Natural Remedies For Cholesterol Lowering And Heart Health

So many variables are associated with heart health. What we eat, how much stress is in our lives, how much exercise we get or what our family history is are just a few of the variables. Some things we can monitor and control such as eating right, getting exercise, managing stress, lessening our alcohol intake and not smoking. All these things most of us know, but what about what happens when, as the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association says, half of all American adults have elevated cholesterol levels; 200mg/ldl or higher?

Despite the serious side effects of statin drugs, over 34 million people in America use these cholesterol lowering drugs such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor and others to lower their cholesterol number. What is it about statin drugs that are harmful?

To start with, they inhibit the production of the important coenzyme Q10. Known as CoQ10, this enzyme is needed in the production of cellular energy in all the major organs, especially the heart, among others. Statins have also been shown to greatly impair memory and cause damage to nerves. The most common complaint of patients using statin drugs is muscle pain; seems logical since they inhibit production of enzymes needed for muscle energy. This should be very alarming however, since our hearts are the most important muscle in the body.

We all love the holidays but did you know that December is the deadliest month for heart attacks as well as New Year’s Day? The reason is all the rich, fatty foods high in cholesterol and the stress that goes along with this time of year. Researchers at the University of California at San Diego, additionally, attributes the increase of cardiac deaths to people delaying treatment during the holidays.

What is the culprit to all this misery? Something that is actually initially good for our bodies. But like everything else in life, too much of a good thing isn’t so good. The body cannot be without cholesterol which is a fatty substance manufactured and distributed by the liver, and is necessary for the repair of tissues and cells. Problems occur when cholesterol travels back to the liver for recycling.

Just for reference first, lipoproteins are fats combined with proteins. Since our watery blood does not mix with fats, the cholesterol combines itself with other fats and proteins so it can be carried through the bloodstream. There is really just one “type” of cholesterol but the medical profession has divided it into two types.

The two types of cholesterol defined by the medical profession are:

-High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which is known as the “good” cholesterol because it takes the cholesterol away from arteries and tissues back to the liver.

-Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), has earned the reputation of “bad” cholesterol because it can squeeze through the lining of the arteries and when it oxidizes (like rust on a car or a banana turning black) can cause damage and inflammation.

When damage occurs chemicals are released to begin the process of healing which makes the arteries constrict and blood more prone to clot. White blood cells are then called into action to remove the damaged debris and cells next to the damage are told to multiply. Soon scars form, when this happens in the arteries it is called plaque. If this scar tissue builds up it restricts the flow of blood which further encourages high blood pressure.

The key to maintaining healthy and safe cholesterol levels is by keeping a balanced ratio of HDL and total cholesterol. When the cholesterol number is divided by the HDL amount the number should be below 5 to be ideal; any number above can increase the risk of heart disease.

Why take statin drugs when natural supplements have been shown to lower cholesterol the right way? These supplements along with adequate exercise, healthy eating habits and so on can help you live a better more productive life. It is never too early or late to start. Some supplements to consider are those that are natural and effective and that contain essential omega3 fatty acids, vitamin E, fiber, coenzyme Q10, garlic, all B vitamins and soy protein.

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