How to beat Cholesterol
DO you know anybody who is not on a cholesterol lowering program?
We’ve known the link between cholesterol and heart and blood vessel disease for more than 50 years, but the story has become bigger than Ben Hur.
Cholesterol is a body fat produced in the liver and is necessary in small amounts for normal body function.
But too much can kill or initiate a stroke, where you linger in misery for years.
Trouble-makers, as everybody knows, are saturated animal fats in goodies such as milk, dairy products and meat.
Safe upper level in the blood was once considered 6.6. Then this dropped to 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5 and now many experts are suggesting 3.5.
If it’s high, you must get it down.
Medication is expensive, but there are many natural remedies.
Vitamin B3, in its various forms (niacin, nicotinic acid, niacinamide, fast or slow acting forms). Effective, but it may cause severe facial and body flushing.
Soluble fibre is also effective. That means more high fibre cereals, fruit and vegies.
Green tea, soy and omega-3 in fish are said to help. Psyllium husks also help many.
Q: Many people take a tiny dose of aspirin each day to keep the blood thin and avert a heart attack. Are the coated brands better?
A: Aspirin is a pretty strong stomach irritant, even in small doses, which means bleeding and occasionally heavy haemorrhaging is possible. Hence the idea to coat it to avoid it from dissolving until it reaches the small bowel. However, many studies indicate it doesn’t make much, if any, difference. Side effects are still possible. I’d opt for the coated brand.
Q: After giving birth, and breast feeding, how long is this effective as a contraceptive measure? I do not want to prematurely start the pill again.
A: A hormone called prolactin helps breast milk production, and also inhibits ovulation. Without breast feeding, ovulation may recommence after a few months. It differs with each woman and therefore cannot be relied on. Talk to your obstetrician or GP, a fairly accurate informed decision can be readily calculated.
Q: I occasionally note chest pain from mild angina which is pretty well controlled by medication. I was prescribed a puffer to spray under my tongue in case this occurred.
A: Nitrolingual spray is absorbed rapidly from the vast network of blood vessels under the tongue, giving a quick response. Vessels to the heart are dilated and pain often vanishes quickly. However, it can also expand vessels in the head, causing light-headedness and headaches. Use only when sitting or lying, never when standing or driving.
Q: I believe all medicine, surgery should be free seeing we all pay taxes.
A: When originally introduced in the late 1940s, all medication was free on a doctor’s prescription. It quickly became apparent this was unsustainable. Now nothing is free to anyone up to a certain point. A small charge is made to certain cardholders. Lots pay a much larger sum. After a certain amount has been paid, the safety net kicks in. In general, Australians are well provided for with their medicines. The true full price is usually printed on the label these days. See how much you’d be paying say if you lived in America where the patient pays the lot. Be thankful for big mercies.
Q: My little one is four months old and often screams and yells for no apparent reason.
A: There is usually a reason. Being hungry, wet or soiled nappies, pain or feeling uncomfortable are the main causes. The most common reason is being wanted. He/she loves being cuddled and coo-ed. It sure beats lying awake in the middle of the night all alone. What better way to grab attention than yelling?
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
