How to get protected against deadly High Homocysteine (HCY) levels?

There’s an amino acid you’ve probably never heard of. One that prevents aging and staves off disease … but only if it’s working properly in your body. At optimal levels homocysteine works in your favor but at elevated levels, it can lead to the development of debilitating disease. The condition is called hyperhomocysteinemia, and it might be responsible for the strange symptoms you live with everyday.

What is Homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid that converts into two vitally important compounds; SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) and glutathione. Amino acids are naturally made products, which are the building blocks of all the proteins in the body.

SAMe increases the availability of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are essential in the  prevention of irritability, aggressive behavior, and depression. Low levels of these neurotransmitters increases risk of both suicidal and homicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps eradicate unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. The antioxidant protection glutathione offers includes cancer prevention, immune system stabilization, anti-aging, cognitive repair, and mental health support.

Low glutathione levels play a major role in the development of bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, addictive behaviors, and schizophrenia.

So we need homocysteine to be able to convert into both SAMe and glutathione (GSH), and therefore maintain low levels of homocysteine (which is good-use it up.) But it cannot do this effectively without the correct nutrients, and will continue to accumulate in body tissues (which is bad).

Why is it important to monitor homocysteine levels?

Elevated levels of homocysteine (>10 micromoles/liter) in the blood may be associated with atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clot formation, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.

In 1969, Dr. Kilmer S. McCully reported that children born with a genetic disorder called homocystinuria, which causes the homocysteine levels to be very high, sometimes died at a very young age with advanced atherosclerosis in their arteries. However, it was not until the 1990’s that the importance of homocysteine in heart disease and stroke was appreciated.

Health Risks of Hyperhomocysteinemia

Chronic Autoimmune Dysfunction

If you’re suffering from any kind of autoimmune condition, it could be due to elevated homocysteine levels in your blood. Excessive homocysteine levels deplete your glutathione levels so severely your body no longer has the antioxidant protection it needs. Without this protection, you’re susceptible to the development of a wide variety of infections. Over time, your immune system weakens as it struggles to protect you without necessary support.

High homocysteine levels also cause chronic inflammation and pain by increasing arachidonic acid and the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). Chronic inflammation increases your risk for obesity and the development of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disease, digestive dysfunction, and mental health disorders.

Cardiovascular Disease

Hyperhomocysteinemia greatly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. It destroys the lining of your arterial walls, which promotes the formation of blood clots and causes the build-up of scar tissue. This is especially true if you have other heart disease risk factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history.

Dementia

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, abnormally high levels of homocysteine  nearly doubles your risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Low glutathione levels mean chronic brain inflammation, which directly contributes to cognitive decline.

Depression

Hyperhomocysteinemia leads to depleted levels of SAMe, which causes a critical drop in dopamine and serotonin. Without these neurotransmitters, severe depression as well as other mood disorders can result. Those feelings of hopelessness, doom, and generalized disinterest in life could simply be a matter of decreasing your homocysteine levels to balance your mental health.

Causes of High Homocysteine Levels

Hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by a combination of factors. These factors include:

Animal Protein Consumption

Studies have shown that high animal protein consumption can lead to elevated homocysteine levels. Especially if the meat consumed is red, processed meat. Think cold cuts, bacon, and canned meat. Not only do these foods elevate your homocysteine levels, they also contain dangerous nitrates and nitrites that have been linked to the development of cancer.

Vitamin Deficiencies

In order for your body to convert homocysteine to useable SAMe and glutathione, you must have the proper nutrients available in your system. If you are deficient in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, zinc, TMG (trimethylglycine-from choline) or magnesium, your body will be unable to convert homocysteine to mood-stabilizing SAMe. If you are deficient in vitamin B6, vitamin B2, or zinc, your body will be unable to convert homocysteine to disease-preventing glutathione.

Vitamin deficiencies are a common aftereffect of a poor diet, poor digestion, and low gut bacteria.

Coffee and Energy Drink Consumption

Excessive coffee and energy drink consumption can lead to critically- elevated levels of homocysteine. Scientific studies have concluded that the caffeine content depletes your body of vital B vitamins, leading to lowered SAMe and glutathione concentrations. If, instead of coffee, you use energy drinks, I strongly recommend stopping. Energy drinks are very dangerous to your health. A single serving contains more caffeine than 4 cups of coffee as well as a long list of synthetic chemicals and additives that lead to the development of chronic disease.

Stress

High levels of stress can also increase your homocysteine levels and lead to further oxidative damage.

Genetics

A small percentage of patients have a genetic predisposition for elevated homocysteine levels due to a MTHFR mutation. It is still possible to lower the homocysteine levels, however.

High HCY levels can wreak havoc on your health
Homocysteine can be one of the most overlooked health dangers you face today.  If too much HCY builds up, it can damage your body’s most delicate tissues, including your arteries, brain, bones and even your DNA. High levels of HCY can:

• Thicken and harden your arteries and weaken heart tissue – which can lead to strokes and heart attacks. According to a number of important studies, one of the primary causes of heart disease may not be high cholesterol, but high homocysteine levels.
• Build fibrous webs in the synapses of your brain – which may lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Impact DNA function, causing potentially dangerous cell or DNA mutations.
• Leave your bones unable to absorb calcium, causing weak bones and osteoporosis.
• Contribute to the damage done by many degenerative diseases.

Get your HCY levels checked
Unfortunately, you can’t feel dangerous, elevated HCY levels. There’s also no “home test” that can gauge your HCY either. But, it’s easy to have it checked by your healthcare professional. It’s important to know your HCY levels for two reasons: it’s an accurate way to determine your present health, and to predict your likelihood of developing serious health conditions.

Diagnose Hyperhomocysteinemia with an Easy Blood Test

The only way to be certain if your strange symptoms are related to high homocysteine levels is to get a blood test. Physicians may order the test for patients who have a family history of heart disease but no other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These tests aren’t done routinely, are not widely available, and their cost (about $100) may not be covered by health insurance. A normal homocysteine level is between 4.4 and 10.8 micromoles per liter of blood. Direct Labs offers a homocysteine test that measures your levels. You’ll save money by purchasing the test yourself wholesale and visiting the nearest LabCorp office for a draw.

You’ll receive your results in 5-7 business days.

In my opinion, an ideal target range is 6.5 micromols/liter. Most labs will report up to 12 micromols/liter as being normal. A level above 12 needs prompt attention!

Take Action – Lower Your Homocysteine Levels Now

To lower your homocysteine levels naturally, I recommend a combination of simple dietary changes and nutritional supplements

Eat a Whole-Food, Minimally-Processed Diet

I give the same advice to all my patients dealing with a chronic disease: Taper off a junk food diet and start eating more holistic, minimally-processed foods.

This means loading up on plenty of organic vegetables, fruit, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, poultry,  wild-caught fish, and healthy fats like butter, coconut oil, avocado, and walnuts. If you plan to eat red meat, be sure the beef you select is grass-fed and 100% organic.

Take the Right Nutritional Supplements

Even if you eat a healthy diet, you may still have nutritional gaps. Stress, low stomach acid, and low probiotic count can have a negative impact on your digestion. If you aren’t absorbing nutrients as you should, your homocysteine levels could still continue to rise to dangerous levels. This is why I recommend a quality multivitamin to supplement your diet and give you the nutrition you need.

Take this HCY Protection.  This healing formula contains the exact nutrients your body needs to keep your homocysteine levels in balance.

Low magnesium levels often contribute to high homocysteine levels. Magnesium deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency in the world. That’s why I recommend taking  Magnesium Supplements.  Regulating your magnesium levels helps your body better cope with stress and eases short-term insomnia.

Protect yourself from the risks, threats and dangers of high homocysteine: add clinically-proven HCY Protection to your daily supplement regimen.

I personally recommend following product for its proven benefits.

Millions of people just like you struggle with chronic disease and worry about the effects of premature aging. With proper nutrition, dietary supplements, stress management, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can lower your homocysteine levels and make them work for you instead of against you.

RESEARCH:

Elevated homocysteine levels also have been shown to be associated with formation of blood clots in veins (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). The mechanism is complex, but it is similar to the way that they contribute to atherosclerosis. In some studies, even moderate levels of homocysteine level showed higher rates of repeated incidence of blood clot formation. (1,2)

Studies have suggested that adequate intake of folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 have resulted in lowering of the homocysteine level. (3)

There are many studies underway to determine whether there may be any benefit to treat high levels of homocysteine in patients with known heart disease or blood clots. Further recommendations may be available when these studies are completed. (4)

Many other observational studies have been performed to assess the effect of folate and the other B vitamins on heart disease. Most of these studies have concluded that oral intake of folate has been associated to lower risk of heart disease, possibly because due to lowering of homocysteine levels. The relation between oral intake of vitamin B12 and B6 and heart disease was not as obvious in many of these studies. (5,6,7)

Homocysteine (HCY) was first linked to stroke in 1966. Pioneering medical researcher Kilmer McCully discovered that young people with high levels of homocysteine had heart attacks and strokes more often than people of the same age with lower levels of homocysteine.

elevated homocysteine in the blood may be another biomarker for increased risk of AMD.” The Age-Related Eye Disease Study conducted by Dr. Sneddon and other researchers, included 547 people with AMD and 387 without.

Researchers found that HCY levels were higher for people with advanced AMD compared to people without AMD, with age and other factors being taken into consideration. Also, high HCY levels were linked to a higher risk of AMD. In the study summary, Dr. Sneddon confirms that HCY can be controlled using Vitamins B-12, B-6 and folic acid.

Researchers found that elderly men and women who were deficient in B vitamins or had high levels of homocysteine were at higher risk for hip fracture. The study, which appeared in the June 2008 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism followed 1,002 people in the Framingham Study for over four years. Those who were deficient in Vitamin B-12 were 60% more likely to have a hip fracture than those whose B-12 levels were normal. People with high homocysteine levels were 50 – 70% more likely to experience a hip fracture.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org

REFERENCES:

1. Ray, JG. Meta-analysis of hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for venous thromboembolic disease. Arch Intern Med 1998; 158:2101.

2. den Heijer, M, Rosendaal, FR, Blom, HJ, et al. Hyperhomocysteinemia and venous thrombosis: a meta-analysis. Thromb Haemost 1998; 80:874.

3. Vermeulen, EG, Stehouwer, CD, Twisk, JW, et al. Effect of homocysteine-lowering treatment with folic acid plus vitamin B6 on progression of subclinical atherosclerosis: a randomised, placebo- controlled trial. Lancet 2000; 355:517.

4. Eikelboom, JW, Lonn, E, Genest, J Jr, et al. Homocyst(e)ine and cardiovascular disease: a critical review of the epidemiologic evidence. Ann Intern Med 1999; 131:363

5. Robinson, K, Arheart, K, Refsum, H, et al. for the European COMCAC Group. Low circulating folate and vitamin B6 concentrations. Risk factors for stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease. Circulation 1998; 97:437.

6. He, K, Merchant, A, Rimm, EB, et al. Folate, vitamin B6, and B12 intakes in relation to risk of stroke among men. Stroke 2004; 35:169.

7. McNulty, H, Dowey le, RC, Strain, JJ, et al. Riboflavin lowers homocysteine in individuals homozygous for the MTHFR 677C->T polymorphism. Circulation 2006; 113:74.

8. Wald DS, Law M, Morris JK. Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: evidence on causality from a meta-analysis. BMJ. 2002;325:1202-1206.

9. Bazzano LA, et al. Dietary intake of folate and risk of stroke in U.S. men and women. NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. Stroke. 2002;33:1182-1188.

10. Sibrian-Vazquez M, Escobedo JO, Lim S, Samoei GK, Strongin RM (January 2010). “Homocystamides promote free-radical and oxidative damage to proteins”. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107 (2): 551–4. doi:10.1073/pnas.0909737107.PMC 2818928. PMID 20080717.

11. Refsum, H; Nurk, E; Smith, AD; Ueland, PM; Gjesdal, CG; Bjelland, I; Tverdal, A; Tell, GS; Nygård, O; Vollset, SE (2006 Jun). “The Hordaland Homocysteine Study: a community-based study of homocysteine, its determinants, and associations with disease.”. The Journal of nutrition 136 (6 Suppl): 1731S–1740S. PMID 16702348

12. Martí-Carvajal AJ, Solà I, Lathyris D, Salanti G (2009). “Homocysteine lowering interventions for preventing cardiovascular events”. In Martí-Carvajal, Arturo J. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4): CD006612. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006612.pub2.PMID 19821378.

13. Selhub, J. (1999). “Homocysteine metabolism”. Annual Review of Nutrition 19: 217–246.doi:10.1146/annurev.nutr.19.1.217. PMID 10448523.

Disclaimer:
The information contained above is for general consumer understanding and education, and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This product is not an alternative to any prescription drug. If you are currently taking a prescription drug, consult your doctor before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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47 million Americans are B12 deficient

An estimated 47 million Americans are B12 deficient, and very few of them know it. Vitamin B12 is vital in the production of DNA and red blood cells and the regulation of energy, sleep and mood cycles in the body. A lack of B12 hinders the body’s ability to regenerate new cells, causing accelerated aging at the physical and cognitive level. Prolonged deficiency can lead to severe health problems including permanent nervous system damage, but symptoms of B-12 deficiency often go unnoticed or are commonly mistaken for symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stroke and other illnesses. Doctors say that the average American consumes a sufficient amount of B12 through diet, but that the problem often stems from decreased ability to absorb the vitamin.

Common symptoms of B12 deficiency include:

• Declined strength
• Low energy
• Vision loss
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Brain fog or confusion
• Forgetfulness
• Tingling in arms and legs

Who’s At Risk

Age and intake of certain medications can affect a person’s ability to absorb B-12. The most common cause of B12  Vitamin deficiency is age. As a person gets older, their body produces less of an acid needed to breakdown B12, often leading to deficiency. For this reason, people over the age of 45 are particularly at risk. One study suggested that 50% of older Americans are lacking in B12. Those taking acid-suppressing drugs, ulcer medications or aspirin frequently experience B12 deficiency because of the effect these drugs have on their stomach lining and chemistry. People consuming vegan and vegetarian diets are also considered at risk because of their decreased consumption of foods with naturally occurring B12.

Dietitian Keri Gans explained that people with a normal ability to absorb B12 can get adequate amounts of the vitamin by consuming fortified cereals, soy milk, fish, yogurt or grass-fed meat (particularly bison) as a normal part of their diet. Gans also suggested sublingual tablets as a cost-effective method of treating and preventing B12 deficiency. Those with impaired absorption and more severe deficiencies may require a prescription dose sublingual supplement or B12 injection, as both methods bypass digestive absorption and deposit straight into the blood stream. Gans noted that vitamin B12 has no upper tolerable limit; therefore, it is safe for most people to supplement with.

Sources include:

www.thealternativedaily.com

www.nytimes.com

www.doctoroz.com

science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Bri Jackson is a free-lance writer, Creative Director of Cultured Out Magazine, and author of the Health & Wellness Blog at www.hebrewessence.com. She is a natural living enthusiast striving to make the natural living transition easier for others.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/042782_vitamin_B12_nutrient_deficiency_Americans.html#ixzz2jsgqY0jx

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• Vitamin B12 Deficiency is a Major Health Concern: Here’s Why!
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Six natural alternatives to ibuprofen

The saying used to be, “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning,” but many people turn to ibuprofen to relieve inflammation, pain, and fever. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), available both over the counter and by prescription, is commonly used to treat arthritis, menstrual symptoms, headache, general aches and pains, and various inflammatory conditions.

Side effects of ibuprofen

Although many people think of ibuprofen as being rather benign, it is associated with an increased risk of heart and circulation problems, including stroke and heart attack, as well as gastrointestinal problems, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal tract. These risks increase the longer you take the drug, although the length of time until it affects any one individual varies depending on their overall health, use of other medications, age, and other factors.

Natural alternatives to ibuprofen 

Many studies have been done on various natural pain killers and anti-inflammatories that can be used as alternatives to ibuprofen. They generally have mild to no side effects. Here are a few you may want to consider. You should always consult a knowledgeable health-care professional before starting a new treatment program.

Boswellia: This anti-inflammatory remedy comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in India. The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia are attributed to the boswellic acids that it contains. These acids improve blood flow to the joints and prevent inflammatory white cells from entering damaged tissue. Also known as “Indian frankincense,” boswellia is available as a supplement and a topical cream. For pain and inflammation, a suggested dose is 450 to 750 mg daily for three to four weeks.

Capsaicin: The active component of chili peppers, capsaicin is often used topically to nerve, muscle, and joint pain. It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical that helps transmit pain signals to the brain. It is available as a topical cream or gels in several different potencies (most often, 0.025% to 0.075%) and is usually applied three to four times daily. It can cause some stinging and burning initially, but it typically subsides with use.

Cat’s claw: Uncaria tomentosa, or cat’s claw, also known as una de gato, grows in South America. It contains an anti-inflammatory agent that blocks the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which contributes to inflammation and pain. Suggested doses are 250 to 1,000 mg capsules one to three times daily. Taking too high a dose may cause diarrhea.
Curcumin: Curcumin is a component of the herb turmeric, and it is a potent painkiller that can block proteins in the body that cause inflammation and also stops the neurotransmitter called substance P from sending pain message to the brain. Studies show that curcumin is effective in easing the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis. A suggested dose is 400 to 600 mg of curcumin taken three times daily for pain and inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids: The omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that have proven beneficial for people who suffer with arthritis, other inflammatory joint conditions, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Omega-3s also reduce cardiovascular risk, which is especially helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis, which carries an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A suggested dose of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil is 1,000 mg daily.

White willow bark: This herb is the predecessor of aspirin. White willow bark contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the stomach. White willow bark is much less irritating to the stomach than the synthetic drug, aspirin, while it works to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. A suggested dose is 1 to 2 dropperfuls of white willow bark tincture daily.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/six-natural-alternatives-to-ibuprofen

Disclaimer:
The information contained above is for general consumer understanding and education, and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This product is not an alternative to any prescription drug. If you are currently taking a prescription drug, consult your doctor before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

Bacteria and fat: a 'perfect storm' for inflammation

Bacterial toxins activate fat cells producing chronic inflammation, which in turn boosts risk of developing diabetes

BY:

JENNIFER BROWN

Making fat cells immortal might seem like a bad idea to most people, but for a team of University of Iowa scientists it was the ideal way to study how the interaction between bacteria and fat cells might contribute to diabetes.

The connection between fat, bacteria, and diabetes is inflammation, which is the body’s normal reaction to infection or injury. Inflammation is beneficial in small, controlled doses but can be extremely harmful when it persists and becomes chronic.

“The idea is that when fat cells (adipocytes) interact with environmental agents—in this case, bacterial toxins—they then trigger a chronic inflammatory process,” says Patrick Schlievert, UI professor and head of microbiology and co-senior author of a new study published Oct. 30 in the journal PLOS ONE. “We know that chronic inflammation leads to insulin resistance, which can then lead to diabetes. So people are very interested in the underlying causes of chronic inflammation.”

The UI researchers used immortalized fat cells to show that bacterial toxins stimulate fat cells to release molecules called cytokines, which promote inflammation. By immortalizing fat cells the UI team created a stockpile of continuously dividing, identical cells that are necessary for repeat experiments to validate results, explains Al Klingelhutz, UI microbiologist and co-senior author of the study.

Previous studies have shown that a toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by E. coli bacteria that reside in the human gut, triggers fat cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and this interaction has been proposed to contribute to the development of diabetes.

The UI team focused on a different bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which appears to be important in the context of diabetes for two reasons. First, as people become obese and then progress into diabetes they become very heavily colonized with staph bacteria. Secondly, staph is the most common microbe isolated from diabetic foot ulcers, one of the most common and health-threatening complications of diabetes.

All staph bacteria make toxins called superantigens—molecules that disrupt the immune system. Schlievert’s research has previously shown that superantigens cause the deadly effects of various staph infections, such as toxic shock syndrome, sepsis, and endocarditis.

The new UI study shows that superantigens from staph bacteria trigger fat cells to produce pro-inflammatory molecules. Moreover, the study found that superantigens synergized with LPS from E. coli to magnify fat cells’ cytokine responses, amplifying the inflammation, which could potentially boost the likelihood of developing diabetes.

“The E. coli that resides in our gut produces LPS and every day a small amount of this toxin gets into our circulation, but it is generally cleared from the circulation by the liver. However, people colonized by staph bacteria are also chronically exposed to superantigens, which shut down the LPS detoxification pathway,” Schlievert explains. “That creates a synergy between the ‘uncleared’ LPS and the superantigen. All these two molecules do is cause inflammation and cytokine production. So in essence, their presence together creates a perfect storm for inflammation.”

The findings suggest that by promoting chronic inflammation through their effect on fat cells, staph superantigens may play a role in the development of diabetes. In addition, the chronic inflammation caused by the superantigens may also hinder wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. The ulcers, which affect 15 to 25 percent of people with diabetes, are notoriously difficult to heal and can often lead to amputation.

Why immortalize fat cells?

The UI team created immortalized fat cells for their research because primary fat cells (taken directly from fat tissue) are not very useful for lab experiments. Once the primary cells are grown in a dish, they quickly stop dividing and can’t be used for repeated experiments. In contrast, the immortalized fat cells allow experiments to be repeated multiple times on identical cells ensuring consistent, reproducible results.

Klingelhutz and his team immortalized immature precursor fat cells by adding in two genes from HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer) along with a gene for part of an enzyme that controls the length of cells’ telomeres —the pieces of DNA that protect chromosome tips from deterioration. These immortal precursor cells could then be “grown up” in petri dishes and differentiated into normal fat cells.

“The immortal fat cells are a great experimental tool that will allow us to investigate the mechanisms of the inflammation and allow us to test ways to potentially inhibit the response,” says Klingelhutz. “That would be a goal in the future.”

In addition to Schlievert and Klingelhutz, the research team included UI graduate student and study’s lead author Bao Vu, and UI research assistant Francoise Gourronc; and University of Minnesota professor David Bernlohr.

The study was funded by a UI Department of Microbiology Development Grant and a research grant from the National Institutes of Health (Grant# AI074283).

Source: http://now.uiowa.edu/2013/10/bacteria-and-fat-perfect-storm-inflammation

The Sunshine Counterfeit That Suffocates Your Heart

In the early 1930’s, some dude (a pharmaceutical shill) learned that as sun rays beamed down to earth at light speed – 670,616,629 miles per hour – our skin produced a family of hormones known as secosteroids in response. I call these “sunshine hormones.”

Profiting from Sunshine

In the 1930’s, seeing great profit potential in sunshine hormones, Big Pharma went to work manufacturing a copy cat. In that pursuit, they narrowed the scope of our sunshine hormones and postulated that it was a single isolate that was responsible for the vast, biological benefits of sunshine. At the same time, they disregarded the unique balance and protection mechanism built by the body to guard against toxicity. Once successful in designing their “Franken-chemical,” they launched a campaign to systematically contaminate our vitamin and food supply with it and make billions.

Turning Sunshine into a Drug

Today, Big Pharma cartels BASF and Hoffman La Roche are the largest manufacturers of the synthetic hormone isolate. To get the masses to swallow it, they erroneously named it “The Sunshine Vitamin,” AKA vitamin D.

Consumers, stimulated by ads, couldn’t wait to start choking it down – so much that old ladies now brag about taking the “drug disguised as a vitamin” to their hairdressers. In reality though, it’s as close to being a sunshine hormone as a tootsie roll is to being chocolate, or a porno is to having sex. I’m not the only one pointing out this fact.

“Vitamin D is not really a vitamin,” wrote scientists for the New England Journal of Medicine.
For something to be a vitamin, it must provide the body with an essential nutrient that it cannot make on its own, but requires for survival –officially.

Since synthetic vitamin D is a drug, foreign to the body, and not required for survival, it’s technically a fraud – an impostor posing as a vitamin. It has “vitamin like” activity, which initially tricks the body into thinking the host of associated co-hormones is present. But this biological ruse proves to be devastating to the body over time.

Before the vitamin D scam was fed to consumers, the deadly “D” was fed to rodents as a means of eradicating the pesky creatures. In their report, “The Endocrine System,” the University of Colorado, reminds us, “Ingestion of milligram quantities of vitamin D over periods of weeks or months can be severely toxic to humans and animals. In fact, baits laced with vitamin D are used very effectively as rodenticides [rat poison].” This is in stark contrast to naturally produced sunshine vitamins, and it isn’t hard to understand.

Once swallowed, the copycat hormone bypasses our innate protective mechanisms and throws hormonal balance out of whack. This “plugs” the body with calcium and induces calcification, which leads to heart failure, kidney damage, and more. Since it’s a “cumulative poison,” people who take the recommended dose every day as vitamin D are saturating their fatty tissues, and at the same time, offsetting their God-given hormonal intelligence. Anyone eating and drinking foods “fortified” with vitamin D are at serious risk.

Nobody has ever been poisoned by naturally produced sunshine hormones.

Scientific Trickery

Promotion for the drug disguised as a vitamin is “business as usual” for the drug, food, and vitamin industries: They work together to instill fear and confusion designed to blur the lines between synthetic and natural. And they’ve done it with a “deficiency hypothesis” that has everyone regurgitating their “25-hydroxy vitamin D” levels in an attempt to avoid rickets, infection, cancer and even a bad haircut, so it seems. But it’s as weak as my PC laptop battery (I’m buying a Mac soon). Ever wonder who defines our “ideal levels?” (See Big Pharma cartels above.)

And if you can’t get adequate sunlight for whatever reason, Mother Nature produces “sunshine hormones” that won’t accidentally put you on a hospital gurney. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, beef/chicken liver, eggs, and select non-fortified cod liver oils are all smart choices for the “solar challenged.”

Nothing like the Real Thing

Highlighting the Vitamin D pill controversy, The New York Times recently wrote that “The excitement about their health potential is still far ahead of the science.” Amen. As long as excitement remains ahead of common sense and science, I’ll take chocolate over a Tootsie Roll, and sex over a porno…I’ll also choose sitting under the sun – over swallowing dangerous vitamin D.

Source: http://thepeopleschemist.com/chemist-exposes-5-deadly-pills/

Disclaimer:
The information contained above is for general consumer understanding and education, and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This product is not an alternative to any prescription drug. If you are currently taking a prescription drug, consult your doctor before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

Studies Show Magnesium Reduces Chronic Inflammation, the Cause of Most Chronic Disease

Chronic inflammation—not cholesterol—is the cause of heart disease. Many doctors and research scientists now believe that most chronic diseases may have the same root cause: inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.

In a recent study published in the Lancet,¹ the world’s leading general medical journal, researchers concluded that inflammation inside arterial walls could explain why many people with normal or even ideal cholesterol levels suffer heart attacks or strokes, while others with very high cholesterol never develop heart disease.

“Cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease,” says Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, magnesium expert and Medical Advisory Board member of the nonprofit Nutritional Magnesium Association (www.nutritionalmagnesium.org), “and the decades-long attempt to treat this condition with statin drugs has failed, because the true cause is inflammation.”

“There are clear indications that inflammation explains why plaque builds up in the arteries in patients with atherosclerosis,” says Philip Schauer, MD, director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. “Chronic inflammation also plays a direct role in diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma and other conditions.”

These conclusions support the findings of an earlier breakthrough study entitled “Magnesium and the Inflammatory Response…”² According to Dr. Dean, “This study shows that at the cellular level, magnesium reduces inflammation. In the animal model used, magnesium deficiency is created when an inflammatory condition is produced. Increasing magnesium intake decreases the inflammation.”

Dr. Dean adds, “With magnesium being actively required by 600–700 enzyme systems in the human body, internal functions that reduce inflammation with the help of magnesium are being newly discovered every year. For example, magnesium has been found to be a natural calcium channel blocker, which is crucial because calcium in excess is one of the most pro-inflammatory substances in the body. This is why I recommend a 1:1 balance of calcium with magnesium, while also taking into account the amount of calcium people get in their daily diets.”

New York Times best-selling author and doctor Joseph Mercola, DO, says, “We are all going to die at some point, but if you’re deficient in magnesium you may wind up dying sooner rather than later. As new research in atherosclerosis³ found, low serum magnesium levels are associated with higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, adding to growing research supporting the importance of adequate magnesium.”

Dr. Dean concludes, “Chronic, low-grade inflammation—sustained by excessive belly fat, a poor diet including processed foods and sugars, a magnesium deficiency (over 75 percent of Americans fail to meet their minimum daily requirement of magnesium), lack of exercise, smoking, and gum disease—may explain why lifestyle-related diseases have reached epidemic proportions in Western countries, while remaining relatively scarce in the developing world. The many studies^2, 3, 4 acknowledging the value of magnesium in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome make knowing about this mineral vitally important.”

Also nopal cactus wellness drink have anti-inflammatory elements without any side effects.

A 32-page guide to the benefits of magnesium, along with magnesium deficiency symptoms, is available for free at www.nutritionalmagnesium.org.

References:

1. 1. “The Interleukin-6 Receptor as a Target for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: a Mendelian Randomisation Analysis.” Lancet 379, no. 9822 (March 31, 2012): 1214–24.
   doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60110-X.
2. Mazur, Andrzej, Jeanette A. M. Maier, Edmond Rock, Elyett Gueux, Wojciech Nowacki,
   Yves Rayssiguier. “Magnesium and the Inflammatory Response: Potential Physiopathological
   Implications.” Archives of Biochemistry & Biophysics 458, no. 1 (February 1, 2007): 48–56.
3. Reffelmann, T., T. Ittermann, M. Dorr, H. Volzke, M. Reinthaler, A. Petersmann, S. B. Felix. “Low Serum Magnesium Concentrations Predict Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality.” Atherosclerosis 219, no. 1 (November 2011): 280–84. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.05.038.
4. Hruby, A., J. B. Meigs, C. J. O’Donnell, P. F. Jacques, N. M. McKeown. “Higher Magnesium Intake Reduces Risk of Impaired Glucose and Insulin Metabolism, and Progression from Prediabetes to Diabetes in Middle-Aged Americans.” Diabetes Care (October 2, 2013).

Read more news from the Nutritional Magnesium Association

SOURCE Nutritional Magnesium Association

Treating Anxiety and Stress Naturally

There are many things you can do to reduce your levels of anxiety and stress naturally. The list that follows may be helpful to you in dealing with your own anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Please consult with your nutritionist, physician or mental health provider to discuss which approaches might be best for you to reduce stress naturally. 

Anxiety Reducing Strategies: 

• Gradually reduce your sugar intake as low as possible. Too much sugar disrupts our metabolism and strips the body of essential nutrients. Watch out for packaged and canned food. They are laden with hidden sugar. And don’t just go and replace the sugar with artificial sweeteners. As reported on 60 Minutes, Aspartame is implicated in many health problems, including anxiety reactions, dizziness, convulsions, etc.
• Reduce your intake of alcohol and tobacco. Both of these items cause major disruptions in our biochemistry and are leading causes of death in America.
• Eliminate or drastically reduce processed grains as much as possible. This includes white bread, pasta, biscuits, cakes, pizza, etc. You can eat whole grains but be careful. Many people are allergic to wheat and other grains.
• Try to eat protein at every meal, especially breakfast. Protein is a very stable energy source. This will stabilize your insulin levels and foster proper neuron functioning. Soy products, lean meat and fish are good protein sources.
• Eat lots of vegetables. Carbohydrates help us to manufacture serotonin. This chemical is important to the regulation of our moods. 
• Gradually cut out coffee over a period of a week or so to prevent severe withdrawal.
• Drink a lot of water. Water assists the body in eliminating biochemical waste.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, natural morphine like chemicals that make us feel calm and contented. Exercise increases self-esteem, lowers body weight and assists the body to function properly.
• Learn how to practice meditation or some form of deep relaxation. Meditation has many positive physiological and psychological benefits. It decreases tension, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (which slows our bodies down and gets us out of the stress mode) and slows biological aging.
• Avoid foods to which you allergic. This is a key element in any anti-anxiety program. Eating foods that are bad for you causes intense anxiety or depressive symptoms. Many people are allergic to grains, including wheat and corn, beans, and most dairy products.
• Avoid MSG!
• Think of talking with a nutritionist about supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals. Especially take B1, B2, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, and magnesium. These nutrients function to manufacture neurotransmitters. Selenium may even protect the neurotransmitters from damage. Zinc, B6, iodine, folic acid, and  Vitamin B12 are essential to the development and functioning of the nervous system. Free form amino acids can also be taken if necessary. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is especially good for panic attacks and regulating the entire nervous system). Calcium supplements also produce calmness.
• There are many herbs that are beneficial in the treatment of anxiety. Valerian Root, Passion Flower, Chamomile, Skullcap and Dandelion are very helpful in fostering relaxation.
• Eat six small meals throughout the day. This will help you maintain a balanced energy and coping level.
• Adaptogens are also great source reducing damaging stress.

Making Changes:
 Don’t pressure yourself to make all of the changes listed above all at once. We all change at our own pace. The important thing is that you have made the decision to take responsibility for your health. Educate yourself about health issues . Consult with a nutritionally oriented physician, a nutritionist, or mental health professional to discuss which changes may be most important for you. If you are in psychotherapy or under a doctor’s care, you may find your progress increasing as your body regains it’s health and balance.

 Please keep in mind that these suggestions are not a replacement for seeing the appropriate professional to discuss your needs.

 

You can buy Stress Relief Package from this link.

Five ways to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer

September is the month that has been dedicated to making the world more aware of prostate cancer. This type of cancer is considered the sixth leading cause of death among males who have cancer. It is said that it is linked to family history, as well as age. There are certain predisposing factors that could increase a male’s risk of developing the said cancer. However, medical professionals say that simple changes in one’s diet can help a lot in reducing the chances of getting prostate cancer. A diet that consists of high amounts of red meat and high-fat dairy products has been found to increase risk of prostate cancer.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that is just about the size of a walnut. The urethra, the tube that carries semen and urine out of the body, passes through the prostate. The gland produces a fluid that is part of the semen, and this fluid also protects the sperm. The gland also plays another role in terms of controlling urine.

The symptoms of prostate cancer may be different for every man. However, there are certain symptoms that are quite common, such as frequent painful or difficult urination. There are also times when a man cannot urinate or may have blood in the urine. There is also stiffness or frequent pain at the lower back, upper thighs or hips. If these symptoms are prevalent for more than 2 weeks, a man should go see a doctor.

Lifestyle Changes Men Need

Here are the different ways men can prevent the onset of prostate cancer:

• Avoid eating red meat.

The Department of Oncology’s Head at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences said that men who eat more fatty products are more prone to developing prostate cancer. This is why he suggests that men need to cut down on oils, dairy products and red meat.

• Green tea is good.

There have been a lot of studies showing that men who drink green tea or are taking green tea extract have lower risks of developing prostate cancer.

• Eat more greens.

Eating fats that come from plants is better than eating the ones from animals. One good example is using olive oil for cooking instead of butter, or using seeds or nuts instead of cheese. Increasing one’s intake of vegetables and fruits has a lot of great benefits. Eating tofu, a food product that is created from soy beans, has also been found to help reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer. Like with all foods, you should look for organic, non-GMO tofu.

• Change your diet.

It is said that age is one of the factors that people have no control over, but there are modifications that one can make in one’s diet to reduce the risk of developing the said cancer. Choosing to eat a healthy diet is the better choice. An example is eating a bowl of cereal with soy milk instead of cow’s milk. Adding more fish in the diet and greens like spinach may also help.

• Avoid taking too much starch and sugar.

Starchy foods, such as white bread or rice, and sugary foods, such as candies and sodas, trigger inflammation in the body. A recent study showed that men who ate the most amounts of starchy and sugary foods had a 64% chance of getting an advanced form of prostate cancer.

These are five methods which males can use to help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. It is important to do the above recommendations in order to be healthier.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.drfuhrman.com

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Sandeep is an mountain climber, runner, and fitness coach. He shares his tips for staying in shape and eating healthy on quickeasyfit.

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Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/042557_prostate_cancer_risk_reduction_healthy_diet.html#ixzz2i6brr5MJ

 

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/042557_prostate_cancer_risk_reduction_healthy_diet.html

Simple Tricks to Avoid Getting Sick This Winter

With winter fast approaching, you may be dreading the possibility of getting sick — the pain, discomfort and lost productivity can be truly dreadful.

You’re more likely to get the flu during colder months, but by following these simple tips to fight germs, you can boost your odds for emerging from the season unscathed.

We all know that staying healthy during winter can be a really hard task. However, it’s not impossible. Learn how to prevent getting sick in winter very easily by doing a few pleasant and nice tricks.

If you ask your doctor about how to avoid getting sick, the recommendation will surely be a shot. But please BEWARE that, in addition to side effects, even the CDC has admitted that the effectiveness rate of this “solution” is a mere 9%!^[1]

My advice to you: Don’t blindly follow the medical establishment’s recommendations. There are safe, effective and affordable measures you can take now to proactively ensure that your immune system stays healthy and strong all year long.

Health tips and tricks to keep the cold away.

1.Never underestimate the power of the fluids. All the warm liquids can help relieve cold symptoms. Hot tea, chicken soup, fruit juice – they all work perfectly.

2.The power of C. It’s a well-known fact that vitamin C helps our immune system to fight with the infections. Eat lots of fresh oranges and grapefruits and help your organism to keep the bacteria away.

3.Wash your hands. It may sound like a joke, but it’s not. Wash your hands regularly using soap and water. If you can’t to that often, you could use sanitizer.

4.Don’t share your bottles, glasses, etc. with other people, especially when you see them coughing. You will get sick too, don’t doubt about that.

5.Rest, if you start feeling sick, there is nothing bad about resting and it’s the best way to prevent the cold or the flu in its beginning.

Is This Widespread Deficiency to Blame for Seasonal Sickness Outbreaks?Now you won’t hear this from your doctor, but more and more experts agree that the single most effective way to avoid getting sick is by getting enough vitamin D. As you may be aware, vitamin D deficiency is now considered pandemic and worsens in the fall and winter months.

In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that widespread drops in vitamin D levels may be the long-overlooked trigger for seasonal sickness! A 2008 study published in theJournal of Virology led by Dr. John Cannell, MD, executive director of the non-profit Vitamin D Council, concluded that vitamin D may indeed have a “profound effect on prevention.”^[2]

So vitamin D may be your key to staying healthy, especially in colder months, however don’t rush out of the house to grab any old bottle. It’s important you take the right kindand right amount to really get the full benefits…but more on that later.

Stay hydrated.
Our body is made up of mostly water, and when we’re dehydrated, it’s just an extra stress on our system. Dryness—like a scratchy throat—decreases your immunity barriers and opens the door to infection. Drinking plenty of water is crucial to staying healthy.

Vitamin D Activates Your Full Immune Potential
Here’s a fact you need to know: Breakthrough research shows that vitamin D is critical to what is known as the innate immune system. This part of your immune system differs from the resistance you build when you’re exposed to a particular pathogen, known as acquired immunity.

Innate immunity is your body’s natural defense system, which protects your mucous membranes from pathogenic invaders. If your blood levels of vitamin D decrease rapidly, as often happens with lack of sun exposure during the winter months, your innate immunity suffers dramatically — sometimes catastrophically.

Researchers have also discovered that vitamin D triggers the killer cells of the immune system — called T cells — which fight off invaders. Without sufficient vitamin D in your bloodstream, your killer T cells will remain dormant, leaving the door wide open for pathogenic invaders to enter your body and wreak havoc.^[3]

The Tell-Tale Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
Please don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re not vitamin D deficient. Way too many people have a “not me” attitude, but the truth is, a whopping 75% of adults in the U.S. have low vitamin D levels!^[4]

Vitamin D deficiency may be symptomless at first, but as it progresses it leads to weakened immunity and many health problems that may be easily misdiagnosed.

Aches and pains, cognitive problems, mood issues, fragile bones and heart trouble are just a few common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.^[5,6,7] What’s more troubling is thatlow vitamin D levels can ultimately result in premature death.^[8,9,10] Sadly, many people are given drugs to “treat” a simple nutritional deficiency, or are just told to accept these health issues as part of aging. What a shame!

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
		Weak immunity			Cognitive problems
		Aches and pains			Vision loss
		Low energy			Fragile bones
		Mood imbalances			Heart problems

 

How to Protect Yourself with Vitamin D
There are only two ways to get vitamin D in the amounts you need for optimal immunity and overall health: several hours daily of direct sun exposure (without sunscreen, which blocks vitamin D production) and vitamin D supplementation.

So for most people, a vitamin D supplement is a must. You may eventually want to get your vitamin D levels tested by your doctor, but you shouldn’t wait to start. Vitamin D is one of the least toxic substances known on earth, making it nearly impossible to overdo it, and it doesn’t interact with most medications. The bottom line is that you’re better safe than sorry.

WARNING: Don’t Take Fake Vitamin D!
When doctors are paying attention to vitamin D levels, they often write a script for synthetic vitamin D2. Why? Because the pharmaceutical companies cannot patent natural compounds, so in order to make money, they had to create a synthetic version that’s poorly absorbed and less effective.

The better option is to take natural vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol), which is what is used in most dietary supplements. It’s more absorbable, more affordable, more accessible and provides the greatest benefits, as proven by hundreds of scientific studies.^[11]

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
Most people take way too little vitamin D per day, because the current RDA is only 600 IU. Many experts now agree that this is woefully inadequate. Sadly, the government has stubbornly refused to increase the RDA, putting millions at risk.

According to vitamin D expert Dr. John Cannell, healthy adults should supplement with 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily to avoid deficiency and achieve superior immunity and overall health — more than 8 times what the government says is sufficient!Remember, vitamin D has zero toxicity so there’s no harm in taking higher amounts.

Choosing the Right Vitamin D Supplement
I hope I’ve made the case as to why it’s critical to take supplemental vitamin D3. However, many people make the mistake of just taking whatever is on the shelf of their local drugstore. You need to know what to look for to avoid getting ripped off.

Here are my 3 tips to use as a buyer’s guide:

1. The D3 form: Make sure you’re taking 100% natural vitamin D3 which is the safest, most absorbable and most effective form. Avoid synthetic vitamin D2.
2. An optimal dose: Leading experts recommend 5,000 IU of D3 daily for optimal health. Most supplements provide far less than this.
3. A rice bran oil base: Many supplements have a low quality soy oil base, that has toxins and GMOs. Instead look for a healthier rice bran oil base.

The Vitamin D Supplement I Personally Recommend
In researching vitamin D supplements, I was appalled by how many low quality products I found. Few contain the ideal dosage and form, and many are made with potentially toxic fillers. The few high quality supplements I found were absurdly expensive. That’s when I set out to create my own vitamin D supplement.

The Wonderful “D”
Science now thinks Vitamin D greatly supports many of your body’s key systems, including the cardiovascular, the immune, the digestive and so much more.

But getting the right “D” is essential
For most people, a supplement is the best way to ensure they are meeting their body’s very crucial needs for Vitamin D daily. But for the best results, you need the best “D” – Essential D. Its unique formula puts it ahead of every other product on the market.

Help protect and improve your total health with the best “D” – order Essential D today.

Scientific References
1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6207a2.htm
2. Virology. 2008 Feb; 5:9.
3. University of Copenhagen. “Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defenses.” ScienceDaily, 8 Mar. 2010. Web. 1 Oct. 2013.
4. Exp Biol Med. 2010 Sep; 235(9): 1034-45.
5. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Feb; 64 (2): 203-9.
6. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Nov; 12 (6): 634-9.
7. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2009 Nov; 71 (5): 666-72.
8. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 Jan; 24 (1): 139-49.
9. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2010 Jun; 39 (2): 401-18.
10. Circulation. 2008 Jan 29; 117 (4): 503-11.
11. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jul 6;(7):CD007470.

Disclaimer: The information contained above is for general consumer understanding and education, and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This product is not an alternative to any prescription drug. If you are currently taking a prescription drug, consult your doctor before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

 

Controlling High Cholesterol Naturally and Alternative Treatments

Cholesterol is a natural byproduct of the liver and a necessary component of good health. Normal cholesterol is essential for cellular repair and development. It plays a critical role in the improvement of memory and learning, is the precursor to vitamin D production, and synthesizes sex hormones and natural steroids — which control blood sugar, fluid balance and blood pressure. It helps to convert fats in the liver, and is a potent antioxidant acting to scavenge free radicals and reduce metabolic syndrome.

The American Heart Association notes that cholesterol isn’t dissolved in the blood and must be transported throughout the body by lipoproteins. Research indicates that HDL, the high density “good” cholesterol, guards the cardiovascular system. LDL, or low density “bad” cholesterol, can build deposits on arteries. Problems occur when HDL levels are reduced, creating inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Too little HDL cholesterol prevents production of pain-controlling steroid hormones, limits the body’s ability to properly digest foods, and damages the body’s ability to create energy reserves. Too little HDL leads to pain and inflammation, which is the real cause of heart disease, according to the latest studies.

Natural remedies and cures for normal cholesterol levels

There are many alternative treatments for lowering cholesterol. But before you add any supplements or alternative therapies to your diet, talk to your health care provider. Some supplements may interact with other medication you may be taking or have dangerous side effects. Natural remedies and cures help maintain normal levels of cholesterol without the need to take pharmaceutical drugs that produce dangerous side effects.

 

Nutrition and Supplements  for Lowering Cholesterol

We recommend the following dietary changes that may help lower cholesterol levels. Some of the herbal and nutritional supplements that may lower cholesterol include:

1. Eat some nuts every day. Choose almonds, walnuts and cashews, all of which contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Eating nuts regularly, especially walnuts and almonds, may help reduce cholesterol levels of LDL cholesterol.
2. Substitute whole soy protein for animal protein. Soy protein such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, whole soy beans and roasted soy nuts has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Choose organic products where possible.
3. Use fresh garlic regularly. Garlic has been shown to lower both cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Use one or two raw or lightly cooked cloves a day. According to some studies, garlic may decrease blood levels of total cholesterol by a few percentage points. Other studies, however, suggest that it may not be as beneficial as once thought. It may also have significant side effects and/or interaction with certain medications. Garlic may prolong bleeding and blood clotting time, so garlic and garlic supplements should not be taken prior to surgery or with blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin.
4. Drink green tea daily. The antioxidants it contains help lower cholesterol and prevent the cholesterol in your blood from oxidizing. Green tea contains various compounds that lower LDL cholesterol levels. A study performed in Brazil where people consumed green tea extract in capsules resulted in a 4.5 percent lowering of LDL cholesterol levels.
5. Eat plenty of soluble fiber. Beans and lentils, apples, citrus fruits, oats, barley, peas, carrots and ground flax seed are all good sources of soluble fiber, which has a powerful cholesterol-lowering effect. Slow the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines by consuming foods such as oats, legumes, prunes, apples, carrots, broccoli and yams, all high in soluble fiber. Five to 10 grams daily can produce a 5 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol.
6. Limit refined carbohydrates. These include cookies, cakes, crackers, fluffy breads, chips and sodas, all of which can worsen cholesterol levels by lowering HDL and also increase triglyceride levels.
7. Take coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This powerful antioxidant benefits heart health by protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation and by re-energizing the mitochondria in the heart cells, which is where energy metabolism occurs. CoQ10 may also help lower blood pressure.
8. Take fish oil. Fish oil contains an abundance of essential omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) that have been shown to lower triglyceride (blood fat) levels, minimize inflammation and clotting, and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Research indicates that omega-3s may help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders influenced by inflammation, including heart attack and stroke. You can add omega-3s to your diet by eating more cold water fish such as wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and black cod. If that’s not possible, We recommend taking two grams daily of a fish oil supplement that contains both essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). When choosing a supplement, look for one derived from molecularly distilled fish oils – these are naturally high in both EPA and DHA and low in contaminants. Also choose a supplement brand that has been independently tested and guaranteed to be free of heavy metals such as mercury and lead, and other environmental toxins including polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs.
9. Artichoke Leaf Extract:  Artichoke leaf extract my help lower cholesterol levels by limiting its synthesis in the our bodies. Additionally, the extract may increase the flow of cholesterol excretion from the liver.
10. Niacin: Niacin, or vitamin B-3 helps lower LDL cholesterol levels as much as 10% and raise HDL cholesterol levels by 15% to 30%. Because of its many side effects, niacin should only be used under the supervision of a health practitioner.
11. Guggulipid: Guggulipid is the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree. In clinical studies performed in India, guggulipid significantly reduced blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The enthusiasm for using guggulipid as a cholesterol-lowering herbal agent, however, diminished after the publication of negative results from a clinical trial in the U.S. Further research is necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of this herb.
12. Red yeast rice: Red yeast rice has been found to lower cholesterol in studies and was previously found in the over-the-counter supplement Cholestin. However, in 2001, FDA took Cholestin off the shelf because it contained lovastatin, a compound found in the cholesterol prescription medication Mevacor. Reformulated “Cholestin” no longer contains red yeast rice. Other red yeast rice-containing supplements currently available in the U.S. contain very small amounts of lovastatin. Their effectiveness is questionable
13. Chinese red yeast rice helps balance normal levels of cholesterol. Red yeast rice contains substances called monacolins, which are naturally-occurring and converted by the body to make a chemical inhibiting the production of cholesterol. One monccolin in particular, lovastatin, has been extracted and used in popular statin drugs, thus causing the FDA to view natural red yeast rice as an unproved drug and banning it in the USA. Consuming moderate amounts of natural red yeast rice as part of an overall diet helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. Extracting the active ingredient from the rice and using it in a drug formulation amplifies its effects, and may produce both muscle and kidney injuries. Supplies of red yeast rice supplements sold in the USA at this time do not contain any of the active ingredient to reduce cholesterol level
14. Policosanol: Policonsanol is a dietary supplement made from Cuban sugarcane wax. It is not readily available in the US; however, non-Cuban products are available here which are made from beeswax or wheat germ. It is used to regular total cholesterol levels and is touted to be as effective as statins and red yeast rice. It may produce mild side effects such as digestive upsets, headaches and insomnia and can take two months or longer to show results.  Produced from sugar cane, policosanol was found to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol in several studies. Most policosanol supplements found in the U.S., including the reformulated Cholestin, contain policosanol extracted from beeswax and not the sugar cane policosanol. There is no evidence that policosanol extracted from beeswax can lower cholesterol. Additional studies on sugar cane policosanol are needed to determine its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol.
15. Other herbal products: The results of several studies suggest fenugreek seeds and leaves, artichoke leaf extract, yarrow, and holy basil all may help lower cholesterol. These and other commonly used herbs and spices — including ginger, turmeric, and rosemary — are being investigated for their potential beneficial effects relating to coronary disease prevention.

Dietary Approaches to Lowering Cholesterol

Increased consumption of dietary fiber, soy foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant compounds similar to cholesterol (plant stanols and sterols) can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol.

• Fiber: Only plant foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes, unrefined grains) contain dietary fiber. The soluble fiber found in foods such as oat bran, barley, psyllium seeds, flax seed meal, apples, citrus fruits, lentils and beans are particularly effective in lowering cholesterol.
• Soybeans: Substituting soybeans or soy protein for other proteins have been shown to prevent coronary heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Soy protein is present in tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, edamame, soy nuts, and many other food products made from soybeans.
• Phytosterols: Phytosterols (plant sterol and stanol esters) are compounds found in small amounts in foods such as whole grains as well as in many vegetables, fruits, and vegetable oils. They decrease LDL cholesterol, mostly by interfering with the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Phytosterols can be found in spreads (like the cholesterol-lowering margarines Benecol, Promise, Smart Balance, and Take Control), dressings for salads, and dietary supplements. Additional phytosterol-fortified foods include Minute Maid Heart Wise orange juice, Nature Valley Healthy Heart chewy granola bars, CocoVia chocolates, Rice Dream Heartwise rice drink, and Lifetime low-fat cheese.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the rate at which the liver produces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. They have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, decrease the growth of plaque in the arteries, and aid in thinning blood. Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines per week. Other dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seed and walnuts. Supplement sources include fish oil capsules, flaxseed and flax seed oil.  If you are considering taking omega-3 fatty acids, first discuss with your health care provider if omega-3 fatty acid supplements are right for you, especially if you are currently taking blood-thinning medication.

Dietary fiber, soybeans, and phytosterols decrease cholesterol levels by different mechanisms. Therefore, it is not surprising that the combined dietary intake of these foods and other plant substances, along with a low intake of saturated fats, is more effective at reducing cholesterol levels than each individual substance alone.

What therapies Be well and Wealthy recommend for high cholesterol? 
We recommend making the following lifestyle and dietary changes in order to lower high cholesterol levels:

1. Lose weight. Even a modest amount of weight loss can lower cholesterol levels.
2. Reduce the amount of sugar and flour in your diet. Recent evidence indicates that added sugar – in the form of table sugar (sucrose) or high-fructose corn syrup – is probably a greater contributor to heart disease than is consumption of saturated fat. This suggests that the inflammatory hypothesis may in fact have more validity than the conventional lipid hypothesis, although the debate is far from settled. As a general rule, We advise against consuming foods with added sugars, particularly soft drinks and highly processed snack foods, which can cause rapid spikes and dips in blood sugar levels. The result can be overeating, obesity and heart disease.
3. Avoid trans-fatty acids. These heart-damaging fats can reduce HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels and raise levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. The tip-off that trans-fatty acids are present in foods is the listing of “partially hydrogenated oil” on a food’s ingredient list. Trans-fats are found in many brands of margarine and in most heavily processed foods, as well as in snack foods such as chips, crackers and cookies, and in the oils used to cook fast-food French fries, doughnuts and movie popcorn.
4. Exercise. Daily aerobic exercise can help increase HDL levels.
5. Don’t smoke. Smoking itself is a risk factor for heart disease. It can also significantly lower HDL cholesterol.
6. Relax. Emotional stress may prompt the body to release fat into the bloodstream, raising cholesterol levels. Counter stress by practicing daily breathing exercises and other stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, guided imageryor tai chi.

Avoid Trans Fats

Avoid partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated vegetable oils. These man-made oils are sources of trans fatty acids known to increase LDL cholesterol. They lower heart-protecting HDL (good) cholesterol and increase the inflammatory response in the body. You can now find trans fats listed on the Nutrition Facts panel of packaged foods. Minimize consumption of trans fatty acid-containing food.

If diet and regular exercise isn’t effective at reducing your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor about taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

Do you have high cholesterol or know someone that does?  Now there’s a natural approach for fighting high cholesterol naturally.

We recommend Cholestria for Controlling your Cholesterol Naturally.

When combined with a healthy diet and an increased level of activity, Cholestria can help the body:

• Reduce total cholesterol
• Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Reduce triglycerides
• Increase HDL (good) cholesterol
• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Promote overall cardiovascular health

A key ingredient in Cholestria blocks your body’s absorption of cholesterol and removes excess cholesterol produced by the liver. This means Cholestria can help reduce the “bad” cholesterol; high levels of it can put you at risk for several life-threatening conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

If you have high cholesterol, or are at risk for it, try Cholestria today! The natural approach to fighting high cholesterol.

Disclaimer: The information contained above is for general consumer understanding and education, and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This product is not an alternative to any prescription drug. If you are currently taking a prescription drug, consult your doctor before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

Sources for this article include:

Caloiricious: 6 main functions of cholesterol in the body
http://blog.caloricious.com

Prevent Disease: World Renown Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease
http://preventdisease.com

Natural News: Prominent heart doctor exposes the myths about cholesterol, statins and low fat diets
http://www.naturalnews.com/035514_cholesterol_myths_heart_doctor.html

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Cholesterol is necessary for the body to function properly
http://www.uihealthcare.com

About.com — Alternative Medicine: Policonsonol
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/policosanol/a/policosanol.htm

About.com -Alternative Medicine: Red Yeast Rice
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/redyeastrice.htm

MedicineNet.com: Red Yeast Rice and Cholesterol
http://www.medicinenet.com/red_yeast_rice_and_cholesterol/article.htm

About.com — Alternative Medicine: Green Tea for Healthy Cholesterol
http://altmedicine.about.com

Prevention: The Ten Commandments of Cholesterol Control
http://www.prevention.com

About.com — Alternative Medicine: Remedies for High Cholesterol
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/highcholesterol/a/highcholesterol.htm