HIV infection and the highly active antiretroviral therapies that fight it both are associated with changes in patients’ lipid profile and fat distribution (lipodystrophy). A pilot study was carried out for a randomized controlled trial to determine whether lipodystrophy in HIV patients can be controlled by adopting a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet or a modified Mediterranean diet. The participants, 48 HIV patients, were randomized into two diet groups. The one-year study involved regular dietetic consultations during which lipid levels, weight, body mass index, and fat distribution were recorded. Of participants, 36 (75 percent) completed the study. In the low-fat group, undesirable body fat changes included decreases in tricep skinfold (from 19.9 mm to 15.4 mm (P=0.03)) and hip circumference (from 93.6 cm to 91.7 cm (P=0.01)), but a significant increase in waist-to-hip ratio (from 0.87 to 0.89 (P=0.003)). Serum cholesterol increased significantly at nine and 12 months (from 4.6 to 5.06 mmol L-1 (P=0.03) and 5.12 mmol L-1 (P=0.01)) in the Mediterranean diet group, with no obvious change in the low-fat diet group. While serum triglyceride levels remained the same in the Mediterranean diet group, they increased from 1.9 to 3.22 mmol L-1 (P=0.07) in the low-fat group. “A Mediterranean diet seems to have an advantage over the low-fat diet in maintaining serum triglyceride levels and avoiding lipodystrophy, but this advantage was offset by a rise in cholesterol level,” the authors concluded. “Several procedural and methodological issues were identified which must be rectified before a similar large-scale trial taking place.” [Article source: http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/164.htm]

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Modesto, CA, United States (AHN) – A recent scientific study finds that incorporating almonds into your diet can help treat and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes, in addition to cardiovascular disease.

The study, published in the June 2010 Journal of the American College of Nutrition illustrates that consuming a diet rich in almonds may help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in those with pre-diabetes.(3,4)

“We have made great strides in chronic disease research from evidence of effective treatment to evidence of effective prevention,” said Dr. Michelle Wien, Assistant Research Professor in Nutrition at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health and Principal Investigator for this study, which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Wien adds, “It is promising for those with risk factors for chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, that dietary changes may help to improve factors that play a potential role in the disease development.”

Researchers analyzed the effects of consuming an almond-enriched diet as it relates to the progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with pre-diabetes.

After 16 weeks of consuming either an almond-enriched or regular diet, both of which conformed with American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations, the group that consumed an almond-enriched diet showed significantly improved LDL cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity, risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrients in almonds, such as fiber and unsaturated fat, have been shown to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and increase insulin sensitivity, both of which help to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nearly 16 million Americans are currently living with pre-diabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and half of all Americans expected to have some form of diabetes by the year 2020.

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Decrease risk factors by not smoking, keeping cholesterol in check, exercising, managing stress and eating healthfully.

Medications – Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate)
Different medications act differently to reduce stress on the heart. Artery width is increased by use of nitroglycerin; Clot formation is preventer by Aspirin; beta-blockers improve flow of blood; ace inhibitors increase survival chances from a heart attack, whereas lipid management medication prevents artery blockage by controlling cholesterol.
In case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which is a very severe case of Heart Attack, Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is the most useful medication available. Plavix (Clopidogrel) is an anti-platelet drug, which prevents clot formation. It does not allow any subsequent obstacle in affected heart muscle thus reducing chances of further heart attack or stroke.

Norwich, United Kingdom (AHN) – People who take regular exercise could reduce their risk of developing nearly two dozen physical and mental health conditions. Researchers say exercise could even reduce the risk of developing some cancers and dementia.

“Although the focus of my study was on men’s health, the messages on physical activity are relevant to both sexes and all age groups,” said physiotherapist and lecturer Leslie Alford from the University of East Anglia.

Health benefits identified by the review include:

• Regular moderate to intense physical activity is associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.
• A growing body of evidence suggests that increasing physical activity can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.
• Evidence of the beneficial effects of physical activity in the primary prevention and management of cancer is growing. There is an association between higher levels of physical activity and lower cancer death rates.
• Walking or cycling for at least an half an hour a day is associated with a reduction in cancer. When this is increased to an hour, cancer incidence falls by 16 per cent.
• Evidence is mixed when it comes to specific cancers. Research shows a strong relationship between increased physical activity and reduced colon cancer in both sexes. In addition, men who are more active at work – not just sitting at a desk – have lower rates of prostate cancer.
• Other cancer studies show that physical activity after diagnosis can aid recovery and improve outcomes.
• Studies have also shown that men who are physically active are less likely to experience erection problems.
• There is growing evidence that physical activity could decrease the risk of dementia in the elderly.

Alford said to gain maximum health benefits, people should exercise, not smoke, eat a healthy diet and have a body mass index of less than 25.

“The more of these healthy traits an individual has, the less likely they are to develop a range of chronic disorders,” the researcher said. “Even if people can’t give up smoking and maintain a healthy weight, they can still gain health benefits from increasing the amount of regular exercise they take.”

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Less fat – there are fats that are more likely to increase the risk factors of heart disease. These fats are commonly found in animal foods such as cheese, meat and butter. These fats are also present in foods made with coconut and palm oil. Stay away from these foods.

More fiber – get your fiber from natural foods such as vegetables, nuts and cereals decrease the risk of heart disease.

Magnesium, selenium, chromium and potassium are essential minerals. It is important to note that a daily multiple vitamin does not provide the proper amount or type of essential nutrients. Choose a font that is not synthetic from whole foods. The amino acids lysine and proline in combination with vitamin C (Pauling therapy) can be used for advanced protection against heart disease.

There are many causes of heart disease. Most heart diseases are caused by high blood pressure contributes to hardening of the arteries. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) accumulate in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fats and trans fats. All these add to the formation of atherosclerotic arterial lesions and, finally, blocking or anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and prevents the transport of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a heart disease risk.

People see sparkling zigzag lines or loss of vision before a migraine attack may be at particular risk of future cardiovascular problems. In general, headaches do not cause heart disease, but a sudden onset, severe pain explosive can.

Cow’s milk, ignoring for the moment the fact that this product was not designed by nature to human beings, has changed considerably over the past century. Now break down fat molecules in milk particles are easily absorbed by homogenization, and feed these foods to our children, resulting in cases of atherosclerosis by the age of five years.

Turning to the measures, the most dangerous risk factor is smoking and contributions. Therefore, smoking in any amount that must be followed. Even coffee, drink or chewing snuff should be avoided, since they block the arteries and restricts blood flow in the body. Secondly, people turn more aggressive often found to be more prone to heart disease. Hypertension makes the heart beat slower and with less force, so it is somewhat boring. Therefore, the situation of high blood pressure occurs.

How many times have you seen the Cheerios commercial that tells you to eat Cheerios can lower your cholesterol? Well they’re right! Meal whole grain cereals can actually help lower cholesterol a bit!

According to medical experts, the medication not only helps in reducing the blood cholesterol level, but it is able to increase the production of good cholesterol. In short, it is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor prescribed to lower the cholesterol level in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet. Your doctor can prescribe the medication for you to eliminate the bad products that cause artery-hardening cholesterol. Thus, patients of high cholesterol and potential to strokes and heart attack can buy Lipitor. It is also vital to keep in mind that Lipitor is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it.

The medication comes in the tablet form and patients can buy lipitor in the dosage of 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 40mg at attractive prices, if they place their order online. There are a number of online pharmacies offering you the medication at discounted prices. You can select a store and place your order to buy Lipitor online. Online stores also provide you detailed information and instruction of using the medication in a proper way. Talking about the use of the medication, then it is for oral administration only that should be taken as per doctor’s prescription. It is prescribed as one pill a day with or without food. Lipitor should be taken regularly at the same time. In case you miss the dose, then don’t take the double dose.

Before placing your order to buy Lipitor online, you are supposed to know about the side effects and other precautions. In fact, the medication provides beneficial results, but the possibility of side effects cannot be ignored. Mild to moderate side effects such as headache, upset stomach, stuffy nose, blurred eyes, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness and symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing may occur. However, these side effects last for a very short time and disappear automatically. In case, any of the side effects lasts for some more time, you are advised to stop using the medication and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Avoid high cholesterol foods; it can cause increased levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) that carry cholesterol to build up a mass plaque on the arterial walls. This is known as hypercholesterolemia, the cause of atherosclerosis that causes problems like heart attack or strokes.

Saturated fats, trans fats, fat red meats, chicken, dairy products (fat not removed) are high cholesterol foods and is should be avoided. Avoid alcohol consumption and high sodium food sources. You should plan your diet for lowering cholesterol.

A list of low cholesterol foods that can be combined to create low cholesterol menus is given below:

The best low cholesterol foods are fruits and green vegetables. They are low in cholesterol and contain so many vitamins and minerals too. Green vegetables will help you to control your cholesterol, high blood pressure and reduce your risks for other heart diseases.

Lean protein is good in this condition. The excellent source of lean protein is fish. Try to eat 3 to 4 meals of fish each week.

Whole grains such as oatmeal are the best option for lowering cholesterol. They also provide you lots of energy because they have high-energy content and dietary fiber content. Grains are effective foods to lower cholesterol level. They are also effective in controlling weight. Wheat bread, beans, potatoes, pasta, and cereals can also help lower cholesterol levels.

Exercise and yoga plays an important role for healthy living. Exercise and yoga stimulate your metabolism and help you to lower cholesterol naturally. This is safe and effective too. With the help of exercise and yoga, you can increase your immunity, which will help you to fight with any disease. You will look, feel younger and fit. Stress contributes to the development of every disease in existence. Yoga will help you to manage your stress level and strengthen your immunity.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Ryan Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for most people in the developed countries around the world. Having a high level of blood cholesterol has been linked to the increase of the incidence of heart disease and has become a grave cause of concern.

The only good news to this fact is that developing heart disease is highly preventable. All it takes is for one to be able to follow a healthier lifestyle. The path to such a lifestyle is trying to lower one’s cholesterol level. Although there are already several drugs available that will help an individual reduce body cholesterol levels, this is usually reserved for more high risk patients in need of drastic decreases in their cholesterol levels. There are also natural ways readily available for anyone looking forward to lowering their own cholesterol to normal and healthy levels.

One of the natural ways of lowering cholesterol levels is through diet. Following a low cholesterol diet day in and day out can be very effective in trying to control and maintain a normal cholesterol level. This would mean eating low cholesterol foods such as soy products, vegetables and fruits.

High fiber foods are also known to help in the fight to lower cholesterol. Regular exercise is also a good habit to develop if you are really intent in trying to lower your cholesterol levels. Exercise helps in increasing HDL or “good” cholesterol in the body as well as strengthens your heart muscle, helps keep your blood pressure at normal and even helps you in shedding of those excess pounds.

There are also several natural supplements that will be able to help you lower your cholesterol levels. Taking B-complex vitamins, specifically Niacin, has been known to help lower blood cholesterol in the body. supplements fortified with Lecithin can also help in lowering your cholesterol as it enables excess fat and cholesterol to be dispersed in the water instead of building up in the arteries.

There are other natural ways of lowering cholesterol levels available today. All it will take is some research and talking to your doctor about how to effectively follow a lifestyle that will enable you to lower cholesterol the natural way.

“High cholesterol” is actually a misnomer for the improper balance between HDL cholesterol (most commonly referred to as “good” cholesterol) and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol because it is the major cause of blockages in blood vessels, leading to heart attack and stroke). When the LDL cholesterol level is extremely elevated in relation to the HDL cholesterol level, your doctor may prescribe statin drugs such as Lipitor or Crestor, and recommend you to try a lower cholesterol diet, to bring these cholesterol numbers back into a more proper and safer range.

Cholesterol from food is hard to get away from, even though you may be watching your diet. All foods of animal origin contain cholesterol, especially including eggs, red meat, and shrimp. Generally, foods that are high in saturated fats or trans fats should also be limited. These include foods you may not even think of, such as: grilled cheese sandwiches, margarine, potato with butter, and even chicken pot pie. Fortunately, a national campaign has recently eliminated trans fats from being used by the many fast food restaurants. This will surely reduce some of the high cholesterol numbers across the nation over the long run.

Lowering cholesterol through your diet is a good start to “lower cholesterol,” but other things can be done to affect your goal. You can lower cholesterol through more exercise. But exercise alone will not reduce cholesterol, lower cholesterol must be attacked from within the body. It has been discovered that several herbs and vitamins can be used in combination with your diet to lower cholesterol.

Guggul, cayenne, policosanol, garlic, vitamin C and niacin are just a few of the herbs and vitamins that have been clinically proven to bring cholesterol levels back into a proper and safe range. Lowering cholesterol naturally with these herbs and vitamins, in conjunction with diet and exercise, have been shown in medical studies to reduce high LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels within 30-60 days. Studies have also documented that use of these herbs and vitamins while taking statin drugs, resulted in a more rapid correction to proper cholesterol levels than taking statin drugs alone. You can get more cholesterol information that will help you lower cholesterol at my website, www.GreatNewsHealth.com. We can all benefit from lower cholesterol, which will lead to a longer, more enjoyable, and productive life for everyone.