September 11, 2014

Have You Had a Heart Attack?

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

Have you had a heart attack? No? Then why are you still taking an aspirin a day? The doctor told you it will prevent a heart attack? What would you do if I told you even the FDA says that isn't true?

The fact is there are over 60 studies that prove aspirin has no benefit in preventing the first heart attack. In fact, it is debatable whether or not aspirin has ANY protective benefits against heart disease, even if you have had a heart attack. The most recent scientific studies show that the side effects may offset any supposed benefit.

I am not a lover of the FDA, but when they get it right, as natural doctors have preached for many years, we should acknowledge it. The FDA website now says:
“FDA has concluded that the data do not support the use of aspirin as a preventive medication by people who have not had a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular problems, a use that is called ‘primary prevention.’  In such people, the benefit has not been established but risks- such as dangerous bleeding into the brain or stomach- are still present.”
Why do they come out with this statement now? Because Bayer made a request to change its aspirin label to indicate it can help prevent heart attacks in healthy individuals. Apparently, we all should be taking their meds.

Just because aspirin can be bought over the counter, does not mean it is innocuous and safe. One of the worst things daily aspirin use does is mask the pain of a real heart attack that is occurring. Therefore, the number of fatal (deadly) heart attacks is greater when aspirin is being taken. The first signs of heart attack are hidden for some time, giving you no warning when you may have one brewing. Your first sign is death.

Aspirin increases gastrointestinal and brain bleeding by interfering with your bloods ability to clot properly. The elderly are especially at risk for the brain hemorrhage. Older folks tend to fall and hit their heads. When they are taking aspirin regularly and hit their heads, they have a significant increase in the risk of brain bleeding and death.

Other problems associated with aspirin use include an increase in certain types of cancer in women, increased kidney failure; cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness; hearing loss and tinnitus; and a 22% increase in erectile dysfunction.  The leading cause of kidney dialysis in America today is the abuse of aspirin.

So if not aspirin to protect the heart, then what? Reducing chronic inflammation is the key to a healthy heart. You’re probably tired of reading these points by now, but these are key to keeping your good health.

Limit processed foods, trans-fats, and genetically modified foods. Reduce gluten and highly allergic, pro-inflammatory foods. Eat as much food raw as possible. Increase vegetables in your diet. Avoid all artificial sweeteners. Limit dietary sugar, especially fructose. Eat organic foods to avoid chemical exposure as much as possible. Consume krill oil and reduce processed vegetable oils. Drink plenty of water and exercise.

I will keep repeating these things until you finally get on board.