Grow new blood vessels to repair ailing heart

As you age, your blood vessels stiffen and lose their flexibility. [Click here](1770d7/ct0_0/1/ms?sid=TV2%3A7rJnpBXkN) to view this message in your browser | [Click here](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3A7rJnpBXkN) to stop receiving our messages [] [] Al Sears, MD 11905 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 [] April 12, 2024 [] Reader, As you age, your blood vessels stiffen and lose their flexibility. But years ago, I identified a powerful herb that helps maintain youthful blood flow and flexibility well into old age. Because it does one thing that’s quite remarkable… It helps stimulate the growth of new blood vessels to increase blood flow and circulation.1 This process – called angiogenesis – affects literally every cell in your body. And leads to a long list of whole-body benefits including: - Increased energy - Better brain health and improved cognition - Less inflammation - Faster wound healing - Improved nutrient absorption - Stronger immune health - Increased collagen production to boost skin health And – of course – a lower risk of developing serious illnesses such as heart disease or stroke. I’m talking about astragalus. Here’s how it works: Astragalus contains a group of compounds called astragalosides. These compounds activate specific signaling pathways involved in the growth and repair of blood vessels. These pathways help to increase the production of growth factors and other molecules that support angiogenesis. Additionally, astragalus contains other bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins. These can also contribute to blood vessel growth and health. But angiogenesis is just one of the many ways it can enhance your blood flow and promote heart health. Scientists have also connected astragalus to widened vessels for improved blood flow.2 In the study, researchers recruited 45 patients with poor cardiac function and divided them into two groups. Both received standard care for their disorders, but only one received astragalus. The astragalus group took the herb twice a day for two weeks. After 14 days, researchers found that the astragalus group experienced significant improvement in their heart health compared to the group receiving standard treatment alone.3 In a second study, doctors gathered 62 patients deemed “hopeless.” They had congested heart failure. Some had liver problems. Others had barely functioning immune systems. For 20 days, half took astragalus while the other half received nitroglycerin. The results were astonishing… In 20 days, the nitroglycerin group improved 25%. That’s fantastic considering these patients were practically on death’s door. But the so-called “hopeless patients” using astragalus improved a whopping 74%!4 I recommend taking 500 mg of astragalus extract three times a day. Or take two to three tablespoons of astragalus root powder daily. 2 More Ways You Can Keep Your Blood Flowing Astragalus is just one of nature’s many offerings for superior heart health. Here are two other options that can keep your blood flowing. - Try the Native American heart cure. Hawthorn has been used for centuries as a heart tonic. It works to relax the blood vessels by inhibiting enzymes called angiotensin-converting enzymes. (They are what cause your blood vessels to constrict.) Prescription drugs like ACE inhibitors work the same way. Researchers found that ingesting the leaves and flowers can widen constricted blood vessels – lowering pressure and increasing blood flow. In a second study, researchers found that taking 900 mg of hawthorn berry a day for two months is as effective as prescription heart medications in improving symptoms of heart failure, without the nasty side effects.5 I suggest taking 500 mg twice a day with food. - Use the food of the gods. Cupuaçu is an Amazon rainforest superfruit that tastes like chocolate. It contains two little-known flavonoids called theograndin I and theograndin II. These antioxidants haven’t been found in any other plant on the planet. They work to protect your heart in three ways – it keeps blood vessels and arteries flexible and strong; it helps regulate blood pressure, and it increases circulation.6 In other words, it keeps all key parts of your cardiovascular system working well. Look for wild-harvested capuacu fruit powder from South America. Mix a tablespoon into your smoothie or yogurt. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS --------------------------------------------------------------- References: - Qui H, et al. “Promotion of angiogenesis in vitro by Astragalus polysaccharide via activation of TLR4 signaling pathway.” J Food Biochem. 2022;46(0):e14329. - Wang D, et al. “Study of the effects of total flavonoids of astragalus on atherosclerosis formation and potential mechanisms.” Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012:282383. - Yang Q, et al. “Effects of astragalus on cardiac function and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in patients with chronic heart failure.” Zhonggou Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2010;30(7):699-701. - Liu ZG, et al. “Effect of astragalus injection on immune function in patients with congestive heart failure.” Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2003;23(5):351-353. - Fugh-Berman A. “Herbs and dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.” Prev Cardiol. 2007 Winter;3(1):24-32. - Yang H, et al. “New bioactive polyphenols from Theobroma grandiflorum (“cupuaçu”). J Nat Prod. 66(11):1501-4. alsearsmd@send.alsearsmd.com [Preferences | Unsubscribe](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3A7rJnpBXkN) 11905 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411, United States