Physical activity, cardiovascular health, rheumatism

An April 2021 article by University of São Paulo's Medical School said,

"Our analysis of the results showed that exercise improved small and large vessel endothelial function to a clinically significant extent. Accordingly, we suggested that exercise can be considered 'medication' for these patients because of its potential to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events,”

"Treatment doesn't prevent patients from developing certain co-morbidities. Cardiovascular disease is the most worrisome,”

"The risk of heart attack is twice as high for people with rheumatoid arthritis as for healthy people. For people with lupus or psoriatic arthritis, the incidence of ischemic events [heart attack, angina and stroke] is between twice and five times as high." 

"It all begins with changes in blood vessel structure and function," 

"The arteries gradually harden and stop being able to dilate when necessary. Changes occur above all in the endothelium [the layer of cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels]. Alterations in vascular function, especially endothelial function, are considered initial markers of atherosclerosis for this reason."

"This area [physical activity in rheumatology] is still new, so more research is needed to identify the best exercise protocols and investigate such aspects as safety and adherence," 

"In any event, the data in our study underlines the importance of regular exercise to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in these patients."

Atherosclerosis and Seed Oils

A December 2001 study (1) found that, 

“Atherosclerosis may result partly from processes that occur following food consumption and that involve oxidized lipids …” 

“We suggest that human gastric fluid may be an excellent medium for enhancing the oxidation of lipids and other dietary constituents.” 

“The results indicate the potentially harmful effects of oxidized fats intake in … catalysts found in foods, and the major benefit of including in the meal plant dietary antioxidants.”

A November 1986 study (2) said,

“All foods that contain lipids are susceptible to oxidation but especially affected are foods which are dehydrated, subjected to high temperatures or cooked and subsequently stored, e.g. dehydrated eggs, cheeses and meats, foods fried in frying oils, and cooked (uncured) meats.”

References

(1) “The stomach as a bioreactor: dietary lipid peroxidation in the gastric fluid and the effects of plant-derived antioxidants”

(2) Occurrence of lipid oxidation products in foods

Dental Hygiene

We recommend (subject to ability and affordability},

1. Going to a dental hygienist every six months

2. Using an electric toothbrush on waking and after eating

3. Using a water flosser before sleeping

A February 2020 study by University of South Carolina said,

“Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the soft and hard structures supporting the teeth and is associated with inflammation. Because inflammation appears to play a major role in the development and worsening of atherosclerosis, or 'hardening' of blood vessels, we investigated if gum disease is associated with blockages in brain vessels and strokes caused by atherosclerosis of the brain vessels."

"It's important for clinicians to recognize that gum disease is an important source of inflammation for their patients and to work with patients to address gum disease,"

"We are working on a current study to evaluate if treatment of gum disease can reduce its association with stroke."

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) - Artery Fat, Useful

A February 2020 study by Michigan State University looked at the fat around the arteries - perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). It was thought that the main purpose of artery fat was just to store lipids.

The researchers said, "For years, we ignored this layer - in the lab it was thrown out; in the clinic it wasn't imaged. But now we're discovering it may be integral to our blood vessels."  They found that it, “reduced the tension that blood vessels experience when stretched … And that's a good thing, because the vessel then expends less energy. It's not under as much stress."

"Our finding redefines what the functional blood vessels are and is part of what can be dysfunctional in diseases that afflict us, including hypertension. We need to pay attention to this layer of a blood vessel because it does far more than we originally thought."

Foxtail Millet Bran and Atherosclerosis

In a study published in January 2020, researchers have already found a protein in foxtail millet brain relating to the colon cancer cell migration.  Current research now suggests that this same protein may help with atherosclerosis.