It’s a sad fact: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the #1 causes of death in the world, and it is certainly the case here in the USA. A common symptom and marker for CVD is “atherosclerosis”, a buildup of calcium deposits and fatty material in the arteries. This and/or elevated blood calcium levels can make people more susceptible to heart attacks and stroke. These devastating outcomes can permanently alter or end your life.

Then there is the life-threatening condition of osteoporosis. Bones act as storage rooms for fatty acids and minerals to be made available when your body needs them. Minerals are continuously being recycled through your bones – deposited and then released through the bloodstream to get to other parts of your body as required. Every lifestyle and dietary decision you make has an impact for good or ill on the health, strength and density of your bones, teeth and spine.

The true cause of osteoporosis is the body working to correct imbalances in the body’s chemistry. Therefore, achieving biochemical balance is essential to prevent and reverse osteoporosis. Hip and vertebral fractures are considered the most serious results of this biochemical imbalance.  There is substantial evidence that significant improvements can be made in bone density and strength with healthy lifestyle changes.

The Link

Scientists are finding a link between CVD and osteoporosis. They have observed that individuals with CVD have a higher risk of experiencing bone loss, and thus a greater disposition to risk of fracture. There is also growing evidence that people with low bone mass have a higher mortality for cardiovascular events compared with those with normal bone mass. There are likely a multitude of complex reasons, but calcification of the arteries and bone mineralization share multiple mechanisms in common. Lack of adequate exercise also plays a role in development and worsening of both osteoporosis and CVD.

The Breakthrough

Abnormal calcium metabolism can wreak havoc on your body if left unchecked. By now, everyone has heard about the importance of maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D has an essential role in ensuring that calcium is absorbed easily into the bones (and many other benefits not discussed here). But it can’t do it alone. Many people are unaware that the sunshine vitamin has a “soulmate”, so to speak: Vitamin K2.  These two fat-soluble vitamins play a central role in calcium metabolism. Combined, D3 and K2 ensure that calcium is absorbed easily and reaches the bone mass, while preventing arterial calcification-- helping to keep your heart and bones healthy.

Vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin proteins which require the presence of vitamin K2 in order to function properly. Vitamin K2 activates the calcium-binding actions of two proteins — matrix GLA protein and osteocalcin, which help to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Scientists agree that for maximum effect in the body, MK-7 (natural long chain Menaquinone-7) is the optimal source of vitamin K2. K2 helps deposit calcium into your bones and teeth where it belongs, preventing it from lodging in soft tissues and on artery walls, thereby also reducing risk of heart disease. 

 Doing It Right

Since D3 and K2 are fat soluble vitamins, consuming Healthy Heart & Bones during a meal containing healthy fats such as;  grass-fed butter, flax oil, walnut oil, avocado or extra virgin olive oil. Vitamin F (healthy fat) works together with vitamin D3 and K2. Insufficient good fats in the diet may lead to hair loss, hives, eczema, edema, dry eyes, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, dry skin, brittle nails, obesity and more.  Supplementing vitamin D3 without consuming adequate good fats at the same time may make these problems worse!

Testing Regularly for Vitamin D

One-third of all fall-related deaths are attributed to low bone density.  There are blood tests which help determine your body’s level of Vitamin D.  Consult your healthcare practitioner if these tests will help you maintain a healthly lifestyle.

To clear up any confusion—there are two forms of vitamin K: K1 is found in green leafy vegetables and is therefore readily available in the diet of most humans. It assists with healthy blood clotting, as does K2. But K2 works differently and rarely shows up in the diets of those eating a western diet (but is more common in Japan). A tiny amount of K2 can be synthesized by the gut flora from K1, but it varies for each of us. Researchers have found that supplementing with K2 combined with D3 makes a dramatic difference for a variety of issues, ranging from cardiovascular health, bone health, glucose metabolism, and likely much more.

Healthy Heart & Bones is a perfect partner to our ever-popular Circulation with EDTA (check out our website for more details). 

Healthy Habits has been serving our customers for over 2 decades and we take great care to deliver the very best quality ingredients for all our supplements. Take advantage of our 365 Day No-Rush Satisfaction Guarantee to evaluate it for 365 days and if you don’t love it – you can take us up on our “Best in Industry” 365-day guarantee

Caution: If you are taking blood thinning drugs such as Coumadin®/Warfarin therapy, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement.

To learn more about the multiple risk factors that can lead to osteoporosis please read this Healthy Habits article:  CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Scientific Studies

Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease

Journal of the American Heart Association - Circulation Research

READ MORE HERE

Vitamin D and Bone Health; Potential Mechanisms

National Library of Medicine

READ MORE HERE

MK-7 and Its Effects on Bone Quality and Strength

National Library of Medicine

READ MORE HERE

Vitamin D’s Effect on Immune Function

National Library of Medicine

READ MORE HERE