I was going through some storage bins over the weekend and came across this crazy drawing you see on the left. It’s from my biochemistry class in college. It represents energy production. It also has a direct application to cardiovascular health. In fact, once you understand it you will realize how important good circulation is to your health and your ability to produce energy. 

It looks pretty confusing but let me help you understand it by asking you a very simple question: 

If You Had a Stock Option That Paid You a Return of 2% or 36% Which Would You Choose? 

Every person I’ve ever asked this question to always chooses 36%. Why? Because it returns a higher yield. Well, this is the difference in energy production between anaerobic respiration and aerobic respiration. 

Anaerobic Respiration – Energy Production Without Oxygen!

The top half of this drawing represents the energy production achieved by anaerobic respiration. As your blood filters through the liver, glucose (blood sugar) is added to your blood stream. This is carried to your cells to be converted into energy. When your cell lacks oxygen it uses a chemical process called anaerobic respiration to convert the glucose into energy. It’s extremely inefficient and the net result is just 2 units of energy. 

Plus it produces a byproduct called pyruvic acid. If oxygen is not present then the cell converts this pyruvic acid to lactic acid. This allows the cell to continue to produce a small quantity of energy. However, lactic acid is an irritant. It causes that burning sensation you feel when you’ve overused a muscle and it interferes with proper cell function. 

The net result of anaerobic respiration is poor energy production and a large amount of waste material that disrupts the proper function of the cells, tissues, and organs. 

Aerobic Respiration – Energy Production With Oxygen!

When oxygen is present the pyruvic acid will enter the mitochondria of your cells to be used in the Kreb’s cycle. (If you think this drawing is confusing and crazy you should see the drawing for the Kreb’s cycle.) Think of your mitochondria as an energy producing factory. 

This process will take that one unit of glucose and convert it into 36 units of energy. This is 18 times more productive than anaerobic respiration. Plus, the waste products are carbon dioxide and water. You breath out carbon dioxide and you eliminate any excess water. Neither of these two waste products damage your cells, tissues, and organs.  

While aerobic respiration can cause oxidative stress to cells, the net result is large energy production with waste material that is not disruptive to the proper functioning of your cells, tissues, and organs. 

Government versus Private Sector

Some have even compared this process of energy production to the difference between government run programs and private sector programs. Anaerobic respiration, like the government, is very inefficient and produces only a small return on investment; 1 unit of glucose yields 2 units of energy with bureaucratic red tape that can clog and slow down the system. 

Aerobic respiration, like the private sector, is very efficient and produces a large return on investment; 1 unit of glucose yields 36 units of energy with an assembly line that is highly productive but also needs proper maintenance to continue its accelerated production.  

What Does All This Have To Do With Cardiovascular Health? 

Your red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues and cells. If your cardiovascular system is damaged by cholesterol, excess sugar that causes oxidative stress, plaque formations, and other contributing factors, then you begin to limit blood flow. This damage limits the delivery of oxygen and causes your cells to depend more on anaerobic respiration for their energy needs.  

Because anaerobic respiration can’t keep up with the needs of the cells, the cells have to slow down. They become less efficient and sluggish in their job. Compound this with the waste products produced from anaerobic respiration and you have a cycle that leads to poor organ health and poor overall wellness. 

The Key to Reversing This Cycle!

The key to reversing this degenerating cycle is to improve blood circulation by repairing the damage caused to the endothelial cells that line all of your cardiovascular system. As you improve the health of your endothelial cells they are able to properly produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the master signaling molecule of the cardiovascular system. This means that nitric oxide is needed to properly regulate blood flow to the cells, tissues, and organs.  

This dramatically improves blood flow, which then delivers more oxygen. More oxygen produces more energy and waste products that are easily transported away from the cells, tissues, and organs. The net result is improved organ function, improved energy, and a higher level of overall wellness. 

By properly combining the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline with key antioxidants you can repair your endothelial cells and improve their ability to create nitric oxide. This has been clinically shown to improve circulation and reverse many cardiovascular health issues. It’s what makes the ProArgi-9 Plus product so effective in helping people improve their energy production and cardiovascular health. 

It’s pretty amazing how improved blood flow to all your cells, tissues, and organs can make such a significant difference in your overall health. But, there is still one other factor we need to address. That factor is the need for antioxidants to help protect your cells when oxygen is used to create all this wonderful energy. We’ll talk about this in my next post.

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer is a Wellness Educator who has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology. He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicago area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam. The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.

When I wrote the title for this post I immediately thought of my father who passed away in 1987. He died of a massive heart attack. He died while on a fishing trip in Minnesota. He was sitting in the cabin with his friends eating his favorite snack. Popcorn loaded with butter. He died at the young age of 67. 

Like his father who died of a heart attack and his mom who died of a heart attack, he followed their pathway. Was it genetics and heredity that caused this event? Or, was it lifestyle and food choices? Most likely a combination of both with a greater emphasis on food choices.  

Just like in 1987, as it is today, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease are still the number one killer of all people. So, the question is still the same:  

Can Heart Attacks Be Prevented?  

While the question remains the same the outcome can be significantly different! 

Eleven years after my father’s death from a heart attack the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to three American researchers for their remarkable discovery of how the endothelial cells, which line all of your cardiovascular system, create nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the master signaling molecule of the cardiovascular system and it has a huge impact on cardiovascular health.  

One of those researchers who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine is Dr. Louis J. Ignarro. In his 2005 National Bestseller entitled NO More Heart Disease, Dr. Ignarro made the following statement: 

“NO – as it is known by chemists – is produced by the body specifically to help keep arteries and veins free of the plaque that causes stroke and to maintain normal blood pressure by relaxing the arteries, thereby regulating the rate of blood flow and preventing coronaries. Nitric oxide is the body’s natural cardiovascular wonder drug.”

Even before Dr. Ignarro’s Nobel Prize there was an event taking place that has significantly moved the discoveries made in the lab to practical clinical results in humans.  

Let me introduce you to Dr. J. Joseph Prendergast or Dr. Joe as he prefers to call himself. Dr. Joe is a leading endocrinologist from Palo Alto, CA and a nationally acclaimed expert on L-arginine therapy. L-arginine is the amino acid your endothelial cells use to create nitric oxide, the master signaling molecule of your cardiovascular system. 

Since 1991, Dr. Joe has been personally using L-arginine and recommending it to his patients. Through his close personal association with Dr. John Cooke at the Stanford School of Medicine’s Cardiovascular Research Center, Dr. Joe has been able to incorporate cutting edge vascular research done in the lab into actual patient care. True clinical application that has benefited thousands of his patients and tens of thousands of people around the world. 

Dr. Joe’s clinical application of proper L-arginine therapy has benefited over 7,000 of his own patients resulting in less than 1% patient hospital admissions in 17 years. This is a phenomenal record especially then you realize that 80% of his patients are diabetics who typically have hospital admissions for cardiovascular issues. Because of this remarkable record the American Diabetes Association awarded Dr. Joe the Father of the Year Award in 2008. 

Dr. Joe is the product formulator of ProArgi-9 Plus and it causes me to ask the question: 

Would my dad be alive today if he had access to ProArgi-9 Plus? 

From all the clinical research I’ve seen and the people I’ve been able to help, I believe he would have greatly benefited from this product. It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about ProArgi-9 Plus. I truly believe in this product and its ability to improve the cardiovascular health of every person. 

To help you better understand how unique and powerful ProArgi-9 Plus is, I’ve created a webinar for you. Here is the link: 

http://www.screencast.com/t/ZWY2MmYwOT

(Please note that the webinar presentation is 30 minutes long. Once you click on the arrow to start it, please give it 10-15 seconds to load. The remaining time is used to answer questions from those attending.) 

Now you can understand why I believe so strongly in ProArgi-9 Plus. It is a remarkable product that has huge potential to benefit people. Especially those who have cardiovascular health issues.  

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology. He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam. The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.

I’ve been asked by many of my clients and visitors to this website to put together a short video on ProArgi-9 Plus instructions. I’ve just completed this video. In it I go into detail on how to take this unique and remarkable product. A product designed to help repair the endothelial cells of your cardiovascular system; to improve their ability to properly produce nitric oxide over a long period of time.  

If you remember from previous posts, nitric oxide is the master signaling molecule of the cardiovascular system. Additionally, nitric oxide is critical to other very important biological functions.  

Here is the video. In addition to the ProArgi-9 Plus instructions I also answer several questions like: 

• How much ProArgi-9 Plus should you take?

• When is the best time of day to take ProArgi-9 Plus? Mornings? Afternoon? Before you go to bed?

• Can you take ProArgi-9 Plus with food?

• Can athletes use ProArgi-9 Plus?

• Does ProArgi-9 Plus interfere with medications?

I hope this video was helpful in understanding how to take ProArgi-9 Plus. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends. 

To Order ProArgi-9 Plus!

If you’re interested in ordering ProArgi-9 Plus then please click on “Quick Order Page for ProArgi-9 Plus.” Once on the page I would ask you to “Bookmark” it so that you can conveniently return to it whenever you need to.  

I absolutely believe in this product and have witnessed its amazing ability to improve the cardiovascular health of people. With that said I’m not a doctor and would never want to replace your physician or doctor. Instead, I want to work with you and your health care provider to make sure this is right for you. If you or your health care provider have any questions, then please email me or call me. My contact information is: 

dan@agingnomore.com

630-936-8079

I will try to provide you and your health care provider with the information you need to make the best decision for you. Our goal is to help as many people as possible see significant improvements in their cardiovascular system so that they can enjoy a higher quality of life. 

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology. He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.  

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam. The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.

I came across this short but very interesting video of Dr. J. Joseph Prendergast.  For those who don’t know Dr. Joe (as he prefers to call himself), he is the product formulator of ProArgi-9 Plus.  Dr. Joe is Board Certified in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology and Metabolism.  He is an expert in integrative L-arginine therapy and has been using this type of therapy in his practice since 1991.  

Due to family heredity Dr. Joe was diagnosed at the age of 37 with severe atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  It was estimated that he had the cardiovascular system of an 80 year old individual.  This led him on a quest to find a solution to his health problem.  Using cutting edge research from Dr. John Cooke and Nobel Prize winning science from Dr. Louis Ignarro and others, Dr. Joe began to work on L-arginine / L-citrulline formulations; formulations that would positively impact the health of the endothelial cells and their ability to repair themselves and produce Nitric Oxide.  

The results not only benefited Dr. Joe, by reversing his atherosclerosis, but also his patient population of diabetics who had been suffering from cardiovascular issues.  Prior to his discoveries on how to effectively use L-arginine and L-citrulline, Dr. Joe use to refer many of his patients for by-pass surgery.  Since becoming an expert in integrative L-arginine therapy this has changed dramatically.  In fact, Dr. Joe makes the following statement in this video: 

“. . . 80% of the people have diabetes and in 17 years we have had no problems with strokes, no problems with heart attacks, I’ve not even had any admissions in 17 years.  So this is a striking example in how we can use this product for real power for health. . . “ 

I would ask you to think about that.  Over the last 17 years Dr. Joe has had no admissions to the hospital for cardiovascular disease.  This is remarkable when you consider that most of his patients are diabetics.  It was so remarkable that the American Diabetes Association awarded Dr. Joe the Father of the Year award for 2008. 

Please click on “ProArgi-9 Plus” below to view this video!

Please Note:  This link takes a couple of seconds to load.  Once it loads you have to click on the “play button” for it to start.  It then takes a couple of seconds to play.  Please be patient for what Dr. Joe has to say is well worth waiting for! 

 Thank you for taking the time to watch this short but powerful video.  I’d like to leave you with one important question: 

How would your life change if you where one of Dr. Joe’s patients, especially if you’re a diabetic? 

I’ll let you answer that question privately.  I want to thank Dr. Joe for taking his personal health challenge, combining it with cutting edge vascular research, Nobel Prize winning science, and proven clinical results to create ProArgi-9 Plus.  A product that has helped both him and thousands of others improve their health. 

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology.  He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.   

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam.  The information contain in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.

Sickle cell disease primarily affects people of African, African American, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian Indian ancestry. There is also a growing segment in the Latino-American population particularly those of Caribbean, Central American, and South American ancestry that are affect by this disease.  In the United States one out of every 400 births has this disease.  The most common type of sickle cell disease is sickle cell anemia.  In my companion article “African Americans and Sickle Cell Anemia” I covered a lot of material about the cause and symptoms of this disease.  

This article will provide you with 14 helpful steps in managing this disease.  Plus, new research confirms the importance of proper nitric oxide production in helping to reduce the painful symptoms of sickle cell anemia. 

Brief Overview of Sickle Cell Disease! 

Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic change in the hemoglobin portion of the red blood cell.  Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside the red blood cell.  Normal red blood cells are oval and flexible.  Red blood cells in sickle cell disease have a tendency to reshape themselves into rod-like structures that resemble the curved blade of a sickle; thus, the term sickle cell.  

Sickle cells have a much shorter life span than normal red blood cells.  This results in chronic anemia and reduced oxygen to the tissues of the body.  In addition, sickle cells are less flexible than normal red blood cells.  This presents a problem.  They become trapped in the small blood vessels preventing blood flow to the body’s tissues and organs.  This compromises the delivery of oxygen and usually results in pain and potential damage to the associated tissues and organs. 

Recent Research – The Importance of Nitric Oxide! 

Researchers at Duke University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute recently discovered one of the keys to the cause of pain in sickle cell disease.  Their findings were reported in the January 31, 2005 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.  Their research showed that when normal red blood cells move through the arteries they release a signaling molecule that tells the arterial walls to expand.  The signaling molecule is nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide causes the smooth muscle in the wall of the blood vessel to relax.  This helps to open up the blood vessel allowing the red blood cells to pass through it.  

The researchers at Duke University discovered that when red blood cells distort to their sickle shape, the walls of the arteries don’t expand.  This distorted shape of the sickle cells, combined with the fact that they tend to clump together, ends up blocking blood flow through these small arteries and capillaries.  The Duke researchers also noted that as the blood pulses, the walls of the arteries didn’t expand like they do when normal red blood cells are present. 

Their research also noted that the degree of nitric oxide deficiency directly correlated with symptom severity for those with sickle cell disease.  This means that the less nitric oxide produced the greater the pain.  The Duke/HHMI study found that when nitric oxide was administered to people with sickle cell anemia their symptoms were relieved.  One of the conclusions from this study was that abnormal nitric oxide processing may be the real cause of sickle cell circulatory restrictions.  In addition to the Duke/HHMI study, several other studies have demonstrated that when nitric oxide is administrated to people with sickle cell anemia their symptoms are greatly reduced.         

1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine! 

In 1998 the Nobel Prize in Medicine was award to three American researchers.  Part of what came out of their research was that the primary pathway for creating nitric oxide in the body came from an essential amino acid called L-arginine.  L-arginine is called an essential amino acid because your body cannot produce it.  It must be brought into your body through your diet.  L-arginine is found in foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, meat, and other proteins.  In fact, L-arginine is considered one of the most important molecules ever discovered.  Columbia University refers to L-arginine as the “MAGIC BULLET” for the cardiovascular system.  

Genetic Polymorphism and the Importance of L-citrulline! 

Unfortunately, there is a genetic polymorphism common to the African-American community.  Many African-Americans produce too much of an enzyme called arginase.  In the bloodstream, arginase destroys L-arginine so that it is no longer available for the production of nitric oxide.  This compounds the problem of not have a sufficient supply of nitric oxide available to help relax the small arterial walls.  This is especially important when the red blood cells change into their sickle form. 

Fortunately, there is an amino acid that your body can convert to L-arginine to help bypass the arginase enzyme.  It is L-citrulline.  A recent paper (January 18, 2010) entitled Potential utility of full-spectrum antioxidant therapy, citrulline, and dietary nitrate in the management of sickle cell disease by MF McCarty discussed this very issue.  Here is a brief but important quote from this paper: 

“Suboptimal endothelial arginine levels, reflecting increased plasma arginase activity and elevated ADMA, contribute to the loss of NO bioactivity in sickle cell disease; supplementation with the arginine precursor citrulline may ameliorate this defect.” 

This means that proper dietary supplementation using the amino acid L-citrulline can help the body bypass the destructive effects of the enzyme arginase so that proper nitric oxide production can be restored.  Since nitric oxide regulates the muscle tone of blood vessels this becomes extremely important in preventing blockages.  Additionally, nitric oxide prevents blood platelet cells from grouping together in a clot which also helps to prevent blockages in the blood vessels. 

14 Steps to Help Those with Sickle Cell Disease!

Understanding the past and most current research will help to chart a plan of action to help those who suffer from sickle cell disease.  The following 14 steps will help in this process.  However, please remember that these steps are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding this or any medical condition.  Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.  If you think you may have a medical emergency, always call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

Step 1 – Proper hydration.  It’s estimated that 75% of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration.  This will affect blood flow so getting the proper amount of water on a daily basis is critically important.  And, it must be pure water!  Pop, coffee, diet soda, alcohol, or other doctored beverages do not count.  Your body must replace 2-3 quarts of water everyday.  As a rule of thumb, for every 15 lbs of weight, you need 8 ounces (1 cup) of water.   

Step 2 – Stay warm.  Cold reduces blood flow because capillaries constrict.  If you live in a cold environment, then take extra precaution to keep your extremities, especially fingers and toes, properly protected.  

Step 3 – Avoid high altitudes.  Geographic locations with high elevations should be avoided due to the reduce level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

Step 4 – Exercise.  Intense exercise should be avoided but mild to moderate aerobic exercise can be a benefit.  Exercise improves blood flow.  Research has shown that blood flow across the endothelial cells will stimulate nitric oxide production.  Additionally, exercise will produce collateral capillary beds that can aid in providing alternative pathways for blood flow when an arterial pathway becomes blocked.  Collateral capillary beds are extremely important for those with sickle cell disease.  However, before starting an exercise program, you should always consult your physician.  

Step 5 – L-arginine supplementation.  The body utilizes L-arginine to create nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide is necessary for the proper function of the cardiovascular system especially in the control of the elasticity of the arterial walls.  

Now, before you go out and start buying L-arginine supplements you need to be aware of the dark side of this amino acid.  L-arginine ingested in its pure form tastes terrible.  By itself, L-arginine can have some serious side effects.  Because L-arginine can have negative side effects it must be properly formulated if it is to have a positive impact on helping the body create nitric oxide.  It is critical that the company and the person who formulates an L-arginine product have both experience and clinical documentation to its effectiveness.

From my experience, the best L-arginine supplement comes from Synergy WorldWide.  Their product, ProArgi-9 Plus, was developed by Dr. Joe Prendergast who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology and Metabolism.  Dr. Prendergast is an expert in integrative L-arginine therapy and has been using it in his practice since 1991.  As a precaution, you should discuss this with both your physician and pharmacist especially if you are on any type of medication. 

Step 6 – L-citrulline supplementation.  This step is as important as step number 5 and maybe even more important.  Usually L-arginine provides a 30 minute to 2 hour window of improved nitric oxide production.  By supplementing with L-citrulline that window of improved nitric oxide production increases to 24 to 36 hours.  When properly combined with L-arginine and other important heart healthy ingredients, this dramatically improves the endothelial cells ability to properly produce nitric oxide, the master signaling molecule for the cardiovascular system.  This is an important component in ProArgi-9 Plus. 

Step 7 – Rest.  It’s important to get adequate rest since stress can have a negative effect on your overall health and wellness as well as lowering your immune system. 

Step 8 – Support your immune system.  There is so much that could be said in this area.  Increasing your consumption of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables would be an important first step.  Daily consumption of at least 500 mg of vitamin C would help both the immune system and liver function.  

Step 9 – Support your liver.  Again, there is so much that could be said in this area.  Adequate amounts of green leafy vegetables with proper water intake are two good first steps to help the liver.  Taking 500 mg of vitamin C will help increase the rate of synthesis of glutathione which is a major component in liver detoxification. 

Step 10 – Avoid people with colds and flu.  Try not to place yourself in situations that allow for infections to occur.  This may require you to use a mask if your work or school environment is compromised with illness issues. 

Step 11 – Immunizations.  Stay up-to-date with the proper immunizations.  Work with your health care provider to set up a schedule so that all the proper steps are taken to stay on top of this area. 

Step 12 – Folic acid supplementation.  Folic acid is a necessary component for the production of red blood cells.  The recommended daily amount for adults is 400 micrograms and 600 micrograms in pregnancy.  If you are thinking about taking a larger amount, then you should discuss this with both your physician and pharmacist.  This is an important component in ProArgi-9 Plus.

Step 13 – Support groups.  Because of the emotional challenges that come with sickle cell disease it always helps to find a support group to share frustrations, challenges, hopes, and successes. 

Step 14 – Family planning.  Due to the genetic nature of sickle cell disease, it’s always helpful to discuss options with a family practitioner who has experience in genetic counseling.  

Because of the genetic nature of sickle cell disease there is no pill to cure it.  This can leave individuals and family members feeling helpless in their battle against the symptoms of this disease.  That’s why it’s important to discuss these 14 steps with a qualified physician.  Together you can develop a plan of action; one that will empower you to have better control over the symptoms of sickle cell disease. 

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology.  He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years. 

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam.  The information contain in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of people worldwide.  Unfortunately, it’s even worse for the African American community.  There are several reasons for this and hopefully this article will help begin the process of changing this sad reality.   To address these reasons I’ve broken this article into three parts:  The Bad News, Several Underlining Causes, and Steps to Decrease Your Risk! 

The Bad News! 

It’s important for you to understand the depth of cardiovascular disease confronting the African American community.  Below is a brief summary of the ailments that directly affect African Americans:  

• Diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes has grown to epidemic proportions in the United States.  People with diabetes have a greater risk for stroke, heart disease and circulatory issues.  Most diabetes-related deaths are due to cardiovascular disease.  Twice as many African Americans will develop diabetes when compared to the Caucasian community. 
• Erectile Dysfunction.  Erectile dysfunction affects 50% of the male population over the age 40 and is even greater in the African American community. 
• Heart Disease.  African American women in the age range of 25-44 have a 2.5 times greater risk of coronary heart disease and African American men have a 1.5 times greater risk than the Caucasian community. 
• High Blood Pressure.  The number one risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, and 1 out of every 3 African Americans suffers from this ailment.  The American Heart Association estimates that 28% of African American adults and more than 66% of African Americans over the age of 60 have high blood pressure.  
• High Cholesterol Levels.  High blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease.  Unfortunately 50% of African American men and 54% of women have too much cholesterol circulating in their blood stream. 
• Sickle Cell Anemia.  It’s estimated that one in 12 African Americans has sickle cell trait and one out of every 400 births have sickle cell anemia. 
• Stroke.  African Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke as Caucasians.  The rate of having their first stroke is almost doubled that of Caucasians.  One half of all African American women will die from either a stroke or heart disease.  For those with sickle cell anemia, 11% will have experienced a stroke by the age of 20.  

That’s quite a list of ailments affecting African Americans.  If you look closely at all seven health issues you will see that the common denominator is your cardiovascular system.     

The key for reducing your health risk for these cardiovascular diseases is to make sure your cardiovascular system is as healthy as possible.  This article will provide several steps to address this but before we do you need to understand some of the underlining causes of why cardiovascular disease is so prevalent in the African American community. 

Several Underlining Causes! 

Within your cardiovascular system there is one particular essential amino acid, one critical signaling molecule, one critical cellular structure and one detrimental enzyme that directly impact its overall health.  They are: 

• L-arginine – Key Essential Amino Acid
• Nitric Oxide – Key Signaling Molecule
• Endothelial Cells – Key Cellular Structure
• Arginase – Key Detrimental Enzyme 

The first three keys of L-arginine, nitric oxide and endothelial cells are interrelated so we will examine them as a whole.  The endothelial cells form the interior lining of all your blood vessels.  These cells ultimately determine your cardiovascular health.  One function of these endothelial cells is to take the essential amino acid L-arginine and convert it into the signaling molecule nitric oxide.  Very simply, you couldn’t live without nitric oxide! 

Nitric oxide is the master signaling molecule of the cardiovascular system.  It regulates blood vessel tone and flexibility.  Its production is completely dependent upon the health of your endothelial cells and an adequate supply of the essential amino acid L-arginine.  Here are some of the benefits of nitric oxide: 

• Nitric oxide regulates the muscle tone of blood vessels to have a major impact on controlling blood pressure.  This directly relates to high blood pressure.
• Nitric oxide causes penile erections by dilating blood vessels.  This directly relates to erectile dysfunction.
• Nitric oxide prevents blood platelet cells from grouping together in a clot.  This minimizes blockages in the blood vessels to reduce the risk for heart attacks, strokes and complications from sickle cell anemia.
• Nitric oxide promotes vascular reparative mechanisms and is one of the keys to reversing atherosclerosis.  This helps to reduce the damage caused by high cholesterol levels and assists in preventing the vascular complications of diabetes. 

Nitric oxide is literally involved in all cells to help keep you fit and healthy.  It’s important to understand that this interrelationship between the endothelial cells, L-arginine and nitric oxide production is common for all races.  

What is not common is a genetic polymorphism inherent to the African American population.  This genetic polymorphism causes African Americans to have higher levels of an enzyme called arginase in their blood stream.  Arginase destroys L-arginine which is the main ingredient for creating nitric oxide in the body. 

For the African American community, nitric oxide production is compromised on both sides of the equation!

On the front end, the enzyme arginase destroys L-arginine which interferes with the production of nitric oxide.  On the back end, the health of your endothelial cells determines how much of the remaining L-arginine can be converted to nitric oxide.  Unfortunately, your endothelial cells are damaged by high blood pressure, high sugar levels, high cholesterol, smoking, and oxidative stress.  This damage reduces the production of nitric oxide which compounds the problem and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. 

Steps to Decrease Your Risk! 

Given the above information there are several important steps to decreasing your risk for cardiovascular disease.      

Step 1 – Monitor your blood pressure.  High blood pressure damages your endothelial cells.  If you do not know what your blood pressure is then you need to go to your doctor’s office, local pharmacy or health clinic and get your blood pressure taken.  If you have high blood pressure, then you need to take steps to bring it back into a normal range.  This is your first and most important step.  It’s so important that the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program was established to exclusively address the issue of high blood pressure on a national level.  For more information on participating barbershops, go to http://www.blackbarbershop.org/ .

Step 2 – Monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  High sugar and cholesterol levels damage your endothelial cells.  Diet is extremely important for both of these areas.  One simple but highly effective step to stabilize your blood sugar levels and help your body naturally reduce its cholesterol levels is to increase your fiber intake.  Including dry beans or legumes into your diet is a quick and delicious way to increase your fiber intake. In fact studies have shown that consuming dry beans four times or more per week, compared with less than once a week, lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 22 percent. 

Step 3 – Stop smoking!  Smoking damages your endothelial cells.  This is a nasty habit that is extremely hard to break.  Part of the process is having a motivation greater than the habit.  

If your very life isn’t motivation enough, then maybe for the men your sex life is! 

Your endothelial cells control your nitric oxide production.  Your nitric oxide levels control an erection.  No nitric oxide no sex!  Every puff on your cigarette is destroying your endothelial cells which lowers your nitric oxide level and reduces your chances of having good sex.  

Step 4 – Increase L-arginine intake!  In addition to protecting your endothelial cells, you need to get an adequate intake of the essential amino acid L-arginine which is found in foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, meat, and other protein sources.  Most people take in enough L-arginine to meet basic bodily needs.  However, when your diet is poor and/or your stress level is high, then this essential amino acid will be lacking.  Couple this with the enzyme arginase that destroys L-arginine and the potential risk for cardiovascular disease is increased. 

Step 5 – Use L-citrulline to bypass Arginase!  Your body will convert the amino acid L-citrulline into L-arginine to help maintain its production of nitric oxide.  This process also helps to bypass the arginase enzyme since it has no effect on L-citrulline.  Having a good supply of L-citrulline provides the body with a 24 to 36 hour window in the production of nitric oxide.  This is important for all population groups but it’s critically important for African Americans especially those with sickle cell anemia.  Unfortunately, L-citrulline is not prevalent in most foods we eat.  Thus, supplementation is usually required. 

Step 6 – Consider ProArgi-9 Plus!  There is a clinically proven nutritional supplement called ProArgi-9 Plus which has the ability to bring in the proper balance of L-arginine and L-citrulline.  This product also combines other heart healthy ingredients to significantly improve the health of the endothelial cells and their ability to properly produce nitric oxide.  The most recent validation for this product is the remarkable results obtain for 33 congestive heart failure patients in the High Desert Heart Institute study.  

Conclusion

You have the power to directly improve the health of your endothelial cells to significantly reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.  And, for those with sickle cell anemia, you can help to reduce your symptoms.  It all centers on helping your endothelial cells function optimally, with an above average supply of L-arginine, and a way to bypass the arginase enzyme so that nitric oxide is properly produced.  Improved production of nitric oxide is critical to helping African Americans decrease their risk for cardiovascular disease!

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology.  He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.   

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam.  The information contain in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.

I have chosen to use a question mark and an exclamation mark in the article’s title, dealing with erectile dysfunction, for a reason.  For some men who have recently experienced problems in the bedroom, they’re not sure if they have erectile dysfunction or not.  For them it’s a question mark that needs more time to determine its final outcome. 

For other men they know that their erectile dysfunction is real and they are alarmed.  They’re seeking answers to their problem and searching the internet for help.  For them the exclamation is a sign of worry and concern.  

Finally, there are men who have never had this problem or have found solutions that have corrected their problem and are no longer dealing with erectile dysfunction.  For them the exclamation is a sign of relief. 

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction or think that you might have a potential problem in this area, then one of the most important tools to help you is good, concise knowledge.  Knowledge that can help you: 

•       Understand that it’s a common problem for men over the age of 40.
•       Find the real underlying cause. 
•       Develop a treatment program that can truly work for you.  

This post is designed to help provide you with knowledge and a potential solution so that the question mark can become an exclamation mark based upon positive results. 

The Facts about Dealing with Erectile Dysfunction!

Many men feel embarrassment so they typically try to hide the problem.  They try to hide it from their partner.  They try to hide it from their doctor.  So the first thing you need to know is that dealing with erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men especially after the age of 40.  Plus, the potential for this problem continues to increase as you get older.  

Maybe not what you wanted to hear but it is truth. 

The other part of the truth equation is that it doesn’t have to be this way.  The health of your penis is tied to the health of your body.  Many may see this as a simplistic answer but it is true for most men.  It’s estimated that 70 percent of all erectile dysfunction is caused by a medical condition.  Usually that medical condition centers on the health of your cardiovascular system.  More specifically it centers on the endothelial cells that line all of your cardiovascular system and their ability to properly produce nitric oxide.  

Dr. Arthur Burnett, a Johns Hopkins urologist and leading nitric oxide researcher will clearly tell you that nitric oxide is the chemical messenger that produces erections and that without it there could be no natural erections.  This is also echoed by the 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine Dr. Louis Ignarro who, with 2 other American researchers, discovered how the endothelial cells produce nitric oxide to dilate blood vessels.  In Dr. Ignarro’s book NO More Heart Disease he makes the following two statements: 

“By 1990, our experiments indicated that NO is also the chemical messenger responsible for penile erections.  Nerves in the erectile tissues release NO, dilating the blood vessels and initiating erections.” – page 11 

“For many years, men with erectile dysfunction were told that they suffered from a psychological dysfunction.  Most physicians claimed ‘It’s in your head,’ since they felt impotence stemmed from performance anxiety or sexual disinterest. . . . My own research has shown that the erectile tissues of men with severe erectile dysfunction produce much less nitric oxide than men without this problem.  Unless there is a way to increase their NO levels, erections simply are not going to be possible.” – pages 191 & 192 

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction then you need to understand how to determine the root cause of your problem because erectile dysfunction is a symptom of an underlining health issue.  Products like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra may help you with the symptom but they usually do not help you with the underlining cause of erectile dysfunction.  

In my previous post on this issue I directed you to the article “Fixing Erectile Dysfunction!”  This article helps you understand how male physiology, chemistry and the nervous system all work together to create an erection.  And, it briefly discussed how to enhance the endothelial cells’ ability to produce nitric oxide. 

Today, I would like to direct your attention to the article “Curing Erectile Dysfunction Naturally with L-arginine and Nitric Oxide!”   This article will go into greater detail about one of the best methods for curing erectile dysfunction.  That method is learning how to properly use L-arginine and L-citrulline to improve the production of nitric oxide and help to repair of your endothelial cells. 

Men, I hope you find these articles helpful in dealing with erectile dysfunction.  They are written with the goal of removing the worry and concern about this issue so that you can find a real solution to your underlining problem.  No more questions marks, just an exclamation mark based upon positive results. 

Together we can work to save a million lives! 

Dan Hammer 

Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology.  He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.   

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and never as a substitute for professional medical advice or medical exam.  The information contain in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor.