Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a major concern across the developed world. In the United States about 40 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol. Apart from the general health deterioration that cholesterol triggers, it is extremely undesirable for cardiovascular health. People with high cholesterol are at a heightened risk of suffering cardiac arrests and other health problems.

In several studies conducted in the US, Spain and other countries, probiotics have shown remarkable efficacy in lowering high cholesterol. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which are found in the human intestines that are crucial for the immune system and several other functions. Since there is a limit to the quantum of healthy live probiotics that can be found in the guts, it is advisable to take foods or supplements that are good sources of probiotics.

Now, the primary question is how probiotics can help lower high cholesterol. It has to be noted that cholesterol in itself is not bad for health. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary for several bodily functions including hormonal secretions and generation of vitamin D. It is only when cholesterol doesn’t get metabolized and absorbed by the body in various forms that high cholesterol develops. In such cases, the cholesterol remains in the blood without being used up or absorbed by the body. The presence of high cholesterol in the blood can lead to artery blockage, inflammation at various junctures and eventually leads to high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, obesity, higher blood sugar levels and also cardiac problems.

Probiotics, when consumed on a regular basis, can metabolize this cholesterol in the blood. It allows the body to use up the cholesterol and then absorb the nutrients which are necessary for the body. Experts have commended the findings since high cholesterol drugs eliminate cholesterol in its entirety which is not desirable. The absence of cholesterol in the body would invariably lead to poor health. Probiotics simply work on the level of high cholesterol, prevent building up of bad cholesterol and reduces existing levels of high cholesterol.

The numerous studies conducted across the world include Mari Fuentes and her team’s research at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Moncloa Hospital and Torrelodones University Hospital, all in Spain, the Metabolic Research Group, VA Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington and medical studies at the Shinshu University in Japan. Similar findings have been published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and by J. Martoni, Ph.D. and Satya Prakash, Ph.D. in American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2012.

References:
http://www.naturalnews.com/038279_high_cholesterol_probiotics_prevention.html

http://probioticrevolution.net/High_Cholesterol.html

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-06/health/34947080_1_ldl-cholesterol-absorption-probiotics

http://www.insidershealth.com/article/new_study_shows_probiotics_reduce_cholesterol/2729

Everyone knows that exercise can help a person lose weight, but there are many more benefits to exercise as well. It can make you look and feel healthier, and help you to live longer. There is much more to it than that, as you will soon discover. Overall health is benefited by regular exercise. It doesn’t have to be weight training or any other excessive workout, just regular movement can do so much for the mind, body and spirit.

Exercise helps to ward off disease and illness

Regular exercise can help prevent sickness and disease. It has been known to help lower cholesterol, help symptoms or sometimes eliminate type II diabetes, and decreases chances of heart disease. It also helps keep the body running smoothly to help fight germs and viruses. People who establish some sort of exercise routine have less sick days than others.

Exercise reduces stress

When one exercises, the brain releases chemicals that make people feel happier and less stressed. The more exercise one gets, the more of this chemical is released. It is a great mood boost, and can help ease some of the symptoms of depression as well.

Exercise for a better night sleep

Although you shouldn’t exercise close to bedtime, regular activity can help you fall asleep faster. It can also help you to spend more time in REM, or deep sleep than those who do not regularly exercise. To get a better night sleep, get your activity in the morning or afternoon. You’ll be able to tell the difference in how well you sleep.

Exercise and healthy digestion

There are many digestive problems from which people suffer every day. Heartburn, constipation and other ailments can make someone’s life a lot less pleasant. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, over 4 million Americans suffer from constipation. Regular activity can help to reduce and eliminate that problem, especially if there is more fiber added to the diet. Exercise helps make for a healthier digestive system, which generally makes people feel much better and healthier.

There are so many benefits to regular activity and exercise. It can literally help every part of the body, up to and including promoting healthier skin. There are many excuses not to exercise, but why make them when there are so many advantages to getting regular activity? It’s almost guaranteed you will notice a difference in a short amount of time.