Gut Health Blog

August 04, 2024

How Do You Reduce Your Cholesterol?

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are keeping well. In this article, I will discuss a hot topic: How to lower your cholesterol.

Let’s dive in…

What Is Cholesterol?

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Is High Cholesterol Dangerous?

Can Anti-Inflammatory Foods Reduce Cholesterol?

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance produced in the liver. We also get a small amount (roughly 20%) of cholesterol from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

Cholesterol is an essential substance in the body with several different roles:

  • Forms the basic building block for hormones like cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
  • Reacts with sunlight on the skin to create vitamin D.
  • Provides structure to every single cell membrane in the body.
  • Used to repair damaged tissues in the body.
  • Helps create bile in the liver to aid fat digestion.

 

There are 2 main types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein).

The HDL form is often called “good” cholesterol and the LDL “bad” but this is too simplistic. The truth is we need the right levels of both types of cholesterol.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

When a doctor says you have high cholesterol, it is important to clarify exactly what they mean.

You might have high levels of HDL and normal levels of LDL, high levels of both, or high levels of LDL and low HDL. The ratio between the two types is important – you need to know what you are dealing with.

High cholesterol can be caused by:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia: This is an inherited condition that causes elevated cholesterol.
  • Chronic inflammation: Inflammation causes internal damage to cells and tissues. Your body has to produce more cholesterol to help deal with this.
  • Stress: Cortisol, your main stress hormone, is manufactured from cholesterol. The more stressed you are, the more cortisol you have to make so the higher your cholesterol.
  • Underactive thyroid: Low thyroid function can slow cholesterol clearance through the liver and bowel.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to high cholesterol (American Heart Association, 2024) and both conditions increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause lead to an overall increase in cholesterol in menopausal women (Currie & Williams, 2008).

 

There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, so prevention is critical.

Is High Cholesterol Dangerous?

High cholesterol does not usually occur on its own. It is a symptom of an underlying cause, like chronic inflammation, underactive thyroid, or diabetes. It is important to explore what else is happening in the body so you can deal with all the issues, not just high cholesterol.

Your doctor will most likely check your cholesterol alongside triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are how your body stores fats. If you have high LDL, low HDL, and high triglycerides, you are at risk of cardiovascular problems like heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. And what is the common thread amongst all these conditions? Chronic inflammation!

In this study by Tsoupras et al. (2018), the authors note that:

The cause of chronic diseases is chronic and unresolved inflammation… Instead of cholesterol, targeting and treatment of inflammation will lower the side effects of chronic disorders.’ 

Can Anti-Inflammatory Foods Reduce Cholesterol?

Research shows that soluble fiber from foods such as oats, vegetables, and certain fruits can lower cholesterol (Ghavami et al, 2023). But these are not the only foods that are helpful; many more foods have anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients to support cholesterol balance.

This is why I created Eat Burn Sleep. I have done all the research and meal planning for you so you can step straight into your anti-inflammatory lifestyle and enjoy your best health.

There are many wonderful foods to choose from in our program! We have hundreds of recipes for breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, snacks, and drinks. Each meal includes key nutrients that tackle inflammation and support energy, immunity, gut health, heart health, hormone balance, and more.

If you are taking medication for high cholesterol, I recommend you speak to your doctor before making any diet and lifestyle changes. A combination of treatments can be more effective than a single one, and you might need to take a lower dose of medication. We frequently hear from members at Eat Burn Sleep that medical professionals want to know what lifestyle they are following because of their remission success!

If you want to optimize your cholesterol levels, I suggest you start with the 6-week reset. There are meal plans and food lists to guide you through the diet, alongside movement videos and guided relaxation sessions to support your physical and mental well-being.

What do our Members say?

We get amazing feedback and reviews from our Members every day. This is what EBS Member Jill says about her experience:

“Following Yalda’s low inflammation lifestyle has changed everything for me. My CBCs come back showing no cholesterol issues, I don’t have active arthritis anymore, I rarely have eczema flare-ups and I’ve lost almost 40lbs over the past 2 years of following Eat Burn Sleep.”

And Mona:

“I started the Eat Burn Sleep lifestyle in March 2020, and in June, I went for a blood test.

My cholesterol last year in June 2019 was 247, this year it went down to 233. I was so excited and more motivated.

This is the first time in years my cholesterol went down.

Usually, my cholesterol will increase every year and I refuse to take medication. I also have a very high family history of stroke, diabetes, and heart attack. I got so tired of other diets and decided to change my lifestyle, nothing worked for me in the past.

This lifestyle worked. I feel better and more energetic. Thank you Yalda!”

Are you inspired to make changes to your cholesterol? Find out more about our membership options now.

You might also enjoy:

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Yours, in health,

Yalda x

 

Yalda Alaoui is a qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist (with a foundation in Biomedicine) who studied with the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. She has spent over a decade performing groundbreaking research in chronic inflammation and gut health.

Yalda Alaoui

Author

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Looking for a Safe Liver Detox for Weight Loss?

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July 14, 2024

Looking for a Safe Liver Detox for Weight Loss?

Hi Everyone,

This article is about safe ways to detox your liver for weight loss. There are so many unsafe supplements online and crazy detox hacks on social media that are not good for your health at all.

Most liver detox and weight loss supplements have not been tested in clinical trials, and some products don’t even contain what they claim!

So, this post is about the signs that your liver needs attention, why some liver detoxes are dangerous, how to help your liver, and how to lose weight safely.

What Does The Liver Do?

How Does The Liver Become Overburdened?

Signs of an Overloaded Liver

Do Liver Detox Supplements Work?

Does Rapid Weight Loss Happen With a Liver Detox?

What is a Safe Liver Detox for Weight Loss?

What Does The Liver Do?

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and it sits under the right-hand side of your ribs. It has over 500 essential functions that help support metabolism and weight balance, immune health, digestion, detoxification, and vitamin storage.

How Does The Liver Become Overburdened?

Your liver is very efficient at detoxification but certain things make it work even harder, such as:

  • Taking several different medications.
  • Some supplements.
  • Recreational drugs.
  • Alcohol.
  • Caffeine.
  • Gut dysbiosis causes more toxins and harmful metabolites to flow to the liver.
  • Leaky gut syndrome.
  • Obesity.
  • Infections like hepatitis can cause liver damage.
  • Iron-loading Disorders like Hemochromatosis.
  • Diets high in refined fats and sugars.
  • Chemical exposure. They are everywhere! In toiletries, make-up, air fresheners, candles, detergents, furniture, and furnishings.

 

Signs of an Overloaded Liver

We each have a unique response to a sluggish liver. Here are some of the common signs you might notice when it’s time for a gentle liver detox:

  • Fatigue.
  • Poor fat digestion due to low bile production.
  • Weight gain.
  • Nausea.
  • Hot flashes. The liver is responsible for detoxifying our hormones. Sluggish liver function may contribute to hormonal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Irregular periods.
  • Dark urine.
  • Swellings in the legs.
  • Yellow in the whites of the eyes.
  • Skin rashes and itching. Toxins can build up and cause inflammation. Itching could also indicate liver disease, so check in with your doctor.
  • Acne.

Do Liver Detox Supplements Work?

When it comes to supplements you must look past the clever marketing slogans and investigate the ingredients. Check out the brand’s website and look for research that backs up any claims they make for their products. This is important because poor-quality supplements can be harmful and may even cause liver injury.

Many people do not discuss the vitamin or herbal supplements they take with their doctor and presume that natural products will be fine. However many herbs and nutrients interact with medications and may not be safe in combination.

Does Rapid Weight Loss Happen With a Liver Detox?

Many of our Eat Burn Sleep members have lost weight quickly when following the 6-Week Reset plan. This is a gentle and nourishing way to detox your liver and kickstart sustainable weight loss. There are many nutritious foods (and treats) and no calorie counting or hunger pains.

Rapid weight loss liver detox diets composed of very few calories will cause malnutrition and ultimately, weight gain in the long term. They slow your metabolism and do not contain enough nutrients for your body to function healthily.

This is what EBS member Nicky has to say:

“After doing all the prep for the start of my 6-week reset, I was really fired up about getting my health and weight back on track.

Both my partner and I lost 3kgs in the first week!

The cost of the membership is cheaper than a gym membership and you get the monthly Masterclasses as well as an extensive library of movement videos, and weekly recipes.

I would definitely recommend this investment in your health, as the education is invaluable in helping you understand your food choices.”

Eating less does not speed up metabolism. Your body adjusts to the low calories and preserves the calories it gets. When you eat properly again (because let’s face it, calorie-counting diets are unsustainable and downright dull), the weight piles back on.

However, if you live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle that supports healthy liver detoxification, your liver will be healthier going forward. You will be full of vitality and not put your health at risk.

What is a Safe Liver Detox for Weight Loss?

The Eat Burn Sleep program starts with a beautiful, safe reset for the body that detoxifies and unburdens the liver so it can do its job. Our thousands of members have tried and tested the powerful protocol to kickstart excellent health. By week 2, you will feel incredible. By week 6, you feel ready to take on the world!

There are 300+ globally inspired recipes to choose from, plus meal plans, food lists, movement videos, and guided meditations to support healthy relaxation and restorative sleep.

Want to know more? Find out more about our membership options here. Our premium membership includes the Liver Detox Plan, which you can also purchase separately here.

You might also enjoy:

Why Am I Always Hungry?

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Is Ozempic a Safe Way to Treat Obesity?

Yours in good health,

Yalda x

 

Yalda Alaoui is a qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist (with a foundation in Biomedicine) who studied with the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. She has spent over a decade performing groundbreaking research in chronic inflammation and gut health.

Yalda Alaoui

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

How Do You Reduce Your Cholesterol?

Low-Calorie Foods for Weight Loss

Why Am I Always Hungry?

November 03, 2024

The Ultimate Liver Detox

Hi Everyone!

Detox is a general buzzword at this time of the year for kickstarting weight loss.

I am often asked “Do I need to detox?”, “Which detox should I do?” and “Is detoxing safe?”

This article will answer these questions and help you decide whether a detox is right for you.

How Does Detoxification Work?

Is It Necessary to Detox?

What Are the Benefits of a Liver Detox?

Are Extreme Detoxes Good for Weight Loss? 

What Are the Side Effects of a Liver Detox?

What is the Ultimate Liver Detox Program?

 

How Does Detoxification Work?

Your body detoxifies toxins and waste products 24/7 through your lungs, liver, and kidneys. These organs never rest and if something goes wrong with any of them, you can become seriously ill.

Liver detoxification processes turn fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble compounds to be eliminated by the kidneys in urine or through bile that goes to the bowel. There are 3 phases to liver detoxification: Phases I, II, and III.

Phase I, II, and III of detoxification

Phase I: Toxins arrive in the liver ready to be handled by enzymes belonging to the P450 cytochrome family. These enzymes carry out chemical processes like oxidation, reduction, and deamination to prepare the toxins for Phase II.

Phase II: Once the toxins are converted into water-soluble metabolites, the liver conjugates them (i.e. binds them to another substance) so they can be excreted via Phase III.

Phase III: Toxins travel to the kidney for excretion in urine, or the gallbladder for excretion in bile. Good hydration is essential for Phase III to work properly.

Your liver works hard all day every day but it has to work even harder to handle things like alcohol, Ultra Processed Foods, cigarette smoking, pollution, and environmental toxins.

Is It Necessary to Detox?

If the body is detoxifying 24/7, why do we need to do a “liver detox”?

From a naturopathic perspective, a detox is about cutting back on the things that can impair our detoxification pathways such as alcohol, smoking, and junk food, and giving ourselves more of the nutrients that support healthy, efficient detoxification. These include B vitamins and antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and glutathione.

You might want to detox after an indulgent celebration like Christmas, or a vacation. Or you could follow the seasons and detox in Spring and Autumn – the traditional times of year for change and renewal.

Signs that it could be time for a liver detox include:

  • Digestive issues like poor fat metabolism
  • Dark urine
  • Body aches and pains
  • Headaches
  • Skin rashes and itches
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Intolerance to smells
  • Mood swings

 

What Are the Benefits of a Liver Detox?

Following a safe, nourishing detox plan can give you:

  • Better energy levels
  • Better concentration and mental clarity
  • Comfortable digestion
  • Clearer skin
  • Better sleep
  • Sustainable weight loss

 

The Eat Burn Sleep 6-Week Reset is the perfect detox plan. Many members notice benefits within a couple of weeks, like Dina for example who says:

“After just one week of the 6-week reset I have lost 3.5kg. I am thrilled with the result and I look forward to losing some more!”

Are Extreme Detoxes Good for Weight Loss?

The answer to that is no!

Extreme detoxes cause harm and lead to more weight gain in the long run. Your body needs a wide range of nutrients every day to maintain your organs and create energy for living. Restrictive extreme detox diets don’t provide enough nutrition and cause incredible stress to your digestion, liver, and hormones, leaving you worse off than before.

What Are the Side Effects of a Liver Detox?

When you start eating better foods mindfully and cutting out inflammatory junk food your body can be shocked. Depending on your toxic overload, it happens around the third day of the Six Week Reset in the Eat Burn Sleep program.

This is known as the healing crisis and is a sign that your body is in withdrawal from refined sugar and opioid compounds found in wheat and dairy.

You might experience headaches, brain fog, and fatigue for a few days. Your gut microbiome, which will have grown the wrong kind of bacteria, will scream at you to have some sugar or other inflammatory food.

The wonderful thing is that this is just part of the healing process of a liver detoxification program and won’t last for too long.

What is the Ultimate Liver Detox Program?

The best liver detox program is filled with delicious foods and drinks, mindful movement, and gentle relaxation practices. You will feel amazing when you have nurtured yourself through it.

My Six Week Reset program eases you through this process and lists science-backed activities to support your liver detoxification for long-term results.

It’s a glorious feeling when you are through to the other side and are reminded that you are stronger with higher energy levels – just like EBS member Brooke:

“I love your “soothing workouts” and all your advice. I also wanted to let you know when I rejoined last year and had my physical my weight was 172 lbs. My physical last month was 142 lbs. Thank you so much.”

 

Ready to discover the ultimate liver detox? Find out more about our membership options now

Our premium membership includes the Liver Detox Plan, which you can also purchase separately here.

 

You might also enjoy:

Why Am I Always Hungry?

Low-Calorie Foods for Weight Loss

Podcast on Spotify: Mindset Tips for Long-Term Health

Podcast on Apple: Mindset Tips for Long-Term Health 

 

Have a fantastic day,

Yalda x

 

Yalda Alaoui is a qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist (with a foundation in Biomedicine) who studied with the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. She has spent over a decade performing groundbreaking research in chronic inflammation and gut health.

Yalda Alaoui

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

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