Managing Cholesterol Levels

These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription drugs.

When heading in a new direction, make a few changes at a time. It’s important to enjoy the journey.

A Healing Diet

Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water daily. Avoid chlorine.
Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. Very important.
Go organic. Pesticides and chemicals are harmful to the liver and arteries.
Rely on fresh fruit, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, beans legumes, and whole grains as the mainstays of your diet. Avoid wheat unless it’s sprouted.
Animal products are a source of inflammatory arachidonic acid which leads to increased free radicals. Eat sparingly.

Combine foods for optimum digestion: fruit on an empty stomach 30 minutes before other foods. Starches and animal products require very difference digestive secretions and should not be consumed at the same meal.
Have complete protein no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.
Fermented kimchi and sauerkraut lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Consume 1-3 tablespoons of flax, hemp, or chia seeds daily.
Garlic’s ability to lower LDL is well documented.
Pomegranate and beet juices protect the arteries and reduce plaque.
Replace salt with Herbamare for all the flavour but 1/3 the sodium.
1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (opt) in water with meals corrects pH, improves digestion, and regulates blood sugar.
Cook food gently. High heat generates acrylamides & advanced glycation end products.

Supplements - to offset common deficiencies

Bio-Strath – decreases stress, improves digestion and metabolism of fats.
Vitamin C – 500-1000 mg daily – necessary to repair and protect arteries.
Vitamin D – 8,000 IU daily then reduce to upper limit of 4,000 IU daily – steroid precursor, anti-inflammatory.
Magnesium – necessary for healthy heart function and vessel health.
Omega 3 fatty acids – double up for one month to help clear cholesterol buildup.
Probiotics – lower LDL and triglycerides and raise HDL levels.

Special Care - for short term use

Vitamin K2 – inhibits calcium accumulation on artery walls.
Coenzyme Q10 – protects LDL from oxidation and increases mitochondria levels in the heart, increase energy, reduces arterial plaque.
Berberine – reduces arterial plaque, improves fatty liver, lowers LDL and blood sugar, raises HDL, promotes weight loss, improves gut health.

Holy Basil tea reduces stress and aids in cholesterol management

Some Further Suggestions

Kick off your new regimen with a liver detox. Improving liver function has an immediate beneficial effect on cholesterol.
Keep all pathways of detoxification open. Dry body brush to keep skin pores clean and the lymphatic system flowing. Take sufficient vitamin C and magnesium to keep the bowels moving easily.
Fresh air, sunshine and outdoor exercise promote good health. The Earth is continuously emitting a negatively charged ionic field that promotes wellbeing.
Practice deep abdominal breathing for a few minutes several times a day. A good portion of lipids are eliminated through the lungs. Studies show regular practice of breathing exercises reduces cholesterol and promotes better sleep.
Watch Dr Zach Bush’s 4 minute workout online. It’s a boost for the arteries, weight management and muscles.
Have more fun. Laughing and playing are good for you. You’re meant to be happy and healthy 😊

Many people find after following these suggestions for a period of time, their health improves in multiple ways. We hope you have the same experience!

*Revised September 2024

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Dried orange slice, crystals, and a pen on a journal page

Healthy Habits For The New Year

By April Allen • December 23, 2025

The start of a new year can come with a lot of pressure to reset, overhaul, and become a 'better' version of yourself overnight. Traditional New Years' resolutions can feel motivating at first, but can quickly become overwhelming and restricting. Did you know that 88% of people fail their resolution within the first 2 weeks? It makes us wonder why. And we think that it's because they are rooted in an all-or-nothing mindset that doesn't leave room for life's unpredictability. And our resolutions are often things we think we SHOULD do (because of pressure from others, societal standards, etc.) and not things that we actually VALUE. It’s important to ensure you are enhancing your wellness in harmony with your surroundings and your reality. At Jo Anne's Place, we believe the new year is less about drastic change and more about gentle intention. A holistic approach to the new year invited you to build healthy habits that support your body, mind, and lifestyle at a pace that feels sustainable for you. Rather than chasing resolutions, this is an opportunity to tune in, reflect, and choose practices that truly support your long-term wellbeing. If setting goals is your thing, we support that! Just remember to keep them realistic and grounded in your values. If setting resolutions isn't for you, here are some gentler ways to step into the new year:

Thriving Through The Season: Our Tips to Stay Well During The Holidays

By April Allen • November 27, 2025

Feeling the Holiday pressure? In the midst of Winter’s chill and the Holiday rush, your own well-being deserves space to breathe. The natural world around us is slowing down, so why shouldn’t we? Winter invites us to turn inward, and it is especially important to support your mental health during these longer, darker days. Did you know that we, as Canadians, are more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder due to our northern latitude, which results in less sunlight during the winter? The Holiday season can be equal parts joyful and overwhelming. Schedules get busy, routines slip, and we're surrounded by comfort foods and sweet treats. Between gatherings, travel, and to-do lists, our well-being can take a back seat. Here are some simple tips to keep you grounded, nourished, and feeling your best throughout the season: *These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.