Omega 3 & Common Fish Oil Myths
Have you had a chance to review some of the Omega 3 information I’ve shared? If not, here are links to some resources:
How much omega 3 do you need to lower cholesterol?
Top Omega 3 Sources to Lower Cholesterol
Now, let’s get a another point of view from Dr. Fred Sancillio.
Dr. Sancilio is a development scientist. He has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented to scientists in conferences around the world. He started his career as a physical and analytical chemist in the Research Division of Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc. Dr. Sancilio earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physical and Analytical Chemistry from Rutgers University.
According to Dr. Sancilio, if you take a fish oil supplement to help lower your LDL cholesterol, you’re wasting your money. The same may hold true if you think there’s not much difference between the various types of fish oil and omega-3 supplements on store shelves except perhaps the capsule sizes (and the size of the smelly, fishy belches some cause after you take them).
So, let’s dive into a Q & A discussion different aspects of omega 3 and what Dr. Sancilio refers to as myths…
Heart Disease Risk and Cholesterol Levels
Do you take statin medication? If so, when did your doctor recommend you being statins? Was it when your lab results found your LDL cholesterol levels to be elevated?
LDL cholesterol has been the measure used to determine when lipid lowering therapy is needed…and statins are often the therapy started.
Research is beginning to question if LDL is the best measure for knowing if cholesterol treatment is warranted to reduce heart disease risk.
Continue reading
Why is HDL Cholesterol Considered to be ‘Good’?
There are some very interesting questions coming out regarding the benefits of HDL cholesterol.
High HDL cholesterol has always been encouraged because people with higher HDL cholesterol levels have a reduced risk for heart disease. If you have low HDL cholesterol levels it’s likely that your doctor recommended you to boost levels through diet and exercise or by taking niacin supplements. This is due to the long held belief that HDL cholesterol reduces heart disease risk by “picking up” artery clogging cholesterol from circulation.
A new study utilizing modern genetic testing is challenging this theory, finding that there may not be a direct cause-and-effect relationship between reduced heart disease risk and high HDL cholesterol levels. Study findings indicate the high HDL levels themselves may not be protective on their own. These high HDL levels may be an indicator of something else reducing heart disease risk.
Continue reading
Niacin–Statin Study Didn't Give Desired Results: Stopped Early
The National Institutes of Health stopped a clinical trial studying a blood lipid treatment 18 months early. The study found that adding high dose, extended release niacin to statin treatment for patients with heart disease did not reduce cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Study Participants
This study was referred to as AIM-HIGH (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health) and the 3414 participants were selected because they were at risk for cardiovascular events despite having a well controlled LDL cholesterol level. They were at increased risk due to a history of heart disease combined with low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides. Low HDL levels and high triglycerides are both linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Study participants were divided into two groups.
Tips to increase HDL cholesterol
Raising HDL cholesterol levels is not too difficult, but it may involve lifestyle changes. Here are 4 steps you can take to boost HDL levels:
1. Exercise regularly – the more, the better
2. Increase your intake of fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids
3. Lose weight and/or maintain a health weight
4. Stop smoking
Be sure to sign up for the e-course How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps at http://lowercholesterolwithlisa.com.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
http://hearthealthmadeeasy.com
Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure – Are you ready?
How long have you been struggling to lower cholesterol and/or blood pressure? 12 months? 3 years? More than 10 years?
Are you ready to stop struggling and start getting results?
Over the years I’ve worked with clients to improve heart health it’s become very clear that those who receive long-term support see much greater levels of success which is why I want to get this option available to you. It’s going to be comprehensive and customized to your needs to ensure your success.
Some of the specifics include:
Detailed Diet Assessment
You will receive a detailed evaluation of your dietary intake to specifically analyze your calorie and nutrient intake to determine what foods need to be increased, what foods need to be eliminated (or reduced) and what needs to be added so you are on track.
Expert Feedback
You will receive expert feedback and guidance from a heart health nutrition specialist to guide you in the right direction, help you overcome obstacles, and support you on your heart health journey.
Specific examples for your situation
This program doesn’t include general feedback regarding diets to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. This will be completely customized and based on your current diet and lifestyle habits to determine what YOU need to do. You will receive specific examples and suggestions on how you can meet your calorie, nutrient, and activity goals.
Direct Email Access to Ask Questions
Making diet and lifestyle changes is not a “cookie cutter” process. There will be ups and downs. You will have questions. This program allows you to directly submit your questions and receive answers without going through a “middle man”.
Track Your Progress
You will check-in at the start of every month to assess your progress and determine strategies and goals for the month ahead. This will include a goal checklist to make sure you stay on track.
Delicious Heart Healthy Recipes
Every week you’ll receive a new heart healthy recipe delivered directly to your email inbox. By then end of the program you’ll have added 24 new heart healthy choices to your meal plan.
Take Action Plan for Heart Health Success
This program will provide you the tools, information, guidance, and support you need to finally get on track and maintain your heart health for life. We’ll progress through several different factors including diet, lifestyle, and functional foods to meet your goals.
By the end of the 6 months (if you follow through) you’ll see. . .
Lower cholesterol levels
Reduced blood pressure
Elevated HDL cholesterol
Decreased need for medication
Increased energy
. . .and the potential for much more depending on your health goals!
Stay tuned for more details! If you want to receive priority notification (and be eligible for a special savings) sign-up for the priority notification list at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com/notify.html.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
