Honda Recall Affects Over 2 Million Vehicles in USA and China

Honda Motor Co. is set to recall over 2 million vehicles throughout the US and China beginning August 31^st. The recall has been issued to a fix an automatic transmission software issue in many of Honda’s most popular models.

Out of the 2 million recalled, 1.5 million are strictly from the United States.

The vehicles listed below are the models affected by the Honda recall.

• 2005-2010 Honda Accord (4 cylinder models)
• 2007-2010 Honda CR-V
• 2005-2008 Honda Element

The problem described by Honda officials pertains to common vehicle maneuvers that can damage a bearing in the automatic transmission. These maneuvers include anything that requires shifting from Reverse, Neutral, and Drive in a repetitive manner. This could include something as simple as a 3-point turn, or even the back and forth shifting it takes to remove a vehicle that has been stuck in the mud or snow.

With this damaged bearing, the engine could stall or the vehicle could fail to shift properly into park.

As mentioned above, Honda will begin notifying owners of the recall starting on August 31^st, which may prove to be quite the inconvenience to the 1.5 million Honda drivers scattered throughout the United States.

Those affected in China – including owners of Accords, Odysseys, and Spiriors – are instructed to consult the Honda website for further information.

Via  LA Times

source http://www.inquisitr.com/132674/honda-recall-2011-transmission-software-issue/

Various Choices Of Treatment For High Blood Cholesterol

Having high cholesterol does not manifest itself like any other kind of illness. You can’t feel pain from it and there is a big chance that you disregard it and not seek treatment for the condition. But it is a serious problem that can put any person at major health risk. Man’s inability to become more active and his desire for eating rich and flavorful foods with high amounts of fat, sugar and sodium, increases his cholesterol levels. In addition to this, a lifestyle surrounded by stress, smoking and drinking also contributes to the risks we bring to our health. Realizing the risks and taking steps to remedy this is essential and important.

A healthy diet and good exercise regimen will often go a long way to help lower your cholesterol levels. Ideally, drugs should be used as a last option because they have side effects. Besides, once a person starts taking medicines for treatment, it is almost always a lifetime requirement that should never be stopped. But some people may not be able to achieve lower cholesterol levels with just diet and exercise, so taking medication or supplements may perhaps be what they need to best maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

A doctor may suggest that you start on one of the following medications to lower cholesterol levels:

• Lipitor is a treatment mostly preferred by doctors and is usually prescribed to a patient when he or she has a rather high triglyceride level. Lipitor is also prescribed if dieting does not help your current condition or if you have an LDL level of more than 130mg/dL
• Lopid is prescribed to those who wish to lower their cholesterol levels but at the same time, they may be a risk of pancreatitis.
• Altocor is best for those who are found to have clogged arteries and advanced risk of heart disease. It works to soften the clogging and is best taken before you go to sleep at night. 
• Mevacor is a medicine that works best for patients with hypercholesterolemia or those with dangerous levels of cholesterol in their bloodstream
• Prevachol is a medication that may be prescribed with other cholesterol lowering treatments in order to get better results. 
• Zocor helps loosen clogged arteries, thereby preventing the need for angioplasty or bypass surgery. 
• Advicor is prescribed to even out the LDLs (low density lipoprotein) and HDLs (high density lipoprotein) found in your body as Advicol contains niacin. It is however not advisable for diabetics since it may increase their sugar levels. 
• Colestid comes in two types: the tablet form or in granules, which you must mix with water, juice or soup. Colestid helps in lowering your cholesterol levels. 
• Tricor is a drug that helps in lowering triglycerides and reducing total cholesterol. But take note that Tricor is not the kind of medicine that must be mixed with other form of medication, especially not without the consent of your doctor.

All of these treatments and medications must be doctor prescribed and should not be taken with an empty stomach. If they come in tablet form, it is advisable to take it whole, rather than chew it. It is also not advisable to take two doses at once. In case you miss a substantial amount of time (like one week for instance) in taking the medication, do not self medicate and allow yourself to continue with the treatment when convenient. Seek your doctor’s advice first.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Reduce High Cholesterol Through Natural Means?

If you are well aware of the danger of high cholesterol then you will understand why you need to reduce a high cholesterol level. Cholesterol per se is not really bad but there are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL and LDL cholesterol and a high level of just one of these is bad news for any person.

Knowing your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels will help you in choosing the right diet for high cholesterol. Having lots of the good cholesterol (HDL) in your system will push the bad (LDL) cholesterol away and there are diets that can do just that.

Too much LDL cholesterol in the body will lead to problematic health conditions that can damage the arteries and can lead to a heart attack. This can also complicate several other diseases like diabetes and even high blood pressure.

If you have a family history of high cholesterol level then you are advised go for cholesterol testing regularly so you can remedy the problem at an early, manageable stage. For those who need it, here is a quick and effective guide to reducing high blood cholesterol levels:

1. Try pomegranate juice. There have been few studies on the cholesterol-lowering effects of pomegranate juice and preliminary results show that it contains high levels of antioxidants (polyphenols) which may be the reason why it can reduce the LDL cholesterol level and protect the heart. Instead of drinking soda why not stock up on this orange-like fruit. However, consult with your doctor first as it might have adverse reactions if you are taking in other medications.

2. Avoid fatty foods. This can be a general statement because there are different types of fat:

• Saturated fat
• Monounsaturated fat
• Polyunsaturated fat

The type of fat which you need to avoid is saturated fat which comes typically from foods like red meat. Saturated fats are the fats that are solid at room temperature. These are thought to be responsible for excess cholesterol production. Of course, your body needs calories but the excess calories that are then stored in your blood is unhealthy. There are saturated fats that come from poultry, dairy and cooking oils and they increase the LDL or bad cholesterol level.
Use oils that increase the HDL cholesterol level. There are fats that are considered healthy and can lower cholesterol like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. But this is not a go signal for you to use these fats regularly or unsparingly. It is still healthiest to eat high fiber foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods with little or even no fat content.

3. .Make oatmeal a regular part of your diet. Doctors highly recommend oatmeal because of its soluble fiber content which is good in reducing bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. It helps to know that the intake of at least 5 grams of soluble fiber everyday reduces bad cholesterol by as much as five percent. If you want to fill in your diet with soluble fiber but you want variety then you can also opt for psyllium-containing products, apples and prunes. Research show that soluble fibers operate by binding cholesterol-containing bile and expelling it from the body.

4. Get a regular serving of cholesterol lowering herbs. There are various herbs that can reduce a high cholesterol level and you can find them right in your kitchen. Garlic is a common herb that is said to be good for those who want to reduce high cholesterol. Flax seeds and artichokes are herbs that are commonly used to treat this condition.

5. Eat plenty of fish. Have you ever heard the stories about Eskimos in Greenland who lived on an exclusive fish diet and who had wonderfully low levels of heart ailments? Eating fish meals at least three times a week can do wonders for your cholesterol level because of the omega-3 fatty acid content of fish. However, omega 3-fatty acids can also be found in flax seeds and walnuts.

Reducing high cholesterol level is not an easy task especially if you have already consisted on bad eating and lifestyle habits. However, with a little effort and willpower on your part, it certainly is possible.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Cholesterol Testing Can Preserve Your Health

Have you ever taken a cholesterol blood test – either with a home cholesterol test kit or at a cholesterol screening clinic? If your diet is high in fat and low in fiber, or you are overweight or over 55, then perhaps it is time for you to go for cholesterol testing.

Cholesterol Tests are not the typical tests you undergo to diagnose an illness. Rather, it is a way to determine your risk of getting heart problems and related diseases that are classified as dangers of high cholesterol. By undergoing cholesterol testing you would recognize your present blood cholesterol level and be able to work to prevent certain health problems.

Cholesterol testing is usually a part of an annual executive or physical check-up. If you have undergone a yearly physical examination then that part of your exam result that says lipid profile or lipoprotein analysis (which includes tests on your LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels) is the one referred to as the cholesterol test.

Since cholesterol tests are blood tests, you can expect some pricking to occur. Certain tests also require a period of fasting beforehand. Blood will be drawn out of a vein in order to test the levels of cholesterol or fatty deposits in your blood. It will be analyzed in a lab to properly identify what your cholesterol levels are. Cholesterol levels are defined in three categories:

• Desirable –200 mg/dL cholesterol level
• Borderline - 200 mg/dL to 240 mg/dL cholesterol level
• High Risk – above 240 mg/dL cholesterol level

Since elevated cholesterol comes in different forms, people who are found to belong in the borderline and high risk bands may be further asked to undergo a lipid profile test to determine what form of cholesterol is actually giving the reading. Those at high risk will most definitely have to undergo some changes in their diet and lifestyle and may even be prescribed medicines to help lower their cholesterol. Normal levels constitute the following, as per the National Institute of Health:

• HDL
  Man – 40mg/dL above
  Woman – 50mg/dL above
• LDL – 100mg/dL
• Triglycerides – 150mg/dL
• total cholesterol - 200mg/dL

You can go to a clinic or a hospital to undergo cholesterol testing. In addition, there are kits for home cholesterol testing which can determine your total level of cholesterol either through a color chart or some kind of indicator. However, you have to ask the opinion of your doctor on this as there are issues on the accuracy of the results of home testing kits.

Cholesterol testing is normally done when the person is in his or her healthy state. Doctors recommend that you should go for a cholesterol test at least once in every 5 years. Regular tests are desired for those already diagnosed with unhealthy cholesterol levels. Taking the tests when you have just recovered from an illness is not advisable because your cholesterol levels may likely be very low, rendering the test results inaccurate in the picture they present.


source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/ 

Give Praise To Cholesterol Lowering Vitamins

If you are having a hard time controlling your cholesterol level, it may be a good time to learn the benefits of taking cholesterol lowering vitamins. This is of course subject to the approval and prescription of your medical provider.

The danger of high cholesterol is such that a person has to be vigilant and aware of his cholesterol levels today, in order to remain healthy and fit tomorrow. The first forms of “treatment” a person will undergo in order to lower cholesterol is to mind what he eats and take on an exercise regimen. However, lowering cholesterol counts through vitamins is advisable, in addition to these, so that a person further reduces the risk of succumbing to a deadly occurrence like a heart attack.

Studies have indicated that vitamins are indeed effective in preventing high cholesterol from damaging a person’s blood vessels. Because vitamins contain natural healing elements, taking these regularly can greatly benefit a person’s state of health.

Vitamin B and its components

The Vitamin B group, which contains niacin (B3), aids in keeping the cholesterol levels low. A medical study done a few years back even indicated that consistently taking Vitamin B3 supplements is better than taking doctor-prescribed medicines.

Benefits of taking Vitamin B3 Niacin:

• It helps in promoting healthy digestion
• It helps make the skin clearer
• It is most effective in lowering cholesterol levels and triglycerides
• It promotes good circulation that reduces high blood pressure
• It allows the body and the organs to relax
  
  Additionally, the B-vitamin group also contains folate or folic acid that lowers the body’s homocysteine level. 400 mcg of folic acid daily can be effective in the prevention of stroke which can lead to untimely deaths.

Benefits of using Vitamin B (Folic Acid):
It can lower homocysteine
It can decrease the risk and the development of any type of cardiovascular disease
It works effectively against cancer
It makes the skin healthier and clearer

Vitamin B complex is water soluble and plays an important function in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates --- two types of nutrients that may lead to fatal complications if traces of it remain in excess inside the body. Among other benefits, Vitamin B group chemicals provide a detoxification effect and eliminate the toxins our body gets from the food we eat. Vitamin B elements are found in fish, poultry and peanuts.

Vitamin E. While it is does not have a direct relation to cholesterol lowering, a person can benefit from Vitamin E as it works to prevent cholesterol from accumulating and forming into plaques. Clogging or blockage in the arteries may cause one to suffer a stroke or heart attack, and this may be prevented with constant Vitamin E intake. Moreover, Vitamin E has tocotrienol which can inhibit the damage that results from too much LDL or bad cholesterol. Vitamin E works to support the body’s cell membranes which can be destroyed by cholesterol. This is a fact that was only established and discovered recently.

Benefits of using Vitamin E (Tocotrienol):

• It protects the body from high cholesterol
• It lowers the risk of heart disease
• It works as an LDL oxidant
• It prevents plaque formation or atherosclerotic
• It lowers the risk of cancer

Other sources may also contain very high levels of vitamins and natural substances which benefits the body:

Theaflavin. Theaflavin, found in green tea extracts, helps in increasing HDL or the good cholesterol and works to minimize LDL or the bad cholesterol. When taken regularly, theaflavin absorbs itself into the body rather quickly and can therefore work faster and more effectively.

Lecithin. Usually found in soy, lecithin has been reported as a cholesterol-lowering vitamin in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Daily intake of lecithin can decrease the body’s homoscysteine levels, and could especially benefit the men as they are more prone to having higher concentrations of homocysteine,

Oryzanol. Many kinds of vitamins and amino acids are contained in oryzanol, which may be found in rice bran. Oryzanol prevents the intestine and the liver from absorbing too much cholesterol and at the same time pushes the bile salts excretion from the body.


source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Real Advantages Of Cholesterol Lowering Herbs

If you have a problem with high cholesterol levels and wish to lower it naturally you may want to try using cholesterol lowering herbs. Several of these herbs, which are known to be effective, are easily be found in health food stores. Some of them are also present in your kitchen so are readily available, at low cost.

Herbs that reduce high cholesterol are not only less expensive than most medications but are also generally safe to use. However, if you have a serious illness you should of course inform your doctor about the types of cholesterol lowering herbs you intend to take. You can choose from the following herbs:

• Alfalfa. The saponin content of the Alfalfa herb does not only lower cholesterol level but it basically blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the body. What it does is attack the bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and replaces it with good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein). But like all herbal medications, you should also be careful when taking in Alfalfa because very large quantities may cause damage to red blood cells. 
• Another herb known as Tumeric root is known not only for its cholesterol lowering effect but also for its being an antioxidant. It belongs to the ginger family and its healing power is attributed to its curcumin content. The enzyme it produces is known for the ability to digest fats in the body as well as in preventing cholesterol from forming or making gallstones.
• Garlic. This herb is a common kitchen feature but there are more reasons why you should have plenty of cloves in the house. Garlic’s organosulfur content attacks the LDL cholesterol and provides healthy circulation of the blood by reducing the clotting in arteries and the blood vessels. 
• Capsicum or cayenne pepper. This herb can be used not only to spice up your dishes but also to stimulate the flow of blood in the body. It is used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels

There are a lot of benefits to using cholesterol lowering herbs especially when you are already experiencing high cholesterol problems. Check these out:

• It a controversial view - but it is a fact that cholesterol lowering herbs are often safer than drugs. Why? Because they seldom show any side effects. However, there may be herbs that can complicate already existing illnesses so you have to be careful which ones you use.
• Most cholesterol lowering herbs keep a steady flow of bile in the body as well as promote digestion. This is the primary effect of artichoke, which is known to aid in the digestion process, forcing cholesterol to leave the system immediately, thereby reducing cholesterol levels.
• So cholesterol lowering herbs increase the bile and help it flow in the body. So what? If bile is left stagnant in the liver then it can do more harm to the body. Herbs that encourage the flow of bile throughout the body keep this from happening.
• Certain herbs like flax seeds are not only effective in reducing the cholesterol level but are also very effective in lowering blood pressure and lessening the risks of a heart attack.

A lot of studies are being done to determine the benefits of cholesterol lowering herbs to the body. While the medical world has not yet made conclusive reports on the effectiveness of herbs for various illnesses, people should continue to explore their healing properties provided they consult with their doctors first to avoid adverse interactions with already existing conditions.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Ways To Lower Cholesterol Levels Naturally

Increase in the blood cholesterol level leads to many diseases or complications of already existing diseases. With this knowledge, people are getting more health conscious and are more particular in choosing their food, supplements, and lifestyle to lower cholesterol.

There are various ways to reduce cholesterol levels - you can choose one which suits your lifestyle or you can combine all of them to make sure you get the healthiest level possible. The top methods to lower cholesterol include a change in diet and lifestyle; or the taking of vitamins, plant supplements, herbal remedies, or prescription medication.

Here are proven ways to reduce blood cholesterol:

1. Modifying your diet to include stanols-fortified foods. Stanols are substances that are introduced into fortified foods like margarine or fruit juices and they serve to lower cholesterol level by up to 10 percent. To be more effective though, you must take in a minimum of two grams of plant stanols. This is not a hard task because there are plenty of foods and beverages already fortified with stanols. There are no known side effects and it does not lower (good) HDL cholesterol in the body.

2. One way to lower cholesterol is by taking in niacin since it is a lipid lowering agent that is said to prevent heart disease and increase longevity. However, to avoid side-effects, you are advised to take niacin in the form of inositol hexaniacinate. The use of niacin to lower cholesterol levels and improve peripheral blood flow has been proven to be effective. One may get niacin from lean meat, poultry and fish, peanuts, milk products, or rice bran.

3. Another way of lowering cholesterol levels is by taking in vitamin E supplements - from 600 to 800 I.U. daily. However, a person possessing certain diseases like diabetes, rheumatic heart condition and hypertension warrant a different treatment. People with these conditions should only take 100 I.U. per day. Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient and is better absorbed from the intestinal tract in the presence of fat. It should also be complemented with the mineral selenium. Vitamin E is one of the best antioxidants available. The minimum dose of mixed tocopherol needed to significantly decrease the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation is 400 I.U. per day. Food rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, crab, sweet potatoes, fish, and whole wheat bread.

4. Research has also proven that moderate alcohol intake is effective in lowering cholesterol thus decreasing the risk of heart disease. A regulated amount of alcohol drinking is advised per day because too much of it increases LDL cholesterol and plasminogen activator which helps decrease clots in the blood vessel. However, red wine and dark grape juice are said to be harmless as they are associated with reduced incidence of experimental atherosclerosis. It has natural contents that are considered potent antioxidants or that demonstrate reduction of blood clots. Red wine has also been found to increase the HDL cholesterol level while reducing LDL cholesterol level.

5. Herbs, too, are also proven to be good in reducing high cholesterol. One example is the hawthorn plant which has procyanide and flavanoids that have been shown to improve the blood supply to all parts of the heart and the peripheral vascular system. Thus, it results to a strengthened contraction of the heart muscle, and improved exercise tolerance. People having advanced heart failure have shown decreased symptoms and improved conditions after having been treated with 900 mg of hawthorn extract. Recommended dosage is 120 mg for thrice a day.

6. One can also maintain a healthy body weight by eating more grapes. The compound in grape skins and seeds are believed to be effective in lowering cholesterol. Grape-seed oil has been shown in several studies to help lower cholesterol better than other oils. Experts claimed that grapefruit, carrots, and apples are rich in pectin, a substance that reduces cholesterol levels by bonding with dietary fat and cholesterol.

With the various ways to lower cholesterol level you won’t have a reason to have unhealthy cholesterol levels anymore, except of course if it is an inherited condition which requires continuous medication.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

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Understanding Your True Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Everyone is talking about the dangers of high cholesterol levels but the question that is often left unanswered is the healthy cholesterol levels that should be maintained in order to be fit and well, physically healthy. It is important to take note that there are two kinds of cholesterol and they are classified as:

• HDL cholesterol-which is known as the good cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol-which is known as the bad cholesterol

It is important to take note of your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels so you would know if you are still on the healthy side or if you are already living life dangerously. You will learn this through cholesterol testing which can be easily done in any of the clinics or hospitals in your area.

Of course, you shouldn’t judge cholesterol immediately and consider it as your enemy. In fact, your body needs cholesterol for the development of body cells and for insulation of the fiber of the nerves. Like all substances that are inside the body, cholesterol also performs an important function in making the whole body work efficiently. If you are like most people, you would immediate panic when told that you have a high cholesterol level, but there is more to it than meets the eye.

If your cholesterol testing shows you have a high LDL or Low Density Lipoproteins then you have work to do. It is important to take steps to reduce this type of high cholesterol if you don’t want to become another heart attack statistic. You should also aim to increase the healthy (HDL) cholesterol level as this drives the bad cholesterol out of the body.

Doctors use a 40mg/dL (or higher) LDL cholesterol level for men and 50mg/dL (or higher) for women to classify them as having healthy cholesterol levels. Cholesterol testing that shows a reading higher than those already places you in the high risk bracket for heart problems. If you can raise your HDL levels and decrease LDL levels then it would mean a greater protection against heart ailments.

It is important to know that vices like smoking and lack of exercise can lower the HDL cholesterol levels. It is recommended that a person gets at least a half hour of exercise or physical activity every day to improve his HDL cholesterol level. You should also avoid stress because while stress per se does not make bad cholesterol rise, it is one of the reasons why a person develops eating habits that lead to a less-than-healthy body weight.

If you have high levels of triglyceride then you can expect a high level of cholesterol in general. This usually happens when you are overweight or you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL is already borderline and the higher it goes, the greater risk you have of getting the metabolic syndrome which is usually characterized by: Atherogenic dyslipidernia (fat related problems in arteries and capillaries); obesity centered the abdomen and high blood pressure.

If your cholesterol test reveals a low LDL cholesterol level then you have considerably less chance of getting a heart attack. You may however want to keep it this way by sticking to a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle.

But if maintaining a healthy cholesterol level (which means a lower LDL) is a struggle for you then you can resort to natural and synthetic medications like:

• Proactol - this works by binding the fat and slowing the absorption of glucose which can lead to a lower cholesterol level.
• Vitamic C - it is an antioxidant and is used by the body to keep healthy cholesterol levels.
• Garlic and Ginger - kitchen herbs that are recommended for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
• Vitamin E - a great help in preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol

Take note that it is not enough to just measure your total cholesterol level to conclude that you have healthy cholesterol. It is also imperative to get the LDL and HDL cholesterol and well as the triglyceride levels to determine your vital heath risks.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Benefits Of Using Niacin For Cholesterol Control

Many people have adverse attitudes towards taking formulated drugs. Side effects have always been the most feared consequence of taking medicines. Today, food supplements containing vitamins and minerals with known curative properties have become popular alternative remedies. Using Vitamin B3 or niacin for cholesterol control is one example of a means to avoid costly and side-effect prone drugs.

Mega doses of niacin prevent the breakdown of fats, resulting in the alteration of blood lipid levels. This condition lowers the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, otherwise called “bad” cholesterol. Also, Niacin increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or “good” cholesterol which is known to prevent the occurrence of a heart attack. Removing toxic chemicals from the body and enhancing the production of sex hormones and stress-related hormones by the adrenal gland are some of the other functions of this vitamin.

Creating a niacin-rich diet, one of the natural ways to lower cholesterol, includes consumption of animal products, such as lean meats, liver, eggs and milk. Canned salmon and green leafy vegetables form part of recommended diets that lower cholesterol. Fish oil is also a rich source of niacin, thus, it also helps lower cholesterol level. Since niacin is found in commonly served food, cholesterol control may not be an extra cost at all. When cooking food or dining out, all you need to do is to select meals that contain the above mentioned types of food. All of the above are examples of food that promotes healthy cholesterol levels.

Many people take artificial medicines to lower their cholesterol levels. However, a study revealed that certain pharmaceutical drugs formulated to lower cholesterol can cause stomach upsets and muscle pains. Taking such drugs along with other cholesterol lowering medication increases the risk further. One brand was withdrawn from the market in 2001 due to risk of serious side effects. Studies also showed that some other drugs formulated to lower cholesterol may lead to acute renal failure. Prolonged use of these drugs has also been associated with the inflammation of the pancreas. Niacin does not have these kinds of risky side effects.

To cope with the danger of high cholesterol level, physicians prescribe pharmacological dose of niacin (1.5 to 6 grams per day) to their patients. But high dosages have been found to cause some known side effects, too, such as dermatological complaints (itching, dry skin and rashes) and gastrointestinal complaints (indigestion or dyspepsia, liver toxicity and hyperglycemia). However, the side effects of niacin are not comparable to the risk of serious side effects found in drugs manufactured as a treatment for high cholesterol. As a precautionary measure, it is important for pregnant mothers to avoid taking heavy doses of niacin because it was found that it may cause birth defects.

The niacin solution is probably one of the best natural ways to lower cholesterol. As people have grown aware of the many risks in taking manufactured drugs that often have serious side effects, many have sought herbs to lower cholesterol levels. Aside from herbs, flax seeds, olive oil and fish oil are potent alternative remedies to lower blood cholesterol. Vitamins like niacin are found in natural sources that people commonly trust. Niacin is affordable, relatively safe and widely available.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

5 Proven Tips For Lasting Obesity Prevention

More than half of the population in the world today is overweight. Obesity is one of the leading problems that faced by today’s generation. It is also one of the major risk factors for other illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure or hypertension. Because of this, obesity prevention has become vital in reducing health problems world-wide and in promoting better health.

Obesity prevention is greatly dependent on what you put in your body and how you utilize it. The two major factors that contribute to obesity, therefore, are unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. The following are some tips on how to keep your weight down and stay healthy.

1. To maintain a healthy body weight, be conscious of what you eat. Know what foods are essential for good health and what foods may cause health problems such as high cholesterol levels or diabetes. Eat more of green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole wheat products. Eat less meat such as pork, beef and poultry. Lessen sugar and salt intake. Drink plenty of water and lessen intake of alcoholic drinks. Home cooked meals are better than meals at restaurant because you can control what is in it. And worse of all is eating in fast food places so try to avoid or lessen going to them.

2. Enjoy your meals. While you need it to survive, it does not mean it has to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Slow down and make it an enjoyable experience by having all your senses experience the food as you eat. Before your start eating, appreciate how nice your food looks and take in the smell the texture while you eat. It may sound like this process will make you eat more, but in most cases the opposite happens because you tend to eat more slowly and enjoy the food more so that you experience fullness early as well.

3. Do not starve yourself. Crash diets rarely work because the body takes this as a signal to conserve fat in anticipation of longer periods in between meals. It is a defense mechanism geared for survival. We may lose weight at first but it we gain more back faster. Eat several times a day, between three to five light meals which increases metabolism. This keeps you from starving but at the same time gives you enough energy for the day.

4. Exercise regularly and strive for an active lifestyle. Exercise also has other health benefits such as promoting a lower cholesterol level, and increasing bone and muscle mass on top of obesity prevention.

5. Limit your screen time. Do not spend too much time in front of the television. It leads to a very sedentary life. Most importantly do not eat while watching TV. Playing a video game is not a form of exercise. So limit your play time as well.

Follow these obesity prevention tips and you are sure to keep an ideal healthy body weight. Not only will you look good and feel good about yourself, but you will also reap the health benefits of keeping a healthy body.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Taking Steps To Avoid The Dangers Of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is on the rise and is creating new problems for both child and parent. There are many reasons for the increase in obesity among children such as:

• Easy accessibility to many processed foods that promote weight gain
• Decrease in quality time of parents which results to lack of time in preparing healthy food for their children.
• Increase in child entertainment that promotes a sedentary life style. More and more children are getting hooked on watching television and playing video games and in the process spend less and less time for sports and other play activities.

Put all of these together and you have growing childhood obesity rate that’s like a time bomb – it can blow up in all our faces.

The negative effect of childhood obesity to the physical and mental health of children is alarming. More children are now in danger of high cholesterol levels which can lead to heart problems - a disease used to be associated only with adults. Being an overweight or obese child can also have harmful effects as the child is growing up.

An obese child is more than likely to be obese when he or she grows up. This means that there is a great possibility that a child suffering from childhood obesity will more likely have obesity problems when he becomes an adult.

Obesity causes high cholesterol and in turn could lead to hypertension or a heart attack. These are just some of the possible illnesses that an obese child will develop if he retains his excess weight when he becomes an adult. In effect childhood obesity creates a risk factor at an early age.

The negative effect of childhood obesity is not limited to the child’s physical health. Children who are obese may also experience psychological problems. It is not uncommon for obese children to be treated as outcasts by both their peers and elders. They can become the subject of jokes at school by both their classmates and teachers. This may cause an abnormal social development. They may have less friends, become shy and introverts. They will become even more discouraged to participate in social activities such as team sports and in the process become even more overweight.

They may not live up to their potential as well. Childhood obesity can lead to loss of self esteem and self worth. Such an individual may think of themselves as no good. So a possible president of the United States or a person who will make a scientific breakthrough may not achieve his purpose in life because of his weight.

Help your children now by making sure they grow up with a healthy body weight. Parents will find that the process required to achieve this, and the simple steps of obesity prevention will actually be easier and less problematic compared to obesity treatment. Giving them healthy home cooked meals, keeping them active though sports and other recreational activities, keeping them away from watching television and playing video games non stop, are sure ways of not only keeping their weight down, but getting them physically and mentally fit to face the challenges of the future.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Tips For Reaching And Keeping A Healthy Body Weight

In today’s world, people are more conscious of their health than ever before. There is so much information on health, to the extent that we become overloaded with it. Some of the things we see, hear or read about are contradictory which is confusing. However, thereare generally accepted principles for keeping healthy which have been proven over the ages, and one of those is maintaining a healthy body weight.

Maintaining a healthy body weight almost always presupposes other health indicators, such as lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. Also, a healthy body weight promotes a better quality of life, which in turn promotes better health. It therefore promotes a good health cycle.

In order to maintain a healthy body weight, it is important to conform to a proven lifestyle that promotes healthy living. Here are some guidelines that will help you to reach and keep your ideal weight.

1. Count your calories. Calories are needed by the body to continue functioning because it is a source of energy. So it is not a matter of removing calories but of controlling them. The key is to know how many calories you need to burn daily and to eat the corresponding amount daily. Sounds tricky but in can be simple. Here is how to check.

• Weigh in regularly.
• If your weight is increasing at a constant rate, it means you are eating more calories than you are using and vice versa.
• If your weight is constant regardless of whether you are overweight or not, it means that you are eating the right amount of calories for your present weight and energy consumption.
• To lose weight, lower your caloric consumption and increase your energy consumption.
• As soon as you reach your desired weight, modify your intake until you find a balance of caloric intake and energy consumption to keep your weight at a constant, ideal level.

2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Most foods are not really harmful to the body for as long as you eat them sparingly and do not overdo it. Cut down on fat, sugar and salt. Eat less meats, dairy products and foods high on processed sugar. Eat more of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat products. Drink plenty of water and lessen intake of alcoholic drinks.

3. Eat regular meals at regular intervals. Eat at least three meals daily. Snack times between meals must be controlled. Start with a good breakfast before you start your day. The logic here is that by eating meals at regular intervals, you keep your energy level up throughout the day. Having long intervals between meals tend to make your body compensate by eating more than usual on the next meal. If you have no regular eating schedule, your body gets confused and will force you to take in as much as you can on the next meal since it does not know when the next meal will come. Refrain from eating late at night when you are about to go to sleep.

4. Eat in small quantities at regular proportions. Eat just enough healthy types of food to keep you energized until the next meal. In most cases, after eating a small meal, you may not feel full immediately. This is because it takes some time for your body to tell your brain that it is already full. Do not eat too fast, enjoy every bite so that by the time you are done you will feel full.

5. Exercise regularly and keep an active lifestyle to maintain health body weight. As already discussed counting your calories also involves burning energy so keep counting!

A healthy body weight may be hard to maintain but if you want to live longer then you have no choice but stick to a program that helps you to keep it.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Top Tips For A Successful Diet To Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol has become a word synonymous to bad health (the bad cholesterol that is). Because it is responsible for producing the fatty deposits in the arteries, cholesterol is one of the main causes of heart disease, and high blood pressure. Because of this, lowering cholesterol levels has become a major concern for both medical practitioners as well as many individuals. Diets that lower cholesterol have become very popular and increasingly adopted by many who fear the danger of high cholesterol levels in the body. Here are some dietary tips on how to lower your cholesterol.

Cut down on saturated fat. There are actually two types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. All foods that contain fat have both saturated and unsaturated fat. But saturated fat is the main culprit that causes high cholesterol levels in the blood. Fatty cuts of pork and beef, poultry with the skin, whole-milk dairy products, and lard, are high on saturated fats. Try to limit eating these kinds of food. If you do choose to eat them, choose lean cuts of pork and beef and remove the skin from poultry. Also shift to skimmed, non-fat milks instead of whole-milk products. Almost all diets that lower cholesterol include lowering saturated fats.

Aside from cutting down on meat, a cholesterol-lowering diet requires that the food intake be high in starch and fiber. This is because foods rich in fiber and starch are also are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. High starch and fiber foods also contain lower calories than high fat foods. This is why foods high in starch and fiber are great substitutes for foods high in saturated fat. Good examples of foods high in starch and fiber are whole wheat breads, cereals, pasta, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Starch- and fiber-rich foods in diets that lower cholesterol also help you to lose weight. And healthy body weight is a definite factor in preventing heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Here is an example of a diet that helps reduce cholesterol, which includes lowering saturated fat intake and increase in starch and fiber intake. It also includes other foods that help reduce cholesterol levels.

• Start off with a fiber-rich breakfast such oatmeal, whole grain muffins, and fruit. When choosing cereals, read the nutrition labels on the box and choose one with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.
• Switch to whole grain breads, crackers, bagels, muffins, waffles, pancakes.
• Try to incorporate having one serving of fruits and vegetables with every meal every day.
• Instead of cakes, substitute fruits for your deserts.
• When having fruits, opt for the whole fruit, skin included, rather than just the juice for fiber.
• Try to include plenty of garlic in your diet – garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
• Eat legumes, such as beans, hummus, tofu, and soy beans at least three times a week.
• Soy protein is especially effective, so try to include a quantity when possible.
• Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamins C such as oranges, papaya, broccoli and Vitamin E, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts.

Other foods that help lower cholesterol include raw onion, salmon, olive oil, and avocados. A diet designed to lower cholesterol can have as much variety as high-protein diets. The trick is to make attractive combinations.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Traditional Eating Choices Are Just Diets For High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels in the blood indicate a greater risk of getting heart disease. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and a genetic predisposition to heart disease also compounds the danger of high cholesterol. It is thus of paramount importance to control and maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood to minimize the danger of coronary complications. If you already have high cholesterol levels, getting it down to a healthy level is very critical. In most cases, the reason for high cholesterol levels in the body is because of the diet. To lower your cholesterol level, the first step is to go on a diet for high cholesterol.

What should you remove from your diet to reduce high cholesterol level? There are diet programs that encourage the increased consumption of foods high in protein that promote a healthy body weight. The Atkins and Optimal diets are among the most popular of these programs to hit the market and have been proven to be effective for weight loss but at a price. Because the emphasis is on reducing carbohydrates and encouraging the intake of proteins, which are typically high in cholesterol, it is the heart and liver that suffers. It is practically inevitable that high cholesterol levels will result.

Such diet programs are not a recent phenomenon, however. Traditional breakfasts such as bacon and eggs and cereal with milk may bring back fond memories, but these are all the ingredients of diets for high cholesterol. The bacon is of course redolent in animal fat, and egg yolk is definitely a high cholesterol food. The milk is not so bad, especially if it is low-fat but cholesterol is still present. Even the cereal may not be so great because many commercially successful brands are high in saturated fats and sugar.

Everyday food that you regularly eat may not bear scrutiny, either. Take your basic hamburger, fries and milkshake combination. Then there is that steak with gravy, mashed potatoes and butter-fried vegetables dinner. Whatever meal you consider, most present a danger of high cholesterol. Some believe that cooking such food in olive or soybean oil makes it okay, but the natural cholesterol in animal products cannot be cooked off. These are high in saturated fats which is one of the causes of high cholesterol. Other examples of these products include liver, prawns and other shellfish, sardines, heavy cream and veal. That means goodbye to surf and turf meals as well.

There are two relatively painless ways to ensure that the meals you eat are not driving you at top speed to an early grave. One is to practice moderation. The other is to stop eating out.

Foods high in cholesterol do not have to be poison if taken in reasonable amounts and combined with moderate amounts of food high in starch and fiber. Take note that even “healthy” food have to be taken in moderation, because excessive amounts of these foods may lead to other health problems as well.

Eating out is okay once in a while, but making the fast food or take-out down the block your permanent kitchen is a big no-no. Restaurant and take-out food are high in everything, mostly fats, sugar and sodium. This is because they need to make their food look and smell good; and unfortunately, these are the things that make them taste wonderful. Thus, healthy food principles go out the window.

Nobody wants to be a kill-joy but those are the facts. Diets for high cholesterol have been part of man’s traditional diet for many years and it is only recently that people are starting to believe, albeit reluctantly, the negative effects of this diet style. The time to act is now; there is no time to lose, maybe literally.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Effective Natural Ways To Lower Cholesterol

There are plenty of natural ways to lower cholesterol. The most simple and commonly followed strategy is a diverse diet which is high in fiber and low saturated fat. One must choose foods that cut cholesterol levels such as cold-water fish, corn, flaxseeds, garlic, legumes, olive oil, omeg3-rich oils, onions and others. To play safe, a person is advised to take fruits and vegetables since they are naturally rich in sterols and fiber and low in bad fats. These are the reasons which make them good in lowering the cholesterol level.

Here are various ways to lower the cholesterol level:

1. A natural way to lower cholesterol level and get a healthy body weight is through the establishment of an exercise regimen. Exercise is an effective way to achieve healthy cholesterol levels. It sets off a series of enzymatic reactions in the body that increase HDL and lower triglycerides. Exercise - especially aerobic exercise done over a sustained period of 20 to 30 minutes or so at least 3 days per week - can raise the level of "good' HDL cholesterol by 5-10%. Another fact that has been known for a while is that exercise can lower levels of blood triglycerides. Therefore regular aerobic exercise, walking, jogging, biking, say 3 times per week for 30 minutes even at only 50% of aerobic maximum will burn up triglycerides while stimulating more HDL.
2. One must also refrain from getting stressed. Daily stress raises one's cholesterol levels. Therefore any form of stress-management technique may help lower it. All forms of exercise will relieve stress and keep a person in the "present moment." In particular, mind-body exercise that emphasizes concentration on breath, such as yoga, pilates and tai chi, are exceptional forms of stress management. 
3. There are also alternative natural ways in addressing high cholesterol. One may take natural herbs such as gugulipid. The gum of the myrrh tree is an ancient Indian medicine believed capable of lowering both LDL, and triglycerides by roughly 12 percent. The standardized gum extract is called gugulipid, or guggul. No one knows exactly how it works, but it may bind to cholesterol in the intestines so that a person can eliminate the cholesterol before it enters the bloodstream. One can take 250--500 mg up to 3 times a day with meals--but you must always consult a health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
4. Another natural way of addressing high cholesterol is taking in phytosterols. These are naturally occurring plant compounds that block the body from absorbing cholesterol. Their chemical make-up is similar to cholesterol, so that they fool the body and block the absorption of cholesterol. Phytosterols are benign and not absorbed by the body. One can find phytosterols from pistachios, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and wheat germ.
5. One may also try turmeric, the spicy yellowy ingredient found in Indian food. It contains the active ingredient, curcumin. Recent research suggests that curcumin may reduce cholesterol by interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and increasing the excretion of bile acids. Curcumin has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol to a more dangerous form that is more likely to end up in your arteries.

These natural ways to lower cholesterol are good preventive strategies to avoid high cholesterol level. If you have high cholesterol levels then you might want to try these natural ways to lower your cholesterol before resorting to chemical medication. However, persons who have already been diagnosed with complications should consult a medical expert who can advise them as to the proper mediation for their particular condition.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

6 Proven Herbs To Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Using herbs to lower cholesterol is very appropriate since they are known to have antioxidant properties that can protect blood vessel walls and overall health. Also, some herbs are touted to be as effective as mainstream drugs for lowering cholesterol level. Herbs are also considered safe as they generally have no side effects.

• Garlic. One cholesterol lowering herb that is gaining popularity is garlic. Medical reports show that it can lower LDL levels while increasing HDL levels. Studies further show that garlic can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by up to 15%. It prevents oxidation of LDL and limits the build up of arterial plaque. Many studies show that the equivalent of one clove of garlic a day (or half an onion) lowers total cholesterol levels by 10 to 15 percent in most people. In one study, people who were given 800 milligrams (about one clove) of garlic daily experienced lower cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure. 
• Artichoke Leaf. Another cholesterol lowering herb supported by research is the artichoke leaf extract or Cynara scolymnus. It works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Its compound called cybarin could speed bile production in the liver as well as the flow of bile from the gallbladder which causes an increased cholesterol excretion. A study found out that 1,800 mg of artichoke extract per day for six weeks could lower the total cholesterol by 18.5% and can lower the LDL cholesterol by 22.9%. Most importantly, it was found out that there has been no negative effect associated with artichoke use.
• Green Tea. One may also try green tea since it is known to reduce cholesterol and increase the secretion of lipids. It inhibits the enzyme that promotes blood vessel constriction. Green tea is also considered an antioxidant that can prevent arterial damage and regulate blood sugar levels.
• Guggul. Studies also recommend the use of Guggul, another kind of cholesterol lowering herb that can lower triglycerides up to 30% and reduce LDL by 30% while increasing HDL by 20% in just a short time. Thus, it is believed to be good in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and is believed to more efficacious than drugs.
• Ginger. Many studies have shown that ginger helps lower cholesterol. Ginger has been shown to reduce significantly serum and hepatic cholesterol levels by impairing cholesterol absorption as well as by stimulating the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. In addition, ginger has been shown to increase bile excretion. One is advised to use ginger spice, ginger tincture or fresh ginger tea or infusion.
• Cayenne Pepper. Another effective herb is the Cayenne pepper. It helps to normalize and lower blood pressure, aids blood circulation but more importantly it lowers cholesterol. This powerful pepper helps the body to process fat fast without absorbing any, and helps the body to excrete the fats through the feces. If only for these properties, cayenne is said to be one of the best known herbs for reducing cholesterol for years now.

While using a herb to lower cholesterol is highly recommended, it is not wise to start taking in herbs as a replacement for a particular medication. Incorporating cholesterol lowering herbs in a person’s daily diet can aid in lowering cholesterol levels but it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you want to take herbs along with medication.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/

Top 5 Foods To Lower Cholesterol

Besides medication and treatments, a person having trouble with his cholesterol level must consider the power of proper diet as an effective tool to lower cholesterol. The right diet of course includes the proven foods that lower cholesterol and it can also include certain vitamins and herbs as supplements. One must be aware of the nutritional components of each food item and how it affects the body’s system. Nutrition experts believe that there are plenty of foods available in the market that are effective in lowering cholesterol.

1. One of the best known foods for obesity prevention is fish with omega-3 fatty acids. Researches have shown that eating fish has a heart-healthy benefit as shown by the Greenland Eskimos who have a lower rate of heart disease than people living outside the area. They are said to be eating less saturated fats and more omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are noted for their triglyceride-lowering effect, but they also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.

Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.

2. Oatmeal is another recommended food to lower cholesterol levels. It contains soluble fiber that reduces LDL or low-density lipoprotein. Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Its gel-like soluble fiber is responsible in binding the bile and dietary cholesterol in order for the body to excrete it. One is advised to eat 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal daily as it provides 4.5 grams of fiber. This quantity is expected to lower blood cholesterol. It may be mixed with oat bran or cold cereal.

3. Experts often recommend soy protein with its cholesterol-lowering effects. And there has been anecdotal evidence suggesting that it is effective. In January 2006, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying the cardiovascular health benefits of soy protein are minimal at best. No benefit was seen on HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure and even with a large intake of soy; only a small impact on LDL was seen. Soy contains vitamins and minerals and it is a good source of fiber.

4. Foods fortified with sterols or stanols are said to lower cholesterol. Margarines and orange juice are but some of the foods fortified with it. Such can reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10%. Plant sterols or stanols in fortified foods don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins — vitamins A, D, E and K. However, the American Heart Association recommends foods fortified with plant sterols only for people who actually have high levels of LDL cholesterol.

5. Walnuts and almonds are also good in lowering cholesterol. They have polyunsaturated fatty acids that help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. A cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20 percent of the calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent.

These are but some of the foods which have been proven to be beneficial in reducing high cholesterol. Making these foods a part of your diet and even your lifestyle can be the best decision you will ever make if you want to have healthy cholesterol levels.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/