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.

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.

More and more information is being released about the most comprehensive human clinical trial ever conducted on a nutritional supplement. It involved 33 high risk congestive heart failure patients at the High Desert Heart Institute. The patients’ ages ranged from 43 to 90 and 60% of them were on a heart transplant list. All patients were pharmacologically and medically managed to the maximum so that there was nothing further that could be done for them.  

The nutrition supplement used for this groundbreaking clinical trial was ProArgi-9 Plus. This product uses an integrative L-arginine and L-citrulline combination with other heart and cardiovascular healthy ingredients. Patients were given 2 scoops in the morning and 2 scoops in the evening.  

          The Results Were Remarkable!

By the end of the 90 day study all patients were removed from the heart transplant list. All had recovered normal lives and were no longer candidates for heart transplants. All were able to either completely eliminate or greatly reduce the drugs they were taking. 

The following video contains a short overview of this study, a short audio interview with Dr. Siva Arunasalam (the Founder and Director of the High Desert Heart Institute), and a short exchange between John Hewlett and two of the medical assistants who directly interacted with the patients of this study.  

Please watch this video. I’ll have some short comments to make after you’ve seen it.

There were four items that stood out for me in this video: 

Item 1 – All patients were able to eliminate or greatly reduce the drugs they were taking. The ProArgi-9 Plus made a significant difference in their lives and their cardiovascular system.  

Item 2 – The verbal responses of the two medical assistants. Stacy said, “. . . they’re having a life again . . .” Jeanna said, “. . . to have their lives changed around . . .” Isn’t this beautiful. To help people live lives in wellness rather than sickness. 

Item 3 – Over 7,000 points of data where collected making this the most comprehensive human trial ever conducted on a nutritional supplement. Here’s the list of tests performed: 

• Complete Metabolic Panels
• Complete Blood Count
• Hemoglobin 90 Day Test
• Full Lipid Panel
• Vitamin D3 Levels
• Microalbumin Test
• Plac Test
• Liver Function Tests
• B-Naturetic Peptide Levels
• C-Reactive Protein
• Echocardiogram
• Cardio Dynamic Analysis
• 6 Minute Walk Test
• Coronary Calcium Scores
• Coronary CT Scans
• Angio IV Contrast
• Ankle Brachial Index
• Cardio Pulsewave Analysis
• Doppler Echo
• Blood Oxygen Saturation Levels 

Item 4 – This video is just the “tip of the iceberg” of information that will be coming from this study. The “remarkable” results have already impacted the treatment protocols at the High Desert Heart Institute! When this study is finally published it will have a significant effect on how treatment programs are viewed for a wide range of cardiovascular issues.  

You may have noticed in the above video that there was a reference to one of the patients of this study. His name is Angelo Cici. I edited his interview with John Hewlett into a separate video and blog post. To watch this interview please click on “High Desert Heart Institute – Angelo Cici Interview!”  

For those wanting more information about this study please click on “High Desert Heart Institute!”  

Dr. Siva Arunasalam, the Founder and Director of the High Desert Heart Institute, also gave a recent video interview with John Hewlett. You can see that interview by clicking on “Dr. Siva Interview!” 

To purchase the ProArgi-9 Plus product or to gain additional information about how this product helps in various cardiovascular issues, please click on “Quick Order Page for ProArgi-9 Plus!” 

I will continue to post additional information about the High Desert Heart Institute Study as it becomes available. Another good source of information about this study is the ComoCardio Institute. 

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 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.