When a friend of mine who is a celiac asked me where to find gluten free bread, I just went to a pharmacist in Naples and found a whole range of gluten free foods. My friend who is British was amazed. The reason is that celiac disease is quite common in southern Italy and also in Ireland. She was in her late thirties at the time and had just been diagnosed as a celiac. We now know that many kids who have ADHD are celiacs and have to follow an ADHD gluten diet.

What does this mean in practical terms ? If your child is diagnosed as a celiac and also has ADHD, then he must follow a gluten free diet. If he does not, there is a risk of permanent damage to the intestine with the possibility of developing cancer (lymphona) in the intestine in adult life. It can also lead to osteoporosis, anemia and the gluten, which is nothing more than a protein, can cause an allergic reaction and the body just cannot cope with it. This is a similar reaction to that of an intolerance to other foods such as lactose. Most symptoms related to gluten intolerance are gastrointestinal in nature, not surprising as the small intestine is the first organ to be affected.

In the case of the gluten, the effects can be more serious in that it can prevent the body from absorbing some nutrients and vitamins. An intolerance to gluten has now been linked in several studies to hyperactivity in ADHD, depression and anxiety. In the ADHD gluten diet all baked products which have used whole wheat flours such as wheat, barley and rye are off limits. These grains give some elasticity in cooking which is why we use them so much in baking. This sort of texture is lacking in some of the gluten free flours and baking procedures have to be adjusted accordingly. I was surprised to learn that there are a wide range of these gluten free flours so the ADHD gluten diet can be quite varied. The grains which have no gluten are quinoa, oats, millet, buckwheat (don’t be put off by the name), cornflour, amaranth and rice.

The best diet of all whether it is gluten free or not is one based on fruit and vegetables some protein and some dairy products. This is probably the best diet all round but it is ideal for those on an ADHD gluten diet. As I said above, baking with the gluten free flours can be a challenge but now there are more and more eateries and food chains catering for celiacs. While a ADHD gluten diet will help in reducing some of the classic ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and lack of concentration, the best remedy in combination with gluten ADHD is an ADHD homeopathic remedy which has no side effects and no health risks at all.

If you’re wondering if wheat gluten & ADHD might be related to each other, then you are smart. Celiac disease which is an allergic reaction to wheat gluten is on the rise. In this article, you’ll learn more about the connection between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and wheat gluten and what to do about it.

When a child is allergic to gluten (wheat protein), the lining of the small intestine gets compromised, which results in poor digestion and malabsorption of nutrients. This leads to gastrointestinal problems, but is also responsible for other issues related to malnourishment: poor growth and developmental delays which can lead to problems with learning and attention.Obviously, removing gluten from the diet is the first step in reversing the damage.

Anecdotal Evidence for the ADHD-Gluten Diet Link

• Most kids who have disorders like ADHD have some form of IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome). IBS is a classic symptom of celiac disease.
  
  
• Kids who have celiac disease often have a neurologic dysfunction, which is the hallmark of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a developmental disorder that seems to start in the brain, but may actually have its origins in the gut. If your child cannot get the nutrients that he needs from food, he is literally starving himself. We all know that the stomach feeds the brain.
  
  
• A two-week study of 31 children who were put on a gluten-free diet showed marked behavioral improvements in over half the kids.
  
  

Gluten-ADHD Diet Recommendations

• Since gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley and rye, eliminate these products from your child’s diet. Replace them with gluten-free products, but be sure to read the labels and make sure that there are no chemicals or preservatives. If your child is resistant to dietary changes, make them slowly over time.
  
  
• Eliminate casein from the diet (milk products). Many children who have the gluten-ADHD link are also allergic to milk protein.
  
  
• Purchase a Gluten-free cookbook and learn how to make healthy, delicious baked goods.
  
  
• Give your child a natural remedy designed to treat ADHD, so that his brain can heal more quickly from the damage done by celiac disease.
  
  

Although following the recommendations for a ADHD gluten diet is important for kids with celiac disease, it’s not enough to just remove gluten from the diet. This is because it takes up to 12 months of following a gluten-free diet for ADHD symptoms to resolve. Additionally, since an adverse reaction to gluten has caused changes in your child’s brain and nervous system, it is essential to reverse the damage with a natural supplement designed specifically to suppress the symptoms of ADHD, while restoring proper brain function.  

Since all supplements are not created equal, look for one that contains proven ingredients like Arsen Iod, Hyoscyamus and Verta Alb. Make sure the formulation has been approved by the FDA and that the company stands behind their product with a no-questions-asked guarantee. Such a guarantee proves that the company has done their research and is confident that their product works.  This is the best and safest way to boost the effectiveness of a no gluten ADHD diet and give your child the nutrients he needs to calm his brain, focus, pay attention and get back on track.

By respecting the ADHD gluten diet link, eliminating gluten and casein from the diet and giving your child a natural remedy to relieve symptoms and restore brain function, your child will come into his own and fulfill his unique potential. Don’t feel bad that you didn’t learn of this connection earlier: just follow the steps right now. You’ll be surprised at how fast your child recovers. After all, kids are much more resilient than we think.

After being diagnosed with diabetes, one has to come to terms with it and make a few changes to their lifestyle. At the most, they will be put on a new diet plan.   One does not have to skip meals or avoid eating food that one has always loved completely in order to follow a diet plan. In fact, skipping meals only increases the sugar levels in one’s body.

For instance, fried, pureed or oily items can increase one’s blood sugar levels. Choose foods items that can act as a healthy substitute to these such as low fat dairy, meat substitutes, green vegetables and fruits.

A diabetic diet is a balanced diet featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, fats, proteins and most dairy products. Although diabetes cannot always be completely cured, it can be brought under control. It is essential to moderate one’s food intake and do regular exercise in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Eating fibrous food items can also reduce one’s weight considerably. These also help reduce the sugar levels in turn. Some instances of fibrous foods are oat bran, beans, rice bran, and cereals and so on. Garlic helps keep diabetes at bay. It is rich in potassium, zinc and sulphur and helps reduce blood-sugar levels.

Avoid salty foods, as they can increase sugar levels. Since one might already get enough salt from vegetables or other natural foods, they should reduce its intake.

Last but not least one should be constantly in touch with a physician who can help them to not only prepare an effective diet, to also take steps to keep their diabetes under control.

Nail fungus infections, also referred to as onychomycosis, are extremely common. Approximately 12% of all Americans suffer from nail fungus. Toenail fungus infections are much more common than fingernail fungus, and are more difficult to treat. This is because fungi thrive in dark, warm and moist environments. The nail provides the fungus with a strong protective barrier. This barrier makes it difficult for medications to kill the fungus. For this reason, prevention is very important.

The best treatment of course is prevention. Keep your nails cut straight across. If nails are hard to cut, soften by soaking in salt water (use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and then dry well). Keep feet dry and well ventilated. Be careful with artificial nails and be selective about choosing your manicurist. Ask about how they sterilize their instruments. See a podiatrist or your health care provider if you see signs of fungus.

The prescription medicine has side effects of harming the liver so I looked for something non-toxic. I read about Tea Tree Oil and ordered some from a well know mail order vitimen supplier. I used a cotton swab and worked the oil under the nail and coated the entire outer nail. Within two weeks the decay had stopped and I could see the nail bed attached to the new growth. I’ll continue until the nail completely is replaced and that should take about 8 months (my nails grow slowly) This stuff is great!”

Ozone is one of the most effective active ingredients used in our nail fungus treatment. This bio-oxidive is made up of 3 oxygen atoms, and we use it to flood the infected area with oxygen because ozone has exceptional anti–microbial characteristics.

Conventional treatment of fungal nail infections is expensive and long-term. Treatment may include topical preparations and/or oral anti-fungal medications. Nail fungus can be very stubborn to treat and people whose infection clears up often find that it returns soon after discontinuing the medication. Oral antifungals all have significant side-effects and interact with many other medications.

Antifungal lacquer. If you have a mild to moderate infection of nail fungus, your doctor may prefer to prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it onto your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. Daily use of Penlac for about one year has been shown to help clear nail fungal infections, but researchers found that it cured the infections in less than 10 percent of people using it.

Penlac Nail Lacquer is applied once a day with an applicator brush to all affected nails and immediately adjacent skin. Daily applications should be made over the previous coat and removed every seven days. Up to 48 weeks of daily applications, weekly trimming by the patient, and monthly professional removal of the unattached, infected nail, is needed.

If the nail infection does not cause any of these problems, then doctors often discourage treatment because of the potential side effects, the need to monitor the blood throughout therapy and the high recurrence rate. Patients with liver or heart disease generally should not take these medications.

Did you know that approximately a quarter of all Americans are suffering from full blown Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes (syndrome X)? Diabetes has become an epidemic that allopathic (traditional western) medicine has been unable to halt. Ninety percent of diabetic patients have difficulty managing glucose levels using drugs that can have serious side effects.

The Diabetes Diet, created by Dr Richard Bernstein, may well be the best diet for everyone, not just diabetics. The reason for this is that it has the potential to not only control diabetic symptoms, but also to reverse them.

The Diabetes Diet has had enormous success – without side effects!

One of the major difficulties people have in recognizing they have the symptoms of diabetes is that they occur gradually. In fact, for the first couple of years, there may be no symptoms at all. Yet, once a person has Type 2 diabetes, they are at serious risk of life threatening complications if they do not carefully follow the low-carbohydrate Diabetes Diet prescribed by Bernstein.

Type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease and, unfortunately, far too few people understand how extremely dangerous it is. Consequently, patients are often far too casual about getting regular medical check ups to check on blood sugar levels and general health.

Not only do many sufferers find it extremely difficult to radically alter their diet from western convenience foods to the Diabetes Diet containing whole nutritious foods, avoiding sugar and fat as much as possible, they often become depressed and anxious and paralyzed by negative emotions. This can keep them from taking the very actions required to improve their health and keep them alive. It also suppresses the motivation necessary to undertake a regular exercise program.

This diet for Diabetics was created to control blood sugar levels in diabetics, however it clearly benefits everyone. The diet focuses on eating protein, good fat and complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and fruit and vegetables.

By eating this way, people can avoid the fluctuating blood sugar levels caused by a high carbohydrate (simple carbohydrates). Bernstein describes the modern Western diet as SAD (standard American diet) and claims it has directly caused a massive increase in obesity, high blood pressure and damage to the lining of the blood vessels.

Dr. Bernstein, who has Type 1 diabetes, did not experience a healthy life until he devised his own diet to regulate his blood sugar levels. Many diabetics, both Type 1 and Type 2, have experienced a balancing of blood sugar levels and an overall improvement in health and well being after going on The Diabetes Diet. In fact, Bernstein claims that sticking to this diet for as little as two weeks can provide an enormous benefit. Once you have experienced this, he believes you’ll never want to go back to SAD.

While Type 2 diabetes can be caused by some medications, it is usually a direct result of poor nutrition, inadequate exercise and a diet high in sugar and fat. Therefore, it is probably unrealistic to expect that a person can change the habits of a lifetime overnight.

Yet, this is what must happen to improve the lives and futures of type 2 diabetics. Health must become the top priority. The Diabetes Diet provides an excellent map to reclaiming health.

Change is necessary and must not be avoided. However, neither should it be so overwhelming that the patient can’t cope with the thought of it. The answer is to make gradual, but consistent, changes in lifestyle.

For example, the first step might be to start walking every day. Just go as far as comfortable and try for a little more the next day. Drink more water. Cut out all fast foods. These changes would be radical enough for most Type 2 diabetics but, in fact, they don’t go far enough.

However, doing them will improve health and mood and put the patient in a more positive and hopeful frame of mind so they can take further steps. If they continue, eventually, the patient’s lifestyle will be completely overhauled and internal resistance to these changes will have been limited. It is certainly possible to eat according to this weight loss program without undue suffering.

The answer to positive lifelong change in a person’s lifestyle lies in their own motivation. It is possible to encourage that motivation through gradual, supportive change. The Diabetes Diet provides the guidance and support a lot of people need.

Some research studies have shown that a large number of ADHD children suffer from some sort of food allergy. In addition, they have found that a staggering 66% to 70% of children who had not been treated for celiac disease also had ADHD. Although many more studies need to be done, it seems wise to include a celiac test in any child with ADHD and then if the results are positive, to go for an ADHD gluten diet.

So, what is the problem with gluten? Gluten is a protein found in all the whole grain flours like wheat, rye and barley which we use a lot in cooking breads, cakes and pastries. When a person or ADHD child is celiac, it means that he or she has an allergic reaction to this protein and the immune system is damaged especially in the small intestine and can lead to all sorts of problems from diarrhea to stunted growth. The gluten prevents the body from absorbing some vital vitamins and nutrients.

Does this mean that gluten ADHD can have an effect on children’s behavior? In one small study, children with ADHD were put on an ADHD gluten diet, that is, completely free of all the whole grain flours. Their overall behavior improved and they had an increased attention span, were able to focus better and showed improvement too in learning.

Many people think that going on a ADHD gluten diet will mean a very boring diet but this is not true. There are lots of gluten free flours around and more and more shops are catering for celiacs. Just look at the range of gluten free flours which are rice, amaranth, millet, oats, cornflour, quinoa an buckwheat.

Although an ADHD gluten diet may actually be troublesome in implementing, it is essential for overall health as celiacs can risk damaging their intestines for life if this allergy goes undiagnosed. Also processed foods can sometimes contain gluten, for example soya sauce contains it so it is a good idea to read food labels very carefully. An ADHD gluten diet can contribute to overall health but the best remedy of all for ADHD is a natural ADHD remedy containing homeopathic ingredients. This is what will make the real difference and avoids the use of psychostimulants which will never help to cure ADHD completely.

Over 1 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year and over 200,000 deaths are attributed to the disease. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you simply want to take better care of how you eat, it is to your benefit to follow the American Diabetic Diet in order to keep your diabetes under control.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics must learn to follow a diabetic diet plan in order to stay healthy. When following the right meal plan, such as the American Diabetic Diet, diabetic patients are able to effectively control their blood sugar without the need for medications.

The reason the American Diabetic Diet is so highly effective is because it comprises all food groups. The American Diabetic Diet plan recommends food high in mono unsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats and low in saturated fats. Most of the calories recommended in the American Diabetic Diet come primarily from carbohydrates, second from fats, then from proteins.

The American Diabetic Diet is to be followed daily and carries the following recommendations:

-5 portions fresh fruit and vegetables (spinach, broccoli and carrots)

-6 portions whole grains (cereals, bread and pasta)

-2 portions (meat, fish or chicken)

-Dairy products (eggs, skim milk, non-fat cheese, yogurt even low-fat ice cream)

Everyone’s make-up is different, so too are their bodily requirements. Some require high calorie consumption. The American Diabetic Diet accommodates this group of people.

The American Diabetic Diet plan for the people requiring 1200-1600 calorie consumption includes:

-Three portions fruits and vegetables

-Two portions milk, yogurt and meat

-Three portions of fats

-Six portions of starches

The American Diabetic Diet plan for people requiring 1600-2000 calorie consumption includes:

-Three portions fruits

-Four portions vegetables

-Two portions milk, yogurt and meat

-Four portions of fats

-Eight portions of starches

The American Diabetic Diet plan for diabetic people requiring 2000-2400 calorie consumption include:

-Three portions fruits

-Four portions vegetables

-Two portions milk, yogurt and meat

-Five portions of fats

-Eleven portions of starches

Popular belief is that diabetic people are not to eat sweets. This is not always the case. The American Diabetic Diet recommends eating sweets but in limited amounts. It is important to eat low-calorie sweets or artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugar.

The American Diabetic Diet plan is helpful not only for people suffering from diabetes, but for everyone. People who have diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone else. The need for regular exercise is also the same for those with diabetes as it is for those without.

Incorporating exercise and the American Diabetic Diet, along with individually prescribed medications, are essential for managing diabetes. By having a well-balanced diet and choosing the right types of foods, the diabetic can move their blood sugar back towards regular levels. Controlling blood glucose levels is the primary goal of the American Diabetic Diet.

Be healthy and live a longer, happier life through the American Diabetic Diet. Prior to implementing the American Diabetic Diet, please consult your health care physician.

Initially diabetes management and control may involve dietary changes alone. Diet is a vital component in your overall diabetes control program and to keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you eat, when you control your body functions through exercise and by using a diabetic diet, your pain and agony seems to diminish.

A diabetic diet must be a well-balanced meal plan tailored to your individual needs, tastes, activity level and life style, and its goal is to provide all the calories and nutrients the diabetic needs while keeping blood sugars as close to normal as possible. Diabetes is not a life sentence to a rigid and restrictive menu plan.

The diabetic diet basically involves limiting your carbohydrate intake in order to control your glucose levels. The recommended carbohydrate content of diabetic diet is 60%, fat content 30-35%. Another important characteristic of a diabetic diet is to eat regularly, at the same times each day, and to eat a consistent amount of calories each day; the diabetic diet is not only for diabetics: it is an excellent, balanced alternative for anyone.

Since the diabetic diet is one which is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, look for cookbooks that emphasize low-fat cooking, the diabetic diet is a bit stricter and calls for avoiding grains and fruit but you have about 30g of carbs daily. The ideal diabetic diet is also good for cholesterol with its emphasis on low fat, high complex carbohydrate and high fiber.

The most important aspect of the diabetic diet is meal planning, your meal plan should be adjusted to take into account carbs sugars and fat in the diabetic food, the general principle is to control body fat means less sensitivity to Insulin, which keeps the blood sugar level in check.

Carbohydrate Counting offers suggestions and tips about how to eat carbohydrates while maintaining your insulin needs and diabetes control, by following a consistent diet control, a diabetic patient ought to be able to maintain good health in general, but you should remember that an effective control of diabetes requires an integrated approach which also includes exercise, weight control and a good diabetic diet.

When you have diabetes, your medications are your best friends, as they will help you keep your condition under control, remember that one of the main goals for a diabetic diet is to lower your weight and maintain it, to put it in simplified words, diabetic diet is a balanced healthy diet plan which is vital for Diabetes treatment.

The diabetic diet is aimed at helping to control blood sugar levels, the less fluctuation, especially rapid release of glucose into the blood, the better, an adherence to a diabetic diet is an important aspect of controlling elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Proper diet is very important for people suffering from diabetes. It is recommended that the diet of diabetes patient should be high in fiber and low in fat. Diabetes diet is not a special food that is packaged by a pharmaceutical company and can be purchased off the shelf. Neither is it a complicated dieting plan. It is just a healthy eating habit which emphasizes on fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Diabetes diet can also be practiced by healthy people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle.

History Of Diabetes Diet

During the early days before the discovery of insulin, doctors would recommend diabetes patient to consume a low-calorie diet. It is more to prevent ketoacidosis, which is caused by high concentrations of ketone bodies. This was due to the breakdown of amino acids and deamination of amino acids by our body. The low-calorie diet didn’t actually cure diabetes but it did prolong the life of the patient quite a bit.

Establish A Good Eating Habit

You should establish a regular eating habit for your meals and snacks. As far as possible, avoid ad hoc eating habit because it is difficult to control what goes into your stomach. Always eat the healthiest food in the right amount. Excessive amounts are also not good for the body.

If you are taking diabetes medication or insulin, your eating habits will have to be stricter. Eat only the right amount of servings from each food group. You could talk to your doctor if you have difficulty with your diabetes diet. He will probably recommend a dietitian who can tailor your diabetes diet to your lifestyle.

Carbohydrates In Your Diabetes Diet

The American Diabetes Association recommends that carbohydrates should form 60% to 70% of the total caloric intake. This is somewhat controversial because some studies have suggested a low carbohydrate diet. It is best to work out your diabetes diet with your dietitian. Try to plan your diabetes diet to have the same amount of carbohydrate at each mealtime to maintain an ideal blood sugar level right through the day.

Exchange List In Diabetes Diet

The “exchange scheme” was introduced in the 1950 by the American Diabetes Association. The purpose or intent is to allow patients to swap or exchange food of the same caloric value with another of similar value. For example, you may eat more cake and reduce on the potatoes at dinner time. The exchange list is not so popular with current dietitians. They are more likely to introduce diabetes diet that includes a wide range of fruit, vegetables and one that has a high fibre content and low in sugar and saturated fat.

Conclusion

To minimize the risk of diabetes complication, we must practice a healthy eating habit. This is the most logical way to maintain an ideal blood sugar level. Your diabetes diet need not be bland and boring. You could include your favorite food by balancing it with other healthy nutritious items. Be creative at your meal plan and at the same time mindful of the effects it brings to your diabetes diet.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D.

Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain.

The liver is the main processing center for cholesterol. When we eat animal fats, the liver returns the cholesterol it can not use to our bloodstream and when there is too much cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream, it can build up into fatty deposits. These deposits cause the arteries to narrow and can eventually block the arteries completely, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and it is also made by most cells in the body. It is carried around in the blood by lipoproteins. We need blood cholesterol because the body uses it to build the structure of cell membranes, to produce hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and estrogen and to aid the metabolism.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad, the difference between them is:

a. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol called the bad cholesterol because it goes into the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.

b. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol called the good cholesterol because it helps to take the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Cholesterol is transported towards peripheral tissues by the lipoproteins chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

Risks associated with high triglycerides

According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), or more correctly, higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of functional HDL are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease because these promote atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). High cholesterol has also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Both heredity and diet have a significant influence on a person’s LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks, and strokes.

Cholesterol in the bile can crystallize to form gall stones that may block the bile ducts. Cholesterol count also rises during pregnancy.

However, in recent years, scientists have come to realise that to decide whether an individual’s cholesterol levels are dangerous, these levels need to be considered in the light of the person’s overall risk of heart disease.The higher the risk of heart disease (for example, a male smoker with high blood pressure and diabetes), the greater the need to get cholesterol levels down.

Cholesterol tests

Cholesterol testing is recommended as a screening test to be done on all adults at least once every five years.

Foods that contain cholesterol

The cholesterol in your diet comes mainly from the saturated fats found in animal products. All foods from animals contain some cholesterol. Foods from plants do not contain cholesterol. Other sources of dietary cholesterol are full fat dairy foods, eggs and some seafood.

Safe blood cholesterol levels

Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5mmols per liter. Approximately 50 per cent of adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5mmols per liter. This makes high blood cholesterol a major health concern in Australia.

How to lower high cholesterol

The best way to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in your diet is to limit foods high in saturated fats. Try to avoid: Fatty meats , full fat dairy products, processed meats like salami and sausages, snack foods like chips, most takeaway foods, especially deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits and pastries.

However the most important thing you can do to reduce your cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should try to:

a. Limit the amount of cholesterol-rich foods you eat.

Increase the amount and variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods you have each day.

b. Choose low or reduced fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products or have added calcium soy drinks.

c. Choose lean meat (meat trimmed of fat or labeled as heart smart).

d. Limit fatty meats, including sausages and salami, and choose leaner sandwich meats like turkey breast or cooked lean chicken.

e. Have fish (fresh or canned) at least twice a week. Replace butter and dairy blends with polyunsaturated margarines.

f. Include foods in your diet that are rich in soluble fiber and healthy fats, such as nuts, legumes and seeds.

g. Limit cheese and ice cream to twice a week.

Some studies have suggested that eating oats and legumes may lower LDL cholesterol. Food components like saponins (found in chickpeas, alfalfa sprouts and other foods) and sulphur compounds (like allicin found in garlic and onions) may also have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

Plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels,these are

found naturally in plant foods including sunflower and canola seeds, vegetable oils and (in smaller amounts) in nuts, legumes, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Some margarine has concentrated plant sterols added to it. Plant sterol enriched margarines may help to lower LDL cholesterol.

Treatment for high cholesterol

Treatment of high cholesterol is aimed at lowering the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol.

Treatment will be most effective if it also includes appropriate diet, weight loss (if necessary) and physical activity.

The first steps in treating high cholesterol levels are: Regular physical activity and healthy eating.

There are also some foods that may help to lower cholesterol levels, particularly garlic, soya, oats, corn and selenium-enriched cereals.

Cholesterol-lowering foods are not suitable for children under five years or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Medication :Statin drugs work by interfering with the cholesterol-producing mechanisms of the liver and by increasing the capacity of the liver to remove cholesterol from circulating blood. Statins can lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 60 percent, depending on the drug and dosage.