Many years ago Drs. Linus Pauling and Mattius Rath wrote a
paper suggesting that cardiovascular disease was evidence of pre-scurvy caused
by an insufficiency of vitamin C. It was accepted for publication by the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – and then rejected! They were
forced to publish it in a less prestigious journal. Just recently Thomas Levy,
M.D., J.D. published a book “Stop America’s #1 Killer”, with over 60 pages of
references, which provides the basis for upgrading the Pauling-Rath hypothesis
to the status of theory. According to his analysis, adequate amounts of vitamin
C can not only protect us against heart disease, but improve our health and
extend our lives.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which exists in our bodies as ascorbates, compounds with metal ions, is an orthomolecular
(right molecule) substance our bodies used to be able to make internally. The
capability was lost some 20 million years ago. Most other animals make their
ascorbates and goats are particularly good at this. It is reported that, under stress, some of
them can make 100 grams of it in a day. Significantly most animals do not get
heart attacks or cardiovascular disease.
However the guinea pig, which also is unable to make its own ascorbates,
does get cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Levy discloses research showing that, when insufficient
amounts of ascorbates are circulating in our blood streams, the connective
tissues in the walls of our arteries lose strength and become mushy and watery.
This permits penetration by LDL and
other substances which ultimately results in plaque deposits. He provides
reasons for believing that elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure are not
the primary culprits in cardiovascular disease. .
In a foreword to the book, Dr. Julian
Whittaker, M.D.suggests that the discovery and utilization of vitamins and
minerals, orthomolecular substances, in the prevention and treatment of
diseases is the greatest medical advancement of the 20th century.
He notes that most prescription drugs, with the exception of some hormones, are
not found in our bodies and are foreign to life. However, due to yearly expenditures
of $16 billion on direct to physician promotion of drugs and another $4 billion
on consumer advertising, the use of orthomolecular substances has been
forgotten and is generally scorned by the medical profession.
The last chapter of the book provides detailed information
about stopping and reversing atherosclerosis. The first recommendation is to
eliminate dental toxicity from mercury amalgam fillings and root canals. Next
follows a number of food related recommendations based on an earlier book
“Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Health”. The final section contains a
recommended list of dietary supplements.
Heart disease patients will find this book interesting and
informative. The information in it may
help them live longer and feel better.
Jack
Phillips
