19 Aug Cholesterol

Given the effect of stress on the body, as explained in the following article, you may want to consider lowering stress with Biofeedback and life style choices. Mary Anne Lema works with the Nestmann Pharma products, mentioned in the article as a natural alternative in supporting normal cholesterol levels.
The following article was written by Heather Scholfield, BSC, DHMHS, HD
Cholesterol is an extremely important biological molecule. Often the focus is placed on the detrimental role of cholesterol in the body without taking into consideration the full physiological function. This fatty substance is the principle sterol synthesized by the human body and it is essential for life. Cholesterol provides the main structure for the steroid hormones that include estrogens, testosterone. progesterone, aldosterone and cortisol. Cholesterol is an integral component of cell membranes, enabling proper membrane permeability and fluidity; it plays an important role for absorption of the fat soluble vitamins; is the main precursor for vitamin D; and is present in bile to digest fats.
On a daily basis, the liver produces about 1000 milligrams of cholesterol in bile. Through both the dietary intake and synthesis of cholesterol, a relatively constant level is kept in the body (5.1 mmol/L) Hypercholesterolemia occurs when the total cholesterol levels rise above this value and thus becomes an indicator for the risk of atherosclerosis, ultimately leading to heart disease and stroke.
Often, medical tests for cholesterol only monitor the total cholesterol. However, only measuring total cholesterol does not give the whole cholesterol picture. Total cholesterol includes both LDL (low density lipoproteins) and HDL (high density lipoproteins). A better representation of “high” cholesterol is indicated by the LDL value or the total cholesterol in HDL ratio. High levels of DLD cholesterol in the blood will lead to plaque formation through disposition on the arterial walls, resulting in narrowing of the arteries and a decrease of blood flow. This hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is the leading contributory factor to diseases of the coronary arteries, so a balanced cholesterol picture is beneficial for the heart health.
Treatment of high levels of cholesterol usually centers on reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. The first approach to treatment is lifestyle changes including modification of diet and exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also very important to consider the role stress plays in relation to elevated cholesterol levels. As stated earlier, cholesterol provides the main structure of the steroid hormones, so there is a direct relationship between high stress levels and high levels of cholesterol. Under stress, cortisol levels elevate in the body, which triggers a rise in KDK levels in the blood, as LDL is the fastest and “cheapest” form of cholesterol produced by the liver. Chronic stress for long periods of time will contribute to high cholesterol and may lead to atherosclerosis.
In addition to lifestyle changes and stress management, there are natural remedies used to successfully treat high levels of cholesterol. The origin of cholesterol blockers began in the 1950’s after the discovery of the active ingredients found in artichoke leaves (caffeecylquinic acids and flavonids). These extracts are the same as those used in synthetic pharmaceutical cholesterol lowering medications (such as Lipitol®). Physicians in Germany prescribe Artichoke Leaf Extract to control elevated cholesterol values with excellent results. Artichoke leaf extract has active ingredients that act as lipid blockers and studies indicate that they reduce plasma lipid levels including total cholesterol.
Nestmann Pharma produces a standardized grade of artichoke leaf extract (Cynara cardunculus which is known as Cardura. This remedy works as effectively as pharmaceutical cholesterol blockers without the side effects.
Cardura lowers cholesterol by reducing plasma lipid levels including total cholesterol, increases bile production in liver and gallbladder and is coined a ‘natural ‘lipid blocker. Recommended dosage 30 drops in warm water three times daily before meals for 3 months.