Cholesterol

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  Cholesterol is a necessary ingredientfor building cell membranes and hormones and for producing vitamin D and bile. Highcholesterol levels, however, can lead to the development of heart attacks and strokes.  Because high-density lipoprotein(HDL) is capable of removing cholesterol from the blood to the liver and out throughthe bile, it is called “good” cholesterol. Low-density cholesterol (LDL), on theother hand, carries cholesterol to the cells, and it is here that it is more likelyto contribute to the development of plaques and arteriosclerosis (narrowing of thearteries).   Although, in most cases, elevations of blood cholesteroland/or triglyceride (another blood fat) levels are due to dietary and lifestylefactors, elevations can also be due to genetic factors. These conditions are referredto as Familial Hypercholesterol, Familial Combined Hyperlipidaemia and FamilialHypertriglyceridaemia. These disorders are among the most common inherited diseases,as they affect one in every five hundred people.  Most of the cholesterol in our blood does not comefrom dietary sources; a diet aimed at eliminating cholesterol will reduce it by10 per cent only. Most of the body’s cholesterol is produced by the body itself.In fact, a deficiency in cholesterol is associated with a higher risk of cancerand immune disorders. This is because the role of cholesterol is a protective one,binding toxic mycotoxins in the blood.  Researchers at the World Health Organisation (WHO)have found that a diet of mostly refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, etc.)increases the presence of fungal mycotoxin blood levels, which in turn trigger theliver to increase its production of circulating cholesterol.  Many health factors raise cholesterol levels: hyperthyroidism,smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse and a diet low in fibre and high inprocessed, refined foods. The most important approach to lowering a high cholesterollevel is a healthful diet and lifestyle. The dietary guidelines are straightforward.

• Eat less saturated and cholesterol by reducing or eliminating the amount of animal products in the diet.
• Eat more fibre-rich plant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes).
• Lose weight, if necessary. Get regular aerobic exercise. Don’t smoke. Reduce or eliminate consumption of coffee (both caffeine and decaffeinated).

  In many cases, dietary therapy aloneis not sufficient to get fat levels into the desired ranges. Fortunately there areseveral natural compounds that can lower cholesterol levels.  Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) willlower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol by 10 to 15 per cent.Take 900 mg per day. Vitamin C directly promotes the breakdown of triglycerides.Take 1 to 3g per day.  Lecithin will help in the properbreakdown and transport of fats. Take 4-6 tablespoons per day.  Taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil will help reducecholesterol and triglyceride levels. 1-4 cloves of fresh garlic or 4,000 mg of allicinper day in tablet form will also help reduce cholesterol by 15 per cent.

David FoleyMNIMH, MRCHMMedical Herbalist