Effectiveness of plant sterols for lowering cholesterol in those with diabetes Pick a peck of plant sterols The cholesterol-lowering properties of plant sterols have been known for decades, but Big Pharma quickly lost interest in their benefits after discovering that sterols are components of all plants, and thus, can't be patented. Plant sterols can be found in small amounts in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.  The latest study from Canada compared the effectiveness of plant sterols for lowering cholesterol in those with diabetes and those without and found that they worked for everyone, but more dramatically for those with type 2 diabetes.  Plant sterols reduced LDL cholesterol by about 26 percent for those with type 2 diabetes and by about 15 percent in others. Both groups also saw a significant decrease in their absolute non-HDL cholesterol concentrations after consuming a diet containing 1.8 g of plant sterols daily for three weeks.  **************************************************** A burning question  Q: What is the next step in dealing with GERD once one's stomach function and acid levels are correct? I am concerned about potential problems with my lower esophageal sphincter.  JVW: Given the right environment and enough time to heal itself, an injured lower esophageal sphincter often returns to a normal, healthy state even after months of irritation.  When heartburn occurs regularly over the course of many months or years, damage to the lining of the lower end of the esophagus is a true concern. This is because over time, this irritation, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, can cause scarring, constriction, ulceration and in a very few cases, cancer.  To avoid these problems, always deal with the true causes of heartburn. This means not masking the problem with acid neutralizers or acid blockers. Overuse of these drugs can affect your body's ability to absorb essential nutrients and can also impair digestion.  The best way to treat heartburn is almost always by adding replacement acid such as betaine hydrochloride and glutamic acid hydrochloride. But, as you have learned, the first step in this process is to consult a physician who can check your stomach function and acid levels and rule out more serious causes for your discomfort.  Treating heartburn in a natural way can avoid the serious consequences of unresolved GERD.  ****************************************************  What are...plant sterols?  Cholesterol and plant sterols are almost identical in structure. When consumed, plant sterols attach to sites called micelles, where cholesterol is normally absorbed. This effectively blocks the cholesterol, forcing it to exit the digestive system unabsorbed. The net result is a decrease in the amount of cholesterol the body takes in from the diet.  Yours in good health, Amanda Ross Editorial Director Nutrition & Healing

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