You're about to hear something that may surprise you. It concerns the truth about cholesterol and heart disease, and it's certainly no laughing matter. The so-called high cholesterol dangers (LDL, the bad kind) have been broadcast far and wide for quite some time now.
But cholesterol is not the major offender in the battle against heart disease.
After all we've heard in the news, as well as from our own doctors on the dangers of high cholesterol, the truth about cholesterol is that it is neither the cholesterol levels nor the foods that contain it that are the real concern at heart disease.
-Foods that cause inflammation (or any cause of inflammation in the body) are the real causes of heart disease. This inflammation causes diabetes, high blood pressure, and is the main cause of coronary disease which is the number one killer in the United States today.
What's The Real Truth About Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, fat like waxy substance, it's found in the bloodstream and in all our body’s cells. The truth is, it’s an important part of a healthy body because it’s used to form cell membranes. Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile, which helps the body to digest fats.
-It is also very important in allowing fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K, to metabolize. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D and of the various steroid hormones (which include aldosterone and cortisol in the adrenal glands, and the sex hormones progesterone, the various estrogens, testosterone, as well as other derivatives).
Is Cholesterol Good or Bad?
High cholesterol and heart disease have long been closely associated, since upon inspection of the arteries of someone at risk for coronary disease, the levels of cholesterol and plaque build up are very high.
-But the truth about cholesterol is that it is actually being transported to these tissues as part of an inflammatory response by the body, and is there to repair the damage.
It will only lodge itself onto the artery wall (resulting in plaque formation) if the artery has become damaged due to this inflammation.
-Inflammation in the artery is what causes the damage. In fact, it is now known that the coronary disease that causes heart attacks, is now considered to be caused -mostly from this chronic inflammation.
The cholesterol would not be present if not for this inflammation. The more important question would then be: How do we eliminate this inflammation, and keep the cholesterol from our arteries?
How Do You Stop Inflammation?
In the battle to keep our arteries clear, we have to steer clear of any increases in this inflammation and allow the body to take in anything that will decrease the inflammation, omega 3 rich foods for example.
-Staying away from any foods that cause inflammation is a great place to start. These foods cause a fast rise in the blood insulin levels that lead to this inflammation in the body.
Foods that cause inflammation are: sugar, most dairy products, white breads, and most all packaged and processed foods.
-This leaves us with an abundance of delicious and healthy foods such as, a variety of nuts, lean animal proteins, fruits and vegetables, and water.
Additionally, eating lots of omega 3 rich foods like walnuts, organic eggs, sardines and salmon will dramatically decrease this inflammation.
The Truth About Cholesterol Medications
So why not just take a cholesterol medication, then you can eat anything you want without any consequences, right?
-The problem with taking virtually any medication are the side-effects, and taking cholesterol drugs are no different. Statins prescribed to lower cholesterol have various side effects, such as: headaches, fatigue, nausea, and severe muscle pain and muscular degeneration as well.
Keep in mind, the truth about cholesterol is that it is truly essential for the formation of our cell membranes. If you take a drug that drastically reduces cholesterol, this may then result in membrane damage in muscle and neural tissue in the body.
-Millions of Americans are currently taking cholesterol lowering drugs, many of them complain of back, leg or neck pain. More people than ever are suffering with coronary disease and heart attacks.
Take Control of Your Future
It's time to face the truth about cholesterol and heart disease.
Let's take responsibility for our own bodies and our own health and do something about it!
Watch what you eat, try to stay away from the foods that can cause inflammation, and increase your intake of omega 3 rich foods.
-Why not help ourselves to the happy and healthy lives we all deserve?
There's no time like the present to ensure a healthy heart and body. By starting a few simple and effective plans for eating the right foods today you can reach these goals, and reach your ideal weight at the same time!
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Barbara's Heart Attack Story
Wenter's "FH" Story of Bad Cholesterol
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