Tag: cholesterol

Statins Linked to Memory Loss

March 5th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

The FDA is adding new warnings to statin drugs about the risk of memory loss. Statins are a widely prescribed group of cholesterol-lowering drugs, particularly like Pfizer Inc.’s Lipitor, AstraZeneca’s Crestor and Merck & Co. Inc.’s Zocor.

New labeling on all such drugs will warn of memory loss and confusion reported among certain patients taking statins. In general, the problems were “not serious” and went away after patients stopped taking the drugs, according to the FDA.

If you are concerned about cholesterol medications, talk to your health care practitioner. Many people can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise and supplements.

Here are some supplements that can help with supporting healthy cholesterol:

Cholesterol Support: Several key vitamins, minerals, herbs, and nutrients have a strong scientific history in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. These nutrients include policosanol, guggulipids, pantethine, chromium and niacin, as well as homocysteine factors (vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid). Continue reading “Statins Linked to Memory Loss”

Read More

More Reasons to Eat More Fiber

August 22nd, 2011 by Margo Gladding

Eating a fiber-rich diet has many health benefits, including supporting cardiovascular health, blood sugar balance, promoting digestive and colon health, supporting weight management, and cholesterol reduction. And now, a recent meta-analysis shows that a high-fiber diet is also associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.

Nutrition and health experts recommend that men and women eat at least 25 grams of fiber daily, if not more. Unfortunately, many people tend to fall short of this suggested amount. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes provide the body with great sources of fiber. These foods provide different forms of fiber (insoluble and soluble) and we need them both for optimal health.

Insoluble fiber (mainly found in whole grains and vegetables) tends to act like a bulking agent and can help speed elimination. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve and therefore can help with the feeling of fullness and aid the body in toxin removal. Soluble fiber (found mainly in legumes, vegetables, and fruits) can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol by forming a gel-like substance that slows down digestion and the absorption of cholesterol. Continue reading “More Reasons to Eat More Fiber”

Read More

Don’t Fear the Yolk – Whole Eggs are Best!

June 13th, 2011 by Margo Gladding

For many years, egg yolks have gotten a bad reputation from the medical community for fear that they promote unhealthy cholesterol levels. For this reason, we have been told to avoid the yolks and only eat the egg whites. This rationale comes from experiments where isolated cholesterol was given to test animals and it induced hardening of the arteries. As a result, cholesterol was deemed a bad substance that should be avoided.

However, I think it’s time to put the bad reputation to rest. Whole eggs can be considered a nutrient dense food with a well-rounded nutritional profile. They provide high quality protein and are rich in B vitamins (B2, biotin, choline, inositol, B5, and B12), as well as vitamins A, D, and E. In addition, they provide important minerals such as iron, phosphorus, zinc, and sulfur. Egg yolks also provide cholesterol and lecithin. Cholesterol plays many important roles in the body and is necessary for the production of adrenal hormones, vitamin D, and sex hormones. Continue reading “Don’t Fear the Yolk – Whole Eggs are Best!”

Read More

Fats: The Misunderstood Villain, Part 1

March 31st, 2011 by Farzin Farid

Just the other day, I was in the dairy section at the grocery store trying to buy regular sour cream. Not surprisingly, I found it to be a mental challenge. Low-Fat Sour Cream. Skim Fat Sour Cream. 1% Sour Cream. Full Fat Sour Cream? I finally found one sandwiched in the back shelf. This experience only reconfirmed what I had already known: our society has an obsession with low-fat foods. You don’t have to be a nutritionist to express your aversion to fats. “I don’t eat butter – it’s too much fat.” Or, “I’m trying to keep my cholesterol down, so I avoid eggs.” But how did this begin? Were fatty foods always the villain from the beginning of mankind? If one wants the answer, they have to not only be willing to look back to history, but be daring enough to read between its lines…

The seed of misunderstanding was laid down in 1950 by American scientist and nutrition pioneer, Ancel Keys. Continue reading “Fats: The Misunderstood Villain, Part 1”

Read More

Natural Cholesterol Management

June 15th, 2010 by Margo Gladding

If your recent blood work has shown elevated cholesterol levels and your doctor has expressed concern, consider a healthful diet, active lifestyle, and the incorporation of key nutritional supplements as an effective approach in promoting healthy cholesterol balance.

Cholesterol plays many important roles in the body, including providing structure to cellular membranes, creating bile acids used to digest fats, and is a basic building block for making hormones (such as sex hormones and stress hormones), as well as for making vitamin D. Beyond these beneficial roles in the body, excess accumulation of cholesterol that does not get used for these normal body processes can be problematic. Elevated cholesterol levels are linked to heart attacks and strokes. It is especially worrisome if you have a high degree of inflammation in your body.  Continue reading “Natural Cholesterol Management”

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

May 2024
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031