Must You Take Statins For Cholesterol?

Written by Tena Moore


Many people struggle with high cholesterol, and many doctors turn immediately to statins to lower cholesterol for their patients. Statins work surprisingly well, but there are also lifestyle changes and alternatives to immediately going on statins. If you are not obese, have a healthy amount of good cholesterol, and do not want to go on statins to lower your cholesterol, you have options.

If you smoke, stop immediately. If you drink, cut back on alcohol consumption. If you are sedentary, add exercise to your routine; even a short daily walk can improve health and help to lower cholesterol. These suggestions may seem common sense, but many don’t realize their impact on overall health. Also, decrease or eliminate high fat foods such as fast-food, highly processed foods, and fatty meats such as beef and pork. In addition, add heart healthy foods such as flaxseed, oatmeal, salmon, fruits and vegetables to your diet. High cholesterol is a lifestyle issue and changing what you put into your body makes all the difference.

Certain supplements and over-the-counter drugs can also help keep you healthy, such as niacin and supplements containing plant sterols. If your high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) is okay, you may be able to bypass taking statins, but only your doctor can make that decision. As always, talk to doctor and discuss what is best for you and your unique situation.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier

Pycnogenol is being studied as a treatment for many free-radical-related disorders
As a phytoestrogen, daidzein mimics the effects of estrogen in the body
cryptoxanthin and cancer

What Do Vegan Kids Eat?

Written by Tena Moore

Statistics show that nearly one in every 200 kids is vegetarian. Although that number is decreasing with time, it is still quite high. As vegetarians, kids should be able to get more than enough protein through dairy and eggs, but what if they are vegan? Vegan children do not eat any animal products whatsoever; that means no dairy and no eggs, two of the highest forms of protein other than meat.

A report published by the Associated Press gave suggested substitutions for vegan kids trying to get the protein and other needed vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B-12, iron, zinc and linolenic acid. The report suggested kids drink fortified soy milk, and eat various nuts. It also suggested soybeans, flax seed, and nutritional yeast. These substitutions might sound foreign to some, but they are very high in recommended nutrients and animal-product-free.

Nutritional yeast has a cheese-like flavor and can be sprinkled on nearly anything, from pasta to salads. Flaxseed has a nutty-like flavor and can be ground and sprinkled on hot cereals and soups. Flaxseed oil is a very nutritious oil high in omega-3’s and can be used in place of butter.

While many are still afraid that vegan children cannot possibly get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals, there are many substitutions on the market; it just takes a little bit of education.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Omega 3s raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol
School Teacher Conducts His Own Omega-3 Study
Are Omega Three Fatty Acids Beneficial in the Treatment of Bipolar Disease?
Essential Fatty Acids