Lower Cholesterol Effectively – Zetia Versus Niacin
It often feels like pharmaceutical companies often get wrapped up in dollar signs and forget the bottom-line reason for manufacturing the medication – improving your health. A study compared the effectiveness of Niacin versus Zetia.
The study
The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine this past November 2009. Researchers analyzed the effect of extended-release niacin and ezetimibe (Zetia) on LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels.
Triglycerides and Baked Goods
A subscriber to The Heart of Health submitted the following question.
Question: “Your article [How to Lower Triglycerides] suggests avoiding baked goods. Is it possible for a more detailed explanation of “baked goods”? Does this pertain to store-bought baked goods w/ sugar, or does it also apply to home-baked such as bread machine output w/ minimal sugar – and that being honey? Are you referring to the sugar itself, or the conversion to sugar of a carbohydrate? Information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.”
Answer: In this case, the definition of baked goods includes cookies, cakes, and pastries regardless of whether or not the product was store bought or home-made. Both will have an impact on triglyceride levels due to sugar content.
Dr. Houston Answers Your Top Heart Health Questions – Part 4
All right, this is the final series of questions and answers from my interview with Dr. Mark Houston in February 2010.
Lisa Nelson RD: Does grape seed really help lower blood pressure?
Dr. Houston: Yes, systolic blood pressure is reduced about 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 5 mm Hg. It is in the formulas mentioned above.
Lisa Nelson RD: What causes of an enlarged heart and are there ways to reverse an enlarged heart?
Balancing Calories: What You Must Know About Carbs and Fat for Optimal Heart Health
So, what diet is right? Do you need to stick with a low carb intake to lower cholesterol? Do you need to go high protein to lower blood pressure?
What’s the best way for you to achieve optimal heart health?
Later this month, Rosanne Rust will provide a step by step guide on what you can do right now to balance calories, carbs, and fat to achieve your health goals.
Here’s a little of what she’ll be covering . . .
- Add good carbs to your diet and still maintain a healthy weight,
- Spot hidden fat in “high fiber” foods,
- Add good fats to your diet: It’s easier and tastier than you think, and
- Get over your fear of “the bun”!
Virtual Health Retreat: Featuring 6 Phenomenal Health & Wellness Leaders!
I’m really excited about the Virtual Health Retreat featuring SIX leading experts in the health and wellness field! The event will run from May 17-20, 2010. Here’s the outstanding speaker line-up:
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Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane, Anti-Aging Expert, will present: How to Create Your Own Anti-Aging and Wellness Plan: 7 Steps to Staying Young and Living Longer in the 21st Century
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JJ Virgin, Celebrity Nutrition and Fitness Expert, will present: Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy: 5 Simple Steps You Can Put Into Action NOW to have the body, energy and confidence for this summer and beyond!
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Micronutrient Lab Work and Comprehensive Lipid Profiles – International Options
A subscriber to The Heart of Health submitted the following question.
“Just came across your excellent article dated July 20, 2009 @ 08:00 about [coenzyme Q10 blood tests]. Your article mentions having tests, but I live in Ireland and there are no tests available. The Health Food shops just sell the product without any ref. to getting a test and as I would view it as a very important supplement I think it is this kind of ill-informed sales that leave the alternative therapies wide open to attack by the Medical Profession. Can you advise / recommend procedure for getting tests from here.”
The lab I have used and recommend for micronutrient testing and comprehensive lipid profiles is SpectraCell Laboratories. I contacted SpectraCell to see if they provide services outside the US. The answer is yes. Your physician may request a lab collection kit from SpectraCell and submit the blood draw . . . even from Ireland!
There are more lab facilities than Spectra Cell that complete comprehensive lipid profiles. SpectraCell is the one I am familiar with. Also, another lab work option is a VAP (vertical auto profile) test. Discuss with your physician.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com
