What Are The Three Components Of A Total Cholesterol Calculation?

There are currently approximately 107 million Americans over the age of 20 whose cholesterol levels are over the magic number of 200 milligrams for each deciliter of blood. Of those 37 million are shocked to find their total cholesterol calculation at a dangerously high level of 240 mg/dl.

These numbers don't count those who have opted for the do it yourself blood test method purchased at their local pharmacy. If there was a way to count these do it yourselfers then the total cholesterol calculation statistics listed above probably would be much higher.

But are basic total cholesterol calculations telling the whole story?

While a total cholesterol calculation test is generally useful it certainly doesn't paint the whole picture because much depends on the individual components. The individual components are bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides. If you have a few minutes why don't we break down each one of these very different components.

LDL: This cholesterol baddy stands for low density lipoprotein and is responsible for depositing cholesterol in the walls of our arteries resulting in arterial plaque. It is also commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. LDL levels of 110 or less are considered to be optimal for those without multiple cardiovascular risk factors. For those who have had a heart attack or have multiple risk factors under 100 will be more along the lines of what your doctor would generally recommend.

HDL: HDL stands for high density lipoprotein. These are very lean molecules, in fact so lean they can't get squeeze through the artery wall. High density lipoproteins are sometimes described as scavenger molecules in search of cholesterol. They also travel away from our arteries with whatever cholesterol they have latched onto eventually finding their way out of the body in the form of solid waste. HDL levels of 55 or greater are considered to be optimal. HDL is known as good cholesterol.

Triglycerides: The types and quantity of foods ingested for the most part determines triglyceride levels. Ninety five percent of all fats in foods are considered triglycerides. When too much food is eaten(especially carbohydrates) the liver ups the production of triglycerides. Any triglycerides that fail to be used end up stored as fat which in theory is to be used at later date. Triglycerides are essential for energy, body movement, and generating heat. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dl of blood are considered to be in a healthy range.

In conclusion, these three very different types of blood fats are what make up a total cholesterol calculation. Talk with your doctor to learn more about each one, their relationship to one another, and what he considers to be heart healthy levels for your unique set of circumstances.

Additionally, many natural health minded individuals have enlisted the help of a safe and effective natural cholesterol supplement, combined with diet and exercise, to bring their total cholesterol calculation into a heart healthy range while improving each of the components.

How Niacin Lowers Cholesterol

It has been known for years that increased levels of niacin in the blood stream is a very effective way of reducing cholesterol levels without the need of additional drugs. Numerous medical and university studies have shown that niacin lowers overall cholesterol levels.

These studies show that niacin reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 10-20%, reduces triglycerides (fat in the blood) by 20-50% and raises the good cholesterol (HDL) by 15 to 35%.

Niacin accomplishes these changes naturally in the following ways:

1) It reduces the breakdown of fat from fat cells which is the source of raw material used by the liver to create excess triglyceriedes.

2) It inhibits the liver from converting sugar to triglycerides.

3) It inhibits the liver from creating the building blocks of the bad cholesterol (VLDL) and thus as a result the bad cholesterol drops naturally.

4) Virtually every study done on niacin has shown it to increase good cholesterol and which then picks up the excess bad cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver for disposal. The higher the good cholesterol, the less bad cholesterol you'll have in your blood.

In a study called the "Coronary Drug Project" which ran for 6 years and included 3908 patients to study the effects of niacin besides lowering both triglycerides and cholesterol levels there were other astonishing results:

The study found that the use of niacin led to a 14% reduction in non fatal heart attack, a 26% reduction in damage to blood vessels in the brain (stroke or blockage) and a 47% reduction in the need for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Unfortunately, the use of niacin to bring down cholesterol levels never became popular due to the high amounts of niacin needed, which created side effects due to "niacin flush". (Niacin cannot be confused with niacinaide or nictoinamide which does not cause flushing and does not lower cholesterol levels).

A List of High Cholesterol Foods - To Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Level, Avoid These Foods

When an individual suffers from HDL then a significant amount of cholesterol gets transported. In fact, due to HDL cholesterol in excess amount gets transported from the tissues to liver mainly for disposal. In such a case the cholesterol stops clotting the blood vessels and thus you have less risk of suffering from heart diseases.

A list of High Cholesterol Food:

This list would prove to be a good guide for you. In fact if you keep in mind to avoid the following food items on a regular basis then you can at least avoid HLD cholesterol level. Check it out:

* Food items rich in saturated fats

* Salt

* Oils and fats like butter, meat drippings, fat buck and vegetable oils

* All types of cheese items

* Junk food items

* Ice cream, any type of cream and milk

* Fatty meats such as sausage, bacon, salami, corned beef and hot dogs

* Cookies which are rich in fatty content

* Fried food items like fried chicken and French fries

* Pastries, cakes and pies

. What should one do to maintain a healthy cholesterol level?

Avoid Fatty Food Items: Ditch the food items mentioned above. Instead of these items you can add a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet chart. Quite interestingly, you can even opt for low-fat milk products too.

Be Active: To rule out the obesity issue you can opt for regular exercises. Integrating more activity would definitely not incite you to change your whole lifestyle. In fat you can get indulged in simple workouts to burn fats at a steady pace.

Just Avoid The Smoking Habit: You can kick of cholesterol issue if smoking is your favorite habit. In fact this factor weakens the wall of the arteries and makes them more prone to build up cholesterols.

Lower Your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Naturally With Aloe Vera Gel

High cholesterol and triglyceride levels predispose you to heart disease and strokes. Cholesterol and low density lipoproteins (LDL) stick to the walls of your arteries forming plaque and making them tough. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, can be deadly.

Statins are often prescribed for these symptoms. However, statins -- those drugs that lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels -- can injure muscles and damage the kidneys. Last March the US Food and Drug Administration issued this warning about statins. These side effects can be fatal.

But here's something to be happy about! You can lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels without the dangerous side effects of statins. Studies have proven that Aloe Vera Gel can lower these levels naturally.

In 2003, a study involving animals in Seoul, Korea determined that Aloe Vera lowered cholesterol levels. In the 1980's, a 5 year human study revealed that patients with chest pain due to high cholesterol levels given Aloe Vera with psyllium husk supplement achieved a 40-80% reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

In 1996, at Mahidol University, Thailand Aloe Vera was given as a supplement to 5,000 patients with atheromatous heart disease over a five year period. Their cholesterol and triglyceride levels were high. They were given 100 grams of Aloe Vera with 20 grams Isabgol husk for fiber. The Aloe Vera and Isabgol were mixed with flour and prepared as an ingredient in bread. The supplement was consumed daily at lunch and dinner. After three months, the patients had decreased frequency of chest pain, improvement in their electrocardiographic readings and treadmill tests. These patients didn't experience new heart attack episodes. The positive developments were attributed to a decrease in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In 93% of the patients, high cholesterol and triglyceride values returned to normal levels. What's more, these patients' medication of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers were consequently decreased. This study, conducted by Agarwal, concluded that Aloe Vera has a role in the prevention as well as treatment of atherosclerotic heart disease.

Other studies reveal that aloe improves the sluggish flow of blood in arteries. These may explain the cholesterol and triglyceride lowering effect of the aloe herb.

Well informed people are on the lookout for natural substitutes for statins. The Aloe plant gel is one. Aloe Vera Gel is consumed like food, it is food. Unlike statins, Aloe Vera Gel has no known serious reactions. For reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, take the supplement daily in higher doses. Be sure to inform your health care provider or naturopathic physician.

© Lisa K. Moran, 2010

Keeping HDL LDL Levels in Balance Could Save Your Life

The prospect of having your first heart attack, or additional heart attacks, is a health concern to be taken very seriously. Depending on the severity it could take months, years, or even a lifetime of rehabilitation to recover from a major coronary event. So taking preventative steps now makes a lot of sense. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping HDL LDL levels in balance.

LDL stands for low density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol. An LDLs purpose is to carry necessary cholesterol (produced mainly in the liver) to your cells. But since LDL is a fluffy fat and cholesterol molecule it has a tendency to drop some fat and cholesterol along the way. Most notably on the walls of your arteries. These small deposits then collect trash floating by and a dangerous plaque deposit is formed.

On the other hand HDL stands for high density lipoproteins and these beneficial lipoproteins are comprised mainly of protein. Some have referred to them as scavenger molecules. Due to their high protein makeup they are not able to enter the arteries, thus unable to contribute to arterial blockages. In fact, they collect and rid your body of excess cholesterol which is excreted in the form of solid waste.

As you can see both of these molecules are necessary and keeping HDL LDL levels balanced is a very important part of reducing ones chances of heart attack, stroke, or atherosclerosis.

What is a heart healthy balance between HDL LDL levels

Maintaining a HDL reading above 50 is considered good, with a reading above 60 considered very heart friendly. With LDL a reading below 115 is considered good, with anything below 95 considered very good.

As you can see establishing and maintaining HDL LDL levels which are in the range of two times as much LDL as HDL or less is what you are striving for if you have no previous history of heart disease, with a 1.5:1 ratio being more suitable for those who has a history of heart attack, or have a least two of the common risk factors of heart attack or stroke (smoking, being overweight, high stress levels, and inactivity).

What Next? Establishing favorable HDL LDL levels, in most cases, is about changing old habits, adopting new healthier habits, and enlisting the help of convention medications such as statins or natural cholesterol reducing remedies if needed. Put simply, this basically means finding ways to increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol levels). Certainly the aforementioned statin drugs will be one of your options but they do carry a number of serious label warnings. The side effect risks have made natural cholesterol reduction supplements combined with diet modification a safe and effective combination worth considering.

Food and Lower Cholesterol - Powerful Natural Ways to Lower Lipid Levels

Are you looking for a way to lower your cholesterol without having to use medication? Are you aware of the proven connection between food and lower cholesterol levels? If not, understanding this connection is the first step to improving your health.

You see, it has been shown in many different studies that certain foods reduce high cholesterol very effectively. As a matter of fact there is a growing number of doctors who are recommending their patients get off of cholesterol medication and begin making certain changes to their diet that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

The reason for this is twofold:

1.) The longer an individual stays on statin medication, the greater the likelihood of them experiencing damaging side effects becomes.

2.) Foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts and whole grains are so effective at reducing high cholesterol that this is really the only approach that makes sense. And do you know what the side effects are? These are the very foods that give you more energy, help improve your cognitive abilities, and can even extend your lifespan.

So, what makes these foods so effective? They are actually two substances found in cholesterol lowering foods that you should be aware of. First of all, foods that lower cholesterol contain large quantities of soluble fiber which has been proven to eliminate cholesterol from the intestines before it has a chance to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Plant sterols are another natural substance found in these foods that reduce high cholesterol. They accomplish this by blocking the absorption of cholesterol into the body. This is due to the fact that sterols apparently compete with cholesterol for absorption.

For many individuals, the idea of nuts lowering cholesterol doesn't seem to make sense. This is due to the fact that nuts contain a high fat content. However the fats that are found in nuts are actually the essential fatty acids that support balanced cholesterol readings and are required for many functions in the body. Nuts are actually among the foods that contain the highest amounts of plant sterols.

This connection between food and lower cholesterol readings is critical. I encourage you to visit my website where I discuss the most effective foods and diets to reduce cholesterol levels.

Fish Oil HDL - Why Fish Oil Helps HDL and Protects Your Heart

If you have concerns about cholesterol and the effect it can have on your heart then the omega 3's found in fish oil could be what you are looking for. Not only can fish oil help in balancing cholesterol levels but it has other properties which help protect your heart too, in fact it is so potent that virtually every health organization around the world recommends eating oily fish as part of your diet to protect your heart. So, first let us look at fish oil HDL boosting to help our heart.

Cholesterol problems occur when you have too much LDL and not enough HDL in your blood, and if you have raised triglycerides too then this can lead to heart disease. The job of your HDL is to take the LDL back to the liver to be reprocessed and also to mop up triglycerides. There is a problem though when triglycerides are too high because this uses up more HDL and therefore LDL is left at a higher level than it should be, however this is where the fish oil comes into play because it actually helps to keep triglyceride levels down which therefore increases HDL levels.

In addition to that one of the side effects of LDL cholesterol is plaque build up on the artery walls, as well as fish oil HDL boosting properties, it also removes this plaque too, potentially removing the threat of clots and blocked arteries. Of course these clots can not only cause heart attacks, but they can also lead to strokes as well, so it is important we do everything we can to minimize the risk. We are not done there though, there is one other way fish oil can help protect the heart.

Due to the diet that a lot of us have nowadays, we are consuming a lot more omega 6 than we should, which causes inflammation and our blood to thicken. One of the essential fats found in oily fish is EPA, and this particular fat helps to thin the blood and keep it moving freely around our body. As a side note the other fat found is DHA and this has been proven to also help reduce inflammation in the body.

The sad fact is that heart disease is still one of the biggest killers, second only to cancer and that is down to us not getting enough of these essential fats in our bodies. However as well as increasing HDL and protecting the heart, the omega 3 from oily fish has a lot more health benefits for you. We have already touched on it helping to fight inflammation but in addition to that it also helps nourish the brain, assist with digestive disorders and also possibly help the body fight off certain cancers. In fact it has now been recognized that omega 3 deficiency is the 6th most common form of preventable death in the USA.

All About High Cholesterol Foods

Remember those greasy and heavy foods you have the tendency to eat? Well, those have a very high risk of being high cholesterol foods. What you might not know is that high cholesterol foods contain lots of saturated fat and cholesterol. This can be really bad for you since saturated fat found in such animal products will raise your LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol) level. The bottom line is that animal foods contain cholesterol. Your cholesterol level is sure to rise if you eat these foods in excess to make your diet a high cholesterol diet.

It is very important for you to note that it is not the cholesterol in the food that is harmful, but the saturated fat content that causes the liver to increase the amount of harmful LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

If foods in your food counter show a "Cholesterol free" label, it is important for you to know that it does not make hardly any difference to your cholesterol levels. It is the amount of saturated fat that actually matters. A simple example is coconut oil - since it's a vegetable oil it has no cholesterol but is highly saturated and therefore it is no good for your heart. Rather than giving attention to "low cholesterol" or "cholesterol-free" labels, you might give more attention to saturated fats on the food label. "High cholesterol foods" do not mean foods that have an increased level of cholesterol, but of substances that help increase those nasty LDL numbers in your blood, such as saturated fats or triglycerides. Learn to read the food labels correctly.

Reduced fat food - 25 percent less fat than similar normal fat food.

Fat Free Foods means less than one half of milligram of fat. Free does not mean actually zero fat.

Low Fat Food - 3 grams or less fat.

Low Cholesterol Food - 20 milligrams or less and 2 g or less saturated fat.

Cholesterol Free Food - Remember what we talked about above? Free does not mean zero cholesterol.

Means actually 2 milligrams of cholesterol and 2 milligrams or less fat.

Generally, foods that are high in cholesterol are:

Processed and prepared foods contain high amounts of fat including trans-fats. Examples: cookies, pastries and muffins.

All animal products such as poultry, fish, meat, egg yolks and higher fat milk.

Proven Methods to Reduce Cholesterol

Lowering cholesterol can be a formidable challenge for most. However the benefits of lowering one's cholesterol, particularly if it is relatively high, have proven to be exceptionally positive for improving one's health and longevity. There are also several methods by which one can reduce their cholesterol. These methods of reducing cholesterol range anywhere from surgery and prescribed medications, to much less invasive measures such as simple lifestyle changes, or herbal remedies.

Upon a visit to your family doctor or general practitioner, there are several medications that can be prescribed to individuals based on their physical capabilities, severity of their cholesterol levels, and ability to withstand certain side effects of the medications. These medications typically reduce the levels of the bad cholesterol, also called LDL (or low density lipoprotein), in a person's body. It is common to have more than one of these such medications prescribed at the same time, as combinations are often much more effective than singular medications. There are roughly five families of drugs that a doctor can prescribe to a patient with high cholesterol. These five drug families (not by individual name) are Statins, Resins, Cholesterol Absorbtion Inhibitors, Fibrates, and Niacin. Each family is made up of numerous different commercial drugs available by prescription only, and each group performs a different task within the body that eventually results in the lowering of cholesterol. However, while these drugs are indeed, wonderfully effective at reducing one's cholesterol level, they also come with a range of side effects that any user should be well aware of. Side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, bloating, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, muscle fatigue, flushing of the skin, and even sleeping problems.

Another common and less invasive method of reducing one's cholesterol readings, is to try herbal supplements designed to reduce bad cholesterol. Such natural and herbal remedies that are known to aid in reducing cholesterol levels are Vitamin B3 (also called niacin), artichoke leaf, plant sterols, red yeast rice, garlic, guggulipid, policosanol, turmeric, rosemary, basil, ginger, and yarrow. Products such as soy foods, legumes, flax seed, and oats (or oatmeal) provide soluble fiber, and are also commonly known to reduce cholesterol levels, and can often also be a good source of added dietary protein as well.

Finally, there are in addition to both medical and herbal remedies for cholesterol, several lifestyle changes as well that can have a huge impact on lowering cholesterol levels. The first, and most profound change that one could make to lower cholesterol, is to stop smoking. If you are a smoker, this should be your number one goal in order to lower your cholesterol levels. The second and third most effective lifestyle changes known to reduce cholesterol levels, is eat a healthy, well-balanced and rounded diet, and get plenty of physical exercise. The physical exercise you choose to participate in does not have to be extremely over active, or cause you to over exert yourself, however 30 minutes of walking (or more), a day is a very good, and easy entry exercise into the world of physical activity. Finally, the last most effective lifestyle change known to lower your cholesterol, is to reduce one's amount of alcohol consumption.

There are many ways in which an individual can choose to work towards lowering their cholesterol. Through options such as medicinal prescriptions, herbal remedies, or lifestyle changes, one has several options available to reduce their cholesterol levels. Some options are far less invasive, and have far fewer side effects than others. However, thanks to the wide array of available options, one has the ability to work with their doctor to choose the method that will work the best for them.

Make Your Own Low Cholesterol Diet

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver. This substance has many important roles inside the body and in small amounts it is very important in helping the activity of the organism. In the presence of cholesterol, the body is able to synthesize vitamin D and hormones (testosterone and estrogen). The liver also uses cholesterol in producing bile, a substance used for the digestion of fat. Cholesterol covers the exterior membrane of blood cells and protects them from damage.

Although in normal amounts cholesterol is benefic for the organism, excessive amounts of this substance inside the body can lead to serious illnesses. High blood cholesterol levels are the main factor of risk in cardio-vascular diseases and can even cause heart failure. The surplus of cholesterol inside the body enters the bloodstream and deposits in different places of the body: arteries, soft tissues, organs. When cholesterol adheres to the inner walls of arteries, it obstructs the normal blood flow and prevents the oxygenation of the body organs.

Age, gender and internal dysfunctions are all considered to be factors that enable the accumulation of cholesterol inside the body. However, inappropriate diet also has a great contribution to blood cholesterol build up. A low cholesterol diet can help the body eliminate excess cholesterol and can prevent the accumulation of the substance in the bloodstream. A low cholesterol diet can also help you lose extra weight and improve your overall physical condition.

There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated fat. Saturated fat facilitates the accumulation of cholesterol inside the body, while unsaturated fat reduces blood cholesterol levels and therefore minimizes the chances of developing cardio-vascular diseases. A low cholesterol diet should exclude foods that are rich in saturated fat and include more foods that contain unsaturated fat. Simple carbohydrates contained by sweets should also be excluded from your low cholesterol diet. In order to improve your digestion, you should increase natural fiber and complex carbohydrate intake.

A low cholesterol diet should minimize the intake of animal products. Fatty meats (pork, lamb), organ meats (liver, heart, kidneys) and some dairy products (fat-rich milk, cheese, butter) should be excluded from your low-cholesterol diet. Animal products not only contain a lot of cholesterol, they are also very rich in saturated fat! Eggs, bacon, salami, sausages are rich in saturated fat and they should also be excluded from your diet too. Replace fatty meats wish fish, as it is low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Your low cholesterol diet can include some dairy products, if they contain small amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat: skim-milk, light yogurts.

Your low cholesterol diet should contain plenty of vegetables and fruits, as they are cholesterol free and a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Consume plenty of green vegetables, soy, carrots, cabbage, beans, dried peas and potatoes and fresh fruits like apples, pears, oranges, nectarines, lemons.

The best thing to do is cook your own meals. A low cholesterol diet should include plenty of home-cooked meals like vegetable soups, mashed potatoes and salads. Avoid fried meals and consider grilling or boiling your food. Also, make sure that you drink enough water, as it helps in the elimination of body cholesterol.

Walnuts Lower Cholesterol and Other Powerful Foods You Can Use to Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

If you're like me, then the idea of using medication to lower cholesterol levels is something you would like to avoid. Fortunately, walnuts lower cholesterol levels as do many other nuts, vegetables and whole grains. What does this mean to you? While most medical professionals may not discuss it with you, the best way to bring down high lipid levels is through making specific changes in your diet that contain these foods.

You see, while statin medication has many negative side effects associated with it, these foods that lower cholesterol only have positive side effects. If you begin eating more foods that help lower cholesterol, you will find yourself with more energy and lose weight in addition to improving your cholesterol readings.

Many individuals are surprised by the fact that walnuts and many other nuts are actually cholesterol lowering foods. For so many years we have been hearing that low-fat diets are the way to go, giving us the impression that nuts should be avoided due to their high-fat content.

However, nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that the fats contained in nuts are helpful for balancing out cholesterol levels and reducing triglycerides. These omega-3 fatty acids are essential for supporting mental and physical health.

Not only that, but walnuts, almonds and pistachios contain high amounts of fiber and plant sterols, the two primary natural substances that are responsible for cholesterol reduction. A cholesterol lowering diet that includes many nuts in addition to vegetables and whole grains can quickly reduce high cholesterol levels.

Yes, walnuts lower cholesterol. As a matter of fact, any food that is high in soluble fiber and plant sterols are foods that help lower cholesterol. This natural approach to reducing high cholesterol is the most balanced way to improve your health.

I encourage you to visit my website to learn more about natural cholesterol reduction and the foods and diets that have been shown to be most effective.

Statins Drugs To Lower Your Cholesterol

Compared to other types of drugs, statins help lower the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels faster and more efficient. How does it work? Well, it helps lower the LDL levels by inhibiting an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the liver.

These drugs work by increasing the liver's ability to remove low-density lipoprotein (also known as LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol) already in the blood and by slowing down the total production of cholesterol. Significant reductions in heart attack and coronary disease deaths and risks have been made with statin drugs because of the large reductions in total and LDL cholesterol. The number of heart disease and coronary heart attack deaths has been lowered, thanks to the statin's ability to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, because of this and its safety, it became the number one drug prescribed for lowering cholesterol.

Studies have shown that people taking statins have reported about 20 to 60 percent lower cholesterol levels in very short time. Besides the serious lowering in the LDL cholesterol levels, statins also reduce high triglyceride levels and produces a mild increase in HDL cholesterol. Most often statins are given in a single dose at the evening meal or at bedtime. To take advantage of the fact that the body makes most of the cholesterol during the night, it is very important that the pill is given in the evening. More recently, a new long acting statin has been developed to be administered in the morning as well.

After several weeks, with a maximum effect in 4 to 6 weeks, you should begin to see serious results from the statins. After about 6 to 8 weeks your doctor can do the first check on your new and most likely improved cholesterol levels while you are on the medication. In order to help meet your goal, a second measurement of your LDL cholesterol level must be averaged with the first so this way the doctors decides wether the medicine dose you are on should be changed.

Statins are medications with very rare side effects (liver problems, muscle soreness, pain, and weakness) and are very well tolerated. If any of the side effects appears, or if you have brown urine contact your doctor as fast as you can to get blood tests for possible muscle problems. In people who are taking other drugs that interfere with the statin medication, widespread muscle breakdown, also known as rhadomylysis can occur. But this is a very rare side effect that may also appear in people with advanced kidney problems.

Lower Cholesterol In A Natural Way

In order to naturally lower your cholesterol, there are a surprising number of natural herbs and vitamins and other natural remedies that could help you. This without mentioning the exercise and losing weight process which can help you a lot. The conventional wisdom or general thinking is that the vital arteries that deliver nutrients and oxygen to the heart can be clogged, and the primary cause of clogging is high cholesterol.

Producers of cholesterol lowering drugs spend on TV and print advertising over 200 million dollars to promote this view every year. Besides this, drug company representatives visit doctors and advertise in medical journals - all this ending up in spending several times the amount spent on TV and print advertising. You must know that medication is not the only way to go if you have high cholesterol levels.

How to lower your cholesterol naturally

The concern of having a heart attack disappearing into thin air just by taking a pill is everyone's dream. Maybe someday that will be true, but for now there are a dozen or more characters that play leading roles in "The Heart Attack Melodrama". The chief villains are transfats, inflammation, oxidation and a couple of heart disease "terrorists" who have recently shown up on the radar screen that signals a heart attack is heading your way.

The main objective of this article is for you to make some small lifestyle changes that will not only help you lower your cholesterol levels in a natural way, but they will also improve your overall health, length of life, energy and vitality.

Supplements to lower your cholesterol naturally

Policosanol

Policosanol is highly recommended as a natural supplement - first of all because of it's effectiveness in lowering cholesterol in a natural way, lack of side effects, and of course, safety. Policosanol is extracted from sugar cane. It is important for you to know that it has several mechanisms to improve cholesterol and general health:

It has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) naturally

It has also been shown to increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)

It helps lower the triglyceride levels

It reduces the clotting of the blood in the arteries of the heart and brain (a process called platelet aggregation)

Green Tea

Green tea has become popular in the western world in recent years even thought its benefits have been known to the Chinese for several thousand years. Studies now give green tea credit for

Lowering high blood pressure

Lowering blood sugar

Naturally lowering cholesterol

Improving the immune system

What To Do About High Cholesterol

How do you discover that you have high cholesterol ? It's not completely straightforward, you may be over weight or you may just be aware that you are of an age where cholesterol is an issue. High cholesterol can affect anyone of any age but it is generally more common in people over 40. So if you are of that age you may visit your doctor and ask to be checked or you could purchase a disposable home test kit. The kit will give you a ball park indication about your cholesterol level. If it comes in high or borderline high then you should visit your doctor. Your doctor will give you a proper blood test and get some concrete figures with regards to your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol readings.

When you are first diagnosed as having an unacceptable level of cholesterol your doctor will probably suggest you modify your lifestyle. Of course every case has to be judged on it's own merits. If you have a particularly high cholesterol reading you may be prescribed drugs immediately. However most people that are first diagnosed are in the borderline high category and a change in lifestyle is an effective and efficient way to lower cholesterol and get back on the straight and narrow.

A lifestyle change effectively means changing what you eat and being more active.

Some guidelines for this include eating meats that are lean in fat and skin. Things like chicken and fish are low cholesterol substitutes for red meat or fatty meats like pork or lamb. When you cook foods make sure not to fry your foods. You can bake, broil, steam, roast or grill your food.

Buy low fat equivalents of your favorite foods. The obvious examples are low fat dairy products. You can get all manner of varieties of low fat milk that have extra calcium or added vitamins. This is the way to go if you like milk but have high cholesterol.

Avoid foods that have high levels of saturated and trans fats. These are normally processed foods so you can check the labels on the back of their packaging for the quantity of these types of fats. Fast food also use saturated or trans fat oils for cooking so try to cut back on the fast food or avoid it all together.

Eat fresh is the motto. This means fresh fruit and vegetables but also fresh meat cooked by you rather than pre-cooked or ready meals. This gives you control over how it is cooked and the type of oils used to cook it.

Exercise every day by walking, running, jogging, dancing, or other activities that will keep you in better shape. Start off small and work up to longer sessions. Your doctor will be able to give you some advice on this subject. He/she will suggest doing at least twenty minutes a day to begin with and then build up to an hour or more. Do physical activities that you like to do as this will keep you motivated. If you don't like competitive sports then try walking/riding to work, do an active hobby like gardening. Use every opportunity to do physical activity like using stairs rather than the elevator.

Smoking increases your chances of heart disease, increases LDL cholesterol and decreases HDL cholesterol. Your doctor will advise you to try to quit. Everybody knows this is good advice so will it be the catalyst that makes you quit for good ? Let's hope so.

If this fails to make any impact on your cholesterol level then you may be prescribed a medicine. Statins are popular and effective in lowering cholesterol but they should be seen as a last resort.

Take These Steps To Lower Your Cholesterol The Natural Way

If you have high cholesterol levels it is critical that you take the necessary steps to get your levels under control as soon as possible. People with high cholesterol levels are at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Your doctor will probably want to start you on medication to lower your cholesterol levels. But you have to take into consideration that with any medication there may be side effects. So why depend on a medication to lower your cholesterol levels when you can do it yourself naturally? Read on to discover great tips on how to lower your cholesterol levels the natural way.

If you are a smoker, then you need to quit right away. I know that you have heard about how bad smoking is for you. It not only causes cancer but it can increase your risk for high cholesterol. Smoking will lower your HDL cholesterol levels which is the "good" cholesterol.

This type of cholesterol is responsible for transporting excess cholesterol to the liver where it can be processed and excreted from the body. If you quit smoking your levels of HDL will be equivalent to a non-smoker in just a few short weeks.

If you want to lower your cholesterol levels one thing that you must do is exercise. Just a few minutes a day of cardio exercise will increase your HDL levels and decrease your LDL levels.

It will also help you lose weight and you will feel better and have more energy. You don't have to do a marathon every day. Just ten minutes of exercise each day will help to lower your cholesterol. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Cut back on saturated fats and eat more mono saturated fats such as peanuts, olive and canola oils and avocados. Include more omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. You can get this from fish and fish oils.

It is recommended that you eat at least two servings of baked or grilled fish a week. But for the omega 3 fatty acids to be effective at lowering your cholesterol levels, you must cut back on the saturated fats.

Take a good multivitamin that has all the vitamins and nutrients that your body requires. Do some research online to find the best brand. Vitamins are not all created equal, so it is important that you find one that will benefit you the most.

Making these few changes can lower your cholesterol levels significantly. Changing your diet and getting exercise may be hard at first, but the benefits will be more than worth it. Stick to it and you will find that the next time your doctor checks your cholesterol levels, you both will be pleasantly surprised.

How To Lower Cholesterol Naturally - Using Bioflavonoid

Although bioflavonoids are not true vitamins in the strictest sense, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C, and the two should be taken together. There are many different bioflavonoids, including citrin, eriodictyol, flavones, hesperetin, hesperidin, quercetin, quercetrin, and rutin. The human body cannot produce bioflavonoids, so they must be supplied in the diet.

Bioflavonoids are used extensively in the treatment of athletic injuries because they relieve pain, bumps, and bruises. They also reduce pain located in the legs or across the back, and lessen symptoms associated with prolonged bleeding and low serum calcium. Bioflavonoids act synergistically with vitamin C to protect and preserve the structure of capillaries. In addition, bioflavonoids have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation, stimulate bile production, lower cholesterol levels, and treat and prevent cataracts. When taken with vitamin C, bioflavonoids also reduce the symptoms of oral herpes.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid available in supplement form may effectively treat and prevent asthma symptoms. Activated Quercetin from Source Naturals is a good source of quercetin. It also contains two other ingredients that increase its efficacy: bromelain, amn enzyme from pineapple, and vitamin C, in th nonacidic form of magnbesium ascorbate. Bromelain and quercetin are synergists, and should be taken in conjunction to enhance absorption. Sources Peppers, buckwheat, black currants, and the white material just beneath the peel of citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids. Sources of bioflavonoids include apricots, blackberries, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, oranges, plums, prunes, and rose hips. Herbs that contain bioflavonoids include chervil, elderberries, hawthorn berry, horsetail, rose hips, and shepherd's purse.

Citrus fruits are well known for providing ample amounts of vitamin C. But they also supply bioflavonoids; substances that are not required for life but that may improve health. The major bioflavonoids found in citrus fruits are diosmin, hesperidin, rutin, naringin, tangeretin, diosmetin, narirutin, neohesperidin, nobiletin, and quercetin. This article addresses the first five bioflavonoids listed above. Citrus bioflavonoids and related substances are widely used in Europe to treat diseases of the blood vessels and lymph system, including hemorrhoids, chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, easy bruising, nosebleeds, and lymph edema following breast cancer surgery. These compounds are thought to work by strengthening the walls of blood vessels. In addition, highly preliminary evidence suggests that citrus bioflavonoids may help reduce cholesterol levels, control inflammation, benefit people with diabetes, reduce allergic reactions, and prevent cancer. "Sweetie fruit," a bioflavonoid-rich hybrid of grapefruit and pammelo, has shown a bit of promise for treatment of high blood pressure.

The Cholesterol Farce

The cholesterol myth was originally fabricated by the seed oil industry as the profit from the sale of inexpensive corn oil, soy oil, canola, safflower oil etc. was more important than the truth.

This myth was then developed into a monstrosity by the pharmaceutical establishment who make billions off of this cholesterol monster.

It has been known for at least ten years now that cholesterol is not a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The idea that cholesterol is essential and not at all the demonic substance that so called experts would make it out to be, may come as a shock to you, but I have done the research for you and your health depends on you having this information.

You must understand that that the liver produces 2000 milligrams of cholesterol every day. Is your liver trying to destroy you?

Has our body evolved in just the past four decades and no longer needs this substance?

Of course not; cholesterol is an absolute necessity, with many critical functions in the body. All your important sex hormones and adrenal hormones are made from cholesterol. Did you know that every single cell in your body is surrounded by a membrane containing cholesterol, and without that cholesterol membrane no cell in your body could function? Do you know what your nerves and brain are made out of? Cholesterol.

High cholesterol in the blood doesn't come from eating foods high in cholesterol: it comes from a metabolism that is not efficient at handling the cholesterol you need.

For those of you that have been told that high serum cholesterol is bad and low serum cholesterol is somehow healthy, the fact is people with low serum cholesterol (less than 180) have three times the incidence of strokes as the general population.

Even William Castelli, M.D., a former director of the Framingham Heart Study (the one that supposedly implicated cholesterol as a problem in cardiovascular disease (CVD) notes that people with low cholesterol (lower than 200) suffer nearly 40% of all heart attacks.

There is plenty of information and studies to back this up, so why are you not hearing about this?

Do I have to remind you about the billions the pharmaceutical companies make off statin drugs to control cholesterol?

A study done by Gilman,et al and published in the December 24, 1997 Journal of the American Medical Association found that the more saturated fat you eat, the less likely you are to suffer a stroke.This study found that polyunsaturated fats (the ones that we have been led to believe are good for us) have no protective effect. This study actually was able to quantify the protective effect of saturated fats:

YOUR RISK OF STROKE DECREASES BY 15% FOR EVERY 3% INCREASE IN YOUR SATURATED FAT INTAKE.

Another study done by Leddy, et al and published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, volume 29 took elite male and female endurance athletes and placed them alternately on a high fat diet and then a low fat diet .On a high saturated fat diet the patients maintained low body fat, normal weight, normal blood pressure, normal resting heart rate, normal triglycerides and normal serum cholesterol levels. All their fitness and training parameters were maintained at the elite level.

When put on the low fat (high complex carbohydrate) diet, however, it was found that the low fat diet negated many of the beneficial effects that exercise is expected to produce. The athletes experienced a measurable decline in athletic performance. Most interesting , was the fact that subjects on the low fat diet actually suffered a significant drop in HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), along with higher triglycerides (both of which are significant CVD risk factors).

Contrary to the millions of dollars worth of anti-fat, anti-cholesterol propaganda you have been exposed to for decades, eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol is actually a way to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

In the next few months I will continue to expose the truth, with studies to back them up, about the benefits of healthful dietary fats (saturated medium chain triglycerides and cholesterol). I will also explain how the vegetable oils with the exception of olive, coconut, palm or macadamian oil, will accelerate the aging process in general, create catabolic damage throughout the body, and will specifically cause the oxidative damage in the blood vessel walls and in the heart that precipitates a cardiovascular crisis.

Reducing Cholesterol Through Diet

Lack of exercise, weight control, hereditary factors and smoking. All of these are factors that can affect cholesterol levels in your body. In some cases, dietary cholesterol does play a great part, although cholesterol is not primarily affected by the foods we eat.

In order to keep your total fat consumption (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated) to fewer than 30 percent of your daily intake of calories, you might need the help of a low-fat, low cholesterol diet. It is also very important for you to remember that the cholesterol intake should not be more than 300 milligrams per day. Whole milk, butter, hydrogenated oils, chocolate shortenings - all of these have a high concentration of saturated fats and should not, by all means exceed one third of your total fat consumption if you suffer from high blood cholesterol.

However, to reduce the total fat and cholesterol, you must limit your consumption of meats such as pork, tongue, liver and pork. In addition to all this, avoid friend foods, nuts and cream, cheese and try to not eat more than 3 eggs per week. Use skim milk and eat meatless meals several times a week, and include at least one fish dish in your diet.

Whenever you go shopping for food look at the package label of the foods you buy. Buy only foods that contain 3 grams of fat or less per serving. It has been shown that cholesterol can be lowered with the help of water-soluble fibers. This fiber can be found in foods such as oat, corn bran, apples and other fruits that contain pectin, beans and legumes, and in guar which is used as a thickener. The phospholipids Lecithin has not yet been confirmed as a reducer of blood cholesterol level, although it has been highly touted by the media and health food stores.

If you are overweight, you might try losing weight by including some aerobic exercises in your routine. These aerobic exercises help raise those desirable high density lipoproteins or HDL cholesterol (good) levels. You can decrease your cholesterol levels by up to 15 percent through diet and exercise alone.

Guidelines:

- Try eating less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day

- Eat about 50 to 60 percent of your daily calories from carbohydrates

- Always eat less than 30 percent of your total daily calories from fat

- Your caloric intake should be adjusted so that you achieve or maintain a desirable weight

Natural Way to Reduce Cholesterol Level

Every individual should know that having high cholesterol level can affect their body in many ways. The diseases in relation to heart go on increasing and people are more likely to suffer from heart attacks if the cholesterol level is high in the body.

Thus people should realize that cutting down on cholesterol level is an important factor. Medication and other scientific ways are not going to help the individual in any ways because these medications can have side effects on the body later. Therefore people should always stick to natural treatments which involves maintenance of proper diet, consuming of healthy food, avoid over eating and also avoiding oily and fatty foods which will help to control the level of cholesterol.

Most of the people consult dieticians to suggest some proper food which can be effective to reduce the cholesterol level. Therefore it is very essential fro people to follow proper eating habits who suffer from high cholesterol level. At the very 1st step people should avoid eating saturated foods such as cookies, cakes, chips and should also avoid consumption of dairy products which include butter and cheese. Intake of these food habits should be completely avoided.

They should make use of cholesterol free dairy products which are very much available in the market. Red meat also contains saturated fats and hence its intake should be stopped. Garlic and fish oil can help a lot to reduce the cholesterol level to a great extent. Thus use of garlic should be made on regular basis and also should increase the intake of fruits and people should also drink green tea which can help to reduce the cholesterol level.

Beta-Sitosterol and Your Cholesterol Level

Beta-sitosterol is one of the phytosterols or plant sterols that closely resemble cholesterol. Sitosterols come in powder form with a waxy appearance that is white in color and have a distinct characteristic odor.

It is believed to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and is sometimes used to treat hypercholesterolemia or high blood cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia is not considered a disease but a metabolic abnormality that can cause cardiovascular problems.

Beta-sitosterol prevents cholesterol absorption in the intestines thus significantly reducing the amount of LDL or "bad cholesterol" in the body. Once absorbed in the intestines, the sterol is transported by lipoproteins to be incorporated into the cell membrane. Since beta-sitosterol is very similar to cholesterol, it often takes the place of biliary and dietary cholesterol in micelles or certain organic particles in the intestinal cavity causing less absorption of cholesterol in the body.

In Europe, the sterol is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy or enlargement of the prostate. It is also used to treat prostatic carcinoma and breast cancer although this claim is still being further evaluated in the US.

Clinical evidence show that the use of beta-sitosterol in animals, alone or in combination with estradiol caused a noticeable increase in their uterine weight, RNA, DNA and protein concentrations in the uterus.

A laboratory experiment demonstrated the antifertility property of this amino acid when a high dosage of this substance was given to albino rats. When a low dosage of this substance was given to the animals, there was a marked decrease in their testicular weight and sperm concentration. This characterictic of beta-testosterol may enhance reproductive system health and can be used to promote fertility.

Beta-sitosterol is also believed to have the ability to release insulin and at the same time decrease blood glucose level when administered orally. Previous clinical studies show that this substance manifest some side effects though not life-threatening. Ingesting amounts of this sterol beyond its recommended dose might cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, constipation and erectile dysfunction.

It is not recommended for pregnant women and breast feeding mothers because it might pose danger to the baby. Beta-sitosterol can be found in abundance in pecans, saw palmetto, avocados, pumpkin seeds, cashew fruit, rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, soybeans, sea buckthorn and wolfberries. You should eat more of these beta-sitosterol rich foods if you want to lower or maintain your cholesterol level.

One minor study shows that the saw palmetto plant rich in beta-sitosterol may be able to treat hair loss in men.

Foods Not to Eat If You Have High Cholesterol

There are foods not to eat if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol increases one's chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Those are things no one should want to experience; it is best to prevent these things from happening. This is the reason why one must be aware of what foods to eat.

Our bodies produce its own cholesterol; this is the amount the body needs. The extra cholesterol in our bodies come mainly from the food we eat. That is going to be the first target of avoiding foods; the ones that has a lot of cholesterol. Although there are foods which are not high in cholesterol, they may contribute to it. There are foods which trigger the liver to produce more than the body really needs. This is another thing one must keep an eye for.

As for foods with high cholesterol, avoid eggs, meat, and dairy. These are the foods which mainly give us the cholesterol we do not need. Reducing or eliminating these will do a lot for you. There are other high cholesterol content foods out there. One thing to remember is that cholesterol in food can only be found from an animal or a product of an animal. If a food does not come from an animal, it is pretty much safe to say there is no cholesterol in it.

Another type of food that should be avoided are those loaded with saturated fats. Even though the food may not have much cholesterol, the saturated fats will make up for this. Saturated fats raise the bad cholesterol levels. People suffer from increase in cholesterol levels because of saturated fats. Avoid fast food especially anything deep-fried. Food that is deep-fried adds on a huge load of saturated fats. Avoid processed foods; these tend to have more cholesterol and bad fats added to them.

If you have higher cholesterol levels these are the foods you should avoid completely; at least until your cholesterol levels go down to a maintainable state. As you can see, one should avoid food with saturated fat. It is saturated fat which makes your cholesterol levels jump up. Eat foods with unsaturated fat. This type helps lower the bad cholesterol level. Take into account all the food you normally ate, and see where you can make adjustments to your diet. It takes hard work to do this. To learn more about foods not to eat if you have high cholesterol, you may check other websites for information.

Understanding LDL, HDL Cholesterol And The Dangers Of Careless Eating Habits

The human body, although a living organism, works just like a car engine. Each component in the engine of a car needs to be regularly checked, possibly adjusted and kept oiled in order to run smoothly and without problem. We call this a 'service', and if a vehicle is abused and not serviced regularly it will not take long before it breaks down. So it is with the human body. We all need to eat properly consuming the right foods in the correct amounts, keep the body exercised so that it does not cease up and keep the organs within it well oiled.

The oil used in the body is known as blood lipids which are carried around the body in the blood. These lipids include cholesterol, which is essential to every organ's function and triglycerides which are bad for the body. Cholesterol is needed as a vital source for the production of essentials chemicals which the body requires to function properly. There is not much cholesterol to be found in foods except in eggs, kidneys, liver and seafood which only contain a little. Cholesterol, of which there are 2 types, is a substance rather like wax which is made by the body naturally in the liver. The liver makes the cholesterol from the saturated fats we consume in our food, but too much of the wrong type of cholesterol can cause problems which if not attended to can be fatal. Triglycerides, a fatty substance which is bad for the body, can be produced in the liver or from the body's own fat stores. They can be found in foods such as dairy products, meat and cooking oils. Those amongst us who are very overweight tend to eat more foods containing fats and sugars and may drink more alcohol. These people are most likely to have high levels of triglycerides in their blood.

Let's now look at LDL and HDL cholesterol. Cholesterol has a special ability for reaching all the organs and parts of the body where it is needed. It is transported through the blood circulatory system on proteins and the 2 together are called lipoproteins. The 2 types of proteins are known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). If the lipoprotein has low-density (LDL) it will contain more fat. Likewise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) will contain less fat. The LDL cholesterol is bad for us because it carries the excess fats from the liver through the blood system and deposits them in the body cells, resulting in extra body fat. This fat often collects together around the middle of the body because more enzymes are present in that area so this fat is known as 'live fat'. HDL cholesterol on the other hand, returns the excess fats that are not needed back to the liver where they are disposed of, so it can be called 'good' cholesterol because it gets rid of the bad fats instead of depositing them in the blood arteries.

Blood cholesterol is measured by taking a small blood sample either by pricking the finger or by having a normal blood test. The cholesterol and triglycerides in the sample are measured in the laboratory in units. Everyone should aim for having a total cholesterol level of under 4 units, an LDL level of less than 2, an HDL level of more than 1 and a triglyceride level under 1.7 units. It should be noted that some people, although having little excess body weight, have high levels of cholesterol naturally. It is not known why this happens but should nevertheless be controlled.

So what are the dangers of having too much LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (both bad) in the blood? High blood cholesterol is usually caused by eating too many fat containing foods especially those with more saturated fat in them. The doctor will probably refer to this as having 'high blood cholesterol' because the overall levels of fat in the blood are above normal. Firstly as I have already stated, fat that is excess to the body's requirements will be deposited around the body, particularly around the middle of the trunk, the arms and thighs. This extra weight increases the chances of a heart attack, diabetes and vein problems to name but a few. (I have written more extensively about diabetes in my article "Living With a Type Two Diabetic") Secondly fat deposits in the blood or as the doctor would say, high total cholesterol will literally clog up the works of vital organs rather like lime scale does in the water pipes, and prevent them from functioning efficiently or altogether as in a heart attack. Someone with this problem will increase their risk of coronary heart disease. Their risk would be particularly high if the proportion of LDL is greater than the HDL cholesterol. Again if the level of triglycerides is high, then the risk of heart disease and stroke will be greater than someone with low levels. If you are someone who already smokes, has high blood pressure, is a diabetic, overweight or obese and inactive, the chances of suffering from any of these problems is exacerbated. (Read more about obesity in my article "Obesity - What It Is, How You Get It and Problems That May Occur. Is It As Bad As They Say.")

Those amongst us who are over weight find it particularly hard to correct their eating habits which after all are probably the reason why they carry too much weight in the first place. However, with increased activity so that body warmth and the heart rate increases, will not only help to reduce the weight but will also help to increase the HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) in the blood. Activity will also decrease the risk of diabetes and help to maintain a healthy weight. Try simple tasks like walking wherever you have to go instead of getting in the car and climbing the stairs rather than using the lift, but please remember if you are very overweight any exercise program should be done under your doctor's advice. If you are a smoker then please get help to give it up. Lastly but most importantly change your eating habits and cut down on fatty foods especially saturated fats, red meat and too many carbohydrate foods and increase the fruit and vegetables in your diet. If you can do this you will have achieved success and prolong a healthy and enjoyable life. I wish you well. 

How To Lower Cholesterol By Checking Food Labels

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring sterol in the body that is created in the liver. It provides a number of vital functions within the body, such as creating vitamin D when the skin is in contact with direct sunlight. Cholesterol becomes a problem when too much of it is in the body. It can be added to the body by eating animal products, fatty and oily food. High cholesterol can lead to complications like heart disease and thickening of the arteries. The key to keep your cholesterol low is to eat the right foods. This article will discuss what the right foods are and how reading the labels on food packets, especially the fat content, can help to lower cholesterol.

Most processed foods or foods that have some sort of packaging will have a nutritional label on the back. The label generally breaks the contents of the food into proteins, carbohydrates and fats. For someone trying to reduce cholesterol it is important to consider the fat content.

Mono-unsaturated fats are seen to be 'good fats'. They include things like olive oil, peanut oil and canola oil. They are pure vegetable oil.

Polyunsaturated fats are acceptable and include oils from corn and some nuts

It is acceptable for some with high cholesterol to eat a food product that has these types of fats in it provided it is part of a balanced diet. The other type of fats that should be avoided are saturated fats.

A simple definition of a saturated fat is a product that would be solid at room temperature. One type of saturated fat that has received much attention recently is trans fats.

Trans fats were developed in the 1940's by injecting hydrogen into vegetable oil. It was found that foods made with this type of fat tasted better and that the fat acted as a preservative. This was ideal for the food industry and many food products were created using trans fats.

As more research was done into nutrition and cardiovascular diseases, it was found that trans fats were bad for the body.

Trans fats are responsible for increasing cholesterol levels, especially the LDL or low density lipoproteins. High levels of LDL will cause excessive plaque buildup in the arteries which will result in decreased blood flow to the heart. Trans fat also decreases the amount of HDL or high density proteins, which are responsible for taking excess cholesterol back to liver to be processed as a waste product.

As of January 2006, the FDA requires all food manufacturers to have the amount of trans fat listed on their nutrition labels. It is recommended that you stay away from trans fat altogether. The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fat consumption to 1% of your total calories per day. In response to this many food manufacturers are taking the trans fat out of their products to promote a healthier lifestyle or to promote their food as healthy.

Another point about trans fats is that it is sometimes called hydrogenated oil. If a product does not have the trans fats listed then look for this type of oil. Avoid food with hydrogenated oil in it.

Eating a low cholesterol diet means trying to get fresh foods into your diet however it is hard to avoid processed foods these days. You may want to treat yourself once in a while to some of your favorite biscuits. Check the labels first. Look for products that have no trans fat or low levels.

Lowering Cholesterol with Cayenne

Cayenne - also known as red pepper, capsicum, chili pepper, and several other names is a shrub that grows in subtropical and tropical climates. Its fruit grows into long pods that turn red, orange, or yellow when they are ripe. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked, or is dried and powdered into the spice that has been used for centuries in foods and medicines.

Cayenne has become an important spice, particularly in Cajun and Creole cooking, and in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, China, southern Italy, and Mexico.

Capsaicin is the ingredient in cayenne that makes it hot. Even though cayenne tastes hot, capsaicin is reported to actually help lowering body temperature, which is one of the reasons that people in hot climates like to eat so much of it.

Capsaicin also contributes to many of cayenne's other medicinal properties to stimulate the cardiovascular system, relieve pain on the surface of the skin or in joints (capsaicin creams), improve digestion, act as an expectorant, and fight bacteria. It is also an antioxidant.

Cayenne has been frequently used by herbalists to treat diseases of the circulatory system. Some herbal stores report that cayenne lowers levels of cholesterol in the blood, although there are few if any scientific studies that would support this claim. They also suggest that it keeps blood in your arteries from clotting. These properties would help to prevent heart disease, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

There is a paucity of studies done to see the effects of cayenne on humans. There are a few studies that have tested the effects of cayenne on rats. Is this spice highly underrated? Does it in fact lower cholesterol in humans? This is yet to be scientifically proven. But the facts that it has been used for many generations to alleviate circulatory problems suggests to its effectiveness in doing so.

Some authors say that the pharmaceutical companies do not want the public to be aware of the effectiveness of cayenne in treating heart disease and other ailments. This would not surprise me. I would side with a natural cure that has been used for years over a synthetic-pharmaceutical one that has been tested only briefly (less than a generation). We've seen too many of those cause problems.

In any case, cayenne has been used for a long time to treat various ailments and has gained a certain amount of credibility in doing so. It has become a very popular spice for medicinal and nutritional purposes.

Cayenne is readily available in powder form, in capsule or tablet herbal formulations, as tincture, dried herb, tea, or essential oil. It is suggested that an oil preparation can be rubbed on sprains, swelling, sore muscles, and joints to ease pain. Cayenne can be combined with myrrh and used as a gargle or antiseptic wash to treat laryngitis.

Note that - pregnant women and patients with ulcers, gastritis, or bowel diseases should avoid cayenne or use only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Large doses can cause stomach pain or vomiting. Prolonged application of cayenne on the skin can cause dermatitis or blistering.

In the future, I believe the true medical effectiveness of cayenne in treating various ailments will be revealed and it will get the respect it is due. In the meantime, I won't turn down a good (spicy) bowl of chili.

Foods to Lower LDL Cholesterol - Guaranteed Cholesterol Reduction Without Medication

In recent months I have been reading more and more about doctors who are encouraging their patients to get off of statin medication due to the many negative side effects that are associated with it. One reason this is so true is that foods to lower LDL cholesterol have been proven to be just as effective as medication for improving cholesterol readings.

There are even many doctors who themselves have been unable to tolerate the side effects of these medications and have found that they obtain excellent results for lowering their high cholesterol readings. So let's take a look at how to lower LDL cholesterol naturally, so you too can avoid the use of medication.

Foods that contain high amounts of soluble fiber along with large quantities of plant sterols have been shown to be most effective for lowering lipid readings. A diet that includes large quantities of nuts and vegetables, as well as whole grains, combined with a reduction in foods that contain large amounts of saturated fats will provide you with the best results.

Surprising as it may seem, nuts contain the highest amount of plant sterols (substances that have been shown to block the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream) making them one of the best foods to lower LDL cholesterol that you can eat.

I like to keep a supply of walnuts on hand to have available as a lipid lowering snack. Other great cholesterol lowering foods include beans and oatmeal. A bowl of vegetarian chili or maybe with some ground turkey mixed in makes a great lunch or dinner.

Be sure to avoid refined foods such as white bread or rice. These empty carbs can quickly raise LDL cholesterol and triglyceride readings.

I have prepared a website where you can learn about the best foods to lower LDL cholesterol and other natural techniques you can use to bring down high lipid levels.you will find an in-depth discussion of some great diets and foods that lower cholesterol.

High Cholesterol May Cause Prostate Cancer Development

According to general medical opinion regarding causes of prostate cancer (PC), the main risk factors are age, ethnic history and family background.

But recently, a research study have found that high cholesterol levels speed up the growth of prostate tumours.

This conclusion may help to find an explanation regarding the fact that PC is more frequent in the West world than in Asian countries because of diets high in cholesterol. For instance, in rural parts of Japan and China, where people use low fat diets, rates of prostate cancer are up to 90% less than in the West countries. It is also a reality that in United States prostate cancer hits about one in every six men.

The study author noted that the human body uses cholesterol in the synthesis of hormones known as androgens, which have a high influence on prostate tissue. Too much of cholesterol may cause an unbalanced production of this hormone. The surplus of cholesterol accumulates in the outer membranes of tumour cells leading to the development of prostate cancer.

Probably, the conclusion that drugs lowering cholesterol may help prevent PC or at least decrease its development is still premature. But is a fact that watching your diet, you can be healthier. What we eat helps us by supplying many vital micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. As our genetic composition can make us susceptible to some types of cancer, foods and our eating play a major role in increasing or reducing the risk of cancer.

5 Things You Can Do To Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

Cholesterol has become a problem for so many people in the world. It can cause issues when a person develops a heart problem because of it. So, it's important to control its levels because it can take your life. Now, cardiologists have even suggested that people, who are more than 20 years old, should be checked for artery blocking levels of this substance once in half a decade. If some people have heart diseases in the family, then the frequency of this check up should be even more. But, the danger levels also depend on the kind of cholesterol that you have in the body. It's tough to control the levels of bad cholesterol rather than good cholesterol. The levels of good cholesterol can be controlled by making simple changes in the lifestyle. A faster reduction can be brought out by drug therapies. Drug therapies can control the cholesterol in a time period of 6 weeks only.

Even use of lower saturated fat can also cause reduction of cholesterol in the body. Such saturated sources are eggs and foods which contain cholesterol in large amounts. Such foods include red meat and butter. Exercise is the best way to get rid of high cholesterol.

Patients can also decrease cholesterol by consuming more vegetables and fruits. It's because such substances include whole grains which contain antioxidants. They can help in the reduction of cholesterol. In fact, such fiber can help in sucking up of the built cholesterol levels in the body. Many sources of fibers like oats, barley are responsible for decreasing such cholesterol levels.

Although some of the people feel quite sad when they hear about their high cholesterol levels, they can make an analysis of many factors before reducing it. The reduction also depends on many kinds of factors which include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Such risk factors make you more susceptible to a heart disease. Even if this disease is a part of the family's legacy, then you are more likely to contract it. So, the doctors can recognize your risk of getting this disease after analyzing all these factors. So, doctors advise a quicker reduction when they find about such factors. They can ask for a reduction in the LDL to 70. But, the figure won't be much low if you are not vulnerable towards the disease. So, the LDL reduction can be only till 130.

Although lifestyle modifications can also bring about the changes, it's better to opt for drugs. It's because drugs can cause a faster depletion of the cholesterol levels. There are many kinds of drugs which can induce a reduction in the level of cholesterol. So, although any person should try to reduce his smoking habits and lose weight they however can't bring out much change in the cholesterol levels. Such changes are sufficient only for people who don't have much high cholesterol levels, for others using drugs is important. Some kinds of medications which can cause reduction in the levels of cholesterol are niacin, fibrates and bile acid resins. Such medicine s can cause great reduction s especially statins which can produce changes by 20 to 50 %.

Lowering Cholesterol When Diet and Exercise Aren't Enough

What do you do when diet and exercise aren't enough to lower your cholesterol? Statin medications (Atorvastatin-Lipitor, Pravastatin-Pravachol, Simvistatin-Zocor, Fluvastatin- Lescol XL, Lovastatin-Mevacor and Rosuvastatin-Crestor) are considered the best first choice for lowering cholesterol. That's because they have a proven track record of decreasing heart attacks and strokes as well as prolonging life. You can't watch the evening news anymore without seeing a commercial this class of drugs. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG CoA reductase which is needed to produce bad cholesterol. These blockbuster drugs are the most commonly used medications to treat high LDL (bad) cholesterol. But, the amount LDL cholesterol is not always the problem in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes the quality of LDL to shift to the dangerous small dense type. Statins have a small effect in lowering triglycerides and raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Statins help improve the quality of LDL from the dangerous, small dense type to the less dangerous, large fluffy type. Statins have "antioxidant" properties which decrease inflammation and blood clotting. Statins dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and can even reverse it. This is why statins are being prescribed more and more commonly and in higher doses than ever before.

The most common side effect is muscle problems that can range from mild aches and pains to severe muscle damage can also occur. Any muscle pain or weakness should be reported to your physician. A test called CPK or CK can be done to determine if the drug is causing muscle damage. Because statins have such tremendous health benefits, most physicians now recommend that you continue taking it if it is causing only mild muscle pain. Inflammation of the liver is an infrequent side effect. Your doctor will need to monitor liver tests periodically.

Also known as "fibric acid derivatives" or "fibrates," are an effective for lowering cholesterol. Fibrates are a perfect choice for people who are overweight because they lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. Side effects are uncommon, but muscle problems or liver problems can occur.

Also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, Niacin, in high doses simultaneously treats multiple lipid abnormalities by lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. Regular niacin is available as an over-the-counter supplement, but is very hard to take because the doses needed (usually 1000-2000 mg per day) almost always cause side effects of flushing or tingling or redness of the skin. To reduce side effects start with a low dose and gradually increasing the dose over several months. The flushing can also be reduced by taking an aspirin and drinking a full glass of water one hour before taking niacin. The slow release prescription formulation of niacin known as Niaspan is easier to take because there are fewer side effects, but there can still be significant flushing with this product.

A concern with niacin is that it can worsen insulin resistance and can raise blood sugar levels. For many people, the benefits can outweigh the risks and niacin can be beneficial for an overall plan of health and wellness. Even though niacin is available without a prescription, it should only be taken under medical supervision.

Lovaza is a prescription formulation of the omega 3 fatty acids approved for the treatment of high triglyceride levels. This substance, found naturally in cold water fish, also improves insulin resistance. The prescription formulation is better than over the counter preparations because it is more potent and more pure.

Bile acid sequestrants or "bile acid resins," lower LDL cholesterol by pulling it out of digestive juices, allowing it to pass in the stool. Bile acid resins can raise triglyceride levels. The most common side effect is constipation. Fiber supplementation and proper hydration helps.

Ezetimibe lowers LDL cholesterol by blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Ezetimibe doesn't do much for triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. Side effects are rare but there can be abdominal pain or diarrhea. Do you remember those Vytorin ads, touting the benefits combining medications to treat high cholesterol? The commercials displayed an interesting character matched up with plate of food in the same colors and design as the actor's ensemble. The benefits, the ad explained, is to treat cholesterol by treating the genetics as well as the food. The drug's makers claimed that two drugs were better than one. An important study called ENHANCE, which questions the benefits of ezetimibe, one of the components of Vytorin, was a big shock to physicians and patients. In this study, the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (sold as Vytorin) was compared to simvastatin alone. It turned out that cholesterol buildup in the arteries was no different between the two treatments, even though the combination drug was more potent at lowering cholesterol. Researchers are working to understand these results and what they really mean. We don't really know if ezetimibe actually reduces heart attacks or saves lives. On the other hand, simvastatin and other statin drugs are well proven to do just this.

A 2008 ezetimibe study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that it may increase the risk for a variety of cancers including prostate, colon, and skin cancers. Death from cancer was more common in patients who took ezetimibe. We don't know if the increased cancer is truly an effect of ezetemibe or something else. One theory is that ezetemibe increases risk because it not only blocks the absorption of cholesterol but it also blocks the absorption of other cancer-fighting substances.

Most experts including the American College of Cardiology recommend that statin drugs are the best first approach for fighting cholesterol and to use other medications like niacin, fibrates, colesevelam, cholestyramine and omega-3 fatty acids as the next line of defense. Ezetimibe should be reserved as a last resort.

The bottom line is that most experts recommend using tried and true medications to lower cholesterol. Unproven medications are just that...unproven.

How Exercise can Help High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is synthesized in our body and if left untreated it could lead to various cardiovascular diseases. High cholesterol levels in the blood could affect the heart, kidneys, brain and other parts of the body. It is very necessary to do workouts for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercises like swimming, jogging, bicycling etc could help increase in the good cholesterol levels and improve the blood flow throughout the body. Losing flab is very necessary for a person with high cholesterol levels. Being obese increases the bad cholesterol levels in the blood. At least 4 days of exercise is necessary to maintain a good cholesterol level. Lowering bad cholesterol is very necessary for a healthy body.

Exercises like Tai Chi and Yoga have proved to be beneficial in promoting good cholesterol in the body. Deep breathing and stretching exercises helps the blood flow to all parts of the body. Meditation helps in preventing hardening of the arteries. If proper food and exercise is maintained then the cholesterol levels could come down drastically. (Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne.) To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn499.html