What you should know to manage cholesterol
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The Voice mistakenly published the incorrect article under “What you should know to manage cholesterol” in last week’s “Healthcare Matters” column. We apologize for any confusion. “What you should know to manage cholesterol” can be read in its entirety in this week’s “Healthcare Matters.”
Cholesterol is an important part of normal functioning to the human body; however, too much of the wrong type or not enough of the correct type of cholesterol can lead to the development of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup. Atherosclerosis is the precursor to the development of high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
Dietary modification is only a small part of managing cholesterol levels as your liver actually makes the majority of cholesterol. In fact, your liver may produce up to 80% of your cholesterol. Hence, genetic hyperlipidemia is prevalent, and one may have the genetic predisposition to make too much cholesterol. In these people, medication may be the only way to gain control as dietary modification alone will not be enough.
I have personally used a staple food found in Asian countries in the form of a supplement as a natural alternative to prescription medication to treat hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol. Red Yeast Rice supplements at a dose of 1200mg/day will lower the total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and lower the triglyceride level. As always, one should consult your primary care provider before adding any supplement to your daily regimen. Certain interactions do exist with this specific supplement, and it is not appropriate for everyone.
Individuals should limit lean red meat portions to the size of a deck of cards, avoid pork, snack cakes, ice cream, and whole milk. Unless contraindicated, add red yeast rice to your daily regimen along with Metamucil. Metamucil is fiber and will aid in the body’s digestion and absorption of cholesterol. Exercise at least 15 minutes each day and consult your primary care provider.