For decades, we’ve been told the same story: lower your cholesterol, take your statins, and you’ll be safe from heart disease. But what if that story is wrong? What if the true culprits behind heart attacks and strokes have nothing to do with cholesterol—and everything to do with what’s happening inside your gut?
My name is Harold Bennett. I’m 76 years old, a retired teacher, a proud grandfather, and a heart attack survivor. But more importantly, I’m living proof that you can reverse heart disease—naturally, without drugs, and surgery.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how I overcame coronary artery disease, the dangers of small LDL particles and VLDL cholesterol, and how a strange, homemade yogurt helped me transform my gut—and my heart.
Why the Conventional Approach to Heart Disease Fails
When I suffered my first heart attack in my late 50s, I did everything the doctors told me. I took statins, followed a low-fat diet, and exercised. But my health didn’t improve—in fact, it declined. That’s when I began questioning the entire narrative surrounding cholesterol myths and heart health.
Mainstream medicine focuses heavily on lowering cholesterol. But recent research—and personal experience—show that cholesterol alone isn’t the root cause of heart disease. The real enemies are small LDL particles and VLDL cholesterol. These microscopic particles infiltrate your artery walls, causing inflammation, plaque buildup, and eventually heart attacks.
The Hidden Culprits: Small LDL and VLDL Cholesterol
You won’t find them in your standard blood panel. These dangerous particles go undetected unless you request an NMR lipoprotein test. When I finally took this test, the results shocked me: I had 1,840 nmol/L of small LDL—far above safe levels.
Here’s how it works: When you eat foods high in wheat, grains, and sugar, your blood sugar spikes. Your liver then converts excess glucose into fat through hepatic de novo lipogenesis. This process generates VLDL particles, which interact with LDL to form the damaging small LDL particles.
This was the root cause of my coronary artery disease, and no amount of statins could stop it.
How I Reversed My Heart Disease—Naturally
Once I understood the real problem, I made three key changes:
1. I eliminated wheat, grains, and sugar
These are the primary drivers of VLDL and small LDL production.
2. I took four essential supplements daily:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) – to reduce plaque and lower inflammation
- Vitamin D supplementation – to improve immune response and heart function
- Magnesium – to combat magnesium deficiency, support blood pressure, and reduce arrhythmia
- Iodine – to support thyroid health, which plays a hidden role in heart health
3. I made my SIBO yogurt
Yes, yogurt. But not the kind you find in the grocery store.
The Gut-Heart Connection: Why Your Microbiome Matters
Most people don’t realize this, but gut inflammation is a silent trigger for heart disease. I learned that I had SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)—a condition where bacteria migrate from the colon into the small intestine, creating endotoxins that leak into the bloodstream.
These toxins inflame your arteries and accelerate plaque formation. That’s when I began making my own probiotic-rich SIBO yogurt, using strains like Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bacillus subtilis. After just four weeks, not only did my digestion improve, but my coronary calcium score—the most accurate measure of plaque—also dropped.
The Role of the Coronary Calcium Score
Forget total cholesterol. If you want to know your real heart disease risk, get a coronary artery calcium score (CAC scan). Mine was 480 at its peak—a clear sign of severe plaque buildup. But after 18 months of following my natural protocol, it remained stable.
In a world where most CAC scores climb 20-25% each year, staying the same is a win. Especially without medication.
Inflammation and Heart Disease: The Silent Fire
The real danger isn’t fat—it’s inflammation. And it comes from multiple sources: poor gut health, insulin resistance, stress, and even lack of sleep. That’s why I also changed how I lived:
- Improved sleep (7–8 hours consistently)
- Managed stress (deep breathing, nature walks, less TV)
- Regular movement (not just exercise, but daily gentle activity)
What You Can Do Starting Today
- Ask your doctor for an NMR lipoprotein test.
Don’t settle for standard cholesterol numbers. Measure what matters. - Get a CAC scan
It takes 10 minutes, costs less than $100, and may save your life. - Cut wheat, grains, and sugar.r
This isn’t a diet—it’s protect - Supplement wisely
Start with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and iodine. - Fix your gut
Consider making SIBO yogurt at home or incorporating high-quality probiotics.
Final Thoughts: From Survivor to Educator
I’m not a doctor. I’m a grandfather who nearly died from heart disease. But I chose to question, learn, and change.
Now, I live without medications. My blood pressure is normal. My energy is back. And I’m here to tell you: You can reverse heart disease. Not through fear. But through knowledge, small steps, and the courage to take back control.
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