Article from RMBarry about controlling cholesterol

Our body needs cholesterol in order to make vitamin D, hormones, and cell membranes. Unlike other nutrients that must be consumed, most of the cholesterol in our body is made by our body, with only 25% of the cholesterol circulating in our blood made from the foods we eat. The Kids Health Organization explains the role and risk factors of cholesterol.

When we have a blood cholesterol test, our health care provider pays special attention to, not only the total cholesterol number, but also to the amount of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL, the good cholesterol, travels through the many miles of blood vessels in our body mopping up the "bad" low density lipoprotein (LDL). Saturated fat found in animal products such as egg yolks, full fat dairy, and butter contribute to elevated LDL. If cholesterol levels get too high, good HDL cholesterol is unable to remove the excess cholesterol. LDL cholesterol oxidizes, or turns rancid, and is deposited on artery walls forming a hard substance called plaque. Plaque makes arteries narrower and stiffer, reducing blood flow and causing blockage. "Hardening of the arteries" is a good description of the process.

Science Daily covers very recent research which argues that it is not the eating of cholesterol foods that cause cardiovascular damage, but damage comes from eating cholesterol foods that are oxidized, or made rancid by frying in reused oils or eating lots of polyunsaturated fats or transfats. Heart damage is made worse by smoking.

Helpful Supplements

The Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that plant sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol. Plant sterols can actually block the absorption of cholesterol and help eliminated it naturally through the body, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. Plant sterols need to be absorbed along with fat to be effective. They are naturally found in seeds and nuts. Research confirms that supplementing with at least 1,500 mg of plant sterols daily can result in a 10% to 15% reduction in LDL levels.

Phytomega contains the research-recommended two grams of plant sterols along with heart healthy omega-3, CoQ10, and ALA. Omega-3 fatty acids were found to reduce the occurrence of non-fatal coronary events, including heart attack in patients with high cholesterol, by 19%.

We have frequently noted that omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our health. Yet our body can only get omega-3 fatty acids through food or supplements. The University of Maryland reports that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. They note that omega-3 fatty acids may also be useful for twenty other conditions. Phytomega and Vitality Coldwater Omega-3 contain omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Another important cholesterol fighter is fiber. Soluble fiber, found in oats, psyllium seeds, beans, and many fruits, dissolves in water becoming gel-like. As a gel it traps and eliminates excess fats, cholesterol, and sugars. FiberWise contains seven natural fibers, 80% soluble and 20% insoluble, plus soothing herbs, antioxidants, and probiotics. FiberWise not only helps maintain regularity but also helps lower cholesterol, helps keep blood sugar levels balanced, and enhances general health.

Another natural ingredient that helps raise good HDL cholesterol is the cranberry. Two tasty chewable CranBarrier tablets contain 1,000 mg of cranberry extract which is the amount found in ten ounces of pure undiluted cranberry juice.

ProvexCV is a superstar in the fight against heart disease. It reduces LDL oxidation, thus reducing inflammation. A PubMed abstract highlights the multiple heart protecting properties of grape extracts along with its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation.

For more detailed information on the wonders of grape seed extract please read our Research Report.

New research is showing that probiotics in the digestive tract also regulate cholesterol metabolism. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that "friendly bacteria" helps us digest food, regulate hormones, produce vitamins, and enhance vitamin and mineral absorption. Now research is showing that probiotics in the digestive tract also regulate cholesterol metabolism.

Florify contains a blend of five billion colony units of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. Lactobacillus is the prevalent good bacteria in the small intestine and Bifidobacterium is the most dominant good bacteria in the large intestine.

In review: Along with your Vitality supplements, make sure you are including Coldwater Omega-3, FiberWise, Phytomega, and ProvexCV. For added protection add CranBarrier and Florify.