GEN X Hearts Beware

HEART ATTACKS STRIKE EARLY AND WITHOUT WARNING FOR GEN Xers.

Cardiologists are seeing far too many heart attacks and strokes in GEN Xers, even under 40 years of age. ref Without any of the obvious symptoms older people exhibit as warning signs, just the heart vessels of GEN Xers get clogged resulting in sudden heart attacks or if in brain, strokes. ref The typical risk factors do not have to be present either: smoking, obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. There are many other influencing factors, chief among them are inflammation and calcification. Read this admission by a Cardiologist. ref  This next reference takes on Statins. ref  Notice vitamin K2 interference.

A new test was finally approved by the FDA a couple of years called the PLAC test which is able to spot hearts at risk. This test measures an enzyme that reveals inflammation and resulting plaque build up. ref  Regardless of age, if you are feeling light headed or dizzy, get a check up to make sure it is not due to iimpaired blood flood in heart. 

Calcification of arteries also needs to be addressed here. While calcium supplements may or may not be a causation factor, what the body does with calcium is vital to heart health. Vitamin K2 is involved in keeping calcium out of arteries by activating a protein in the artery wall, called MATRIX GLA, plus it also activates a vitamin D produced protein, osteocalcin, that binds calcium into bone. Past dietary patterns provided foods that contained K2, but since the refrigerator, fermented foods have diminished, and so has K2. 

Light Bulbs of the Dark Side

Like batteries that have both a positive and a negative side, the new LED light bulbs, designed to save energy and last a long time, have now revealed a sinister dark side for the health of the body in at least 3 ways. It appears LEDs with a greater amount of the blue light spectrum have benefits during the day (ref) but are disruptive to biological cycles at night. ref Cellphones, computers, tablets, and now most electronic screens also emit more blue light. Children under 14 are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of blue light waves since corneas are still developing while the other parts of the eyes are developed by age 7. ref

Incandescent light bulbs of the past are not very efficient at converting energy into light. But, they produced a relatively healthier light. Next came florescent light bulb tubes that started a trend away from the yellow white light of incandescent into lights with a greater spectrum of blue light. Another problem with florescent lights is that they rapidly flicker, especially as they age, an action the subconscious mind can see better and react with more than regular mental vision. 

Now, low energy light bulbs like LEDs have been mandated by Government officials to be the primary light bulbs sold. Incandescent light bulbs have been banned, but may be available for certain specific applications, like grow lights. (In 2007 Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act requiring new energy-efficient standards for basic light bulbs. From 2012 to 2014, all standard 100-, 75-, 60- and 40-watt incandescent bulbs were phased out and will no longer be produced.)  Light bulb companies and environmental organizations can be thanked for pushing this action. Conservation of energy may come with a negative price tag for body dynamics. The light bulb companies could see increased profits initially and wanted to close manufacturing plants in the USA and build LED light bulbs in China or Mexico. LEDs sell for 10X more but are also expected to last 20 times longer.

HEALTH FROM LIGHT

Electronics like cellphones, TVs, computers, tablets, and LED light bulbs all emit more blue light than before. Here is what Harvard Medical has to say about the dark side of LEDs. *** ref **> "Light at night is bad for your health, and exposure to blue light emitted by electronics and energy-efficient lightbulbs may be especially so." 

It is rather amazing that there is almost a complete lack of public notifications concerning these ill-health properties of greater blue light LEDs when used at night. Check out this reference on how the color of light influences health. Public health may not be the top priority of Government regulations. Below is copied a summary from the reference just sighted. 

“Increasing the blue portion of artificial light may improve performance and learning ability in school kids and employees working indoors, and health will be improved in patients staying at nursing homes or hospitals.” On the other hand, he adds, a reduction of the blue portion in artificial light during nighttime hours could protect shift workers against disorders such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders as well as reduce sleep disturbances and their consequences among the general population." end of copy

Here is GE's response first to admit the facts by selling an amber light to promote sleep and then to add perspective or soft-pedal this blue light issue. ref  ref 

How the Body reacts to the Blue Light Specials

Below is the unbelievable copy from the Harvard Medical website referenced above concerning the dangers of blue light from LEDs and Electronics at night. PRECAUTIONARY PRACTICES SHOULD BE INITIATED IMMEDIATELY.

"But we may be paying a price for basking in all that light. At night, light throws the body’s biological clock—the circadian rhythm—out of whack. Sleep suffers. Worse, research shows that it may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. ref

But not all colors of light have the same effect. Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night. And the proliferation of electronics with screens, as well as energy-efficient lighting, is increasing our exposure to blue wavelengths, especially after sundown."  ...END of copy

It appears LEDs rich in blue light suppress natural melatonin production many times below normal. This disrupts the natural biological cycles necessary for health. Next are some of the recommendations from Harvard researchers about how you can reduce your exposure to blue lights at night. Parents should be mindful of and limit how much their children look at electronic screens, but also limit the use of only LED lighting in bedrooms, especially at night. This will soon be a difficult task as the availability of incandescent bulbs dries up. If you find some, buy them for lamps to use in bedrooms. ref

"What you can do

• Use dim red lights for night lights. Red light has the least power to shift circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin.

• Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.

• If you work a night shift or use a lot of electronic devices at night, consider wearing blue-blocking glasses.

• Expose yourself to lots of bright light during the day, which will boost your ability to sleep at night, as well as your mood and alertness during daylight."  ...END of copy
• PLUS, filters are available for screens to limit blue light effects. From Amazon here
• Amber glasses that block out some blue light or googles can also be used. info here 
• An app that automatically controls screen intensity by time of day is also a possibility. example

LIGHT from an issue of interest to PROFOUND LIFE AND DEATH

Here is where the story gains a significance far beyond just the environmental impact of LED low energy usage light bulbs. The human eye has two light sensing systems operating at the same time. One is the obvious, rods and cones on the back of the eye stimulate vision. The other system reacts to light to set the biological clocks for the body.  A certain area of the brain controls the circadian rhythm functions. This is number 1 of 3 ways (known so far) blue light damages health.

This section of the brain has also been found to be damaged in some dementia cases. Alzheimer's patients may be off on their cycles by as much as two hours. Using a bright light (blue light works here) in the morning for a period of time helps to normalize cycles and improve health. ref Morning sunrise light is very blue. This is when blue light is very healthful. But at night at appears to upset natural body cycles with a number of unhealthy consequences.

LIMIT time children are on computers and cellphones. Child eyes need natural sunlight to fully develop naturally.

2. NEW AREA of Blue light EYE DAMAGE

This report shows that blue light concentration can DAMAGE cells lining retina at the back of the eye over time. This increases the condition know as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) leading to blindness. ref  

There is in nature, a protective element from vegetables, two carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. ref These two carotenoids and their isomers (meso-zeaxanthin is one) are found abundantly in the macula on the retina of the eye. Because of their yellow color, they help mitigate and prevent free radical damage from blue light. The vegetables kale, spinach, collard greens and other similar leafy vegetables contain these two carotenoids. The AREDS2 eye study reported this information. This study found an 18% reduction in AMD progression in the test group taking the vitamin formula with lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2MG) instead of beta carotene.*

More studies are needed. Eat more leafy green vegetables.

3. Check out this report on blue light exposure on skin. Not only can it generate pimple breakouts, from sweat and heat, it can also generate free radicals deeper than UVA and UVB sun rays. article

Of course, it might not be just the bluelight, cellphones contain a lot of bacteria that goes onto your cheeks. This is very new info and will need more research to verify extent of any linked damage. But, far too much smoke coming from BLUELIGHT exposure not to take precautions.

*FYI: There are now some eye supplements that provide the 3 key carotenoid forms effective for protecting the macula. Macula contains higher concentrations of these carotenoids, Lutein, Astaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin, than other tissues. Meso-zeaxanthin appears to be the limiting nutrient as it is rarely found in any quantity in plants, while fish is a source. These carotenoids are yelow green in color and this appears to have a neutralizing impact from the cumlative effects of short wavelength blue light from TVs, cellphones, and computers. ref

Where's the BEEF (fat)

HOW DIET CAN INFLUENCE BACTERIA 

This is a very revealing story. It begins with cattle grazing on pasture grass and hay. The grass feeds very specific bacteria that dominate the cows many chambered stomachs and intestinal tract. This bacteria that likes grass builds healthful fatty acids that increase omega 3 and CLA content in milk and meat. BUT, an interesting twist happens when cows are in feedlots eating corn and other grains, a different type of bacteria becomes dominate that does not produce the same fatty acids and therefore there is less omega 3 fats and CLA in milk and meat from these cows. Quite a bit less. What does increase are the omega 6 fats. The cattle producers know this happens and that these effects are not healthy for the cow or humans that feed on these products. So, they attempt to introduce grass for short periods to slightly increase omega 3, and make the animals healthier. ref This process is called back-grounding. Beef from grass fed cows is a health food. Corn grain feedlot fed cows produce junk food. It will not keep you healthy long term. Supplements of fish oil may have some benefit here to help balance omega levels.

FYI: Remember, fish oils are highly perishable. Buy small sizes and refrigerate, leave cotton in bottle to control moisture. Use lower dosages (EPA 180, DHA 120) since they are less processed and get omega 3 fats from smaller fish which are less polluted or contaminated. article

What if this also happened in humans?  Do grains influence different bacteria to grow more dominate and start battling with the other bacteria that used to predominate before grain growing and eating  started 10,000 years ago? There is a rather interesting fact concerning the different bacteria that predominate between thin and obese people.  Scientist have found that if they take the bacteria from thin people, and after neutralizing the bacteria present in large people, put the thin people bacteria into obese people, they start to lose weight. Interesting! ref

Too little or too Much Calcium

Supplements have a major flaw. This flaw is also found unfortunately in some nutritional information. It concerns how much of a particular nutrient is needed to be consumed daily. Let's look at calcium to discover how this flaw might have developed. Scientists measured the amount of calcium people excrete out each day in Developed Countries. This usually is an average about 350 mg, but many mechanisms influence this number. This number includes some calcium that was previously re-absorbed back into the body, so it is not all from the calcium consumed that day. This amount could be up to 250mg, so the needed dietary intake amount would be reduced. Since calcium absorption can vary from 10-50%, the average is about 33% making the daily requirement 3.3 X 300-400, or 1000 to 1200 mg. This also includes an amount for an extra margin of safety. Plus, the Professionals look at how much is in the body and what is happening to bones. But, there is more to the story that just elimination or bone density, especially since the body recycles calcium. Read this reference for complete info.

Thus, the question that has to be answered is this: How do people maintain bone strength in Countries where only 300 - 400 mg of calcium is consumed daily? And the people have stronger bones with less fractures than here in America.

It is not only how much the typical diet contains of calcium, but what happens in the body to either hold and recycle or eliminate calcium. And, there are other nutrients or conditions that interact to change these recycled or eliminated amounts. These include dietary amounts of sodium, protein, body pH levels, and degree of movment or exercise. Plus, whether or not the body needs calcium at that moment as determined by blood levels. With calcium, the body has very elaborate processes to recycle, store, assimilate or eliminate calcium to control this blood level at just the required level. The true driver of calcium behavior, absorption, and elimination is blood levels not bone density. Hormones are very involved here. Primarily estrogen which may explain why women need slightly more calcium than men. Some people have strong bones on little calcium intake while others have weak bones consuming lots of calcium. ref Thus, just looking at calcium alone is not enough. Or just adding extra calcium does not always result in stronger bones, even though bone density is increased. And this is also why using averages does not work for all people.

Concentration Concerns

Some Supplements are too concentrated for the body to process in a normal matter without impacting other nutrients. In plant foods, minerals are found with fibers that limit the absorption rate. In foods like milk, Calcium is readily absorbed with only fats and proteins to slow absorption. ref Calcium carbonate supplement has the highest percentage of calcium making it the obvious choice of many consumers who dislike taking so many pills. But, consuming a high dose of calcium at one time not only decreases the absorption percent, it can spike calcium blood (plasma) levels with resulting possible adverse consequences as copied below from reference:** ref   

"Sodium ion channels in the cell membranes of nerves and muscle are particularly sensitive to the calcium ion concentration in the plasma.^[4] Relatively small decreases in the plasma ionized calcium levels (hypocalcemia) cause these channels to leak sodium into the nerve cells or axons, making them hyper-excitable (positive bathmotropic effect), thus causing spontaneous muscle spasms (tetany) and paraesthesia (the sensation of "pins and needles") of the extremities and round the mouth.^[5] **When the plasma ionized calcium rises above normal (hypercalcemia) more calcium is bound to these sodium channels having a negative bathmotropic effect on them, causing lethargy, muscle weakness, anorexia, constipation and labile emotions.^[5]"

WHAT IS NEEDED IS AN OPTIMAL CONSUMPTION AMOUNT OF CALCIUM WITHOUT GOING TOO LOW OR TOO HIGH OVER THE LONG TERM. On cardio- ref  A variety between High and Low calcium intake days is really OK and actually beneficial if balance points are maintained long term. The long term approach in the U.S. has been to error daily on the side of consuming extra calcium which now according to ongoing longer term research studies may NOT ALWAYS BE HEALTHY for bones, heart, or prostate and some other related issues. To continue enriching so many foods with calcium and taking extra in supplements is .....perhaps not wise unless the total picture is known.

CALCIUM IONS ?

If you noticed in the above copy, the effects were related to levels of calcium IONS in blood plasma and not just overall calcium amounts. Some calcium is bound to proteins and some calcium exists as free ions. There is a difference to the body. It is the amount of calcium ions that trigger body actions to balance blood calcium. ref

From last reference- "PTH increased by 400% within 10 minutes in response to decreased ionized calcium"

How does the body regulate the balance between the two forms? Besides albumin protein binding levels, turns out the pH or chemistry of the blood also influences ion amounts. Lower blood pH, indicating higher acids, increases calcium ions, probably by changing protein binding attraction. Maybe there is more to the pH story and what you eat does make a difference.  ref  Calcium ions have a normal level that is almost half the total blood calcium amount. The very elaborate body process mentioned above involves: Parathyroid gland PTH hormone, Kidneys, Liver, Bone storage or release of calcium, pH regulation, thyroid gland, and the intestinal tract, all to help maintain this critical calcium ion balance.  

Men Only

Of special interest is that in men, high normal range blood calcium ions (ionized calcium) levels are associated with increased risk for prostate problems. Here are some factors to consider from a dietary perspective. 1. Increase fluid intake, mainly water or non sugar drinks, but not sugar-free sodas. Dehydration increases calcium concentration in blood. Your Kidneys function to control calcium levels. 2. Limit vitamin D intake. 3. Limit calcium containing foods, I.e. dairy, and calcium supplements. Dairy also increases phosphates just like some Colas. 4. Be physically active. And 4. Visit your MD to monitor functions of the above mentioned organs, glands, and hormones. ref

Women Only Mostly

Women may need slightly more calcium. Since the daily requirement for calcium is 1000 to 1200 mg, first one has to consider how much the diet contains and then add in supplements to get up to 1000 or 1200. Average American diets supply 648-968 mg of calcium. Yes some people consume less. Each serving of dairy adds 300 mg, so dairy consumers may only need to supplement magnesium to help balance food calcium back to 1.5 -2 to 1 balance over magnesium. This means calcium supplements only up to 600 mg are on average needed. Plus, as you explore the many articles on this website, there are many misconceptions about the role and amount of calcium and/or vitamin D play in bone health. They are just two of many factors to consider. Read these articles article and article.

VITAMIN D & K on Calcium

Problems develop when supplements of just calcium are consumed without supporting bone building and calcium requlatoring cast members. Vitamin D directs the production of osteocalcin which when activated by vitamin K2 binds calcium into bone crystals. Vitamin D also regulates calcium assimilation, plus it also participates in immune system activities through the direction of CD44.

NOTE: Vitamin D and osteocalcin levels are often not directly related since many other conditions like inflammation or other nutrient levels like magnesium can also influence.

Vitamin K2 also acts on a protein, Matrix GLA, in the arteries that prevents calcium binding into the artery wall. ref Both vitamin D and vitamin K have been decreasing in the diet and through limiting sun exposure since1950's. 

FYI: These same nutrients also participate in regulating blood sugar levels adding to their benefits as well as importance of ratios and balance to maintain one function without jeopardizing another. 

Clarification of MEAT (protein) ON CALCIUM LOSS

Many early studies found that when people consume meat, there is more calcium eliminated in urine. The thought process behind this observation was that meat generated acid in the body and the body responded by removing calcium from bones to neutralize this meat generated acid. This would weaken bones over time. The body wants to use potassium from vegetables and fruits to neutralize acid, so the Scientists next added a potassium salt with the meat diet to attempt to save calcium. But, still calcium was found in urine. It turns out the calcium increase in the urine did not come from bone, but was from the meal with the meat.

The next question to solve, what was neutralizing the extra meat acid if not calcium from bone, especially in people who did not consume many vegetables and fruits? It may be elements coming from muscle loss supplied the acid buffers. This changes quite a lot of past theories. One important aspect, it reveals why Americans may need higher calcium intake than in other Countries where less meat is consumed. Meat increases calcium absorption percent but also increases amount lost in urine.

This explains many controversial study results from the past. But, still shows higher vegetable and fruit intake or an alkaline diet still has value. Like maintaining muscle mass and bone integrity during the growing old process.
 

CKD or Chronic Kidney Disease

The latest research on Kidney disease is looking at bone health. Not really that strange when you know the logic. There is a relationship with calcification in bone and calcification in blood vessel walls and soft tissues, especially in Kidneys. This calcification hinders the function of the delicate filtering tubes inside the Kidneys. ref

This warrants a closer inspection. Since the Kidneys control mineral elimination or retention, dietary mineral intake is heavily involved. Too much phosphorus begins getting trapped. ref 

This further influences calcium behavior. Vitamin D on PTH plays a role. Did you notice that too much vitamin D to regulate PTH starts to reduce phosphorus elimination even more, plus increase calcium absorption as well. ref

A preventative approach is needed long before the Kidneys reveal damage. Overview

Vitamin K2 as MK7 on CKD 

Since vascular calcification is associated with CKD, there is an assumption that the delicate tubes in the Kidneys might be getting calcified as well. Vitamin K2 activates a Matrix GLA protein to prevent calcium from depositing in artery walls. ref  Animal and some test tube studies show vitamin K2 is effective while K1 is limited, but so far human studies have been rather inconsistent. ref It is not a nutrient that can be patented so little money is going into research.

The small studies to date are showing very positive results, but only a few are published. This limits their scientific validity or weight to influence treatment protocols. The health of the Kidneys is not something to take lightly. Vitamin K2 as Natto source MK-7 supplemented at 50-100 mcg could prove powerfully preventive for healthy bones, arteries, and for Kidneys and other soft tissues protected from calcification. ref Reference from before, look at amounts supplemented (135-360) and time frame, 6 weeks, plus change in carboxylated percentage up to 77 from amount 135 mcg.

The 77% may actually be a little too high for another function of carboxylated proteins, namely blood sugar control. Thus, a daily supplement of MK-7 at 45 mcg daily or 90 mcg every other day might be good for preventative control. Remember this test was in people already low and with CKD. Maybe best to take 90 everyday for 1-2 weeks and then every other day, even 3 a week should be OK according to time lasting in body of 3 days for MK-7. Vitamin K2 as MK-4 only lasts 8 hours so much greater amounts are needed. 

CAUTION: Be sure to tell your Doctor if you are taking vitamin K and what form and dosage. Blood thinners can be effected as clotting mechanisms are involved. 

PKD

A rather unique form of Kidney disease involves the formation of liquid-filled sacs in the Kidneys called polycystic kidney disease, PKD. These cystic sacs mainly have genetic links but can be modifed by a dietary protocol. Over time, these liquid sacs may become calcified and eventually could turn cancerous. For more information, see reference.