Byron J. Richards, CCN
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 The statin drugs, now being widely promoted for lowering cholesterol, work by interrupting the liver's effort to make cholesterol. There are pros and cons to this class of drug, but the main point is that it is an effort to get the liver to not make so much cholesterol.
Reasonable questions to really understand this problem are: Why is the liver making extra cholesterol? Is it part of a defense system or is it part of an imbalance? For that matter, how does the liver know to make cholesterol in the first place? |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 All of a sudden, that bread is loaded with healthy omega-3 oils, quality proteins and insoluble fibers, which are outstanding for digestive health and for lowering cholesterol. All of a sudden, you have a health food, but it doesn't look any different from regular bread.
Want to learn more about this super chia? This story continues at www.HealthRanger.com (membership required) where you will learn:
The name of this superfood.
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... and more!
Click here to visit HealthRanger. |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
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 One patient who had no problem with nicotinic acid for lowering cholesterol switched to the slow-release preparations and became ill. When he resumed the original nicotinic acid, he was well again with no further evidence of liver dysfunction. We have not seen any cases reported anywhere else.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B-6 is the second major vitamin of the water-soluble B series to be studied extensively by orthomolecular physicians. A major impetus was given to this study by Dr Carl C. |
Michael Friedman, ND
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 Regardless of the type, fiber does seem to have a minor to moderate effect in lowering cholesterol levels.
Eat Vegetarian: Not only does a vegetarian diet exclude cholesterol from the diet, but also it inhibits cholesterol absorption by competing for cholesterol binding sites. May be difficult with syndrome X though, so low fat proteins are encouraged.
Limit Coffee: In a study of 1,130 male medical students, the relative risk for cardiovascular disease was 2. |
Byron J. Richards, CCN
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| Statins are a widely used drug for lowering cholesterol and attempting to reduce the risk for heart disease. They are obviously a large profit center for drug companies, with billions of dollars at stake.
Let us focus on the key side effect that is a potential problem, that of muscle damage. The public is being told by major medical journals that the benefits far outweigh the risk and that incidence of side effects is low, ranging from 1% to 5% depending on the health of the individual taking them, the amount taken, and their combination with other drugs. |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
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| However, most physicians at the time were swayed by pharmaceutical companies promoting their own products for lowering cholesterol. Niacin cannot be patented and, therefore, it was never promoted by any major drug companies.
There was little interest until the final report of the Coronary Drug Study was published in 1986, showing that of all the compounds tested, only niacin decreased the death rate (by 11%) and increased longevity (by 2 years). |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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 A rabbit study found that peony was effective at lowering cholesterol (page 223) levels in the aorta.19 A preliminary human study confirmed that peony could inhibit platelet clumping.20 This suggests that peony might be helpful for prevention of atherosclerosis (page 38). However, clinical studies are needed to confirm this effect.
One uncontrolled clinical trial reported that moutan bark could significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (page 246). |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
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| The use of niacin as therapy for lowering cholesterol is rapidly expanding worldwide. Niacin is now recognized as one of the safest and most effective compounds for lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.
We also showed that vitamin B-3 was therapeutic for schizophrenics in our initial studies in the 1950s, a discovery chronicled in the book Vitamin B-3 and Schizophrenia: Discovery, Recovery, Controversy. |
| Nicotinic acid is now used worldwide as an economical, effective, and safe compound for lowering cholesterol and elevating high density lipoprotein cholesterol.
However, its therapeutic value in treating schizophrenia has been almost totally ignored by psychiatry, in spite of the four double-blind controlled experiments we did in the early 1950s and in spite of over 50 papers published in the medical literature by our colleagues dealing with various aspects of this treatment. This suggests to us that psychiatry is at least 20 years behind general medicine in adopting new paradigms. |
Earl Mindell
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 The following bran name guide may help:
Barley bran is high in soluble fiber and helpful in lowering cholesterol.
Corn bran is high in insoluble fiber and may be helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Oat bran is high in soluble fiber and helpful in lowering cholesterol. (In fact, studies have shown that just 2 ounces daily can help reduce cholesterol levels by 7-10 percent!)
Rice bran is high in soluble fiber and may be helpful in lowering cholesterol. (It's similar to oat bran in nutritional benefits, but less of it is needed to produce the same results. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 They are a healing food, and in addition to lowering cholesterol, they are high in antioxidants. That means they protect your cardiovascular system, they protect your nervous system, they boost immune system function, and many of those antioxidants are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, so they are able to protect nerves from damage in your eyes. Additionally, they can actually help to prevent macular degeneration. There's a whole Universe of phytonutrients found in blueberries that have healing effects. |
Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton
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 As optimum nutrition plays a vital role in detoxing, and actively, significantly, and safely lowering cholesterol, this should be tackled simultaneously. Many people now use detoxing to safely lower blood cholesterol levels, including my mother.
Heart Disease
There appear to be two main ways in which toxic chemicals trigger heart problems. The first is mainly from an immediate poisoning action on the heart tissues, and the second arises from a longer term increase in risk factors related to exposure to toxic chemicals. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Phosphatidylcholine also aids in lowering cholesterol levels and removing cholesterol from tissue deposits.
In a total of fifteen clinical trials with a duration of treatment with phosphatidylcholine ranging from one to twelve months, total serum cholesterol was lowered by 8.8 to 28.2 percent, triglyceride levels decreased by 25 percent, and HDL cholesterol levels increased by 13.4 to 20 percent. The typical dosage was 1.5 to 2.7 grams daily.
Phosphatidylcholine is a component of many foods, such as whole grains, legumes (especially soy), meat, and egg yolks. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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 Garlic has been extensively researched, and fresh garlic has been found effective in lowering cholesterol (see Photo 18.4). Tablet and capsule form appear less effective. Garlic also seems to have additional cardiovascular benefits including antiplatelet action, reducing blood viscosity, and improving endothelial function. Controversy about the lipid-lowering potential of garlic has occurred, but a recent meta-analysis has confirmed modest benefit.25
Plant sitosterols and sitostanols have been known for 40 years to reduce cholesterol absorption. |
Byron J. Richards, CCN
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| Statins provide their benefit by lowering cholesterol. In many cases the same could be accomplished by improving leptin and thyroid function and losing weight. Statin side effects work against the healthy response to exercise and may damage muscle function. Fixing leptin problems enhances muscle function and the health of muscle. Leptin management is clearly the first choice for prevention and long term resolution. Statins, like all medications, will have an appropriate role in managing serious cardiovascular disease. |
Frederic Vagnini, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D.
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 One of the strategies for lowering cholesterol levels is to throw a monkey wrench into the biochemical machinery. And that's exacdy what atorvastatin does.
A substance known as HMG-CoA reductase plays a key role at an early point in the cholesterol manufacturing process. Atorvastatin interferes with the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, which is why it's called a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. In essence, atorvastatin "disengages" part of the body's cholesterol-making machinery, so cholesterol levels fall. |
Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels
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 For some people, there is no doubt lowering cholesterol with drugs can help; for others, the drugs may be useless, wasteful, and even harmful. According to rigorous and independent analysis of all the clinical trials of the statins, there is no good evidence these drugs offer benefits to healthy women who have not already had some heart disease—women like the healthy-looking surfer in the surfboard ad. |
Marshall Editions
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 Gotu kola: To treat high blood pressure try drinking a tea made from 0.5-1 g of dried gotu kola three times a day. You can also take 30-60 mg of extract three times a day, or 300-500 mg in capsule form once or twice a day. Gotu kola is a fairly safe herb with minimal side effects, although there are a few reports of nausea or cramping. Gotu kola can cause drowsiness; therefore, refrain from using this herb if you are currently taking drugs that also promote drowsiness, such as sleeping aids or cold medications. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
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 Not only is it helpful against constipation, it can aid in lowering cholesterol and may help reduce the hot flashes of menopause. Flaxseed is an excellent plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Downside: Keeps well until ground, then is susceptible to going rancid. Keep ground flaxseed in the refrigerator for no more than 10 days to 2 weeks.
Cost: Approximately $4 to $5 per month (around 130 a dose) incorporating ground flaxseed into meals.
Another way to get the benefits of flax is to make a solution. Simmer 2 tablespoons of flaxseed in 3 quarts of water for 15 minutes. |
Eric R. Braverman
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 In order to avoid stroke, common recommendations include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and following a well-balanced, low-fat diet. If you have diabetes, keep it under control. Don't smoke or drink alcohol. GABA treatments to reduce anger and frustration can also prove effective, as all sorts of stress, ranging from retirement issues to marital problems, have been associated with higher rates of stroke, even in nonhypertensive patients. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 It relieves pain and inflammation; enhances the release of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone; aids in lowering cholesterol levels; and is beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver.
Many women have found that primrose oil supplements relieve unpleasant menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Because it promotes the production of estrogen, women suffering from breast cancer that is diagnosed as estrogen-receptor positive (estrogen-related) should avoid or limit their intake of primrose oil. Black currant seed oil is a good substitute. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
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| This suggests that policosanol is worthless when it comes to lowering cholesterol.
Despite these conflicting data, some people insist that policosanol has helped them improve their lipid profile. Until there is additional positive research, though, you should probably try some other approach to cholesterol control. If you forced us to make a policosanol recommendation, we would probably go with One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus from Bayer. The only reason is that Bayer is a major pharmaceutical company and presumably has high quality-control standards. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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 The beneficial effects of lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels was also confirmed by another in vivo (rat) study in 1985.10
The plant's traditional use for hypertension has been explored by research, as well. The hypotensive effects were first reported in a dog study in 1952 (in which a diuretic effect was noted also).7 The hypotensive effects were attributed to a specific phytochemical in chanca piedra called geraniin in a 1988 study. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| Oat bran and brown rice bran are the best foods for lowering cholesterol. Whole-grain cereals (in moderation) and brown rice are good as well. Since fiber absorbs the minerals from the food it is in, take extra minerals separately from the fiber.
Q Drink fresh juices, especially carrot, celery, and beet juices. Carrot juice helps to flush out fat from the bile in the liver and this helps lower cholesterol.
þ Go on a monthly spirulina fast, with carrot and celery juice or lemon and steam-distilled water. (See fasting in Part Three.)
Q Use only unrefined cold- or expeller-pressed oils. |
Michael T. Murray
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 Supplemental dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is also very effective in lowering cholesterol levels (see Table 12.1). One review article found a significant reduction in the level of serum total cholesterol in 68 of the 77 studies reviewed (88 percent). The effect of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is clearly dose-dependent and, like its effect on reducing cholesterol levels, is related to the degree of viscosity.
Table 12.1. |
| Before taking a look at the effects of these compounds in lowering cholesterol levels, it is important that you understand exactly what all the different forms of cholesterol represent. First of all, cholesterol is a natural substance made by the liver to serve several important body functions including being the backbone for important hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisone.
Cholesterol travels from the liver and into your circulation by hitching a ride on protein molecules called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called "bad cholesterol. |
| Dietary fiber supplements appear to exert a dose-dependent effect in lowering cholesterol and blood glucose levels as well as body weight. Unfortunately, to achieve the greatest ben-
Table 9.2. Examples of Clinical Studies with Dietary Fiber Supplements for Weight Loss (continued)
CALORIE RESTRICTION
AVERAGE WEIGHT LOSS OF FIBER GROUP (LBS)
AVERAGE WEIGHT LOSS OF PLACEBO GROUP (LBS)
No
5.5
0.9
No
5.5
Cain, 1.5
No
8.14
0.44
Yes
18.7
14.7
Yes
10.8
7.3
Yes
12.1
6.1 efit, the dosage required (20 grams or more) is often difficult to achieve. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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| People who significantly reduce intake of animal fats for several months but do not see significant a reduction in cholesterol levels should discuss other approaches to lowering cholesterol with a doctor.
Yogurt, acidophilus milk, and kefir are fermented milk products that have been reported to lower cholesterol in most,10, »¦ 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 but not all, double-blind and other controlled research.17,18,19 Until more is known, it makes sense for people with elevated cholesterol who consume these foods, to select nonfat varieties. |
Joseph E. Mario
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 Scolymoside increasing bile production and lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, counters hyperlipidemia, chronic liver disease, jaundice, alcoholism, malaria; increases gallbladder secretions, bile, helps counter digestive problems, dyspepsia; Has high Iron for blood building, counters atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure. Extract has 2-5% Cynarin; the leaf extract has 13-18% Caffeylquinic acids/Chlorogenic acid. Artichoke gum for cancer, and tumors. Source: Castroville, California. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
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| A multifaceted approach to lowering cholesterol naturally can be successful. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on July 23, 2003, showed that consuming a "dietary portfolio" of vegetarian foods lowered cholesterol nearly as well as the prescription drug lovastatin (Mevacor). The diet was rich in soluble fiber from oats, barley, psyllium, eggplant, and okra. It used soy substitutes instead of meat and milk and included almonds and cholesterol-lowering margarine (such as Take Control) every day. |
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