What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat like substance that circulates in the blood and is produced by the body from dietary cholesterol and saturated fats in food. Cholesterol is not harmful if kept within acceptable limits.
It is used by the body to perform a variety of vital functions, including building and maintaining cell membranes, hormone synthesis, and the manufacture of Vitamin D. It is only when blood cholesterol levels become too high, that too much cholesterol can become a problem
The body manufactures two types of cholesterol - LDL (which is seen as a ’bad’ form of cholesterol) and HDL (which is seen as a ’good’ form of cholesterol).
When LDL levels are too high, this leads to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, with an increased risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis. Healthy levels of HDL will help to clean away cholesterol in the arteries before it has a chance to build up.
In order to maintain healthy levels, we need to keep the LDL levels down and the HDL levels up.
What are the symptoms of high cholestrol?
High cholesterol levels often exist without any significant symptoms and many people only discover the problem after they have had heart problems like angina or even a heart attack.
If your cholesterol levels are very high, you may notice small yellow nodules beneath the skin of your eyes, eyebrows or elbows. Although it is possible to do a home test (obtainable from your pharmacy), these tests only measure total blood cholesterol levels and do not measure HDL.
The best way to find out whether you have high cholesterol levels is to visit your doctor, homeopath, naturopath or other health care provider.
Healthy adults should have their cholesterol levels measured at least every five years and more frequently if they are overweight, already have a cholesterol problem or if there is a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
What causes high cholestrol levels?
There is a definite link between high cholesterol levels and a diet high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, although genetic factors also play an important role. Smoking, being overweight and insufficient exercise can also contribute to high cholesterol levels.
How is it usually treated
It is very important to take steps to control your cholesterol levels. If it is left untreated, high cholesterol can result in heart disease or even stroke.
The good news is that high cholesterol can be well controlled by combining a healthy lifestyle with the correct medical treatment.
This can include synthetic prescription medication, natural remedies or a combination of both. If you are already taking prescription medication to control cholesterol levels, it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes.
Synthetic Cholesto-Rite prescription medication for high cholesterol.
In response to soaring rates of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, the pharmaceutical companies have produced a class of drugs which are collectively known as "statins".
The statins have a one dimensional effect of reducing the body’s ability to synthesize cholesterol. They do not, however, distinguish between the ’bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and the ’good’ cholesterol (HDL) and can also reduce levels of Co-enzyme Q10 and L-carnitine, two very important molecules which are involved in energy production and fat metabolism.
Myalgia and even stomach, lung and liver tumors have also been associated with the use of these drugs. It is very important that people who are taking prescription medication for high cholesterol be regularly monitored by their doctor.
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What is Cholesto-Rite?
Like high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, high levels of LDL cholesterol are recognized as symptoms of imbalance in the system. Naturopaths recognize that the whole system and not just the symptoms should be treated.
Research has demonstrated that a combination of natural remedies, regular exercise and dietary changes can make a significant difference to LDL levels and reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription drugs.
This is a much healthier approach and one which will have far reaching benefits in terms of quality of life and general well-being.
Recognizing the need for a healthier and more effective approach, without the side effects of the statin drugs, Native Remedies, in conjunction with a practicing Clinical Psychologist, has developed Cholesto-Rite - a 100% herbal remedy containing well researched ingredients and manufactured in therapeutic dosage according to the highest pharmaceutical standards.
Cholesto-Rite not only lowers LDL cholesterol, but also increases levels of HDL, the ’good’ form of cholesterol that helps to remove excessive LDL from the bloodstream and prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Regular use of Cholesto-Rite can help to balance the system and prevent heart disease and stroke, as well as ensure healthy arteries.
Because Cholesto-Rite also contains herbs that have anti-oxidant properties, Cholesto-Rite can prevent the damage caused by free radicals in the system. Research has shown that free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) are implicated in the build up of coronary plaque, leading to atherosclerosis, heart attack and even stroke. (see bottom of the page for research and clinical findings).
Can I use Cholesto-Rite together with my prescription medication for high cholestrol?
Under some circumstances you can - but NOT without consulting your doctor. The ingredients in Cholesto-Rite are highly effective in reducing cholesterol levels and are generally seen as a healthy and natural alternative to prescription cholesterol drugs.
Research has shown that regular use can be just as effective as the prescription drugs in lowering blood cholesterol levels, with the added benefit of increasing the production of protective HDL levels.
If your doctor is not familiar with natural remedies or is unsympathetic towards your quest for a healthier alternative, seek a second opinion.
NOTE: Do not stop using your prescription medication without first consulting your doctor or natural health care practitioner.
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