High Cholesterol
Traditional medicine treats high cholesterol primarily with Statin drugs such as Lipitor, Prevachol, Zocor, Lescol, Mevacor, and Crestor. These drugs block an enzyme that drives the production of cholesterol. It blocks this enzyme in a place that also blocks synthesis of ATP, also known as energy. This particularly affects muscle contraction so muscle tightness and pain are a common side effect. A reduction in ATP is among the top 5 causes (listed in Robbins Pathological Basis of Disease) of cell death and disease. As such, once on a Statin drug, you must be monitored for liver disease, as they say in the advertisements, “with a simple blood test.”
You may also be advised to follow a low fat diet.
Natural Health Care seeks to find the cause of high cholesterol. Typically, this will be altered sugar metabolism (Syndrome X), poor thyroid function, or poor liver function.
Sugar metabolism can be tested with fasting and non fasting blood sugar and triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio. (LABs) Often just decreasing carbohydrate intake, not lowering fat intake will normalize cholesterol. Usually, you will need to add one of more of the sugar metabolism nutrients, which includes most B vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, and Vanadium.
Thyroid metabolism may not be evident with the standard TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) lab test so a full thyroid panel including T3 and T4 should be performed (LABs). Biochemically, we are familiar with how thyroid hormones are produced, using protein, iodine, and trace minerals including selenium. We may supplement a natural source such as kelp.
Liver function can be tested beyond the traditional liver enzymes, using challenge substances such as Tylenol and caffeine followed by a urine catch to see how rapidly your liver is clearing those substances (LABs). Improving liver function requires several proteins, sulfur, antioxidants and B vitamins.
You can also add to your diet raw nuts, cranberries and other berries, extra virgin olive oil, fish oils, and fresh ground flax seeds; and absolutely, eliminate all trans fats.
I have yet to find a high cholesterol that would not normalize to greater perfection than the traditional approach, using this analysis and approach, without the concern for liver or muscle disease.
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