Frequently Asked Questions
• What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance which is essential to the human body. It forms part of the lining (membrane) of every cell, is the basic substance used for the production of hormones (e.g. oestrogen and testosterone), is used in the production of bile for digestion as well as fulfilling some other actions.
• What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) is a condition in which the amount of cholesterol in the blood exceeds normal values. Cholesterol is carried in different particles (lipoproteins). Excess LDL (bad) cholesterol may be deposited in arteries, for example in the coronary arteries of the heart, the carotid arteries to the brain, and the arteries that supply blood to the legs.
• What causes high cholesterol?
High cholesterol levels are due to a variety of factors including heredity, diet, and lifestyle. Less commonly, underlying illnesses affecting the liver, thyroid, or kidney may affect blood cholesterol levels.
| Heredity: | Genes may influence how the body metabolizes LDL (bad) cholesterol. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited form of high cholesterol that may lead to early heart disease. |
| Weight: | Excess weight may modestly increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol level. Losing weight may lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. |
| Physical activity/exercise: | Regular physical activity may lower triglycerides and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. |
| Age and sex: | Before menopause, women usually have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. As women and men age, their blood cholesterol levels rise until about 60 to 65 years of age. After about age 50 years, women often have higher total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. |
| Alcohol use: | Moderate (1-2 drinks daily) alcohol intake increases HDL (good) cholesterol but does not lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglyceride levels. |
| Mental stress: |
Several studies have shown that stress raises blood cholesterol levels over the long term. One way that stress may do this is by affecting your habits. For example, when some people are under stress, they console themselves by eating fatty foods. The saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods contribute to higher levels of blood cholesterol. |
• What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a risk factor for other illnesses and by itself does not cause symptoms. Routine screening blood tests may reveal elevated cholesterol levels in the blood.
• How can high cholesterol be prevented?
Begin with adopting of a healthier lifestyle, including exercise and a low-fat diet, this could reduce the risk of obesity, high cholesterol, and, ultimately, the risk of coronary heart disease. Taking a health supplement like the products in the Cholesterex® range can assist in lowering cholesterol and promote an overall healthier heart.
• What is the Immune System?
The immune system is the body’s defence system comprising of many biological structures and processes that protects against disease. To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents, known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism's own healthy tissue.
• What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a natural blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria). It is high in protein and iron and is a good source of vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and anti-oxidants. It is largely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and is typically recommended to vegetarians due to its high natural iron content.
• What are the main benefits of taking Spirulina?
Spirulina is a rich source of antioxidants and is thought to relieve allergy symptoms in adults, reduce blood-sugar levels in diabetics, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce anxiety and depression in menopausal women.
It is also used to alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fatigue and memory problems, and to encourage wound healing and promote good digestive health. The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it ideal during pregnancy, after surgery, or anytime the immune system needs a boost.
It may be taken daily for the purpose of improving health and boosting energy levels. At this stage, study results for all these uses are still preliminary.
Supplementing your diet with Immunesse® Spirulina may improve your overall health and immunity.
• What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms (almost always bacteria) that have beneficial effects on the body and its functioning. The name means ‘for life’.
These microorganisms are the same or similar to those that occur naturally in the human body. Each of us have up to 100 trillion bacteria, good and bad, in our digestive systems.
Probiotics, both those that occur naturally in the body and those obtained from food and/or supplements, are largely concentrated in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they form part of the intestinal flora. Healthy intestinal flora is an essential part of digestion.
This is why your intestinal bacteria are so important for your overall health, particularly your immune system. It’s estimated that up to 80% of your immune activity takes place in your gut, meaning that the bacteria living in your intestines are largely responsible for your overall health. In order to stay healthy, you need to keep those bacteria strong.
• What are the main benefits of taking Probiotics?
Probiotics may help:
- improve immune function
- protect against hostile bacteria to prevent infection
- improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
Under normal or "balanced" conditions, friendly bacteria in the gut outnumber the unfriendly ones. Probiotics can act as gut-beneficial bacteria that create a physical barrier against unfriendly bacteria.
Probiotics can also help offset the bacterial imbalance caused by taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the harmful ones, often leading to gas, cramping or diarrhoea. Potential benefits of probiotics have been seen in the treatment or prevention of many conditions such as diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.
Probiotics may help breakdown protein and fat in the digestive tract, a valuable benefit to help infants, toddlers or patients who need to build strength throughout and after an illness.
Supplementing your diet with Immunesse Probio Plus® may regulate your delicate bacteria balance and improve your overall health and immunity.
• What is Menopause?
Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40’s or 50’s. Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health.
In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms:
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• How can I manage the symptoms of Menopause?
A healthy diet and regular exercise program will go a long way towards minimising the symptoms of menopause and helping to maintain good health.
Yoga, meditation, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques are all ways to reduce the stress of menopause, and some people report great benefit from these practices.
It is also a good idea to finally kick any old, unhealthy habits, such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking a health supplement like Feminesse MenoSure®, which has been specifically formulated to assist with managing the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, can promote an overall feeling of wellness.