“Cholesterol helps your body build new cells, insulate nerves, and produce hormones. Normally, the liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs. But cholesterol also enters your body from food, such as animal-based foods like milk, eggs, and meat. Too much cholesterol in your body is a risk factor for heart disease. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries, causing a process called atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease.”
WEB MD
What is heart disease?
Heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart are clogged. Deposits of fat and cholesterol prevent the blood from flowing as it should. If the blood supply is completely blocked, you are in danger of having a heart attack.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol forms in the liver. It is a waxy substance that has many important functions in the body. It is part of various hormones, the makeup of the walls of your body’s cells, a component of bile, and many other purposes. How the body processes it is very complex. It joins with a protein and forms a package called lipoprotein. These lipoproteins carry cholesterol through the blood.
Foods of animal origin contain cholesterol. These foods include eggs, dairy products, shellfish, and meat. Foods of plant origin-fruits, grains, and cereals—do not contain cholesterol.
How is cholesterol measured?
Cholesterol is measured in metric system units. The LDL’s (low density lipoproteins) have the bad cholesterol. LDL’s are the main source of blockage in the arteries. HDL’s (high density lipoproteins) have the good cholesterol. HDL’s help keep cholesterol from building up in the wall of the arteries.
A total cholesterol level less than 200mg/dl is considered good. It represents the least risk of heart disease. Above that, your level is borderline high. If you are above 200 your level of cholesterol is high.
Why is my cholesterol so high?
Some cholesterol is essential to many body processes. However, problems can develop when there is too much cholesterol.
Your cholesterol level is high because of the amount of cholesterol and fat in the food you eat. It’s also affected by how quickly your body makes LDL cholesterol and disposes of it. The following factors determine whether your LDL level is high or low:
-Heredity –Your Diet –Your weight –Your exercise program –Your age & sex –Other medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes.
How can I control these factors?
1-You can’t do much about heredity, age, sex (non-modifiable factors – meaning you have no control on these factors to keep cholesterol low).
2-You can do a lot through diet. To lower cholesterol, limit your daily calories from fat to 30 percent should be saturated fat and not more than one third from polyunsaturated fat. At least one third of the total fat calories should be from mono-saturated fat. Weight loss helps to lower LDL’s and raise HDL’s.
3-Physical Exercise can also do a lot in lowering cholesterol. It can help in lowering LDL’s and raise the HDL’s.
4-Some women find that estrogen replacement following menopause lowers cholesterol.
5-You should take care of other medical problems like diabetes as best as you can.
6-Medications are a very important part of treating high cholesterol. Studies have shown that your life span can be improved by taking mediations if you have high cholesterol.
What else can you do?
You should lower a high LDL cholesterol level whether you have heart disease or not. Our doctor may prescribe medication to help you do this. He or she can provide information about low fat food plans. You can also get specific food listings for fat and cholesterol.
You must do most of te work, though. For the same number of calories, you can develop a food plan that includes enough food with lower fat and cholesterol. This type of plan will satisfy your hunger and be enjoyable, as well.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
“First excessive insulin raises the level of bad cholesterol in the blood – the LDL version. At the same time it decreases the level of “good” cholesterol – the HDL variety. “
www.diabetes-information-network.com/heart–disease.htm
There are several stages involved in the development of heart disease. Unfortunately having too much insulin in your blood is involved in each and every stage.
Stage 1: First excessive insulin raises the level of bad cholesterol in the blood – the LDL version. At the same time it decreases the level of “good” cholesterol – the HDL variety.
Then it goes on to increase the level of triglycerides in the blood – yet another risk factor for heart disease. Excessive insulin also causes your blood to clot more quickly which increases your risk of stroke.
Though your kidneys are not insulin sensitive, when your insulin level is elevated it indirectly causes your kidneys to retain salt and fluid which further increases your blood pressure.
Stage 2:In this stage excessive insulin increases cellular proliferation which damages the lining of your blood vessels. This increases the blood vessels vulnerability and sets the stage for even more blood vessel damage.
Stage 3: In this third stage insulin plays a different role. There are two very different kinds of LDL cholesterol. “Pattern A” LDL cholesterol is light, floats on water and represents no particular threat to the human body. But “Pattern B” LDL is a smaller particle, much more dense form that’s intimately involved in the heart disease process. That’s because it’s this denser form that attaches itself to the blood vessel lining to form artery-clogging plaques. Excessive insulin increases this more dangerous form of LDL. It’s this kind of LDL that forms the “fatty streak” plaques that are the hallmark of early heart disease.
Stage 4: Excessive insulin promotes the conversion of specialized cells called microphages in your blood into foam cells which further promotes the formation of dangerous plaques.
Stage 5: Before the plaque becomes dangerous it must be oxidized by free radicals. Once again insulin plays a role by increasing the level of dangerous tissue-damaging free radicals in your blood. The smaller dense LDL particles that excessive insulin promotes are more subject to free radical oxidation.
Stage 6: This damage to your blood vessel lining triggers an inflammatory response which contributes to the vicious cycle. Excessive insulin boosts inflammation throughout the body including within the lining of blood vessels. Many medical researchers feel that inflammation plays a major role in heart disease and excessive insulin plays a major role in generating it. In addition, studies have shown that this increased level of inflammation can directly damage brain neurons. (The C-reactive blood test measures the level of inflammation in your body. Today more and more doctors are using the test in recognition of the key role inflammation plays in so many different diseases.)
Stage 7: As the plaque builds over the years, it eventually restricts the flow of blood causing either chest pain or other symptoms in other parts of your body. If the blood vessels feeding the brain become restricted, your brain function will inevitably be affected.
In numerous studies where insulin was injected into the blood vessels of lab animals, it was found that thick artery clogging plaques accumulated just downstream from the injection sites.
Stage 8: Excessive insulin also directly stimulates the central nervous system raising blood pressure which further increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. At this stage you may experience TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) which are small strokes that damage small areas of your brain. Damage caused by TIAs are commonly found in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients.
Stage 9: Excessive insulin causes the body to increase it’s excretion of magnesium which causes a magnesium deficiency which can then trigger arterial spasms that can directly cause a heart attack. If a heart attack doesn’t get you, remember that excessive insulin has already increased the blood’s tendency to clot. A blood clot can easily form at the site of the spasm and travel to other areas of the body such as the lungs where it can cause a fatal embolism.
Stage 10: You’re officially diagnosed as having heart disease and if that isn’t bad enough this diagnosis dramatically increases your risk of dementia and premature death.
After reading the above it should come as no shock that studies have found that fatal heart attacks are three times more likely after a high carbohydrate meal than after a high fat/protein meal!
“Causes of epilepsy vary by age of the person. Some people with no clear cause of epilepsy may have a genetic cause. But what’s true for every age is that the cause is unknown for about half of everyone with epilepsy.”
Epilepsy Foundation
Diagnosis of Epilepsy
The history of the person is the most valuable component of the workup of that individual with possible epilepsy.
The routine diagnostic tooling to see if someone has this disease is a EEG which is the major diagnostic test. EEG takes short samples of brain wave activity with 26 wires to the scalp recording amplified brain waves from the superficial regions of the brain by means of scalp electrodes.
Laboratory studies are done to rule out various causes for seizures. Routine blood and urine studies are often done for baseline information. Electrolytes and blood chemistries will be evaluated to identify possible metabolic causes for seizures.
Neuropsychological testing may be done in the evaluation of persons presenting with seizures. The purpose of neuropsychological testing is to determine if there is brain dysfunction and to determine if the pattern of change in brain function is indicative of a destructive lesion. Neuropsychological testing involves evaluation of cognitive functions and personality and emotional traits.
Medical Management
The major medical treatment for epilepsy is antiepileptic medications. Epileptic seizures can be controlled in 50 to 95% of cases with this form of treatment depending on seizure type and compliance of the individual taking their medications.
Those taking medications for epilepsy know if a single first line drug is not effective a second first lin drug is added but the noneffective drug is tapered off while the second first line drug is given. Know during this time frame there is a risk for seizure activity so practice safety (ex. do not drive).
In some cases there is surgery: those with intractable seizures is the epileptic focus may be possible. In some cases partial complex seizures are the common seizure treated by surgery. The focus of this seizure type has often been found in the anterior temporal and inferior frontal regions of the brain cortex.
There are other treatments as well.
Care of an individual during a Seizure
The care of a person in a seizure should focus primarily on maintaining a safe environment. The seizure that has greatest risk for causing injury and even fatality is the generalized tonic/clonic (grand mal), although there is a potential for injury with any seizure that involves alteration of consciousness.
The 2 major goals for care during a seizure are protection from injury and prevention of aspiration. The person’s head should be cradled if on the floor to prevent banging of the head. At no time should the person be restraint when having a seizure. The person should be turned to their side to allow the tongue to fall away from the airway and allow drainage of the excessive saliva that accumulates to drain out of the mouth during the seizure. You should stay with the person till the seizure stops and note the behavior mentally and physically the person exhibits while having the seizure and how long it lasts. Immediately call 911 (especially if this is the first seizure the person ever had) or call the neurologist of the individual to have the him or her be evaluated ASAP.
“About 1 in 100 people in the United States may have an unprovoked seizure once in life. However, a solitary seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis.”
MAYO CLINIC
Most people with epilepsy are otherwise healthy; as long as it is controlled like most other diseases. A seizure is a physical manifestation of paroxysmal and abnormal electrical firing of neurons in the brain. Think of it as numerous voltage (hyperexcitability of neurons) going throughout the brain meaning brain waves going in all directions with the brain saying its too much activity causing the brain to go into a seizure.
When the seizure occurs there is a decrease in oxygen since the brain isn’t capable to send messages during the seizure. If the seizure continues to repeat one right after another the person is in status epilepticus and if the seizures doesn’t stop the person can lead to a neuronal death; like John Travolta’s son who died of this.
The term seizure disorder may refer to any number of conditions that result in such a paroxysmal electrical discharge. These conditons could be metabolic or structural in nature. Epilepsy is the term for those who have a second seizure that occurs spontaneously and without preceding metabolic or structural cause for the occurrence. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that requires antiepileptic drug therapy; usually thorough out life.
Etiology of Epilepsy is generally a sign of underlying pathology involving the brain. It may be the first sign of nervous system disease (ex. Brain tumor), or it may be a sign of a systemic or metabolic derangement.
Metabolic and Systemic Causes of Seizures:
a.) Electrolyte Imbalance=Acidosis, heavy metal poisoning, Hypocalcemia, Hypocapnea, Hypoglycemia, Hypoxia, Sodium-Potassium imbalance, Systemic diseases (liver, renal failure, etc…) Toxemia of pregnancy, and water intoxication.
b.) Infections like meningitis, encephalitis, brain abcess.
c.) Withdrawal of sedative-hypnotic drugs=Alcohol, Antiepileptic drugs, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines.
d.) Iatrogenic drug overdose=Theopylline, Penicillin.
Other causes of epilepsy can be Trauma, Heredity.
Structural causes of epilepsy:
Head trauma/Degenerative Disease like Alzheimer’s or Creutfeldz-Jacob or Huntington’s Chorea or Multiple Sclerosis or Pick’s Disease. There is also tumors or genetic disease or Stroke or Infections or Febrile seizures.
Types of seizures
I-Partial seizures (seizures beginning local)
1-simple partial seizures-(the person is conscious and not impaired). With motor symptoms, autonomic symptoms and even psychic symptoms.
Check in this weekend to find out about how epilepsy is diagnosed with medical management and care of a person while having a seizure. See you tomorrow. 😉
2.)-Complex partial seizures-(the person is with impairment of consciousness)
II-Generalized seizures-(bilaterally symmetrical and without local onset).
3.) Tonic clonic seizures – Grand Mal
“Stay mentally & socially active – stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells. Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.”
alz.org (alzheimer’s association)
Now, how do we reach that, you say? In review of part 1 (yesterday’s article), we now know from yesterday’s article Part 1 – the basics of how the brain waves operate with how the brain waves work with a healthy brain as opposed to unhealthy brain but now we need to know how do we reach that steps of keeping the brain healthy and there are a few steps to take. Those steps will train your brain waves to become balanced more effectively in both motor and cognitive function. This includes the following: 1.) Diet (foods you eat on a routine basis 24 hours/7days week on your routine diet foods, with including exceptions of occasionally treats when you are in ideal weight range or ideal body mass index range) 2.) Balance both rest and exercise 3.) Learning healthier habits (from types of foods you eat including all the food groups, when to eat, how large a meal, how many times a day, what exercise keeps you healthy, and how the body works with our metabolism). 4.) The hardest and most promising ingredient, if it’s reached, is you are effectively training & practicing the healthy habits of daily living with having all brain waves working appropriately. To obtain this goal you need to know the area(s) that need to be improved to make your life a healthier one. You know what your routine lifestyle is like now and what health habits you’re not doing now. (Ex. Either needing to sleep more=8hrs a day is healthy, or increase your cognitive/problem solving more with the brain from reading to crossword puzzles daily to looking at the news daily or even college classes register for or take up a hobby=ceramics to simply learning how to play an instrument, or just simply eating better foods). At first this may take discipline but then it becomes a natural way of living or just a routine you adapted in your life style. You know yourself better than anyone else and if you feel you need a little help to get in the right direction in reaching a healthier state than you came to the right blog for a helping hand. Our diet plus Dr. Anderson’s guidance with his book “Dr. A’s Habits of Health” will help increase the brain’s function with learning what healthy habits are and you choosing what changes to make for your life regarding diet, exercise & habits. First doing this you need to learn this knowledge in steps using an outlined, structured, and time period that is suitable for you. So set a goal for yourself that you find reachable. Most importantly, you actually practicing the healthier habits forever which become a breeze for you when you understand the logic behind the diet and healthy habits we teach you. Learning proper eating, proper health habits routinely is not just for 6 months or less but for life with understanding why you’re making the change so you’ll be more inclined to doing them. Brain wellness.com even further expands my article with the following; it agrees that the following are important in your life advertising to learn about 11 DOMAINS of brain health:
To learn all about foods, food groups, with supplements, our metabolism, how fast foods work as opposed to healthy ELEVEN (11) DOMAINS OF BRAIN HEALTH™
1. Nutrition and Hydration: Memory Preservation Nutrition®
2. Physical Exercise
3. Mental HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/mental-cognitive-stimulation/”&HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/mental-cognitive-stimulation/” Cognitive Stimulation including Cognitive Education/The Serper HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/mental-cognitive-stimulation/” HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/mental-cognitive-stimulation/”Method™, Memory Techniques HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/mental-cognitive-stimulation/”&HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/mental-cognitive-stimulation/” Medication Management
4. Management of Stress and Depression
5. Social Engagement HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/social-engagement-support/”&HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/social-engagement-support/” Support
6. Sleep needed for brain health
7. Balanced Chi (Energy)
8. Music (listening to and playing music) and Other Creative Arts HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/music-listening-to-and-playing-music-and-other-creative-arts-crafts-story-telling/”&HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/music-listening-to-and-playing-music-and-other-creative-arts-crafts-story-telling/” crafts, story-telling.
9. Spiritual Practices – Pray, Meditate, Forgive, Let Go, Be Kind HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/spiritual-practices/”&HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/spiritual-practices/” Loving, Practice Gratitude, Be Positive
10. Humor, Fun, Laughter HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/humor-fun-laughter-joy/”&HYPERLINK “http://brainwellness.com/brain-wellness/about-brain-healthy-lifestyles/humor-fun-laughter-joy/” Joy
11. Sense of Meaning and Purpose in Life
If you want to learn healthy habits to bring into your routine day to day schedule with learning about all 4 food groups, how to eat the foods you like 5-6 times a day every 3 hours to 4 hours a day, and for those who even want to learn how to lose weight safely and effectively. Yes you’re interested, than what are you waiting for click onto heathyusa.tsfl.com. We are not just a diet to lose weight but much more. All these ingredients will help keep your brain healthy and even enhance it depending on what you choose to achieve (the ball is in your court). The key is to live a healthy life with all your body systems. This consists of diet, exercise or activity and practicing healthy habits routinely in your life that will help prevent or assist you in treating illnesses/diseases (not add to them like obesity and anorexia can). Ending result it makes you feel great both inside and out. The better we treat ourselves regarding health the higher the odds we will live a longer, more active and healthier life. There is not just one food to eat or one type of exercise to do or one healthy habit to perform that will keep you healthy; there are choices. Come onto my website which is no fee, no charge, no hacking, it will just let you check us out to look further in understanding how to take a shape for your life with Dr. Anderson and even myself as your health coach in helping you learn what these healthier habits or changes are for a better life that will help keep your brain and overall body healthy (again, mind and body). It allows you to make all the decisions in what you want to do regarding what to eat (diet), do as exercise/activity, and practice as healthy habits added in your life. We just provide the information and even the healthy foods in your diet; you decide if you want them. I eat them 5 to 6 times out of the day with one meal my meat or fish (high protein) and vegetable (lean and green) to help keep my metabolism on a steady rate. I have lost over 20 lbs. and find it to be cheaper than the foods in the supermarket. You make all the choices. Wouldn’t you want less disease/illness for yourself and for even others throughout the nation including the future generation. Well than click on over and take a look with what Dr. Anderson and myself provide. We both have been in the health care system; Dr. Anderson over 30 years and myself over 25 years. Dr. Anderson is the co-founder and medical director of “Take Shape for Life”; so click on to http:// healthyusa.tsfl.com. Thank you for reading my blog. I know you will benefit from it, and from my blog you will learn daily about health, disease and illness caused by just bad habits, poor diet and no exercise/activity in your life. So don’t stop reading my blog articles and I hope to hear from you soon at my website under comments. Listening to other mind perceptions is an open mind.