Could this be a key to heart attack prevention? -good health

Could this be a key to heart attack prevention? Most people are well aware that a healthy diet, exercise, losing weight and quitting smoking help reduce your risk of heart attack. But a new study has shown there’s another player emerging that can help protect you against this dreaded killer. A robust immune system! Here’s the scoop: Tiny little antibodies, MAJOR heart attack prevention A study recently performed at the Imperial College London in the United Kingdom examined 19,000 patients with high blood pressure—a group of people who most assuredly are at risk for heart attack. The researchers found those with higher levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies had the lowest risk of heart attack - and this was independent of other risk factors, such as cholesterol. IgG is the most abundant antibody in your immune system, and its primary role is to protect you against bacterial and viral infections. And now apparently heart attacks! The more healthy and robust your immune system is, the better able it is to produce IgG antibodies. So clearly this is another reason why your immune system is truly worth its weight in gold in terms of disease prevention—because now its blanket of protection includes our number one killer. The inflammation connection The immune system’s connection to heart disease isn’t limited to just IgG antibodies—there’s also an inflammation connection. Inflammation is a major contributing factor to atherosclerosis and heart attack. Most people point fingers at cholesterol, but cholesterol is only present at the scene of the crime when it comes to narrowed arteries—inflammation is the true culprit that gets the whole clog process going. Much of your body’s inflammation stems from your gut—a weak, unhealthy gut wall can allow toxins, bacteria, and poorly digested food molecules to seep into your bloodstream, which can, in turn, put your immune system on alert and trigger an inflammatory response. Keep it strong AND sharp! The true key here is to help support an immune system that’s strong enough to produce the antibodies you so desperately need, while at the same time keeping your gut wall strong so you’re not taunting that immune system with garbage leaking in your bloodstream! The best way to encourage a well-functioning immune system and a healthy gut wall environment is through probiotic supplementation. In addition, eating fiber-rich foods like fresh vegetables and getting sources of healthy fats (like real butter, olive oil, coconut oil and avocado) are a must. It’s also important to avoid sugars and refined carbs. These are nourishment for harmful bacteria and yeasts in your intestine, which then “eat away” at the gut wall and make it too porous. Fish oil supplementation can help provide a dose of Nature’s anti-inflammatory Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can help counteract any inflammation you may already have brewing in your arteries. Stress causes harmful changes to your gut microbiome which can reduce your immune function, so if chronic ongoing stress is a problem for you, look for ways to reduce your stress level—your life may depend on it. Avoid drinking tap water, as the contaminants can also do a number on your gut and upset your flora balance. Drink bottled water or opt for some type of filtration. Vitamin B12 and vitamin D are also immune-supportive, plus vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Help your immune system stay strong and function the way it’s supposed to! You’ll never regret it.