MANAGING HIGH
CHOLESTEROL
What is cholesterol?
•
Cholesterol is a chemical that is naturally produced by
the body
•
Cholesterol is a building block for cell membranes and
for hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
•
About 80% of the body's cholesterol is produced by the
liver, while the rest comes from our diet.
•
The main sources of dietary cholesterol are meat,
poultry, fish, and dairy products. Organ meats, such as
liver, are especially high in cholesterol content
•
Foods of plant origin contain no cholesterol.
•
The liver is able to regulate cholesterol levels in the
blood stream and can secrete cholesterol if it is needed
by the body.
What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?
 LDL
cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol,
because it is associated with an increased risk
of coronary heart disease, stroke, and
peripheral artery disease.
 HDL cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol"
and prevents atherosclerosis
 Low levels of LDL cholesterol and high levels of
HDL cholesterol (low LDL/HDL ratios) are
desirable and protect against heart disease
and stroke.
What determines the level of LDL
cholesterol in the blood?
 Both
heredity and diet have a significant
influence on a person's LDL, HDL and total
cholesterol levels.
 Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol
raise the levels of LDL cholesterol in the
blood. Saturated fats are derived primarily
from meat and dairy products and can
raise blood cholesterol levels.
Does low cholesterol prevent heart
attacks and strokes?
 The
are:
•
•
•
benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol
Reducing of cholesterol plaques on the
artery walls
Decreasing the risk of heart attacks
Decreasing the risk of strokes
How can LDL cholesterol levels be
lowered?
 Lifestyle



changes:
losing excess weight
exercising regularly
following a diet that is low in saturated fat
and cholesterol.
Medication to lower
cholesterol
 The
most effective and widely used
medications to lower LDL cholesterol are
called statins.
 Most of the large controlled trials that
demonstrated the heart attack and stroke
prevention benefits of lowering LDL
cholesterol used one of the statins.
How to Lower Your Cholesterol
Naturally
 High-quality,
animal-based omega3-fats.
New research suggests it may lower your total
cholesterol and triglycerides and increase your HDL
 Red
Yeast Rice may lower cholesterol
 Reduce
grains and sugars in your daily diet,
especially sugars such as fructose.
 Eat
the right foods for your nutritional type.
 Eat
a good portion of your food raw.
Eat healthy, preferably raw, healthy fats, etc.
This includes:
Olive oil
2. coconut oil
3. Organic raw dairy products (including butter,
cream, sour cream, cheese, etc.)
4. Avocados
5. Raw nuts
6. Seeds
7. Eggs (lightly cooked with yolks intact or raw)
8. Organic, grass-fed meats
1.
 Get
the right amount of exercise.
When you exercise you increase your
circulation and the blood flow throughout
your body.
 Avoid smoking and drinking excessive
amounts of alcohol.
High blood pressure
What is high blood pressure?
 High
blood pressure (HBP) is a serious
condition that can lead to coronary heart
disease (also called coronary artery
disease), heart failure, stroke,
kidney failure, and other health problems.
Categories for blood pressure levels
Category
Normal
Systolic
(top number)
Diastolic
(bottom number)
Less than 120
And
Less than 80
120–139
Or
80–89
Stage 1
140–159
Or
90–99
Stage 2
160 or higher
Or
100 or higher
Prehypertension
High blood pressure
Treatment of HBP
 Lifestyle
Changes
 These include:
• Following a healthy diet
• Being physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing your stress and learning to
cope with stress
Dietary changes that may
lower HBP:

•
•
•
low saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
Focus on fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or
low-fat milk and milk products
whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and
nuts
reduce sweets, added sugars and sugary
beverages, and red meats than the typical
American diet
A Supplement that may help reduce HBP:
Coenzyme Q 10
What is CoQ 10?
 CoQ10
is an enzyme found in every single
mitochondrial cell in the body
 about 95% of your body’s energy is
produced by these cells, which convert
sugars and fats into energy.
 Your internal organs (like your heart) need
the most energy, which is why you will find
the highest concentrations of CoQ10 here.
Disclaimer:
 This handout
offers information and does not
intend to replace professional treatment for
any of the covered health problems.
 Please always consult
with your health
practitioner if you have any concerns about
your health.