EDUCATIONAL HANDOUT ABOUT HIGH CHOLESTEROL


Written by Ronnie Allen


Cholesterol levels are influenced by diet and genetic makeup. Serum Cholesterol is in the bloodstream. Dietary cholesterol is present in food. High cholesterol levels contribute to plaque building up in arteries impeding blood flow to the brain, kidneys, genitals, extremities and the heart. High Cholesterol is also involved in mental impairment and blood pressure.


Low density lipoproteins (LDL’s) are major transporters of cholesterol in blood. LDL encourages deposits of cholesterol in arteries so they are considered bad cholesterol. High density lipoproteins (HDL’s) are good cholesterol since they carry unneeded cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body.


High blood cholesterol levels are associated with high risk of coronary heart disease but it’s not necessarily good if cholesterol levels are too low either. Low cholesterol levels are associated with strokes as per the results of a study in Japan. In Finland a researcher found that low cholesterol levels leads to depression, suicide and death from violent causes.


As per Holford, a diet with moderate amounts of cholesterol is not associated with increased risk of heart attacks. A healthy rate of 190mg-210 mg, with variations to either side correlates to increase risk of heart disease.


Lipiski believes we eat the wrong kind of fats. More than 8% of our daily calories should not be from hydrogenated or saturated fat. More than that is implicated in cancer, heart disease and inflammatory conditions. She believes that cholesterol is one of many risk factors for heart disease. Only 30% of the people who overeat cholesterol high foods have a significant rise in serum cholesterol levels. High serum cholesterol may be a symptom of oxidative stress in our arteries. High cholesterol may indicate a need for liver supportive nutrients and herbs. Oxidation of cholesterol in the vessels is caused by free radical damage. Vitamin C keeps LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and helps normalize serum cholesterol levels. Fiber normalizes serum cholesterol levels as well.

Twenty-five percent of the cholesterol comes from foods we eat. We manufacture the rest in our liver.


A healthy liver makes more cholesterol is we eat less and less cholesterol if we eat more. High serum cholesterol levels are indicative of liver stress.


Fats are composed of building blocks called fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in corn, soybeans, safflower and sunflower oils and certain fish. These fatty acids may lower total blood cholesterol, however large amounts lower LDL’S. Due to caloric value these should not exceed 10% of total calories consumed for the day.


Monosaturated fatty acids are found in vegetable and nut oils, olive oil and can reduce blood levels of LDL’S without affecting HDL’S. These should be consumed at 10-15% of the total caloric intake for the day.


When polyunsaturated oils are altered through hydrogenation, a process to harden liquid vegetable oils into solid foods like margarine and shortening we create Trans fatty acids. These should encompass no more than 20-25% of our daily caloric intake.


Lipiski recommends limitations on our diets: no luncheon meats, pastries, fast foods, margarine. Getting too much saturated fat and hydrogenated oils make cell membranes stiff and stifle the intake of nutrients. This promotes free radical damage and contributes to arteriosclerosis and inflammatory diseases.


Omega3’s are essential fatty acids. They are critical for growth, healing and reduction of inflammation, healthy skin, reproduction, nervous system functioning and overall well being. Eating fish like mackerel and salmon that are high in Omega3 fatty acids a few times a week can lower cholesterol levels. Fish that contains high Omega3 are essential. What is found in cold water fish are found n all cells of our bodies. Anyone who has chronic illness has decreased ability to make EPA and DHA which is found in this source. If one has a high fat fish at least two times a week, studies have shown, there is a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.


Holford reports that essential fats reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, allergies, arthritis, eczema, depression, fatigue, infection and PMS. The ration should be two times as much Omega6 as Omega3. Omega6, GMA, is recommended to be taken at 150mg per day. Evening primrose and borage oil are good sources. They keep the blood thin and prevent clots and blockages, relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, help to maintain water balance, decrease inflammation and pain, improve immune function and help insulin to work. The best sources for Omega3 are flax, hemp and pumpkin seeds and the best of the best is fish oil.


Dietary Recommendations for Lowering High Cholesterol


Apple Pectin, Calcium, CoenzymeQ10, Rice and oat bran, Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids, Vitamin B complex, all as directed on label. Plus: Chromium Picolinate, 400-600 mg daily; Garlic, three capsules two times a day; Lecithin granules, one tbs. three times daily before meals; Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 3000-8000 mg daily.

Diets rich in natural raw foods help to maintain the body’s balance and maintain normal levels.


Cautions


Limit meat and dairy products, limit saturated fats, limit coffee intake as that can elevate blood cholesterol levels, limit cream substitutes. Check with your physician regarding your medications. Some have been show to increase cholesterol levels. Pure virgin olive oil has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol. Countries where diets are high in fresh vegetables, fruits and grains have lower incidents of high cholesterol.


Therapy


It has been shown that regular exercise is one way to maintain and reach optimal health. Regular exercise improves digestion and elimination while burning fat and lowers overall blood cholesterol while increasing the proportions of HDH to LDL. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety which are contributing factors to many illness and conditions. An effective nutritional supplement to balance the body and maintain normal levels is ViaViente, a phytotonic made from nine fruits, two roots and mineral water from Vilcabamba, where one out of sixty-four people live to over a 100. It's a broad-spectrum antioxidant. For more information please visit www.vitalnectars.com


References

Balch, Phyllis, CNC & Balch, James MD (2000). Prescription for nutritional healing: A practical A-Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals & food supplements. New York: Avery.


Holford, Patrick (1999). The optimum nutritional bible. USA: The Crossing Press.


Lipiski, Elizabeth (2000). Digestive wellness. LA: Keats Publishing.