Guest guest Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Hello everyone! I hope this finds you all well! I was wondering what kind of alternative medicines, herbs or whatever, can help dry skin. I know vitamin E is supposed to help but it really isn't. Also, I'm looking for something natural to help lower cholestrol and maintain a healthy weight. I appreciate any advice you may be able to give me. Have an outstanding week everyone! ~Shea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 Cardiology Chief's Research Shows Natural HDL Booster Increases 'Good' HDL Cholesterol, Reduces Cardiovascular Risk LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone knows that high cholesterol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while lowering cholesterol reduces the risk and keeps the heart and blood vessels healthy. Statins are the drugs most often prescribed to lower cholesterol, but they often produce serious side effects including liver irritation, muscle pain and degeneration, and significant depletion of CoQ10 in the body, a deficit that can actually lead to heart disease. " While reducing total or 'bad' LDL cholesterol has been the primary focus of cholesterol management strategies, recent research indicates that raising 'good' HDL cholesterol levels may provide even greater protection against cardiovascular disease, " says Dennis Goodman, MD, former Chief of Cardiology and Medical Director of the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California. " It is estimated that every 1 percent increase in HDL can decrease the risk for heart disease by 2 percent in men and 3 percent in women, " he explains. " This is especially important because a low HDL level is one of the most common cholesterol problems found in people with heart disease. " In a 6-month pilot study completed at Scripps Memorial Hospital in 2003, Dr. Goodman and principal investigator George Dennish, MD, tested a comprehensive cardiovascular nutritional supplement and found that it increased HDL up to 23 percent, a statistically significant rise that would also indicate reduced risk of heart disease. The study, which involved 50 patients with varying cardiovascular histories, found no serious adverse effects following supplementation and demonstrated the combination is safe to use with statin drugs. The vitamins and minerals in the heart-healthy supplement included vitamins C, E, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, magnesium and selenium, with protein-building amino acids, powerful antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and policosanol, and extracts of hawthorn, garlic, grape seed, soy isoflavones, all of which have been shown to beneficially affect heart health. After three months of supplementation, good cholesterol levels increased in all groups and the overall lipid profile (i.e., HDL, HDL-2, triglycerides, homocysteine) had improved. The changes were more pronounced at the six-month marker, when levels of HDL-2 (the very best cholesterol) rose up to 24.4 percent. Additionally, the supplement helped reduce triglycerides levels by approximately 30 percent. These changes were even more impressive in " at risk " groups (i.e., those with HDL levels of less than 40) where total HDL increased by 23 percent after six months, HDL-2 rose by 50 percent, and triglycerides decreased by nearly 40 percent. Decreases in homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood that has been inversely linked to cardiovascular health, were observed as well. " Since we know that an increase in HDL - as little as one percent - can reduce heart disease risk by two to three percent, these findings have powerful implications for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, " says Dr. Goodman. " We are excited by these findings because they show the efficacy of essential vitamins and minerals, at levels recommended by the American Heart Association, along with important amino acids, potent antioxidants and traditional herbal extracts for cardiovascular protection without the risk of serious side effects. " Dr. Goodman concludes, " This research could open a new chapter in cardiovascular therapy that will complement, improve upon, and in certain cases, even replace drug-dominated treatments. " ABOUT DR. DENNIS GOODMAN Dennis Goodman, MD, FACP, FACC, FCCP, is the immediate former Chief of Cardiology and Medical Director of the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California (served 4 years in this capacity); Clinical Associate Professor at the University of California, San Diego; and newly appointed member of Enzymatic Therapy's Scientific Advisory Board. Born in Johannesburg South Africa, Dr. Goodman completed his internship in medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, the site of the first heart transplant performed by Christian Barnard in 1968. He completed his cardiology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and was associated with the cardiac surgery program under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Michael Debakey. Dr. Goodman is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and Critical Care. He has served on numerous boards and is currently on the Board of Governors of the San Diego American Heart Association; and was formerly on the Board of Governors of the American College of Cardiology, California Chapter. He is a member of one of the largest cardiology practices in Southern California, the San Diego Cardiovascular Associates. ABOUT DR. GEORGE DENNISH George Dennish, III, MD, FACC, FACP, FAHA, FCCP, FCSI, is Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego; Senior Staff Cardiologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla; past Chief of Cardiology at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California; Past Chief of Cardiology and Chief of Medicine, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas; past President of the San Diego Branch, American Heart Association; and President and CEO of San Diego Cardiology Associates. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, and is a member of the San Diego County Medical Society, California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Sports Physicians. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content. Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply. 1996-2003 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A United Business Media company. Aslo, essential fatty acids can be helpful for dry skin. I use evening primrose oil which is an omega-6 EFA. - " productive_mom " <productive_mom Wednesday, March 22, 2006 2:12 PM Herbs... > Hello everyone! I hope this finds you all well! I was wondering what > kind of alternative medicines, herbs or whatever, can help dry skin. > I know vitamin E is supposed to help but it really isn't. Also, I'm > looking for something natural to help lower cholestrol and maintain a > healthy weight. > I appreciate any advice you may be able to give me. Have an > outstanding week everyone! > > ~Shea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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