proliferation of pharmaceutical treatments for cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. As an interventional cardiologist, I have seen many patients benet from these revolutionary drug therapies. But you may be surprised to nd out that I dont think drugs are the only treatment that can ght cardiovascular diseases. In fact, I usually recommend that patients use pharmaceuticals only to get their condition under control, and then proceed to other, nonconventional remedies to maintain their overall heart health. And the alternative health market is booming. Today, Americans spend nearly $40 billion on nonconventional remedies of varying efectiveness. Its not surprising that so many people wonder which therapies work and which dont. Unfortunately, that question isnt easy to answer. Alternative remedies do not get the same degree of stringent government oversight that conventional drugs and medical procedures must undergo, so there is vast potential for the marketing of inefective, and even fraudulent treatments. In this issue of the Heart Health Report, I will describe some of the most popular alternative treatments for high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. You should understand that Im going to use a very broad denition of alternative, because I want to ofer the best that nonconventional medicine has to ofer. That way youre doing the most you can to protect your heart. 8 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure Many people think of alternative therapies as a way to replace conventional drugs or procedures. I believe the best way to avoid taking drugs is by making lifestyle changes. For instance, to reduce your blood pressure, the best thing you can do is lose weight. A loss of just 10 pounds can translate to the elimination of one blood pressure medication, and people who bring their weight to their ideal level which is usually what they weighed in high school ofen get of blood pressure meds completely. First, think about the foods you eat. While food isnt generally considered an alternative treatment, choosing the right foods can lower your blood pressure without drugs. The following is a list of some of the best foods to add to your diet. Because many of these foods are ber-packed, they also help lower cholesterol. Thats Supplements That Control Blood Pressure ..... 2 How to Reduce Repeat Heart Attack Risk ....... 3 Case Study: Doing Less Works Better ................ 4 Treating Cholesterol Without Statins ............... 5 Quick Takes: Silent A-Fib Causes Stroke ......... 6 Tooth Care Benets Your Heart ......................... 7 Therapies for Diabetes Prevention .................... 7 Ask Dr. Crandall ................................................... 8 In This Issue . . . Alternative Treatments to Protect Your Heart Without Drugs Vol. 4, Issue 5 / May 2013 By Chauncey Crandall, M.D. 2 May 2013 drcrandall.newsmax.com a win-win combination. 1. Asparagus is rich in potassium, which lowers blood pressure. In fact, researchers have found that potassium citrate, which asparagus contains, is as efective as a potassium supplement. Asparagus is also a natural diuretic that rids the body of excess uid, thereby reducing blood pressure. 2. Hawthorn tea helps the heart function more efciently and contains a benecial avonoid called proanthocyanidin, which causes the blood vessels to relax. I tell my patients to drink a cup daily. 3. Oatmeals cholesterol-lowering benets were shown in an 18-week controlled study in which researchers divided 88 people into two groups. One group ate oatmeal and the other group was given a whole-grain, oat-based cereal. Twice the number of people in the group that ate oatmeal were able to stop taking blood pressure medication, or cut their dosage in half. To get the most benet, eat cooked, organic nongenetically modied oatmeal, not the instant kind. 4. Blueberries have long been known to be packed with antioxidants that ward of the cellular damage that comes along with aging. But their blood pressure-lowering capabilities are ofen overlooked. Its the natural blue pigment, anthocyanin, that reduces high blood pressure. Blueberries also contain a form of pterostilbene, which is a relative of resveratrol, the benecial compound found in wine. This chemical is also particularly helpful in blood pressure control, according to research presented at the American Heart Associations (AHA) Scientic Sessions on High Blood Pressure Research conference, which was held last fall in Washington, D.C. 5. Nonfat yogurt can also reduce blood pressure. In another study presented at that AHA conference, researchers tracked more than 14,000 adults without high blood pressure for 14 years and found those who ate nonfat yogurt were 31 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure. 6. Sunower seeds have tremendous health benets (like all nuts and seeds). But if its blood pressure lowering youre afer, zero in on these. In addition to being high in vitamin E, folic acid, protein, and ber, sunower seeds also contain blood pressure-lowering magnesium. 7. Beet juice contains nitrates, which are key to lowering blood pressure. You can reap the benet if you drink one 16-ounce glass of beet juice daily. London-based researchers found that people who drank the beet juice reduced their blood pressure within an hour, and enjoyed the result well into the Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report is a publicaton of Newsmax Media, Inc., and Newsmax.com. It is published monthly at a charge of $54.00 per year and is ofered online and in print through Newsmax.com. Our editorial ofces are located at 560 Village Boulevard, Ste. 120, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409. The owner, publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors and omissions. Rights of reproducton and distributon of this newsleter are reserved. Any unauthorized reproducton or distributon of informaton contained herein, including storage in retrieval systems or postng on the Internet, is expressly forbidden without the consent of Newsmax Media. For permission, contact the publisher at: PO Box 20989, West Palm Beach, Florida 33416. CEO Christopher Ruddy Health Publisher Travis Davis Author Chauncey Crandall, M.D. Contributng Editor Mathew Kalash Producton/Art Director Phil Aron To contact Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report send e-mail to: askdrcrandall@newsmax.com. Subscripton/Customer Service contact 1-800-485-4350 or customerservice@ newsmax.com. Send e-mail address changes to customerservice@newsmax.com 2013 Newsmax Media, all rights reserved. Newsmax is a registered trademark of Newsmax Media, Inc. Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report is a trademark of Newsmax Media, Inc. Please note: All informaton presented in Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report is for informatonal purposes only. It is not specifc medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questons are provided for informatonal purposes only. All informaton presented in Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report should not be construed as medical consultaton or instructon. You should take no acton solely on the basis of this publicatons contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the informaton found in Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the authors best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potental ill efects. The opinions expressed in Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report do not necessarily refect those of Newsmax Media. health Supplements That Control BP For some tme, I have personally found that 200 to 400 mg of magnesium supplements helps lower blood pressure and new clinical research confrms it. In a recent study, researchers from the University of Hertordshire (UK) analyzed data from 22 trials and found that, while magnesium didnt work for everyone, a signifcant number of people did beneft. The Chinese herbal remedy Ginkgo biloba has long been touted as a memory enhancer. But many have wondered if it also has cardiovascular benefts. To fnd out, researchers divided 3,069 people over the age of 75 into two groups. One group was given a daily ginkgo supplement, and the other group took a placebo. They were followed for six years and the researchers found that the ginkgo supplement did not confer any beneft when it comes to preventng heart atack, stroke, or death. They also found that ginkgo did not lower blood pressure, and it also had no efect on dementa. May 2013 3 newsmaxhealth.com next day. If you dont like beets or beet juice, celery, lettuce, spinach, and arugula are also nitrate-rich. 8. Potatoes ofen get a bad rap, but they can actually help lower blood pressure because they are rich in potassium and magnesium. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry last year showed that 18 people who were overweight and had high blood pressure were able to reduce it by eating small, purple potatoes. The key is that you must bake, boil, or microwave them never fry. And forgo the butter, bacon, and sour cream. Just add a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs such as parsley. Chelation Reduces Repeat Heart Attack Risk Some people contend that the pollutants we are bombarded with daily cause a buildup of lead, other metals, and harmful minerals in the blood. They further suggest that this is a major cause of heart disease. Ive long been a skeptic, but new research has persuaded me to take a second look. Every year, about 100,000 Americans undergo chelation, an intravenous process that uses a chemical substance (EDTA) to bind minerals and metals in the body so that they can be excreted through the urine. I had long dismissed chelation for treating heart disease because I didnt see evidence that it works. But the results of a recent clinical study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicate otherwise. For this multicenter trial, called TACT (Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy), researchers divided 1,708 heart attack survivors into two groups; one half received chelation therapy and the other half got a placebo treatment. The subjects were followed for about ve years to determine whether chelation reduced the likelihood that they would sufer a cardiovascular event such as: Heart attack Stroke Angioplasty Cardiac bypass surgery Hospitalization for chest pain Thus far, two studies have been presented from this research. In March, scientists presented ndings to the American Heart Associations Scientic Sessions demonstrating that chelation therapy, given in combination with high doses of vitamins, reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 18 percent. In the part of the study that looked at vitamins alone, there was no efect. A few months earlier, using the same data, researchers had found that patients who received chelation alone also reduced their risk though not as much as when vitamin therapy was added. Unfortunately, chelation is not cheap; it costs about $5,000 per course of treatment. As of now, I am not recommending it in place of conventional cardiac treatment for most of my patients. However, I plan to begin ofering it to patients who have heart disease that is very difcult to treat About Chauncey Crandall Chauncey W. Crandall, M.D., F.A.C.C., is chief of the cardiac transplant program at the world-renowned Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he practices interventional, vascular, and transplant cardiology. Dr. Crandall received his post-graduate training at Yale University School of Medicine, where he also completed three years of research in the cardiovascular surgery division. He lectures nationally and internationally on preventive cardiology, cardiological healthcare of the elderly, healing, interventional cardiology, and heart transplants. Known as the Christian physician, Dr. Crandall has been heralded for his values and message of hope to all his heart patients. Continued on page 5 As a subscriber to Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report, you may have opted to get this newsleter with our Convenient Automatc Renewal program. If you decide not to cancel your subscripton, your credit card will be billed each year and read NMX*DR CRANDALL REPORT on your credit card statement. Thank you. IMPORTANT 4 May 2013 drcrandall.newsmax.com The Case for Doing Less, Not More Heart Health Case History of the Month In each issue, I will share with you the story of one of my patients, detailing how making changes to your life can radically improve your heart health. Names and some details have been changed for privacys sake, but the problems and their resolutions are real. Dr. Chauncey Crandall One recent afernoon, I headed to the emergency room to evaluate Sam, whose daughter had brought him to the hospital because he was experiencing mild aching in his chest, as well as feeling generally sick and also a bit confused. Though he was 90, Sam was usually very upbeat, according to his daughter. However, he had recently come under strain because his wife, Olivia, was in a rehabilitation center following a bout of pneumonia. Unfortunately, Olivia had developed Alzheimers disease and Sam was her sole caretaker. I have to get back to her, he told me anxiously. The longer Olivia is alone in the rehab center, the more frightened she becomes, and I think shes going to get worse. I sympathized, of course, but Sams health was my main responsibility. And even though he wasnt sufering the classic symptoms, I suspected that he was having a heart attack. Heart Atack Symptoms Are Diferent in Elderly Men For most men, severe chest pain usually heralds the onset of a heart attack. However, this is not the case in elderly people. In fact, elderly men are more likely to experience heart attack symptoms that are similar to women of any age, including milder, more difuse chest pain that is felt in places other than the chest, such as the shoulder or back. Other symptoms, such as anxiety, a feeling of pressure, fatigue, shortness of breath, vomiting, and nausea can also occur. Mental confusion is common, and can be misinterpreted as a stroke. I gave Sam an electrocardiogram, or EKG, which is a test that measures the hearts electrical activity. This test indicated that despite his seemingly mild symptoms, Sam was indeed sufering a major heart attack. Sam was taken to the cardiac catheterization lab so he could undergo a coronary catheterization, which uses dye to trace the ow of blood to his three main coronary arteries. The result was bad news. Sam had sufered a widow maker, an ofen-fatal type of heart attack that occurs when the lef coronary artery (LAD), the major coronary blood vessel, is blocked. In fact, we could still see the remains of the blood clot that had ruptured there. In addition, Sams other two coronary arteries were moderately clogged as well. We knew that if we didnt restore blood to his main artery, a second heart attack would surely follow, and would most likely kill him. The Best Course of Acton If Sam were a younger man, there would have been no question we would have performed cardiac bypass surgery, removing veins from elsewhere in his body to re-establish blood ow to the heart. But in Sams case, there were other considerations. Coronary bypass surgery can be performed on 90-year-olds, but the threat of complications is much greater. It would also mean several weeks of recuperation, and that would greatly extend the time that Olivia would have to stay in the rehab center alone. That course of action would have major health consequences for both of them. Instead, I recommended that Sam undergo angioplasty and have a stent placed in the blocked artery, which would restore blood ow to the LAD without the need for major surgery. We also put Sam on medications to assist the ow of blood in his other two coronary arteries. Within a few days, Sam was home and ready for Olivia, who was released from the rehab center the following week. Thank you so much, Dr. Crandall, Sam told me, on his follow-up visit. I am so happy to be with Olivia again. I think that my worrying about her being lef alone in that rehab center helped bring that heart attack on. In my 30 years of practice, I have learned that the obvious course of medical treatment is not always the optimal choice. Patients circumstances can vary widely, and ofen their welfare depends not only on medicine, but the best course of action that will restore not only their physical health, but also their emotional well-being. In Sams case, the right thing was to make sure that he not only got the right medical help, but also the right support so he and his wife could be reunited. o May 2013 5 newsmaxhealth.com with medication, as well as those who have heart disease along with another cardiovascular condition such as diabetes. Treating Cholesterol Without Statins One of the questions I get most ofen is if there are alternatives to using the class of cholesterol- lowering drugs called statins. In truth, many people who take statins probably shouldnt, because their cholesterol problems are not serious enough to warrant such a strong drug. Some cant tolerate statins because of their side efects, which include: Headaches Muscle aches and weakness Dizziness and drowsiness Nausea and/or vomiting Abdominal cramping and diarrhea The good news is that there are supplements that can treat high cholesterol naturally. The bad news is that none are as efective as statin therapy. But there is one that comes very close. Red yeast rice contains a substance that is chemically identical to the active ingredient in a statin drug. Unfortunately, quality control is a problem. Red yeast rice is manufactured in China, and there have been instances of the product being laced with a statin to enhance the efect. This is an illegal and dangerous practice. Niacin (vitamin B3) is also a very efective way to lower LDL cholesterol, boost HDL cholesterol, and transform small, dense LDL particles into a more harmless type. When taking niacin, you should start of with 250 mg and build up to 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily which may take up to two years. Also, be cautious about adding niacin if you already take statins. In a recent study of 26,000 patients, those who took both niacin and a statin experienced an increase in adverse side efects, researchers reported in the European Heart Journal. Fish oil is my primary weapon for lowering triglycerides, which increase risk for stroke even more than LDL cholesterol. I recommend 2,000 mg daily. Because it is a natural blood thinner, if you notice bruising, quit taking it altogether. Flaxseed, axseed oil, and axseed lignans have all been studied for their cholesterol-lowering properties. I nd they have a mildly positive efect. Probiotics help maintain good digestive health. These helpful bacteria also help prevent cholesterol from being reabsorbed, and therefore lower the amount of it in the blood. Study results have been mixed, but in a randomized study reported this fall, researchers from McGill University found that participants taking probiotics saw their cholesterol drop by 9 percent. My recommendation is 2 to 4 capsules daily. Garlic, which is lauded for a number of benecial cardiac efects, is also a mild cholesterol and blood pressure reducer. I recommend 1 or 2 capsules a day. Lastly, vitamin C ofers a variety of health benets and has also been found to exert a mild cholesterol-lowering efect. I recommend 2,000 units daily for this purpose. Continued on page 7 Continued from page 3 Look for the USP Label One of the problems with buying vitamins and supplements is that the FDA does not regulate them the way they regulate prescripton drugs. As a result, you may not be getng the potency you expect. Researchers analyzed 55 diferent botles of vitamin D. The pills came from the same manufacturer, but were from diferent lots. They found potencies as low as 9 percent and as high as 140 percent of the listed dose. Although supplement manufacturers dont have to conform to FDA standards, they can comply with the standards set by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Conventon (USP), which helps ensure quality. When buying your supplements, look for the USP stamp on the botle. Current subscribers have instant access to any and every past edition of Dr. Crandalls Heart Health Report. Simply go here: drcrandall.newsmax.com Check your e-mail inbox for this months password. (Please remember to use lowercase letters.) Exclusive to Current Subscribers 6 May 2013 drcrandall.newsmax.com Quick Takes: Tips for Better Heart Health Now Silent A-Fib Causes Stroke According to a new study, people who sufer a stroke for no apparent reason should be tested for what is called silent atrial brillation, a condition that raises stroke risk but does not turn up during routine cardiac testing. Atrial brillation (AF) is a dangerous heartbeat irregularity that disrupts the ow of blood through the heart. It can lead to a blood clot that travels to the brain, causing a stroke. People who have AF can experience a variety of symptoms, including heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, dizziness, or fatigue. However, silent or asymptomatic atrial brillation does not cause symptoms, so it can remain undetected. Recently, at the International Stroke Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, researchers presented data from 572 patients who had experienced either unexplained strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), a condition that causes temporary symptoms similar to stroke. When the researchers tested subjects with a traditional Holter monitor, which records the heartbeat for 24 hours, they found AF in 3 percent. However, when the researchers used a new belt device that monitors the heartbeat for 30 days, they found that 16 percent had undiagnosed AF. Researchers said the study also showed the need to rigorously screen people who had unexplained strokes or TIAs so steps can be taken to reduce risk. Stress Worsens Infammaton Dwelling on negative events raises levels of harmful inammation within the body, a new study nds. And research is pointing to chronic inammation as a source of ailments such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, cancer, and possibly Alzheimers disease as well. Stress is known to release hormones that can fuel inammation, but this new study from researchers at Ohio University is the rst to directly measure the impact of the form of stress that comes from dwelling on negative thoughts and the reaction it has on C-reactive protein, a marker for inammation. For the study, researchers recruited 34 healthy young women and asked each to give a speech about her candidacy for a job to two interviewers in white laboratory coats. Half of the group was asked to dwell on their performance in the public speaking task, while the other half was asked to think about neutral images and activities, such as sailing ships or a trip to the store. The researchers then drew blood samples, which showed levels of C-reactive protein were signicantly higher in the subjects who were asked to dwell on the speech. Their level of inammatory marker continued to rise for at least one hour aferward. During the same time period, the marker returned to initial levels in the subjects who had been asked to focus on other thoughts. This study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Miami, Fla., demonstrates that negative thinking, in this case thinking about a task that may or may not have gone well, can lead to higher levels of unhealthy inammation within the body. Snoring Damages Carotd Arteries People who snore are more likely to have damaged or thickened carotid arteries, a condition that raises stroke risk. The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck, and carry blood from the heart to the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common cause of high blood pressure (hypertension), which adds to stroke risk as well. However, in this new study, which was presented at the 2013 Combined Sections Meeting of the Triological Society, researchers found that snoring can damage the carotid arteries even in the absence of sleep apnea. The researchers speculated that these alterations in the carotid arteries were due to vibrations that damaged and inamed the arteries. Studies on snoring and cardiovascular disease have found mixed results. Last year, researchers showed that people who snored were no more likely than non- snorers to develop cardiovascular disease. But an earlier trial showed loud snorers were signicantly more likely to develop disease. If you snore, consider going to a sleep disorder clinic to nd out the source of the problem. Make sure the one you visit is a reputable clinic, preferably at a major hospital or medical school. Snoring can be a warning signal of heart disease and sudden death. o
A-fb is a heartbeat irregularity that disrupts blood fow through the heart.
May 2013 7 newsmaxhealth.com
Therapies for Diabetes Prevention Adult-onset, or Type 2, diabetes is a serious medical disorder that greatly increases heart attack risk. Research on alternative therapies has concentrated on people with impaired glucose tolerance, a condition also called prediabetes. An estimated 25 to 75 percent of those in this category go on to develop diabetes within the next decade. But just having prediabetes hikes heart disease risk as well. Curcumin, the substance in turmeric spice that gives Indian curry its distinctive yellow color, is an anti-inammatory that bestows many health benets. In a clinical study reported in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers divided 240 people into two groups: one group was given daily curcumin capsules, the other group got a placebo. Afer nine months, 19 of the adults in the placebo group had developed diabetes, but none taking the curcumin capsules did. I suggest 2 to 4 capsules per day. While curcumin does seem to have benets for diabetes, two other alternative therapies currently being studied are a little more ambiguous. Chinese herbs have long been touted for improved glucose tolerance, and there may be something to it. An Australian research team at the University of Western Sydney analyzed 16 trials that involved 1,391 people. In half of the study, those who received the Chinese herbal therapies and modied their lifestyle were more than twice as likely as the others to normalize their glucose levels. But the researchers also sounded a cautious note because the participants who were the most successful also changed their lifestyle, which greatly reduces diabetes risk. In addition, the researchers had no way to guarantee that the Chinese herbs used in each study were identical formulations. Meanwhile, a compound called chromium picolinate was thought to improve glucose metabolism. But research did not nd this to be the case. In a randomized, controlled study, researchers recruited 59 people who did not have diabetes, but were at risk for it because of glucose abnormalities. They were divided into groups that received either 500 or 1,000 mg of chromium picolinate daily, or a placebo. The researchers, writing in the journal Endocrine Practice, also observed no change in glucose or insulin levels in participants who received the dosage of chromium, compared with placebo. In addition, there were no improvements in weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides. But without a doubt, the best alternative therapy for diabetes is exercise. Ive written ofen about exercise as a way to prevent heart disease, but people who already have it may be wondering if I mean them as well. Absolutely. Even patients with congestive heart failure, whose endurance may be compromised, can benet from an exercise program. The American Heart Association recommends 20 to 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week. I endorse walking as an excellent way to get started. Ive found that even my patients whose hearts have been weakened have gradually been able to work up to levels that exceeded their expectations. So, when youre casting about for alternative therapies, dont neglect walking! I want you walking one-hour daily, nonstop. While pharmaceuticals have done a lot to treat heart disease, they are not the only option. Alternative therapies can prevent or even reverse many conditions without the risk of dangerous side efects. o Continued from page 5 Tooth Care Benefts Your Heart When you have gum disease, its easy for some of the bacteria to escape from your mouth and get into the bloodstream, where it travels to the coronary arteries. The bacteria then sets of your bodys immune response, which sends cells to the site to try to heal the damage. Although your bodys response is well-intentoned, the result is that this infammatory state makes it easier for cholesterol deposits to collect on the coronary arteries, narrowing them, and also setng the stage for a blood clot. If that clot ruptures, it can cause a heart atack. So safeguard your heart by taking good care of your teeth. Brush and foss your teeth afer meals and see your dentst regularly. 8 May 2013 drcrandall.newsmax.com I am 58 and on medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. I got a dried berry mix that was labeled All Natural, but sugar was listed in the ingredients. Whats the best way to avoid sugar? Lyn L., St. Martinville, La. Sugar is considered a natural ingredient, so your experience just proves how carefully you must read labels before you purchase it. Food manufacturers know sugar is addictive, which is why its added to so many products. Avoid it by sticking to fresh fruit instead. Do it now, because as you get older, it will only get harder. Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. If its right for you, it will crank up your metabolism and give your weight loss-program a boost. How can a person at my age (67) know whether exercise like walking or jogging will help my heart? I worry it could bring on a heart attack. Bill S., Spring Hill, Fla. Before you start any exercise program, you should see your doctor to rule out underlying heart disease or other medical problems. If you are cleared to do exercise, start with a walking program. I favor walking over jogging, running, or other extreme forms of exercise, especially for people over 50. This will minimize the probability of heart damage and other injuries as well. Gradually get started on your walking program and work your way up to one hour daily. Add a three-times-a-week strength-training program with weights for a good all-around exercise regimen. My dermatologist wants to give me Lamisil to treat a ngernail fungus. He mentioned that this medication is ltered through the liver. I already take 40 mg of a statin. Will taking both of these drugs hurt my liver? Joseph L., Greenville, Tenn. I share your concern. Fungal infections are commonly seen in people with diabetes or other circulatory problems, and those who have compromised immune systems. Your rst priority is to get rid of the fungal infection, because this contributes to inammatory changes within the body that leads to coronary heart disease. Talk to your doctor about stopping the statin drug until the fungal infection clears up. At the same time, switch to a plant-based diet, which should enable you to eliminate the statin permanently. Make sure youre eating a low-starch diet as well, as fungi feed on starch and sugar. Also, make sure youve been tested for diabetes to make certain you are not among the millions of people who are unaware they are diabetic or insulin resistant. Taking probiotics will help in reducing fungal infection. To your heart health,
Chauncey W. Crandall, M.D. Ask Dr. Crandall Dear Readers, I will try to answer as many questions as I can. However, because of the volume of questions, I cannot answer each letter personally. Please include your full name, city, and state when submitting. If you have a question for me, please e-mail it to: askdrcrandall@newsmax.com. New Special Report Shows How to . . . Beat the Street and Triple Your Returns! In his new special report 3 Little- Known Income Strategies to Triple Your Return Wall Street veteran and Newsmax investment strategist Tom Hutchinson reveals a stable, secure way to lock in high-yielding investments and win in the current, challenging economic environment. Get this report exclusively from Newsmax and discover three alternative investment strategies to create substantial cash despite low interest rates, rising ination, and a sideways market including a safe way to generate annual income of 15% or more . . . even if stocks go nowhere. Empower yourself to generate a strong income under just about any circumstances including todays low-yield environment . . . In 3 Little-Known Income Strategies to Triple Your Return, youll discover: A tax-advantaged investment vehicle that pay over 15.30 percent! A professionally managed fund that delivers a rock-solid 9.72 percent annual return. A dollar-hedged utility company located in Brazil that earns investors a stable 6.10 percent return. We will send you a copy of the valuable report 3 Little-Known Income Strategies to Triple Your Return for FREE, as part of a three-month trial offer to the High Income Factor newsletter (a $25 value). This exciting monthly Newsmax newsletter is packed with even more income-generating information you wont nd anywhere else. In every issue of the High Income Factor, former Wall Street insider Tom Hutchinson gives you the full benet of his experience, nding new investments that can give you coveted payouts many thought existed only in the best of times. (800)485-4350 Or Order By Phone: YOUR SPECIAL OFFER CODE 13147-1 Order online: www.newsmax.com/3147 A Total Value of $44 . . . Go online or call today. IMPORTANT NOTE: Your trial subscription to High Income Factor comes with convenient automatic renewal. This means no chance of interrupted service. Thirty days before the end of your trial subscription, Newsmax will notify you that your subscription is ending and will inform you of the renewal rate then in efect. Unless you cancel, your subscription will renew automatically and your credit/debit card on le will be charged the low renewal rate then in efect for another year (12 issues) of High Income Factor. If you want to cancel, just respond to the notice within 30 days, and you will not be charged. You may also cancel by contacting our Customer Service Center at 1-800-485-4350, or completing our online Customer Service Form at http://www.newsmax.com/contact/customerservicecontact. Please remember there is no risk, because you can cancel at any time for a full refund of the unused portion of your subscription.