The significance of Vitamin C goes beyond just using it for cold symptoms.

When congestion, a scratchy throat, and a general feeling of sickness strike, many individuals rush to the pharmacy or health store for vitamin C tablets. However, this approach is misguided. It is essential to consume the vitamin daily. One key reason for this is its effectiveness in prevention rather than cure, so waiting until a cold sets in to start taking it is not ideal. Moreover, there is a far more crucial reason to incorporate vitamin C into your daily routine: It aids in preventing heart attacks. This discovery is highly significant, and you shouldn't overlook it...

LDL Cholesterol is not the Culprit

Why do heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) primarily affect the heart but rarely other organs? Why do arterial walls accumulate plaques while veins do not? What makes humans susceptible to heart attacks while most other animals are not affected? What sets humans apart? Dr. Matthias Rath, a renowned German doctor and scientist in alternative medicine circles, delved into these questions regarding heart disease in the 1980s. By 1991, he had formulated a hypothesis. . .

Unconventional Insights on Heart Health

Arteries, positioned above the heart, endure blood pressure that is significantly higher than in other blood vessels. Collagen provides stability to arteries, but without an adequate supply of vitamin C—necessary for collagen production—the walls of arteries become unstable. Microscopic fissures develop between the cell layers forming the blood vessels. This prompts the liver to dispatch the most effective repair substance available: a modified form of LDL cholesterol known as lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a). While LDL is present in the arteries, the Framingham Heart Study, the largest investigation into cardiovascular risk factors, revealed that Lp(a) poses a ten-fold higher risk for heart disease than cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. According to Dr. Rath, our primary concern should be Lp(a), not LDL cholesterol. Lp(a) repairs the arteries, but in individuals with chronic vitamin C deficiency, Lp(a) can become problematic by continuously forming deposits.

Answers to Lingering Questions. . .

While initially theoretical, this explanation logically addresses each question. Arteries are affected due to the heart's rhythmic pumping, which exposes and stresses underlying weaknesses in this area first. Veins do not accumulate plaques because high blood pressure is exclusive to arteries. Animals are spared from heart attacks because, with few exceptions, they produce vitamin C internally. Additionally, they do not require Lp(a), so their bodies do not generate it. In contrast, humans must acquire vitamin C through their diet.

Validation of the Theory in Experimental Settings

Following the formulation of his theory, Dr. Rath conducted numerous studies and published his findings. To assist in his research, his scientific team engineered a genetically modified mouse with a metabolism resembling that of humans. The mouse's ability to produce vitamin C was disabled, and the gene for Lp(a) production was introduced. Through studies utilizing test tubes and transgenic mice, he uncovered the following:

• Lp(a) is present at plaque sites, even in early lesions
• Lp(a) is the primary contributor to atherosclerotic plaques
• The quantity of Lp(a) corresponds with the size of atherosclerotic deposits in the arteries. Greater deposits within the arteries correlate with higher levels of Lp(a) within the arterial wall
• Lp(a) is a prominent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases
• Mice receiving sufficient vitamin C maintain clear arteries, while those with prolonged deficiencies develop fissures, lesions, and plaques in their arteries
• The deterioration of connective tissue (collagen) along the artery walls initiates this process
• Vitamin C and other essential micronutrients fortify artery walls
• Plaque accumulation can be reversed

Halting and Reversing Coronary Calcification

Can high-dose vitamin C produce positive outcomes in humans? Dr. Rath and his team tested this treatment on 55 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease confirmed by Ultrafast CT scans. These scans can identify calcium deposits within plaques, serving as an excellent indicator of plaque progression. Over 12 months, the patients were administered 2,700 mg of vitamin C daily alongside 30 other nutrients. These nutrients function synergistically, with several involved in collagen synthesis and present in the artery wall, necessitating a comprehensive nutritional approach when treating existing conditions. The researchers concluded, "The most significant discovery from this study is that coronary artery disease can be effectively prevented and treated using natural methods. "This nutritional supplement regimen successfully slowed the progression of coronary artery disease within just one year, regardless of the disease's stage. "Most notably, in patients with early coronary calcifications, this nutritional program effectively halted further progression. In some cases with minor calcified deposits, the nutritional intervention led to their complete disappearance." Therefore, it's time to stop viewing vitamin C solely as a cold remedy. Ensure you consume at least 250 mg of this nutrient daily, alongside a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to safeguard your arteries. 

Selenium is a vital micronutrient with profound impacts on immune function, heart health, and hormone regulation. Recent studies from China suggest a strong link between increased selenium intake and enhanced recovery rates from COVID-19. This essential mineral is also associated with cancer prevention, cognitive well-being, and defense against environmental pollutants. While selenium deficiency can compromise the immune system, excessive intake carries its own risks. Natural sources like Brazil nuts provide a safe and efficient means to maintain optimal selenium levels. Understanding the significance of selenium could revolutionize long-term health and disease prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the top natural selenium sources?

Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, fish, meat, eggs, and whole grains. The selenium content in plant-based foods varies based on the soil quality where they are cultivated.

How does selenium influence the immune system?

Selenium plays a crucial role in generating proteins that bolster immune responses, aiding the body in combating infections and reducing inflammation.

Can selenium truly help prevent severe symptoms of COVID-19?

Research indicates that higher selenium intake is linked to improved recovery rates from COVID-19, although further studies are necessary to establish direct causation.

What are the consequences of excessive selenium consumption?

An overabundance of selenium can lead to toxicity, manifesting as symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and nail discoloration.

Should I use selenium supplements?

While supplements can be beneficial in cases of deficiency, obtaining selenium from food sources is generally safer to prevent overconsumption. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before introducing supplements.