February 2023

Use Your Diet for Lower Cholesterol

Old or young, male or female, sick or healthy. Irrespective of your situation, your cholesterol level is an important consideration that is imperative for you to pay heed to. Failure to adhere to this principle and you will pay the consequences. I will show you Five Foods that you must put in your diet for lower cholesterol today and use as a starting point for a healthy, cholesterol free future,

Now everyone loves snacking. Early morning coffee break, or elevenses as we in the UK like to say. Post gym energy supplement or the afternoon craving satisfier before heading home from work. It doesn’t matter when or where, but we all snack. Fortunately, we can use this vice to our benefit. By eating the following five foods, you can effectively use your diet as a way for achieving lower cholesterol.

These five foods are high in fibre, nutrients, vitamins and complex carbohydrates. They will all help keep good cholesterol levels up and bad cholesterol levels down.

1. Soy nuts and Edamame Beans: Both are forms of soy bean and while neither would be the first food most people would reach for when craving a little treat, they are both delicious. Soy protein has long been extolled for its ability to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and both of these foods contain it in abundance.

2. Nuts: A great source of mono-unsaturated fats, these delicious treats can significantly reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol. They are a little calorie ridden, however, so keep your intake to no more than 60 grams a day.

3. Red Grapes: Dark grapes contain nutrients good for your heart. They can protect your arteries from the build up of plaque that forms as a result of high LDL cholesterol levels.

4. Hummus and Vegetables: I have placed these together because they are so well suited. Dip any raw vegetable, (carrots are my favourite) into a bowl of hummus and not only will you get a delicious taste but you will be combining two great foods for your heart. Hummus contains the Garbanzo bean, which has been shown to lower cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Vegetables are high in fibre and that fibre rich foods prevent heart disease is well documented.

5. Sunflower seeds: A great supplier of Vitamin E, which has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease. Keep a bag handy all day to snack on whenever you feel like. Vitamin E helps to prevent blocked arteries and therefore, eventually heart attack.

I trust you will try at least some of my recommendations, if not all. Using your diet for lower cholesterol is really the best and most natural way to remain heart healthy. After all, wouldn’t we all rather keep that visit to the Doctor away for as long as possible, if not forever? Follow my steps and this can easily be achieved.…

The Positive Connection Between Fish Oil and Cholesterol

Face it. The connection between fish oil and cholesterol in the bloodstream can be complicated and difficult to understand. The information here should help you understand a little more about the subject.

What is Cholesterol, Anyway?

They are waxy hormones found in the body’s cellular membranes and transported through the bloodstream to areas of need. It is essential for all life, because it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the cellular membranes and for the absorption of some of the essential vitamins.

It is transported within the bloodstream inside of “lipoproteins”, a combination of fats and proteins. High blood levels of low and very low density lipoproteins are strongly associated with an increased risk of heart and vascular disease, specifically with atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries.

On the other hand, high levels of high density lipoproteins are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. So, we have good HDL and bad LDL and VLDL in our bloodstreams.

One of the connections between fish oil and cholesterol balance has to do with the supplement’s ability to increase HDL levels. HDL can remove cholesterols from the cells and from existing plaques in the arterial walls. LDL and VLDL, on the other hand, contribute to the formation of those plaques, which are the cause of an age-related heart disease called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

What are Triglycerides?

At the same time that your doctor tests your blood for HLD an LDL particles, normally, you will also be tested for total triglycerides. Triglycerides are a combination of fatty acids and glycerol. They are a major component of LDL particles. High blood triglycerides are believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Another connection between fish oil and cholesterol reduction has to do with the supplements ability to lower total blood triglyceride levels. The question is this.

How much effect does the supplement have and how much do you have to take to see the effect?

Results have varied in clinical trials. Modest or small to high decreases have been seen. The reason for the different results has yet to be explained. There are many possible explanations. Here’s one of them.

A person that has high triglycerides and low HDL levels, but does not want to take the mainstream medical approach, which includes the use of statin drugs, might do a number of different things to improve their health, while participating in a clinical trial concerning fish oil and cholesterol.

For many years, doctors have recommended lowering one’s intake of total fat and dietary-cholesterol, which is found in a variety of foods. Adding physical exercise to that approach has proven to be beneficial in recent years.

But, the latest studies indicate that it is also important to limit or cut out alcohol, since alcohol is a component of cholesterol and to also lower your intake of some kinds of carbohydrates. So, a person that saw excellent results in fish oil …

Is it Time For a Home Cholesterol Test?

Keeping an eye on cholesterol levels is an important part of maintaining an optimal level of health and preventing serious illnesses such as heart disease and heart attacks. Available in medical clinics as well as in a home cholesterol test, it’s now convenient and easy for everyone to keep track of their cholesterol levels. With home cholesterol tests, you can catch problems early on and speak to your doctor as soon as it becomes a concern.

What Makes Cholesterol So Dangerous?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are like fat cells that float around in the blood. The ‘bad cholesterol’ attaches itself to the arteries, hardening them and increasing your risk of heart attacks and heart disease. Triglycerides are slightly different, but have a similar effect on the body. These fats aren’t all bad however. The ‘good cholesterol’ known as high-density lipoprotein helps build the body’s defenses and protects the heart.

Many people can help prevent the bad fats from building up in and around their heart by getting plenty of exercise and watching what they eat. For others however, high cholesterol is a heredity trait. Regardless of how healthy you feel or what your lifestyle is like, you should still have your cholesterol levels tested regularly to ensure everything is as it should be. If something goes wrong and these substances begin to build up in the body, early detection will become vitally important for minimizing and even reversing the damage.

When Should Someone Take A Home Cholesterol Test?

Individuals should have their cholesterol levels tested in several situations. Anyone over the age of 20 should be tested with at the same time as their physical examinations. This can all be done with tests such as those for Triglycerides, a lipid profile, an HDL, or LDL test right in the doctor’s office.

Those who already suffer from unhealthy levels of blood fats need frequent testing. This makes the home cholesterol test the ideal option since it’s convenient and doesn’t require appointments. The physician can help determine how often a patient should be testing. The patient simply needs to track the results and follow the doctor’s recommendations to keep these substances balanced. It is also important to note that cholesterol levels should only be tested on a healthy individual who has not suffered extreme stress, injury, or illness for at least six weeks.

Taking The Test

In order to take the test and get an accurate reading, you must have consumed nothing but water for 9-12 hours. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, but this depends on your physician’s recommendations. To perform the test, you’ll prick a finger with the lancet included in the test, collect a drop on a special paper, and touch it to the test machine to find out how much cholesterol is in the blood. The entire process is relatively painless, and except for the fasting, requires only a few short minutes.

A home cholesterol test is the …

Other Uses for a Nursing Cover

One of the nice things about a nursing cover (also called a breastfeeding shawl) is its versatility. Not only does it serve as a great cover-up for breastfeeding in public, but in a pinch, it also works well as the following:

Pumping Cover

That’s right, when you need to pump out in public or at work (and don’t want to have to sit in a dirty stinky bathroom to do it), use your breastfeeding shawl and pump under cover in privacy, comfort, and style!

Blanket

When no other blanket is near at hand, a nursing cover will work great. Wrap baby in it, shield sensitive skin from sun, or ward off a sudden cool chill in the air. Additionally, lay the shawl on the ground so baby has a clean surface to lie on or on which to spend some valuable tummy-time.

Car Seat Canopy

Arrange the breastfeeding cover over the car seat to provide make-shift protection from the elements such as sun or snow, wind or rain.

Stroller Canopy

Out for a stroll and the sun is pounding down on that sensitive baby skin? Drape your light and airy cotton nursing shawl over the stroller to create a welcome shade. You can even use the strap to secure it in place.

Baby Carrier Sun Shade

While you are wearing your baby in a baby carrier, wear the nursing cover around your neck like usual, and simply adjust the strap to make the fabric hang at the desired height over your baby. Remember, the cotton fabric is breathable and light, perfect for draping over baby to provide shade from the sun. And you don’t have to hold onto it and worry about it falling or blowing away like a typical blanket.

Diaper Mat

No, a nursing shawl is not padded, but it does provide a clean surface to lay baby down on when a sudden diaper-change emergency strikes. And you know it will!

Burp Cloth

When spit-up arrives and you’re grabbing for a cloth-any cloth-to wipe up the mess, a nursing cover will do. Use just the flannel pocket corner, or the entire shawl for bigger messes. This is another reason why you want to make sure that you get a nursing cover that is machine washable!

So you see, it’s always a good idea to have a nursing cover near at hand, even if you don’t anticipate nursing under it.…

How to Raise Good Cholesterol Levels – Get 3 Easy and Natural Tips Here

Hearing good cholesterol must be something new for you. Because of the media’s rule and the apparent influence of so-called medical experts among practically everyone, not a lot of people get informed that there are two types of cholesterol. Not everything is bad, one type is actually beneficial to the body.

HDL or high-density lipoprotein is responsible in clearing the arteries of harmful cholesterol that clogs around it. Once the build up of bad cholesterol thickens, the arteries will be almost useless and the body muscles will not be able to function, often resulting to an offending case of stroke or heart attack.

Both medical conditions are scary especially for late adults so it is crucial for them to raise good cholesterol levels in their body. This way, the build up of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein will be avoided and the muscles will continue being flexible.

1. One great way to increase the levels of good cholesterol in your body is a lifestyle change. If you are fond of consuming fatty foods, you should stop your habit as soon as possible. It will take a lot of getting used to but it has a long-term effect and your body would appreciate it very much.

Other than avoiding fat-filled foods, you should also eat more vegetables and other foods that contain a healthy amount of fiber. It would help your body get rid of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels in the process.

2. Another thing that you can do is to exercise a lot. Make sure your body remains physically active. The heart is the most affected with the rapid increase of bad cholesterol levels in the body so cardio exercises would help in making it stronger.

Cardio physical activities do not have to be intense. As long as you make sure that you continue to be active by walking or running regularly, you will have a stronger heart that will be able to have a harder shield against harmful bad cholesterol.

3. The third way to raise your good cholesterol levels is to take in food supplements with natural ingredients. D-limonene, Phytosterols, Pumpkin seed oil and lecithin oil are four very helpful ingredients that could aid in the fulfillment of your goal. There are not a lot of products that contain all four of these ingredients so a thorough research is required.

Once you have found the product for you, you will be able to easily raise good cholesterol in your body.…

What Are Foods Low in Cholesterol?

Foods low in cholesterol are those that come from plants, i.e. legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are usually the main food components of low-fat diets, which can be used to reduce weight or even lower one’s cholesterol level.

It has been noted that obese or overweight people have a greater chance of being diagnosed with high levels of cholesterol. Low-fat diets are commonly perceived as the best way of solving 2 problems in one go. However, before plunging head-on with any low-fat diet, there are a few myths that one needs to know.

First, it is believed that drinking red wine would help lower cholesterol. Yes it may help, but if one drinks too much red wine he/she is actually increasing the levels of triglyceride in his/her body. An occasional glass of red wine would do, as well as eating foods low in cholesterol.

It is natural for a person to think that he/she should only be concerned on removing or cutting down on saturated fatty foods to decrease his/her cholesterol level. This, however, is a myth. Diets that include foods low in cholesterol should also have fiber, which can be found in whole grain food and fruits. Reducing cholesterol levels doesn’t mean that one has to focus solely on removing fat in his/her diet; having a healthy lifestyle is also important.

The third myth concerning diets with foods low in cholesterol is related to the second myth. People seem to believe that they should mostly focus on the cholesterol content. There are 2 kinds of cholesterol: serum cholesterol and dietary cholesterol. Serum cholesterol is located in the bloodstream, while dietary cholesterol is located in the foods people eat.

Serum cholesterol levels are increased whenever a person eats food rich in saturated fats, such as bacon and butter. Foods with a lot of trans fat (e.g. fast food, cookies, ramen noodles, etc.) also help raise the levels of serum cholesterol.

With regards to this myth, some people believe that removing fatty foods would help in lowering cholesterol. Although there are some fatty foods that should be removed from one’s diet, foods with polyunsaturated fats can actually help. This type of fatty food can assist in decreasing the levels of LDL, which are also considered as “bad” cholesterol. Olive oil, avocados, and omega-3 fatty acids are some examples of foods with polyunsaturated fats. Hopefully now you have more ideas on those foods low in cholesterol.…

Will Coffee Raise Your Cholesterol Levels?

One thing to consider if you are a Java addict is the impact that coffee may or may not have on your health. The great news to know for any coffee lover out there is that recent studies have shown that coffee provides greater health benefits than ever before. However, there are still many people today wondering if regular coffee drinking really impacts their levels of cholesterol. The majority of American Java drinkers currently rely upon filtered drip brewed coffee, which has less impact on cholesterol than coffee that is unfiltered. It seems that regular filtered Java removes much of the components within coffee that can affect cholesterol levels.

When it comes down to it, the coffee’s impact on cholesterol needs to be assessed with the use of unfiltered coffee, which is most often French Press coffee. If you use a French Press, percolator, or even espresso brewing method, then your coffee constitutes as unfiltered. This idea was researched within several studies, and the basic consensus was that coffee does not in any way contribute to heart disease. However, in unfiltered Java there are compounds called cafestol, which can potentially raise cholesterol in the body. The studies were done on unfiltered coffee, including coffee oils. For the coffee to have a negative impact on your cholesterol levels, you would have to consume up to 60 mg of cafestol, which could be found in 10 cups of unfiltered coffee. This would cause cholesterol to be raised by 20%, only affecting LDL levels of cholesterol.

The bottom line is that the affect of unfiltered Java on your health is only with an excessively large amount that would normally not be consumed on a daily basis. In fact, health professionals recommend to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day for the maximum health benefits, including reducing the risk for Alzheimer’s, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, colon cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. As an example, one of the main reasons that coffee reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s is because it strengthens the blood-brain barrier, which often begins to deteriorate as an individual develops Alzheimer’s later in life. Regular Java drinking protects this neurological barrier and prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s.

The point of the matter is that if you follow these guidelines and drink 2 to 3 cups of Java per day for your health, then there is absolutely no issue with how the Java is prepared. In fact, many coffee drinkers prefer the use of the French Press brewing method because it leaves the essential oils within the coffee brew to provide a better taste and flavor. The essential oils are what are removed from the coffee when it is brewed with a filter, significantly impacting the taste. Brewing coffee through a filter does remove cafestol compounds, which would only negatively affect the health if you were drinking 10 cups of French Press coffee on a daily basis. If that is the case, then you probably …

Maintaining a Healthy Blood Cholesterol Level – What You Need to Know

We are increasingly warned of the serious dangers posed by high blood cholesterol, which is one of the major causes of Coronary Heart Disease. There are a number of risk factors that can cause ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels and these are the ones that you should be aware of if you’re concerned about maintaining a healthy blood cholesterol level.

Firstly, there is a strong genetic influence on the levels of blood cholesterol in your body. Familial Hypercholesterolemia can often lead to heart disease, so if there is a family history of heart trouble, its always worth getting regular checkups with your physician for your own peace of mind.

Diet also plays a significant part. The nutrients to beware of are saturated fats, mainly found in animal products such as meat and dairy. Cholesterol is found exclusively in animal products, and so excessive consumption of these poses a significant threat to your cholesterol levels and thus your risk of developing heart problems.

Related to this is, of course, excessive weight gain. If you’re overweight, you’re at a much greater risk of heart problems. It may sound like common sense, but cutting back on food and exercising regularly can help reduce your ‘bad’ cholesterol levels significantly.

Age and sex also plays a part. Women are at a higher risk after the menopause while men generally have a greater tendency towards high cholesterol levels throughout their adult lives. Those over fifty are in a much higher risk group regardless of sex, so if you have any suspicions that you might be vulnerable, talk to your doctor and follow their advice on reducing your chances of running into trouble.

Alcohol in excess is to be avoided if you’re watching your heart’s health. Although Doctors are still unsure about the links between alcohol and heart disease, drinking too much raises blood pressure and puts you in a high risk group in spite of any issues regarding cholesterol.

High stress environments at work or at home can also lead to the kind of habits which put you at greater risk of raising your LDL cholesterol levels. According to the experts from the website https://infantcrier.mi-aimh.org/to-attachment/, the recommended initial dose of Viagra for patients treated with erythromycin, saquinavir, ketoconazole or itraconazole must not exceed 25 mg. In order to minimize the risk of developing postural hypotension, patients should be hemodynamically stable on alpha-blocker therapy before starting the treatment with Viagra. In addition, reduction of initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg should be considered. Try and find time to relax every week and if you feel you’re constantly under high pressure, speak with your employer. Back your demands up with a medical certificate if your requests are being ignored; your health should be your number one priority.

There are many products on the market now which can actively help to reduce cholesterol as part of a healthier lifestyle. Be sure to speak to a medical …

Should I Breastfeed My Premature Baby?

Breast is always best, but when it comes to breastfeeding a specials needs infant, breast is essential.

Whether your baby is premature, has lactose intolerance, sucking problems, low blood sugar, has a cleft palate or even down syndrome… your baby needs the added benefits that breast milk can offer.

Many premature babies that are breastfed, have been found to have a more stable heart beat and warmer body temperature compared to those who are not breastfed.

Not only does breast milk give that extra comfort needed, baby is protected from further infections, and viruses which could make life all the harder for him/her. Breast milk contains antibodies that are not found in any formula, the antibodies that fight infections in mom’s body are transferred to baby via the breast milk.

A mom that has a special needs baby may have encountered a lot of negativity around the subject of breastfeeding. A friend of mine was discouraged at breastfeeding her twins, just because people are uneducated and have not seen many moms accomplish this, but there are many success stories out there, even from those in the most bleak circumstances.

Yes, it might be more difficult to breastfeed your baby, and yes, you may need to supplement as well, but any amount of breast milk is precious and can even save a baby’s life.

Please before making such an important decision, read more on the benefits of breastfeeding. Nursing baby will benefit mom as well, the release of feel good hormones while breastfeed will calm mom and baby, help for a better bonding experience and will help prevent mom from getting Postpartum depression which is commonly found in those moms with babies that are more demanding.

Mom is also protected against certain types of cancers in later life and even osteoporosis.

Your baby may need to stay in ICU in the earlier weeks, it is possible to keep up milk production without breastfeeding baby, you will need motivation, support of family and to be around like minded people. Get yourself a good electric, double action breast pump and try to educate yourself as much as you can on the subject of breastfeeding.

The end results will be so worth it. Only a mom can give the gift that keeps on giving.

“Breast fed infants have a huge advantage compared to others; they get twenty four hour love and protection… physically, mentally and emotionally” Tracy Ann Behr…

The Right Choice of Foods to Improve Your Bad Cholesterol

There are quite a lot of good foods that you can eat to help improve the health conditions with your heart. Today many people who are suffering from any health condition want foods to improve your bad cholesterol. However, it may even be a good idea to first take a view at some of bad foods that create this problem for people.

The low density lipoprotein is what is known as bad cholesterol. When you eat the so called bad foods that is how the levels of the LDL can begin to build up onto the walls of your arteries and then start to form a plaque. The plaque after a while will start to narrow the walls of your arteries and from there it will be very possible for you to suffer from a heart attack and even a stroke.

You can take a blood test to determine just how high the level is inside of your body. The desirable total levels for this problem should be less than 200 mg. This will include the bad and also the good, which is known for being the high density lipoprotein.

According to some experts all cholesterol levels which are really comprised from all of all the foods we eat and that includes genetic makeup as well. It is suggested that you exercise regularly and start eating from a diet of natural foods which can help to lower this type of health problem.

To continue lowering cholesterol there are several good and natural foods you should consider eating each day, such as apples, almonds, carrots, bananas, dried beans, fish, grapefruit, garlic, olive oil, oats, salmon, walnuts and strawberries. It is also recommended that you eat plenty of fiber, and some great sources of this would be brown rice bran, whole grains, lots of really fresh fruits, oats and raw vegetables too.

There are plenty of natural supplements out there you can consider using in your daily diet, as it will certainly help to keep things under control with this medical problem. You will certainly benefit from its use and will help to keep your heart in a healthy state too.

There are quite a few foods which can help to improve this problem. These foods will include oat bran, oatmeal, almonds and walnuts, fatty fish which are high in omega 3 fatty acid levels, and also olive oil. Other foods you can benefit from are orange juice for the vitamin C, and or butter substitutes. Salmon is picked as an excellent choice of food to help with this medical problem too.

All foods that contain any saturated fats must be eliminated right from your diet. Also foods that have trans fats, which will be anything that is fried or baked, like donuts, pasties and cookies. And it is recommended to stay away from any animal meats, along with butter and lard. These are the best ways that you will be able …