Help Understanding Cholesterol

          High cholesterol is an elevated problem that is plaguing our society today. Chances are that either you  yourself or someone that you know is suffering from high cholesterol problems. In our society there are    publicized prescription medications and doctor recommended foods everywhere you look that are said to lower  cholesterol but the side effects are more than some can handle. The thought today is while fixing one ailment  we will not give ourselves another. Alternative methods to lower cholesterol are available and they have but  only one side effect…better health and well-being. Nutrition and lifestyle habits can not only aid in the battle of  high cholesterol but also help to increase your bodies’ entire well-being and induce optimal function and      performance by potentially eliminating the source of the underlying problem.

      Cholesterol is a lipid found in the bloodstream and in each cell of the body. Cholesterol is primarily made in the liver or is contained is some foods. It travels through the bloodstream using a transporter called a lipoprotein. Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it helps to develop some hormones and cell membranes. Cholesterol is a needed substance in the body and plays important roles unfortunately; excessive cholesterol can be dangerous to ones health.

      There are two major forms of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the body is able to excrete it. HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because a high HDL level seems to protect against heart attack by carrying LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where again it is able to be excreted from the body. LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood where it can slowly build upforming plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog the walls of the arteries that supply the heart and brain with blood. If a clot were to form near this plaque, it can block the flow of blood to part of the heart and cause a heart attack. If a clot blocks the blood flow to part of the brain, a stroke can result.

      Another problem pertaining to cholesterol is oxidative damage. If oxygen is able to damage, the cholesterol the immune system will identify it as a danger and attack it with a defense cell called a microphage. The microphage that consumed oxidized LDL fat will then become foamy. A foamy microphage occurs when oxidized LDL fat distorts the microphages ability to stop engulfing fats when full, resulting in an overloaded, bloated cell. When the microphage becomes bloated with fat, it becomes foamy. The foamy microphage is no longer able to function properly. The foamy microphages then refuse to leave the arterial wall and eventually stick together to form a clot. When the clot becomes large, it will begin to restrict the blood flow to the heart and a heart attack will likely occur.

      There are other forms of fats including all saturated fats, oils used for frying and hydrogenated fats that are that are all categorized as bad for you. These examples of fats can contribute to the increase of cholesterol, weight gain and ultimately heart disease. Examples of good fats would contain substances called EPA’s and DHA’s. Fish oils containing the omega vitamins have proven beneficial. Good fats have shown the ability to lower elevated cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

      There are quite a few opinions in regards to cholesterol issues. One major source of information about cholesterol is the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association has some good opinions and suggestions about dealing with heart disease and cholesterol issues. Their website states known facts about good and bad cholesterols as well as other fats. They suggest a diet low in fatty foods, proper nutrition and exercise are all key elements to reduce or prevent problems associated with high cholesterol. Another informative opinion is the book The Optimum Nutrition Bible written by Patrick Holford. In this book, Holford explains a breakdown on cholesterol and his own key factors in reduction and prevention. Holford emphasized the need for cholesterol balance by way of a supplement program. Holford believes by not smoking and using a combination of supplements and diet that the cholesterol lowering result will be faster then conventional methods. The book Staying Healthy with Nutrition by Elson Haas, is one more opinion that is informative. Haas believes that a proper diet alone is capable of lowering cholesterol levels by thirty percent or more. Haas also suggests supplementing a few nutrients to enhance the lower ability of the diet.

      The dietary recommendations for reducing cholesterol are a great natural way to secure your ability and life long commitment to avoid potential health risks. Decreasing total fats including cholesterol and saturated fats is important. Decreasing salt, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol is just as important. Increasing essential fatty acids, along with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and complex carbohydrates and an emphasis on adding fiber to the diet is a great way to balance cholesterol levels. The use of psyllium husks, oat bran and supplemental nutrients should also be added to the balancing plan. The recommendations for increasing HDL cholesterol are regular aerobic exercise, weight loss and no smoking. There are herbs that show great cholesterol benefits including cayenne, basil and pectin that you can easily add into your daily routine.

      Supplemental Nutrients

      These supplement amounts are not intended for children. Children who may be experiencing high cholesterol can take precautionary measures through a modified food plan to decrease their risks to cardiovascular health. Your physician may modify the stated recommendations for a supplement program. You should always consult with your primary care provider before starting any program especially if you are currently taking any medication. Some people may need prescription medication if their symptoms persist or become dangerously high risk.

      This plan along with proper rest, adequate exercise and stress control can help lower cholesterol levels in the body. Alternative methods to lower cholesterol are as you see, readily available. This nutrition and lifestyle plan will help induce optimal function and performance by potentially eliminating the source of the underlying problem. Getting ahead of the cholesterol problem is a step in the right direction.

 Citations

• (2007, September 11).  About Cholesterol . Retrieved November
       16, 2007 from American Heart Association Web site:
       http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3046103

• Holford, P. (1999). The optimum nutrition bible / Patrick Holford. London: Piatkus.

• Haas, E. M., & Levin, B. (2006). Staying healthy with nutrition the complete guide to diet and nutritional medicine. Berkeley: Celestial Arts.

• Weil, A. (1995). Natural health, natural medicine a comprehensive manual for wellness and self-care. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

• Rector-Page, L. G. (2002). Linda Page’s healthy healing a guide to self-healing for everyone. [California]: Traditional Wisdom.

• Mowrey, D. B. (1986). The scientific validation of herbal medicine how to remedy and prevent disease with herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Lehi, UT: Cormorant Books.