Often called "Good Cholesterol," HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein.  HDL is a blood substance that picks up cholesterol and helps remove it from the body.   HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol because high levels seem to protect against cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.

Studies show the link between low levels of HDL cholesterol and major cardiovascular complications as well as assocations with coronary heart disease.

According to WebMD, "A low HDL-C level is thought to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis because of impaired reverse cholesterol transport and possibly because of the absence of other protective effects of HDL, such as decreased oxidation of other lipoproteins."

There are many different types of foods that can help you to increase your HDL levels.  These foods include:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Found in Fish and Fish Oils)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Legumes (beans)
• Whole wheat bread
• Berries
• Eggs
• Cranberry Juice

You should also try to avoid fried and greasy foods.  Try to always stick to grilled or baked items.  Also, try to avoid foods that have the word "trans" in it.  You should also use margarine instead of butter.  Simple changes like these with your diet will make a HUGE difference in raising your HDL levels naturally.

It is important to break down your cholesterol levels into LDL and HDL ratios.  You should stay in the range of 40-60mg/dL for a healthy HDL cholesterol level.  Any level above 60 is considered very healthy.  Any HDL level below 40 is considered unhealthy.  Low HDL cholesterol levels can contribue to heart disease.  As far as LDL cholesterol goes, any level less than 100mg/dL is considered optimal.

Early screenings for Total Cholesterol and HDL and LDL levels is essential.   Lowering your total cholesterol can be easily treated by modifying a few simple things in your lifestyle.

To learn more about raising HDL levels please visit us at: http://www.raisinghdllevels.com.

Todd Perkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/how-to-raise-hdl-levels-naturally-and-lower-cholesterol-713063.html

Cholesterol over the years has gotten a bad name and most people view it as something that must be avoided and eliminated completely from their lives. What most people fail to realize because of the misinformation they've been fed is that cholesterol is a necessary nutrient that our bodies use to produce everything from cell walls to hormones. It is much like anything else, in moderation it is not a "bad" thing and if you know the foods to avoid high cholesterol it is easy to keep your levels under control.

Cholesterol itself is a waxy substance that circulates through the bloodstream and can be found in all your bodily cells. Most of it is actually made by the body in the liver while the rest we get from the foods you eat. It is when you overindulge in the wrong types of foods that high blood cholesterol levels can occur raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The other thing you need to know is that there are two types of cholesterol: HDL, or high density lipoprotein, cholesterol and LDL, or low density lipoprotein, cholesterol. LDL is considered bad and is the primary reason for the health risks associated with cholesterol. HDL on the other hand is considered good and is responsible for filtering LDL out of the blood stream back to the liver where it can be excreted from the body.

The problem most people have when it comes to maintaining the proper amounts of LDL and HDL cholesterol in their bloodstream is through diet. The so called "western diet and lifestyle" that predominates in our culture has lead to this growing problem. The growth of the "fast food lifestyle" both at home and eating out is a direct cause of rising cholesterol levels.

This is a problem that can be readily dealt with by eating a healthy diet of foods to avoid high cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain high fiber foods, and certain seafood's are all good places to start in the fight against high cholesterol. These foods either contain no cholesterol, help remove it from you body (fiber), or they help raise the levels of good HDL cholesterol as is the case of omega-3 containing seafood's such as salmon.

Foods to avoid that are high in cholesterol include red meats and dairy products. This does not mean you cannot eat these foods but if you wish to lower cholesterol levels then these must be eaten in moderation and choose only lean cuts of meat and low fat dairy products. It is also important to avoid and eliminate sources of saturated fats and transfats from your diet. In studies these two fats have been shown to increase LDL cholesterol levels more then even cholesterol containing foods.

All it really takes when considering which foods to avoid high cholesterol is some up front research. There is a wealth of information available from your doctor, nutritionists, and on the internet that can help you make good choices going forward as you work to lower your cholesterol.

Andrew Bicknell
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/eating-foods-to-avoid-high-cholesterol-is-easier-then-you-thin-704849.html

High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels affect a great number of Americans.  Many people do not wish to take serious medications with unknown ramifications for a condition that may very well plague them for the rest of their lives if they are not careful.  Of course, these same people can limit the effects of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels by getting proper exercise and changing their diet to eat more healthily.  If this is not enough, however, there are some natural remedies and alternative health care measures to be taken.  Many of these measures come in the form of supplementation.

Garlic is a well known natural food that can help to lower blood pressure.  Of course, nobody wants to eat as much garlic as it would take for this to help!  Luckily, it is available in convenient supplement form and is very easy to obtain.  Consult your doctor before starting a garlic supplement regimen, as it acts as a blood thinner similar to the way aspirin does.  If your doctor gives you the green light to supplement with garlic, you can find capsules in your local health food store or vitamin shop that come with all of the benefits of ‘the real thing’ but without the negative lingering taste or smell that some people don’t enjoy.

Coenzyme Q, or CoQ10, is a supplement that has really gained in popularity over the last few years. It, too, can be helpful in reducing blood pressure levels.  Unlike most other supplements mentioned here, CoQ10 is an oil-soluble supplement as opposed to a water-soluble supplement.  It is widely touted as a powerful antioxidant, and has been known to help with migraine headaches.  It is most widely known for its positive effects on the heart, however.  Some manufacturers combine this supplement with the herb hawthorn to help prevent high blood pressure and/or lower cholesterol.  Hawthorn is an herb that is used by herbalists and those in holistic medicine all the time for the treatment of high blood pressure.  It is a small shrub that actually bears edible berries, the fruit of which is used in herbal tinctures and remedies.

Another treatment for high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol sounds almost backwards:  It is fish oil.  Many people would be surprised to hear that any type of oil is good for reversing high cholesterol or lowering blood pressure, but it’s true.  There are two types of cholesterol, one of which is ‘bad’ and one of which is ‘good’.  Supplementing with fish oil helps to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, and it is difficult for many people to east enough fish to do this without taking a supplement.  This is one reason among many that fish oil supplements have become so popular.  Fish oil contains DHA, which is critical for proper brain functioning, but has also been studied for its use in lowering blood pressure.

Fish oil capsules should be chosen carefully, as some people do report having a problem with ‘fish burps’ or unpleasant aftertaste. Also, they do expire more quickly than some other supplements, and many times fish oil should be refrigerated depending on the manufacturer and the type of capsule or oil.  Be sure to read the label carefully so you can store your supplement properly.

A calcium-magnesium-potassium blend can also help with high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels.  This supplement combination can be found in your local health food store or vitamin shop, and it is beneficial to buy the complex so that you have no problem remembering to take these three supplements together, which is how they work best for this purpose.  Calcium has the added benefit of fortifying and strengthening bones and teeth, while magnesium is helpful for maintaining a sense of calm and well-being.  Potassium is a key mineral that helps muscles in the body to contract.  It also helps with regular brain and nerve function, and with balance between the body’s cells and their important fluid.

Folic acid, which is a B vitamin, is also important for regular blood pressure levels and proper cholesterol levels.  Folic acid is essential for a number of bodily functions, and is especially important in times of cell growth and stress to the body.  Pregnant women in particular must make sure to maintain high levels of folic acid.  Along with helping to lower blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and has been known to promote better memory function as well.

Of course, neither this nor any other supplement will really help much if you do not exercise and watch what you eat.  Get on a good exercise program and tailor your diet according to your physician’s recommendations if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  Then, start a healthy supplement regimen like the one indicated above and you will be on your way to better heart health, less stress, and an overall better sense of well-being.

Megan Hazel
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/natural-alternative-remedies-to-lower-blood-pressure-and-cholesterol-1243680.html

Cholesterol is a major problem, faced by most of the people in the world because of the intake of junk and oily foods that are rich in fats. People are more attracted towards food, which is high in calories and fats that lead to high cholesterol in the body thus giving rise to various heart problems. To overcome this problem medicine fraternities are in search of safe and better medication that can effectively fight with high cholesterol problem. The result of studies and research carried out by scientists has come in the form of Lipitor medication, which is known for reducing the amount of cholesterol from the body. Manufactured by Pfizer this medication is trusted by the patients across the world and they always buy Lipitor in order to fight with cholesterol.   

This wonderful drug is highly recommended by doctors from all parts of the world for reducing bad cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing cholesterol-related heart problems like strokes, attacks and vascular diseases. Lipitor is highly effective in maintaining a good cholesterol level in the blood and provide great relief to patients suffering from cholesterol problem. Availing this medication has become much easier as one can easily buy Lipitor through various online pharmacy sites. Lipitor can be ordered from different online pharmacies and can also be ordered through its official web site as well. Lipitor is easily available online at very cheap prices to all its users across the globe.

Lipitor Drug is a time tested and proven medication that helps to improve the good cholesterol level in the body and at the same time reduces the bad cholesterol level which ultimately reduces the chances of heart stroke or any other kind of heart ailments. Being a prescription medication, Lipitor has proven itself as the most trusted cholesterol-reducing pill by the medical practitioners as well as by the users. Lipitor is generally used by the patients having multiple risks of the heart. These risks can be high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking habit or family history with heart problems. Lipitor is also used as the most effective pill for Diabetes 2 type patients. Lipitor is available with minimal side effects and in case if one encounter any of the side effects, he should immediately consult his physician before continuing with Lipitor.

It is essential to take Lipitor under the guidance of a doctor as he can guide with the correct dosage and diet. One should also discuss his present medical condition and inform the doctor if any other medication is taken by him. This will reduce the chance of side effects that can take place through drug interactions. Lipitor is strictly not allowed for the person having liver related problem. This medication is also not allowed for women who are pregnant or planning to get one. If taken under the proper guidance of a physician this medication is safe and efficient and one can buy Lipitor and have control on the cholesterol level.

Article Manager
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/lipitor-the-cholesterol-controller-of-the-body-702484.html

High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels affect a great number of Americans.  Many people do not wish to take serious medications with unknown ramifications for a condition that may very well plague them for the rest of their lives if they are not careful.  Of course, these same people can limit the effects of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels by getting proper exercise and changing their diet to eat more healthily.  If this is not enough, however, there are some natural remedies and alternative health care measures to be taken.  Many of these measures come in the form of supplementation.

Garlic is a well known natural food that can help to lower blood pressure.  Of course, nobody wants to eat as much garlic as it would take for this to help!  Luckily, it is available in convenient supplement form and is very easy to obtain.  Consult your doctor before starting a garlic supplement regimen, as it acts as a blood thinner similar to the way aspirin does.  If your doctor gives you the green light to supplement with garlic, you can find capsules in your local health food store or vitamin shop that come with all of the benefits of ‘the real thing’ but without the negative lingering taste or smell that some people don’t enjoy.

Coenzyme Q, or CoQ10, is a supplement that has really gained in popularity over the last few years. It, too, can be helpful in reducing blood pressure levels.  Unlike most other supplements mentioned here, CoQ10 is an oil-soluble supplement as opposed to a water-soluble supplement.  It is widely touted as a powerful antioxidant, and has been known to help with migraine headaches.  It is most widely known for its positive effects on the heart, however.  Some manufacturers combine this supplement with the herb hawthorn to help prevent high blood pressure and/or lower cholesterol.  Hawthorn is an herb that is used by herbalists and those in holistic medicine all the time for the treatment of high blood pressure.  It is a small shrub that actually bears edible berries, the fruit of which is used in herbal tinctures and remedies.

Another treatment for high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol sounds almost backwards:  It is fish oil.  Many people would be surprised to hear that any type of oil is good for reversing high cholesterol or lowering blood pressure, but it’s true.  There are two types of cholesterol, one of which is ‘bad’ and one of which is ‘good’.  Supplementing with fish oil helps to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, and it is difficult for many people to east enough fish to do this without taking a supplement.  This is one reason among many that fish oil supplements have become so popular.  Fish oil contains DHA, which is critical for proper brain functioning, but has also been studied for its use in lowering blood pressure.

Fish oil capsules should be chosen carefully, as some people do report having a problem with ‘fish burps’ or unpleasant aftertaste. Also, they do expire more quickly than some other supplements, and many times fish oil should be refrigerated depending on the manufacturer and the type of capsule or oil.  Be sure to read the label carefully so you can store your supplement properly.

A calcium-magnesium-potassium blend can also help with high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels.  This supplement combination can be found in your local health food store or vitamin shop, and it is beneficial to buy the complex so that you have no problem remembering to take these three supplements together, which is how they work best for this purpose.  Calcium has the added benefit of fortifying and strengthening bones and teeth, while magnesium is helpful for maintaining a sense of calm and well-being.  Potassium is a key mineral that helps muscles in the body to contract.  It also helps with regular brain and nerve function, and with balance between the body’s cells and their important fluid.

Folic acid, which is a B vitamin, is also important for regular blood pressure levels and proper cholesterol levels.  Folic acid is essential for a number of bodily functions, and is especially important in times of cell growth and stress to the body.  Pregnant women in particular must make sure to maintain high levels of folic acid.  Along with helping to lower blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and has been known to promote better memory function as well.

Of course, neither this nor any other supplement will really help much if you do not exercise and watch what you eat.  Get on a good exercise program and tailor your diet according to your physician’s recommendations if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  Then, start a healthy supplement regimen like the one indicated above and you will be on your way to better heart health, less stress, and an overall better sense of well-being.

Megan Hazel
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/natural-alternative-remedies-to-lower-blood-pressure-and-cholesterol-1243680.html