So, why is there so much talk about cholesterol in our diet? It's because the level of cholesterol already present in your blood can be increased by high consumption of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet. This increase in dietary cholesterol has been associated with atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaques that can narrow or block blood vessels. (Think about what happens to your kitchen drain pipes when you pour chicken fat down the sink.) If the coronary arteries of the heart become blocked, a heart attack can occur. The blocked artery can also develop rough edges. This can cause plaques to break off and travel, obstructing blood vessels elsewhere in the body. A blocked blood vessel in the brain can trigger a stroke.

The average American man eats about 360 milligrams of cholesterol a day; the average woman eats between 220 and 260 milligrams daily. So how are we doing? The American Heart Association recommends that we limit our average daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. Obviously, people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood should take in even less.

Comments about "good" and "bad" cholesterol refer to the type of carrier molecule that transports the cholesterol. These carrier molecules are made of protein and are called apoproteins. They are necessary because cholesterol and other fats (lipids) can't dissolve in water, which also means they can't dissolve in blood. When these apoproteins are joined with cholesterol, they form a compound called lipoproteins. The density of these lipoproteins is determined by the amount of protein in the molecule. "Bad" cholesterol is the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. High levels of these LDLs are associated with atherosclerosis. "Good" cholesterol is the high-density lipoprotein (HDL); a greater level of HDL--think of this as drain cleaner you pour in the sink--is thought to provide some protection against artery blockage.

A high level of LDL in the blood may mean that cell membranes in the liver have reduced the number of LDL receptors due to increased amounts of cholesterol inside the cell. After a cell has used the cholesterol for its chemical needs and doesn't need any more, it reduces its number of LDL receptors. This enables LDL levels to accumulate in the blood. When this happens, the LDLs begin to deposit cholesterol on artery walls, forming thick plaques. In contrast, the HDLs--the "good" guys--act to remove this excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver for disposal.

A third group of carrier molecules, the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are converted to LDL after delivering triglycerides to the muscles and adipose (fat) tissue.

 
Cholesterol

Cholesterol and other fats can't dissolve in the blood. They have to be transported to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are several kinds, but the ones to focus on are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

What is LDL cholesterol?

The levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol are all indicators for atherosclerosis and heart attack risk. People who have a cholesterol level of 275 or greater (200 or less is desirable) are at significant risk for a heart attack, despite a favorable HDL level. In addition, people who have normal cholesterol levels but low HDL levels are also at increased risk for a heart attack.

The new cholesterol-lowering drugs, the statins, do prevent cardio-vascular disease, but this is due to other mechanisms than cholesterol-lowering. Unfortunately, they also stimulate cancer in rodents, disturb the functions of the muscles, the heart and the brain and pregnant women taking statins may give birth to children with malformations more severe than those seen after thalidomide.

Homocysteine is formed by the body as a naturally synthesized byproduct of methionine ( a very important amino acid in your body) metabolism. Like cholesterol, homocysteine performs a necessary function in the body, after which, if the right cofactors are present, it will eventually convert to cysteine (and this is one of the amino acids needed to produce glutathione, which is very critical in your detoxifications pathways.) and other beneficial compounds such as ATP, (the energy molecule of the body)  and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), creatine, choline, part of your RNA and DNA messangers and epinephrine..these are all critical elements of your healthy biochemistry.

The main sites of metabolism are in the kidney and liver - and good levels of folic acid are required to keep homocysteine low.

When left intact, it enters the bloodstream and begins attacking blood vessel walls, laying the foundation for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

The clear message from new scientific findings is that there is no safe "normal range" for homocysteine. While commercial laboratories state that normal homocysteine can range from 5 to 15 micromoles per liter of blood, epidemiological data reveal that homocysteine levels above 6.3 cause a steep, progressive risk of heart attack (the American Heart Association's journal Circulation, Nov. 15, 1995, 2825-30). One study found each 3-unit increase in homocysteine equals a 35% increase in myocardial-infarction (heart-attack) risk (American Journal of Epidemiology, 1996, 143[9]:845-59).

There are over 130 studies which show that increased homocysteint is a cardio vascular disease factor.

Many enzymes, or catalysts are involved in the complete metabolism of homocysteine. If any of these enzymes is defective or functions inefficiently, the body is less able to successfully process homocysteine. Although this enzyme dysfunction  may be due to a mutated or defective gene, ( identified by Dr. Rima Rozen at McGill University in Montreal), more often this breakdown in metabolism is due to deficiencies of certain nutrients. . .particularly B-6, B-12 and folic acid.

When this function is disordered, whether due to genetic defect or nutrient deficiency, homocysteine accumulates and enters the bloodstream where it promotes oxidation of lipids, causes platelets to stick together, enhances the binding of lipoprotein (a) to fibrin and promotes free radical damage to the inside of arteries.

Factors which increase homocysteine:

Males affected more than females	Increases with age
Hypothyroidism	Smoking
Alcohol	Menopause
Kidney Failure	Drugs ie Birth Control Pill, L-Dopa, etc
Enzyme Defects	Unchilled Blood
Genetic Defects

Some have suggested that the obvious solution to reducing homocysteine would be to restrict methionine intake by restricting foods such as meats that are rich in methionine. Then the supermarket shelves would be lined with low methionine and methionine-free foods. That makes about as much sense as switching cabins on the Titanic. Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of protein, important in the maintenance of cartilage, and needed for the formation of other important amino acids such as taurine and carnitine. Methionine is not at fault. The problem is when homocysteine cannot be converted.

Reducing Homocysteine Levels

The good news is...elevated homocysteine levels, whether due to nutrient deficiencies or defective genes, can easily be normalized in virtually all cases, simply and inexpensively, using a combination of nutritional supplements. The most effective defense against homocysteine buildup is a combination of vitamins B-6 and B-12, folio acid and trimethylglycine (TMG). So you have a way to naturally lower cholesterol.

Natural and Herbal Supplements: Numerous studies have shown that natural and herbal supplements such as Chromium-GTF, Guggul, Octacosanol, Policosanol, Pantethine, Beta-Sitosterol,Curcumin, Fish-Oil, Niacin, Garlic, Soluble fiber , Sytrinol, and Beta Carotene are effective in controlling the high cholesterol and thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Some of t hese and others are detailed below:
Psyllium half or one teaspoon in a glass of water twice daily with food. Psyllium reduces cholesterol levels and cardiac risk. For details see bottom of page.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant extracted from turmeric.
Fish oils work well, especially in combination with garlic or other supplements
Green Tea extract to prevent oxidation
Beta Sitosterol is a well known phytosterol. Phytosterols have been known since the 1950s as nutrients that can maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Consider eating more soy and less saturated meats or you may take a soy protein supplement.
Natural Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Red Yeast Rice
Natural Vitamin E complex keeps cholesterol from being oxidized.
CoQ10 is an essential nutrient that is depleted in the blood in those who are taking stating drugs such as Lipitor, Mevacor, and others. Taking extra CoQ10, such as 10 to 60 mg, should be considered, not necessarily to lower cholesterol levels, but to maintain healthy CoQ10 levels while on statin therapy. See the study mentioned later that discusses the relationship between statins, cholesterol, and Coenzyme Q10.
Niacin lowers cholesterol, LDL, Lp(a), and triglycerides while raising HDL (the good cholesterol). Slow release preparations are better.
Sytrinol for healthy cholesterol. Sytrinol has flavones from orange, tangerines and palm fruit.
Krill oil
Licorice extract
Mangosteen
Policosanol -- sugar cane extract may sometimes reduce cholesterol. Octacosanol is a waxy substance present in some plant oils and is one of the primary components of the sugar cane extract policosanol.
Eat more soy or use a soy protein supplement
Beta Glucan could be helpful

The so-called French Paradox — the association between red wine and decreased heart disease — has been attributed to resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, which acts as an antioxidant. Most recently scientists have identified a compound call saponin, found in the skins and seeds of red grapes, that effectively blocks the absorption of cholesterol.

Cholestasys™ consists of all-natural ingredients that are essential in making it safe and effective. It contains no chemically generated compounds, fillers, or artificial additives and unlike pharmaceutical drugs, does not require a prescription and has no negative side effects. Cholestasys™ is another remarkable product from Techmedica Health™ Inc. and Dr. Charles C. Thao's scientific research team who together continue to provide quality healthcare solutions in the world, for over 30 years now! Dr. Charles C. Thao is one of the world's leading naturopathic medical doctors in his field.

Below is a short explanation of each ingredient in cholestasys™ and it’s proven benefit (often over centuries of use) in safely normalizing cholesterol levels and promoting good health.

Guggul Guggul is effective because it lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides. When broken down, scientifically, Guggul contains powerful isolates. These isolates are known as Guggulsterones and are very successful in lowering lipid levels. These key Guggulsterone isolates in Cholestasys™ also decrease the "stickiness" of platelets to further help lower your risk of coronary artery disease and strokes.

Niacin Niacin is a member of the Vitamin B family, known as vitamin B3. Niacin is a natural cholesterol-lowering agent that alone has been shown to outperform prescriptive drugs in mild and even moderate cases! It helps your body to work on the cellular level and increases the health of the digestive system, improves circulation, promotes healthy skin and the sound functioning of your nervous system.

Policosanol Policosanol is isolated and refined from sugarcane. The active ingredient is octacosanol. Clinical studies have demonstrated policanosol has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and neural- protective properties. Policosanol has been shown in studies to normalize cholesterol as well or better than statin drugs without the negative side effects.

Plant Sterol Complex Cholestasys™ also contains a potent Plant Sterol Complex! Plant sterols are minor constituents of natural vegetable oils that are chemically similar to that of cholesterol. Plant sterols have been shown to lower the bad cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol from the gut without side effects.

Cayenne Cayenne has been revered for thousands of years for it's healing powers. Dr. Thao has also recognized cayenne's role as a catalyst, which amplifies the benefits of other herbs when synergistically combined. Cayenne has nutritional attributes as well, being rich in vitamins A and C along with the complete B complex. It is also a very good source of organic calcium and potassium, which again benefits the blood and the heart!

Garlic Garlic is known to reduce cholesterol as well as defend against bacterial and fungal infections. Garlic contains 40 organic compounds and includes over 100 bioavailable chemicals! In 1994 Adesh K. Jain, M.D. of the Clinical Research Center at the Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, reported how garlic can lower blood levels of "total cholesterol" and specifically LDL cholesterol (the bad one)!

Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that influence a person's cholesterol levels. They include diet, age, weight, gender, genetics, diseases and lifestyle.

Diet
There are two dietary factors associated with increases in blood cholesterol levels:

• Eating foods that are high in saturated fats, even if the fats themselves do not contain cholesterol. (These include foods containing high levels of hydrogenated vegetable oils, especially palm and coconut oils, avocados and other high-fat foods of vegetable origin.)

• Eating foods containing high levels of cholesterol. (This group includes eggs and red meat--the most maligned of the cholesterol culprits--as well as lard and shrimp. These foods can significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, especially when combined with foods that are high in saturated fat.)

It's important to note that only foods of animal origin contain cholesterol. Lack of awareness of this fact has led to some confusing labels at the grocery store. For example, some items that are high in saturated fats from plant sources bear labels claiming that they are 100 percent cholesterol free. The statement may be true, but it's generally misleading because it implies that the product is definitely beneficial to your health.

Age
The blood levels of cholesterol tend to increase as we age--a factor doctors consider when deciding treatment options for patients with certain cholesterol levels.

Weight
People who are overweight are more likely to have high blood cholesterol levels. They also tend to have lower HDL levels. The location of the excess weight also seems to play a role in cholesterol levels. A greater risk of increased cholesterol levels occurs when that extra weight is centered in the abdominal region, as opposed to the legs or buttocks.

Gender
Men tend to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels than do women, especially before age 50. After age 50, when women are in their post-menopausal years, decreasing amounts of estrogen are thought to cause the LDL level to rise.

Genetics
Some people are genetically predisposed to having high levels of cholesterol. A variety of minor genetic defects can lead to excessive production of LDLs or a decreased capacity for their removal. This tendency towards high cholesterol levels is often passed on from parents to their children. If your parents have high cholesterol, you need to be tested to see if your cholesterol levels are also elevated.

Diseases
Diseases such as diabetes can lower HDL levels, increase triglycerides and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can also hasten the development of atherosclerosis, and some medications used to treat it can increase LDL and triglycerides and decrease HDL levels.

Lifestyle
Factors that negatively affect cholesterol levels also include high levels of stress, which can raise total cholesterol levels, and cigarette smoking, which can lower a person's HDL level as much as 15 percent. On the other hand, strenuous exercise can increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels. Exercise also can help reduce body weight, which, in turn, can help reduce cholesterol. Recent research has shown that moderate alcohol use (one drink per day for women, two drinks a day for men) can raise HDL cholesterol and therefore reduce the risk of heart attack. Despite such research, it is difficult to recommend the habitual use of alcohol, because there are also negative health consequences associated with alcohol use and a high potential for abuse.

Always remember that risk factors for high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease don't exist in a vacuum--they tend to amplify each other. Reducing the risk of a cardiovascular disease involves eliminating all of the risk factors that we can control and seeking medical advise for those we can't.

What can I do to reduce my cholesterol?
There are several steps you can take to reduce your cholesterol levels. The first is to eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. That means keeping your total fat consumption--saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated--to fewer than 30 percent of your daily intake of calories. (See How Fat Works for details.) Remember to keep your cholesterol intake to fewer than 300 milligrams per day. Saturated fats contained in butter, whole milk, hydrogenated oils, chocolate shortening, etc. should comprise no more than one third of your total fat consumption. To reduce your total fat and cholesterol intake, limit your consumption of meats such as beef, pork, liver and tongue (always trim away excess fat). In addition, avoid cheese, fried foods, nuts and cream, and try to curb your intake of eggs to no more than four per week. Try to eat meatless meals several times a week, use skim milk and include fish in your diet. Eat a wide variety of vegetables, pasta, grains and fruit. Another good tip is to look at the package label of the foods you buy, and restrict your choices to foods containing 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

There is evidence that water-soluble fibers can aid in lowering cholesterol; these foods include the fiber in oat or corn bran, beans and legumes, pectin found in apples and other fruits, and guar that is used as a thickener. Although highly touted by the media and health food stores, the phospholipid Lecithin has not been confirmed as a reducer of blood cholesterol levels.

If you are overweight, trying to lose weight and including aerobic exercise in your routine can help raise those desirable HDL levels. Diet and exercise alone can decrease cholesterol levels by up to 15 percent.

It probably comes as no surprise to you that, if you smoke, you should quit to avoid a wide range of health problems, including lower HDL levels and increased risk of heart attack.

Any one or combination of methods will help to lower cholesterol. Consult an appropriate heathcare profesional knowledgeable in these areas. Those who suffer any disease states or are pregnant, should use extra caution.