Mr. Fonorow,
My name is [female - deleted]. I'm 52 and generally very healthy. I've been using Cardio C since Oct. 6, 2016. Prior to this date, I've taken NO supplements, but for inconsistent VitaD3, trying to eating right, often organic, and mostly gluten free. I stay active, used to run, and now walk. I started the "prevention" regime suggested (Pauling heart healthy supplements) and 1scoop Cardio C dosage (id#14205) after learning that I had the beginning stages of soft plaque in my right carotid artery--about 20%. Peripheral and other areas, checked clean to the extent it can be measured (ultra sounds, etc.) We've had an unbelievably stressful past three years (deaths, significant family illnesses/surgeries, and court proceedings related to one of the deaths).
In December, I've started having significant heart racing, skips, cramping, etc., warranting a trip to the ER--they found nothing, but that I was slightly low in potassium--which we think is corrected, pending blood test. I've added magnesium (topical and oral supplements) as my research indicated I had nearly every sign of deficiency, including the heart racing, irregular beats, anxiety and insomnia related to worry about my heart). It seems to have helped to some degree. I'm working with Boone Heart Institute and CU Health Sciences to rule out any mechanical issues. I do have mild mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitations and have had that monitored for 14 years. No fluid build-up. The soft plaque is still there, but not growing.
In my research, I see that Lysine competes with arginine--possibly constricting, causing arteries to cramp. Plus, everything I'm reading says not to take it long term. Needless to say, I'm concerned. The cardiologists don't give any of it much weight, but have not brushed it off either. They are just tolerating my objection to medicating every symptom--until we have all the testing back.
Wondering if in order to keep my Vita C levels up... (2500-3000mg, daily), you would suggest just the l-ascorbic powder, eliminating lysine--obviously keeping it in my diet (meat, salmon, yogurt, cheese), and take the 500 mg of proline?
Looking for guidance.
Thanks!
Well Pauling therapy is best received in heart patients, usually with severe disease. I think you are smart to take it as a preventive, especially after a diagnosis of "mild plaque build-up." But given what you described, it makes sense to focus on vitamin C and perhaps drop the amino acids and see how you feel? (Let us know.) I would keep supplementing vitamin C, along with the other supplements Pauling advised in HOW TO LIVE LONGER AND FEEL BETTER (1986), i.e. Vitamin E, A, B-complex, Multi, and lots of water/no sugars.)
In my research, I see that Lysine competes with arginine--possibly constricting, causing arteries to cramp. Plus, everything I'm reading says not to take it long term
We've tried to look into "research" like this and find very little. Much like a rumor. The "competition" is apparently in the gut - where both arginine and lysine "compete" for the tubules into the blood stream. So the answer is to generally take high doses separately. There also may be some interactions inside the cell, but nothing that would affect most people. Perhaps you are different?
