General Article

Proven Tips To Reducing LDL Levels

Reducing LDL levels in the body is important, since this type of cholesterol is closely associated with cardiovascular heart diseases, strokes and other health conditions. This can be achieved through various ways which may include the following.

a. Avoid saturated fats: Saturated fats, for example shortenings, margarine and hardened fats, should be avoided completely, as they raise the levels of bad cholesterol (Low density lipoproteins-LDL) in the body. It is recommended that one consumes unsaturated oils which are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This helps in reducing bad cholesterol in the body. Also, avoid trans fats as they increase LDL while decreasing HDL, trans fats result from fat hydrogenation and are usually found in fried foods. Avoid all fried foods, no matter how good they taste.

b. Eat more fiber: Fiber is a complex carbohydrate which, when it is broken down for energy, it does not give hundred percent of calories. It is good in reducing bad cholesterol in the body by absorbing cholesterol in the digestive tract and removes it from the system. Fiber is also rich in antioxidants which are important in lowering bad cholesterol in the body. The soluble fibers are present in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. More of these foods in the diet are important in dealing with bad cholesterol. Avoid foods that have refined and processed grains.

c. Incorporate fish in your diet: They are rich in cholesterol lowering omega-3-fatty acids which is an essential nutrient. The omega-3-fatty acids discourage bad cholesterol from regrouping and accumulating the body. Other plants such as flaxseeds, canola, soy beans contain omega-3-fatty acids.

d. Take green tea: This type of tea is rich in components (flavonoids) that help reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Therefore, its consumption is encouraged, as opposed to other types of tea, if you want to lower your LDL.

e. Don’t smoke: When you smoke, the amount of good cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein-HDL) is reduced drastically. HDL is required by the body as it helps to remove LDL from the body through the liver. With smoking, the important good cholesterol will be less and increase your LDL, which is a very negative health factor.

f. Occasionally take alcohol: By drinking alcohol, HDL is increased and this good cholesterol is important in removing LDL from the body. No more than one glass of red wine per day is recommended.

g. Exercise: Exercising is very important in reducing LDL level in the body. Aerobics, such as running, cycling, jogging and swimming helps to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. Other exercises such as yoga, walking and weight resistance exercises will help in reducing the levels of LDL. Therefore, it is highly recommended that people keep moving around and staying active.

h. Lose weight: Being overweight may result in an increase in bad cholesterol, by losing excess weight you will lower your levels of bad cholesterol and increase HDL. But it is important to note that one …

Discover Cholesterol Lowering Drug Effects

Cholesterol is a substance that the liver produces in a natural response to the body’s need for triggers that initiate the growth of body cells. Once the liver has released different amounts of cholesterol, such amounts are delivered to various parts of your body. However, when your body cannot convey them to selected parts of the body they are forced to accumulate, and it is this accumulation that is bad for your health. People who have earnestly sought to manage their cholesterol have turned to drugs, unfortunately there are a few cholesterol lowering drug effects, some of which you will soon come to learn in this article.

Statin is a type of cholesterol reducing drug that immobilizes the chemical effectively used by the body to make cholesterol. In addition to blocking the above mentioned chemical it assists in the reduction of cholesterol that may have accumulated in blood arteries.

However, once the Statin has achieved its goal it can cause you to experience head aches, nausea, diarrhea and even constipation. In isolated cases where patients experienced side effects vomiting, muscle cramps, general fatigue and rashes have been known to occur.

The second class of drugs incorporates cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Such conveniently penned drugs stop the absorption of cholesterol, though without a few disadvantages to it. Gas can become an inherent part of your lifestyle as you might be forced to suppress an anal burp or two. Apart from gas, headaches, dizziness, constipation, fatigue and a running nose have also been listed as some of the many side effects of taking this kind of medication.

Fibrates are well known for their ability to increase the amounts of HDL (the good cholesterol) and lower the quantity of LDL (the bad cholesterol). For as long as this balancing act is kept in check there is no reason to worry about the worst that could happen. It is only when you start feeling nauseous that you can set off the health alarm. The known side effects of using fibrates are diarrhea, the swelling of the liver, gallstones and muscle cramps.

Niacin is the fourth type of medication that works in just about the same way as fibrates. However, this does not mean the negative effects of using it are the same as those for using fibrates, a few differences exist. Itching, head aches, diabetes, gout and ulcers are possibly some of the other negative effects of using niacin you might experience.

So before buying medicine from the drug store immediately, it is recommended that you see a doctor first. This is largely because most harmful effects can be prevented by simply using specific medication your body will respond to positively.…

List of Foods That Help to Lower Cholesterol – Cholesterol and Hypertension Prevention

Hypertension is one of the common health issues across the globe. Through the years, the number of people, and the younger the age group of population that gets affected by this condition gets even more alarming. If you ask around whether they or anyone from their family have any history of hypertension, chances are most, if not all would say yes. That’s how universal this health condition is. And if left untreated, or if without any change in one’s diet and lifestyle, it poses greater health risks to an individual predisposed to and those who are currently suffering from it. One’s body can get damaged over the years that might lead to a poor life condition in the future. Here’s a list of possible damages hypertension can do to your body:

*Arteries: arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, aneurysm

*Heart: coronary artery disease, enlarged left heart, heart failure

*Brain: transient ischemic attack (TIA) aka mini stroke, stroke, dementia, mild cognitive impairment,

*Kidneys: kidney failure, kidney scarring, kidney artery aneurysm

*Eyes: eye blood vessel damage, fluid buildup under the retina

* Other possible effects of hypertension: sexual dysfunction, bone loss, trouble sleeping.

In order to prevent hypertension, let’s take a look at one of its major risk factors, high blood cholesterol. Cholesterol can build up on arteries; make it non-elastic and block blood flow, thus increasing blood pressure. Thus, it is important to keep your blood cholesterol at par. And one way to do it is by consuming foods that help lower cholesterol. Some herbs and spices are known to lower blood cholesterol levels. For ages, herbs are often used for culinary, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. For cures or remedy, different parts of the herb are used like leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, and the like. Now here’s a short list of foods that help lower cholesterol:

1. Alfalfa may block absorption of cholesterol, thus preventing arterial plaques.

2. Capsicum fruit helps blood circulation, preventing build up of toxins.

3. Garlic bulb has anti clotting effect, lowers serum cholesterol and increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL), aka good cholesterol.

4. Psyllium as per studies lowers serum cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

5. Red yeast rice helps lower cholesterol with its “monacolin K” content, inhibiting liver enzymes dealing with cholesterol manufacturing.

Other than adding these to your diet, it is of importance that one lives a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t stop at not consuming what the doctor tells you not to eat. It is a combination of proper diet; good exercise, having enough rest, and recreation. Proper diet ensures that we are getting the right nutrients, especially foods that help lower cholesterol, for our body to function well, fight off illness, etc. Good exercise makes sure that our physique is well maintained, toxins released through sweat, and our heart pumping the well-oxygenated and nutrient dense blood through our body. Rest will help our body to recuperate and repair itself. And lastly, recreation will …

If You Don’t Know How to Lose Weight While Breastfeeding, You’ll Learn How to Do It Here

A lot of women and new mothers especially want to know how to lose weight while breastfeeding, so this is a subject that has been extremely popular for decades. There are a lot of people who say that losing weight while breastfeeding is something that is next to impossible whereas there are some who claim it is a very easy thing to do.

It is most definitely possible to lose weight after the first few months of breastfeeding a newborn baby, but the important thing that you have to realize is that you may not lose the amount of weight that you had in mind. The thing that you have to understand is that the body that you had before you were pregnant is something that is going to be hard to get back in the speedy time you are looking for, but it is possible if you do it using the right weight loss plan and of course with patience and determination.

It can be very difficult to lose weight while breastfeeding because you are constantly taking care of your newborn baby. A lot of women don’t get sleep as often as they wish they could because they are constantly waking up to attend to a crying baby. It’s understandable if healthy eating and exercise isn’t what they are too concerned about because they are taking care of their newborn.

What you need to be concerned about is making sure you have a plan that helps you stay motivated as you are losing weight while breastfeeding. One thing a lot of mothers should do is they need to find another woman who has just given birth, and they need to use them as a motivation partner. You can have this partner greatly motivate you to keep on pushing through as the both of you work toward losing weight.

The two of you can do physical activities together and can help each other with your diet meals, and making sure that you are both consuming your necessary daily calorie intake. This is without a doubt a phenomenal way to help push you to stay on the right course towards getting to your weight loss goal.

Even though the two of you aren’t going to be losing weight at a fast rate, you are still helping yourself to burn calories and you’ll still be losing a good 2 to 3 pounds every week provided you both stick to whatever weight loss plan you are using. You should find that by the time your newborns are tired of your breastfeeding, the two of you will have great bodies in which you both have reached your weight loss goals.…

Is There a Correlation Between Egg Consumption and Increased Cholesterol Levels?

Many Americans avoid consuming too many eggs because of the fear that they will have a high cholesterol because of it. According to all the different studies conducted, egg consumption has been shown to have little to no negative effects on cholesterol levels. In the studies posted below, the terms HDL and LDL cholesterol are used often. LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol and HDL is “good” cholesterol. In most cases, it is beneficial when people have elevated HDL levels and lowered LDL levels.

In one study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, increased dietary cholesterol was not shown to increase LDL cholesterol levels when accompanied by an energy-restricted diet and weight loss. The study consisted of 2 groups. One group was to exclude eggs from the diet and the other group was to consume 2 eggs a day. Both groups consumed fewer calories than usual to promote weight loss. Both groups showed significant weight loss and both the egg-fed and non-egg-fed groups showed decreased LDL levels. In summary, the study showed that when losing weight, consuming 2 eggs daily does not increase cholesterol levels.

In another study conducted at Mahidol University in Bangkok, sixty hyperlipidemic subjects, with an average age of 61 years old, who had been put on drugs to lower their lipid levels, consumed 3 added eggs daily to their diet. The results of the study included increased HDL cholesterol and a decreased LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio.

A 12 week study conducted at the University of Connecticut showed an increased HDL level. The study consisted of dividing the participating the subjects into 2 groups. Although both groups were on carbohydrate-restricted diets, one group consumed 3 whole eggs a day while the other group consumed an equivalent amount of egg substitute. After the 12 weeks, subjects consuming whole eggs showed an increase of HDL cholesterol from 50 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL while showing no change in LDL levels.

Another 12 week study was performed at the University of Connecticut. The subjects were all diagnosed with metabolic disorders. They all consumed 3 eggs a day and by the end of the 12 week period only 3 subjects had the classification of the metabolic disorder. Eighteen subjects were classified with a metabolic disorder at the beginning of the study. In conclusion, the study suggests that including eggs in one’s diet may decrease risk factors associated with metabolic disorders.

An interesting case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on a man who consumed approximately 25 eggs daily showed very healthy cholesterol levels.

As shown by all the numerous studies conducted, consuming eggs does not raise cholesterol levels. Factors that have been shown to raise cholesterol levels include obesity, saturated fat, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.

In summary, eggs raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lower the LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio. Eggs contain a ton of vitamins and are a great source of protein and are an …

The Story of Seafolly Swimwear

Seafolly Swimwear is one of the most popular swimwear brands in Australia. You have probably bought a few swimsuits or accessories from Seafolly Swimwear, but what you might not know is their interesting story.

The story of Seafolly Swimwear is unlike their main competition. Normally, we are more interested in how the clothes look and not necessarily in the history behind how and why these clothes are made. Seafolly swimwear is much more than just an Australian swimwear brand, it has its own unique history.

Feeling the Oceanic Vibe of Seafolly Swimwear

When you hear the brand Seafolly, you shouldn’t think it, you should feel it. Seafolly is environmentally conscious and wants to bring you much more than great bathing suit designs.

This company offers a breath of life in its unique designs. Whether you are a tiny tot or an adult, ITs has something special for most shapes and sizes. The designers at Seafolly know Australia and they understand nature. That is why when you put on one if their swimwear designs, you can be miles away from Australia and its beaches, but you can still feel the good vibes of the Australian culture as you put on their bathers.

The Centre of Seafolly Swimwear

There is a reason why Its has been one of the most popular and in-demand swimsuit lines in Australia and in production since 1975; they understand swimwear. The designers live, breathe and worship swimwear, so they are able to show you relaxation or escaping to an exotic destination with one of their innovative swimwear designs.

As they say themselves, the staff and designers are the biggest customers and fans of this brilliant line of swimwear. They know from first hand what works and what does not. They know when their philosophy is present in their clothes and when it is lost.

Seafolly swimwear has set the standards high and seems to be exceeding them every single day.

Seafolly Swimwear Designs Taking Over the World

If you walk into any swimwear boutique or major department store, you will inevitably find some of the greatest fashion lines from Its. Seafolly makes swimwear designs for women in their Seafolly Ladies collection, for young girls in their Seafolly Girl collection and for boys and men in their Tiger Joe collection. The story of Its is present in each design as the designers bring the essence of Australian life and summer alive in each swimwear piece.

Bold colours, unique designs and contrasting textures are all characteristics that you will find when you shop for Its. This Australian swimwear brand sells all of types of fun in the sun needs such as bikinis, swimwear trunks, cover ups, one piece swimsuits and accessories such as sunglasses, bags, towels and flip flops.…

How to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

There are various ways to reduce cholesterol naturally. Some people, however, may opt to take medications to reduce their cholesterol level. But then, medications can be harmful to ones health. One must learn to reduce cholesterol naturally to save one life from the adverse effects of medications and more importantly, from the health risks associated with high cholesterol. One must only commit to several approaches that help reduce cholesterol naturally and they are on their way to live healthier and longer.

Why One Needs to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally?

High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which results from the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. The LDL cholesterol which has been deposited in the walls of the arteries forms plaque, which narrows the blood vessels. As a result, circulation is affected. The blood flowing to the vital organs such as the heart and brain is impeded and thus the risk for heart diseases and stroke increases. As part of the healthy heart regimen, people with high cholesterol should seek ways to lower cholesterol safely.

Ways to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

There are certain guidelines to follow in reducing cholesterol naturally. One must gradually make the necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle for better health. It was found that regular exercise is more effective than drugs in reducing cholesterol safely. The most important positive effect of regular exercise is its ability to increase the level of HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Engaging in a physical activity does not cause any adverse effect, but has positive effects on cardiac health. Therefore, it should be one of the changes that people with high cholesterol must commit to.

In addition to regular exercise, dietary changes are another way to lower cholesterol naturally. Mostly, the diet is high in saturated fats, which increase the level of LDL cholesterol. Cutting the intake of fatty foods and increasing intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains and nuts is a necessary change that should be made in the diet. Fiber has been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects primarily because dietary fiber binds with cholesterol and promotes its excretion from the body. In addition, one may not totally eliminate fat from the diet, but the diet may still be supplemented with fats by replacing saturated fats with healthy oils such as olive and canola oil.…

Things to Avoid While Breastfeeding

There are some things that a breastfeeding mother should avoid during this time because not only will these things affect the baby, but they will also help in the enjoyment of sharing in this little one’s life and he/she in ours. Some of these things are:

Tight Bras

It is always important to wear the correct brassiere and this is even more pressing when it comes to supplying milk for our little ones. It has been said by someone who is in the business of selling bras, that a woman may have worn a particular size for many years, but in fact, it may not be the right one for her.

Due to the fact that our breasts enlarge during pregnancy and since we will be or is breastfeeding, we will need pads to soak up any milk that escapes. Therefore, with these two, that is, enlargement and the pads, our current bras may be too small and usually, during this time, if they are tight they can contribute to engorgement and this could trigger a high temperature.

Alcohol and Smoking

This is not anything new and that is, alcohol and smoking should be avoided during this time because alcohol can be transfer to the milk and although we may not smoke around the baby, the smoke can cling to our hair, clothing etc. Therefore, with the baby being so closed to us, they will inhale the smoke.

Pepper

Pepper should also be avoided during this time because it can cause the little one tremendous discomfort for a few hours. He/she will cry out and will put his/her body in positions that we did not thought was possible and seeing him/her in such agony, is not worth eating our food with pepper.

Prescribed and Non Prescribed Drugs

Before taking any drugs, it is always wiser to talk with a doctor or a pharmacist. It is also best to avoid any drugs during this time because they can put the child’s health at risk. Yes, it can and do travel to the milk and thereby into the child’s body.

If we are going to take any over the counter medication, we should always read the instructions carefully.

Herbal Items

Before using any herbal products, have a talk with your doctor about it and although opinions are divided on this, get the facts before moving forward. Additionally, talk with other Moms about it and see what you can learn from their experience.

I can remember drinking a cup of herbal tea shortly before going to bed once and that night, when the baby woke up, I breastfeed him as usual and after that, it was two or three hours before he went back to sleep.

As usual, he had woken up, announced that he was hungry and with every mouthful he took his eyes suddenly seem to become wider and wider and by the time he was full, he decided that it was playtime and not sleep …