How can I have a problem? My nutrition and lifestyle are excellent.
If you’re making optimal choices regarding nutrition, exercise, work life balance and supplements–but still not seeing the results you hoped for–consider this:
First of all, congratulations!
Your odds of living a higher quality and longer life are far better because of the good choices you make. Without good choices, your results would likely be far worse.
Thank you.
Your efforts benefit not only you, but also your family and your community. By staying healthy and active, you’re able to support others instead of becoming sick, dependent or disabled.
However, hidden risks might still be at play–through no fault or awareness of your own.
Some health threats can hide beneath the surface and are invisible to even the most disciplined individuals. Here are a few:
Genetic Factors:
Epigenetics: Some genes are subject to reduced expression (or can be “turned down”) with specific measures.
Insulin resistance: Even if you are lean and fit, insulin resistance can creep in–especially after menopause or andropause.
Lipoprotein(a): This inherited cholesterol particle increases risk and may respond to treatments like niacin or aspirin.
9p21 Gene Variant: A known risk marker for cardiovascular issues.
MTHFR Gene Mutation: May require more intake of methylated forms of folic acid and B12.
ApoE Genotype: Might call for adjustments in your diet based on your specific genotype.
Haptoglobin Genotype: In some people, gluten is more inflammatory and Vitamin E can do more harm than good.
Even if your ancestors had unhealthy habits and suffered from heart disease or strokes, your genetic “bad luck” might still need more than just good behavior to overcome.
Oral Health Risks:
Periodontal Disease: Dangerous bacteria in the mouth can inflame the gums and the arteries. These bacteria can even be shared through kissing or contact with pets.
Dental Providers Without a Systemic Focus: Complacent oral health providers tend to be focused primarily on traditional dentistry and not on health connections, threats and opportunities for overall optimal health.
Endodontal Conditions (Dental Abscess): Infections like dental abscesses can be asymptomatic for weeks or months, but can still affect your health. These are detectable through blood work or dental imaging. Think: failed root canals, deteriorating crowns or delayed dental treatments due to cost or inconvenience.
COMMON MYTHS & MISLEADING ADVICE
Biased or Dated Guidelines: Mainstream medical advice (like the discredited food pyramid and the misguided obsessive focus on cholesterol) is often based more on politics than proven results. One might wonder if the intent is more, not less, disease as a business model.
Internet “Experts”: Podcasters, pundits and other media may be motivated more by monetization and attention than helping you achieve real, measurable health outcomes. And they can only address generalities, not your specifice circumstances or needs.
Product Pushers: Opportunists may promote products for profit over individual results. Pharma is criticized for its incentives and corruption of regulation. Doesn’t the same risk exist in the less regulated nutraceutical environment? Should it be trusted more or less? Is a friend or family member sharing a benefit or profiting from your purchase and participation in a marketing program?
STAY OPEN-MINDED AND INFORMED
We all have blind spots. Be open to learning new information to enhance the progress you’ve already made. Don’t be offended or take new information or feedback personally–it’s not a criticism of your efforts, but a chance to build on them.
Beware the nocebo effect–the power of negative expectations to produce negative results (a self-fulfilling prophecy).
Treatment decisions should be based on objective, measurable results–not anecdotes, beliefs or assumptions. Biased studies and the experience of others don’t predict personal experience with a supplement or drug.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All recommendations are intended for your personal benefit.
You always have the right to accept or decline any treatment.
Conflicting advice is common–your job is to choose what makes sense for you and track your results.
Let’s work together to make you–and your arteries–as healthy and youthful as possible.