Dealing With Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is used by the body to make enzymes, vitamin D and hormones. This waxy substance is found in all the cells within your body. Although your body can produce all of the cholesterol it needs to maintain health, it is also found in animal foods like meat, dairy products and eggs. If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can form plaque and stick to your artery walls, which can cause your arteries to narrow or become blocked.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that the leading causes of high cholesterol are due to unhealthy lifestyle. Eating a diet filled with processed foods, fried foods, fatty proteins and dairy products can raise your cholesterol levels. Cigarette smoking causes a number of health problems including high cholesterol levels. A sedentary lifestyle can lower good cholesterol. In addition to these lifestyle issues, your age, being obese and your weight can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.

Health conditions caused by high cholesterol

When you suffer from high cholesterol, it can cause plaque to build up in your arteries. If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and prevent blood from flowing in a coronary artery. When this occurs, the amount of oxygenated blood to the heart can be reduced or blocked, resulting in angina or a heart attack. Plaque can also form in other arteries in the body and lead to peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease and stroke. In order to lower your cholesterol , you must eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and lose excess weight.

Dietary changes to reduce cholesterol levels

Years of unhealthy eating can cause increased cholesterol levels. Luckily a few dietary changes can lower your cholesterol levels and improve your cardiovascular health. Let's take a look at how you can easily incorporate these changes into your diet.

Fat – Saturated fat is found in dairy products and red meat. This type of fat can increase total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Another type of dangerous fat is trans fat. This fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL cholesterol levels. Trans fats are found in commercially prepared snacks and fried foods.

Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that increase HDL cholesterol levels while lowering triglycerides. Salmon, herring and mackerel contain abundant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to these fatty fish, you can get omega-3 fatty acids in almonds, flaxseeds and walnuts.

Fiber – Fiber offers numerous heart benefits. There are two different types of fibers- soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber attaches to cholesterol and helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. One of the most popular forms of soluble fiber is oatmeal. WebMD reports that consuming this type of fiber can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Insoluble fiber is found in whole wheat, brown rice and the seeds and peels of fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber helps to flush toxins from the digestive system and improve digestion.

The benefits of an active lifestyle

Exercise helps to increase HDL cholesterol levels. Experts recommend that everyone who is able should get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. For best results, incorporate both aerobic activity and strength training exercises into your daily activities. If it seems impossible to carve out 30 minutes in your day for exercise, break your physical activity into two 15 minute or three 10 minute sessions.

Stop smoking

When you stop smoking, your HDL cholesterol levels will improve. Additionally, within 20 minutes of stopping smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to decrease. After one year of being smoke-free, your risk of developing heart disease is cut in half.

Weight loss

Losing as little as ten percent of your body weight can decrease your cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, evaluate your diet and physical activity levels and begin making changes. Eating whole foods and opting for a healthy snack can help lower your cholesterol levels. Additionally, increasing your activity levels can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol levels.

Alcohol consumption

Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol levels. It is important to note that the benefits of alcohol consumption are not strong enough to recommend those who do not drink to begin drinking. When it comes to alcohol consumption, women should not drink more than one alcoholic beverage and men should not drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day.

High cholesterol levels are dangerous and can lead to a number of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Knowing how to mange your cholesterol levels through healthy lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing these health issues. Get active, get in shape and eat a healthy diet to lower your cholesterol levels.

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6 Best Ways To Nourish Your Heart

 Do you know your risk factors for developing heart disease or having a stroke or a heart attack? Are your cholesterol levels elevated? Do you have hypertension or diabetes? If you are suffering from one or more of these risk factors, you should be doing everything you can to improve your heart health. Let’s look at the six best ways you can nourish your heart and lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or experiencing a heart attack or a stroke.

1. Vitamin D – The National Institutes of Health reports that a deficiency of vitamin D increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Furthermore, its deficiency can increase the risk of heart failure and hypertension. You can protect your heart by getting ample amounts of vitamin D. Supplementation, along with getting this vitamin from fortified dairy products and cereal, can help improve your heart health. Finally, you can increase your vitamin D levels naturally by spending time outdoors in the sun.

2. Exercise – Exercise is an integral part of caring for your heart. Improve your heart health by exercising daily. Seek to get moderate physical activity for thirty minutes or more daily to lower your risk of developing a cardiovascular issue. If you are out of shape and cannot do thirty minutes of exercise daily, start slowly by taking a ten minute walk. Slowly begin increasing your daily activity until you can complete thirty minutes of exercise each day. Of course, before you start any exercise program, you should speak with your doctor first.

3. Stop smoking – Cigarette smoking damages many organs in your body and increases the risk of cancer. It also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and peripheral vascular disease. Smoking is tied to almost one half of a million deaths annually in the united states. Cigarette smoking causes the major arteries to become tight, the heart rate increases, and heart rhythms become irregular. Quitting smoking can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. Once you stop smoking, your heart rate decreases in twenty minutes. After twelve hours, carbon monoxide levels return to normal. After three months, your heart attack risk significantly reduces. After a year, the risk of developing coronary artery disease is cut in half.

4. Stress – Chronic stress increases cortisol and adrenaline levels in the body. When these hormones increase, your blood pressure rises, and your cholesterol levels increase. Additionally, stress can change how your blood clots, increasing your risk of developing heart disease and experiencing a heart attack. A number of things can cause stress. An illness of yourself or a loved one, a death of a loved one or friend, problems with a relationship, changes in your job status, legal or financial issues, or a trauma can cause you to experience high stress levels. You can lower your risk of developing a heart condition by decreasing your stress levels. Lower your stress by practicing guided meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or journaling.

5. Weight loss – Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Body fat can cause the atrium and ventricles to become enlarged. Furthermore, obesity can lead to atherosclerosis. The American College of Cardiology reports that obesity can lead to systemic inflammation which can damage the heart. Losing weight by eating a diet filled with fresh fruits, healthy fats, low protein levels, fresh vegetables, and whole grains can help lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

6. Sleep – Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your heart health. When you do not get enough sleep, your body’s biological processes can be interrupted, resulting in blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and systemic inflammation. For example, sleep apnea can lead to heart issues. Get enough sleep by practicing good sleep habits. Set a strict bedtime and wake up at the same time each day to help reset your circadian rhythm. Avoid caffeinated beverages in the afternoon and evening. Use a white noise machine and room darkening blinds or curtains to help you get to sleep and stay asleep.

Learning how to nourish your heart through diet, exercise, and supplementation can keep you healthy. Stop smoking, lose weight, and get enough sleep to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.

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Get Relief From Bloating And Excessive Gas

Get Relief From Bloating And Excessive Gas

Gas, bloating and abdominal pain can strike at any time. These three conditions often go hand in hand. Learn how to diminish bloating, relieve pain and reduce gassiness naturally. There are several things you can do to help avoid these issues, including taking a high quality probiotic, fasting intermittently, ingesting fermented foods and eating smaller meals.

Intermittent Fasting

Unlike traditional fasting where all food is avoided, intermittent fasting allows you to eat, but only during certain times. The most common type of intermittent fast is the 16/8 fast. With this fast, you avoid foods for 16 hours and then eat during the remaining 8 hours. Intermittent fasting allows the digestive tract time to heal. When you are continually packing food into your body, the digestive system is constantly working. During a fast, the body's enzymes detoxify and break down toxins found in the gut, which can eliminate bloating and relieve gas.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are foods containing beneficial microorganisms, including probiotics and digestive enzymes. These beneficial microorganisms help destroy unhealthy bacteria in the digestive tract by increasing beneficial bacteria. If the intestinal tract contains an overabundance of bad bacteria, it can lead to gas, bloating and pain after meals. By resetting the balance of flora in the intestinal tract, you can help reduce these effects. Fermented foods include pickles, yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. These foods help create a protective layer in the lining of the intestines to shield the body from toxins and pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, fermented foods increase antibodies in the digestive tract, resulting in a stronger immune system.

Probiotics and Supplements

Ortho Molecular supplements offer a plethora of products  to help with digestion, eliminate bloating and relieve gas. From their powerful probiotics to their digestive enzymes, you can rest assured that your belly woes will be banished. Ortho Molecular's carefully assembled probiotics help maintain a healthy digestive tract by supporting the microflora balance in the intestines. Additionally, their enteric-coated multi-enzyme formulas promote proper digestion.

Slow Down!

Eating too fast can increase bloating and gas in the body. When you eat too quickly, you swallow a lot of air, which can cause bloating and gas. Furthermore, eating fast often causes you to overeat. Studies have shown that it takes approximately 20 minutes for satiety signals to reach the brain. These signals tell you when you are full. Your saliva is filled with digestive enzymes that help break down food. Therefore, it is essential to slowly chew each bite of food. Most experts recommend chewing your food at least 20 times before swallowing. This allows plenty of digestive enzymes to mix with the foods, thus helping to reduce bloating and gas.

Watch What You Eat

Foods that are difficult to digest often causes gas and bloating. The sugars and starches found in foods must be broken down by the intestines. Bacteria in the gut break down these sugars and starches. If food remains in the intestines too long, gas builds up causing pain and bloating.

If you are suffering from excessive gas and bloating, there are certain foods that should be avoided. Beans and lentils are often hard to digest and should be eliminated from the diet. Artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, cannot be digested by the body. If you are lactose intolerant, dairy products can cause digestive issues. Finally, fiber rich foods, such as whole grains, can cause gastrointestinal issues.

You do not have to live with gas and bloating. A diet that contains fermented foods will help improve the intestinal tract. Supplements and probiotics improve digestion and the flora found in the gut. Finally, intermittent fasting can help relieve bloating and excessive gas.

Living with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder. Patients suffering from sleep apnea often stop and restart breathing hundreds of times throughout the night. Patients suffer from a variety of symptoms, including unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, insomnia, attention troubles and more. If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can sometimes lead to fatal diseases. These included diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. An increased risk of automobile accidents is also reported in those suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea.

When breathing stops, the oxygen levels in the blood stream also drops,causing the brain to respond by trying to wake you up so you start breathing again. Oftentimes, you will either gasp or make a choking sound as you try to take another breath. Most people do not remember waking because the body will only wake up enough to tighten the throat muscles and begin breathing again.

There are a number of approaches to deal with sleep related illnesses.  Try high quality Ortho Molecular supplements such as Melatonin that can help with regulating sleep cycles in individuals with irregular sleep patterns.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors associated with sleep apnea. Males are more likely to develop sleep apnea than females. If you have a family member with sleep apnea, you are more likely to develop it. Those who are black, Pacific Islander or Hispanic have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Being overweight or over the age of 65 also increases the risk for developing sleep apnea. 

Researchers believe that the inflammation and fluid retention caused by cigarette smoking may increase the risk. Additionally, smokers often have a lower oxygen levels than nonsmokers. To lower the risk of developing sleep apnea, stop smoking and see your doctor.

Studies have stated that as many as a quarter of children diagnosed with hyperactivity may actually have sleep apnea. Many times, learning difficulties and behavior problems stem from fragmented sleep. Additionally, slow growth, hormonal problems and metabolic problems in children have been reported in children suffering from sleep apnea.

Equipment

A positive airway pressure machine or PAP machine is the most common treatment option for sleep apnea sufferers. The PAP machine pushes air into the airway passages to help prevent apneas from occurring. The PAP machine connects to a mask worn over the mouth or nose via a flexible tube. Air is then forced through the tube into the airway. 

Those suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea who cannot tolerate a PAP machine may benefit from additional therapies including oral appliances and surgery. Oral appliances work by shifting the jaw forward to help prevent the soft issues and the tongue from collapsing during sleep. Surgical options help to restore the throats natural tautness so that breathing does not stop during sleep. Oral appliances are less invasive; however, they require an instrument to be placed into the mouth at bedtime. Surgery, although more invasive, firms up muscles and allows you to sleep soundly without needing an oral appliance. 

People suffering from sleep apnea often experience troublesome sleep, which can result in daytime sleepiness, learning difficulties and fatigue. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause weight gain, memory problems, headaches, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Checkout the high quality Ortho Molecular supplements to get relief from sleep related issues.

Six Vitamins Worth Taking

Eating a colorful, well-balanced diet is important for your health. However, in today's busy environment, it can be difficult to make healthy diet choices. Vitamin and mineral supplementation helps ensure the body is receiving the proper nutrients. Six popular vitamin supplements include calcium, iron, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D and zinc. Each of these vitamins and minerals protect the body from disease and medical complications.

Calcium

Calcium is the building block for your bones and teeth.  Numerous functions require ample amounts of calcium, including blood clotting systems, nerve impulses and cardiovascular functions. If you have a calcium deficiency, you may suffer from weak or softening bones. Additionally, calcium is used as an antacid to help with indigestion, to help lower phosphate levels in the body due to kidney failure and to help lower potassium levels in the body.

Researchers have also discovered a link between low calcium levels and premenstrual syndrome. Calcium can help reduce bloating, pain and mood swings in women. Although taking a calcium supplement doesn't prevent PMS, it can help reduce symptoms and alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Iron

Iron is a mineral found in the red blood cells. This mineral helps the body transport oxygen to cells and expels carbon dioxide from the body. Those with low levels of iron in the body, also known as iron deficiency, often suffer with anemia. Anemia occurs when the red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to the cells within the body.

Researchers believe that iron deficiency can affect learning in children because enough oxygen is not delivered to the brain to form proper neurological pathways. Taking iron supplements may help improve learning, memory and thinking in children suffering with anemia.

Magnesium

Magnesium is used in more than 300 enzymatic reactions within the body. When a deficiency occurs, a plethora of medical conditions can occur. These include gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues and skin conditions. Magnesium is often used for its laxative qualities to treat gastrointestinal disturbances. Magnesium can help decrease LDL cholesterol levels while it increases HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, magnesium can help irregular heartbeats and mitral valve prolapses.

Patients suffering from a magnesium deficiency may experience ADHD, chronic fatigue and leg cramps. Supplementing the diet with magnesium can help relieve migraines, urinary incontinences, multiple sclerosis and hearing loss. Finally, topically applying magnesium to the skin can speed up healing to ulcers, boils and wounds.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in a variety of food products, including fish, nuts and seeds. These fatty acids deliver amazing health benefits. They help triglyceride levels in the body, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease. Omega 3 fatty acids help relieve joint stiffness and pain and may help improve the effectiveness of certain anti-inflammatory drugs. Omega 3 fatty acid's ability to lower inflammation may also help improve lung functions and decrease the number of asthmatic episodes.

Omega 3 fatty acids can also help improve cognitive thinking by supplying the brain with the nutrients it needs. Additionally, researchers have discovered that omega 3s can help battle depression and may help protect against dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency continues to grow as more and more people work indoors during daylight hours. Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, is needed for a host of physiological functions, including cardiovascular functions and osteogenesis (the production of bone cells). It helps regulate cholesterol levels in the body as well as blood pressure. Vitamin D is also responsible for the regulation of certain minerals in the body, including phosphorous and calcium.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several chronic medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis and IBS. Thankfully, research has shown that taking vitamin D supplement can help prevent and correct these medical conditions.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that helps speed up healing of numerous infections in the body. A deficiency in zinc in children can result in stunted growth, slow healing and acute diarrhea. This immune boosting element can help shorten the duration of common cold and may help prevent respiratory and ear infections. Zinc can also help improve night vision and decrease the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

There is a plethora of vitamin and mineral supplements on the market, learning which ones are worth taking can be difficult. Choose from a variety of high quality cheap vitamins online . Make sure to take six popular vitamins and minerals to help protect your health and increase vitality.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are biological molecules responsible for the breakdown of food in the body. These enzymes break food particles into individual nutrients that the body can use. The body does not absorb actual food; instead, it absorbs the nutrients found in food. The nutritional components in food are then absorbed by the body.

Digestive enzymes turn food into a variety of substances the body can use. Proteins turn into amino acids, carbohydrates turn into simple sugars and fats turn into fatty acids. Additionally, plant and animal compounds are broken down into usable vitamins and minerals. 

The digestive system is comprised of the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, small intestine and large intestine. Each of these systems work in one accord to help digest the food you consume. When the digestive system is not functioning properly, the enzymes your body needs to absorb food can diminish.

How Digestive Enzymes Can Help

Dietary interventions are often necessary to restore digestive functions. Eating a diet filled with raw fruits and vegetables will help correct deficiencies. Cooked and processed foods virtually destroy all enzymes in your food. For this reason, most foods you eat are deficient in enzymes. To help improve digestive functions, eat a variety of raw fruits and vegetables.

Digestive enzymes are another way to help restore your digestive system. Supplemental enzymes ensure that the foods you eat are properly digested, reduce inflammation and improve the immune system. 

When your digestive system is not functioning properly, you may experience gas, bloating and constipation. These symptoms are often caused from improperly digesting food items. Digestive enzymes can help alleviate the symptoms of ingesting certain food items, such as dairy products, beans and meats.

The Types of Enzymes

There are three main types of digestive enzymes. Each kind of enzyme helps digest certain foods. The three types are protease, lipase and amylase. Protease helps to digest proteins. Lipase helps digest fats. Finally, amylase helps to digest sugars, starches and other carbohydrates. 

How to Choose a Digestive Enzyme Formula

The market is filled with digestive enzymes, so determining the best enzyme for you can seem difficult. The following criteria will help you determine the best brand of digestive enzyme for you.

Quality

The first thing to consider when shopping for digestive enzymes is the quality of the product. The most potent formulas are manufactured following strict guidelines. The best quality products are free of coatings, fillers, artificial colors and excipients. Therefore, it is essential that you read the list of the ingredients.

Reputation

A company's reputation is only as good as its products. Digestive enzyme formulas, such as those manufactured by Pure Encapsulations , provide your body with the enzymes your body needs to properly break down food into usable nutrients. 

Potency

When choosing a digestive enzyme, choose one that offers maximum potency. Many second-rate products contain ingredients that can reduce the bioavailability of its ingredients. Seek out a product that is free from potential allergens, such as wheat, nuts and gluten.

Numerous medical issues can prevent the production of digestive enzymes. Pancreatic issues, inflammation, aging and stress can all cause a digestive enzyme deficiency. When the body is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes, digestive distress can occur. Issues including poor digestion, bloating, lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are the side effects of digestive distress.