When it comes to risk factors for heart disease, most members of the general public (and even many physicians who have failed to keep up with the relevant research) have become myopically fixated on cholesterol levels – while completely ignoring the many other, more direct markers of cardiovascular disease risk.
As one example, and as we’ve repeatedly noted in the Integrated Supplements Blog, research indicates that cholesterol itself is not a health hazard until or unless it becomes oxidized. And, as we’ve shown you in previous posts, at least one laboratory has begun to perform blood tests for oxidized cholesterol – representing what could be one of the most reliable indicators of heart disease-risk currently available.
But for as clear as the research is, still, most people have absolutely no knowledge of oxidized cholesterol, how to prevent it’s formation in the body, or how to avoid actually consuming it from foods and dietary supplements.
C-Reactive Protein - A Major Risk
As we’ve also seen in the Integrated Supplements Newsletter, fats and lipids (like cholesterol), are some of the major driving forces behind the inter-related phenomena of inflammation and oxidative stress. We know that certain fats are profoundly pro-inflammatory, and are very much prone to stimulate oxidative damage to the cholesterol molecule.
(And contrary to what you may have been led to believe, it is generally the unsaturated fats which largely drive this destructive process – saturated fats are actually relatively stable and don’t impart nearly the oxidative free radical damage to the cholesterol molecule which the unsaturated fats do.)
So, knowing the widespread damage inflammation can cause, it’s logical to think that perhaps measurements of certain markers of inflammation may be good indicators of heart disease risk as well.
And, as it turns out, levels of one such inflammatory marker, called C-Reactive Protein (CRP), have been shown to bear an even stronger correlation to cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes) than levels of the well-known “bad cholesterol,” LDL:
Quote from the above study:
These data suggest that the C-reactive protein level is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than the LDL cholesterol level . . .
Lowering CRP Naturally
So it seems that CRP levels are a very strong indicator of our risk of cardiovascular disease - and unlike cholesterol levels, which should be maintained within an optimal range (and of course, exactly what this optimal range is, is the subject of ongoing debate), it seems that the lower our CRP levels are, the better.
So, the logical question is, how can we lower our levels of C-Reactive Protein naturally and safely?
Researchers have found that the consumption of 30 grams of fiber per day (from food, or supplements) may be an effective strategy:
Study Link - Effect of a High-Fiber Diet vs a Fiber-Supplemented Diet on C-Reactive Protein Level.
Quote from the above study:
The results demonstrate that fiber intake of about 30 g/d) from a diet naturally rich in fiber or from a supplement can reduce levels of CRP. Further research is needed to more clearly elucidate the differential effect seen in lean vs. obese individuals and whether modification of dietary fiber may be helpful in modulating inflammation and its consequent cardiovascular consequences.
Of course, taking in 30 grams of fiber each day can be difficult (if you don’t think so, just make a conscious effort to keep track of your fiber intake for a few days and you’ll see what we mean), so a fiber supplement containing a significant amount of fiber can be a good choice for just about anybody.
But where fiber-rich foods are often also high in starches and calories, a fiber supplement (with concentrated sources of fiber) may also be the perfect solution for those looking to avoid excess calories and lose a bit of weight to boot.
Integrated Supplements Fiber Balance™
At Integrated Supplements we developed Fiber Balance™ specifically to offer you all of the benefits of food-based fiber, without all of the calories, starches, or sugars. And unlike other fiber supplements, Fiber Balance™ mixes smooth and creamy, and tastes delicious – we can guarantee that you’ve never had any fiber supplement like this before. With a full 10 grams of fiber per serving, you’ll never find and easier or more enjoyable way to give your body a substantial amount of the fiber it needs for good health.
As research like that posted above continues to mount, it seems that fiber may be able to do so much more for our health than simply reduce cholesterol. As the quintessential nutritional “multi-tasker” we now know that fiber can support heart health through several different mechanisms, as well as playing a major role in regulating blood sugar, immune function, weight control, and healthy digestion.
Fiber has been called the “forgotten nutrient” of human nutrition, and rightfully so, considering the fact that up to 90% of Americans don’t consume sufficient amounts of fiber on a daily basis. With our modern foods and lifestyles, it seems all too easy to let our fiber intake fall by the wayside, but for those of us who value our health, it’s important to continually be reminded of these far-reaching benefits of fiber. And luckily, with supplements like Integrated Supplements Fiber Balance™, reaping these benefits is now easier than ever.
We’ll have more research coming your way soon – stay tuned.
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