BILE ACID SEQUESTRANTS: A type of medication which lowers cholesterol by binding with it in the intestines and then removing it via bowel movements. Examples include: colestipol and cholestyramine.

CHOLESTEROL: A substance which is crystalline in nature. It is produced by the body and is a necessary part of cell membranes. It also assists in the absorption and transport of fatty acids. A normal amount is less than 200 mg/dl (total value). Abnormal amounts ( 350 mg/dl or 9 mmol/L) can threaten health. The preferred method of lowering high cholesterol is a life style change that includes exercise, weight loss and a low fat - low cholesterol diet. Many medications are prescribed including Lipitor. HDL cholesterol (normal 35 or higher) is considered “good cholesterol” and LDL (normal less than 130) is the “bad”.

CHOLESTYRAMINE: A cholesterol lowering medication which works in the intestines by binding with cholesterol which contains bile acids and eliminating them through the bowels.

CHROMIUM: Mineral that assists the body in the control of blood sugars. Assists in the normalization of blood cholesterol levels ... improves HDL (high density lipoprotein) blood levels ... it is of importance in building muscles and reducing obesity/controlling appetite.

CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS: Daily changes in body functions that are responsible for sleep versus awake cycles. Body temperature is low in the morning and high in the evening. The manufacture of cholesterol by the liver reaches maximum at night ... logic dictates that taking a cholesterol lowering medication prior to bed is prudent.

COPPER: A mineral that is found in all body tissues and contained in enzymes that are essential to good health. Deficiency of copper is associated with nervous system degeneration, anemia, musculoskeletal defects, reproductive problems, cardiovascular lesions, high blood cholesterol levels, decreased immune functions. Natural sources include mushrooms, nuts, raisins, currants and legumes.

DHEA: (Dehydroepiandrosterone) Abbreviation for “dehydroepiandrosterone”. It is the primary hormone of the body produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is currently the subject of much research (year 2000) because the body´s levels are at their highest at approximately 25-years of age. As people age the levels steadily decline and drop to almost non-existent levels by age 50's to 60's. Note, DHEA is not contained within any known substances that can be ingested ... it helps to reduce cholesterol and burn body fat, and may help increase muscle mass. DHEA-S is the most widely circulated hormone in the body and research indicates that high levels are associated with fewer free radicals. DHEA is often referred to as "the youth hormone" by the scientific community and is recognized as an anti-aging substance. It is most highly concentrated at the age of 25 (approx.) and sharply decreases with age. At the age of 80, it only produces 10-20% of what was produced at age 25. DHEA is called the "mother of hormones" because it is used by the body to manufacture many other hormones, including our sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisone, etc.). The body produces DHEA and then converts it on demand to other hormones.

ERT: Abbreviation for ... “estrogen replacement therapy”. Women on estrogen replacement have less risk of brittle bones (osteoporosis). ERT also dilates coronary arteries that in turn helps in the prevention of blood clots. Also, it improves HDL (good cholesterol) and diminishes LDL (bad cholesterol). A good source of estrogen is soya.

ESTROGEN: Female hormone that promotes the growth of the uterine lining. Without it, tissues of the urinary tract and genitals decrease in size that can lead to a leaking bladder. Undesirable side effects can include high blood pressure, blood clots, breast lumps, tumors and fibroids. Estrogen pills are the typical method of treating menopausal night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings in the year 2000. They are not to be used by woman who are at high risk for breast cancer. It is a most effective treatment to preserve bone strength. ”. Women on estrogen replacement have less risk of brittle bones (osteoporosis). ERT also dilates coronary arteries that in turn helps in the prevention of blood clots. Also, it improves HDL (good cholesterol) and diminishes LDL (bad cholesterol). A good source of estrogen is soya. Also see “phytoestrogen”.

FAT - MONOUNSATURATED: A type of fat found in plant foods (i.e. olive oil and canola). It has a reputation for reducing blood cholesterol.

FIBRE: Dietary fibre promotes bowel regularity, helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugars in those people who have diabetes. This important substance is found in many vegetables and fruits as well as whole grain products.

GALL BLADDER: A pear shaped sac beneath the liver where bile is stored. The major problem that occurs is the development of gallstones that may result in severe pain of the abdomen. Gall bladder disease strikes women much more than men probably due to the female hormone estrogen that increases cholesterol levels in bile (gallstones are typically composed of cholesterol).

HDL: Abbreviation for ... "high density lipoprotein" (good cholesterol). These protein/fat particles are involved in a recycling process that circulates through the blood and gathers cholesterol for processing at the liver. High levels are considered "good" and associated with low risk of heart disease.

HMG CoA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS: Medications which interfere with the body´s manufacture of cholesterol ... typically used for hyperlipidemia. Examples are: Lovastatin and pravastatin.

INOSITOL: A vitamin of the B family that is associated with the integrity and structure of cell membranes. It is required for the growth of hair and manufacture of lecithin. Also, it is associated with the breakdown of fats and cholesterol. Heavy caffeine use can reduce the levels of inositol in the body.

LDL: Abbreviation for ... "Low density lipoprotein" which is believed to be the main instigator of atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol is commonly called "bad cholesterol".

LINOLEIC ACID: Found in plant oil. It has a tendency to lower blood cholesterol.

LIPOPROTEIN-A: Properly spelled “lipoprotein-a” ... it contains both LDL cholesterol (the bad type) and a protein that may promote clotting.

METHIONINE: One of the essential amino acids. Source of sulfur. Associated with growth, healthy skin and nails. Assists in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing problems with hair, skin, nails. Reduces liver fat, protects the kidneys, promotes hair growth.

PANGAMIC ACID: Vitamin B-15 is an antioxidant that lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, stimulates immunity, protects the liver from alcohol.

PECTINS: Substances similar to carbohydrates found in vegetables and fruits. Ingesting pectins will decrease the amount of fat and cholesterol absorbed into the body. Also, pectin is used to decrease the risk of gallstones and may decrease the effects of diabetes.

POLYUNSATURATED FAT: Unsaturated fats typically found in plant foods ... when used instead of saturated fats they contribute to a decrease in blood cholesterol.

STATINS: One of several prescription drugs that reduce high blood pressure. They work by interfering with the ability of the liver to produce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) which attaches to artery walls and prevents blood from reaching the heart. Examples are Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor and Mevacor.

TAURINE: An amino acid, which is categorized as "nonessential". Plays an important role in the formation of bile ... i.e., metabolism of fats and control of blood cholesterol. See "amino acids".

THYROID DISEASE: Early symptoms include fatigue, slight depression, and slight forgetfulness. Pregnant women risk having children with lower IQ´s due to underactive thyroids (hypothyroidism) while others may experience higher cholesterol levels. Treatment is easy (daily pill) after diagnosis with a simple TSH blood test that detects TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in the blood.

TRIGLYCERIDES: Fats. Normal reading, less than 200 mg/dl for men and less than 150 mg/dl for women. They have links to heart attacks, strokes and clogged arteries. Contributing to high amounts ... fried foods, sweets and fatty foods. Most of the fat tissue in the body is made up of triglycerides that were stored for later use. Most triglycerides are obtained from diet. NOTE: When high blood levels of triglycerides are combined with low HDL cholesterol readings it is an indication of problems on the horizon. REMEDY: 1. Alter the diet (resist fried/fatty foods, sweets, meat and dairy products). 2. Lose weight. 3. Exercise. COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS IN YEAR 2001: Niacin, Lopid and Tricor.

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