lowering cholesterol

What determines the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood?

2010-06-24T02:19:00.001-07:00

The liver manufactures and secretes LDL cholesterol into the blood. It also removes LDL cholesterol from the blood by active LDL receptors on the surface of its cells. A decrease number of liver cell LDL receptors is associated with high LDL cholesterol blood levels.

Both heredity and diet have a significant influence on a person's LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. For example, familial hypercholesterolemia (hyper= more + cholesterol + emia= in blood) is a common inherited disorder whose victims have a diminished number or nonexistent LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. People with this disorder also tend to develop atherosclerosis and heart attacks during early adulthood.

Diets that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol raise the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Fats are classified as saturated or unsaturated (according to their chemical structure). Saturated fats are derived primarily from meat and dairy products and can raise blood cholesterol levels. Some vegetable oils made from coconut, palm, and cocoa are also high in saturated fats.

What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?

2010-06-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

LDL cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles prevent atherosclerosis by extracting cholesterol from the artery walls and disposing of them through the liver. Thus, high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol (high LDL/HDL ratios) are risk factors for atherosclerosis, while low levels of LDL cholesterol and high level of HDL cholesterol (low LDL/HDL ratios) are desirable.

Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL (low density) cholesterol, HDL (high density) cholesterol, VLDL (very low density) cholesterol, and IDL (intermediate density) cholesterol.

Here's Your Information On Generic Zetia

2008-10-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Mistina Thomson1

"Zetia is a drug that is taken alone or with statins. Zetia is basically ezetimibe, which is known to lower the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Zetia along with statin can markedly reduce the level of total cholesterol in the circulatory system of the body.

Zetia is used either all alone or with some cholesterol lowering agents (for instance, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). The 'set' of treatment is often combined with cholesterol-lowering dietary plan for assisting the drug to lower down the cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Reducing cholesterol will help preventing different kinds of strokes and heart attacks. Zetia acts by reducing the amount of cholesterols in the body those are accumulated in the body one or the other way.

Why is Zetia used?

Zetia is a drug, which is licensed to control the elevated levels of cholesterol in adolescents (10 yr of age and older) and adults. Zetia is made by Merck and Schering-Plough and is currently prescribed all across the world for controlling lipid and cholesterol levels.

Zetia is available as a pill that is to be taken orally. The drug contains 10 mg of Ezetimibe and also some of the inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose NF, lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, sodium lauryl sulfate NF, povidone USP, and croscarmellose sodium NF.

The drug is generally used in combination with statins for improving the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), triglycerides, HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and Apolipoprotein B.

Combining Zetia with a statin is more effectual as compared to either drug alone. The drug can also be used alone or in combination with Fibrates (for instance, Fenofibrate) in order that improves levels of cholesterols and specially LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), Apolipoprotein B as said before.

Information on Generic Zetia

Generic Zetia (Ezetimibe) is an anti-lipemic drug that is prescribed to treat hypercholesterolemia (a condition in which, the cholesterol levels elevate in the bloodstream putting a patient at higher risks getting various heart/cardiac ailments). Generic Zetia is generally prescribed as an adjunctive therapy with dietary changes for the reduction of elevated cholesterol levels in patients having primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolemia. It is only for the patients whose cholesterol levels are not controlled by dietary restriction.

Generic Zetia acts by preventing the production of cholesterols by the liver. The drug has a different mechanism of actions as it downs the blood cholesterol by restricting the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. However, the drug does not affect too much the absorption of triglycerides or fat-soluble vitamins. The FDA approved the drug in the month of October 2002.

The generic form of Zetia is available in the local market and in most parts of the world. The original Zetia tablet is manufactured by a host of pharmaceutical companies, and the generic Zetia is available in the same size, shape and potency. Capsules of generic Zetia are available in the potencies of 10 mg. However, there are a lot of other manufacturers of generic Zetia in the world market. Generic Zetia contains the active ingredient ezetimibe.

The manufacturers of Generic Zetia can be found on the Internet. These people manufacture the same drug, containing ezetimibe, and they use the same potency, shape and size for the drug. For all practical and qualitative reasons, the generic Zetia is quite the same as the branded version, but it just does not bear the brand name. But, it is priced significantly lower, and all generic Zetia providers have their own price for the tablet.

Benefits of buying Generic Zetia

Generic Zetia tablets are mostly sold over the Internet. The following are some of the benefits that you can get from buying generic Zetia over the Internet:-

* The generic Zetia tablets are quite easily available for purchase.
* You will not need a prescription to buy these generic Zetia tablets online.
* Since they are not branded with any name, you can purchase these generic Zetia tablets at a lower price than at the chemist's.
* The fact that they are sold online will ensure a global supply and even countries where the brand Zetia is not manufactured will benefit with this drug.

Risks involved in buying Generic Zetia

There are some risks too. You must be wary of these when you are trying to buy generic Zetia from the Internet: -

* First and foremost, make sure that the website selling the drug is a reputed website. All such websites have some testimonials from their past customers. Look into these to get an idea.
* Also make sure that the website has a safe payment system. If not, you risk exposing your identity to Internet crooks.
* If you are planning to go on a self-medication, you need to study in detail about the effects and side effects of the drug Zetia.
* You have to check into the ingredients too. Make sure that the active component is Ezetimibe in order to avoid spurious products that are commonly sold over the Internet.

"

Generic Pravachol Pravastatin Cholesterol Medication Information

2008-10-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

Generic Pravachol Pravastatin Cholesterol Medication InformationSearch:

Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol

Generic Pravachol Pravastatin Cholesterol Medication InformationBy: Rich Stephenson

Generic Pravachol Pravastatin is used for:
Reducing high lipid levels and high cholesterol, with diet and exercise. It is also used to prevent certain heart problems, including slowing down the progression of hardening of the arteries in patients with heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Generic Pravachol Pravastatin is a beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin). It works by lowering the blood levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (bad) cholesterol by reducing their production by the liver. They also increase the blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (good) cholesterol.

Do NOT use Generic Pravachol Pravastatin if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Pravachol Pravastatin
you are pregnant or breast-feeding
you have liver disease or abnormal liver tests
you are taking fibric acids (eg, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Generic Pravachol Pravastatin :
Some medical conditions may interact with Pravachol Pravastatin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
if you abuse alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
if you have low blood pressure; a muscle disease; a blood infection; a metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problem; uncontrolled seizures; a severe infection; had a recent surgery, trauma, or organ transplant; or a high level of a creatine phosphokinase in your blood
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pravachol Pravastatin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Cyclosporine or fibric acids (eg,gemfibrozil ,fenofibrate) because side effects such as severe muscle destruction may occur
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pravachol Pravastatin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Generic Pravachol Pravastatin :
Use Pravachol Pravastatin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Generic Pravachol Pravastatin may be taken with or without food.
Try to take Pravastatin at the same time each day.
Take Pravastatin 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking bile-acid reducing resins (eg, cholestyramine, colestipol).
If you miss a dose of Pravachol Pravastatin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pravachol Pravastatin.

Important safety information:
Generic Pravachol Pravastatin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Pravachol Pravastatin. Using Pravachol Pravastatin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
For best results, Generic Pravachol Pravastatin should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight.
Carefully follow the cholesterol-lowering diet given to you by your health care provider.
Before having any kind of surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Pravastatin.
LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Pravachol Pravastatin if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Pravastatin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pravachol Pravastatin.
Possible side effects of Generic Pravachol Pravastatin :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Common cold; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; flu-like symptoms; gas; headache; heartburn; muscle aches; nausea; pain; rash; runny nose; soar throat; stomach pain; tiredness; urination problems (difficult or painful urination. frequent urination, frequent urination at night); unusual bleeding or bruising; vomiting; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; hoarseness; muscle cramps; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially when associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort); sore throat; swelling of hands, eyes, or throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of skin or eyes.

What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.

You can buy Rx Generic Pravachol Pravastatin cholesterol medication at a online pharmacy at discount prices.

Article Source: http://www.dietarticles.info

Rich Stephenson articles on pharmacy medication and supplies information on as well as where to buy Pravastatin online as well as buy other cholesterol pharmacy medication online.
Click here to read more on Pravastatin.

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function producexml(id){ var a= document.article.baseurl.value; prompt ('Copy the RSS Feeder Link',a);}Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cholesterol Articles Via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol Here's Your Information On Generic Zetia - By : Mistina Thomson1
Generic Mevacor Lovastatin Cholesterol Medication Information - By : Rich Stephenson
Generic Lipitor Atorvastatin Cholesterol Drug Information - By : Rich Stephenson
Generic Zocor Simvastatin Cholesterol Drug Information - By : Rich Stephenson
Buy Cheap Zetia - By : Mistina Thomson1
Learn about High Cholesterol and how to Control it - By : Robert Thomson
Buy Zetia for Reducing Cholesterol Levels - A User's Guide - By : Mistina Thomson1
Eating Healthy for your Heart - By : cdup
Cholesterol Levels and Fitness - By : P. Rodgers
Cholesterol is not a Deadly Poison - By : P. Rodgers
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Generic Mevacor Lovastatin Cholesterol Medication Information

2008-10-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

Generic Mevacor Lovastatin Cholesterol Medication InformationSearch:

Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol

Generic Mevacor Lovastatin Cholesterol Medication InformationBy: Rich Stephenson

Generic Mevacor Lovastatin is used for:
Lowering high cholesterol in certain patients. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack and chest pain caused by angina. It is also used to slow blood vessel blockage and to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked heart blood vessels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Generic Mevacor Lovastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

Do NOT use Generic Mevacor Lovastatin if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Mevacor Lovastatin
you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
you are pregnant or breast-feeding
you are taking a macrolide antibiotic (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), itraconazole, ketoconazole, mibefradil, nefazodone, or telithromycin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Generic Mevacor Lovastatin :
Some medical conditions may interact with Mevacor Lovastatin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are planning to become pregnant
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, kidney problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures
if you are very ill, have certain muscle problems (eg, pain, weakness), or have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems
if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
if you have a certain type of high cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia)
if you have had an organ transplant or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lovastatin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Amiodarone, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), danazol, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Mevacor Lovastatin 's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cimetidine, digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Mevacor Lovastatin
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Mevacor Lovastatin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Generic Mevacor Lovastatin :
Use Lovastatin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Generic Mevacor Lovastatin by mouth with food.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Lovastatin. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Lovastatin. Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while taking Lovastatin.
Continue to take Mevacor Lovastatin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Lovastatin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lovastatin.

Important safety information:
Generic Mevacor Lovastatin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lovastatin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Mevacor Lovastatin. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Lovastatin.
Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Mevacor Lovastatin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Lovastatin. Check with your doctor if you have questions about using birth control.
Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.
Lab tests, including blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels, may be performed while you use Lovastatin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Mevacor Lovastatin with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially serious muscle problems.
Generic Mevacor Lovastatin should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Mevacor Lovastatin if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Lovastatin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Mevacor Lovastatin.
Possible side effects of Lovastatin :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.

You can buy Rx Generic Mevacor Lovastatin cholesterol medication at a online pharmacy at cheap prices.

Article Source: http://www.dietarticles.info

Rich Stephenson articles on pharmacy medication and supplies information on as well as where to buy Buy Generic Mevacor online as well as buy other cholesterol pharmacy medication online.
Click here to read more on Mevacor.

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function producexml(id){ var a= document.article.baseurl.value; prompt ('Copy the RSS Feeder Link',a);}Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cholesterol Articles Via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol Here's Your Information On Generic Zetia - By : Mistina Thomson1
Generic Pravachol Pravastatin Cholesterol Medication Information - By : Rich Stephenson
Generic Lipitor Atorvastatin Cholesterol Drug Information - By : Rich Stephenson
Generic Zocor Simvastatin Cholesterol Drug Information - By : Rich Stephenson
Buy Cheap Zetia - By : Mistina Thomson1
Learn about High Cholesterol and how to Control it - By : Robert Thomson
Buy Zetia for Reducing Cholesterol Levels - A User's Guide - By : Mistina Thomson1
Eating Healthy for your Heart - By : cdup
Cholesterol Levels and Fitness - By : P. Rodgers
Cholesterol is not a Deadly Poison - By : P. Rodgers
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Learn about High Cholesterol and how to Control it

2008-08-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

Robert Thomson

However, high level of cholesterol in the body may let the fat to be remained in the arteries of heart, consequently making them narrowing and blocking the walls of arteries causing various heart problems.

Apparently, high cholesterol has no symptoms. Most of the times, it comes with hereditary and life style, if fated diet is more in use. In some cases, skin from certain parts of the body, particularly face, starts to get white spots or skin nearby the eyes gets arousing dots. Sometimes, it can only be revealed in a routine blood test when there are no apparent symptoms. In the test, LDL cholesterol level describes bad level whereas, HDL depicts that cholesterol is present at good level in the body. Women have lower cholesterol level than that of men of same age which becomes higher after the age of 50 years than the men of same age.

The common causes of the high cholesterol may be several drugs and diseases. These diseases include over weighting, use of alcohol and mental stress. Heredity and food containing fat are also included in the general causes.
High cholesterol treatment is involved use of drugs depending on risk factors to heart diseases. Apart from medical treatment experts suggests some home care tips which involves balanced diet. Balanced diet should be comprised of total fat less than 30% calories, saturated fat less than 7% calories, polyunsaturated fat less than or equal to 10% of calories, monounsaturated fat Approximately 10-15% of calories, cholesterol less than 200 milligrams per day, carbohydrates 50 to 60% calories Likewise, stanol esters and monounsaturated fat should be included in the diet to reduce LDL in the body. Furthermore, some people may control high cholesterol with the use of vegetarian diet.

Moreover, a healthy life style should be adapted to reduce the risks of heart diseases. Regular exercises, morning or evening walk, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and smoking are essential steps for long term healthy body. The combination of medicines for lowering cholesterol and adopting healthy life style can help a lot to control rapidly on the high cholesterol level and preventing heart diseases in general.

How To Lower Cholesterol Through A Diet To Lower Cholesterol Posted By : Delynda Lardone

2008-08-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

Delynda Lardone

The newest craze these days that is going around is everyone being concerned with high cholesterol. There is nothing to really be concerned about unless you already have a high cholesterol level, are overweight, or have a family member who has a high cholesterol level. If you have any of these signs, then you should consider going on a diet to lower cholesterol so you can start a reducing cholesterol plan.

One way to lower your cholesterol is by taking medications once your cholesterol levels get too high, but this can all be avoided by making some small changes now. Some things you can do is stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake, and start getting some exercise. You should consider putting these items into action if you have any family members who have high cholesterol as that puts you at greater risk for getting it later in life.

Maintaining a low cholesterol level is very important to your health because it can help prevent any future heart problems. By adding the three changes mentioned above to your daily schedule along with the three items mentioned below, you can be well on your way to maintaining low cholesterol levels.

One way is to start your day off with a healthy breakfast in the morning. You should try to aim for eating a breakfast filled with at least ten grams of fiber because fiber helps reduce your cholesterol levels. The best meal one can eat in the morning is oatmeal.

If you don't really like oatmeal or need a variety in your morning meals, you can also find some cold cereal that has the fiber you need. You can also add some produce to your meals to spice up the taste like bananas and apples. Kellogg's Special K Red Berries cereal is one of my favorite breakfast meals.

Another way is to switch out your normal oils you use for cooking and start using olive oil. Olive oil is a much healthier option and is widely known as the best vegetable oil on the market. All you need in your daily diet to lower cholesterol is two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil which will help reduce the bad cholesterol while leaving your good cholesterol levels normal.

Another way to lower the bad cholesterol while not destroying the good cholesterol is to start eating some walnuts. It has been said, that if you start eating walnuts daily that you can significantly lower your cholesterol levels in just four weeks. Walnuts also have the added bonus of improving your health by helping to keep your blood vessels in good physical shape.

Reducing cholesterol levels is something everyone should strive for, especially if they have a high cholesterol level or have family member that do. If you make a few simple changes in your diet to lower cholesterol, you will be able to lower your cholesterol significantly enough to keep your body healthy. All is takes is making sure you eat a fiber filled breakfast, exchanging your regular oil for olive oil, and munching on some walnuts daily.

Buy Zetia for Reducing Cholesterol Levels A User's Guide

2008-08-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

Buy Zetia for Reducing Cholesterol Levels - A User's GuideSearch:

Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol

Buy Zetia for Reducing Cholesterol Levels - A User's GuideBy: Mistina Thomson1

"Chemically, Zetia is ezetimibe, which is an anti-hyperlipidemic (cholesterol reducing) medication, with a chemical formula of C24H21F2NO3. Zetia is a drug used to lower the cholesterol levels. This drug reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the diet. Hence this drug is very helpful in preventing one from major health diseases related with high cholesterol levels.

Zetia - Health Benefits

Zetia is meant for blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the stomach. It is best drug for patients who are at the risk of heart disease or a stroke. This drug lowers the blood cholesterol. This drug is not meant for all; this drug is given to patients whose cholesterol levels are not getting reduced purely through dietary methods.

It must be remembered that Zetia is not used as a cure for any cholesterol problems. It is a drug to keeping the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream under check. At the same time, it is better if the drug is supplemented with a low-calorie diet and exercises to increase the rate of metabolism of the body. This drug can be easily taken even with other medication for lowering cholesterol levels.

Where to Buy Zetia?

The trademark owner of the drug is Allscripts and Merck/Schering. Zetia is available in 10 mg concentration tablet form. Zetia is available as white colored oval tablets.

However, it is also possible to Buy Zetia online at cheaper rates, but it is necessary to make sure that the Zetia tablets and the website you are getting them from are genuine. It is not yet possible to buy Zetia tablets in the generic form, but you can buy Zetia from almost everywhere in their retailed version. You can also buy Zetia through the Internet at a cheaper rate by placing an order for it.

Precautions must be taken when you Buy Zetia over the Internet. You must make sure you buy Zetia that's genuine and is within the expiry date. Do not buy Zetia from websites that seem dubious.

Zetia - Usage of the Drug

Zetia tablets are meant for oral consumption. Read and follow the instructions on the prescription label. You can swallow this tablet with water. You can have this tablet with or without food. This tablet has to be taken at regular intervals. The dosage should not be taken in excess. If you are taking 'statin' type medication to lower cholesterol levels, then taking Zetia once in a day is more than enough. If you are taking 'resin' type of medication then take Zetia tablets at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after your 'resin' medication. Before giving this drug to children, contact your pediatrician.

You must meet your doctor often and do regular checkups about your progress. The doctors will check you for your cholesterol levels and other plasma lipid levels. In order to ensure that your liver is working fine, when you are taking Zetia along with your other 'statin' type medication it is best to have the regular checkups done. In case you have any persistent side effects, then you can tell them to your doctor. Along with this drug, you will need to avoid smoking and alcohol for getting quick and better results.

Zetia - Possible Side Effects

With a strong drug like Zetia, there are several possible side effects that might occur. These can be categorized as severe and mild side effects.

The severe side effects of Zetia are as follows (these must be brought to medical attention immediately):-
* There may be yellowing of the skin or eyes.
* There can be unusual tiredness or weakness.
* Urine may turn dark brown or yellow.
* There may be cramps and muscle pain.

The mild side effects of Zetia are as follows (these effects will subside on their own):-
* There may be stomach pains.
* Diarrheas can be common with the usage of Zetia.
* Headaches and dizziness can occur.
* There can be joint pains.
* There may be a constant feeling of tiredness.
"

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Mistina Thomson is the author of this article on Buy Zetia for Reducing Cholesterol Levels, Please Visit medsranch.com for more details.

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Eating Healthy for your Heart - By : cdup
Cholesterol Levels and Fitness - By : P. Rodgers
Cholesterol is not a Deadly Poison - By : P. Rodgers
Cholesterol May Act As An Antioxidant - By : P. Rodgers
Lp(a) Blood Test - By : Alien
Lower Cholesterol Levels Drugs - By : Alien
Lower Cholesterol With The Heart Smart Diet - By : Ahmed Fouad
Not All Cholesterol Lowering Medications are Created Equal - By : Doug Bremner
Guggul - Uses and Side Effects - By : Alien
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Cholesterol Levels and Fitness

2008-07-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

P. Rodgers

Cholesterol is an essential nutrient for human health that saves lives. It helps to protect against infectious disease and repairs damaged tissue. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. Cholesterol is required in the membrane of mammalian cells for normal cellular function, and is either synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, or derived from the diet, in which case it is delivered by the bloodstream in low-density lipoproteins. Cholesterol can also be converted to vitamin D in our body and used for the calcification of bones and teeth.

The precise causes of a high level of blood cholesterol are very complex, with many genetic factors playing important roles. The causes which are now seen as contributing to higher-than-normal cholesterol levels are: hereditary factors, which are the most important; then high blood pressure; followed by stress, smoking, obesity and dietary cholesterol. Unfortunately, some individuals have very high cholesterol levels, and the cause is hereditary; about 25 people in 10,000 carry this trait. Some drugs that are known to increase cholesterol levels include anabolic steroids, beta blockers, epinephrine, oral contraceptives, and vitamin D.

Some studies have shown that fish oil supplementation may increase the level of LDL-cholesterol (the "bad" kind), but that the ratio of HDL-cholesterol (the "good" kind) to LDL remains unchanged. Another study found an average reduction of 38% in triglyceride levels and an increase of HDL levels of 24% in both men and women consuming fish on a daily basis. Healthy lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight and exercising regularly can help lower triglyceride levels.

Physical fitness is to the human body what fine tuning is to an engine. Physical fitness is the capacity of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles to function at optimum efficiency. In previous years, fitness was defined as the capacity to carry out the day's activities without undue fatigue. Physical fitness is now defined as the body's ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist hypokinetic diseases, and to meet emergency situations. Whether exercise is aerobic or anaerobic, exercise, health, and physical fitness go together for life. Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans.

The decision to carry out a physical fitness program cannot be taken lightly. Unless you are convinced of the benefits of fitness and the risks of unfitness, you will not succeed. As you undertake your fitness program, it's important to remember that fitness is an individual quality that varies from person to person. Your goals, your present fitness level, age, health, skills, interest and convenience are among the factors you should consider. Exercise that doesn't raise your heart rate to a certain level and keep it there for 20 minutes won't contribute significantly to cardiovascular fitness. The best-laid plans of many a fitness program have been ruined by too much enthusiasm on the first day andsore muscles on the second.

An aerobic exercise program can burn fat and increase the metabolic rate. Popular aerobic conditioning activities include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, rope-jumping, rowing, cross-country skiing, and some continuous action games like racquetball and handball. It is generally recommended that aerobic exercises be done three to five days per week, from twenty to sixty minutes of continuous activity at a time, such that the heart rate increases from 50 to 90 percent, depending on the intensity of the workout. Heart rate is widely accepted as a good method for measuring intensity during running, swimming, cycling and other aerobic activities.

In a nation of couch potatoes, suggesting that people find whatever kind of exercise works for them is sound health advice. Weight training exercise is essential for enhancing muscular strength and endurance, helping to prevent the decline of muscle mass (and metabolic rate) that accompanies aging, and promoting bone health.

Gemfibrozil Lopid - Things You Should Know. Posted By : Chris Campell

2008-07-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

Chris Campell

Gemfibrozil Lopid - when taken at the same time with a special diet - is helpful in treating extremely high serum triglycerides levels that may lead to inflammation of the pancreas (a condition known as pancreatitis). Serum triglycerides are fatty elements found in your blood. If your body does not react to a simple strict diet, then you may require Gemfibrozil Lopid.

Gemfibrozil Lopid is moreover used to reduce coronary heart disease risk in patients who need to lose weight but do not respond to exercise, diet, or any cholesterol- or triglyceride-lowering medicine.

Can I take Gemfibrozil Lopid?

Your doctor can decide this for you. As a common rule, although, Gemfibrozil Lopid is only given to people whose bodies do not respond to exercise and other and weight loss systems (including a strict diet). Gemfibrozil Lopid is not a cure - it is simply a supplement to traditional weight loss measures. If you are serious about getting all the gains of the medication, you have to stick to the exercise and diet program that your doctor will also recommend. Gemfibrozil Lopid can help in keeping your cholesterol at common levels and in lowering your heart disease risk - but only if you do your part, too.

What's the exact dosage?

Gemfibrozil Lopid should be taken about half an hour (30 minutes) earlier than your breakfast and evening meal, closely as your doctor prescribed. If you accidentally miss a dose, don't worry - just take Gemfibrozil Lopid once more as soon as you realize that you've missed a dose. In no way take two Gemfibrozil Lopid doses in unison.

Does it have any side effects?

Yes. Like any other drug, Gemfibrozil Lopid may possibly set off side effects that are hard to anticipate, such as abdominal pain, constipation, acute appendicitis, diarrhea, fatigue, eczema, headache, indigestion, vomiting, vertigo, and rash. If these side effects carry on, notify your physician as soon as possible. Only your physician will be able to determine whether you should maintain taking Gemfibrozil Lopid or not.

In some unusual cases, Gemfibrozil Lopid sets of malignancy, abdominal pain (at times causing appendectomy), gallbladder disease, or other grave and perhaps fatal disorders in the abdomen.

Notice

The next drugs may initiate muscle-wasting if used at the same time with Gemfibrozil Lopid.

1. Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

2. Mevacor (Lovastatin)

3. Lescol (Fluvastatin)

4. Zocor (Simvastatin)

5. Pravachol (Pravastatin)

These drugs lower cholesterol.

Gemfibrozil Lopid should in addition not be taken by patients whose cholesterol levels are only a little elevated, since its benefits hardly outweigh the risks of severe side effects.

Cholesterol is not a Deadly Poison

2008-07-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol is not a Deadly PoisonSearch:

Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not a Deadly PoisonBy: P. Rodgers

More and more studies are coming out showing just how unhealthy lowering cholesterol might be, particularly by the use of statin drugs. In particular, statin drugs have been shown to be harmful to muscles causing considerable damage. A common symptom of this damage is muscular aches and pains that many patients experience on cholesterol-lowering drugs, however most do not realize that these drugs are to blame. One reason that statin drugs have these various serious side effects is that they work by inhibiting a vital enzyme that manufactures cholesterol in the liver.

« Cholesterol and heart disease has been almost synonymous for the last half-century. Cholesterol has been portrayed as the Darth Vader to our arteries and our heart. The latest recommendation given by a so-called panel of "experts" recommends that a person's cholesterol be as low as possible, in fact to a level so low they say it cannot be achieved by diet, exercise, or any known lifestyle modification. Therefore, they say cholesterol-lowering drugs; particularly the so-called "statins" need to be given to anyone at high risk of heart disease. Since heart disease is the number one killer in this country that would include most adults and even many children. The fact that this might add to the $26 billion in sales of statin drugs last year I'm sure played no role in their recommendations. » Ron Rosedale, MD

Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance vital to the cells of all mammals. Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol) and a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues, and transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it regulates membrane fluidity over a wide range of temperatures. Cholesterol is present in higher concentrations in tissues which either produce more or have more densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain, and also in atheromata.

Many studies have found that low cholesterol is in certain respects worse than high cholesterol. High cholesterol is defined differently for people of different ages. Researchers at the University San Diego School of Medicine UCSD point out that highcholesterol in those over 75 years of age is protective, rather than harmful and that low cholesterol is a risk factor for heart arrhythmias (leadingcause of death if heart attack occurs). However, because the level of HDL cholesterol is so important, many doctors look at the ratio of the total cholesterol level to HDL cholesterol level to assess the risk of heart disease. With anticholesterol drugs now being sold without prescription at the pharmacy, the decision about how far to control cholesterol is being pushed into the consumer's hands.

Before we can begin to talk about the real cause and effective treatment for heart and blood vessel disease, we must first look at what is known, or I should say what we think we know. A combined analysis showed that treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flaxseed oils) reduced overall risk of death by 23 per cent as compared to placebo. When apple pectin was added to the treatment triacylglycerol and VLDL cholesterol levels were both lowered by 38 per cent, but in addition total cholesterol levels decreased by 13 per cent and LDL cholesterol by 7 per cent. The researchers conclude that a combination of fish oil supplementation and increased fiber intake (up to 40 grams/day total) may be a beneficial addition to the conventional treatment of high cholesterol levels in NIDDM patients.

Common sense would indicate that we should avoid the oxidation (rancidity) of cholesterol and fatty acids and not get rid of important life-giving molecules. However, many good fats are easily oxidized such as omega-3 fatty acids, but it does not mean that you should avoid it at all costs. The trials of n-3 fatty acids used different dietary and supplement sources; nevertheless, the authors conclude that this study adds to the positive evidence for n-3 fatty acids. Regarding n-3 fatty acids, they speculate that the reduction in mortality risk does not occur through a reduction in cholesterol but by other means, possibly antiarrhythmic, antithrombotic or anti-inflammatory effects. These results support recommendations that people eat more fish, the authors write, particularly oily fish with their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

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This is your body we are talking about. Most people spend hundreds of dollars every month on new shoes, clothes, food, etc. How much do you spend on keeping yourself healthy Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products
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Cholesterol Levels and Fitness - By : P. Rodgers
Cholesterol May Act As An Antioxidant - By : P. Rodgers
Lp(a) Blood Test - By : Alien
Lower Cholesterol Levels Drugs - By : Alien
Lower Cholesterol With The Heart Smart Diet - By : Ahmed Fouad
Not All Cholesterol Lowering Medications are Created Equal - By : Doug Bremner
Guggul - Uses and Side Effects - By : Alien
For a Healthy Heart... - By : P. Rodgers
Lower Cholesterol Naturally Without Drugs - By : P. Rodgers
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A Diet To Lower Cholesterol Is Essential To Your Health Posted By : Delynda Lardone

2008-07-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

Delynda Lardone

When considering a diet to lower cholesterol, many doctors have drawn attention to how significant it is to accompany the diet with a proper fitness routine and some exercise. If you are considering going on this diet or were instructed to by your doctor, you should learn about the levels of cholesterol and what makes them high so you can avoid those factors.

The first step you should take is to have your doctor test your current cholesterol level by conducting a blood chemistry analysis test. You can often await the results when you visit your doctor if the laboratory is close by and delivers the results quickly. However, you may need to come back as some doctors call you back in for a consultation after the laboratory has delivered the results of your blood chemistry test.

The Value Of A Diet To Lower Cholesterol

If you maintain a high level of cholesterol over a period of time, it can lead to major health problems and diseases. One of these health problems is that it can stop the function of many of your organs. Another problem, which is far more serious, is that it can lead to your death. This is why many doctors stress that people with high cholesterol need to go on a diet to lower cholesterol and accompany that with a exercise routine.

The Ground Rules Required To Lower Cholesterol.

When you start on your diet to lower cholesterol, you need to be aware of some food items that you need to eliminate from your daily meals. The three main items that you need to take out are salt, unnecessary carbohydrates, and fatty foods. There are several other food items to get rid of, but those three are the main ones you need to concentrate on when you are just starting out.

On the flip side, there are some items which you need to implement into your daily meals in order to have a successful diet to lower cholesterol. These foods are those high in fiber and complex carbohydrates which include wholegrain foods, beans, brown rice, fruits and vegetables. By having more of these good cholesterol foods in your daily diet, they will help your body get rid of the bad cholesterol.

To help your body have a continual stabilized balance, you will need to eat more foods that are high in good cholesterol and cease from eating foods that are high in bad cholesterol. By doing so, you will be providing your body the energy it needs to expel the bad cholesterol from your body.

When you start on your diet to lower cholesterol, do not expect immediate results as it will take a few weeks before you see any results. By lowering your cholesterol today, you will avoid any complications that can arise such as heart disease and death. Just remember to increase your consumption of foods high in fiber and decrease fatty foods and salt.

Cholesterol May Act As An Antioxidant

2008-07-15T01:46:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol May Act As An AntioxidantSearch:

Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol

Cholesterol May Act As An AntioxidantBy: P. Rodgers

Cholesterol is not a life-threatening toxin, but a medium-sized molecule that is really a building block for important parts of the body. Cholesterol is also the forerunner of important hormones such as the female sex hormone, oestradiol, and the male sex hormone, testosterone, and of vitamin D, which we need in order to utilize calcium and form bone. Cholesterol is carried in the blood as part of particles called lipoproteins. In fact, cholesterol is being transported to tissues as part of an inflammatory response that is there to repair damage.

Cholesterol isn't part of the problem, it's part of the solution - to a different problem. Cholesterol is actually saving the lives of people, because cholesterol is a bandage, a waterproof bandage that the body has designed. Cholesterol is actually an interim lifesaver, giving the body time to recover from its problems. For people under the age of 50, high blood cholesterol may be indicative of a problem, but if you recall its role as an antioxidant, and a substance used in repair of the body, you may wonder if this highered level is an attempt to protect the body from such things as damage to the arterial walls.

If you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, a lot can collect in the blood vessel walls, causing these "pipes" to become narrower. Avoid foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat, all of which increase cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease. Before you start chomping on those cheese fries or that greasy burger, you might want to take a closer look at whether you're getting too much cholesterol. Actually, your body produces enough cholesterol so that if you never touched another cheese fry, you'd be OK. Although most teens won't need to take medication to lower their cholesterol, it's still important to keep cholesterol in check.

The natural antioxidants in Oat Bran can significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels by suppressing the adhesive molecules which make blood cells stick to artery walls, researchers reported. When, instead, you consume lots of 'naked' oils stripped from seeds, your cellular membranes become increasingly unsaturated and less protected by antioxidants. Eating a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, on a daily basis, is your best strategy for harnessing the disease-fighting antioxidant potential of the mighty plant kingdom.

A high cholesterol is not dangerous by itself, but may reflect an unhealthy condition, or it may be totally innocent. Importantly, while many cardiologists insist that lowering cholesterol is correlated with a reduction in the risk of heart attacks; few can say that there is a reduction in the risk of mortality (death). However, the bottom line is that a high level of plasma cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease and strokes.

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Cholesterol is actually an interim lifesaver, giving the body time to recover from its problems. Find out more about naturalcholesterolcare.com/cholesterol_as_an_antioxidant.html">Cholesterol May Act As An AntioxidantPaul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products>
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Cholesterol Levels and Fitness - By : P. Rodgers
Cholesterol is not a Deadly Poison - By : P. Rodgers
Lp(a) Blood Test - By : Alien
Lower Cholesterol Levels Drugs - By : Alien
Lower Cholesterol With The Heart Smart Diet - By : Ahmed Fouad
Not All Cholesterol Lowering Medications are Created Equal - By : Doug Bremner
Guggul - Uses and Side Effects - By : Alien
For a Healthy Heart... - By : P. Rodgers
Lower Cholesterol Naturally Without Drugs - By : P. Rodgers
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Eating Healthy for your Heart

2008-07-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

cdup

Eating Healthy for your Heart

Your heart is one of the most important organs in the body, and the foods you put into your mouth effect how your heart operates. If you want your heart to be strong and able to pump blood as well as possible all over your body, it is important for you to eat a healthy diet. Heart-healthy foods are readily available in the supermarket, so choose some that work for your personal likes and you should be able to help prevent heart disease in your own body.

Cholesterol is the most important thing when it comes to eating heart-healthy foods. There are both good cholesterols and bad cholesterols. Good cholesterols are called HDL, and their job in the body is to take excess bad cholesterol (LDL) to the liver, where it can be broken down and then will leave the body. LDL is actually not needed by your body at all from foods. Our bodies make enough of this kind of cholesterol on its own. It is the LDL cholesterol that hurts our hearts, not the HDL cholesterol, which actually helps our hearts be reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body.

LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. Because this substance has a low density, it does not flow through the blood stream as readily as it should. The red blood cells easily release the LDL cholesterol and it sticks to the walls of your blood vessels, especially in the arteries leading to your heart. This is bad for a number of reasons.

First, when the LDL cholesterol builds up on your arteries, it reduces the amount of blood that can fit through at a time, since the artery becomes smaller. That means your heart has to pump harder and faster in order to allow the same amount of blood to flow through your body. Over time, this makes your heart tired and not as strong. In the worst-case scenario, the blood vessel becomes so built up with LDL cholesterol that your artery could close completely. When this happens, your heart essentially panics because it is not getting the blood it needs and it starts beating rapidly to try to pump the blood. This causes a heart attack.

You can also have a heart attack from LDL cholesterol build up if a piece of the build-up, called plaque, breaks off and floats down the blood stream. When it reaches a smaller part of the blood vessel, it will get stuck and block the blood, which again causes a heart attack. If the piece of plaque travels to the brain instead of the heart, it will cause a blockage in this area of the body, which in turn causes a stroke. Therefore, it is simply important to cut out of your diet the foods high in cholesterol so that you can prevent heart disease and other problems in the body.

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Diet To Lower Cholesterol: An Explanation On What Is Cholesterol Posted By : Delynda Lardone

2008-07-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

Delynda Lardone

When we go to the doctor and he gives us our cholesterol reading, many do not understand just exactly what he is talking about. Many people know that cholesterol is either good for you or bad, but many do not understand what is cholesterol. Cholesterol is simply a waxy matter that the liver creates which handles a number of duties in our body.

Cholesterol has a vital function in our body because it produces vitamin D, creates bile salts to help in the digestion of unused fat, and it aids in building call walls. So, if cholesterol does all these wonderful things, why would we need to worry about having too much in our body? The answer is simply because anything in excess is bad for our bodies. If we can learn what is cholesterol, then we can avoid having too much in our system.

The Bad And Good Cholesterol.

An easy way to watch whether we eat good or bad cholesterol is understand which foods produce the cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is found in foods that have animal fats such as meats and dairy. However foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits have no cholesterol.

When we eat foods that have too much bad cholesterol it can cause some major damage such as the hardening of our arteries. This occurs when too much bad cholesterol is in our system because it builds up plaque which blocks the arteries and prevents blood flow.

Good cholesterol behaves very differently than bad cholesterol because its main goal to keep our bodies healthy. What the good cholesterol does is carry the surplus of cholesterol we have in our bodies to the liver so it can create bile salt and expel it from our system.

What Can Cause Us To Get High Cholesterol?

Many of us who go to the doctor are usually worried about having a high cholesterol level. There are several reasons that we acquire a high cholesterol level and the main reason is our age. As we age our cholesterol level goes up and we are thus more able to get high cholesterol.

There are many explanations as to why we get high cholesterol. One explanation is that we inherit high cholesterol from our parents. If this is the case, then you should be tested to determine if you have inherited this from your parents. Another explanation is physical activity. When we exert ourselves with physical activity, this raises the amount of good cholesterol within our body and thus promotes better health.

When we are determining what is cholesterol, and examining the causes and treatments, we often find that there is a direct link to our cholesterol levels and the food we eat on a daily basis. By eating foods rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, fish and beans we can help keep the cholesterol in our body low and thus have a healthier life. By trying to avoid eating foods like meat and dairy that make our cholesterol levels high, we can also have a healthier life.

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Diet To Lower Cholesterol: An Explanation On What Is Cholesterol Posted By : Delynda Lardone

2008-07-03T00:42:00.000-07:00

Delynda Lardone

What Is Normal Cholesterol " The Good, Bad And The Ugly

2008-06-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Adrian Fletcher

This article will discuss what is cholesterol. There is much said about this substance in the press or in advertisements along the lines of must get it lower. However there is more to cholesterol than simply eat this type of food to get it lower. This article will cover the good cholesterol, the bad cholesterol and the ugly consequences should you not heed the warning signs that your level is too high.

Cholesterol serves a purpose in the body. It makes the cell walls more robust, it helps to convert sunlight to vitamin D on the skin. It also helps to produce certain hormones that are vital for regulating the body's metabolism.

In terms of structure, it is a white color with a waxy consistency. Many people think of it as similar to ear wax. Most of the cholesterol that the body needs is created in the liver. The rest, around 20% is taken from the foods that we eat.

So cholesterol is vital to the body's overall health but too much is detrimental to it. The current thoughts on an ideal cholesterol level are that anything over 200mg per deciliter of blood is not good for the body.

What is Bad Cholesterol

The bloodstream is the method in which cholesterol is transported throughout the body (like many other substances vital to the wellbeing and health of the body). However, cholesterol is not soluble in water (or blood) so needs a transport that it can attach itself to in the bloodstream.

This transport is called a lipoprotein. Cholesterol leaves the liver to be used throughout the body on the lipoproteins known as low density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol). It is thought of as bad because it moves cholesterol out into the body where it can have negative affects if there is too much of it.

What is Good Cholesterol.

Good cholesterol is the opposite of bad cholesterol. It acts as a transport that moves cholesterol back to the liver from the rest of the body. This can thus reduce the disease producing consequences of too much cholesterol in the body. Once the cholesterol in returned to the liver it is excreted out of the body. Good cholesterol is known as a high density lipoprotein.

The Ugly Fate Should Warnings Go Unheeded

With too much bad cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream, the excess amount of cholesterol in the system can be transported throughout the body. This often results in cholesterol being deposited in parts of the body where it cannot be used. One common area where this occurs is on the inner walls of the arteries. This is referred to as plaque.

If the build up of plaque continues the person can have a number of health problems. Because the diameter of the arteries is decreased the heart has to work harder to get blood to the body. This can lead to heart disease. As the walls received more plaque the person is said to have a condition known as atherosclerosis.

As plaque continues to build up the person is increasingly open to more life threatening problems. Apart from heart disease, plaque could break of the walls and cause blood clots. Blood clots generally cause strokes.

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Lower Cholesterol With The Heart Smart Diet

2008-05-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ahmed Fouad

The heart smart diet or the healthy heart diet is one of the healthiest diet programs around because it focuses on keeping the heart healthy instead of losing weight. The program espouses cholesterol intake of less than 300 milligrams per day. It also encourages dieters to lower their sodium intake.

Foods are categorized based on their cholesterol content. Dieters are allowed to have bigger portions of food with low cholesterol while certain foods are avoided or consumed in moderation based on the categories. Under the diet program, the total fat intake of an individual must not exceed 30% of his total calorie consumption. Intake of saturated fatty acids is limited to 10% of calorie intake, the same as with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sodium intake is limited to 3000 milligrams per day. Other additives like MSG are also avoided.

One of the easiest ways to follow this program is for the dieter to make healthy replacements instead of completely eliminating a food group from his diet. Taking out specific food groups can make a dieter feel deprived. There are plenty of other food switches you can do. You just have to make a conscious effort to choose the healthier alternatives instead of the unhealthy options. Sometimes it may seem difficult because a lot of the foods that are loaded with cholesterol and sodium are tasty foods that people have become so used to having in their lives. But you little by little you'll find certain food replacements that you will also enjoy.

One of the first things a dieter must do is to minimize the consumption of red meat. Replace red meat with fish and poultry in your diet. Tuna is a great source of protein. It also contains Omega-3 acids which are good for your heart. You can have red meat a few times but make sure that it is lean. Take out the fat and if possible grill meats and other foods instead of frying them.

White flour and other processed grains products can be replaced with whole grain products. Instead of eating white loaf, go for whole wheat bread. Switch yogurt for ice cream and go for low-cholesterol dairy products if you can't avoid them. You should also increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables because they contain essential vitamins and minerals. They are also high in fiber which helps sweep cholesterol from the digestive tracts. Instead of eating bacon sandwiches, go for chicken or turkey. Replace chips and buttered popcorn with healthier alternatives like unsalted pretzels and unbuttered popcorn.

The advantage of this diet is it does not involve cutting down too many calories from your diet. It is completely sustainable because it is all about making the right food choices. Meals can also be enjoyable as no food groups are completely eliminated from the diet. Overweight individuals can even benefit with weight loss because the program helps them eliminate much of the unhealthy foods that they are used to consuming. The biggest benefit of course, is that it lowers the risk of getting hypertension, heart diseases and even type-2 diabetes.

How To Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol

2008-05-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Soloff

The main contributing factor to heart disease is hight cholesterol. There are several factors that possibly contribute to high cholesterol. High cholesterol is quite common with over 26 million Americans affected by this condition.

High cholesterol is responsible for 70% of all heart disease. It is a leading killer of both men and women over the age of 45. High cholesterol is also a leading cause of death worldwide.

Having high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) will form plaque in the arteries. The result of this is atherosclerosis. It has been proven that lifestyle changes can prevent or lower high cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes that include eating a diet low in saturated fat, increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight will help to lower high cholesterol. A diet that is high in fiber helps to lower high cholesterol levels.

Foods high in fiber can be found in whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruit. These foods will keep your digestive system regular, satisfy you and provide good nutrition. Fiber helps to block cholesterol from being absorbed into the intestinal tract. As a result, this bad cholesterol is expelled with normal excretion.

It is a good idea to lower your cholesterol naturally. The most common drugs prescribed by doctors are statin drugs. These are effective and work in a short period of time. The bad side is that statin drugs produce some very harmful side effects.

It is well established that statin drugs cause serious liver damage. Patients that use this medication are required to have a routine blood test every two months.

Statin drugs can cause muscle pain, disease and the breakdown of muscles. It also causes weakness and can create difficulties with walking.

It can be responsible for the loss of memory and clarity. It can occasionally create confusion and amnesia. This group of drugs and be responsible for sexual dysfunction and irritability.

Statin drugs are know to cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fever, sleeplessness and headaches.

This group of drugs are also responsible for depleting essential nutrients important for the heart and brain.

Conversely, it is quite possible to lower your cholesterol naturally. The best part is that this can be accomplished without harmful side effects.

Here is what you can do:

1/ Exercise for between 30 minutes and an hour each day. This can be extremely effective. A consistent exercise program will help to increase good cholesterol (HDL). It will help to reduce the harmful cholesterol (LDL). The bottom line is that exercise helps to naturally lower bad cholesterol without the harmful side effects.

2/ Change the way that you eat.

It is important to realize that getting high cholesterol does not occur in a vacuum. The biggest contributing factors are what we eat and our lack of activity. These factors are even greater than heredity. Heredity is a factor only to the point that our parents pass their lifestyles onto us.

It is important to have a diet high in fiber. This type of diet includes whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruit. The fiber from these foods bind with the cholesterol and removes it from our system.

3/ Avoid or reduce foods that are bad sources of fat. This also includes red meat and dairy products.

4/ Natural herbal products.

Herbal supplements can be helpful in lowering high cholesterol. Research has shown that herbal supplements actually help to lower bad cholesterol.

Ancient Chinese medicine incorporates the use of herbs. Traditional Chinese therapy produces very good results for lowering high cholesterol. Thousands of years of Chinese medicine have developed herbal treatments that are natural, safe and effective.

As you can see, there are major differences between conventional western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, the herbs used by the Chinese are extremely mild. They do not produce harmful side effects. Because they are so mild, they appear to take months to work.

Although visible results may take months, the herbs do begin to work immediately. The herbs do not jar or shock the system. They improve our health in a gradual and steady manner. An added benefit is that the herbs actually improve the function of the liver. This can be experienced within a couple of months. A simple blood test will prove this.

These herbal treatments have been around for centuries. However, if you are taking medication or are under a physicians care, please consult with your doctor first.

Not All Cholesterol Lowering Medications are Created Equal

2008-05-24T05:16:00.000-07:00

Not All Cholesterol Lowering Medications are Created EqualSearch:

Home | Health And Wellness | Cholesterol

Not All Cholesterol Lowering Medications are Created EqualBy: Doug Bremner

In January of 2008 some unsettling news has come from the FDA about the risks of the cholesterol lowering medication Vytorin (a combination of Zetia (Ezetimibe) and the statin drug Zocor (simvastatin)). Data from the Enhance trial that was not previously revealed by the manufacturer, Merck/Schering-Plough, showed that the combination drug did not reduce atherosclerotic plaque any better than the generic statin drug, simvastatin, when given alone. In fact, if anything Vytorin seemed to make atherosclerotic plaque worse, although it had a greater effect on lowering cholesterol. Vytorin has also been associated with an alarming increase in risk of liver damage. In addition, the Zetia that is in Vytorin has never been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. And Vytorin, at $2.84 a pop, as well as Zetia ($2.63) costs a heck-of-a-lot more than simvastatin, which is less than a dollar per pill.

Doctors use cholesterol lowering drugs to get cholesterol down to normal levels. However just because a drug lowers cholesterol levels doesn't mean it will do what patients care about most, that is save your life, or even reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The most commonly prescribed drugs to lower cholesterol, the statins, include Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Mevacor, and Pravachol. Statins lower LDL cholesterol by blocking an enzyme that churns out LDL cholesterol in the liver, called HMG CoEnzymeA reductase. Thirteen million prescriptions are written for statins every year. Ezetimibe (Zetia) is a drug that blocks absorption of LDL cholesterol by the small intestine, thus lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Zetia acts on cells lining the small intestine to interfere with their uptake of cholesterol. If we followed the recommendations of the experts, cholesterol lowering drugs would be given to every American with an LDL of greater than 130 mg/dL over age 45. Since half of Americans over age 35 have an LDL greater than 130 that would mean that almost half of all Americans or 100 million people should, theoretically, be taking statins. Since a year of statins costs up to $3000, that would cost $300 billion a year. Comparing national guidelines for who should take a statin across different countries, the guidelines which called for the most liberal use of statins (you guessed it, the U.S.) which called for 25% of the population to be on statins, saved no more lives than the guidelines for one of the most restrictive countries, New Zealand, which would treat 13% of the population.

For healthy males without a history of heart disease and without risk factors for heart disease (smoking, hypertension, family history of heart disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity and diabetes), there isn't any evidence that cholesterol lowering drugs are helpful in terms of preventing heart attacks and strokes. For men with risk factors, the majority of the studies show that they may prevent heart attacks but don't decrease your risk of dying. Cholesterol lowering does not prevent heart attacks in women without heart disease or in men without heart disease who are over the age of 70.

And taking a statin won't prevent you from having a heart attack or dying if you have heart disease. It only slightly lowers your risk, by about 0.2% per year. The only study to show that statins reduce risk of death in patients without heart disease showed that although after 15 years men taking Pravachol had fewer deaths (106 versus 135 on placebo), there was a 51% increase in prostate cancer. Other studies have shown a slight increase in the risk of cancer, especially with the use of high dose statins to bring cholesterol down to very low levels. Statins can also cause liver damage, depression, memory problems, and joint pain. They can also cause damage to the muscle tissue which results in muscle pain. In rare cases this can lead to a breakdown of the muscle tissue which results in kidney failure. Zetia can headache, dizziness, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, and more rarely jaundice, gall stones or inflammation of the pancreas.

Bottom line? The drugs you are taking to prevent heart disease may not be as useful as you think, and in some cases may be doing more harm than good. Let the buyer beware.

Article Source: http://www.dietarticles.info

Learn more about alternatives to medications and hidden risks of prescription medications in 'Before You Take That Pill: Why the Drug Industry May be Bad for Your Health: Risks and Side Effects You Won't Find on the Label of Commonly Prescribed Drugs, Vitamins and Supplements,' by researcher and physician J. Douglas Bremner, MD.www.beforeyoutakethatpill.com

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Lower Cholesterol Levels Drugs

2008-05-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

Alien

The blood circulating in the body consists of blood cells and a straw coloured liquid called plasma. Plasma is made up chiefly of proteins and water, and fats (lipids) are carried with these proteins. These are described according to their density. The low density and very low density lipoproteins, which are called LDL and VLDL respectively, are considered to be harmful, whereas, high density lipoproteins, which are called HDL, are useful as they remove LDL and VLDL from the blood. The fats which are carried by these lipoproteins are cholesterol and triglycerides. There are various reasons for a high level of fat in the blood. High fat levels in the blood are quite common in those who are overweight or have familial or genetic tendencies. In such persons, reducing body weight by control and regular physical exercise is sufficient to lower the blood fat level. Certain disease conditions like diabetes, decreased function of the thyroid gland, and some metabolic disorders may also be responsible for an increased blood fat levels. In these conditions control of the underlying disease is needed.

How is Excessive Fat in the Blood Harmful?

Raised cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. An excessively high quantity of cholesterol in the blood is gets deposited on the walls of the blood vessels and make them narrow. This narrowing of the blood vessel is called atherosclerosis. The process of atherosclerosis may start at a young age but its manifestations are usually seen in older patients, by which time it has advanced considerably. Atherosclerosis may lead to a defective blood supply to various vital organs of the body. In the brain it may cause impairment of mental functions, paralysis, and unconsciousness. Another danger is the involvement of the heart. Narrowing of coronary arteries (those supplying blood to the heart muscle) may lead to a defective blood and oxygen supply to the cardiac muscle and cause disorders like angina or myocardial infarction which need treatment immediately.

Preventive Measures

Various measures can be undertaken to minimize the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Life style changes such as giving up or a drastic reduction smoking are needed. The patient should exercise regularly and should not overeat. Saturated fats, such as butter, ghee, animal fat, hydrogenated oils, coconut oil, oxidized oils (left over after frying), should be avoided and replaced by unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, like vegetable oils, corn oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil. Polyunsaturated fats reduce cholesterol by removing it from tissues. The calories from fats should be 30 per cent or less and distribution of various fats should be equal (saturated fats = monounsaturated fats = polyunsaturated fats). Fish oils are rich in a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid called Omega-3 fatty acid. There are reports of reduction of triglycerides and antiatherogenic effects of fish oils. Fresh fruits and green vegetables have high levels of antioxidants which are useful. The dictum to be followed should be 'Never a day without fruit.' Sugar intake should be reduced. Total caloric intake should be lowered so that there is a gradual decrease in weight. It has been observed that the these measures help in reducing plasma fat in most cases. However, when these measures are ineffective, drugs may be employed. It must be remembered that once a heart attack has occurred, the reduction of plasma lipids will decrease the chances of future attacks.

Blood Cholesterol: How Much Reduction is Beneficial? Conventional normal value may be too high for Indian cases because various studies have shown that we are genetically more prone to heart disease (and are likely to have more complications at young age!) and tolerate cholesterol levels poorly. Hence, lower values are recommended. Obviously aggressive reduction of blood cholesterol reduces chances of atherosclerosis.

Ezetimide (Ezetip, Lipezet 10 mg tab)

This drug prevents absorption of cholesterol from small bowel. It reduces LDL-cholesterol levels and further reduces LDL-C by 25% and triglycerides by 14%. It is well tolerated but occasional abdominal pain, diarrhoea, joint pains, headache, dizziness may be there. Its usual dose is 10 mg once a day regardless of meals. It can be combined with statins.

Nicotinic acid (Nialip 500 mg tab)

It is Vitamin B3 (Niacin or nicotinamide) derivative and reduces tryglycerides and VLDL-C (2050%) rapidly and followed by LDL-C (15-25%) subsequently. It is the most effective drug to raise good cholesterol (HDL-C) by 15-30%. It acts on liver and prevents formation of triglycerides. Starting dose is 100 mg thrice a day with meals and gradually increased to 2 g to 6 g per day.

Adverse Effects: It is a poorly tolerated drug. It causes dyspepsia, flushing, itching and sensation of heat (skin blood vessels widen). It also causes diarrhoea, darkening of skin, worsening of diabetes, joint pains in gout and irregular heart beats. It is never given in pregnancy. 'It increases fall in BP due to drugs used for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Other Drugs

Guggulipid (GUGLIP 25 mg tab) is a plant derivative (gum guggul) which lowers lipids modestly. It may cause loose motions.

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Lp(a) Blood Test

2008-05-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Alien

When LDL cholesterol combines with a substance known as Apoliprotein (a), the result is a compound known as Lp(a), or "ugly" cholesterol. Lp(a) is called ugly cholesterol because evidence from some research studies shows that in high levels, it can increase a person's risk of heart attack or stroke, even if cholesterol levels are otherwise "desirable." Lp(a) is measured through a blood sample and can be tested as part of a lipoprotein panel.

Genetics determines your levels of Lp(a) and even the size of the Lp(a) molecule itself. Lifestyle changes do not alter levels of Lp(a); instead, levels for most people tend to remain consistent over a lifetime except for women, who will experience a slight rise in levels with menopause. Some physicians request testing of Lp(a) for patients who have a strong family history of premature heart disease or hypercholesterolemia. It can be a valuable test, particularly when other types of cholesterol are at healthy levels, yet concern exists that heart disease is developing. Physicians will typically order this test if a patient has had a heart attack or stroke, yet cholesterol levels fall within a "healthy" category.

Berkeley Heart Lab, Inc., based in Burlingame, California, offers a number of advanced lipid tests-including a test for levels of Lp(a)-that provide quantitative determinations of lipoprotein subclasses. According to Jeffrey Aroy of Berkeley HeartLab, Inc., "the value of the quantitative measurements is that they go beyond simply noting whether levels are 'good' or 'bad.' Instead, these measurements not only provide guidance for therapeutic treatment, but also provide valuable insight into the success of therapy and the need for adjusting treatment approaches on an ongoing basis."

Approximately 50 percent of people who have heart attacks do not have elevated cholesterol levels. These individuals, however, typically have higher levels of CRP, Lp(a), Apo S, or homocysteine. As researchers continue to learn about the exact mechanisms of heart disease, more tests are developed to identify and measure these other risk factors and markers.

Treatment for elevated Lp(a) includes niacin therapy. Some experts believe that antioxidant therapy is also useful. People with high levels of Lp(a) benefit by concentrating their efforts OR lowering LDL levels since at lower levels, it is harder for LDL particles to attach to plaque buildup. Lowering LDL levels ultimately lowers the level of risk.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in November 2003, researchers found that elevated levels of Lp(a) among healthy men age sixty-five years and older are predictive of the risk of stroke and death. Study participants with the highest levels of Lp(a) were more likely to experience a stroke and were 76 percent more likely to die than men with the lowest levels. These researchers support the use of Lp(a) testing as a screening tool to measure the risk of stroke and heart disease in older men.

Source: http://www.dietarticles.info/Article/Lp-a--Blood-Test/16711
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Cholesterol What Is It and Are You At Risk?

2008-04-19T03:59:00.000-07:00

Paul MacIver

Cholesterol is a fatty lipid, steroid and an alcohol found in the body tissues and blood plasma of vertebrates. It is the essential part of the outer membranes of human body cells, and it circulates in the blood.

Cholesterol in the human body comes from two major sources. About three-quarters of the body's total cholesterol is produced within the body, while only one-quarter comes from cholesterol in food.

Higher concentrations of cholesterol are present in body tissues which have more densely packed membranes - i.e. the liver, spinal cord, brain, atheroma, adrenal glands and reproductive organs.

The liver is the most important site of cholesterol biosynthesis. It is secreted from the liver in the form of an acidic secretion known as 'bile'.

Diets rich in animal fats, meat, poultry, fish, oils, egg yolks and dairy products are a rich source of dietary cholesterol. Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, are extremely rich in cholesterol content, but foods of plant origin contain no cholesterol.

High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream can influence the pathogenesis of certain conditions. Recent studies have revealed that the abundance of protein complexes called lipoproteins, are responsible for the cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels.

Cholesterol gets attached to these lipoproteins. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries cholesterol out of the bloodstream for excretion, while the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries it back into the system for use by various body cells.

LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol, because elevated levels of it are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL deposits cholesterol on the artery walls which leads to the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

The levels of both HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol may also determine risk for heart disease; however current medical opinion is that the ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol is much more important than the level of cholesterol.

Methods to control your cholesterol levels:

Lower your consumption of foods containing saturated fats - fried fast foods, butter, cream, cheese, and fat on meat - to help reduce cholesterol. Add more plant foods to your diet - vegetable oils, nuts, legumes, breads, cereal grains, fruits and vegetables. A low cholesterol diet, combined with regular exercise is the best way to lower cholesterol levels.

Medications can also help lower cholesterol levels. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, 'Statins', such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are the most effective and widely used medications to lower LDL cholesterol. Other medications include nicotinic acid (niacin), fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), resins such as cholestyramine (Questran), and ezetimibe, Zetia. These medications should be taken after consulting the experts.

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An art of stamping nail.

2008-03-31T09:54:00.001-07:00

Stamping nail art is a new craze all you nail freaks will love. You can customize your manicure in minutes with 100's of unique designs which would usually only be available in nail salons. You can apply a clear top coat to make your designs last even longer. There are hundreds of image plates to choose from you can buy small starter kits or larger advanced kits you can also buy image plates, polish and the nail art stamper and scraper separately. The best of nail colours can be put to shame if the shape and nail plate is not in good condition. The nail polish will fail to give the desired smooth shiny result if the nails are not well kept. In short, the 'canvas' that you are going to paint on must be smooth and well shaped. Smoothness can be easily achieved with a leather buffer used on the nail, point to remember here is that the buffing strokes must be done towards the free edge, i.e. in the direction of the nail growth. Never use steel files or nail cutters to cut nails as they can damage the nail plates resulting in shattering and causing grooves. Always use a generous helping of cuticle cream to remove the dead skin and hang nails around your cuticles. Use a stick covered with wool to push the skin back to give that extra protection.

Conventional surgery.

2008-03-31T09:50:00.001-07:00

Conventional surgery. Conventional surgery makes a new opening for the fluid to leave the eye. Your doctor may suggest this treatment at any time. Conventional surgery often is done after medicines and laser surgery have failed to control pressure. Conventional surgery is performed in an eye clinic or hospital. Before the surgery, you will be given medicine to help you relax. Your doctor will make small injections around the eye to numb it. A small piece of tissue is removed to create a new channel for the fluid to drain from the eye. For several weeks after the surgery, you must put drops in the eye to fight infection and inflammation. These drops will be different from those you may have been using before surgery. As with laser surgery, conventional surgery is performed on one eye at a time. Usually the operations are four to six weeks apart. Conventional surgery is about 60 to 80 percent effective at lowering eye pressure. If the new drainage opening narrows, a second operation may be needed. Conventional surgery works best if you have not had previous eye surgery, such as a cataract operation. In some instances, your vision may not be as good as it was before conventional surgery. Conventional surgery can cause side effects, including cataract, problems with the cornea, and inflammation or infection inside the eye. The buildup of fluid in the back of the eye may cause some patients to see shadows in their vision. If you have any of these problems, tell your doctor so a treatment plan can be developed. kaufen levitra
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VENOUS LEG ULCERS

2008-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Venous ulcers are wounds that are thought to occur due to improper functioning of valves in the veins, usually of the legs. They are the major cause of chronic wounds. The exact aetiology of venous ulcers is not certain, but they are thought to arise when venous valves that exist to prevent backflow of blood do not function properly, causing the pressure in veins to increase. The body needs the pressure gradient between arteries and veins in order for the heart to pump blood forward through arteries and into veins. When venous hypertension exists, arteries no longer have significantly higher pressure than veins, blood is not pumped as effectively into or out of the area and it pools. Venous hypertension may also stretch veins and allow blood proteins to leak into the extravascular space, isolating extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and growth factors, preventing them from helping to heal the wound. Leakage of fibrinogen from veins as well as deficiencies in fibrinolysis may also cause fibrin to build up around the vessels, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching cells. Venous insufficiency may also cause white blood cells (leukocytes) to accumulate in small blood vessels, releasing inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS, free radicals) and further contributing to chronic wound formation. Buildup of white blood cells in small blood vessels may also plug the vessels, further contributing to ischaemia. This blockage of blood vessels by leukocytes may be responsible for the "no reflow phenomenon," in which ischaemic tissue is never fully reperfused. Allowing blood to flow back into the limb, for example by elevating it, is necessary but also contributes to reperfusion injury . Other comorbidities may also be the root cause of venous ulcers.
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Lower cholesterol naturally with 2 food system

2008-03-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

Meng

Heart disease, stroke, erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure are some typical problem associated with high cholesterol. These are disease affects our life adversely and may even cause death. You have to address your high cholesterol before it hits you badly

High saturated foods are the fattier meats, the different cheeses, fried foods, cookies cakes and cold cuts. These could be the very reason the high cholesterol in your body. Just watching what you eat can lower your cholesterol naturally.

Cutting back on these foods may be all that it takes for some people to lower their cholesterol. Others may have to go on a more stringent diet. A stricter diet plan often calls for lower saturated fat and cholesterol. This will usually require that fewer than 7% of the calories that you eat come from saturated fat (approximately 140 in the average 2000 calorie diet). It also requires you to eat fewer than 300 mg of cholesterol a day. The plan may also require you to limit the amount of calories that you eat in a day, since being overweight can influence your cholesterol levels.

Exercise and diet goes hand in hand to lower cholesterol naturally, especially if diet alone is not enough to bring the cholesterol level down. Doctor may also advise cholesterol lowering drugs if your cholesterol is extremely high.

The 2 foods that you need to consider in your diet to lower cholesterol are fish and fiber. Yes simply add fish and fiber the 2 MUST foods in any cholesterol lowering diet.

Fatty cold water fish will be a good choice to substitute for the fatty cut meat as the alternative protein source. This is so because these fish contain high content of omega 3 fatty acid which helps in lowering the cholesterol by increasing the level of good cholesterol. The good cholesterol will attached itself to the bad cholesterol and ferries it back to the liver to be metabolized. This natural cycle will lower the bad cholesterol naturally, which will reduce the risk of heart attach, stroke are possibly even erectile dysfunction.

Fiber is good for a healthy diet as well. Found in fruits, grains, and vegetables, it helps to keep your digestive system regular, fill you up, and provides nutrition. Increasing the amount of fresh foods that you eat and decreasing the amounts of fatty meats can go a long way to lowering your cholesterol. Fresh fruits and veggies also contain high levels of the nutrients needed to boost good cholesterol levels so that your body can fight off high cholesterol problems naturally. Some grains, like oatmeal, have even been shown to have cholesterol-reducing effects when eaten on a regular basis.

A healthy level of cholesterol can be achieved by some simple changes to your diet.

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How to Lower Cholesterol - The Various High Cholesterol Treatment

2008-03-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

Meng

If you have high cholesterol, then you know that you need to get it down to a lower level in order to reduce your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other health problem. Sometimes this can be done with lifestyle changes, other times it may require medications.

Usually the medical treatment of high cholesterol centers around the approach of lowering the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. There also some approach that will add the treatment to increase the HDL or the good cholesterol. We look at the process in which high cholesterol is treated below.

The starting treatment before you start a cholesterol treatment, you need to know what your cholesterol levels are and what are the cholesterol ration. This is found out through a simple blood test at your doctor's office. The numbers will give your doctor an idea of how bad your cholesterol is and how aggressive your treatment needs to be.

Once the level of cholesterol is identified, the first thing your doctor will discussed with you is your diet. More often then not, a diet that is comprised of more fresh foods and vegetables will be recommended that will greatly reduce the intake of trans fats and saturated fats.

The next step of your treatment will often include a look at your activity level. Exercise can help improve your good cholesterol levels and help you lose weight. If you are not following a regular exercise routine already, your doctor may recommend some activities for you to try.

For people with a history of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, medication will be started right away. As people with such profile are at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

If you are one of the many people who need to start medication, your doctor will usually start with a statin. These help slow down the amount of cholesterol that your body produces naturally, and can help reduce your risk of many of the complications associated with high cholesterol. Other times doctors choose to use other medications, either with or without a statin. These are often designed to prevent the amount of cholesterol that you absorb from food sources. However, do know that statin have side effects.

Periodic check on the cholesterol level to assess the progress of the cholesterol lowering treatment will be conducted by your doctor. If you have choose to lower cholesterol by diet and exercise, these test will tell if medication is needed as well. If you are already on medication, these test will let your doctor know if the dose of your medication are appropriate.

These checkups are a good time for you to talk to your doctor about any concerns that you might have. For instance, if you have difficulty with the diet, it may be recommended that you see a dietitian. If you have side effects from the medication, your doctor may want to change it. If exercise is hard because of another health condition, he or she can recommend alternatives.

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Reducing High Cholesterol Foods Is Easy

2008-03-27T19:19:00.001-07:00

Sue Burchill

Your body requires cholesterol for many different purposes. It is needed in order to digest fats, create cellular walls and manufacture hormones, aswell as other things vital to your bodies health.

While cholesterol can be a good thing for your body high cholesterol numbers can be harmful. A constant overload in cholesterol is known to cause high blood pressure and all the ailments that come with it like heart disease. This is where eating low cholesterol diets will really help to avoid unhealthy problems such as those above.

Basically, a good diet in this situation involves keeping a close eye on your intake of foods that contain cholesterol and saturated fats. Pay close attention to your food groups. Our main source of cholesterol is from things like red meat, egg yolk, as well as dairy products like cheese and whole milk.

While it's a smart idea to reduce your consumption of high-cholesterol foods like this you don't necessarily need to cut them out completely since cholesterol still provides many benefits to your body.

A low cholesterol diet should also be complimented with a healthy and consistent dose of exercise. You can keep it to something easy, like a daily walk. If you have a pool in your backyard, use it for exercise. The local gym will also give you plenty of different ways to increase your heart rate safely.

Get your necessary vitamins from fruit and vegetables. Don't ever fry your foods. This only increases the cholesterol content. Opt instead to reduce cholesterol with alternative cooking methods such as grilling or roasting. If a recipe calls for cooking oil, opt for a healthier low fat oil that is commonly available at your local market.

As you can see there are plenty of simple ways to achieve and maintain normal cholesterol levels, should you find you have measured highly on a test. Help yourself first with a healthy diet and exercise but seek the advice of your physician should the problem become more serious.

What do you know about allergies?

2008-03-21T01:11:00.000-07:00

Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances. When these symptoms are caused by pollen, the allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. Allergies are caused by an over-sensitive immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response. When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, antibodies are produced. When the antibodies are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine and other chemicals are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary from person to person. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes.
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Guggul - Uses and Side Effects

2008-03-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Alien

The useful constituents of guggul, gugulipid and guggulsterone, are derived from Commiphora molmol. Guggul may lower serum cholesterol levels by as much as 24%, and triglyceride levels by as much as 23%, by increasing the hepatic binding of LDL cholesterol. Its effects on HDL cholesterol levels are variable, either increasing or decreasing. Guggulsterone stimulates the thyroid gland, has anti-inflammatory properties, may help in weight reduction, and protects against myocardial necrosis resulting from drug toxicity. Guggul is available as capsules and tablets. Common trade names include Guggulow, Guggul Raj, Gugulmax, Gugulplus, and Ultra Guggulow.

Reported uses

Guggul has used pnmanly for Its ability to decrease serum cholesterol levels. It's also used to treat atherosclerosis and high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. In Ayurvedic medicine, it's used to treat arthritis and to aid in weight loss.

Administration

Daily dose of guggulsterone is 25 mg three times a day, is provided in a 500-mg tablet standardized to contain 5% guggulsterone.

Hazards

Guggul has been associated with diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and rash. There is potential reduction in the bioavailability of single doses of diltiazem and propranolol when these drugs are given with guggul. The effects of thyroid drugs may be altered because guggul stimulates the thyroid gland. Guggul's lipid-lowering effect is increased when it's used with garlic.

Guggul shouldn't be used by patients with liver or kidney disease. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should also avoid use.

Clinical considerations

Monitor patient with thyroid disease or taking a thyroid supplement because guggul stimulates the thyroid gland.

Guggul may interfere with the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Only preparations with standardized amounts of guggulsterone should be used.

Use should be limited to 12 to 24 Weeks.

Monitor serum cholesterol levels.

If patient is pregnant or breast-feeding, or is planning to become pregnant, instruct her not to use guggul.

Tell patient that herb isn't a substitute for healthy eating and exercise.

Advise patient to keep guggul out of reach of children and pets.

Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Although the mechanism is unclear, studies show that guggul stimulates the thyroid gland, which may account for its ability to lower serum cholesterol.

Research A double blind, place bo-controlled study of guggul's effects on reducing cholesterol included 61 individuals who were followed for 24 weeks. After 12 weeks of following a healthy diet, half the participants received placebo and the other half received guggul at a dose providing 100 mg of guggulsterones daily. The results after 24 weeks of treatment showed that the treated group experienced an 11.7% decrease in total cholesterol, along with a 12.7% decrease in LDL cholesterol; a 12% decrease in triglycerides; and an 11.1 % decrease in the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio. These results were significantly better than those seen in the placebo group.

Keep Your Cholesterol Down!

2008-03-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Paul Graham

Everybody knows that cholesterol has much to do with heart disease. Do not worry too much about the dangers of high cholesterol. Knowing what cholesterol is and how it affects you will undoubtedly help you avoid high cholesterol.

1. Cholesterol And Heart Disease

Your blood cholesterol is a major factor in the risk of suffering from heart disease. In fact, the higher your cholesterol level, the greater the chances you have of getting a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Every year more than a million Americans suffer heart attacks, and half of that number die from heart disease.

2. How Does Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?

When your body has too much cholesterol, it builds up in the walls of your arteries. This causes your arteries to harden. Your arteries, as a result of this, narrow down or get blocked. This reduces the flow of blood through your body. Oxygen is carried throughout your body by blood. If an inadequate supply of oxygen to your heart occurs because of reduced blood flow, you may experience chest pains. And if the blood supply is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack.

Unfortunately, high blood cholesterol has no symptoms. So it is hard to gauge the status of your arteries. Whether or not you suffer from heart disease, lowering your cholesterol is important to maintain good health.

3. What Affects Cholesterol Levels?

I. Diet

- Oils, Eggs, Margarine and Butter
- Saturated fat
- Fatty foods

II. Weight

Being overweight is also a factor for heart disease. There is a correlation between weight and cholesterol levels. Following that, losing weight can help lower cholesterol levels.

III. Physical Activity

If you are not physically active and have a sedementary lifestyle, you have a greater risk for heart disease. Regular exercise can help lower cholesterol level, and has many untold physical benefits. Consult a doctor about a training regimen that suits you. Overexertion is equally bad for the health.

IV. Age and Gender

Cholesterol levels rise as men and women get older. Before menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. After menopause these levels have been observed to rise.

V. Heredity

High cholesterol levels are sometimes inherited from your ancestors. If your family has a history of heart disease you may want to consult a doctor regarding possible preventive medicine.

4. Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC)

You can lower your cholesterol through the help of TLC. It is a set of activities that can help lower your LDL (the bad part of cholesterol). The main parts of TLC are:

I. Diet

- Eat low-fat, low-cholesterol meals
- Eat fruits, vegetables and high-fiber grains
- High fiber foods are very effective at 'sweeping' away cholesterol

II. Weight Management

- Don't be overweight
- Consult a chart to see the recommended weight value for your height, gender, and age
- Scan your body to determine its fat percentage. Healthy bodies will contain fat!

III. Physical Activity

- Exercise for 30 minutes per day
- Always consult a medical professional regarding this regimen
- Health is wealth

Taking Levitra.

2008-03-13T13:46:00.001-07:00

If you think that there are no side effects of taking Levitra, you have another think coming. As any like medication, this one has also it’s advantages and disadvantages. So, you should know the most common Levitra side effects, in occurring of which you should call your pharmacist. If you fill headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose turn to the doctor and consult with him what to do. Also Levitra may uncommonly cause an erection that won't go away (priapism). For instance, if you get an erection that lasts more than four hours, get medical help right away. Such situation as priapism must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen to your penis, including the inability to have erections. Be attentive, as Levitra may cause vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colours blue and green. Sometimes, but it happens more rare, in men taking Levitra observed a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes, or a sudden loss or decrease in hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Levitra tabs and call a doctor right away. So, watch out when taking this “magic drug”!

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How Do I Lower Cholesterol Naturally?

2008-03-11T05:31:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Whittaker

Not everyone is conscious about how and what they eat. Because of this, many people suffer from degenerative diseases, which are caused by bad lifestyle choices. Too much fat in food can cause the body's cholesterol levels to rise. High cholesterol is the primary reason for heart diseases, being overweight and high blood pressure etc. Considering how serious the damage that high cholesterol can be to your health, it has become important that people be mindful of what they can or cannot eat in order to maintain a lower cholesterol level in accordance with what the human body is required to have.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is defined as a wax-like matter that is derived from the liver. Having cholesterol in the body is important. Usually, our cholesterol levels are related to the food we eat. Many of the foods we eat contain some saturated fats that influence cholesterol levels. An increase of the body's normal cholesterol level can be detrimental to health. That's why more often than not people with high percentages of cholesterol are advised to practice a diet that can help them lower their cholesterol levels.

Lower cholesterol plays a key role in healthful living. An excess of cholesterol in the blood can cause the arteries to clot. And this clotting of the arteries may lead to a disease known as atherosclerosis. If this continues, the blood vessel becomes diminutive to the point that it could affect the flow of the blood through the veins, thereby resulting in heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, greater damage can be experienced if you have other ailments like obesity, hypertensions, and diabetes.

Many alternatives for reducing high cholesterol incidents are being developed. However, there are natural approaches that can be adopted by everyone.

To lower cholesterol the natural way, you are likely to be advised to follow a sensible diet and exercise scheme. A sensible diet means adhering to a low cholesterol diet. This would involve eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Based on medical studies foods like avocados, garlic and olive oil can help reduce cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods are also proven to reduce the risk for high cholesterol. Stay away from fried foods; grilling your food is better for your health. Keeping fit is the simplest therapy that everyone can do. Other natural options that can prevent excessive cholesterol is steering clear of cigarette smoking and drinking.

Natural ways to reduce cholesterol can bring significant changes to your health - changes that are vital to living a hearty and healthy life.

If you suffer with high cholesterol, you should consult your primary care physician prior to making any changes in your diet or lifestyle.

Ways To Have A Healthy Cholesterol Level

2008-03-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

Adrian Fletcher

A healthy cholesterol level is important as it is known that high cholesterol levels will lead to thickening of the artery walls. This in turn can lead to high blood pressure and various other conditions that can affect the heart. Indeed, a large build up of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries is liable to cause strokes as plaque breaks off and causes clots and blockages in the bloodstream. A healthy cholesterol level is said to be anything below 200 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. Of course you can\'t find this out by having a proper blood test but once you know that this figure is higher than 200 then it is time to start doing something about it. This article will give you some ideas on ways to have a healthy cholesterol level.

It is easy to get a healthy cholesterol level. Probably the most important thing you will need to be successful is a strong desire to change and the strength of character to stay on the right track without resorting to old habits.

First of all, you need to modify your eating habits. This is probably the main reason why you have a high cholesterol reading to begin with. Look to downsize the amount of fat that you eat. Supersize the fresh fruit and vegetables. Even the fast food outlets are promoting fresher food now so that says something. But more than just going fresh also look at how you cook your food. Use unsaturated oils like olive and canola rather than saturated varieties. Try using different cooking methods to frying or deep frying food. Try grilling meat or fish. Try boiling or baking other foods stuffs. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, especially those that use trans fats as preservatives. Eat more soluble fiber and foods with plant sterols in them. Reduce your intake of full fat dairy products. If you are fond of dairy goods then go to the low fat alternatives.

Increase the amount of exercise you get on a regular basis. check with your health care provider before starting something like this and ask what kind of exercise they may advise. If exercise is a chore then do active things that are necessary rather than pushing dumb machines at a sweaty gym. Walk or ride a bike to work. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. go for a walk after lunch rather than sitting at your desk. Do anything that will increase you level of activity, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting down during your job.

Forget about smoking or give up if you currently smoke. If the high cost of smoking and the horrible pictures on the boxes don\'t put you off then you should know that it also increases cholesterol. It reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol in the body. HDL cholesterol is used to transport cholesterol to the liver where it is removed from the body. Thus by stopping smoking you will increase the amount of HDL cholesterol and reduce total cholesterol as a whole.

Don\'t get stressed out to much. Stress is thought to increase the levels of cholesterol in the body. chronic stress is the worst as it is long term stress that has no resolution. If you can\'t avoid stress at work or in other areas of your life then find a way to relieve the stress with relaxation techniques, hobbies or even exercise.

Following all or some of these steps will have a positive affect on reducing cholesterol and giving you a healthy cholesterol level provided you stick at it. They are not a once off fix but a lifestyle change. Once you start seeing them in this context then your task to reduce cholesterol will become easier.

Maintain Normal cholesterol levels as if Your Life Depended on it

2008-03-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

P. Rodgers

Normal cholesterol levels are found in over half of Americans. Normal cholesterol levels are usually associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, but not always. Normal cholesterol levels are also necessary in the formation of lipid rafts, such as caveolae and detergent-resistant membrane domains.

As a general rule the GOOD cholesterols are good for you and the BAD cholesterols are NOT good for you. If you are overweight, eat an unhealthy diet, or have a family history of high cholesterol, get your levels checked regularly. Reduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular risks by:Losing weight.

Risk factors associated with the influence of a persons blood ratio include; diet, age, weight, gender, genetics, diseases, and lifestyle. Ever since weight-loss programs gained optimal popularity in the market, the word cholesterol gained the negative connotation as the evil fattening wax from the food we eat.

People who are overweight have placed themselves in a higher risk category.
The location of the extra weight also impacts whether or not the blood ratio will increase. When the weight is centered around the abdominal area, as opposed to the legs or buttocks, an increased risk exists. Weight loss can also decrease blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.

Weight loss also means that the volume of blood your heart must pump decreases - and less blood flowing through the arteries means less pressure on them. Overweight people tend to have higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while physical activity appears to improve them.

As a result, many people with normal cholesterol levels are not identified as having special risks. Healthy men and women with normal
cholesterol levels are still at risk for future heart attack if they have elevated levels of CRP. The best way to maintain healthy blood pressure is always through lifestyle, including diet and exercise.

You can't control your genes or your age, but there are things you can do to prevent or reduce high blood pressure even if you have genes that might make you more likely to have it. Regular aerobic exercise-such as walking, running, bicycling, or swimming laps-can prevent and reduce high blood pressure.

Cooking with sesame oil in place of other edible oils appears to help reduce high blood pressure and lower the amount of medication needed to control hypertension, researchers reported today at the XVth Scientific Meeting of the Inter-American Society of Hypertension.

Lower Cholesterol Naturally Without Drugs

2008-03-06T00:37:00.001-08:00

P. Rodgers

Diet to lower cholesterol is very simple if you know which type of cholesterol in the foods you must keep off. The best diet to lower cholesterol is one designed to lower blood pressure: the DASH diet, the all-around best diet for controlling cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure and weight. A diet to lower cholesterol is only a small factor in influencing your body's total cholesterol level. There are also supplements on the market that can make it easier to lower cholesterol naturally. Changing your diet to lower cholesterol is usually the first step in cholesterol maintenance, before medicines are added.

Dietary cholesterol is found only in foods that come from animals. Diets have gotten worse because poor people are eating crappy food, not because the diet fairy left them with the pork rinds rich people didn't want. Diet can be a very effective tool for lowering blood pressure. Dieting to lose weight will certainly improve your health but if you already have existing health problems , then you need to have a healthy diet based on what foods you need to include and what foods you need to omit at mealtime. Diets rich in beans, peas, rice bran, barley, oat bran, whole grains, citrus fruits and apple pulp can help lower cholesterol levels, especially when additionally cutting back on animal products and fats. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, raw when possible.

Most doctors and fitness specialists recommend that you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for optimal health benefits. Be aware that lifestyle
factors such as diet, health and fitness levels will all play a part in maintaining overall health and routine cardiovascular health. It's really nice to know that now fast-foods establishments even offer low-fat or non-fried food options, helping those on the road to fitness stick to their plans.

Exercise and eating healthy foods is the key to long healthy life with out worry and fear of being within the high risk groups for hypercholesterolemia. It is important however to remember regular exercise and herbal supplements along with a lowering cholesterol diet to get the most benefit from it, as those two things are just as important to get the best results. Another benefit of regular exercise is weight loss, which can also help increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol levels. Exercise itself doesn't directly lower cholesterol, but will strengthen the heart and entire circulatory system. Buying a rebounding video is a good idea if you'd prefer structured exercise instruction. Exercise 30 minutes a day as often as you can in a week.

Just a few diet changes, a good combination of supplements, vitamins, herbs, spices, and exercise is all that is needed to get started on a diet for lowering cholesterol. Not just any herbal supplements, but those which only contain natural ingredients. It's also critical that you only purchase
supplements made from what are called standardized herbal extracts. Some of these supplements will actually help you to extend your life by insuring
against poor health. Supplements lower cholesterol naturally. Research also shows that improvement results can be dramatic if you were to strongly
consider the combined use of regular exercises and the regular use of nutritional supplements, which are clinically proven to lower cholesterol naturally with no side effects. Supplements such as Omega-3, inositol hexaniacinate, pantethine, and guggulipid can be effective in lowering cholesterol. Remember that the approach with drugs and / or dietary supplements is to supplement and not to replace a healthy diet and exercise.

How to lower cholesterol by 14 percent without cholesterol medications and without side effects. You can lower cholesterol naturally with many different cholesterol lowering herbs and nutrients. Dieting to lose weight will certainly improve health but if existing health problems already exist, such as high cholesterol, a diet to lower cholesterol is essential. The conclusion of the experts is that good regular exercising and a diet to lower cholesterol is a must.

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Great Health Eating Tips To Lower Cholesterol Diet

2008-03-06T00:07:00.001-08:00

Irene Maseko

We are raising an obese society. With big-sizing everything that we eat especially in fast food chains, we are slowly clogging our arteries with unnecessary fats and cholesterol that our bodies do not actually need and cannot use.

The high levels of cholesterol in the body are happening more often now than ever before. This is because of the variety of food offered now in the grocery and in restaurants. The person can still recover from this by eating foods that are not high in saturated fats.

The healthiest thing to have either for lunch and dinner is food that comes from the ocean. This can be fish or shellfish that is known to carry Omega 3, which is very effective in lowering the levels of cholesterol in people.

Eating a candy bar or a slice of cake doesn\'t see so bad but these things are rich in fat. Those who need to fill the stomach with something should try nuts or fruits instead. These products are rich in fiber as well as have vitamins and minerals that are healthier to consume.

There are many ways to cook the food mentioned. The individual can get a cookbook or download some recipes from the Internet to be able to come up with something delicious and at the same time lower one\'s cholesterol levels.

Eat less oil. One of the first things that a person dieting should avoid is to eat foods that are deep-fried or those that are cooked using oil. These include potato chips, fries, fried meat, fried seafood, fried veggies and a whole lot more.

Eat vegetables. Vegetables do not only contain zero cholesterol, it is also a great source of fibers that help the body in digesting the food that we take in.

If following the instructions are hard, there are always shows on television that teach homemakers and other people the basics into cooking something fat free which is good for the diet.

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For a Healthy Heart...

2008-03-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

P. Rodgers

If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by total blockage of a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack. The first thing that comes to mind when one hears about heart disease is almost always cholesterol. Importantly, while many cardiologists insist that lowering cholesterol is correlated with a reduction in the risk of heart attacks; few can say that there is a reduction in the risk of mortality (death). There may be a weak correlation of elevated cholesterol with heart attacks, however this does not mean it is the cholesterol that caused the heart attack. However, the bottom line is that a high level of plasma cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease and strokes. For a healthy heart, the best course of action is often to lower cholesterol in large part by losing weight.

If high cholesterol were the most important cause of cardiovascular disease, it should be a risk factor in all populations, in both sexes, at all ages, in all disease categories, and for both heart disease and stroke. Fish and fish oils are said to help prevent cardiovascular disease including fatal and non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, sudden cardiac death, and coronary artery disease (angina). High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are common among diabetics and are major contributors to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

People suffering from type II diabetes often have high blood levels of triglycerides and are therefore prone to coronary heart disease. Many people with hypertension also suffer from diabetes and there has been concern that fish oil supplementation may aggravate problems with glucose intolerance. It is also known that a high fish intake can delay the development of diabetes in glucose-intolerant individuals. Obesity is also strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, which itself poses a significant risk for high cholesterol levels and heart disease. Overweight and obese children who have high cholesterol should also get tested for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. The establishment of diabetes as a CHD risk equivalent reflects the prevalence of heart disease as a cause of death in the diabetic population.

Although most studies that prove that lowering cholesterol saves lives are done using drug therapy, the absolute mandate for improving cholesterol levels is to first make changes in lifestyle (both diet and exercise). Aerobic exercise helps to open up blood vessels and, in combination with a healthy diet, may improve blood-clotting factors. If you are unable to lower your cholesterol to safe levels through diet and exercise, then your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication. I am sure many of you have been reminded by doctors, nurses, and public health officials to lose excess weight, quit smoking cigarettes, exercise regularly, and eat less saturated fat and sweets. You will also find information on cholesterol-lowering diets, recipes, exercise, weight loss, and lifestyle changes.

Again, high cholesterol is not necessarily the direct cause but may only be a marker. Now consider that more than 90 % of all cardiovascular disease is
seen in people above age 60 also and that almost all studies have found that high cholesterol is not a risk factor for women. Of particular interest is the finding that a high ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol is a powerful risk factor for a major cardiac event even when LDL cholesterol levels are normal.

Using A Cholesterol Test Kit At Home

2008-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Kathryn Whittaker

Blood cholesterol testing is usually performed with the help of health specialists. However, with various home medical supplies available on the market, you can now monitor your cholesterol levels in the cozy ambiance of your house with the aid of a home cholesterol and blood monitoring test kit. But what are the benefits of having a cholesterol test kit at home?

Why use a home test kit?

One great benefit of a cholesterol test kit is that you are able to identify whether you need to make changes in your lifestyle to reduce your cholesterol. It has been identified that the risk of heart attack is higher when your blood cholesterol is above normal. As a result, it is imperative that people maintain low cholesterol levels to reduce this risk. Using home medical kits to monitor your heart health regularly is a practical way to determine if your cholesterol level is normal.

Preferably, you should have your cholesterol examined at least every 3 to 5 years. Home tests can be regularly used to keep a check for any sign of increase in cholesterol when it may not be easily noticeable. A visit to the doctor just to check your cholesterol level may be time-consuming. And because of this a home cholesterol test kit can be a more efficient approach to getting peace of mind.

The application of cholesterol test kit for home use has answered the consumers' wish to have a cheap option to monitor cholesterol on a regular basis without visiting their doctor. Precise and simple to use, they can be an early indication of potential problems.

Though heart disease and high blood are deemed as the most common threats to people, early prevention and detection of symptoms through home cholesterol test kits can help win the campaign. But, even if you see no clear symptoms of high cholesterol, being conscious on your eating habits and keeping an eye on your overall health is essential for long term health.

5 Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol

2008-02-06T09:15:00.001-08:00

Yuki Shoji

You're intelligent enough to know that if you have high cholesterol, then most likely it is an unhealthy diet that is to blame for the problem. Having high cholesterol is a serious problem which can lead to even more serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke. If you have high cholesterol then the time to give up the junk food and fast food dining is now, before matters take a turn for the worst.

In order to lower your cholesterol you need to revamp your diet. In order to do so, you need to follow these tips.

Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol #1 Eat oatmeal

Replace the eggs and bacon in the morning with a bowl of oatmeal, but not the flavored kind. I recommend the plain kind of oatmeal. If the idea of eating oatmeal isn't appealing for its lack of taste, you can always slice up a banana and add it in to give it a little flair. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber which helps remove harmful nutrients from your body and has been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol.

Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol #2 Exercise

Exercise speeds up your metabolism, which in turn allows your body to breakdown food faster so that the chances of cholesterol building up drop. In addition, the act of sweating is a great way to purify the body of harmful toxins.

Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol #3 Eat less red meat

Our digestive system was not made to process red meat very effectively. Thus, the fat and other unhealthy nutrients it contains often gets stored in our body where it builds up until the day you find out you have high cholesterol or you have a heart attack.

Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol #4 Stop eating fast food

One of those popular combo meals from a fast food restaurant can contain twice the daily allowance of calories that your body needs, and that's just one meal. Don't forget that you're likely to get hungry again later and need to eat, and then you're going to add more calories to your system on top of that. You don't want this if you're trying to lower your cholesterol; thus, it would be in your best interests to forego fast food dining completely.

Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol #5 Drink water

You should drink eight big glasses of water per day. Water keeps you hydrated and moving like a well oiled machine when working out. By staying hydrated, you burn fat more efficiently when exercising, as well as help purge your body of harmful toxins. What's more, drinking plenty of water negates hunger pangs by tricking your stomach into feeling full.

Having high cholesterol should not be ignored. If you have high cholesterol then you need to change your diet immediately. By eating the foods above you can begin to lower your cholesterol, but don't forget to add exercise to help the process work optimally.

Low Cholesterol Lipitor - The Weight Control Formula

2008-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

John Porter

The ratio is very simple but at the same time it is a serious matter of concern. You just can't take it for granted. The figures show that in every five adult persons of the world, at least one suffers from high cholesterol problem. And all other associated troubles with the cholesterol rise also make shelter in your body with this troubleshooter. Thus no more can you put off the issue restricting it to older people or obese fellows who normally are the victims of the cholesterol problem.

Basic reasons of cholesterol rise

- Unhealthy food with rich fatty substances

- Excess of oil and butter in the diet

- Low activation of the body and no physical labor

- Excess tension and pressure in the regular life pattern

- Genetic reason inherited from parents by their children

The last reason that is the genetic factor can happen in one of the five hundred persons and that is scientifically termed as hypercholesterolemia. It is found in the familial block where the LDL cholesterol known to have ill effects on the body is transferred in the gene factor of the next generation. You might be one of the unlucky fellows suffering from this problem.

Effective use of Lipitor

In the United States, a decade before the drug Lipitor was first made into use. Nearly the figure shows a record of 18 million people in the country using the Lipitor to lower the cholesterol level and hence keep a check on the body weight.

Lipitor originates from Atorvastatin. The basic function of Lipitor is to prohibit the formation of bad or LDL cholesterol in the body. How is it mad possible by this medicine? This drug regulates the specific enzyme present in the liver that works behind the formation of cholesterol in the body. Once the level of the production of this enzyme is checked, automatically the level of LDL cholesterol is brought under control.

Further regulation

Hindering the cholesterol formation path is the first step. Next, once the production of the cholesterol is less, the bloodstream can easily absorb it. The arteries can carryout the normal flow of blood without ant blockades that cause heart attacks. On the other hand Lipitor also enhances the production of good cholesterol or lipoprotein that keeps your heart healthy.

If eighteen million people have relied upon Lipitor, you too can use it provided you are not suffering from liver problems. Lipitor will maintain your cholesterol level and thus make you slim and smart.

Lower Your Cholesterol and Live Longer

2007-12-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-07T15:21:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-31T03:59:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-25T03:07:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-24T12:58:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-23T02:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

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.

allergy treatment

Anti Aging Herbs For The Heart

2007-10-21T00:04:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-10-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

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.

diabetes treatment

Diet to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

2007-10-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

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.

The Right Amount Of Cholesterol is Fundamental For Good Health

2007-10-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ahmed Fouad

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood which is designed for building and repairing cells. They are produced in a large-scale by the liver and other organs and consumed via animal fat. In the human body, large amounts of it are found in brain and nerve tissue.

Liver produces this cholesterol. It produces about 800-1500 mg. of cholesterol per day. The liver can also produce cholesterol from carbohydrates, proteins or fat. Only animal foods contain cholesterol. Excess cholesterol harms the body when it forms plaque deposits on artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Their presence in high quantity in the body will increase the risk of thickening of the artery walls. This may lead to other cardiovascular problems and in particular heart attack. Generally, as this is the leading cause for the death of people, lowering cholesterol has gained importance in the humanity. Thus people, as prevention, give importance for eating foods with less cholesterol and taking on regular exercises including walking.

Fats are also known as lipids. They are divided into three general categories:
1. Triglycerides
2. Phospholipids
3. Sterols

Triglycerides form the main part of fat. They provide us with energy and help our bodies to use carbohydrates and proteins, with more efficiency.

Like cholesterol, Triglycerides are a form of fat. Triglycerides are chains of high-energy fatty acids and provide much of the energy needed for cells to function. Recent research has shown that high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream may indicate a higher risk for heart disease.

amphiphilic lipids, in general, and Phosphatidyl Serine ethanolamine, in particular, are major constituents of cell membranes. These molecules form phospholipids.

Healthy cholesterol level is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). After knowing this, one need to go further and find out what is his HDL level (or "good" cholesterol level ) and the result ratio will guide you the risk factor, whether your level is healthy and what is the advisable course of action to achieve optimum levels.
Less than 200 mg/dL - means that your cholesterol level is in the desirable category and your heart attack risk is relatively low, unless you have other risk factors.

If your cholesterol levels are high, a diet control for lowering them can help you avoid the risk of heart disease. Even though most of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver from saturated fat in your diet, some comes from foods such as eggs, meats and dairy products. Instead of taking food which contains a lot of saturated fats, replace them to ones containing unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for coronary heart disease which is under your control. In your body, there are no warning signs for this. When symptoms finally do occur, they usually take the form of angina or a heart attack in response to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This condition only necessitates you for testing cholesterol. Testing cholesterol will prevent the dangerous, life-threatening symptoms before they occur.

Some fats are essential to our health. The reason that fats have a bad name is because; saturated fats are a major cause of coronary heart disease along with cholesterol. But this does not mean that all are bad.
Lipoproteins are arranged into six categories according to size and density. They can be further defined by, whether they carry cholesterol (the two smaller lipoproteins) or triglycerides (the three largest lipoproteins).

Also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, it binds to the walls of arteries and veins. When the circulation of LDL cholesterol exceeds in the blood, it will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries, which feed the heart and brain. A small abnormal patch, on or inside the body, can form a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it leads to heart disease, heart attack or stroke and thus has harmful actions.

Known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, it is having beneficial actions. Researchers have shown that enough HDL levels have a protective effect on people's cardiovascular diseases. Research, in a consistent manner, shown that sufficient HDL (or "good cholesterol levels") has a protective effect on people's heart health. High HDL cholesterol levels are good because HDL has been shown to reverse some of the harmful effects of LDL or "bad cholesterol".
A study in the year 2001 (in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society) showed that the centenarians of both sexes, who have High levels of good HDL cholesterol, seem to live longer.

Niacin supplements are also prescribed, when a person has low levels of HDL cholesterol, but in most cases, a person can get their daily requirement of niacin, by eating a balanced diet, that includes fresh fruit and vegetables.

Simple blood test will reveal your cholesterol level. The following are steps to lower cholesterol without much change in your lifestyle. A simple walking for at least 30 minutes, as an exercise, is sufficient for a start. Any form of exercise has been shown to reduce cholesterol.

Next concentration is on your eating habits. This applies, mostly to eatables that can bring animal fats into the body. That is dairy and meat foods.

Full fat milk is to be avoided and try a low fat alternative or even soy milk. Low fat milk now, comes in all sorts of varieties that claim to keep all the minerals and vitamins in, but take the fat out. They are advisable.

Red meat and pork are also fatty foods. Avoid this type of meat and chose foods like chicken, duck or fish. Remove chicken or duck skin, before cooking.

Avoid deep fried foods and oily food like French fries. Any ready made products that were deep fried should be skipped. To reduce cholesterol, select broiled, grilled, steamed or baked meats. Try fresh foods like salads, fruit or steamed vegetables instead.

Have periodic blood pressure check. If you have anything over the average range, you should seriously consider seeing a doctor to have your cholesterol readings checked. Your doctor is the right person to help you with some literature on the most popular types of low cholesterol diet.

Decreasing a high level of cholesterol

2007-10-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Groshan Fabiola

Generally patients find out about the fact that they have a high level of cholesterol in the blood during the regular blood tests they take. Before prescribing them a treatment based on pills most doctors prefer to try other methods first. They recommend the patient to lose some weigh and to keep a diet for a while. Loosing weight is important in the process of reducing the level of cholesterol and so exercising and other weight loss resources should be considered. Also, the patients should be careful what they eat, especially what amount of fat they digest.

Specialists recommend the patients to make sure the diet contains less that 30% fats. It is important to be careful what type of fats patients eat. There are three types of fats: saturate, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Those foods that contain saturate fats are dangerous for the patient because they increase the level of cholesterol in the blood and so they should be eaten in small amounts and even avoided. These dangerous aliments are: fatty meats, butter, cheese, cream, and processed foods.

The pre-processed foods and takeaway ones are harmful because they get "bad" during their processing. These foods do not contain a label where it is written the substances they contain but you can pay attention to the ingredients producers used. If you see hydrogenated fat or oil you can be sure that they are unhealthy and should reduce consuming them as much as possible.

The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are good for the organism as they reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. These precious aliments are: vegetable oils, soya oil, margarines, seeds, olive oil, avocado and nuts. The most important thing is to avoid frying the food but if this is necessary try to do that in olive oil and not in butter.

Besides concentrating about eliminating fats from your diet, you should make sure you eat oats, barley, pulses and fruits because they contain soluble fiber which is useful in lowering the cholesterol level and are low in fat too.

Try to eat daily at least 25 grams of soya protein because it has been proven to be healthy. It seems that it lowers efficiently the level of cholesterol by lowering both the low density lipoproteins and the total cholesterol. You can get 25 grams of soya by drinking three glasses of soya milk, but try to avoid those varieties which contain sweet. Of course, soya can also be found in other products like special yoghurt, creams and soya deserts but you must pay attention to the calories these products contain.

Taking the wrong calcium, like Coral Calcium, may cause problems

2007-10-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Thomas Snee SR.

Angioprim Customers have seen improvements in issues involving: Cardiovascular Disease Angina Congestive Heart Failure Gall & Kidney Stones Arthritis Issues Osteoporosis Erectile Dysfunction Diabetes Alzheimer's Parkinson's Cholesterol Senile Dementia Age Related Hearing or Vision Loss Loss of skin tone, wrinkling and sagging The good news is, no matter your age or health condition, You can extend your life and add life to your years beginning right now!

Angioprim improves health fast without surgery, needles or hazardous drugs. In most case a significant improvement can be seen in a few days, often in hours.

How Angioprim Works In the begining .... Once-Upon-A-Time, Blood Flowed Freely Throughout Your Body. At birth, your arteries, veins, capillaries and arterioles were clean, unobstructed and able to feed your heart, brain and every other cell and organ in your body. Then .... Over The Years, Plaque Begins To Clog Your Arteries. By the time you reached the age of 10, rogue calcium molecules - calcium deposited where it doesn't belong - began gluing fatty cholesterol deposits to the inner walls of your circulatory system, forming plaque. Clogged Arteries Can Trigger A Heart Attack Or Stroke. Year after year, plaque deposits grow larger, gradually starving your heart, brain cells and every other cell in your body. If ignored, these blockages can trigger a stroke or heart attack.Angioprim is also a powerful antioxidant; it removes all the unwanted metals/minerals from your body, it can restore hormonal balances, and cleanses all organs in the body allowing them to function the way they were designed to... FREE OF PROBLEMS!

Soy Genistein: Your Smart Choice For A Healthy Heart

2007-10-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Darrell Miller

By adding soy to your diet, you can simply and effectively protect your heart. Soy foods, which are low in saturated fat, provide protein, and are completely cholesterol-free. About 3 million Americans take prescription drugs to lower cholesterol. Although these drugs can be effective, they come along with many significant side effects. Additionally, many of us are unaware that we have high cholesterol levels. Recent studies suggest that over thirty-five million Americans have a cholesterol level which puts them at risk for heart disease. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995 stated that the consumption of soy protein rather than animal protein significantly decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol levels without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It is important to remember that when cholesterol is artificially lowered, not only do the bad cholesterol levels drop, but so do the good cholesterol levels. However, soy protein only lowers LDL cholesterol and does not affect HDL levels. Also, when adding soy to your diet, you can also reduce the amount of bad cholesterol that is oxidized, which is what causes damage to the artery walls.

It is very important to read labels on soy foods because soy products without isoflavones will not give the cardiovascular benefits proven in clinical studies. Scientists have recently determined that the cholesterol-lowering effect depends on the amount of isoflavones that are present. The higher the amount, the more beneficial the effect will be. But keep in find that isolated isoflavones will not have the same effect, as resent research has shown that those isoflavones extracted from soy do not have cholesterol-lowering effects. Although most scientific studies have been on genistein, a study in progress at Wake Forest University is looking into daidzein, which may have even greater cardiovascular value. This new study explores the role of genistein and daidzein, rather than just genistein.

Studies have shown that soy protein, when it is consumed at a level of twenty-five grams and combined with diet and exercise, significantly lowers bad cholesterol. It is the protein component found in soy that contains isoflavones which are thought to be responsible for this effect. By getting more knowledgeable about soy and looking for the protein content of soy foods, you can lower your overall fat and animal protein intake along with lowering your bad cholesterol levels. Health experts recommend adding two servings of soy-based foods to your daily diet.

Since the FDA has recently finalized the Soy Protein Health Claim, which states that soy protein is associated with reducing coronary heart disease, any company producing food or food substances under the FDA's jurisdiction can make a legitimate health claim that the product follows this rule. In order to meet the stipulations, the food must contain 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving, 3 grams or less of fat, 1 gram or less of saturated fat, and 20 milligrams or less of cholesterol. The food must also meet specific restrictions on the amount of sodium included. The only exceptions to this rule include products that consist or are derived from whole soybeans and contain no fat in addition to what is naturally found in soybeans.

How To Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels

2007-10-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

High cholesterol is a big concern these days and puts people at high risk for heart attack and other serious cardiovascular problems. The diseases of the heart and circulatory system are the leading cause of death in the U.S. killing more than 1.3 million people a year.

High cholesterol is one of the primary risk indicators of heart disease and effects nearly 50% of Americans. It's a silent disease - there are no symptoms until problems have already developed. The worst thing is that many people don't know they have it until their first sign is a heart attack.

It is vital to keep your cholesterol within healthy limits. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are necessary for maintaining cardiovascular health, but supplementation may also be needed in order to manage cholesterol levels.

What exactly is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat and most of it is generated by our bodies. It is made by your liver from the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins you eat. You also get cholesterol by eating animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. We need cholesterol, but too much of it generates problems.

The term high cholesterol is actually a bit misleading because there are two types of cholesterol - HDL and LDL. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the good cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol (HDL), decreases the risk of heart disease while the bad cholesterol (LDL), increases the risk. Most cholesterol is unfortunately LDL.

LDL cholesterol can build up on the inside of artery walls, contributing to artery blockages that can lead to heart attacks. Most efforts to battle arterial clogging focus on lowering LDL. HDL cholesterol is good because it helps prevent arteries from becoming clogged. It transports cholesterol to the liver where it is eliminated from the body. Higher HDL levels generally mean lower risk.

How can Policosanol help?

Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane or beeswax that has been shown to promote cardiovascular health by raising HDL, the good cholesterol, and keeping LDL, the bad cholesterol, in check.

Policosanol works by helping the liver control its production and breakdown of cholesterol. In addition to reducing dangerous LDL, it also inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation, protects against LDL oxidation and suppresses arterial inflammatory factors.

Clinical studies have shown that Policosanol works as well as FDA-approved drugs, only free of side-effects.

People with elevated LDL cholesterol as well as people with low levels of good HDL cholesterol may benefit from taking Policosanol.

Switching To A Low Cholesterol Diet

2007-10-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Ashish Jain

Who doesn't crave for health? Who doesn't want to have his sandwich with an extra layer of mayonnaise without caring about the girth around the waist? And who doesn't want to stop thinking about what to eat and what not to? Surely, in addition to all that, we also want to have rippling muscles. But leave that for later because in today's hectic life it's difficult to find time and energy for a regular jog, let alone pumping iron Arnie style.

If I were to advise adopting a healthy lifestyle I am sure it would sound like an oft-suggested-never-followed kind of an advise, which it surely is. But the fact is, nothing helps better than a healthy lifestyle with some form of regular physical activity thrown in. It not only keeps one fit but also helps reduce one's risk of disease, especially heart ailments. Cholesterol is considered to be the erring element.

One of the effective ways to reduce blood cholesterol is to combine regular physical activity with low cholesterol diet. A diet with low cholesterol may include foods with high fiber and vitamin content, and must be low on fat. Now going low on fat does not mean that you shun fat altogether because fat is an important requirement for the healthy functioning of the body. They help the body in digestion and excretion.

As indicated earlier, a low fat diet alone will not be sufficient to substantially reduce your chances of a heart stroke. For that you must exercise a bit. This is not to say that you join the fancy neighborhood gym. Exercise may just comprise of half an hour of brisk walking or light jogging in the morning or in the evening. Mornings are better because at that time the air has more oxygen which is healthy for every single cell in your body. That's the reason why nothing matches a morning of vigorous activity.

Cut down on smoking and if possible quit it. Moderate drinking may not be harmful but if you tend to get carried away and often cross the delicate boundary between light and heavy drinking, it's better that you keep clear of alcohol altogether.

For those who have a family history of cholesterol related problems it is important to be extra cautious, as they are more likely to have cholesterol accumulation.

Switching to a low cholesterol diet helps one reduce one's chances of a stroke and pumps more life in every second of life. What more could one ask for?

Cholesterol Types

2007-10-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

SudhaniSEO

Cholesterol is a blood fat needed by the body in moderate amounts. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Angina is chest pain caused by the restriction of blood flow to the heart (cardiac ischemia). Nitrates may be used to relieve angina.

Most people will have cholesterol blood tests regularly, including triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. Methods for increasing good cholesterol or lowering cholesterol levels may include cholesterol reducing drugs, such as statins, fibrates, niacin (nicotinic acid) and bile acid resins. However, these drugs do not reverse calcification. A heart attack occurs when the coronary arteries become blocked. Cholesterol has many types. The two big components are called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). And simplistically, we talk about the LDL being the bad cholesterol and the HDL being the good cholesterol.

That means that the bad cholesterol tends to accumulate in the arteries, tends to form plaques, tends to be the precursor to what eventually might end up being a heart attack.

The good cholesterol actually acts in part in reversing the cholesterol transport, takes cholesterol out of the plaque in the artery and may return it to the circulation, to the liver, to be excreted. So these are the two major categories, but within each one there are different particles, different cholesterols, different lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol, and they are differentially difficult players.

Some of the LDL cholesterol, i.e., the bad cholesterol, is worse than others. And it tends to be the small particle size that is very dense. You can think of the cholesterol particles as marbles, maybe, the small dense ones, and the larger, lighter ones might be ping-pong balls. And so the small marble ones are more dangerous.

On the other side, HDL the good cholesterol, posseses some components that are better than the others. So cholesterol is quite a complicated subject, and we're developing more and more therapies that aim not just at the total cholesterol, but in altering the good and the bad.

The Article is Originally Published Here:Cholesterol Types

Learn More:

Cholesterol Treatment - Vasacor helps to reduce LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels and improve HDL (Good Cholesterol) levels.

Cholesterol Reduction - a Doctor's Guide

Want To Lower Your Cholesterol - Naturally?

2007-10-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

John Vanse

With adequate, accurate information and changes in your lifestyle, you can take control of your cholesterol, lower it and then maintain it at a healthy level.

Here is your step by step plan to enable you to lower your cholesterol within a few weeks - without medication.

get your physician to test your personal cholesterol levels - it is simply done with a blood test;

when you get the results, discuss them in detail with your physician. There are two important readings - HDL and LDL levels. The LDL level is the one that can become high and threaten your wellbeing. Also important is the ratio between the two readings - a slightly higher LDL level may be compensated for by a very low HDL.

if your HDL and/or LDL level readings need to be improved, ask your physician for advice. If the situation has become serious, it may be necessary to commence some medication to quickly stabilize the HDL and LDL levels. If however, the levels are just a little out of kilter, or even if you are told they are within the normal range for your age group, it should be possible for you to take control and, with some changes in your lifestyle - in the areas of food and activity - reduce your cholesterol to more satisfactory levels and to maintain them at those levels. This contributes significantly to your ongoing wellbeing and to your future prospects of maintaining good health as you get older.

what do I have to change about my eating habits to achieve this? You do not have to go on a strict diet. Merely ensuring that certain types of food are not, or at least not very often, included in your meals and making sure that other types of food that you may not at present eat much of, make up a larger part of your meals.

You should try to eat:

a. as much of different kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables as possible;

b. lean cuts of meat and poultry [make sure the poultry is skinless];

c. lean fish and shellfish;

d. use low-fat dairy products - fortunately there is an abundance of them available now - it was not always so;

e. reduce the amount of salt and fat you use in your cooking;

f. use herbs and spices to add flavor to your food;

g. grill, steam, poach, broil or bake your food - avoid frying it;

h. in other words, reduce the amount of fat you eat. Check the labels on the food you buy - it is not only the total amount of fat in the food that is of concern, but also the amount of saturated and trans-fats. These are the deadly, and I use that word advisedly, the deadly components of your fat intake;

i. prepare your own meals, AND serve smaller portions of them. It is better, not only for this plan, but for your general health, to have smaller meals, and to have more of them during the day if you still feel the need for more food;

j. stay away from the fast-foods - no pickups or deliveries!

what else do I have to do?

a. increase your activity level - it may have been almost non-existent or you may already be reasonably active. Increasing the level will have a major impact on your health. You do not have to over-exert yourself to gain the healthy benefits of exercise - just be consistent with what you do. Try to get regular exercise, every day if possible;

b. not only will increased levels of activity help any cholesterol problems you may have, but it will also allow you to get to achieve, and to maintain, a healthy body weight;

c. if you are a smoker - STOP - enough said;

d. if your physician has prescribed medication to stabilize your cholesterol levels, follow precisely the advice and treatment you were given;

e. keep a journal of what you do - the changes you make to your lifestyle and the results you achieve. If you begin to struggle to stay on target, read back over what you have done - use the account of what you have done, and where you have come from and be proud of it. This will help to motivate you to stay on track.

Finally, learn as much as you can about cholesterol, about your health in general, and about how maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only brings you great benefits now - but will continue to do so into the future - into that longer lifetime you will surely enjoy as a result of your efforts now to take charge of your health - and of your life.

Cholesterol Myths

2007-10-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

There are so many myths about cholesterol that it makes sense to have an article that can help make sense of all the myths and half truths that are circulating about cholesterol. The first question is what is cholesterol and how does it affect a person's health? Cholesterol is a naturally synthesised lipoprotein and is the result of break down of food. Cholesterol is found in almost all mammals. Unusual build up of cholesterol can cause blockage of major arteries, especially arteries that provide blood to the heart (coronary arteries). The build up of cholesterol leads to problems like atherosclerosis and can cause cardiac arrest. Now that we know what cholesterol can do let's start with some common myths:
Myth 1 - Cholesterol is unnatural
This is not true; cholesterol is a naturally synthesised lipid and is essential for the build up of cell membranes. Without cholesterol a cell's structural integrity is effected, and the cell cannot function properly. Apart from acting as the 'cement' of a cell, cholesterol also aids the production of bile, and may also act as an anti-oxidant. So the body makes up cholesterol no matter what a person eats.
Myth 2- All cholesterol is bad
This is another popular myth; cholesterol is divided into LDL (Low density lipoproteins) and HDL (High density lipoproteins). Earlier it was believed that high levels of cholesterol in general were bad for the body, however with advances in technology and with newer testing techniques it is now possible to measure the levels of LDL and HDL in the blood separately. Only high levels of LDL are a matter for concern, as it has been established that HDL is by and large good for the body and indicates that the body is functioning normally. Not all cholesterol is bad for the heart.
Myth 3- Eating oily food can cause Cholesterol build up
This myth is partly true, not all oily foods are harmful for the body. There are only certain oily foods that can cause the accumulation of LDL in the body. Also oily food by and large contributes to other problems like obesity. So in a nutshell eating too much oily food is generally unhealthy, however what type of oily food you eat determines if your will have high LDL levels.
Myth 4- Eating medication alone can reduce Cholesterol level
Just like diabetes, using drugs is only one part of the battle. Yes medication can reduce the amount of LDL in the body, however without dietary control and regular exercise it is impossible to control the LDL levels in the body effectively. Almost all physicians recommend a lifestyle change once high levels of LDL are detected after a blood test. It is important to understand that high LDL levels are not always a result of improper habits; they could be other reasons for a high LDL build up. But there is no denying that a strict dietary regimen is important to control the levels of cholesterol in the body. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include eggs, beef and poultry.
Myth 5- High cholesterol levels are hereditary
There is no scientific study that can conclusively prove that the tendency to accumulate high levels of cholesterol in the body is inherited. The truth is that just like diabetes, people that have a family history of heart diseases and cholesterol problems maybe susceptible to high cholesterol themselves. However this in no way means that a person will definitely show high cholesterol levels if there is a family history of cholesterol related problems. Similarly, just because there is no past history of high cholesterol in a family, does not mean that family members cannot exhibit high cholesterol levels. It is better to regularly test the cholesterol levels if a person has a past history of high cholesterol. Equally important is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Best Ways To Lower Cholesterol Naturally

2007-10-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

If you want to stay fit and healthy, you should keep an eye on your cholesterol intake. There are natural ways of lowering cholesterol if it is out of control. The first natural way is by taking your diet seriously. There are also dietary supplements that will help you lower your cholesterol. For diets high in saturated fats, eating more fiber rich foods may help decrease your cholesterol level.

This is a great place to start in getting your body healthy and in shape. The natural ways of lowering cholesterol are easy to maintain as long as you are patient and willing to follow a few rules.

Eat more vegetables and vegetable oils. Increase your intake of plant sterols in your body through yogurts, fortified margarines, salad dressings, cream cheese. This will also increase your phytostanols. Plant sterols are also available in supplement form. Although not hard to find, they can be a little pricey, but ultimately an easy, effective, and convenient natural way to lower cholesterol.

Lestrin is also a plant sterol available in supplements which is made available in pharmacies, stores, independent chemists and health food stores. People have claimed that garlic and nuts have no effect in lowering cholesterol, but there is also a percentage that proves they help reduce cholesterol in our body.

Low in saturated fats, nuts, especially walnuts are particularly helpful for reducing cholesterol more than expected. This may be a high-fat food, but it is rich in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat. Scientists have shown that these supplements contain plant proteins which affect cholesterol levels.

Omega 3 fatty acids help lower your cholesterol easily. Fish oil supplements are suitable and effective to increase the good cholesterol especially stable fish oil. This does a better job than the ordinary fish oil we find in the market.

Red yeast rice is known to be the most effective way to fight LDL. This is considered the best dietary agent of it all. Red yeast rice is available in the form of cholestin which is a dietary supplement. In recent studies, it has been proven that cholestin has lowered cholesterol effectively as statins. This is so because cholestin contains an amount of natural statin which helps prevent the increase in cholesterol.

Fresh fish is the best delicacy for the summer season and the best thing is that it can help in lowering cholesterol magnificently.

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