Indeed, we are told that we consume too much salt, but according to the Salt Institute people consumed far more salt until the early 20th century, because salt was used to preserve food.

Are alcohol and sugar contributors to cardiovascular diseases? YES!

Sugar has devastating effects on the blood vessels. It thickens the blood and makes it sticky, which reduces oxygenation to the tissues, and thus reduces the supply of nutrients to the organs. Also, alcohol, and all forms of sugars (including carbohydrates) have to be watched like a hawk! This includes glucose and high fructose corn syrups which are found in many foods…

Are processed fats contributors to cardiovascular diseases? YES!

This is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, they flourished after the Second War in the form of margarine. They completely distort the molecular shape of cells, and create chronic inflammation. We know them as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

“32 studies, involving a total of 530,000 participants, examined the association between fatty acid consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease. The analysis confirms that consumption of TRANS fatty acids, is indeed associated with risk of coronary heart disease, but not for participants consuming saturated fatty acids. “

The most important cause of cardiovascular diseases is Inflammation!

Cardiovascular disease is caused by a chronic inflammatory process! The inflammatory process starts with an injury to the blood vessel created either by viruses, parasites, free radicals, bacteria, allergens, hydrogenated oils, sugars, tobacco, alcohol, or even intense stress. The injured cells invite white blood cells to come to the site, in order to destroy and clean the invaders present in the arteries. When the vessel is cleaned, the inflammatory process stops, leaving the cells to repair themselves. This is a normal process. In atherosclerosis, this inflammatory process never stops (as long as the invaders are not eliminated), so the wound never heals, and a deposit called plaque develops on the wound.

Arterial plaques are composed primarily of calcium, fibrous repair tissue, enlarged white blood cells filled with debris, unsaturated fats (74%), and damaged and oxidized saturated fats. These plaques are comparable to an accumulation of pus under an infected wound. Eventually the crust of the plaque breaks off, and all these deposits float in the arteries like lava in a volcano. The blood clots cause thrombosis, block blood flow in the arteries which results in either a heart attack or a stroke.

How to prevent cardiovascular diseases?

– First of all, the inflammatory process must be reduced. This means to eliminate all hydrogenated fats, sugars, corn syrup, processed foods, allergenic foods (soy, dairy, gluten, alcohol, etc.).
– Reduce exposure to chemicals: cosmetics, household products, chlorine, fluoride, drugs that are absolutely not necessary, and heavy metals.

– Reduce / manage stress.-  Stop smoking and stop taking drugs.

–  A low-sugar diet is preferred.

–  We will also treat the underlying infections (dental, virus, bacteria, candida).

–  If you suffer from leaky gut syndrome, you need to concentrate on repairing the intestinal wall and rebalancing the intestinal flora.

–  Rebalance hormones (sexual and adrenal).

–  Eat saturated fats: YES, you read correctly: butter, cream, goose, duck, pork) and eggs, meat, fatty fish.

–  And don’t forget to exercise regularly and sunbathe!

Finally, the consumption of saturated animal fats and cholesterol levels have nothing to do with cardiovascular disease. It is the inflammatory process due to the above- mentioned reasons, that are the underlying causes.

Yours in health,
Beatrice Levinson Naturopath & Certified GAPS Practitioner www.beatrice-levinson-gaps.com