Beat High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance circulating in the blood. The body needs a certain amount to maintain cell membranes and perform other vital functions, but high levels lead to blocked arteries which can cause a heart attack.

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the negative type of cholesterol. High levels of LDL causes unhealthy build-up of cholesterol plaque on artery walls, which can lead to coronary disease. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is seen as the positive cholesterol. The HDL carries the LDL away from the artery walls when levels are properly maintained.

High LDL and total cholesterol levels increase the risk of a heart attack, as does a low level of HDL (below 0.9 millimoles per litre). Doctors recommend keeping total cholesterol below 5.6 millimoles per litre, ideally around 5.2 millimoles per litre, and your HDL level as high as possible.

Whatever the cause of your high levels of cholesterol is, it is very important that you make efforts to lower your cholesterol levels by changing your lifestyle, here are 4 tips to get you started.

Have a nice sandwich on whole wheat bread or a pita with some lean turkey and lots of fresh veggies.

Stay away from foods like margarine, shortening, and processed foods containing partially hydrogenated soybean oil.

Eat foods that are high in fiber. Examples include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans, and some cereals. (Look for the boxes that say "may help lower cholesterol.")

Find a new salad dressing. Most of them are full of Trans fats and cholesterol. Olive oil is good, and maybe add vinegar or lemon juice. Also, skip the bacon bits, croutons, and egg yolks.

Have more servings of dried peas, beans, soy products, oats, whole grains and high-fibre cereals.

If home remedies do not lower your total cholesterol sufficiently within two or three months, you may need to take prescription drugs. Conventional drugs reduce heart attack risk by up to 25%. Take regular exercise to raise your HDL level.

A home remedy for gout must be able to do the following:

- Relieve pain. - Reduce swelling - Eliminate stiffness - Detoxify and rid uric acid crystals from the body - Boost healthy blood circulation to aid in the flushing away of toxins - Speed healing of joint tissues to prevent uric acid build-up.

Fruits as gout home remedy:

Potassium turns acid crystals into a solution that can be easily flushed out by your body. Fruits that are especially high in potassium are your best bet when it comes to curing gout. These high-potassium fruits include dried peaches, avocados, cantaloupe, oranges, bananas, tomatoes and dried prunes.

Other fruits have their benefits as gout home remedy too.

Calcium carbonate is produced with lemon components. Carbon carbonate balances acids in the body. Take the juice of lemon, dilute in water and drink as a gout home remedy.

Cherries and berries have been popularly known to fight gouty attacks. You can start by purchasing blueberries, cherries and strawberries from your local supermarket as fresh produce or concentrated juices. These fruits are rich with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and enzymes that neutralize uric acid in the body. Grapes are good, too, since they contain Alkalines that neutralize acidity.

Bananas and apples are also effective against gout. Maintaining a gout-preventing diet is as easy as eating 1 apple a day and 2-3 bananas per day for 4 days.

Herbs as gout home remedy:

One herb known to cure ailments is the turmeric. People from ancient times have been known to use this. Now it is known to be a potent antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant and blood strengthener. It is also considered to treat inflammation just like cortisone. Another herb, cayenne pepper, is known to have the same effect.

Also try artichoke, which contains cynarin. Cynarin is a compound known to prevent liver impairment and joint problems, thus benefiting those with gout.

Drinking herbal teas like buchu tea is another helpful treatment against gout. Other gout-fighting herbs include parsley and saffron, which can be a natural diuretic and acid neutralizer.

Vegetables rich in potassium and are therefore good gout treatments are potatoes, spinach and carrots. As mentioned earlier, foods high in potassium detoxify the body from uric acid crystals. Also try eating more garlic as a gout home remedy-popularly known to be good for the heart, garlic has also been found to relieve gout symptoms. Finely chop fresh garlic and add to salads and other dishes as a natural gout home remedy.

Consulting your doctor is still an important step in curing gout.