Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance
that is a natural component of the fats in the bloodstream
and in all the cells of the body. While cholesterol is
an essential part of a healthy body, high levels of cholesterol
in the blood (known as hypercholesterolemia) increase
a person's risk for cardiovascular disease, which can
lead to stroke or heart attack. When there is too much
cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can create sticky
deposits (called plaque) along the artery walls. Plaque
can eventually obstruct or even block the flow of blood
to the brain, heart, and other organs. A recent report
indicates that more and more Americans have high cholesterol—the
condition is most common among those living in Western
cultures. While heredity may be a factor for some people,
increasingly sedentary lifestyles combined with diets
high in saturated fats appear to be the main culprits.
A diet high in carbohydrates also contributes to high
cholesterol levels. Carbohydrates include the “Whites”:
white bread, white rice, white potatoes, white sugar.
These are refined carbohydrates. Most of the nutrients
and fiber have been taken out leaving empty sugary /
starchy calories. The body can only use so much sugar
/ starch for fuel and the rest gets turned into stored
fat and cholesterol.
The normal range for total blood cholesterol
is between 140 and 200 mg per decilitre (mg/dL) of blood.
Levels between 200 and 240 mg/dL indicate moderate risk,
and levels surpassing 240 mg/dL indicate high risk. While
total cholesterol level is important, it does not tell
the whole story. There are two main types of cholesterol:
low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins
(HDL). HDL is generally considered to be "good" cholesterol,
while LDL is considered "bad." Triglycerides
are a third type of fatty material found in the blood.
While their role in heart disease is not entirely clear,
it appears that as triglyceride levels rise, levels of "good" cholesterol
fall. It is the complex interaction of these three types
of lipids that is thrown off when a person has hypercholesterolemia.
High cholesterol is characterized by elevated levels
of LDL cholesterol, normal or low levels of HDL cholesterol,
and normal or elevated levels of triglycerides.
Causes:
In some cases, abnormally high cholesterol may be related to an inherited disorder.
Certain genetic causes of abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides, known as
hereditary hyperlipidemias, are often very difficult to treat. High cholesterol
or triglycerides can also be associated with other diseases a person may
have, such as diabetes. In most cases, however, elevated cholesterol levels
are associated with an overly fatty diet coupled with an inactive lifestyle.
It is also more common in those who are obese, a condition that has now reached
epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting as much as half of the
adult population.
Vitamins To Consider
There is considerable evidence that dietary antioxidants, particularly vitamin
E, as well as folic acid, fiber, and soy can help to prevent the development
of heart disease. Substances that have shown promise in lowering cholesterol
specifically or that have demonstrated benefit in preventing heart disease
in people with high cholesterol are discussed below.
Fiber and Fiber Sources
have been shown to do the following:
• Reduce total and LDL cholesterol more effectively than a diet low in
saturated fat and cholesterol alone
• Improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as blood sugar in
people with diabetes
•
Soy
Many studies have shown that replacing some animal protein with soy protein
in the diet results in lower blood cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 fatty Acids
EPA and DHA
Numerous studies have reported the benefits of consuming fish oils, rich in
the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA), at doses ranging from 850 mg to 4 g per day for those with heart disease.
Supplementation with DHA, for example, has been shown to reduce triglycerides
and LDL levels and raise HDL levels.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Walnuts are one of the best sources of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic
acid. Replacing a major portion (35%) of the monounsaturated fat in the Mediterranean
diet with walnuts appears to significantly improve cholesterol and triglyceride
levels in people with high cholesterol. Almonds, although not as well studied
as walnuts, appear to have similar effects when used as a substitute for
a portion of monounsaturated fats in low-fat diets.
Vitamin E
A number of studies conducted over the last 10 years have reported beneficial
results from the use of vitamin E supplements for the treatment and prevention
of heart disease including for those with elevated cholesterol levels.
Vitamin C
Preliminary evidence suggests that 1 –2 grams of vitamin C may help decrease
total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL levels.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that is essential
for energy production. Levels of CoQ10 have been found to be lower in people
with high cholesterol when they were compared to healthy individuals of the
same age. Furthermore, when person with high cholesterol take statin drugs,
CoQ10 levels appear to decline in direct proportion to the level of decrease
in cholesterol. This is particularly important to bear this in mind when statin
drugs are used for long periods of time. Taking CoQ10 supplements, however,
can correct the deficiency caused by statin medications without affecting the
medication's positive effects on cholesterol levels.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
High blood levels of homocysteine (an amino acid produced by the body) have
been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks. Evidence suggests that
high homocysteine levels are also related to low folate levels. This means
that an adequate supply of folate and other B vitamins may be important,
particularly for those with heart disease.
L-Carnitine
In several human studies, supplementation with 2 to 3 g per day of L-carnitine
led to a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides, and
to increases in HDL cholesterol levels.
Policosanol
Policosanol is a rising star in the
field of cholesterol lowering lowering supplements, and
for good reason. Several studies have confirmed Policosanol’s
amazing capacity to modify cholesterol levels. These
studies showed that Policosanol worked better than the
statin drugs—with no side effects. Ask for Cholarest
S.C. for your high cholesterol and LDL levels. It can
also lower your blood pressure!
Chromium
Brewer's yeast is an important source of chromium. Ninety percent of Americans
are deficient in this important mineral. Chromium has demonstrated the ability
to lower LDL levels in the blood and raise HDL levels.
Calcium
Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements,
in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to lower cholesterol.
The information available thus far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels
normal or even low by using calcium supplements (along with many other measures
such as changing your diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial
than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you already have elevated
cholesterol. More research in this area is needed.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Research has shown that vitamin B5 lowers cholesterol. Studies are currently
underway to determine if this vitamin helps prevent heart disease.
Herbs To Consider:
Hawthorn
Green Tea
Garlic
Red clover
Bilberry
As you can see there are a number of
natural alternatives to treating high cholesterol. We
have a selection of products that blend the nutrition
and herbs you have just read about. Remember the most
expensive supplements are the ones your body can’t
absorb and utilize. We have done your homework for you
and have developed a high quality dispensary here at
Natural Health Center.
If you would like to learn more about
cholesterol and many other interesting topics relating
to your overall health then attend one of the Health
and Wellness Classes that Dr. Schmidt hosts twice monthly
and if you would like to treat your cholesterol in a
safer way, schedule an appointment with Jeanne Longenecker
for a consultation. Contact the office by calling 399.2020
