Heart

Total Heart Total Heart II Homocysteine Redux DSF Formula CoQ-Zyme 30 CO-Q-10 PLUS Super EPA Total Chelate

Even though heart disease causes over 40% of all deaths in the USA, responsible for over 550,000 heart attack deaths and 500,000 strokes each year in the United States alone, heart disease is believed to be one of the most preventable of chronic conditions. “By conservative estimates, more than 56,000 deaths each year could be prevented by identifying patients with high homocysteine levels and treating them with simple B vitamin supplements”(Challem & Dolby, Homocysteine: The New Cholesterol, New Canaan, CONN, Keats, 1996). Dietary changes, nutritional supplements, stress reduction, and exercise can all lead to healthy arteries and a healthy heart.

Stresses from many sources, including excess homocysteine levels, oral contraceptives’ effect on raising homocysteine, toxins from infectious diseases, chlorine and fluoride in water, pesticides, processed foods, smoking, and the free radicals produced from the intense heat of cooking, all contribute to the free radicals and toxins that oxidize cholesterol.

A cascade of events is believed to take place: nutritional deficiencies weaken arterial walls, making them less elastic and less adaptable to stress. Stressors cause small tears in arterial walls. The body releases White Blood Cells to repair tissue damage. LDL oxidized cholesterol is deposited at the sites of damage, triggering soft plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis. Calcium is then attracted to the site and solid plaque forms, hardening the arteries and eventually leading to arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and strokes. High cholesterol levels themselves may not be the problem they were first thought to be. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is now believed to be the major issue (Kostner et al, “The Interaction of Human Plasma Low Density Lipoproteins with Glucosamino-Glycans:Influence of the Chemical Composition,” Lipids Jan. 1985; 20 (1): 24-28).

Nutri-West firmly believes that a daily regimen of supportive nutrients may both prevent heart disease and improve cardio-vascular health.

Homocysteine Redux™

(Researched by and Formulated for Dr. John Brimhall, D.C.)

Each Tablet supplies: Vitamin B-6 15 mg, Folic Acid 275 mcg, Vitamin B-12 200 mcg, Vitamin E (as succinate) 10 i.u., Magnesium (as citrate) 20 mg, Molybdenum (as chelate) 30 mcg, Zinc (as chelate) 1 mg, Selenium (as chelate) 15 mcg, Trimethylglycine 300 mg, N-Acetyl Cysteine 15 mg, Dimethylglycine 25 mg, Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate 5 mg, Niacinamide 20 mg, Choline Bitartrate 10 mg, Red Beet Root 25 mg.

Recommendation: 1 tablet 3 X a day, or as directed by your health care professional.

Excess homocysteine has emerged in recent years as a major risk factor contributing to heart disease, affecting 42% of those with cerebrovascular disease, 28% with peripheral artery disease, and 30% of those with coronary artery disease. Forty percent of heart attacks and strokes in the US may be the result of elevated homocysteine levels (Challem & Dolby, 1996). Men with high homocysteine levels have been reported to have 3 times more heart attacks than those with low levels. Individuals with cardiovascular disease have been found to have 30% higher homocysteine levels than their healthy counterparts (Challem & Dolby, 1996). Excess homocysteine can generate free radicals that oxidize LDL cholesterol, which in turn leads to plaque formation in the arteries (Peng & Taylor, “Cholesterol Autooxidation, Health, and Arteriosclerosis,” World Review of Nutrition and Diet 1984; (44): 117-54). However, dangerously high homocysteine levels are reported to be the most modifiable predictor of mortality among patients with coronary heart disease (NEJM 1997; (337): 230-236).

The typical American diet leaves too many people deficient in the very nutrients that can prevent excess homocysteine from being produced. The American Heart Association issued an advisory Nov. 9, 1998, recommending adequate intakes of B-6, B-12, and folic acid for individuals with a history of elevated homocysteine levels and heart disease. Normal homocysteine plasma concentrations: 4.9-11.7 micromoles/liter of blood show the least risk of heart disease (Challem & Dolby, 1996).

Vitamin B-6: McCulley found that heart patients had 80% less of vitamin B-6 than healthy people (Atherosclerosis Reviews 1983; (11): 157-246). Supplementation with vitamin B-6, by itself, can inhibit the platelet aggregation that characterizes atherosclerosis (Lancet June 1981; (1) 8233:12-99-1300). B-6 is essential to break down potentially toxic homocysteine into harmless and beneficial forms that do not cause oxidation, clotting, or injury to blood vessel walls. The coenzyme form of vitamin B-6, Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate is included because some individuals cannot convert vitamin B-6 into its active enzymatic form. For similar reasons, N-Acetyl Cysteine is supplied since B-6 cannot be utilized without cysteine. Cysteine in itself protects against damage produced by alcohol and cigarette smoking and has been used successfully in orthomolecular medicine to reverse the course of degenerative disease caused by disruptions in the homocysteine pathway (Chaitow, Amino Acids in Therapy, Vermont, Healing Arts Press, 1988).

Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been associated with excessive homocysteine levels, and homocysteine levels have been reported to decrease when B-12 is used as a supplement (Brattstrom et al, Metabolism: Clin & Exper Feb 1988; 37 (2): 175-8).

Folic Acid is essential for the metabolic breakdown of homocysteine. In a study of 80,000 women, it was found that for every 200 mcg of folic acid consumed daily, a woman’s heart disease risk fell by 11% (Rimm, J Am Med Assoc Feb 4, 1998). Contraindication: Epileptic seizures may increase with folic acid supplementation (Challem & Dolby, 1996).

Niacinamide or Vitamin B-3, a form of niacin, increases the activity of two crucial enzymes needed to facilitate conversion of homocysteine into non-toxic substances and provide the sulfur groups necessary for liver detoxification. In a placebo-controlled study of 8000 men who had suffered one heart attack, niacin was shown to be beneficial in lowering the death rate and increasing longevity (Canner et al, J of the Am College of Cardiology Dec 1986 8 (6): 1245-55).

Choline, another B vitamin, is reported to intensify Vitamin B12’s effect of reducing homocysteine levels (Olszewski et al, Ibid.) Vitamin E: In European population studies, those with low serum levels of vitamin E were shown to be at greater risk from heart disease than those with high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure (Gey et al, “Inverse Correlation between Plasma Vitamin E and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease in Cross-Cultural Epidemiology,” Am J of Clin Nutri Jan 1991; 53 (1): 326S-334S). Vitamin E supplements may inhibit platelet formation, prevent blood clots, and help repair the lining of blood vessel cells (Hennig et al, “Protective Effects of Vitamin E in Age-Related Epithelial Cell Injury,” International J of Vitamin & Nutri Research 1989; (59): 273-279). In one Harvard Medical School Study of 87,245 female nurses, those who took 100 iu’s of vitamin E for more than 2 years had a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease (Stampfer et al, “Vitamin E and Heart Disease Incidence in the Nurses Study,” Am Heart Assoc Annual Meeting, Nov 18, 1992). Another Harvard study of 39,910 male health professionals, who took 100 iu’s of vitamin E for an undisclosed period of time, had a 37% lower risk of heart disease (Rimm et al, “Vitamin E and Heart Disease Incidence in the Health Professionals Study,” Am Heart Assoc Annual Meeting, Ibid.).

Red Beet Root contains high amounts of betaine. Betaine has been credited with lowering homocysteine levels even when patients were not responsive to other treatments (NEJM 1983; (309): 448-453). Betaine has been shown to stimulate an enzyme in the metabolic pathway that renders homocysteine non-toxic (Neth J Med 1994; 45 (1): 34-41).

Trimethylglycine and Dimethylglycine: Trimethylglycine (betaine) helps facilitate the methionine/ homocysteine pathway so that homocysteine is metabolized correctly. It serves as a methyl donor (donating 3 methyl, CH3 groups, to other substances for necessary metabolic reactions), which means that it gives up some of its chemical groups to help the pathway function properly. Dimethylglycine donates 2 methyl groups to facilitate the metabolic pathway in the same manner.

Molybdenum: One enzyme molybdenum is a co-factor for is essential to facilitate the sulfur reactions of the methionine/homocysteine metabolic pathway. If there is not enough molybdenum to metabolize sulfite molecules into non-toxic and beneficial sulfate molecules, a build-up of toxic sulfites can have a disastrous effect on the body. Molybdenum works with niacin/niacinamide/vitamin B-3 to convert irritating aldehydes from environmental sources and Candida albicans into products that either can be eliminated, or be used for energy in the Kreb’s energy cycle. It also helps to block and lower many toxic loads on the body (Schmitt, Digest of Chiropract Economics, 1985).

Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium are all essential mineral co-factors in enzymatic reactions in the methionine/homocysteine metabolic pathways. All are co-factors for anti-oxidant enzymes that fight free radicals that damage cells. Magnesium is essential to take methionine to SAM, and to take toxic sulfites to essential beneficial sulfates, and for glucose metabolism, which becomes glucoronic acid, hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine, which are the building blocks for many tissues, including nerves, brain, and cartilage/joint repair.

Total Flaxseed Oil™

Each capsule contains: Cold pressed flaxseed oil 1000 mg.

Directions for use: One capsule daily, or as directed by your health care professional.

Flax Seed Oil is one of the best natural sources of Omega-3 Essential Fatty acids (EFA’s), also found in cold water fish such as albacore tuna, ocean-run Salmon, and orange roughy. James Privitera, MD, Covina, CA, has said, “Ninety percent of heart attacks are caused by blood clots at the site of atherosclerotic lesions” (Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide, The Burton Goldberg Group, 1993-1995). Omega-3 EFA’s may help prevent blood clotting.

Supplementing the diet with omega-3 EFA’s may help lower excess homocysteine and reduce homocysteine’s potential toxic effects in oxidizing LDL cholesterol (Olzewski & McCully, “Fish Oil Decreases Serum Homocysteine in Hyperlipidemic Men,” Coronary Artery Disease 1993 (4): 52-60).

Omega-3 EFA’s have been shown useful in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Omega-3 EFA’s may also prevent heart attacks by eliminating clotting and arterial damage (Kromhut, Bosschieter, & Coulander, “The Inverse Relation between Fish Consumption and 20-Year Mortality from Heart Disease,” New England J of Med May 1985; 312 (19): 1205-1209).

Total Heart™

Each tablet supplies: Vitamin C (as sago) 100 mg, Vitamin E (as succinate) 50 i.u., Magnesium (as chelate) 20 mg, Selenium (as chelate) 50 mcg, Potassium (as chelate) 20 mg, Standardized Crataegus Oxycantha Extract (Hawthorne berry) 50 mg, Heart 100 mg, Spleen 40 mg, Spleen 40 mg, Co-Enzyme Q-10 2 mg, L-Carnitine 20 mg, L-Taurine 50 mg, L-Arginine 50 mg.

Directions for use: 1 tablet daily, or as directed by your health care professional.

Vitamin C has been shown to reverse arteriosclerosis in humans (Rath & Pauling, Proceed of N Academy of Sci of the USA, Aug 1990; 87 (16): 125-134). Vitamin C is essential to maintain and repair the integrity of arteries and may help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.

Vitamin E: In European population studies, those with low serum levels of vitamin E were shown to be at greater risk from heart disease than those with high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure (Gey et al, 1991). Vitamin E supplements may inhibit platelet formation, prevent blood clots, and help repair the lining cells of blood vessels (Hennig et al, 1989). In one Harvard Medical School Study of 87,245 female nurses, those who took 100 iu’s of vitamin E for more than 2 years had a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease (Stampfer et al, 1992). Another Harvard study of 39,910 male health professionals, who took 100 iu’s of vitamin E for an undisclosed period of time, had a 37% lower risk of heart disease (Rimm et al, 1992).

Magnesium: People who die suddenly from heart attacks have been found to have lower levels of magnesium and potassium than controls (Wood et al, Lancet Jul 1984; 2 (8395): 117-21). Magnesium may help dilate arteries and ease the heart’s pumping of blood, which may help prevent irregular heartbeats. It can help raise good HDL cholesterol, lower total cholesterol, inhibit platelet aggregation, and help prevent calcium deposits in blood vessels (Seelig & Heggtveit, Am J of Clin Nutri Jan 1974; 27 (1): 59-79).

Selenium is a co-factor in an antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, and is reported to strengthen the immune system. Low serum selenium has been associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (Salonen et al, Brit Med J Mar 1991; 302 (6779):756-760). Supplementation of selenium has been shown to reduce platelet aggregation (Stead et al, Am J of the Med Sci Dec 1985; 290 (6): 228-233).

Potassium: heart muscle deficiency in potassium has been associated with irregular heartbeats, EKG abnormalities, and decreased tolerance to cardiac medications, according to the research of Dr. Brimhall. Potassium is reported to reduce a patient’s reliance on blood pressure and diuretic drugs (Northeast Center for Environmental Medicine Health Letter, Fall 1992).

Hawthorne Berry extract may help increase blood flow to the heart by dilating blood vessels, increasing the strength of heart contractions, and relieving spasms of arterial walls. The extract has been reported to reduce the production of the blood vessel constricting substance angiotensin II (Weiss, Herbal Medicine, 1988).

Heart: heart tissue supplies nutritional support to strengthen the heart.

Spleen tissue supplies nutritional support factors to help enhance the spleen’s role in immune functions.

Co-Enzyme Q-10 has been shown to have antioxidant properties protecting against oxidized cholesterol. It helps strengthen the heart muscle and the cardiovascular system in many heart patients. And co-enzyme Q-10 may protect against atherosclerosis (Hanaki et al, New Eng J of Med Sept 1991; 325 (11): 814-5). L-Carnitine deficiency has been reported to be a common feature of heart disease. Supplemental L-Carnitine helps enhance cardiac function in human and animal studies. It has been successfully used to treat heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, and angina pectoris. It has also been shown to lower triglyceride levels and increase beneficial HDL cholesterol levels in humans (Leibovitz, Carnitine, The Vitamin BT Phenomenon, NY, Dell, 1984). L-Taurine is reported to help the heart pump and regulate heartbeat. It is a by-product of homocysteine metabolism, when homocysteine is broken down correctly. Supplemental taurine has been reported to help those with congestive heart failure and prevent digitalis-induced arrhythmia. Taurine spares the loss of potassium from heart muscle and is thought to regulate the osmotic flow of calcium and potassium in heart muscle (Chaitow, 1988).

L-Arginine may enhance immune function. Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, which may help dilate blood vessels and increase the flow of oxygen to the heart. In rabbit studies, arginine has been shown to reduce hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis (Chaitow, 1988).

Super Ox™

Each tablet supplies: Zinc (as ®Ester-C) 2 mg, Vitamin C (as ®Ester-C) 100 mg, Vitamin E (succinate) 50 i.u., Magnesium (as aspartate) 1 mg, Selenium (chelate) 50 mcg, Chromium (chelate) 50 mcg, L-Glutathione 2 mg, N-Acetyl Cysteine 5 mg, Grape Seed Extract 20 mg (92-95% Proanthocyanidins Standardized), Milk Thistle (leaf, seed) 150 mg, Silymarin Extract (80% Silymarin standardized [seed]) 5 mg.

Directions for use: 1 tablet daily, or as directed by your health care professional.

Grape Seed Extract contains proanthocyanidin flavinoids that are believed to be the strongest class of anti-oxidant nutrients yet discovered, 20 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E in their ability to reduce free-radical damage in arterial tissues. Proanthocyanidins may potentiate the beneficial effects of vitamin C, preventing its oxidation to dehydroascorbate, and helping recycle oxidized vitamin C back into its active, anti-oxidant form. They are also reported to strengthen capillaries, arteries, and veins, to improve circulation, to reduce edema and swelling of the legs, and to reduce the effects of stress (White Paper, “Proanthocyanidins: History and Comparative Values”).

Chromium deficiency has been linked to coronary disease by several studies (Bio Trace Elements Research Oct 1984; 6 (5): 431-9). Supplementation has been reported to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as increase beneficial HDL cholesterol (Western J of Med Jan 1990; 152 (1): 41-45).

Manganese deficiency is suspected of being a cause of atherosclerosis, and manganese supplementation has been shown to have a beneficial effect on normal lipid metabolism. It activates enzymes necessary for the utilization of vitamin C and B vitamins (Pfeiffer, Zinc and other Micronutrients, New Canaan, CONN, 1978: 66-73).

Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium are all essential mineral co-factors in enzymatic reactions in the methionine/homocysteine metabolic pathways. All are co-factors for anti-oxidant enzymes that fight free radicals that damage cells.

Vitamin C may enhance the immune system, act as a powerful antioxidant, and neutralize toxic substances. Contraindication: High doses of vitamin C over 1000 mg should not be taken by patients diagnosed with gout, patients with kidney stones, or patients with iron overload.

Vitamin E: In European population studies, those with low serum levels of vitamin E were shown to be at greater risk from heart disease than those with high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure (Gey et al, 1991). Vitamin E supplements may inhibit platelet formation, prevent blood clots, and help repair the lining cells of blood vessels (Hennig et al, 1989). In one Harvard Medical School Study of 87,245 female nurses, those who took 100 iu’s of vitamin E for more than 2 years had a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease (Stampfer et al, 1992). Another Harvard study of 39,910 male health professionals, who took 100 iu’s of vitamin E for an undisclosed period of time, had a 37% lower risk of heart disease (Rimm et al, “Vitamin E and Heart Disease Incidence in the Health Professionals Study,” Am Heart Assoc Annual Meeting, 1992).

Contraindication: supplementation greater than 400 iu’s of vitamin E can potentiate blood thinning drugs such as coumadin and should not be used concurrently. Large doses of vitamin E are contraindicated in hypertension, according to Dr. Brimhall.

N-Acetyl Cysteine may protect against free-radical damage produced by alcohol and cigarette smoking and has been used successfully in orthomolecular medicine to reverse the course of degenerative disease caused by disruptions in the homocysteine pathway (Chaitow, 1988).

L-Glutathionine may help deactivate free radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. Glutathionine is reported to detoxify heavy metals from the body and enhance immune function (Chaitow, 1988).

Milk Thistle has been traditionally used by herbalists to detoxify and regenerate the liver. It is reported to have powerful anti-oxidant properties in quenching free radicals (Rector-Page, How to be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist, A Herbal Formula Reference, N.G., 1991).

Silymarin extract, one of the principal ingredients in Milk Thistle, is reported to inhibit free radical production (Acta Physiol Hung 1992; (61): 116-9).

Total Virx™

Each tablet supplies: Vitamin A (palmitate) 2500 i.u., Vitamin C 25 mg, Natural Beta Carotene 3333 units, Glycerol Monolaurate 25 mg, L-Lysine 100 mg, Zinc Chelate 10 mg, Selenium (chelate) 50 mcg, Olive Leaf Powder 75 mg, Standardized Olive Leaf Extract 5 mg (16.2 % Oleuropeins), Echinacea 100 mg, Goldenseal 25 mg, Standardized Elderberry Extract 25 mg (5% Flavinoids), Elderberry Flower 50 mg, Astralagus 50 mg.

Directions for use: 1 tablet 3 times daily, or as directed by your health care professional. Caution: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Goldenseal can stimulate uterine contractions.

Cocksaxie virus has been implicated in heart disease under nutritionally deficient circumstances, where it has been described as attacking heart muscle and causing heart failure (Beck & Levander, Nature Medicine May 1995; (1) 433-6). In his clinical practice, Dr. Brimhall has found many of his patients with heart problems also have viral infections.

Selenium: Taylor and Ramanathan have built theoretically compelling cases for the viruses, Ebola, HIV, and coxsackie, mutating into aggressively virulent strains triggered by selenium deficiency (J of Med Chemistry, Aug. 19, 1994; (37): 26-37-54). It has been theorized that the heart is a likely target since it is one of the largest selenium depots in the body. Taylor believes that adequate selenium acts as an inhibiting factor, shutting down rapid viral replication. Selenium is a co-factor in an antioxidant enzyme and is also reported to strengthen the immune system.

L-Lysine: Kagan has shown L-lysine to be particularly effective against herpes virus, shutting down its rapid replication. Lysine is a necessary nutrient in antibody formation (Lancet 1974; (1): 37). Combined with vitamin C, Lysine has been shown to reduce arterial plaque (Rath & Pauling, 1990).

Olive Leaf and Oleuropein: Petkov has reported that Olive Leaf helps maintain cardio-vascular health. Olive Leaf has also been found to be an effective anti-microbial against a broad range of viral, bacterial, amoebic, and parasitical infections (Walker, Olive Leaf Extract). In addition to the newly identified Oleuropein, Olive Leaf also contains other bioflavinoids, including rutin and hesperidin, that show powerful antioxidant properties protecting against free radical damage to tissues (Visoli & Galli).

Astralagus has been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine to fight viruses. In clinical trials, ten patients diagnosed with coxsackie B myocarditis showed improved immune system killer-cell activity after taking astralagus (Chin Med J 1990; (103): 304-307).

Zinc has been shown to shorten the duration of colds by inhibiting viral replication (Landis, Herbal Defense, NY NY: Warner Books, 1997).

Elderberry Extract, high in vitamin C and flavinoids, has been credited with enhancing immune system activity and helping remove toxins from infections (Rector-Page, 1991).

Echinacea has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to enhance the strength of the immune system and as a powerful anti-viral/anti-biotic (Rector-Page, 1991).

Goldenseal has been used traditionally to detoxify and to stimulate immune system defenses against many infections. Goldenseal’s berberine component is reported to be antibacterial, antipyretic, antimalarial (Merck Index, 11th Ed., 1989).

Vitamin A: Deficiency may result in reduced resistance to infection. Supplementary Vitamin A has been reported to protect cells and enhance antibody, B-lymphocyte, and cell-mediated immune responses, T-lymphocytes (Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract, 1998).

Vitamin C may enhance the immune system, act as a powerful antioxidant, and neutralize toxic substances.

Gylcerol Monolaurate, also known as monolaurin and Lauricidin®, a monoglycerol ester of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid, has been shown to inactivate a wide range of enveloped RNA and DNA viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungi by disrupting the lipid membranes of the organisms (Hierholzer & Kabara, “In Vitro Effects of monolaurin compounds on enveloped RNA and DNA Viruses,” J of Food Safety 1982; (4): 1-12).