Lipid Management
According to many studies (including several from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), people with high LDL + HDL cholesterol have approximately double the risk for heart disease compared to people with ideal levels. But less than 50% of adults with high LDL cholesterol receive proper treatment to address their dyslipidemia and thus reduce their cardiovascular risk.
One-third of the American population suffers from elevated cholesterol levels beyond what is considered a “healthy” range.
Typically, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or high triglycerides) is a result of both genetic factors and lifestyle habits – such as consuming too many highly-processed foods and insufficient exercise.
Lifestyle changes should be the primary approach to bring lipids into a normal range and prevent further complications:
Lowering systemic inflammation
Changing your diet, along with regular exercise
Reducing physical and emotional stress with meditation, better sleep and diet
Definition of Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia, sometimes also referred to as hyperlipidemia, is characterized as an elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), or both, or a low high-density lipoprotein level – and is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The most common type of dyslipidemia is due to high LDL (also called “bad cholesterol”) levels, which is sometimes genetically inherited. But most frequently, it is a consequence of unhealthy eating habits and other diseases. Low levels of HDL “good cholesterol“ along with high levels of triglycerides have similar root causes compared to high LDL cholesterol (namely genetics, poor diet, and obesity).
The underlying issue resulting in dyslipidemia is abnormal lipid metabolism:
Lipid absorption occurs when fats are consumed from the diet, followed by breakdown in the liver and in adipose tissue. Both of these processes are regulated by changes in glucose, insulin and glucagon hormones.
Lipid metabolism is essential for survival, and lipids are involved in many critical functions such as energy storage, creating cellular structures, production of hormones & steroids, supporting brain function, and promoting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Thus, eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet that has a balance of fatty acids is vital for managing cholesterol levels.
Natural Treatment Approaches
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Dietary intervention is usually the primary approach for patients with dyslipidemia. Some physicians will also suggest for overweight or obese patients to lose weight in a gradual, healthy way.
Eliminate refined vegetable oils commonly found in potato chips and other snacks, cookies and treats
Increase intake of fiber from high-fiber foods such as leafy green veggies, beans and legumes, artichokes, chia and flax seeds, nuts like almonds and walnuts, squash and avocados.
Swap out processed carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates (such as ancient whole grains, whole fruit, beans, legumes and starchy vegetables)
Abstain from foods and drinks with concentrated sugar and alcohol (for example soda and soft drinks, packaged desserts, and sweetened dairy products
Consume fish a few times per week to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake (like wild salmon, herring, sardines, trout, halibut or tuna.
Maintain your body weight based on your height and build.
Exercise
To reduce systemic inflammation, regulating hormones and get to a healthier weight, we recommend regular physical activity. Regular exercise can lower high LDL cholesterol in some people and also helps maintain ideal body weight.
Limit Alcohol & Tobacco
Smoking and consuming high amounts of alcohol can contribute to chronic inflammation and many other health problems (for example diabetes, liver or kidney problems).
Supplements
Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol
CoQ10 may help regulate blood pressure
Garlic can normalize blood pressure levels
alpha-lipoic acid offers protection against LDL oxidation and hypertension and assists with recycling other antioxidants in the body (such as vitamins C, E and glutathione).
Fiber supplements such as psyllium husks help lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart, while also improve digestion and regularity
Conventional Treatment Approaches
The goal of treating dyslipidemia is to avoid other diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), acute coronary syndromes, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral arterial disease.
Treatments for dyslipidemia will typically start with significant lifestyle changes — such as dietary changes and increasing exercise — sometimes along with taking several drugs to treat very high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend using drug treatment for certain groups of patients who are at especially high risk including prescription drugs such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, ezetimibe, niacin, fibrates, or omega-3 fatty acids.
Diagnosing Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia comprises a set of disorders characterized by abnormal levels of lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. To help our patients bring their lipid levels under control, we use a variety of lifestyle interventions.