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What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an important element in the formation of cellular membranes, hormones, vitamin D and bile.
A high level of cholesterol (total cholesterol over 5.2 mmol/L) is a good risk indicator for developing arteriosclerosis, hypertension, heart problems, strokes and gallstones.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is a kind of vesicle that transports fats (including cholesterol) from the cells to the liver, where the excess can be eliminated through bile. HDL is usually considered an indicator of “good cholesterol”.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) transport fats from the digestive tract to the cells, and is likely to contribute to the accumulation of plaques on the blood vessel walls. It is considered a good indicator of “bad cholesterol”.
Most of the cholesterol circulating in our body does not come from diet: the body produces 90% of it.
High levels of cholesterol do not really indicate how much is absorbed through our diet but rather how much free radicals are in circulation in our body (ex. toxins from yeast, peroxides, petroleum derivate, cigarette residues).
Free radicals cause oxidative damage in the body and can lead to most degenerative diseases.
Cholesterol acts as antioxidant in the body. Therefore, an increase in free radicals only heightens the need for more cholesterol in order to help protect the body from oxidation.
In summary, high cholesterol levels are indicative of a toxic body.
Cholesterol-lowering medication reduces the body’s capacity to protect itself against free radicals damages. This explains why recent researches show a higher incidence of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, some cancers and autoimmune diseases, in people taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
Some health factors increase the levels of cholesterol and they are:
- hypothyroidism
- smoking
- lack of exercise
- excess alcohol intake
- low fiber diet
- high consumption of processed food
- cortisone
- oral contraceptives
In summary, a high cholesterol level is not the cause of a problem but rather a warning sign indicating higher risks of degenerative diseases and cardiac problems.
Cholesterol-lowering medication may only mask the real problem and cause others. However, any changes in your medication routine should be discussed beforehand with your doctor.
The only way to really decrease cholesterol levels is to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. To achieve this, one must reduce the intake of toxins by eliminating all transformed or refined foods from the diet.
- Eat fresh whole foods and verify the list of ingredients to avoid additives.
- Avoid tobacco, coffee (max. one small cup per day), alcohol and sweets.
- Reduce the consumption of foods high in saturated fats. Favour extra lean meats, in small servings (85-170 g at a time) and low-fat dairy products such as low-fat cheeses and yogurt.
- Avoid sugars in any form (glucose, white sugar, brown sugar, molasses, honey, maple syrup, etc.) because they promote the growth of parasites and harmful gut bacteria that liberate free radicals.
- Limit carbohydrate intake by eating only small quantities of whole pasta, bread, rice, breakfast cereals and potatoes.
It is essential to eat a lot of fibers to allow good toxin elimination from the bowels and the body.
- Eat at least 2 fruits a day
- 6-8 servings of vegetables, especially those brightly colored.
- Drink half our weight (lbs.) in ounces of water (1 liter = 32 ounces) to increase the efficacy of fibers.
- Eat raw nuts and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax...) to benefit from their good oils and their fibers.
- Legumes are a good source of fibers and proteins while low in fats. They are well known to help lower cholesterol levels. Legumes include all beans (kidney, Lima, Navy, black eye, soya…), all peas (chick peas, green peas, yellow peas…), lentils and peanuts.
- Finally, reduce meal portions and compensate with mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks to help stabilize blood sugar levels, which influence cholesterol production.
To help increase HDL levels, it is important to take at least 4 portions of good oil per day (more if you are above average weight).
The best source of good fat is cold pressed olive oil – take 1 tbsp. per day in your food, uncooked.
Also, A.Vogel’s VegOmega-3 is beneficial for the heart and is recommended in cases of high cholesterol. It is preferable to take the VegOmega-3 and the olive oil at separate meals.
When cholesterol levels are high or for those with a family history of high cholesterol, a combination of red yeast rice, CoQ10 and Vitamin D can be beneficial.
To help control cholesterol levels it is very important to support the liver in its functions, especially in its capacity to eliminate toxins as well as for its role in the fat metabolism:
- Digestion: it helps the digestion of fats and the absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins.
- Filter: located between the bowel and the heart, it filters everything that is absorbed by the body. It purifies blood by eliminating toxins coming from the cells. The liver also neutralizes all the medications and chemicals that we ingest, rendering them easier to eliminate.
- Construction unit: the liver helps in the formation of blood components, enzymes and construction and repair elements.
- Transformation organ: it activates some hormones (such as T3 from the thyroid) and transforms proteins and lipids.
- Regulation: it has a key role in hormonal balance. It plays a part in protein synthesis, carbohydrate regulation and lipid metabolism (e.g. controls the production of cholesterol). The liver also regulates the iron content in blood cells. Finally it contributes internal body temperature regulation.
Half a lemon freshly squeezed in a cup of hot water every morning helps the liver to eliminate toxins. A small glass of fresh carrot juice also helps the liver. Rest and exercise are also an essential part of the program.
To help accelerate the process of liver detoxification, a few good herbs can be useful. Boldocynara liquid is a unique complex containing artichoke, milk thistle, dandelion, boldo and peppermint.
Those plants are very effective for cleansing the liver and regenerating damaged liver cells. Researches show that milk thistle has a toning and regenerating effect on the liver.
Finally, A.Vogel’s Hawthorn Heart Care is an excellent tonic for the heart. It is the ideal plant to reduce the risk of heart problems. Hawthorn prevents cholesterol from adhering to arterial walls, reducing the risk of blockage. Its action is effective, gentle and progressive.
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