We all know someone (maybe it's you) with high cholesterol. But did you know you can lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels naturally? You can, at least according to recent research from Mayo Clinic showing that Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils and a supplement called Red Yeast Rice Extract actually did a better job than conventional cholesterol medications.
Researchers in Pennsylvania followed 74 patients with high cholesterol and randomly assigned them to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed their progress for three months.
The alternative treatment group received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners.
The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol.
The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight.
Mayo Clinic (2008, July 10). Lowering Blood Cholesterol With Fish Oil And Red Yeast Rice Instead Of Statins. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 10, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com? /releases/2008/07/080708122441.htm
Dr. Zach's Comments:
-In order to move toward health, wellness, and wholeness in your life, you need three key elements: 1) a deliberate and positive focus 2) a healthy lifestyle and 3) a clear connection between your brain and your body.
-This study demonstrates that lifestyle changes (in this instance dietary changes) has a profound effect on your life and health. Omega 3 fatty acids are a necessary requirement of every cell in your body, and therefore should be a staple in your diet through either foods or supplements. The DAILY MINIMUM you should be getting is 1000mg (1g), but studies show 2000mg (2g) is more likely what our body needs for optimum function each day. The following list shows the amount of omega 3's in common foods:
Fish Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Salmon, cold water, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 1.7
Sardines, canned in oil, drained 4 oz. 1.8
Tuna, canned in water, drained 4 oz. 0.3
Tuna, canned in oil, drained 4 oz. 0.2
Cod, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 0.6
Mackerel, canned, drained 4 oz. 2.2
Swordfish, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 1.7
Crab, soft shell, cooked 4 oz. 0.6
Lobster, cooked 4 oz. 0.1
Bluefish, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 1.7
Salmon, canned, drained 4 oz. 2.2
Smelt, rainbow 4 oz. 0.5
Scallops, Maine, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 0.5
Nuts & Seeds Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Almonds, dry roasted 1 oz. 0
Walnuts 1 oz. 2.6
Flax seeds 1 oz. 1.8
Pecans, dry roasted 1 oz. 0.3
Pistachios, roasted 1 oz. 0.1
Poppy seeds 1 oz. 0.1
Pumpkin seeds, shelled 1 oz. 0.1
Sesame seeds 1 oz. 0.1
Oils Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Walnut oil 1 Tbsp. 1.4
Soybean oil, unhydrogenated 1 Tbsp. 0.9
Flax seed oil 1 Tbsp. 6.9
Canola oil 1 Tbsp. 1.3
Cod liver oil 1 Tbsp. 2.8
Olive oil 1 Tbsp. 0.1
Sardine oil 1 Tbsp. 3.7
Grains & Beans Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Soybeans, dried, cooked ½ cup 0.5
Tofu, regular 4 oz. 0.3
Greens Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Spinach, fresh, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Green leaf lettuce, fresh, raw 1 cup Trace
Red leaf lettuce, fresh, raw 1 cup Trace
Boston or Bibb lettuce, fresh, raw 1 cup Trace
Chard, cooked ½ cup 0
Turnip greens, cooked ½ cup Trace
Dandelion greens, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Kale, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Beet greens, cooked ½ cup Trace
Collard greens, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Mustard greens, fresh, cooked ½ cup Trace
-Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production. Although Red Yeast Rice Extract is very effective at inhibiting cholesterol production, please understand that cholesterol in your body is present because your body is making it. Cholesterol is the glue that holds our cells together and IS NEEDED in the body. Lowering cholesterol levels without getting to the reason why cholesterol is being overproduced in the first place can be very dangerous and lead to other health conditions.
-So, what should you do next? Seek the guidance of a trained natural health care provider such as your chiropractor or a good qualified nutritionist to assist you in making the lifestyle changes necessary to optimize your health and life.
No comments:
Post a Comment