A lipogram is a blood test that measures the total cholesterol and its constituents:  LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol to HDL ratios.

LDL stands for low density lipoprotein and levels below 3.0 mmol/l are considered safe, for the general adult population.  However, doctors may target lower levels based on certain risk factors or conditions.  Diabetes, previous heart attack or strokes and kidney disease may warrant lower targets of control. Chronic low-grade inflammation can change the particle size of LDL and make it denser and more dangerous (atherogenic).  So, both amount and size of the LDL particle may be important to consider.

Certain genetic traits in high-risk populations e.g. Afrikaners, Gujarati Indians, Lithuanian Jews and Lebanese may have high LDL levels.  Diets high in saturated fats can cause LDL to go up.  Medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism and diabetes may elevate LDL levels.

HDL stands for high density lipoprotein and is considered the good cholesterol particle.  Levels above 1.0 mmol/l for males and above 1.2 mmol/l for females are considered normal.  Higher HDL levels are associated with better cardiovascular health.  People with fatty liver, non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis (NASH), metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease may have low HDL levels.

Triglcerides are lipids or fats that are found in certain food that we eat and is carried in the blood.  Most of the fats we eat are in triglyceride form.  However extra calories from alcohol and sugars (carbohydrates) that we consume can turn into triglycerides and are stored in fat cells.

This is a ratio that measures the amount of bad cholesterol vs good cholesterol.  The higher the HDL level the better the ratio.  A level below 4.0 is considered safe.  The lower the ratio the better.

Cholesterol Balance has a blend of red yeast rice extract, policosonal and co-enzyme Q10.  The dose of red yeast rice is 400 mg, policosanol 10 mg and co-enzyme Q10 100mg.

Policosanol is an extract from plant waxes and considered to be a dietary supplement.  It can be derived from beeswax, cereal grains, sugar cane, grasses, leaves, fruits, nuts and seeds.  Policosanol seems to decrease cholesterol production in the liver and increase the breakdown of LDL.  It may improve the function of good cholesterol HDL.  It also decreases the “stickiness” of platelets.

This is a naturally found compound in red fermented koji rice, a traditional Japanese food preparation that dates back to 300 BC.  This extract can lower total cholesterol and LDL by blocking the activity of HMG-CoA reductase.  This enzyme can cause cholesterol and LDL to go up.  The dose of red-yeast rice extract amongst different product brands can vary from 100 mg to 400 mg per capsule.

Coenzyme Q is better known as ubiquinone and it’s most common form is ubiquinone-10 (Coenzyme Q10).  It is naturally found in the body and also found in some foods.  (Tuna, salmon, maceral, sardines, vegetable oils and meat).  Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant.  Antioxidants help protect cells from damage and play an important role in metabolism.  Preliminary studies show that this enzyme may be depleted with statin use.

We offer a natural solution for managing high cholesterol with our product, Cholesterol Balance. We recommend taking 2 capsules daily as a dietary supplement to support your cholesterol management efforts. However, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and goals.