Several customers have come to me, confused, with regard to reading the blood levels (HDL, LDL, Triclycerides) in confusion. Keep in mind diet is a key factor. However, genetics do play a role as well. You’re HDL (High Density Lipids) are your good lipids and they should be 60 or above ideally. LDL (Low Density Lipids) should be 120 and under according to most Chem Panels. If you’re HDL is 80 and your LDL is 160, I wouldn’t be to alarmed because it’s a 2 to 1 ratio. Some people have high LDL’s genetically and live to be 100 years. Triclycerides should be under 120 or 100, again depending on labs.
Be concerned with inflammation markers. Have your Doctor check your Homocysteine levels and CRP (C Reactive Protein). This is not part of the standard Chem Panel, so you must be insistent with your Doctor. These proteins in the blood are indicative of inflammation and can be dangerous and can cause coronary artery disease. Doctors and myself recommend taking B 12, B 6 with folic acid @ 800 mcg. — make sure it’s natural folate (not pteroylmonlutamic acid) and not the oxidized synthethic form.
Exercising lightly every day is imperative for good health, especially heart health. As we all know exercise helps keep the blood flowing and, therefore, helps with circulation. With a healthy diet , walking can help lower LDL and raise HDL.
Also, watch foods with hidden hydrogenated fats/oils, especially in so-called health bars. Don’t be fooled some companies list hydrogenated fats as fractioned oils — it’s the same thing. ALSO, We must be concerned with blocking your arteries.
Another cause of blocked arteries (atherosclerosis) is a build of minerals, especially calcium. This is why when supplementing with calcium, make sure you buy a balanced formula, including K2, D3, magnesium, manganese to avoid calcifications &/or hardening of arteries. Read my blog on bone density (dated 2-4-09).
Hopefully, the aforementioned measures will help prevent people from having to get surgery.
Use cold-pressed organic oils with organic apple cider vinegar on your salads not process already made dressings. Eat your fruits, especially important for the natural fiber, don’t drink too much juice. Juicing fruits as well as carrots have been shown to increase triclyceride levels.
I recommend trying one of the following products: