Cholesterol Formula

Cholesterol is a fatty steroid metabolite found in the cell membranes and transported in the blood of all animals. It is an essential structural component of cell membranes and an important precursor for the synthesis of bile acids, Vitamin D and steroid hormones such as the adrenal gland hormones cortisol and aldosterone as well as the sex hormones estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood circulation, depending on its form of transportation, are strongly associated with progression of atherosclerosis.

Most cholesterol, typically 80-90%, is synthesized within the body. In the U.S. population, typical total body cholesterol synthesis is about 1,000 mg/day, about 20-25% of which occurs in the liver. Typical dietary intake is usually 200-300 mg/day (essentially 0 mg/day for pure vegetarians). The body compensates for cholesterol intake by decreasing or increasing the amount synthesized. In the liver, cholesterol is converted to bile acids and excreted into the digestive tract to aid in the absorption of fat and the fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K. About 50% of the excreted cholesterol is later reabsorbed by the small bowel back into the bloodstream for recycling.

VLDL, LDL and HDL
Because cholesterol is largely insoluble in water, it is transported in the water-based bloodstream within lipoproteins, which are complex spherical particles with a water-soluble exterior and a lipid-soluble interior. Triglycerides (a type of fat) and esterified cholesterol are carried internally while phospholipids and free cholesterol are contained in the surface monolayer of the lipoprotein particle.

There are several types of lipoproteins within blood called, in order of increasing density, chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

VLDL molecules are produced by the liver and contain high levels of triglycerides. During transport in the bloodstream, the blood vessels absorb triglycerides and leave IDL molecules, which contain a higher percentage of cholesterol. Half of the IDL molecules are taken up by the liver and half continue to lose triglycerides in the bloodstream until they form LDL molecules.

LDL molecules are the major carriers of cholesterol in the blood. When this system is deregulated, high levels of LDL molecules appear in the blood and are taken up by macrophages, which become engorged and often get trapped in the walls of blood vessels and contribute to artherosclerotic plaque formation. These plaques are the main causes of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious medical problems, leading to the association of so-called LDL cholesterol (actually a lipoprotein) with "bad" cholesterol.

HDL particles are thought to remove cholesterol from cells and transport cholesterol back to the liver for excretion or to other tissues that use cholesterol to synthesize hormones in a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. Having large numbers of large HDL particles correlates with better health outcomes. Thus HDL is sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol".

High Blood Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
High blood cholesterol is a metabolic derangement that can be secondary to many diseases and can contribute to many diseases. Abnormally high cholesterol levels, especially higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of functional HDL, are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. This may be related to diet, genetic factors (such as LDL receptor mutations in familial hypercholesterolemia) and the presence of other diseases such as diabetes and an underactive thyroid.

Causes for high cholesterol may include:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Smoking and drinking
• High blood pressure
• Family history
• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise

Conditions with elevated concentrations of LDL particles are associated with atheroma formation in artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is the principal cause of coronary heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, HDL particles have been identified as a mechanism by which cholesterol and inflammatory mediators can be removed from atheroma. Increased concentrations of HDL correlate with lower rates of atheroma progressions and even regression.

Elevated cholesterol does not lead to specific symptoms unless it has been longstanding. Longstanding elevated hypercholesterolemia leads to accelerated atherosclerosis, which can express itself in a number of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (angina pectoris, heart attacks), stroke and short stroke-like episodes and peripheral vascular disease.

Blood Tests
When measuring cholesterol, it is important to measure its subfractions before drawing a conclusion as to the cause of the problem. For accurate measurements, eating or drink anything other than water should be avoided 9-12 hours before the blood sample is taken. The results may be interpreted according to the numbers below.

Total Cholesterol:

• 200-239 mg/dL: borderline high
• ≥240 mg/dL: high risk

LDL:

• 100-129 mg/dL: near optimal
• 130-159 mg/dL: borderline high
• 160-189 mg/dL: high
• ≥190 mg/dL: very high

HDL:

• 50-59 mg/dL: average
• >60mg/dL: desirable

Triglycerides:

• 150-199 mg/dL: borderline high
• 200-499mg/dL: high
• >500 mg/dL: very high

Treatment
High cholesterol levels are often treated with medications, usually statins, combined with low-cholesterol diet. In strictly controlled environments, a specially designed diet can reduce cholesterol levels by 15%. In practice, dietary advice can provide a mild to modest decrease in cholesterol levels.

Dietary influence
Animal fats are complex mixtures of triglycerides, with lesser amounts of cholesterol and phospholipids. As a consequence, all foods containing animal fat contain cholesterol to varying extents. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include cheese, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, and shrimp. Cholesterol is not present in plant-based food sources.

Trans fats have been identified as a major dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and should be avoided. Carbohydrates, especially more refined carbohydrates, have also been linked to increased levels of triglycerides and decreased levels of HDL in the blood.

The HERBALmax Cholesterol Formula is a 100% natural, safe and effective herbal remedy formulated by Dr. Zhang to lower cholesterol and blood lipids and to promote cardiovascular health. The Cholesterol Formula is designed as a blood vessel cleanser. It combines a number of potent herbs with distinct properties in lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improving the HDL to LDL ratio, and dissolving cholesterol plaques from artery walls. Regular use of this cholesterol-lowering supplement can help to protect the cardiovascular system by preventing the buildup of plaques in the arteries.

The Cholesterol Formula is especially effective for moderately high cholesterol levels. In Dr. Zhang's clinic, many patients choose the Cholesterol Formula as an natural alternative remedy to prescription medications because of the side effects associated with statin drugs, e.g. muscle weakness and pain, cognitive impairment, impotence and birth defects.

Being one of the best natural supplements for controlling cholesterol levels, the herbs in the Cholesterol Formula synergistically support the body's regulatory functions to naturally achieve a balanced, healthy cholesterol level. All herbs used in HERBALmax products are selected to the highest standards to ensure quality and safety. This natural supplement has no known side effects.

Designed For: Moderate high cholesterol and high blood lipids. Helps maintain a healthy heart.

Directions For Use: 3 capsules, twice a day on an empty stomach or between meals.

*Precautions: As a precautionary measure, pregnant women are not recommended to take this remedy.

Active Ingredients: Chinese Hawthorn Fruit, Peach Seed, Zedoariae Root, Water Plantain, Red Sage Root.

Disclaimer: High cholesterol can be dangerous to your heart; if symptoms persist, contact your physician. HERBALmax products are dietary supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Dr. Zhang

Dr. Lihua Zhang, PhD, OMD is an herbal pharmacologist and licensed acupuncturist in Los Angeles, California. She is an expert in Chinese medicine and has been in this field since 1978. In her earlier years as an herbal pharmacology researcher, Dr. Zhang was a faculty member at the Institute of Herbal Medicine at Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine - one of the premier Chinese medical universities in China. Dr. Zhang came to the Unite State in 1994. In 2006, Dr. Zhang was named The Best of the Best Doctor in Town by six local magazines (Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, and Santa Monica magazine).

Dr. Zhang has authored and co-authored over 30 scientific articles as well as two books. Her comprehensive textbook, Complete Guide for Identifying and Characterizing Chinese Herbs, was named one of the best scientific books by the Chinese government when published in 1993. Dr. Zhang was also awarded First Prize for her research by the Chinese government in 1992. In 1994, Dr. Zhang arrived in the United States and received the Best Paper award from the 1st World Traditional Medicine Conference.

As one of the very few scholars of both herbal pharmacology and Chinese medicine, Dr. Zhang is able to bridge both disciplines, bringing advanced scientific knowledge of herbal products to the American public. Over the years, Dr. Zhang has successfully treated thousands of patients using these products in her clinical practice.

About HERBALmax Formulas

HERBALmax products were originally developed by Dr. Lihua Zhang to meet the myriad health needs of patients in her active clinical practice. After seeing the benefits derived by her many patients over the years, Dr. Zhang decided to make these products available to the general public. Drawing upon her dual expertise in both traditional Chinese medicine and the highly technical field of herbal pharmacology, Dr. Zhang has developed each HERBALmax product using only specially selected herbs from among tens of thousands of traditional Chinese herbs. The herbal ingredients in HERBALmax products have been subjected to wide ranging scientific study by medical scholars, and have been used for thousands of years by the Chinese people.

HERBALmax products are standardized concentrations of 100% natural Chinese herbs. HERBALmax products use no synthesized herbal extracts. Instead, Dr. Zhang insists on using herbal concentrates to retain the natural character of the herbs from which HERBALmax products are made. In addition, the products contain no artificial preservatives, sugar, starch or other fillers. HERBALmax products are made with the finest quality herbs and produced to the highest standards. HERBALmax formulas are non-habit forming with no toxic properties or harmful side effects.

All of the HERBALmax formulas have been used in Dr. Zhang's clinical practice over many years with proven positive results. These products have become very popular among doctors and other health care providers. Many doctors are using the HERBALmax line of products for patients who have allergic reactions or serious side effects to medication. Others use the products for patients who seek natural solutions to their health problems.

The Unique Features of HERBALmax Products Include:

• Fast-acting. In Dr. Zhang's clinical practice, the effectiveness is typically seen within just 1-3 days.
  
  
• Each HERBALmax product is designed using the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and modern science. The ingredients have been selected from thousands of Chinese herbs and formulated based upon scientific research and extensive clinical feedback. HERBALmax products are carefully created using only the highest quality herbs in the right amounts and proper formulations for optimal effectiveness and safety.
  
  
• HERBALmax products contain no artificial preservatives, sugar, starch or other fillers. Dr. Zhang insists on using herbal concentrates, rather than extracts, to retain the natural character of the herbs and to avoid food or drug interactions. As part of Dr. Zhang’s commitment to ensure quality and safety, each ingredient undergoes strict laboratory analysis before being used for manufacturing.
  
  
• HERBALmax formulas are non-habit forming with no toxic properties or known harmful side effects.