We Are What We Eat: Lowering Cholesterol The Old-Fashioned Way

Recent results from a small clinical trial raised confusing questions about the value of several widely used cholesterol medicines such as Zetia and its sister drug, Vytorin. The future of these drugs now depend on three large clinical trials that may show conclusively if the drugs reduce heart attacks and strokes. Currently underway, these trials are not expected to be completed until 2011. Yet, according to nutrition experts, diet still remains key to lowering cholesterol levels. "There are two root causes of high cholesterol-heredity and diet," says Dr. Richard M. Goldfarb, a medical director of the Bucks County Clinical Research Center who is working with eFoodSafety.com, an Arizona-based biotech company developing nutraceutical and whole food products. "Millions of Americans have dangerously elevated levels of LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, due primarily to unhealthy diets and lack of exercise. While patients cannot control their genetics, they can certainly make choices about their diets." The American Heart Association recommends that the average person has no more than 300 milligrams per day of cholesterol; for individuals with a history of heart disease, the AHA recommends less than 200 milligrams. "If patients still have elevated LDL cholesterol levels after adjusting their diet," says Dr. Goldfarb, "one suggestion is trying all-natural whole food products." According to Dr. Goldfarb, important elements to look for when choosing dietary supplements include checking for natural ingredients with no fillers or artificial additives. He also suggests checking for high customer satisfaction ratings online, looking for negative side effects, and researching whether the item was produced at an FDA-approved manufacturing facility. One option, Cinnechol™, an all-natural nutritional supplement, is designed to promote normal total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels without adverse side effects. The supplement also aims to promote normal triglyceride levels and support overall circulatory health. The ingredients in Cinnechol have also been shown to naturally improve levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, by working synergistically to decrease the viscosity, or thickness of the blood, allowing for better circulation, and assist in fighting inflammation which is vital to the health of the heart and blood vessels. "The controversy surrounding certain cholesterol medications should only encourage individuals to examine their nutritional habits more closely and work to lower cholesterol levels the old-fashioned way, via healthy eating," says Dr. Goldfarb.