How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels Naturally
By Liz Barrington, Natural Body Healing

Elevated blood cholesterol is one of the most common medical conditions.  It plays a major role in arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening health problems.  But, because blood cholesterol levels can change slowly over time, you may have no idea that they’re high.  It’s therefore important to get your Doctor to regularly monitor your levels of cholesterol and also a similar group of chemicals called ‘trigylcerides’, to ensure that you stay healthy.  Yet remember, not all cholesterol is bad.

There are 2 main types of cholesterol that exist in the bloodstream: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein or so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol) and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein or ‘good’ cholesterol).  The ‘bad’ LDL carries the type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries which tend to accumulate in damaged arterial areas. 

Subsequently, the ‘good’ HDL carries the type of cholesterol that actually reduces heart disease because it tends to protect our arteries against this process of adhesion, helping to remove those adhesions on the artery walls and remove fat deposits from the bloodstream.

It’s not the amount of cholesterol but the ratios of total cholesterol to HDL, and of triglycerides to HDL that matter most.  In both cases, the lower it is the better.  These may vary around the world, but the current guidelines in UK are:

Approximately 25% of your cholesterol comes from your diet; the other 75% is manufactured in your liver.  When your body is working efficiently, it burns dietary fat for energy and uses cholesterol to manufacture hormones such as oestrogen and cortisone, along with nutrients such as vitamin D. 

However, when your body makes excessive cholesterol or triglycerides, or its systems for disposing of the excess are inefficient, these blood fats build-up along with calcium deposits, to clog and harden-up blood vessels.

These days, many different medications are utilised to lower cholesterol.  The most commonly prescribed medications used are known as ‘statins’ and brand names can include Mevacor, Altocor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lescol and Lipitor. 

Yet, ALL types of medications used to lower cholesterol (including non-statin types) have some nutrient-depletion problems for the body that are associated with them.  The cholesterol-binding agents in these drugs reduce levels of many nutrients because they bind these nutrients with cholesterol in the gut, and therefore the essential nutrients get removed, along with the rest of the waste.  The main nutrients that are depleted by these medications include Folic Acid, Co-Enzyme Q10, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Carotenoids.

The ‘statin’ medications are especially known to reduce our natural levels of co-enzyme Q10 – in fact they actually reduce Co-Q10 really well indeed!  Many studies confirm that Co-Q10 supports cardiac function.  It’s really quite ironic that individuals suffering with heart disease are prescribed ‘statin’ medications to help their cardiovascular systems.  Yet at the same time, the statin medication is actually reducing their natural levels of Co-Q10, which is consequently having a negative impact on the important cardiac system that it’s trying to help! 

So why is Co-enzyme Q10 so important for our bodies?  Co-enzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that's a key component of all the enzymes found in our body.  Enzymes are made up of 2 parts—a protein portion and a co-factor portion consisting of minerals or vitamins which is called Co-Q10.  An enzyme is a protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate a chemical reaction, and depending on their specific function; they are located within our cells, tissues and organs.  Enzymes can induce chemical changes in other substances without themselves being changed and are essential in the healthy functioning throughout our entire body. 

Being a key component of our enzymes, Co-Q10 helps produce cellular energy and acts as an antioxidant.  As an antioxidant, Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, protects cardiac cells and promotes the re-generation of Vitamin E, another heart-healthy antioxidant.  Fortunately, if you're taking medication for the cardio-vascular system, you can supplement your diet with natural Co-Q10 to counteract any deficiencies.

So, how can you naturally help lower your blood cholesterol levels, without the harmful side-effects of medication?  Well, here are some dietary and lifestyle changes that we'd recommend:

Change Your Diet.

• Reduce your intake of saturated fats, cakes, pastries, ready-made pies, sausage rolls etc. 

• Cut-back on high-fat red meats and fatty meats such as sausages, salami.  Choose lean red meat, turkey and chicken instead.

• Limit your consumption of full-fat cheese, cream, ice-cream and also eggs if necessary (2-3 eggs a week are OK).  Instead, choose reduced-fat milk, yogurt, or soy milk with added calcium.

• Avoid deep-fried fried foods and lard. 

• Forget spending your money on very expensive 'cholesterol-lowering' margarines etc.  The natural wholesome route is much better; replace saturated oils with fantastic mono-saturated oils such as olive oil and avocado oil in salads etc.

• Eat foods containing polyunsaturated fats such as raw nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, fish oil.

• Eat fresh oily fish at least twice a week.

• Eat plenty of artichokes and garlic in your diet.  These can really help lower cholesterol however, as it is probably not practical to eat large quantities of these foods everyday, use natural nutritional supplements such as those listed below for more consistently beneficial effects.

• Eat more soya; soya protein and other soya foods such as soya milk, yogurt, tofu - these have all been shown to reduce cholesterol when regularly eaten.

• Increase your levels of fibre intake and plant sterols by eating crunchy vegetables and fibrous whole grains especially legumes, pulses, rolled oats and rice bran.  Also take psyllium seeds or hulls, as this reduces high cholesterol and triglyceride levels by binding with dietary cholesterol and fat to prevent their absorption.  Aim to eat at least of total of 50 grams of fibre per day to help stimulate and bulk-up your bowel movements.

• Reduce the level of alcohol that you drink - keep to the safe limits.  A small glass of red wine a day is proven to be beneficial - so you don't necessarily have to abstain completely.

• Seriously reduce the levels of salt and sugar in your diet.  Avoid fizzy drinks and too many cordials that contain lots of sugar.

• Increase your daily water consumption - make sure you drink 1.5 to 2 litres water a day.  Reduce your consumption of caffeine too.  Herbal teas and water with lemon are great.

Change Your Lifestyle.

• Walk instead of taking the car!

• Get into a routine of exercising at least 3 times a week, to consist of both aerobic and weight resistance exercises.  Medical studies show that that regular exercise increases HDL levels whilst decreasing LDL levels.

• Stop smoking.  Smoking increases the ability of LDL cholesterol to get into your cells and cause damage.

• Try to get a healthy work-life balance.  Enjoy your life more - it's not all about work you know!

• Get used to taking deep breaths regularly throughout the day.  Deep breathing helps calm the body and so puts less stress on your heart.

Key Natural Supplements that Really Help Lower Cholesterol

Always consult your doctor before undertaking any herbal supplements for heart disease, and do not change your regimen of prescription, or other pharmaceutical drugs without your doctor’s supervision.

Here are some Nature’s Sunshine supplements that you may wish to consider in conjunction with your Doctor, if you currently have high blood cholesterol levels, or if you have a family history of circulatory problems:

'Cholester-Reg II' - This combination of policosanol, phytosterol (plant sterols), inositol nicotinate (a form of niacin), resveratrol and artichoke powder offers a host of benefits to the heart and the circulatory system. These include maintaining cholesterol levels that are already in the normal range, protection of the heart, antioxidant properties, maintaining already-normal platelet aggregation levels and more. 

'Mega-Chel' – this is our amazing ‘key’ product for the heart and circulatory system.  It is a high-potency vitamin and mineral supplement that contains herbs, amino acids and other nutrients designed to benefit the entire circulatory system including the arteries, veins, capillaries, tissues and organs.  This supplement helps with the overall strengthening of the heart muscle, boosting its efficiency in using oxygen and energy, and assists in dilating coronary arteries.  The combination also contains vitamins C and B6, demonstrated to reduce platelet adhesion and aggregation, helping to ‘dissolve’ plaques that are already present.

'Co-Q10 Plus' – this is a unique product containing a vitamin-like substance called co-enzyme Q10.  Many studies confirm that Co-Q10 supports cardiac function.  Co-Q10 helps produce cellular energy and acts as an antioxidant.  As an antioxidant, Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, protects cardiac cells and promotes the re-generation of Vitamin E, another heart-healthy antioxidant.  Co-Q10 can also help with heart failure, heart attack prevention and recovery, high blood pressure, gum disease, migraine and Parkinson's Disease.

'Zambroza' - Zambroza's synergistic blend of ten powerful ingredients include mangosteen, wolfberry (goji berry), apple extract, blueberry, concord grape, grape seed, grape skin, green tea, red berry and raspberry. Zambroza can help speed up the healing of arterial injuries that often lead to the accumulation of plaque.  This power-house of antioxidants helps the body fight the effects of ageing, counters inflammation caused by excess free radicals, supports the cardiovascular system, promotes energy, helps maintain healthy cell growth and greatly enhances the immune system. 

‘Omega 3’ or ‘Flaxseed Oil’ are both rich sources of ‘Essential Fatty Acids’ which are vital to the body because they are necessary in keeping our cell membranes healthy and they form a large component of the nervous system within the brain and in the retina.  They are especially good for the heart.  Supportive research shows that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.   The best sources of Omega 3 are found in high quality fish oils which can easily be assimilated in the body.  Flaxseed oil is also a very good source, especially for vegans, and it has no after-taste.

‘LOCLO’ or ‘Psyllium Hulls Combination’ provides additional bulk to the diet to ensure toxins are swiftly removed from the body which also helps to reduce our internal stress levels.  Also fibre helps to decrease total cholesterol and LDL levels in the body by binding with dietary cholesterol and fat to prevent their absorption. 

'High-Potency Garlic' – Garlic contains substances that prevent platelets from sticking together, lowers total cholesterol, LDL levels, triglycerides (a type of blood fat), whilst increasing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels.  Garlic also promotes the breakdown of certain types of blood clots and lowers blood pressure. 

Remember, heart disease is not a condition to be taken lightly.  A heart condition is VERY serious and potentially life-threatening which requires you to see your doctor or cardiologist on a regular basis.  High cholesterol levels have accumulated over a long period of time, so be patient - they will not disappear over night! 

You should NEVER stop taking prescription medication without first consulting your doctor.  If you or your Doctor requires our assistance to verify whether our supplements will interfere with your present medication, please Contact Us.  We have access to our own in-house team of pharmacists who fully understand which drugs are available worldwide and how our herbs interact with each.

The most important thing that you can do to help reduce your blood cholesterol levels is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  You only have one body and you should fully appreciate the fact that your body is your own responsibility; no-one else's.  It has to last throughout your entire lifetime - so remember to look after it.

The nutritional supplement product links stated in this article can only be purchased from this website in UK and in Europe.  

The above information should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

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• Read article on Heart Disease

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