Today I received my bloodwork results.
Although my triglycerides are in a good range, my total cholesterol is too high as well my LDL cholesterol is too high. What can I do further to bring this in normal range?
(I have always been active, everyday I go to the gym for weights, practice judo 2x/week, swim or run depend on the mood, and have a very balanced diet following the recipes from The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook. The only thing still out of ‘normal’ is my sleep-suffering from insomnia.)
Thanks for your question. A couple of thoughts you might discuss with your primary care physician:
1) Have you been assessed for insulin resistance? This condition is a weakened ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into tissues where it is needed for energy. Insulin resistance can be the underlying mechanism of high cholesterol in many cases, and can sometimes be overlooked. A simple way to test is to assess the ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol. If you have > or equal to 3.0, it is suggestive of insulin resistance. There are many things we can do for insulin resistance, including a whole foods diet, exercise, probiotic supplementation and avoidance of toxins that decrease insulin sensitivity (such as heavy metals and high “bad” fat diets).
2) Consider asking your doctor for an advanced lipoprotein analysis instead of a traditional cholesterol panel, as this will give you more information about whether your cholesterol is concerning or not. You may need to reach out to one of our functional medicine physicians if your doctor doesn’t do that.
3) Stress and inadequate sleep can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to high triglycerides. What are you able to do to address your insomnia and/or manage stress? These areas could be key for you if it seems the rest of your self-care is in place.
Hope these ideas help! – Coach Zoe
THX Zoe,
my triglycerides are low/healthy. When you refer to the ratio HDL:Triglycerides, which units are you using(mg/dl or mmol/L)? Is LDL if too high( beside my cardiovascular system) affecting my brain?
mg/dl
High LDL can influence the health of our whole body, including our brain, but should be considered within the context of other factors, many of which you are addressing through good nutrition, exercise, etc. Talking to a functional medicine physician who can discuss additional supplements to lower LDL might be helpful.
Best!
Thx Zoe, yesterday I talked to my Neurologist and today to my GP, both recommend to see a Naturopathic Doctor (for possible supplementation).
