Cholesterol Maintenance

Cholesterol maintenance Cholesterol is a fat which the liver synthesises, and we also receive cholesterol from the foods we eat. Cholesterol is necessary for the health of our cell membranes, and the production of hormones. However there are two different types of cholesterol, and they need to be kept in balance. The two types are known as HDL and LDL. LDL is referred to as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, and if its levels become too high, this can build up in the arteries, and if it oxidises it is a large contributing factor to heart disease and high blood pressure. Manage your cholesterol levels through a combination of diet, lifestyle, and exercise in order to correct cholesterol balance in the body. Recommended nutrients: • Manage your cholesterol levels by taking artichoke - a herb which encourages your liver to metabolise and excrete excess cholesterol from the body. • Increase your fibre intake with psyllium husks. Psyllium is an excellent source of fibre, helping to remove excess cholesterol from the body via the stools. • Lecithin, red yeast rice extract, fish oils, and Garlic help to reduce LDL cholesterol, and raise HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol. • If you are on cholesterol-lowering medication (statins), it is advisable to supplement with CoQ10, as levels of this nutrient are depleted when taking this type of medication, leading to symptoms such as muscle pains, depression, and tiredness. • Sytrinol by Viridian is formulated from citrus and palm fruit extracts, and is used for its anti-oxidant and cholesterol lowering effects. • Solgar Phytosterol Complex contains phytosterols which act to block the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. • Solgar Homocysteine Modulators with Vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, and Trimethylglycine to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. Elevated homocysteine levels are a contributing factor to heart disease. Other tips and hints: • Consume a high fibre and anti-oxidant rich diet. Focus on fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and pulses. • Reduce saturated fat intake.