CHOLESTEROL
Although cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins may be beneficial for patients who have already suffered a heart attack or are at high risk for coronary heart disease, they are currently being over-prescribed. Prescription drugs come with undesirable side effects, often unrecognized. Statins are associated with a number of complications including memory loss, muscle aches and weakness, development of type 2 diabetes, and increased length of hospital stays. Depression and mental lapses have been reported if the drugs are used to reduce cholesterol below the level of 140.
Why are cholesterol lowering medications so widely prescribed? Many physicians assume that patients will not alter the way they eat, exercise, sleep, and weigh-in on the scales. Therefore, they should be medicated! On the other hand, the ProHealth Lab’s non-drug approach will actually reverse and prevent cardio-vascular disease, even in the small blood vessels throughout your organ-systems. Leading researchers such as Dean Ornish, MD, Caldwell Esselstyn, MD, and Paul Pritikin have proven the superiority of nutritional and lifestyle interventions over drugs and/or surgical interventions for the majority of patients.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance transported through the blood that is essential to bodily functions. It is derived from the food we eat and is also produced by our liver. When high levels are present in the blood stream, cholesterol can penetrate the walls of the arteries, forming deposits known as plaque. Plaque often enlarges and may combine with inflammatory elements causing rupture of the vessel wall. Now exposed to the blood stream, a clot can attach which may obstruct blood flow and the delivery of essential oxygen to vital organs such as the heart (heart attack) and brain (stroke).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
You Can Lower Your Cholesterol In Just 4 Weeks
By following these simple steps outlined below, you can lower your cholesterol in four weeks without prescription drugs. By decreasing your cardio-vascular disease risk, you can also improve your chances of avoiding associated diseases which include: hypertension, retinal disease, periodontal disease, erectile dysfunction, migraines, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and even anxiety and/or depression.
Healthy Diet
- Eat at least of 1-2 servings per day of soluble and insoluble fiber to reduce LDL/cholesterol
- Oatmeal, psyilium husk (Metamucil), whole grain breads/cereal
- Kidney, lima and black beans or other legumes
- Consume at least 200-400 mg per day of omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish or take Nutriex Omega-3/Fish Oil (or equivalent product)
- Consume a mostly vegetarian diet and avoid processed foods
- Eat almonds, flaxseeds, apples, soy protein (tofu, soy beans), garlic, phytosterols-based margarine
- Avoid sugar and especially high-fructose corn syrup Reduce salt intake
- Use anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements like Nutriex Sport or Health
Exercise
- Walk on a treadmill, pedal a stationary bike, or work-out on an elliptical trainer before or after work
- Jog around the park or go for a hike Walk, don’t sit, at mid-day
- Other forms: pool therapy and swimming, stair stepper, rowing, stationary bike and cyling outdoors, Nordic track and cross-country skiing, dancing
Specifics
- Improve your BMI, even a 5% reduction in weight can have a dramatic affect
- Be aware that certain medications can have an adverse affect on your cholesterol levels
- Stop smoking, if applicable
- 1-2 baby aspirin daily (81 mg) if at risk
- Avoid medications which cause fluid rentention, e.g. ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, etc.
Stress Reduction
De-stress with 20-30 minutes per day of deep breathing, yoga, Tai Chi, aroma therapy, warm baths, prayer, relaxation tapes, mediation or soothing music.