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Healthy Cholesterol Management
By now most people are aware that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is an important step in preventing cardiovascular disease. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fiber and whole grains and low in saturated animal fats and trans-saturated fats as well as regular physical activity are basic steps in managing your levels and improving heart health.
Unfortunately, for many people these steps are not enough. In most of these cases, so-called "statin" drugs such as lipitor and mevacor are prescribed which work to dramatically lower cholesterol.
While these drugs are very useful, they do come with a cost. For example, they have been shown to deplete CoQ10, an important nutrient that promotes cellular energy production, especially in the cardiovascular system. At SOMA Acupuncture, we advise that all people taking statin drugs supplement CoQ10 to avoid this side effect.
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Fortunately, advances in research of naturally occurring nutrients and herbs have shown impressive results in maintaining healthy blood fat levels without unhealthy side effects.
Policosanol, which occurs naturally in beeswax and sugar cane, has been shown in numerous studies to improve cardiac function, exercise capacity and blood flow to peripheral tissues, decrease total cholesterol, and improve HDL/LDL and total/HDL ratios, and decrease platelet "stickiness."
Soy isoflavones have been shown to inhibit atherosclerosis as well as lower total and LDL while raising HDL cholesterol.
The B-vitamin niacin has long been known to lower total and LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), triglyceride and fibrinogen levels while simultaneously raising HDL. It is the only lipid-lowering agent that has been proven to reduce overall mortality. Niacin is often neglected as a cholesterol-reducing agent because it can cause liver inflammation and an uncomfortable flushing sensation; fortunately, there are now forms available which do not cause these side effects while remaining effective.
As you can see, there are many options available for maintaining healthy blood fat levels and preventing cardiovascular disease. We can help you tailor an individualized plan to help you meet your specific needs and goals.
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Switching Dietary Fats Dramatically Lowers Cholesterol
In a group of 71 21-40 year olds, two and a half weeks on a polyunsaturated fat diet reduced blood cholesterol levels by 19% while those on a monosaturated fat diet reduced their levels by 12% as compared to the same people on a saturated fat diet. The saturated fat diet consisted of high amounts of butter and dairy products, the monosaturated fat diet avoided dairy and used olive oil, and the polyunsaturated fat diet used primarily safflower oil.
Researchers also noted that those on polyunsaturated and monosaturated fat diets reduced their fat calories by 9%. This study confirms the importance of diet in the management of cholesterol levels, a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease, and the relative rapidity dietary changes have on disease risk.
Please also see information on the lab test Cardiovascular Risk Profile.
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SOMA Acupuncture & Natural Health Clinic
Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc
1615 20th St • San Francisco CA 94107 • 415-643-6600
Website: www.SOMAacupuncture.com
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Naturopathic Medicine • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Supplements
Nutrition • Women's Health • Weight Loss • Breast Thermography
Smoking Cessation • Work-Related Injuries
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