Natural Ways to Reduce Your Cholesterol

Looking after your body should be one of the things top of your mind from as soon as you are old enough to think independently.

If you treat your body like garbage, then the chances are that it will treat you back the same.

Now, of course, the human body is built to last and it can deal with being thrashed around a bit, but constantly abusing it, especially where there is no need is asking for trouble.

It is a fact that having high cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and so looking after you bodies cholesterol levels as well as your general health should be high on your priority list. No matter what age you are. You shouldn't wait until things start going wrong to begin caring for yourself. However, if you have healthy cholesterol levels, then it is wise not to take anything to reduce your cholesterol.

So, if you are looking to reduce cholesterol, how can you go about doing it naturally?

Your cholesterol levels are generally down to your lifestyle choices. There may be cases where there is another underlying factor and medical help is required, but generally it comes down to lifestyle choices.

The exercise you undertake and the food you eat are what directly affect the levels of good and bad cholesterol in your blood.

For those of you new to this, yes, there is 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol. The bad cholesterol (LDL) is the kind you find in your hamburgers and other meats, it comes from saturated fats. The good cholesterol is found in foods such as nuts and fish which contain unsaturated fats.

There's evidence that foods containing certain added ingredients, such as plant sterols and stanols, can reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood. These are often advertised as such along with other 'super foods'.

Sterols and stanols can be found in specially developed products, such as some spreads and yogurts.

Thus if you are looking to reduce cholesterol, then taking these products as well as eating more soy products and a super food, blueberries, can help you make progress to better cholesterol levels.

If you are looking just to maintain healthy cholesterol levels then eating lots more fish and adding some nuts and soy products into your diet, while cutting down on meat and other products high in saturated fats is the first move you should take.

In addition to taking more care and love with your diet, if you are not already doing so, then get your body moving every day.

You don't need to go to the gym, but just get on your bike or do some decent paced walking for 30 or 40 minutes a day.

Once you learn to do it right and get into the right habits, you will feel less inclined towards the lazy habits that lead to unhealthy and high in saturated fat diets and life styles.

If you are interested to learn more about reducing cholesterol, statins and Lipitor side effects then head on over.

Original article

Lower Blood Pressure The Natural Way

I want to send a message to those who suffer with hypertension. In most cases we get to this point by our own carelessness, sometimes when we are young adults, and even because of many things that we abuse over the years which we later pay the consequences for.

Often, people consume in excessive amounts, tobacco, which is highly responsible for high blood pressure; coffee, which can raise blood pressure if drank in large quantities due to its stimulant effects; diets high in sodium, and the abuse of alkaloids and chemical drugs. However, the primary cause of hypertension, and the most common of all is an out of control diet that leads to obesity. In most cases, this problem can be avoided.

We must not forget that high blood pressure is known as the "silent killer". Here are some ways to lower blood pressure naturally:

• Maintain a healthy diet and lose the excess weight

• Drink appropriate amounts of water

• Consume fatty acids

• Take diuretic herbs or supplements

• Perform aerobic exercises

• Consume Cardiotonic herbs

The diet should be based on nutrition rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins, complex carbohydrates, moderate in protein and unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and low in saturated fats (animal) and simple carbohydrates (flour, sugar, etc.).

Here are the proper amounts:

From 30% to 50% of grains (whole grains, sprouted grains)

20% to 25% of vegetables (green, Starch or no starch), and seaweeds.

10% to 15% of legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc.).

5% to 10% of fruits.

From 0% to 5% of animal products (eggs, dairy, red meat, chicken, etc.)

Drink 5 to 6 bottles of water a day

Consume omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA which are abundant in fish. EPA is very important for the circulatory system, and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. DHA is helpful for healthy circulation in the brain, and is also found in the retina of the eye.

Other important fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid is found mainly in flax seeds and oleanolic acid which is found in evening primrose oil. The good thing about these omega sources is that they are less contaminated. In conventional medicine, high blood pressure is treated with beta-blockers or diuretic drugs. Therefore, we can take natural diuretic herbs or supplements such as dandelion, horsetail, corn silk, uva ursi, etc.

I also want to mention that there is a homeopathic product highly recommended to lower blood pressure, belladonna, which must be taken in a 30C dilution.

I hope these tips serve those who suffer from hypertension and will help you improve your health.

Original article

Looking for Natural Solutions for High Cholesterol?

Who else wants to find natural way to lower cholesterol? Have you recently had a blood screening only to discover that your cholesterol or triglycerides are too high? This is a common experience as we grow older, and for many who have a rare family tendency for it, (called familial hypercholesterolemia) it may occur in early adulthood.

What is cholesterol risk? Are you confused about cholesterol and what to do about it? Are you reluctant to start taking prescription drugs until you are clear about the options? After hearing recent reports about the dangers of statin drugs, you may be asking how I can lower my triglycerides naturally.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance (a lipid) which is produced by your liver, with a much lesser amount coming from your diet. It is needed by your body to complete multiple functions such as building and maintaining cell membranes, balancing your hormones and manufacturing vitamin D. It is important to remember that the body requires cholesterol.

Rather than trying to rid your body of it, it is wiser to balance the two kinds and to lower your total triglyceride level. The HDL (High Density Lipoproteins or "good cholesterol") produces hormones that are vital to the functioning of your body. For men, this HDL level should be above 190, and for women, 178. Levels lower than this mean that you may risk having a stroke. Levels that are too low also are associated with increased mortality rates in cancer patients, impotency and dementia. Another negative association is a reduction of serotonin production, which causes depression.

It is LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol") which causes problems in the circulatory system and can lead to heart disease. This type turns into plaque which lines the blood vessels, causing them to harden and lose flexibility. As a result, this poses a major risk of heart disease, leading to stroke, hardening of the arteries and heart attack.

We are inundated with drug advertizing that may leave you with the impression that prescription drugs are the best answer to the problem of lowering LDL. But a little exploration will show that there are some problems, such as lowering too much cholesterol as well as a depletion of CoQ10, with taking statin drugs. This is essential to remember because the body must have CoQ10 in order for muscles to function. And remember that the heart is a muscle!

So what natural options do you have to lower cholesterol without medication? Some of the biggest causes of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels are obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse and lack of exercise. You can address these with lifestyle changes that include weight loss and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol. Not easy, but certainly with consistent steps and support, they are attainable goals.

There are some dietary changes that you might also consider. We are learning that not all fat should be eliminated from the diet. Lipids are necessary for digestion and body function. Instead, learn to incorporate healthy fats which include olive oil, fish oil and avocados. Eliminate bad fats such as hydrogenated oils (unsaturated fats hardened to make them more solid) often found in margarines. Cooking oils that are hydrogenated (commonly used to cook 'fast foods') raise cholesterol levels considerably. The hydrogenation process changes fatty acids into trans-fatty acids and these cause a significant increase in LDLs and a noticeable loss of HDLs. Get in the habit of reading food labels, cook more whole foods, and stop eating fast foods.

Consider taking quality supplements that contain these natural ingredients:

Policosanol

A substance extracted from sugar, rice bran and beeswax that significantly reduces the production of low-density (LDL) cholesterol as well as increasing high-density (HDL) cholesterol -balancing cholesterol levels - via the alcohols it contains. Policosanol also helps to remove plaque from the arteries.

Theaflavins (bioflavanoids)

Produced when green tea ferments, they scavenge radicals to produce antioxidative effects. Theaflavins not only lower LDL cholesterol but also raise HDL cholesterol at the same time.

Lecithin

A natural emulsifying agent that dissolves cholesterol, inhibits its absorption into the gastrointestinal tract and reduces oxidation. Lecithin increases cholesterol oxidation into bile salts, thus helping it to be excreted more easily

Phytosterols

A plant sterol with a similar chemical structure to cholesterol, it reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract by competing for the same space in cellulose molecules.

Rice Bran oil, Oryzanol

The outer grain hull of the rice containing fiber that reduces cholesterol absorption and increases bile acid secretion.

D-Limonene

A non-toxic component of the oil extracted from citrus rind. It is a natural solvent that builds up in the liver, helps to dissolve cholesterol gall stones.

All of the above ingredients are important and most are available to you on the world market, yet none of them will individually address all the multiple causes of high cholesterol. But when they are combined synergistically, along with co-factors and trace elements, then you have the best possible chance of resolving and rebalancing your problem naturally, with no negative side effects. If you want to avoid cholesterol risk, making nutritional and lifestyle changes may be just what you need.

Olivia Thoroughgood enjoys researching and sharing information that leads to improved health and wellness. She invites you to explore further possibilities for resolving health concerns and enjoying the great life that you and your family deserve.

http://www.reduce-my-cholesterol.com/

Original article

Use Natural Remedies to Get Lower Cholesterol Levels and Live Healthy

Many individuals these days are hoping to find solutions on how to get lower cholesterol using natural methods. They want to feel better and this is definitely obvious. Of course, you need to recall some important tips before reaching the same kind of goal.

Medical experts already linked high cholesterol level to strokes, heart failures, blood clotting and other severe ailments. However, we need to understand that if someone experiences high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol, he or she can also the same undesirable problems leading to heart ailments too. Typically, if you get prescriptions from your doctor, you only focus on managing your high cholesterol and not necessarily about having low cholesterol level. If you want to prevent these serious ailments, it is important to monitor both the levels of your HDL and LDL cholesterol.

Many individuals are likewise increasing their awareness between the difference of natural remedies and prescribed medications in lowering their cholesterol levels. In fact, they are trying to figure out the negative effects of both options. Those who choose prescribed medications, the most usual effects involve depression, muscle pain, damaged liver, cannot sleep at night and more.

On the other hand, natural remedies are safe and effective without harming the body. If you get lower cholesterol using natural methods, you can easily regulate the levels of your cholesterol and begin to feel healthy. In addition, your body will regain its energy and is capable of completing your daily tasks without feeling weary.

It is important that if you are beginner in using natural remedies to lower your cholesterol, make sure to search for nourishments like beta sitosterol, D-limonene and lecithin. These elements are superb options to regulate the exact cholesterol level and help the body reduce triglycerides as well as increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol. This is exactly what you need to stay healthy and fit.

Unfortunately, you may not simply discover these healthful nutrients if you only eat regular food items. You must look for top quality natural supplements containing these elements. If possible, look for the products that feature all these nutritional requirements in combination to achieve great results. One of the most reliable sources to help you discover these nutrients is to visit different websites on the Internet offering the best information relating to this subject matter. Many people now are enjoying the benefits of using the web in searching for means to resolve their worries involving their overall wellness.

Lowering your cholesterol is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. I lowered mine, and you can lower yours too!

Original article

Natural Human Growth Hormone May Lead to a Healthy Heart

Nothing feels better than being healthy; both physically and mentally. And being "heart healthy" is a major piece of the puzzle when it comes to health and longevity. Living "heart healthy"isn't just doing one thing right; it's doing a combination of many things right. Staying "heart healthy"includes doing things like exercising, eating right and just plain out being proactive. Many Americans these days however are living very unhealthy lifestyles and doing a combination of many things wrong; eating fast food, not exercising and simply relying on a doctor to write them a prescription should a problem arise. (I eat fast food twice a day and I am having chest pains doc! Can you bail me out with a prescription??) Wouldn't you like to have peace of mind in knowing you are doing everything you can to live the best quality of life possible while protecting your heart's health?

As people age, levels of a key hormone known as human growth hormone in the body decline, this can be responsible for speeding the aging process, decreasing sex drive, increasing belly fat (Hey maybe this is connected with the decrease in sex drive thing!) and increasing levels of bad cholesterol which is not good for the heart. So it goes without saying, if a person is not exercising, not eating right, and have decreasing levels of HGH in their body, they may be at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke right? So, the question is, can increasing the levels of HGH in the body improve heart health?

Increasing human growth hormone in the body naturally may help the heart in several ways. Studies have shown that the highest concentrations of HGH receptors are in the heart. Since this may be the case, researchers treated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by increasing their HGH levels through HGH therapy. The results were remarkable!It improved patients exercise levels, oxygenation and increased cardio output. In patients with heart failure, HGH improved the ability of the heart to pump blood and reduced the demand of oxygen while at the same time improving the ability of patients to exercise for longer periods of time. The study concluded that HGH directly improved heart health and lead to a better quality of life for the patients involved in the study.

The benefits of this hormone don't just stop there as far as the heart is concerned. Studies continue to show that increasing HGH levels of course decrease belly fat as mentioned earlier, which is a major indicator of who might be at risk for heart attack and stroke. So HGH therapy for people with "pot bellies" might not just help them get rid of the undesirable feature, but it also may lengthen their lives. Also, HGH studies have shown that the hormone may also increase the levels of good cholesterol, which only makes sense since low levels of HGH increase the levels of bad cholesterol.

Going forward, I hope you'll look closely at what you are doing to improve your health and your heart health specifically. Take a look at what you are eating; ask yourself if you are consistently exercising enough and doing everything you can to live a long life. As always, consult with your physician before starting any new diet or exercise routine, especially if you have health problems.

Elvis Jackson JR is the owner of a top reactive hypoglycemia website and a natural human growth hormone website.

Original article

Easy And Natural Ways To Lower LDL Cholesterol

High levels of LDL are truly alarming, for you are at risk for developing several heart diseases. Learn about natural ways to lower LDL, about how you can do them and how these can help you. Understand also the benefits of these natural ways as compared to other methods of lowering LDL.

Low-density lipoprotein or LDL is a molecule which is a combination of protein and fat. This is the cholesterol that accumulates in the walls of the blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis which predisposes you to developing various heart diseases, such as heart attack. There are several factors that can lead to having high levels of LDLs which include diet, obesity, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and stress.

One of the easiest natural ways to lower LDL is to make dietary changes, especially if you love eating foods that are high in fats and cholesterol. If your diet consists of refined carbohydrates, it is recommended that you switch to whole-grain carbohydrates. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables is a great help. Five servings of vegetables are recommended daily such as broccoli, spinach, bell and chili peppers. Garlic and onions are also helpful in lowering LDL including scallions, shallots, leeks and chives. Instead of having sweets for desert, have fruit instead. Drinking fruit juices will just raise your blood sugar level, causing your body to produce insulin, which ultimately causes your triglycerides to increase. So, it's better eat the fruits so that you will have the fiber, too.

Another one of the natural ways to lower LDL is to increase the level of high-density lipoproteins or the HDLs. You can do this by increasing your intake of HDL sources. Have a daily serving of avocados, olive oil, nuts, nut butters and nut oils which are good sources of essential fatty acid. You can also eat fish, one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and considered good cholesterol. Mackerel, salmon and Nordic sardines are recommended.

Losing weight is also a natural way to lower LDL, which is actually a must for those who are obese and overweight. According to studies, losing weight even if it just a small amount will help a lot in lowering down your LDLs. To lose weight, eat a balanced diet by keeping the tips that were mentioned above.

You must also exercise regularly. You can go to the gym, do Pilates or yoga, or you can simply run or walk every morning before heading out for work. It's a good idea to check with your doctor first about what is safe and healthy for you, just to be sure.

Lifestyle changes are also some of the natural ways to lower LDL. When you have a sedentary lifestyle, such as sitting in front of a computer all day at work with little time for moving, you should find ways to move around. For example, you can actually start taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or ride a bike to work if it is closer by. What is important is that you increase your activity level which will definitely lower your LDLs.

If you are constantly stressed, you should find ways to better manage because stress increases LDLs. Ask for help from your friends and family members or do some activities where you can be relieved of the stress. With these natural ways to lower LDL, you don't need to spend too much money and effort.

Darran Butler is a heart health and cholesterol wellness expert with a passion for showing others how to live healthy and passionate lives.  He has helped countless others achieve their health objectives and, specifically, showing them natural ways to lower LDL. For more information on Darran Butler and how he can help you, visit his site for a free report that will show you how to stay super heart healthy with ideal cholesterol at http://improvinghealthsecrets.com/

Original article

The Most Effective Natural Ways to Lower LDL

Many people are at risk of heart disease because of their cholesterol and looking for natural ways to lower LDL numbers. Heart disease is the number one killer among women and men in the United States. According to the 2010 statistic, 780,000 Americans had a coronary attack and 475,000 had recurrent attack. The fact that half of the American adult populations have high LDL cholesterol level, the chance of 1 American every 25 sec having a coronary event or heart attack is high, with one dying from it every minute. Sadly, most people are not aware that they even have heart disease. In one out of every three cases, the first symptom of heart disease is death.

Why It Is Important To Lower LDL Level?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance naturally produced in and used by your body. This substance is not bad unless you have produced too much of the wrong kind. There are two types of cholesterol, the good and the bad. The LDL or low density lipoprotein is the bad one, and the HDL or high density lipoprotein is the good cholesterol. If the body has a high LDL level, artery clogging will begin to occur and this will increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.

In order to prevent coronary event or heart disease, make sure to keep the LDL level normal. The amazing thing is that most people are not aware of is that this is possible and quite easy without taking medications. These days, there are different natural ways to lower LDL to safe level.

What Are the Natural Ways To Lower LDL Effectively?

Proper Diet - A diet that includes lots of fiber is good for the heart. You diet should also limit the saturated and trans fat to prevent artery clogging. Too much salt is also not advisable, so make sure you control your salt intake as well.

Garlic - Eating garlic daily can lower LDL naturally, since study shows that it can help raise HDL level significantly.

Black Tea - Drinking black tea weekly according to scientists can also reduced LDL cholesterol of people.

Oatmeal - Research indicates that oats will definitely lower cholesterol level, as oatmeal is already rich in beta glucan, a soluble fiber. Take note, one and a half cups of oatmeal in the morning can drop LDL by as much as 12% to 24%.

Red Wine - A glass of red wine every dinner can also help lower the LDL, so do not be afraid to drink alcohol as long as you stick to 1 glass.

Exercise - A person should exercise even if they are at their perfect body weight, because exercising is one of the most effective natural ways to lower LDL. Additionally, moderate activity can increase HDL.

Lose Weight - Most people who carry a few extra pounds or are just overweight are susceptible to heart disease or stroke. This is because their extra weight can definitely increase LDL. So, try to lose a few pounds if you are a bit heavy or, better yet, make sure you maintain a normal weight at all time.

Darran Butler is a heart health and cholesterol wellness expert with a passion for showing others how to live healthy and passionate lives.  He has helped countless others achieve their health objectives and, specifically, showing them natural ways to lower LDL. For more information on Darran Butler and how he can help you, visit his site for a free report that will show you how to stay super heart healthy with ideal cholesterol at http://improvinghealthsecrets.com/

Original article

Natural Ways To Lower LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is often known as 'bad' cholesterol because it has the power to stick to the inside of your blood vessels and clog them up. Many people believe that cholesterol levels can be lowered solely through the use of medications. In fact, many natural ways to lower LDL cholesterol have proven to be very effective and easy.

The Power of Soluble Fiber

Remember the term soluble fiber. This is one of your most important allies in the struggle against LDL cholesterol.

Soluble fiber is found mainly in fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. It has lots of health benefits, including naturally lowering your LDL cholesterol. Fiber prevents the human digestive system from absorbing cholesterol.

Some foods rich in soluble fiber include oatmeal, cereals, whole grain bread, potatoes, beans, soy, apples, oranges, broccoli and artichokes. Consume large amounts of these foods if you are looking for natural ways to lower LDL cholesterol.

Stress and Your Health

Stress is bad. There's no need to explain why this statement is true. Did you know that stress raises your bad cholesterol level? Apart from all other health risks connected to it, stress affects the condition of the circulatory system. Even if you try to reduce your LDL cholesterol level through dieting, you will experience no significant benefit if you are stressed out all the time. Try to relax. Take the time to go for walk in the park or to practice your favorite hobby. An hour of relaxation per day could do miracles in terms of improving your overall health and wellbeing.

Move Your Body

Exercise is more than just the means to control your weight and to look good. Active fitness can improve the functioning of various systems. It is also one of the natural ways to lower LDL cholesterol.

Modest amounts of exercise can stimulate the body to increase the production of good HDL cholesterol. It is responsible for decreasing the level of bad cholesterol and improving the condition of blood vessels. This does not mean you have to become an athlete who spends several hours in the gym on a daily basis. Jogging, bike riding and swimming will be just as effective when it comes to the elimination of bad cholesterol.

Do You Need More Reasons to Stop Smoking?

Cigarettes are harmful in so many ways that a whole separate article will be needed to describe them. They ruin your lungs but they will also affect your LDL cholesterol reading. Smoking is responsible for the faster accumulation of buildup in arteries. Smoking in combination with a poor diet will result in all sorts of serious health risks and dangers. Though the relationship between cigarette smoking and heart health is a strange one, scientists have managed to prove that people who have managed to quit the harmful habit have experienced a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.

Natural ways to lower LDL cholesterol are more effective as using medication, and without side effects, too. A healthier lifestyle can affect your body in many positive ways. A better diet in combination with exercise and a stress-free environment can do miracles in terms of circulatory health. Now you know natural ways to lower LDL.

Darran Butler is a heart health and cholesterol wellness expert with a passion for showing others how to live healthy and passionate lives.  He has helped countless others achieve their health objectives and, specifically, showing them natural ways to lower LDL.  For more information on Darran Butler and how he can help you, visit his site for a free report that will show you how to stay super heart healthy with ideal cholesterol at http://improvinghealthsecrets.com/

Original article

Reducing LDL Levels The Natural Way

If you suffer from high cholesterol problems, then you will be interested in finding ways of reducing LDL levels. LDL, in case you didn't know, is Low-Density Lipoprotein and is normally referred to as bad cholesterol. While High-Density Lipoprotein, or HDL for short, is known as good cholesterol that is needed in your body. The best way to deal with cholesterol issues is by increasing HDL levels and reducing LDL levels.

There are many different methods for achieving this, but by far the most effective and best for your body are the natural ways, without risky medications that have potential side effects. Naturally reducing your LDL levels can be achieved easily by making changes to your diet, lifestyle and using potent dietary supplements.

Most health related issues can be tackled with a more active lifestyle, so part of the battle against your LDL cholesterol levels is to include more exercise in your day-to-day routine. While more is better than less, the important point here is that you exercise consistently and put as much effort into it as you possibly can. Walking and swimming are great activities that can be easily added into your life. If you can find something you really like doing, like dancing or playing a particular sport, this is will produce better results as you are more likely to stick to things that bring you joy and pleasure.

Diet, just like exercise, has an immediate impact on cholesterol levels, so when looking to reducing LDL levels, you need to rethink what you put into your body. There are certain foods that should be avoided because they will increase LDL cholesterol, whereas there are other foods that can increase HDL and lower LDL. Foods to avoid include egg yolks (the yolk contains almost 100% of the cholesterol of the whole egg), cheese, red meats and animal organs, butter and fatty seafood such as lobster and shrimps.

Foods that you should emphasize in your diet to help lower your LDL levels are fruit and vegetables that provide the body with cholesterol lowering antioxidants and soluble fibre. Rather than cooking all the fruit and vegetables that you have, eat them raw as much as possible, as this will provide you with a greater level of the nutrients and vitamins the body needs in their unchanged form.

Fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, tuna, trout and salmon are essential, as these contain omega-3 fatty acids that help lower LDL cholesterol in the body. You should also pay close attention to how you prepare and cook the fish, as the best way is to grill or broil.

Reducing LDL levels is not really as difficult as it may sound, and raising your HDL will help in the balancing act. Following these methods will not only lower LDL and raise HDL, but will impact your whole lifestyle. This will result in you feeling healthier and being able to do so much more than you did before changing your diet.

Darran Butler is a heart health and cholesterol wellness expert with a passion for showing others how to live healthy and passionate lives.  He has helped countless others achieve their health objectives and, specifically, reducing LDL levels.  For more information on Darran Butler and how he can help you, visit his site for a free report that will show you how to stay super heart healthy with ideal cholesterol at http://improvinghealthsecrets.com/

Original article

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Cholesterol Level

Many people are actually confused about the good effects and ill effects that high levels of cholesterol can cause to our body. In fact, there are two types of cholesterol, the good cholesterol or the HDL and the bad one, the LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol is actually needed for stimulating production of estrogen and testosterone. Also, presence of bad cholesterol cannot singularly harm your life, but its combination with bad lifestyle practices, lack of physical exercise regimen and excessive body weight can prove to be lethal, if not controlled effectively.

However, demonization of cholesterol in the medical circles has resulted in a spurt in production of drugs that are peddled as great cholesterol reducers. With different companies rushing into the scene, the scene is very hot with manufacturers vying with each other to attract potential customers with attractive advertisements and campaigns. Unfortunately, none of these write ups give conclusive evidence on how their merchandise would work and also about what are the side effects.

It has been observed that the major side effects of cholesterol reducing drugs are damages to kidney and muscles, inexplicable weakness, weakening of the immune system and most frighteningly, some types of cancers. In truth, prescription drugs never act as a life enhancer, but as a destroyer of health in the long term. Regular consumption of such drugs can also cause problems with eye sight and general pain.

Statin drugs are commonly used to fight bad cholesterol, but they need to be consumed with caution. Consuming the drug with grapefruit juice, anti-fungal drugs and antibiotics can invariably deteriorate your physical health, which may, in some cases, lead to death too. The most prominent negative effects of statin drugs are continuous headaches, pain in joints and stomach, numbness or tingling in limbs, nausea, depression, breathlessness, weight fluctuations, diabetes, skin problems, unwarranted blood pressure variations, loose bowels or constipation, bleeding from the ears etc.

This effectively points to the fact that drugs are not the one stop solution for bad cholesterol as one may think. This also means that one has to adopt a healthy lifestyle regimen involving consumption of natural foods and exercises to keep cholesterol levels at acceptable rates effectively, without any side effects. Many common foods out there are great cholesterol suppressants. These include olive oil, popcorn, fatty fishes, oats, dark chocolate, beans, apples, almonds and artichokes. It is no wonder that newer generations of cholesterol management drugs are claiming to contain extracts of these in enough quantities. But still, it is better to consult an expert in the field before you take a dive towards changing your dietary habits.

If you need help passing your USMLE, PLAB and other board exams you must have a large set of Cardiology MCQs. Visit Cardiology Questions for latest Cardiology questions with answers.

Original article

The Natural Way to Lower Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a thick, waxy, fat-like substance found in the body.

Having high cholesterol means you have an excess of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol in your blood. LDL is mostly fat with only a small amount of protein. On the other hand, High-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that has more protein than fat and carries the "bad" cholesterol away from your arteries wall.

Too much cholesterol in the blood can build up in your arteries and block the flow of blood to your heart or brain causing a heart attack or stroke. To understand what happens, think about a clogged pipe under the kitchen sink. Like the buildup of grease and grime in the pipe, the build up of cholesterol narrows your arteries, making it harder for the blood to flow through them, reducing the amount of blood that gets to your body tissues, including your heart and brain.

High cholesterol is a silent killer, meaning you have no symptoms, until it's too late. People with high cholesterol have a very high risk of developing heart disease, which is the # 1 killer in the world. In the US alone, someone has a heart attack about every 34 seconds. 80% of people who have a heart attack have high cholesterol.

What causes high cholesterol?

. Diet - Eating too much junk food and fast food, saturated fat and trans fat, many packaged and processed foods, snacks like cookies, crackers, chips and animal foods like whole milk, egg yolks, butter and cheese. All can raise your cholesterol.

. Weight - Being overweight lowers the "good" cholesterol".

. Activity level - Being sedentary may raise "bad" LDL cholesterol and lower "good " HDL cholesterol.

. Age - Cholesterol starts to rise after age 20.

. Family History - If it runs in the family, you're more likely to get it.

Your cholesterol total number should be:
. Best - under 200.
. Borderline-high is 200 to 239.
. High - 240 or higher.

Only about 25% of cholesterol comes from the food you eat and the other 75% is made by the body, which is linked to factors such as age and family history. For 2 out of 3 people, diet and exercise alone are not enough.

Want a natural way to lower your cholesterol? Try Pro-Argi 9 plus.

It's all natural, no side effects. It has many, many health benefits: Below is a list of at least 18 health benefits provided by this wonderful product:

The nitric oxide derived from arginine is beneficial to every health condition imaginable, from the cardiovascular system to the immune system, and hormone function to nerve function.

1. It helps with cholesterol control by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

2. Nitric oxide keeps your arteries relaxed, flexible, preventing hypertension and angina.

3. Arginine's antioxidant properties may help protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and
premature aging because it is one thousand times more powerful than any antioxodant in the body.

4. It may slow or stop the division and spread of cancel cells.

5. It has anticoagulants abilities that reduce clotting and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

6. It reduces Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), a risk factor for both mother and unborn child.

7. It's a natural Viagra. It improves the male's sexua performance by treating Vascular Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

8. It strengthens long-term memory, and may assist in reversing the effects of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

9. It bolsters human growth hormone (HGH) production, which is known to have anti-aging properties and can help with developing lean muscle mass, preserving bone density, aiding in weight loss and strength training, boosting athletic performance and enhancing stamina.

10. It may help improve your immune system and aids in the fight of bacterial infections.

11. It relaxes hypertonic sphincter muscles, controlling the bleeding, preventing and healing hemorrhoids.

12. It may improve kidney function and slow the progression of renal disease and age-related chronic kidney failure. Arginine`s protective effect on the kidneys may also benefit those with diabetes.

13. It can help offset cardiovascular and lung damage caused by tobacco use. Nitric oxide levels in smokers are less than half of those found in non-smokers.

14. It is useful in the treatment of asthma by opening pulmonary airways for easier breathing and the treatment of lung disorders.

15. It may assist in the treatment and prevention of diabetes because many of the disease's complications, including but not limited to poor circulation and blindness, are vascular. Arginine is also found to control insulin secretion in the pancreas.

16. It may prevent and possible reverse the effects of osteoporosis (weak bones) by positively affecting bone mass.

17. It has been used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and reduces the occurrence of ulcers - without affecting gastric acid production.

18. ProArgi9 Plus accelerates wound healing and post-surgery recovery. It is also useful in treating burn wounds and stimulates wound healing in the elderly.

Original article

Prescription Drugs Versus Natural Diets To Lower Cholesterol Levels

These myths can be listed thus:-
Cholesterol is not as bad as many have made it out to be. It is needed by the body to produce hormones such as testesterone and estrogen.
Bad cholesterol in the system does not necessarily lead to heart disease. Other mental and physical factors such as stress, exercise or body weight can be the cause of elevated bad cholesterol in the blood.
High cholesterol is not responsible for arteriosclerosis, the condition when plaque (comprising hardened cholesterol) begins to form and attach itself to the walls of blood vessels.
No particular diet can reduce bad cholesterol as the body produces much more bad cholesterol than any food can deal with.
Heavy consumption of animal fat as a result of meat consumption will not cause arteriosclerosis, so that consuming animal fat will not bring about heart disease.
Cholesterol management drugs do not lead to the increased mortality of persons consuming them and
Cholesterol management drugs do have certain side effects which can be effectively managed with other drugs and one has to find the drugs that are best suited by trial and error.

The cholesterol management drug market is a US$16 Billion market. It is therefore not surprising that some money will be spent promoting these drugs in the best light. There is also a huge market for those drugs that will treat with the side effects. The main side effects that have been documented include cancer risk, general weakness, immune system suppression, and muscle and kidney damage.

It is worth taking a little time to list the range of side effects that statin drugs have on the human body as reported. The first major side effect is the effect that the drug has on the liver. After a while the liver does not function as it should. This does happen in a small fraction of users and the physician has to take specific blood tests on a regular basis to monitor this problem. The next major side effect is called myopathy which is a condition where the muscle tissue is affected. Great pain is experienced and if the drugs are continued there is a condition called rhabdomyolysis which develops that can result in death.

Taking statin drugs with other drugs can also be very dangerous. A combination of statins with antibiotics or anti-fungals have been known to present many problems for the body. Taking grapefruit juice together statins is a definite no-no. This combination actually increases cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

Statin drugs have also been reported to affect one's ability to concentrate, to remember and to think. They have also been known to induce depression. Statins have been reported to cause recurring headaches, joint pain, abdominal pain, numbness and tingling in one's hands and feet.

Other side effects reported include sleep problems, dizziness, a sense of detachment, swelling, shortness of breath, changes in vision, weight change, hunger, breast enlargement, blood sugar changes, dry skin, rashes, blood pressure changes, nausea, upset stomach, bleeding and ring in the ears.

The other aspect of these drugs are that they are quite expensive and not affordable to the common man. Companies claim that they have to reclaim their research and development outlay and that is why prices are so high.

Natural Super-Foods With No Side Effects.

There are a number of natural super-foods that if consumed regularly will lead to lower cholesterol level with absolutely no side effects. These foods in alphabetical order include almonds, apples, artichokes, avocadoes, beans, carrots, chocolates, oats, olive oil, onions, popcorn and fatty fish. There are a number of natural supplements that have been found to be very effective so much so that the drug manufacturers are using them in their next generation of cholesterol management drugs.

As always you must check with your physician before changing your diet program.

Nigel Gittens is a writer and researcher on Nutrition. For more great information on lower cholesterol, visit http://www.lowercholesterolstrategies.com/

Original article

Natural Ways Of Bringing Down Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol, a health condition associated with a lot of people worldwide has turned to be the root upon which major illness and sickness arise from. According to its definition by Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary 7th Edition, Cholesterol is a substance found in blood, fat and tissues of the body which a lot of it in the body can cause heart diseases etc. This reveals that not all cholesterol are bad because there are as a matter of fact good and bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol that our body needs are known as HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) while the bad ones are known as LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).

So, if you are concerned with what prompts the bad cholesterol in our body, you may find out that it has been attributed to what we eat. Food are necessary and essential things that reduces or keeps one cholesterol level in check. For instance Pate, Macaroni Cheese, Milk shakes, Butter, Red Meat, Pastries, Fries etc can constantly increase one's cholesterol level while Olive Oil, Pawns, Rapeseed Oil, Eggs etc can keep it in check. Not only what we eat or the type of food we eat that increases one's cholesterol level but also the way by which it is being prepared. A lot of people who love Roasting and Frying their meals, (trust me those methods actually bring out the taste of a food making it enjoyable, lovely and whatever our imagination can think of) after eating and enjoying it, regret its terrible tell-tale in their body system.

I will tell you, roasting and frying seriously have a big impact because of the level of oil it consumes which in turn are deposited in our body thus increasing the cholesterol level in our body and exposing us to heart attack and heart-related diseases. So instead of Roasting and Frying, why not go for Boiling, Grilling, Micro-waving and Poaching.

Also Survey research and Experts' works have shown that having at least a thirty minutes intensive exercise daily can eradicate the excuse of high cholesterol. For instance Swimming, Jogging, Running, Walking, Dancing, Cycling, etc can improve these levels.

Finally if we help ourselves by putting a decrease to those Butter, Fatty and Greasy food, the door to healthy life will definitely be wide open. Therefore acting now on these few tips can improve the once lost hope of having a good cholesterol but negating it may just be another bridge to heart diseases and unhealthy life.

Would you like to know more? Check out this site for more information about the above topic!

Original article

Natural Lower Cholesterol Foods

High cholesterol is in fact the most common cause of chronic disease and is particularly related to cardiovascular diseases.

Before going any further it must be stated cholesterol is not all that bad and some cholesterol is needed in the system for good health. The "low" in low cholesterol really means an absence of bad or ldl cholesterol. Ldl means low-density lipoproteins. This substance has to be absorbed by certain foods or flushed out of the system so hence the reason for low cholesterol foods which can carry out this function.

To achieve success in the battle for lower cholesterol, you not only have to change what you eat, you must also change your lifestyle. Changing what you eat means eliminating foods that are high in saturated fats and trans-fats. Saturated fats and trans-fats are substances full of high cholesterol. Examples of foods full of saturated fats and trans-fats are most meats, most whole milk dairy products, some fish and many types of cooking oils. Changing one's lifestyle involves the elimination of such bad habits as smoking, excessive alcoholic consumption and an overly sedentary life routine.

The sedentary lifestyle can be overcome by adopting a more active daily routine. This will make the cardiovascular system more robust and healthy and includes walking, jogging, biking, swimming, etc. These should be engaged in at least three times per week for a duration of 45 minutes.

Eating cholesterol lowering foods is very simple. Just consume those that are provided by Nature and you would be spot on. These foods are the common fruits and vegetables, whole grains, ground nuts, peas, beans and ground provisions.

Fruits are good sources of fiber, vitamins and carbohydrates. The vitamin C in fruit make the arterial walls of the blood vessels strong. Vegetables are also good sources of fiber, minerals and vitamins and they also have the ability to mop up or absorb and eliminate bad cholesterol from the system. Whole grains also mop up and absorb bad cholesterol as well as provide significant vitamins and minerals for the body.

Ground nuts are a high source of protein, energy, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Ground nuts can also aid in any weight reduction program. The nuts that are effective in this regard are cashews, almonds, macadamia, walnuts and pecans. Peas and beans also provide protein, fiber and good cholesterol. Ground provision are a great source of fiber and energy.

So to summarize in a practical way what your approach to a lower cholesterol diet should be:-

i) Increase your intake of fibrous foods. The greater the amount of fiber the better as this flushes out toxins and excess bad cholesterol. This means consumption of more whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables.

ii) Decrease considerably your intake of red meat. Avoid beef which is particularly high in bad cholesterol.

iii) Decrease your intake of processed animal fats which include dairy products - butter, cheese and cream. These are also high in saturated fats and trans-fats.

iv) Increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts and fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and herring.

v) Finally a more active lifestyle including a daily exercise program as well as the elimination of smoking and excessive alcoholic consumption is necessary.

Finally, a few words on prescription drugs which have assumed great prominence today. These have been known to have very unpleasant side effects and as a result are losing their popularity. Certain natural super-foods can now be consumed which provide equal effectiveness but with no side effects. These should be explored before using medication.

As with any new dietary or exercise advice, you should consult with your doctor before proceeding.

Nigel Gittens is a writer and researcher on Nutrition. For more great information on lower cholesterol, visit http://www.lowercholesterolstrategies.com/

Original article