LifeCare Chiropractic

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endothelial function

So this Artery Walks Into a Bar…

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We all know that laughter is good for the soul, but did you know it was good for your arteries as well?

I guess the downside of this is that many of us in today’s society are under so much stress that we can’t really enjoy life, let alone let go and find laughter deep inside us.  We’re constantly focused on how many things are going wrong instead of how much positivity and joy we have around us.

Research has demonstrated that this stress begins to affect our children as well and increases their risk of depression later in life.  I know that since Keegan was young he frequently notes what a beautiful day it is and I always remind him of how lucky he is (about everything!) and how great life is.  Getting him started early on finding the joy in life and not having it squashed out of him…

I’ve heard it said that children laugh more than 100 times / day.  Adults?  A sad 15 times / day.

But what if the simple act of laughter was good for your blood vessels?  This particular study asked just this question.  Researchers took 17 healthy adults (23 to 42 years of age) and had them watch either 30 minutes of a comedy or a boring documentary.  Here’s what they found:

  • Heart rate and blood pressure increased while watching the comedy (no changes while watching the documentary).
  • Blood vessel health (as measured by ischemia-induced brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation) increased 17% while watching the comedy.
  • Blood vessel health decreased 15% while watching the documentary.
  • Carotid arterial compliance (by simultaneous application of ultrasound imaging and applanation tonometry) increased 10% immediately after watching the comedy and took 24 hours to return to pre-comedy levels.

So, the next time you think about turning on the Hallmark channel, your heart and blood vessels may better appreciate watching Jeff Dunham instead.

Folic acid enhances endothelial function and reduces BP in smokers – (12-12-02)

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Folic acid enhances endothelial function and reduces BP in smokers

While this is a neat concept, the important item I wanted to point out was the dose of folic acid used–5 mg. That is over 10 X the current dosage recommended for women of child bearing age to lower risk of neural tube defects. Really starts putting into perspective just how useless the RDAs of vitamins are, huh?

Synergy Abstract

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Effects of white and red wine on endothelial function – (07-02-04)

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Effects of white and red wine on endothelial function in subjects with coronary artery disease

Along those same lines… The research is strongly in support of flavonoids found in cocoa, tea and red wine when he comes to keeping our blood vessels healthy.

Effects of white and red wine on endothelial function in subjects with coronary artery disease – Intern Med J, Vol 34, Issue.

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Soy’s Protective Cardiovascular Effects – (07-12-01)

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Soy Has Both Beneficial & Potentially Adverse Cardiovascular Effects

This is another research article pointing to the beneficial effects of soy. This one does point out some of the potentially adverse effects, noting that Lp (a) increased and a decline in endothelial function in males. First of all, when looking at these adverse effects, we can consider it two steps backward for three forward. Also, this study once again looked at portions of soy, not the whole food. And, in a complete and balanced diet with fruits and vegetables other factors may mediate these adverse effects.

JCEM — Abstracts: Teede et al. 86 (7): 3053

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What are the wonderful health benefits of nuts? – (04-22-04)

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Walnut Diet Improves Endothelial Function in Hypercholesterolemic Subjects

Many people still avoid nuts because of their high fat content. Unfortunately, these people are losing out on some wonderful health benefits of nuts. Not only that the fat content of many types of nuts has shown positive benefits on lipids, but the presence of Vit E and other tocopherols (Vit E’s powerful cousins) confer additional protection. Just remember to choose natural nuts–not those soaked in additional oils such as cottonseed.

Circulation — Abstracts: Ros et al. 109 (13): 1609 –

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DRINK RED WINE TO LOWER INSULIN RESISTANCE – (03-28-05)

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Red wine consumption improves insulin resistance but not endothelial function in type 2 diabetic patients

I just recently ran blood-work on a patient that drinks red wine on a consistent basis and she has a beautiful triglyceride/HDL ratio.  My gut feeling is that the red wine she drinks is a factor in her lowered insulin resistance.

The amount consumed daily in this study was 360 ml, which is about a half bottle of wine per day.

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