Definition:
Elevated cholesterol can be confirmed by blood tests. This test should only
be done after a 10 hour fast. Total cholesterol is not the only
test that is needed. Tests must run to evaluate HDL, LDL, and ad
well as the total. Because total cholesterol by itself is meaningless.
Cholesterol occurs in two forms; one, the HDL form protects the
arteries, the other, LDL promotes arterial blockage. Both need to
be tested for a more accurate picture of your blood lipid levels.
The true test for healthy arteries is the ratio of total cholesterol
to the HDL. This ratio should be no higher than 4.0 for proper protection
of your arteries. So while your total cholesterol may be 190, if
the HDL is only 40 your ration would be 4.75. This is not a good
ration. However, if your cholesterol is 220, but your HDL is 90
your ration would be 2.44 making it a very good ration and one that
would provide proper protection for your arteries.
Symptoms:
Until you have a serious problem there are little if any symptoms associated
with elevated cholesterol. Only by having your serum cholesterol,
HDL, and LDL checked every year, can you have any idea about your
blood cholesterol levels.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
The best treatment for this condition can also be recommended to
protect your arteries. Avoid as much sugar, refined flour, and fruit
juices as possible. Many people have become very sensitive to refined
carbohydrates. When eaten, sugary foods cause their bodies produce
too much insulin. This excess insulin contributes to elevated cholesterol
and LDL levels. This is why many people reduce fats or eliminate
them altogether but their cholesterol levels do not improve, in
fact, in many cases their serum cholesterol level get worse. The
total cholesterol increases and the LDL cholesterol increases as
well. Consuming a balance of proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates
in the key to success along with the proper supplements.
References:
Phillipson, B.E., Rothrock, D.W., Connor, W.E., Harris, W.S., Illingsworth,
D.R., Reduction of Plasma Lipids, Lipoproteins and Apoproteins by
Dietary Fish Oils in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia, New England
Journal of Medicine, May 9,1985
Williams, Sue Rodwell, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, C.W. Mosby Co.
(1969)
Nutrition Search Inc., Nutrition Almanac, McGraw-Hill (1975)
Hotz, W., ANicotinic Acid and It=s Derivatives: A Short Survey@,
Advances in Lipid research, 1983: Vol. 20, p. 1873-79
Kowalski, R., E., The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure, Harper & Row,
New York, 1987,
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
