Cholesterol

CHOLESTEROL

Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with heart disease, atherosclerosis, gallstones, impotence, mental impairment, high blood pressure, and cancer.

80% of total body cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and 20% is from dietary sources. Cholesterol is essential for the building of cell membranes and sex hormones, and aids in the digestion of fats.

Excessive low-density lipoproteins (LDLs - bad) or insufficient high-density lipoproteins (HDLs - good) are problematic. Cholesterol appears to be most damaging when it is oxidized. Therefore, take your antioxidants: C, E, beta carotene, co-enzyme Q-10, lipoic acid, etc....

There is an inverse linear relationship between the Chol/HDL ratio and the essential fatty acids (EFA’s) in the diet. A high Chol/HDL ratio indicates insufficient EFA’s in the diet. If so, take flax oil and fish oil.

There is an inverse relationship between blood levels of vitamin C and cholesterol, low ascorbate reserves would not only increase cholesterol levels, but could also lead to an increase in the rate of oxidation of cholesterol via histamine-induced inflammation

The Lancet

Results reported in The Lancet, show that persons with the greatest absolute risk of dying from a heart attack tend to have the highest ratios of apoB to apoA-I. In fact, these two cholesterol particles turned out to be more powerful predictive markers for a future fatal heart attack than levels of "good" (HDL) cholesterol, "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, or triglycerides.

ApoB is a cholesterol particle that is believed to promote heart disease by affecting how cholesterol is transported in arteries and other tissues. This atherogenic particle is found not only in low density lipoprotein (LDL), but in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), other potentially "bad" cholesterols in the body.

ApoA-I, on the other hand, is a protective, anti-atherogenic particle found in the beneficial, "heart-healthy" high density lipoproteins (HDL).

Men with the highest apoB/apoA-I ratios had nearly quadruple the risk of suffering a fatal heart attack as those with the lowest ratios; in women the relative risk was three-fold. Importantly, apoB appeared to be a better predictor of fatal heart attack risk in those people who have normal-to-low LDL cholesterol levels.

Previous studies have shown that approximately 50% of people who suffer heart attacks have normal or low cholesterol levels.

Walldius G, Jungner I, Holme I, Aastveit AH, Kolar W, Steiner E. High apolipoprotein B, low apolipoprotein AI, and improvement in the prediction of fatal myocardial infarction (AMORIS study): a prospective study. Lancet 2001;358:2026-2033.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS for reducing Cholesterol levels
Daily exercise – must actually be done – good intentions don’t count
Increase soluble fiber containing foods (whole grains, fruits, and beans)
Decrease meat, dairy, processed foods, sugar, sodas, alcohol, and coffee
Stress can increase cholesterol levels - consider meditation or prayer (of gratitude, not of fear or begging)
Use organic virgin olive oil
Avoid all trans fats
Decrease or avoid steroids, oral contraceptives, Lasix and other diuretics, and L-Dopa --------- many drugs elevate cholesterol
Have your blood levels of vitamin D tested

Important things to know about cholesterol
-80-85% of our cholesterol is synthesized from sugar and refined starches

NUTRIENTS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL
(Note that most of these are nutrients that we should all be taking regularly. Take these nutrients regularly for 2-3 months and then we will have your cholesterol checked again.)

B complex - 1 cap morning and noon
Extra niacin (B3) as inositol hexaniacinate - 500mg 3xs/day
Chelated multimineral complex - 4-6/day in divided doses
Magnesium glycinate 100mg - 2/day
Garlic capsules - 1 500mg cap 3xs/day
Omega 3 fish oil - 1,000mg cap 6/day
Flax oil - 1 tsp./day
Borage oil – 1,000mg cap 2/day or Oil of evening primrose – 1,000mg 2xs/day
Vitamin C - 4,000mg/day in divided doses
Vitamin D – 2,000 iu/day
Vitamin E complex - 400iu 2xs/day
Lipoic acid - 100mg 3xs/day

This is not everything that can be done for cholesterol problems, but represents a good effort. If you have any problems with the nutrients, or have questions, make an appointment for further consultation. Be sure to compare the prices of the quality nutrients that we carry, to ensure that you get the best for your money.

Finally, remember the example of your health or disease that you set for your children, grandchildren, friends, and community, will guide them. Do for yourself what you wish for them. Lead by example.

In love and friendship,

Dr. Young