Cholesterol - taking another view

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​So many people seem to have high cholesterol these days.  It is definitely on the rise (pardon the pun).
 
As a Naturopath my mind automatically looks at why, not just how to remedy the issue.  As a nurse and a Naturopath I have see the results of treating symptoms and treating the root cause.  I am most definitely more in favour of working with the root cause.  This way you are much more likely to improve the issue long term without longterm treatments and you more often than not end up working on other related issues.
 
Our first instinct is to reduce or cut out all fat.  That’s not a healthy approach, our body needs fat, it’s just your body isn’t processing the cholesterol adequately.  But why?

1. Poor liver function – the liver processes cholesterol, helping to strengthen the liver will have a positive effect on your LDL and HDL levels
2. Sugar – high processed sugars (not fruit) – these processed sugars stimulate production of insulin and triglycerides which in turn affect LDL levels.
3. Toxins, and free radicals can damage fats in our bodies.  Damaged fat can raise LDL levels.
4. Poor good gut bacteria – probiotics have been shown to lower LDL levels.

 
So a cause of the increase in our High cholesterol is our lifestyle – stress, diet, high processed food, low natural food.
 
There are a number of ways you can combat this:

1. Diet – increase more natural foods and decrease the processed
2. Reduce the processed sugars
3. Reduce stress levels or find effective ways to help your body cope with stress
4. Support the liver – bitter foods, bitter herbs, lemon water, juices (more vegetable than fruit)
5. Increase good fats – omega 3 – my personal choice is krill oil
6. Probiotics – take a probiotic capsule or make your own kefir water/milk, kombucha or fermented foods.

 
If you have very high cholesterol and need a professional plan of action please contact the clinic on the number below.  Remember a good nutritional therapist will work alongside your current treatment.
 
N.B. LDL - Low Density Lipids -this needs to be low
          HDL - High Density Lipids - needs to be raised

To find out more, you can contact Carina at (087) 0978880, email her at [email protected], check out her website at www.itsanaturalchoice.com, or visit her clinic at Lisnolan, Manulla, Castlebar, or, on Wednesdays, at HoneyBee Health Shop, Claremorris (by appointment only)