Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (230 page)

Red yeast rice extract can lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, as well as inflammation in the blood vessels.

Take a supplement of coenzyme Q10.

EXTRA TIPS

Each morning, drink a cup of warm water with some grated tangerine peel or lemon peel. A class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) have the potential to lower cholesterol.

Add peel to meals as a heart helper, too. Grate the peel of lemon or tangerine into salads, salad dressings, soups, oatmeal, buckwheat, or brown rice.

Get to the dentist. Studies have shown that people with gum disease are at a greater risk of heart disease. Such harmful bacterial components in the blood can travel to other organs such as the heart, leading to atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Get chelated. EDTA chelation should be strongly considered for patients with all forms of cardiovascular disease. Chelation therapy is a medical treatment shown to reverse heart disease and atherosclerosis (see page
193
). Chelation is the intravenous infusion of vitamins, magnesium, and a chelating agent known as EDTA. This mixture serves to chelate, or bind, toxic heavy metals, calcium deposits, and free radicals in blood-vessel walls, which are then excreted in the urine. As a result, blood vessels become more pliable and circulation improves, which leads to the reduction or elimination of chest pain and other symptoms of vascular disease.

Take up relaxation techniques and meditation.

HEARTBURN

Heartburn is a sensation of burning pain above the belly button or under the breastbone, possibly accompanied by nausea. The pain can move along the body, radiating down the arms and neck. These symptoms are similar to an angina attack. It is the stomach acid moving into the esophagus that causes the burning sensation. Chronic heartburn is usually due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter valve.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Obesity.

Overeating.

Too many different types of food at one meal.

Large, heavy, rich meals.

Sensitivities to citrus or spicy foods.