Heart Diseases Information

Six Realistic Steps to Cardiovascular Improvement

2010-06-25T05:47:00.001-07:00

In the realm of cardiovascular improvement and overall health there are some things we can't change but many others that we can. If there is a shining light in the dark sea of cardiovascular disease it is that there has been a 22 percent decline in deaths from coronary artery disease over the last ten years. While this number might seem miniscule it is a big improvement from the days when each year we could expect to see another 5 to10 increase. So the bottom line is that if you have the willpower to make changes, and the knowledge needed to implement the right set of steps (possibly with the help of your doctor) you have an excellent chance to achieve some degree of cardiovascular improvement.

As briefly mentioned above there are a few things we can't change. Why don't we go ahead and get these downers out of the way first.

No, not getting better with age: The old saying about getting better with age certainly doesn't apply to cardiovascular disease. As we age the heart weakens, and the arteries harden and narrow, creative a perfect storm for heart disease and accounting for the statistical conclusion that 83 percent of all people who die of coronary artery disease are 65 or older.

My maleness is making my chest hurt: This comes as no surprise since men have a greater chance of heart disease than women do, even though the playing field starts to narrow after the age of 65.

My grand dad, dad, and now me!: Its possible, due to the link between heart disease and heredity.

Now let's move on to the steps we can take on our way to cardiovascular improvement.

*Stop smoking: We have all had that relative who smokes like a chimney and in most cases the end result was either some type of cancer, lung disease, or heart disease; all conditions linked to smoking. When it comes to heart disease smoker are four times more likely to have a heart attack than non smokers.

*Cholesterol clogs arteries: Just prior to writing this article I was at the grocery store and noticed now the meat department is selling fat trimmings. I had to do a double take knowing that as blood cholesterol rises, so does the risk of heart and artery disease. As a general rule saturated fat is the biggest villain and should be limited to 10 percent of total calories consumed.

*Become more physically active: An active lifestyle is one of the keys for cardiovascular improvement but it must be done right, and within your current limitations. You should allow your doctor to help you with this one.

*My wife just loves my love handles: Well maybe your wife does but I bet your cardiologist doesn't. Studies show that people who have excess body fat - especially if a lot of it is at the waist - are much more likely to develop heart disease even if no other risk factors are present. The goal is to keep your body weight within 5 percent of a standardized healthy range.

*Control homocysteine levels: Homocysteines are dangerous hostile amino acids produced by the body when you digest protein rich foods. They are dangerous because they tear up the interior lining of the arteries providing cholesterol and other blood fats a foothold to turn themselves into plaque deposits. The answer to neutralizing homocysteine amino acids is to simply consume a diet high in vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid. Whole grains, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables, such as kale, are all good defenses against homocysteine amino acids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_D._Hawkins

Tips on Putting Together an Affordable Great Tasting Cardiovascular Diet

2010-06-25T05:46:00.004-07:00

In some respect trying to formulate a cardiovascular diet for both heart and artery health, that doesn't leave you feeling flat can be quite a challenge. The key to developing a cardiovascular diet is knowing which foods are considered heart healthy and then using your creativity to put together a cardiovascular diet that works for you both from a heart health and financial perspective.

The financial angle of developing a cardiovascular diet is rarely discussed probably, because many heart healthy foods are quite expensive. For instance the American Heart Association, as well as others suggest two servings of backed cold water fatty fish per week. Of these cold water fatty fish salmon is considered to be the highest in heart healthy omega 3 oils. The truth is if you are on a tight budget trying to feed a family of four fresh salmon may not be on the menu due to its prohibitive pricing. But as with most things, if there is a will there is a way and canned salmon can be quite reasonable. Additionally, sardines and tuna are also high in heart healthy omega 3 oils and if you can find a way to work them into your family recipes they can be an excellent alternative. A word of warning though, some studies suggest that because of ocean pollution tuna is becoming dangerously high in mercury and should only be consumed in moderation.

By using your imagination to create a canned salmon salad garnished with carrots and/or broccoli you have been able to use your culinary skills to produce a meal that is both heart healthy and affordable. But while you have a good thing going, keep in mind that many salad dressings are high in artery clogging saturated fat, so a vinaigrette or lemon wedges would be much better choices.

One other interesting piece of research that has come to light in recent months concerning a heart healthy cardiovascular diet has to do with sugar and refined sugars. According to a large study (80,000 women) sugar and refined sugars decrease good cholesterol (HDL) and raise the levels of the very dangerous early stage fats known as triglycerides. In fact one doctor after reviewing these results concluded that there is a distinct possibility that eating a diet which includes moderate saturated fat is better than a diet low in saturated fat and rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Another villain in a healthy cardiovascular diet are trans fats also known as hydrogenated fats. These are manmade fats that have many of the same properties as saturated fats and are perhaps the unhealthiest of all. Trans fats increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL) and can sometimes be found in tasty delights such as cookies, crackers, and microwaveable popcorn.

Now that we have laid the groundwork for creating a delicious cardiovascular diet that is sure to dazzle your friend and family let's add some heart healthy foods to use as building blocks. They are: black beans, tuna, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, almonds, sweet potato (dry), tofu, carrots, oatmeal, flaxseed grain (bread, muffins), low fat yogurt (watch the sugar content), cherries, blueberries, avocados, lettuce, and any product fortified with plant sterols.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_D._Hawkins

Effective Cardiovascular Disease Treatment and Prevention With Omega 3 Fish Oils

2010-06-25T05:46:00.003-07:00

Nature provides us with one of the most effective cardiovascular disease treatment options available in the form of omega 3 fish oil. Not all oils are the same however so it is important to know which ones to use.

It is the omega 3 fatty acids that provide most of the benefits and the two main ones are called DHA and EPA.

They are able to lower your bad cholesterol and raise the good one to enable a healthy balance. In addition scientists have found that they can strengthen the heart's electrical system to reduce any rhythm abnormalities.

As they also lower your blood pressure and stop the platelets in your blood from clotting, they really are a natural and proven way of avoiding sudden death from a heart attack or stroke and provide many other benefits too.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology states that "Omega 3 therapy continues to show great promise in primary and, particularly in secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) diseases."

For an even more effective cardiovascular disease treatment, look for oils containing Ubiquinol which is the best form of Coenzyme Q10.

This unique ingredient is present in every cell in your body and helps to produce energy in the muscles, especially the heart. After the age of forty, you produce less and it is important therefore to maintain your levels.

As you can see, using the right fish oils can help to prevent heart disease and provide an effective treatment for it.

To select the best oils look for the purest ones that have been molecularly distilled to remove all the toxins (the reason why fresh fish is no longer recommended). These include mercury and lead and can cancel out many of the benefits.

Oil rich in DHA fatty acids is also more beneficial as this provides most of the benefits. Around 280mg of DHA in each 1000mg capsule is optimal.

As I mentioned earlier and especially if you are on statin drugs, an ultra fish oil with added Ubiquinol will increase the protective and healing powers even more for improved heart health.

Many other benefits from these natural oils include better brain health and mental well-being, improved vision, a stronger immune system and a better memory.

Now you know the best and most natural cardiovascular disease treatment, why not make these oils a part of your daily routine and help yourself to a longer and healthier life.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega 3 supplements I personally take, visit my website below.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_Hawkins

Identifying a Cardiovascular Problem Early is the Key to Avoiding a Heart Attack

2010-06-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

Each year heart attacks kill more than 150,000 Americans, surprisingly half of which are women. But while all fatal heart attacks can't be avoiding most experts agree that by being able to identify a cardiovascular problem before it results in a heart attack you can greatly improve your chances of avoiding this potentially serious event.

There are many symptoms that can tip us off that a cardiovascular problem is brewing. These would include, but not be limited to, fatigue, swelling in the ankles or abdomen (edema), shortness of breath, increased urination due to fluid buildup, nausea, excessive sweating, chest pain, dizziness, along with numbness in the extremities.

All of the symptoms above can be caused by varying degrees of arterial blockage, though most studies suggest that 70 percent blockage is needed to produce the symptoms that raise the warning flag for the presence of a cardiovascular problem.

It should also be pointed out that in patients with an underlying cardiovascular problem, taking certain types of medicines can lead to the worsening of heart related conditions such as congestive heart failure. This is especially true for medications that can cause sodium retention or reduce the pumping power of the heart itself. Examples of commonly used medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Others medications that cause fluid retention or reduce heart strength are certain steroids, diabetic medications, and some calcium channel blockers. This is just a partial list so some extra research may be required in this area if you feel you are at risk of a cardiovascular problem.

What else should I know about identifying a cardiovascular problem?

Another important concept that opens the door for heart disease later in life is the fact that as we age the status quo is no longer sufficient to stave heart disease and it should come as no surprise that almost half of all deaths occurring in seniors, ages 65 to 74, are from heart disease. One of the primary reasons for this is a loss of heart pumping power combined with a natural age related increase in artery clogging blood cholesterol levels.

The heart pounds out about 100,000 beats per day, all the while adjusting to problems, and slowing down or speeding up to adapt to the situation. But the truth of the matter is that just like any other muscle at some point it starts to wear out. As your heart wears out it must pump harder and faster to push blood through the ever narrowing arteries. At some point a tipping point is reached resulting in heart failure or a heart attack.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_D._Hawkins

Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Overview

2010-06-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

While views are changing, and begrudgingly the number of heart attacks is declining, it is quite interesting as to how we view such serious diseases as cardiovascular atherosclerosis. What I mean by that is that if we start to experience hair loss, wrinkles appears unexpectedly, age related sagging skin starts to occur, or our eye sight starts to go most people will go to extreme lengths, often spending thousands of dollars trying to correct the problem. On the other hand little attention is paid to what is going on internally until symptoms are noticed, and even then the impending warning signs of a serious illness such as heart attack or stroke may be ignored. Really, when you think about it shouldn't it be other way around, especially when it comes to our arteries, since keeping a steady flow of blood freely traveling through our arteries is essential to not only looking and feeling good but sustaining life itself.

What is cardiovascular atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is harden of the arteries and cardiovascular means heart related. So cardiovascular atherosclerosis means heart disease caused by hardening of the arteries and blood vessels surrounding the heart. This would include arteries that take blood away from the heart as well as those responsible for cycling it back for the process to continue. Any disruption in blood flow, either to or from, the heart disrupts the natural balance in the body and more often than not leads to a number of serious conditions including a heart attack.

When cardiovascular atherosclerosis occurs the arteries actually narrow and start to lose their flexibility due the accumulation of cholesterol on the inside of the arteries. As over time these deposits start to harden due to the accumulation of calcium and the formation of fibrous tissue making the condition much worse. The combination of cholesterol, dead cells, fibrous tissue, and calcium is referred to as plaque, and as the plaque deposits grow larger the amount of blood the heart has to work starts a progressive decline. This in turn leads to the heart attempting to do more with less, eventually resulting in less blood and oxygen flowing to vital areas of the body.

Common symptoms often seen as a result of cardiovascular atherosclerosis are chest pain, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating, anxiety, and fluid accumulation in the ankles, abdomen, and even the lungs. It might surprise you to know that three out of every deaths from heart disease are linked to atherosclerosis.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_D._Hawkins

How to Lower Your Cholesterol May Be Simpler Than You Think

2010-02-08T07:00:00.001-08:00

Unless you have a genetic condition known a familial hypercholesterolemia (FH for short) where the liver continually pumps large amounts of cholesterol into a person's blood stream the chances are very good that you can substantially lower blood cholesterol levels naturally.

Ideas abound about how to lower your cholesterol. Some suggest statin prescription medications such as Crestor and Lipitor are the answer, but pundits voice their concerns about dropping cholesterol levels too low. Statins also produce muscle pain along with a number of other side effects which these same pundits are quick to point out. But ultimately when used a tool which is part of a larger tool kit statins can be a very effective option. On the other hand when they are used as a sledge hammer to drive cholesterol down many feel they are somewhat ineffective if not dangerous.

Some of the risk factors for high cholesterol that you should be aware of are smoking, diabetes, being as little as 20 percent overweight, and inactivity. Cholesterol levels increase as people age and are generally higher in men than in women, although levels increase in women after menopause.

But while there are varying opinions as to how to lower cholesterol what is for sure is that the above risk factors can make your blood cholesterol levels bounce around like a lottery ball during a Saturday night drawing. While this may be the case one there is one way to lower cholesterol that works well for almost everyone, and that is diet modification.

Studies show that diet alone can reduce bad cholesterol by over 30 percent in a two to three week period.

In order to achieve these stellar results you must learn the difference in fats and then become an expert label reader to make sure that you are not being mislead by cleaver or confusing labeling. The good guys when learning how to lower cholesterol are monounsaturated fats (nuts, olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats (fish) including the very beneficial omega 3 fatty acids. The bad guys are saturated fats. Saturated fats increase cholesterol levels more than any other fats. In many ways they are the person you can easily fall in love with only to find out they have a checkered past. Foods high in saturated fats are some of our favorites including meats, non-skim dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), processed meats (bologna, salami), coconuts, palm oil, and artificially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

How to lower your cholesterol through diet is a fairly simple equation. By combining your new found knowledge of saturated fat with a large dose of willpower you will be poised to produce excellent results in a short period of time. Many natural health minded individuals are finding that by adding natural cholesterol reducing remedies to this equation they are able to achieve even better results. Certainly everyone is different, and working with your doctor to find the best solution for your unique set of circumstances is always a good idea.

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What Good Cholesterol Readings Should Look Like and How to Improve Yours Naturally

2010-02-08T06:59:00.002-08:00

There are four factors you want present on your cholesterol readings to be able to accurately interpret them for yourself. This helps you select the right treatment if any is needed, and puts you in control of your health.

Good cholesterol readings look like this:

Total Cholesterol: 200 mg/dl
LDL: Less than 100 mg/dl
HDL: At least 40 mg/dl
Triglyceride: Less than 150 mg/dl

Whilst many people focus on the total levels, this can in fact give a false reading of your health. It is the relationship between the LDL and HDL levels that is more important and here's why.

LDL or low-density lipoprotein is mostly made up of fat and only a little protein and excess amounts of this can lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

HDL or high-density lipoprotein on the other hand is composed mostly of protein and only a little fat and helps to remove excess LDL and return it to the liver for disposal. The more of this type you have, the better it is for your health.

Your triglyceride level is important, although it is a different type of fat, as it comes from your food. Most of it is stored as fat which is an important source of stored energy but some is also present in the blood and together with LDL can cause problems if too high.

As you can see from the example above, a 3 or 2:1 ratio of LDL to HDL is ideal and even if your total levels exceed 200, if you have a healthy amount of HDL, you are not necessarily at risk.

If you have had a test and want to improve your cholesterol readings, there are a number of ways to achieve it without having to use the harmful statin drugs which doctors all too readily prescribe today.

Taking more exercise is important as it helps to increase your HDL and can be in the form of a walk if you do not want to exert yourself too much!

Cutting down on saturated fats like those in dairy and red meat and eating more fruit, vegetables, oatmeal and fatty fish like tuna and hoki will also help.

As over 80% of your cholesterol comes from your liver, a natural cholesterol supplement can make a real difference as it helps to lower your overall production and reduce the absorption in the gut. The good ones have been shown to be as effective as the statin drugs but without the side effects.

I hope this sheds some light on your cholesterol readings and that you can see there are natural and highly effective ways you can maintain them at healthy levels to help you avoid heart disease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reuben_Hopkins

The 5 Causes of High Cholesterol Most Often Seen

2010-02-08T06:59:00.001-08:00

Cholesterol floats freely though your blood stream guided along by the lipoproteins LDL (bad) and HDL (good). Elevated levels of this waxy, fat like substance have been linked with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition in which blood vessels are narrowed by fat deposits, ultimately impeding blood flow to vital organs. Over time the accumulation or arterial cholesterol (plaque) may be sufficient to produce a heart attack or stroke. Now that we have laid a little ground work let's get down to business and discover the 5 causes of high cholesterol that everyone should be aware of?

*Saturated fat: Saturated fat is the boogey man in the world of high cholesterol and perhaps the single most important of the 5 causes of high cholesterol. Saturated fat is found in large amounts in organ meats, coconuts, sweetbreads, high fat dairy, processed meats, chicken and turkey skin, along with many other popular foods. According to the American Heart Association saturated fat should account for no more than 10 percent of total calories.

*Diabetes: Diabetes have blood insulin levels, the hormone produced by the pancreas and used to digest food. You are saying to yourself that can't be right, I have heard the opposite. Let me explain, while it is true that diabetics do produce less insulin than healthy people their cells simply don't process it efficiently, thus leaving it circulate in the blood until it is excreted from the body. This cycle produces very high blood cholesterol levels that could be double the number considered to be high risk!

*Being Overweight: There most recent research revealed that being as little as 20 percent overweight raises a person's bad cholesterol (LDL) while lowering your good cholesterol (HDL). Not a good combination.

*Age: Well as we get older our bodies simply don't work as well. That free floating cholesterol that should be processed and sent on its way is allowed to hang around and ultimately accumulates in the arteries. While there is no magic number for elevated cholesterol it is not uncommon to see high cholesterol in men over the age of 45, and women over the age of 55.

*Inactivity: Oh boy, here we go again on this exercise kick. But let's face it when a person is inactive a myriad of health problems can arise including increased lipid cholesterol readings. You don't have to be a marathon runner to achieve cholesterol reducing results. Sports like golf, tennis, and even ping-pong can prove helpful. Walking is also great. On the other hand, shuffle board, curling, and dusting the lamps really won't do the trick. Now walking while carrying a dust wand or a curling ball might be something worth considering.

In this article we have covered 5 causes of high cholesterol. While we have tried to pick the top 5 causes of cholesterol there are others that didn't make the list including smoking, hypertension, genetics, and gender. Nevertheless the above information is a good starting point for bringing those stubbornly high cholesterol levels back into a healthy range. Along those lines many natural health minded people have found that by combining lifestyle modification with natural cholesterol reducing remedies they have been able to achieve remarkable results in a relatively short period of time. Natural cholesterol reduction remedies are not for everyone, but for some they are a viable alternative to prescription medications worth considering.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_D._Hawkins

5 Causes of High Cholesterol and How to Keep Your Cholesterol Levels Healthy

2010-02-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

If you are worried about high cholesterol, it helps to know the main causes so you find the best way of combating them. Here are the main 5 causes of high cholesterol.

#1 Hereditary Factors

If you have a close relative who is under 65 years old and suffers from heart disease, you have an increased likelihood of high levels.

A rare condition that can run in a family and only affects about one in five hundred people is called familial hypercholesterolemia. This results in very high levels of the bad or LDL cholesterol while the other levels remain normal.

#2 Age and Gender

How old you are can determine your levels too. As a rule, your cholesterol levels increase as you age and men have a higher chance of being affected than women.

#3 Exercise

Getting regular exercise helps to lower your bad levels and raise your good ones. Most of us are guilty of not getting enough, so it pays to try and stick to something! Even a 30-40 minute brisk walk everyday or at least 4 times a week really helps.

You just need to raise your pulse-rate for at least 20 minutes at least 4 times a week to gain the benefits.

#4 Weight

If you are overweight, you have an increased chance of having dangerous levels. This is because being overweight results in lower HDL or good cholesterol and increases your bad LDL.

#5 Diet High in Saturated Fat

Unfortunately, most of the foods we like contain saturated and trans fats which lead to more bad cholesterol. Foods like dairy, margarines, sunflower oil, takeaway food, pastries and potato chips all contain high amounts.

It is important to distinguish between food that contains cholesterol and ones which have a lot of fat. Recent research show us that high cholesterol foods like eggs and liver do not increase your blood cholesterol very much at all.

However, saturated fats stimulate your liver to produce more LDL cholesterol and this leads to blocking of the arteries and potential heart disease.

If you try to eat more healthily and exercise more, you can help to keep your levels more in balance and to provide an even bigger boost, a natural cholesterol supplement can help.

These can help to reduce the overall production and increase the good HDL to maintain a natural and healthy balance.

These are the main 5 causes of high cholesterol, and if you feel you may have unhealthy levels, you should consult your doctor and get a test done. It is recommended to have one every five years if you are over thirty to ensure your levels are healthy.

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Your Guide to Using Medication to Raise HDL and Lower LDL

2010-02-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

Although you can be prescribed medication to raise HDL and lower LDL, you should always first look to address any lifestyle issues that may need correcting. For instance factors like smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and eating foods containing trans fats are all contributory factors towards low HDL and high LDL

However, as well as making life-style improvements, based on your high LDL levels as well as any additional health concerns you may have, your physician may well still determine that you will need medication to raise HDL and lower LDL. This can be achieved through several medicines. They could either be used on their own or in conjunction with each other. Gemfibrozil, clofibrate, reisins and nicotinic acid are some of the most frequent kinds of LDL cholesterol reducing drugs you will come across.

1. Clofibrate is an LDL decreasing treatment which additionally reduces the triglyceride ranges as well lifting the HDL cholesterol.
2. Gemfibrozil is prescribed for its ability to raise HDL.
3. Nicotinic acid - Is an LDL reducing treatment which functions within the liver by decreasing the quantity of blood fats. This can help lessen your LDL and triglycerides as well as in addition increasing the HDL cholesterol level.
4. Resins - Are a LDL cholesterol decreasing treatment which is also known as a bile acids binding drug. They will benefit by helping to reduce cholesterol levels by working within your intestines and encouraging the removal of LDL cholesterol. With this kind of treatment there is 3 kinds of drugs: Cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite, Lo-Cholest), Colesevelam (WelChol), Colestipol (Colestid).
5. Statins - Probably the most commonly used medication. Statins have a truly powerful effect in decreasing LDL but also are regarded potentially dangerous because of their unwanted side effects. These can include damage to the liver, severe muscle pain and weakness and cognitive impairment. Commonly prescribed statins are:-

* Fluvastatin (Lescol)
* Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor)
* Pravastatin (Pravachol)
* Simvastatin (Zocor)
* Atorvastatin (Lipitor).

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High Cholesterol is a Metabolic Derangement - What Can You Do About it Right Now?

2010-01-14T06:55:00.005-08:00

Is high cholesterol a symptom of something else? It is not actually a disease, but a metabolic derangement that can be caused by other diseases and can contribute to other diseases. The biggest danger of hypercholesterolemia (higher than normal cholesterol levels) is heart disease.

The most common kind of age-related heart disease is atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. There are several kinds of particles that transport cholesterols around the body. They are all called lipoproteins, but they are broken down into groups according to the number of proteins and the number of lipids (fats) that make up the particle.

The number of proteins and lipids affects the density and buoyancy of the particles. The range of density varies from very low to high.

The high density lipoproteins (HDL) are sometimes referred to as "good", while the low density LDL particles are often referred to as bad. The reference has to do with the fact that the LDL particles can penetrate the endothelium of the blood vessels and become stuck. Eventually, the particles can become oxidized or hardened.

The more LDL particles and total triglycerides in the bloodstream, the greater the chance that some of them will become oxidized. Thus most doctors consider high cholesterol a symptom of something else: atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis, known colloquially as hardening of the arteries, is one of the most common heart diseases among elderly people. As the LDL particles build up and become hardened, blood flow to the extremities is reduced.

Blood pressure increases as the heart begins to work harder. Eventually, the passage ways become narrow. They can close off completely or a chunk of the hardened mess can fall off and get stuck in the heart, causing a heart attack. If the chunk travels to the brain and forms a clot, it will cause a stroke. Understandably, some doctors consider high cholesterol a symptom of something else, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Diseases that contribute to imbalanced cholesterol-levels include diabetes and hypothyroidism. Anything that affects the liver's function could ultimately affect the blood profiles. Kidney disease, anorexia nervosa and Zieve's syndrome are among the diseases that can cause higher than normal cholesterol-levels. Type II diabetes is relatively common and the incidence is expected to increase in years to come, despite evidence that it is preventable.

Is high cholesterol a symptom of something else? It could be a symptom of too many simple carbs in the diet. Although initial research focused only on dietary sources of cholesterol, there seem to be other factors to consider.

Ideally, the modern diet would be as it was thousands of years ago, but it has changed greatly. We should eat meat or vegan protein, fruits, vegetables, seeds and whole grains like wild rice. We should not eat all of the simple refined carbohydrates; sugars and junk foods.

Is high cholesterol a symptom of something else? It could be a symptom of a lack of nutrients in the diet. So, a good dietary supplement could help.

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Compare Cholesterol Drugs - 3 Different Alternatives Revealed

2010-01-14T06:55:00.003-08:00

If your doctor has suggested medications for your cholesterol, it is important that you compare cholesterol drugs before agreeing to any prescription medications. It is important to discuss all medications and side effects with your health care provider. Never change your dosage levels or stop taking your medication without first checking with your doctor.

Statins - Statins work in the liver to help lower cholesterol. They are widely considered to be the most effective at lowering LDL cholesterol while also lowering triglycerides. This drug is not recommended for people with liver disease. Side effects can range from mild to severe. Some patients experience extreme muscle weakness and nausea while taking statin drugs.

Resins - Resins, sometimes referred to as bile acid-binding drugs, work in the intestines. Resins will increase the amount of bile your liver produces. Cholesterol helps make bile. If the cholesterol in your body is busy making more bile, then there will not be any bile left to clog your bloodstream. Most of the side effects of Resins are digestive related.

Niacin - Niacin is primarily targeted at lowering triglycerides and raising levels of HDL cholesterol. Niacin is currently an over-the-counter vitamin (Vitamin B6), and it is most effective when used in immediate release forms in high dosages.

When your doctor or physician recommends medication to lower your cholesterol, make sure you compare cholesterol drugs for all harmful side effects. Remember that all prescription medications are synthetic, and it is important to look for alternative supplements too.

The best treatment methods for cholesterol are all-natural supplements, and I recommend checking out natural supplements before investing in expensive medications prescribed by your physician.

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Heart Health Information - What is Cholesterol Used For?

2010-01-14T06:55:00.001-08:00

Whenever you talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, there are certain topics that always arise. Physicians will ask about your blood pressure. They will ask you about your weight and the percentage of body fat in your body. Some doctors will want to check your normal cholesterol range. Do you really understand cholesterol and how it works in your body? Do you understand what cholesterol is used for?

Cholesterol is not just a dirty word. Many people think of cholesterol as something that builds up in the body that can cause a heart attack. Others just know that cholesterol comes from animals.

Cholesterol is actually a necessary product in our bodies. Cholesterol serves a vital purpose for human beings. Cholesterol is a waxy material that is produced in your liver. You can find cholesterol in many products including meats and dairy products. The body uses cholesterol to help it burn fat, produce vitamin D, and help digest fat. Unfortunately, most people eat way too much cholesterol. As a result, cholesterol begins building up in the blood stream.

Just like many things in life, you can have too much of a good thing. Cholesterol is no exception. The real question becomes how do you cut back on the cholesterol in your diet. I always recommend doing all of the things that the health experts recommend.

Eat healthy foods, exercise thirty minutes a day, and buy cholesterol control supplement remedies. Do not worry about what cholesterol is used for in the body. You should only concern yourself with how to get healthy!

There is almost an epidemic going on today. People have weak hearts and a lot of health problems. The big pharmaceutical companies want you to buy their drugs so they can keep their business running.

The truth is that there are very effective natural alternatives out there if you do your research. Look for ingredients such as d-limonene, theaflavin and beta-sitosterol. They have been proven to lower your cholesterol without causing side-effects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Pedersen

How to Raise Low HDL Cholesterol

2010-01-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

If you suffer from low HDL cholesterol, it is pretty imperative that you increase it as soon as possible. As you are probably aware there are two types of cholesterol in your body the HDL (which is classed as the good cholesterol), and the LDL (which is classed as the bad cholesterol). The fact is that neither of them are the good guy or the bad guy, in fact both of them are needed in the right balance for your body to function properly. Ultimately what you want is reasonably low levels of LDL and reasonably high levels of HDL. The reason for the high levels of HDL cholesterol is because you want this one to be mopping up the LDL to take it back to the liver for reprocessing. If there is too much LDL in your system then it is possible that this can lead to cardiovascular problems.

How to Raise Low HDL Cholesterol

* Increase Your Omega3's - Most people are lacking omega3 in their diets, in fact omega3 deficiency is now the sixth most common form of preventable death in the United States. While the Omega threes from walnuts can be good for your heart, you ideally want to be increasing the Omega threes from oily fish such as salmon and tuna. The reason for this is because the essential fats in them are known to help raise low HDL cholesterol, decrease LDL cholesterol and also help reduce high triglyceride levels.
* Exercise - Exercise can play a key part in getting the correct balance in your cholesterol levels. Most people when they hear the word exercise conjure up vivid pictures of intense workouts and expensive gym memberships, fortunately this does not have to be the case. Researchers now recognize that when it comes to exercise helping to raise low HDL cholesterol levels it is the duration that is important not the intensity. So by doing something as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day 5 to 7 days a week would be extremely beneficial.
* Lifestyle Changes - There are certain things that you can cut out that would also be helpful. For instance if you are a smoker quitting the habit would be a great start. Food wise you ideally want to cut out as best as you can foods that contain trans fats; these kinds of foods are normally fast foods or ready made meals that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil. In addition to this you could also increase the amount of soluble fiber you eat from foods such as oat bran as this is also known to be beneficial in helping with cholesterol levels.

By making the simple lifestyle changes such as watching the amount of fast or ready made food that you eat, increasing your omega-3's and exercising more then you will be able to raise your low HDL cholesterol levels. In an ideal world these are the kind of actions you want to be taking to avoid going on medications being prescribed to you for the rest of your life such as statins.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Dungait

Common Cardiac Arrhythmia - Atrial Fibrillation

2009-12-13T02:25:00.001-08:00

Abnormal heart rhythm or cardiac arrhythmia is most commonly caused by atrial fibrillation: atrial fibrillation involves the two larger, upper chambers of the heart and fibrillation is the medical term used to describe "quivering" of the affected muscles of the heart.

Before we take a more detailed look at atrial fibrillation, we must first understand a little about the structure of the heart to better understand what is happening with this condition and how we treat it.

The heart is composed of four chambers; as we have already said, the two larger chambers, known as atria, sit on top of two smaller chambers known as ventricles and each atrium is connected to the lower ventricle. The atrium's job is to take in blood after it has passed through the lungs and which is then rich in oxygen waiting to be delivered to the rest of the body. The atrium then contracts to force this blood into the lower ventricle. The ventricle is smaller than the atrium but much more powerful and when it contracts, this forces the blood out of the heart and around the body under pressure.

It is the double contraction of the atria followed by the ventricles which forms the typical heart beat we hear as a double thud - "duh-dum".

With a-fib, the regular double-beat becomes uncoordinated and this leads to blood not being transferred to the ventricles when it is supposed to - the blood literally misses the beat of the heart.

The actual cause is usually that the electrical signal which coordinates the heart is disrupted or not passing across the heart as it needs to in order to trigger the contraction of the muscles. Disruption is frequently caused by the electrical signal being drowned out by electrical impulses generated elsewhere by the atria or by the pulmonary system. This creates the arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat and an episode may last for a few moments or for an extended period of time, sometimes for years until it is detected.

Fortunately, a-fib is not usually life threatening but a range of symptoms may present themselves and are not generally pleasant - fainting, palpitations, pain in the chest or more seriously, congestive heart failure. Having atrial fibrillation will lead to a higher risk for other illnesses such as strokes due to blood clots forming from the blood which pools in the atrium due not being transferred fully to the ventricle. In general, those with atrial fibrillation are seven times more likely to suffer a stroke than the general population but other risk factors also need to be taken into account.

Treatment for atrial fibrillation includes medication used to slow or regulate the beat of the heart while a pace maker may be fitted to ensure the electrical signal used to regulate the contractions allows for coordinated contractions. Surgery may be performed to prevent atrial fib from recurring which may be minor (inserting a catheter) or major if the heart or electrical generation is significantly damaged. Those with atrial fib are frequently treated with anti-coagulants such as Warfarin to reduce the risk of blood clotting which causes strokes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_L_Perkins

The Good, The Bad, The Fats That Affect Your Cholesterol

2009-12-13T02:24:00.002-08:00

A major contributor to heart disease is high cholesterol, in particular LDL cholesterol. Saturated and hydrogenated fats and trans-fatty acids can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats do not raise cholesterol levels and some studies even suggest that they may lower LDL levels when eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fats. So where do we find these fats, what are the types of foods that contain the good and what types contain the bad.

Saturated fats for the most part are found in foods from animals. It is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. Beef, pork, poultry, butter, cream, cheese, and dairy products made with whole or 2 percent milk all contain saturated fat. There are some plant products that contain saturated fat, the main ones are coconut, coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter. When food is processed the fats in the food undergo a chemical process called hydrogenation. It is considered a saturated fat and will be listed as such on nutrition labels. Margarines and shortenings are the most common items with hydrogenated fats.

During the process of hydrogenation, trans-fatty acids are produced. In clinical studies TFA tended to raise the level of blood cholesterol, some believe that they raise it more than saturated fats. In 2006 the FDA made it mandatory to list the TFA content on nutrition labels. A food can be labeled as cholesterol free but if it contains TFA it can raise the LDL levels. Fast food items tend to have high TFA levels and since there are no requirements for them to label fast food consumers are often eating food that is harmful even though it is advertised as cholesterol free. The main source of TFA in the American diet is from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Because of the recent TFA concern and because it is found in margarine the debate started over which is better, butter or margarine. Because butter is high both in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol it is still more harmful to blood cholesterol levels than margarines because they do not have any dietary cholesterol. It should be noted that the more liquid the margarine is, the less TFA it will contain.

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are found in fish, nuts, seeds and oils from plants. Salmon, trout, avocados, olives are sources. Liquid oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, canola, olive and sunflower are the ones that should be used.

Studies have shown that both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats may lower your blood cholesterol when used in place of saturated fats but still should be used in moderation. It is recommended that most of the daily fat intake comes from these types of fat sources such as fish and nuts.

The American Heart Association recommends these fat intake guidelines for a healthy diet:

* Limit total fat intake to no more than 25-35 percent of the daily caloric intake.
* Limit saturated fat to 7 percent of the daily caloric intake.
* Limit trans fat intake to less than 1 percent of the daily caloric intake.
* The remaining fat should come from poly and monounsaturated fat sources.
* Limit daily cholesterol intake to 300mg per day.

The best way to follow these guidelines is to eat smart choices. Choose a diet containing many fruits, vegetables, whole grain, high fiber foods, and low fat or fat free dairy products. Use canola and olive oil most often to cook and to flavor foods. Limit the amount of fried foods in your diet both at home and especially at fast food restaurants.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_L_Bass

A Brief Look at Omega 3 Oil and Heart Health

2009-12-13T02:24:00.001-08:00

Are you worried or concerned about the health of your heart? If you follow the advice of one organization about omega 3 oil, you could be better protected.

These fatty acids are the so called good fats that fall into the essential nutrients group that we need to replenish from our dietary intake. According to the American Heart Association all of us, even people that have nothing wrong with them, should be eating at least two portions of fish a week.

Perhaps there is something to take notice of here, as these types of bodies don't just dish out health advice like this for the sake of it. That aside there is also a large amount of already researched and published evidence that seems to back up the same claims. Let's take a quick look at what the AMA recommends, and which anyone can look at for themselves on their web pages.

If you are looking at trying to lower your triglyceride levels then they say you should be on between 2-4 grams of omega 3 oil every day, taken as a mix of EPA plus DHA, two of the best fatty acids around. The extra piece of advice in this case is because of it being such a large dosage, you ought to be under the guidance of a physician, a good and wise precaution.

They also go on to say that some of the extra heart health benefits from taking such fish oils, is their ability to decrease the risks of arrhythmia which when it occurs, could result in death from sudden cardiac arrest.

Good health is to be valued, so why not take some simple steps and start to include omega 3 oil in your diet, or by taking a suitable capsule.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Tucker

The Great Benefits of Omega 3

2009-12-13T02:23:00.000-08:00

As we age, we all seem to become prone to High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and the beginnings of Cardiovascular Diseases. I believe that we do not eat the proper foods that we need to keep our bodies healthy and that we probably do not exercise enough. There are some things that we can do to help keep our bodies healthier.

The first thing we need to do is make ourselves go for a long walk, maybe two walks, every day. The second thing we need to do is watch our calorie intake, and the third thing we need to do is start taking supplements, that will assist our body to stay healthy.

Omega 3 is one of the supplements that, I personally, really believe in.

Their is scientific evidence accumulated from many studies, that support the taking of Omega 3 supplements. It helps to reduce the risk of death, heart attacks, dangerous abnormal heart rhythems, high blood pressure and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease. It also slows the buildup of plaque in arteries.

I personally really believe in Omega 3's ability to reduce plaque. In Feb. a few years ago, I went to see a chiropractor, as I was having trouble with my back. He took xrays and then brought them in to show me. He said to me "Do you see this long slender bone in your lower back? That is not a bone. That is your artery. Your arteries are so filled with plaque, that they appear to be bone." He strongly recommended Omega 3 supplements. In August, of that same year I visited a Medical Doctor for another problem and I was shocked to discover that my arteries were clear and that my cholesterol was fine. That made me a real believer in Omaga 3.

It is fine, and recommended, to have a healthy diet, and that includes at least a couple of servings a week of omega 3 enriched foods. But I find that I just don't do it. Maybe it is because I live in the Midwest, and we just did not eat fish often. So I faithfully take my Omega 3 supplements every day. The side benefit for me, that I have not seen in the studies done on Omega 3, is that my always extremely dry skin is no longer extremely dry. For me, that is a very valuable benefit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wilma_Mae_Miller

Cholesterol Lowering Diets - The Free Way to Live Longer

2009-11-24T07:47:00.001-08:00

A normal level of cholesterol is very important because it assures us of a healthier heart and a longer life. As high cholesterol level may cause a stroke or a heart attack, keeping it within the safe range is the wisest thing to do. Although a number of prescription drugs are popular when it comes to moderating crucial levels, cholesterol lowering diets are still the best way to go. They are not only cheaper but they are more effective and much safer too.

People who opt to buy drugs to control their cholesterol levels are ill-advised by their doctors. Drugs may be acceptable if taken for only a short time. They may be used to temporarily assist you as you adjust your lifestyle. However, using them for life may burn a hole in your pocket as well as endanger your health.

Prolonged use of medications may lead to liver failure and other hormonal imbalances. Bear in mind that the human body is not designed for a daily intake of synthetic substances. The more natural you go the better it is for your body.

Cholesterol lowering diets include foods that have no hydrogenated oils and saturated fats. Hydrogenated oils are those found in margarine and all baked goods like cakes and pastries. They are also present in a lot of instant soups and salad dressings. You must take your time to read the labels when you are shopping for groceries to make sure that the products you buy have zero or low amounts of these substances.

Hydrogenated oils belong to a group of ingredients called metabolic disruptors. These interfere with the body's normal metabolism. Our bodies get the energy they need from food through metabolism. Metabolism is the chemical reactions in the body's cells that convert the fuel from food into energy. Energy is needed to do everything from thinking to moving to growing. A disruption to metabolism is a disruption to life.

Saturated fats are those that come from red meat and tropical oils. Remember that you can still consume some of these foods since they also give your body nutrition. However, make sure that you do not go overboard. And when you take meat always choose lean meat. And don't forget to remove all the skin before you cook them.

On the other hand, foods that lower your bad cholesterol are basically fruits and vegetables. Garlic, onion and ginger are also popular in maintaining good cholesterol level. Whole grains like pearled barley, oats, and wheat berries are rich in fiber which also has a cholesterol lowering effect.

Minimize consumption of poultry, cheese, ice cream and whole milk (switch to skimmed milk instead). Replace saturated fats with monounsaturated fats by using olive oil and canola.

In may take some time for you to get used to cholesterol lowering diets. So take one step at a time. It is not going to be easy, but at least you have found a way to live longer, and it is for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Siew

Natural Cholesterol Lowering Alternatives - Two Vital Factors to Consider

2009-11-24T07:46:00.003-08:00

By now just about everybody knows that food intake and exercise are high up among the natural cholesterol lowering alternatives available today. Much has been written on the subject. Unfortunately so much of the material is written with a commercial bias that many of get lost among all the so-called miracle solutions and they end up doing nothing.

No two people are the same. Neither do any two people have exactly the physical constitution. It follows that there is a unique solution to every case of high bad cholesterol. The secret is to find out what's best for you.

Get expert advice

* Keep a record of what you typically eat every day for two weeks. Analyze this against the list so-called forbidden foods. Establish the most likely contributors to your problem. Discuss the result with your doctor or dietician. Make sure you understand why something needs to change
* Have a full physical examination. Discuss safe and achievable exercise options with your doctor. Because you know that you best intentions will fade if you exercise alone, factor in the availability of local interest groups like walking clubs.

Choose what's best for you

* Make a conscious decision to never commit to doing anything that you do not enjoy. Think back to the activities you liked when you were younger. Being healthy is fun. Getting there should be fun too. If you hate fish and can't stand jogging stay then away from both.
* Nourish your good intentions. Set short term goals and make a note in your diary when you achieve these. Most importantly of all, ask a buddy to monitor and encourage you. Few people get much right without encouragement and support.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Summers

Natural Ways to Reduce Cholesterol, Being Healthy Can Be Chemical Free

2009-11-24T07:46:00.001-08:00

Cholesterol. It's not a scary word. But it could be. Everyone has it, but not everyone can control it properly. This can increase the chances of a heart attack or stroke dramatically. But there is good news. Cholesterol can be lowered. The better news is that there are chemical-free, natural ways of reducing cholesterol.

Changing the diet is the first natural step in reducing cholesterol. When shopping at the grocery store, read the labels. Avoid saturated fats and refined sugars. Look for foods high in fiber such as whole grains. Also look for beans, lentils, vegetables (fresh, not frozen or canned if possible), and fish. Lower the portions of meat on the plate, especially red meat. Also, expand ways to prepare food by steaming, broiling, grilling and baking instead of frying.

In addition to diet changes, there are several natural herbs and supplements to help the process along. Garlic may reduce LDL levels or 'bad cholesterol' while raising HDL levels or 'good cholesterol'. It's also been shown to lower blood pressure and even reduce the chances of getting the common cold! Other herbs include soy, which can also lower LDL levels. Grape seed extract may both lower LDL levels and blood pressure. Flaxseed oil, cayenne, ginger, and alfalfa all may be useful as well but most studies are inconclusive.

Finally, remember to exercise. The body must move to be healthy. No therapy is complete without exercise. Thirty minutes, two to three times a week is all it takes. A brisk walk, a bike ride, a game of tennis, anything that raises the heart rate is key. Raising the heart rate help improve circulation, which in turn can lower cholesterol levels as well.

Regardless of health, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting any therapy. If considering an alternative, drug-free therapy, find a physician who specializes in holistic medicine or can refer to an holistic practitioner.

The thought of a heart attack or stroke is frightening. Knowing that cholesterol could be the cause is even more frightening. But knowing that drugs are not the only alternative can make things easier to handle. There are natural ways to reduce cholesterol to a safe and healthy level.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Summers

Heart Attack

2009-11-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

Fat Composition of Foods Sold at Retail

A targeted national scan of processed foods sold primarily in grocery stores, conducted by Health Canada and Food & Consumer Products of Canada in June 2005, confirmed the Task Force's assumption that the use of alternatives to trans fats was increasing rapidly, although more so in some food categories than in others.

Almost all bread products and salad dressings were free of trans fats. Significant progress had also been achieved in certain food categories such as french fries and chips. However, some varieties of baked goods, oriental noodles, snack puddings, liquid coffee whiteners, microwave popcorn, toaster pastries, hard margarines and shortenings still contained high amounts of trans fats. It was also noted that new and reformulated products with minimal amounts of trans fat were appearing on the market on a regular basis.

In many instances, partially hydrogenated oils had been replaced by oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids - fats that have been identified as healthier alternatives to oils and fats rich in saturated fatty acids. However, alternatives rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are more prone to lipid oxidation and do not possess the functional characteristics (e.g. an appropriate melting point) needed in processing certain food products. In fact, it was noted that in some food categories (e.g. cookies, snack puddings, crackers, granola bars, oriental noodles and liquid coffee whiteners), partially hydrogenated oils had sometimes been replaced by oils in which 50-100% of total fat was saturated fat.

While these high saturated fat alternatives are still less harmful to health than oils containing high amounts of trans fatty acids, they do not contribute to the goal of reducing coronary heart disease risk and achieving the Task Force's objective of "significant net health benefit." That said, even in some of the more problematic food categories (e.g. crackers and other snack foods), the Task Force noted innovative products that have incorporated more healthful alternative oils. This finding can be attributed to targeted research and development efforts by industry - efforts that should be encouraged.

The Task Force's consultations revealed some concerns regarding the use of trans fats in baby and toddler foods (i.e. foods for children under two years of age). It seems that increased awareness has already sparked actions by industry, and the Task Force did not devote time to discussing this issue.In summary, there is good evidence that growing consumer awareness and mandatory nutrition labeling have motivated industry to reduce or eliminate trans fat from many processed foods sold in grocery stores.

However, there is also evidence that these factors alone will not result in reformulation of all processed foods, and that some products with higher trans fat content are likely to remain unchanged in the absence of a regulated limit. These include products where it is more difficult for manufacturers to generate an adequate return on the investment required for reformulation. Examples of such products are low-cost foods (oriental noodles), foods consumed for reasons other than nutritional value (cakes and pastries) and foods for which nutrient information is not easily accessible (nachos sold in movie theatres).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Bols

Healthy You - Are You Heart Healthy?

2009-11-18T06:24:00.003-08:00

22% of all Canadians have high blood pressure, 42% of them don't know it, and 16% of Canadians treat their high blood pressure and control it.

66% of all Canadians are overweight or obese, and 25% of children are overweight or obese. More than 1.3 million Canadians have diabetes and about 90% of those are type 2 which is for the most part preventable. A diabetic woman has 8 times as great a risk of heart disease as a man. About 50% of all Canadians over 12 years old are not active physically.

25% of Canadians 31-50 years of age get more than 35% of their calories from fat which increases their heart health risk. 64% of adult Canadians and 70% of children between the ages of 4 Years and 8 years of age eat less than 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. By making specific dieting changes many people are able to successfully improve their blood test results and so stay away from prescription drugs.

Some people are able to reduce or stop taking their medication completely with their doctor's approval. If you have one or more of the heart disease risk factors, adopting a heart healthy diet can help reduce your risk. Eating to guard against heart disease is more than limiting, or avoiding, certain foods, such as saturated fat, trans fat sodium, and excessive alcohol, It also requires you to add foods rich in soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fats to your diet to help reduce LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Bainbridge

Your Diet Can Lower Your High Blood Pressure

2009-11-18T06:24:00.001-08:00

High Blood Pressure and Your Health.

There are over 50 million Americans that have high blood pressure. Hypertension could lead to strokes and other cardiovascular problems. High blood pressure or hypertension are known as a silent killer. Without regular check ups people do not know they have it until it is too late. One of the most effective ways to lower your high blood pressure is through your diet.

How to Lower Your High Blood Pressure.

These simple tips will help you lower and control your hypertension. If you are under a doctors care and he has prescribed medication for you, continue to follow their directions and take your medication. Over time it is possible to wean yourself from the medication, but do not quit without your doctors approval. This is how you lower your blood pressure:

*1. Do not smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco products.
*2. If you are overweight lose weight.
*3. Increase your activity and exercise regularly.
*4. Eat a healthy low fat, high fiber diet especially lots of fruit and vegetables.
*5. Lower your salt and sodium intake.
*6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
*7. Reduce and Eliminate Stress from your life as much as possible.
*8. Get plenty of fresh air and sunlight.
*9. Sleep regularly.

These same tips will help you reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, obesity and many other diseases while strengthening your immune system and increasing your energy.

Low Fat Diet Reduces Your High Blood Pressure.

There are two major food types that dramatically affect our blood pressure. They are saturated fats as well as sodium.

Saturated fat increases your blood pressure and you should limit butter and margarine, salad dressings, fatty meats, whole milk dairy problems, fried foods and fast foods. Read nutrition labels and learn what is in the foods you eat.

Those things that are high in sodium and and saturated fats should be avoided.

Avoid Sodium.

Many people think salt and sodium are the same and they are not. Salt is a mineral that is full of sodium but it is not sodium. Sodium can be found in foods other than salt. Therefore, even if you do not add salt to your foods or cook with salt you could still be getting a lot of sodium in your diet. Sodium is the number one thing to increase blood pressure in many people, especially African Americans. Be very careful to reduce your sodium intake. Over a short period of time your body will let you know when things are too salty. But until then avoid, salt, canned soups and most canned foods, salted snacks and all deli meats. Do not eat fast foods. MSG, like salt is another mineral high in sodium and should be completed avoided. It is found most often in Chinese food.

What Should You Eat to Lower Your Blood Pressure.

The healthiest thing to eat is fresh fruit and vegetables. A variety is good but those fruit high in potassium are especially good while you are getting used to eating less sodium. Eat foods that are high in dietary fiber such as 100% whole grains like oats, wheat, etc. If you want meat choose skinless turkey or chicken. Fish can be 3 times higher in sodium that skinless turkey, chicken or even lean beef. Lean pork can be even 3 to 5 times higher in sodium than fish. So at all costs avoid pork.

Finally, eat of fruits and vegetables with every meal and snack. Avoid sodium and foods high in saturated fats. Eat foods high in fiber and 100% whole grains. Follow the other tips and soon you can lower your high blood pressure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Jeffries

Different Natural Lowering Cholesterol Methods

2009-11-18T06:23:00.002-08:00

When people hear of the word cholesterol, they perceive it as a disease-giver. What most of them do not know is that cholesterol could be either good or bad. Cholesterol in general actually helps some areas of your body to work properly. What makes cholesterol a threatening element is when too much of it circulates in your body. So, to regulate the cholesterol levels in your body, it would be better if you would practice some natural lowering cholesterol methods.

Your own lifestyle plays an important role in lowering the cholesterol in your body. Changing your habits could be one of the best natural lowering cholesterol processes that you can do. You can start doing it by eating foods that are low in cholesterol such as white or lean meat, fish rich in omega-3 such as mackerel, and foods that are rich in fibers such as fruit and vegetables. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil when cooking because the former is healthier.

Check also for your weight because that alone can lower your cholesterol levels. Do some simple exercises to keep your heart pumping smoothly. This could burn excess calories, making your body healthier. With a healthy weight, you have a better chance to achieve a lower and healthier cholesterol level.

Aside from doing all the above, some foods as well as food supplements can contribute towards lowering your cholesterol level. By simply eating those highly recommended foods regularly, you will lower your cholesterol in a natural way. One of the best foods that can work on your cholesterol is garlic. For years, garlic has proven itself to give wonderful health benefits.

Aside from eating foods such as garlic, there are still other foods that contain nutrients necessary for keeping your cholesterol on its balanced level. Moreover, there are also other things such as policosanol, guggulipid extract, green tea extract, and beta sitosterol that also work effectively. It is also good to know that they likewise provide other benefits that can make your body healthy.

Not only does the policosanol lower bad cholesterol but it also increases the good cholesterol level in your body. Guggulipid extract can also treat other body ailments. Green tea has always been associated with weight loss. It has been mentioned that if you have a healthy weight, it is more likely that you can lower your cholesterol level. Lastly, beta sitosterol contains elements that fight cancer.

Just before taking any of these natural lowering cholesterol processes, consult your physician first especially if you are under a certain medication or if you have an ailment. This will prevent any serious reactions that could harm you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Siew

Fish Oil For Cardiovascular Health - How Does Healing Action Happen?

2009-11-18T06:23:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for effective ways to address your existing heart or cardiovascular problem, then chances are you've probably encountered fish oil and other similar supplements being suggested into your cardiovascular diet.

These benefits are all made possible due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements. Hence, including this particular food substance regularly into your diet is vital in reducing the possibility of developing heart problems, especially for those determined to be at high risk.

Intake of fish oil as cardiovascular disease prevention can do a lot of benefits to your heart. Some benefits that can be derived from fish oil for cardiovascular health include improved heart rhythms, improved heart rate, reduced blood clotting, and reduced inflammation. To learn more about how fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids could make these benefits happen, read more below to find out.

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of deaths all over the world. This fatal condition is due to uncontrolled heart rhythms. The intake of fish oil and the increased amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the body alter the heart's electrical activity. As a result, it helps to stabilize the heart's natural rhythm to prevent cardiac arrest.

In conjunction with your heart rhythm, fish oil is beneficial as a cardiovascular disease prevention method since it regulates your heart rate. It represents the total beats of your heart per minute when at resting phase. Physically fit individual have comparably lower heart rate as compared to those who are obese. The normal heart rate ranges between 60 to 80 beats per minute, but this usually increases as a person ages. By consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil, you can significantly lower your heart rate and your chances of developing heart attack.

Although blood clotting is important to allow your wounds and injuries to heal quickly. However, excessive clotting can be dangerous to your heart since it could block your arteries until it eventually closes out blood vessels leading to your vital organs.

With the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in your red blood cells and plasma, you can reduce clumping of blood platelets to make it easier for your blood to pass through the narrow blood vessels. The suggested amount of these EFAs to prevent excessive blood clotting would be approximately 10 grams daily.

And finally, EFAs are beneficial in creating an anti-inflammation effect on your blood vessels. Increased inflammation on your vessels have been identified to impair their function and result to more complicated heart disease. So, your ability to prevent that from happening is a great method to prevent acquisition of cardiovascular diseases.

Fish oil for cardiovascular health has been considered a health miracle. So, if you want to find out more on how you can utilize this as an effective method for cardiovascular disease prevention, then fill up on the information you need.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Calista_Abbott

High Cholesterol in Teenagers

2009-11-04T02:14:00.001-08:00

High cholesterol affects around 15 percent of teenagers and is, unfortunately, a growing problem. Left unchecked and untreated, the build up of cholesterol can continue into adulthood and lead to a significant increase in the risk of early heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today. This is why teenagers with high cholesterol, and their parents, need to be aware of how to tackle the problem.

Around 1.5 percent of teenagers suffer from high cholesterol because the condition runs in their family. A cholesterol test should also be considered if there is a family history of high blood pressure. Teenagers are also putting themselves at risk of developing high cholesterol if they smoke regularly. However, the leading cause of high cholesterol in teens is obesity. Poor diets and a lack of exercise can cause a fatty build up in the arteries which can lead to severe health problems in adulthood.

To reduce the risk of your teenager developing high cholesterol, or to lower it if it has already become a problem, one of the first things you will need to do is encourage them to become more physically active. People need to aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, 5 days a week. If they are obese or experiencing health problems they should build up to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week in order to improve their health.

Diet is also an important factor. The biggest culprit for high cholesterol is processed foods, so meals should be cooked from scratch whenever possible. Saturated fats, which mostly come from animal produce such as meat and dairy, and hydrogenated fats, found in some oils, should be restricted. Good alternatives to 'bad' fats are liquid margarine and olive oil.

Teenagers should also ensure they are getting their 5 portions of fruit and vegetables today as these often have properties which help lower cholesterol. Apples, pears, prunes and brussell sprouts all contain soluble fibre which breaks down bad cholesterol. Soya, oats, pulses and nuts can also aid cholesterol reduction. However, due to their high calorie content nut intake should be restricted to a handful or less a day.

If trying to lower cholesterol through diet and exercise fails to yield results after a year then medication may be prescribed. These usually work by blocking cholesterol production, increasing levels of 'good' cholesterol or reducing cholesterol absorption. As with any form of medication, these drugs can have unpleasant side effects and should only be considered if all other measures have failed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Williams

Lowering Your Cholesterol

2009-11-04T02:13:00.002-08:00

It is a scientifically proven - and well publicised - fact that eating well significantly lowers your risk of developing serious diseases. This is especially true of heart disease. If there is a history of heart problems in your family or if you are worried your lifestyle may have put you at increased risk, then it is never too late to make changes to your diet that will significantly improve your health.

If you want to lower your cholesterol levels, you first need to know which foods you should eat in moderation. Fat is essential to the body, but modern eating habits mean people are getting far more trans fat and saturated fat than is healthy. A good diet should be made up of less than 7 percent of these fats. They are found mainly in animal sourced products (meat and dairy). You should also aim for lower levels of hydrogenated fat, so should check the ingredients on your margarine to choose the healthiest option and then use this for cooking rather than butter, which is a big culprit in high cholesterol. As a general rule, processed convenience foods are worse for cholesterol levels so aim to cook from scratch most nights of the week.

There are foods which can lower your cholesterol, so you should aim to include more of these in your diet. Start your day with an oat based cereal as it is an easy way to get more soluble fibre, which can reduce your 'bad' cholesterol levels by approximately 5 percent. You can also increase your intake of soluble fibre by eating certain fruits and vegetables such as prunes, pears, apples, pulses and brussell sprouts.

If your diet is fairly balanced and sensible, you can reduce your cholesterol levels further through eating more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These are unsaturated fats and come mostly from plant, rather than animal, sources. Try using olive oil rather than vegetable oil and snacking on almonds and walnuts. Do bear in mind though, nuts are very calorific so you should be careful how much you eat and limit it to less than a handful.

If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, visit your family doctor. They may be able to test how high your cholesterol is, and can certainly give you further advice about how to improve your lifestyle and eating habits to reduce it and make your heart healthier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Williams

Cholesterol and Heart Disease - Improving Your Health

2009-11-04T02:13:00.001-08:00

Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance (called a lipid), which is present in the circulatory system. It is needed by the body for the production of hormones and vitamin D. A small amount is secreted by the liver, which also removes excess cholesterol from the blood stream, and the rest of it is absorbed through animal sources like meat and dairy. But if you are getting too much bad cholesterol in your diet then it can lead to life threatening conditions such as heart disease.

Cholesterol cannot travel through the blood stream on its own, so it it first needs to bond with a protein. This forms a lipoprotein, and there are two types. The first is a High Density Lipoprotein. This is what doctors and dieticians would call 'good cholesterol' as it removes cholesterol from the walls of the arteries which will then allow the liver to absorb it. The second type is the 'bad cholesterol' which you should try to avoid. Low Density Lipoprotein is what causes an undesirable fatty build up on the artery walls. Left unchecked, this will eventually lead to a narrowing of the arteries which can trigger serious cardiovascular problems, for instance a heart attack.

Potentially dangerous levels of bad cholesterol are usually caused by a poor diet, but it can also be an inherited problem. For example, genetics may mean a person has insufficient LDL receptors in the liver, so too little LDL is absorbed from the blood stream. This is a common problem among men and women who suffer from heart attacks at an unusually young age.

For most people though, keeping your heart and arteries healthy is a matter of eating good food while avoiding the bad. Convenience food is often full of much higher levels of saturated fat than home cooked meals, and the rise of cardiac problems in the populations strongly correlates to the greater availability of processed food. Try instead to eat a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fish and whole grains. Olive oil is a healthier option than vegetable oil, and buy trans-fat margarine for cooking purposes rather than using butter - these are much less likely to cause problematic build up in your arteries.

Another change you should make to your lifestyle if you are concerned about how cholesterol may be affecting your health is to get more exercise. Physical activity raises HDL levels. As already stated, HDL is considered good cholesterol because it helps remove and break down any build up you might already have on your artery walls so it possible to reverse some of the damage you might already have done to your body. It is never too late to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Williams

Are High Levels of Blood Cholesterol Hereditary?

2009-11-04T02:12:00.000-08:00

So another piece of the jigsaw slipped into place. It wasn't just rabbits who died of high blood cholesterol levels. Humans did too. Other researchers looking further back in time noted that rationing was introduced during WWII in Norway and the UK, and in both countries the rate of heart disease fell. (Although the rate of having bombs fall on your head rose rapidly, which could have had something to do with a rapid alteration in the causes of death.)

It was then found that there were some people with a genetic condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), basically, an inherited condition of high levels of blood cholesterol (LDL). Children inheriting the condition from both parents could die as young as five from heart disease. By golly, it was all beginning to look like an openand-shut case. leaping ahead in time somewhat; in the 1970s Brown and Goldstein identified that people with FH had a problem with their production of lDl receptors. With fewer LDl receptors the LDl level skyrocketed and this was the basic 'fault' in FH, which, as you will now recognize, should actually be called 'hyper low density lipoproteinemia.

It was at this time that the concept of a raised blood cholesterol started to fragment into a constellation of different lipoproteins, and LDL was fingered as 'bad' cholesterol.. And so it seemed, although I am leaping about a bit in time and space, that all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle were falling into place. and the diet-heart hypothesis was really flying. As early as 1956 the American Heart Association (AHA), somewhat jumping the gun in my opinion, had launched the concept of the 'prudent diet'.

A prudent diet consisted of replacing butter with margarine, beef with skinless chicken, bacon and eggs with cold cereal, warm baths with cold showers and chocolate by a smack on the back of the neck with a cold kipper. In the 1960s and 1970s, huge trials on dietary modification were set up. The biggest was probably the MR-FIT trial, involving hundreds of thousands of people. What were the results of this trial? I think it would spoil things to let you know that at this point all will be revealed later on.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Hagen

Cardiac Health is in Our Control - Cardiovascular Disease Can Be Prevented, Halted, & Even Reversed

2009-10-21T23:05:00.003-07:00

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America today. It can be prevented, cured, and even reversed! Hense, my writing this article on Cardiac Health.

In January 2008, I had a heart attack and had five stents put in my chest. Realizing that although this repaired the blockage in my arteries, I began extensive research into potential solutions to restore my cardiac health.

I uncovered a massive amount of research which has been done on natural alternatives. The pharmaceutical companies spend millions to convince us that only commonly prescribed drugs will fix you. I have found out otherwise and am trying to get the word out that there are alternatives.

Many are aware of the untimely passing of Tim Russert 58, NBC newsman who died June 13, 2008 of a massive heart attack. His doctor had diagnosed him with coronary artery disease for which he had been prescribed medication and exercise. He also performed well on a stress test in April. For about one third of all with coronary disease, sudden death is the first symptom.

There is very little one can do (except preventative action) to predict sudden cardiac arrest which takes more than 310,000 Americans every year. That is more than breast cancer, lung cancer, stroke and AIDS. Russert's death is a wake-up call to thousands of men and women who never thought they might be courting a coronary.

Forty-two percent of all deaths in the United States are directly related to circulatory disorders.

Some figures are related below:

Heart Disease kills 361,276 men & 371,133 women

Cancer including lung kills 280,465 men and 253,845 women

Strokes kill 60,225 men & 93,081 women

Diabetes + Atherosclerosis make these the number one killer today!

The circulatory system is vulnerable based on many factors including the genetic factor, which is how I became interested (inherited heart issues from my parents). I haven't smoked, was not eating high fat foods, I have exercised regularly and do not live a stressful life. Yet, I found myself in the hospital with chest pains and a heart attack.

There are four fantastic resource books that have been written concerning arginine and nitric oxide. They answered all of my questions about these powerful substances. These books document how the natural amino acid ingredient arginine, and nitric oxide which is created by the endothelium (smooth muscles lining the inside of blood vessels) from arginine are an answer to most folk's prayers. They are proven by these books to be a natural preventative and cure for heart attack and stroke.

It was very fortunate I was in the hospital when I had my heart attack, for 30% of heart attacks the very first warning is instant death. The U. S. healthcare system is dominated by expensive technologies to treat patients after they suffer a heart attack. Very little is done to prevent heart attacks.

Arginine is the body's key source of nitrogen. After reviewing the evidence, my position is that I believe along with the authors of the four resource books, that arginine is essential for many individuals, especially as they age. While young, our cardiovascular and other bodily systems have not yet suffered the damage that often comes with aging. It is in our latter years, when the cardiovascular system's need for ADNO becomes greater than ever, because our health has been compromised by years of heart un-healthy habits or genetics.

If you already suffer from atherosclerosis, hypertension, and the cavalcade of other chronic disorders -- I believe based on my research, that supplementing your body with 5 grams per day of liquid arginine is critical to your long-term health. L-arginine is reasonably priced and available in many health food stores in capsule, powder and tablet form. In order to get the adequate supplementation to your diet it is easier and less expensive to use the liquid which has a 90% assimilation in a quality liquid form.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lemoyne_Bloom

The Three Basic Approaches For Promoting Heart Health

2009-10-21T23:05:00.001-07:00

Supporting heart health includes a combination of exercise, a heart healthy diet and heart supplements. Each of these three elements plays an important role in promoting heart health and the combination of all three works in synergy for maximum heart health benefits.

Exercise

The American Heart Association suggests that even moderate activity can be beneficial for the heart. According the studies the effect of inactivity on the heart is comparable to that of smoking, raised cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. So living an inactive lifestyle may be as harmful for the heart as smoking!

The American Heart Association recommends that all healthy adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week. Such activities can include swimming, jogging, aerobic dancing, yard work, gardening, walking, climbing stairs, or cycling.

Aerobic exercises in particular help to stimulate the production of oxygen in the blood and increase heart palpitation. This gives a good workout for the heart and lungs. Anaerobic exercise helps to build muscles. It is advisable to mix your exercise routine with aerobic, anaerobic and stretches.

Exercise helps to:

* Strengthen the functions of the heart and lungs, as well as other organs in the body.
* Build strength and endurance
* Help to increase energy levels
* Optimize metabolism
* Release stress and tension accumulated in joints and muscles
* Increases joint mobility and flexibility
* Supports healthy circulation of blood to all organs
* Tones skin health
* Helps promote regularity of bowel movements
* Supports immune health

Before starting any exercise program consult with your doctor for an exercise regiment that is suitable for you.

Diet that Supports (Heart) Health

There is really no such thing as a heart healthy diet! What we're talking about is well-balanced nutrition which is recommended for everyone. The reason we think it's a heart healthy diet is because of the consequences associated with unhealthy eating which have a direct or indirect influence on heart health.

A well balanced diet supports healthy eating habits and overall health, including cardio health. A balanced diet includes:

* At least 5 servings a day of fresh fruits and vegetables
* At least 6 cups a day of grains (preferably whole grains).
* An adequate intake of 25 to 40 grams of dietary fiber a day
* Watching your calories to maintain an optimal weight.
* Limiting your intake of high calories foods, as well foods that contain trans fats, hydrogenated oils, fast foods and fried foods.
* Eating fatty fish at least twice a week for the omega 3 benefits.
* Focus on eating nutritional foods, instead of high-calorie foods which have little nutritive value.

Heart Supplements

There are certain nutrients that research shows have a favorable affect on cardio health. Take a look at these nutrients and how they help to support heart functions:

* Omega 3 fatty acids. Both the Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association have recognized the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids for supporting heart health by helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels.
* CoQ10. This vitamin-like substance is concentrated in the heart muscles and provides energy for its functions.
* Folic acid.This member of the B vitamins helps to support healthy homocysteine levels, needed to arterial health.
* Phytosterols. Research indicates that phytosterols may play a role in the proper elimination of bad cholesterol from the system, inhibiting its absorption by the body.

A well-formulated cardio supplement like CardioMatrix contains a blend of the above heart-healthy nutrients. Used regularly, they play an active role in supporting cardio health along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Agrawal

Heart Disease in Women - Cause & Cure

2009-10-21T23:04:00.003-07:00

More and more women are dying of heart disease. What is more dangerous is that most of the women who die of heart disease do not even know that they have it. Women are aware of cervical problems, of breast cancer but do not think that they are susceptible to heart disease.

Most people really think that women do not get heart disease. They also mistakenly believe that women have the same symptoms as men when it comes to heart disease. Both these assumptions are untrue.

Women get heart disease and the symptoms can be radically different. The symptoms are not normally the crushing pain that men get. It can be shortness of breath, anxiety, insomnia, chronic indigestion. Popping digestive pills and sedatives is what women do when they get these symptoms and this can aggravate the problem.

Uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease are:

1. Heredity. If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke you can be susceptible to heart disease.
2. If you are post menopausal or have had a hysterectomy, you are at risk.
3. After a certain age, you should get your heart exam done.

Controllable risk factors are;

1. Hypertension
2. Smoking
3. Cholesterol that has increased or decreased HDL
4. Diabetes
5. Obesity
6. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
7. Birth control pills along with smoking

Women have traditionally been care givers and do not take time off to look after themselves and this can aggravate the condition.

However, you should now start taking care of your own health and heart

1. Go through your family's medical history to know if you are at risk.
2. Start some sort of cardio exercises, at least for 30 minutes thrice a week.
3. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Include fresh leafy vegetables, food high in anti oxidants; reduce fats and red meats in your diet. Your diet should mainly comprise of whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
4. Ensure that your blood pressure is normal.
5. Have a positive and healthy attitude. Do not be negative. An excellent way to maintain this attitude is by yoga
6. Take proper rest.
7. Avoid smoking.
8. Eat foods rich in Vitamins B, B6 and B12, Vitamin C, and those that contain Beta Carotene and Selenium. You could take them as supplements too, since they are anti oxidant and you're your arteries healthy and supple.
9. Eat fish at least twice a week, as omega 3 fatty acids contained in the fish reduce blood clot formation. Alternatively take fish oil capsules.
10. Your diet should reduce your cholesterol and also provide you anti oxidants. Your regular exercise and meditation will also help you de-stress and bring hypertension into control. In case you have difficulty starting an exercise program, join yoga classes or start walking with a friend. This is an enjoyable way of socialising and also staying healthy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Gates

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

2009-10-21T23:04:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately for those that suffer from high cholesterol there are no symptoms to look out for and the symptoms that do come along with only happen very rarely and this is when a more serious problem has arose. The only way that high cholesterol can really be identified is by a blood test that can be performed by a doctor or other healthcare professional.

The blood test that will be performed will look at the key lipids or fats in the blood such as LDL, HDL and Triglycerides and it is only when these have been analyzed can a positive result on high cholesterol can be given.

High cholesterol is one of the main important components and contributing factors for heart disease and other heart related problems, all of which can have potentially fatal results. With the majority of people that have high cholesterol, they do not realize that they have this problem until they have experienced their first heart attack or stroke and at this point the damage could already have been done.

The symptoms that will be noted from high cholesterol are very often related to the end scale result of the condition, such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and strokes or heart attacks. This are all potentially life threatening conditions and could have been prevented if the people that suffered from them had checked their cholesterol but because there are no symptoms, people believe that they are fit and healthy until something bad happens.

If you are over the age of twenty then it is highly advisable to visit your doctor or GP and have a cholesterol test at least once every five years. If there is a family history of high cholesterol as well as diabetes and heart disease and heart related problems, then it is rather advisable to have the test slightly more frequently to ensure that the same will not happen to you.

There are some people that will be at an increased risk of this condition and because of there being no symptoms of high cholesterol, it would make sense for them to have the cholesterol test on a yearly basis. These people that are at an increased risk are those smoke, are on specific medications or types of medication, those with a bad diet and also those with the family history. The older generation will also be at more of a risk as well and therefore the tests should be performed more regularly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Miles

Cholesterol Under Control - Helping to Live a Longer Healthier Life

2009-10-05T06:40:00.002-07:00

Cholesterol Education provides an opportunity, or better, an excuse to get your blood cholesterol checked. Knowing your actual numbers makes it possible to do something about it. Now is a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices to help you reach personal cholesterol goals.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Resources, high blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans and is a serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease. You can have high cholesterol and if you don't get it checked how will you ever know. It is important to lower cholesterol levels that are too high which in turn lessens your risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of having a heart attack.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers helpful resources to use during National Cholesterol Education Month.Today a person has the chance to change the way that they eat unlike in the past. You might try to do so, become healthier and eat healthier but often you will have desire but not action. We are creatures of habits and it is said that it takes 90 days to create or break a habit.

Eating the proper foods can help keep your cholesterol at appropriate levels. However, sometimes your genetics can make the difference between being able to control your cholesterol by healthy diet and exercise or not. Some people, regardless of how much they attempt to control their cholesterol levels with diet and exercise will just not be able to get to the target levels and will have to be prescribed medicine by their healthcare providers or may be able to take natural supplements and herbs that are designed to lower their cholesterol levels more naturally.

One should not underestimate the importance of getting their cholesterol numbers in range to help reduce the chance of having complications due to heart disease. However, the availability of all types of herbs, nutritionals and medications has made it easier to reach target goals with minimal effort. Make wise choices while shopping in local grocery stores and create a habit of better choices while shopping for food as well as in local restaurants. It becomes easier to live a longer healthier lifestyle with less problems later in life. It doesn't matter how old you are, there is no better time like now to start a healthy habit and have a bette awareness of your cholesterol. There are a variety of natural nutritionals to help lower your cholesterol prior to being placed on the prescription medications. These include a combination of Fish oils,Red Yeast Rice,co-enzyme-q-10 and flax seed oil, just to name a few. In some people they may work to lower their numbers to goal. When the natural route just doesn't work then the standard course of statins along with other prescription meds may be needed.

There are numerous combinations that can be used to help get one to goal. Suffice it to say there really is an art to getting the right combination in some people and it may take some time to get there. Constant monitoring is necessary to insure your goals are staying in range and there are normal blood levels of liver enzymes even if you are just on supplements.The benefits of good cholesterol control are many and you need only to open any magazine to start finding them. As you search you will realize there are benefits of good cholesterol control, some of which you might not even have thought about. What are these benefits? Well, to begin with,reduction in heart disease and reduced incidence of stroke. More importantly, most people who take and active role in getting their cholesterol under control are usually exercising more and eating healthier, this can translate into many years of healthier longer wellness into your golden years.

Today, with the advent of modern medicine and quality pricing, there really is minimal reason not to be able to get ones cholesterol under control through diet and exercise, nutritional supplements, herbals or prescription medicine. The choice is yours, good control does relate to quality lifestyle. It only takes 90 days to create a good habit, why not start today, the truth is 90 days will be here sooner than you think.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Alpers

The Link Between Fish Oil and Heart Disease

2009-10-05T06:40:00.001-07:00

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. There are many factors that predispose an individual to suffer from one or more of the many forms of heart disease, but it's been proven that diet plays a key role in both triggering and preventing this kind of disorder.

The obvious triggers are food high in saturated fats that directly affect your hearts ability to pump blood effectively throughout the circulatory system. Deposits of cholesterol within the blood vessels impede the normal flow of blood and can even detach and cause a pulmonary embolism, stroke or heart attack. A very simple yet effective way to prevent cholesterol from depositing in the first place is the daily use of fish oil.

Fish oil has repeatedly been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that all individuals at risk for coronary heart disease can benefit from the consumption of fish oil due to its elevated content of omega 3 fatty acids.

In fact, everyone without exception can improve their health with fish oil by following some extremely uncomplicated guidelines.

People without documented coronary heart disease, should eat a variety of fish at least twice a week. Preferably, choose oily fish such as sardines, mackerel or salmon which are very high in beneficial fatty acids. In conjunction with this dietary change, other foods rich in alpha-linoleic acid such as flax seeds, walnut or soybean oil can be selected for added benefit.

For those whose coronary heart disease has been documented, EPA and DHA are essential nutrients to include in the diet. These are Omega 3 fatty acids that are responsible for nerve function, stable mood, optimal circulation and even weight loss. A high quality supplement should be introduced in the diet preferably after consultation with a physician.

For those individuals who are looking to decrease the amount of damaging cholesterol in their system, 2 to 4 grams daily of EPA & DHA will successfully lower their existing levels. Again, look for the best, highest quality supplement available in order to achieve the desired effect.

It is important to remember that the American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fish per week. It also urges individuals to include other food sources high in alpha-linoleic acid such as flax or walnuts that can improve the health of the general population.

Remember to eat a wide variety of fish to minimize exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals.

It is crucial to seek out the highest quality fish oil supplement when trying to implement these dietary changes. Cod liver oil, for example, has excessive levels of Vitamin A and D that could potentially create problems in children and young adults. In addition, since the liver acts as a filter for unwanted substances ingested by the fish, cod liver oil is more likely to contain contaminants such as PBCs.

Always look for unrefined, free of impurities, wild caught and environmentally safe fish oil.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Rosenbaum

How Many People a Year Die From Heart Disease?

2009-10-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, there was all kinds of promise for the future health and recreation of human beings. 'The Jetsons' sold us kids a world where our every need could be satisfied with science and technology. Robots would be available for every need and whim. Well, as far as robots go, we actually are surrounded by chips, interfaces and memory banks who do attend to many of our needs, just mostly without the fun robotic voices and oddly shaped humanoid figures we expected. Yeah, I do kind of still want those little extras.

But, outside of those youthful dreams, there have been some real life advances that our grandparents (and in some cases our parents) could never have dreamed of. In 1982 the first Artificial heart was implanted into an American man. The heart was called the 'Jarvik-7' and it helped to keep a man alive for almost four months, and another man soon followed who lived for almost 21 months on the same model of heart. Soon after came the advances of the 'AbioCor', which lessened many of the risk factors of the original creation of 'Jarvik-7'! And beyond that science moved forward with the 'ventricular assist device' (VAD) wherein the failing left ventricle can receive a pump assist without removing the patient's heart entirely!

But, unfortunately, with all of these miraculous creations, the one thing that science hasn't been able to stamp out entirely is the root cause of the need for Artificial hearts: heart disease. Over 600,000 Americans a year die from heart disease! With all of these amazing strides in medicine and science, we are still susceptible to heart attack, clogged arteries, heart failure and high blood pressure. Science alone cannot remind us to take vitamin supplements or to hit the gym four days a week. So, essentially, its still up to the human intellect to keep up the fight against heart disease.

One of the best ways to keep your body fighting FOR you, is to supply your body with as many positive acting agents you can. The body has plenty of naturally existing chemicals internally to aid in the fight against disease and time. Antioxidants are some of the most potent chemical elements in our body; these are substances that remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in our bodies. Oxidation, specifically, has been identified as one of the contributors to heart disease. It may occur when cholesterol gets oxidized in our blood and may contribute to the build up of fatty plaque on artery walls.

One of the best naturally occurring antioxidants may, in fact, be Glutathione. Glutathione occurs naturally in the body, but may benefit your body with an additional dietary supplement of the substance. (Much like additional Melatonin can help increase the amount of our naturally present sleep aid!) If you are considering taking on some supplements to combat heart disease, you surely should learn more about Glutathione.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_P_Robinson

List High Cholesterol Foods - Foods Guaranteed to Raise Cholesterol Levels

2009-09-25T02:42:00.004-07:00

Has your doctor made you aware of the fact that you need to reduce your cholesterol readings? Do you know what the most frequent cause of high lipid levels is? If you list high cholesterol foods to avoid, will that help you in lowering your cholesterol levels?

Let's explore the part that high cholesterol foods play in raising cholesterol readings.

It seems to make sense that avoiding those foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol should effectively reduce cholesterol readings. However, the truth is that the vast majority of the cholesterol in your body is produced by the liver.

Now don't get me wrong. Avoiding foods high in cholesterol such as dairy products, eggs and shellfish will contribute positively to a cholesterol lowering plan. However, these are by far, not the most critical foods to remove from your diet.

Not only will an effective cholesterol lowering diet avoid high cholesterol foods, but even more so, it will drastically reduce the amounts of foods that are high in saturated fat. The fat that is found in foods like beef and pork is quickly converted in your body to LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Eliminating these foods from your diet will quickly lower cholesterol and triglycerides. However, the difficult truth for many of us is that we thoroughly enjoy foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat and it is difficult to let go of them.

In our society, we are surrounded by foods that contain high quantities of cholesterol as well as those foods that are high in saturated fat. Because of this, I have found it helpful to follow a structured diet plan such as the South Beach diet. This way, I don't have to list high cholesterol foods or high-fat foods to avoid.

Just following the recipes that lower cholesterol as they are provided makes it much easier. And many of these diet plans include extremely delicious recipes that actually make lowering your cholesterol enjoyable.

I encourage you to visit my website where I list high cholesterol foods. You will find the most effective steps you can take to lower your high cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Symptoms of Blocked Carotid Artery

2009-09-25T02:42:00.003-07:00

Blood and oxygen are carried to the brain through four arteries: the right carotid, left carotid, right vertebral and left vertebral. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen the carotid arteries become blocked; this is the number one cause of strokes, which account for the third-highest number of deaths in the US each year. An estimated 750,000 people suffer from them annually.

Carotid artery disease is a condition that occurs when plaque (a fatty material) builds up within the arteries. The medical term for this is atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," and greatly restricts blood flow to the brain. Another cause of strokes is when blood clots form in the arteries, which happens when the plaque build-up eventually cracks. It's important to be aware of potential indicators of these conditions, as it is possible for a stroke, or 'mini-stroke,' to be the first warning sign.

However, most people who have a stroke do not experience a mini-stroke first. Common symptoms include: numbness and/or weakness in the face or body (often just on one side), difficulty moving limbs, trouble speaking, a severe, sudden headache and dizziness.

Doctors usually choose one of two surgeries to treat this disease: carotid endarterectomy, usually for people whose arteries are blocked 50% or more and involves cutting into the neck and removing the plaque. The other procedure is called an angioplasty and is used to widen the carotid arteries, which restores blood flow to the brain.

Recent studies have shown that heart attack damage can be limited by implemented certain anti-oxidants, notable GSH, or glutathione, a powerful protein that speeds up cell metabolism and contains what some medical professionals are calling miraculous anti-viral properties. Overwhelming evidence has shown that the administering of glutathione offers critical support in not just heart disease and strokes, but chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's and cancer.
Montreal physician Dr. Jimmy Gutman is the author of "GSH, Your Body's Most Powerful Protector, Glutathione," and says that "in the next five or six years, people are going to be using the word glutathione as commonly as they use the word Vitamin C or antioxidant. Glutathione is virtually involved in dozens of critical cell processes and without it we would succumb to our environment literally within hours."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Aucella

Mild Heart Attack Symptoms

2009-09-25T02:42:00.001-07:00

The medical term for a heart attack is called myocardial infarction, and it occurs when there is death to the heart tissue. It is caused by a blockage or narrowing in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This lack of blood and oxygen causes injury to the heart muscle. Symptoms and warning signs can often times be mild and differ between men and women.

There are two types of heart attacks: mild and typical. In a typical heart attack, a blood clot gets lodged in one of the heart's arteries, blocking its blood flow. This results in an easily recognizable pattern during ECG, (or electrocardiogram) testing, the most common procedure used to determine if a heart attack has taken place. However, in the case of a mild heart attack, the blood flow is only partially interrupted and this pattern does not clearly show up during ECG testing.

While chest pain is the most common symptom in men, they can also experience pain in other areas of the body (usually the upper body), along with cold sweats, clammy skin and other flu-like warning signs. Women are more likely to feel pain in the back or jaw, experience dizziness, shortness of breath and nausea, as well as severe, unexplainable fatigue. Recognizing heart attacks in women has become an issue, in part because their symptoms are not considered typical, so they may not receive the same medical care as men do.

Heart disease may start with symptoms of angina, which creates pain in the chest area, similar to that of a heart attack, and is caused by lack of oxygen to the heart. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, daytime fatigue, and syncope, a medical term for fainting.

Fortunately, it's possible to prevent both mild and typical heart attacks, with a healthy lifestyle, proper exercise regimen, and regular check-ups; it's important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels monitored, and to take part in stress tests if and when they are recommended, which can help indicate if you are headed for heart disease. There is a reason why heart disease is known as 'the silent killer,' because often times there are no warning signs until it is actually happening.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Aucella

Heartburn Causes and Cures - How to Eat Right to Feel Better

2009-09-17T04:38:00.001-07:00

If you regularly get heartburn, it may be possible to reduce the effects by making some easy modifications in your habits. You may not need to go on medication or have a surgical procedure to repair the problem.

Since most people get heartburn before bed, it's best to restrict your nighttime snacking. If feasible, eat the last meal of the day 3-4 hours before bed. The message is clear...don't snack before bed.

What you choose to eat can be as crucial as when you eat when it comes to doing away with heartburn. Foods that contain high acid content may make it more possible to suffer from heartburn. Reduce your consumption of beverages such as tomato juice or drinks with caffeine.

Simply because you imagine that the foods you are enjoying are okay, does not mean that food won't produce indigestion and produce acid. Spicy food items such as peppers, or high-fat food items such as candy may result in indigestion. Foods that use tomato sauce, like pasta, are really a problem when it comes to heartburn and need to be limited.

You should also avoid consuming big portions. Try not to overeat at when you eat. If your belly is overly full, the food literally gets forced back up into the esophagus, and since it's blended with acid in your stomach, it produces a burning feeling.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Hagan

Coronary Heart Disease - Avoiding the Risks

2009-09-17T04:37:00.003-07:00

Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease. Significant numbers of individuals suffer heart attacks and an even larger proportion die as a result of heart complications. Heart disease is not only the most common cause of premature deaths but it is also a major factor in disability and illness around the world.

Heart disease is caused by the narrowing or hardening of the arteries which supply blood to our heart muscle. The narrower the coronary arteries in your system, the less effective the blood flow and as a consequence the harder your heart has to work.

When exercising, our hearts are required to work much harder and demands more oxygen. Individuals classed as healthy will simply increase the requirement of blood supply to the muscle however, if you are suffering from coronary heart disease, the narrowed arteries cannot maintain this process. The resultant symptoms of pain and shortness of breath is classified as angina. Should any of the arteries become fully blocked and no blood can pass to that section of the heart you may suffer a heart attack which could lead to cardiac arrest.

There are many aspects to our lives which influence our risk of developing coronary heart disease and here we look at some of these risks you can influence, and some of them you cannot;

Risks you cannot influence

1. Being a man or a female following menopause.
2. The ageing process
3. Family history of disease

Risks you can influence

1. Excessive weight gain
2. Smoking
3. High blood pressure
4. High cholesterol levels
5. Stress
6. Insufficient exercise

The fitter your physical general well-being the less likely you will be to develop heart problems. It is also widely acknowledged that individuals who undertake regular exercise are additionally far more likely to survive a heart attack if they had one. The most beneficial form of exercise to help strengthen our hearts is aerobic exercise. This can be any repetitive exercise activity which involves the large muscles of the legs and arms. Simply walking briskly or jogging or cycling on a regular basis can be sufficient to ensure your heart works much more efficiently.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone

How Hypertension Causes Heart Failure

2009-09-17T04:37:00.001-07:00

One simple truth most people have not come to appreciate is the fact that 60% of heart failures are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure or hypertension as it's called in some quarters. The blood pressure is increased when there is narrowing of blood vessels supplying blood to different organs; a phenomenon known as Peripheral Resistance. As expected, if the pipes from an overhead tank are partly or completely blocked, more water would be pulled back into the tank. If the tank has elastic property, it expands or becomes tense.

This same phenomenon occurs when the blood vessels are narrowed. At first, the part of the blood vessel before the narrowed point gets filled with blood and expands to accommodate the back flow. Since the heart is the source and the pumping machine, more blood is retained in the heart. In an attempt to pump the blood against resistant (the narrowed blood vessels), more labour is placed on the muscles of the heart.

Generally, the muscles of the body enlarge when subjected to work, for example extreme exercise, gymnastics etc. In the same way, the muscles of the heart begin to increase in the same way, the muscles of the heart begin to increase in size when overloaded; a condition known as size when overloaded; a condition known as Cardiomegaly. Initially, this structural enlargement appears compensatory in nature but with time, the heart begins to perform below its optimal potential. In a state of poor pumping performance, the heart is said to be in failure; Hypertensive Heart Failure.

Friend, Hypertension has been said to be one of the 4 major killer disease,

Are You Ready To Defeat Your High Blood Pressure? Or do you want that hypertension to send you to your early grave?

I guess you wouldn't!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hye_Rob

Can Probiotics Help to Heal Ulcers?

2009-09-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

Ulcers are formed in the stomach when acid in the stomach comes into contact with unprotected tissues. Mostly, the stomach protects itself naturally against this acid burn, but occasionally this protection breaks down for some reason. The result is basically an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach. Most people used to think that an ulcer was caused by stress or by eating too much spicy food. While either of these can cause more acid in the stomach, it has now been found that ulcers are caused by H. pylori, but only when certain conditions are present. In fact, many people have H. pylori in their gut, but never develop ulcers.

Another cause of ulcers is when certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are taken over the long-term for whatever reason. Not only do these drugs cause more acid to form in the stomach, they block the production of prostaglandin, which helps to prevent injury and maintains blood flow. To a lesser extent, radiation therapy, excessive alcohol consumption and burns can also cause ulcers.

Probiotics have been found to be an effective and useful aid in helping to heal ulcers. Used alone, they cannot heal an ulcer. But when used in addition to other traditional forms of treatment, Probiotics not only help the healing process, but also prevent certain unpleasant side effects caused by the treatment.

What exactly, are probiotics? They are friendly bacteria of various kinds that have a positive effect on the overall health of the gut. The best known one is the probiotic found in yogurt, Lactobacillus acidophilus, but there are many other kinds. Lactobacillus Reuteri is another probiotic that is found naturally in the gut. It not only helps to boost the immune system, but it helps the body to absorb certain nutrients such as minerals, needed for optimum health.

While not quite strong enough to kill off H. pylori the bacterium that causes ulcers, on their own, probiotics certainly inhibit its growth.

If you have severe abdominal pain it is not wise to self-diagnose and treat, but the advice of a health-care provider should be sought immediately. Ulcers are dangerous and should never be left untreated. However, with prompt treatment many nasty complications can be avoided and the ulcer can almost certainly be cured. Just be sure that your doctor also prescribes probiotics in addition to any other treatment.

In the case of the traditional triple therapy of two antibiotics and an acid blocker, additional probiotic treatment will not only enhance recovery, but also help to stop unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, diarrhea, and headache. And since the success rate of this traditional treatment seems to be becoming less effective - probably due to the resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics - it is certainly a wise step to provide other non-antibiotic treatment that can and does help recovery. And even without recovery enhancement, who wouldn't want symptoms such as those listed above eliminated if at all possible?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Courtiol

Lower Cholesterol Diet - Nature's Solution to High Cholesterol That Provides Extraordinary Results

2009-08-23T06:20:00.004-07:00

If you have chosen to use a lower cholesterol diet to improve your lipid readings, I applaud you. In most cases, individuals turn to medication to bring their cholesterol readings down. However, medication can never provide the benefits of a diet to lower high cholesterol which include having more energy, an improved immune system, and slowing down the aging process.

Let's take a look at some of the facts related to using diet to lower high cholesterol.

First of all, for the vast majority of individuals who have high cholesterol, any diet that is rich in the foods that lower cholesterol, and reduces the amount of saturated fat intake will be effective. I personally chose the South Beach diet.

While the South Beach diet is not specifically designed as a cholesterol lowering diet, it works as a lower cholesterol diet due to the amounts of vegetables, whole grains and nuts that it recommends. The wonderful thing about a diet plan like this is that it provides the structure necessary to stay with it until goals are met.

Another important aspect to a diet to lower high cholesterol is that it provides high amounts of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids (EFA). No matter what diet you choose, this is important to keep you feeling good both mentally and physically. One of the sad facts of life is that if we don't feel good, we won't follow through with difficult things such as dieting.

A lower cholesterol diet should contain many vegetables, the best of which are brussels sprouts, spinach and broccoli. These all contain very high levels of fiber and plant sterols that have been shown scientifically to reduce cholesterol levels. Fruit is also effective for reducing cholesterol. However, due to its high glycemic index, fruit can increase cravings which may keep you from eating the best foods for lowering cholesterol.

These are the types of things you'll need to consider as you look into a diet to reduce cholesterol that will work for you. Whether you use a structured lower cholesterol diet or develop your own diet, I encourage you to visit my website where I discuss the most effective foods to lower cholesterol and other things you can do to improve your cholesterol health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Cholesterol Reducing Foods - Outstanding Foods You Want in Your Diet

2009-08-23T06:20:00.003-07:00

If cholesterol reducing foods are a new concept to you, then you will want to thoroughly read this article. You see, most individuals turn to cholesterol medication when they learned that their lipid levels are high. However, this just does not make sense.

Considering the dangerous side effects of statin medication such as the potential for damage to your muscles, kidneys and liver, it makes much more sense to turn to foods for high cholesterol first, and leave medication as a last resort.

Cholesterol reducing foods can be extremely effective. I recently read an article about a doctor who could not tolerate the side effects of medication so he was forced to try to use foods and diet to reduce his cholesterol. He was surprised to find out the results that he experienced rescue to or better than what most of his patients experienced using medication.

The best foods for high cholesterol are going to be those that contain high amounts of fiber and plant sterols. These would include vegetables, fruits and nuts. The combination of plant sterols (naturally occurring substances in all plants) and fiber is powerful.

This helps reduce cholesterol levels in two ways. First of all, the fiber helps eliminate cholesterol from the body before it even has a chance to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Plant sterols on the other hand have been shown to compete for absorption with cholesterol, permitting less of it to get absorbed.

Many individuals are surprised to hear that nuts are among the best cholesterol reducing foods. They have always heard that nuts are high in fat and should be excluded from any diet plan. However, the truth is that nuts contain fiber and the omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to supporting a healthy body and mind. These fats will in no way the increase your LDL cholesterol levels.

A diet that is rich in cholesterol reducing foods and contains little saturated fat will be the most effective way for you to develop healthy cholesterol readings. I encourage you to visit my website where you discuss in more detail the diets and foods that reduce cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Good Cholesterol Foods - Amazing Foods That Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

2009-08-23T06:20:00.001-07:00

If you've recently been informed that you have high cholesterol, then you will want to make yourself aware of the wonderful good cholesterol foods that have scientific evidence behind their ability to support healthy cholesterol levels.

You see, the typical American diet that contains high amounts of saturated fats is responsible to a large extent for the epidemic of high cholesterol that we have today. Many drug manufacturers would have you think that the best way to reduce your high cholesterol levels is through the use of statin medication.

However, what you don't hear much about is the fact that food that lowers cholesterol is abundant and has scientifically been proven to be extremely effective. Some individuals have found that by increasing the amounts of good cholesterol foods that they eat, they are able to reduce their high cholesterol more effectively than what medication can do for them.

Food that lowers cholesterol is primarily high fiber foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts. The effectiveness of these high fiber foods has been proven over and over again. This is due to the fact that cholesterol attaches itself to fiber in the intestines, so that it is eliminated before it has a chance to be absorbed into the body.

Another benefit of a high fiber diet is that it actually stimulates the liver into absorbing cholesterol from the blood stream. I like to describe dietary fiber as a two edged sword because of these two ways in which it helps reduce high cholesterol.

It is important though that you do not eliminate all fats from your diet in your attempt to reduce cholesterol. Healthy fats such as those found in flax seed, many grains and various types of nuts are essential to your health and will not raise blood lipid levels.

In reality, the vast majority of Americans will never face problems with their cholesterol if they are consistently consuming a diet that is rich in this food that lowers cholesterol. I encourage you to visit my website where I discuss in more detail the most effective foods for reducing high cholesterol levels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

The Best Food to Lower Cholesterol - Proven Foods to Lower Cholesterol Quickly and Effectively

2009-08-19T23:55:00.003-07:00

Finding the best food to lower cholesterol is really the healthiest and most effective thing that you can do to improve your blood lipid readings. Most individuals with high cholesterol are familiar with statin medication because that is typically what doctors first discuss. And yes, medication is effective but at what cost?

You see, the most effective types of cholesterol medication cause muscle damage in over 25% of individuals who try them. And in the long-term statin medication can cause kidney and liver damage.

On the other hand, foods to lower cholesterol have been shown to be just as effective, or more so when used consistently as part of a structured, lowering cholesterol diet plan. The South Beach diet or the Mediterranean diet are excellent examples of diets that contain high amounts of vegetables, nuts and whole grains that have been shown to be the best food to lower cholesterol.

I thoroughly enjoyed the South Beach diet myself because of the excellent recipes that are made available. Let's take a look at foods to lower cholesterol that are the most effective.

As you prepare meals that will lower your cholesterol look for foods such as brussels sprouts, spinach and broccoli. These foods contain the highest levels of plant sterols which are naturally occurring substances found in all plants. Sterols have been proven scientifically to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.

All green leafy and orange vegetables are beneficial for improving cholesterol readings. So are fruits, nuts and grains. These are all high fiber foods which are essential if you are serious about reducing your cholesterol. Fiber works in the intestines to help eliminate cholesterol from the body before it has a chance to be absorbed.

This type of high fiber diet, when combined with reduced saturated fat consumption will have an amazing impact on your cholesterol levels. I recently read about one doctor who could not tolerate the side effects of statin medication himself. So, he turned to foods to lower cholesterol and found that the results were every bit as good as what he expected from statin medication. Why he did not begin with a natural approach to lowering his cholesterol is beyond me.

You can visit my website to learn more about the best food to lower cholesterol as well as finding information about diets and supplements that can have a powerful effect on your cardiovascular health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Foods to Lower Cholesterol - The Most Overlooked Ways to Restore Healthy Cholesterol Levels

2009-08-19T23:55:00.001-07:00

If you are like me, the last thing you want to do is resort to chemical medications to keep your body healthy. You will see that foods to lower cholesterol are the best way to avoid medication if you need to lower your cholesterol levels.

Many in the medical community will automatically point you toward statin drugs to bring down high cholesterol readings. This can be a big mistake. Given the fact that these medications can have severe side effects including causing damage to the liver and kidneys, it is best to leave them as a last resort, not the first thing you try.

Let's take a look at some foods to lower cholesterol that have been proven to be extremely successful at reducing high cholesterol readings.

The best foods to lower cholesterol come from plants. A natural substance found in all plants called sterols has been proven scientifically to help bring down high cholesterol. Sterols have a molecular composition that is extremely similar to that of cholesterol. It is believed that sterols actually compete with cholesterol for absorption into the bloodstream.

This prevents much of the cholesterol from being absorbed. However, the interesting thing about it is that sterols are not easily absorbed, meaning that neither the majority of cholesterol nor the majority of the sterols end up being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Another great thing about foods to lower cholesterol is that they contain high fiber content. High fiber foods have been shown to fight cholesterol in two ways. First of all, it helps eliminate cholesterol from the intestines before it has a chance to be absorbed into the body. Another effect that fiber has is that it stimulates the liver into absorbing cholesterol from the blood stream.

If you are serious about finding a natural way to reduce cholesterol readings, this is the place to begin. The best food to lower cholesterol is vegetables. Most vegetables, especially brussels sprouts, spinach and broccoli contain very high levels of plant sterols and fiber. Most fruits are also very good foods to lower cholesterol, although they do have a higher glycemic content and can potentially increase your cravings.

You will also want to increase the amounts of whole grains and nuts in your diet. Nuts, particularly walnuts are high in fiber and contained the healthy fats that are essential to mental and physical health.

This natural approach to a healthy circulatory system will provide you with benefits that go far beyond anything cholesterol medication can provide. You will have more energy, a sharper mind and may even live longer. Visit my website where I discuss the most effective foods to lower cholesterol along with many other proven natural ways to reduce high cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

How to Reduce Cholesterol - Important Facts About High Cholesterol That You May Not Know

2009-08-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

Somehow, the established medical community has managed to instill fear in many Americans who have high cholesterol. I suppose this is both good and bad. Learning how to reduce cholesterol is important, and if a little bit of fear provides the motivation for doing something about your high cholesterol, that's not all bad.

On the other hand, fear may lead you in the wrong direction. While it is true that cholesterol medication can quickly reduce high cholesterol levels, it is also true that a natural approach to reducing cholesterol can be just as effective and sometimes more so.

As you think about how to reduce cholesterol without resorting to medication, the first thing that may pop into your mind is avoiding high cholesterol foods. This really is the wrong approach to take. While it is important to cut back on high cholesterol foods such as eggs, dairy products and red meats, this will not make a huge impact on your cholesterol readings.

The most effective thing you can do to reduce cholesterol levels has more to do with what you are currently not eating, rather than what you need to avoid. The most effective natural substance for lowering cholesterol is soluble fiber. The reason fiber is so effective is due to the fact that cholesterol tends to bind to it in the intestine so that it is eliminated from the body before being absorbed.

Soluble fiber also stimulates the liver into absorbing cholesterol from the blood stream, rather than putting more cholesterol into the blood stream.

Now don't get me wrong. It is important to reduce foods that are high in saturated fat such as beef and pork. Saturated fats will actually cause your triglycerides to spike as well as increase cholesterol readings. You will also want to cut back on the amount of cholesterol in the foods that you eat.

It is important, however, not to cut back on the good fats in your diet. Foods such as fish and nuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that provide essential nutrients that are critical, especially while dieting.

I urge you to visit my website where I discuss how to reduce cholesterol without using medication. Using this type of a natural approach to developing healthy cholesterol levels will improve the quality of your life and probably extend your lifespan.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Coronary Artery CT Scans & Cancer Risk

2009-08-15T01:35:00.003-07:00

It has been estimated by experts that up to 2 percent of all cancer cases are caused by exposure to medical x-ray tests. Although it is believed that there is no completely safe level of exposure to x-rays, it is well known that exposure to increasing doses of x-rays, as well as undergoing repeated x-ray examinations, increases the risk of cancer formation.

The increasing use of CT scanners (which can expose patients to significant doses of radiation) to screen asymptomatic patients for coronary artery disease has been a source of growing concern among many cancer experts. While the detection of coronary artery calcifications and coronary artery narrowing (stenosis) on multi-detector CT scanners are powerful predictors of future cardiac disease events, it remains unclear, at this time, whether or not this approach to coronary artery disease screening offers any significant clinical benefits to otherwise asymptomatic patients.

A newly published clinical research study, which appears in the current issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, further quantifies the potential cancer risk associated with the use CT scans to screen for coronary artery disease.

Because there are no nationally standardized protocols for CT scan cardiac screening examinations, the authors of this study considered several commonly used CT scan protocols, and then calculated the actual dose of radiation delivered to patients with each of these scan protocols. Using long-term data derived from Japanese atomic bomb survivors, the researchers then estimated the added cancer risk to patients receiving coronary artery screening CT scans.

One important (and concerning) finding from this study is that radiation doses delivered to patients vary by more than 10-fold among the different CT scan protocols in common use throughout the United States.

Based upon existing screening recommendations, the authors calculated the added cancer risk associated with adult patients undergoing coronary artery screening CT scans every 5 years between the ages of 45 and 75 years for men, and every 5 years between the ages of 55 and 75 years for women. Using the very conservative assumption that all patients are exposed to a dose of radiation equivalent to the average of all commonly used CT scan protocols, the authors calculated that the lifetime increased incidence of cancer was 4.2 new cases of cancer per 10,000 men, and 6.2 new cases of cancer per 10,000 women. Based upon the known effects of radiation to the organs contained in the chest area, approximately 71 percent of the cancer cases caused by CT scans of the heart would be in the form of lung cancer, while 20 percent of these "excess" cancers would be breast cancers induced in women. Another 12 percent of these radiation-induced cancers would be in the form of leukemia in men, while 4 percent of these otherwise preventable cancers would manifest as leukemia in women.

Unfortunately, there is currently no scientific consensus regarding the clinical benefit, if any, of using CT scanners to detect coronary artery disease in asymptomatic patients, as there is no high level clinical research data available to prove that this screening approach reduces cardiac disease events, or cardiac-associated deaths. Therefore, all that can be confidently said, at this time, about the routine use of CT scans to screen for coronary artery disease is that it is, undoubtedly, associated with a small but not insignificant risk of otherwise preventable cancers. Moreover, when you consider that the authors of this study used very conservative estimates regarding absorbed radiation doses in patients undergoing coronary artery screening, the actual cancer risk associated with many of cardiac screening CT scan protocols in current use is probably significantly higher than what this study predicts.

In my own case, I underwent two separate CT scans, to assess for both coronary artery calcifications and coronary artery narrowing (stenosis), as part of a "VIP Physical" in 2006. At the time, there was great enthusiasm for the routine use of CT scanners for this purpose. However, based upon the available data (including the data from this study), I have recently decided that I will not undergo any additional heart screening CT scans until and unless compelling clinical data comes along to suggest that the benefit from such scans outweighs their potential risks. If you have been considering undergoing a routine cardiac screening CT scan, my advice is to first discuss the data contained in this clinical study with your Internist or Cardiologist, and ask them to clarify both the potential risks and benefits, in your particular case, of undergoing a coronary artery screening CT scan.

Meanwhile more research is needed to clarify what, if any, health benefits can be reasonably claimed for routine coronary artery screening CT scans in asymptomatic patients. Finally, in view of the immense variation in radiation doses associated with the various CT scanning protocols in common use today, professional radiology societies and boards should quickly work to reach a consensus on standardizing these protocols in such a way that unnecessary radiation exposure is minimized.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Wascher

Natural Cholesterol Treatment - The Top 3 Natural Cholesterol Treatments

2009-08-15T01:35:00.001-07:00

Finding a natural cholesterol treatment can be difficult since you probably have eating and exercising habits that you've held strong for that past 20 years or so. For this reason, many people are unable to break their eating habits and start exercising, even though these are the best ways to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good Cholesterol.

Bad cholesterol (or ldl) is the kind of cholesterol that brings cholesterol from the liver to the rest of your body. This is the type that you should be most worried about because it keeps increasing cholesterol levels in your blood. Good cholesterol (or hdl) is the type of cholesterol that takes extra cholesterol and removes it from your body. This is the type you would like since it assists you in many ways.

Cholesterol is naturally produced in your liver and supplied to the rest of the body where it's used to in the cells for many different processes. Unfortunately, the foods we love most are packed with cholesterol because animals we eat follow the same cholesterol producing process.

Giving up your favorite foods and exercising can be a hassle and it's not a natural cholesterol treatment I recommend, so I will attempt to offer you some simple strategies anyone can use to reduce cholesterol without having to do too much extra work. Remember, the clock is ticking. Each day you keep the same habits is another day you bring yourself to heart disease.

Eat Whole Grain Bread

Most of us keep sliced bread in the house right? An easy step you can take is to buy whole grain instead of white bread. Do you buy whole grain bread already? Make sure to read the label. If the ingredients include "enriched flower" you were tricked. Companies sell white bread colored with molasses to make people think it's whole grain. The only real whole grain has ingredients like "whole grain" without the long string of vitamins and minerals listed next to it.

Whole grain bread is packed with fiber and has been proven in studies to improve cholesterol levels. This natural cholesterol treatment can easily be followed without extra effort. All ou have to do is replace one pack of bread with another.

Drink Red Wine

In France, the average breakfast includes 2 eggs, 2 pieces of sausage, 4 strips of bacon, and some pate. This meal probably contains about 400% percent of your daily requirement of cholesterol. Pate, or duck liver has a very high concentration of cholesterol. This may come as a shock to you, but France has very low levels of people with high cholesterol. Why is that? They drink at least a glass of wine per day.

The antioxidant and ldl lowering properties of wine work well to prevent heart disease. Of course, in excess, drinking wine can actually increase cholesterol levels probably because alcohol negatively effects the liver where cholesterol is produced. This is a very simple natural cholesterol treatment anyone can follow. All you have to do is drink a glass of wine per day.

Take a Cholesterol Lowering Supplement

One of the easiest natural cholesterol treatment methods is to take a natural supplement. Similar to vitamins in every aspect except they contain specific ingredients for people with high cholesterol. Most of the cholesterol lowering supplements work very well to reduce cholesterol levels because they contain these special ingredients:

Niacin - vitamin that raises good cholesterol

Policosanol - ingredient that reduces the production of cholesterol by the liver

Fish Oil - known to reduce cholesterol in the blood

Resveratrol - prevents levels of plaque and reduces cholesterol

These are the 3 top natural cholesterol treatment methods today. I want you to go out right now and purchase whole grain bread (if you don't have any), buy a bottle of red whine (if you don't have any), and purchase a cholesterol lowering supplement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Christodoulou

Naturally Lower Cholesterol Levels - 4 Steps to Naturally Lower Cholesterol

2009-08-15T01:34:00.003-07:00

The Story

John was an average guy who ate a moderately healthy diet. Every day he would eat healthy cerea, for lunch he would chow down on some fast food because he rushed at work, and for dinner his wife prepare for him and the family a magnificent meal fit for a king. At his latest doctor visit, he was told his cholesterol was high. His doctor warned him of the dangers of the condition so he decided to naturally lower cholesterol levels on his own. The doctor smiled at him and said, "that's the spirit!". After all, John had a beautiful wife and teenagers in the house that needed a father. He didn't want to suffer a heart attack at this point in his life after he's worked so hard to attain everything he's always wanted.

The doctor then explained to him what he had to do. He went on to explain that John needed to lower his "bad cholesterol" (ldl). This was the cholesterol that transported fat to the rest of the body. At the same time, he needed to increase "good cholesterol"(hdl) which transported extra fat out of the body. After this little speech, his doctor gave him some tips to naturally lower cholesterol.

Exercise and Cardiovascular Health

The next day was a bright sunny Saturday afternoon and John decided that if he was going to reduce his cholesterol he was going to need to exercise. John read in a magazine that cardiovascular exercise held several health benefits:

* Improvement of heart and vessel function
* Decrease of bad cholesterol

John felt terrible after his run and this made sense to him because it was his first run since he was 18 years old. But John knew he had to stick with his regiment if he was going to naturally lower cholesterol in his body. He was confident that he was going to run every day for at least 30 minutes for the best results.

Stop Smoking

After his run, John went back to the house and reached for a cigarette but then remembered what his doctor said, "John, you have to stop smoking, it is the cause for a large portion of cardiovascular health and heart attacks."

John knew it was a bad idea to smoke, but he was addicted. He lit the cigarette up and brought it to his mouth but as it climbed closer and closer, his wife squirt him in the face with the sink hose and stopped him from sucking on the suicide stick.

His wife, Betty, knew from research online that by quitting smoking he was going to increase he good cholesterol and instantly lower the bad cholesterol. This information came from studies published in all kinds of journals. This is the only way you can naturally lower cholesterol without having to add anything to your lifestyle.

John hugged his wife, thanked her, and went to take a shower.

Eat The Right Foods

After his shower, John was very hungry; running sure builds up an appetite. He went to the kitchen to find something good to eat, but he found nothing but fruits, vegetables, and nuts of all kinds. He really wanted to have something cheesy and fatty like one of those microwave instant cheesy meals. Fortunately for the sake of naturally lowering his cholesterol, his wife threw away all the bad food and stocked up on good food.

She read that food that contained Sterols were very good at naturally lowering cholesterol. She read that Sterols were found in many plant foods such as:

* Brocholli
* Apples and
* Peanuts

In addition, she read that people with high cholesterol should eat plenty of antioxidants because little critters called "free radicals" that float around in the body have the ability to break down cholesterol in the blood and transform it into plaque, the leading cause of heart attacks. To prevent this from happening, Betty stocked the fridge with:

* Blueberries
* Purple Grapes and
* Other dark colored fruits

He left the kitchen and found his son Phillip playing X-box. He begged him to find him something good to eat but being the snarky teenager that he was, he went into the kitchen cam came out with a pile of vegetables between two pieces of bread and said, "here, have a veggie-burger Dad."

Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

John realized that he had to eat healthy from now on. He couldn't do it cold turkey like he wife wanted him to, but he knew with his family's support, the project would be much easier. After 6 weeks of this improved lifestyle, John went to the doctor and was told his cholesterol was still high. His doctor informed him that this was normal. It takes time to lower your cholesterol back to a normal level.

Then the doctor asked him what he was doing and John explained all the ways he was working to naturally lower cholesterol levels:

* He exercised
* Quit smoking,
* And ate healthy foods.

With great joy, the doctor said he was proud of John because those are difficult life style changes to make. He then asked if he was taking any cholesterol lowering supplements. John said he didn't know there was a such thing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Christodoulou

Super Cholesterol Reducing Foods - Lowering Cholesterol Levels Effortlessly

2009-08-15T01:34:00.001-07:00

One of the major stumbling blocks for individuals with high cholesterol is the fact that they think they do not enjoy cholesterol reducing foods. Well, if that is the case for you, this article should eliminate that excuse.

Consuming good cholesterol foods is undoubtedly the best thing you can do to improve your health and extend your life. High fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains are the most effective when it comes to lowering cholesterol. In addition to their fiber content, many contain high levels of plant sterols which have been shown scientifically to reduce cholesterol.

Cholesterol reducing foods that contain plant sterols actually compete with cholesterol for absorption into the bloodstream. This is due to the fact that the molecular makeup of phytosterols is almost identical to that of cholesterol.

So what are some of these foods that are effective at lowering cholesterol and yet are enjoyable? Many of them are vegetables which are most enjoyable when prepared in conjunction with a main dish of fish, turkey or chicken.

One thing I find very enjoyable is a vegetable stirfry with a small amount of chicken mixed in. another idea is salmon served over a bed of spinach. These are just a couple of ideas that I found very helpful.

However, the most helpful thing that I did was to use a structured diet plan. The South Beach diet or the Mediterranean diet, although not specifically designed as cholesterol lowering diets, have some wonderful, extremely enjoyable recipes that include many cholesterol lowering foods.

I still enjoy many of the recipes that came from the South Beach diet, even though I am no longer dieting.

This really is the best way to find good cholesterol foods. Using this type of natural approach to improving your cholesterol readings has many long-term benefits. My website includes a thorough discussion of cholesterol reducing foods and diets that are very effective at bringing down cholesterol readings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Do Walnuts Lower Cholesterol? - Discover the Best Foods That Lower Cholesterol

2009-08-08T09:56:00.001-07:00

You may have heard that walnuts lower cholesterol and are wondering what that's all about. You see, there is much misunderstanding surrounding the health benefits of walnuts as well as nuts in general. Because nuts are so high and fats, the connection between walnuts and cholesterol is confusing.

However, if you have high cholesterol then you need to be aware of the information in this article. One of the keys to bringing down high cholesterol levels is to add cholesterol lowering foods to your diet, and walnuts are one of the best. It is true that the high calorie content of walnuts can cause you to put on weight, so it is important that you use walnuts as a substitute for other foods, preferably those that are high in saturated fats.

There have been many studies conducted that have shown a substantial decrease in the risk of heart disease and those who consume at least five servings of walnuts a week. This benefit is realized due to the fact that walnuts are loaded in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of vitamins and minerals.

A wonderful, little known fact is that not only do walnuts lower cholesterol, but they also help lower blood pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts act as a blood thinner preventing blood clots and helping the blood flow more smoothly.

The connection between walnuts and cholesterol is due primarily to the cholesterol lowering qualities of fiber. Fiber has been shown to work against high cholesterol in two ways. First of all, cholesterol attaches itself to fiber in the intestines. This allows it to easily be eliminated from the body

Fiber also removes bile acids from the body which in turn stimulates the liver into producing more bile acid and guess what the liver uses for the production of bile acid. Cholesterol! Yes, a high fiber diet causes the liver to absorb cholesterol from the blood stream in order to produce bile acid.

Walnuts are a powerful superfood. Walnuts lower cholesterol and supply the essential fatty acids that are so important to heart health. One of the most effective cholesterol-lowering breakfasts you can eat is a bowl of oatmeal with crushed walnuts mixed in.

I invite you visit my website where I discussed this and many other cholesterol lowering foods and diets. The information you learned there will quickly put you on the road to a healthier heart without having to resort to cholesterol medication.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

How to Lower Cholesterol - 3 Powerful Things You Should Know

2009-08-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

For those individuals who are at all health conscious, how to lower cholesterol naturally is critically important. Even if you do not currently have high cholesterol, as you get older this may be an issue you will face. For those who are currently dealing with high cholesterol, nature itself has provided the safest and most effective way to bring down those high lipid readings.

You see, there are three powerful changes in your eating habits that you can easily make to give you a healthier heart.

The first thing you'll need to do is to cut out the high saturated fat foods that you consume. These include things like most cuts of beef and pork, especially foods like bacon. As a matter of fact it is best to totally eliminate beef and pork from your diet until you're cholesterol readings are in the acceptable range.

Only after those readings come down should you begin consuming the leanest cuts of beef and pork such as sirloin and tenderloin. The high-fat cuts of meat such as prime rib, as enjoyable as they may be, do not belong in the diet of individuals who are working to keep their cholesterol down.

The second change in your diet will require increasing the amounts of fruits and vegetables that you consume. The plant sterols and fiber contained in these foods are actually nature's "self regulating system" for cholesterol levels. Fiber helps eliminate high amounts of cholesterol in the system while plant sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption into the bloodstream.

Lastly, let's discuss snacking. For many individuals, snacking is a major downfall of their cholesterol-lowering efforts. If you are serious about lowering your cholesterol, it is important to keep healthy snacks on hand such as nuts and vegetables. Vegetables with a small amount of low-fat dip, or a handful of nuts make a very satisfying and effective cholesterol-lowering snack because of the amount of high fiber and nutrients that they contain.

Learning how to lower cholesterol naturally is the healthiest thing you can do for high cholesterol. In the long run this approach will improve your energy levels as well as your mental alertness, two things that taking cholesterol medication will never provide for you.

I invite you to visit my website where I discuss the best ways to develop these healthy, cholesterol lowering habits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

The Best Natural Way to Lower Cholesterol - Nature's Solution to High Lipid Levels

2009-08-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a health conscious individual, what do you do when you find out that you need to lower your cholesterol readings? Of course, you are going to look for a natural way to lower cholesterol. After all, why would you want to rely on putting drugs into your system as a solution to a health problem, when nature has already provided the best solution.

If you are serious about taking control of your health then you will find that a diet to lower cholesterol is the best way to go. Let's take a look at some of the foods that this diet will need to emphasize.

The best natural way to lower cholesterol is going to involve reducing the amounts of saturated fat in your diet, especially beef and pork and at the same time substantially increasing the amounts of high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These are the types of foods that nature has provided for reducing high cholesterol.

The primary reason they are so effective is because of the high amounts of fiber that they contain. If we all ate a high fiber diet that is rich in these nutritious foods, the rate of obesity and cholesterol problems in North America would be greatly reduced.

What happens when we eat a high fiber diet is that the cholesterol in our intestines attaches itself to the fiber so that it is eliminated from the body. In so doing, it also stimulates the liver into absorbing more cholesterol. This two edged sword has incredible benefits for the cardiovascular system.

Another great thing about fruits and vegetables is that they contain high amounts of plant sterols. Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances found in all plants that are very similar to cholesterol and seems to compete with cholesterol for absorption into the body.

The highest amounts of plant sterols are found in vegetables including brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli.

These are the types of food that provide the best natural way to lower cholesterol. I encourage you to visit my website where I discuss these and other natural ways to reducing high cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford

Alternative Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

2009-05-31T05:55:00.002-07:00

Cholesterol is a steroid normally found in all body cells and plasma. It is the most abundant steroid in the body. Gonadal and adrenal hormones are produced from cholesterol.

Do you know the function of cholesterol in your body?
What can you do to lower cholesterol naturally? Are we a society deficient in statin drugs?
Why is your cholesterol high in the first place?

If your cholesterol is too high (a total cholesterol over 230), the problem is not the cholesterol, as your body has raised its levels in order to play some type of ESSENTIAL role(s) for your survival.

The cause of high cholesterol is high starch carbohydrate, hydrogenated fats and low thyroid function. Emotional and physical stress can also influence cholesterol levels.

In general, cholesterol is increased in most endocrine or organ hypofunction and decreased in most endocrine and organ hyperfunction.

New research has revealed that LDL or "bad" cholesterol inhibits the breakdown of fat in adipocytes, or fat cells, suggesting that it is a regulator of fat stores. If a person has elevated cholesterol levels, it is a sign that their body, emotions or intellect are subject to excessive stress.

The majority of excess cholesterol is manufactured in times of psychological stress and dehydration. Elevated LDL can be caused from the body attempting to produce hormones as cholesterol is a precursor to hormone production. In addition, those with low thyroid suffer high cholesterol.

Remember that cholesterol is necessary and healthy because it is involved in cellular repair and reducing inflammation; it is oxidized cholesterol that is unhealthy.

Increased triglycerides, in conjunction with decreased HDL, is a more significant factor for coronary artery disease than elevated cholesterol by itself.

In 1990, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that normal cholesterol was considered around 200. Today normal is considered 160! Individuals with cholesterol levels below 160 cannot make sex hormones.

So much has been written concerning the evils of increased cholesterol, however very little has been reported concerning decreased cholesterol. Decreased cholesterol can be normal for a vegetarian and some people with a genetic predisposition to decreased cholesterol.

In addition, individuals with cholesterol levels below 160 are associated with compromised immune system, ' risk of depression, anxiety, respiratory illness, stroke and brain-related deaths such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. Individuals with low adrenal or hypoadrenic (Addision's disease) suffer low cholesterol. Low cholesterol is one of the signs of cancer (JAMA, Dec 1980).

Myths:

Cholesterol causes heart disease

Cholesterol is bad

Eating fat is unhealthy

High cholesterol is caused only from eating unhealthy foods

High cholesterol means you're unhealthy

Lowering your cholesterol is healthy

Cholesterol Tips:

Every hormone in your body requires cholesterol as a precursor

Approximately 80-90% of all cholesterol is made inside your body and does NOT come from the foods you eat.

Elevated cholesterol may be caused from:
" Consumption of too many refined carbohydrates/sugars.
" Congested liver
" Excess amounts of stress either physical, emotional, chemical, electromagnetic, psychological
" Hormonal imbalances
" Inflammation

Cholesterol is vital for:

A precursor to sex hormones, vitamin D, and bile production

A repair substance - repair molecule

Cell membrane integrity helping maintain proper permeability

Child development in mother's milk

Controlling free radical damage

Digesting the fats you eat

Female hormones. Women with higher cholesterol live longer.

Helping your cells receive serotonin

Side effects from statin drugs include:

Cataracts

Cognitive loss, dementia and memory loss

Deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K

Diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Dizziness, fuzzy thinking

Elevation of liver enzymes - Liver damage

Headaches

Increased risk of cancer

Increased risk of suicide

Lack of energy

Muscle weakness

Pain and tenderness in muscles or joints

Rhabdomyolisis (serious degenerative muscle tissue breakdown)

Rashes, hives itching

Robs your body of CoQ10 enzyme which can increase your risk for heart disease

Suppressed immune system

What can you do to lower your cholesterol naturally?

Consume plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef and free-range poultry

Consider supplementing with:

o Biotics Beta-TCP to lower bile viscosity. This is one of the most important steps to take in high cholesterol.
o Biotics LipidSirt
o Omega-3 fish oil - Biotics EFA Sirt Supreme
o Pantethine, the coenzymatic form of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and cysteamine
o Reservertrol, an antioxidant found in red wine
o Tocotrienols - Delta and gamma tocotrienol were found to possess the greatest ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis
o Vitamins C and E
o Vitamin D - BioD Mulsion Forte

Decrease the amount of refined grains, sugar, dairy, fast food and alcohol. These increase inflammation in excess = ' triglycerides which = ' cholesterol.

To reduce inflammation: eliminate trans fats, sugars, grains, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, stress, overcooked foods, excessive cardiovascular exercise and excessive alcohol consumption

Drink plenty of water. Bodyweight x .7 = the number of daily ounces to be consumed.

Natural products such as plant sterols and green tea extract can be used to prevent the absorption of cholesterol from the intestinal tract. Green tea extracts have a cholesterol lowering effect.

Eat more good quality fats (raw butter, coconut oil, avocados, extra virgin olive oil and wild salmon).

Identify what you feel stressed about. Reduce the amount of stress in your life by adding in daily meditation and create time for yourself to relax every day even if it's only 5 minutes.

Implement one change at a time. Gradual, consistent progress over time.

Lab testing to see where there may be hidden inflammation, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine. CRP is a protein that circulates in the blood, especially when there is inflammation in the body, including inflammation of the coronary arteries. CRP is a biomarker for systemic inflammation and a confirmed risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine is an excellent predictor of cardiovascular disease. An elevated homocysteine level is also a risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease.

o Doctors are finding that CRP is a far more accurate indicator of a future problem with heart disease than cholesterol levels alone. The simplest way to lower the CRP level is to reduce inflammation in the body.

Turn the lights out by 10pm. Turn the television and computer off by 8pm. Get restful sleep.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_Owens

Cures For Heartburn - 7 Simple Tips That Will Cure Your Heartburn

2009-05-31T05:55:00.001-07:00

Cures for heartburn are plenty and easy to come by. Sometimes though, it can be a little confusing as to what works best. We are readily looking for the best methods to help us cure our discomfort of burning chest pain. In this article, I will be sharing seven simple cures for you to follow.

7 Simple Cures:

1) Fennel seeds. Put two teaspoons of fennel seeds in boiling water and make it as a tea. It will relieve and soothe you of any pain.

2) Ginger root. Eating ginger root helps in digestion and it relieves you from any discomfort.
You can stead it and steep it in tea.

3) Peppermint. Peppermint is great for digestion. All you have to do is to chew on the leaves.

4) Rhubarb. You can stew the rhubarb and add some sugar, because it is a little sour.

5) Eat raw vegetables. Eat smaller meals and add as many vegetables as you can. Also, add some fresh pineapple or papaya, which will help in digesting your food and neutralize your stomach acid.

6) Antacids. These are good only as a temporary relief. They may have some side effects. If you rely and use them too much, they can offer you some harmful mineral imbalances.

7) Don't eat before bed time. Make sure you don't eat anything for a couple of hours before going to bed. When you do go to bed, you could also try to elevate your pillow. This will keep your head raised and allow any stomach acid to lower in the esophagus.

In this article, I shared with you seven simple cures for heartburn!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Burt_Amadio

Inform Yourself About Heart Attacks

2009-05-31T05:54:00.002-07:00

A blockage in the hearts arteries may cut off the blood supply partially to a portion of the heart. This can create a blood clot and stop blood flow in a coronary artery. This is called a heart attack. A heart attack is very life threatening. Irreversible injury can happen to the heart if medical help is not received soon or immediately.

It is very common for people to dismiss the signs of a heart attack.

Recognizing the signs of a heart attack can save your life. Some of the signs of a heart attack are squeezing, pain in the chest, uncomfortable pressure, pain that spreads to shoulders, neck, or arms, and the pain can be mild or intense.

Some people may feel lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, paleness, sweating, and fainting. Anxiety, nervousness, increased or irregular heart beat and feelings of imminent doom may also occur. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms at once and not everyone will have the same symptoms. If you have more than one of these symptoms it is best to seek medical attention. Call emergency don't wait around, it could be your life at stake.

Angina is a protest from the heart that it isn't getting enough oxygen because of diminished blood supply. A heart attack is the most extreme state of oxygen deprivation, in which whole sections of the hearts cells begin to die for lack of oxygen. If the blockage in the arteries can be cleared quickly enough - within the first few hours of the onset of the attack - the permanent damage can be minimized.

Heart attacks that have no symptoms are called silent heart attacks. They are the most extreme case of a more widespread condition called silent ischemia. Ischemia is a chronic shortage of oxygen and nutrient bearing blood to a section of the heart. The cause of the ischemia is almost always atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the progressive narrowing of the hearts arteries from accumulations of plague. In most instances the reduction of blood supply creates a protest from the heart (angina).

The absence of pain doesn't mean that there is not damage. The heart has a built in reserve capacity. This allows it to handle so much scarring and damage from a heart attack and still need the needs of the body. However, another heart attack or ischemia even at a mild degree can be very fatal because the reserve is no longer there. Those who do survive another one could end up a cardiac cripple or disabled.

It is urged to get a screening for silent ischemia if you have great risk factors such as a smoker, diabetes, long history of high cholesterol, and so forth. The screening is a medical history and physical exam along with a cardiac stress test. The cardiac stress test is a workout using a treadmill while your heart functions are being monitored. It is very simple and painless. It is always good to learn if you are at risk for angina, atherosclerosis, silent ischemia, or heart attack.

Alternative Health Supplements offers a few all natural supplements to keep your heart health at its best. Heart Support Combo by Bell is made to help prevent heart attacks, stokes, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and blanches low blood pressure. It contains wild garlic to regulate cholesterol, prevent blood clotting, and improve circulation. Its other all natural ingredients are beta sisterol, extract of black seed, celery seeds, dulse, and grape seed. It will make your heart functions improve and give you an over all sense of well being and health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_A_Johnson

The Risks of Coronary Heart Disease

2009-05-31T05:54:00.001-07:00

Coronary heart disease is often called coronary artery disease. A coronary artery is blood vessels, which are narrow tubes that carry blood to your heart. Your arteries can get built up with plague blocking the flow of blood and oxygen through them. Plague is a fatty substance made from cholesterol. It can happen in ay artery but it is much more serious if it is the coronary artery. Coronary heart disease can lead to very serious health risks such as angina and heart attacks.

If you are overweight or have diabetes you are more at risk of coronary heart disease. High blood pressure and high cholesterol will also put a person more at risk. Men and women can both get coronary heart disease and it can develop as a person gets older. It can also be a heredity disease.

Lowering your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure can reduce your risks of getting coronary heart disease and the same goes for cholesterol levels. Smokers are more at risk as well, nicotine raises blood pressure. After 2 or 3 years of not smoking your risk will be as low as the risk of someone who does not smoke.

Eating a healthy diet will lower the risk of coronary heart disease. Adding foods to your diet that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat will help reduce the risk greatly. Saturated fats are bad because your body turns saturated fats into cholesterol. Getting regular exercise can make your heart stronger. Exercise can also lower blood pressure. Taking an aspirin everyday helps prevent heart disease but there are risks of taking it every day. Ask your doctor if it is the right treatment for you.

Taking a vitamin supplement can lower a person's risk of having a heart attack. Vitamin E is really good for lower the risk. Alternative Health Supplements offers a product called Super Cardio Program; it combines two important steps for better cardiovascular health. The heart support has Coenzyme Q10, hawthorne extract, citrus bioflavonoid, and vitamin E to support the health of your heart. The artery support has folic acid, cayenne pepper, vitamins B1, B6, B12, and magnesium to maintain healthy blood flow.

Symptoms of coronary heart disease are most of the time very noticeable, but sometimes you can have the disease and not even know it. Chest pain or discomfort is the most common and noticeable of all the symptoms. The pain happens because there is not enough blood and oxygen getting to the heart. The pain will vary from person to person.

Symptoms may be very noticeable, but sometimes you can have the disease and not have any symptoms. There are two types of chest pain atypical and typical. Atypical is often sharp pain and will come and go. You will feel it in the left chest, abdomen, back, and arm. It is more common in women. Typical chest pain feels heavy or like someone is squeezing you. You feel it under the chest bone and the pain occurs with activity or emotion. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, heart attack, and fatigue with activity or feeling over exerted.

Treatments depend on your symptoms and how severe it is. Sometimes treatment can include one or more of the following; medicine, angioplasty, and a stent. By pass surgery could be required if heart attack was the symptom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_A_Johnson

Healthy Cholesterol Range - What's the Ideal Cholesterol Levels?

2009-05-24T04:27:00.002-07:00

The healthy cholesterol range for human beings is below 200mg/dL. These numbers are the normal total cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream, which includes LDL (bad), HDL (good) and triglycerides. Just as important as the total is the HDL amount. When it comes to HDL, more is better, with the ideal ratio of LDL to HDL to be 4.4:1.

You can check your own ratio by doing this simple calculation: divide your LDL measurement value with your HDL measurement value. If this ratio is below 4.4, you should try to raise your HDL level by exercising more.

A healthy person should have their blood profiles screening test done on a regular basis. The American Heart Association recommends testing every five years for anyone aged 20 or older. Doctors may recommend a test for younger people if they are obese or have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and smoking (yes, smoking is a risk factor.. that's why life insurance premium is higher for smokers than non smokers).

If you smoke, controlling this habit to the stage where you can quit can be very difficult.. but you must try to stop. Your heart is at risk, because smoking causes the LDL in your blood to be oxidized, and oxidized LDL forms plaques in blood vessels quickly.. This is no new information to a lot of smokers, so make a wise decision yourself.

Some of the things that cause unhealthy cholesterol levels include obesity and excessive alcohol intake. Lack of exercise plays a role as well. Hormonal imbalances and dysfunction of the glandular system are less common causes. Certain genetic diseases and heredity are also factors.

In order to stay in the healthy cholesterol range, a diet that is very low in saturated fat is recommended. Less than 7% of daily calories should come from saturated fats, which include egg yolks, cheese, beef, pork and poultry.

Trans-fats, which are partially hydrogenated unsaturated fats, should be avoided. Total fat intake plays a larger role in blood serum levels than does the cholesterol itself. The type of fat that you eat is also important.

Plant foods, such as nuts and flax seed, contain healthy cholesterol-like substances, called phytosterols. This is the kind of fat that is a necessary dietary components. Most nutritionists recommend 25-30% of your total caloric intake should come from fat, but plant oil and fatty fish are the best choices for dietary fat.

A healthy HDL or good cholesterol range is 60mg/dL or higher.. however, if yours is higher than this, it's better. There's no "highest" limit when it comes to HDL. Just remember the 4.4 ratio mentioned above.

According to the American Heart Association, higher HDL levels provide some protections against heart disease. As HDL travels through the bloodstream, it picks up LDL particles and carries them back to the liver, thus causes the reduction of LDL concentration in your blood. This prevents the particles from building up inside the arterial walls and forming hard plaques.

LDL levels should be lower than 100mg/dL to be considered healthy. Over 190mg of LDL is considered very high risk for heart disease and stroke. It would be unusual, but if the total cholesterol level was 200mg, but the LDL number was 190, a person would still be at risk. In such case, usually doctors will resort to the use of cholesterol lowering drugs.

Total cholesterol reading below 160mg is considered low, so try to keep the balance. Balance is the key to overall good health. Try to choose foods that are highly nutritious and contain a variety of antioxidants.

Having more food which are derived from plants in your daily diet such as fruits, vegetables, nuts , cinnamon and whole grains can help you get and keep a healthy cholesterol range, which, in turn, protects your heart.

Of course there are other ways to lower cholesterol level, such as consumption of cholesterol lowering statin medicines (Zocor, Lipitor, Lescol, etc). But these are rather risky ways, since the statin drugs themselves have numerous side effects. One of the most dangerous effect of these kind of medication is "muscle breakdown", which is the "melting" of your muscle tissues.. It's very dangerous for your kidneys (can cause kidney failure), and also weakens the whole body in the process.

So, stay with natural methods to control your numbers as much as possible. Eat the right food, do the right exercise, take supplements where necessary, live the right lifestyle. It's for your own good. Resort to medicine treatment only if you can not do any of the natural approach. You are raising the possibility of unnecesarry complication if you try the medical approach too early.

A Secret Cholesterol Lowering Formula With An Amazing Result

Now come closer.. I'd like to tell you an amazing story about how I lower my total cholesterol from 376 mg/dL to 121 mg/dL in only two short months in a natural way. It was my secret.. but now I've decided to let everyone know it..

In 2008 I found out from my first ever medical checkup that my total cholesterol level was 376 mg/dL, and my doctor immediately put me on medication me with a daily dose of 20 mg Zocor (Simvastatin).

I took the medicine, and also..

- I stopped eating meat, fat and poultry altogether for 2 months

- I stopped taking dairy products

- I began to eat more fish to increase HDL

- I began eating more fruits and vegetables

- I started jogging 4 miles every weekend, and walk 10,000 steps a day

- I started eating more cereal which contains high fiber

BUT..

here's the truth: what kind of vegetables, fruits and vitamins I took was the most important key in my success. Eat the wrong kind of them, and you won't be reducing your cholesterol levels at all. To find out exactly what kind of diets will produce my kind of result, check out the guidelines on Good Cholesterol Foods. On this site you will also find a free booklet on cholesterol management and a free cholesterol chart to monitor your levels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Hearts

Natural Cholesterol Reducers - Foods That Reduce Bad Cholesterol Levels Or Low Density Lipoprotein

2009-05-24T04:27:00.001-07:00

There are two types of cholesterol in our body. They are Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol. Natural cholesterol reducers decrease the amount of LDL and help our body to promote HDL.

Excess Low Density Lipoprotein can cause heart attacks and diabetes. They are extremely harmful for our body because they clog our arteries and blood vessels. HDL helps in the removal of LDL from blood vessels and they also stimulate blood flow.

Foods That Reduce Bad Cholesterol Level

- In order to prevent heart diseases and diabetes, we should increase the intake of natural cholesterol reducers. There are various foods, which naturally remove LDL and provide you a disease free body.

- Consumption of fishes can be beneficial for reducing Low Density Lipoprotein. They are the greatest source of protein and omega3 fatty acids. They lower LDL levels and increases HDL levels in our body.

- Doctors usually recommend high soluble fibers for reducing LDL levels. They greatly reduce the chances of heart attacks and also promote High Density Lipoprotein. Foods like oats and cereals are rich source of high soluble fibres. Natural Cholesterol Reducers such as orange juices and salads can lower the bad cholesterol's levels. They are also rich in fibres and plant sterols.

- It is also advisable to take soy-based products. They can be best eaten with rice. Another miracle foods for promoting high-density lipoprotein are nuts. People generally like consuming them. They are very effective in terms of preventing your body from heart diseases and diabetes. You should have a moderate intake of nuts in your diet because they are high in calories and are Natural Cholesterol Reducers.

Excessive weight & Toxins in the Colon are two major reasons for high Cholesterol. Dr Oz, Oprah Winfrey & Rachel Ray have all endorsed the Dynamic Duo! for Weight Loss, Reduce LDL and Total Body Detox.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Willson

Good and Bad Cholesterol Foods - Top Foods to Increase HDL and Lower LDL Cholesterol Level

2009-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

Many people think that cholesterol is bad for the health. Actually our body needs a minimal level of cholesterol and beyond that it is hazardous. It keeps up the strength of the intestinal walls and converts the sunlight into vitamin D while the skin is in direct contact with the sun. To be precise there are two types of cholesterol; i.e. Good & Bad. Good is HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) and Bad is LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins). When it comes to reducing its level in the body, the diet is all about good and bad cholesterol foods. You should focus your diet on lowering the LDL and increasing the HDL.

Here are some basic fact of Good and Bad Cholesterol Foods

· You must avoid trans fat. This gives a boost to the good cholesterol. For this you must avoid fried foods as much as possible.

· Another basic tip is to do the cardiovascular workouts on daily basis

· You must never smoke or take alcohol as it is the bad cholesterol food that gives adverse effect on the health

· You must increase the intake of monounsaturated & polyunsaturated types of fat. The foods that are rich in these types of fat are olives, canola oils, fish (some particular types), nuts, avocados, etc.

· Omega 3 fatty acids also help in improvising the HDL & LDL ratio thereby checking the effect of good and bad cholesterol foods. There are several fishes rich in these for instance tuna & salmon. You should take them a couple of times in a day.

· Other foods rich in Omega 3s are fish oil, leafy green vegetables, soybean products, acai berries, etc need to be taken.

· Taking 1 1/2 cups cooked oatmeal gives you 6 grams fiber everyday. You might also like to add fresh fruits like bananas to this. This would add 4 grams more fiber to the diet.

· You can also try taking steel cut oatmeal, cold cereal made along with oatmeal, oat bran, walnuts, almonds, etc which are considered to be the good cholesterol food items.

Excessive weight & Toxins in the Colon are two major reasons for high Cholesterol. Dr Oz, Oprah Winfrey & Rachel Ray have all endorsed the Dynamic Duo! for Weight Loss, Reduce LDL and Total Body Detox.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Willson

Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Disease - Decreasing Your Risk

2009-05-20T18:45:00.003-07:00

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease have become an American epidemic. Each year, the number of sufferers of these diseases increases. The statistics are frightening:

• 65% of Americans are overweight or obese.

• 21 million Americans suffer from diabetes.

• 72 million Americans have high blood pressure.

What's worse? Even our children aren't safe:

• 30% of children in the United States suffer from obesity.

• One child in every 500 suffers from Type I diabetes

Healthcare spending in the United States has almost doubled over the past ten years. In 2006, it reached $2 trillion. And the numbers keep on climbing. Of all the countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States has one of the lowest health ratings while being the highest spender on healthcare. This information is terrifying and completely unacceptable.

The current U.S. Government is working on huge healthcare reforms, but they can't be expected to do it all on their own. There are plenty of things we can do as individuals to stop and reverse these negative developments. Each and every one of us can take steps to ensure our own health and well-being, making changes in our day-to-day lives and decreasing our own medical expenses.

The first thing we need to do is take stock of our lives. Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How often, if at all, do I exercise?

• Do I need to buy new clothes on a regular basis because my old clothes are too small?

• Has fast food become a routine meal option, rather than an occasional treat?

• When I grab a snack, do I reach for a piece of fruit or a bar of chocolate?

Even if your answers all seemed 'wrong', you can still attain a healthy lifestyle by making a few changes. It is entirely possible to lose that excess weight, regain your energy, build your stamina and become a vivacious, happy and healthy individual.

Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise will put you on the path to your new, vigorous lifestyle, fighting off obesity, diabetes and heart disease, along with a host of other health concerns. You can adjust your metabolism so that it burns fat instead of storing it - even while you sleep. Your body already knows what to do; you just have to give it some encouragement.

Getting started on a new health and fitness regimen can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Visit your chiropractor to discuss the options in developing a healthy routine. Chiropractors are trained health experts who have access to a huge amount of information. Tap into the know-how and get help in designing a new, healthy way of life for you and your family and start living a life of vibrancy, not lethargy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clint_Dickason

What Foods to Avoid to Reduce Heart Disease - Healthy Living Part 8

2009-05-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

Diet is an important factor in the cause and cure of many ills. Eat a bad diet and heart disease is inevitable. Knowing what food to eat and what to avoid to maintain a well-balanced diet not only can control your weight, but also save you from heart and blood vessel disease, therefore to prolong your life.

There are certain foods we should avoid in different foods group which may destroy our health and our heart. By eliminating certain foods from your diet, including others in the right amounts, you can achieve at least a 50 per cent protection against heart attack.

Soups - The high in fat content soup is creamed soups. The commercially prepared ones are particularly fat-heavy, and since the fat cannot be readily removed from them, they should not be used. It is always a good idea to read the label carefully on any packaged product from which soup is being made. The law pertaining to the labelling of foods requires a in the product, so undesirable sources of fat can be avoided.

Meats - Meats are basic ingredients in the low-fat diet, since their protein content is most desirable for energy and palatability. Among meats pork, bacon, and ham are highest in fat and cholesterol content. They should not be eaten on the low-fat diet other than occasionally. So are the glandular organs such as sweetbreads, brains, kidneys, caviar, fish roe, and giblets, except liver.

Fish - Certain fish are high in fat content and are best avoided. These are: bass, bluefish, butterfish, deviled crab, eel, herring, mackerel, scalloped or fried oysters, pompano, salmon, sardines, shad, and trout.

Poultry - Because duck and goose have a layer of fat just beneath their skin, so they are always considered a fatty meat which should be avoided.

Dairy Products - Whole milk, cream, butter, and cheeses such as American cheddar, Swiss, cream, creamed cottage, cheese spreads, Gruyere, Edam, Limberger, Liederkranz, Parmesan, Roquefort, and Yogurt made from whole milk are all high in fats and should be eliminated from your diet.

Eggs - Egg yolks are exceptionally high in cholesterol and fat content. They are often used by medical investigators and researchers to produce atherosclerosis and "hardening of the arteries" in experimental animals.

Breads - Hot breads, pancakes, waffles, coffee cakes, muffins, buns, doughnuts, Danish pastry, sweet rolls all contain some appreciable amount of lard, butter, or egg yolk. Those especially interested in home baking can find recipes for these fat-free breads and pastries in low-fat cook books, if desired.

Desserts - All those made with butter, egg-yolks, or cream should not be consumed, such as pies, cakes, pastries, cookies, custards, eclairs, gingerbread, shortcake, and puddings. Notoriously high in fat and cholesterol are ice-cream, parfaits, and frozen creams.

Others - Other Foods should be avoided including avocados, coconuts, nuts, chocolate, cocoa, fat contained in the usual salad dressings, gravies, and sauces which are all very fatty. Animal fats, such as lard and suet, should particularly be avoided in cooking.

Frying foods is a very unhealthy way to interfere with the normal digestion of foods and essential nutriments and vitamins. Frying should be completely eliminated in the preparation of foods, not only because of its high fat production, but also because the irritating character and effect on the digestive tract of the fried fats, and the destruction of vitamins and essential food stuffs in the food that is fried. Even vegetable fats are best not used. Despite of that, vegetable oils such as soya oil, corn seed oil, and cottonseed oils are exceptions.

The dictates of common sense and self-control of drinking alcohol is required particularly where our health is concerned, although there are no restrictions on its use, because it has no fat content.

Research found that a significant loss of weight was followed by an average 35 per cent reduction in the work the heart has to do. The low fat,low-cholesterol diet has been proved to be effective in reducing weight and promoting general good health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Haiyan_Lai-Heskin

Heart Disease - Tips to Lower Blood Pressure and Avoid a Heart Attack

2009-05-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

If you want to avoid heart disease it is important that you have a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. You want to try to naturally lower your blood pressure so that you do not have to take drugs that may have side effects. What happens when you get heart disease is that your arteries get clogged and you want to avoid this at all costs. You need to be as much natural foods as possible such as leafy green vegetables and natural fruit. This will help to maintain a good blood flow to your heart because most processed foods can create clogged arteries.

It is not hard once you have decided to make some changes in your life so that you can be a healthier person. Combining a healthy diet along with a great exercise plan can help you to avoid heart disease and keep your self healthy. Another great benefit to changing your lifestyle is that along with being a healthier person you will also feel better. Keeping your way down is also beneficial to avoiding heart disease. The best way to do this is to increase your metabolism and finding an exercise plan such as walking which you can do each day will help you to accomplish this.

Remember that once you make some simple changes to your lifestyle you can decrease your risk of getting heart disease. It is important for you to find a healthy diet and exercise plan that you can do daily. Try to stay away from processed foods and stick with natural fruits and vegetables. This will help you to maintain a healthy weight and will keep your arteries from getting clogged.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Burbank

Natural Cholesterol Reducers - Lowering Your Cholesterol the Natural Way

2009-05-09T21:30:00.003-07:00

When we talk about lowering cholesterol levels, we usually think about the drugs that chemically reduce LDL levels in the body. Today, recent studies are showing how herbal remedies can do the same thing except with a more organic and natural method. These are called natural cholesterol reducers.

Although some people still prefer the statin drugs, more studies are beginning to prove the ability of natural remedies to decrease the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

What exactly is a natural cholesterol reducer?

Natural cholesterol reducers are cholesterol lowering supplements that are not mediated by man using pesticides or chemical processes, unlike the synthetic drugs. A large number of natural cholesterol reducers have been studied and many proven to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

Let's take a look at some of the common cholesterol lowering supplements that are known for lowering cholesterol naturally:

* Garlic is claimed to be very effective in helping to prevent hear attacks and in the inhibition to the development of arteriosclerosis
* Omega-3 fatty acids, processed from fish oils, have the ability to drastically decrease the risk for heart disease by as much as 45%
* Golgul gum resin, extracted from the myrrh tree, is an exotic spice that lowers high cholesterol levels
* Curcumin is another spice that reduces high cholesterol
* Policosanol, an extract from sugar cane, prevents cholesterol levels from rising
* Psyllium, a fiber of an Indian/Iranian plant, lowers LDL levels

You should note, however, that some of the above mentioned natural cholesterol reducers, such as golgul gum raisin, curcumin, garlic and policosanol, are effective for a limited time only. They would usually work in the body for around 6 months only because of their exogenic nature. Thus, always pair them with supplements such as beta glucan, soy isoflavones, chromax and beta sistosterol which are endogenic in nature.

How to improve the efficacy of your lowering cholesterol supplements

Naturally, you just can't fill your body up with drugs and supplements and just hope for the best. If you really want to see results with your cholesterol level, then you need pair up the natural cholesterol reducer with a balanced diet and frequent exercise. Make sure to pay attention to your LDL levels since they are greatly influenced by your diet, more so than HDL levels which are affected by additional factors.

Conclusion

Once you combine a healthy life style with the proper natural cholesterol reducers, you'll find yourself having a more energetic and rejuvenated everyday life. As always, before taking any supplements, make sure to consult with your doctor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Viard

Cardiovascular Problems? Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids May Save Your Life!

2009-05-09T21:30:00.001-07:00

The value of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids was discovered through scientific research done by doctor George Piggot in the 1970's. He did a study of Greenland Eskimos.

He took a large trail group and separated them in half. One have stayed on their traditional diet. The other half adopted a western diet. After 6 months the half on the western diet were showing onset signs of all the cardiovascular problems the west experiences. Increased blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, build up of plaque on their arteries.

Dr Piggot then separated the group on the western diet and put half back on their traditional diet and left half on the western diet.

Three months later the group on the western diet continued to show increasing problems but the half returned to the traditional diet had cleanup up all of the onset problems. Further study brought the finding that the answer was deep sea, cold water, fish eaten raw, three times a day.

It was a tremendous discovery but when he returned to America there was interest in his findings but little interest in using raw fish.

To get a commercial product into the market Dr Piggot collaborated with a direct sale company who released a full spectrum Omega 3 Omega 6 fish oil capsule into the market in 1981 and have since taken the product, as part of their product range, into over 50 countries.

Since that time there have been a huge number of formal scientific trials conducted into Omega 3 fatty acids. So many in fact that the University of Maryland Medical Center has done a study to give an overview of what the results are. Their study looked at over well over 100 clinical studies and the results they indicate are amazing.

In their in-depth review of clinical studies that have been done around Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids The University of Maryland Medical Center has summarized the results of the proven benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids.

The Studies found that Omerga 3 fatty acids:

• are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body.
• play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.
• reduce inflammation
• help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
• are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.
• can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension.
• help reduce risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots.
• helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain.
• can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%.
• can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes).
• reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. • may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis.
• are effective treatment, along with conventional therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs, for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea.
• help increase levels of calcium in the body, deposit calcium in the bones, and improve bone strength.
• (over long time give).. significant reduction in feelings of depression and hostility.
• (lead to) .... fewer mood swings and recurrence of either depression or mania.
• reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims.
• reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• decrease inflammation and improve lung function in adults with asthma
• can reduce the .... symptoms, such as hot flashes and increased sweating, during menstruation.
• reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over a decade and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Tattersall

Painful Relationships Can Cause Serious Heart Problems

2009-05-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

Lisa was terrified that she was going to die. She was trapped in her bed with severe heart problems. For seven years, she was struggling with an abusive husband. Even though her condition was treated with operations, medication, and regular doctor visits, Lisa was getting worse.

The 66-year-old woman had not been dealing with her emotional pain. When the heart is having a problem, the emotional causes are issues about love. A healthy heart expresses self-love, and love for and from others. Whereas, self-hate, hurt, rejection, verbal and physical abuse, can be contributing factors to heart problems.

To heal her heart condition, it is important for Lisa to have a healthy diet, exercise appropriately, reduce stress, overcome addictions, and be treated by a medical professional. However, it is also vital to heal her childhood pain, love herself, and create a healthy, loving relationship.

Lisa was able to release her anger at her husband constructively by imagining that she was beating up a pillow and expressing what she was furious about. Then she forgave him and felt compassion. Lisa realized that he was wounded emotionally, and he was acting out his pain that had nothing to do with her. She understood that she would feel better if she stayed in her loving heart and did not take what he said or did personally. She also did the same healing with her abusive father, brother, ex-boyfriends and two ex-husbands.

The retired school counselor felt happier and had more energy. In fact, Lisa was able to get out of bed and go outside to shop and see friends. She was planning how she could leave her abusive marriage. Lisa no longer felt trapped in bed or in her relationship.

Another example of emotional problems causing physical heart disease is forty-year-old Mike's story. The business man was stressed about his failing company and marital problems. His wife wanted a divorce. Mike's doctor had prescribed medication and expressed his concerns about his heart.

Mike was able to heal the childhood pain he had from abusive parents and previous rejecting women. He was also able to hear his wife's complaints and make positive changes. Mike's heart improved and he was able to reduce his medication. He was ecstatic when he received an optimistic prognosis from his doctor.

The above men and women are examples of the many people who were successful in improving their heart conditions and/or probably preventing heart disease by dealing with their emotional pain. When they released their fears and anger and loved themselves, they had a healthier emotional and physical heart. As a result, they were able to avoid or leave abusive relationships and attract loving ones. They also enabled themselves to live happier lives and to most likely extend their healthy, active years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helene_Rothschild

Stroke - Causes and Effects, Risk Factors, and Diet

2009-04-14T05:45:00.001-07:00

The term stroke (apoplexy) is applied to acute severe manifestations of cerebrovascular disease. It leads to both physical and mental crippling. WHO defined stroke as "rapidly developed clinical signs of focal disturbance of cerebral function; lasting more than 24 hours or leading to death, with no apparent cause other than vascular origin."

Causes and Symptoms

The disturbance of cerebral function may be due to three morphological abnormalities, i.e., stenosis, occlusion or rupture of the arteries.

Dysfunction of the brain manifests itself by various neurological signs and symptoms that are related to extent and site of the area involved and to the underlying causes. These include coma, hemiplegia, paraplegia, monoplegia, multiple paralysis, speech disturbances, nerve paresis, sensory impairment, etc. Of these, hemiplegic constitutes the main somato neurological disorder in about 90 per cent of patients.

Stroke includes a number of syndromes with differing etiologies, epidemiology, prognosis and treatment. These include subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis or embolism and occlusion of pre-cerebral arteries, transient cerebral ischemia (of more than 24 hours).

Risk Factors

Stroke does not occur at random but risk factors such as hypertension, cardiac abnormalities, diabetes, elevated blood lipids, obesity, smoking, blood clotting and viscosity etc proceed by several years.

Diet

The diet should be well balanced, with special emphasis on B vitamins and vitamin C because they are needed for general health of the blood vessels. Vitamin E helps to prevent clots, reducing the need for oxygen. Reduction of over weight by sensible dieting is of the utmost importance. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and complete proteins should be emphasized. All nutrients should meet the demands of stress and should lower blood cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Branklin

Keep That Running Heart Healthy

2009-04-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

The number one killer within the United States is heart disease. Nearly 40% of deaths within the United States are caused by heart disease. This disease is a serious one, and it can lead to stroke, heart attacks, and of course (sudden) death. Heart problems can be passed on within families for generations - some times more visible and some times less known. Heart problems can be treated in many different ways, but the best option is still to prevent them altogether. Thankfully, there is a really way to keep your heart healthy and strong: with Running

Runners tend to experience a lot more physical abuse than other types of athletes, but that sounds worse than it really is. For the purpose of this article we will concentrate on the heart related issues of running. If you know of heart problems within your family it is essential to keep your heart's health on the top of your mind at all times. Time and again, research has proven that the only way to keep your heart in good shape is to exercise frequently, avoid things like heavy drinking and smoking and of course to eat heart-healthy foods. Sometimes it also makes sense to take low dose Aspirin for better blood flow and to take cholesterol lowering medications (talk to your doctor).

But what foods are really considered heart-healthy? Here are some to chew on: whole grains; fruit; beans; vegetables; fatty fish (fresh salmon is a good one - lots of Omega3); walnuts; flax seed; red wine; avocado; olive oil; and other nuts such as almonds. All of these things are considered heart healthy and should be eaten on a regular basis.

Of course, the other way to keep your heart health is to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise frequently. Thus, none of the foods mentioned above should be eaten in excessive portions. If you find that you are lacking energy, feeling sluggish, or simply not feeling at the top of your running game, then you may want to take a closer look at your diet. Running frequently for at least 30-60 minutes 3-5 times a week trains your heart and builds up a strong heart that can keep going. If your heart is weak, start with walking and then slowly add running to the mix. It is extremely important to consult with your primary care physician to make sure he knows what you are up to.

Making a few simple adjustments to your diet can really change the way you live and run. Taking care of your runner's body is a chore, but it is one that will be well worth it in the end. You may condition your body, work on your muscles, and try to increase your mileage....but do not neglect your heart!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christoph_Puetz

EMS Dispatchers Now Telling Patients to Take Aspirin

2009-04-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Good evening readers, I hope you all had a great weekend. Today I am going to talk about some breaking news in the emergency medical dispatch field. Many EMS systems across the nation are starting to implement a new dispatch protocol. Now when patients experiencing chest pain call 911, they will be instructed to self-administer aspirin prior to the arrival of the ambulance. The long time standard has been that dispatchers would advise all patients to take nothing by mouth while they wait for paramedics to arrive. This is a big step in a new direction for our nations EMD systems. Studies by the Nation Academies of Emergency Dispatch have shown that the new aspirin protocol will decrease scene times and possibly improve the outcome for patients experiencing cardiac episodes.

The dispatchers will not instruct patients to take the aspirin if they are a minor, disoriented, have a known allergy or have a known bleeding disorder.

This protocol is already in place in Kern County, California. I personally have responded to several incidents where patients have taken the aspirin before my arrival. So far it appears that the protocol is effective. I have yet to run into any issues.

If this turns out to be a success, then I think we will start to see more "prior to arrival" interventions being implemented. I'm glad to see more being done in an effort to decrease the amount of cardiac related deaths.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Eddy

Understanding the Uniqueness of the Human Heart

2009-04-04T02:31:00.003-07:00

What is this astonishing organ called the human heart? This organ which is the vital part of our being, without it our body will not function, what especially makes this organ so important that when mentioned in poetry, it warms us, but by mere mention of it by our doctors, alas! we are alarmed. So let's see what makes this organ the HEART of our being. The heart in anatomy is a hollow muscular organ in the middle of the chest just to the left of the centre that pumps through the body.

It's comprised of four chambers, the right and atrium (auricle), the upper part and the right and left ventricle, the lower part. It's weight around 10oz and beat on average of 50 -70 times per minute, 100,000 per day and a roughly 40 million times per year. At average lifetime of about 76years, it will beat for at least 3 billion times. it pumps around 500 gallons of blood everyday.

The heart is the body system power house because every organ and tissues in the body needs a continuous supply of blood to function normally, especially the circulatory system, the brain and even the heart itself. If the heart does not pump blood for a few minutes, death will be the result.

The heart is made primarily of muscle tissues that rhythmically contracts to pump blood to all parts of the body. This start from when you are born to entire lifetime.

The upper part, i.e. the atria or auricle acts as a collecting reservoir while the lower part, the ventricle contract to pump the blood on. The right side of the heart receives blood through vein coming from all over the body and pump the oxygen-poor blood that it has received to the lungs so that it can pick up oxygen form the air we breath in, while the left side then collect the oxygen-rich blood from the lung and pumps it to all the tissues and organs in need of oxygen.

There are four valves that prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. They are the pulmonary, aortic, mitral and the triscupic valves. The heart muscle medically known as myocardium requires a very good supply of oxygen in order to be able to pump blood different organs and tissues of the body. And this blood supply is provided by the coronary arteries and their branches

The heart is surrounded by a tough, double-layered sac known as the pericardium> which has an inner layer called the epicardium. The outer layer of the epicardium helps to hold the heart in place and between these two layers is a tiny space filled with fluid them from rubbing against each other when the heart contracts.

The coronary arteries come off the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body). The right coronary artery is usually smaller and supplies the down side of the heart. The left artery has two main branches called the Circumflex and the anterior descending. These coronary arteries are so special that blood can flow through them into the heart muscles between heart beat i.e. as it relaxes.

The Heartbeat: the right and left halve of the heart contracts in unison to produce a single heartbeat. The two phase of heartbeat are called the systole where the heart chambers contract to move blood and the diastole where the heart chambers are relaxing between a beat. Because of these two phases, the heart is able to pump much blood with each beat.

To learn more about your heart disease click here.

Knowledge is power, so Learn and Live! Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgment to the author, the website, and the URL remains intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miracle_Obi

Heart Health - Tips For the Working Woman

2009-04-04T02:31:00.001-07:00

Billy Joel, one of my favorite singer/songwriters when I was younger may not have realized he gave us a valuable clue that "working too hard can give us a heart attack, yak, yak, yak".

"The science has shown it! And, you guessed it, it is worse for women. In fact, women in corporate America have been shown to suffer from heart attacks at a rate 7x that of their non working girl friends. Why? It's the stress. But, how does stress do this?

Here's the catch. Men in the work force respond to stress with testosterone. Masculine energy (force) requires masculine hormones. Unfortunately, when women use lots of masculine energy and are under stress they are fueled by an increase in cortisol - the stress hormone. On a biochemical level, cortisol depletes our progesterone which in turn can lead to imbalances with our estrogen and testosterone as well. All of this can lead to the "stress" (apple shaped) belly with its ensuing risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease.

So what's a working women supposed to do??? Well, we can start by learning more about the amazing source of power that comes with femininity. Feminine forms of power have changed the world and, I have found more professional success and much less stress by tapping into these unique powers. Secondly, we can learn how to reboot or replenish ourselves.

Take a few deep breaths we tap into Serenity.
Simple yoga stretches during the day will release stress.
Support from our colleagues will also diffuse our stress.
Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
Take an outdoor break or work out break during the day
Be certain that you take time to give yourself a break between producing results. (more on transition time and rituals later)
To a healthy working women at home or in the office!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Finlay_Hamilton

The Silent Killer Could Be Looking For You

2009-04-04T02:30:00.001-07:00

News just in The Silent Killer strikes again. All around the world people are being attacked, and sometimes loose the battle to the The Silent Killer, Police in every country can not apprehend this curse to mankind, and are even being attacked themselves, the Military have no defense for this kiss of Death killer, Governments worldwide have tried to warn the people but most take little notice thinking it wont happen to me, bad move.

This growing problem is now classed as the 2nd cause of death affecting mankind. The killer can attack all age groups from the young to the not so young and of any gender, no one is safe no one is immune. The problem is that most people are unaware that they could be next on the killers list, could it be you? Can you protect yourself, your family and friends? Yes you can but first here is a sobering thought, this killer without warning has attacked and caused the demise of nearly 8 MILLION people last year 2008 worldwide and with each year that passes it is expected that this figure will increase unless we take personal responsibility to combat this enemy.

8 Million that's a staggering amount, and as you can see this is an epidemic which is Global, OK time to inform you what the heck I am talking about, if you have not already made a guess by now its Hypertension or normally called High Blood Pressure. Do you know what your blood pressure is? Well you should, knowing will save your life there is no doubt about it. Over a third of people do not know the have this condition, and suddenly they have a heart attack and are no longer with us.

I am willing to bet you know or should I say you knew someone who suddenly had a heart attack and passed over and they were not that old, normally there are no symptoms relating to High Blood Pressure that is why it's called The Silent Killer.

Some folks are medically aware that they have high blood pressure and are on medication which controls the situation, but and this is a big but, medication is expensive, in most case there are bad side effects to the drugs which are very unpleasant to say the least, also taking drugs is a life long treatment, no letting up or your previous condition could return, also Medication only treats the symptoms not the cause.

Is there another way to reduce high blood pressure? Fortunately there is and without the use of drugs period. I am the living proof of that statement, I used to have this life threatening condition but not any more and there's not a drug in sight and that's a fact. All that is needed is a small change to your life style which will reduce your High Blood Pressure and soon normalize it, if that aint good news I don't know what is.

Summing up this article
1. You have learned about the silent killer.
2. You now know this is a global problem.
3. You now know that Hypertension can affect all gender and ages.
4. You now know how many people world wide have been victims of high blood pressure in the last year.
5. You now know that you must have your blood pressure checked.
6. You now know possibly from your own experience that drugs can have side effects.
7. You now know there is an alternative and effective way to treat high blood pressure without the use of drugs.
8. You now know that if you don't act to protect yourself you may become yet another victim.
9. You now know where to get more valuable information.

My thanks to the publishers of this article because by the very act of them publishing same, they will have potentially contributed to saving many lives...Thank You.

If you have High Blood Pressure or just found out you have this condition check the link below for more information

Best wishes and healthy days ahead,

David Delaine,
Health Researcher.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Delaine

Stress and Heart Disease - What is the Link Between Stress and the Heart?

2009-03-27T23:28:00.001-07:00

Due to scientific research stress and heart disease are now starting to be linked together. Does stress cause heart disease? According to the British Heart Foundation in the UK:

"Research evidence is beginning to recognize that, for some people at least, stress may contribute towards coronary heart disease."

They report that evidence is growing to say that stress contributes toward heart problems. But due to the nature of stress and the fact that it is not easy to measure they are not directly able to say whether stress does cause heart disease.

It would seem that it will still be some time before we know for certain whether stress causes heart disease.

Main Risk Factors For Heart Disease?

So what are the main risk factors for heart disease? They are:

• High blood pressure

• High blood cholesterol

• Being overweight

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Family history of coronary heart disease

So at the moment stress is not seen as a primary cause of heart disease but research has been done to show the following links between the two.

Facts About Stress and the Heart

According to the British Heart Foundation what we know about stress and the heart so far is as follows:

• Stress can affect the heart when it releases certain hormones. The hormones increase blood pressure and can encourage clotting in the arteries.

• Stress can increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline - these are chemicals which produce the fight or flight syndrome and prepare the body for change.

• Research continues to be carried out into what the release of cortisol and adrenaline does to the body - how it can lead to fatty deposits being built up in the arteries, how it can make the blood more likely to clot and can increase blood pressure.

• Stress has a role to play in your attitude or state of mind. This means that instead of thinking what you are doing and the impact your choices are having on your body you choose to take short term solutions which have an adverse impact on your heart. For example, when you are stressed you are more likely to eat less healthily, eat less regularly, drink too much alcohol or coffee, or smoke more than you usually do.

• Research has shown that stress can also discourage you from doing more healthy activities like meditation or physical exercise.

So does stress cause heart disease? It is not clear at the moment as not enough research has been done but evidence is starting to mount that stress and heart disease are linked.

Rather than waiting to see if stress is affecting your health, the best form of cure is preventative. Doing exercise, eating healthily and getting a good night's sleep will all help towards relaxing you and therefore your heart.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Piers_Cross

Cardiovascular System Function - How it Works

2009-03-27T23:27:00.002-07:00

The body parts and functions are explained in 2 branches of science: anatomy and physiology. The Cardiovascular system plays a crucial role when it comes to the working of our body.

It is this system that makes sure the smooth running of each activity that occurs in our body. The system is made of the heart, blood, blood vessels and the lymphatic system. Its big part is to pump blood around the body. It's a hollow muscular organ divided by a vertical wall called the septum. The two chambers are further split into the atrium above, and the ventricle below, leading to 4 chambers. Oxygenated blood is carried away from the heart by the arteries whilst deoxygenated blood is brought back to the heart by the veins. The heart acts as the central power point as it is the part that propels blood to all the other parts of the body and this indicates that failure of the heart to pump blood would lead to malfunctioning of all the body cells and tissues.

The interstitial liquid that surrounds the tissue cells is serviced by blood which transports oxygen and nutrients to it whilst the lymph removes toxins and waste products. Blood forms about 70% of the body weight consisting of plasma, corpuscles and platelets. CO2 from the cells to the lungs. Hormone from the endocrine glands to the cells. As blood is the main transport system, so it might also bring bacteria to the tissues. The lymphatic system is the protective system that picks up the materials, cleans them of waste materials and poisons, and returns them to the blood.

Their big part is transport of blood to and from the heart. The heart system is thus the activator of each other activity that occurs in our body, since the body can't function without the flow of blood.

Here is a quick overview of the different functions of blood:

TRANSPORT

• Oxygen from the lungs to the cells.

• Carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs.

• Nutrients from the intestines to the lungs.

• Waste materials from the cells.

• Hormone from the endocrine glands to the cells

• Heat from various cells

REGULATES

• pH(concentration of hydrogen ions)

• Body temperature.

• Salts.

• Water content in the cells.

PROTECTION

• Prevents loss by clotting and combats toxins

• Protects the body against heat loss.

Patrick is an up and coming health expert. He recently found a great human anatomy study guide software program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Hopper

Will a Low Thyroid Cause High Cholesterol? Answers

2009-03-27T23:27:00.001-07:00

Researchers now know that there is a connection between high cholesterol and thyroid problems.

There are potentially tens of millions of Americans with undiagnosed thyroid problems causing their high cholesterol. Some even speculate that low thyroid hormones specifically, are the number 2 cause of high cholesterol.

This connection is explained by the metabolic role of your thyroid gland. In short, when the thyroid slows down hormone production (hypothyroidism), your liver would then have a harder filtering the blood and removing the cholesterol.

This is important to know for those with high cholesterol, because if you happen to be one who has hypothyroidism problems, then you may not respond to any of the cholesterol treatments (except diet and exercise of course, as those also help thyroid problems).

Unfortunately, thyroid hormone levels aren't usually tested during blood testing, and yet cholesterol levels are. And many doctors don't test thyroid levels when there are cholesterol problems, even though the connection between the two is well documented.

Some even say that up to half of Americans with thyroid disease remain undiagnosed.

High Cholesterol and Thyroid Disease Remedies

So, you should first find out if it is a thyroid problem that causes high cholesterol (at home test can show this). If that's the cases then there's good news. You can actually drop cholesterol levels significantly without the medications by using natural and safe prescriptions for thyroid problems. Another option is thyroid hormone replacement, but it comes with its side effects.

But this is great news, because cholesterol drugs are terribly unhealthy for you, and even the most extreme prescriptions thyroid hormones are usually less expensive.

The thyroid problems doesn't just cause higher cholesterol either, it can cause fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and sensitivity to the cold.

So if this is you, you may want to talk to your doctor and consider thyroid supplementation with the key natural ingredients to fix the thyroid problem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Branklin

Finding the Best Cardiologist

2009-03-03T22:27:00.001-08:00

Seeking a cardiologist in Los Angeles that can fit your specific needs is crucial to taking the next step towards treating your heart condition. Aside from a referral from your general physician, you might want to trust in recommendations from friends or family. Still, there are several factors to consider in choosing the best cardiologist for you.

One way to seek out a good cardiologist is by looking online. To find a cardiologist in Los Angeles, you simply can type in Los Angeles cardiologist in any search engine and find endless amounts of information on local heart specialists along with their credentials and certifications. Most hospitals also offer directories on their websites that allow patients in search of a doctor to look through the credentials, certifications, sub-specialties, education, training and possible malpractice information, in addition to other medical history.

It is also important to choose a cardiologist that is associated with a credible hospital or medical center. Whether big or small, hospitals that have a good reputation have acquired such because of the excellent care they provide. Do some research and don't just settle on the biggest hospital, smaller hospitals can be recognized as well.

Another critical factor to look at when selecting a cardiologist, especially in seeking treatment, is his or her experience in the field. If you are required to undergo a particular surgery, make sure your cardiologist has performed the procedure many times with consistent results, so that you can trust and feel comfortable in their hands. Just as well, their facilities should be up to date and able to handle any type of treatment needed. For example, in ordering a cardiac CT scan, the facilities should have the best, most reliable equipment available, to reduce the risk of error or complication.

Last but definitely not least, the cardiologist you choose should be one you are able to actively communicate with. Your doctor should be able to answer any questions you may have about your treatment, procedures like an angiograph or CT heart scan, general care, or any other question you may have, and do so in a way that you can understand. Some doctors are only interested in the medical side of things, but you should find one that is interested in both the quality of the medical care they are providing, as well as the concerns of you as a patient. Overall, it is important to feel comfortable with the doctor you have chosen and be able to talk to him or her about anything related to your medical care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mason_Weiss

Homocysteine Danger Seems to Be Ignored by Doctors

2009-03-03T22:26:00.002-08:00

During my routine medical check up last week for the insurance company, I was asking the doctor what is the cost of testing for homocysteine and the GP was actually quite surprised or I would say shocked by my question.

Why do you need and want to test it for? The doctor asked.

I told him on a book "What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutritional Medicine That May Be Killing You" written by Dr. Ray Strand stating that quite a big percentage of people who died from heart attack did not have high cholesterol levels but a high level of homocysteine.

The doctor then asked me not to completely trust what the book or information on the web says and commented that the check is not that important as compared to checking my cholesterol level.

I agreed with the doctor in a way that we should not just trust completely or blindly what we have heard and follow but instead we must all have an attitude like those of students; students who study the information and make our own judgment and in any case that the information is correct, we should then turn it to be our own facts. If the information given is not correct, then we have to do our own due diligence to find out more and what can be construed as our own facts.

We should not just make a statement saying that we should not trust any type of information we see or read and ignore the whole thing. I would like to re-quote a saying that goes like this: "Acquiring of knowledge may cost some money but try ignorance!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Siong_Khee_Goh

Blood Cholesterol Tests - The Basics

2009-03-03T22:26:00.001-08:00

Your doctor may order a blood test called a LIPID PROFILE to help diagnose your risk of heart disease. You must be fasting for this blood test. The word "lipid" refers to any type of fat. An excess of fat will build up in the walls of your arteries, causing thickening, making your heart pump harder.

This profile consists of the following tests:

* Blood Cholesterol Level Cholesterol is used by the body in cell membranes, to make hormones, and to make Vitamin D. Excess cholesterol can crystallize in the gall bladder to form gallstones. Too much cholesterol is also associated with arteriosclerosis. Cholesterol blood levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to LIPOPROTEINS. There are two types of LIPOPROTEINS.
* HDL HDL stands for HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN. You want your HDL level to be HIGH. HDL is called the "good cholesterol." HDL's carry cholesterol out of the bloodstream to be excreted. HDL levels for men should be 40-50 mg/dl. For females, 50-60 mg/dl.
* LDL LDL stands for LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN. You want your LDL level to be LOW. These lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the body's tissues. LDL with cholesterol can accumulate inside blood vessels, causing arteriosclerosis. LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dl.
* Triglyceride Level Triglycerides are a form of fat. They are stored in your fat cells and also float in the blood stream. They're a supply fuel for energy. Elevated levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease. Normal levels should be less than 150 mg/dl.

Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be helped by diet and exercise. In some cases, medication may be needed to keep these levels within normal ranges.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Blake

The Effects of Race and Genetics on Blood Pressure

2009-02-19T21:28:00.003-08:00

The chances of you getting high blood pressure could be increased due to many factors. If for any reason there are things in your life that makes it difficult for your heart to work easily and freely, high blood pressure will occur. Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, following all the guide lines, your blood pressure will still rise.

Within the medical world it has long been thought that race influences blood pressure. Genetic factors seem to play a part, making some races more prone to high blood pressure than other races. Whether this is based on inherited tendencies or possibly on cultural habits remains to be seen.

However, what we do know is that food plays a big part in high blood pressure. If your race has a culture of eating meals that are high in cholesterol and fat, then your race is bound to be more prone to high blood pressure. Traditional ways of cooking may not always be the healthiest. Races that tend to celebrate every occasion, especially if it is with rich fatty foods, are automatically going to have higher bp as a group.

If you belong to such a racial group, you may think of changing the way that you cook on an every day basis. By making healthy changes to your daily diet, then it should do no great harm to you if you were to indulge a little at traditional celebrations. You should be OK as long as you keep these indulgences in moderation and few and far between.

Home cooking gives you more control over what you eat -- you know just what is in your food. Gradually introduce new ideas to your menu, using foods that are low in cholesterol and fat. You will not only lower your own high bp but that of your family as well. Why not encourage some friends to use low fat substitutes in their celebrations, increasing their chances of better health.

Whatever the reason, it seems that blood pressure conditions are more prevalent within certain races. Black and Hispanic people should have regular checks on their blood pressure as a number of unwanted health conditions may surface as a result of high blood pressure. Eat sensibly and exercise wisely every day, having first sought the best level of exercise from your doctor. Regardless of your race, you can do an awful lot to prevent high blood pressure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Megan_Richards

How to Take a Blood Pressure Reading

2009-02-19T21:28:00.001-08:00

Getting an accurate blood pressure reading is neither easy nor straightforward. Although the reading itself is not difficult, the tricky part is the process of actually finding one's blood pressure. For the most precise reading possible, a device must be inserted into the patient to get this most accurate of readings. This procedure is invasive, not too commonly used as such accuracy is rarely necessary.

More commonly used is an instrument called a sphygmomanometer. The sphygmomanometer is normally referred to as the blood pressure cuff. An apt description since that is how it is placed on the upper arm. It is in fact a long pressurized sock, wound round the upper arm giving the appearance of a cuff.

Usually wound round the upper left arm, the cuff is placed more or less at the same vertical height as the patient's heart. The person must be sitting down in an upright position as this is the optimal position for blood to flow through the body as it should. The cuff is then inflated with a small pump until there is sufficient pressure on the brachial artery to give a reading.

Systolic pressure will be taken first. The doctor places his stethoscope against the inside of the elbow joint. He will decrease the pressure in the cuff until he hears the Korotkoff sounds through the stethoscope. This is when the systolic reading is taken.

He will continue to deflate the cuff until the Korotkoff sounds cease and this is the reading for the diatolic pressure.

Nowadays, the digital blood pressure cuff has become popular. Both systems have their pros and cons. For the unskilled patient who takes his own blood pressure at home or have it taken in a drug store, the digital cuff is easier to use. The digital cuff is more practical in a noisy environment since there is no listening for the Korotkoff sounds required. The digital cuff types work by measuring the mean arterial pulse, and it derives both pressures (systolic and diatolic) from that. It is limited in that it cannot be used by all patients, those with particular health problems.

Doctors and health care practitioners normally use the manual sphygmomanometer. It takes skill to operate it but it is more precise than a digital one. It takes a certain amount of practice to master listening for the Korotkoff sounds while manually pumping the cuff. Without the necessary skill and practice, people find the manual sphygmomanometer difficult to operate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Megan_Richards

Low Blood Pressure and Its Causes

2009-02-19T21:27:00.001-08:00

Blood pressure can go out of balance, both up and down. We usually think of blood pressure that has gone out of kilter as being too high (hypertension). When it goes too low (hypotension) it can have very serious consequences and should be treated immediately. Hypotension can cause problems in the brain, potentially creating a fatal situation.

What can cause hypotension? The most recognized common reason is an insufficient volume of blood (hypovolemia), often set off by problems of the nervous system within the brain. Among other causes is medication that lists hypovolemia as a side effect.

Since low blood pressure has a negative effect on the brain, it is even more serious than high blood pressure. It is vital to have it diagnosed and immediately brought back into balance.

A recognizable symptom of hypotension occurs when there is a change in body position. The symptom is most commonly obvious when rising up from a lying or sitting position. One is aware of the brain not functioning properly, a feeling of dizziness may occur, taking a couple of seconds to pass. This is one of the most common forms of low blood pressure and is called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension. Should you develop these symptoms while on medication, consult your doctor immediately.

A less common form of hypotension is orthostatic hypotension. Also called postprandial hypotension, it manifests 30 to 75 minutes following a meal.

The stomach requires lots of energy, enzymes and a multitude of chemicals to digest food. The simpler, more natural the food, the easier the stomach's tasks and requirements are. But, as with almost all activities in the body, a sizable amount of blood is required to complete the task. At this point the autonomic nervous system steps in to help the heart out as the heart now has less volume of blood to work with. Over time, this weakens the autonomic nervous system.

Hypotension (hypo means low) is just as severe as hypertension (hyper means high). Both are to do with the circulatory system and if out of balance will affect the body. Both are cause for concern and being extremes, their affects are quite different. Hypotension, with its affect on the brain, the most important part of the body, cannot be left unattended. Have regular check ups -- if you're of a mind to, teach yourself blood pressure taking. Should you have any reason to suspect you may have hypotension, please see your health care practitioner without delay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Megan_Richards

Niacin For Lowering Cholesterol - How Much is Enough?

2009-02-06T22:29:00.003-08:00

A typical, successful amount of niacin to reduce cholesterol is 3,000 mg a day, but there are certain precautions you should take.

Taking more than 1,000 mg of niacin a day can raise homocysteine levels, especially if niacin is not balanced by folic acid (400-1,000 mg a day), vitamin B6 (10-50 mg a day), and vitamin B12 (50-300 micrograms a day). If you take more than 1,000 mg of niacin daily, you need additional B vitamins.

There have been no trials of niacin for lowering cholesterol in persons who have not had a heart attack, but the Coronary Drug Project followed 8,000 men who had had a heart attack for eight years. Taking 3,000 mg of nicotinic acid every day resulted in:

* 10 per cent reduction in total cholesterol,
* 26 per cent reduction in triglycerides,
* 27 per cent reduction in the rates of second heart attacks, and
* 27 per cent reduction in the rates of stroke.

Follow-up over 15 years found that men who took nicotinic acid were 11 per cent more likely to still be alive at the end of the study.

Other studies of both men and women have found that taking niacin raises HDL levels and transforms LDL cholesterol from the sticky apo-A form to the lighter, less harmful apo-B form. Taking beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, however, reduced the benefits of niacin.

If you do choose to use niacin/nicotinic acid to lower cholesterol, you should consult your doctor. That's because a number of things can go wrong when you take nicotinic acid in doses potent enough to have an effect on heart health:

* Like statin drugs, niacin sometimes damages the liver. Hepatitis has been observed from taking dosages as low as 500 mg a day for a period as short as two months, although most cases of liver damage occurred when the dosage was 3,000 to 9,000 mg for several years.
* Diabetics should not take high-dose niacin. The vitamin can reduce insulin sensitivity and raise blood sugars.
* Occasional side effects have included blurred vision, migraine, peptic ulcers, disturbances of heart rhythm, and gout.

And facial flushing with an outbreak around the nose resembling acne is very problem. A slower-release form of niacin, nicotinamide, does not cause flushing, but can aggravate diabetes and cause liver damage. Niacin may lower cholesterol levels for people who cannot or choose not to use statins, but niacin should always be used under professional supervision.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rister

Laughing at Really Funny Jokes Keeps Heart Attack Away

2009-02-06T22:29:00.001-08:00

The adage, "laughter is the best medicine", proves to be true when it comes to keeping heart attacks at bay. Recent studies conducted at a university in Baltimore show that people who always have a good laugh are less likely to have heart diseases. Further, people with heart diseases are found 40% less probable to laugh and become humorous compared to people to those without heart problems. If this is true, the very elixir that could solve a serious medical condition pertaining to the heart is found the very primordial act of laughing at really funny jokes.

A good belly laugh considered to be a form of exercise. It can serve as an "internal exercise because it provides a good cardiac stimulation and conditioning. This is especially important to those who don't have the time to exercise or do physical activities. Laughing also prevents hypertension because it lessens the likeliness of stress. It relaxes muscles and lessens the supply of dopamine in he blood, a hormone known to induce the fight or flight response.

Knowing all these, how can you practice the habit of laughing to keep heart attack away? Here are some ways.

1. Think of happy thoughts.

Keeping a light-hearted disposition is crucial in preventing heart attacks. Try to recall the things that you find funny. This may include a hilarious scene on TV, news or an event. Whenever stress starts keeping in, think about these situations can lower your stress and anxiety levels.

2. Engage in a healthy and entertaining conversation with close friends.

Doing this does not only produce some natural laughter, but also helps maintain good mental health. It gives a light feeling and relieves tension.

3. Watch funny movies and TV shows.

This is probably one of the easiest things to do to laugh. Immersing in the hilarity of others' propensity for funny antics is the ultimate way to turn off sadness and stress. The heart benefits a lot from the laughter you give out.

4. Read some really funny jokes.

Fortunately, there are lots of good sites on the internet that feature jokes and pranks that people can laugh at. When the feeling of heaviness of heart creeps in, don't wallow in misery. Taking care of the heart through laughing is very important.

5. Relax!

Don't pretend to have fun, but let laughter come naturally. It is also not advisable to be so serious about life. If there's a big hindrance on the road, don't lash out and go berserk. Relax and respond humorously to everyday life's situation. Think of positive things that could still induce some laughter amidst a stressful incident. Remember that most of the time, stress is only in the mind.

Nursing loneliness and anguish is the fastest way to a nasty and life-threatening heart attack. Don't treat your heart like you have another one in the bank in case what you have fails to beat. Nurture a happy disposition, laugh at really funny jokes, and smile to ensure a healthy heart.

A Computer Engineering student and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens

Lower Cholesterol Levels Can Kill You

2009-02-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

Lower cholesterol levels are better. For about 40 years now, the Federal government and the top medical organizations in America have been promoting that message with fervent zeal. They have scared us with stories of fat clogged arteries, massive heart attacks and generally threatened us into lowering our intake of saturated fats and fats in general. The message is repeated constantly: eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruit, and avoid red meat and whole fat milk products.

And we have listened. On the advice of our physicians, millions of us have cut back on the fatty foods we enjoy, taken dangerous statin drugs, and eaten tons of vegetables to lower cholesterol levels. We eat so many vegetables that the demand has driven up the price, and today, many vegetables are more expensive per pound than meat.

And now, 40 years later, the results are in. What has been the outcome of our diligence and focus on lower cholesterol and dietary fat consumption?

Skyrocketing rates of disease. The United States, in spite of the fact that billions of dollars are spent each year on disease research, dietary education and health care, is one of the sickest nations in the industrialized world. Here are some of the facts:

* The US has higher heart disease mortality rates than many other developed nations. And they aren't just a little higher. For example, American rates are 55% higher than France's rates, even though the French eat 4 times more saturated fat. (World Health Organization statistics)
* The prevalence of diabetes in the US has skyrocketed, increasing by 200% since 1980. (CDC statistics)
* Huge sums of money have been spent on cancer research in the past 30 years, yet the US rates of cancer mortality have not diminished, and if the advances for treatment are factored in, it may have actually gone up. (CDC statistics)
* An estimated 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. This number has doubled since 1980, and is expected to be as high as 13.4 million by 2050. (CDC statistics)

In fact, the US adult mortality rate (AMR), which is defined as the probability of dying between the ages of 15 - 60 years, is higher than every other industrial nation. In 2006, the US AMR was 109/1000. This means that 109 Americans out of every 1000 died before the age of 61 because of a health issue or injury. To compare, the AMR in Italy is only 64 out of 1000. And in Japan, the AMR is a low 67. As you can see by just this simple statistic, something is very wrong.

In looking at the larger picture of disease in the US, one comes to realize a simple fact: as the US consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol have declined, the rates of disease related deaths have increased.

If you spend time reading about the causative factors associated with the diseases that plague us, at some point, you find that lower cholesterol levels are connected in some way.

* No longer can we say that high cholesterol levels cause heart disease. Research has shown there is no link. However, we can say that low levels of cholesterol contribute to increased inflammation in the body, which IS related to heart disease.
* We can also say that the high carb, low fat, low cholesterol diet recommended by the experts has contributed in a major way to the epidemics of diabetes and obesity in the US.
* Low cholesterol levels are being investigated as a causative factor in Alzheimer's disease. It seems that cholesterol molecules are needed to prevent brain cells from being destroyed by the oxidative processes associated with metabolism.
* In the first of several studies on cholesterol lowering drugs, researchers halted the trials when it was found that the treatment groups were experiencing higher rates of cancer.

The dietary advice promoted by our national health institutions and medical professionals has done more to harm the American public than any other factor over the past 40 years. Our hospitals and doctors' offices are overrun with people who have listened to these "experts".

So the burning question is this: If lower cholesterol levels are so good, why is our collective health so bad after 40 years of cholesterol lowering efforts?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_L._Davis

Symptoms and Causes of Heart Attacks

2009-01-31T00:25:00.001-08:00

A Heart attack is accompanied by a sudden pain in the chest accompanied with breathing difficulty. While most of the patients recover from appropriate treatment, some heart attacks can be suddenly fatal. There are various symptoms that precede a heart attack. Some of them are as follows:

* Discomfort following meals

* Fainting

* Confusion

* Irregular heart beat

* Cold sweat

* Vomiting

* Nausea

* Severe anxiety

You should recognize the early symptoms of a heart attack for treating it and bringing it under control. An early treatment prevents chances of bodily damage or death from a heart attack.

Many heart attacks begin with mild pain or discomfort. You should be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack to undergo timely treatment. Shortness of breath, a feeling of weight in one's chest etc are other common heart attack symptoms. Some may experience a pain that spreads to the shoulder, neck, jaw and/or arms. This pain can sometimes be in the form of a burning sensation.

Some factors which cause heart attack are:

Heredity- If the family has a history of heart disease; you are prone to get a heart attack.

Stress- Stress and heart attacks are correlated. Interpersonal relationships and financial worries may cause stress leading to heart attacks.

Smoking- Research has proved that heavy cigarette smokers have a 50 to 150% higher heart risk than nonsmokers.

Lack of physical exercise- Those who prefer sedentary lifestyles are also prone to heart attacks.
Obesity- Obesity is the root cause for heart attacks even among children these days.
Diet- If you consume a high cholesterol diet you will be more prone to heart attacks.

More than 50% of patients having heart disease have poor knowledge of the symptoms of a heart attack. If patients are not well informed about the early symptoms of heart attack they will not be successful in getting the right treatment. Frequent medical tests after the age of 50 is advised for men and women to rule out the risk of heart attack. Relaxation techniques should also be followed to rule out stress that may trigger a heart attack. You can also know about heart attack symptoms, tips for a healthy heart etc by going through health sites available online. It is always better to prevent heart attacks than cure them. People having symptoms must have a low cholesterol and well-balanced diet. Regular exercise and stress management techniques also hold the key to reducing the incidence of heart attack.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Chuong

Strokes and Conditions

2009-01-31T00:24:00.000-08:00

A stroke takes place when blood supply is interrupted to a certain portion of the brain. There are two types of stroke. One kind of stroke is when a clot blocks the blood supply to a certain part of the brain; this is called and ischemic stroke. The other type of stroke is caused by a blood vessel in the brain rupturing and causing a hemorrhage. Symptoms of strokes are a sever headache, unsteadiness, confusion, dizziness, loss of vision or blurred vision, speech problems like slurring or not being able to understand the speech or even difficulty in being to say the right words and paralysis, weakness or numbness on one side of the body. The extent of damage and period of recovery would depend on the severity of the stroke. Sometimes the recovery is quite fast where as sometimes the damage is permanent.

Though strokes can happen to people at any age, most strokes affect men over the age of 55. Causes of strokes can be a family history of risks of strokes, heavy drinking, a TIA, arterial fibrillation, diabetes, smoking and high blood pressure. Strokes can be fatal very often and are the most frequent cause of disability which is severe.

The best way to ensure avoiding a stroke is to take the medication which has been prescribed regularly, maintain a healthy life style and exercise regularly, drink only limited amount of alcohol, control ones weight, diabetes and high blood pressure and do not smoke.

Once a stroke has occurred the person should ensure a change in their lifestyle and if any of the factors which lead to a stroke exist, do away with them. They should be strict in their fitness regime and ensure that their food is fat free, should loose weight and should control the other factors which have lead to this mishap. In case the person is a smoker and consumes alcohol, this should be stopped immediately.

Medication prevents clotting of the blood and aspirin maybe prescribed by the doctor. Rehabilitation of a person who has had a paralytic problem after a stroke will require extensive physiotherapy along with counseling, speech therapy if required, and occupational therapy. In case there are clots still persisting in the arteries in the neck region, these can be removed with an operation. The person has to be reassured and motivated into activating his muscle power once again with constant exercises as recommended by the physiotherapist.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but there may be some unintentional omission of information. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on within this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Chuong

How to Balance the Cholesterol in Your Body and Lead a Healthy Life

2009-01-31T00:21:00.000-08:00

Cholesterol is an unsaturated waxy solid that is manufactured in the body. Cholesterol helps to produce bile and metabolize fat soluble vitamins. It also has important function with respect to cell membrane management. Cholesterol can be got from diet or made in the tissue membranes. High density lipoprotein (HDL) that helps to deliver cholesterol to the liver also helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and hence helps in protecting against heart disease. Dietary cholesterol is otherwise called low density lipoprotein (LDL) that carries cholesterol from the liver to the tissue membranes.

Increased cholesterol amounts in the arteries can lead to plaques that gradually damage arteries over time. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or other heart ailments. Hence for all issues regarding cholesterol management for heart and vascular health, the underlying remedy lies in lowering LDL cholesterol. Increasing the HDL cholesterol levels is mostly overlooked but the main advantage of this approach is that it can improve removal of cholesterol from dangerous locations in the arteries.

Cholesterol balance can be brought about by making some diet changes. Macro nutrients that affect cholesterol include protein, fiber, and fats. Vitamins and minerals that comprise micro nutrients can affect lipid peroxidation. Fiber is very helpful in lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels while raising HDL levels according to the American Heart association (AHA). Protein especially whey protein has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Another great cholesterol managing protein is soy.

A number of natural products and the key nutrients in them can also help with cholesterol management. Most notable among them are DHA, Omega-3s and 6s, EPA, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, and Niacin. There are other flavonoids that can help with cholesterol care. These include cocoa, tea, and fruit.

Citrus bioflavonoids when combined with vitamin E can also help with antioxidant management. These include fruits such as pomegranate and grape seed extract which help to limit LDL oxidation. Garlic, is also a great cholesterol managing botanical as it contains antioxidant constituents that help to lower total and LDL cholesterol while still maintaining HDL levels. Some other types of algae and pine bark extract also help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Apart from the above there are other well researched methods also to lower the bad and increase the good cholesterol levels in the body.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but there may be some unintentional omission of information. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on within this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Chuong

How to Lower Cholesterol Easily

2009-01-22T23:33:00.000-08:00

Lowering cholesterol may seem like a daunting task to those who struggle with it on a daily basis. Low fat diets, high starches, more exercise...vegetables? There's no reason why it shouldn't feel so pressuring. The thing is, though, it's important, so you can't just give up on yourself. A huge part of your every day life is based on cholesterol, and keeping it at a healthy level consistently through a young age will certainly help you keep it secure as you grow older. The trick is that you can't think of this as a temporary diet or some sort of quick fix. The best and healthiest way to level out your cholesterol is to make significant changes to your every day life, and sticking to them.

A proper diet is the first thing that should be adopted in your new lifestyle. If you have high cholesterol, avoid excessive amounts of high cholesterol foods such as animal meats and dairy products. It is also important to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, such as butter and cookies. Luckily, this isn't a diet where you completely omit all of these foods, because they aren't all bad for you, meats and dairy certainly have their benefits. What needs to be taken in to account, though, is the amount you take in, and how you could regulate that amount. Sometimes, finding substitutes or making small changes in how you even cook the food can help. For example, bake and broil your meat instead of frying it. Use non-stick spray instead of butter, and eat fat-free yogurt instead of regular yogurt.

Once you have mastered the art of a low cholesterol diet, you should turn your focus to increasing your physical activity. Whether you are overweight or not, physical activity will boost your body's production of HDL (good) cholesterol, while at the same time lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol through burning fat. This is, in the truest form, killing two birds with one stone. Exercise routines aren't easy to get in to, though, especially for people that already have a busy schedule. Again, the best idea is to start off small. Waking up 20 minutes earlier will give you some time for a routine push-up/sit-up work out. While this isn't all that you'll need, it is certainly a start to go with your new healthy breakfast of egg whites (yolks are very high in cholesterol) and say, a bagel instead of that Boston cream donut. As you become used to this scheduled workout session, it is time to set more time aside. Even walking two miles (instead of running, if you can't) a day will put you in to a significantly better position. If you are overweight, slightly or otherwise, more exercise is recommended to not only speed the process, but also to quickly lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

Finally, try having a glass of wine with dinner every night. This seems absurd, but alcohol (1-2 drinks daily) can actually raise your HDL cholesterol. You have to be careful though, because too much alcohol can also raise LDL cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Morrison

How to Lower Cholesterol to Prevent Heart Strokes

2009-01-22T23:32:00.002-08:00

Unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, improper diet and food intake are the major factors responsible for high cholesterol levels. There are mainly two types of cholesterol - LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). When there is excess of LDL in a person's blood, it will build up in the inner walls of his arteries which can end up causing the blocking of the arteries and thus causes atherosclerosis. Whereas, when there is a high amount of HDL present, it will actually aid in preventing heart attacks, though when the level of HDL is low, it can put the person at risk of experiencing a heart attack.

One of the major risks of having high total cholesterol is triglyceride, which is a type of fat that is obtained from the food that you eat and which is also produced in the body. When there is a high level of triglycerides, you are at a risk of having high total cholesterol in which you can get high LDL as well as low HDL.

According to health experts, diet plays an important role in lowering cholesterol level. When combined with a right medication, diet has a significant role in reducing cholesterol level.

Replace regular and full-fat dairy products to low fat or skimmed ones because these are not only good in lowering cholesterol level but also effective in managing your weight. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits because these are low in calories, cholesterol, and fat no matter how much you consume. Restrict saturated and trans fatty elements contained by hydrogenated vegetable oils because they increase blood cholesterol levels. Do not eat processed and junk foods. Take lean meats such as turkey and chicken meats in place of red meat because they are effective in decreasing cholesterol levels.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Mutt

Mediterranean Diet - Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease

2009-01-22T23:32:00.001-08:00

The Mediterranean Diet is originate from the lifestyle of those who live surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, it includes over 30 varieties of cuisine ranging from Greek and Italian to Jordanian and Portuguese. All countries place their own cultural role on the diet, though the base is basically the same. The Mediterranean Diet is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, carbs like bread and cereal and legumes. And of course, you can as well take pleasure in restricted amounts of fish, chicken and milk products. You may even treat with a little wine.

Although most researches on Mediterranean diet and its health benefits are observation, growing number of researches associate Mediterranean diet with greater longevity (anti-aging effect) and lower diseases numbers such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease diabetes, cancer and hypertension, as compared to western diet. People in this region consume moderately red wine, olive oil, whole grain foods, legumes, fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants content.

The chief source of fat is olive oil. Dairy products (mainly cheese and yoghurt) and fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts, zero to four eggs consumed weekly, red meat consumed in low amounts, and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with meals.

By its most vital, the Mediterranean diet is a nutritional replica that's supported on traditional eating performs in a number of countries around the Mediterranean. There is no one specific diet as each of these countries has its own food traditions, and even regions within a country can have very different menus. Yet, there are some consistencies between countries in this area. Most people in Mediterranean countries traditionally eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole cereal grains, beans and legumes, seeds and nuts. Generally they have a tendency to use olive oil as their most important fat, and focus on unsaturated fats. And they eat only moderate amounts of poultry, fish, and dairy foods, and slight red wine.

A lot of the Mediterranean diet is invented of food from plant sources. This means breads, grains, and other carbohydrates, with an importance on whole grains, vegetables and fruit, and seeds, nuts, and other legumes. You can begin regulating your diet by deciding a better selection of vegetables; preferring whole grains, and making olive oil your major source of fat. Drink wine and eat cheese, excluding only in moderation. Red meat must be treated in much the same way.

Food is minimally processed and eaten as fresh as possible. The primary fat is olive oil, not butter, hydrogenated oils, or animal fats, as it often is in the United States. However, this oil isn't used carefully. People in these regions eat it on a regular basis, yet don't seem to suffer bad health because of it. Fish and poultry make up a low to moderate portion of the diet, and red meat is eaten only infrequently. Wine is drunk regularly, but in moderate amounts with meals.

However I like to suggest using the vital rules of a Mediterranean diet for everyday eating - likely, choosing foods rich in monounsaturated over saturates, eating more fruit and vegetables, basic meals on starchy foods, and eating more fish and beans and smaller quantity of processed foods.

Get more information about Mediterranean Diet.

For the moment, why not start to incorporate the Mediterranean way of life into your own daily schedule? All right, you might not be able to take a daily siesta, but you can start to get more creative in the kitchen, support the family to eat together around the table and at present winter is here, even enjoy meals inside.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Indrani_Bhattacherjee

How to Lower Cholesterol? 3 Ways to Better Health!

2009-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Are you a man older than the age of 45? Are you a woman over the age of 55? Are you a smoker? Are you overweight? Are you unfit?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may be at risk of high cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can have a detrimental impact on your overall health and are one of the leading illnesses in men and women in their prime.

Fortunately, there are ways to control cholesterol levels and lowering high cholesterol levels isn't as hard as it may seem.
Here are 3 easy ways to lower your cholesterol levels so you can start leading a healthier life today:

1. Eat Healthy. Your nutritional choices will have a great impact on your cholesterol levels. Make conscious choices to eat foods like fish (tuna and salmon), nuts (walnuts and almonds) and oats. Foods with moderate amounts of olive oil will also help lower high cholesterol levels. Stay away from goods like ice cream, sausage, egg yolks, French fries, cheesecake, pastries and donuts, potato chops and bacon.

2. Exercise. Exercising on a regular basis will help improve all aspects of your health but will specifically aid in lowering cholesterol. Moderate to high level cardio workouts (walking, swimming etc.) that increase your heart rate are the most successful in lowering cholesterol levels. If you're overweight, it is especially important to exercise on a daily basis since your weight already puts you at greater risk of high cholesterol levels.

Staying fit with cardio workouts lowers triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol) and boosts HDH (good cholesterol) making it much easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

3. Medication. For some sufferers, medication is a last result when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels. For others, particularly individuals with heart disease or diabetes, medication is important in lowering cholesterol levels from the very beginning. If you find yourself in the position where medication is necessary, it's important to know which types to look for.

Ezetimibe (zetia), Niacin (Niacor, Niaspin, Nicolar), Statins (Crestor, Lipitor) and fibrates are all popular types of medication that will help in lowering high cholesterol levels. Make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Lowering cholesterol levels can be a struggle for many individuals. Making a conscious effort to change the way you live will have positive results on your overall health.

If you think you may be suffering from high cholesterol, see you doctor. He/she will help you create a routine that will help control your health issues so you can go on leading a happy, healthy life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_S.

The Proven Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

2009-01-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

There is a potent, proven medication for those at risk of heart disease and stroke. It is safe, inexpensive and easy to administer. Furthermore, you probably have a bottle of it in your medicine cabinet right now. It's aspirin, and if you don't already know about the beneficial effects of this drug for heart disease, it's time to learn. If you've already suffered from heart disease or stroke, aspirin can prevent recurrences and reduce your chance of death. If you've already heard about aspirin's heart healthy benefits, I'll give you the specifics to help decide if you may be a candidate for this simple treatment.

How Aspirin Helps

Aspirin has been around for over 100 years. Early advertising campaigns from the 1920s reassured the public that aspirin would have no detrimental effect on the heart. After decades of medical advances and research, we now know that quite the opposite is true-aspirin helps the heart in various ways and carries the seal of approval from the American Heart Association. In fact, according to aspirin manufacturer Bayer®, the majority of the daily aspirin in the United States is taken to help prevent heart disease.

To clearly define the effects of aspirin on heart health, the FDA issued new guidelines in 1998. The guidelines state that aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, as well as prevent a major stroke in patients who have suffered "mini strokes."

It can reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack and prevent heart attack in people with angina, or chest pain. Aspirin can reduce the chance of death or complication from a heart attack when taken at the first onset of symptoms, usually within 30 minutes. It prevents new blockages in people who have had heart bypass surgery or procedures to clear blocked arteries.

The way aspirin works to prevent these serious conditions is by suppressing the body's production of prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances can cause blood clots, which are responsible for attacks and stroke when they travel to the brain or heart and block blood vessels there. If you suffer from any of the conditions described above, ask your doctor about aspirin, so that he or she can verify the proper dosage and monitor your progress.

Should You Take Regular Aspirin?

A study in the British Medical Journal showed that over 40,000 deaths may be prevented worldwide each year if people who have heart disease, peripheral vascular disease or stroke took aspirin.

Data from the Department of Health and Human Services showed that coronary heart disease could be reduced by 28 percent in healthy people with regular aspirin use. Even with this encouraging statistic, not everyone should start taking aspirin. If you are middle aged and at moderate risk for heart disease, talk to your doctor. He or she can help assess your individual needs.

Regular aspirin use does carry risk factors. Because aspirin's main benefit is associated with reducing blood clots, internal bleeding, particularly in the brain, is a possible risk factor. Gastrointestinal bleeding and other issues like stomach ulcers are a risk. Some people are allergic to aspirin, so see your doctor if you notice facial swelling or experience an asthma attack. People who should not take aspirin include heavy drinkers, pregnant women, those about to undergo surgery and anyone with ulcers or other bleeding problems.

Dose size is also an important consideration for doctors when prescribing daily aspirin. A recent analysis of studies on aspirin and heart disease showed that 81 milligrams of aspirin per day-the amount in one baby aspirin-is the most commonly prescribed dose by doctors in the U.S. It also showed that higher doses have not been proven to be any more effective. One adult-size aspirin tablet contains a whopping 325 mg! Taking the lowest recommended dose can reduce your risk of harmful side effects.

New studies on aspirin and its relationship to heart health are being conducted regularly. Treating heart disease under the direction of your doctor is important so you'll be kept up-to-date with the latest research. In addition, your doctor's expertise can help minimize any risk factors and maximize aspirin's heart health benefits. Here's to a healthy heart!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rosenberg,_M.D.

Dieting To Lower Cholesterol - 11 Tips Before You Start

2008-12-24T04:33:00.003-08:00

The key cause of heart diseases as the doctors suggest is cholesterol. High cholesterol level in the blood can not only lead to heart attacks but also several weight problems.

Let us first understand what this cholesterol is - It is a waxy fat-like substance naturally made in the liver of our body. Though cholesterol holds a thorough 'bad guy image,' surprisingly it serves many vital functions for our healthy living.

Basically, cholesterol is of two types:

i. Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL
ii. High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL

Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL

1. It is the actual bad guy. It is this type of cholesterol that clogs the blood vessels leading to increased risks of heart attack and other heart diseases.

2. The researchers have now proved that diet comprising of highly saturated fats increase the level of LDL cholesterol in our body, though it is only a dietary cause for the same.

High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL

This is 'the good man' or to be more specific, the favorable type of cholesterol.
1. It clears 'the bag guy' that is the LDL cholesterol from our blood stream, thereby, reducing the risk of all heart ailments.

2. Researches have shown that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables along with average levels of omega-3 from fish oil greatly helps raise HDL cholesterol levels.

While diet is the major cause of rising cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, the experts suggest that there are several other factors as well that trigger this problem in the human body. These factors are as follows:

i. Genetics
ii. No physical activities
iii. Obesity
iv. Unhealthy lifestyle for instance excessive smoking & drinking
v. Hormones
vi. Varying high & low cholesterol levels

Healthy Cholesterol Diet

As cholesterol is becoming a common health problem across the globe now, the experts suggest that individuals over 20 years old must be rather concerned about the cholesterol levels in their blood. Hence they are suggested to do all that is possible to lower the LDL cholesterol in their body.

While it may not be easy to follow the actual requisites in totality, the experts say that this problem can be combated with the consumption of proper diet.

Low cholesterol level can surely ensure less or no risk of heart ailments and for that you need a very controlled and regulated low cholesterol diet, yet this being a hard nut to crack it is rather simpler to take the right foods along with knowing the effective cholesterol formulas.

Some easy tips on perfect cholesterol free diet are as follows:

1. Low cholesterol diet primarily includes the following:
i. Grains - Mainly whole grain products & cereals
ii. Fish rich in the element called Omega3, like Salmon and Tuna
iii. Fruits & leafy vegetables
iv. Nuts
v. Juices, etc.

2. Visit your physician prior to initializing any low cholesterol diets. This would help you gauge through the improvements of changes in your health.

3. Replace the saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats in chicken, meat, & whole milk products.

4. Try to avoid pastas, sugary, sugar coated foods and the bakery products as they contain refined carbohydrates that add to your cholesterol levels.

5. While eating out, opt for boiled or steamed food preparations.

6. If possible, pick out lean fish, meat and skinless chicken that are baked, broiled, steamed, grilled, poached, etc., that is anything except fried.

7. Focus more towards vegetable side dishes & fresh fruit desserts.

8. Try avoiding margarine, eggs and butter in your regular diet.

9. Prefer using natural-based oils for instance corn, vegetable, olive, etc. while cooking in place of your usual cooking oil.

10. Add lots of garlic while cooking your food. It lowers the HDL cholesterol level tremendously.

11. All plenty of high quality vitamin & mineral supplements in your diet like Vitamin E that improves blood circulation; Vitamin C & Vitamin B3 that lower the high cholesterol levels, etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal

Lowering Cholesterol Level - 8 Easy Diet Tips

2008-12-24T04:33:00.001-08:00

Reality shows are becoming the talk of the town these days with their natural presentation and real emotions with no pre-written scripts like the other television series. They unfold naturally in the course of viewing and inspire you for one and many things. One such hot-seller these days is - The Biggest Loser.

Inspiring its viewers to become healthy and fighting fit once again, the contestants on this show are an interesting bunch of overweight people comprising both men and women, working out thoroughly and following strictly balanced diet. They are working out with full devotion to reduce their weight. At the end of each week, 1 player is eliminated. The winner would be the one who sheds of the most pounds in three months and he/she shall be in for a prize worth $250,000. He/She shall also win over a golden second chance to live a healthy life.

These individual are fighting for much more than money - their own life and health - after all, health is wealth. If you pamper your body well, it can give you much more than what the Dollars can get you.

Work outs are considered to be the healthiest way of reducing fats in the body. This is perhaps the fastest way of cutting down those excess deposits beneath your skin but after the work out what you require is some energy back up. This meal that follows right after the work out must be a real balanced diet with the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, etc. This meal would repair the damaged tissues of the body, refuel the individual and lower their body's cholesterol.

While lowering the cholesterol won't just happen overnight, observing proper diet along with exercises help you lose those extra pounds and considerably cut on the cholesterol levels.

The key cause of heart diseases as the doctors suggest is cholesterol. High cholesterol level in the blood can not only lead to heart attacks but also several weight problems.

Let us first understand what this cholesterol is - It is a waxy fat-like substance naturally made in the liver of our body. Though cholesterol holds a thorough 'bad guy image,' surprisingly it serves many vital functions for our healthy living.

The following are some examples that if taken after a workout would help you minimize your blood cholesterol:

1. Those of you who prefer having bread after the work outs, consider substituting the regular bread with wheat bread, as certain ingredients in your regular bread are rich sources of the bad cholesterol. Wheat bread is much healthier.

2. As nuts also help a great deal in lowering the cholesterol levels, try having the sandwiches with low fat peanut butter.

3. Fruits are perhaps the best source to lower your cholesterol levels. The experts advise you to consume the fruits as a whole rather than pealing of the skin or making them in to a juice. Studies suggest that eating the fruit in its natural form keeps their natural fibers intact that add to your health. For instance, apple - just wash it and have it.

4. After your gym session, instead of spending some extra Dollars, simply hold to a home made packet containing Some cut sticks of carrot or sliced tomatoes. These can be made within no time and packed in some plastic container. This made perfect food to push off to your office directly from the gym.

5. Returning back from the work, all of us crave for some filling food. Here have some chicken or fish that is baked in a microwave or simple steamed. The experts explain that fried food is full of cooking oils that tremendously shoot up the cholesterol levels. So try cooking with other means rather than frying.

6. Add a lot of vegetables to your meals.

7. Garlic and onions are quite easy to prepare and these as the studies explain are majorly helpful in lowering our liver's cholesterol production.

8. The last meal of the day must end with some yogurt in the dessert. This would leave you satisfied and light.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal

Diet To Lower Cholesterol - 11 Tips From An Expert Dietitian

2008-12-24T04:30:00.000-08:00

James is a health, cautious and responsible individual who exercises twice a week and loves to eat. He has just undergone an annual physical examination and a blood test under the same drill. The results changed all his life.

The reports read that LDL cholesterol or the commonly known bad guy cholesterol was far high in his blood than the required HDL cholesterol or the good cholesterol. Now the doctor has warned him to watch over his lifestyle else he could suffer high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke any time now.

He has a family to take care of comprising of two littler children, hence he is too cautious of the precautions doctor has suggested him to take.

Here are the key advices that the doctor gave to James:

1. Increase your work out to four days a week in place of two days.

2. Engage in other activities that help to lower the cholesterol level.

3. The right intake of food is very important. After all, exercising would make no sense if you keep consuming the unwanted elements in the body and consume them all over again. Your food must not supply the cholesterol that you are working out to burn. Hence, the doctor referred him to a dietician.

James had a long discussion with the dietician as he explained him what is good and what is bad. Which food can be replaced with what and what exactly does he need to cut down on. The diet plan that the dietician gave to James was as follows:

1. The food for James would now contain low fats and no rich carbohydrates.

2. The breakfast would comprise of the yellow portion of egg without the white parts.

3. Morning coffee would be replaced with unsweetened tea.

4. James could also have the cereals with his kids. But his milk won't be the one the rest are having. James must stick to the non-fat milk.

5. For lunch, something heavier could be considered. Skinless chicken with reduced portion of steak are a good option.

6. Consider having lot of vegetables and other such side dishes in lunch.

7. As the new diet plan is something very different form the usual, initially it won't be easy for James and he would feel hungry again by the late afternoon. At that time some fruits or salads could be consumed like some carrot sticks or one apple. This is a much healthier option that a donut loaded with sugar.

8. With the snack, while James usually had a cola, now he would shift to some plain water or the fresh fruit juice. Packaged juices are full of sugar again.

9. Before going to bed, the dinner would have some fish or pasta, along with some sidings.

10. In terms of drinks, do not consider beer by any chance. James could rather have some red wine.

11. One important point to remember is that this diet plan must be followed even while you are in a party or eating out in a restaurant. Health diet chart has no day offs for the one at risk of a heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. The family and your health stand most important at the end of the day.

James followed this plan strictly for a few days and the doctor reported tremendous improvement in his condition in the next check up. The LDL cholesterol was much lower than HDL cholesterol that is quite good for an individual of that age.

This was just of the diet programs that are available in the market. There can be many more of them, you would need time to look for one that suits your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal

New Technology Brings Improved Diagnosis Of Heart Disease

2008-12-08T02:56:00.000-08:00

Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans. According to the American Heart Association, more than 13 million Americans are affected and, when diagnosing heart disease, using the best medical imaging technology available is crucial.

Until recently, diagnosing heart disease was difficult without a costly and invasive surgical procedure, especially for patients with little or no history of a heart condition.

But now, new medical imaging technology has vastly improved the area of computed tomography or CT scanning, which renders 3-D images of internal parts of the body, including the heart, brain and other organs, to make noninvasive diagnoses of heart disease and even stroke faster and more accurate.

As with most medical imaging procedures, image quality is key. If the scanned image does not clearly represent all the minute details, the diagnosis may not be as accurate. And today's latest CT technology allows doctors to not only see things they've never seen before, meaning patients are getting the most accurate diagnosis possible, but also conduct faster exams on critically ill patients who might find it difficult to remain still for long periods of time.

For instance, the new Toshiba Aquilion 32 CFX multislice CT system is currently the industry's finest resolution scanner available for cardiovascular imaging, producing 32 slices of detailed images as thin as .5 millimeters.

Using this new equipment, a detailed three-dimensional image is produced to allow doctors to see the heart from virtually any angle, which results in greater confidence in diagnosing heart diseases and abnormalities.

Inevitably, better diagnosis leads to better treatment. As we become more aware of the dangers of heart disease, we should also be aware of the medical technology available to our doctors. If you have the option of seeing a doctor with access to the latest medical imaging technology versus another doctor with access to dated technology, which one would you prefer?

You can be a better-informed patient. Ask your doctor about the quality of the imaging equipment on which you will be scanned.

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