Cholesterol Levels | A Metabolic Plan

Cholesterol – What do I Need to Know?

Filed under: cholesterol, health and nutrition; Tagged as: Apolipoprotein B, Bad Cholesterol, Cholesterol Hdl, Cholesterol Levels, coronary artery disease, Excess Cholesterol, Good Cholesterol, High Density Lipoproteins, Hormone Imbalances, Ldl Levels, Low Density Lipoproteins, Low Hdl Levels

So what is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty (lipid) component found in virtually all cell membranes. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also called “bad cholesterol,” transport cholesterol from the liver to different organs. Cholesterol is then absorbed by the cells around the body. Excess cholesterol is reabsorbed by the liver and reused or excreted into bile.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), known as “good cholesterol,” help to remove cholesterol from artery walls by scooping up loose cholesterol and delivering it back to the liver. By removing this excess cholesterol, HDL helps to retard the growth of new plaque.This is why low HDL levels are an additional risk factor for increased mortality from coronary artery disease and strokes.

Cholesterol is the precursor for hormones such as pregnenolone, DHEA, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. As aging occurs in the body, organs may break the cholesterol down at a slower rate, thereby causing hormone levels to vary; some increasing, some decreasing and some remaining unchanged. Many of the diseases, including depression, abdominal weight gain, prostate, breast and heart disease, are directly related to hormone imbalances.

What can I do about my cholesterol?

While cholesterol levels can be influenced by dietary modification about 80% of cholesterol does not come from dietary sources, but is synthesized by the liver by an enzyme which increases or decreases the production of cholesterol. Other than certain genetic causes, it is the excessive consumption of saturated and trans fatty acids which disrupts the process and may cause an increase in LDL levels. Current belief is that these high levels of LDL may lead over time to atherosclerosis and ultimately to heart disease. For those with a high risk for heart disease, I would recommend learning more about the two types of LDL (apolipoprotein-B and apolipoprotein A) and how they play a significant role in heart health.

Supplements that contain plant sterols have been shown to reduce cholesterol. Exercise is also extremely important and does not need to be excessive. However, it should be consistent for a least a half-hour several times a week. For dietary changes, stick to high fiber, green leafy vegetables and fruits and include bran cereals and oatmeal as well as nuts, which have an added benefit of containing essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are best found in fish oil and are known to aid in lowering cholesterol. High fiber foods and plant sterols are beneficial because they aid the body in eliminating cholesterol before it is absorbed.

There have been many changing theories about the role cholesterol plays in coronary artery disease in the last decade. But the one thing that stays constant is that for most people eating healthy helps to control cholesterol levels and that’s got to be good for you and your overall health.

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Probiotics: Bacteria for Your Digestive System

Filed under: gastrointestinal system, health and nutrition; Tagged as: Bladder Cancer Recurrence, Cholesterol Levels, Colon Surgery, Digestive Health, Gastrointestinal Tract, Gum Disease, Harmful Bacteria, Healthy Digestive System, Helicobacter Pylori, Intestinal Infections, irritable bowel syndrome, Sweet Acidophilus Milk, Symptoms Of Lactose Intolerance, Urinary Tract Infections, Vaginal Yeast Infections

Your digestive tract contains billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. In fact there are more than 400 types of “friendly” bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. These friendly bacteria, called probiotics, promote a healthy digestive system by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.

There is a growing public and scientific interest in probiotics. Researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as foods or supplements can help treat or prevent illness. There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:

Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
Enhance and boost the immune system
Promote and improve digestive health
Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
Shorten the duration of intestinal infections
Help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance
Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis)
Prevent eczema in children
Reduce cholesterol levels
Play a role in reducing the development of allergy in children
Decrease Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach
Prevent cavities and ease gum disease (Only a small number of studies have shown this)

Some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health. Each type of friendly bacteria has a specific health benefit to the body. With over 400 different types of probiotics identified, researchers are just starting to uncover the health roles and benefits of each.

Food Sources
Currently, foods that contain probiotics are primarily dairy products but sources include:

Yogurt with active culture (Pay close attention to the expiration date because these live bacterial cultures can diminish with time)
some soft cheeses
Fermented milk such as sweet acidophilus milk
Kefir
miso
some juices and soy drinks
sauerkraut
many pickles

Probiotics are affected by prebiotic food. Prebiotic food does not generally contain bacteria but promotes the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract which enhances the effect of probiotic bacteria. Prebiotics have also been shown to increase the absorption of certain minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) and may reduce the risk factors involved in colorectal diseases.
Prebiotic foods include Jerusalem and regular artichokes, oats, honey, many fruits (in particular, bananas), goat’s milk and human breast milk which may explain the enormous benefits to a newborn.

Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements are available in a variety of forms, such as freeze dried powder, capsules, wafers and liquids. A good probiotic will contain at least 10 billion live bacteria and should be from one or more of the Lactobacillus family in a single dose.