Cholesterol - what is it? / what can we do?

Cholesterol is soft waxy substance found amongst the lipids(fats) of the blood stream in all body cells. It is an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes, some hormones and other needed tissue. High level of cholesterol in the blood (hypercholestrolmia)is an indication of a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. It also contributes to gallstones, impotence, mental impairment and hypertension. Blood flow is restricted by cholesterol in the vessels resulting in a reduced flow of blood (and oxygen) to the brain, heart and other organs.

What can be done to reduce Cholesterol?

Water: Excess Cholesterol denotes deydration. 2ltrs minimum per day, to rehydrate the body. Best times to drink 1 glass 1/2 hour before food and 1 glass 2.5 hrs after a meal. 2 more glasses around the heviest meal or before going to bed. Adjusting water intake to mealtimes prevents the blood becoming concentrated as a result of food intake. Ordinary tap water, left to stand - chlorine will evaporate.

Diet: Avoid fried foods, eat more fruit, vegetables and fibre based foods such as oats and wholegrain breads, rice, and soya beans. Use olive oil in the preparation of food. Limit the consumption of eggs to 4 per week. eat more grilled food or broiled fish and skinless chicken. Cut down on red meat, when you do choose lean cuts. Eat only low fat dairy products.

Excercise: in moderation

Nutrient suppliments which may be useful:

PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUPPLIMENTS TAKEN AS TABLET FORM (NOT FRUIT & VEGETABLES) MUST BE TAKEN ONLY AS ADVISED BY YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR. AMOUNTS ARE FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY.

Anti-oxidents in form of beta-carotene Vit A yellow/orange fruit and vegetables, some leafy vegetables. 25mg per day. One carrot 15/20mg per day. Yams, broccoli, apricots, pink grapefruit, red pepers, mangos, peaches, papaya, sweet potatoe, pumpkin, spinach, kale.

Vitamin C: high levels of good HDL cholesterol, broccoli, brussels, tomatoes, green peppers, papaya, kiwi, oranges, strawberries, fresh orange juice. Cholesterol denotes immune system low.

Vitamin E: Wheat germ, sweet potatoe, kale, nuts, seeds and vegetable oil.200iu/400iu per day. it will take several weeks to raise blood level to effective level.

Selenium: 50mg/100mg per day. Selenium and Vut e work together as anti-oxidents.

Vitamin B6: if a diet is high in animal protein especially beef, B12 and folic acid RDA

Potassium: lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. 2000mg per day. Bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli.

Chromium: helps lower insulin levels, which in turn lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Helps prevent injury to artery walls. take Chromiumpolynicotiate 300mg/600mg - only under medical supervision.

Omega-3: RDA oily fish and seafood.

Magnesium: emotional stress causes lowering of magnesium. Stress hormone adrenaline also depletes magnesium, raising blood pressure. Magnesium protects the artery walls from sudden blood pressure. Increase. RDA.

Calcium: 1000mg per day

Garlic: in cooking, or on food. Capsules RDA

Pathethine: Vitamin B5, invilved with breakdown and transportation of cholesterol. 900mg per day

ALL SUPPLIMENTS TAKEN AS TABLET FORM ( NOT FRUIT AND VEGETABLES) MUST BE TAKEN ONLY AS ADVISED BY YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR. AMOUNTS ARE FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY.