Cardiovascular Disease
I have high blood pressure. I seem to be genetically predisposed for it. At times, I've had to resort to taking prescription beta-blockers to keep it under control. My systolic, the pressure against the arterial walls when the heart contracts, dropped 10 points; and my diastolic, the pressure against the arterial walls between heart contractions, dropped five points, after taken Collastin.
One of the causes of high blood pressure is arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. If there was a product that could make the arteries more pliable and able to expand and contract better with the increase and decrease of blood pumping from the heart, we could expect to see a decrease in the blood pressure. Collastin's surfactant and lubricating abilities do just that, but we may have another process at play here. Remember our discussion earlier about leukotrienes and how Collastin seems to interfere with their production? Well, there are a couple of those leukotrienes that cause the arterial walls to construct, which elevates blood pressure. Perhaps, this is what's working the magic. We don't know for sure, but I appreciate the results -- whatever it's mechanism of action!
Emphysema and Asthma
These two lung conditions are very different, with different causes and symptoms. I've grouped them together because, of course, they both involve the lungs, and also because I don't have much personal experience treating them. Most patients come to my office because of some musculoskeletal, orthopedic, or neurological problem, and so I don't get to see people with what I consider to be medical problems. However, I've heard some great reports from various practitioners and their patients in regards to treating both of these diseases.
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. It's characterized by the minute air sacs in the lungs where the gas exchange occurs, becoming distended and losing their elasticity. Causes of this disease include cigarette smoking; chronic exposure to air pollutants and particulate matter; and scarring of the lung tissue following surgery. In a recent study, researchers concluded that activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes play an important role in the development of emphysema. Polymorphonucelar leukocytes are white blood cells that are released in response to allergic reactions, viruses, bacteria, and foreign material. These cells release an enzyme called elastase, which releases large amounts of the free radical superoxide. This free radical does further damage to the lung tissue. the polymorphonulcear leukocytes are attracted to the lung tissue in response to the signals sent out by leukotriene B4. Once again, we come across the potentially damaging leukotriene family.
Asthma is a chronic disorder involving airway obstruction, due to spasm of the muscles in the airways; increased mucus secretion; and swelling of the mucosal lining in the airways. Asthma is most often caused by an allergic reaction, but in children it can be triggered by a viral infection. About 10 percent of asthma episodes are induced by the use of aspirin and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. It's increasing in numbers and frequency throughout the world, due to increases in air pollutants.
Leukotrienes C, D, and E and prostaglandins B, F, and G are released during an allergic reaction. These chemicals cause the airways to constrict, as well as increase swelling in the tissues due to increased capillary permeability. I think we may all become experts on prostaglandins and leukotrienes before this is all over!
Leita and Her Emphysema
Leita had been diagnosed with emphysema-type chronic obstructive lung disease. She's been on oxygen for the past three years; and because of her inability to get enough air to breathe, she's been unable to clean her own house or even do her own cooking. Her finger tips had turned blue because of the lack of oxygen.
After 10 days of daily use of the esters found in Collastin, her lung function improved enough that it could be measured by volume, flow rate, and force of flow. After two months her fingers were once again nice and pink and she's now able to do her own cooking and cleaning!
Cardiovascular Disease
