LDL HDL Ratio

Posts Tagged ‘supplements’

How are prosexual herbs/botanicals commonly sold and prepared?

Botanicals are sold in many forms: as fresh or dried products; liquid or solid extracts; and tablets, capsules, powders, and tea bags. For example, fresh ginger root is often found in the produce section of food stores; dried ginger root is sold packaged in tea bags, capsules, or tablets; and liquid preparations made from ginger root are also sold. A particular group of chemicals or a single chemical may be isolated from a botanical and sold as a dietary supplement, usually in tablet or capsule form. An example is phytoestrogens from soy products.

Common preparations include teas, decoctions, tinctures, and extracts:

A tea, also known as an infusion, is made by adding boiling water to fresh or dried botanicals and steeping them. The tea may be drunk either hot or cold.

Some roots, bark, and berries require more forceful treatment to extract their desired ingredients. They are simmered in boiling water for longer periods than teas, making a decoction, which also may be drunk hot or cold.

A tincture is made by soaking a botanical in a solution of alcohol and water. Tinctures are sold as liquids and are used for concentrating and preserving a botanical. They are made in different strengths that are expressed as botanical-to-extract ratios (i.e., ratios of the weight of the dried botanical to the volume or weight of the finished product).

An extract is made by soaking the botanical in a liquid that removes specific types of chemicals. The liquid can be used as is or evaporated to make a dry extract for use in capsules or tablets.

Most Common Prosexual Herbs are listed below:

Asian Red Ginseng - Panax Ginseng

Avena Sativa Extract (Oats)

Catuaba Bark Extract

Cuscta Seed Extract

Damiana Extract (Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca)

Epimedium Leaf Extract

Ginkko Biloba Leaf (Folium Ginkgoidis)

Hawthorn Berry - Fructus Crataegi

Herba Epimedii

Kava Kava Extract (Piper Methysticum)

L-arginine (highest quality)

Muira Pauma Bark Extract (Liriosma ovata)

Nettles Leaf Extract

Peruvian Maca Root

Saw Palmetto Berry - Fructus Serenoae

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Tu su zi (Semen Cuscutae)

Wild Yam Extract

One of the latest herb/fruit shown to increase sexual vitality is SkyFruit.

Revealing - XKL SKYFRUIT JUICE PREMIX, the Key to sexual vitality Naturally…

XKL Sky Fruit Juice Premix is formulated utilizing very high concentrated Sky Fruit Extract as raw materials and processed with hi-technology.

The Benefits of XklWorldWide Sky Fruit Juice Premix include:

1. enhances performance in physical love and sexual health.

2. replenishes nutrients to the kidney and improves kidney functions.

3. Promote blood circulation

4. Reduces content of the bad cholesterol (LDL) level & increases good cholesterol (HDL) level

5. improve the delivery of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body

6. Helps for impotency, & other reproductive system’s problems

7. Helps alleviate fatigue

XklWorldWide SkyFruit® Juice Premix is 100% natural. It is suitable for husband & wife, and no undesirable side effects reported so far.

XklWorldWide SkyFruit® Juice Premix is an energy booster that gives you vitality all the time.

Some feedback from Skyfruit Juice Premix users:

I was 68 and having sexual problems. I was recommended to Sky Fruit Juice Premix. I have taken for more than 4 months till now. At present, my sexual power is coming back again and I am so glad.

Nitti, Thailand

I heard about skyfruit juice premix, and started off with a trial pack. It works great and I have ordered a full box.

Sam, USA

The taste was not too pleasant, a bit bitter. I mix with honey, and both myself and my hubby took half. The effect was good, if not fantastic, and distinctly on him.

May, Canada

The whole range of XKLWorldWide Sky Fruit products can be found at: http://www.xklworldwide.com

For a limited period, you can apply for FREE XKL Skyfruit Juice Premix Samples at: http://www.skyfruitjuicepremix.com

—————————————————

Guggul:

Guggul is the name given to the yellowish resin produced by the stem of the

mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree found throughout India. It has been used

in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries in the treatment of arthritis, obesity,

and one of its prime uses was for “medoroga”. Medoroga is basically an

ancient diagnosis for what we know as atherosclerosis. It was effective for

this problem because of its ability to lower serum cholesterol and

triglycerides.

Guggul extract isolates contain safe plant steroid compounds known as

guggulsterones, which have been shown to lower lipid levels in your

blood. They actually lower serum triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as

LDL VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” ones) and as a bonus..raises HDL cholesterol

(the “good” guys). Guggulsterones also act as antioxidants in that they keep

LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, protecting you further from

atherosclerosis. Guggul has also decreased the “stickiness” of platelets,

which of course also lowers the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.Â

There was a study which actually found guggul extract similar and even

slightly better than clobfibrate for lowering cholesterol levels…..

Niacin:

For some time, some practitioners have been using high amounts of niacin

(Vitamin B3) (also called nicotinic acid) to lower cholesterol. The problem

with this is that at the doses needed, about 3 grams per day, divided dosing,

patients experience side effects of flushing, headache, stomach pains and

even chronic liver damage, diabetic responses, gastritis or stomach

inflammation, eye damage and even gout. The other common form of B3 -

niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) - does NOT help cholesterol levels.

An acceptable variation on niacin called inositol hexaniacinate has more

recently been prescribed by European doctors for cholesterol treatment

without the unwanted effects of niacin. It is used at the 500 to 1,000 mg

taken three times per day. It is newer and fewer studies have been done, so

if one takes it, make sure you have your cholesterol monitored to evaluate

its effectiveness and have liver enzymes, uric acid and glucose levels

checked just to be sure you are not one of the people prone to problems with

B3 therapy…..

[You may also try niacin in the form of "no flush" niacin hexaniacinate,

which most health shops sell - alone or in combination with small doses (less

than 150mg) of regular niacin (to minimise the uncomfortable flushing). It

is a good idea to take the niacin in combination with other members of the

vitamin B family - vit B complex, with at least 50mg of most Bs. MCS]

Other Factors:

Supplementing with Vitamin E (800 IU per day), Vitamin C (2-3 grams per day),

Octacosanol (from wheat germ..another good reason to use this food, as it is

also high in beta-sitosterol), Lecithin (2-3 grams per day), and garlic

supplements (600-900 mg per day) all have shown to be very helpful in

reducing cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

*** Here is some very brief information on other helpful supplements to

assist in managing different cardiovascular problems.

OTHER CHOLESTEROL LOWERING SUPPLEMENTS

Since lecithin is a very effective emulsifying agent, which also contains

choline and inositol, some authorities also suggest taking at least 1200mg of

lecithin capsules or granules 3 times daily. By the way, for those who take

skim or reduced fat milk, blending or shaking a teaspoon or two of lecithin

granules into the milk makes it taste much creamier and more palatable - add

according to your personal taste.

Chinese red yeast extract

Chromium picolinate

L-carnitine (2-4gm daily on an empty stomach)

L-arginine on empty stomach (avoid if suffering from herpes, shingles,

schizophrenia)

Bromelain and pectin enzymes (on an empty stomach)

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) 1000mg daily (begin with 200-400mg daily)

Vitamin C (plus bioflavonoids)

Oats (fibre) and other brans

Olive oil (raw, virgin, cold pressed, kept in refrigerator)

Fish oil

Green tea

Hawthorne berry (also for heart arrhythmias and hypertension)

Grapefruit (note that this can accentuate the effects of some cardiac drugs)

Boswellia

Aloe Vera

Alfalfa

Dandelion

Thyme

Turmeric

Other Supplements for Cardiac Use:

(e.g. for reducing inflammation of tissues, reducing blood pressure or

“thinning” the blood)

CoQ10 (75-150mg a day, with lecithin)

Magnesium (maleate, citrate, aspartate)

Willow bark, Aspirin (75mg a day with meals)

L-arginine on empty stomach (avoid if suffering from herpes, shingles,

schizophrenia)

Ginger

Fish oil

Capsaicin (from “hot” peppers)

MSM

Gotu kola

Ginkgo biloba

Bilberry

Primrose oil

Turmeric

AVOID

Refined carbohydrates

Highly sugared drinks (pop, sodas, etc)

Licorice (can increase blood pressure)

Hydrogenated or “partially hydrogenated” fats (in many cereals, margarines,

candies)

Transfatty acids (in many margarines, cakes, cookies etc)

Heated or fried fats and meats

Fatty meats

Lard and animal fat (many fast food chains use these fats in many products)

Coffee

Ephedra, ephedrine

Shark cartilage

NOTE

If you are considering the use of any of the above supplements, remember that

you should find out as much as you can by reading reputable web pages on each

of them, or consulting books such as:

Balch & Balch, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”

The following metasearch engine should help you find detailed information on any

of the

above supplements:

http://www.metacrawler.com

If you suffer from any cardiac problems, it is essential that you seek

professional medical advice and ascertain if any supplements may interact

adversely with any medication which you may be taking. For example, if you

are on anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin, other

supplements such as fish oil, garlic, aspirin, vitamin E (large doses) and

several others can reduce the clotting ability of your blood even further.

If you are on a cholesterol-lowering medication such as one of then statins,

then many of the above supplements can increase the potency of these drugs,

so, in consultation with a suitable medical expert, you should adjust your

dosage accordingly or gradually wean yourself off such drugs, according to

your particular situation. If doing this, it is important that you regularly

have your cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratios checked and that you work under the

supervision of your doctor.

——

Guggul:

Guggul is the name given to the yellowish resin produced by the stem of the

mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree found throughout India. It has been used

in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries in the treatment of arthritis, obesity,

and one of its prime uses was for “medoroga”. Medoroga is basically an

ancient diagnosis for what we know as atherosclerosis. It was effective for

this problem because of its ability to lower serum cholesterol and

triglycerides.

Guggul extract isolates contain safe plant steroid compounds known as

guggulsterones, which have been shown to lower lipid levels in your

blood. They actually lower serum triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as

LDL VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” ones) and as a bonus..raises HDL cholesterol

(the “good” guys). Guggulsterones also act as antioxidants in that they keep

LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, protecting you further from

atherosclerosis. Guggul has also decreased the “stickiness” of platelets,

which of course also lowers the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.Â

There was a study which actually found guggul extract similar and even

slightly better than clobfibrate for lowering cholesterol levels…..

Niacin:

For some time, some practitioners have been using high amounts of niacin

(Vitamin B3) (also called nicotinic acid) to lower cholesterol. The problem

with this is that at the doses needed, about 3 grams per day, divided dosing,

patients experience side effects of flushing, headache, stomach pains and

even chronic liver damage, diabetic responses, gastritis or stomach

inflammation, eye damage and even gout. The other common form of B3 -

niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) - does NOT help cholesterol levels.

An acceptable variation on niacin called inositol hexaniacinate has more

recently been prescribed by European doctors for cholesterol treatment

without the unwanted effects of niacin. It is used at the 500 to 1,000 mg

taken three times per day. It is newer and fewer studies have been done, so

if one takes it, make sure you have your cholesterol monitored to evaluate

its effectiveness and have liver enzymes, uric acid and glucose levels

checked just to be sure you are not one of the people prone to problems with

B3 therapy…..

[You may also try niacin in the form of "no flush" niacin hexaniacinate,

which most health shops sell - alone or in combination with small doses (less

than 150mg) of regular niacin (to minimise the uncomfortable flushing). It

is a good idea to take the niacin in combination with other members of the

vitamin B family - vit B complex, with at least 50mg of most Bs. MCS]

Other Factors:

Supplementing with Vitamin E (800 IU per day), Vitamin C (2-3 grams per day),

Octacosanol (from wheat germ..another good reason to use this food, as it is

also high in beta-sitosterol), Lecithin (2-3 grams per day), and garlic

supplements (600-900 mg per day) all have shown to be very helpful in

reducing cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

*** Here is some very brief information on other helpful supplements to

assist in managing different cardiovascular problems.

OTHER CHOLESTEROL LOWERING SUPPLEMENTS

Since lecithin is a very effective emulsifying agent, which also contains

choline and inositol, some authorities also suggest taking at least 1200mg of

lecithin capsules or granules 3 times daily. By the way, for those who take

skim or reduced fat milk, blending or shaking a teaspoon or two of lecithin

granules into the milk makes it taste much creamier and more palatable - add

according to your personal taste.

Chinese red yeast extract

Chromium picolinate

L-carnitine (2-4gm daily on an empty stomach)

L-arginine on empty stomach (avoid if suffering from herpes, shingles,

schizophrenia)

Bromelain and pectin enzymes (on an empty stomach)

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) 1000mg daily (begin with 200-400mg daily)

Vitamin C (plus bioflavonoids)

Oats (fibre) and other brans

Olive oil (raw, virgin, cold pressed, kept in refrigerator)

Fish oil

Green tea

Hawthorne berry (also for heart arrhythmias and hypertension)

Grapefruit (note that this can accentuate the effects of some cardiac drugs)

Boswellia

Aloe Vera

Alfalfa

Dandelion

Thyme

Turmeric

Other Supplements for Cardiac Use:

(e.g. for reducing inflammation of tissues, reducing blood pressure or

“thinning” the blood)

CoQ10 (75-150mg a day, with lecithin)

Magnesium (maleate, citrate, aspartate)

Willow bark, Aspirin (75mg a day with meals)

L-arginine on empty stomach (avoid if suffering from herpes, shingles,

schizophrenia)

Ginger

Fish oil

Capsaicin (from “hot” peppers)

MSM

Gotu kola

Ginkgo biloba

Bilberry

Primrose oil

Turmeric

AVOID

Refined carbohydrates

Highly sugared drinks (pop, sodas, etc)

Licorice (can increase blood pressure)

Hydrogenated or “partially hydrogenated” fats (in many cereals, margarines,

candies)

Transfatty acids (in many margarines, cakes, cookies etc)

Heated or fried fats and meats

Fatty meats

Lard and animal fat (many fast food chains use these fats in many products)

Coffee

Ephedra, ephedrine

Shark cartilage

NOTE

If you are considering the use of any of the above supplements, remember that

you should find out as much as you can by reading reputable web pages on each

of them, or consulting books such as:

Balch & Balch, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”

If you suffer from any cardiac problems, it is essential that you seek

professional medical advice and ascertain if any supplements may interact

adversely with any medication which you may be taking. For example, if you

are on anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin, other

supplements such as fish oil, garlic, aspirin, vitamin E (large doses) and

several others can reduce the clotting ability of your blood even further.

If you are on a cholesterol-lowering medication such as one of then statins,

then many of the above supplements can increase the potency of these drugs,

so, in consultation with a suitable medical expert, you should adjust your

dosage accordingly or gradually wean yourself off such drugs, according to

your particular situation. If doing this, it is important that you regularly

have your cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratios checked and that you work under the

Cholesterol is used to build cell membranes and hormones and is made by the liver. The body can produce all of the cholesterol that it needs, so we don’t need to ingest it. It is possible however to have too much cholesterol in the blood stream if the died includes foods that are high in saturated fat. This can block the flow of blood and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Not all cholesterol is bad however. Cholesterol attaches itself to lipoproteins to travel through the bloodstream. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is said to be the ‘bad’ cholesterol that clogs up the arteries. High density lipoprotein (LDL) however is referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps to take the LDL out of the blood stream. It’s important to keep overall levels of cholesterol low and ensure that there is a much higher ratio of HDL to LDL.

It is recommended that total amounts of cholesterol do not exceed 5.5mmols per litre. The best way to do this is to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats including full cream dairy products, fatty meats and snack foods to name a few. Alcohol should also be limited to two standard drinks a day and smoking should be avoided. It’s also important to exercise and to maintain a health weight. There are also some foods including legumes, nuts, cereals, fruit and sunflower seeds which have been shown to reduce levels of LDL.

Sometimes diet and lifestyle changes are not enough and individuals with high cholesterol may need to turn to vitamins or medication. A few vitamin supplements have been said to help reduce cholesterol including Policosanol, Omega-3s, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Policosanol is made from the waxy coating of sugar cane. When 5-10mg of Policosanol is ingested each day, it has been shown to reduce overall cholesterol by 8-18%, reduce LDL by 11-28% and increase HDL by 17-29%.

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in large amounts in Flaxseed Oil. Studies have shown that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower LDL and increase LDL cholesterol levels. The suggested amount of flaxseed oil for individuals with high cholesterol is 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil 2-3 times a day with meals.

Vitamin C and Vitamin e are both antioxidants which are said to help protect the body from the effects of LDL cholesterol oxidation. Recommended dosage is 60mg of Vitamin C and 10mg of Vitamin E per day.

Whilst these nutrients are said to have benefits for cholesterol sufferers, you should never substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information about vitamins for arthritis, visit Australia’s vitamin information website and navigate to our vitamins for cholesterol page.