Despite a lack of conclusive evidence, many remain convinced that cholesterol levels function as a health marker in general, or provide us with a window through which to view heart health. Many also believe that saturated fat causes disease, and one mechanism is by elevating cholesterol levels. Concerning these perceptions, a recent review of saturated fats, taken from the Framingham heart study, showed that 80% of individuals who developed coronary artery disease had the same total cholesterol level as those who did not, and that saturated fat is not likely to have a significant impact.

Cholesterol phobia is a problem, especially when we do not understand all the details about cholesterol metabolism. For example, in an article written in the journal of Medicine in 2003 by Ravnskov, there is evidence suggesting that high cholesterol may protect against infections and atherosclerosis.

The above is not to suggest that excessive saturated fat consumption and hypercholesterolemia is not a problem; on the contrary, it seems particularly problematic for those with familial hyperlipoproteinemias (any of various disorders of lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism that result in high levels of lipoprotein and cholesterol in the circulating blood)

It is also now known that the consumption of trans fats promotes inflammation. Trans fats, or partially hydrogenated oils are found in nearly all margarines, deep fried foods, and highly processed foods, and these foods are consumed at an alarming level. According to Author Enig, from the book, Know your fats, he explains that trans fats can raise total cholesterol levels by some 30 percent, and also raise LDL cholesterol in a dose-responsive manner.

Clinical experience suggests that when patients switch to an anti-inflammatory diet and take the “base 4” supplements (a good multiple, magnesium, EPA/DHA (omega 3), and coenzyme Q10)dramatic health changes can occur. For those who have chronic pain by adding a bromelain or proteolytic enzyme and garlic supplement ( to the base 4) your energy levels will improve, aches and pains are reduced, and aberrant cholesterol levels normalize in many people.

Some patients are taking medications for their cholesterol problem. Such medications are usually classified as Statin Drugs. However, many patients are complaining of muscle aches and pains, stiff joints and headaches that did not exist prior to taking the statin drugs. When statins cause pain, it is likely due to the inhibition of Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) synthesis. CoQ10 is an important antioxidant required for ATP (remember your High School Bio class) synthesis; clearly its inhibition should be avoided. Some of the newer statin drugs have included CoQ10 in there ingredients to counter act this problem.

For those who are in need of additional cholesterol lowering support or who need to get off statin medication due to the above health concerns, Policosanol maybe your answer. Policosanol is a natural alternative to statin drugs and it is not known to create dangerous side effects. Policosanol is known to lower the dangerous LDL-Cholesterol molecule while raising HDL levels. A study performed by J Clinical Pharmacol in 1999 showed that policosanol significantly elevated the anti-inflammatory HDL and lowered LDL cholesterol oxidation. The study also indicated that 20 mg of policosanol per day for 7 day was as effective as aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation. Policosanol is a very safe supplement to use for extended periods of time. In a recent year-long study, older patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertension were supplemented with policosanol and placebo. Side effects were greater in subjects taking the placebo (17.7%) versus policosanol (9.8%); and policosanol subjects had a reduction in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and an increase in HDL cholesterol.

Pain and cholesterol reduction should be a natural outcome of pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising, and supplementing with the “base 4”, garlic, proteolytic enzymes and policosanol you could be on the road to improve your health, lifestyle, energy and normalize your cholesterol.

The following was taken in part from an article written by Dr. David Seaman, April 2005

At CSI we have collected the best supplements that there are from several different companies. Each supplement is pharmaceutical grade, most only sell to Doctors, they are run through purification test to eliminate heavy metals and toxins and are the only ones I use with my family. If you want to order any supplements go to our website and to the on-line store. If what you are looking for is not on there, contact our office manager, Michele, and she will take your order. You can pick your supplements up at the office or have them shipped to your house, your call. Michele can be reached at michele.weyman@gotcsi.com or go to our online store at www.gotcsi.com

“Two guys walk into a bar”, wait a minute, wrong article, let me start again. “Two guys walk into a job interview, both with equally impressive resumes. The first guy walks in with a slight hunch in his spine, shoulders rolled forwards and a slow gait. The second man walks in tall and straight, shoulders back and his head held high. Which one gets the job?” The second man gets regular Chiropractic Care to keep his spine aligned, his nerves flowing strong, keeps his neck lose to keep his head balanced over his shoulders and counteract the evil forces of desk work. With his spine aligned, his head and shoulders balanced, his gait true and powerful, his presentation in his job interview is PERCIEVED as one of confidence, power, hard working, reliable and honest. The man who presented with a stiff gait, rolled shoulders, head forward, back hunched, will come across as a person who is weak, lacks confidence, shifty, unreliable and one who will complain.

Keeping your back and body healthy goes beyond health and increased athletic performance but now transcends into vitality and strength in these trying times. If your body does not function internally at its max how can you function in life at your max ? How can you make a big presentation during an important meeting if you are bent over or your body language screams “lack of confidence?” This is not your fault, but how you are being PERCIEVED. If your cars alignment is off, how does your car run? Do the parts wear out faster and do you burn more gas going down the road? The same thing happens when your body is not aligned properly; you burn more energy just getting through the day and your parts (ie, discs, tendons, ligaments) wear out faster leading to more advanced injuries.

In these economic times, seeing your Chiropractor is not a luxury but one of necessity to not only save money in future medical bills, but to keep achieving maximum output so your outward Perception equals your Inward DRIVE. www.gotcsi.com

The following article was taken in part from a research article by Anabolic Labs, a supplement company that I use due to their intense research team and constantly search of the best ways to keep you healthy

As you live your life and try and stay active, you will notice that your body will ache. Some people say “I am getting older, my body hurts all the time”. Have you ever thought of looking at your diet as the cause instead of your age? Each of us needs to focus on reducing our individual inflammation issues and diet is the foundation to reducing inflammation or “deflaming”. The following is a simple guide to a no-nonsense approach to healthy, anti-inflammatory eating that will help you avoid unhealthy, pro-inflammatory foods that are inflaming.

PRO-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

• All Refined Grain products– Researchers at Penn State had a group of 50 obese people receive all their grain servings from either whole grains or refined grains for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a weight-loss plan that included fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meat, fish or poultry. People in both groups lost weight, but the whole-grain group also saw a 38 percent drop in CRP levels. They also lost more abdominal fat (the most dangerous kind). If you have bowel pain or Chronic Head Aches after eating grains you may have celiac Dz. Try removing all grains from your diet and go with a Gluten Free diet
To get more good grains in your diet, try eating oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain cereal and whole-wheat crackers – all foods where the majority of the grain comes from whole grain. While breads, refined pasta and packaged foods.
• Partially Hydrogenated Oils (trans fats)-Found in margarine, deep fried foods, most fast foods and most packaged foods.
• Seed and Legume Oils (inaccurately called vegetable oils)-Corn oils (anything made from corn, safflower oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, soybean oil and foods made with these oils such as mayonnaise, tarter sauces margarine, salad dressing and many packaged foods. These oils/foods contain extremely high levels of inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids.
• Soda and Sugar
• Dairy and soy (when consumed as staple)
• Meats and eggs from grain fed animals (opposite of free range)

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

• All Fruits and Vegatables-eaten in the rawest state is the best
• Red and Sweet Potatoes-Eaten with protein such as eggs, fish, meat or fowl (free range)
• Fresh fish– Avoid farm-raised tilapia, catfish, basa and bronzini for they can have elevated levels of inflammatory Omega 6 fatty acids. If you have a choice, cold water fish is the best for Omega 3
• Meat, Chicken, Eggs from Grass-fed (free range) Animals- You can go to www.eatwild.com for producers of free range products.
• For Meats, wild game
• Anti-inflammatory Omega 3 eggs and/or egg whites
• Whole grains
• Raw Nuts
• Spices-Such as Ginger, Turmeric, garlic, dill, oregano, coriander, fennel, red chili pepper, basil, rosemary, etc
• Oils and Fats-Moderate amounts of organic butter, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil
• Beverages– Water, organic green tea, no juices with high fructose corn syrup.

Supplements that can help reduce inflammation are proteolytic enzymes, antioxidants and probiotic enzymes. Everyone should be on a quality Multivitamin, Magnesium, Anti Oxidant and Fish oil. Contact the Doctors at CSI for the Supplements that we recommend. You can purchase them off our website (csi store), saving time and money if you wish. www.gotcsi.com Any questions please do not hesitate to ask. We use Anabolic Labs, Metagenics and Nutri-west to name a few. We only recommend the highest grade and quality supplements on the Market.

Until Next time, live well,

Dr. Terry Weyman