• Total Cholesterol - Research has proven that your total cholesterol number isn’t important. The size of cholesterol-carrying particles is more important than the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Some of the most dangerous particles that carry cholesterol are a type of lipoprotein called Lp(a). They help determine whether cholesterol will stay soluble in your blood where it is harmless. There is a strong statistical link between Lp(a) and heart attacks. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have reported that high levels increase heart attack risk by 330%. Interestingly, you need some Lp(a) for blood vessel repair and wound healing. The problem is that while your Lp(a) is running around trying to heal you, it also causes an inflammatory response that can act on cholesterol and create plaque that can narrow your arteries. A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation showed that Lp(a) has an enormous impact on coronary artery disease. Researchers looked at 27 different studies of more than 5,200 people who had either survived a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease. Over a 10-year follow-up period, the people who had highest Lp(a) levels had 70 percent more heart attacks than those with the lowest Lp(a) levels. The reason Lp(a) and other tiny lipoprotein particles are dangerous is that they are more dense, making them more likely to build up on blood vessel walls. In fact, the European Atherosclerosis Society recently called for widespread Lp(a) screening. Fortunately, Lp(a) is easy to check for. All you need is a simple blood test. If your Lp(a) is over 50 mg/dL, you’ll need to lower it. It’s best to take a two-pronged approach: First, get some niacin. This B-vitamin will reduce the production of Lp(a) in your liver and helps to bring down Lp(a) in the blood. Beef liver, chicken, salmon and mushrooms are good food sources. But you’ll need at least 500 mg a day to lower Lp(a), so you’ll probably need a supplement. I recommend the sustained release form. And depending on your situation you may need to take more therapeutic doses. I sometimes gradually increase the dose to up to 2 g per day. Second, get more vitamin C. Vitamin C is the main component of collagen. Your blood vessels need to constantly replenish collagen to remain healthy and plaque-free over time. Good food sources include fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. For inflammation-fighting amounts of vitamin C, you’ll have to take additional amounts in supplement form. I recommend 1,500 mg twice a day. Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach. ~ Al Sears MD
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 11:15:45 +0000
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