|
||
|
||
|
DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Description: Cholesterol is a crystalline substance necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It is used by cells to build membranes, and it is also used in sex hormones and in the digestive process. Cholesterol travels from the liver through the bloodstream to the various tissues of the body by means of a special class of protein molecules called lipoproteins. The cells take what they need, and any excess remains in the bloodstream until other lipoproteins pick it up for transport back to the liver. The cholesterol level in your blood is usually divided into three numbers. One number reflects the total amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood. Another number reflects the part of that total that contains the "bad" cholesterol – LDL (low-density lipoprotein) that sticks to the arteries and helps initiate the disease process that can cause a heart attack or a stroke. The third number reflects the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol that helps escort the bad cholesterol to the liver for disposal.
Symptoms: Cholesterol produces fatty deposits in arteries. High cholesterol levels and the resulting clogged circulatory system are an invitation to several types of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even increased complications from conditions such as diabetes.
Incidence: The total cholesterol level of the average American is higher than 200 mg. per deciliter of blood. Because heart attack risk rises sharply above that level, the American Heart Association urges everyone to take measures to reduce cholesterol if it’s anywhere near that high. In coronary artery disease, the number one cause of death in the United States, the arteries that nourish the heart become clogged. Approximately 7 million heart attacks and 500,000 deaths from coronary artery disease occur each year.
Causes: Cholesterol levels are greatly influenced by diet. The consumption of foods high in cholesterol and/or saturated fat increases cholesterol levels. Sugar and alcohol both raise the level of natural cholesterol (that which the body produces). Although we do need this substance, we do not need to overproduce it, which is what happens when we consume sugar and alcohol. Stress also results in an overproduction of natural cholesterol.
Treatments: The goal is not to eliminate cholesterol from your body – because a moderate amount is needed for proper biochemical functioning – but to balance good and bad cholesterol and keep total cholesterol under control. In general, a total cholesterol level below 200 mg. per deciliter (mg/dl) is best; 200 to 239 mg/dl is borderline and heading for trouble; and 240 mg/dl and above is high and needs to be controlled.
Preventing heart disease requires a comprehensive approach that includes avoiding consumption of animal products, saturated fats, sugar and alcohol, and eliminating stress.
If you have high cholesterol, follow the nutritional guidelines and recommendations in this section, and consult your health care professional.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Apple pectin |
As directed on label |
Lowers cholesterol levels by binding fats and heavy metals. |
|
Calcium |
As directed on label |
To prevent hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels. |
|
Chromium picolinate |
400-600 mcg. daily |
Lowers total cholesterol levels and improves HDL – LDL ratio. |
|
Coenzyme Q10 |
60 mg. daily |
Improves circulation. |
|
Fiber (oat bran and guar gum are good sources) |
As directed on label, ˝ hour before the first meal of the day. Take separately from other supplements and medications. |
Helps to lower cholesterol. |
|
Garlic |
2 capsules 3 times daily |
Lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. |
|
Lecithin granules or capsules |
1 tbsp. 3 times daily before meals. 1200 mg. caps. 3 times daily before meals. |
Lowers cholesterol. A fat emulsifier. |
|
Lipotropic factors |
As directed on label |
Substances that prevent fat deposits (as in atherosclerosis.) |
|
Vitamin B complex plus extra Vitamin B1 (thiamine) plus choline and inositol |
As directed on label. As directed on label.
100 – 300 mg. daily. |
B vitamins work best when taken together. Important in controlling cholesterol levels. Important in fat metabolism. Protects the liver from fat deposits. |
|
Vitamin B3 (niacin) |
300 mg. daily. Do not exceed this amount. |
Lowers cholesterol. Do not use a sustained-release formula and do not substitute niacinamide for niacin. (Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.) |
|
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids |
3,000-8,000 mg. daily in divided doses. |
Lowers cholesterol |
|
Vitamin E emulsion |
Begin with 200 IU daily and slowly increase dosage to 1,000 IU daily. |
Improves circulation. The emulsion form offers rapid assimilation. |
Herbs:
 | Cayenne (capsicum), goldenseal, and hawthorn berries help to lower cholesterol. (Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed. |
Recommendations:
Include the following foods in your diet which aid in lowering cholesterol:
| Apples, bananas, carrots, cold-water fish, dried beans, garlic, and grapefruit. |
| Plenty of fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Water-soluble dietary fiber is very important in reducing serum cholesterol. It is found in barley, beans, brown rice, fruits, guar gum and oats. Oat bran and brown rice bran are the best foods for lowering cholesterol. |
| Fresh juices, especially carrot, celery, and beet juices. |
| Use vegetable oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as olive, soybean, primrose and black currant seed oil. Olive oil is recommended. |
Avoid the following foods:
| Animal products (especially red meat, pork and pork products). |
| Fried or fatty foods. |
| Nuts, except for walnuts, which can be eaten in moderation. |
| Saturated fats, including all fats of animal origin as well as coconut and palm kernel oils. |
| All hydrogenated fats and hardened fats and oils such as margarine, lard, and butter. |
| Alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, nondairy creamers, tea. |
| Cakes, candy, pies, gravies, processed or refined foods, refined carbohydrates, white bread. |
| Gas-forming foods such as Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and sweet pickles. |
The following may be consumed, but only in moderation:
| Nonfat milk. |
| Low-fat cottage cheese. |
| Skinless white poultry meat (preferably turkey). |
In addition, get regular moderate exercise and try to avoid stress and sustained tension. (Always consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.)
Considerations:
| Meat and dairy products are primary sources of dietary cholesterol. Vegetables and fruits are free of cholesterol. |
| Many people substitute margarine or vegetable shortening for butter because they contain no cholesterol. However these products contain compounds called cis- and trans-fatty acids that become oxidized when exposed to heat and can clog the arteries. They have been linked to the formation of damaging free radicals. |
| According to a report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, observation of 15,000 coffee drinkers revealed that as the intake of coffee rises, the amount of cholesterol in the blood goes up. |
| Nondairy coffee creamers are actually poor alternatives to cholesterol-heavy dairy products. Many contain coconut oil, which is a highly saturated fat. Soymilk or almond milk is preferable. |
| The body needs some fat, but it must be the right kind. Good fats supply essential fatty acids, an important link in our health chain. Fats supply energy and stay in the digestive tract for longer periods than proteins or carbohydrates, giving a feeling of fullness. |
| Fried foods such as hamburgers and french fries from fast food restaurants not only contain high amounts of cholesterol, but fat subjected to high temperatures in the deep-frying process result in oxidation and the formation of free radicals. Frying food in fat also produces toxic trans-fatty acids which behave much like saturated fats in clogging the arteries and raising blood cholesterol levels. |
| Certain drugs, including steroids, oral contraceptives, furosemide (Lasix) and other diuretics, and levodopa (Sinemet), used to treat Parkinson’s disease, can elevate cholesterol levels. Beta-blockers, often prescribed to control high blood pressure, can cause unfavorable changes in the ratio of LDL to HDL in the blood. |
| In the United States and northern Europe, where people consume large amounts of meat and dairy products, extremely high rates of heart and circulatory disease are present compared to the so-called Third World nations, whose diets consist of grains, fruits, and vegetables. |
| Even though there are a number of cholesterol-lowering drugs on the market available by prescription only, these tend to be costly and may have side effects. Following a diet that excludes animal fats (including meat, milk, and all dairy products) and includes ample amounts of fiber and bulk (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) is the preferred approach to keeping cholesterol levels within a safe range. |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No. 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
247-151 |
Apple Pectin 500 mg. |
As directed on label. |
$5.95/100 |
|
145-151 |
Calcium 600 w/D Tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$5.99/120 |
|
NS00019 |
Chitosan 750 mg. Caps. |
As directed on label. |
$18.00/60 |
|
943-12 |
Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg. Caps. |
2 or 3 tablets daily. |
$5.50/60 |
|
946-12 |
Coenzyme Q10 30 mg. Caps. |
2 tablets daily. |
$13.95/60 |
|
247-15 |
Fiber – Diettabs. |
As directed on label, ˝ hour before the first meal of the day. Take separately from other supplements and medications. |
$5.95/100 |
|
SD00023 |
Flaxseed Oil 1000 mg. |
As directed. |
$10.86/100 |
|
978-25 |
Garlic 400 mg. Odor Free Tabs. |
2 capsules 3 times daily. |
$5.50/200 |
|
921-151 |
Lecithin Granules |
1 tbsp. 3 times daily before meals. |
$7.25/14 oz. |
|
890-15 |
Vitamin B Complex |
As directed on label. |
$8.95/100 |
|
255-15 |
Niacin 100 mg. Tabs., or Niacinate 515 mg. Caps. |
May cause flushing Non-flushing plus inositol base |
$2.75/100 $13.95/60 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. w/Rose Hips Tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily. |
$5.75/60 |
|
234-15 |
Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopheryl) 400 IU |
1 tablet daily. |
$7.99/100 |
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Prevention’s Healing with Vitamins, by the Editors of
Prevention Magazine Health Books
