Alternative, Complementary And Natural Treatments For High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a substance similar to fat found in the bloodstream. The liver and various cells in the body produce cholesterol. Certain foods, for example eggs, meat and dairy products, contain cholesterol as well. Cholesterol allows the body to manufacture Vitamin D, hormones and bile, acids used in the digestion of fat.

Generally, people are most familiar with cholesterol as it relates to having "good" and "bad" cholesterol readings. Good cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), assists with ridding the body of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol, which can accumulate on the interior walls of the arteries hardening and narrowing them. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which often leads to heart disease.

The levels of cholesterol people have in their bloodstream are influenced by weight, age, heredity, gender, and diet. Medications and medical conditions also affect cholesterol levels. Dietary choices, regular checkups after the age of 20 and exercise can help keep cholesterol readings at healthy levels.

People who have high cholesterol or who are at risk of developing the condition can manage their levels using medications as well as alternative therapies like herbal and nutritional supplements as well as lifestyle choices.

Herbs To Lower Cholesterol

Certain herbal supplements and extracts show efficacy for lowering high cholesterol levels. If a person decides to use them, they need to check with their physician to determine any contraindications for using herbal extracts or supplements.

Garlic causes a short term decrease in total cholesterol. Studies have shown garlic to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) by as much as 10 mg/dL, lower Triglycerides by as much as 20 mg/dL. It also contains antioxidants that can prevent oxidation, selenium to cleanse the blood, and vitamin C to reduce damage from LDL cholesterol. It also contains the phytochemical Quercetin that has been linked to decreases in death from heart disease, reduced risk of clotting and increased flow-mediated dilation of major arteries. Fresh raw garlic also releases a short-lived gas called hydrogen sulfide that acts as an intracellular signaling compound that protects the heart. Raw garlic, eaten soon after cutting is best because cooking, processing and drying destroys this valuable gas.

Guggilipid, an Ayurvedic remedy is credited with lowering cholesterol; its effectiveness requires further study.

Fenugreek has been shown to lower "bad," LDL cholesterol.

Policosanol lowers LDL cholesterol.

Turmeric appears to lower cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis.

Rosemary contains phytochemicals, which lower LDL cholesterol.

Artichoke leaf extract lowers cholesterol levels, but its impact on LDL cholesterol is inconclusive.

Yarrow the plant compounds in yarrow resemble cholesterol and interfere with its absorption by the body.

Holy Basil also reduces overall cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

Dietary Support to Lower Cholesterol

Many doctors advocate the benefits of a healthy diet emphasizing plant food sources for lowering and managing cholesterol levels. A high fiber diet rich in healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants helps keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range. According to WebMD, these dietary choices significantly lower harmful cholesterol levels.

Fiber, especially the soluble fiber in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains lower cholesterol levels.

Nuts can reduce cholesterol as well. A daily serving of 1.5 oz. of almonds, pistachios, walnuts or other nut variety reduces the risk of heart disease.

Phytosterols, plant compounds found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains prevent the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. They have been found to lower LDL cholesterol.

Omega-3 fatty acids lower the levels of triglycerides, the form of cholesterol produced by the liver, keep the blood thinning at a healthy level, and prevent the bonding of plaque to arteries. They also curb inflammation in the body. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna as well as flaxseed and walnuts provide these essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Exercise and Cholesterol

Exercise significantly influences cholesterol levels in the body. It facilitates the movement of cholesterol through the system by stimulating the production of enzymes responsible for moving LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and into the liver.

The liver converts this cholesterol into bile for digestion or it becomes part of the waste excreted by the body. It also increases the size of the protein particles, which carry cholesterol in the bloodstream. This increased size makes it more difficult for cholesterol to permeate blood vessel walls and remain there leading to atherosclerosis.

According to WebMD, "most public health organizations recommend, at a minimum, 30 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous exercise, such as walking, jogging, biking, or gardening," to gain the great health benefits of lowered cholesterol levels."

Bottom Line And Safety

Using alternative and complementary treatment to manage high cholesterol is simple to incorporate into a person's daily regimen. Herbal and nutritional supplementation, dietary choices, and exercise offer simple ways to reap the benefits of lower cholesterol relatively quickly.

These methods become most effective when implemented synergistically. Of course, a doctor's recommendation should be considered when engaging in these therapies. Some complementary therapies may not be beneficial to individuals already on a regimen of medication or those who may have other health restrictions or conditions.

Russell (Rusty) Hart is the founder of the Health, Fitness & Sport Club, a website devoted to the promotion of health, fitness and wellness. The site encompasses a wide variety of health and fitness activities including general health matters, pilates, yoga, CrossFit, treadmill training, running, kettlebell, swimming, baseball, camping, hunting, HIIT, triathlons, extreme sports, equestrian and more. Should this subject matter be of interest you can visit the HF & S Club home site where you'll find over 1,300 quality posts with new posts being published daily. To quickly access those that are of interest you can select any of 20 Categories broken down by over 260 Sub-Categories for easy access.

You can also visit visit any of the HF & S Club's four Stores all of which feature 1,000s of sports and health products at the very best prices.

5 Things Teachers Want From Parents

I think we could all agree that teaching is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Everyone, and I mean everyone from presidents and surgeons to serial killers and terrorists arguably all have one thing in common. They have at some point sat in a classroom under the authority and instruction of a teacher. This being said, I love my job-on most days. It is challenging but rewarding, exhausting but rejuvenating, thankless but gratifying, all at the same time. But like any other job, what makes it easier is if you have a support system, and parents are the greatest support system that any teacher could have. Parents, the same way that you need us, we need you, and here are five simple ways that you can show your support:

1. Be on my side (which, by the way, is also your child's side). I am a professional, an expert in my field. I have earned degrees, certifications, awards, and accolades. I have dedicated my life, spent my money, and sacrificed my peace of mind, all for the purpose of preparing your child to be able to go out into the world and be a productive contributor. I am not out to get your child. I don't have a personality conflict with your child. And I am certainly not setting up your child for failure. Remember that your child's performance is a reflection on me (fairly or unfairly), and there is absolutely no benefit to me if your child fails. I have worked with hundreds of teachers, and I have never heard one of them wish failure on a student. Regardless if your child is surly, ornery, and downright mean-you know who your child is-I still ultimately want the best for him or her, even if it is only to see them move forward to another grade, teacher, class, or school.

2. Do your part. Make sure that your child is prepared. This means well-rested, well-fed, and well-supplied. It is hard to engage a sleepy, hungry child who has no book. And, while we are on the subject, if at all possible, keep all of the electronics at home. I know that you think that they are only using them for emergencies, but trust me when I tell you that your child is in a gaming, tweeting, texting frenzy that teachers can't compete with. Also, make sure that your child is doing homework. Do not, I repeat, do not believe them when they tell you that they don't have any. Students almost always have some homework in some class. Check their grades often. Every school system that I know of provides electronic access to grades. Most schools still send out Progress Reports at least every 9 weeks, so if you have not seen one, your child is hiding something. Communicate, kindly, with teachers. This does not mean a panicked email during the last week of school. If you are keeping up with grades (note my previous point), you will have the information you need to communicate before your child's situation is irreversible.

3. Recognize and respect my part of the process. Remember that I am an educator. This is my calling and my chosen career, and I take it seriously. Trust that I know what I am doing when it comes to educating your child. I do not want to be your child's parent, although I do have to act in proxy. The definition of teaching and my primary goal is to "train by formal instruction and supervised practice, especially in a skill, trade, or profession" (Merriam-Webster). Does this mean that I do not sometime have to take on different role? Of course not. I am also often a nurse, law enforcer, lawyer (both prosecuting and defense), judge, referee, and counselors. However, my primary goal is the education of your child, and I view most situations through the eyes of an educator. I am concerned with the good of the group and the overall education process. This role may sometimes be far removed from your role as parent. Consider this analogy: I am your child's coach- "a person who teaches and trains the members (students) of a sports team (classroom) and makes decisions about how the team plays (performs) during games (assessments)" (Merriam-Webster; additions, mine). You are your child's cheerleader- "a person who encourages other people to do or support something" (Merriam-Webster). Can you see the difference? A coach's primary focus is to train and make decisions (and sometimes encourage), while the cheerleader's job is to support (from the sidelines)!

4. Understand my limitations. You may be feeling overwhelmed by your child. Now multiply that by thirty. That is my classroom. Now multiply that by three. That is my work day. Ninety plus teenagers in and out of my room all day. All with different personalities and needs, and all with different parents-with different personalities and needs. I differentiate instruction, and assess needs, but I am not a personal tutor-who by the way gets paid a lot more than I do. I have systems and procedures in place to make the operation run smoothly. It is a lot to deal with, but I've usually got it under control. I take my responsibility as a teacher just as seriously as you take your responsibility as a parent. I know a lot, but not everything. I see a lot, but not everything. I hear a lot, but not everything. I can catch and stop a lot, but not everything. I am human, just like you. I make mistakes, just like you. So if at all possible, whenever possible, please cut me some slack by not placing unrealistic, superhuman expectations on me, and I will return the favor.

5. Be thankful. I am thankful that I have an opportunity to teach your child and to be part of the support team that lays the groundwork for a successful and fulfilled life. You should be thankful that you have some additional support in your child's corner. At least be thankful that your child is out of the house for eight hours a day. I'm not asking for parades or streamers, although that might be fun. Just a simple, occasional acknowledgement that we are all in this together would be greatly appreciated.

Why I Love Chia Seeds

I first learned about chia seeds when I read the book "Born To Run" almost 10 years ago. The Tarahumara Indians used the seeds in a cocktail that allowed for what seemed like super-human strength and endurance. So how could you not want to give that a try, right?

Not knowing too much about the nutritional qualities of this seed back then, I started adding a couple of tablespoons to my morning routine, and have never stopped. As I transitioned my career to the health and fitness industry by becoming a certified personal trainer and nutritional counselor, I began to appreciate the amazing benefits of incorporating it into my daily eating routine.

Here are a few reasons why you should add chia seeds to your daily routine:

1. Helps You Lose Weight:

Chia seeds can help you lose weight in a couple of different ways. The first is that the insane amount of fiber in a chia seed absorbs tons of water and expands your stomach. This makes you feel full. When you feel full, you stop eating. Also, they are high in protein, which helps to satiate you and reduce your hunger response. The result? Eat less food, shrink your stomach, and lose weight. Since most weight gain is the result of "overeating", they can help you lose weight. The second is that the chia seeds slow the absorption of food, which aids in weight loss

2. Helps To Prevent Cancer:

Chia seeds have a high amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage the molecules in cells and be a major contributor to diseases like cancer. The molecular damage caused by free radicals also accelerates the aging process.

3. Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease:

Chia seeds have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. By lowering LDL cholesterol, you reduce the potential for the buildup of this goo on the walls of your arteries, which allows for better blood flow. The HDL cholesterol is like a guy in a hazmat suit that removes the toxic LDL goo from your arteries. So not only are you reducing the bad stuff, you are boosting the good stuff. This all adds up to better heart health.

They are best absorbed when added to food during prep. If you start your day off with a morning smoothie, put a tablespoon in with the mix. If you like to cook up some oatmeal, add a tablespoon while cooking. Sprinkle them on salads, add to your cold drink after a workout, add it to sauces. The possibilities are endless.

Chia seeds best ways to purchase chia seeds is in bulk. You pay a fortune for the little seed when you buy it in a store like Whole Foods. Try Costco or Amazon and buy a big bag. You will save a ton of money this way, which will allow you to eat them every day.

One word of caution about the chia seeds - When you cook with the seed, like in oatmeal and sauces, make sure that you do not allow any seeds to escape down the drain. You see, the seed will basically sprout and grow ANYWHERE, like in your trap in your drainpipe. One day, I turned on the water in my sink only to find the drain hopelessly clogged. I called the plumber and he snaked the pipe. What do you think he found? Yup. There was a gig ole Chia Pet growing in my drainpipe.

Start enjoying the health benefits of chia seeds today. You will be glad you did.