Causes of High Cholesterol

Over one hundred million Americans have high cholesterol. Derived from the Greek word "chole" for bile, this thick substance is produced in the liver and is very important to the good health and functioning of the human body. Cholesterol has numerous functions in the body and it is found in the outer layer of every human cell. Among its functions include the following; production of bile, aids in cell membrane growth and production of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol also helps to metabolize fat soluble vitamins in the body.

We are all focused on hearing about how dangerous cholesterol is but in fact it also serves a very vital purpose to the body. However there is both "good" and "bad" cholesterol and this is where it is important to know the difference. How we produce cholesterol: When we eat animal proteins we produce cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables and grains cannot produce cholesterol and they do not contain any. When meat, eggs and dairy products are consumed they enable the body to make cholesterol. It is a question of eating these foods in moderation as too much saturated fat can lead to elevated cholesterol levels which can be unhealthy and dangerous.

Types of cholesterol: Cholesterol can be one of three types; HDL, LDL or Triglycerides. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the bloodstream. LDL cholesterol is what is known as the "bad cholesterol". This is the cholesterol that is carried from the liver to the body's cells. If too much is carried into the body, you will develop excess cholesterol. Excess can lead to many health complications including arterial plaque and heart disease. The "good" cholesterol is known as HDL. It works in an opposite way to LDL because it actually carries the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. The liver then will discard this cholesterol out of the body. HDL can help prevent heart disease. Most fat found in the body is in the form of triglycerides. They are made from the foods that we eat. Normal Cholesterol Levels: There are cholesterol guidelines of what is considered normal and what is considered high. Normal is less than 200mg/dL and high is anything 240mg/dL or higher.

What high cholesterol can do to your body: High cholesterol can have many deleterious effects on your body and your health. Heart disease is one of the main potential consequences. The arteries can become blocked which reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart. You will also increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of high cholesterol: If you haven't gone to see a doctor and get blood work yet you may notice various symptoms if you do have high cholesterol. These may include some of the following; pain in your legs when walking or exercising because the arteries have narrowed and yellow patches on your skin, particularly around the eye area. These patches are actually cholesterol deposits and are a tell tale symptom that you have high cholesterol levels.

Causes of High Cholesterol: There are several known reasons for developing high cholesterol. It should be noted however, that sometimes there is a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol levels. Poor nutrition: Eating large quantities of cholesterol laden foods such as meat and dairy can increase your cholesterol. Most dangerous are foods that are high in saturated fats. Red meat, sausage and sugary baked goods all have high saturated fat levels. Eat fresh whole foods in the form of lean proteins, fresh vegetables and whole grains and a little bit of fruit.

Obesity: Excess weight can also increase bad cholesterol levels. Try to maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and gender. You can refer to a body mass index scale, also known as a "bmi". This chart will tell you the weight range you should be in. Smoking: Smoking of course is an extremely unhealthy habit to have. And it can raise your cholesterol levels as well. Speak to your medical provider who can help create a program for you to follow to quick this habit. Age: Cholesterol levels increase naturally with age. Usually at the age of 50, a man's cholesterol levels will taper off naturally. Women's cholesterol levels will naturally begin to rise after they have reached menopause. This does not take into account of course, for all of the various lifestyle and medical factors that can raise your cholesterol levels as well.

Lack of exercise: People who do not exercise will more likely have higher cholesterol than people who incorporate exercise into their lifestyle. Additionally sedentary people will tend to have lower amounts of the good cholesterol, HDL, as well. Part of a healthy lifestyle incorporates a regular exercise program. Find exercise that you enjoy doing and try to commit to exercising three to five times weekly for a minimum of 30 minutes. Medical Conditions: There are certain medical conditions that tend to create higher cholesterol in the body. These include diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease.

Diagnosis: Under the care of your medical provider, a blood test is performed which will check LDL, HDL and blood triglyceride levels. Medication: There are various medications that your physician may prescribe for you if you suffer from high cholesterol. Statins: this drug lowers cholesterol by blocking liver enzymes that produce it. There are various side effects associated with statins and include headaches and constipation but not everyone will experience these effects. Niacin: Niacin will reduce both HDL and LDL levels and it is a B vitamin. Your doctor may prescribe a particular dosage for you. You may experience flushing and tingling side effects. Aspirin: Aspirin is a common medication doctor's recommend taking for high cholesterol levels. If you have high blood pressure along with high cholesterol your doctor may prescribe other drugs such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Your doctor will know what exactly is appropriate for you depending on your blood work, age and health condition.

You can reduce your cholesterol levels in various ways. By looking at the various causes of high cholesterol you can begin to assess which areas of your life you may change to become a healthier person. Of course, always consult with your medical provider before undergoing any type of lifestyle, nutritional or exercise program, particularly if you are elderly or suffering from any disease or ailment.

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By Tina C. Loren

Original article

About Cholesterol - Nine Secrets You Won't Learn From Your Doctor

It seems that nowadays everyone is concerned about their cholesterol. Since high cholesterol is associated with clogged arteries and heart disease, just the term 'cholesterol' conjures up negative feelings. But there is another side to cholesterol that most people have never heard. Knowing the following nine 'secrets' may forever alter your thinking about having lower cholesterol.

First - Cholesterol is an extremely vital substance for proper fetal and newborn development. During pregnancy, a mother's cholesterol levels increase dramatically. Why? Because cholesterol is being transferred to the baby via the placenta to insure healthy development of the brain and nervous system. The brain requires more cholesterol than any other organ in the body. After the baby is born, his/her mother's milk then supplies the baby with additional amount, assuring the continual, on-going development of the brain and nervous system.

Second - Guess what? Your brain and nervous system need cholesterol, too. Cholesterol is required by neurons to form synapses (connections) with other cells. Some recent studies have shown that drugs that inhibit the liver from making cholesterol may also keep the brain from making it, resulting in reduced brain function. Alzheimers and other neural degenerative diseases are on the suspect list of statin side effects, since statins lower cholesterol levels.

Third- Serotonin, the body's "feel good" chemical, cannot do its job if cholesterol levels are too low. Depression, suicidal tendencies, or aggressive behavior can result.

Fourth- Cholesterol is an effective anti-oxidant. Cholesterol's anti-free radical activity neutralizes the damaging effects of fatty acids and free radicals in the tissues. As such, cholesterol fights inflammation, infections, and cancer!

Fifth-Many of our hormones depend on cholesterol. Cholesterol makes up the hormones that help us deal with stress, hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, and all the sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Sixth- Cholesterol is a leading repair mechanism. It's found at all wound sites, and is present in the arterial walls where inflammation has set in. It puts 'patches' on the arterial walls that have been eroded by bad diet. No new cell can form without cholesterol.

Seventh- Cholesterol is found in all your cell membranes and provides rigidity, structure, and 'water-proofing'. Its presence insures that your cells maintain their integrity - without enough cholesterol in your tissues, your cells would become either too fluid, or too firm.

Eighth- Cholesterol is necessary for the formation of Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, and auto immune disease.

Ninth- Cholesterol is necessary for the digestion of fats. Cholesterol is used in the making of bile acids, which in turn are changed to bile salts, which are essential for the digesting and assimilating of fats.

So there you have it. Certain levels of cholesterol are needed by the body for it to maintain good health. Think about it if your doctor tells you you need to lower your cholesterol...even lower!

I research information concerning current health trends, uncover the myths that keep people from making wise decisions, and provide natural remedies that will dramatically increase the potential for living disease free.
I'm the mother of five children and have six grand-daughters.
http://www.haveahealthyheartnow.com/

Original article

What Is Cholesterol Anyway? The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Where does it come from? Why is it such a problem? I am not a doctor or even a dietitian just a guy who struggled with his cholesterol problem for 12 years until I finally found the solution. We'll come back to that in a minute.

Cholesterol is a chemical compound that is naturally provided by our bodies. It is a combination of lipid (fat) and steroid. It is a building block for cell membranes and hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Eighty percent of our bodies' cholesterol is provided by our liver, while the rest comes from our diet of meat, fish and dairy products. Foods from plant based origin have no cholesterol. The liver, when doing its thing is able to regulate the levels of cholesterol in the blood stream and secretes it if it is needed by our bodies. That's all fine and good so what's the problem? As my doctor explained to me high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), can put us at risk for heart disease. Why? Because if untreated it can build up in the walls of my heart's arteries (this is called plaque) and cause blood flow blockages. That's why you want lower levels here. But to the rescue comes what they call HDL (good cholesterol). It helps carry excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver where it can be passed from the body so higher levels here are better. To round out our cholesterol parts we then have what are called triglycerides which are also a type of fat in your blood and once again a high level here is also bad. These three together make up our cholesterol numbers.

Many other factors come into play when talking about cholesterol such as heredity and in my case liver damage due to a bout with hepatitis as a teenager and alcohol later on. This is where we come back to what the solution is. Remember the part in this article about which foods have no cholesterol in them at all? Yes. The answer is in plant based origin foods: vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. Isn't it even more interesting that these foods are of the highest in nutrient density?

When the light bulb came on for me I was nearly 60 years old, extremely overweight and I was told that I needed to be on medication. I found that if I ate those foods and totally avoided the meat, dairy and sugar then I could find other things to worry about because I wouldn't be worried about cholesterol anymore. As a bonus I greatly reduced my weight as well as my chances of getting things like cancer and diabetes. Now would I trade all that for a hamburger, fries and a shake?

No thanks!

Hi, I'm Denny Sailor, the author of the eBook The Reluctant Vegan. As a result of my improved health through weight loss and vegan lifestyle I became a Certified Weight Loss Coach so I could help others who have health concerns. My eBook and health coaching program is available on http://www.wendysailor.com/ and my website is http://www.alwaysveganmostlyraw.com/

Original article

Decreasing the Levels of Cholesterol Naturally

Research indicates that a number of individuals who are suffering from obesity or at an unhealthy weight have moved upwards over time. This really is related to the kind of meals currently being offered in academic institutions as well as junk food places also the possible lack of exercise as the individual matures. The issue moves further as this implies that a lot more people in America are affected by hypertension, cardiovascular disease as well as cardiac arrests later on. The good thing is this could be prevented before it's far too late.

The organic method to reduce the cholesterol levels is going to be by developing a few changes in lifestyle as well as doing exercises. This helps the person slim down, that is directly associated towards the levels of cholesterol within the body. When individuals think about going on a diet, several believe this implies saying farewell to a few of life's juicier meals but it's not really. The individual may have to restrict the actual intake as well as increase the new things which are healthier. More frequently, this may call for consuming foods which are an excellent source of dietary fiber as well as lower in unhealthy fats. A few examples worth mentioning are artichokes, corn, seafood, garlic cloves, legumes, fresh mushrooms, nut, essential olive oil, soy milk and whole grain products.

The person shouldn't neglect to have several vegetables and fruit also as these tend to be full of sterols which are able to keep your levels of cholesterol lower. Many of these items are inexpensive and may be easily bought in the grocery store. Apart from eating properly, the individual should also go ahead and take essential safeguards whenever drinking fluids. What this means is drinking a glass of red wine reasonably, lowering the consumption of alcoholic beverages, drinking organic fruit juices, non-fat milk as well as drinking water. Apple juice for instance has become recognized to decrease levels of cholesterol by approximately fifty percent whenever consumed frequently. Additional fresh fruits may also do the same therefore slicing this and placing it right into a mixer can perform the trick or obtaining this in bottled form.

The next phase to decreasing the levels of cholesterol by natural means is as simple as physical exercise. This is often accomplished in lots of ways for example brisk walks, jogs or even running around the neighborhood. Trying to learn an exciting new sports activity as well as doing it frequently is yet another alternative. People who desire to be looked after by a fitness expert can easily look into the fitness center because there are experts that could produce a plan to get the person's sought after outcomes. This is a mix of cardio workouts in addition to strength training to shed the calories from fat and minimize the levels of cholesterol.

There's a different way to decrease the levels of cholesterol, however it is utilized as the last measure in the event that both of these fail to work. The person will probably be needed to make use of medication to get it done. There are plenty of items available and research indicates this could decrease the levels of cholesterol up to fifteen to thirty percent. The individual must be aware however these medications currently have specific effects so it's recommended that you seek advice from a physician initially to ensure it's safe.

Cholesterol levels are something that is manufactured in your body and it is taken whenever food is eaten. The best way to guarantee the levels in the blood do not go over the limit would be to have a check-up frequently and observe the food that's being prepared or provided in the diner.

Visit my site to read more about how Paleo Diet can help you.

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Why Lowering HDL Cholesterol Is Bad

Lowering HDL cholesterol is not what you want to achieve. It is the LDL cholesterol that you should try to lower. High LDL is the main cause of heart disease and why it is the number one cause of death in the United States. Having too much LDL is a big cardiovascular risk and, with other fats, you are at risk to having heart problems because of the clogged arteries. This will likely lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Fortunately, this can be easily avoided.

Most adults should get their blood cholesterol tested at least once every three to five years. Here are a few things to do to lower LDL cholesterol and actually raise HDL cholesterol. It is actually easier to pull your bad cholesterol down rather than trying to raise your good cholesterol. Besides the fact that HDL cholesterol actually helps to prevent the clogging of your arteries, eating less healthy fat will not only lower your HDL cholesterol, but increase the LDLs in your bloodstream. Thus creating more of the problems that we are trying to avoid. The best way to really lower your bad cholesterol is by making changes in your diet. This means that you will need to start eating the right foods so that you will be able to start seeing your bad cholesterol levels go down. Here are a few things to do while trying to lower your cholesterol levels.

Lose Weight

The benefits of losing body fat are endless and lowering your cholesterol is a bonus benefit. The best way to really lose weight is to start an exercise program that will get you moving on a daily basis. Too many people live sedentary lives and they often forget the importance of being physically active. For you to get out and be more active might mean having to take up a new hobby. Activities like golf are great for your health and will also get your competitive juices flowing. Golf is a great way to lower stress levels and, at the same time, give you enjoyment.

Eat and drink healthier

This means that you should focus on eating more fruits and vegetables as these are the best and most natural ways to lowering cholesterol. Fruits like apples and blueberries are known for lowering LDL and raising HDL. Some people actually think that lowering HDL cholesterol is a good thing, either because they are misinformed or confused, but really it is the complete opposite. Focus on drinking more water, as this will also help with the absorption of vitamins and nutrients as well as help flush out toxins from your body that cause disease.

Lowering HDL cholesterol is not the way to go. It's lowering your LDL that's the problem. It's really not that difficult and will absolutely bring you some great health benefits. Though some people might have a hard time with making the transition, it will usually take an adjustment period before you make it a habit to eat healthy. If you are able to remain focused on your results of eating healthy, the cravings for fats, fried and sugary foods will go away in just a couple weeks or so and you will be able to turn this into your new lifestyle to help ensure a longer and healthier life. Take your time and make sure that you have the right mindset to succeed.

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 lowering HDL cholesterol. 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

High Cholesterol - Signs, Symptoms, Causes

High cholesterol is what the average person calls it. The medical term is hypercholesterolemia and it is a risk factor for heart disease.

No signs or symptoms are usually visible until the problem becomes significant. Occasionally, yellowish patches appear around the eyelids or in the outer margin of the iris of the eye. Lumps may form in the tendons of the body, especially in the Achilles tendon.

But most of the time, the fatty waxy yellowish substance lodges inside the walls of the blood vessels, where you cannot see it. That's why you must have your blood levels checked on a regular basis, even if you feel healthy. It could be a family issue you are unaware of.

One of the rare causes of hypercholesterolemia is genetics. It is then referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia. There are actually two genetic mutations, one being much rarer than the other. The rarest form can cause severe cardiovascular disease during childhood. People with the more common, but still rare form tend to develop cardiovascular disease between the ages of 30 and 40.

If members of your family have died from heart attacks at relatively young ages, the reason could be familial high cholesterol. It is in your best interest to get a blood test.

Watch Your Diet

Excessive dietary intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids is the most common cause of hypercholesterolemia in the Western world. Dietary cholesterol was at one time blamed, but most research indicates that cholesterol-rich foods like eggs can be consumed in moderation. For example, eating three eggs per week is okay.

Some people have switched to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Usually the result are quite remarkable. Meat, especially red meat, is a source of saturated fat that can cause high cholesterol.

Get Moving and Keep Going

Another common cause is lack of physical activity. Physical activity is one of the only things that raise HDL levels. HDL is considered "good" cholesterol, because it carries the yellow goo out of the bloodstream. LDL particles are the ones that "stick around" in the blood.

You Have Heard the Warnings Repeatedly

Smoking and alcohol consumption in excess of one or two drinks per day are other causes of high cholesterol. Both smoking and alcohol can cause the liver to produce more LDL particles.

Anyone who is obese should have their HDL and LDL blood levels checked regularly. Obesity raises triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fats in the bloodstream. Triglycerides include free fatty acids and the cholesterol particles we have been talking about. When a person has high cholesterol, their total blood triglycerides are also higher than normal.

Age a Factor -?

Getting older is a possible cause, although not necessarily inevitable. Dietary changes and improved nutritional status can combat high cholesterol regardless of a person's age.

A number of other health problems can cause hypercholesterolemia including:

* Hypothyroidism
* Pancreatitis
* Type II diabetes
* Nephrosis
* Cirrhosis and other liver diseases

Certain prescription medications can also cause the health problem including progesterone, corticosteroids, anabolic steroids and diuretics. No drug is without risk and many of them have a negative effect on liver function. Anything that messes with the liver can cause hypercholesterolemia, as well as other health problems.

While statin drugs are the usual treatment of choice, they too are risky. It is possible to lower high cholesterol naturally without drugs. Now that you know some basic causes, you'll learn how in my next article.

Please click the CHOLESTEROL link below in the resource author box.

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Original article

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

Cholesterol Truths Revealed

Almost every week in my office, I see a new patient who is on a statin drug prescribed by the patient's MD for high cholesterol. Of all the drugs that have been prescribed en masse, nothing is more futile than the statin drug. In 2010, the best-selling drug was Lipitor (a brand name statin) with sales of 7.2 billion dollars. So I'd like to start with some basic facts about statins.

What are the criteria then for so many prescriptions? The data from the companies that sell these drugs are very clear and available to the public. However, it can be confusing for the layperson to sort through it all--so I will do my best to translate some of the data for you.

In statistics there is a number used to determine the effectiveness of a medication; this number is known as Number Needed to Treat (NNT). It represents the number of patients who need to be treated in order for one to benefit from the drug. If a drug has an NNT of one, it means that every person who takes the drug receives a beneficial outcome. If it has an NNT of 10, it means you have to treat 10 people for one to have a benefit. The NNT of Lipitor is 100. Another way to say this is that Lipitor has a 99-percent failure rate.

What Lipitor will do is lower your cholesterol. If this is so, why doesn't it prevent heart disease? The simple answer is that there is no correlation between heart disease and cholesterol. In other words, of the people who have heart attacks, about one-half will have "high" cholesterol and one-half will have normal or low cholesterol.

Cholesterol is not fat; it is a waxy substance of which about 80 percent is made in the liver. It is produced from a molecule called HMG-CoA. Statins poison the enzyme that converts this molecule to cholesterol. They also stop the production of CoQ10, which is an essential part of the production of ATP, the main energy unit of our cells. Ironically, the highest concentration of CoQ10 is in the heart.

Cholesterol is the substance from which all of our steroid hormones (estrogen, testosterone, cortisol etc.) are made. It is also present in every cell membrane. When there is damage to the wall of an artery, cholesterol is sent in to "patch" that damage. Cholesterol itself, however, needs to be transported and the proteins that transport it to and from the cells are known as low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins. (HDL). These are often erroneously referred to as "bad" and "good" cholesterol respectively. LDL is responsible for taking cholesterol from the liver to the tissues, and HDL is responsible for recirculating the HDL from the tissues back to the liver. They are strictly shuttles that take cholesterol to and from tissues. LDL particles, however, come in different sizes and new tests can determine what your LDL particles are made of. They basically fall into two types: large buoyant and small dense. It is the small, dense particles that can get under the lining of your blood vessels and oxidize and cause a plaque to form. The large buoyant particles are too large to get under the lining and do not pose a threat.

Statin drugs do nothing to modulate the size of the particles. This is done through diet alone. And the most offending food, the one that drives those small, dense particles? Sugar. Sugar is the main cause of both increased small LDL particles and increased triglycerides (fat) - not saturated fat. One of the worst things you can do for your heart is to go on a low-fat diet. A low-fat diet is, by definition, a high-carbohydrate diet, which is a recipe for heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes etc.

If your doctor is trying to put you on a statin, or if you are currently on a statin, I would highly recommend that you get the more specific particle testing done. The two labs that we use at our office are the Lipoprotein Particle Profile by Spectracell Laboratories and the VAP Cholesterol test through Quest Diagnostics.

A normal total cholesterol level is between 180 and 250. These numbers in themselves are meaningless because two people can have the exact same numbers but be at completely different risks. A total cholesterol count below 160 becomes problematic because the body doesn't have enough of the building blocks it needs to maintain cellular health and steroid hormones.

Original article

What Is Cholesterol Actually? Lowering Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol actually is not a bad thing. It depends whether you are talking about good cholesterol or bad cholesterol. You can't remove all your cholesterol in your body or else you will die. I will explain why.

Cholesterol is actually a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). It is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues, and is transported in the blood plasma of all humans and animals.

Cholesterol plays a central role in many biochemical processes. It is also insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins.

When we think about cholesterol, what comes into our mind is the fact that too much UNHEALTHY cholesterol is the thing that leads to our arteries getting clogged. It makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body stressing it to the point it malfunctions (hence, heart failure).

Cholesterol is split into 2 types. LDL and HDL. LDL stands for low density lipoprotein. LDL is actually the BAD cholesterol referred to in the paragraph above. This is the stuff that clogs our system. HDL on the other hand stands for High density lipoprotein. This is the healthy cholesterol that we should aim for.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) known as the good cholesterol actually acts in part in reversing the way cholesterol is moved around the body, and it takes cholesterol out of the plaque in the artery. It may return it to the circulation, to the liver, to be excreted out of the body.

In a healthy diet, you must learn to reduce your bad cholesterol while learning to increase your good cholesterol at the same time. The key is to maintain your ratio between your LDL and HDL. A high LDL and low HDL are bad.

When you eat food, make sure you check out the labels and ingredients. Pay keen attention here. You want to make sure you keep on increasing your HDL while reducing your LDL. But ultimately, it depends on the construct of a person's body. Some people absorb cholesterol better while others do not.

Some healthy ways to improve your cholesterol levels is that one of the best ways to reduce your harmful cholesterol in your body - is to reduce fat and cook your own healthy food! Here are a few more tips on how to lower your cholesterol and to achieve it.

Make Your Own Homemade Ice Cream

Do you know that making your own homemade ice cream can significantly reduce your fat? Substitute evaporated skim milk for whipping cream in homemade ice cream to cut the fat. You will still maintain the creamy taste.

Don't use too much sauce!

Did you know that all the mustard and ketchup sauces (not to mention the chili sauces) in fast food joints like McDonalds and KFC are filled with fats? You can still enjoy fast food as long as you cut down on your sauces and still lower your cholesterol

Original article

10 Best Home Remedies for Cholesterol Control

Cholesterol accounts for most of the heart diseases you will hear. High blood cholesterol eventually leads to an imminent stroke or a cardiac arrest. There are two types of cholesterols in human body - HDL and LDL. HDL is considered good and essential for body. On the other hand, LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol and should be avoided as it blocks the arteries and bars the blood flow.

Medications apart, you can always keep a check on your cholesterol levels with few simple home remedies, which prove to be beneficial in longer run. These home remedies decrease the bad cholesterol and help increase the levels of HDL cholesterol in body. Ten best home remedies for cholesterol control are:

1. Regular consumption of vitamin E prevents formation of LDL cholesterol in body. Recommended daily are 400 international units of vitamin E as a dietary supplement in order to maintain good levels of HDL cholesterol. Vitamin E prevents the arteries from blocking and hardening.

2. Regular consumption of vitamin C increases good cholesterol in the body and also lowers the LDL levels. Recommended daily are vitamin C supplements either in tablet form or consumption of citric fruits like oranges, etc. Even vegetables with high vitamin C content can be taken everyday in diet.

3. Garlic has been world-renowned for its medicinal properties. Regular consumption of garlic also keeps a check on the LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Recommended daily are 6-7 cloves of garlic everyday either in food or wholly to maintain high levels of HDL cholesterol and control the levels of LDL cholesterol. Garlic can be taken in capsule form in case the patient cannot withstand its smell and taste.

4. Skin of grapes helps to keep the cholesterol under control. Grapes eaten wholly reduce the LDL levels and help in maintaining the HDL levels in body.

5. In addition to grapes, grapefruit too is known to have medicinal properties to treat your cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of grapefruit lowers the LDL cholesterol in the body. Whole fruit can be taken everyday for best results. Results, however, start appearing in nearly two months.

6. Daily consumption of only two cups of beans can reduce your LDL cholesterol levels by almost 22%. All kinds of beans legumes are helpful in this condition.

7. Cinnamon tea helps keeping the bad cholesterol away. Regular consumption keeps the cholesterol levels balanced.

8. Boil one tablespoonful of coriander seeds in two cups of water. Consume once a day. Helps reduction of bad cholesterol.

9. Taking 1-2 fish oil capsules daily before going to bed helps reduce LDL levels in body. The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil help lower LDLs and triglycerides.

10. Water mixed with some onion juice helps maintain cholesterol levels.

Welcome to the world of natural treatments and home remedies. Cure High Blood Cholesterol naturally with proven home remedies for cholesterol and diet. Learn easy and simlplest home remedies for cholesterol and high blood cholesterol treatments. For more detail read my blog Chesterwilson's Blog.

Original article

Cholesterol - How to Remain Active For the Whole Day

A long with eating a balanced diet of minimally processed whole foods, being active on most days of the week is critical to creating healthy cholesterol levels. Getting active for health does not mean spending hours at the gym. In fact, you never even have to go to the gym to get the amount of exercise that is proven to improve your health. This chapter will give you the knowledge of why physical activity is beneficial and how you can get moving to enjoy those results.

Physical Activity Benefits Heart Health

People are designed to be active creatures. Not so long ago, we had to perform physical work to feed, clothe, and shelter ourselves. Modem living has changed all of that, but it cannot change the fundamental need of people to move and use their bodies in order to maintain optimum functioning. As average levels of physical activity have declined, medical professionals have observed an accompanying decline in the body's physical functioning. Researchers are also studying the relationship of physical inactivity with decline in mental functioning. Numerous studies now substantiate the fact that a minimal amount of physical movement is not only beneficial, but essential. Many aspects of aging, such as the loss of strength, balance, and the ability to move and care for oneself, were formerly thought to be the natural result of the aging process. Research today tells us that many of these consequences are not actually the result of aging. Rather, they are the result of disuse of the body and a failure to take advantage of its physical capabilities. To retain our vitality and energy, we need to keep ourselves physically active.

How Much Activity Is Necessary?

According to guidelines issued by the U.S. Surgeon General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the minimum amount of activity for health includes the following factors:

Should continue for at least 30 minutes totalCan be accumulated in bouts as short as 8 to 10 minutesShould be of moderate intensity, such as brisk walkingShould occur on most, preferably all, days of the weekShould include some resistance exercise and stretching during the week

The guidelines also note that more activity and a higher intensity will provide greater health and fitness benefits. The general guidelines listed above set forth minimum amounts of activity necessary to enjoy health benefits. Clearly, this level of exercise will not prepare you to run a marathon or to climb Mount Everest, but such events may not be among your immediate goals. You may simply want to feel better and know you are doing something good for your health. The message for you is loud and clear-with moderate amounts of physical activity on a regular basis, you can achieve this goal.

What Is Moderate Activity?

Research shows that activity can come in a variety of ways and still provide health benefits. The good news is that with so many activities to choose from, you are likely to find something that you enjoy and are able to incorporate into your life on a regular basis. You can also perform some activities that are performed at a higher intensity, such as bicycling, jumping rope, running, shoveling snow, or climbing stairs for a shorter amount of time (fifteen minutes or so) to get similar results. However, it is not necessary to do high-intensity exercises to achieve health benefits, particularly those associated with improvements in cholesterol levels. Moderate intensity exercise can improve heart health. The most important thing is that you find something that you can and will do regularly, and that you do it for at least thirty minutes on most days of the week. Remember that you can break up those thirty minutes. For example, you can take a ten-minute morning walk, run a quick errand on a bicycle at noon for ten minutes, and then take another ten-minute walk at the end of the day. That adds up to a total of thirty minutes in one day.

Walk Your Way to a Healthy Heart

One of the best forms of exercise that provides a healthful challenge for the human body is walking. It is economical, easy to fit into your day, bears a low risk of injury, and it is effective in improving health. Numerous studies show that people who walk regularly have less risk of death or disability from disease. Studies have shown that people who participate in regular walking programs have higher levels of HDL cholesterol, lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol, and lower levels of triglycerides or blood fats. In addition to reducing these risks of heart disease, walking helps you to enjoy many other benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight, improving the condition of bones and muscles, and reducing stress and tension.

Original article

Is Cholesterol the Number One Killer in the United States?

When you hear the word cholesterol what comes to mind? For many, high cholesterol and heart disease are first.

For decades the media has claimed that to decrease your risk for heart disease you must eat a low-fat diet with less than 300 mg of cholesterol a day. In 2004 the National Cholesterol Education Panel expanded the guidelines to include a recommendation that people take statin medications such as Lipitor to PREVENT heart disease. It is incredibly important to mention that 8 out of the 9 reviewers on this panel had monetary ties to drug companies. Did I mention Lipitor is the number one selling drug in America raking in 7.2 billion dollars in 2010?

Why we NEED cholesterol (and fat for that matter)!

Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in every cell of your body. It is found in animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs. It is essential for the production of sex hormones, bile acid (helps digest fat) and cell membranes. Cholesterol is also vital for brain function because it forms the covering of all the nerves in your body. The liver makes 75% of the cholesterol your body needs, and rest comes from food. If our liver makes cholesterol, then it is tough to argue how "bad" it is. By the way, 75% of people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels. Interesting, isn't it?

Now, this is not to say that you should go out and eat a diet loaded with fat and cholesterol from your local fast food restaurant. However, you don't have to be afraid to eat organic grass-fed eggs, grass-fed pasture raised meat, and other types of healthy fats. The key is balancing cholesterol as part of a healthy diet.

If cholesterol isn't as bad as I was taught, what is the right way to eat?

If you are confused or have concerns about how you should be eating to promote a healthy mind and body, you are not alone. You are right to be unsure. There are so many profit driven influences on information the public is given about health and food. The fact that you have questions is a great sign that you are on the right track to seeking the truth. When you are on the journey to health, guidance and leadership are essential. If you are unsure of the next step you need to take, contact an expert for a consultation so that you can start living the life you deserve!

Click here http://www.dynamicbalancehealth.com/ to schedule a FREE phone consultation with a health and nutrition expert to find out what you should be eating and what foods you need to avoid.

Original article

All About Cholesterol - A Brief Overview

What is cholesterol you might ask and where did it come from?

Well, it is a fat or a lipid that is produced by the liver as these Greek words imply - chole meaning "bile" and stereos which means "solid". But not all cholesterol comes from the liver. Some of it actually comes from the foods we eat mainly from certain plants and animals.

The Importance of Cholesterol

Why is cholesterol important?

Cholesterol has many uses and the function it brings to our body is numerous. It acts as an enzyme synthesizer which is important for fat metabolism. It is also involved in the production of estrogen and androgens which are our sex hormones. Cholesterol also is a primary contributor for the building and maintenance of body cells. Basically, cholesterol itself is good and is used for several body functions.

The Different Types of Cholesterol
LDL (low density lipoprotein) or also known as the bad cholesterol. This type of lipid is stereotyped as "bad" because an increase or excess amount of it can cause blockage or thickening of the arterial walls. If this happens, a person may have higher risk of having arterial and heart disease.HDL (high density lipoprotein) or also known as the good cholesterol is the total opposite of its twin. This type of lipid primarily functions as a scraper which scrapes off excess bad cholesterol away from the blood stream and arterial walls and then pushes them towards the liver for excretion.Triglyceride is another type of lipid that is also found in the bloodstream along with the other types of cholesterol. It serves as a storage of unused calories which is later on used for energy. High amounts of it can also put you at risk of heart disease.

The Normal Levels of Cholesterol

Below is a quick guide and reference that shows the normal values of the different types of cholesterol.
Total cholesterol should be less than 200mg/dLLDL should be less than 100 mg/dLHDL levels should be more than 50 mg/dLTriglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL

Risks and Dangers for Having High Cholesterol

An abnormal or a huge discrepancy on any of the normal levels of cholesterol can bring numerous debilitating health conditions - coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, chest pains or angina and heart attacks to name a few.

Who's at greater risk? It could be you! Have your cholesterol levels screened and take necessary actions before it's too late.

Paul is a heart conscious person and loves to share information about cholesterol and why is high cholesterol bad. To learn more what cause high cholesterol and other sure fire methods to decrease cholesterol naturally, sign up and claim your FREE mini-course by clicking on the links provided.

Original article

Cholesterol Particles A and B - What Does It All Mean?

Did you know there are two kinds of cholesterol "particles?" No longer are doctors going to be looking at just your numbers. You can have a slightly elevated cholesterol of 205. However, if it's pattern A, or large particles, it's not so bad. Pattern B, or small particles, can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Say it ain't so! Just when we thought we had it all figured out, someone discovers something new about fats in our blood.

I will try to explain it from a layman's point of view. Hang on to your hat, here we go. So, you find out you have the small particles. That doesn't sound bad, but evidently it can be. Small particles (lipids) are thought to pose a greater risk for developing atherosclerosis, once called hardening of the arteries, and heart attacks. Why? It appears that these tiny little particles (smaller than the head of a straight pin) can more easily squeeze through the tiny gaps between the cells in the endothelium and snuggle up inside the artery walls. Sounds like ants on a picnic to me. Let me explain further. The endothelium is a thin layer of cells which covers the inner wall of the arteries. The cells making up the endothelium have tiny spaces between them. Some scientists believe that the smaller cholesterol particles can easily oxidize. One way to explain what oxidize means is to think of the cholesterol as being "rusty" which changes the consistency of the cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol can form cholesterol plaques, and if you watch any television at all, you've probably heard about plaque. This is the sticky stuff that attaches to your artery walls and narrows them. Picture a straw in a drink that gets clogged. That's pretty much what happens when you develop a blockage. I'm no expert, but this sounds dangerous to me from the get go.

Now, what if you have Pattern A particles? These are the large, "puffy" particles that can't slip through the artery walls. Picture a glob of Crisco in a plastic bag filled with water. It floats around and pretty much keeps its shape. The theory is - if a tiny pin hole develops in the bag, the water will escape, but the oil will stay put. Hence, the glob of "fat" is too large to head through the blood stream to the heart and cause a heart attack or to the brain and cause a stroke. Makes sense to me.

If you have small particles (B), can you turn them into large particles? The theory is yes you can. Although cholesterol particle size is mainly genetically inherited, people who have small particles can increase their particle size through diet, exercise, and sometimes medications.

First you need to have a blood test called "polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis" which can measure and determine if you have pattern A or B. Not all doctors are performing this test yet. Find one who does. Most cardiologists do, and some alternative medicine physicians do. Find a health and wellness clinic that offers not only medical care, but chiropractic, detoxification, diet, exercise and massage therapy. This type of clinic wants to help you get well without medication. This would include changing your lifestyle and eating healthy. Sometimes a medication is used temporarily to get your cholesterol numbers into normal range while at the same time you're exercising and eating healthy. Then, you can slowly wean off the medication and have follow-up blood work done. If you are following healthy guidelines, your cholesterol numbers should return to normal, and if all goes as planned, your particle size will increase.

Diets that are low in saturated fat (namely animal fats), regular aerobic exercise, and loss of excess body fat all help to decrease the number of small particles and increase the number of large particles in the blood. In other words, lifestyle modifications can change pattern B to pattern A.

When lifestyle changes alone are unsuccessful, medications can be used. Statin medications can help lower your LDL cholesterol, but they appear to have a limited amount of influence on cholesterol particle size. Statins also have side effects including muscle pain and liver damage. It's always best to avoid long-term use of statin medications. So, if you must use statins, make sure you take niacin, Co-enzyme Q10 and fish oil supplements at the same time. One baby aspirin per day can also help. Your doctor can help you make the right decision. And always remember, diet and exercise are a very important part of your total health picture.

So, there you go. Hopefully this has helped. When your clinician tells you that your cholesterol is high, you'll want to ask about your particles. And, no matter what size your particles are, diet and exercise can keep you up and running well into your 80s and beyond. There is a lot more to cholesterol than what I've written here. I just wanted to explain in layman's terms what is meant by particle size. An easy way to remember is A stands for Awesome large particles and B stands for Bad small particles (Bummer)!

Here's to your health!

Beverly J. Krause is a freelance writer. She works as a social media coordinator and health and wellness writer. She enjoys helping people understand how they can change their lives by changing the way they eat and making exercise an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

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

A Healthy Balance of Nutrition - Lowering Your Cholesterol

A well-balanced diet includes food from each of the five main food groups. These food groups include bread, cereal and potatoes (starch), fruit (fruit juice is included) and vegetables, meat and fish, milk and dairy foods, and fat and sugar.

Normally, people should aim to be eating three main meals a day.

Firstly, take a look at an optimum level for foods that are good for you. You will need:

5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables
6 servings of grain products like bread, cereal, rice, and pasta
6 ounces of lean meats and poultry
Fat-free or low fat milk
Beans and peas
Nuts and seeds (not too many)
2 t0 3 servings of Fatty Fish (baked or broiled)

These are just some examples of food that you SHOULD include into your diet.
Most people need to eat more starchy foods and more fruit and vegetables, as well as reduce their fat intake, drink less alcohol and eat less salt. It is important to lead a well balanced life however, never cut down completely on one thing.

Take for example, oil. Remember that you must NEVER cut down completely on oily foods because it will lead to hormonal imbalances.

Look for labels that say food is low in fat (particularly saturated fat), low in salt and sugar-free.Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, low in calories and high in fibre. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables keeps the heart and body healthy. They are also an ideal alternative to eating crisps and chocolate as snacks between meals.

Try and change the types of oil you use to cook your food like vegetable oils like olive oil or corn oil and use spices to give your food more flavour.

There are only a number of foods you need to cut down from your diet. Once you replace unhealthy (fatty and oily) food with your new healthy choices, your taste buds will adapt and you won't miss those foods at all. Once you consume one type of food long enough you will adapt to it easily.

Here are other things you can cut down on - whole milk and ice cream should be avoided because of the amount of cream. If you like butter and eggs, make sure you use a bit less butter and eat egg whites without the yoke.

Also, try and change those high-fat processed meats like sausages and burger meat and replace them with white meat and lean meats.

Replace fried food with grilled food and it will help reduce your cholesterol in the long run without going through a starvation diet.

Original article

Cholesterol Lowering Drugs - 'Statins' - Learn How They Work and The Effects They Produce

Cholesterol lowering drugs - commonly called statins - are being prescribed frequently, but the side effects they produce in the body can leave you feeling achy, fatigued, and depressed. What should you do? If you feel caught between a rock and a hard place, answering the following two questions should help you decide: 'How do statins work?' and 'Are they effective?'

Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme works in the liver and is essential for producing cholesterol and another co-enzyme called COQ10. When HMG-CoA is inhibited, the liver is inhibited, and cannot perform its functions properly - cholesterol and COQ10 levels in the body are both depleted.

To understand what happens when cholesterol levels are reduced, we need to understand the role cholesterol plays in our bodies. Cholesterol is a substance that is found in every cell membrane, making our cell walls waterproof. Without sufficient cholesterol, our cell walls become leaky. Studies have shown that low cholesterol rates yield increased rates of cancer. That should not be surprising, since cancer begins at the cell level. Cholesterol is also a repair substance. It is found in all scar tissue, including the scar tissue that is in your arteries - plaque. (This fact should help us to realize that cholesterol is a symptom of heart disease, not a cause). Cholesterol is also needed by our brains for proper brain function. What am I getting at? Cholesterol is a friend, not a foe. Creating low levels of cholesterol, inhibiting its normal, necessary functions can be very dangerous to your health.

Statins also interfere with the making of the enzyme COQ10. COQ10, like cholesterol, is found in our cells, and is vital for the creation of ATP in the mitochondria. The creation of ATP (energy) is crucial for cell reproduction, cell repair, for the effective messaging and interaction between our cells -ie- our immune system, and for supporting muscle function. When COQ10 levels are depleted, our muscles can not function properly. Since the heart is a muscle, it is directly affected when COQ10 is limited. Though statins are taken to reduce cholesterol levels and thereby increase heart function, indirectly they may decrease heart function by altering COQ10 levels. It is interesting to note that deaths due to heart failure doubled from 1989-1997. Statins were introduced to the American public in 1987.

Do statins work? It depends on what you want them to do. Yes, they lower cholesterol levels.

Do they prevent heart disease? It is evident that heart disease is not on the decline. This is affirmed by a test done in 1992, in which Dr Ravnskov analyzed 26 controlled cholesterol lowering trials and found an equal number of cardiovascular deaths in both the treatment and the control groups.1

Are statins effective? They lower cholesterol and COQ10 very effectively, but do not seem to be lowering rates of heart disease. You need to have the right cause to produce the right effect. Evidence seems to indicate that factors other than high cholesterol are causing heart disease. If high cholesterol caused heart disease, then statins would be putting a large dent into the number of heart disease victims --but they're not. Instead they are causing problems all their own. I'll be saving that information for future articles...

If you decide to take statins, you should supplement with COQ10, or you will be at risk for very serious side effects, particularly wasting of your muscles. If you choose not to take statins, there are some very effective natural remedies that can help bring your cholesterol/ triglyceride levels into a normal range, by getting to the source of the problem. They would be a much wiser investment, in my opinion.

1. Ravnskov U.BMJ.1992;305:15-19

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this article with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

I research information concerning current health trends, inform people of the myths that are being circulated, and provide natural remedies that will dramatically increase the potential for living disease free.

I am a wife, the mother of 5 and the grandmother of six girls.

http://www.haveahealthyheartnow.com/

Original article

The Real Bad Cholesterol Foods List

For years, people have been trying to find out what the best foods for cholesterol are and often times they will overlook the foods that actually cause cholesterol to rise. Too many people have no idea what foods are on the bad cholesterol foods list. As people continue to get older, they begin to realize that their nutrition becomes more important and that they will have to make important changes if they want to stay healthy. It might be common sense to eat more fruits and vegetables, but a lot of people do not know that it is saturated fats that cause the rise in cholesterol and lead to heart disease. Here are some of the foods that you should always avoid because they are very high in saturated fats.

Hydrogenated Oils

When it comes to the bad cholesterol foods list, you will have to always check for hydrogenated oils. Every time you eat something that has a package, be sure to check if it has hydrogenated oils and be sure to not eat it. Also, avoid all fried foods. Yes, they taste great, but you must avoid them.

Dried Coconut

This is often found in desserts and candy bars and should definitely be avoided. These are found in most Asian dishes and they have about 57 grams of saturated fat. This is more than double what the average person will eat in a day.

Butter and Popcorn

As America's favorite ingredient for their popcorn, this is probably the worst thing that you can eat when trying to lower your cholesterol. 100 grams of butter will have about 50 grams of saturated fat and just a tablespoon of butter can do some serious harm to your body.

Animal Fats

These are the meats that you eat in burgers, sausages and fried foods. With about 100 grams of saturated fat per serving, it is a surprise that people still consistently eat these foods. Bacon is also on this list and it seems like people are eating more and more these days. Skip the bacon altogether.

Good saturated fats

Since there are bad saturated fats, there are actually some good forms of saturated fats. Here are some of the better choices when it comes to saturated fats.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and will be your best source to get saturated fat. Though it might seem like a great food to eat, always eat it in moderation. Different types of chocolates will have different amounts of saturated fats so be sure to read the nutritional facts. Remember that while the chocolate itself is very good for you, all the refined sugar it has is very bad for you and will cause you cholesterol to rise.

As you can see, this bad cholesterol foods list actually has some foods that can be beneficial to your health as long as you eat them in moderation. Lots of leafy green vegetables are vital to achieving your goal. The other foods like butter and hydrogenated oils should be completely ignored and should not be a part of your diet. Analyze these bad foods and be sure that you are eating the right foods on a daily basis.

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, teaching them about the bad cholesterol foods list. 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

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

Lowering Your High Cholesterol Levels Through Diet

High levels of bad or LDL cholesterol could put your health at risk. Getting those figures down is crucial and diet can help you achieve the goal. The diet for high cholesterol levels is far from too restricting. Many delicious foods can help you decrease those numbers and feel healthy once again.

Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You have probably heard of the benefits connected to the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in fish and affect the health of the circulatory system in a positive way. Salmon, fish oil and sardines should be included in a diet for high cholesterol levels.

Forget about Saturated and Trans-Fats
Saturated fats are an absolute no-no when it comes to keeping those LDL cholesterol figures under control. Avoid all fried foods, no matter how good they taste. Never eat fried food, even if you're super healthy.

Vegetable oils and fresh nuts are very rich in good lipids, which are called non-saturated fats. These should be used in cooking and dressing preparation. Stop consuming cream, fatty meats, butter and coconut oil - all these foods are rich in saturated fats.

Trans-fatty acids or mono-saturated fats are to be avoided, as well. Many fried foods contain trans-fats. The same applies to cookies and various snacks. The basic rule of thumb is to prepare food at home. Most prepared or semi-cooked foods should be avoided while on a diet for high cholesterol levels.

The Power of Fiber
Fiber has received recognition for the health benefits connected to its consumption. Apart from many other positive effects, fiber is capable of minimizing the level of LDL cholesterol in the human body.

Soluble fiber acts in a very simple way. It diminishes the ability of the digestive system to absorb cholesterol.

Many fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods contain significant amounts of fiber. Increase your intake of apples, oatmeal, artichokes, whole grain bread, peas, soybeans, potatoes, broccoli and spinach.

Avoid Foods Rich in Cholesterol
A good diet for high cholesterol levels should include foods that have the power to diminish the absorption of cholesterol. The second part of this nutritional plan is to avoid products and meals that contain significant amounts of LDL cholesterol.

The bad news is that some of the tastiest and most attractive foods are actually threatening your circulatory system and will damage your heart and cause a stroke.

Some of the foods that contain significant amounts of LDL cholesterol include eggs, butter, ice cream and fatty red meats.

Food that is part of the diet should be boiled, baked and steamed. This diet focuses on balanced meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. Nutrition is extremely important in a diet for high cholesterol levels, though many people underestimate the power of food. Some menu planning will help you deal with serious problems like high cholesterol. It may take a bit of time, but once you get used to the diet, you will start enjoying those healthy meals greatly.

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, taught others about a healthy diet for high cholesterol 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