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Patient:
A recent study showed that too much Vitamin C could cause hardening of the arteries and possible heart disease. How much is too much?
Dr. Stan: The study you mentioned had a few major flaws in the basic information. Ascorbic acid in pure acid form will not cause cardiovascular disease at very high dosages as long as there is a balance of nutrients. In the human body, Vitamin C is converted from an acid (ascorbic acid) to a salt (calcium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate) and is transported through the blood stream. If an individual already has fatty deposits in the arteries, the minerals are released from the ascorbate and bind to the arterial wall causing increased blockage and rigidity of the vessel. Rather than having a healthy benefit, the Vitamin C contributes to the problem. Given the fact that the person has a predisposition to this problem with fatty plaquing in the arteries, the true problem is not Vitamin C...the problem lies in a diet loaded with saturated fats, a lack of available nutrients and a lack of adequate hydration. In other words, the person who would likely suffer adverse effects from high dosages of Vitamin C is already headed for trouble.
Changing the quality of the foods we eat, the amount of water we drink and a balance of vitamins and minerals along with regular exercise is key to everyone's good health. The average adult can safely take 6 to 10 grams of Vitamin C without any health risks at all as long as they also drink plenty of fluids, include a balance of other nutrients and work up a good sweat three times a week.
As far as the recent research goes, nutritional research is usually poorly supported with adequate funding. As long as the results can draw a good headline, it will be published. Traditional medicine has long tried to make the general population aware of the dangers of self-prescribed herbs and vitamins and, in some cases, for good reason. Looking at the risks from Vitamin C against the health benefits clearly shows that good nutrition mixed with common sense will not take years off of your life.
(posted 03/09/00)
Patient: Do you think the "Atkin's Diet" is as dangerous as the medical community is saying?
Dr. Stan: All diets are dangerous if taken to the extreme. All diets are useless unless a good dose of common sense is used. Recent medical reviews have debunked all high protein diets including Dr. Atkin's Revolution but protein is hardly the issue.
All of us take in far too many refined carbohydrates (sugars) without giving it a
thought. If the body is saturated with stored carbs, it will not use fat (our main fuel source) for metabolism. Reducing our carbohydrate intake while decreasing our saturated fats and increasing our fluids and fiber is not dangerous at all. It's when we take things to the extreme that trouble begins for people. Eating 6 eggs with 1/2 lb of bacon and a big protein shake for breakfast is hardly balanced. Having pork rinds dipped in sour cream for a mid-day snack might decrease carbs but it will also have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. Having 2 eggs (poached, scrambled or hard boiled) along with 2 large, oat bran, whole grain pancakes with butter and real maple syrup, a side of lean breakfast sausage (from turkey or beef or chicken) with a huge glass of water is relatively low in carbs, high in fiber, low in fat and rich in nutrients. Making better choices in the simple things and increasing our activity is a way of life...not a diet!
(posted 03/09/00)
Patient: Are there any alternative products available for macular degeneration?
Dr. Stan: Macular degeneration can be caused by various underlying health problems but the most common is age. While the progression of such problems is slow, the end results (blindness) are typically irreversible. Recent
studies have shown Bilberry Extract to be helpful in increasing circulation to the eyes thus increasing fresh oxygen to the macula. While the early studies are inconclusive, taking Bilberry can offer
relief for many people in the early stages of Macular Degeneration. If you can't find Bilberry Extract, try eating more of the American version...Blue Berries. Eating Blue Berries on a regular basis (2 to 3 times a week) has been shown to offer some significant effects. Try them in pancakes, in muffins or on cereal. I like to eat them by the hands-full rather than snacking on something packaged. Enjoy!
(posted 03/09/00)
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you have a question for Dr. Stan?
Send him an e-mail at drstan@naturalhealingpower.com
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