How to Reduce High Cholesterol How to Reduce High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol How to Reduce High Cholesterol

How to reduce High Cholesterol levels can be a daunting factor for anyone recently diagnosed with this potentially life-threatening problem. After learning that we have a problem, most of us decide initially to conduct our own online research, only to find that after hours and hours diligently surfing from one web-site to the next, we eventually go into "information overload" and find ourselves almost totally confused by the menagerie of different opinions and "cures" available, from so called "experts.

In my case, my Cholesterol level was only marginally over the "Safe" limit, but I needed to do something about it immediately for peace of mind. Having a father who died at the young age of 58 from heart disease, was indeed a motivating factor. Once I'd researched the origins of my problem (mainly genetic, but also more likely caused by lifestyle choices, diet & exercise, or lack of), I set out to find ways to lower my LDL (low-density lipoprotein) to a "safe" level via a modified dietary intake.

I have to admit, that I'm always more than a bit confused why many doctors are very quick to force prescription drugs into us without a mention of possible side effects, and yet emphatically deny that natural programs can in many cases prove to be very successful! I have my suspicions but this is not the place to air them. Given a choice and some well researched information, I'll choose natural remedies every time.

Though I'd always recommend taking a trip to your local doctor and/or health store for initial advice, there are many products available at your local supermarket which have excellent LDL lowering properties. By simply introducing these to your regular diet in moderation, along with regular exercise, you'll start to understand how to reduce high cholesterol to safe levels. The great thing is, that the results can be seen in as little as a few weeks (note: you should insist on a regular blood test for long term peace of mind).

Here are some excellent natural resources for lowering cholesterol levels, take a look

during your next shopping trip:

Soluble Fibres (found in Fruits & Vegetables): These can be in the form of:

Apples

Carrots

Citrus Fruits

Apricots

Berries

Prunes

Beans or Legumes

Other Foods used to Reduce High Cholesterol Levels include:

Broccoli

Grape seed and grape skin

(related to red wines - also a great health promoting product)

Omega 3 (Mainly found in fish products - Tuna, Swordfish Salmon & Trout)

The new style margarine's - Benecol & Logical etc.)

Nuts (be careful of the calories though)

Oats - found in many cereals

Soy - there are some excellent soy milks to substitute dairy milk.

General rules include reducing your intake of red meat, eggs & dairy products, and substitute them with fish, fruit & Veg and soy products.Reducing sodium, and sugar levels, and taking a close look at the fat content of any food you intend to ingest, with particular attention to the Saturated Fat content.

It's possible that despite changing your diet to include the above foods, you may still need to reduce your cholesterol levels even further, if this happens another solution may be necessary. In this case, take a look at a great new way to fight cholesterol :Discover How To Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs. -

Finally, remember too that exercise is also a factor in this delicate balance, without both you'll struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle, few of us enjoy exercise for health benefit, but much as working is necessary to maintain your lifestyle, exercise and healthy eating habits are too!

To your good health.

by Scott Willoghby

Nine Anti-aging Tips to Stay Younger Longer

Nine Anti-aging Tips to Stay Younger Longer

Can't figure out where to start to improve the quality of your lifestyle? Here are some simple things to help get started. If you can follow the suggestions for a month, you will be well on your way to reducing belly fat AND establishing an anti-aging lifestyle.. It's not difficult - if you really want to do it. Remember, these are baby steps, but you have to start some place.

1. Check your fridge. If you use butter, you can use less by diluting it half-and-half with olive oil. Let a bar of butter soften to room temperature. Beat it smooth and gradually beat in an equal amount of olive oil. It will be runny but will set up to a soft spread in the fridge.

2. Rethink the mayo. If you can't live without it, make your own with olive oil. Then you will really have something worthwhile to spread on bread or to make a salad.

3. If you eat peanut butter, buy Smart Balance peanut butter for it's omega- 3 content. If you are not taking an omega-3 supplement, you should.

4. Keep a gallon bottle of water on the kitchen counter or at work. Drink at least half of it every day. Having it in plain sight will help you drink more of it.

5. Check your pantry. Don't restock chips, cookies, soda, toaster pastries, sugary breakfast "cereals" (a misnomer if ever there was one!) It's just as quick and easy to scramble a couple of eggs for breakfast as it is to wait for a pastry to toast. I know how tough it is to get rid of the nutritionally bankrupt junk, so do it in small steps if you can't do it cold turkey.

6. Substitute whole grain bread for white bread. Beware of "wheat" bread - it's probably not whole wheat. If possible, go to a whole foods market and get some real whole wheat bread. In my area, I can buy incredibly good whole grain bread from Alvarado Street Bakery. You can buy it online, and if you do, put it in the freezer the minute it arrives. Because it's "live" and preservative free, it will get moldy very quickly if you leave it out. I particularly enjoy the Alvarado sprouted whole grain bread.

7. Having a whole foods market nearby makes it easy to cut down on processed food. If you make a trip a couple of times a week you can get all the super-fresh veggies and fruit you will need to provide a healthier diet for your family. For protein, focus on chicken - preferably baked or roasted. I use a lot of ground turkey - you can prepare it so many ways. If you work and are pressed for time, many whole foods markets offer excellent take out.

You will notice I did not mention fish. I rarely buy fish because it's so difficult to get good fish. If I can't get wild salmon or other fish that hasn't been farm raised, I don't bother. I would never eat shrimp because it causes too many intestinal problems. There is another way to get the benefits of eating fish - in fish oil capsules. True, you run the risk of contamination there as well. But I think I'd rather opt for the capsules than supermarket fish that looks like it's seen better days, and probably has.

8. Skip fried anything as much as possible. And you certainly won't need your deep fat fryer anymore, so throw it away. (Well okay, give it away. But you won't be doing anyone a favor.)

9. If you are an emotional eater, eat unbuttered popcorn or dry roasted nuts, such as almonds or cashews. You can flavor popcorn with garlic salt or any seasoning of your choice. Or try spritzing on garlic flavored olive oil. Drink green tea to wash it down. Most commercial green teas are bitter or tasteless but I have found some very tasty teas at Clipper teas.

This should be more than enough to help you start to live a healthier, anti-aging lifestyle. Start with at least one step and add others as you develop a system.

By : Barbara Morris, R.Ph.

Diebetes Mellitus - What Is It?

Diebetes Mellitus - What Is It?

Diebetes Mellitus, or Diabetes as it is also known as, is present in more than 15 million Americans at the current time. Even more amazing is the fact that almost 40% of them don't even know they have the disease.

Another 20+ million have Pre-Diabetes Mellitus because of high blood glucose levels mainly caused by obesity, lack of exercise, and an improper diet. While it's only natural to think it won't happen to you, the truth is, more than 185,000 people will die this year alone due to type ii diabetes symptoms.

How do you get Diabetes?

The foods we consume contain natural glucose, which is a simple sugar. It is glucose that gives our bodies the energy we need every day. As the glucose goes through our bloodstream, it needs to be kept regulated. This is accomplished by our pancreas which produces insulin.

The more glucose, or sugar, that is introduced into our body, the more insulin that is released to regulate the blood glucose level. The problem arises when our body fails to produce the insulin we need, or it doesn't produce enough.

Effects of Diebetes Mellitus

By having too high of a level of blood sugar in our body does severe damage over time. It can cause blurred vision and blindness, kidney damage, hands and feet to be lost, and even death. You'll need to do all you can to prevent and treat the disease.

Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 Diabetes is the form of diabetes that requires daily injections of insulin medicine. The pancreas produces no insulin at all to control the blood sugar level. Without the daily insulin shots of medicine, the person will not survive. Approximately 10% of diabetics have Type 1, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of the disease. Also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, this form occurs when the pancreas either can't produce enough insulin, or it stops using it properly. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is present in 90% of all diabetics, and usually affects people over the age of 40 the most. Genetics also play a big role with type ii diabetes symptoms.

The key to getting the disease under control is to prevent and treat it as soon as possible. Have a blood sugar test annually to check for symptoms. Don't let Diebetes Mellitus get you by surprise.

by Alien Sheng

Weight Loss - Five Secrets To Losing Weight

Weight Loss - Five Secrets To Losing Weight

Secret #1 The best way to lose weight is to design and create a program that includes various aspects of diet and exercises. Many experts recommend a weight loss program that includes a strict dietary discipline of eating fewer and burning excess calories with well managed exercising sessions. The best way to lose weight is to ensure that you stick to a goal of loosing up to a pound of weight per week.

Secret #2 Everything starts in your mind! It is possible to lose weight only when you decide to make up your mind to lose weight! So, the first and the foremost important thing is to set a realistic goal, that provides you a well-defined timeline and schedule for dieting and workout sessions. Before you set your goal, you may need to ensure that you consult your nutritionist to know the most ideal weight for your body. Uncontrolled weight loss may lead to medical and physical health complications. The most ideal weight loss program ensures that you loose weight of one-half to two pounds every week and also retain the minimum suggested strength and vigor in your body.

Secret #3 To lose weight shift over to a more disciplined lifestyle of eating less calories, eating small meals, choosing low calories food ingredients and also to undergo strict physical workout sessions to burn excess calories. You may need to be physically very active and agile, if you wish to lose your weight. Reduce your consumption of all junk and oil rich foods like burgers, pizzas, friend foods, fried meats, cheese fillings and cocoa rich beverages and foods. Instead, you can start consuming foods that are rich in fibers and greens; experts recommend eating lots of vegetables, green leaves and fruits to provide nutrients that are low in fat and cholesterol.

Secret #4 It is also possible to lose weight with a corresponding increase in physical activities. Short sessions of some basic exercises are just sufficient to keep your body fit and agile. Jogging and brisk walking are excellent forms of exercises that can help you in loosing your weight. Exercises need not be unduly harsh and severe, but regular workout sessions will ensure desired results with in a month or two.

Secret #5 To lose weight will require you sticking on to a weight loss management system of eating at the right time and also at right intervals. Never eat a large meal during the night and also just before going to the bed. You should also know the essential principle behind eating healthy food. More often, we tend to eat too much food or end up eating wrong type of food. An incessant urge to consume too much alcohol is also detrimental to your body, as excessive carbohydrate present in alcohol will add more to your weight. The best way to lose weight is something of an art of introducing a sense of discipline both to your body as well as lifestyle. When you understand the basic principles behind the science of weight loss, you're half way through in your quest for an athletic looking body.

by Lynn Corncroper