Cholesterol

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:21:22 GMT

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is sometimes called “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the body by binding with it in the bloodstream and carrying it back to the liver for disposal. A high level of HDL cholesterol appears to lower your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol collects inside the walls of the arteries and often contributes to the formation of plaque. LDL cholesterol is calculated from the total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels.

A high LDL cholesterol level is considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) because, under certain conditions, it can cause hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).Cholesterol is measured either in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or in millimoles per liter of blood (mmol/L).An LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL (less than 2.6 mmol/L) is considered optimal.100 to 129 (2.6 to 3.35) is considered near optimal. 130 to 158 (3.35 to 4.10) is considered borderline high.160 to 189 (4.12 to 4.88) is considered high.190 and above (4.90 to 4.88) is considered very high.
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With this in mind there are factors that work against lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol:
1. Your family history can play into your cholesterol equation. Since high cholesterol runs in my family I have genetics working against me as well.
2. Stress may lead to an increase in blood cholesterol
3. Smoking may raise LDL cholesterol
4. Foods with Saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol

Factors that can lower LDL “bad” cholesterol
1. Exercise raises HDL cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol
2. Reduce the stress in your life
3. Stop smoking
4. A high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish

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Water

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:55:48 GMT

Water performs many functions.

A few of the more important ones follow:

1. Most reactions in our bodies (of which there are millions every second) will not take place unless the reactants are dissolved. For example, the water component of our blood dissolves oxygen from our lungs and in this way it can be transported to our cells. Carbon Dioxide is removed in the same way.

2. Almost every cell in our body is bathed in interstitial fluid which is almost entirely water.

3. Most of the molecules in our body are suspended in water and are thus able to come into contact with other molecules. Indeed, water is often a part of these chemical reactions.

4. Water is a great stabiliser of body temperature. It absorbs and releases heat very slowly.

5. We have seen that the digestive tract utilises some 2 gallons of water per day. Much of this is reabsorbed, however, a certain amount needs to be replenished daily.

6. Water also acts as a lubricating medium. It is the major part of mucous and other lubricating fluids. Lubrication is especially necessary in the chest and abdomen, where internal organs touch and slide over each other.

7. Finally, water is the flushing medium which is used to clean the kidneys. These vital organs filter our entire volume of blood about every five minutes! Sufficient clean water must be passing through the kidneys to collect the wastes from this process. If these toxins are not removed, they will remain in the tissues.

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Cholesterol

Water