HIGH CHOLESTEROL TREATMENT

More that a million Americans die of heart disease each year. One of the major causes of this heart disease the high cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol plays a central role in many biochemical processes, but is best known for the association of cardiovascular disease with high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Konrad Bloch and Feodor Lynen shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1964 for their discoveries concerning the mechanism and regulation of the cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism.

Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol) and a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues. It is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. The average amount of blood cholesterol varies with age, typically rising gradually until one is about 60 years old.

In recent years, the somewhat imprecise term “bad cholesterol” has been used to refer to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) which, according to the lipid hypothesis, is thought to have harmful actions, and “good cholesterol” to refer to HDL (high-density lipoprotein), thought to have beneficial actions.

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testing methods determine LDL (”bad”) and HDL (”good”) cholesterol separately, this simplistic view has become somewhat outdated.

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

Conditions with elevated concentrations of oxidized LDL particles are associated with fatty deposits forming on the walls of arteries, a condition known as Arteriosclerosis, which is considered the principal cause of coronary heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease.

In contrast, however, if LDL particle number is low and a large percentage of the HDL particles are high, then fatty deposits forming on the walls of the arteries are usually low, and can even be negative, for any given total cholesterol concentration.

Cholesterol is found in animal fats: all food containing animal fats contains cholesterol. Plants have trace amounts of cholesterol, so even a Vegan diet, which includes no animal foods, has traces of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is not necessarily dietary in origin, it can be turned into cholesterol by the liver from unburned food metabolites. The liver converts unburned food metabolites into very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and secretes them into plasma where they are converted to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and fatty acids, which can affect other body cells. There appear to be seasonal variations in cholesterol levels in humans because of the unburned food metabolites the amount of cholesterol is higher in winter.

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it regulates membrane fluidity over a wider range of temperatures. Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile (which stored in the gallbladder and helps digest fats), and is also important for the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K.

Cardiologists suggest that the public need to change its diet. To reduce cholesterol levels by lowering saturated animal fats and increasing polyunsaturated fats. Lowering cholesterol is a good start but it is far from all that is needed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

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

by David Cowley

SIDE EFFECT OF BLOOD PRESSURE

All blood pressure medication should lower blood pressure but in addition they can produce some undesirable side effects. Medication alter basic body functions not only in the blood vessels but in the nervous system and kidneys as well. Because all of the systems in the body are interconnected even drugs that effect only one type of molecule in the body will produce some type of side effect.

Beta Blockers:

A common type of blood pressure medication like beta blockers are used to control cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heart beat. Beta blockers limit the ability of the heart to beat faster and as a result they reduce the ability of a person to exercise. Fatigue and the ability to react to the basic flight or fight response during an emergency situation is severely reduced. In June of 2006 the United Kingdom downgraded the use of beta-blockers for the elderly because of the increased risk of provoking type 2 diabetes. Other drugs were found to be much better in controlling high blood pressure.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:

Lisinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to lower blood pressure by decreasing certain chemicals in the blood that tighten the blood vessels. In other words, lisinopril will dilate the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently using less pressure. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure and to improve the survival rate after a heart attack. The most common side effect of Lisinopril is a violent, non-productive cough, dizziness, fatigue and flue like symptoms. Another side effect, though not very common but it is dangerous is a pounding or uneven heartbeat.

Diuretics:

Diuretics are used to treat blood pressure problems by stimulating the kidneys to flush excess fluid and sodium from the human body. Less blood volume allows the heart to move the blood easier throughout the body. Loss of potassium, dry mouth and dehydration are the most common side effects of diuretics.

Calcium Channel Blockers:

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) keeps the blood vessels and heart from absorbing calcium which causes the blood vessels to relax. Calcium causes the heart to contract and the blood vessels to contract. CCBs are also used to slow the heart rate and are used for treating an abnormally rapid heart rate. The most common side effect of calcium channel blockers are headache, nausea, constipation, rash, dizziness and fluid retention.

Alpha Blockers:

Alpha blockers stop certain nerve impulses to the blood vessels causing the vessels to relax. Alpha blockers stop a natural hormone called nor-epinephrine from stimulating the muscles in the walls of the of the smaller blood vessels. The most common side effect of alpha blockers is low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, pounding heart beat, nausea, fatigue, fluid retention and an increase of the cholesterol levels in the blood. Some alpha blockers can increase the risk of heart failure with long term use.

Vasodilators:

Vasodilators directly cause the muscles in the blood vessels walls to relax thus preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls of the blood vessels from narrowing. Side effects of vasodilators are headache, nasal congestion, chest pain, rapid hear beat, pounding heart beat, fluid retention and dizziness. Long term use increase the risk of developing a connective tissue disease called lupus.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with high blood pressure such as diuretics, copper, vitamin B, vitamin A, Quercitin, Potassium, Lecithin and Iron.

Natural diuretics are contained in cranberries, anything that has caffeine and apple cider vinegar. Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumbers contain a lot of water and will help increase urination. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.

There is strong evidence that trace mineral Copper is vital to the tensile strength of the coronary blood vessels.

Vitamin B taken together as a team perform vital biological processes including aiding in the healing process for congestive heart failure and reduces fluid retention. It is required for the development of red blood cells.

Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers high blood pressure.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.

Potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.

Lecithin has the potential to protect against fat clogged arteries when take daily.
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying substance in red blood cells. Iron is vital for the production of blood by the bone marrow. The single most common cause of anemia is the lack of Iron.

Lifestyle changes can also lower the risk of medical emergencies do to arteriosclerosis. Quit smoking, eat healthy foods, weight loss and get regular exercise. This treatment is often problematic for many to achieve and continue for the long term.

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

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

by David Cowley

A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

I am one of the millions of people who find it very difficult to control their weight. I have tried many weight loss programs and am always actively searching for more. This was until a couple of years ago when I stumbled across something quite unique, a weight loss program which does actually work. I am finally, after all of those depressive years, able to walk down the street feeling confident about the way I look. In this article, I am going to write about this successful weight loss program in the hope that it can inspire other people to also reach their dream weight.

I used to hate being obese, yes that is correct I was not just fat, I was obese. I saw it as one vicious circle, I would feel sorry for myself and would then turn to food as a way of comfort. I have spent many a night sitting in front of the television eating from a huge tub of ice-cream. I would only plan to eat perhaps a quarter of the contents but would always end up eating the lot. This of course would only lead to an increase in weight and boy did I feel guilty the next morning. I was forever beating myself up.

I could not continue to live my life in this way and was quite fortunate to receive some quality advice via a good friend. He told me about the way in which he had managed to lose his excess weight.

This was his plan, I needed to write down everything that I ate. I was allowed to have five treats in the week and had to be disciplined not to go over this level.

I also had to exercise for an hour a day, this to me seemed to be the flaw as I am not one for exercising.

I could not believe how much food I was eating and by writing it all down taught me a huge lesson. The exercise was actually quite enjoyable and an hour is not exactly that long.

After around six months my hard work and determination had certainly paid off and I was a whole new man.

by blueboy

STEP TO WEIGHT LOSS

Your best chance for losing weight and keeping it off is to use a personalized weight loss plan. Researchers have found that most people who lose weight and keep it off have followed their own combination of rules, rather than following one standard diet. The idea is to create a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain by forming better habits.

The following six steps will provide a solid framework for your own weight loss plan. Read it over and insert the specifics that best fit YOU and your lifestyle.

1. You need to begin with motivation and commitment to change.

Put aside the “wanting” and “wishing” to lose weight. Make the decision to lose the weight and create a healthy life. Commit to doing your best and focus on what you will gain by losing weight.

2. You need support in some form. Seek out your supporters, request their help and let them know specifically what they can do to assist you.

You may find support from a family member, friend or co-worker, but there are other sources for support, too. Do not despair if someone in your life doesn’t jump forward with support for you. Ask others to join you, find a weight loss buddy online, or begin posting to a weight loss message board. My personal favorite: hire a life coach and have support focused entirely on wonderful you!

3. Journaling (or blogging), taking notes, keeping a food diary, even designing charts, are all great opportunities to see progress, patterns, and confront issues head-on.

Personally, I kept a blog as I lost weight. At first I kept it as a personal journal, but I eventually opened it up to the public. It helped to keep me inspired knowing that others were reading and looking to me for support. I encourage you to choose the method that fits you best and do it as frequently or infrequently as you desire. Allow it to change as your needs or abilities change.

4. Keep it healthy by making good food choices.

Don’t follow fad diets, starvation diets, or allow yourself to be pulled in by the promise of quick and easy weight loss by pills and such. Your healthy diet should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, heart-healthy fats, lean meats (or soy), and at least eight glasses of water a day.

5. To lose weight you need to burn more calories than you take in.

You do not have to jump into a big exercise program to do this. You can build extra movement into your daily routine. Take an extra trip up the stairs; park towards the back of the parking lot; walk around the mall before you actually begin shopping, get up and move during TV commercials… When you are ready, you can begin more formal exercise.

6. Begin with baby steps and keep moving!

Small steps allow you to move toward your goal in a steady manner. To get started, you may add one glass of water to your day, or exercise thru one set of commercials. Don’t worry if your steps seem very small. They can be guaranteed successes that encourage you to do more. Find steps that will move you forward and don’t worry about making major changes at first. If you try to do too much, too soon, it can cause burn-out, overwhelment, despair, and cravings. Easy, no-fail steps add up quickly and before too long you could be ready for major leaps.

Are you ready to create a healthy life? Take your first step today.

by Stephanie Griffin