Study and Levels

Email this page to a friend

Want stories about Study, Levels, and more e-mailed to you? Click here for free email alerts

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

When the Study ended, the data showed that the pecan-enriched diet had lowered Study participants' LDL cholesterol Levels by 16.5 percent, more than twice as much as the Step I diet, which lowered LDL cholesterol by 6.7 percent from the participants' baseline Levels. Similarly, the pecan-enriched diet lowered total cholesterol Levels by 11.3 percent, twice as much as the Step I diet, which lowered total cholesterol by 5.2 percent. The pecan-enriched diet also lowered blood triglyceride Levels and helped maintain desirable Levels of HDL (good) cholesterol compared to the Step I diet.

In one Study, pistachios were substituted for 20 percent of the daily caloric intake in ten patients with moderately elevated blood cholesterol Levels who followed a traditional American diet (35 to 39 percent of their calories from fat). After three weeks, the result was a significant decrease in both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol Levels, plus an increase in Levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. In the other Study, including 2 to 3.

In a recent Study, when male mice on high-cholesterol diets were given little-neck clams, their serum and hepatic (liver) cholesterol Levels dropped significantly—a reduction not seen in control animals given casein (a protein found in dairy products) instead. Earlier studies on humans have produced similar results. In one Study, eighteen men with normal cholesterol Levels were given diets in which shellfish—one of which was clams—were used to replace animal foods normally in their diet.

In a recent animal Study, the effect of adding hazel-nut oil to a diet high in cholesterol was evaluated. Initially, when rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet, a number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease increased significantly, including blood Levels of oxidized lipids (fats), and Levels of LDL (bad) and VLDL (very bad) cholesterol. When the rabbits' high-cholesterol diet was supplemented with hazelnut oil, not only did Levels of oxidized lipids, LDL, and VLDL drop, but so did the number of atherosclerotic lesions that had formed in their aortas.

In the first Study, researchers fed amaranth seeds to one group of male Wistar strain albino rats (a type of rat specially bred to have high cholesterol), while giving the control group standard rat chow. In the rats given amaranth, the seeds provided the best possible outcome. Potentially harmful LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride Levels measured in the blood dropped significantly lower, while Levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol rose. In the second, later Study, researchers looked at the effect of various fats on lipids in the blood and liver of rats.

In one clinical Study, researchers analyzed the effect of a diet that contained 300 grams of shrimp per day to another where subjects ate 2 large eggs per day. Results indicated that the shrimp diet did raise LDL (bad cholesterol) Levels by 7 percent but also raised HDL (good cholesterol) Levels by 12 percent. In contrast, the egg diet raised LDL Levels by 10 percent and HDL by 7 percent. This shows us that the shrimp diet actually lowered ratios of total cholesterol to HDL and lowered ratios of LDL to HDL cholesterol more than the egg diet did.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

A follow-up Study showed that fenugreek also lowers Levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol in diabetes. In this Study, the lowering of LDL cholesterol Levels lasted even after the herb was discontinued. Other Fennel is an antispasmodic, diuretic, pain-reducer, and fever-reducer, and has antimicrobial activity. It also has a mild estrogenic effect, which may be why European herbalists have prescribed fennel seed for centuries to promote menstruation and to stimulate milk production in nursing mothers.

One Study found that it aggravated Indian clinical studies have found that even larger doses of fenugreek seeds, 100 grams (3 ounces) per day, have even more dramatic effects in people with type 1 diabetes. In one Study, fenugreek treatment reduced the excretion of glucose via the urine by 54 percent. This Study also found that fenugreek lowered Levels of LDL cholesterol without affecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol. The seeds contain natural saponins, or "soaps," which cleanse the bulkier forms of cholesterol from the bile. • Mastitis.

In one Study, dioscorea reduced sugar Levels by 50 percent in both diabetic and normal test animals. Dioscorea reduces blood-sugar Levels in type 1 diabetes in humans. • Female reproductive-tract disorders. In North and Central America, dioscorea is a traditional relaxing remedy for painful menstruation and ovarian pain. The action of the herb is not related to estrogen balance, but rather to its antiinflammatory action. • High cholesterol. Physicians in Hawaii report that dioscorea raises Levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol.

Over 85 percent of the men in the Study had lower blood Levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an indicator of prostate disorders, after two months on PC-SPES, although two men experienced nipple tenderness, and two men had blood clots in the leg requiring drug treatment. At the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, all eight men in another Study experienced loss of libido, and at least one participant had blood clots requiring drug intervention, although all eight had lower PSA Levels after treatment.

This explains why a large-scale French Study found that insulin Levels, rather than cholesterol Levels, provided the single best measure of predicting cardiovascular disease risk. The secret of dieting to lower cholesterol, then, is to reduce consumption of both saturated fat and excess calories. This makes exercise an essential companion to proper diet. Exercise burns excess calories, takes sugar out of circulation, reduces glycosylation, and increases the liver's ability to process LDL into HDL. It also reduces the need for insulin and decreases the deposit of fat.

A Study at Eastern Michigan University found that a single dose of the supplement 4-adiol (4-androstenediol) can increase testosterone Levels by 50 percent or more and compensate for the excess estrogen supplied by birth control pills. Since long-term studies of this supplement have not been done, the Study recommended that low doses be taken infrequently unless a doctor directs otherwise. This supplement is not to be confused with androstenedione, which should be used sparingly, if at all, or with nor-4-adiol, which can cause vaginal dryness.

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II See book keywords and concepts

One might imagine that they were motivated to join the Study by the panic created when premature death is near.42,43 These eighteen patients achieved remarkable success. At the start of the Study, the patients' average cholesterol level was 246 mg/dL. During the course of the Study, the average cholesterol was 132 mg/dL, well below the 150 mg/dL target!*3 Their Levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol dropped just as dramatically.42 In the end, though, the most impressive result was not the blood cholesterol Levels, but how many coronary events occurred since the start of the Study.

The shining jewel of the Framingham Study is its findings on blood cholesterol. In 1961, they convincingly showed a strong correlation between high blood cholesterol and heart disease. Researchers noted that men with cholesterol Levels "over 244 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) have more than three times the incidence of CHD (coronary heart disease) as do those with cholesterol Levels less than 210 mg/dL."15 The contentious question of whether blood cholesterol Levels could predict heart disease was laid to rest. Cholesterol Levels do make a difference.

Over 1,000 scientific papers have been published from this Study, and the Study continues to this day, having now studied four generations of Framingham residents. The shining jewel of the Framingham Study is its findings on blood cholesterol. In 1961, they convincingly showed a strong correlation between high blood cholesterol and heart disease. Researchers noted that men with cholesterol Levels "over 244 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) have more than three times the incidence of CHD (coronary heart disease) as do those with cholesterol Levels less than 210 mg/dL.

In the China Study higher Levels of the bad LDL cholesterol also were associated with Western diseases. Keep in mind that these diseases, by Western standards, were relatively rare in China and that blood cholesterol Levels were quite low by Western standards. Our findings made a convincing case that many Chinese had an advantage at the lower cholesterol Levels, even below 170 mg/dL. Now imagine a country where the inhabitants had blood cholesterol Levels far higher than the Chinese average.

This Study suggests that the more animal protein you eat, the more heart disease you have. In addition, dozens of experimental studies show that feeding rats, rabbits and pigs animal protein (e.g., casein) dramatically raises cholesterol Levels, whereas plant protein (e.g., soy protein) dramatically lowers cholesterol Levels.24 Studies in humans not only mirror these findings, but show that eating plant protein has even greater power to lower cholesterol Levels than reducing fat or cholesterol intake.

Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition Paul Pitchford See book keywords and concepts

William Castelli, director of the landmark Framingham Heart Study,4 cholesterol Levels are a direct measure of heart disease: "For every one percent you lower your serum cholesterol, your subsequent heart attack rate lowers by two percent." Consider that we are born with serum cholesterol Levels of about 70 mg/dl, and from age one through seventeen our average is about 150 mg/dl, which is the level for 75% of the world's adult population. Heart disease is very rare at 150 mg/dl.

Metal Element Autumn Fall is the season of harvest, a time to pull inward and gather together on all Levels, a time to store up fuel, food, and warm clothing, a time to Study and plan for the approaching stillness of winter. Everything in nature contracts and moves its essence inward and downward. Leaves and fruit fall, seeds dry, the sap of trees goes into the roots. The earth's grasses start to lose their deep green color, turning lighter and drier. The forces of Autumn create dryness in Heaven and metal on Earth; they create the lung organ and the skin upon the body ...

A Dose of Sanity: Mind, Medicine, and Misdiagnosis Sydney Walker III, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

A recent Study by Deborah Denno found that high lead Levels were the strongest predictor of behavior problems in school—which, in turn, were the strongest predictor of delinquency. Other studies have linked high lead Levels to hyperactivity, attention deficit, reduced IQ, and poor frustration tolerance—all of which are major risk factors for criminal behavior.

Another Study by Rosenbaum and colleagues, of wife-beaters and two control groups (happily and unhappily married men who did not abuse their wives), found that "a history of significant head injury increased the chances of marital aggression almost six-fold." • Abnormally low Levels of the brain chemical serotonin are strongly linked to aggression, suicide, and impulsive psychopathic crimes.

A large-scale Study reported by Paula Schnurr and her colleagues, in the American Journal of Psychiatry, for instance, reveals that high precombat Levels of introversion, paranoia, depression, and other behavioral problems—all likely indicative of underlying brain dysfunction—predicted either the development or the severity of symptoms experienced by those labeled as having PTSD. In short, symptoms of PTSD frequently appear to be due less to the trauma itself than to a neurologically impaired individual's inability to deal with trauma and stress.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes See book keywords and concepts

In this placebo-controlled, double-blind Study, athletes were given schisandra. Those that took it before exercise had increased Levels of nitric oxide and Cortisol in their blood and saliva, which is similar to Levels in athletes who have undergone intense training. This correlates with increased performance. After training, the test subjects who took schisandra returned to normal Levels of nitric oxide and Cortisol much more quickly, showing the protective effects of this herb.

In this small Study, six patients with mild non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and six with elevated cholesterol Levels took powdered ashwagandha root for one month. There were significant decreases in LDL and VLDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose Levels as well as increased urinary output. Effect of Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera dund.) on the Process of Aging in Human Volunteers (Kuppurajan et al. 1980). In this older, double-blind clinical trial, 141 men who were fifty to fifty-nine years old took this herb.

He used an X-raylike machine called a fluoroscope to Study the digestive system of dogs. When the dogs were under stress, he noticed that the digestive system did not function properly. Later studies revealed that the stress hormone Cortisol is released by the animal's adrenal gland during periods of stress and is responsible for decreased secretion of gastric acids, which prevents the adequate digestion of food. Constant stress and elevated Cortisol Levels also reduce circulation, promote tumorogen-esis, interfere with sleep, and can cause elevated insulin Levels.

A second animal Study found that, taken over five days, shilajit given to mice increased their Levels of dopamine, the neurochemical that helps you feel calm. At least in mice, it relieved anxiety and stress. One other Study found that it also enhanced learning and memory in rats. Further studies have shown that this substance can help prevent gastric and duodenal ulcers caused by aspirin and has benefit as an antiinflammatory in mice with arthritis.

A recent Study found no significant interaction between ginkgo and warfarin (Coumadin) in the usual dose Levels. Still, it is a good idea to use caution if you are using ginkgo with such drugs and ask your doctor to schedule regular blood tests to be sure there is no interaction. Older reports claim that ginkgo has monoamine oxidase-inhibiting effects, but this information seems to be incorrect. In one Study, ginkgo reduced anorgasmia in women taking antidepressant medications. GOTU KOLA Botanical Name: Centella asiatica Part Used: Herb Gotu kola is known as kula kud in India.

In a 1994 randomized, double-blind, cross-over Study (Hancke et al. 1994), eighteen healthy horses received a single dose of schisandra concentrate (equivalent to about fifty grams of dried berries and containing 1.2 percent schisandrins) or a placebo thirty minutes before a test race. Treatment with schisandra reduced the horses' heart rate and respiratory frequency, increased plasma glucose, and decreased lactate Levels. In an earlier Study (Ahumada et al. 1989) involving thoroughbred horses, a single dose of extract equivalent to 192 grams of schisandra produced similar results.

Allergic to the Twentieth Century: The Explosion in Environmental Allergies--From Sick Buildings to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Peter Radetsky See book keywords and concepts

While no definitive conclusions are yet possible, the Study went on, "chemical sensitivity does exist as a serious health and environmental problem, and public and private sector action is warranted at both the state and federal Levels." This was one of the first mainstream efforts to conclude that MCS exists. In 1991 Ashford and Miller expanded it into the book Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes, which John Seiner blasted so bitterly.

Written by Claudia Miller and MIT chemist and lawyer Nicholas Ashford, the Study concluded that chemical sensitivity is "widespread in nature and is not limited to what some observers would describe as malingering workers, hysterical housewives, and workers experiencing psychogenic illness." While no definitive conclusions are yet possible, the Study went on, "chemical sensitivity does exist as a serious health and environmental problem, and public and private sector action is warranted at both the state and federal Levels.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

A small Study showed that a HEPA air cleaner could reduce the amount of cat allergen Levels in the house, but it did not demonstrate improvement in nasal symptom scores.28 Another tiny Study showed that a HEPA filter could reduce dog allergens in the air.29 A pilot Study in two daycare centers demonstrated that when a HEPA filter was combined with a dehumidification system, airborne fungal spores were substantially diminished.30 Most people do not realize how serious dampness and humidity are for the home environment. Wherever there is moisture, mold has a marvelous opportunity to multiply.

A Study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, however, suggests that when mice are exposed to low Levels of BPA for several days, they develop insulin resistance.204 What is so alarming about this discovery is that the Levels of BPA used in the experiment would be considered safe for humans by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We don't know whether BPA is contributing to the ever-increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes, but we sure wish scientists would find out before it's too late.

The Framingham Heart Study has been following people in that Massachusetts community for more than 50 years. Researchers have been especially interested in lifestyle, diet, and heart disease data. But they have also considered other health issues, including arthritis. In 1996 a landmark Study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that went almost unnoticed. Investigators reported that Framingham participants with low intake and low serum Levels of vitamin D had "an increased risk for progression of osteoarthritis of the knee.

One of the key investigators in the Nurses' Health Study is Dr. Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health. He told us that "in Japan, where cholesterol Levels have been low, hemorrhagic stroke rates have been extremely high, so that total cardiovascular mortality has not been very different between the United States and Japan." In his opinion, "there is indeed some basis for real concern, even though it's not been absolutely proven that cholesterol Levels can be driven down too low."444 Of course, none of this research means that people with high cholesterol can relax their guard.

A letter in the New England Journal of Medicine reported the results of a pilot Study. Men who were given small amounts of licorice for a week ended up with substantially lower Levels of testosterone. In another Study volunteers were given different doses of licorice for 2 to 4 weeks. The smallest dose (50 grams-equal to several jelly beans) produced a rise in blood pressure of almost 4 points. Those on the highest dose (200 grams— about the size of a candy bar) had their blood pressure go up by 14 points. We suggest you eliminate the licorice from your husband's diet.

In 1996 a landmark Study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that went almost unnoticed. Investigators reported that Framingham participants with low intake and low serum Levels of vitamin D had "an increased risk for progression of osteoarthritis of the knee."112 In fact, these citizens were three times more likely to have their OA progress than were those with high Levels of vitamin D.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Niacins effect on Lp(a) in this Study confirmed a previous Study that showed that niacin (4 grams/day) reduced Lp(a) Levels by thirty-eight percent.12 Another comparative Study sought to determine the lipoprotein responses to niacin, gemfibrozil, and lovastatin in patients with normal total cholesterol Levels but low Levels of HDL cholesterol.13 The first phase of the Study compared lipoprotein responses to lovastatin and gemfibrozil in sixty-one middle-aged men with low HDL Levels.

In one Study, the frequency of suboptimal Levels of these nutrients in men with elevated homocysteine Levels was found to be 56.8 percent for folic acid, 59.1 percent for vitamin B12, and 25 percent for vitamin B6. These results suggest that folic acid supplementation alone would not lower homocysteine Levels in many cases since homocysteine Levels would still be elevated in men with either B12 or B6 deficiency.52 In other words, folic acid supplementation will only lower homocysteine Levels if there are adequate Levels of vitamin B12 and B6.

In the same Study, pyridoxine was also shown to lower total plasma lipid and cholesterol Levels considerably from pretreatment Levels. Total plasma lipid Levels were reduced from 593 to 519 mg/dl, and total cholesterol level was reduced from 156 to 116 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol Levels increased from 37.9 to 48.6. Serum zinc Levels increased from 96 to 138 ug/dl. These results provide further evidence that vitamin B6 supplementation may reduce the risk of atherosclerotic mortality.

Another comparative Study sought to determine the lipoprotein responses to niacin, gemfibrozil, and lovastatin in patients with normal total cholesterol Levels but low Levels of HDL cholesterol.13 The first phase of the Study compared lipoprotein responses to lovastatin and gemfibrozil in sixty-one middle-aged men with low HDL Levels. In the second phase, thirty-seven patients agreed to take niacin; twenty-seven patients finished this phase at a dose of 4.5 g/day. In the first phase, gemfibrozil therapy increased HDL cholesterol Levels by ten percent, and lovastatin by six percent.

page 1 of 35 | Next ->

FAIR USE NOTICE: The research quoted here is provided under the protection of Fair Use provisions and published by the 501(c)3 non-profit Consumer Wellness Center for the purposes of public comment and education. Authors / publishers may submit books for consideration of inclusion here.

TERMS OF USE: Read full terms of use. Citations of text from NaturalPedia must include: 1) Full credit to the original author and book title. 2) Secondary credit to the Natural News Naturalpedia as a research resource and a link to www.NaturalNews.com/np/index.html

This unique compilation of research is copyright (c) 2008 by the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center.

ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.