Looking for Natural Solutions for High Cholesterol?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider taking quality supplements that contain these natural ingredients:

Policosanol

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

Theaflavins (bioflavanoids)

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

Lecithin

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

Phytosterols

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

Rice Bran oil, Oryzanol

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

D-Limonene

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

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

Cholesterol Truths Revealed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preventive Measures To Remain Heart Healthy

Other than a congenital predisposition, there are many more coronary risk factors that everyone needs to be aware of. These are the most prominent of the risk factors. Smoking is a very serious risk factor, and should be number one on the list. Excess weight places an extra burden on the heart, and those morbidly obese increase their risk factors many times over those who are only 10 to 20 lbs. over their normal weight. The problem of obesity generally starts with the young children in school, where 1 in 3 students will be found to be overwieght. Not enough emphasis is placed on physical activity, and the lunches in school cafeterias.

Diet is extremely important and can impact heart health tremendously. The average Americans are simply not following the guidelines of eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts in their daily diet. They are not reading food labels to see what that a particular food consists of. Because of this their diets will consist of too many trans fats, that need to be completely avoided, and sodium and sugars that need to be used in lower amounts only in order to remain heart healthy. They will also have to avoid fried foods and foods that contribute to causing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides. High blood pressure (hypertension) forces the heart to work harder to supply enough blood to the body tissues and organs. High blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), places an added burden on the heart to pump the blood through narrowed arteries.Another risk factor, high blood triglyceride levels. Here too, the raised triglycerides causes problems for those with high cholesterol and actually work in unison most of the time.

Diabetes, known as a silent killer because a great number of people are unaware that they have the disease, has became rampant throughout the entire nation. When they become aware of symptoms, damage to the circulatory system, organs and eyes may already be present. That is why everyone should have a simple blood test to know their blood glucose levels. The individuals age, race and gender, play an enormous part in maintaining a healthy heart. Much like an aging automobile, the older it gets, the more maintenance it will need. Sedentary lifestyle and how active you are, often determines your heart health. Physical activity needs to start at an early age. Unfortunately most schools are lax in having their students join in physical activities. Television and the computer have put our younger generation at risk, making couch potatoes of them at an early age. This is a learning problem and has become a habit carried through into our adult years. Stress, both emotionally and physical will play an important part in having a healthy heart. We are is stressful times, due to unemployment, and having to work work two jobs, just to get by.

The environmental factor is another serious health risk. The pollution of our environment has become widespread. Homes have been built on polluted landfills, making them at risk from the chemicals and gases, such as radon. So you can see how the environment would play such an extremely important role in your heart health with the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, and where you live. Exercise or the lack thereof can place you at serious risk for heart disease, as mentioned above. After identifying your risk factors, addressing these factors are the next step in improving your chances of achieving a healthier heart. The best way is creating a plan on paper so that you can follow a program on a daily basis. This program will consist of what to do and what not to do. Dedicating yourself to the program will help you to achieve a healthy heart and lifestyle. For those individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, instituting a healthy heart program is a must. This alone should be enough motivation to give this serious thought. Start by taking each of the risks mentioned above and write down how you can improve your lifestyle by addressing those risks.

Below is a program you should follow:

Smoking. I’m sure everyone knows what the risks attributed to smoking are. So, if you smoke, you must STOP! More people die of lung cancer than due to any other causes, except possibly living a sedentary lifestyle.

Excess weight. If you are 10-20 pounds overweight, you must lose the excess weight. Men with waist size above 40 inches, and women with waist size above 36 inches are at a greater risk for coronary heart disease. Losing this excess weight can be achieved by watching your calorie intake. You should have a healthy percentage of body fat. For men it is 10 to 22 percent, and for women 16 to 28 percent. Knowing your “Body Mass Index” can also be an important factor in determining your risk factor for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. This is calculated on your height and weight. Normally a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Another simple test to determine your body fat is to subtract your waist measurement from your height measurement (in inches). If the difference is 36 or greater, your body fat is within normal range. Watching your calorie intake is a must. But first you must know what your calorie intake is. Determine this by multiplying your weight by 6.7, then add 487 and multiply that by 1.6, the result will be the calories needed to maintain your present weight. To lose weight, reduce your calorie intake by at least 500 calories. The weight loss will be slow and steady. You must also add exercise to your daily routine. If you are morbidly obese, a greater effort is needed to lose the weight. Here, it may be wise to consult a nutritionist and possibly a psychologist who is versed in weight loss problems for morbidly obese individuals.

Diet is everyone’s problem when it comes to cardiovascular health. Eating a healthy diet is making sure you are getting at least 5 portions of vegetables and 3 portions of fruits daily. Whole wheat grains, as well as nuts and legumes should be included as well. Not everyone gets their normal daily requirement of vitamins and minerals, so it is prudent that they take a good vitamin and mineral supplement daily. When one is serious about their diet, they must read the food labels of every food eaten. Trans Fats must be avoided as well as saturated fats. Fried foods are to be avoided. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). A reading of 120 over 80 is the desired goal. Hypertension can affect children as well as adults, but there are more adults that are affected. Hypertension can cause heart attacks, or strokes. There are individuals who are completely unaware of what their blood pressure readings are. Age being no criterion for those affected with high blood pressure, so it is impossible to believe there are people who are still unaware of what their blood pressure stats are, when there are simple ways of checking. There are inexpensive home monitors, and many of the chain Pharmacies have free blood pressure machines, and it takes only a few minutes. High blood cholesterol blood levels (Hypercholesterolemia). The body manufactures cholesterol from saturated fats. A reading of 200 mg/dl and below is the desired goal. A reading of 200 to 239 is considered borderline, and readings of 240 and above are considered high. There are 2 types of cholesterol, LDL; the bad cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dl. The HDL is considered the good cholesterol, but a reading of less than 40 mg/dl is considered a major risk factor for heart disease. Above 60 mg/dl is considered good and the goal to reach. Here too, there are individuals who are completely unaware of what their blood cholesterol levels are. High blood cholesterol can affect anyone, no matter what his or her ages are. Children should be tested at age 10 as well. High blood triglyceride levels. A reading of 150 mg/dl is the normal level. A reading of 150-199 mg/dl is considered borderline-high. Above 199 mg/dl is considered very high and in the danger level. The increase for heart disease in women is more than 190 mg/dl, and in men it is above 400 mg/dl. Triglycerides are fats that are derived from sugars and carbohydrates and are manufactured in the liver. Triglycerides and cholesterol are the causative agents in causing atheroslerotic plaques that narrow the arteries and are the causative factors in cardiovascular disease and strokes.

Diabetes, as mentioned above is a silent killer. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent and very often goes undetected because at its onset and for many years, it may not present any apparent symptoms. By the time symptoms start to appear, damage will have occurred to the circulatory system, eyes, and other body organs. Everyone should be aware of their blood sugar level, and it only requires a simple blood test to know this. There are individuals who may have symptoms related to diabetes, such as neuropathies, who do not investigate their symptoms by going to a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Age, race and gender are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Native Americans, African Americans, and Jews with eastern Mediterranean origins are at a greater risk to have any of the above risk factors for heart disease. This does not preclude any other individual from these risks.

A sedentary lifestyle kills more Americans than any of those that are placed at risk by smoking. It is important that we remain active, especially as we grow older. Being a couch potato will place you at serious risk for heart disease. The mantra “keep moving”, should be embedded into the brain. The importance of exercise is one the most important factors, and is something that everyone needs to start. However, before you start an exercise program, you should see your healthcare provider for a complete physical evaluation. He or she will be be able to tell what you can do or cannot do in choosing an exercise. For example, they may find an enlarged heart, a heart valve problem, a murmur, or some other physical disability. This does not preclude you from exercising, but you you will at least know what type of exercise program you should have and to what extremes you can extend yourself.

Stress kills. Reducing the amount of stress you are experiencing can add years to your life. Everyone needs to take a time out period during the day, giving them a chance to decompress and relax. Getting a restful night’s sleep for at least 7-8 hours is a requirement, and a must to help reduce stress. Without enough restful sleep, you most certainly will have a stressful day ahead. Environmental factors are serious causes for heart disease. These factors can entail anything form the air we breathe, where we work, and where the food we eat is grown, packaged or prepared. A case in point as an example. in the past, at least 166 people have become violently ill, and even 3 have died by becoming infected with “E Coli” from eating fresh packaged spinach. At least 25 states were involved. In this instance the people eating the tainted spinach had no prior knowledge or control. Be aware of news stories, and recalls that may be announced. We do have control of checking our homes for living in a clean environment. Exercise, as mentioned above, is one the single most important things to combine with diet to keep you vigorous and vital throughout your senior years. It can reduce your LDL cholesterol levels and increase your HDL cholesterol levels, decreasing your heart and blood vessel risk factors. It is important to find an exercise program that you enjoy and will stay with. Also walking for at least one hour daily is extremely beneficial. If it can’t be on a daily basis, at least try for 3 times a week.

Secrets To The Best Diets For High Cholesterol

The best diet for high cholesterol levels will actually have more benefits than just simply lowering cholesterol levels. You will begin to clear your arteries that are partially blocked that will eventually cause a heart attack or a stroke. In one out of three cases, the first symptom of heart disease is death. This is why eating healthy foods is so important because most people have grown accustomed to eating whatever they feel like eating. A majority of people who are trying to lower their cholesterol levels will say that they do not have much knowledge about nutrition and have no idea what to do. By changing what you eat and modifying your diet, you can actually stop your arteries from narrowing and even reverse the process. Eating healthy is not just for those with high cholesterol, but should be practiced by everyone of all ages. Here are a few things to think about when trying to find diets for high cholesterol levels.
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Don’t forget to eat healthy proteins

Eat different proteins and don’t just focus on one source. Avoid eating too much and always eat proteins in moderation. Balance your fish and animal intake and also include lots of leafy green vegetables as a source of protein. For example, spinach and asparagus are great sources of high quality protein. Also, try substituting soy protein instead of animal protein. Omega-3 fatty acids are also proven to help reduce heart diseases. Fish is a great source of the best proteins that you can consume.

Eat lots more vegetables

Not only do these foods provide you with the essential vitamins and nutrients needed to live, but you will be able to fight off heart diseases. You will be getting a good dose of dietary fiber as this also helps lower down cholesterol levels. Fruits are beneficial, too, but be careful to not eat more than 3 servings of fruit a day. Fruit contains a sugar called fructose and causes your body to release insulin, which ultimately raises your cholesterol. Make sure that you have a good amount of fresh vegetables every day.

Eat constantly and consistently

This is one of the best way to eat because you will rarely ever feel hungry. This a great way to eat the right foods and also lose weight. Most diets for high cholesterol levels will have you eating about 6 small meals a day and you should focus on mixing the types of foods that you eat. Eat balanced meals and look to not eat too much during any of the meals. You will be able to control your blood sugars and regulate your metabolism better.

In order to lower your cholesterol, you will also have to also become more active. Avoid living a sedentary lifestyle and focus on eating these foods. Say goodbye to junk food and make sure that you fill up your fridge with healthy and nutritious foods. Diets for high cholesterol levels are very tasty and not very difficult to maintain. You will just have to focus on being consistent and motivated. With just a little patience and motivation you will be able to fully lower your cholesterol levels and, at the same time, live a healthier and more active life.

Preserve That Coronary Heart-Fee Up

Keep that coronary heart-rate up! That’s what my mom’s doctor was simply telling her. Not all the time of course. Just for about forty five minutes, 5 days every week. It is nice to get that blood pumping and people calories burning. In truth, it’s essential should you plan to remain healthy and thin. And I believe we all want to stay this way. So, the large question is; what are you doing to achieve this objective? I’ve my personal routines, and have come to take pleasure in them. This is not bogus. You really can get pleasure from train and health regimes. The great results will make you wish to work harder. Anyway, for these of you on the market who haven’t discovered an honest health routine, I’ll suggest strolling for exercise. This is a nice solution to get in shape.

So many people have ditched the gymnasium and health center scene. They’re bored with the large monthly memberships and towel fees. They want their train to be free and lack the filth of different folks’s sweat. That’s understandable, right? Properly, if this rings a bell with you, then possibly you’ve got thought of strolling for exercise. It is simple, there’s no driving concerned, and it is free. You may’t say the same for most train regimes. Heck, most exercises even are likely to require equipment of some sort. That can turn right into a hassle for some folks. In the event you’re certainly one of them, walking for train is for you. The explanation I promote walking over operating is simple. Running has been proven to have nasty results in your body. For example, slamming the heals of your feet into the pavement below can really take a toll on your ankle and knee joints. In addition, working jars your insides. This may lead to the unnatural shifting of organs. I significantly doubt that anybody desires to deal with that.

Where do you live? So many individuals and households reside in suburbs and neighborhoods that are perfect for walking. This implies there isn’t an excuse for you not walking for exercise. Get outdoors and get going. Make sure you dress for the season. Take in all the sights of your neighborhood, while getting your exercise accomplished right. Additionally, attempt to only walk throughout daylight hours. This makes the most sense since that is when you can pay attention to your surroundings.

Natural Lower Cholesterol Foods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Diet to Reverse Heart Disease

In the United States, rising health care costs are a substantial problem. As a nation, we spend massive amounts of money to get the best health care available. With all of the money we are spending, it would seem that we should be the healthiest people in the world. Unfortunately this is not the case. As we continue to increase our health care spending, we are only getting sicker.

The primary causes for chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes are biochemical and physiological imbalances. These imbalances are mostly due to the unnatural, processed foods that we are putting in our bodies. As long as we continue to eat the wrong foods, it doesn’t matter how much we spend on health care, we will still be getting sick.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. On a global scale, about 452 million people die each year from this condition. The sad fact behind these deaths is that they are mostly preventable. With the proper nutrition, this condition can not only be prevented, but reversed.

Exercise is often extolled as a preventative measure for heart disease. While exercise is very important to health and wellbeing, it is not the most critical factor. Many people who suffer from high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension and diabetes still have these conditions even when they are following a regular program of exercise. The benefits from exercise alone are not sufficient for preventing heart disease, diabetes and the long list of other chronic illnesses that afflict our society.

There has been much emphasis placed on nutrition and its role in prevention. The problem is that there is often a lack of understanding about what constitutes proper nutrition. Counting calories and monitoring fat, protein and carbohydrate intake is not going to prevent heart disease. It’s not just the number of calories, carbohydrates or fat you’re taking in that matter. It comes down to the nature and quality of the food.

A natural, whole foods, plant-based diet has been shown to prevent and reverse heart disease. Experts have written books with extensive scientific evidence showing how animal-based foods contribute to chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. There are many examples of patients who have cured themselves of heart disease simply by eliminating animal products and other unhealthy substances from their diet.

In addition to removing animal products from the diet, it is also important to cut out all unnatural substances. Artificial ingredients and processed foods have chemicals that do a significant amount of damage to the body. A food, such as an apple, that was originally healthy becomes unhealthy after it has been processed into some other product.

When you take out all processed foods and artificial ingredients and abstain from eating animal products, you are left with only the most nutritious foods in your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals. All of these substances work together harmoniously in ways that modern science still does not completely understand. Our technology cannot surpass the engineering of nature to provide us with the best possible nutrition.

When we as a society learn how to eat for optimal health, we will see drastic reductions in chronic illnesses and their related costs. We do not need to live in fear of heart disease. Once we change our lifestyle and eating habits and follow the proper guidelines for nutrition, we can eliminate this illness and enjoy far greater health.

Maintaining a Healthy Heart: Here Is the Secret

If you are like me, you probably have heard many times that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nowhere is this truer than with regard to taking care of your heart health.

When you think of it, poor heart health is like driving with four bald tires. Sooner or later one of them is going to fail and you are going to be stuck. That’s why preventing heart disease and the effects that come with it are of primary importance.

Preventing heart disease is just like having home owners insurance. Starting from an early age you should be eating a healthy diet filled with Omega 3 fatty acids and avoid all the foods that increase weight and bad cholesterol.
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Besides eating healthy foods, how can I fight bad cholesterol?

According to the studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, fighting bad cholesterol while promoting a healthy heart can be achieved by eating a diet that includes fish. Fish oil 1000 is a supplement that contains the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Fish oil 1000 refers to the dosage found in a single gel tablet of Omega 3 supplements. According the clinical human studies at Mayo, there is strong evidence to show that while helping to boost the good cholesterol such as HDL, a second benefit is the strong reduction of blood triglyceride levels.

These levels of cholesterol directly correspond to the fat content in the blood and the resulting plaque buildup in the arteries. A simple blood lipid profile will determine if you have excess cholesterol that is a major contributor to poor heart health.

What else can I do to maintain good heart health?

If preventing heart disease through a regimen that includes fish oil 1000 is the primary step you can take for good heart health, than keeping your weight to the proper body mass index is extremely helpful through a thoughtful exercise program.
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Exercising the heart is no different from exercising any mussel in your body. By working up a sweat five times a week, you will go a long way to fighting fat buildup by burning calories. This is part of the battle to maintaining a strong heart.

Exercising at least five times a week for thirty minutes will build up stamina and make you feel like you are achieving something beneficial. In fact, your heart will benefit from the two- step approach of exercise as well as a quality diet. This will take you a long way to preventing heart disease.

Recommendation

Work this new system starting today. Set a time to walk or ride a bike each day. Combine this activity with fish oil 1000 and a diet rich with other Omega 3 fatty acids. Then set an appointment to have a blood panel in order to set your goals.

If you stick to this regimen, in six months you will see a very positive result that will make your heart pump for joy. To your good health!

Coenzyme Q10 – An Essential Enzyme for Good Health

Ever since its discovery in 1957, the benefits of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) have been well known. It has been extensively researched and till date more than 5000 studies have been conducted. What is coenzyme Q10? It is a fat soluble compound which is both synthesized by our body as well as absorbed from the food we eat.

Coenzyme Q10 is present in every cell of our body and is essential for mitochondrial synthesis. This is the structure within our cells which convert the nutrients the body receives into energy. This is a critical function of the cells in our body especially for the heart. Since coenzyme Q10 can be synthesized by our body, scientists do not consider it to be a vitamin. We require an adequate intake of vitamin B6 for the body to synthesize coenzyme Q10.

What are the benefits of coenzyme Q10? There are numerous benefits and many of them are crucial for life. As stated above, its function of converting nutrients into energy is one of its life giving benefits, but the list does not end there. It has very good antioxidant properties and this prevents the damage free radicals do to our body. This coenzyme Q10 helps in increasing the oxygen utilization in our bodies. This is akin to turbo charging our bodies.

Research has shown that for adequate functioning our body requires between 3 to 5 milligrams per day of coenzyme Q10. On an average people get approximately 10 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 per day from their diet.

Coenzyme Q10 is mainly found in meat, poultry and fish in non vegetarian food and from vegetarian food such as spinach, soybean oils and nuts. Since vitamin B6 is essential for the body to be able to synthesize coenzyme Q10, foods rich in B6 such as potato in its jacket, bananas, garbanzo beans, chicken, pork, beef, fish etc. should be a part of our daily diet.

The benefits of coenzyme Q10 far outweigh any potential risks. As we get older, the production of coenzyme Q10 in our body decreases and in the heart it can be as much as 72%. This can seriously affect the body. Because of its antioxidant properties it is increasingly being used by doctors in a variety of heart problems including arrhythmia, angina, heart attacks, high BP, congestive heart failure etc. The Medical fraternity has found a useful tool in coenzyme Q10, in their battle against heart problems.

Research has shown that those who suffer from cancer had low levels of coenzyme Q10 in their body. It has also been found that a regimen of coenzyme Q10 supplements helped in strengthening the immune system. In one study, 41 women who had breast cancer were treated with coenzyme Q10. The condition of all 41 women improved. CoQ10 also helps in keeping our gums in good condition. It was also found to have anti-bacterial properties.

The thymus gland, one of the guardians of our immune system, starts deteriorating with age and this can be dramatically reduced using a coenzyme Q10 supplement. Coenzyme Q10 can be used to reduce the insulin requirement is diabetics.
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Since it is fat soluble, we must eat some fat for it to be absorbed. If you are on a fat free diet, taking a little peanut butter will be enough. Since the cholesterol lowering statin drugs have the effect of reducing levels of CoQ10, Doctors give a supplement of CoQ10 to counteract this. With so many benefits of coenzyme Q10, taking a supplement of Q10 is well worth the money.

Cholesterol Free Food Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Attacks

Cholesterol free food should be used in conjunction with exercise to help reduce the risk of heart attacks. One of the biggest fears of people once they approach middle age is the fear of disease, especially heart attacks. While heart attacks have been linked to genetics, they can be managed with proper supplementation and eating healthy. People who have high cholesterol levels are also at high risk of having a heart attack due to the plaque in the arteries that has built up. To combat high cholesterol it is important for people to change their diet to rid themselves of artery clogging foods such as fried foods and any foods that have lots of saturated fats.

Here are some tips on how to change your eating to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Watch your salads: Uneducated consumers often believe that salads are the best way to go when eating out. Some of these salads contain bacon, high fat dressings and egg yolks that all promote higher cholesterol. The best way to avoid this is to order a salad with no meats and use only fat free and lower sugar dressings. Some of the dressings provided at restaurants have as much fat and calories as if you would order a burger and French fries.

Throw out the yolks: Eggs are often a staple among people who exercise on a regular basis. They have high protein and are easy to blend into different meals. The problem with the egg is the yolk and its high cholesterol content. Eliminating the egg yolk from your eggs or purchasing an all “egg white” supplement at the grocery store can help with this issue.

Hit the health foods aisle: The health foods industry is introducing new products everyday and many of these are aimed at the baby boomers that are entering the senior citizen age group. These companies are offering cholesterol free food alternatives to some of your favorite high cholesterol foods. While these prices are usually higher than the traditional product, they offer a much healthier alternative. Items such as mayonnaise and salad dressings are now offered in healthy versions.

Try some fish: Substituting fish for your normal meat product can go a long way in helping your cholesterol. Choose fresh fish such as salmon and grill it for maximum results. Two servings of fresh fish a week will help you reduce high cholesterol, but also increase your HDL or good cholesterol.

Choosing cholesterol free food is an important step in the fight against heart attacks. With proper supplementation and a switch to your diet the risk of heart attack is greatly decreased. Make sure to check your cholesterol levels yearly and exercise on a regular basis.