Total Living Naturals

Tips for Managing High Cholesterol

Try replacing bad fats with healthy fats. The daily recommended amount of healthy fat should be near 25 g. When “bad fats” are consumed, make sure it is not often, and limit the amount of these fats where possible. For example, you can reduce saturated fat intake by making the meat potion of your meal far smaller than your portion of vegetables and whole grains, by opting for low-fat or fat-free products and choosing lean and skinless meat.

Replace cooking oils that are high in saturated or trans fats with fats high in mono and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, flax seed oil and virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is the best oil to use when cooking at higher heat as it does not break down into trans fatty acids as easy as the other oils.

Foods to eat: garlic, fish such as tuna and salmon, nuts especially walnuts and almonds), oatmeal and oat bran, soy, beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables (carrots are especially good), whole-grains, and high-fiber foods. When choosing dairy products, always opt for the fat-free and low-fat products.

Foods to avoid: many processed foods, French fries, doughnuts, cookies, crackers, muffins, pies, pastries and cakes, egg yolks, duck, organ meats (such as chicken livers, brains, hearts, kidneys, or sweetbreads), shellfish snacks and meats that are high in saturated fats, fried food, whole-milk dairy products, butter, cream, ice cream, cream cheese.

If high cholesterol is a known problem, or tends to run in the family, get levels checked at least every 3 years.

Smoking dramatically increases the chance of heart disease, and can compound an existing problem of cholesterol levels. Continuing to smoke therefore puts the heart at serious risk. Consider quitting smoking naturally!

Maintain a healthy weight. One of the first steps to lowering cholesterol is to lose excess body weight. While many people find this is the most difficult part, a little dedication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and some help from a reputable weight-loss program can accomplish fitness goals.

Keep physically active. Exercise helps to raise HDL levels and lower LDL levels, and is especially important for people who are overweight, and those who have high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels.

Drink alcohol in moderation, as binge drinking or excessive alcohol intake increases the chance of heart conditions. Some research shows that moderate intake of certain alcohol, particularly red wine, shows a small increase in HDL or “good” cholesterol. Remember that ‘moderate’ refers to no more than one or two glasses daily!

The Natural Approach

Natural medicine has often been frowned upon by conventional doctors, especially by those who do not have sufficient knowledge of these medicines. However, it is encouraging to note that some medical schools are now beginning to re-introduce it into their course work, thereby providing doctors with a wider range of treatment options from which to choose. In many countries, especially in Europe, India and China, natural and homeopathic medicines are commonly prescribed by conventional doctors and represent a significant part of the total annual drug sales.

Naturopathy is a branch of medicine (just as allopathy is a branch of medicine) which operates according to the underlying philosophy that the body has an innate capacity to heal itself. While natural medicines are often called ‘alternative’ or ‘complimentary’ medicines, they are, in fact, a unique and independent form of medicine in their own right, well able to treat a variety of conditions. Perhaps the term ‘holistic’ medicine is more apt, given the broad range of treatment options and approaches which are to be found within the practice of natural medicine. This encompasses many different disciplines, including herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, osteopathy, chiropractic, therapeutic massage techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and many, many more.

Most naturopaths will use a variety of treatment modalities in order to treat their patients in a holistic way to support health, relieve symptoms and prevent future disease. In fact, even the World Health Organization defines health as being "... more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being." This is a wonderfully clear description of holistic or natural medicine, which strives to support health
(thereby relieving or preventing symptoms), rather than simply eliminating disease.

Most naturopaths recommend what is called the Full Spectrum Method of extraction – which retains the benefits of ALL the active ingredients within the herb as opposed to isolating only one – thereby providing a more complete treatment as well as superior protection against side effects. Whatever your choice, always choose wisely. Research what is best for you. If you have a chronic or life-threatening condition, don’t make changes without first discussing them with your doctor, in order that your condition may be monitored. Well-informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take responsibility for their own health.

 Related Natural Remedies:

Cholesto-Rite: Helps maintain healthy LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and promotes the ability to fight free radicals. Cholesto-Rite is a 100% safe, non-addictive, natural herbal remedy formulated by a team of experts in the field of natural medicine.

Cholesto-Rite has been designed to safely support the body in its ability to maintain healthy levels of LDL and LDH cholesterol, while also acting as a general cardiovascular tonic by promoting the body's natural ability to fight harmful free radicals.

Cholesto-Rite supports the healthy functioning of the liver and cardiovascular system, thereby helping to maintain balanced cholesterol in the veins and arteries.

Cholesto-Rite not only supports healthy levels of LDL cholesterol, but also encourages healthy levels of HDL, the 'good' form of cholesterol.