How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

High cholesterol levels are associated with coronary artery disease

High levels of cholesterol are associated with a high risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is characterized by fatty streaks along the walls of blood vessels and deposits of cholesterol and calcium. People with elevated cholesterol levels are much more likely to have atherosclerosis than people with low cholesterol levels.

There are two types of cholesterol - HDL and LDL

HDL (high density lipoprotein) transports fat and cholesterol from the body to the liver to be broken down. LDL (low density lipoprotein) transports cholesterol and fat from the liver to the body for use and storage. HDL is considered protective against heart disease and LDL is considered to contribute to atherosclerosis.

Fiber lowers cholesterol

Fiber from beans, oats, psyllium seed, and fruit pectin are known to reduce cholesterol levels. Oatmeal is a water soluble fiber that contains mucilage which is beneficial for the digestive tract. Oatmeal is also a tasty and quick breakfast cereal.

Eggs are high in cholesterol

Most dietary cholesterol comes from egg yolks, and egg eaters are more likely to die from heart disease even when serum cholesterol levels are not elevated. Eating eggs, however, does not increase serum cholesterol as much as saturated fat which is found in butter, cheese, milk, chocolate and meat.

Sugar lowers HDL

Eating sugar reduces HDL (the good cholesterol) and increases other risk factors linked to heart disease. This may be because sugar is a carbohydrate which forms acetyl CoA which is the precursor of cholesterol and fat.

Olive oil lowers LDL cholesterol

Olive oil has been found to lower LDL cholesterol. especially when it replaces saturated fat in the diet. It is a very old custom in Italy to serve olive oil on a plate to dip their fresh baked bread into. Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil has a distinctive flavor and a slight greenish tinge that is characteristic of high quality olive oil.

Cholesterol is made from carbohydrates

Cholesterol is made in the body from acetyl CoA and acetoacetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA is formed from glucose which is found in carbohydrates (sugar, bread, etc.) Besides forming cholesterol, acetyl CoA can also be used to make energy or fats. Therefore a diet low in carbohydrates may be helpful in reducing cholesterol.

Important vitamins and hormones are made from cholesterol

Cholesterol is used in the body to make isoprenes which form vitamin A, D, E and K, bile acids and hormones including aldosterone (which regulates sodium and potassium levels in the body), cortisol (an anti-inflammatory hormone), estrogen and testosterone (the “sex” hormones). Therefore cholesterol is a vital precursor molecule in the body.

Cytochrome p450 degrades cholesterol

Cholesterol is degraded by the cytochrome p450 enzyme system. Cytochrome p450 is part of phase 1 detoxification which helps remove alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, barbiturates, dioxin, and paint fumes from the body. Cofactors for cytochrome p450 are iron, copper, and vitamins A, B1, and B2. Cytochrome p450 is inhibited by carbon monoxide, tagamet and cimetidine. High cholesterol levels may be caused by lowered cytochrome p450 activity as a result of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, over the counter drugs, or toxicity.

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol formation

HMG CoA reductase is the enzyme that forms cholesterol from acetyl CoA and acetoacetyl CoA. Cholesterol lowering drugs such as Lovastatin (Mevacor) inhibit HMG CoA reductase. Lovastatin also has many side effects, including abdominal pain, blurred vision, cataracts, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dyspepsia, elevated hepatic enzymes, flatulence, headache, myalgia, myasthenia, myopathy, nausea and vomiting, pruritis (itchy skin), and rhabdomyolysis.

Policosanol lowers cholesterol

Policosanol is a natural supplement that has been shown in scientific studies to reduce cholesterol. A review article published in the American Heart Journal reported that: At doses of 10 to 20 mg per day,

• policosanol lowers total cholesterol by 17% to 21%,
• policosanol lowers LDL cholesterol by 21% to 29%, and
• policosanol raises HDL cholesterol by 8% to 15%.

Daily doses of 10 mg of policosanol have been shown to be equally effective in lowering total or LDL cholesterol as the same dose of simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol).

The Natural Abilities of Bee Pollen Will Amaze You

Many experts believe that bee pollen can actually allow the ability to develop an actual immunity against allergies. When we encounter an allergen, our immune system produces more histamine, which causes an inflammatory response such as itchy, watery eyes, or a red, swollen nose. Studies have found that supplementation of bee pollen can actually inhibit this response, which decreases the symptoms that come along with an allergic reaction. Quercetin is found in bee pollen and can inhibit the production and release of histamine, so it can be clearly seen that it contributes to bee pollen's ability to decrease allergic responses.

Bee pollen should not be confused with the type of pollen that is carried in the wind during the spring. This wind-born pollen is actually what causes allergic responses in most people. Bee pollen is actually much heavier and tackier than this form of pollen and is collected from the legs of honeybees. Although it can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, allergy symptoms originating from bee pollen are relatively rare. The majority of people who suffer from pollen allergies can safely take bee pollen without any adverse effects.

Bee pollen is rich in lecithin which helps to breakdown fats. Its main role in weight control seems to be in its ability to stabilize a faulty metabolism. Additionally, bee pollen can help to balance body chemistry by providing a large variety of nutrients. By doing this, abnormal cravings or unusually stimulated appetites are able to be controlled. If weight loss is desired, bee pollen should be taken alone on an empty stomach, as bee pollen sugars are rapidly metabolized and boost the rate of calorie burning or thermo genesis in the process.

An inverted sugar that does not ferment in the intestinal tract can be found in bee pollen. Additionally, bee pollen has a soothing effect on any intestinal inflammation and is considered a natural lubricant. This lubricating action, combined with its natural fatty acid content, promotes peristalsis, which helps to prevent constipation and gas. It should be noted that taking large dosages of bee pollen can occasionally result in some minor gastrointestinal irritation or a laxative effect.

Bee pollen also contains differing quantities of particular antibiotics that fight E. coli and Proteus organisms, both of which can cause serious diseases. The antibiotic action of bee pollen was found to be extremely effective in fighting salmonella and other strains of colibacillus. Scientific research on bee pollen has led to the belief that it can act as a potent bactericide, as bacteria can not exist in bee pollen. Taking bee pollen regularly is believed to increase the body's resistance to infection.

Studies have shown that certain amounts of bee pollen may prevent or inhibit the growth of malignant cells. Laboratory tests have strongly suggested that adding bee pollen to food can act as a significant anti-carcinogenic component. It should be noted that large amounts of bee pollen were not required to create this effect, which is a fact that supports the thought that the nutrients found in bee pollen are highly concentrated and balanced.

Good quality bee pollen can be found at your local or internet health food store. Bee pollen is available in capsule, bulk powder, or granule forms. When selecting a good bee pollen product, always look to name brands like Montana Big Sky, Solaray, and Premier One to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

An Inside Look At Allergy And Allergy Testing

Although allergy may not all be life threatening, some serious cases of allergy may actually lead to death. Allergy is normally associated with runny nose, red eyes, itchy skin and other similar symptoms. But allergy is more than just these. Allergy causes discomfort and it may trigger other health problems later on.

Allergy refers to the body’s overreaction to foreign substances and elements called the allergens or antigens. Allergens can be in different forms. It can be in the form of food, chemicals, cosmetics or even natural elements. The most common allergens are dust, pollens, medications, foods, and topical cosmetics.

Allergens can trigger allergy in various ways. It can cause allergy through skin contact, intake, inhalation and injection. People who are hypersensitive are usually the victims of allergy. Their body reacts immediately upon contact with an allergen. The allergic reaction differs from one person to the other and from one allergen to the other.

Allergy Symptoms

There are various symptoms of allergy but the most common ones include the following:

• Redness, swelling and itchiness of skin that came in contact with the allergen;


• Redness and itchiness of the eyes including its surrounding areas;


• Sneezing and runny nose;


• Breathing problems; and


• Hearing difficulties.

There may be other symptoms of allergy but these are the common ones. The symptom will depend on the allergic person and on the allergen that caused the reaction.

Allergy Testing

To prevent allergy, you must identify its source. Through identification of the source, you will be able to avoid the allergen. A person identified to be allergic to dust must avoid being in contact with it. You won’t be able to prevent allergy if you don’t know what to avoid. To identify if you are allergic with particular allergens, you need to undergo allergy testing.

Allergy testing is the process by which a person can identify what causes his allergic reactions. The allergens that trigger unusual body response from the person are identified. This allows the person to avoid the allergen, thereby, preventing allergy.

There are several types of allergy testing. The most common are skin test, blood test, food test, breath test, and muscle test or kinesiology. Through allergy testing, a person can identify and avoid substances and elements that can trigger allergy. As always been said, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid suffering fatal consequences from allergy later on, it is best to prevent it now.