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09/10/2008 12:37 pm

What is cholesterol— Why do we have it— Is it that dangerous— These are some of the most common questions most Americans don't know the answers to. All they know is that their doctor told them their cholesterol is high and they need to take a medication. Did you know, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, in the 90's normal cholesterol was considered around 200. Today normal is considered 160! Those with cholesterol levels below 160 suffer from a compromised immune system, depression and a number this low indicates likelihood of death!

Myths:

Cholesterol causes heart disease

Cholesterol is bad

High cholesterol means you're unhealthy

High cholesterol is from eating bad foods

Low cholesterol is healthy

Fat is bad

Quick tips:

All hormones require cholesterol as a precursor

80-90% of all cholesterol is produced inside the body and does NOT come from the foods we eat.

Cholesterol rises due to any one of a number of causes such as:

Inflammation in the form of "leaky gut syndrome.".

Malnourishment, by consumption of too many refined carbohydrates/sugars (even the obese are malnourished!).

Excess stress: PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, ELECTROMAGNETIC, PSYCHIC, NUTRITIONAL

Vital Roles of Cholesterol:

Precursor to sex hormones, vitamin D and bile production

Powerful antioxidant controlling free-radical damage

Cell membrane integrity

Vital to child development in mother's milk

Digests fats eaten

Helps cells receive serotonin

Cholesterol is a repair substance

Female hormones are made from cholesterol. Women with higher cholesterol live longer.

Lower your cholesterol:

intake of smart quality fats (raw butter, coconut oil, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, wild salmon, cod liver oil, omega-3 fish oil)

intake of grains and garbage foods (which are Omega-6 Fatty Acids = excess inflammation = increased cholesterol).

stress in your life by adding in daily meditation and create time for yourself to relax every day.

Blood lab tests to see where there's hidden inflammation. (C-reactive protein and homocysteine)

Identify stressors

Drink enough water. Bodyweight x .7 = the number of daily ounces to be consumed.

Turn lights off by 10pm; television and computer off by 8pm.

Implement one change at a time.

Statin side effects:

Pain, tenderness or weakness in muscles or joints

Diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea

Headaches

Lack of energy

Elevated liver enzymes

Dizziness, fuzzy thinking

Rashes, hives, itching

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Robs your body of CoQ enzyme


For more fabulous information from Paula, check out www.paulaowens.com.

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