The arteries that supply blood all over the body has an inside lining called the endothelium. The endothelium has anti-atherogenic properties. Anti-atherogenic is the ability to prevent atherosclerosis.
If everybody has protection against atherosclerosis, why is it that atherosclerosis is so preponderant that the number one and two cause of deaths in the whole world are from heart attacks and strokes?
What happened to the anti-atherogenic properties of the endothelium?
Answer: Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinism, and diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the blood sugar is always high. There is a Type 1 or Juvenile Onset or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) where the body cannot produce insulin. The Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes is secondary to insulin resistance. We will talk about NIDDM in this article.
How does Insulin Resistance Develop?
When we eat carbs and protein, our insulin rises to store the food we ate. Once it does its job, insulin gets broken down, and the levels normalize. If the stored glycogen and fats are used. No fat accumulates.
If we eat carbohydrates frequently as in breakfast, lunch, and dinner with snacks in between and at night, more insulin is needed as the cells try to resist more any more glucose. The metabolic pathway then shifts to fat formation. Large amounts of intra-abdominal fat lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
So what if I have insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia?
Usually, insulin can make the blood vessels dilate. If there is insulin resistance, then vasodilation becomes impaired. The smaller the blood vessel diameter, the higher the blood pressure. Persistent high blood pressure is called hypertension. A significant risk factor for a heart attack and stroke.
Hyperglycemia releases a lot of free radicals that cause damage to the endothelium. Hyperglycemia and oxidant stress contribute to atherosclerosis in diabetics. Glycation end products are mechanisms of diabetes that cause end-organ damage.
So when do you prevent the formation of atherosclerosis?
From the start. Before the injury occurs.
Can it be too late? Only when you are dead.
Insulin resistance can be resolved. High blood sugar can be normalized. High blood pressure can get better. Our organs can repair and regenerate. The body can heal itself if given the chance and opportunity.
Solution: Fast. Avoid refined carbohydrates. Do High-intensity exercises.
Where is the fatty food and cholesterol in all of this? The answer will surprise you. Stay tuned.
Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Hadi AR Hadi, Jassim Al Suwaidi. Vascular Health and Risk Management. 2007 Dec; 3(6): 853–876.
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You are right Andre. Brown rice, bananas and whole wheat are not refined carbohydrates. I edited and removed the word refined. Thanks for keeping me on my toes and thanks for subscribing. You are the first.