Lower Your Cholesterol and Live Longer

Miranda Gomez

Cholesterol is formed from two different sources, as it is both created in the liver and derived from the different foods that we consume. There are also two different forms of cholesterol, LDL and HDL. LDL cholesterol is considered to be the bad form of cholesterol because it has a tendency to build up inside the walls of arteries, which can lead to inflammation and the formation of clots, and eventually even heart disease. HDL cholesterol, however, helps to transport LDL bad cholesterol out from the blood vessels, and back into your liver where it can be processed properly and then eliminated. Both LDL and HDL cholesterol come together to form what is your total cholesterol count, along with your triglycerides. Generally, you should be aiming for a high HDL, and a low LDL in order to make your heart the healthiest.

For many people, genetics can easily be blamed for unhealthy cholesterol numbers. However, this is not always the case because many people also have unhealthy cholesterol numbers thanks to a diet which is high in saturated fat which is converted into cholesterol in the body. But for most people, it is actually a combination of both of these things which creates the unhealthy cholesterol level in their bodies.

When it comes to high in saturated fat foods, which cause your bad cholesterol level to rise, the typical suspects are foods which are high in animal fats, such as whole-milk dairy products, pork, lamb, veal and beef among others. There are also foods which are naturally high in cholesterol, such as the yolk of an egg, but it is still debatable whether this cholesterol is actually bad for you or not. Cutting back on these foods, or eliminating them from your diet all together is generally the recommended course of action if you are dealing with high cholesterol.

The process of lowering your blood cholesterol begins with diet modification. By lowering how much saturated fat you consume, and increasing the amount of soluble fiber foods you consume, you can reduce your cholesterol. Foods which are high in soluble fiber, like oatmeal, strawberries, citrus fruits, peas and Brussels sprouts can bind to the cholesterol which is present in your intestines, which helps the body excrete them. Additionally, these soluble fiber foods are also typically low in both fat and cholesterol, in addition to being packed with heaps of healthy nutrients and vitamins.

Another great way for you to begin the process of lowering your bad cholesterol levels is to lose a small amount of weight. 10 pounds is typically enough to start showing an improvement in your cholesterol level, because excess weight can significantly raise your LDL cholesterol level, and could possibly be lowering your HDL cholesterol as well.

Finally, if you are a smoker you should be aware of the fact that smoking can significantly reduce your HDL cholesterol level, so your heart health may be significantly boosted by quitting. Within a few weeks or months, you will notice that your HDL cholesterol level is rising, which will improve your cholesterol level and the health of your heart.

There are a variety of different ways to treat problems with high LDL cholesterol levels, and there are five different groups of drugs which are used to lower cholesterol levels. Typically, someone with high cholesterol will take one of these drugs from two of these different categories in order to achieve effective treatment.

Statins: These drugs help to prevent the liver from creating new cholesterol. Some of the drugs in this category include Atorvastatin, which is better known as Lipitor, Fluvastatin, which is better known as Lescol, Rosuvastatin which is better known as Crestor, and Simvastatin which is better known as Zocor.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: These drugs help to prevent the absorption of cholesterol in your small intestines. Some of the drugs in this category include Ezetimibe, which is better known as Zetia, and Vytorin which combines Zetia with a statin Simvastatin fibrate like gemfibrozil or fenofibrate.

Bile Acid Binding Resins: These drugs work in the intestines in order to bind to cholesterol, aiding your body in the process of excreting it. Some of the drugs that are in this category include Cholestyramine, which is known as Questran and Prevalite, Colestipol which is better known as Colestid, and Colesevelam which is better known as WelChol.

Niacin: Niacin is a form of vitamin B, and it may work by decreasing the production of cholesterol in your liver, but it is not totally clear yet how therapeutic doses of Niacin actually reduce cholesterol. There are several brand names for this form of Niacin, including Niaspan and Advicor, which actually combines the Vitamin B Niacin with a statin called Lovastatin.

Because your cholesterol levels contribute so heavily to the health of your heart, it is imperative that you maintain health levels in order to live a long, healthy life. If you continue to maintain a high LDL bad cholesterol level, the heart of your health will deteriorate, and you will find years shaved off your life. Maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol is an easy task as long as you understand the impact that cholesterol has on your body and how you can control it. If you cannot control your blood cholesterol by yourself through exercise and proper nutrition, you should consult a doctor to find the right medication cocktail which will do the trick.

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Tips On Lowering Cholesterol

Kathryn Whittaker

Are you looking for ways to lower cholesterol? People these days are very conscious of their weight and their cholesterol level as well. It is not surprising to find people searching for tips and suggestions on how to lower their high cholesterol. Perhaps it is because of the health disadvantages that can result.

Several heart ailments have been connected to high cholesterol level in the body. Some people, for whom the risk of a stroke is high, should not take high cholesterol for granted.

Health is an essential aspect to a happy life, but it must be monitored. Generally, having good health means that a good diet and exercise regime is followed. What you eat plays a significant role in your cholesterol level. So it is essential that one should choose the proper food and nutrition in order to attain the right level of cholesterol that you need. Having cholesterol levels that are too high could result in ill health so lowering cholesterol levels is necessary.

There are two types of cholesterol, the LDL and the HDL cholesterol. Imagine the HDL as the healthy type and the LDL as the non-healthy one. In particular, HDL can eventually aid in carrying cholesterol out of the blood vessels while the LDL permits it to be deposited inside the artery walls. But it is good news that you can do something about it.

So, let us start by discussing it. Eating hot dogs, mayonnaise, bologna and salami may be very pleasing, but these foods could easily increase your cholesterol levels. You don't want that, so your food choice instead should be replaced with sandwiches made of lean turkey and a whole lot of fresh, green vegetables.

Restrict eating those highly processed foods and those that you know have high fat levels. As much as possible avoid trans fats, for these further raise the LDL cholesterol and advance the lowering of the beneficial HDL.

Moreover, it is advisable that you do not eat foods like shortening, margarine, and especially those which contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil. Furthermore, eat those foods that are rich in Omega-3. Salmon is a really good option so buy red salmon varieties, for they are fantastic sources of Omega-3. Flax seed is also rich in Omega-3. Nuts are also great alternatives to your high-fat cravings.

Try walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans. They are high in fat but they are not the kind that causes harm. You should also cut down on rich desserts. Why not try to eat other alternatives like angel food cakes, jelly, crackers or fat-free yogurts?

Fresh, green vegetables are rich in fiber and these will aid in lowering cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans and oatmeal are nutritious and can trim down your cholesterol levels as well. Try to grill if you are going to eat steak or burgers for a treat. This would lower the intake of fatty grease and it tastes great too. In addition, olive oil is better to use and try to avoid bacon bits, egg yolks, and other like foods. And most of all avoid fast foods.

If you suffer from high cholesterol, you should consult your primary care physician for advice before making any changes to your diet.

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Benefits Of Normal Cholesterol Level Reports Are Great

Riley Hendersen

No one wants to find out they have a time bomb ticking in their bodies. But, that's the reality for many who deal with high cholesterol levels. Shooting to get those test results into the normal cholesterol level range can be a vital step toward better health.

Doctors will perform cholesterol level checks on people generally from the age of 20 forward. Those between 20 and about 45 will be asked to submit to a basic blood test about once every five years. If reports come back with normal level ranges in place, no further action will be taken. If they aren't, however, a person might be asked to make some adjustments to their lifestyle to ensure a healthy heart down the road.

For those that don't know, normal cholesterol level ranges are in the 200 mg/dL area or below. Anything between 200 and 239 is considered borderline. Above 240 means a person is at high risk for having some bad things happen.

Having normal ranges is very important for ensuring over all good health. The fact is high cholesterol is a marker for some pretty serious conditions. Anyone who has long-term high cholesterol is at much higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, clogged arteries and even for having a heart attack or a stroke. With these kinds of things on the line, it's no wonder doctors push their patients to get their cholesterol levels in check.

Going from a high level to normal cholesterol level results on blood tests will take a little work, but really it's not that much. A heart smart diet, some exercise and possibly medication will be involved to bring levels lower fast. Losing weight, too, can really help in the quest for lowering levels.

When it comes to keeping cholesterol level results on blood tests, it doesn't mean a person has to give up everything they enjoy in life. Rather, they might want to make minor adjustments while still enjoying foods that aren't the best for them on an occasional basis.

Remember that not all cholesterol is bad. The kind known as HDL is known to help lower bad cholesterol and help a person maintain a good cholesterol level. Good cholesterol levels can be increased by eating right, exercising, quitting smoking and even by having an evening drink.

While heart conditions used to strike without warning, the fact is that's not the case any more. With cholesterol level checks serving as a good marker of things to come, anyone can see and measure their risks. And, thanks to these tests, there are things that can be done quickly and easily to reduce the chances of serious problems.

Making sure levels are maintained can be one of the single most important things a person does to protect their health. Get regular check ups and be certain normal cholesterol level checks are included at least once every five years from age 20 to 45 and more frequently after that. Doing so can save your life.

HDL Cholesterol Is Actually Good For You

Riley Hendersen

Everyone knows that cholesterol is bad. It can block the arteries and lead to heart attacks. But, what many people don't know is that there are two different kinds of cholesterol. LDL and HDL cholesterol are two very different things and one is actually good for the body.

LDL cholesterol is different than HDL cholesterol. The LDL type is the kind that forms plaque in the arteries. Over time, this plaque can build up badly and lead to a clogging of the arteries. This can, of course, lead to heart attacks and even strokes. It's highly recommended that people have their cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis to ensure low levels of the bad type of cholesterol.

On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" kind. It is believed by many to actually help the body get rid of the bad cholesterol by bringing it back to the liver where the body can ensure it's removed. Considering its "good status," hdl cholesterol is desired in the body in certain levels.

Making sure the body has enough HDL cholesterol is something most people don't even realize they need to do. In reality, the hdl levels should be 40 mg/dL or more to decrease the chances of heart disease. Any less and the risk tends to go up.

There are ways for those who have too little HDL cholesterol to increase the levels in their blood and help take advantage of its heart attack foiling properties. Let's take a look at some of the best ways for boosting the levels of good cholesterol in the blood stream.

Exercise: Aerobic exercise especially can boost HDL cholesterol levels. Pretty much anything from running and cycling to aerobics and beyond can help raise the level of good cholesterol in the blood.

Weight loss: While this is a good idea for anyone that has a few extra pounds, it can really help increase HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. This can also decrease the levels of bad cholesterol in the process.

Reduce trans fat intake: Anything that says it has hydrogenated vegetable oils can be removed to help increase hdl cholesterol levels and decrease the bad type of cholesterol in the process. Removing these fats from the diet or at least cutting them back can help with weight loss, too.

Alcohol: Some research supports that a drink or two a day can help increase HDL cholesterol levels. This one should be exercised with caution and it's important to remember that overdoing won't improve health.

Quit smoking: Anyone who smokes can increase their HDL cholesterol levels simply by quitting.

Diet change: When fiber is added along with monounsaturated fats, the results toward hdl cholesterol level increases can be great. Whole grains, olive oil and so on can actually increase levels and lead to a better overall diet.

We all know that cholesterol is bad for the body. What many people don't know is that there are two types. The good type, HDL cholesterol, should be a priority to actually have high levels of.

Natural Help With Cholesterol and High Triglycerides

Mike Fletcher

High cholesterol is a common affliction for those in Western societies. It is estimated that 101 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol which is defined as blood cholesterol greater then 200mg per deciliter. Americans are not the only ones with cholesterol problems, an Australian study found that 51.5% of male Australians have high blood cholesterol.

While some cholesterol is good, it is when the levels get too high that we run into problems. Cholesterol is necessary for hormone production, and is a major component in cell walls. Cholesterol also aids in the production of bile and aids in the metabolism of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

High cholesterol is one of the five leading risk factors leading to coronary heart disease. If your cholesterol levels need to drop a bit and you want to work on your good to bad ratio, drugs are not the only option.

As far as diet goes, adding soluble fiber is a good move as it binds to blood serum cholesterol and helps it leave the body. Good dietary sources of soluble fiber can be found in ground flax seeds, oat meal and oat bran, apples and a variety of other foods.

Niacin, known as Vitamin B3, is a water soluble vitamin that has also been proven to be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels and improving cholesterol ratios. The main function of niacin is to metabolize fats.

Niacin has been shown to reduce LDL, or bad cholesterol levels by 10-20%, reduce triglycerides by 20-50%, and raise HDL, or good cholesterol by 15-30%.

When choosing a Niacin product, be sure to start with 100mg dose and gradually ease your way up to avoid the flushing and tingling of skin that can happen with higher doses. This flushing is a result of niacin's effects on widening blood vessels which usually last beginning at 15 minutes after taking the pill to about an hour after. If you do suffer from the flushing sensation, taking your niacin with food can decrease your risk of these negative symptoms. Also, do not purchase niacinamide as it does not help in lowering cholesterol. It is common to work up to 1.5 to 3 grams per day for therapeutic doses.

Another great benefit of niacin for anyone who has suffered a heart attack or stroke is that the use of niacin has been shown to reduce the risk of having a second heart attack or stroke.

People who take niacin to lower cholesterol typically get their cholesterol levels checked every 6 to 12 months as niacin works gradually over time. Having your blood tested more often then that is not necessary as the cholesterol changes can be slow.

I do want to note that if you have been taking statin drugs or Red Yeast Rice, it is very important to add both Niacin and CoQ10 as statins and Red Yeast Rice both deplete your body of these nutrients. Be sure to consult your physician on this issue too.

It is important to work with your doctor on this to avoid any complications like high blood sugar or liver problems. High doses of niacin can also increase the effectiveness of medication for high blood pressure.

The Power Of A Good Diet In Texas

Pat Carpenter

A series of recent studies seems to confirm that the foods individuals in Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas put in their mouths has a substantial impact on their health.

Oatmeal is Heart Smart.
It's not the first time oats have been touted as heart healthy, but a new review of recent studies on oats and heart disease risk now back up some of those claims.

The studies stopped short of showing a direct effect of eating oatmeal on reducing heart disease risk or heart-related death, but researchers say they found oatmeal-based foods did produce an overall cholesterol-lowering effect.

People who ate a diet rich in oatmeal and wholegrain oat products experienced a decrease in both total cholesterol and unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Elevated overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are major risk factors for heart disease.

In the 2007 study, published in the Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, researchers reviewed ten studies on the effects of giving whole-grain foods to adults. Eight of the studies involved whole-grain oats and included a total of 914 adults at risk for heart disease.

When researchers pooled the results of the studies, they found people who ate whole-grain oatmeal had lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared with those who ate refined grain foods. The average reduction in total cholesterol levels was 7.7 mg./dL and the average reduction in LDL cholesterol levels was 7 mg./dL.

Based on these results, researchers say there is evidence on wholegrain oats to suggest that health care professionals could recommend oats as part of a cholesterol-reduction program. But they say more study is needed.

The American Heart Association already recommends whole-grain foods for a heart-healthy diet. According to the association, "The fiber found in unrefined whole-grain foods can help lower your blood cholesterol, which is important in preventing heart disease and stroke."

Mediterranean-Style Diet May Help Individuals Breath Easy
Researchers recently reported that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables and olive oil could help reduce childhood respiratory allergies and asthma. The study of children living on the Greek island of Crete showed that diet may explain why skin allergies are as common as anywhere else, but wheezing and sneezing are rarer.

Britain's Royal Brompton Hospital and National Heart and Lung Institute, as well as researchers in Greece and Spain, studied 690 children aged 7 to 18. Children who ate the most fresh fruits and nuts were the least likely to suffer from breathing allergies, and those who ate the most margarine were the most likely to. Researchers noted that 80 percent of children ate fresh fruit (and 68 percent vegetables) at least twice a day.

Grapes, oranges, apples and fresh tomatoes, the main local products in Crete, had no effect on skin allergies but children who ate more of them were less likely to have wheezing or runny noses, the researchers found. A high consumption of nuts was found to be inversely associated with wheezing, whereas margarine increased the risk of both wheeze and allergic rhinitis (sneezing and runny nose) researchers wrote.

This particular diet may explain the relative lack of allergic symptoms in this population. Researchers noted that grapes had never before been shown to protect against allergies. Compounds found in grape skins, especially antioxidant substances, may be responsible.

Dark Chocolate May Pump Up Your Arteries.
It's dark, indulgent and most individuals in Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas have an insatiable craving for it. But, unfortunately, we all were told that chocolate was bad for us. Well, the tables are turning on chocolate, specifically dark chocolate. A new U.S. study suggests that delicious nibbles of dark chocolate may also boost the function of vital endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels.

Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, a group of antioxidant compounds, which are also found in fruits and vegetables, wine and green tea. Research suggests that consumption of foods rich in flavonoids may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The 2007 study, conducted by researchers at the Yale Prevention Research Center in Connecticut, included 45 healthy people with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2. The participants were divided into three groups that ate either eight ounces of cocoa without sugar; cocoa with sugar; or a placebo.

BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI reading of 25-29.9 is an indicator of being overweight, while a reading of 30 or more indicates obesity.

For six weeks, the participants underwent endothelial function testing. This type of testing, called flow mediated dilation (FMD), is done by using high-frequency ultrasound to measure the ability of the brachial artery (which runs from the shoulder to the elbow) to relax and expand in order to accommodate increased blood flow.

The study found that FMD improved significantly, up to 2.4 percent, in the group that consumed cocoa with no sugar, compared with 1.5 percent in the group that ate cocoa with sugar. There was a 0.8 percent decrease in FMD in the group that ate the placebo.

In the group of healthy adults with BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m2, the ingestion of dark chocolate over a short period of time was shown to significantly improve endothelial function. This led the research team to believe that greater benefits may be seen through a long-term, randomized clinical trial.

The researchers also noted that, while the findings from this study do not suggest that people should start eating more chocolate as part of their daily routine, it does suggest that there should be more attention paid to how dark chocolate and other flavonoid-rich foods might offer cardiovascular benefits.

Boosting The Good And Lowering The Bad In Texas

Pat Carpenter

Although it's been suspected, researchers have shown for the first time that raising "good" cholesterol levels is almost as important as lowering levels of "bad" cholesterol to help individuals in Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas reduce heart-threatening plaque in arteries.

The value of lowering LDL is well known. But scientists have been unsure about the merits of raising HDL when it comes to atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque in the lining of the arteries. It is presently unclear whether the strategy will translate into fewer heart attacks and other negative cardiovascular events.

The challenge now is to find safe ways to elevate HDL even more than is currently possible with the widely used drugs called statins. Dr. Gregory Dehmer, professor of internal medicine at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and director of the cardiology division at Scott & White Hospital, added, "It's almost been the holy grail to treat LDL in patients, and most take statins for that. Many clinicians stop with LDL and don't continue to aggressively attack HDL. This points up the need to aggressively address HDL and to not give up the cause."

"A little bit of HDL -- high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol -- goes a long way. A small increase in HDL produces nearly as much of a benefit as LDL -- low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol -- reduction," said Dr. Steve Nissen, senior author of the study and chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. "In general, when we've found a therapy that slowed progression of disease, that translated into major clinical benefits. This makes a lot of sense."

"We've always known that statins were very good at lowering LDL, and we knew that they increased HDL a little bit, about 7 to 8 percent," Nissen said. "That seemed to most of us to be fairly trivial, so we've already attributed the benefit of statins primarily to the lowering of bad cholesterol. But, we've always wondered whether that little bit of an increase in HDL was important as well."

In a new study, published in the Feb. 7, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers revisited four previously conducted studies involving 1,455 participants. All patients had coronary artery disease and were taking statins. They underwent two ultrasound exams 18 moths to 24 months apart to determine changes in the amount of plaque in a coronary artery. Participants who both raised their good cholesterol levels and achieved very low bad cholesterol levels showed evidence of the most plaque removal.

"People were concerned about the HDL hypothesis, but this shows the hypothesis is sound," Nissen said. "This helps to nail down the fact that at least with respect to progression of disease, the HDL-raising properties of the statins are important."

According to another a new study in the latest issue of Human Communication Research, writing about affectionate feelings for loved ones may have health benefits for the heart. Participants in the study spent three 20-minute sessions writing about their loved ones over a five-week period and exhibited significantly lower cholesterol levels than their peers.

"High cholesterol is a chronic health problem for millions of Americans," says study author Kory Floyd. "Although many pharmaceutical medications exist to treat this condition, our research shows promise for an additional, non-medical treatment that could provide an added benefit to these patients." Floyd acknowledges that additional research needs to be completed to confirm the benefits in patients.

According to Floyd, this research is particularly interesting because it highlights the effects of showing affection. "There are many studies showing that patients benefit from receiving care and attention during illness," says Floyd. "Our research shows that it's as rewarding to give as it is to receive."

The battle to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol should begin while you're young and healthy, through diet and lifestyle changes.

High Cholesterol Should Be Avoided

Riley Hendersen

No one wants to be told they need to change their habits, but in the case of high cholesterol it's an unavoidable, but necessary statement a doctor might have to make. While high cholesterol isn't a condition in and of itself, it's a marker for some serious problems that might plague a person down the road.

The fact is high cholesterol levels are readily associated with clogged arteries, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. None of these things are pleasant for a person to endure. Fortunately, cholesterol levels can provide valuable warning signs that can help a person avoid bad outcomes. To avoid these things, a person has to get their high cholesterol levels in check. The fact is when levels are high the risk for bad things happening increases immensely.

Turning high cholesterol numbers into acceptable ones can take a little while, but the process is well worth the trouble. By doing such things as making healthier food choices, adding exercise to a routine and even dropping a few unwanted pounds, a person can see a real difference in their test results.

Reducing fat intake is also a fantastic way to lower high cholesterol numbers. This one, however, can be a bit tricky. The truth is not all fats are bad for the body and in reality some of it is needed as part of a healthy diet. This, of course, leads to the question of what fats are okay to eat?

When looking to lower high cholesterol numbers, avoid the saturated fats. Steer clear of greasy, fatty foods that are cooked in trans fats and other undesirables. Don't, however, avoid those foods that come with healthy fat. That's right, there are some healthy fats out there. These are called monounsaturated fats. The foods in this category include such things as peanuts, olive and canola oils and even avocados. These are more than acceptable to keep as part of a diet and they can actually help lower cholesterol levels. This doesn't mean a person should try and survive off these alone, but they don't need to be avoided like the plague.

There are other "good fats" out there that don't have to be eliminated from a diet to reduce high cholesterol numbers. These include omega-3 fatty acids that are found naturally in some fish. There's even scientific proof to support the notion that omega-3 fats are actually good. When saturated fats are cut out of a diet and omega-3s are put in, cholesterol levels tend to drop.

Dealing with high cholesterol levels can be a very frightening experience. No one wants to hear they might have to adjust their lives to avoid a heart attack, but the truth is the adjustments can be healthy and tasty, too. The benefits of making the changes are great, as well.

When looking to lower high cholesterol numbers, remember, the recommendation doesn't mean you can't ever enjoy a greasy order of fries. It just means don't do it all the time. Relay on the good foods most of the time and make splurging a once in a while thing and high cholesterol levels should go down fairly quickly.

Children and Cholesterol

Adrian Kennelly

Many people assume that high cholesterol is a problem that affects middle-aged adults only. In fact, many people don't even worry about their cholesterol when they are younger, eating all the fatty convenience foods they want, assuming that their early diet makes no difference.

Nothing could be further from the truth. More children today suffer from high cholesterol. In fact, the numbers of children who are taking cholesterol drugs is on the rise! Some studies have suggested that a childhood of poor eating choices can contribute to higher cholesterol later in life.

Besides this, many of the eating habits learned in childhood affects eating in adulthood. Children who are used to eating high-fat foods and convenience foods are more likely to make the same choices as adults. Switching to healthy foods in adulthood may be harder for children who have made less-than-heart-healthy food choices all their lives.

For all these reasons, controlling food intake and lifestyle choices even in early life can contribute to life-long heart health and good cholesterol levels.

If you have children, you can help ensure that they make the right food choices that can help them with their cholesterol levels now and later in life.

In fact, if you and other members of your family have high cholesterol, you need to introduce your children to cholesterol-healthy eating, as your children may be at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol themselves.

Luckily, it is not that hard to teach your children how to make smart food and lifestyle choices that are heart-healthy:

* Teach your children about healthy eating and cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol yourself, you may want to speak to your children about this. Informed children are better able to make smart food choices that can help keep their cholesterol levels healthy later in life.

* Let children make healthy food choices for themselves. Give your children some say about the fruits, vegetables and other foods that they like. Go through heart-healthy cookbooks with your children and let them help you decide what recipes to try.

* Be careful of the food and cholesterol attitudes you convey to your children. Children pick up emotional cues from their parents. If you treat a cholesterol-friendly diet as a type of punishment, your children will likely see it the same way.

If your children see you turn to fatty junk food when you are depressed or feeling stressed, they will likely do the same thing. Many parents are fussy eaters and pass this on to their children, which is a terrible disservice. Fussy eaters will simply not try the different healthy foods out there simply because the foods are different.

* Do not reward children with food. If your child does well at a sport or gets great grades in school, do not take them to a restaurant or for take-out to celebrate.

Give them horseback riding lessons or let them choose a toy or favorite activity instead. Many parents are tempted to keep sweet foods such as cupcakes and cakes for "special occasions" and "special treats" but this inadvertently makes children associate sugary foods with good times and vegetables with punishment or everyday life.

* Take your children food shopping - especially when you are shopping for fresh produce. Let your children choose which vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods they would like. Encourage your children to decide which fruits and vegetables look as though they might be tasty. Treat your produce shopping trip as an adventure and your children may be more likely to eat their fruits and vegetables without a fuss.

* Monitor what your children eat. As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that your children eat three meals a day that include foods that are low in fats and high in nutrients. Reduce the amount of sugars and fats your children eat and limit how much junk food is allowed.

* Become involved in your child's school lunch program or cafeteria. Many schools offer less than healthy school lunches as well as vending machines full of sugary foods. At a number of schools, though, parents have banded together to force school boards to provide better foods choices for students. Use this as your inspiration to make sure that your child can make healthy foods choices in school.

* If you are worried about what your children eat, consider taking them to a nutritionist who can help teach them what they should be eating.

* Even if your child has elevated cholesterol levels, realize that growing children still need more fats and nutrients than adults. Never simply place your child on a very low-fat diet - consult with a pediatrician to find a diet plan that can help your child grow while keeping cholesterol under control. A too-low-fat diet may affect childhood development.

* Teach your children about the dangers of smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

* Get your children to exercise. Virtually all health experts agree that North American children do not exercise enough. This has disastrous effects on cholesterol levels and overall health. One of the best things you can do to keep your children away from the dangers of high cholesterol is to get them to exercise at least a little each day. Find an activity they enjoy and encourage them in their activity.

* If your child smokes, is overweight, or has at least one parent who has a cholesterol level of more than 240mg/dl, your child is at an increased risk of high cholesterol - even at an early age. Take you child to the doctor - especially if your child has more than one of the risk factors - for a complete check-up and cholesterol check.

Paying Attention To Cholesterol Level Reports Can Save Your Life

Riley Hendersen

It's called the silent killer for a reason. A heart attack can strike without warning, and leave behind a wave of chaos within the body that some people will never recover from. Fortunately, there are some signs people can look for to help them avoid this occurrence. One of these signs involves individual cholesterol level checks.

The cholesterol level reports doctors can order via very basic blood work can actually save lives. While the signs of an impending heart problem are very rarely visible, cholesterol is a great marker of what lies ahead.

Getting cholesterol level checks done at least once every five years after the age of 20 is recommended by many a physician. For those over the age of 45, it's a very good idea to have this simple blood test performed more frequently. This is truly as case of what you don't know can hurt you. In fact, it can kill you.

The cholesterol level reports are vital tools for helping stave off trouble down the road for a number of reasons. When cholesterol is high, it's almost a given that arteries are being clogged and heart disease could be present or impending. Knowing levels and working to correct them can stop damage before it becomes deadly.

When cholesterol level reports come back from the doctor's office, most people will want to find they have levels that fall in at 200 mg/dL or less. If they do, there really isn't a need for a change in diet or exercise. If they come back higher, however, the risk for heart attack and other problems is greatly increased. Anything between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered a borderline risk. Those who have reports in the 240s or higher are at high risk for complications.

With cholesterol level reports in hand, it's easy to make corrections to diet and lifestyle that can improve overall levels and quality of life at the same time. The fact is some basic dietary changes and perhaps the addition of minor exercise can go a long way for many people in lowering cholesterol level reports. Others might need to add some medication to the mix to keep articularly pesky cholesterol problems in check.

The goal in working with cholesterol level reports is to make sure a patient's level goes into the 200 range and stays that way. To tackle the problem by exercise and diet, there are a few very smart things that can be done almost instantly.

The best ways to get cholesterol level makers down include:

Better diet. Shoot for a low-fat diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat grains, lean, white meats, and low-fat dairy products. There's no reason to avoid fats entirely, but look for the good ones when you use them. For example, cut out the shortening and go for canola oil or olive oil. Eat fish rather than fatty, red meats and so on.

Exercise. The fact is losing a few pounds can increase fat metabolism and lower cholesterol level reports by a fair amount. Losing extra weight never hurt over all health either.

Medications. There are many medications available that can assist in lowering cholesterol level reports, as well. Most doctors will want to try diet and exercise first to protect their patients from some of the side effects of these medications, but when they are needed, they can work wonders.

Getting cholesterol level reports under control can lead to an improved level of health overall. A heart attack might be known as the silent killer, but there are ways to "hear" its approach. Cholesterol levels reports can perhaps speak the loudest.

Combatting Atherosclerosis With Good Nutrition

Aaron Stanlich

Imagine hundreds of cars zooming down an eight-lane highway. One lane disappears, and then another, until the same cars crawl bumper-to-bumper along a one-lane country road. That's sort of what happens when you have atherosclerosis. Your arteries, the highways for your blood, harden and narrow, and the same amount of blood has to make its way through a much tighter space. This traffic jam in your arteries leads to all sorts of trouble, including heart attack and stroke.

Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol, fat, and other substances in your blood build up in the walls of your arteries. The process can begin when you're a child, but it may not become a problem until you're in your 50s or 60s. As this muck gathers in your arteries, it forms plaque. Plaque can clog or completely block arteries, cutting off blood flow to your heart or brain. That's when you have a heart attack or stroke.

Too much cholesterol and triglycerides - types of fat - in the blood, high blood pressure, and smoking cause the most damage to your arteries. Other risk factors for atherosclerosis include diabetes, a family history of the condition, stress, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle. Men, in general, are at greater risk, as are people who have an "apple" body shape - with the fat gathering at the belly rather than the hips and thighs.

You can fight atherosclerosis by making good food choices. Cut back on saturated fat and cholesterol from meat and whole-milk dairy products, and look for the following foods that lower cholesterol, bring down blood pressure, and keep your blood flowing smoothly.

Nutritional blockbusters that fight atherosclerosis

Fish. Reel in a big, fat fish and wriggle off the hook of atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids, the polyunsaturated kinds found in fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, protect your arteries from damage.

First, omega-3 takes out triglycerides, the fats that build up on your artery walls. It also stops your blood's platelets from clumping together. That way, your blood remains smooth instead of sticky. Sticky blood can clot and block blood flow. Lastly, omega-3 might lower blood pressure.

No wonder so many studies show that eating fish can reduce your risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two fish meals a week.

You can find a form of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid in walnuts, which lower cholesterol. Other sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, wheat germ, and some green, leafy vegetables, like kale, spinach, and arugula.

Garlic. Anything fish can do garlic does, too. The sulfur compounds in this amazing herb not only lower cholesterol and triglycerides, but they also go after only the LDL or "bad" cholesterol and leave the HDL or "good" cholesterol alone.

Garlic can also lower blood pressure so your arteries don't take as much of a pounding. Thanks to a substance called ajoene, garlic keeps your blood from clumping and clotting. One study even showed garlic helps your aorta, the body's main artery, remain elastic as you age.

Experts recommend getting 4 grams of garlic - about one clove - into your diet each day.

Fiber. During the course of a day, you should eat about 25 to 35 grams of fiber. If you do, you'll boost your general health and give atherosclerosis quite a battle.

Certain types of soluble fiber, such as the kind in oats, barley, apples, and other fruits, shrink your cholesterol levels. It works by slowing down your food as it passes through your stomach and small intestine so your "good" cholesterol has more time to take cholesterol to your liver and out of your body. Eating more than 25 grams of fiber every day might also cut your risk of developing high blood pressure by 25 percent.

Fiber comes with an added bonus - it fills you up. After a fiber-rich meal, you feel full, so you're less likely to overeat and put on unwanted pounds. Because being overweight increases your risk of atherosclerosis and other heart problems, eating fiber could be part of an effective strategy to guard your arteries.

You'll find fiber in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Antioxidants. An unarmed intruder poses less of a threat than one with a weapon. By stopping free radicals from oxidizing LDL cholesterol, antioxidants remove much of the danger. Once oxidized, LDL cholesterol makes a beeline for your artery walls much faster. In fact, some scientists believe LDL cholesterol only harms you once it has been oxidized.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are antioxidants. Peppers, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, and broccoli give you vitamin C, while carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangoes, and collard greens are full of beta carotene. Sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.

While you munch on those fruits and vegetables, you'll get the added benefit of antioxidant substances called flavonoids. Resveratrol in grapes, anthocyanins in cranberry juice, and quercetin in onions, apples, and tea are some of the flavonoids that help your heart and arteries.

Monounsaturated fat. To keep your blood running smoothly, maybe you need an oil change. Olive oil, the main source of fat in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, has mostly monounsaturated fat. This type of fat slashes the "bad" cholesterol without harming the "good" cholesterol. It also prevents clotting, giving your arteries even more protection.

Like fiber, monounsaturated fat also fills you up so you're less likely to overeat.

Think about switching from soybean or corn oil to olive oil. After all, the Greeks - even while enjoying a rather high-fat diet - rarely develop atherosclerosis.

Besides olive oil, sources of monounsaturated fat include avocados, nuts, and canola oil.
Ginger. Make your dinner a little bit tastier and your arteries a little bit healthier with this ancient spice. Ginger contains phytochemicals called gingerol and shogaol, which give it its antioxidant power.

Animal studies show ginger not only lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, it also prevents LDL oxidation. On top of that, ginger also keeps your blood from clotting by reducing the stickiness of your platelets.

How to improve the Cholesterol levels naturally?

Ahmed Fouad

You have many ways to lower the Cholesterol levels naturally .Be away from the drugs that control the Cholesterol levels because they can be dangerous for you ,as they may cause liver and immune problems ,general weakness and weaken the muscles ,and also it may be cancer risk.

Here are the natural ways that lowers your Cholesterol:
1 -Lifestyle changes.
2 -Reducing stress.
3 -Exercise.
4 -Giving up smoking.
5 -Diet.
And a magic secret which is: Drinking more water.

How can you do that?

1- Lifestyle changes:
· You have to eat balanced food, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
· Olive oil and Fish oil in your diet is very important and very useful for your health.
· Be away from eating hydrogenated oil and processed food.
· Fast food is very dangerous as it is full of bad fats and salts and with no calories.
· Cookies, cakes, muffins contain sugar and unhealthy fats.
So you have to stay away from these poisons to improve your health. It may be inconvenient at the beginning but you have to adapt to this routine.

2-Reducing stress:
The good way to reduce the stress is by starting to add some beneficial tool to your arsenal, like bio-feedback, meditation and going out to have some time to relax as traveling at least one day.
Be away from caffeine especially in soda and coffee .As you have to remove the soda from your drinking habits.

3 -Exercise:
Exercise can help you to reduce the stress and it is one of the most important things to improve your health and lower your Cholesterol level, at least walking everyday, this will decrease the bad Cholesterol (LDL).

4 -Giving up smoking:
It is the most important thing you have to do for yourself and for the people you love, by giving up smoking, the good Cholesterol (HDL) will increase naturally.

5-Diet:
You have to follow your doctor instructions and orders about the balanced food like: vegetables and fresh fruits.

Some useful food is:
Good fats and oils like (Olive Oil ,Fish Oil).
Fresh vegetables and fruits.
Fish (mercury free).
Grapes and Orange juice.
Legumes.
Curry.
Avocados.
Garlic.
Blueberries (they are so useful, they are fruits but in a class by themselves).
Nuts and Seeds.
Oats and soluble fibers.

Be away from:
Caffeine.
Wheat.
Red meat.
Muffins.
Soda.
Alcohol.
Fast food.
Cookies.
Canned or prepared food.
Refined sugar.

Here are some supplements that can help in improving your health and lowers your Cholesterol:
B complex.
Vitamin C, E,D.
Coral Calcium.
Fish Oil.
Plant Sterols.
Policosanol.
Magnesium.

Don't hesitate and make all these changes in your lifestyle to go through a positive way to improve your health without spending money on Cholesterol drugs.

weight loss tips

The Facts About Your Cholesterol Level

Riley Hendersen

It's one thing to be told that cholesterol level is too high. It's another thing entirely to understand what that means and why it is important to bring it into check.

The cholesterol level a person hears about in a doctor's office following a simple blood test is generally the read out of several different types of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Most tests look for a few different types of cholesterol, or fat, with three forms being vital for good health.

The LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is called the "bad" cholesterol. This form of fat is known for its ability to stick to plaque in the arteries and assist in hardening and clogging. When the level of this kind of cholesterol is too high, serious problems can be on the horizon. Issues that might arise include an increased risk for heart disease, heart attacks and even stroke. Bringing this down can greatly increase the risk for such conditions developing.

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, will also be checked as part of a standard cholesterol level test. This kind of cholesterol is known as the "good" kind. It has earned the reputation of being good simply because it is known to help remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver where it can be removed from the body. When the levels of HDL are too low, it can be a problem.

Triglycerides are also checked in a standard test. This form of fat is the type the body tends to make all on its own. When these levels are too high, there is cause for concern.

When blood cholesterol level tests come back in, the most common reading will be in milligrams per deciliter of blood, which is written generally as mg/dL. The levels of cholesterol a person should have in their bloodstream will vary depending on age, but in general when a total cholesterol test comes back it should be under 200 mg/dL. Anything between 200 and 239 is considered borderline and 240 and above is a cause for concern.

If a test happens to break it down. The standard "normal" results will be 60 mg/dL or above for HDL or "good" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol level readings should be less than 100 mg/dL. Anything in the 130 to 159 range is considered borderline. At about 160, there is cause for concern. Triglyceride level should fall in at 150 mg/dL for the normal range.

Finding out cholesterol level on a regular basic can help a person avoid one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke. When the numbers are known, the correct action can be taken. In some cases the tests will lead a doctor to recommend diet and exercise changes. In other cases, diet, exercise and even special medications will be ordered.

Understanding cholesterol level and its implications on health can save a life. At the very least, the information can help a person make conscious decisions about their health and what they can do to improve it. Heart disease is a silent killer, but there are warning signs. Cholesterol level is a rather loud and clear sign.

The Cause of Heart Disease

David Cowley

If both of your parents and your grandparents suffered from hear disease then you may think you are also doomed to suffer from heart disease. There is good news, heredity can be a cause of heart disease, it is but one factor among may factors that must be taken into account when assessing your risk for heart disease. One recent study found that heredity accounts for less than 10 percent of a person's risk for developing heart disease.

That leaves the other 90 percent of the heart disease causing factors that you may be able to do something about. If you are at risk because of heredity factor then modifying your life style and taking certain precautions could substantially reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Doctors cannot agree on the number one cause of heart disease, so you will have to evaluate the evidence yourself and determine your own risk/reward ratio. Smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol are usually in the forefront of any study.

The chemicals in cigarettes can damage artery walls, thereby making it easier for cholesterol deposits to build blood-blocking deposits on the artery walls. Smoking also makes platelets, the component of blood that causes clotting and carries oxygen, to be more active, thus increasing the risks of blood clots that cause heart attacks and storks.

A body needs cholesterol and can actually produce all it needs, so when we ingest foods high in cholesterols, like dairy and meat products, our bodies get a lot more cholesterol than they need. The body saves cholesterol instead of excreting it, and that cholesterol gets stored along the walls of the arteries. Too many cholesterol deposits lead to artery blockage and clots.

Having a large numbers of large HDL particles correlates with better health and it is commonly called "good cholesterol". Having a large number of LDL particles in the blood is commonly called "bad cholesterol". However, as today's testing methods determine LDL ("bad") and HDL ("good") cholesterol separately, this simplistic view has become somewhat outdated.

High blood pressure is also thought to be a major cause of heart disease. Give this a try. Plug you nose and breath through you mouth. No problem right? Now put something about the size of a garden hose in you mount and breath through that. It is harder to get enough oxygen but it is still not unreasonable. Not try breathing through a straw. You will not be able to do this for every long before you have to give up.

Your arteries are narrowed because of all that cholesterol stored on the walls of the arteries. But your body needs the same amount of oxygen that is supplied by the blood that is always has. Your heart has to pump harder and faster to give the body what it needs. As you arteries become narrower and narrower your heat has to work harder and harder. Sooner or later something has got to give.

Obesity is another factor that can cause heart disease. Often obesity comes with high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Since there are more areas that need blood because of the increased size of someone suffering from obesity the heart must work harder to supply the needs of the body.

Stress is also associated with heart disease. But unless your parents are stressing you out enough to cause a heart attack, they are not the cause of heart disease.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Heart Disease such as Vitamin C, Lecithin, Pectin, Garlic, EPA, Niacin and Phytosterols.

Vitamin C has been shown to combat the development of cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Within a few hours after receiving vitamin C patients showed a sharp decline in the cholesterol levels of the blood.

Lecithin has the potential to protect against fat clogged arteries when take daily.

Pectin limits the amount of cholesterol the body can absorb. High pectin count in apples may be why "One a day keeps the doctor away".

Garlic counteracts the usual result of high fats in the diet and to help reduce high blood pressure.

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does. It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides. Salmon Oil is one of the best-known sources of natural EPA.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Phytosterols is found in flax seed and peanuts, which are suggested to help lower serum cholesterol.

If you are at risk of developing heart disease then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Lower Cholesterol Or Risk Death

Erol Orderland

Seemingly in excellent health, Beth goes to the doctor for her regular checkup. In the past year, she has lost weight, begun an exercise routine, and finally landed her dream job. Life is good! During the checkup, Beth tests all come out great, except one. She has high cholesterol. Since the other tests look good, Beth is not overly concerned. Unfortunately, her "put off until tomorrow" attitude is her final, and fatal mistake. At the age of 57, Beth dies.

Although the name has been changed, and a few irrelevant details omitted, the circumstances are true. If a patient is diagnosed with high cholesterol, especially above 240 mg/dL, he/she is 50% more likely to have a life cut short unnecessarily. Thus, lowering high cholesterol is paramount. The risks of suffering from a debilitating illness, or leaving life behind prematurely are simply not worth the gamble.

First, people with high cholesterol are daring a heart attack to strike. Many individuals, like Beth, die before paramedics or doctors can administer possible life-saving medical aid. For the person who is lucky/unlucky enough to survive, the future is no picnic. Usually, blocked arteries have to be replaced, in order for the heart to have a chance to function properly. Thus, the doctors have to pull the breastbone apart to perform open-heart surgery.

Question: Where will the replacement artery come from? Answer: The doctors need to take a long vein from the patient's leg. Now, after suffering a heart attack, the patient also has to recover from a lengthy incision in the leg, and the process of healing bone and tissue from cracking the ribcage and invading the heart. Not fun! The healing process is lengthy, and many people do not regain 100% of pre-attack abilities. For the people who may still feel invincible, consider an alternative possibility.

The second possibility is a stroke. When most people contemplate a stroke, older senior citizens come to mind. However, anyone with dangerously high cholesterol levels is a prime candidate for a stroke. To explain, think of arteries as highways and blood as the car. High cholesterol leaves fatty deposits in the bloodstream. The resulting plaque adheres to the artery walls, much like plaque sticking to teeth. However, as plaque builds up, the roadway for the blood gets clogged, basically causing a physical traffic jam. If an sufficient amount of blood cannot continue on the journey to the brain, an individual suffers a stroke. Thus, any adult with high cholesterol can die, or become severely disabled.

Knowing someone who has survived a stroke is a real wake up call. While some people die, many people technically live, although a stroke can render an individual into a vegetative state. Most people are unable to move on one side of the body, speak without slurring, are unable to swallow-and drool as a result, unable to communicate, and an innumerable combination of other disabilities. Sometimes, with therapy, a person can regain physical abilities torn away by the stroke. However, most people have lingering and permanent effects to contend with throughout life. Also, the process to reach an individual's full recovery potential can take years, is extremely costly, and terribly frustrating.

Hopefully, by now the reality regarding the importance of lowering high cholesterol is becoming scarily apparent. If not, consider the effects dying, or suffering a debilitating stroke, will have on loved ones. Children will grow up without a parent; parents will miss monumental milestones in a child's life. Grandchildren will have to depend on pictures and memories to know a grandma or grandpa. Friends will mourn the loss, and gather to reminisce, until life moves on, and the memory is delegated to the anniversaries of special events, or a trip down memory lane.

Instead, make the effort to stick around and remain more than a melancholy memory. Finally, do not risk leaving friends and family the responsibility of taking care of a disabled loved one, when medical science can prevent a catastrophe from happening in the first place.

Scared? Good! If the diagnosis is high cholesterol, do something! If the levels are dangerously high, the doctor will probably prescribe medication, in addition to the necessary lifestyle changes. Do not put off until tomorrow, what needs done today. Do not invite a heart attack or stroke. Instead, do everything possible to stay healthy and vibrant. Life is too precious to lose prematurely. Friends and family do not want to mourn a loss, or be responsible for rehabilitative care. Do not become a memory; stay an active and loving presence.

Destroy Cholesterol,Tips and Rules

Mr.Parker

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Lipitor reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol. Lipitor is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Lipitor may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Lipitor?

In rare cases, Lipitor can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, a muscle disorder, or a blood disorder:

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lipitor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Lipitor.

There may be other drugs that can affect Lipitor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lipitor?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to atorvastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-diabetes;
-underactive thyroid;
-kidney disease; or
-a muscle disorder.
-drink alcoholic beverages,
-have a chronic muscular disease,
-require major surgery, or
-have a blood disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Lipitor, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use Lipitor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Lipitor can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Lipitor. It is not known whether Lipitor passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take Lipitor without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Lipitor is not for use in children younger than 10 years of age.

How should I take Lipitor?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Lipitor with a full glass of water.

Lipitor can be taken with or without food.

Lipitor is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Lipitor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may need to take Lipitor on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Store Lipitor at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of Lipitor is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking Lipitor?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lipitor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Lipitor.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Lipitor and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Lipitor?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Lipitor and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

-muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

Keep taking Lipitor and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

-mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn;
-nausea, stomach pain or upset;
-constipation, bloating, gas;
-stuffy nose;
-itching, skin rash; or
-muscle pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Lipitor?

Before taking Lipitor, talk to your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

-cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
-digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
-erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
-gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);
-niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
-an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);


If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Lipitor, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Lipitor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Ischemic Heart Disease

David Cowley

Ischemia is a decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or part paused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels, and it is the proper medical term for reduced blood flow to the heart. Hardened or blocked arteries us usually the cause of it, and it is the number one cause of death in most western countries. The growth of these tissues is called arteriosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis typically begins in early adolescence but is rarely diagnosed until late in life usually due to a stroke or heart attack. Autopsies of healthy young men who died during the Korean and Vietnam Wars showed evidence of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the progression of arteriosclerosis and prevent a medical emergency.

According to United States data for the year 2004, for about 65% of men and 47% of women, the first symptom of Arteriosclerosis disease is heart attack or sudden cardiac death (death within one hour of onset of the symptom) or the obstruction of arteries supplying the brain result in a stroke.

Another problem that can be caused y Ischemic heart disease is what is called an Aneurisms. It is a localized, pathological, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel causing a weakling of the vessel's wall. As plaque builds up in the arteries it causes an obstruction and the blood flow around the obstruction puts pressure on the walls of the arteries. This can cause the walls of the arteries to balloon out and become weaken as the blood moves around the obstruction. If one of these balloon or aneurisms explodes then death can occur within minutes.

If the plaque becomes dislodged from the arterial walls it can travel to the heart and cause one of the blood vessels of the heart to be come blocked causing a heart attack. If the plaque becomes lodged in one of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain then it will cause a stroke.

Ischemic is caused by a diet that is high in fats and physical inaction. A high fat diet leads to a high amount of cholesterol in the blood. The American Heart Association provides a set of guidelines for total blood cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease. The desirable LDL level is considered to be less than 100 mg/dl. However the 1987 report of National Cholesterol Education Program suggest the total blood cholesterol level should be less 200 mg/dl normal blood cholesterol, if the cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 mg/dl it is considered borderline-high, and higher than 240 mg/dl is considered high cholesterol level.

Many scientists, nutritionists, and activists, are worried about ischemic heart disease and they are trying to educate the American population in healthier diets. And this power of healthy suggestion seems to be working on restaurants. Especially since 2004, fast food chains have started to offer healthier menu choices such as yogurt, salads, and fruit. Many restaurants now print some nutrition information on their menus and offer specifically Heart-Smart recipes.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Ischemic Heart Disease such as Foti, Niacin, Vitamin C, Pectin, and EPA.

Foti also called He Shou Wu in China is legendary in its ability to lengthen life. Modern studies have show that Foti has the ability to lower serum cholesterol, prevent premature gray hair, promote red blood cell growth, and to increase longevity on a cellular level. This herb raises the level of the naturally occurring antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body. Foti can lower the cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting its absorption in the intestines, which assists in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and other heart related diseases.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Vitamin C has been shown to combat the development of cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Within a few hours after receiving vitamin C patients showed a sharp decline in the cholesterol levels of the blood.

Pectin limits the amount of cholesterol the body can absorb. High pectin count in apples may be why "One a day keeps the doctor away".

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does. It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides. Salmon Oil is one of the best known sources of natural EPA.

If you are at risk from Heart Disease then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

How To Lower Your Cholestrol Effectively

Carl Hoffman

Experts say that people who are over 20 years of age should pay more attention to their cholesterol level and advise them to do everything they can to lower their levels of "bad" cholesterol. Despite the so many claims that you can lower your cholesterol level through low cholesterol diet plans, lifestyle changes, and monitored medication, more and more people who suffer from this condition still fail to lower their cholesterol level.

Although it is sometimes hard to stick with the needed requirements to be able to lower your cholesterol levels, it is still possible to get the result that you want by following these easy ways to lower to cholesterol:

1. Make sure you know where you stand by getting your levels checked regularly. Visiting your doctor and getting your cholesterol levels checked regularly is very important to achieving optimum health for good. Since high cholesterol is related to cardiovascular disease, make sure that you know your numbers so you can rearrange your diet and change lifestyle habits as well. Knowing your cholesterol level will also help you decide what kind of diet plan you should follow and if you need medication and treatment already. Knowing your starting point will also help you monitor your progress toward healthy cholesterol levels. If you know your exact cholesterol status then you can also do something to combat it by learning to quit cigarette smoking and excessive eating of high cholesterol foods.

2. Understanding the basics and learning everything you can about the condition. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, the first thing to do is to understand the situation fully and acquire more information about the condition. By conducting your own personal research on the condition will also make you knowledgeable about initial lifestyle changes you can do to lessen the problem and you will also have an idea what other treatments options available. Knowing everything about cholesterol, its types, kinds, and health risks will also make you understand that the case is not really hopeless if you are in the right track.

Finding and getting more information about the condition will also make you realize that there are so many things that you can do. You can get more information from a registered dietician, local centers for nutrition, local hospital or public health department, and from a consultation with your attending physician or health care provider.

3. Watch your weight and get rid of extra pounds if needed. Monitoring your weight is one of the best ways to combat high levels of cholesterol. If you think you are overweight for your age and height, then you should be contemplating on slimming down to be able to decrease your high cholesterol level. Since being overweight disrupts a person's normal metabolism of dietary fat, experts say that people who weight more than they should shout start planning on a healthy lifestyle and diet to lose weight safely.

But, before having a drastic change in your diet and lifestyle, make sure that you visit your doctor first to access your overall health. Doing this may prevent further damage especially if you have to undergo certain medications.

4. Get physical, do regular physical activities and exercises more often. The wonders of exercise are indeed very essential in lowering high cholesterol levels. Doing regular physical activities can also help raise the good cholesterol levels and lose weight as well. There is really no need for high-intensity workouts, regular brisk walking or jogging can help the body boost HDL cholesterol and also beneficial for the heart.

5. Make a commitment and stick to that commitment. The best way to lower cholesterol levels is to be able to develop the discipline to stick to your goal. You can also lower your cholesterol level by acquainting yourself what are the good and the bad fat and its sources, by discovering the wonders of fiber in cutting down cholesterol, by taking in good multivitamins, by freeing yourself from lots of stress, and by exploring and considering treatment options when all else fails.

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Anti Aging Herbs For The Heart

David Cowley

Dr. John Christopher, a famous natural healer, praised the use of Cayenne throughout the time of his practice. He once stated that in 35 years of practice he never lost a patient due to a heart attack if he was present during the attack. His emergency treatment was to get the patient to drink a cup of cayenne tea and within minutes the danger has passed.

Take a bite on a habanero pepper and you instantly feel a rush of heat to all parts of your body. That is due to the increased blood flow throughout your body. That is an effect that no pharmaceutical drug can create. Cayenne moves blood to the sick and dying organs and with it nutrients and healing bio-chemicals. At the same time it gets the waste materials carried away. For best result, Cayenne pepper should be taken with meals. Use 1/4 of a teaspoon of powder, or more, in a cup of distilled hot water.

Jiaogulan.

Jiaogulan is a Chinese herb and in Japan it is called Amachazuru and it is used to lower the cholesterol levels in the blood stream. It lowers the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and raises the HLD cholesterol (good cholesterol). This herb can lower the blood pressure when it is to high and it can also rise the blood pressure when it is to low.

Soy.

Soy has been used in Japan and China for centuries and has shown to reduce the chances of having a heart attack. It is also shown to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Good sources of soy are lentils and flaxseeds, tofu, miso and soymilk.

Gynostemma Herb.

Gynostemma herb is also known as Southern Ginseng by the Chinese Herbalists. It is not related to ginseng and it belongs to the cucumber family and has traditionally been grown in the South Central China area. This area of China is well know for the long life if it's people as well as the low occurrences of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Gynostemma has been shown to have a marked effect in reducing the amount of cholesterol levels in the blood. Gynostemma works by emulsifying the cholesterol deposits that have accumulated on the blood vessel walls, thus making them available for excretion out of your body.

Procyanidolic.

Procyanidolic aligomers (PCO) are derived from pine bark and grape seeds. Studies have show it to prevent histamine release, promotes healthy veins and circulatory system.

Lecithin.

Lecithin has been showed to lower the risk of heart disease. It reduces the adhesiveness of platelets in the blood stream; reduce very low-density lipoprotein, lowers triglycerids and cholesterol in the blood.

Foti.

Foti can lower the cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting its absorption in the intestines, which assists in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and other heart related diseases.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Vitamin E.

Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Scientific Research shows Juices can Reduce Cholesterol and Prevent Heart Disease.

Davina Joy

Heart disease effects many of us in the UK, more so than in many other countries, but there is a strong possibility that this could be changed simply by changing our attitude towards food and consuming more juice.

The term 'heart disease' includes several conditions such from Congenital heart defects seen at birth to atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) that develop later. It is a complex issue with several inter-related factors. Hardening of the arteries and angina are a result of the inner walls of the bodies arteries narrowing due to a build up of plaque (fat, LDL cholesterol and other substances). Plaque build up is increased in people who have high levels LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels HDL (good) cholesterol. Oxidation of excess LDL cholesterol results in an increase of plaque. The HDL cholesterol helps to prevent the LDL cholesterol from increasing the plaque, moving it instead to the liver. Plaque build up alone may be enough to cause pain (angina) or heart attack. However, if the plaque is ruptured or torn it can block the artery causing a coronary thrombosis (heart attack). Atherosclerosis can also be caused by inappropriate platelet activation causing the platelets in the blood to clot.

Grape Juice inhibits Atherosclerosis

Many of us will have seen news items claiming red wine helps to keep our hearts healthy. This is due to a substance in the grapes that used to make the wine known as polyphenols. However, recent tests have shown that although less polyphenols are present in grape juice than red wine, grape juice is better at inhibiting atherosclerosis [1]. Purple Grape juice has also been found to help patients with coronary artery disease due to significantly improving the function of the cells (endothelial) lining the hardened arteries as well inhibiting inappropriate platelet activation [2]. Purple grape juice's action as a potent platelet inhibitor is important as Platelets are involved in the development of Atherosclerosis [3]. Other research has shown grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts reducing Atherosclerosis by up to 50% in animals. [4] Although that study was for grape seed extract alone, other studies have shown that the combination of grape seed extract and grape skin, as you would find in the juice, is more effective [5].

Fruit Juices Reduce Cholesterol

Pomegranate juice also offers wide protection against cardiovascular diseases6 and has been shown to reduce cholesterol build up in plaque [7] and reduce the development of atherosclerosis [8].

In laboratory tests orange juice has been found to lower cholesterol and significantly inhibit atherosclerosis [9]. A 750ml serving of orange juice daily has been shown to decreased the LDL-HDL cholesterol ratio by 16% in tests on people [10]. Tests on smokers has shown that carrot and orange juice combined significantly susceptibility of LDL to oxidation [11] (the process that increases plaque).

As little as 330 mL of tomato juice [12] has also been shown to significantly reduce LDL oxidation [13]

Adding garlic to vegetable juices takes some getting used to, but garlic has also been shown to decrease bad LDL cholesterol while increase HDL cholesterol [14] as well as reducing LDL oxidation [15].

Plant sterols and stanols found in high quantities in veg like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower16 have been found to reduce LDL cholesterol [17]. One report says around 2g per day of plant sterol ester can decrease LDL cholesterol levels from 9% to 20% [18]

Ginger has also been shown to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and abnormal cell tissues (Aortic atherosclerotic lesion) [19] in the arteries around the heart.

With so much evidence proving the benefits of fruit and vegetable juices why on earth would we not want to include them in our diet?

1 Atherosclerosis. 2001 May;156(1):67-72. Red wine, dealcoholized red wine, and especially grape juice, inhibit atherosclerosis in a hamster model. Vinson JA, Teufel K, Wu N. Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, Linden and Monroe Streets,

2 Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002;505:95-111. Potential health benefits from the flavonoids in grape products on vascular disease. Folts JD. Coronary Thrombosis Research Laboratory, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, USA.

3 J Nutr. 2000 Jan;130(1):53-6. Grape juice, but not orange juice or grapefruit juice, inhibits human platelet aggregation. Keevil JG, Osman HE, Reed JD, Folts JD. Cardiology Section of Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison,
WI 53792, USA.

4 ol Cell Biochem. 2002 Nov;240(1-2):99-103. Beneficial effects of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and a niacin-bound chromium in a hamster atherosclerosis model. Vinson JA, Mandarano MA, Shuta DL, Bagchi M, Bagchi D. Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USA.

5 J Nutr. 2002 Dec;132(12):3592-8. Grape seed and grape skin extracts elicit a greater antiplatelet effect when used in combination than when used individually in dogs and humans. Shanmuganayagam D, Beahm MR, Osman HE, Krueger CG, Reed JD, Folts JD. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792,
USA.

6 Atherosclerosis. 2001 Sep;158(1):195-8. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme
activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Aviram M, Dornfeld L. The Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, 31096 Haifa, Israel.

7 J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Sep;16(9):570-6. Pomegranate juice inhibits oxidized LDL uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis in macrophages. Fuhrman B, Volkova N, Aviram M. Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 31096, Israel.

8 J Nutr. 2001 Aug;131(8):2082-9. Pomegranate juice supplementation to atherosclerotic mice reduces macrophage lipid peroxidation, cellular cholesterol accumulation and development of atherosclerosis.
Kaplan M, Hayek T, Raz A, Coleman R, Dornfeld L, Vaya J, Aviram M.
The Lipid Research Laboratory, Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 31096, Israel.

9 Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002;505:113-22. Polyphenol antioxidants in citrus juices: in vitro and in vivo studies relevant to heart disease. Vinson JA, Liang X, Proch J, Hontz BA, Dancel J, Sandone N. Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, PA 18510-4626, USA.

10 Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Nov;72(5):1095-100. HDL-cholesterol-raising effect of orange juice in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Kurowska EM, Spence JD, Jordan J, Wetmore S, Freeman DJ, Piche LA, Serratore P. Departments of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.

11 Clin Chem. 2000 Nov;46(11):1818-29. Influence of increased fruit and vegetable intake on plasma and lipoprotein carotenoids and LDL oxidation in smokers and nonsmokers. Chopra M, O'Neill ME, Keogh N, Wortley G, Southon S, Thurnham DI. Northern Ireland Centre for Diet and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, United Kingdom.

12 J Nutr. 2000 Sep;130(9):2200-6. Moderate intervention with carotenoid-rich vegetable products reduces lipid peroxidation in men. Bub A, Watzl B, Abrahamse L, Delincee H, Adam S, Wever J, Muller H, Rechkemmer G. Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.

13 Lipids. 1998 Oct;33(10):981-4. Tomato lycopene and low density lipoprotein oxidation: a human dietary intervention study. Agarwal S, Rao AV. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

14 J Nutr. 2001 Mar;131(3s):994S-9S. Study of garlic extracts and fractions on cholesterol plasma levels and vascular reactivity in cholesterol-fed rats. Slowing K, Ganado P, Sanz M, Ruiz E, Tejerina T. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

15 J Nutr. 2001 Mar;131(3s):985S-8S. Suppression of LDL oxidation by garlic. Lau BH. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.

16 Curr Opin Lipidol. 2000 Dec;11(6):571-6. Therapeutic potential of plant sterols and stanols. Plat J, Kerckhoffs DA, Mensink RP. Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

17 Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Jan;75(1):79-86. An increase in dietary carotenoids when consuming plant sterols or stanols is
effective in maintaining plasma carotenoid concentrations. Noakes M, Clifton P, Ntanios F, Shrapnel W, Record I, McInerney J. CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition, Adelaide, Australia.

18 Circulation. 2001 Feb 27;103(8):1177-9. AHA Science Advisory. Stanol/sterol ester-containing foods and blood cholesterol
levels. A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association. Lichtenstein AH, Deckelbaum RJ.

19 J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5):1124-31. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein
E-deficient mice. Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa,
Israel.

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Diet to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Dr. Suririnah

High cholesterol claims thousands of lives every year because having high cholesterol sooner or later will lead to having a heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. You can prevent this happen to you and your family if you act the right way.

Diet to lower cholesterol would help you reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke if you are suffering from high cholesterol. A low cholesterol diet is a must to help you lower your cholesterol naturally and fast.

You need to consult to your doctor first before you start your diet to lower cholesterol. Mostly the doctor would suggest you to combine it with exercises. You may still need to take medicine if your doctor determines your cholesterol level very high depending on your family history and age.

A myth says that high cholesterol was caused primarily by eating too many fatty and high cholesterol foods. It is not true since cholesterol has more to do with genetics and your activity than your diet. Nevertheless, a low cholesterol diet still holds an important aspect of your cholesterol when it combines with exercise and medications.

Diet to lower cholesterol is very simple if you know which type of cholesterol in the foods you must keep off. You can consume foods that are high in HDLs which stands for high density lipoproteins which known as good cholesterol while for bad cholesterol or known as LDLs which stands for low density lipoproteins you must reduce it. Foods that high in saturated fat likes heavy pastries, fatty meats, lard, butter, greasy sauces are very high in LDLs and you should reduce or avoid it on your low cholesterol diet menu. Having a list of foods that lower in cholesterol could help you a lot on your low cholesterol diet plan.

You may ask your nutritionist or doctor about foods that are high in HDLs. He or she will give you a list of food that lower in cholesterol and high in HDLs likes avocado, some nuts, and dark chocolate. Don't forget to ask for some fiber on your cholesterol diet menu since it is a proven way to lower cholesterol. Whole wheat or anything with oats likes oatmeal is a great source for fiber, also plenty of roughage likes fibrous green stuff and salads minus the ranch dressing. It's better to get fiber from food than fiber supplements.

By having many types of healthy and delicious foods to choose from that are good for you and your heart, it would make your diet to lower cholesterol more attractive and will help you success with your lower cholesterol diet program.

Author: Dr. Suririnah

Diet Suggestions For Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Kathryn Whittaker

We all have cholesterol whether we like it or not as it plays an important role in our bodies. However, having high cholesterol is not good and should be lowered. Regardless of how we get it, lowering high cholesterol is always a good idea. We get cholesterol in two ways, through our body and mainly the liver. Every day, our bodies produce amounts of cholesterol that we don't need. Animal foods like eggs, poultry, meat, seafood and milk contain a lot of cholesterol, which add to the levels we produce naturally.

The safest foods are vegetables, seeds, nuts and fruits, as these do not encourage further production of cholesterol.

Lowering cholesterol requires finding the right diet for you and sticking to it. The main source for cholesterol is saturated fatty acids. This makes your blood cholesterol rise abruptly and could cause heart disease. Trans fat also contributes to raising your blood cholesterol level. But diet can beat it all.

The American Heart Association has recommended that the limit for your daily cholesterol should be no more that 300 milligrams. If your diet is maintained properly you will dramatically lower your cholesterol.

Diet plays a vital role in lowering cholesterol. Choosing your food is the best way to start. Choose foods that contain low saturated fat. Saturated fat can be found in foods from animals, such as poultry, meat, lard and vegetable oils like palm oil, coconut and palm kernel.

The best diet would be choosing foods which are low in saturated fat. The solution to this is choosing foods that are rich in fiber such as vegetables, fruits and grains. They do not add cholesterol to your body but they help you maintain a healthy diet. Choose the foods that are low in cholesterol.

Did you know that the dietary cholesterol can still raise your blood cholesterol level? The answer is yes, although it is not that high in saturated fat

Avoid foods that come from animals. These types of foods are the richest in saturated fat and they are not recommended for high daily intake. You can supplement your diet with the help of lecithin. This is helpful and it contains phosphatidyl choline which is able to increase the solubility of the cholesterol in your body and allows the fatty deposits in your bloodstream to break down.

Your diet should be absolutely free from oily foods, which only contain minimal amounts of fatty acid. Choose foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6. This is important in normalizing your blood cholesterol level and can help you maintain good health. Increasing your dietary fiber can be very helpful because it can neutralize the excess bile acids in the bowel. Eat fiber rich foods instead of greasy foods.

Observing this diet is a must because your cholesterol is something you should maintain and watch out for in order to stay healthy, fit, and free from heart disease. Lowering cholesterol can be observed and achieved by choosing the foods you eat.

If you are suffering with high cholesterol, you should consult your primary care physician first before making any changes in your diet.