Cholesterol is naturally found in our body and is mainly produced in the liver; it is therefore important to keep the liver as clean as possible with detoxification and regeneration methods - Epsom salts, coffee enemas and so on.
Cholesterol is necessary for digestion, membrane integrity, vitamin D production and for nerve health. Hormones like: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other stress hormones require cholesterol to be produced by the body.
Cholesterol is part of the cellular structure and cell membranes. Research has also demonstrated the protective role of cholestrol against infections and atherosclerosis.
The role of cholesterol in the human body
About 20% of the myelin sheath covering the nerve cells and the fibers is made up of cholesterol and neuron’s function depends on this. Cholesterol is essential for cognitive functions and some research has shown that many doctors should pay more attention to prescribing statins for lowering cholesterol especially to older people who are not self-sufficient as they may become weaker and more susceptible to infections.
Cholesterol production in the body
The body produces cholesterol to regulate various things and adjusts its production according to the cholesterol level that comes from the diet. The more cholesterol is introduced through the diet and the less is produced by the liver.
It is estimated that 85% of cholesterol is produced by the body and only 15% comes from the diet. Cholesterol does not mix well in the blood but travels through it coated by a protein layer ; we refer to lipoproteins which are HDL, high density proteins and LDL, low density lipoproteins.
The blood vessels have a thin coating called endothelium.
The endothelium can be damaged by exposure to toxins, pathogens, free radicals or inflammatory substances. The liver sends LDL cholesterol to repair the damaged endothelium.
The HDL then carries LDL directly to the liver to be ejected after the healing process has been completed. In these cases Vitamin C is very effective; Dr. Rath’s researches show it.
LDL: Low density lipoproteins
HDL is the « good cholesterol » as it collects cholesterol and carries it to the liver to eliminate it. For this reason it is important to maintain elevated HDL levels and to do so it is necessary to simultaneously lower LDL levels. Research has shown how HDL acts as an antioxidant as it reduces inflammation, blood clotting and helps the blood vessels expand and remain flexible.
Low levels of HDL derive from "metabolic syndrome", also called X syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Low HDL levels are now considered to be an important indicator of cardiovascular risk. It is estimated that for each increase of 1 mg / dl of HDL the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases by 2-3%.
Women tend to have higher HDL than men as estrogen leads to increased HDL.
LDL oxidation
Research indicates that oxidation of LDL cholesterol and high lipoproteins are risk factors for cardiovascular disease contributing significantly to atherosclerosis, inflammation of endothelial cells and formation of vascular occlusive plaques.
Natural supplements that can increase HDL and protect from LDL oxidation
Numerous studies carried out over the years have confirmed that some natural elements can protect the body from LDL oxidation and even increase HDL (the good cholesterol). Among these substances we can list : CoQ10, Vitamin C (especially when combined with proline and lysine), pomegranate, amla (Indian spinach) and curcumin (the yellow pigment in turmeric).
Natural cholesterol lowering solutions
There are several remedies offered by nature that can help to reduce cholesterol. Among these we can include some herbs, vitamins, antioxidants and nutraceuticals. Their action is to reduce cholesterol by neutralizing circulatory and inflammatory agents inducing the liver to produce less cholesterol.
Dietary advice
There are some food tips that can be useful to help the body lower cholesterol. The first thing to do is eat regularly, especially breakfast which is the most important meal of the day. In addition to this basic rule there are also special foods to be included in the diet as they help lower cholesterol; these include: soy products (no OGM), oats and bran of oats, barley, rye, garlic, onion, grapefruit, apples (source of pectin), carrots, dried fruits (especially nuts and almonds), sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
In addition to all these foods we can also add: organic yogurt (sugarless), brewer's yeast, herb sprouts and chia seeds. Studies have shown that black tea, taken as 3 cups a day (without milk or cream) for three weeks can help lower LDL by 11% and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day, cereals or toast bread (whole grain) can lower LDL by up to 20%.
Increasing fibre intake
Dietary fibre binds to the bile acids inside the intestine and brings them out of the body. Studies have shown that supplementation with soluble fibre significantly reduces overall cholesterol levels ( LDL cholesterol and triglycerides).
In some cases, even HDL cholesterol can increase. Dietary fibre can also lower total cholesterol and LDL in individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome.
What to avoid and what not
There are some products that should be avoided and among these we can definitely refer to refined sugar, high glycemic sweeteners such as commercial honey, fructose, maple syrup and agave syrup. Even refined carbohydrates such as white flour or transgenic fats are enemies for our body.
People with hyperinsulinemia (also called insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or X syndrome) are prone to hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels) because they have an increased production of HMG CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production.
For this reason, it is crucial for anyone with high cholesterol to understand the importance of reducing or eliminating insulin resistance.
Food solutions to be implemented include proteins, whole grains (complex carbohydrates), soluble fibre, fresh juices and fruits (prepared by live juice extractor) and total elimination of sugars, refined carbohydrates, transgenic fats and food chemicals .
All this must be accompanied by regular physical exercise with aerobic exercises and resistance.
Probiotic supplements
It has been shown that probiotics supplementation (the famous beneficial bacterias) act on cholesterol by lowering its levels significantly. I would recommend choosing soil based probiotics (SBOs) which are another type of probiotics than those derived from lactic acid (lactobacillus and bifidus).
The latter contribute to strengthening the immune system, eliminating toxins from the body and improving the absorption capacity of other nutrients by about 40-50%. This is due to their content of fulvic acids and humic acids that increase cellular absorption of nutrients.
The same goes for rice bran that lowers cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
Rice bran is one of the most abundant natural sources of plant sterols and tocotrienols. It reduces cholesterol, improves insulin sensitivity and helps the immune system.
Rice bran interferes with the absorption of sugars and fats (hypocolesterolatory and hypotriglycerising action) and decreases the insulin response. Being an insoluble fibre, it produces propionic acid by fermentation which reduces liver cholesterol synthesis, interferes with the reabsorption of bile acids resulting in greater use of cholesterol (cholesterol is the precursor of bile acids) by the liver.
It also stimulates the growth of bacterial species improving the intestinal microflora balance.
Pomegranate juice offers a number of health benefits that contribute to lowering oxidized LDL cholesterol as well as reducing blood pressure and prostate size (when it is enlarged). It also helps to strengthen the immune system and fight cancer.
Other important supplements to reduce cholesterol levels
Curcumin is one of the most powerful herbal supplements. It is a turmeric-derived extract that can lower LDL and increase HDL as well as prevent LDL oxidation.
Niacin (vitamin B3) is perhaps the most important substance that can lower cholesterol.
It has been demonstrated by scientific studies that an amount ranging from 1000 mg to 5,000mg per day of Vitamin C helps lower cholesterol levels. It has even been shown that taking 1000 mg of vitamin C and 800 mg of vitamin E before a fat-containing meal helps to prevent fats from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ideally, it is best to choose vitamin C supplements from natural sources such as naturally grown camu camu, amella, acerola, blueberries, raspberries, lemons, red cranberries, cherries, pink canines, and organic sprouts; all 100% natural sources.
There is a big difference between those and the isolated ascorbic acid powders that are generally found in vitamin C supplements prepared in the laboratory and therefore artificial.
It is therefore essential to use a product that also provides the phytonutrients normally associated with ascorbic acid in nature that serve our body and help boosting the immune system.
Finally, magnesium supplementation, ranging from 300 to 500 mg per day, can increase HDL levels as well as blocking the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme.
