Cholesterol - Friend or Foe?

Watch TV for an evening and you are bound to see a commercial about products i.e. statin drugs or cereals that lower cholesterol. First of all, is it better to have the lowest possible cholesterol? Newer research points to an increased risk of cancer and a higher risk of cardiac deaths when cholesterol is below 160.1 However, we are generally concerned about how high cholesterol. Believe me, many people today are faced with high cholesterol and it is a real concern. So what constitutes high and is cholesterol our friend or foe?

The definition of what is high has recently been changed - The new federal guidelines advocate total cholesterol less than 200 mg. per deciliter of blood versus 300 mg. previously endorsed. This means that over 36 million more people could potentially be put on cholesterol-reducing medications, i.e. statin drugs. I am here to tell you that nature has provided us with healthy alternatives just by adding a little spice into your life i.e. garlic, ginger, rosemary, tumeric, and cinnamon. Add these to high fiber foods, and high Omega 3 rich fish and voila – healthy cholesterol levels.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced in the liver. It is also found in many foods, i.e. eggs, meats, milk, and cheese.

Cholesterol is essential for:

• Support of immune defense system
• Protection of nerves and brain against exposure to fat-soluble toxins and heavy metals.
• Formation and maintenance of cell membranes. Helps cells resist changes in temperature and protects and insulates nerve fibers
• Formation of sex hormones (testosterone, progesterone, estrodiol, cortisol)
• Production of bile salts necessary for healthy digestion
• Production of energy along with glucose
• Conversion of Vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sun

“Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol
There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL (high density lipoproteins) or ‘good’ cholesterol and LDL (low density) or ‘bad’ cholesterol. High LDL levels are a high risk factor for heart disease. They indicate inflammation and high amounts of free radicals in the blood (cigarette smoke, environmental toxins, pharmaceuticals). On the other hand, HDLs help to clear excess cholesterol from the blood. A new approach would be to balance LDL with HDL. Research indicates an optimal LDL to HDL ratio of 4:1 or less is more important that the individual numbers by themselves.2The ideal situation is to have a low level of LDL (160 mg and below) and a high level of HDL cholesterol, more than 40 mg. (Show a chart).

Triglycerides: Another Lipo-Protein
The less popularized but equally important triglycerides are sugar related blood fats that travel with cholesterol as lipo-proteins. A high triglyceride level, often caused by “chowing down on too many carbs” or high blood sugar, can cause blood cells to stick together, hindering circulation and increasing the risk of heart attack. High triglycerides and LDL’s are not good - a ratio of 2:1 is best.

Other Contributing Factors for High Cholesterol

Medical Treatment of Cholesterol: Statins (Cholesterol Lowering Drugs)
(Put in shaded box)
It is important to know the risk factors of high cholesterol but also the risk of medications prescribed for it.i Statin drugs such as Crestor, Zocor, Lipitor, and Pravochol, with annual sales of 14 billion dollars in 2004, are taken by 13 million Americans. They work by blocking a single liver enzyme that produces cholesterol.

Adverse Effects of Statins

• Suppress the immune system3
• Known carcinogens in experimental animals
• Depletes CoQ10 as essential antioxidant for heart health4
• Liver dysfunction
• Muscle pain
• Memory loss, lack of mental focus, inability to concentrate
• Insomnia, weakness, and fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction
• Challenges in managing diabetes, raises insulin levels

The maker of Baycol, a statin drug, used by 700,000 Americans was voluntarily pulled from the market on August 8th 2001 after numerous deaths were attributed to its use.5 There are known side effects but still we have to wait for the government or drug companies to take them off the market as recently happened with Vioxx. Vioxx, taken by 1.3 million “Americans, was removed from sale worldwide on September 30th 2004 because it raised the risk of cardiovascular disease. Proof came five years after the drug was licensed and three years after the first hint of a problem.

Wholistic Treatment of High Cholesterol
New guidelines place greater emphasis on lowering triglycerides by reducing high glycemic foods, i.e. breads, alcohol, sugars and saturated fats. Other dietary guidelines are outlined under “Beneficial Foods” page __ and supplements are also listed. Exercise and weight loss are essential. There are many natural treatments that work effectively. To achieve healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, try our Detox-It Kit™– specific for achieving these goals.

Special note: I think it is important especially if there is family heart disease or diabetes, to have blood work done annually. Learning how to interpret results and what they reveal about your lifestyle is vital to designing the best personal health regimen. Another blood test that is becoming more popular is the CRP (C Reactive Protein) which identifies inflammation in the body – indicative of cancer and heart disease.

For those on statin drugs: Please take CoQ10 (200mg daily). Statins inhibit CoQ10 synthesis which could predispose heart disease.

The use of Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum spp,) dates back to 2800 BC in China, Egypt, and Rome. It lowers cholesterol and balances blood sugar levels. Cinnamon has insulin mimetic properties that help the cells response to insulin in Type II diabetes to normalize blood glucose levels. It significantly increases cellular capacity for glucose utilization by stimulating insulin receptors and increasing their sensitivity. Cinnamon also reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The lipid lowering action could be due to the ability of its polyphenols to decrease peroxidation.6

Supplements for Cholesterol

Detox-It Kit
This is a one week cleanse specific for lowering cholesterol and balancing blood sugar levels.
Daily Detox-It Smoothie (refer to recipe)

Stress Support (New Chapter) Whole Food Multiple Vitamin, Mineral and Herbal Complex that promotes stress reduction and decreased cortisol levels. Reduces stress induced eating disorders.
Suggested use: Take 3 daily.

Cal Mag (New Chapter) Whole-Food Herbal Probiotic Nutrient Complex provides a balanced, bioavailable calcium/magnesium formula by combining synergistic herbs and superfoods, offering valuable naturally occurring trace minerals with probiotic nutrients.
Suggested use: Take 3 daily.

EPA-DHA (The Herbalist) Omega-3 Oils are essential for support of cardiovascular system, balancing cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
Suggested use: Take 2 to 4 daily with meals.

Cinnamon bark (New Chapter) By stimulating insulin receptors and increasing their sensitivity, Cinnamon significantly increases cellular capacity for glucose utilization, useful for Type II diabetes. It also reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Suggested use: Take 150 mg. 2 to 4 times daily or take ½ tsp. - 1 tsp. powder (mix in apple sauce).

CoQ10 - 50mgs. (The Herbalist) Important co-enzyme for support of cardiovascular health. Very important to take (200 mgs) if on statin drugs because it depletes the body of CoQ10.
Suggested use: Take 100 to 200 mgs daily.

1 European Heart Journal 1997, 18, 52-59.

2 Roundtree M.D., R. The Cholesterol Conundrum. Medicines From the Earth. June 2004, pgs. 82-91.

3 Nature Medicine, December, 2000; 6: 1311-1312, 1399-1402.

4 Ital Neurol Sci. Dec. 1999;20 (6): pgs 287-393.

5 Brown, D. Baycol Pulled From Market as Numerous Deaths Attributed to It. Washington Post. Aug. 9; pg. A01.

6 Hawkins, E. Cinnamon: New Applications for An Old Spice. Natural Pharmacy. August 2004, pg. 12.

i It is always best to consult with your doctor or health care practitioner about the best treatment plan. I know many people on statin drugs and most of them do not know the side effects.