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Cholesterol… Hero or Villain?. Rita C. Stanley, M.D. Board Certified, Internal Medicine Natural Grocers Topeka, KS January 17, 2014. What is Cholesterol?. a wax-like steroid molecule that plays a critical role in metabolism major component of cellular membranes. NECESSARY “HERO”.
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Cholesterol…Hero or Villain? Rita C. Stanley, M.D. Board Certified, Internal Medicine Natural GrocersTopeka, KSJanuary 17, 2014
What is Cholesterol? • a wax-like steroid molecule that plays a critical role in metabolism • major component of cellular membranes
NECESSARY “HERO” Precursor to the steroid hormones.. • Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogens) • Mineral-corticoids…control balance of water & minerals in the kidney • Glucocorticoids…..control protein and carbohydrate metabolism, immune suppression, and inflammation • Also the precursor to vitamin D
STANDARD LIPID PROFILE • TOTAL CHOLESTEROL • LDL “BAD” CHOLESTEROL • HDL “GOOD” CHOLESTEROL • TRIGLYCERIDES TAKE AWAY! • Standard testing provides limited insight into multiple factors underlying CVD • Identifies only 40% of people at risk for CAD • Calculated values…not measured
LDL “BAD” CHOLESTEROL • LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN: Combination fat/protein • Lipoprotein is a carrier for cholesterol and fats • Has 3 particle sizes • DANGER: Small,dense particles vulnerable to oxidation • Oxidized LDL penetrates lining of artery • Contributes to development of atherosclerosis
HDL “good” Cholesterol • Removes LDL cholesterol from vessel walls • Carries it to the liver for disposal • “Reverse cholesterol transport” • Higher the HDL, less risk for CVD • CVD events reduced 11% for every 5 mg/dl increase in HDL • More than LDL, better predictor of future heart attack (Framingham Study) • Large HDL (HDL 2b) most active in removing cholesterol
ADVANCED CHOLESTEROL TESTING • Directly measures LDL (Bad Cholesterol) and • Provides measurements for 15 lipid components. • VAP (vertical auto profile), NMR, CardioIQ
PREVENTION VAP tests for all present and emerging risk factors in NCEP ATP III cholesterol guidelines TAKE AWAY! • VAP DETECTS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK LONG BEFORE SYMPTOMS MANIFEST • DATA ALLOWS PERSONAIZED PREVENTION AND TREATMENT STRATEGY
Coenzyme Q10 An enzyme produced in all tissues Called a “coenzyme” because of its unique ability to participate in chemical reactions but remain at steady-state levels in the cell, ANTIOXIDANT: • NEUTRALIZES FREE-RADICALS • INHIBITS LIPID PEROXIDATION (OXIDATION OF LDL) MITOCHONDRIAL ATP SYNTHESIS: • Plays integral role in suppying energy to chemical reactions in the body
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS • Essential fatty acids or EFAs,. • Fatty acids required for biological processes • Not produced in our body…must be ingested • Essential components of all cell membranes • Three most nutritionally important omega-3 fatty acids are • alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) • eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and • docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Best oils for the kitchen.. • Coconut oil (organic virgin) • Butter – Ghee (clarified butter) GRASS FED COWS • EVOO Olive Oil • Lard, Tallow, Bacon Drippings PASTURE RAISED, GRASS FED ANIMALS
AVOID! • Highly processed, refined products that are way too rich in Omega-6 fatty acids • New data links these oils with many serious diseases, including heart disease and cancer (21, 22, 23). • Soybean Oil • Corn Oil • Cottonseed Oil • Canola Oil • Rapeseed Oil • Sunflower Oil • Sesame Oil • Grapeseed Oil • Safflower Oil • Rice Brain Oil
Fatty Acid Breakdown: Saturated: 92%. Monounsaturated: 6%. Polyunsaturated: 1.6%.
COENZYME Q 10 • Food sources: ORGAN MEATS (liver, kidney, beef, sardines, mackerel, peanuts) • 50x more antioxidant power than Vitamin E • Inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol • Attaches to LDL particles • Lowers Lp(a), a powerful predictor of cardiac health
Policosanol • Protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation • Derived from sugar cane • Inhibits proliferation of vascular cells, platelet aggregation • INCREASES HDL CHOLESTEROL • Comparable to many cholesterol lowering drugs (Prat et al. 1999)
GUGULIPID • Extract from mukul myrrh tree • Used for centuries in India • Human clinical trials showed 14-27% drop in total cholesterol levels • 22-30% reduction in triglycerides • HDL increased in 60% of cases • Plaque formation regression • Non-toxic