease.

THE TRUE CAUSE OF HYPERTENSION
 
It is known today that 95% of all cases of high blood pressure are completely preventable & reversable.
When the body encounters any physical, chemical, or emotional stress certain hormones and neurotransmitters are stimulated.  If the conditions go uncorrected or unregulated, the body turns from acute stress mode (normal and natural) to chronic stress mode (abnormal and dangerous for long-term health). One of these hormones secreted under these conditions, cortisol, has several key distinguishing functions:

1.   Increased blood sugar:  Under stress, our bodies need quick energy, this is the good This increases insulin secretions, causing a switch towards fat storage, & pro-inflammatory pathways.  This continued cascade of high cortisol/high insulin eventually causes weight gain through fat storage, protein depletion and massive inflammation destroying the endothelial wall of the arteries, causing scarring, rigidity, reduced pliability & high blood pressure.

2.  Decreased Cellular Oxygenation:    Under stress, our bodies revert to short, shallow breathing habits causing lowered oxygen content and increased levels of carbon dioxide in our tissues.  This causes our metabolism to switch to anaerobic (without oxygen) sources of fuel (stored sugar and protein).  Anaerobic sources of fuel leave behind high levels of metabolic waste and free radicals which damage organ and tissue cells.     

3.   Increased CholesterolCholesterol is a fatty substance in the body that is necessary for brain and neurological function in that it is a vital component for memory and learning.   Cholesterol is also needed for sex hormones (testosterone, progesterone) as well as vitamin D.  Cholesterol is a repair mechanism.  When our bodies are in stress mode, there is a need for cellular repair, therefore cholesterol naturally rises in response.  Short-term this is a good response.  Long-term, if the body is inflamed the cholesterol will get oxidized by the constant cascade of free radicals.  This can severely damage the blood vessel walls.       

4.  Acidic Blood Stream:  High cortisol causes a lowered oxygen state within the body.  This lowered oxygen state, causes the blood stream to be acidic due to greater levels of carbon dioxide binding to the hemoglobin.  When the blood stream is acidic, the body must compensate by utilizing more water and alkaline buffering minerals to neutralize (stealing fluids & nutrients from joints, blood vessel walls and other structures such as  bone, muscle and ligaments).    
 
5.  Disrupted Sleep Cycles:  Cortisol should naturally lower at night to allow the body to relax and fall asleep and should elevate in the morning to provide instant energy and wakefulness. When our bodies are in a chronic stress mode, we have abnormal flocculation's which disrupt our sleep cycles and leave us groggy in the morning and exhausted throughout the day.
   
6.   Ligament Laxity:  Elevated cortisol levels cause ligaments to become more lax. This reduces joint stability, leading to increased susceptibility to injury.  The most important area this affects is the spine, which houses and protects the spinal cord and nerves which control the function and healing processes of the organ systems. Chronic stress causes uncontrolled damage to the spine and nervous system, called subluxation, leading to a number of possible symptoms including pain, restricted motion, & organ dysfunction.  The most sensitive areas of the spine are at the top and the pivot from the neck to the mid-back.  When subluxation is present in these areas it affects heart and vascular function causing increased blood pressure.

 Find out how to quiet down this epidemic chronic stress cascade and allow your body to heal as it was intended.  Discover exactly how people are coming off of blood pressure and cholesterol drugs in droves at Exodus Health Center. 
 
Learn the new science of health and healing and take back control of your life & health.