Monthly Newsletter

We require essential fatty acids for survival. There are 3 types: Omega #, Omega 6 and Omega. Omega 3 is the most important as well as Omega (but the Health benefits of Omega 3’s continues to impress as more research is gathered. For example, a Massachusetts General Hospital study in the Journal of Circulation 2005, showed a 40% reduction of sudden deaths from fatal arrhythmias in patients who were given 2.5 grams of DHA and EPA, the components of fish oil. Fish oils also lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation. They also lower platelet adherence thereby thinning the blood and allowing better blood flow to the heart and brain. Increased fish oils also seem to slow dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and are very useful for the treatment of arthritis and headaches. Side effects are minimal.
Generally 1000 mg of EPA and DHA in supplement form is beneficial as well as least 3 servings of small size fish per week.
Fish oil supplement must be free of mercury, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals. At the Salerno Center we carry only pharmaceutical grade Fish oils called Omega Factor which are molecularly distilled and rigorously tested.
Three per day is what I recommend for the prevention, more for specific conditions. Given these facts and continued positive research, Fish oils are among our most important and essential nutrients.

FEBRUARY 2006
Topic: Heart Disease Prevention

Current thinking in the ways we prevent heart attack and heart disease have gradually changed. Today, although preventing plaque in our coronary vessels is important, greater than 60% of all heart attacks occur because of acutely formed blood clots that form in the vessels supplying the heart muscles. The thickness and viscosity of the blood is the primary culprit. Multiple blood elements are involved, namely fibrinogen, platelets, thrombin to name a few.

Exciting research has also allowed us to measure another protein in the blood called c - reactive protein. This protein measures how inflamed our coronary vessels are, which in turn can both cause higher blood viscosity and of course the risk of sudden heart attack.

At the Salerno Center, we are using products that are natural and limit side effects, all by decreasing blood viscosity and inflammation.

Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase are products that have been shown to support the body in breaking up and dissolving the unhealthy coagulation of blood. Nattokinase, developed and widely used in Japan, is made from soy extract and does not seem to be an issue for patients with soy allergies. Lumbrokinase is derived from earthworm and appears to be a bit more potent. It is used when fibrinogen levels are exceedingly high and when other measures indicate blood is very thick. These products must be used with caution for patients taking aspirin, other blood thinners or in patients who tend to bleed more readily.

Garlic, vitmain E and natural digestive enzymes (we use wobenzyme), as well as fish oils, tumeric and other natural products, tend to reduce coronary vessel inflammation to again promote good blood flow to the heart muscles.

These exciting new areas of preventive cardiology as well as chelation, exercise and diet are being extolled here at the Salerno Center, a part of an overall program to decrease the risk of our number one killer; heart disease.

Please call or email for further information.

All the best of health,
Dr. John Salerno