Low Testosterone Levels - A Marker For Increased Cardiovascular Mortality

Testosterone is predominantly produced by the testes in men. Small quantities are produced by the ovaries in women. The adrenal glands also produce small amounts in both sexes. Testosterone plays a key role in sexual functioning. Besides helping in the production of sperms, this steroid hormone also enhances libido, increases energy, helps produce red blood cells and protects against osteoporosis. Testosterone is an androgen and an anabolic steroid.

The blood levels of testosterone vary over a wide range. Testosterone levels gradually start declining during the third or early fourth decade of life at a constant rate. As a result, older men have significantly lower levels compared to their younger counterparts. Testosterone levels may also be low due to several diseases. The cutoff number is 250 ng/dL, levels below these are considered low.

What is the connection between testosterone and heart disease?

Low testosterone levels have been associated with increased risk of development and death from cardiovascular disease. In a recent study by Laughlin and associates, men with low levels and in the lowest quartile were 40% more likely to die early, especially from cardiovascular diseases. These findings were unaffected by age, lipid levels and other risk factors. The study involved 794 men aged 50-91 years, who were monitored for 20 years. The study was published in 2008 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

In 2007, results of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk Study were published in Circulation. In this study, Khaw and associates monitored 11,000 patients aged 40-79 for their testosterone levels and death. They found that the latter were inversely related - low testosterone levels correlated with a higher rate of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer and all other causes.

In another study, Shores and colleagues, found that low testosterone levels were associated with an increased risk for mortality in male veterans. The male population was over 40 years of age and did not have prostate cancer. The study was done in Seattle and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006.

How does low testosterone cause cardiovascular disease?

The exact mechanism by which low testosterone causes cardiovascular disease is not clear, but there are several postulated mechanisms . Patients with low testosterone levels tend to have more visceral obesity. Visceral obesity is responsible for the apple shaped body (as compared to the pear shaped body, in which the fat is predominantly deposited in the hips and buttocks). More commonly, this is called the 'pot belly' or 'beer belly'. The visceral fat is packed in between the internal organs in the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). In contrast the subcutaneous fat is found under the skin and the intramuscular fat in the skeletal muscle. Visceral fat is more metabolically active and synthesizes more heart unhealthy fatty acids, triglycerides, and adipokines than nonvisceral fat. Low testosterone is also associated with the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In a study published in 2007, men in the lowest levels of testosterone were four times more likely to develop diabetes when compared to men with the highest levels. This data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was published by Selvin and group in Diabetes Care. Patients with low testosterone levels have higher levels of insulin and triglycerides, both detrimental to the cardiovascular system.

Should you take testosterone to reduce heart disease?

There has been no scientific study in which testosterone replacement has been found to reduce heart disease. A study has just not been done. However, English and associates found that in patients with established coronary artery disease, testosterone replacement reduced exercise induced chest pain. This data was published in the European Heart Journal in 2000.

Summary

Testosterone is a predominantly male hormone produced by the testis and adrenals. It is responsible for libido in both sexes and the production of sperms in the male. It is also associated with increased energy, production of red cells and prevention of osteoporosis. Testosterone levels normally decline with age, with older men having a much lower levels than their younger counterparts. Low testosterone levels have been linked to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and death from all causes. There is no published research on whether taking supplemental testosterone will reduce cardiovascular disease and death.

Dr. Shashi K. Agarwal is a Board Certified Internist and Cardiologist with a private practice in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shashi_Agarwal_MD

You, Too, Can Give the Gift of Life

You're in the mall, the supermarket, or heading for the departure gate at the airport when you see someone ahead of you slump to the ground. As you glance around to see if anyone else is aware of what just happened, you notice a sign that says "AED" or "Defibrillator" with an arrow pointing to a box. Would you know what to do?

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 350,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest each year in the United States alone. The majority of people exhibit no prior symptoms, so they have no warning. The current national survival rate for Sudden Cardiac Arrest is less than 5%, often because emergency medical services cannot reach them in time. The likelihood of successful resuscitation decreases by about 10% with every minute that passes.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is most often the result of the electrical activity of the heart becoming disorganized, causing it to beat ineffectively. This arrhythmia is called ventricular fibrillation. This results in a lack of blood flow or pulse, causing loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, and leads to death very rapidly unless properly treated. CPR is important in maintaining blood flow to the vital organs of the body for a short period of time, but defibrillation is the most effective treatment for returning a heart in ventricular fibrillation to its normal rhythm. Until recently, only credentialed health professionals and trained emergency medical service personnel were able to provide defibrillation to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Precious minutes were lost from the time of collapse to the arrival of life-saving equipment. With widespread access to defibrillators, it is estimated that an additional 40,000 lives could be saved each year in the U.S. alone.

The efficacy of defibrillation is directly tied to how quickly it is administered. The American Heart Association has determined that maximum effectiveness is achieved if defibrillation takes place within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse. After 10 minutes, the likelihood of a positive outcome is extremely poor. The importance of quick and effective intervention is outlined in the AHA's "Chain of Survival" concept; early access, early CPR, early defibrillation, early advanced care. (americanheart.org)

The proliferation of Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) since the 1990s and their accompanying PAD Programs has done much to educate the public about early access defibrillation. Public access defibrillators can be found in mass transit terminals, on commercial airplanes and in shopping malls. They are currently required by law in Federal and State government buildings, health clubs and nursing homes, with numerous bills now before Congress to provide them in an ever growing list of public facilities.
The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross are just two of the nationally recognized organizations providing lay persons all of the information and training necessary to competently assess a victim, administer CPR if indicated, and to operate an AED safely and effectively. Numerous local training and consulting organizations accredited by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross are also available to provide training and certification.

Keeping knowledge current increases confidence. With increased confidence, the likelihood of bystander participation and positive intervention outcome increases as well. Consider the millions of "Baby Boomers" between 45 and 60-plus years of age. And getting older. They might be your customers, neighbors, co-workers, parents, or even you.

Anyone has the ability to save a life. With just a little training, everyone can have the chance to be a hero.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patti_Armus

Fish Oil Supplementation - Heart Protective

Dyerberg and group in 1978 reported in the Lancet, a health paradox that they noted in the Greenland Eskimos. The Eskimos, despite a high-fat diet, had a low rate of coronary heart disease. The researchers postulated that a protective effect was provided by the fatty oils present in their diet, rich in meat from seals, caribou and fish. Since then, this inverse relationship between fish intake and cardiovascular disease has become well established.

Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Along with omega-6 fatty acids, they are called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Both of these fatty acids cannot be synthesized by humans and are therefore considered 'essential'. Besides fish, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in walnuts, flaxseed, canola oil, broccoli, cantaloupe, kidney beans, spinach, grape leaves, Chinese cabbage, and cauliflower. Two omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are health and heart protective. A third kind, alpha-linolenic acid, is less potent. Omega-6 fatty acids are detrimental to heart health, and have been associated with depression. Omega-6 fatty acids are abundant in refined vegetable oils commonly used for cooking.

What is the link between fish oil intake and cardiovascular disease protection?

Several studies have shown an inverse relationship between fish consumption and coronary heart disease and death. In the DART study, 2003 men with a previous history of a heart attack were divided into two groups and monitored - one group had an increased fish oil consumption, either by diet or by supplementation compared to the other group, The increased fish oil group had a 29% reduction in death. Studied by Burr and group, this data was published in Lancet in 1989.

In a large GISSI-Prevenzione trial, 11,324 patients with a history of a heart attack were randomly assigned into groups; each group was given either 850 mg omega-3 fatty acid, 300 mg vitamin E, both, or neither. The results showed that the group given the fatty acid alone had a 45% reduction in sudden death and a 20% reduction in all-cause mortality. This was published in Lancet in 1999.

In a review of 11 studies, Markmann and Granbaek found that in populations at a higher risk of coronary heart disease, intake of 40-60 grams of fish per day could reduce the risk of death by 40%-60%. They published their data in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999.

How do omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease?

Fish oils lower blood pressure and serum triglyceride levels. They also have anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. They also improve endothelial function. All these effects protect against heart attacks from coronary heart disease and sudden death due to an irregular heart rhythm.

How much omega-3 fatty acids do you need?

It is recommended that the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acid be 2.85 g/day. Healthy marine sources are fresh tuna, sardines, salmon, herring, trout and oysters. Fish should be grilled, baked, or broiled -- not fried. Fried fish loses all of its benefits. This lack of benefit from fried fish was documented by Mozaffarian in the Cardiovascular Health Study published in Circulation in 2003. As noted earlier, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in walnuts, flaxseed, canola oil, broccoli, cantaloupe, kidney beans, spinach, grape leaves, Chinese cabbage, and cauliflower. Recently, omega-3 fatty acid enriched eggs have become available in the supermarkets and can help meet the daily requirements. If one is unable to eat enough fish or other food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplementation should be considered. The usual amount is 1 gm EPA and DHA per day, although your physician may recommend higher doses in certain situations.

Is fish safe?

Fish at the top of the food chain often contain significant levels of methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and other environmental contaminants. These include mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tile fish (golden bass or golden snapper). The FDA advises pregnant women, women wanting to become pregnant, nursing mothers and children to avoid these fish as they may be at an increased risk of mercury intoxication.

Are fish oils safe?

In general, most fish oils sold over the counter in the USA are safe. The FDA in 1997 indicated that the consumption of up to 3 g EPA + DHA/day from all sources is safe for American adults. Fish oils do not interact with other drugs and usually have no side effects. Fishy aftertaste can be lessened by keeping the supplements in the freezer. Rarely nausea, bloating and belching can occur. Excessive intake may cause bleeding. There is only one FDA approved fish oil preparation in the USA. It is available by prescription under the trade name of Omacor. Because of a patented refining process, toxins such as mercury are completely removed, It also has more PUFAs - 90% compared with 60% in some commercially available products. This makes Omacor more reliable and efficacious.

Summary

The heart protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are very compelling. These essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are abundant in fish and certain vegetables and nuts. People at a high risk of developing heart disease or who have established heart disease, should supplement their diet with fish oil capsules providing 1 gm EPA and DHA per day. It would be prudent to discuss this therapy with your physician.

Dr. Shashi K. Agarwal is a Board Certified Internist and Cardiologist with a private practice in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a diplomat of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shashi_Agarwal_MD

Heart disease starts in childhood

If you thought letting your children spend their youth playing videogames and eating Fritos was just good, harmless fun, you're wrong. Researchers at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) have found that kids who lead inactive lifestyles - that means getting less than 20 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity - are 5-6 times more likely to be at risk of heart disease than kids who get the 60 min-, utes recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On ear creases and heart disease

Q: Is there any relationship between a crease in the earlobe and heart disease?

The relationship between earlobe crease and heart disease, primarily coronary disease (heart attacks), was first suggested more than thirty years ago and has been studied many times in various populations. Some Greco-Roman statues in the Louvre Museum in Paris show the earlobe crease, so the finding goes back 2,000 years or more. The results of some studies indicate that the earlobe crease is associated with age, and age is associated with vascular disease. Others conclude that the crease is an independent predictor of heart disease and, more recently, carotid artery thickening. Whatever, the relationship is not that good because many people without the crease have heart attacks and many with the crease do not. Given my choice of a predictor of atherosclerosis and heart attacks, I'd pick the cholesterol level over the earlobe crease. But even the cholesterol is not perfect, since almost half of those with heart attacks can have normal cholesterol levels.

External pump for heart disease

Q: I am under treatment for angina. When I have an attack of chest pain, I usually can get rid of it with nitroglycerin. My neighbor, exactly my age, has the same thing: coronary artery disease with angina attacks. His doctor is treating him with leg pumps. He says he has had no angina since he started the treatment. Would this help me?

A: The procedure, enhanced external counterpulsation, has been around for 10 years.

A series of cuffs, like blood pressure cuffs, is wrapped around the patient's legs. At a very precise moment in the heart cycle, the cuffs are sequentially inflated, with the lowest cuff inflated first. The pumping maneuver increases blood flow back to the heart and to the heart muscle. Angina is chest pain that comes on with activity. It indicates that one or more of the heart arteries have a blockage. People with artery blockage get enough blood to the heart muscle when they're resting, but, when they are active, the blockage prevents the increased flow required for the extra effort the heart must make. The result is the chest pain called angina.

Some people who have undergone a series of EECP treatments have fewer attacks after the treatment, and some have even discontinued medicine for angina.

EECP has yet to win universal approval. People who judge the effectiveness of medical treatments want more evidence before they recommend it for everyone. Would it work for you? Only a trial with it will tell you.

Q: There's a yellow streak on both my eyelids. What is this? Does it mean eye trouble?

A: Those streaks are xanthelasmas (ZANN-thul-AS-muhs), an aggregation of cells filled with cholesterol. In half of people with them, they indicate high blood cholesterol or high blood triglycerides. If you haven't had a check of your cholesterol or triglycerides, you should have one.

They are not a sign of eye trouble. If you find them cosmetically distressing, they can be removed.

Q: What's a "chemical" depression? I have two relatives who say that's what they have.

A: Brain cells communicate with each other through chemicals with names such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. One current and popular theory about depression cites an imbalance of one or more of these chemicals as the cause. Antidepressants restore the normal balance.

Living With Heart Disease Means Making Changes in Your Life

Bruce was a successful businessman who had everything... except a healthy heart. He didn't know it until he found himself in hospital having double bypass surgery.

Wendy was an active woman who didn't smoke, exercised faithfully, ate right, and surprised everyone, including herself, when she required an emergency angioplasty.

Darlene had no energy. In fact, lately it seemed her get up and go had got up and gone! When she investigated with her doctors, she was shocked to find out she needed a pacemaker. After her surgery, she had a new lease on life.

Dave was a smoker -- and yes, he was a little overweight. He knew he had to make some changes - but once he had the heart attack he started taking it more seriously.

What these people have in common is that they all have heart disease. It's the number one killer in North America. Every year hundreds of thousands die from heart disease. (451,326 in 2004*). But the good news is an estimated 80,700,000* people with some form of cardiovascular disease in the United States are living. Thanks to modern medicine, people like Bruce, Wendy, Darlene, Dave and countless others get a second chance. (* American Heart Association)

But living with heart disease can feel overwhelming. People know a lifestyle change is necessary, but often they don't know where to start. Or they may have trouble staying motivated. Sometimes they don't know where to turn to find resources such as heart rate or blood pressure monitors, exercise advice or equipment, or even heart-healthy recipes.

Sandra Thornton is one of the millions living with heart disease. After her heart event she was fortunate to participate in cardiac rehab but once she "graduated" she found herself feeling very alone. She looked for information, moral support, and all the resources to help her with her lifestyle changes. Not finding one single source, she created a website to help others. She also notes that having a heart event shakes your confidence. You feel as though your body let you down.

"I am creating a community for people living with heart disease," she says. "A virtual place to find and share information about lifestyle changes. And a place for people to access and order the resources they need -- no matter where they are. It can feel impossible if you live out in the country, or if you have difficulty getting out." One such woman wrote "There is a long history of heart disease in my family... I find your website inspirational and I appreciate that I have found it just at the time when I am needing it."

"I know what it's like," Thornton says. She was an energetic 51 year-old when she was unexpectedly admitted to a critical care bed in the cardiac care unit of her local hospital three years ago. The next day she had an angioplasty to clear a 90% blockage of her left anterior descending artery.

The location of the blockage, left untreated, would have resulted in a massive heart attack.

"I also learned I had a problem with my aortic valve (aortic stenosis)," she notes.

She experienced a rocky recovery - five stays in hospital, four angiograms, two angioplasties (she re-blocked), and six months off work.

Thornton is back on track with her life now, but she says, "It's so important for people to have support to make the changes they need to make. A great medical team, the support of loved ones, the awareness of risk factors and how to reduce them, and access to the resources you need."

And speaking of risk factors, there are only three risk factors for heart disease that you can't control - your gender, your age, and your family genes. Everything else is up to you. Whether you are living with heart disease or you want to prevent it, here's what you CAN do:

· Quit smoking - NOW!

· Get more active, start an exercise program, and lose excess weight

· Eat a heart-healthy diet - more whole foods, fruit, vegetables, fiber - less fat, salt, sugar and processed foods

· Manage your stress and make wise lifestyle choices

· Know and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

· Get regular checkups

3 Natural Cures For High Blood Pressure You Can Adopt

With the known side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, more people are looking for natural cures for high blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure you may need to take prescribed medication to correct the problem.

There are several medications that are used to reduce blood pressure. Each of these medications may have adverse side effects and should only be used under a doctor's care. Diuretics flush the body of salts. Unfortunately, this may deplete your body of potassium and other minerals valuable in maintaining a healthy heart. Some diuretics interfere with uric acid excretion, causing or exacerbating gout and arthritis. Some diuretics increase cholesterol and others can cause sexual impotency as a side effect.

Sympathetic nerve inhibitors or alpha-blockers interfere with the message sent by the sympathetic nervous system and cause the vessels to contract thereby reducing the blood pressure. Alpha-blockers create swelling of extremities, chest pain, nausea, weight gain, vomiting, loss of bladder control, continuous and painful erections or impotence, joint and back pain, insomnia, stuffy nose, blurred vision and restlessness.

Calcium-channel blockers, another treatment for hypertension, make the arteries expand and allow the blood to flow more easily by slowing the rate that calcium enters both the heart and vessels. Some side effects of calcium-channel blocker are exhaustion, flushing, increased swelling in the feet, abdomen or ankles, heartburn, stomach upsets, difficulty swallowing, numbness, fainting, headaches, constipation, jaundice and chest pains. If you take a calcium channel-blocker, make sure that you don't smoke and reveal all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, to your doctor. Mixing several drugs or smoking while taking hypertension medication can create other problems like tachycardia - rapid heartbeats.

Beta-blockers reduce the rate and decrease the force of the heart's contraction. Sexual impotency in men is one of the most common side effects. Fatigue, depression, nightmares and increased wheezing in asthmatics are other side effects of beta-blockers.

Many people with high blood pressure often stop taking their medication to avoid these side effects. This is extremely dangerous. If you choose to implement alternative methods of control, work with your doctor to wean you from the drugs and monitor your progress as your pressure begins to drop naturally.

The first natural cure for high blood pressure is increased physical activity. The activity should be something that you enjoy and should also increase the heart rate and help you to lose weight. This natural cure improves the blood pressure several ways. It increases your overall health and stamina. It reduces stress by releasing the 'fight or flight' hormones accumulated in your system from daily stress, and promotes weight reduction.

The second natural cure involves monitoring your diet on a daily basis. Some foods reduce cholesterol, a prime cause of artery blockage and increased blood pressure. Eliminate caffeine and nicotine, from your life. Reduce the intake of salt and increase natural fibers like those in whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables.

The third way to reduce hypertension is the use of herbal remedies and supplements. Increase your intake of calcium, vitamin C, CoQ10 and Flaxseed. Herbs that lower blood pressure include coleus forskohlii, hawthorn and mistletoe. Always speak with your doctor before starting a regimen of herb supplements.

Pharmaceutical drugs don't have to be the only option in fighting hypertension. These are three natural cures for high blood pressure you can adopt that will help you live a longer and better life.

A Matter of Life and Death - Understanding Cholesterol Ratios

High cholesterol is not a laughing matter. Since it can cause you to experience heart disease, which can be life threatening, high cholesterol should not be taken lightly. A very important key to lowering cholesterol levels is having an understanding of your cholesterol ratio. Here are a few of the different things that you should know about your total ratio and your HDL LDL ratio.

The most important thing that you should know about your total cholesterol ratio is that it is a determining factor of your risk of developing heart disease, which can ultimately, and at worst case, lead to death.

The way that it works is by dividing your HDL cholesterol into your overall cholesterol. Keep in mind that cholesterol is measured in milligrams and deciliters, or mg's and dl's. Let's pretend, for example, that your total cholesterol was 200 mg/dl, while your HDL was 50 mg/dl. In this case, your cholesterol ratio would be 4-1. Having cholesterol ratio that is any higher than 5-1 is a sign that you may be at risk for heart disease.

Keep in mind that there is also something called the HDL LDL ratio, which needs to be taken into consideration as well. As you can probably guess, this ratio measures the ratio between your HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. This ratio is a larger determining factor of the risk of heart disease.

The reason is because it shows the ratio between your good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, which is the largest factor that determines your risk of heart disease. The formula to determine HDL LDL ratio is much more complicated and, thus, it tends to be very pricey.

Overall, however, your HDL to LDL cholesterol ratio should not be any higher than 4.4 and you should strive to keep it at or below 3.3. Any HDL to LDL ratio level above 7 to 11 indicates a high risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind that there are several things that you can do in order to lower your cholesterol. Making healthier food choices and following an exercise routine are just two of the many different things that you can do to keep both your HDL to LDL ratio and your total cholesterol ratio down.

Eat to Live - Cholesterol Management the Easy Way

If you have recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you are probably looking for ways to lower it. Keep in mind that there are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. LDL, or bad cholesterol, causes heart disease and atherosclerosis, a condition which affects proper blood flower. HDL, or good cholesterol, works to combat against the possible damage that LDL cholesterol can do. A good diet to lower cholesterol will help decrease your LDL cholesterol, while increasing your HDL cholesterol.

There are many foods that may help lower cholesterol that you will want to incorporate into your regular diet. For starters, you will want to think about adding fruits and vegetables to your diet. Since they are known to be very healthy, it is not surprising that they are also known to lower cholesterol. Whole grains, oatmeal, nuts and legumes are all known to reduce cholesterol. A diet to lower cholesterol should contain a decent amount of all of these foods.

When looking for sample diets for lowering cholesterol, be sure to choose a diet that avoids foods which are high in trans fat or saturated fat. Greasy, fast foods should be avoided if you want to lower cholesterol. Fatty junk foods, such as potato chips, which may also contain unnecessary amounts of trans or saturated fat should also be avoided.

A diet to lower cholesterol should not contain excessive amounts of red meat or organs such as liver and dairy products. Although chicken, turkey and fish can also be very bad choices for someone who is trying to reduce their cholesterol, the way that you prepare these foods can make them healthier. Removing the skin and either baking, grilling or broiling these meats instead of frying are such healthier alternatives.

If you are still unsure of where to find sample diets for lowering cholesterol or what should be on them, you may want to think about asking your primary care physician. He or she should be able to give you a good idea of what foods can be eaten to reduce cholesterol, as well as which ones should be avoided and perhaps suggest some sample diets. Since a diet to lower cholesterol is very important, it is a good idea to make sure that you follow the doctor's instructions and reduce the amount of unhealthy foods that you choose to incorporate in your diet.

Achieving good heart health is way easier by diet than by the use of drugs like statins. Although if you are looking for ways to lower your cholesterol, and need some help doing so beyond diet, there are some very good natural alternatives that can be added to a good diet to lower cholesterol to improve your success rate.

And one company making some extremely effective and organic cholesterol management products too, and you've probably never heard of them.

How to Lower Cholesterol With a Change in Diet

It is known that medication and drugs can be harmful to our bodies so it is natural that people prefer to learn how to lower their cholesterol naturally. When using natural methods we are learning how to take control of the problem ourselves in a more efficient way. To lower your cholesterol naturally it is important and beneficial for your life and general health. It reduces heart disease and also any other diseases which may not be good for your body.

Lower Your Cholesterol Levels With A Change Of Diet

Getting rid of excessive body fat deposits in your body which can cause you harm is important. By going on a diet to lower cholesterol is one of the best ways you can lower cholesterol naturally.

You need to begin by looking at a diet that is low in saturated fats, sodium and some carbohydrates. By including these foods in your diet you will not only lower your cholesterol levels but be able to maintain your levels as well. Look at adding omega 3 into your diet as well as it helps to reduce cholesterol as well as control bad cholesterol.

So when looking at your choices in foods you will want to avoid the foods which contribute to cholesterol such as beef, high fat dairy foods and most oils. Also look at your alcohol intake as this will effect your levels as well.

Adding Exercise Into Your Life

A good diet is important in lowering your cholesterol levels but the inclusion of exercise is a must. By exercising you can effectively remove the fat that accumulates in the body. You can also increase your cardiac capacity of your heart which in turn helps with your blood circulation. An effective exercise plan need not mean you send countless hours working out at the gym. All you need to do is go for a 30 minute walk on a daily basis to help keep the fat levels down. Look at swimming and other exercises but remember to consult your doctor first to see which exercise is best suited to you and your condition

The two methods on how to lower cholesterol are best used when your cholesterol levels have not reached high levels. For people that have extremely high levels it is best first to consult your doctor. They will advise the correct course of action for you whether it be a change in diet, increase in exercise or the inclusion of medication or may be a combination of them all.

Learn How to Reduce Or Eliminate Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease is becoming a growing issue in our fast paced society, and no one is exempt from being at risk. It is classified as any disease that affects the blood vessels and the heart. It is brought on by numerous factors such as high blood pressure, high bad cholesterol, obesity, stress, and lack of exercise.

It is very important that you find out how to prevent cardiovascular disease now, no matter what age group you belong to. The cases of this disease have been dropping somewhat, but even so it remains one of the leading causes of death. As a matter of fact, over 1 million people died of complications brought on by the disease in 1999 alone. In order to stop cardiovascular disease now, it is important that you understand what exactly puts you at risk of this horrible affliction.

First on the list is cigarette smoking. Everyone knows of the risk that smoking poses to your lungs, but often the fact that it can cause cardiovascular disease is overlooked. The good news is that if you quit smoking now, you will have decreased your chance of getting cardiovascular disease by 40 percent within the first 5 years. With all the other healthy benefits of quitting smoking, you should really consider giving it up.

High blood pressure is another common cause. Basically, the lower your blood pressure within the reasonable limits, the better chance you have to prevent cardiovascular disease. If you have high blood pressure, make sure you monitor it, checking it often. Also, see your doctor regularly.

Another big risk is blood cholesterol levels. There has been clear evidence that there is a link between high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that there are two kinds of cholesterol: good cholesterol or LDL, and bad cholesterol or HDL. In order to keep your bad cholesterol low, always exercise and eat heart friendly foods. These foods will always have a heart image on their packaging.

One thing is for certain, you cannot prevent cardiovascular disease if you do not exercise. Lack of exercise is one of the more common reasons why people develop cardiovascular diseases. In fact, it is regarded as one of the 4 major causes of cardiovascular disease. Make sure you begin by exercising a little bit each day and gradually working your way up; you do not have to overdo it when you first start out.

Besides the 4 major causes of cardiovascular disease, other causes include: obesity and diabetes. Those who are obese will often not get exercise and will have high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Make sure you follow the aforementioned advice and see your primary care physician if you think you may be at risk. Your doctor has many methods by which he or she can help you to prevent cardiovascular disease that may end up saving your life someday. With so many people dying from the complications that it brings on, it is important that you take the proper measures to stop cardiovascular disease now before it can have a chance to ruin your health.

The Danger Signs of a Blocked Artery

If you know someone who has had a heart attack, stroke or some form of heart disease you may wonder if you will suffer too. What are the warning signs and symptoms? How can you prevent it? What are your chances of developing one of these illnesses?

The principle underlying cause of all of the above is clogged arteries. This is referred to as Atherosclerosis. Symptoms are almost impossible to detect until they've become life threatening. Consequently I want to state very clearly that most often the symptoms of clogged arteries are heart attacks, strokes and various forms of heart disease. Occasionally you will have chest pains and frequently shortness of breath as well. If this occurs it should be viewed as a major warning and should also prompt you to go see your doctor right away.

Some recent medical research has indicated that you can start developing clogged arteries in your teens and twenties. In the normal course of life no one will notice anything is wrong until they've nearly died from it. However we now know there are many ways to reduce the risk of developing dangerously clogged arteries and cardiovascular disease in general.

The most basic prevention method is to lower your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels and raise the "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels. This can be done by a combination of diet and exercise. When the body has an excess of LDL cholesterol in the blood it tries to counteract it with specialized white blood cells. These white blood cells are unable to process the LDL cholesterol and it ends up coating the arterial walls as plaque. This in turn prompts more action by the body thus compounding the problem. Eventually the arteries become inflamed and block blood flow to the heart or brain causing strokes and heart attacks. Your doctor can help you determine what your cholesterol levels are and the best way to reduce them.

Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity, stress and clinical depression. There are many ways to change all of these factors for the better. Many of them are interrelated. For instance, if you are overweight you increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, high levels of LDL cholesterol and depression. The best way to prevent clogged arteries is small, slow lifestyle changes. Make sure to consult your doctor for each major change. This will prevent you from doing too much too soon and possibly aggravating your problems.

Another way to reduce the effects is to scour the arteries using a compound known as EDTA. This is a harmless substance which causes the plaque lining the walls of all the blood vessels - not just the arteries - to be broken down and passed out of the body through the urinary system. This system could make many heart operations a thing of the past. Of course there is a lobby that disapproves, but do your research and make up your own mind. Me - I am a believer.

2 IBS Natural Remedies

Neither Lactobacillus plantarum 299v nor Saccharomyces boulardii will cure everyone of IBS - that isn't how probiotics work, but both of these two have helped many people.

As the reasons why you get Irritable Bowel Syndrome vary, so do the things that minimize the symptoms of bloating, gas and diarrhea. No one thing seems to work for everyone.

Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is found in many supplements such as Tu-Zen, IBS Support and Proviva. It is the "299v" part of the probiotic bacterium name that is important.

The Lactobacillus plantarum family of lactic acid producing bacteria have been an important part of our diet for most of human evolution and it is only in the last few decades that suddenly, many of us are not getting enough of these important bacteria. For centuries the Lactobacillus plantarum family were used to preserve food. Now, with the advent of freezers and canned goods the old methods of preservation are out of favor.

Many experts believe that this sudden decrease in the beneficial bacterial component of our diet coincides with the increase in gastrointestinal problems that are now so common.

L plantarum 299v has been proven to decrease the amount of flatulence and gas in healthy volunteers and this same decrease, as well as less abdominal bloating and pain, also occurred in patients with IBS.

In test tube studies it has shown antimicrobial activity against nasties such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Our other contender, Saccharomyces boulardii, is a yeast that is also proving itself as an IBS natural remedy and it can be found in supplements such as Florastor. It was discovered in the "bloom" on lychee fruit and was already a popular local cure for diarrhea with the Indo-Chinese before the manufacturers found it.

Both of these probiotic supplements have been in numerous studies and whilst they haven't cured everyone, every time - they have certainly helped many.

Heart Disease Means Heavy Breathing 24-7

In 1995 the British Heart Journal published a study (Clark et al, 1995) done by researchers from the National Heart and Lung Institute in London. The breathing rate of all 88 heart patients at rest ranged from 10 to 18 l/min. This is about 2-3 times more than the norm: 6 l/min at rest for a 70-kg man.

In 2000 a study from the Chest magazine a group of American cardiac professionals revealed that patients with chronic heart failure had from 14 to 18 l/min (Johnson et al, 2000).

More recently, Greek doctors from the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center in Athens recorded ventilation values ranging from 11 to 19 l/min for heart patients from their hospital (Dimopoulou et al, 2001).

Moreover, about a decade ago a group of 10 medical doctors published their findings, regarding breathing of heart patients, in the American Journal of Cardiology. These MDs conducted a hyperventilation provocation test with over 200 heart patients. Their patients were asked to hyperventilate. It was found that all patients experienced coronary artery spasms (Nakao et al, 1997). The title of their study was "Hyperventilation as a specific test for diagnosis of coronary artery spasm". The cause of the spasm was too low CO2 values in the blood due to over-breathing.

How can hyperventilation affect the heart? The main effects are due to CO2 deficiency.

* Low blood CO2 values lead to the narrowing of small blood vessels (spasm of arteries and arterioles) in the whole body. That causes two problems. First, as a group of Japanese medical professionals found, in conditions of CO2 deficiency, blood flow to the heart muscle decreases (Okazaki et al, 1991). Hence, heart tissue gets less oxygen, glucose and other nutrients. Second, since small blood vessels are the main contributors to the total resistance in relation to blood flow, CO2 deficiency increases resistance to blood flow and makes the work of the heart harder.

* The suppressed Bohr effect, due to low CO2 values in the blood, further reduces oxygenation of the heart muscle (oxygen cannot be efficiently released by red blood cells causing tissue hypoxia). Meanwhile, it is known that low oxygenation of the heart is the cause of the angina pain.

* The excited nerve cells in the heart (the cells that are called pacemakers) interfere with the normal synchronization and harmony in the working of the heart muscle. (The valves should open and close in proper time, much like a well-tuned engine.). Desynchronization can make the whole process of blood pumping less efficient or more energy- and oxygen-demanding.

* Abnormal metabolism of fats leads, as Russian medical studies revealed, to increased blood cholesterol level in some people. That condition gradually, over periods of weeks or months, produces cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels in genetically predisposed people. Such deposits can induce primary hypertension. As Russian published studies suggest, the degree of overbreathing has a linear correlation with the blood cholesterol level.

* Mouth breathing (both at rest and during exercise) is an additional adverse stimulus present in most heart patients. It prevents normal absorption of nitric oxide (a hormone and powerful dilator of blood vessels) synthesized in the nasal passages.

Which parts of the cardiovascular system are going to be most affected?

That depends on genetic predisposition and environmental factors. There are so many factors that can affect the normal work of the cardiovascular system. People are different. Some may get chronic heart failure, others high blood pressure, or stroke, or various abnormalities in the heart muscle.

Therefore, it makes sense to claim that the heart disease is the disease of heavy breathers. It exists only in conditions of chronic hyperventilation. Heart patients breathe too heavy at rest, and even bigger during acute stages. If heart patients slow down and normalize their breathing rate, they would not experience their symptoms and do not require their medication. Currently, there is only one medical self-oxygenation therapy practiced by hundreds of health and medical practitioners in Russia and other countries. It is known as the Buteyko breathing method.

Powerful List of Foods That Help to Lower Cholesterol

Before listing the foods that help to lower cholesterol we must define what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is manufactured by the human body and also eaten in the consumption of animal products. Cholesterol is used to form cell membranes and process hormones and Vitamin D. High cholesterol levels contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Both a low cholesterol level and a high cholesterol level is dangerous for human beings. Too much of the wrong type of cholesterol (HDL) in the human body is closely linked with heart disease, hypertension and cardiovascular health.

Cholesterol is a steroid alcohol found in animal fats and oils, bile, blood, brain tissue, milk, egg yolk, myelin sheaths of nerve fibers, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. It is a necessary component of all cell surface and intracellular membranes and a constituent of myelin in nervous tissue; it is a precursor of bile acids and steroid hormones, and it occurs in the most common type of gallstone, in atheroma of the arteries, in various cysts, and in carcinomatous tissue. Most of the body's cholesterol is synthesized, but some is obtained in the diet.

The preoccupation in human medicine with the relationship between cholesterol and the development of atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries is not reflected in veterinary medicine. The importance of cholesterol to the veterinarian is limited to the measurement of blood cholesterol levels as an indicator of liver disease or thyroid activity.

List of foods that help to lower cholesterol

1. Apples

2. Pumpkin & Pumpkin seeds

3. Salmon and other oily fish such as mackerel.

4. Soy products

5. Walnuts

6. Almonds

7. Avocado

8. Bison, venison and other lean meats.

9. Cholesterol lowering margarines

10. Collard Greens

11. Dark Chocolate

12. Beans & Legumes

13. Egg plant

14. Green Tea

15. Olives

16. Onions

17. Shitake Mushroom

18. Tomato

19. Fresh berries, particularly Blueberries

20. Brown Rice

21. Cinnamon

22. Cranberries

23. Garlic

24. Grapes

25. Oats

Many people advise the daily consumption of apple cider vinegar as being a powerful aid in reducing the levels of cholesterol and helping to maintain a healthy heart. This will also help to keep the arteries clear of plaque.

The latest scientific research said get the delicious recipes that incorporated that cholesterol lowering food.

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) and heart attack. Methods for increasing good cholesterol or lowering bad cholesterol levels include cholesterol reducing drugs such as statins, fibrates, and nicotinic acid and bile acid resins.

Apart from the cholesterol lowering food there are many cholesterol reducing drugs such as:Cholesterol-reducing drugs are medications that lower the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of these fats in the bloodstream increase the risk of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), heart attack, stroke and other heart-related conditions. Therefore, cholesterol reducers and other antilipemic medications are often prescribed for people with high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) or other elevated lipid levels (e.g., high triglycerides).

There are five main categories of cholesterol reducers: statins, bile acid resins, nicotinic acid, fibrates and ezetimibe. Most are available only by prescription, while nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin), is available over-the-counter. However, niacin should only be taken under the care of a physician to monitor any side effects that could arise, such as severe upset stomach (nausea) and flushing.

So, the big question is this! If you can lower your cholesterol levels by eating the great food a listed above, and if you can supplement this by taking cholesterol reducing natural products, why would you inflict pharmaceutical drugs upon your system? People do, but I will never understand them!

How to Lower Cholesterol With a Change in Diet

It is known that medication and drugs can be harmful to our bodies so it is natural that people prefer to learn how to lower their cholesterol naturally. When using natural methods we are learning how to take control of the problem ourselves in a more efficient way. To lower your cholesterol naturally it is important and beneficial for your life and general health. It reduces heart disease and also any other diseases which may not be good for your body.

Lower Your Cholesterol Levels With A Change Of Diet

Getting rid of excessive body fat deposits in your body which can cause you harm is important. By going on a diet to lower cholesterol is one of the best ways you can lower cholesterol naturally.

You need to begin by looking at a diet that is low in saturated fats, sodium and some carbohydrates. By including these foods in your diet you will not only lower your cholesterol levels but be able to maintain your levels as well. Look at adding omega 3 into your diet as well as it helps to reduce cholesterol as well as control bad cholesterol.

So when looking at your choices in foods you will want to avoid the foods which contribute to cholesterol such as beef, high fat dairy foods and most oils. Also look at your alcohol intake as this will effect your levels as well.

Adding Exercise Into Your Life

A good diet is important in lowering your cholesterol levels but the inclusion of exercise is a must. By exercising you can effectively remove the fat that accumulates in the body. You can also increase your cardiac capacity of your heart which in turn helps with your blood circulation. An effective exercise plan need not mean you send countless hours working out at the gym. All you need to do is go for a 30 minute walk on a daily basis to help keep the fat levels down. Look at swimming and other exercises but remember to consult your doctor first to see which exercise is best suited to you and your condition

The two methods on how to lower cholesterol are best used when your cholesterol levels have not reached high levels. For people that have extremely high levels it is best first to consult your doctor. They will advise the correct course of action for you whether it be a change in diet, increase in exercise or the inclusion of medication or may be a combination of them all.

Eat to Live - Cholesterol Management the Easy Way

If you have recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you are probably looking for ways to lower it. Keep in mind that there are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. LDL, or bad cholesterol, causes heart disease and atherosclerosis, a condition which affects proper blood flower. HDL, or good cholesterol, works to combat against the possible damage that LDL cholesterol can do. A good diet to lower cholesterol will help decrease your LDL cholesterol, while increasing your HDL cholesterol.

There are many foods that may help lower cholesterol that you will want to incorporate into your regular diet. For starters, you will want to think about adding fruits and vegetables to your diet. Since they are known to be very healthy, it is not surprising that they are also known to lower cholesterol. Whole grains, oatmeal, nuts and legumes are all known to reduce cholesterol. A diet to lower cholesterol should contain a decent amount of all of these foods.

When looking for sample diets for lowering cholesterol, be sure to choose a diet that avoids foods which are high in trans fat or saturated fat. Greasy, fast foods should be avoided if you want to lower cholesterol. Fatty junk foods, such as potato chips, which may also contain unnecessary amounts of trans or saturated fat should also be avoided.

A diet to lower cholesterol should not contain excessive amounts of red meat or organs such as liver and dairy products. Although chicken, turkey and fish can also be very bad choices for someone who is trying to reduce their cholesterol, the way that you prepare these foods can make them healthier. Removing the skin and either baking, grilling or broiling these meats instead of frying are such healthier alternatives.

If you are still unsure of where to find sample diets for lowering cholesterol or what should be on them, you may want to think about asking your primary care physician. He or she should be able to give you a good idea of what foods can be eaten to reduce cholesterol, as well as which ones should be avoided and perhaps suggest some sample diets. Since a diet to lower cholesterol is very important, it is a good idea to make sure that you follow the doctor's instructions and reduce the amount of unhealthy foods that you choose to incorporate in your diet.

Achieving good heart health is way easier by diet than by the use of drugs like statins. Although if you are looking for ways to lower your cholesterol, and need some help doing so beyond diet, there are some very good natural alternatives that can be added to a good diet to lower cholesterol to improve your success rate.

And one company making some extremely effective and organic cholesterol management products too, and you've probably never heard of them.

Lowering Your Cholesterol - Do You Really Need To?

Have you managed to catch the most recent drug commercial? The one about a guy moving down a spiral staircase with numerals printed on the steps and the numbers decreasing in value as he goes down the stairs.

It portrays how your physician may have told you that you have to lower your cholesterol levels lower than ever before to have a healthy body. Unfortunately, it is a myth and a potentially fatalistic one as well. Let us begin with a few known facts on the issue at hand, Cholesterol.

What really is cholesterol?

Is it something that is harmful for your body?

Should cholesterol levels in our body be kept as low as possible?

Let's take a moment to consider those questions.

First though, what is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a soft waxy fatty substance that can be found in our bloodstream and cells of our body. It is also present in the food that we consume daily, in meat and dairy products. It is produced in our liver for important body functions such as cell formation, hormone, vitamin and bile acid production.

Cholesterol is needed by the body to form cholic acid that is then used to produce bile salts to digest fat. Also, cholesterol is essential to the production of adrenal and reproductive hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Cholesterol can also make our skin impenetrable by water and other harmful substances.

In addition, it can cause toxins in our bloodstream, to be bound together, reducing inflammation and protecting our nerves and organs at the same time. So, now that we know how important cholesterol is to us, the question is, why does it have such a bad name?

Rumors began when scientists and researchers made a finding correlating blood cholesterol, cholesterol in our bloodstream, with heart disease. However, if one were to return to research classes in school, they would find out that correlations are of no big importance. When two things are correlated, it just means that two things are present at the same time, or as the American Heritage Dictionary puts it; a correlation is a causal, complementary, parallel, or reciprocal relationship, especially a structural, functional, or qualitative correspondence between two comparable entities.

In plain English this means that just because a person is caught holding a gun, it does not mean he pulled the trigger.

However, where the confusion really lies is because there are two types of cholesterol. One good for you, and one bad for you. The good type is called HDL Cholesterol, and the bad type, LDL Cholesterol.

LDL Cholesterol stands for Low Density Lipoprotein, and when too much of this circulates in our bloodstream then it is bad news. Because it builds up on the inner lining of our arteries, and can cause us to have heart attacks. A bit like a kettle when it gets clogged up with limescale.

HDL Cholesterol on the other hand seems to have protective capabilities. It makes up approximately a fourth to a half of the blood cholesterol that is carried around our bodies, and seems to have a protective effect against heart disease, as it seems to be able to carry LDL cholesterol away, and hence stop it forming against the walls of our arteries. Acting a bit like a kettle de-scaling solution.

Magnesium Deficiency and Heart Disease

You may not know that Magnesium plays a very important role in treating heart disease.
All muscles require magnesium to function properly. If the levels of magnesium is too low in your body, you might have irregular heartburn and/or calcification of heart muscle cells that causes the development of scar tissue. Also it can cause the damage of arterial lining and allow fat to accumulate in your body's blood vessels. Magnesium deficiency accompanies the major heart disease risk factors including:

1.High cholesterol level:
Magnesium deficiency increases triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels, while decreasing the level of good cholesterol.

2. High blood pressure:
Study suggests that high blood pressure could be significantly lowered by a diet high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and low in sodium and fat. Diets that provide plenty of fruits and vegetables which are good sources of potassium and magnesium are consistently associated with lower blood pressure.

3. Diabetes.
If you have low magnesium levels in you blood, study shows that magnesium deficiency can cause insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.

4. Abdominal obesity
If you are magnesium deficiency, you are probably carrying extra weight around your mid-section. That's one of the hallmark signs of metabolic syndrome that causes fat to be stored in dangerous areas, such as deep in the abdomen or around the liver, muscle, and heart tissues.

In order to prevent all problems caused by magnesium deficiency in your body, supplements of magnesium is recommended or natural foods that contain high amounts of magnesium such as nuts, legumes, and leafy greens should be eaten regularly. Please consult with your doctor before adding magnesium supplement in your diet.

If you are taking calcium supplements, be sure to check your magnesium levels. Magnesium and calcium intake ratio is 2:1. Otherwise it might increase risk of heart disease.

Secrets to Having a Healthy Heart

There are some obvious tips to keeping a healthy heart. Diet is probably one of the first things you think of, with exercise being the second. There are several other things to consider. Stress can play a huge roll in how healthy your heart is. When trying to maintain your health it is important to consider all factors into the equation. Then you can make a plan to get and remain healthy. The secret to staying healthy is to know what you are doing and how you plan to keep it up. Once you have that figured out then you are all set.

What Your Diet Does For You

A diet for a healthy heart is very important. A low fat diet can protect your heart from dying young. When you reduce fat you are reducing your risk of clogged arteries, stroke, and heart attack. Low fat foods are simple to find and are an easy way to control your diet. Most people do not complain about feeling unsatisfied when they go on a reduced fat diet. Most foods today are geared towards a healthy heart anyway. Another consideration to think about is low sugar. Carbohydrates can cause many issues. The largest common issue is weight gain. Excess carbs leads to being over weight, which comes with a host of other health problems. It can be difficult to cut down on refined sugars, but it can be very beneficial in the long run to your health. The most important thing you can do for your heart is to eat a well balanced diet from all the major food groups.

Exercising Your Heart For Life

A healthy heart is a strong heart. The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle it needs to be exercised to stay toned and healthy. When you do not get proper exercise you can end up with a much weaker heart. Even just small amounts of exercise are enough o help maintain your heart properly. A simple walk or bicycle ride can be just what your heart needs. When you make sure to get enough exercise you are ensuring that your heart is in the best condition it can be in. That will help to keep you feeling great for a long time. A well-exercised heart is one that will serve you well for your whole life.

Stress Reduction Goes A Long Way

Stress is one of the number one ways to fail fast when it comes to your heart. A healthy heart can be greatly affected by surmounting stress. Once the body enters a flight or fight mode it goes through a biological process that can cause organs to eventually fail. Most times you are not eating, sleeping, or taking care of yourself well when under lots of stress. This can weaken the heart tremendously and put you at risk for diseases such as high blood pressure. If you feel you may be under any type of stress, work hard to find out the source and get rid of it. If you cannot just rid yourself of it be sure to have an outlet to be able to cleanse and relax from it.

Natural Remedies For Lowering Cholesterol

There are many people that have been diagnosed with high cholesterol that choose to take their treatment into their own hands. Changing their diet along with adding a regular exercise routine can go a long way to help control high cholesterol levels. There are a number of natural remedies for lowering cholesterol and when you do the proper research you can find many tools that will help you to achieve your cholesterol goals without having to resort to traditional pharmaceutical methods.

Herbs and Natural Nutritional Substances

There are many herbs that are said to be natural remedies for lowering cholesterol. They can be found in any natural market or on many sites online. They are often not expensive and can go a long way in helping you lower your cholesterol in a natural way. Often there are other ingredients contained in a supplement which you are considering, so be sure you speak to your health care provider to ensure that all ingredients will safely interact with any other type of medication you may be taking at present.

The way herbs and natural products work to lower cholesterol is by getting rid of fat in the blood. There has been much research done into which of the herbs and natural remedies work, but science is still unsure about exactly why they work to lower cholesterol as effectively as they do.

Natural Products Shown to Effectively Lower Cholesterol

Chromium is a natural product that has been proven effective in raising the good cholesterol HDL and lowering the LDL or bad cholesterol. Carnitine has shown that it will increase the levels of HDL resulting in an overall cholesterol reduction. B-Vitamins help to control cholesterol levels by decreasing oxidization that is the most damaging to LDL cholesterol.

Adding more fiber to your diet is another important natural substance that can help you to lower your levels of damaging cholesterol. You can incorporate fiber either through diet or fiber supplements. Vegetables and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber and some fruits are as well such as apples.

Coenzyme Q10 has had wonderful effects in total cholesterol reduction. Garlic as well has been touted for its cholesterol lowering effects. Grapeseed extract, red yeast rice, and panthothine are also part of natural remedies for lowering cholesterol. Vitamin C, soy and royal jelly are also good at lowering cholesterol. Royal jelly helps to reduce the effects that nicotine has on cholesterol elevation if you smoke.

What You Can Do ?

Before taking the drastic step of going on a pharmaceutical regime, try some natural alternatives that have proven records of helping to fight and reduce high cholesterol. There are many products available that can do what conventional medication can without the risks. Cholesterol is directly related to good cardiovascular health and finding the right natural supplement to add to your routine will help you to rid your body of dangerous toxins as well as aid in the fight against high cholesterol. Look into the ingredients of many natural supplements and find the ones that specifically target cholesterol health. OC-Max is an excellent product as it has many of the ingredients in one convenient pill to combat high levels of cholesterol.

Knowing All About Cholesterol Blood Tests

If you want to know the level of cholesterol in your blood, you have to go through cholesterol blood test. This test would give you a good estimate of how much cholesterol is present in your system. It is also the test that doctors use as a guide so that they can provide the right type of medications for you. Cholesterol blood test can be performed in most clinics that have the necessary equipments. With the many health centers in operation today, getting your cholesterol tested becomes as easy as buying fruits from a grocer.

And it gets even better still. Right now, there are cholesterol blood test kits that can be bought from pharmacies. These tests can reveal your cholesterol count in a matter of minutes. These at-home tests allow patients to test their cholesterol level whenever they want and where they want, even at the comforts of their own homes. Aside from these kits, there are also devices that can read your cholesterol level, including other information relevant to your condition.

With more and more people getting concerned with their cholesterol count, many are getting alarmed about the increasing instances of heart problems. Heart diseases can strike anybody. It is a disease that is very common to people 50 years old and above. This is because of the fact that at such point in their life, their heart had worked long enough to show signs of wear and tear. The people who failed to take care of their hearts and check their cholesterol levels are the ones who are more likely to develop heart concerns.

Cholesterol is one of the unwanted substances present in the bloodstream. It finds its way inside the body through the foods that you eat. Cholesterol is contained in your meals. And there are foods that are unmistakably rich with cholesterol that when eaten, could elevate your count drastically. It is quite easy to tell yourself not to eat foods high in cholesterol. But actually doing it is the hardest thing. Changing your lifestyle and your diet can't happen overnight. It even takes a lifetime for some people to change a single detail about their life, even if it is as simple as neglecting the food they love eating.

This is where cholesterol blood test comes into play. As these tests are getting more and more accessible, people are slowly getting aware of their condition, enough to leave them alarmed at a certain point. Knowledge of your condition and its implication is very important to motivate yourself to initiate some major changes. This is one of the reasons why taking a cholesterol blood test on a regular basis can help a lot.

When your cholesterol level is checked, the total number of cholesterol shows up. Generally, the ideal number is below 200 mg/dL. That's for people who don't possess any risk of developing heart problems. You might want your number lower if you have history of heart diseases or if any member of your family had suffered from it. The number of LDL or bad cholesterol should be kept below 100 mg/dL. Your HDL level or your level of good cholesterol should be at 40 to 60 mg/dL.

All individuals aged 20 years old and above should regularly go through cholesterol blood test. Checking your cholesterol level once every five years is good enough if you are not diagnosed with any type of heart disease. Of course, it gets more frequent if you are under the direct care of a physician due to heart problems. This test is medically referred to as the lipoprotein profile test. Your doctor should know how to interpret the results and provide you with the right medications, including lifestyle and dietary changes when needed.

Don't go through life with high levels of cholesterol in your blood. Not only that condition can be very risky for you - it can also stop you from living a life like you want it. Eventually, you will feel that you have less tolerance for extraneous activities. And so your movements and your actions get restricted over time. If you have your cholesterol blood test now, heart problems can be diagnosed early on. And at its initial stages, any problem with the functions of the heart can be very treatable. You may not realize it, but this simple test can actually save your life.

Recognizing Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms

Congestive heart failure symptoms, or simply heart failure symptoms, is a condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the normal needs of the body's tissues. It interferes with the kidney's usual function of eliminating excess sodium and other waste from the body. Congestive heart failure can affect either the right side, left side or both sides of the heart. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise, shortness of breath, and swelling. Today, however, there are many effective measures that can be utilized to improve the symptoms, and the survival, of patients with congestive heart failure.

While all cardiac conditions carry similar symptoms of chest pain and difficulty breathing, congestive heart failure has a very specific set of symptoms and lab results, giving doctors a firm set of clues upon which to base a definite diagnosis.

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, coupled with severe edema (when the body retains fluid to the point of holding the imprint of an object that is pressed into the skin for several minutes) are generally the first symptoms pointing to congestive heart failure. It results in the heart not being able to efficiently pump blood throughout the body; as a result, fluid accumulates rather than being removed and causes the body to swell as if it were a water balloon. Non-pitting edema, or fluid retention that does not hold an imprint, is not caused by heart failure and indicates that another diagnosis should be made. The patient may also produce a frothy pink sputum when they cough.

In addition to the symptoms related to the fluid accumulation, general weakness and malaise, particularly during times of physical exertion are frequent symptoms of patients suffering from congestive heart failure, and should not be ignored. This is caused by a lack of nutrients and oxygen from the blood to the body tissues, and can result in permanent damage to the internal organs if they are left without these vital elements for a prolonged period of time. Anuria, or a lack of urination, is also evidential of heart failure as fluid accumulates in the tissues rather than being excreted as normal. Patients may suffer from an altered mental status due to toxins accumulating in the body.

As soon as the physician suspects heart failure based on the physical evidence, blood samples will be sent to the laboratory. BNP, or Beta-natriuretic peptide, is excellent for screening in suspected cases of heart failure. This hormone is produced in greater quantities by the failing heart muscle as fluid levels rise, with a level between one hundred and five hundred pg/mg suggesting congestive heart failure and greater than five hundred being fairly diagnostic; however, an elevated BNP should not be considered to be sufficient evidence upon which to base a decisive diagnosis, as conditions like renal failure, ventricular strain, tumors or hypoxia can also cause BNP levels to rise too. Arterial blood gases may be tested to determine the degree of hypoxemia. A decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, proteinuria (protein in the urine), and a mild azotemia (elevated blood urea level) becomes evident in early to moderate disease. An increased serum creatinine, hyperbilirubinemia (increased bilirubin in the blood) and dilutional hyponatremia (decreased serum sodium levels) are also evidence that the patient is suffering from a more advanced case of heart failure.

Radiology can also perform imaging studies to evaluate the condition of the heart. A chest x-ray will usually reveal cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart) and pleural effusion (fluid around the heart). An echocardiogram is performed to study the internal structures of the heart to evaluate for any structural abnormalities, as in the case of mitral stenosis. This provides confirmation to determine the underlying cause of congestive heart failure, particularly in suspected cases of valvular heart disease.

Physicians are very like detectives, in that once these tests have all been run they will gather these pieces of evidence together to form a fairly accurate picture of the patient's condition, allowing for an accurate diagnosis leading to proper treatment.

Today there are many effective measures that can be used to improve the symptoms, and the survival, of patients with congestive heart failure.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors - 5 Hot Tips on Beating the Odds

The average American is very passive when it comes to dealing with cardiovascular disease. What most people don't realize is that the absence of symptoms does not equate to the presence of health. During the course of practicing in healthcare for 16 years, I observed thousands of patients, some of which had life-threatening cardiovascular problems.

The patients with mild to advanced cardiovascular disease were often too passive about taking the right steps to prevent and reverse the problem. This attitude came from their perception that no symptoms were present. This can be a deadly mistake. By the time symptoms appear (ie. pain, shortness of breath, etc.), a patient can be teetering on the edge of a potential crisis.

It is imperative for everybody to know the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Then, take action to avoid them. Some risk factors can be changed, others can't.

Here are the risk factors and 5 critical tips to overcome them:

The risk factors that can't be changed are: increasing age, gender (men have a greater risk of heart attack than women), and heredity (including race).

The risk factors that can be changed are: tobacco smoke (smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers), high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, Diabetes, response to stress, and excessive alcohol consumption.

1. Be proactive - Whether you have symptoms or not, get a complete physical and have your doctor order a lipid panel on you. This panel will evaluate your triglycerides, lipoprotein levels, and total cholesterol. I've seen many patients who were otherwise healthy in appearance who had dangerously high levels on this panel. Another good test to include with this panel is C-Reactive protein. This test checks for an inflammatory marker in the blood. Being proactive means to take action before symptoms surface. Young men should especially be proactive if they have a family history of cardiovascular disease.

2. Increase physical activity - Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater the benefits. A study was done several years ago where three groups of people performed a regimen of exercise over a period of several months. One group did cardiovascular exercise for one hour, three times per week. The second group did resistance exercise for one hour, three times per week. The third group did one half hour of cardiovascular and one half hour of resistance exercise, three times per week.

At the end of the study the third group showed dramatically superior results to the other two groups. They were not only better conditioned, but their body composition showed the most improvement. Moral of the story - do a combination of cardiovascular and resistance exercises.

3. Balance your diet - We have all heard "eat a balanced diet," but don't get a good explanation of what a balanced diet is. The best way to eat a balanced diet is to maintain a 40/40/20 split with protein, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively. If you are eating an 1,800 calorie per day diet, then you would consume 720 calories of proteins, 720 calories of carbohydrates, and 360 calories from fat. Limit or eliminate fried foods. Include fruits and raw vegetables.

If you are really ambitious, you can follow Jack Lalanne's philosophy. He juices fruits and vegetables several times a week. He eats a lot of fish. His philosophy is, "If man makes it, I don't eat it." In other words, no refined foods.

4. Find an outlet to eliminate stress - My outlet has always been working out with weights or cardiovascular exercise, like bike riding. Physiologically, this releases endorphins (the feel good neurotransmitters). Pick an activity that is fun to you, otherwise you may quit. Examples: Walking, jogging, biking, tennis, raquetball, swimming, etc.

5. Eat healthy chocolate - Yes, you heard right. Dark chocolate has a group of compounds called polyphenols, which are loaded with antioxidants. There is scientific evidence that these polyphenols can reverse and prevent cardiovascular disease, and help other inflammatory conditions as well. My family history includes cardiovascular disease. The scientific proof for dark chocolate was so convincing, I immediately added it to my preventive regimen.

Healthy chocolate is not the same chocolate you get in a candy bar, or at the grocery store. That chocolate has been heated, alkalized, combined with sugars, and fats. It's junk food, and its antioxidants have been destroyed in the heating process. True healthy chocolate is taken from raw cacao and is cold pressed to preserve the polyphenols. Some people even lose weight with healthy chocolate because of the appetite suppressing effect.

Follow these five tips and remember the risk factors mentioned above. Change the ones you can, and don't worry about the ones you can't. If you are unrelenting about prevention, the rewards will be self-evident.

Hypotension - Low Blood Pressure Problem

Blood pressure can have many different effects on a human body. The common problem is high blood pressure, called hypertension. Another problem is having low blood pressure, called hypotension. Hypotension can be serious and it should be taken care of immediately. Low blood pressure can affect the brain and can be dangerous.

Hypotension is often caused by decreased blood volume that is known as hypovolemia. There are different reasons why this can happen. Usually there is a problem with the nervous system in the brain. Some medicines can also cause hypovolemia as a side effect. Because low blood pressure can cause problems with such an important part of the body as brain, hypotension could be even more serious than high blood pressure problem.

One of the more common forms of low blood pressure related to hypotension is orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension. It can occur because of a change in the body's position. Sometimes standing up from a sitting or lying position can briefly lower the blood flow in the body. Because of this, someone can become dizzy, and it happens on a regular basis to some people. More serious type of the syndrome can be brought on by the physical and the psychiatric medications.

Orthostatic hypotension can affect the autonomic nervous system, making it even weaker than it already is. It could be also a sign of a failing autonomic nervous system, maybe because of age or something else.

The less common than orthostatic hypotension is postprandial hypotension and it can occur 30-75 minutes after eating. Digestion of food can send a large dose of the blood to the digestive system and then the autonomic nervous system increases the body's heart rate and finds more blood to pump.

Hypotension and hypertension, affect the body very differently, but they are both cause for concern and should be taken care of immediately.

Unclog Arteries - The Way to Do It

Unclog arteries, how you do it? Does it have to involve a surgery? I think many people prefer to do it naturally. Beside a surgery is very expensive and risky. If you know some natural alternative you can use, then try it. Otherwise, you might want to consider this natural way to unclog arteries for the first attempt.
You may need to know the most common causes of clogged arteries. They are caused by:

* Plaques deposit in our arteries. What cause that? Many professional think that the damage happens in the inner wall of the artery makes our body owns recovery produce a sticky substance in that area, so any cholesterol, fat, calcium, inflammatory cell, waste material, protein, fibrin that flowing in our blood stream will stick and close the damaging area.

Overtime, the plaques get harden and thick cause its inner wall narrow. When they crack, they create the condition that make the blood to clot and can block the circulation. That's when the clogged arteries happen. The tiny pieces of plaque resulted from the crack can also block a smaller vascular.
* Vascular inflammation. When the injury happen in the vascular, the inner wall automatically swells and get thick (known as inflammation, the body's response to an injury) cause the narrowing happen and the plaques to crack that make the clot and the blockage occur.

The facts about the plaque build up:

* The process takes many years and the worse thing it cause no symptoms during the process. They're found in most of the people, especially older people. People look healthy may develop this condition also.
* It usually effects throughout the body, not just only one. It can effect other vital organs such as brain, lungs, and leg.

To unclog arteries, you may need to eliminate the causes like I've just mentioned before. Doing supplementation with systemic enzymes is one way to do it naturally. Systemic enzymes are not a drug. Basically, it supports the enzymes needed by our body in order to function properly, include its own repair mechanism.

Taking particular systemic enzymes specifically for unclog arteries purpose is preferable. According to the manufacturer, this kind of enzyme is able to dissolve the blood clots, excess fibrin, dead tissue, protein, cysts, and eliminates anything that block our arteries. It also has the anti inflammatory effects that help with vascular inflammation issues. Whatever you do, it's better if you consult any of the unclog arteries method you found with a cardiologist.

Top Cholesterol Fighting Foods

It is so incredibly difficult to eat healthy sometimes! Foods can be tricky. Even when you go to the supermarket, you have to stay on the lookout. Read the labels because a lot of the foods that you think look healthy are, in all actuality, not that healthy for you! One of the major health related issues with foods in the United States deals with high levels of cholesterol. While there are plenty of high cholesterol foods out there, there are also plenty of low-cholesterol foods as well. For example, if you have a choice between having scrambled eggs and toast in the morning (which is loaded with cholesterol and carbohydrates), why not choose a healthier alternative like cereal or oatmeal and a banana? Oatmeal is notorious for being a low cholesterol food. Similarly, many cereals are low in cholesterol and high in iron and other good vitamins. Bananas are high in potassium, which is also good for you.

If you are like most Americans you are probably concerned with the amount of cholesterol in your diet. And if your doctor has told you that your cholesterol levels are too elevated you are even more aware of the dangers of high cholesterol and how important it is to work to get those levels down.. Here is a list of the best foods that you can add to your diet to help get those numbers down.

Oatmeal (or oat bran) is a great way to help fight high cholesterol. Adding just a cup and half of cooked oatmeal to your diet per day will give you 6 grams of fiber which plays a vital role in the fight against high cholesterol by blocking cholesterol and making it harder for your intestines to absorb.

Research has shown that fish high in omega 3 fatty acids (or fish oil supplements) can help fight high cholesterol and can also lower the blood pressure and help reduce the chance of blood clots. It is recommended that you have baked fish at least twice a week. Fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, albacore and salmon all have high levels of omega 3 fatty acids to help keep your heart strong and healthy.

Walnuts are quickly becoming a new power food since, according to new research, they are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids which help to combat high cholesterol. A similar effect has also been found when adding almonds to the diet making these nuts a must have food to add to the list. And since you only need 2 grams a day you can easily have them for a snack or toss them in salad or other dish.

Last on our list is Olive Oil, which is loaded with tons of antioxidants that can lower your bad cholesterol without diminishing the good, is another great choice for the low cholesterol diet. You only need about 2 tablespoons a day. It is great for cooking and gives you yet one more simple way to be healthier.

A Sphygmomanometer, What on Earth is That? - Read On

The word comes from the Greek sphygmós (pulse), plus the scientific term manometer (pressure meter). So the gargantuan name is for a gadget that measures blood pressure. The original manual device was invented by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch, so I suppose with a name that long his device would have a long name as well!! In 1896 along came Scipione Riva-Rocci, an Italian physician, who introduced a version that was easier to use.

Blood pressure is a tricky thing. Although it can be easily read by just about anyone, it is open to the interpretation of the operator. To get a really accurate reading you'd have to be quite invasive. This means a device must be inserted into an artery and the blood pressure constantly read. However, the most common way to measure blood pressure is to use the sphygmomanometer, (it's that word again!). A trained medical practitioner would do this because it isn't anything a layperson can do easily. Apart from that, it's very hard to buy one at the chemist!

The cuff, a sort of inflatable tourniquet, is placed around the upper arm, right or left, at roughly the same vertical height as the heart while the subject is seated with the arm supported. The cuff is inflated with a hand pump until the blood flow is stopped. Listening with a stethoscope to the brachial artery at the elbow, the examiner slowly releases the pressure in the cuff with a release valve. As the pressure in the cuffs falls, a "whooshing" or pounding sound is heard, which means that the blood flow has started again. Using the mercury column pressure-measuring device attached to the cuff, the pressure reading at which the blood flow started again is noted as the 'systolic' blood pressure. The cuff pressure is then further released until the "whooshing" sound can no longer be heard and this is recorded as the 'diastolic' blood pressure.

So, if your diastolic has been measured as 70mmhg and your systolic as 120mmhg or 120 over 70 as it is normally called, then top marks, take a bow, your blood pressure is normal. If it is more than 130 over 85, then time to do something about it. Actually, what is 'normal' will vary with age and all sorts of other factors so these figures are only generalisations.

Now, modern science has finally caught up with Herr Ritter Von Basch's invention and we now have the electronic automatic version. It uses a cuff in the same way but all you have to do to take a reading is push a button. Even I can do that! The device will automatically pump up the cuff to blood flow cut off and then release the pressure and take the readings. On the screen it will tell you your blood pressure and heart rate. You buy one at the chemist but it is probably not as accurate as the manual device, because it actually takes an average pulse reading and derives the diastolic and systolic, but it does enable you to have one in the first aid kit and keep a reasonable eye on your own blood pressure whenever you want. Most modern devices will average the last three results, so whenever you want a more accurate reading, do it three times. Easy!

High blood pressure is known as 'the silent killer' because it has no symptoms. One day, without any warning, it will kill you. That is why it is important for everyone to keep an eye on his or her own blood pressure and the easiest way to do that is to buy your own meter. They are not very expensive and are easy to use.

Bleeding Gums Can Cause Heart Problems

Did you know that sore gums, which also bleed, could be an indication that you might have a heart attack? Surprised? It is true. Medical information states that bleeding gums, which is caused by an infection of a certain bacteria that thrives in your mouth as a result of poor hygiene, will cause a heart attack. This is stunning news, as people normally tend to ignore gums problems. Your dentist would advise you to increase the number of daily brushings, as well as recommending that you take adequate supplements of vitamins C and D, as well as the coenzyme Q10.

There is more to the bleeding of gums than the scare of loosing teeth, according to some medical reports. It seems that the same bacteria that cause your gums to bleed could be the same that causes heart attacks. Who would have thought that irregularly brushing your teeth or neglecting a gum inflammation could have such serious repercussions? This is reason enough for anyone to sit up and take adequate measures to prevent gum disease before it becomes a serious health problem.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, you need to learn to recognize the symptoms of gum disease, which usually starts with simple signs like sore gums, oral tissue inflammation and bleeding gums, among others. If you already suffer from such problems, then try treating it at home by increasing the frequency of your brushings, as well as flossing. You would also need to take vitamin supplements, plus a special compound known as coenzyme 10. Most likely, these measures will have your gums healthy in no time. However, in case it does not, you need to make a dental appointment and follow whatever treatment the dentist prescribes.

Who would have connected tooth loss with a heart attack? Amazing as it sounds, it looks like this is true. Ever since it was discovered that the bacteria that causes bleeding gums also causes heart attacks, gum disease treatments have become a high priority. However, instead of looking for treatment, it is always better to look for ways to prevent such a disease, which means better oral hygiene, a better diet and adequate intake of vitamin and coenzyme supplements. Often, all it takes to maintain proper oral health is brushing twice daily, followed by careful flossing.

5 Sure Fire Tips to Reduce Cholesterol

It's unbelievable how little effort doctors put into showing their patients natural ways to lower cholesterol. My doctor gave me a brochure and suggested I change my diet. But no one ever mentioned how easy and straight forward it is to make the changes needed to improve my cholesterol levels.

Most individuals can do this without taking medication at all. Why put synthetic chemicals in your body, when foods and food based supplements can reduce cholesterol without the side effects.

Tip # 1-Lose weight

I know what you are thinking. "That's easier said than done." I agree, but if you follow tips #2 through #5, you will lose weight and it won't be as difficult as you think. Many medical studies have proven that cholesterol levels decrease as weight is lost. Personally, my average cholesterol came down over 20% when I lost 30 pounds.

Most of us need a structured diet plan in order to be successful. I recommend a diet that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and includes a large variety of vegetables.

Tip # 2-Increase your fiber intake

You can find dozens of foods and supplements on the internet that are said to reduce cholesterol. They range from red rice yeast to gugullipid to soy. But the most effective natural ways to lower cholesterol are the tried and true. It has long been known that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol. There is no question about it. The American Heart Association recommends adding both soluble and insoluble fiber to your diet. Some of the best sources of soluble fiber are oat and rice bran, fruits, and green vegetables. Nutritional supplements that include flax and psyllium also have a proven positive effect on cholesterol.

Tip #3-Cut back on saturated fats

In western cultures, the major sources of saturated fats are red meat and deep fried foods. For individuals who want to reduce cholesterol, it is recommended to limit red meat consumption to one meal each week and avoid deep fried foods like fried chicken completely.

Snacks such as potato and tortilla chips are also very high in saturated fats, but by substituting baked varieties it is possible to cut back on the saturated fats. Baked tortilla chips and salsa makes a very satisfying snack.

Tip #4-Exercise

Yes, everyone knows they should be getting more exercise, but few follow through with it. If you are serious about using natural ways to reduce cholesterol, this should be part of your plan. I recommend increasing your exercise little by little. Park further away when shopping so you have to walk across the parking lot. Walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Having said this, the truth is that you will need to work up to regular aerobic exercise before it will help reduce cholesterol. Twenty to thirty minutes, 3 or 4 days a week of moderate exercise is what it will take.

Tip #5-Nutritional Supplements

While cholesterol can be lowered with only dietary changes and exercise, you will find that one of the best natural ways to lower cholesterol is with nutritional supplements. In fact, unless you are able to dedicate several hours each week to exercise, you will receive more benefit to reduce cholesterol levels from nutritional supplements than from exercise. Just don't make it a reason not to exercise.

Now it's time to start putting these natural ways to lower cholesterol to work. You will be amazed to see how quickly you reduce cholesterol. At the same time you will begin to feel better and have more energy.

Lowering LDL Cholesterol the Natural Way

Let's start with the obvious.

DIET

If you start out with a healthy diet, which consists mostly of lean protein sources, vegetables that grow above the ground, and fruit, that will help. In addition to a basically healthy diet, to control cholesterol most experts counsel avoiding eating red meat and animal fat in general. For example, if you eat the breast of birds such as chickens and turkeys instead of the legs and thighs, you will eat less animal fat. You can also avoid animal fat by not eating the skin.

Now, if your cholesterol problems are diet based, eating a healthy diet will probably solve the problem. If not, then you might need to look into some sort of supplement to help you control your cholesterol levels.

I assume if you're reading this article, you've already ruled out statin drugs because they are carcinogenic and often have side effects such as muscle pain and weakness, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, slurred speech, balance problems, memory loss, liver problems, sexual dysfunction, personality changes and irritability.

Fortunately, there are less destructive and expensive alternatives available.

NIACIN

Niacin has been known to lower cholesterol since the 1950s. Of particular interest is a comparative study between Lovastatin (a popular statin drug) and Niacin. 136 patients with high cholesterol were randomly assigned either Lovastatin or Niacin over a 26 week period. Although the Lovastatin initial lowered LDL cholesterol more quickly than the Niacin, by the end of the study, there was not a whole lot of difference, with Lovastatin lowering LDL by 32% and Niacin lowering LDL by 23%.

But where Niacin really shines is in increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) and lowering Lp(a), a lipoprotein which is highly predictive of heart disease. By the end of the study, Niacin had increased HDL by 33% and lowered Lp(a) by 35%, compared to 7% and 0% for Lovastatin, respectively.

However, there are some problems with Niacin. It causes unpleasant flushing and can impair blood sugar control in diabetics. Worse, if using sustained-release Niacin, almost half of users develop liver toxicity, although it should be noted that if using regular Niacin, there is little danger of liver toxicity.

Fortunately, there is a form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate, which has been used in Europe for many years to control cholesterol levels.

INOSITOL HEXANIACINATE

Inositol hexaniacinate's side effects are minimal and it works even better than regular niacin, according to a study comparing the effect of niacin and inositol hexaniacinate on hyperlipidemic Buscat rabbits (The role of nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate as anticholesterolemic and antilipemic agents. Nutr Reports Int 1983;28:899-911). The inositol hexaniacinate caused a 79.5 % reduction in cholesterol while niacin caused a 74.9% reduction. Better yet, inositol hexaniacinate caused a 63.2% triglyceride reduction, compared to a 30.9% reduction for regular niacin.

This same correlation was found by Welsh and Ede (Inositol hexanicotinate for improved nicotinic acid therapy, Int Record Med 1961;174:9-15).

If you plan to take inositol hexaniacinate to lower your cholesterol, experts recommend that you start out with 500 mg, 3 times a day with meals for 2 weeks. If you tolerate that okay, they suggest upping the dosage to 1000 mg, 3 times a day with meals. Although inositol hexaniacinate appears to have little in the way of side effects, it might still be prudent to have your doctor test your cholesterol levels and liver enzymes with a frequency of every 3 months, at the very least.

Like regular niacin, inositol hexaniacinate is not recommended for use by diabetics, because it can interfere with blood sugar metabolism.

Given inositol hexaniacinate's effectiveness, that's probably a good choice to try first. However, if you cannot tolerate inositol hexaniacinate, there are more options you can try.

PANTETHINE

Pantethine, a stable form of vitamin B5, inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. In a one-year clinical trial conducted with 24 patients, pantethine was shown to decrease LDL (the bad cholesterol) by 21% and increase HDL (the good cholesterol) by 23%, with virtually no toxicity (Effectiveness of long-term treatment with pantethine in patients with dyslipidemia, Clin Ther. 1986;8(5):537-45).

The dosage of pantethine usually recommended for cholesterol management by experts is 300 mg, 3 times a day.

VITAMIN C

It has been shown that the higher the level of vitamin C in the blood, the lower the total cholesterol count and the higher the HDL (the good cholesterol) is (High plasma vitamin C associated with high plasma HDL- and HDL2 cholesterol, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 60, 100-105).

In particular, for every increase of .5 mg/dl in vitamin C plasma content, there was a corresponding increase in HDL of 2.1 mg/dl in men and 14.9 mg/dl in women.

Many experts recommend taking 2000 mg of vitamin C a day as general nutritional insurance. That should be plenty for cholesterol control purposes as well.

GARLIC

Believe it or not, garlic has a substantial effect on cholesterol levels, but you would need between 1 to 4 cloves of fresh garlic a day to achieve a significant therapeutic result. Fortunately, the compounds in garlic responsible for its therapeutic benefit can be isolated in pill form.

However, in order to be effective, the supplement must supply the equivalent of 4,000 mg of fresh garlic, not aged garlic. Aged garlic has been proven not to be as effective (A double-blind crossover study in moderately hypercholesterolemic men that compared the effect of aged garlic extract and placebo administration on blood lipids, Am J Clin Nutr. 1996 Dec;64(6):866-70).

On the other hand, a study done at the Clinical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana showed that treatment with standardized fresh garlic of 900 mg a day resulted in a drop of 11% in LDL (the bad cholesterol) (Can garlic reduce levels of serum lipids? A controlled clinical study, Am J Med. 1993 Jun;94(6):632-5).

So, if you wanted similar results, you could either take 900 mg a day of a standardized fresh garlic supplement or 1 to 4 cloves or fresh garlic a day.

GUGULIPID

Gugulipid is extracted from the mukul myrrh tree, which is native to India. It appears to get it's cholesterol lowering effects from increasing the liver's metabolism of LDL (the bad cholesterol).

In a double blind study of 125 patients comparing the effect of gugulipid with the cholesterol lowering drug clofibrate over a period of 12 weeks, the gugulipid group lowered their LDL (the bad cholesterol) by 11% and the clofibrate group by 10% (Clinical trials with gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent, J Assoc Physicians India. 1989 May;37(5):323-8). While HDL (the good cholesterol) was unchanged in the clofibrate group, the gugulipid group typically increased HDL levels by between 16%-20%.

With purified gugulipid preparations, there are no significant side effects. Experts recommend a standardized extract of gugulipid containing 25 mg of guggulsterone per 500 mg tablet, 3 times a day for elevated cholesterol.