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Bacteria Linked to Atherosclerosis In The Least Expected Place
Sep 26, 2023

Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP

Medical literature is very clear that oral dental health plays a significant role in your cardiovascular health.


As odd as it sounds, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth could be what stands between you and a future heart attack.


Research has linked bacteria from the Streptococcus genus to fatty plaque buildup in heart arteries.


A new study published in the journal Circulation has pinpointed two specific oral microorganisms that play a role in whether we develop atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).


In all people there should be a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in our mouth (teeth). However when this balance is upset, it kicks off a chain of events that makes atherosclerosis far more likely to occur.


The researchers used advanced technology for the study to reexamine the gut and oral bacteria assessments and cardiac imaging from 8,973 volunteers in the earlier SCAPIS study.


Search in the medical literature has actually identified three bacteria associated with atherosclerosis when they were found in large numbers in the mouth. They include: 


  • Streptococcus anginosus
  • Streptococcus oralis
  • Streptococcus mutans


The scientists who have published their research have two theories about why these bacteria might be a contributing factor for atherosclerosis.


1:These bacteria (streptococcus species) set off systemic low-grade inflammation that leads to plaque accumulation in heart arteries.


2: In an attempt to evade our immune system, the bacteria in our mouth enter our bloodstream and set up shop in our arteries.


Steps to take to decrease the potential of Streptococcus genus compromising our cardiovascular health include:


  1. Regularly brushing your teeth
  2. Flossing
  3. Consider using a waterpik water flosser (this is my dentist strongest recommendations to clean out bacteria deep in the back molars.) This oral health appliance provides a stream of pulsating water to floss between your teeth and below the gumline.
  4. Don't forget the most important step of ideal dental health and that is regular dental cleanings.


Here are some additional recommendations to be certain your oral health has the best opportunity to be bacteria free.


  1. Stop the Sugar
  2. Salt Water Rinse
  3. Tea Tree Oil and/or Oregano oil products. These essential oils have natural antibacterial qualities. If you battle gingivitis, look for mouthwash or toothpaste made with tea tree oil (never use straight oil) and/or Oregano oil.
  4. Olive Leaf Extract: Olive leaf extract is another natural antibacterial that can be used in mouthwash or toothpaste. 
  5. One of my personal go to preventive measures to ensure optimal oral health is the Dentalcidin Oral Care System by Biocidin Botanicals. Clear here for more details on this dental care system.


Start protecting your heart and reducing your risk of heart complications today by focusing on your oral care.


You can find a qualified and certified functional medicine practitioner by going to: www.FunctionalMedicineDoctors.com


References:


https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1882761608000045

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276015000454

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1594668/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3275337/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33825326/

https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/iai.00897-19

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37435755/


The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University's Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required

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(WARNING) Sugar Substitute Xylitol and Erythritol Linked to Increased Risk of Heart attack and Strokes

07 Aug, 2024
Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMPXylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic. Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake. It's found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more. According to a June 2024 study, high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products, has been associated with an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death. The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe. The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024 showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a 57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels. The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk? Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that both erythritol and xylitol made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals. . Additionally, taking a single 30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes – this increase can stimulate blood clotting, which is concerning for people with existing heart disease. These results suggest that consuming erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol? Chewing gum Candy Ice Cream Breath mints Some Dietary supplements Mouthwash Toothpaste Sugar-Free Desserts Liquid compounded medications Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces Dr. Grisanti's Comments For now, I recommend being cautious using products with xylitol and erythritol in it, – particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors. Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk. All in all, I say why take the risk. I prefer to err on the side of caution and simply stop consuming food items that have erythritol and xylitol in it. Using xylitol and erythritol in the small amounts typically found in chewing gum, toothpastes, and mouth rinses seems to be safe. But using it in very high doses and long-term isn't a good idea. It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events. If you're looking for a sweet treat, the only sweeteners I stand behind are organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts. Remember simply read the labels of the items you eat or drink if you want to know if xylitol and erythritol has been added. --------- ATTENTION DOCTORS, ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS, PATIENTS and POTENTIAL NEW PATIENTS If you found this article of value may I ask if you can tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. This is a great introduction to the field of functional medicine as well as having the opportunity to stay current on the latest medical news on a variety of important health issues. Here is the webpage to subscribe: http://www.clinicalrounds.com References: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/ https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 ** Always consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner with significant integrative or functional medicine training before starting any of the above recommendations. You can find a qualified and certified functional medicine practitioner by going to: www.FunctionalMedicineDoctors.com The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University's Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com . This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required

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https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/2000.cfm ** Feel free to use this article on your website. Compliments from Functional Medicine University . ** Read my past articles: http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/department88.cfm ===================== View Rick Bramos Fitness YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_x4I27Z0DfYkfcroXxAhcA/videos Here is Rick's New Video of the Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W__EwtXJkyY Rick is now offering phone consultations for those wanting to lose weight or simply to improve their fitness. Rick can be reached at 2days2fitness@gmail.com for more details. ===================== ATTENTION DOCTORS AND ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS Tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. This is a great introduction to the field of functional medicine. Here is the webpage to subscribe: http://www.clinicalrounds.com Take care, Ron P.S. Please visit our facebook page and "Like It" Of course if you really like it. :) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Functional-Medicine-University/161486170671332

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