1. Minimize the use of grains, , even whole grains. The reason for this is that even cooked whole grains are starchy and will cause a spike in sugar levels, thus needing to dump more insulin.

2. Use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil when cooking., It is the most stable at high temperatures and will not turn to transfat, a very deadly form of fat. Coconut oil has many benefits including the fact that it is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Although it is a saturated fat, it is a healthy fat that will not promote artery clogging.

3. Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil on salads., It’s great to mix this with lemon juice or even vinegar. Vinegar has been shown to slash blood sugar in studies, so go ahead and use it as well.

4. Eat avocados., We all need good fats in our diets, and avocados are one of the best. If you don’t like them, start trying to acquire a taste for them. I never liked them, but I eat them in salads a lot now just because I know how good they are for you. Not only do they help lower cholesterol, but they will help to slow the release of sugar in the body and accordingly, this will help with controlling insulin.

5. Get moving!, Exercise is one of the best ways to get control of insulin levels. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, get moving. I personally LOVE the mini-trampoline. I jump every morning while watching my favorite preachers (Paula White, or Joyce Meyer or Creflo Dollar), on TV. Jumping while you watch TV is a great way to keep your mind busy, while moving your body. You will get the blood circulating, get the toxins stirred up to be carried out, and you’ll have more energy to boot! Be sure to do a little stretching afterwards.

If you would like in implementing these and other strategies, don’t hesitate to contact me for your Free “Get Acquainted” Session today!, Again, I’m looking forward to hearing how I can support you.

As the Founder and Executive Director of “Natural Whole Health, LLC”, Lisa Buldo has a calling on her life to teach people how to be healthy through Nutrition and God’s Word together. God wants each of us to be healthy and whole, which means nothing missing and nothing broken.

The company offers Individual, Group, and Corporate Workshops, as well as a selected series of lectures, in order to assist others in bringing health and balance to their lives by embracing simple solutions to health, nutrition, and lifestyle challenges.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – 5 Great Health Tips for Type II Diabetes

The biggest culprit of high cholesterol is undoubtedly our daily diet. A diet high in saturated fat is a sure fire way to increase LDL cholesterol and put ourselves at risk for heart disease, clots, stroke and, left untreated, even death.

It is essential that you not only learn how to lower LDL cholesterol, but you incorporate what you learn into your daily life.

Modifying your daily diet to reduce foods high in saturated fats, like dairy products and red meats, will definitely help lower cholesterol. Biscuits, cakes, cheese, spreads, pork, beef, lamb etc., when overused, contribute to high cholesterol.

Adding more fruits, vegetables and foods like peas, beans and oat bran, which are rich in dietary fibre, will all answer the how to lower LDL cholesterol question.

Adding or increasing physical exercise is another natural way to lower bad cholesterol. Start off slowly, especially if you have not exercised for a while. The worse thing you can do is go off all guns blazing on some mad exercise routine! For one, you will never sustain this, and two, you will probably injure yourself.

Our bodies need nutrients, and what with all the health scares we have had, bird flu, swine flu, mad cow disease, to name but a few, we are no longer certain of what nutrients we are really getting in our daily diet.

To this end, when I carried out my in depth research on how to lower LDL cholesterol, as a long time sufferer of high cholesterol, I specifically looked into what natural supplements were available to aid this process and sustain it long term.

Any natural supplement used to lower cholesterol, absolutely, without doubt, must have the best of the best of proven nutrients. This is absolutely imperative. There are so many gimmicky supplements out there on the marketplace, which fail to deliver on how to lower LDL cholesterol, and in some cases, cause adverse side effects in other areas of our bodies.

LDL cholesterol is not something to be messed around with or ignored. It is serious. The question is, how serious are you about dealing with it?

The liver is the main processing center for cholesterol. When we eat animal fats, the liver returns the cholesterol it can not use to our bloodstream and when there is too much cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream, it can build up into fatty deposits. These deposits cause the arteries to narrow and can eventually block the arteries completely, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and it is also made by most cells in the body. It is carried around in the blood by lipoproteins. We need blood cholesterol because the body uses it to build the structure of cell membranes, to produce hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and estrogen and to aid the metabolism.

Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad, the difference between them is:

• Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol called the bad cholesterol because it goes into the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.
• High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol called the good cholesterol because it helps to take the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Cholesterol is transported towards peripheral tissues by the lipoproteins chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
Risks associated with high triglycerides.

According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), or more correctly, higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of functional HDL are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease because these promote atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). High cholesterol has also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Both heredity and diet have a significant influence on a person’s LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks, and strokes.

Cholesterol in the bile can crystallize to form gall stones that may block the bile ducts. Cholesterol count also rises during pregnancy.

However, in recent years, scientists have come to realise that to decide whether an individual’s cholesterol levels are dangerous, these levels need to be considered in the light of the person’s overall risk of heart disease.The higher the risk of heart disease (for example, a male smoker with high blood pressure and diabetes), the greater the need to get cholesterol levels down.

Cholesterol tests
Cholesterol testing is recommended as a screening test to be done on all adults at least once every five years.

Foods that contain cholesterol
The cholesterol in your diet comes mainly from the saturated fats found in animal products. All foods from animals contain some cholesterol. Foods from plants do not contain cholesterol. Other sources of dietary cholesterol are full fat dairy foods, eggs and some seafood.

Safe blood cholesterol levels
Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5mmols per liter. Approximately 50 per cent of adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5mmols per liter. This makes high blood cholesterol a major health concern in Australia.

How to lower high cholesterol
The best way to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in your diet is to limit foods high in saturated fats. Try to avoid: Fatty meats , full fat dairy products, processed meats like salami and sausages, snack foods like chips, most takeaway foods, especially deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits and pastries.

However the most important thing you can do to reduce your cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should try to:

• Limit the amount of cholesterol-rich foods you eat.
• Increase the amount and variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods you have each day.
• Choose low or reduced fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products or have added calcium soy drinks.
• Choose lean meat (meat trimmed of fat or labeled as heart smart).
• Limit fatty meats, including sausages and salami, and choose leaner sandwich meats like turkey breast or cooked lean chicken.
• Have fish (fresh or canned) at least twice a week. Replace butter and dairy blends with polyunsaturated margarines.
• Include foods in your diet that are rich in soluble fiber and healthy fats, such as nuts, legumes and seeds.
• Limit cheese and ice cream to twice a week

Some studies have suggested that eating oats and legumes may lower LDL cholesterol. Food components like saponins (found in chickpeas, alfalfa sprouts and other foods) and sulphur compounds (like allicin found in garlic and onions) may also have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

Plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels,these are found naturally in plant foods including sunflower and canola seeds, vegetable oils and (in smaller amounts) in nuts, legumes, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Some margarine has concentrated plant sterols added to it. Plant sterol enriched margarines may help to lower LDL cholesterol.

Treatment for high cholesterol
Treatment of high cholesterol is aimed at lowering the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol.

Treatment will be most effective if it also includes appropriate diet, weight loss (if necessary) and physical activity.

The first steps in treating high cholesterol levels are: Regular physical activity and healthy eating.

There are also some foods that may help to lower cholesterol levels, particularly garlic, soya, oats, corn and selenium-enriched cereals.

Cholesterol-lowering foods are not suitable for children under five years or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Medication :Statin drugs work by interfering with the cholesterol-producing mechanisms of the liver and by increasing the capacity of the liver to remove cholesterol from circulating blood. Statins can lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 60 percent, depending on the drug and dosage.

Nowadays, total cholesterol doesn’t really matter as much as the breakdown of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

[adsense]Think of LDL as the “bad” cholesterol that deposits cholesterol in your arteries, while HDL is the “good” cholesterol that comes through like a broom, clearing it out. Maintaining healthy levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol continues to be a prime focus in the prevention of heart disease.

Statin drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor have proven effective, but their potential side effects have prompted some people to seek more natural approaches to reduce cholesterol levels.

Red yeast rice is one such alternative. Supplementing with 1,200 milligrams twice daily can lower LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 33 percent. But since red yeast rice contains substances similar to statin drugs, it has the potential to cause similar side effects, including elevated liver enzymes and muscle pain. Supplementation should be monitored by a physician.

Niacin is another compound that occurs naturally. It can raise HDL cholesterol considerably, often with better results than prescription drugs. It also reduces LDL cholesterol, although less significantly. As with red yeast, high-dose niacin can result in altered blood sugar levels and elevated liver enzymes, so physician monitoring is essential.

Sterols and stanols are two more drug-free options to improve cholesterol levels. These plant-based compounds block the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract, which helps to lower total and LDL cholesterol with a minimal effect on HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Sterols and stanols are sold in supplement form or as an ingredient in foods such as yogurt drinks (Promise Super Shots) and buttery spreads (Benecol and Promise active), with a recommended dose of 2 to 3 grams daily.

If opting for fortified foods, be sure to account for the extra calories added, using these products in place of other drinks or spreads.

Soluble fiber can also help block fat and cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream, translating to a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. For maximum benefit, aim for at least 10 to 25 grams of soluble fiber per day, if not more. Gradually increase your fiber intake (and drink plenty of fluids) to minimize intestinal discomfort.

It’s not hard to find soluble fiber in food. Cheerios gets much of the glory as a cholesterol-lowering cereal. It’s a good option, but it’s not your only option: Single servings of Quaker Oat Bran cold cereal and All-Bran Bran Buds cold cereal have 2 and 3 grams of soluble fiber, respectively, compared to Cheerios’ single gram of soluble fiber.

Hot oatmeal and oat bran also have 2 to 3 grams of soluble fiber per serving. Same goes for a half-cup serving of legumes such as red beans or black beans. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide 1 to 3 grams per serving. Ground psyllium (the main ingredient in Metamucil) ranks highest, with more than 6 grams of soluble fiber per tablespoon.

It’s important to be aware of the difference between soluble fiber and other types of fiber. All fiber has various health benefits, but it’s primarily soluble fiber that helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Soy protein is another natural option that may modestly reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, particularly when consumed in place of other (often higher-fat) protein sources.

Aim for at least 25 grams of soy protein daily, with common sources including soy protein powder, soy milk, and soy-based cereals and meat substitutes.

[relatedposts]Along with nutritional improvements, maintaining a healthy weight will help to improve your cholesterol and triglyceride levels (just one more reason to shed those extra pounds).

Exercising at least 30 minutes on most days will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and can also raise your good HDL cholesterol levels.

Keep in mind that even natural supplements can have side effects, including interactions with medications. Always check with your physician and pharmacist before beginning any supplement regime.

Molly Kimball is a registered dietitian in New Orleans. She can be reached at eatingright@timespicayune.com

In a new book, Jennifer McLagan questions scientific basis for the low-fat diet and opens up our menus

Fat finds itself in and out of fashion more frequently than flares and leggings. One minute we are being urged to avoid it and told that very low-fat diets are the way to go; the next we are encouraged to gorge on it, Atkins-style. Throughout fat’s fluctuating popularity, there has been one constant: that saturated animal fats are bad, bad, bad for the heart and we consume too much of them at our peril. But is even this accepted wisdom a big fat lie? That is the case argued in a controversial new book by a leading Canadian chef and food expert. She suggests that saturated fat’s killer reputation is wholly undeserved.

In Fat: An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient, with Recipes, Jennifer McLagan not only questions the scientific basis for a low-fat diet, but argues that many of our health woes have arisen from our attempts in recent years to cut down on butter, lard, suet and other saturated animal fats. She argues we should be eating more, not less, of them. “You can’t live without fat,” she says. “It gives us energy and boosts the immune system. Some fats have antimicrobial properties, others lower bad cholesterol. Your brain is made of fat and cholesterol, as are the membranes of your cells.”

McLagan claims that much of the bad rap surrounding saturated fat stems from flawed studies that were carried out between the 1950s and 1970s, mostly by the American physiologist Ancel Keys. It was Keys who first came up with what is known as the diet-heart hypothesis, after some of his research showed that a high intake of animal fat not only raised cholesterol levels but was strongly linked to heart attacks. His findings prompted medical experts around the world to change dietary recommendations to those that are still heavily promoted today: in short, cut down on animal fats for the sake of your heart.

Certainly, it is almost impossible to find nutrition health campaigns that advocate eating more animal fat. Even those behind the Atkins diet, who once encouraged followers to eat fatty foods, are now promoting a toned-down plan, with more lean meat and fish than sausages, cheese and bacon. Recent research into what has been dubbed the “eco-Atkins” approach at the University of Toronto showed that a low-carbohydrate diet in which animal protein was replaced by vegetable sources, such as soy, wheat (gluten) and nuts, not only reduced weight but lowered blood pressure and cholesterol more effectively than other diets. “We took out the saturated fat and cholesterol and put in vegetarian protein sources,” says Dr David Jenkins, a professor of nutritional sciences, who led the research. “We know that nuts lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, and soy is eaten in the Far East, where they don’t get much heart disease. So these foods can be put together as protein and fat sources.”

However, there are many who remain sceptical about fat’s role in heart disease, claiming that gaping holes existed in the research that led to saturated fats being branded a killer. In one of his landmark studies, for instance, Keys looked at animal-fat consumption in seven countries. Although he found a high intake was a strongly linked to heart disease, the data wasn’t rock solid, and in three of the countries studied there was no clear link. Other researchers have failed to show animal fat is as harmful as we are led to believe. In one of the largest government-funded research programmes in America, the Women’s Health Initiative study, carried out at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle in 2006, a diet low in total fat and saturated fat was shown to have no impact in reducing heart disease among nearly 49,000 women who took part.

Glenys Jones, a nutritionist at the Medical Research Council’s human nutrition research department in Cambridge, says that saturated fat does have an undeservedly poor reputation. “There are different forms of saturated fat, and the fat in red meat, for example, is a form called stearic acid, which isn’t linked to heart disease,” she says. “Other forms, such as the fat in butter, have a much stronger association, and, of course, too much of any fat will result in obesity, which is itself a risk factor for heart disease.” Such confusion, McLagan says, means that “nobody has ever been able to prove the supposed link between a diet high in animal fat and cardiovascular disease, and that’s why we have people such as the Inuit, who eat a lot of animal fat and who do not have high rates of heart disease”.

Barley Grain

Because previous research had shown that reducing LDL cholesterol is significant in lowering coronary disease risks, the researchers said their findings could be clinically significant.

[adsense]“Health practitioners should feel comfortable recommending barley to their patients to help reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations,” they said.

Barley contains ß-glucan, an insoluble fibre which has already been shown to lower cholesterol in people who eat oats. But the effects indicated by eating barley have not received as much attention, the researchers said.

The researchers analyzed eight randomized controlled trials totalling 391 participants and evaluated the lipid-lowering effects of barley. Each study consisted of relatively few people (median 30), and had a short time duration (median four weeks).

The meta-analysis indicated that the participants who consumed barley regularly had significantly greater reductions in total cholesterol (-13 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (-10 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-12 mg/dL) than the controls who did not eat any barley.

They found that the reduction in total and LDL cholesterol wass in line with the findings for oat-derived ß-glucan, which was expected – as both grains have similar concentrations of the fiber, at 3.5% to 5.9% of total dry matter.

However, there was no observed effect for HDL cholesterol — only a nonsignificant increase of 1 mg/dL.

The researchers could not establish a dose-response as only six of the eight studies reported the ß-glucan dose, meaning there wasn’t enough statistical data to draw any conclusions.

However, the few studies that did report doses had a range of 3 g to 10 g of ß-glucan per day.

The cholesterol-lowering effects of barley observed in this study are in line with the FDA recommendations of 3 g or more of soluble fiber daily to reduce the risk of heart disease, the researchers said.

[relatedposts]They said the findings are also important as reductions were seen regardless of whether participants made substitutions in their diet. For example, if they replaced eggs with barley, it would be difficult to tell whether improvements in cholesterol resulted from a healthier diet or from barley.

“That significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were seen regardless of whether diet modifications were mandated equally in both study groups helps guard against the issue of dietary substitution and strengthens the effects of barley use,” the researchers said.

The findings “support the routine use of soluble fibers in the diets of adult patients with and without hypercholesterolemia.”

Rice and wheat do not contain ß-glucan, but oats, psyllium, pectin, and guar gum do contain the soluble fiber.

The researchers said future studies should include larger trials to assess the dose-response relationship of barley ß-glucan.

Fresh country vegetables

Limit the following in your diet:

• Fats, especially saturated fats.
• All foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (most margarines and baked goods.
• Dairy fats, such as whole milk, cheese made with whole milk, butter, egg yolks, sour cream.
• Vegetable oil and lard.
• Beef, especially the less-lean cuts.
• Alcohol.
• Products made of refined sugars and flours.

Most animal fats and hydrogenated fats are solid at room temperature, and have more of the LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Also known as ‘trans fats’, these are the fats to avoid. Look carefully on the ingredients label for the words, ‘hydrogenated,’ or ‘trans fats.’ The most common foods with trans fats are cookies, pies, cakes, chips, snack and convenience foods. These foods also usually contain refined sugars and flours, making them doubly bad for cholesterol levels.

Instead, use these:

• Fruits and vegetables, most of which are cholesterol-free, and which help lower cholesterol levels.
• Whole-grain breads and cereals.
• Low-fat or skim milk, yogurt, sour cream and cheeses.
• Canola oil or extra virgin olive oil.
• Chicken, turkey and fish.
• Legumes and nuts.
• Garlic
• Margarines made of plant sterol esters, which help to lower cholesterol levels.

Foods high in fiber have the added benefit of helping to absorb and eliminate cholesterol from the intestines. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts are all high in fiber. Some fruits, such as citrus, apples, cranberries and blackberries are high in pectin, and are particularly good at reducing cholesterol levels.

Putting it into Practice
A change of lifestyle and eating habits can be very, very hard, especially if the habits are habits acquired over a lifetime. One way to help implement these all-important changes, is to start small. Set a small, short-term goal, such as switching to low-fat dairy products and whole grain breads. When that becomes habit, and the taste-buds are acclimatized to the new flavors, make another small change, such as adding fruits and vegetables to the diet. Next, try eliminating soda pops, exchanging them for water and sugar-free, non-carbonated drinks.

[relatedposts]The most difficult change to make for many people is the elimination of refined sugars and flours from the diet. Refined fours and sugars can be very addictive, giving the body a ‘sugar rush’ that may be hard to live without at first. A first step may be switching to whole grain flours, and then switching from sugar to sucralose, such as Splenda sweetener.

Make each step small and be patient, waiting for the change to become easy. It may take a year or two, but eventually, persistence will pay off, and a new healthier diet will be habit.

Pro-Activ helps lower cholesterol

This is a great place to start in getting your body healthy and in shape. The natural ways of lowering cholesterol are easy to maintain as long as you are patient and willing to follow a few rules.

Eat more vegetables and vegetable oils. Increase your intake of plant sterols in your body through yogurts, fortified margarines, salad dressings, cream cheese. This will also increase your phytostanols. Plant sterols are also available in supplement form. Although not hard to find, they can be a little pricey, but ultimately an easy, effective, and convenient natural way to lower cholesterol.

Lestrin is also a plant sterol available in supplements which is made available in pharmacies, stores, independent chemists and health food stores. People have claimed that garlic and nuts have no effect in lowering cholesterol, but there is also a percentage that proves they help reduce cholesterol in our body.

Low in saturated fats, nuts, especially walnuts are particularly helpful for reducing cholesterol more than expected. This may be a high-fat food, but it is rich in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat. Scientists have shown that these supplements contain plant proteins which affect cholesterol levels.

Omega 3 fatty acids help lower your cholesterol easily. Fish oil supplements are suitable and effective to increase the good cholesterol especially stable fish oil. This does a better job than the ordinary fish oil we find in the market.

[relatedposts]Red yeast rice is known to be the most effective way to fight LDL. This is considered the best dietary agent of it all. Red yeast rice is available in the form of cholestin which is a dietary supplement. In recent studies, it has been proven that cholestin has lowered cholesterol effectively as statins. This is so because cholestin contains an amount of natural statin which helps prevent the increase in cholesterol.

Fresh fish is the best delicacy for the summer season and the best thing is that it can help in lowering cholesterol magnificently.

If you are suffering from high cholesterol, you should first consult your primary care physician before making any changes in your diet.

Cholesterol - HDL's and LDL's

Less than 200 mg/dL* (5.2 mmol/L) – Desirable:- This is where your cholesterol level should be. Even so, to ensure that you have the right balance – more HDL than LDL cholesterol – you should follow the Guidelines for Healthy Living.

200-239 mg/dL (5.2-6.1 mmol/L) – Borderline:- Consult your doctor. Your doctor will be best equipped to interpret the results and test further for LDL andHDL levels.

240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) and above – High:- People with cholesterol levels over 240mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke. If your cholesterol level is 240 mg/dL or greater, consult your doctor and follow his/her advice on lowering that level.

The LDL cholesterol level is a more important indicator of overall cardiovascular healthAlthough these levels are important guidelines, they do not give the whole picture – they are really just rough guidelines. The LDL cholesterol level is a more important indicator of overall cardiovascular health, but having your cholesterol level checked will not necessarily give you your LDL cholesterol number.

LDL Levels
Less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L);
100-129 mg/dL (2.6-3.3 mmol/L) near to above optimal;
130-159 mg/dL (3.3-4.0 mmol/L) is high, increasing your risk for heart disease;
160 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L) is very high and puts you at greater risk for heart disease.

HDL Levels
60 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L) and above is desirable;
40-59 mg/dL (1.0-1.5 mmol/L) is normal;
Less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) is low and increases your risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides
Less that 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) – Normal;
150-199 mg/dL (1.6-2.2 mmol/L) – Borderline-High;
200-499 mg/dL (2.3-5.6 mmol/L) – High ;
500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) and above – Very high

[relatedposts]Traditional cholesterol testing is a good indicator for assessing heart disease and stroke risk; however, there are many variables that can not be controlled in this traditional testing, such as genes, race, age and past medical history. A person may appear ‘heart healthy’, at a good weight, fit, and eating a balanced diet, and still have unacceptable cholesterol levels. On the other hand, another person may have acceptable cholesterol levels – even acceptable HDL cholesterol levels – and still be at risk for heart disease. There is still much research to be done on cholesterol and our bodies’ manufacture and control of cholesterol levels.

Fortunately, there is another test available, rather than the traditional cholesterol testing, which provides a more in-depth study of cholesterol levels. This is the VAP, or Verticle Auto Profile. This test not only indicates the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, but also provides an analysis of the many subclasses of cholesterol and it offers a more comprehensive indication of who may be at an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, statistics show that the VAP has a 90% detection rate for persons at risk for heart disease, whereas traditional cholesterol testing may miss up to 60% of the patients at risk! Please see the VAP website for more information on the importance of this test, especially for anyone at risk for heart disease, and for information on taking the VAP.

Note: These categories apply to adults aged 20 and older

*mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter of blood (mmol/L= millimoles per liter of blood)

Plaque build up from high cholesterol

Cholesterol in the human body comes from two major sources. About three-quarters of the body’s total cholesterol is produced within the body, while only one-quarter comes from cholesterol in food.

Higher concentrations of cholesterol are present in body tissues which have more densely packed membranes – i.e. the liver, spinal cord, brain, atheroma, adrenal glands and reproductive organs.

The liver is the most important site of cholesterol biosynthesis. It is secreted from the liver in the form of an acidic secretion known as ‘bile’.

Diets rich in animal fats, meat, poultry, fish, oils, egg yolks and dairy products are a rich source of dietary cholesterol. Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, are extremely rich in cholesterol content, but foods of plant origin contain no cholesterol.

High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream can influence the pathogenesis of certain conditions. Recent studies have revealed that the abundance of protein complexes called lipoproteins, are responsible for the cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels.

elevated levels of it are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart diseaseCholesterol gets attached to these lipoproteins. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries cholesterol out of the bloodstream for excretion, while the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries it back into the system for use by various body cells.

LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol, because elevated levels of it are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL deposits cholesterol on the artery walls which leads to the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

The levels of both HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol may also determine risk for heart disease; however current medical opinion is that the ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol is much more important than the level of cholesterol.

Methods to control your cholesterol levels:
[relatedposts]Lower your consumption of foods containing saturated fats – fried fast foods, butter, cream, cheese, and fat on meat – to help reduce cholesterol. Add more plant foods to your diet – vegetable oils, nuts, legumes, breads, cereal grains, fruits and vegetables. A low cholesterol diet, combined with regular exercise is the best way to lower cholesterol levels.

Medications can also help lower cholesterol levels. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, ‘Statins’, such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are the most effective and widely used medications to lower LDL cholesterol. Other medications include nicotinic acid (niacin), fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), resins such as cholestyramine (Questran), and ezetimibe, Zetia. These medications should be taken after consulting the experts.