CholestGenix Update August 2017
Before we go any further talking about cholesterol, the literalist in me has to remind you that we don't measure cholesterol directly but instead measure the lipoproteins that transport cholesterol. These lipoproteins are referred to as HDL, LDL etc. We assume that high lipoprotein levels correspond to high cholesterol levels. So when you see something like HDL cholesterol, you will now remember that that just means high density lipoprotein that is transporting cholesterol and LDL cholesterol just means low density lipoprotein that is transporting cholesterol.
Drugs Can Drive Down Lipid Levels to an Unhealthy Place
When I refer to blood lipid levels, I am referring to levels of HDL, LDL VLDL and related lipids that are associated with cholesterol. I also need to mention that from time to time we see people on Lipitor or Crestor with super low lipid levels. This is not healthy. Your brain and hormone systems need cholesterol to do their jobs and too low can be just as damaging as too high. You really want to be in the 180 range. Don't let anyone tell you that 125 is nothing to worry about. Now that I got that off my chest, let's talk about healthy lipid levels.
Lab Measurements of HDL, LDL Etc.
In a typical medical practice, you get your blood tested and if your combination of HDL, LDL and VLDL cholesterol comes back over 200, you are considered at risk for cardiovascular disease and you will most likely be told to watch your diet and take Lipitor or Crestor or other "cholesterol" lowering drug. At OVitaminPro we like to take a more natural approach to prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. First it is helpful to know something about your family history. Not everyone has access to good information about your family risk but if you do, it can be helpful. If all the males in your family died of heart attacks by the age of 42, and you are a 35-year-old male, you might take notice. If your blood lipids are indeed higher than is optimal, we recommend a couple of things. One is an intermittent fasting diet. I won't go into much detail here except to mention it. You can do some basic research. We don't have any hard proof except some anecdotal evidence that this helps normalize liver enzymes and can substantially lower your lipids in a short time.
Supplements Can Help
Supplements can also be helpful, particularly those based on red yeast rice. Lipitor is also based on red yeast rice. You can get a natural version (CholestGenix) that doesn't seem to have the negative effects of the drug versions. By negative effects, I mean increased risk of myalgia (muscle pain), neuralgia (nerve pain especially in extremities) and cognitive decline (memory and brain fog issues). CholestGenix is formulated to provide a mild, healthy lipid support. CholestGenix is a complex containing red yeast rice along with several other complementary ingredients including CoQ10, phytosterols, guggul lipids and chromium to aid in the red yeast rice response. Taking 1-3 capsules twice a day is atypical dose. You should monitor your numbers in your blood test to make sure you are getting the affects you need. As a complement to improve your cardiovascular health, we recommend:
Pure Encapsulations Nitric Oxide Support or
Berkeley Life Professional Nitric Oxide Support, links below!
This will help keep your arteries clear of plaques related to cholesterol complexes. So schedule a blood test. If your lipid levels are high, begin a program of intermittent fasting along with your CholestGenix supplementation. Be vigilant with your regimen and recheck your levels in 6-8 weeks. You should see a nice shift toward a more normal level. If you don't, you may need to add some time to your fasting intervals, that is maybe 15 hours instead of 14 and you may need to up your CholestGenix doses.
