Control High Cholesterol

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Alcohol: How Much Is Too Much?

Reviewed by: Abdou Elhendy, M.D., PhD, FACC, FAHA

Studies continually show that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol can help raise HDL and help you maintain overall healthier cholesterol levels. But the key word is “moderate,” meaning up to one alcoholic drink per day for women and up to two for men. (A drink consists of 1-1/2 ounces of liquor, 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer.)

Too much alcohol can have damaging effects, though, such as raising triglycerides and blood pressure and raising the risk of diseases such as diabetes and oral, liver and breast cancers (if you have a family history of these cancers, talk to your doctor about alcohol.) Of course, anyone who has a history of alcohol addiction should continue to avoid alcohol.

What's Next:  The Fitness Factor

• Find Your Target Heart Rate
  
• 12 Weeks to a Healthier You
  
• A Primer on Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
  
• Food & Drug Interactions
  
• Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?

Review date: 06-25-2008