Acupuncture (and more)
Can Help Lower High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a medical condition in which the amount of cholesterol in one's bloodstream exceeds a normal or recommended level. Cholesterol is produced naturally by the human body and is essential for its normal function. Two forms of cholesterol exist, high density cholesterol (HDL, also known as "good" cholesterol) and low density cholesterol (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol). An individual's cholesterol level may differ for a number of reasons, such as:
Heredity - one's genetic composition determines to some extent the amount of HDL and LDL his or her body tends to produce
Physical activity - in general, cholesterol levels tend to depend to some degree on the amount of physical exercise an individual engages in
Weight - overweight and obesity may have an effect on the level of HDL and LDL in one's bloodstream
Age - cholesterol levels have a tendency to rise with age
Gender - before menopause, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than do men; after menopause, their cholesterol levels tend to become higher than those of men.
While high cholesterol can be treated by a variety of western medical approaches, such as statin drugs, there are often unwanted side effects and unclear benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a safe, natural alternative form of care than can be used in conjunction with regular checkups to manage your cholesterol levels.
According to Chinese medical theory, high cholesterol is due to a deficiency of spleen Qi (digestive Qi) and poor flow of the liver channel resulting in dampness. This pattern usually occurs through an improper diet or eating the wrong types of foods, excessive stress, lack of sleep, and a lack of movement and exercise.
There are many acupuncture points that can help lower cholesterol on the body. Some are on the legs, hands, and abdomen. A specific Chinese herbal formula may also be recommended to help increase the therapeutic effect of each treatment. Treatments will seek to help decrease the dampness and strengthen your spleen Qi to help decrease your cholesterol and get you feeling better.
Along with acupuncture, here are some more tips on how you can work on reducing your cholesterol:
CHANGE YOUR DIET
Limit the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. It is a good idea to limit or avoid foods like: whole milk, cream, high-fat processed meats such as sausage and salami, fried foods, butter, and egg yolks. Instead try substituting them with non-fat/low-fat dairy, lean meats and unsaturated oils such as olive or canola oil.
COOK LIGHT
Try broiling or grilling versus pan frying, cut visible fat off of meats and remove skin from poultry.
PORTION CONTROL
Portion sizes are notoriously large in America. By balancing your portions, you can help lower your cholesterol and lose weight at the same time.
EAT MORE FIBER
Fruits and vegetables, including whole grains, are good sources not only of heart-healthy antioxidants but also cholesterol-lowering dietary fiber. Soluble fiber, in particular, can help lower cholesterol. Doctors say it "acts like a sponge to absorb cholesterol" in the digestive tract. Good sources of soluble fiber include dried beans, oats, and barley, as well as fiber products containing psyllium.
GO FISH
Fish and fish oil are full of cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids. It is recommended to eat fish two or three times a week. Salmon is great, as it has lots of omega-3s. But even canned tuna has omega-3s, and it's more consumer-friendly. The American Heart Association also recommends fish as the preferable source of omega-3s, but fish oil capsule supplements can be considered after consultation with your physician. Plant sources of omega-3s include soybeans, canola, flaxseeds, walnuts, and their oils, but they don't provide the same omega-3s as fish. The biggest heart benefits have been linked to omega-3s found in fish.
GET NUTTY
Extensive research has demonstrated that regular consumption of nuts can bring modest reductions in cholesterol. Walnuts and almonds seem particularly beneficial. But remember, nuts are high in calories, so limit yourself to a handful a day, experts say.
GET MOVING
In addition to lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol, regular physical activity can raise HDL "good" cholesterol by up to 10%. The benefits come even with moderate exercise, such as brisk walking.
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