Monday, April 6, 2009

Cholesterol Cutting Foods

Supplements Supporting High Cholesterol

Author: Sharyce Arciaga

High cholesterol is determined by taking a blood test and is responsible for many health problems, including heart disease, gallstones, impotence, mental impairment and high blood pressure.

The disease is caused by several factors, some of which can be controlled and others that cannot. It is a silent condition that does not cause recognizable symptoms. High cholesterol is frequently linked to various forms of heart disease, such as heart attacks, strokes, and artery disease. It's is often linked to a diet which is, or has been, rich in saturated fat.

The condition can affect anyone because it is a condition that affects your arteries by blocking off some of the passageway for blood to reach the heart. High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is defined as total cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL with the high risk category greater than 240 mg/dL.

High levels are among the primary causes of heart disease, because cholesterol produces fatty deposits in arteries. It can be avoided by staying away from processed foods and fatty cuts of meat.

High cholesterol is the best known of all the many threats to a healthy heart. It is more common in men younger than 55 years and in women older than 55 years. This condition increases the risk of other conditions, depending on which blood vessels are narrowed or blocked. It is largely preventable and treatable. A high cholesterol reading is a total cholesterol reading over 240. It is diagnosed by a total serum cholesterol test.

This disease is something that every individual should take seriously, even if you have not been diagnosed as having it. It may be genetic, but in order for it to get it out of hand, your diet must be poor.

High cholesterol levels in the blood could affect the heart, kidneys, brain and other parts of the body and puts you at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. It tends to run in families, so obviously genes play a role. High cholesterol caused by inherited (genetic) lipid disorders usually is treated aggressively at any age, often by using medications.

Treatment for the condition should not be based on a single LDL cholesterol measurement. It should be based on the average of 2 or 3 measurements. Treatment is even more critical for those who already have coronary artery disease or diabetics or those who have had a heart attack or stroke.

Treatment will depend on whether you need primary or secondary prevention. However, diet therapy is most effective for lowering cholesterol in people who have higher-than-average fat intake in their diets.

Supplement your diet with vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium. Supplements contain specific ingredients that support the body and help it to normalize cholesterol levels naturally, lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

Supplements For high triglycerides should always be discussed with your own health practitioner. Supplements can be taken before or after meals. These are only part of Omega 3 total intake so be sure that Omega 3 foods are considered.

A recent study found that supplements containing red rice yeast and fish oil lower high cholesterol levels even more effectively than statin medications. Another great supplement is GUGGUL: (gum guggul), a resin produced by the mukul mirth tree.

Supplements as well as Omega 3 foods should be part of the calculated total intake. Supplements contain specific ingredients that support the body and help it to normalize cholesterol levels naturally lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while some nuts (English walnuts) and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed, olive) contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) also may have some effect on lowering blood pressure. Fish contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which decrease the chances of getting blood clots. Fish is a good source of cholesterol lowering foods because they help you achieve a level of good cholesterol.

Omega 3 fish oils have the benefits of fish oil without the negative impact of consuming mercury, which is unfortunately now found in pretty much all fish sources. Omega 3 fatty acids are useful for fighting disease and also preventing disease before they gain a foothold on our bodies.

Omega 3 fatty acids are important for their ability to fight a variety of disease organisms thereby improving your total health picture. They can also help with a multitude of common ailments and are available in supplements; but it is not necessary to purchase these since it is contained in many of the foods we eat.

About the Author:

Sharyce Arciaga is the Author of this Article and has been a natural health enthusiast and nutritional advocate for over 20 years. Statin medications simply not working for you? Buy a cholesterol lowering herbal supplement today! Cholesterol Herb

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/supplements-supporting-high-cholesterol-725369.html

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