Health Conditions

The word cholesterol often conjures up images of a ‘fry up’ breakfast with bacon fried eggs and toast dripping with butter. However cholesterol is an important waxy like substance that our body uses to make hormones, vitamin D, our cell walls stronger and flexible, synthesizes bile and even provides a protective coating around the nerves in our body. Unfortunately high blood cholesterol levels are linked with heart attacks and strokes.

Keeping a balance in life is one of the keys to staying healthy and this means making sure your cholesterol levels are at a normal level. Cutting back on the ‘fry up breakfast’ and choosing healthy alternatives including stopping smoking, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, increasing exercise and using anti-cholesterol supplements are important tools to normalising your cholesterol and increasing your longevity. I once knew a triathelete that had very high levels of cholesterol because his diet was terrible. He ate pies and sausage rolls on a daily basis but thought his exercise levels would save him from cardiovascular risks.

Familial high cholesterol is an inherited high cholesterol condition that one out of every five hundred people may manifest. It’s not caused by eating too much cholesterol. There is a problem with a receptor on the low density lipids (LDL) that normally tells the liver to stop making cholesterol thus cholesterol levels are increased.

Cholesterol and Inflammation – How does Res-V® Plus work?

There are some arguments that discuss whether high cholesterol actually increases mortality. We are now beginning to understand that it is our body’s natural inflammatory response to cholesterol that is linked to a risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How do inflammation and high cholesterol levels effect our health?

High levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, and low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) cause excess unwanted cholesterol (a mixture of sticky proteins and fat) to seep into the inner wall of our arteries and cause injury to our artery walls.

Damage occurs as an inflammatory response is triggered which speeds up accumulation of cholesterol, clotting chemicals, tough like fibres (fibrin), smooth muscle cells, and scar tissue build up. This deposited mass causes a domino effect of more inflammation and more blockages which can cause blood to clot as it banks up against the mass leading to heart attacks, strokes and has also been linked to dementia.

Studies show that a substance known as C-reactive protein (CRP), released by cells during the inflammation process, may be an effective test to gauge risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events. (See diagnostic tests below).

To put it simply, Naturopaths use antioxidants to reduce the oxidation or ‘stickiness’ of the adhesive protein and fats so that even if LDL and VLDL cholesterol proteins are elevated in number they are decreased in stickiness and are more likely to pass the walls harmlessly.

Res-V® Plus contains super antioxidants that support those with high cholesterol and is designed to supplement your lifestyle, rather than a cure all. We also recommend that common sense prevails to include a healthy diet, lifestyle and exercise as supplements do not replace a balanced diet or lifestyle.

If you have high cholesterol you may have an increased risk of heart disease. To lower this risk we recommend you make health changes.   It is safe to take both your prescriptive medication and natural supplements. However you will have to make sure your monitor your medication in case you need to have it altered by your medical professional. Many studies and clinical hours prove that using natural medicine and therapy along side prescriptive medication can support health and a variety of many diseases.

Res-V® Plus:

• Resveratrol and red grape skin extract – According to a recent review (Zhang, FE et, al 2008) on the beneficial effects of resveratrol on artery blockage, resveratrol was found to normalise and help support the body’s natural process of inflammation and the function of injured artery walls. 
• Turmeric – is also a natural inflammatory (not to be confused with non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication). Because Turmeric has also an effect on bile, it has a positive effect on HDL and supports excretion of cholesterol. 
• Green tea - Population-based clinical studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help with the formation of arterial blockages and positively support the risk coronary artery disease. Research shows that green tea effects total cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol. One population-based clinical study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have normal cholesterol levels than those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may support the body’s natural response to the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote normal excretion from the body.
• Pine bark – has antioxidant properties that can support those with concerned with cholesterol. A new study released also showed that pine bark has a positive effect on women that are perimenopausal which can cause cholesterol levels to rise.  Each capsule of Res-V® Plus contains a generous 1000mg of Pine Bark.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is transported in the blood by lipoproteins, a mixture of fats (including triglycerides), cholesterol and protein. The important lipoproteins to remember are;

High Density Lipids (HDL) — act like sponges, absorbing excess fat or cholesterol from the body’s cells to transport it back to the liver. Evidence suggests that high concentration of HDLs may reduce cholesterol deposit within arterial walls, reducing the risk factor of Atherosclerosis or cholesterol build up on the blood vessel walls.

Low Density Lipids (LDL) and Very-low density lipids (VLDL) — transport fats and cholesterol from the liver to the body cells for regeneration, repair and hormone synthesis.  People with small LDL particles compared to those with larger LDLs are at greater risk of atherosclerotic lesions.

In layman’s terms, LDLs are said to contain ‘bad cholesterol’ whereas the HDLs contain ‘good cholesterol’, although in truth both are essential to our survival. LDL plasma excess and a low concentration of HDLs increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Within the lipoproteins are smaller apolipoproteins that have a major role in cholesterol metabolism.

Apolipoprotein (a) — is a cofactor protein, involved in the transport of fats and cholesterol. High levels of apolioprotein (a) can make the VLDL and LDL stick to the walls of the artery like glue, increasing the risk of heart disease ten times more than just having elevated levels of LDL and VLDL than the normal range.

Causes

• Peri-menopause and menopause, a family history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure (140/90 +), smoking and low HDLs are risk factor indicators for high cholesterol.
• Age — men over 45 and women over 55years old increase the risk of high cholesterol.
• Excessive dietary intake of calories, cholesterol, saturated animal fats and trans fatty acids from margarines, heated oils or lard. Fried foods, hydrogenated oils, excessive intake of coffee, alcohol, sugar, refined carbohydrates and a diet low in fibre may lead to high cholesterol.
• Increased sensitivity to dietary cholesterol and lack of LDL receptors
• High cholesterol is linked to high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and heart attacks.
• Familial high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, pregnancy and diabetes
• Pancreatic, kidney, liver and adrenal dysfunction
• Gallbladder and bile pathway obstruction
• Nutrient deficiency — of vitamin C, fibre, calcium, chromium, copper and magnesium and dietary antioxidants.
• Smoking and toxins damage the blood vessel walls triggering a domino effect where fibrous tissue, white blood cells and inflammation cause further damage to blood vessel walls.

Signs and symptoms

·         High levels of total blood cholesterol especially triglycerides, LDL and VLDL accompanied by low levels of HDL.

·         Symptoms may not be apparent

·         Fatty deposits in the whites of the eye or sitting around the eyelid of the eye. The pupil may take on a hazy blue rim around the outside.

·         The liver area may become painful if high levels of fat penetrate the livers cells.

Diagnostic Readings: Please talk to your doctor about your diagnostic readings. Some testing laboratories have different ranges. A total cholesterol reading usually can reach within the ranges as follows:

Other diagnostic cholesterol and high blood pressure blood tests. We need to move beyond standard cholesterol screening if we are to appreciate the promise of preventive early intervention therapies in the development of blocked arteries.

• C reactive protein (CRP) – 10+ to discover inflammatory processes that may complicate cardiovascular conditions.
• Homocysteine – is an amino acid in the blood. Too much homocysteine in the blood is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Plasma homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by diet, as well as by genetic factors. The dietary components with the greatest effects are folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. Folic acid and other B vitamins (B6 and B12) help break down homocysteine in the body. Low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke. Levels higher that   (15-100 µmol/L) are linked with cardiovascular disease, venous thrombosis, cerebral and peripheral arterial disease. Increasing intake of folic acid (400mcg) and to a lesser extent vitamin B6 and perhaps B12 may lower homocysteine levels. However, homocysteine does not appear to be as important as other risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
• Iron – levels can be checked for a genetic condition called haemochromotosis (excessive iron) or low iron count. Excessive levels can lead to heart and arterial damage.
• Folic acid – levels can affect homocysteine and cardiovascular disease.

Medic Alert

See a health professional straight away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and are taking any statin cholesterol lowering drugs. Unexplained muscle pain and weakness, memory loss, diarrhoea or constipation. Do not come off your prescribed medication without your doctors supervision.

Naturopathic Recommendation

The ideal overall cholesterol picture would include e.g. low plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and high HDL cholesterol, large LDL with reduced apolipoprotein a. We can help achieve this through diet, using Vitamin B complex, antioxidants and other supplementation, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. 

Lifestyle Hints and Nutrition

Weight management – lose excess weight if necessary

Exercise – must be gradual and start off lightly if it is not a regular habit by now. Walking 3-4 times weekly is a good start. Increase your speed if it becomes too easy. You should walk for 40minutes to 1 hour. Intensity of speed or exercise can decrease the length of time you need to exercise, down to 20-30minutes. If you have bone, joint or muscle injuries seek professional personal training advice to advise an adaptive exercise programme to suit you. Cardio and weight bearing exercise is excellent for blood circulation, bone health, muscle tone and strength and increases a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Eliminate smoking – this is an absolute must. It damages the blood vessels and causes constriction and Atherosclerosis. If you do choose to continue, supplement yourself vitamin C and a multi containing vitamins, betacarotene and minerals.

Relax – stress exacerbates angina, poor fat metabolism and high blood pressure. Learn to relax by using yoga or meditation, or using relaxing techniques to suit your needs.

 
Nutrition

Dramatic results can be experienced by individuals who switch to a healthier lifestyle and diet, although those with familial high cholesterol will have to do a lot more than just watching their diets. The LDL receptors decrease in number due to an overload in dietary cholesterol, so reducing the overall cholesterol in the diet is still beneficial with familial high cholesterol.

Saturated fats containing cholesterol from animal and coconut oil products appear to interfere with the LDL receptors ability to clear LDLs from the blood stream. These types of foods increase LDLs, triglycerides and lower HDLs increasing cardiovascular disease risk factors

For those with ‘high cholesterol’, studies show that to help maintain healthier levels of cholesterol, a reduction of dietary saturated fat and trans fatty acid (e.g. margarine) and heated fat intake along with an increase of polyunsaturated fats (from vegetable oil) and monounsaturated (e.g. Olive oil) fats may reduce plasma LDL-cholesterol levels. However a more aggressive approach with a healthy diet and lifestyle change with the inclusion of herbal treatment and supplement will make more of a difference in lowering the cholesterol than diet alone.

Reduce daily excessive calories — these lower HDL and raise LDLs

• To lower blood cholesterol levels you need to eat less fat and drink less alcohol. Choose foods that are low in saturated fat. (See suggestions below or a nutritionist/naturopath/ health professional  for a full consult and healthy eating plan).
• Avoid excessive intake of cholesterol and saturated fats. It is an odourless, white waxy substance found in all animal foods, fish, offal, seafood, and eggs. The type of fat you eat can affect your blood cholesterol level even more than does the amount of fat. Eating a lot of foods that are high in saturated or trans fats such as butter, cream, coconut cream, squid, prawns, palm oil, take-away foods, fatty meats or fried foods can raise your blood cholesterol. Eat eggs in moderation, and choose mostly white meat and organic poultry. It never occurs in fruits or vegetables. Reduce saturated fat intake or fats that are solid at room temperature that include animal products by removing visible fats and skin from meat, choosing grilling, steaming, broiling, baking or micro-waving over frying and roasting.
• Saturated fats — are fats that go hard at room temperature, include animal fats that are found in foods that include meat, butter, cream, cheese, dripping and lard, coconut and palm oil.
• Other fats to avoid include Trans Fatty Acids – TFAs are contained in margarine, shortenings, shortening oils and some salad oils, butter, milk and heated meats or fats.

On the other hand, nonheated polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated fats found in vegetable oils (olive oil or canola) — can actually lower cholesterol. Use omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids or “good fats” including flax oil or small amounts of olive oil and avocado as a substitute for butter and margarine. Use small amounts of olive oil or avocado to stir fry foods.

Avoid alcohol (especially binging) — this increases cholesterol triglycerides. If you do choose to drink, have at least 3 alcohol free days a week, never binge and limit yourself to 5 servings a week (1 serving equals 300ml beer, 60mls of sherry, martini or port, 30ml of spirits or 100mls of wine preferable red).

Reduce coffee — caffeine and soft drink intake. Reduce excessive salt intake and smoked carcinogenic foods.

Reduce refined carbohydrates — white flour, white rice, croissants, toasted muesli, cakes, biscuits, pastries, pies, bread-crumbs, man-made carbohydrates and soft drinks.

Consume complex carbohydrates — half the amount you normally have or eat 3 servings the size of your fist daily. Include dense grainy breads, lots of whole grains, oat bran and textured wholemeal or white sourdough, long grain white, basmati, brown rice, kumara, taro, yam, pasta, noodles, barley and bulgur wheat, porridge, untoasted muesli, Special K, All-Bran. Choose low fat low sugar biscuits made with oats.

Use these sugars sparingly — sugar, honey, fruit juices, dried fruits and maple syrup. Avoid artificial sweetener or processed sugar.

Eat more fibrous carbohydrates — like salads, celery, onions, garlic, asparagus, and beans and legumes than starchy carbohydrates potatoes, corn, rice, pasta and breads. Eat more dietary fibre and natural antioxidants found in vegetables (leafy greens, yellow and red due to antioxidant content), cherries and berries.

Fibre — binds onto excess dietary cholesterol and removes it. Grind and eat 2-4 tbsp of flax seed fibre daily, this will provide fibre and Omega 3 and 6. Other excellent sources of fibre incude oatbran, psyllium, pectin or apple fibre.

Eat anti-inflammatory foods — include fish, pineapple, berries, apples, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cold pressed oils that include essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6. Flax oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, and fish oil are very good. 

Eat six small meals daily — to help balance sugar levels which may have a positive effect on fat metabolism.

Other dietary hints

• Increase non-sweetened yoghurt intake and choose low fat skim dairy products, low fat yoghurt, cottage and ricotta cheese, quark or feta. Acidophilus yoghurt may actually help reduce cholesterol. A study by B. Hepner showed an average reduction in cholesterol from 252 to 230 mg/dl by the end of the first week of the experiment. It stayed at 230 for the remainder of the study.
• Eat at least 3 fish meals weekly. Sardines, tuna, salmon, warehou and kahawai are great sources of Omega 3 oils, tinned fish may be an affordable option but grilled or steamed fresh fish is preferable.
• Consume copious amounts of ginger, garlic and onions with meals to help break down fibrous deposits on the arteries (fibrinogen) and thin the blood, and eat soy products, oat bran, whole grain cereals, legumes, alfalfa and sprouts, nuts and linseeds to help reduce cholesterol levels.
• Drink 2 litres of pure fresh water daily and include a cup or two of green tea daily. Low in caffeine and rich in catechin antioxidants, green tea helps lower cholesterol and improve fat metabolism.

Supplements

• Antioxidant formulas (full spectrum) — Resveratrol, Turmeric, Green Tea, Pine Bark, grape skin. Vitamins E, A and C, and zinc, selenium, manganese, iron. These are essential to help prevent oxidation and stickiness of LDL, reduce inflammation and atherosclerotic formation within the blood vessels. One of my number choices for heart and cholesterol conditions. Take as professionally advised or as supplement labels suggest.
• Omega 3 oils — help to thin the blood and improve cholesterol levels and poor heart function. Take 3000mg daily of fish oil or 2 Tbsps of Flax oil daily. Avoid with the prescribed medication warfarin, as these oils in large amounts may have a blood thinning affect.
• Vitamin C (1.5g daily), folic acid (400mcg/ug), Vitamin B6 (30mg +) and B12 (30mg +) — lowers triglycerides, homocysteine, LDLs and increases HDLs.  

Herbs

• Res-V Plus. Take 1-3 capsules daily.
• Garlic — reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and prevents LDL oxidation, while raising HDLs. In addition to using fresh garlic in your cooking, you can also take a therapeutic dose of garlic in supplement form. A 400 mg garlic extract, or one clove of fresh garlic a day, is suggested to reduce cholesterol.
• Other herbs such as Ginger, Milk thistle, Policosanol, Guggul, Artichoke are helpful for cholesterol too. 

How does Res-V® Plus work?