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Most of us could benefit from keeping a closer eye on our cholesterol. Here's how to do it the natural way Although seriously high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) need drug treatment, there are also dietary 'agents' and supplements that lower cholesterol naturally and - along with a diet low in saturated fats and rich in fibre - may be enough to help push slightly elevated levels back to normal.
Virtually all plants contain natural substances called sterols (known as phytosterols). There are over 60 types, but the most common form is beta-sitosterol. Plant sterols are almost identical in chemical structure to cholesterol and processed by the body in the same way. As cholesterol-lowering agents they work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the diet and also by blocking the re-absorption of cholesterol produced by the liver. Plant sterols are easily destroyed when food is processed. As a result our Western diet has fewer of them than that of people in other parts of the world. But a commercial chemical process called hydrogenation converts phytosterols to substances called phytostanols, which can be added to food products. At first these were thought more effective in lowering cholesterol than sterols, but recent research shows they are about the same. At any rate, about 2g of phytosterols/stanols a day is enough to reduce LDL cholesterol by 10 to 15 per cent. And they work even in people already on low-fat diets. How to get plant sterols
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| Lower LDL (Bad) Cholesterol | |
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Without a doubt, lowering LDL cholesterol is a huge benefit in bringing total cholesterol down to a safe level. There have been numerous studies conducted where data indicated the chance of having a heart attack is actually decreased by as much as 25% for every 10% drop in cholesterol level. The top four benefits of lowering LDL include:
A particular study conducted in 1994 called Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study, or 4S, confirmed that lowering LDL not only reduced risk for heart attacks, but death. In this study, more than 4,000 people with confirmed heart disease were given either a cholesterol-lowering drug or a placebo. The drug of choice for this study was Statin. The results showed that for the people taking the Statin, the total cholesterol levels were reduced 25%, LDL was lowered 35%, and death occurring from heart disease was reduced by a staggering 42%. Keep your daily calorie intake of fat to less than 30%. If you consume too many calories from any kind of food, whether it is carbohydrates, proteins, or fats, your body will take that food and turn it into triglycerides that are then circulated into your bloodstream to be stored as fat. Simply put the more LDL in your blood stream, the higher risk you have of heart disease. If you currently have heart disease, lowering your level of LDL will have a great impact on your health. No matter what your overall health, if you have high LDL levels, speak with your physician to determine the best course of action in bringing your numbers down. The good news is that there are several options available for you to control the cholesterol level through traditional treatments, natural and herbal treatments and changing to a healthy lifestyle. The important factor is to understand your risk factors by identifying your cholesterol levels and how it may affect your overall health and possible risk of a heart attack. It is extremely important to work with your doctor in creating a regimen that encompasses traditional of natural treatments. Research has shown that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol levels, there is a 2% reduction in the rate of heart disease. This should be a strong incentive in controlling your cholesterol levels. From hundreds of studies and research, we know that following are major approaches available to lower LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Click on the above links to read more about these approaches in controlling the cholesterol level. |
Natural Medicine for High Cholesterol
| From Cathy Wong, N.D., Your Guide to Alternative Medicine. FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! |
Alternatives to prescription drugs are being viewed with increasing interest. Among the natural supplements, niacin, inositol hexaniacinate, guggulipid and pantethine have been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol.
Natural supplements should only be used as a part of an overall program that includes dietary and lifestyle changes. People currently on prescription drugs should not alter their regimen without consulting a physician.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is often the supplement of choice for people with high cholesterol. Niacin lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol yet raises the level of the "good" HDL cholesterol.
Niacin can cause undesirable side effects such as skin flushing, stomach irritation, nausea, glucose intolerance, elevated blood levels of uric acid, visual disturbances and liver damage. Niacin supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. To minimize the skin flushing, timed-release and sustained release forms of niacin have been manufactured, however, these products carry a greater risk of liver damage.
Inositol hexaniacinate is currently the safest form of niacin available. It has not been associated with serious side effects and has long been used in Europe for lowering cholesterol and improving blood circulation.
Guggulipid
Guggulipid, also known as guggul, is a standardized extract from the mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree, which is native to India. Research has shown that by increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol in the liver, it can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 25-35%. Guggulipid can also lower total cholesterol by 14-27%, triglycerides by 22-30%, and increase HDL cholesterol by approximately 20%.
The recommended dosage of guggulipid is based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract.
Mild abdominal discomfort is a side effect of using the standardized guggulipid extract, however this has only been reported in a small percentage of people. The crude extracts such as gum guggul that were previously used have been associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, heavier menstrual flow and weight loss. This herb should be used with caution by people with liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea.
Pantethine
Pantethine is a form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that has been shown to lower cholesterol. Specifically, it reduces levels of LDL and total cholesterol, raises HDL, and is the most effective supplement for lowering triglyceride levels. Pantethine works by improving fat metabolism and by slowing down production of cholesterol in the liver.
Pantethine is often recommended for diabetics.
What Are Natural Products and
How Do They Lower Cholesterol?
| From Jennifer Moll, Your Guide to Cholesterol. FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! |
There are many natural products that can be used as an alternative to treating high cholesterol. This may be especially optimal to patients who are regulating their cholesterol levels with diet and exercise. Natural products reduce cholesterol levels by dissolving fat in the blood. Although much research has gone into evaluating which natural products are more helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, the exact mechanism by which it does this is not completely understood.
Types of Natural Products Effective in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
The following list includes natural products that have been noted to reduce cholesterol levels through research. Although natural products are regulated by the FDA, many of these drugs have not undergone extensive investigation required to list them as legitimate cholesterol-lowering agents. Therefore, as with any new regimen, consult with your health care practitioner before beginning any of these.
•B Vitamins, besides niacin, decrease the rate at which LDL is damaged through oxidation.
•Carnitine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
•Chromium has been seen to reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels.
•Coenzyme Q10 has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
•Fiber can be obtained through fiber supplements or through foods such as whole grains and vegetables. It is thought that fiber binds to cholesterol in the small intestine and preventing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream.
•Garlic has been widely studies for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
•Grape Seed Extract has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
•Pantothine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
•Red yeast rice contains a natural form of lovastatin (Mevacor®). Although effective, this natural product is not regulated by the FDA, so the dosage may vary from pill to pill.
•Royal Jelly has been seen to lower cholesterol levels by reducing some of the cholesterol-elevating effects of nicotine.
•Soy has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels
•Vitamin C has been noted to slightly reduce cholesterol levels.
Forget statins; simple nutritional supplements lower
cholesterol naturally, with no side effects
If
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As this research shows, the combination is a powerful way to lower your cholesterol, without the high cost and devastating side effects of statin drugs.
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http://health.yahoo.com/ate/drweil/alldaily/2005/01/20050111
| January 11, 2005 |
Provided by DrWeil.com
A: This is another example of too much being made of scant evidence. Although yucca is being promoted as a cholesterol-lowering agent, only a few case reports suggest that it has a limited ability to improve high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and migraine headaches. However, there have been no well-controlled studies to confirm these findings so if I were you; I would look elsewhere for cholesterol control.
Traditionally, extracts from the stalk and root of yucca trees that grow in the southwestern United States have been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and gout. And a 1975 study published in Journal of Applied Nutrition showed that, taken orally, yucca does offer some mild relief for the pain, stiffness, and swelling of arthritis. But participating patients took varying doses, took other medications in addition to yucca, and took yucca from more than one species of the plant. So until we have more and better studies, we can't even say for sure that yucca helps these conditions.
As far as cholesterol treatment is concerned, there are other natural products for which effectiveness is well documented. Red rice yeast extract, once sold in the United States under the name "Cholestin," has been shown in studies to be an effective cholesterol-lowering agent. Other brands of red rice yeast extract, such as Solaray, might also be of benefit. The product named Cholestin that is now available in the United States contains octacosanol (an alcohol found in the waxy substance seen on some fruit and their leaves) as an active ingredient, which several small studies suggest can help lower cholesterol.
Andrew Weil, MD
"Garlic is the world's oldest medicine & is still among the best"
Bear Paw Garlic™ is garlic with a difference. Unlike domesticated garlic found in other supplements, Bear Paw Garlic comes from a unique wild garlic found in central Europe. Also known as alpine wild garlic, this type of garlic was declared the "1992 Medicinal Plant of the Year" by the Association for the Protection and Research on European Medicinal Plants, and is currently under study for its effect on maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Bear Paw Garlic is a unique form of garlic. It is not derived from Alluim sativum, the species of garlic sold in supermarkets and used in garlic supplements. Rather, Bear Paw Garlic comes from Allium ursimum, a wild species of garlic found in central Europe. Alluim ursimum has all the benefits of the Allium sativum products that are found on the market. However, Allium ursimum has three advantages over this domesticated garlic: 1) It has more of the active substances; 2) It has active substances not found in cultivated garlic, or found only when large quantities are taken; 3) It is odorless. When you first open AIM Bear Paw Garlic™, the garlic odor is unmistakable. However, upon digestion the garlic odor is not noticeable.
Allium ursimum has antibacterial and antifugal properties, as well as antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals. It may activate macrophages to reduce the synthesis of LDL cholesterol and protect against plaques and blood clots. Adenosine acts as a muscle relaxant and as a protectant against poisons, such as caffeine. It helps increase blood vessel width and can also reduce platelet aggregation (blood stickiness).
Effective in discovering and cleansing cholesterol from blood stream. Stimulates digestive tract, kills harmful bacteria, normalizes blood pressure, reduces fever, gas and cramps. Increases physical strength and energy. Garlic can also kill germs and clear up cold symptoms more rapidly.
Garlic has long been noted in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as a treatment for infection. People of ancient times seemed to have more resistance to disease and fewer deaths during times of plague.
Garlic contains substances that act against bacteria. It's proven effective against parasites, viruses, and fungi. In studies, garlic has been effective against Candida albicans, a fungus that causes many common infections.
Other studies suggest that garlic may be a potent weapon against cancer. People who consume garlic have a lower incidence of stomach cancer. It may also reduce breast and bladder cancer, as well other cancers, as a safe side-effect-free treatment.
Garlic also protects against heart disease. It prevents excess clotting in the blood and may protect against strokes and coronary thrombosis (blood clots within a coronary artery). Arterial disease is less common in European countries, where garlic is taken more frequently than in the United States.
High cholesterol levels are among the primary causes of heart disease, due to cholesterol producing fatty deposits in the arteries. Gallstones, high blood pressure, impotence, mental impairment, colon polyps, prostate and breast cancer can all be linked to high cholesterol.
Logically, we can lower cholesterol levels by decreasing our intake of animal products, sugar and alcohol. A high fiber diet low in fat and exercise will improve your cholesterol count.
A high fiber diet, including barley, drinking fresh juices, and nutritional supplementaion, including garlic, all help to lower cholesterol levels.
How to use AIM Bear Paw Garlic™
Take 3 capsules per day. You may take them at any time.
Shelf life is 4 years, sealed. Store in a cool, dry place (70° - 75° F; 20.1° - 23.8° C). Do not refrigerate.
Q & A
Why have I never heard of A. ursinum?
Because it’s wild! Because it has never been domesticated, A. ursinum has never made it around the world as regular garlic has. And because of this, it has not been subjected to the publicity of the "garlic wars": the fight for a market share that has done so much to bring garlic to people’s attention. It is, however, known in scientific circles and in Europe.
What is the difference between A. ursinum and A. sativum?
Both A. ursinum and A. sativum come from the same family and share the same active substances and benefits. However, the leaf is used in A. ursinum and the bulb is used in A. sativum. A. ursinum also has higher quantities of many of the active substances than A. sativum does and upon digestion has less odor. In particular, A. ursinum has more of the water-soluble substances.
Aren't allicin and other fat-soluble substances the only ones of importance in garlc?
No. Although allicin and ajoene are important, the water-soluble parts of garlic—adenosine, y-glutamyl peptides, flavonoids, and fructanes—are also very significant. As well, allicin has known side effects and is also highly unstable.
What are these water-soluble substances?
We have briefly discussed adenosine and y-glutamyl peptides in this data sheet. Flavonoids are substances in plants that often have health benefits. Fructanes are significant because they are indigestible sugars known as oligosaccharides. Fructo-oligosaccharides encourage the growth of "good" intestinal bacteria.
What about standardized allicin content?
Many companies market garlic products with a guaranteed allicin content. Allicin is important, but there is a wealth of research from Europe that shows that other constituents of garlic—adenosine, y-glutamyl peptides, and others—are equally important, if not more beneficial than allicin. Allicin can also cause side effects in some people, so products with high allicin content could be problematic.
| Cholesterol | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The cholesterol theory of heart disease may be the biggest scam in history! Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can be found in all parts of your body. It aids in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D used for bone building. The cholesterol in blood comes from two sources: the foods you eat and his/her liver. Cholesterol and other fats are transported through the blood stream in the form of round particles called lipoproteins. The two most commonly known lipoproteins are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). What is LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol? This type of cholesterol is commonly called "bad" cholesterol. Research claims that it can contribute to the formation of plaque build up in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. What is HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol? This type of cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol, and is a type of fat in the blood that helps to remove cholesterol from the blood, preventing the fatty build up and formation of plaque. What are triglycerides? Triglycerides are another class of fat found in the bloodstream. The bulk of your body fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides. The link between triglycerides and heart disease is under clinical investigation. However, many people with high triglyceride levels also have other risk factors such as high LDL levels or low HDL levels. What causes elevated triglyceride levels? Elevated triglyceride levels have been associated with diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, and Syndrome X. Other causes of elevated triglyceride levels may include obesity and high intakes of fat, alcohol, age, certain medications, and concentrated sweets. Cholesterol cannot be treated correctly until a blood test has been performed on all four categories of Lipids. All categories listed below. To receive an accurate cholesterol test you must fast for 12 hours. Always request a copy of your blood test from your doctor.
Facts
What does it really mean to your health?
Statin Drugs: (Baycol (cerivastatin) (recalled), Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin). Understanding what they are and the risks, and do they really lower cholesterol or is it a cover up. Statin drugs have become very popular and are being widely prescribed in recent years to lower high blood cholesterol and thus reduce the risk for heart disease. These drugs block cholesterol production in the body by inhibiting the enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the early steps of its synthesis in the mevalonate pathway. This same biosynthetic pathway is also shared by CoQ10. Therefore, one unfortunate consequence of statin drugs is the unintentional inhibition of CoQ10 synthesis. Thus, in the long run, statin drugs could predispose the patients to heart disease by lowering their CoQ10 status, the very condition that these drugs are intended to prevent. There are many doctors that are not sure about statin drugs lowering cholesterol. They have observed that most patients that decide to get off the statin drugs for one reason or another have a rebound effect of elevated cholesterol. In fact most of the patients reported that their cholesterol level returned much high then initially reported. The other concern of many patients and doctors is the reports of all the side effects including extreme toxic liver effects, muscle pains, aches, stiffness, fever, memory loss, personality changes, irritability, weakness, fatigue, memory loss, cognitive problems, sleep problems, paralysis and neuropathy. Erectile dysfunction, problems with temperature regulation (feeling hot or cold, or having sweats), are among the other problems reported. There is a continuing premise within the medical world that they believe drawing a blood liver panel will let you know if your liver is failing while on the statin drug. This is the furthest from the truth. All medical problems and side effects in the body start on a sub clinical level. This is a level of science that there is no medical test for diagnosing. In simple terms "no one wakes up with a disease, it takes many months to years before it becomes visible to the testing procedures of modern medical science." In many cases when it becomes visible it's too late. What can a patient do if they have high cholesterol? |
QUESTION:
I hear that taking a liquid yucca extra mixed with water is good for treating high cholesterol. Is this true?
-- Jim
This is another example of too much being made of scant evidence. Although yucca is being promoted as a cholesterol-lowering agent, only a few case reports suggest that it has a limited ability to improve high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and migraine headaches. However, there have been no well-controlled studies to confirm these findings so if I were you, I would look elsewhere for cholesterol control.
Traditionally, extracts from the stalk and root of yucca trees that grow in the southwestern United States have been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and gout. And a 1975 study published in Journal of Applied Nutritionshowed that, taken orally, yucca does offer some mild relief for the pain, stiffness, and swelling of arthritis. But participating patients took varying doses, took other medications in
As far as cholesterol treatment is concerned, there are other natural products for which effectiveness is well documented. Red rice yeast extract, once sold in the United States under the name “Cholestin,” has been shown in studies to be an effective cholesterol-lowering agent. Other brands of red rice yeast extract, such as Solaray, might also be of benefit. The product named Cholestin that is now available in the United States contains octacosanol (an alcohol found in the waxy substance seen on some fruit and their leaves) as an active ingredient, which several small studies suggest can help lower cholesterol.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
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