arterial plaque Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Cholesterol Savvy? Take Our Cholesterol Quiz: Facts and Myths

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:00:19 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you cholesterol savvy? For decades, cholesterol risks, numbers, and information have been confusing, misguided, or even downright wrong. We all have cholesterol. A cholesterol measurement is one of the most common laboratory tests ordered, but does it give you the real picture of your heart health and risk? Take our cholesterol quiz to separate facts and myths and find out if you are cholesterol savvy. Cholesterol Quiz Questions Want to test your knowledge before reading the answers? Jot down your thoughts and decide which statements are facts and which are myths. The majority of cholesterol in the blood stream originates from the diet. It is required for the body to synthesize Vitamin D. Cholesterol dissolves into the blood making it thick. Its numbers are primarily altered by diet and exercise. Heart attack sufferers almost always have high cholesterol. High triglycerides are more concerning than high cholesterol. Avocado oil is higher in cholesterol than olive oil. Inflammation is a primary factor in heart condition risk. All LDL cholesterol is harmful. Statins are completely safe and effective. Cholesterol Quiz: Facts and Myths CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #1: THE MAJORITY OF CHOLESTEROL IN THE BLOOD STREAM ORIGINATES FROM THE DIET. Myth. Only about 20% of the cholesterol in your body comes from your diet. The rest is synthesized your liver and intestines (1). CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #2: CHOLESTEROL IS REQUIRED FOR THE BODY TO SYNTHESIZE VITAMIN D. Fact. Cholesterol is a waxy, whitish-yellow fat. It is needed to make vitamin D, hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), and fat-dissolving bile acids. It is a vital building block in cell membranes. And Cholesterol can be found in every cell in the body. CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #3: CHOLESTEROL DISSOLVES INTO THE BLOOD MAKING IT THICK. Myth. Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in the blood, kind of like how fat won’t dissolve in water. Instead, cholesterol bonds to carriers called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol on the inside with a layer of protein on the outside. These carriers transport cholesterol between cells to be used for various biological functions. When cholesterol is oxidized, it can embed into the artery wall which can lead to plaques and blockages. CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #4: CHOLESTEROL NUMBERS ARE PRIMARILY ALTERED BY WEIGHT LOSS, DIET AND EXERCISE. Fact. While your absolute cholesterol number is highly influenced by your familial history, age, sex, and ethnicity (2), changes in total cholesterol are primarily achieved by weight loss (if overweight), diet, and exercise (3, 4). STATEMENT #5: ALL LDL CHOLESTEROL CREATES PLAQUES IN ARTERIES. Myth. As most people know, there are two primary types of cholesterol, Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and High-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is taught as “bad,” and HDL as “good.” But there’s more to it than that. There are actually two sub-groups of LDL particles. LDL subtype A is a large fluffy cholesterol particle that is less prone to oxidation and less likely to stick to arterial walls. LDL subtype B is a smaller and denser particle that is easily oxidized and more likely to build up in the arteries. Subtype A LDL cholesterol is not necessarily a threat, and only oxidized LDL cholesterol forms plaques (5). CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #6: HEART ATTACK SUFFERERS ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL. Myth. Whilst high LDL cholesterol (specifically, high LDL subset B) is one of many risk factors of heart conditions and heart attacks, many people who have heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol levels (6). When assessing risk, we should look at our heart illness risk overall, including weight, blood glucose, lifestyle, inflammation markers, blood pressure, triglycerides, and specifically LDL Subst B cholesterol numbers. It is not the primary risk factor. CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #7: HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES LEVELS ARE COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF CHOLESTEROL LEVELS. Myth. Interestingly, more and more practitioners are looking at the ratio of triglycerides (TG) to HDL. In fact, when you calculate this ratio, you can infer your health risk of cardiovascular issues, blood sugar issues, inflammation and more. Divide your triglycerides by your HDL cholesterol levels. Studies have found that a number of 1.0 or less is likely indicative of lower risk, and a number of 3.0 or more of highest risk. Interestingly, a lower ratio is also linked to healthier LDL subset particle size (less subset B) (7, 8). STATEMENT #8: AVOCADO OIL IS HIGHER IN CHOLESTEROL THAN OLIVE OIL. Myth. Both avocado oil and olive oil have zero milligrams of cholesterol. Foods derived from plants do not contain cholesterol. STATEMENT #9: INFLAMMATION IS A PRIMARY FACTOR IN HEART CONDITION RISK. Fact. Cholesterol is an active compound in the body. It reacts to oxidative stress and inflammation. Here’s how: As free radicals move throughout the body and damage cells, cumulative oxidative stress rises. Next, the body mounts an inflammatory response and cholesterol comes in to patch things up. When cholesterol can also become damaged and oxidized by free radicals. Oxidized cholesterol is sticky. It can embed into artery walls and potentially form plaques and blockages (9). CHOLESTEROL STATEMENT #10: STATINS ARE COMPLETELY SAFE AND EFFECTIVE. Myth. While statins may be right for some patients, no medication is completely safe, and no medication is completely effective. Even though it is true that statins typically lower overall cholesterol, there are some harmful side effects of which you should be aware. First, statins may lower total cholesterol too much. This can lead to inadequate cholesterol levels for proper brain function (25% of cholesterol is in the brain). It can also interfere with and inhibit the benefits of omega-3 fats. Statins metabolize omega-6 fatty acids which work against omega-3s and can promote resistance to insulin, and elevated blood glucose levels. Like most medications, statins include a risk of damage to organs and systems in the body (10). Lastly, chronic use of statins has also been shown to interfere with the body’s production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is critical for immune and nervous system health, and also bolsters heart health, proper muscle function, and healthy blood pressure, among much else. If you are on statins it is very important to supplement with CoQ10. HOW’D YOU SCORE? Are you savvy about cholesterol? Well, if you weren’t before, you are now. And, there’s great news! Most heart condition risk can be strongly influenced by lifestyle. Weight changes, anti-inflammatory foods, diets high in antioxidants, exercise, cessations from smoking, and more can help you reduce triglycerides, LDL subset B cholesterol, blood pressure, and more. What’s more, these can all improve your HDL cholesterol, too! GET CHOLESTEROL SAVVY: WHERE TO START? Unsure where to start? After taking our cholesterol quiz, do you want to improve your knowledge and health? The Keto Zone® can help you achieve your weight and health goals! Get started today with our complete Keto Zone Starter Kit. You’ll get everything you need to get in the Keto Zone! BOTTOM LINE Cholesterol can be confusing. However, the more you know, the more you can make needed changes for heart health. Thanks for taking our cholesterol quiz. From here, focus on whole body health, specific LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL levels. Eat healthy in the Keto Zone, exercise, and protect your heart! To read the original article click here.

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Reduce the Risk of Plaque Buildup in the Arteries With These 2 Plant Extracts

AHA Publisher — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:00:29 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is a major driver of heart disease. In fact, heart disease claims over 647,000 lives a year in the United States, making it the Number One cause of death in the nation. Clearly, atherosclerosis is a major health threat. And, while Western medicine attempts to “treat” the condition with stents and cholesterol-lowering drugs, these therapies often feature a wide range of unwanted side effects. Fortunately, natural solutions exist! Scientific research (including a clinical study published just this year) has demonstrated that two plant extracts – French maritime pine bark and Centella asiatica – can fight atherosclerosis naturally and safely. Great NEWS: You Can Fight Atherosclerosis Naturally With Appropriate Supplementation, Proper Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Choices Atherosclerosis – in which cholesterol-laden plaque constricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood – affects the medium and large-sized arteries. Atherosclerosis in the coronary artery can cause shortness of breath and angina (chest pain due to insufficient oxygen). If a complete blockage occurs, a deadly heart attack can result. When atherosclerosis affects the carotid artery supplying blood to the brain and neck, blockages can cause a catastrophic stroke. A growing number of integrative doctors – including world-renowned holistic cardiologist Joel Kahn, M.D. – believe that atherosclerosis is not only treatable but reversible. Dr. Kahn maintains that a routine of supplementation, nutrition and exercise can help reverse the artery-clogging effects of atherosclerosis and prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events. Dr. Kahn has stated that he is “particularly impressed” by studies that highlight the effects of pine bark and Centella asiatica on atherosclerosis. Study Reveals: Pine Bark and Centella Asiatica Significantly Reduced Atherosclerotic Plaque While Improving Stabilization In a 2016 Italian study of 50 patients with high oxidative stress and plaque in the carotid arteries, participants received either a placebo or a combination of pine bark extract and Centella asiatica daily for three months. The researchers used ultrasound imaging to determine that the extract group had less oxidative stress and arterial plaque when compared to the control group. In addition, the stability of their plaque increased. In other words, the atherosclerotic plaques became smaller, denser and less likely to rupture – thereby reducing the chance of a blood clot and subsequent stroke or heart attack. A pretty major pay-off for simply taking two natural plant-based substances! A year later, these encouraging results were reinforced by a larger study of longer duration. In a four-year trial of 391 patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid or femoral arteries, one group was treated with a combination of pine bark extract and Centella asiatica and one was treated with pine bark extract alone. A third group received a placebo. All participants received diet, exercise and lifestyle counseling as well. While the pine bark extract group showed some reductions in markers of atherosclerosis, it was the “combination” group that enjoyed the strongest benefits. The scientists found that this group had the greatest reductions in plaque size and length – and that their incidence of angina was slashed in half. In addition, they experienced a lower rate of heart attacks. Researchers knew they were on to something. But, the most compelling research was yet to come. Bombshell Study: Pine Bark extracts and Centella Asiatica Reduce Risk of Severe Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Atherosclerosis In a three-year trial published in Minerva Cardioangiologica, men with progressive atherosclerosis were randomly divided into three groups. This time, researchers added aspirin (which has been shown to lessen the inflammation associated with atherosclerosis) to the mix. One group received standard counseling on diet, exercise and lifestyle, while a second group received counseling and 100 mg of aspirin a day. A third group received a pine bark/Centella/aspirin combination along with standard counseling. After three years, 22 percent of the patients in the counseling-only group experienced cardiovascular events requiring hospitalization. Those in the aspirin group fared better, with a rate of 12 percent. The real standout, however, was the outcome for the “extracts plus aspirin” group: a miniscule 3.5 percent hospitalization rate. The impressed team concluded that combined supplementation with pine bark and Centella asiatica appears to control both the progression of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiological events. Better Together: Potent Pair of Extracts delivers a “One-Two” Punch Against Atherosclerosis It’s not surprising that these two plant-based therapies can help fight atherosclerosis naturally. Both are rich in antioxidant constituents (such as procyanidins, asiaticosides, phenolic acids and triterpenoids), allowing them to combat the inflammation and oxidative stress that trigger arterial plaque formation. Centella asiatica, known in Ayurveda as “gotu kola,” is available as an extract. Experts advise a formulation standardized to contain 40 percent asiaticosides and 30 percent asiatic acid, with typical amounts of 150 to 450 mg a day. French maritime pine bark extracts are often sold under the brand name Pcynogenol, and are normally advised at levels around 200 mg a day. As an added “bonus:” Pycnogenol has been shown to increase intracellular levels of glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant. Of course, don’t use these plant extracts to treat atherosclerosis, or any other medical condition, without first consulting your skilled integrative doctor. You can also fight atherosclerosis naturally by quitting smoking, getting moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a plant-based diet high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and healthy monounsaturated fats. Dr. Kahn declares that he has witnessed powerful results after recommending pine bark and gotu kola to thousands of patients – including arterial age that drops by “decades, after only a year or two of therapy.” Obviously, this plant-based treatment is too important to ignore. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com, MayoClinic.org, MSKCC.org, NIH.gov, MerckManuals.com To read the original article click here. 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